Tuesday cannon fodder: Smoke filled budget bird flying

How was your Labor Day? Mine was fun. Spent most of the actual day Monday inside, though, because it was 99 degrees today, but also because forest fire smoke was so bad it was actually raining ash in my neighborhood. It wasn’t a heavy rain, but it’s still disconcerting to see ashes fall out of the sky. I like summer, but it’s not supposed to be almost 100 degrees in September in Oregon and I’m ready for it to be fall now.

Carlos Tevez's big-money move to China has proved an expensive mistake | Football | The Guardian
Shanghai Shenhua fans have been left to wonder whether the Argentinian veteran is worth his enormous salary after a series of ineffectual displays

Dele Alli could face Fifa disciplinary action for offensive gesture at Wembley | Football | The Guardian
Dele Alli has risked disciplinary action from Fifa after cameras caught him making a one-finger salute late in England’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Slovakia.

USA vs Honduras: Conditions, cards mean lineup changes for Arena | SI.com
Rain is in the forecast, Jozy Altidore is suspended and the occasion calls for a veteran presence as the USMNT goes in search of three much-needed points after the setback against Costa Rica.

Bruce Arena Talks USMNT, Christian Pulisic and World Cup | SI.com
Bruce Arena met with a handful of U.S. reporters ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Honduras to discuss USA's chances and more.

History favours teams with no points
Analysis of past seasons show clubs losing first three matches stay up more than they get relegated.

Aston Villa Set to Avoid Punishment Over Finances After Frugal Summer Business | SI.com
Aston Villa was close to violating the Championship rules against financial losses, but a good summer’s business avoided that.

FIFA TMS - we make the football transfer market better.
Ever wonder about the actual business process of a transfer? FIFA’s Transfer Matching System is where it all gets done.