The Premier League is still on pause for another week, so we’re doing things a little differently this Friday.

No fixtures to preview.

No predictions to regret by Monday morning.

Instead, we’ve got two stories we wanted to dig into.

First, we’re looking at the Manchester City financial case through an American lens.

You’ve probably heard about the 115 charges. But what actually happened? And what does any of it have to do with the LA Clippers?

More than you might think.

Then we’re turning our attention to the USMNT and Mauricio Pochettino.

As a Southampton fan, I watched Pochettino arrive in England, put his faith in a group of young players and completely change the direction of the club.

Watching what he’s beginning to do with this USA team feels strangely familiar.

So, no Premier League football this weekend.

But there’s still plenty to talk about.

At first glance, probably not much.

One plays football in Manchester. The other plays basketball in Los Angeles. Different sports, different leagues and completely different financial systems.

But look a little closer.

Manchester City’s financial case and a recent LA Clippers scandal raise a surprisingly similar question about what happens when billionaire owners run into rules designed to keep competition fair.

And once you start following the money, the similarities are difficult to ignore.

So, what does an NBA salary-cap scandal have to do with Manchester City’s 115 charges?

More than you might think.

A younger squad.

New faces.

More freedom.

More responsibility.

Watching Mauricio Pochettino begin to shape this USMNT has brought back a few memories.

Because long before Tottenham, Chelsea or the USA, there was Southampton.

I watched Pochettino arrive at my club and put his faith in teenagers like Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse and Calum Chambers when plenty of managers might have told them to wait their turn.

Then he did it again elsewhere.

And now, four years out from the next World Cup, it looks like he may be starting the process all over again.

I’ve seen this version of Pochettino before.

And if history is any indication, the young players getting their chance now might be worth remembering.

With the Premier League still on pause, Monday is all about Fantasy Football.

We’re taking a full look back at the FPL season so far. What worked, what didn’t, the players who delivered and the picks we’d probably like back.

And that’s not all.

After crowning our September winner, we’re revealing a brand-new competition for October.

New month. New challenge. Another prize up for grabs.

See you Monday.