Seven Ways to Survive the International Break
Full time at the Emirates Stadium and Anfield on Sunday night might have meant more than your usual conclusion to matches.
With the international break now upon us, top-flight football across Europe takes a week off to the despair of fans all over the continent.
Without a ready-made plan for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, supporters are scrambling to find meaning in their lives over the course of the coming 12 days.
But never fear, despairing fans. Bleacher Report has prepared seven proposals to help you through this difficult international period.
Research for the Release of Football Manager 2016
1 of 7Important announcement: The most realistic way to lose sleep over your management of a football club without actually being in charge is released early next week. Obviously, we mean Football Manager 2016.
Football fans the world over will already be plotting their ascent of the English football pyramid with their favourite non-league club while others might fancy a more realistic challenge; guiding Chelsea to Premier League safety or helping Wayne Rooney find form, perhaps?
Why not get a head start over the competition this week by investing a bit of time in research?
Follow One of the Other Leagues
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All's not lost, everyone. Leagues One and Two will still be playing this weekend, and there's the small matter of the Football League Trophy to keep you entertained midweek.
Pick your minnow of choice for Monday night's FA Cup draw, and take the opportunity to get along to the lower leagues this weekend.
Still not convinced? There are, of course, still four spots at Euro 2016 up for grabs, for which the Republic of Ireland are still fighting.
Tweak Your Fantasy Lineup
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Ah yes, that fantasy team you've been neglecting still contains Wayne Rooney.
You'll have a fair few spare hours over the next two weeks to knuckle down and really get that squad back into shape. Perhaps use your wild card. After all, injuries are aplenty in the Premier League...
Make a Viral Keepy-Uppy Video
4 of 7Think about it. What better time to become an internet sensation than a pre-arranged hiatus from Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jamie Vardy doing ridiculous things on a football field?
If you're in the market for viral fame, now is your time to act.
Get your mates together, get the bin out. Or maybe football-basketball is more your style. Really, the world's your oyster.
Perfect Your Post-Match Rant
5 of 7As long as there's oxygen, there's someone with a video camera.
The art of being forced to express yourself in the moments after your side have just been hammered in the league has never been more important.
A carefully thought-out post-match rant can lift you to stardom, like Manchester United's Andy Tate or Gunners fan Claude.
But think before you speak, or you might end up without a job.
Prepare Your Club's Next 'X OUT' Banner
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If you're a fan of a Premier League football club, the chances are your manager has been linked with the sack. Or with another club.
The managerial merry-go-round is in full swing with Jose Mourinho and Garry Monk under pressure, David Moyes jobless and Brendan Rodgers having the audacity to wear a suit in central London.
Now is the time to have your say. Use these next few days to make sure you get the most out of your banner hung behind a plane. Like a carefully prepared tweet, every character counts.
Breathe, Remain Calm and Relax
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It will be okay.
If you're thinking the international break will render your life bereft of excitement, here's a thought for you: The first weekend back features the small matter of Real Madrid hosting Barcelona.
Have a cup of tea. Call your family. Get some air. Breathe, it'll be back soon enough.
