**Scotland vs. Croatia: Nations League – Live Updates** The Nations League clash kicks off at 7:45 PM GMT. Tonight's match program features a striking cover of Craig Gordon depicted as an old-school comic-book hero. At 41, Gordon continues to be a stalwart for Scotland, having made 77 appearances for the national team. While the artistic tribute is well-deserved, it raises concerns about the potential consequences if anything were to happen to him during the match. In such a scenario, manager Steve Clarke would have to rely on a debutant goalkeeper, either Robby McCrorie or Cieran Slicker. McCrorie, 26, has played 12 times for Kilmarnock this season after a challenging stint at Rangers, while 22-year-old Slicker has made two League Cup appearances for Ipswich and has experience with Manchester City U21s and Rochdale. If either is called into action tonight, it could lead to a heartwarming underdog story reminiscent of Nigel Spink's heroics in the 1982 European Cup final. Scotland's starting XI features a notable presence from Middlesbrough, with striker Tommy Conway making his first international start after scoring five goals in the Championship this season. He replaces the unavailable Ché Adams, while his club teammate Ben Doak retains his spot for the third consecutive match. Surprisingly, John McGinn, who has had a mixed run at Aston Villa lately, finds himself on the bench. As the match approaches, all eyes will be on the pitch and the unfolding drama.

**Vampirism Meets Overspending: The Death-Football of Late-Stage Capitalism** In the realm of football, Manchester United and Chelsea exemplify a curious truth: boredom can be an integral part of the sport, and perhaps even a facet of its charm. So, what exactly transpired in their recent encounter? It’s a bit of a riddle. There’s a humorous notion in Australian sports journalism that goes something like this: start with “Here’s The Thing,” then proceed to dissect that Thing in a candid 800-word analysis, thoroughly exploring its nuances, before wrapping it up with a friendly toast to the Thing itself. What was the Thing in this match? A sense of trapped energy, a feeling of drift, and a pervasive ennui. There was a standout moment, of course—a brilliant goal from Moisés Caicedo. Yet, it all seemed to encapsulate the death-football that characterizes late-stage capitalism. Casemiro, for instance, spent a considerable amount of time on the ground, often to surprisingly effective defensive results. In this context, the match becomes a reflection of broader societal themes, where the excitement of the game is overshadowed by a sense of stagnation and excess. The spectacle of football, once vibrant and full of life, now feels like a commentary on the state of the world—where overspending and a lack of genuine engagement lead to a kind of lethargy on the pitch. Ultimately, this encounter serves as a reminder that even in the world of elite football, moments of brilliance can be overshadowed by a pervasive sense of ennui, leaving fans to ponder the true essence of the sport they love.

**Manchester United vs. Tottenham: Women’s Super League – Live Updates** - Stay tuned for updates from the highly anticipated 12:30 PM BST kick-off. - Have thoughts to share? Feel free to reach out to Dominic Booth via email. The excitement is building as we prepare for the match. **As we settle back into the chilly atmosphere of Leigh,** kick-off is just around the corner. What are your predictions for this clash? I’m leaning towards a close win for United, perhaps a 2-1 scoreline. Let’s get ready for an exciting game!