In the UK, Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola has settled in, although was frustrated by their 1-0 loss to Arsenal in what was a first real heavyweight test of their mettle under the Spaniard. The Athletic’s James Pearce returns with the Reds an outside chance across multiple competitions.

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Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners have emerged as surprise leaders of the A-League Men’s & Women’s competitions respectively, reminders of the game’s capacity to surprise in contrast to the leagues’ struggles elsewhere. Joey Lynch (ESPN/The Guardian) returns for an assessment of the early rounds of the domestic campaigns; there’s also uncertainty over the Socceroos’ upcoming friendlies in the Middle East.

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Adriano Del Monte returns with Italy's national team having completed their first block of matches with Roberto Mancini at the helm; the Serie A is also through its early stages, with Inter and Lazio locked in a battle at the top.

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South Melbourne Hellas are Australia Cup champions, downing Melbourne Victory in epic fashion on a night their latent supporter base truly re-emerged. Club co-President Bill Papastergiadis returns to celebrate their moment of triumph - and look to what’s next.

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The Australian Championship returned over the weekend and while existential questions remain over it's place and future, there was plenty to enjoy on the pitch. Lachie Flannigan called South Melbourne's win over Sutherland for SBS, and joins us to review the opening matchday.

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ITV's Mark Pougatch returns as arguably the biggest story of the Premier League era rumbles on, with Manchester City guilty of financial fair play regulations. An appeal filed, a key whistleblower endangered and contradictions seemingly everywhere; what to make of this mess, and where to next?

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Brisbane Roar manager Michael Valkanis reflects on the collapse of last season, and the lessons learned as the side look to maintain another strong start, following Friday night's 1-0 win over Perth Glory. Valkanis speaks on new recruits Nam Tae-hee & Tyrese Francois, and his desire to engender local pride in his Queensland contingent.

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In England, Manchester United’s latest listless week across losses to Como and Bournemouth has Michael Carrick on the verge of the sack, but with few believing the club’s ownership and playing list is at less fault than he. The esteemed Henry Winter returns - while separately, even bigger problems rumble on over the other side of Manchester.

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