Seattle

Bloodworks Northwest needs your help to continue serving the Puget Sound region during these difficult times. Blood donations are critical, and you can help by visiting Bloodworks NW’s pop-up donor center at Cheney Stadium this winter. Bloodworks NW Pop-Up Donor Center - We R Tacoma

Hindsight is not 2020, but the Tacoma Rainiers, Seattle Mariners player Jarred Kelenic and others look back on the year from Cheney Stadium. 2020: R Year in Review, Part I - We R Tacoma

MLS

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi says he wants to “experience life and the league” in the United States. Lionel Messi: Barcelona striker wants to play in US - BBC Sport

The list of European clubs that have Philadelphia Union center back Mark McKenzie as a transfer target reportedly now includes KRC Genk. Philadelphia Union center back Mark McKenzie reportedly drawing interest from KRC Genk | MLSsoccer.com

As MLS kicks off its 25th season, MLSsoccer.com brings you the stories of 10 supporters who have been season ticket holders from the very start. They are “The Originals.” The Originals: Meet the MLS supporters who were there from the start | Legacy | MLSsoccer.com

Despite all of the intra-MLS mechanisms to pass and big signings/trades announced, we’re still at the beginning of the offseason for MLS clubs. Five MLS clubs primed to make a splash this offseason | Tom Bogert | MLSsoccer.com

Back in the late 90s, before academies became the norm for all teams, Major League Soccer launched a unique plan to develop future stars: Project-40. Project-40: The story of the original MLS youth super team | Legacy | MLSsoccer.com

USA

In a year unlike any other, the 2020 Impact Report explores the hard work and innovations that are building a bright future for U.S. Soccer. 2020 Impact Report by U.S. Soccer

World

Lionel Messi says former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu lied to him repeatedly throughout the course of several years. Barcelona's Messi rips Bartomeu 'lies', won't decide future until June

PSG forward Neymar will host a New Year party for 150 people which will be subject to strict health rules to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. PSG's Neymar to host 150 at New Year's Eve party

Santos have disputed recent claims Lionel Messi has surpassed Pele’s all-time record for goals at a single club after he scored 644 for Barcelona. Messi's Barcelona record disputed by Santos: Pele scored 1,091

Manchester City’s Premier League match at Everton on Monday is postponed after the visitors return a number of positive coronavirus tests. Everton v Man City: Premier League fixture postponed after visitors report coronavirus cases - BBC Sport

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea reign could “turn ugly” if they do not go on a winning run soon, says ex-striker Chris Sutton after the draw with Aston Villa. Frank Lampard: Chelsea situation ‘could turn ugly’, says ex-striker Chris Sutton - BBC Sport

Doncaster Rovers postpone Tuesday’s League One game against Fleetwood Town - the seventh out of 12 that evening to be called off because of Covid-19. League One: Seven of Tuesday's 12 games off because of Covid-19 - BBC Sport

Arsenal announce that Brazilian defender Gabriel, who is self-isolating, has tested positive for coronavirus. Gabriel: Arsenal's Brazilian defender tests positive for coronavirus - BBC Sport

Kilmarnock have condemned racist abuse directed at their manager Alex Dyer and are working with Police Scotland to identify the individuals involved. Kilmarnock condemn racist abuse after letter sent to manager Alex Dyer | Kilmarnock | The Guardian

Queen of the South are likely to be hit with a Scottish FA charge after allowing George Galloway to attend the Boxing Day Scottish Championship visit of Dundee. George Galloway's bizarre trip to Queen of the South to end in charge for club | Football | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

9:30 AM - Birmingham City v. Derby County - EFL Championship - ESPN+

10:00 AM - Brighton & Hove Albion v. Arsenal - English Premier League - NBCSN

10:00 AM - Burnley v. Sheffield United - English Premier League - Peacock

10:00 AM - Southampton v. West Ham United - English Premier League - Peacock

10:00 AM - West Brom Albion v. Leeds United - English Premier League - Peacock

11:45 AM - Preston North End v. Coventry City - EFL Championship - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Manchester United v. Wolverhampton - English Premier League - NBCSN

12:00 PM - Stoke City v. Nottingham Forest - EFL Championship - ESPN+

9:35 PM - Brisbane Roar v. Melbourne City - Australia W-League - ESPN+