Airport automation and infrastructure upgrades are driving dramatic growth in baggage handling systems globally as passenger demand and government aviation projects surge.

PKP Intercity Nieśpieszny project introduces slow-paced travel on restored 1980s trains, enhancing tourism with nostalgic journeys and local culture of Poland.

Experience luxury with a private jet soaring above a tropical airport at sunset. Discover seamless private aviation with real-time access to over 1,500 live flights.

A norovirus outbreak aboard Star Princess sickens nearly 200 passengers and crew on a Caribbean cruise; CDC Vessel Sanitation Program and Princess Cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line cancels 11 fall 2026 voyages on Carnival Firenze from Long Beach; guests can rebook with fare protection plus onboard credit.

Azerbaijan storms Hong Kong MICE stage, showcasing Baku as Asia’s next big business tourism powerhouse, and this bold move is rapidly reshaping global travel narratives.

Don’t miss the 2026 Taste of Richmond Experience! Sample local food, drinks, and art at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium on March 28. Tickets available now!

New York LaGuardia joins Chicago O’Hare, Washington Dulles, Boston Logan in offering new airline routes from Toronto as Air Canada boosting Canadian tourism industry, and this expansion is not just routine—it is strategic, deliberate and transformative.

Bahamasair's fare hike due to rising fuel costs is set to impact tourists traveling to The Bahamas. Here's what it means for travelers and the tourism sector.

Divi Resorts invites travellers to save up to 40% on Caribbean getaways with its "Chasing Sunshine Sale," valid until June 30, 2026. Book now and save!

Google regularly works to make Android phones better. Instead of giving big updates only once in a while, it now sends small updates regularly via Play System Services. These updates happen quietly in the background, so users don’t have to do anything.

The Play System update is a simple way for Google to improve your phone without a full system update. It helps fix bugs, improve security, and add new features. These updates come through Google Play services, the Google Play Store, and other Google features.

The latest March 2026 update brings many useful changes, including Wi-Fi Sync feature. It lets your devices share saved Wi-Fi networks. So, if you connect one device, others can connect easily too.

There are also improvements in signing into apps. You will see fewer pop-ups, making the process smoother. Security is better as well, with new options to protect your device.

Payments are now easier as users can make payments using their smartwatch without opening the wallet app. Support for digital IDs and payment systems is also growing, making everyday tasks easier.

For gaming, you can try some paid games before buying them. You can also buy a game once and play it on different devices. Other improvements include a redesigned wishlist with price alerts, faster gaming updates, and better-looking app pages with vertical videos. 

If the update is available, download it now on your smartphone. Google will soon start rolling out these updates for Samsung devices. Stay tuned.

The post Google adds helpful features via March 2026 Play System update appeared first on Sammy Fans.

The post Is XRP a Good Investment 2026: The Ripple Paradox Chart Explained and Fact-Checked appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

A detailed diagram circulating on X has reignited one of the most important debates in crypto: whether owning XRP actually benefits retail investors or simply funds Ripple Labs and its shareholders.

The chart lays out what it calls the Ripple/XRP Paradox and the argument is structured enough to be worth addressing seriously.

The Core Argument Against XRP

The diagram’s central claim is straightforward: when retail investors buy XRP, the proceeds flow to Ripple Labs, which uses that money primarily to benefit its private equity shareholders rather than token holders.

According to the chart, Ripple directs XRP sale proceeds toward stock buybacks for equity shareholders, acquisitions of companies that do not rely on XRP, litigation and operational costs, and funding innovation on other blockchains including Ethereum and Solana.

It also challenges the bridge currency narrative directly, arguing that any Layer 1 gas token, and in fact any token, can technically serve as a bridge asset. XRP is not uniquely positioned in that role, it suggests.

On the XRPL’s market position, the chart claims the ledger holds less than 1% of the real world asset market, under 0.01% of stablecoin supply by usage, and is not in the top 40 blockchains by actual activity. It also notes that RLUSD, Ripple’s own stablecoin, is primarily issued on Ethereum and other chains rather than the XRP Ledger itself.

The conclusion is pointed: XRP is described as a bank-themed meme coin that finances corporate acquisitions and shareholder value rather than delivering utility to the people holding it.

Where the Numbers Are Being Challenged

Not everyone accepts the data behind those claims. Analyst Krippenreiter directly disputed two of the chart’s specific figures.

On the RLUSD claim that over 90% is issued on Ethereum and other chains, Krippenreiter said that assertion has already been proven incorrect. On the stablecoin market share figure of under 0.01%, a quick check of DefiLlama tells a different story. 

Total stablecoin market cap across all chains sits at approximately $317 billion. The XRPL’s stablecoin market cap is around $367 million, placing the real figure closer to 0.115%, more than ten times the number cited in the diagram.

The distinction matters. A chart making a provocative argument about XRP’s irrelevance carries less weight if the supporting data points are demonstrably off.

What Is Actually True

The structural argument that Ripple has used XRP sales to fund corporate operations and acquisitions that primarily benefit equity shareholders rather than token holders is not new and has been acknowledged in various forms by Ripple executives themselves. That tension is real and the debate around it is legitimate.

Whether that makes XRP worthless as an investment depends on a separate question: whether Ripple’s institutional infrastructure, growing payment volumes, and regulatory clarity create sufficient demand for the token regardless of how the proceeds are deployed internally.

The post XBTFX Launches Gold-Based MT5 Accounts Enabling Traders to Fund and Trade Using Gold appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The new infrastructure allows eligible users to deposit Tether Gold (XAUT), convert it into XAU-denominated balances, fund MetaTrader 5 ECN accounts in gold, and trade through a gold-based account framework integrated directly with MT5.

Gold has always been a core part of global markets, but the way traders interact with it is evolving. More traders are no longer just trading gold as an instrument; they want their entire setup to reflect it, from funding to execution.

That’s the gap XBTFX is stepping into. The platform has introduced gold-denominated MetaTrader 5 ECN accounts, supported by a dedicated gold wallet and a funding workflow that lets eligible users deposit Tether Gold (XAUT), convert it into XAU balances, and fund MT5 accounts directly in gold terms.

What makes this different is how everything connects. Funding, account balance, and execution are no longer separate steps. Instead, they form a single, continuous flow making it possible to move from tokenized gold straight into live trading without relying entirely on fiat-based structures.

Why Choose a Gold Base Currency Account?

Most trading accounts still operate in fiat. It’s the default USD, EUR, sometimes USDT. It works, but for traders focused on gold, it’s not always the most natural fit.

A gold-denominated account changes that dynamic. Instead of holding value in fiat and constantly converting back and forth, traders can keep their balance in gold terms while still accessing a wide range of markets through MT5.

Within that setup, users can trade:

• Bitcoin CFDs
  
• Ethereum
  
• forex pairs
  
• index CFDs
  
• commodities
  
• stocks

All while their account balance remains tied to gold. Funding follows the same logic. Traders can deposit Tether Gold (XAUT) directly or convert other supported currencies into XAU using the platform’s internal exchange.

And importantly, the trading experience itself doesn’t change. MT5 still provides the same tools Expert Advisors, advanced charting, mobile access, and ECN execution just within a different account structure.

From Deposit to Trade: How the Workflow Fits Together

What keeps the system simple is the way the process is structured.

It follows a clear sequence:

• XAUT deposit
  
• Conversion into XAU balance
  
• Funding a gold-denominated MT5 ECN account
  
• Trading XAU/USD

Each step flows naturally into the next, removing unnecessary friction between funding and execution. Instead of juggling multiple conversions, traders move through a single path that keeps everything aligned with gold.

Turning Tokenized Gold Into a Tradable Balance

At the center of the setup is the ability to use Tether Gold (XAUT) as a funding source. Eligible users can deposit XAUT into their XBTFX wallet, convert it into an XAU balance, and transfer that balance internally to a gold-based MT5 ECN account.

That creates a direct bridge between holding tokenized gold and actively trading it. For traders already positioned in gold, this removes a common inefficiency. There’s no need to convert into fiat just to fund a trading account; the structure already reflects the asset they’re working with.

For guidance, users can refer to the official resources on how to open a gold-nominated XAU MT5 account and how to fund your MT5 gold account.

A Wallet Built Around How Traders Actually Move Capital

Alongside the account structure, XBTFX has introduced a gold wallet designed for internal balance management.

The idea is straightforward. Traders can hold balances in gold and move those funds directly into MT5 ECN accounts without leaving the platform. It’s less about storage and more about flow making it easier to organise capital and move it where it needs to be.

In practice, it acts as a connector between funding and trading, especially for users operating with gold-denominated balances.

What Trading Looks Like on the Gold MT5 Setup

On the execution side, the setup is designed to meet the expectations of active traders.

Within MT5 ECN gold accounts, users can trade XAU/USD with:

• typical spreads between 20 and 40 cents
  
• dynamic leverage up to 200:1
  
• 1 lot representing 100 ounces of gold

These are the core variables traders pay attention to cost, leverage, and sizing.

But what stands out here is not just the trading conditions. It’s how those conditions now sit within a system where funding, balance, and execution all point in the same direction.

Who This Setup Is Really Designed For

This isn’t just a feature, it’s a shift in how the trading environment is structured.

By bringing funding, account denomination, and execution together, XBTFX is building a system that feels more natural for traders already operating in gold.

That makes it particularly relevant for those who:

• actively trade gold and want their account balance aligned with it
  
• already hold gold and prefer not to convert into fiat just to fund trades
  
• want to deposit Tether Gold (XAUT) instead of relying only on fiat
  
• prefer an internal wallet built around gold balances
  
• want access to XAU/USD trading on MT5 with clear execution parameters

XBTFX is also introducing a bonus promotion alongside the gold infrastructure launch. Eligible users should review the official bonus terms and conditions, including account requirements, participation conditions, and jurisdictional limitations.

With this release, XBTFX positions the expansion as a trading infrastructure upgrade rather than a promotional announcement. The goal is to provide eligible traders with a more direct and specialized way to fund and trade gold within the XBTFX client environment and the MT5 ecosystem.

For more information or to open a gold trading account, visit XBTFX.

Risk Disclosure

Trading gold and other leveraged products involves substantial risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Market volatility can result in rapid gains as well as significant losses.

Gold-denominated accounts, internal gold wallets, and XAUT-based funding workflows do not eliminate exposure to market risk. Dynamic leverage can amplify both potential returns and potential losses. Traders should carefully review product specifications, account conditions, and their own risk tolerance before funding an account or opening positions.

The post Solana Price Prediction Climbs as Whale Activity Surges, But Pepeto Replaces Old Positions With Presale Math That SOL Cannot Match appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ethereum is once again under the spotlight as large holders quietly move ETH into private wallets while the Solana price prediction climbs on institutional demand. The shift in whale activity has sparked speculation that major investors could be preparing for the next phase of the market cycle. 

But while traders focus on the next moves for established coins, another project has been capturing growing attention. Pepeto, the presale led by the PEPE cofounder, is now in its final phase, and old meme coin holders are replacing their faded positions with an entry that SOL and ETH structurally cannot offer.

Why the Solana Price Prediction Cannot Replace What Old Meme Positions Lost

Solana trades at $94.61 according to CoinMarketCap, with ETF inflows and institutional demand driving the Solana price prediction higher. The network continues processing record volumes and preparing major upgrades according to CoinDesk. 

But SOL’s $54 billion market cap means even reaching $200 delivers roughly a 2x from current levels. For holders of DOGE at $0.10, SHIB at $0.0000058, and PEPE at $0.0000039, the explosive gains those tokens delivered years ago are mathematically impossible to repeat. 

The solana price prediction is bullish, but it does not solve the problem of replacing the ground floor entry that old meme positions no longer provide.

ETH Whale Withdrawals Signal Long Term Conviction But Not Explosive Returns

Ethereum whales have moved over 39,700 ETH from major exchanges, indicating long term accumulation. Statistics show institutional wallets drawing significant amounts from Binance and Coinbase, according to Bloomberg. 

A decrease in exchange supply typically reinforces price floors, but ETH at $2,328, with a Solana price prediction also climbing, means the large cap cycle rewards patience, not the kind of explosive returns that presale entries deliver. 

Old meme coin holders watching ETH accumulate know that accumulation works for whales with millions. For investors with $1,000 to $5,000, the math works differently.

Why Old Meme Coin Holders Are Rotating Into Pepeto

Pepeto has proven to be one of the most compelling entries in this market cycle, offering more than speculation. The PEPE cofounder who built $7 billion is directing three products toward launch: PepetoSwap for zero tax cross chain meme trading, Pepeto Bridge for connecting trapped liquidity across fragmented blockchains, and Pepeto Exchange for curating legitimate projects and shielding the community from scams. 

All three are announced and close to being ready. The SolidProof audit confirms clean code. Over 4 billion tokens have been permanently burned to tighten supply. And 196% APY staking compresses available tokens daily as holders lock positions ahead of listings. 

The project has raised $8.1 million from thousands of wallets at $0.000000186, and the presale is approaching its final stretch. 

Old meme coin positions with exhausted upside are being replaced by this entry, and the solana price prediction cannot compete with what the PEPE cofounder’s presale offers to investors willing to position before exchange trading begins.

The Dollar Math That Replaces Every Faded Position

The Solana price prediction may reach $200, but that is a 2x from here. The Ethereum price prediction may reach $5,000, but that is also a 2x. For investors who want this cycle to produce real transformation, the math at Pepeto tells a different story. 

A $5,000 entry becomes $1,345,000. Old meme coins, Solana, and Ethereum all need billions in fresh capital to deliver fractions of these numbers. Pepeto needs only modest listing volume to trigger the repricing that replaces every faded position permanently.

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

FAQs

What is the Solana price prediction for 2026?

Analysts target $150 to $200 for SOL. That is a 2x from $94.61. Pepeto at $0.000000186 offers dramatically different math with three products and the PEPE cofounder.

Why are whale movements important?

Whale accumulation signals long-term conviction. But whales move millions. For smaller investors, presale entries like Pepeto offer the multiplier math that large caps cannot.

Is the Pepeto presale ending?

Yes. Listings are approaching, and $0.000000186 vanishes once exchange trading begins.

The post Bitcoin Everlight: 5 Ways to Crush DeepSnitch AI Rewards in 2026 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

DeepSnitch AI is a presale project whose native AI agents analyze on-chain data in real time and alert users to investment opportunities. The pitch is compelling — crypto participants have always struggled with information asymmetry, and a working intelligence dashboard built on that premise has genuine utility. The presale has raised just under $2 million heading into its final weeks before the March 31, 2026 close.

But utility and passive reward generation are two different things. When you strip away the AI branding and examine what DSNT actually pays participants, the picture looks considerably less impressive than the marketing suggests — and Bitcoin Everlight’s shard model compares favourably on almost every metric that matters for passive income.

Here are five reasons why.

1. Bitcoin Everlight Pays You in BTC

This is the most fundamental difference between the two projects and the one that shapes everything else.

DeepSnitch AI’s staking model runs uncapped, with APR rising as more users join, distributing compounding daily rewards in DSNT. The reward currency is the same token you’re already holding, which means the real-world value of every reward earned is entirely dependent on DSNT’s price holding up after the presale closes. Analysts have flagged the significant selling pressure expected at the token generation event, with early buyers positioned to cash out gains as soon as exchange liquidity opens — a dynamic that could compress the value of those staking rewards considerably right when they’re supposed to matter most.

Bitcoin Everlight’s post-mainnet rewards are denominated in BTC. The fee pool that generates them comes from BTC-denominated transaction routing activity flowing through the validation infrastructure. What shard holders earn after launch is independent of BTCL’s own price trajectory — it comes from real network economics, paid in an asset with independent market depth that no project-native staking reward can replicate.

2. Bitcoin Everlight’s Audit Trail Was in Place Before the Presale Opened

DeepSnitch AI completed a dual audit — though the timing and scope of that verification relative to the presale opening has not been prominently documented. Bitcoin Everlight completed dual smart contract audits through Spywolf and Solidproof, alongside dual KYC verifications through Spywolf and Vital Block — all publicly linked, all completed before a single token was sold. The difference between completing verification as a baseline and completing it under pressure is one that participants evaluating credibility should weigh carefully.

3. The Shard Tiers Offer Fixed APY From Day One — No Staking Guesswork.

DeepSnitch AI’s uncapped APR model means the yield rate shifts constantly as more participants enter the staking pool. What looks like an attractive rate on day one of a presale compresses as the staker count grows — and there is no way to know what rate you’ll actually be earning by the time the presale closes.

Bitcoin Everlight’s three shard tiers offer fixed APY that locks in at the moment of activation. The Azure Shard activates at $500 and earns up to 12% APY in BTCL during presale. The Violet Shard activates at $1,500 with up to 20% APY, and the Radiant Shard activates at $3,000 with up to 28% APY. Rewards begin distributing immediately upon activation and continue throughout the presale period at that fixed rate — no compression, no recalculation based on how many other participants have joined since you entered. Entry begins at $50, with shard activation triggering automatically once a participant’s total USD commitment crosses a tier threshold.

4. Bitcoin Everlight Requires No Ongoing Subscription to Participate

To access DeepSnitch AI’s core value proposition — the intelligence dashboard, the whale tracking tools, the AI agents — users must hold DSNT tokens to meet minimum holding requirements or pay subscription fees. Participation in the ecosystem is gated behind continued token holding, which ties passive reward potential directly to whether you’re also paying for access to the product.

Bitcoin Everlight has no subscription layer. Activating a shard connects a participant to the validation infrastructure and its reward distribution — that’s the entire model. There’s no additional product access fee sitting between the user and their BTC earnings.

5. Bitcoin Everlight’s Post-Presale Mechanics Don’t Depend on a Token Price

Post-TGE selling pressure is a recognized risk for DeepSnitch AI — early buyers who entered at lower presale stages are positioned to exit at a significant profit, and the resulting price action could push DSNT down to $0.013 by the end of 2026. For participants whose staking rewards are denominated in DSNT, a correction of that magnitude would effectively erase whatever yield accumulated during the presale period.

Bitcoin Everlight’s mainnet reward structure doesn’t carry that dependency. Shard holders earn BTC from transaction routing fees after launch — the value of what they receive doesn’t need BTCL to recover or appreciate to mean something. Bitcoin Everlight is currently in Phase 1, running for 6 days with 472,500,000 tokens at $0.0008. DeepSnitch AI closes March 31. Both have deadlines — the difference is what participants are holding when they pass.

Everything about how Everlight Shards work and how the BTC reward distribution is structured can be explored here:

https://bitcoineverlight.com/btc-digital

According to the prolific Chinese leaker who goes by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Honor is currently working on a new smartphone with a 6.36-inch flat screen and an 8,000 mAh battery. This may in fact be the Magic9 the same source talked about earlier this month, or a different handset altogether, it's still unclear. Anyway, let's call it the Magic9 for now. It will allegedly have a 200MP main camera, using a 1/1.28-inch type sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 64MP periscope telephoto camera using a 1/2-inch type sensor. Honor Magic8 The phone won't have 3D face recognition, which...

Neymar has once again missed out on a Brazil squad call-up for the March international window, leaving him fewer than 90 days to convince Carlo Ancelotti to include him in the final World Cup roster. While holding on to his dream of featuring in North America this summer, the Santos forward spoke candidly about the possibility that this could be his final chapter with the national team.

At 34 years old and having spent extended periods on the sidelines over recent years, questions have grown louder about whether Neymar can still force his way back into the Seleção picture. The forward, however, remains optimistic that the 2026 World Cup can serve as a fitting final act in one of the most celebrated international careers in Brazilian history.

In a video posted to his official YouTube channel, prior to Monday’s squad announcement, Neymar offered a remarkably candid reflection on what lies ahead: “Obviously it is my last World Cup… I don’t know it’s my last year in the national team. But it’s coming to an end and we have to know that. I always tell my family and friends: Enjoy it as much as you can, keep watching the games because it will end.“

Despite having been absent from the national team since October 2023 and operating far from the European spotlight, Neymar insists he still has something to offer to Brazil. “I can help the national team. I can help in any way. I know the qualities that I have and I know the power that I have on the field, and I know I can add to the team. Obviously I want to go to the World Cup. Obviously this moves me too,” he added.

At his press conference, Ancelotti left the door firmly open, reiterating that Neymar could still earn a place at the World Cup provided he reaches full fitness. The Italian coach made clear that the only deciding factor is physical condition, and that Neymar’s quality on the ball is beyond question.

Neymar’s reaction to Ancelotti’s snub

When Ancelotti named his squad for the friendlies against France and Croatia on Monday, Neymar’s name was once again absent, with the coach citing his fitness as the determining factor. The omission hit the forward hard, though he made clear he has not given up on making the final list to be announced in May.

The moment played out in real time. In the video, Neymar was shown undergoing a muscular recovery session the day after the Santos-Corinthians derby, watching the press conference live as Ancelotti ran through the squad. As the coach concluded his list of forwards without mentioning his name, Neymar’s reaction said everything.

“Hey Ancelotti, what about me?” he said as the list was read out. “The national team squad has just been announced. We were not called up. I’m sad, obviously, that’s what I said yesterday: I’ll always root for the national team, right? And everything’s fine, now it’s time to keep working, keep improving in everything. And if there’s an opportunity, be prepared.“

Speaking on his way to Santos’ training facility, Neymar struck a defiant tone, channeling his disappointment into motivation. “I was upset, you know, I was sad. But that’s what I say: Now I’m sad but for me is a done deal. Tomorrow I have to stop being sad. I need to work, train, play… so if an opportunity arises to be at the World Cup, I’m prepared,” Neymar added.

After weeks of speculation surrounding the Finalissima, which was ultimately cancelled, Argentina will spend the March FIFA break at home and play a friendly against Guatemala. Lionel Messi will be part of the squad, along with a few new faces.

On Wednesday, the official Argentina national team account on X released the list of 28 players called up by head coach Lionel Scaloni for the upcoming challenge, which is set to take place in just over a week.

As expected, Lionel Messi headlines the squad and is in full fitness at the start of the 2026 season with Inter Miami. Alongside several regular call-ups, two new names stand out: defenders Tomas Palacios and Gabriel Rojas.

Palacios is a 22-year-old center back who plays for Estudiantes de La Plata in the Argentine Liga Profesional de Futbol. He has been on loan there since the start of the year from Inter Milan. This season, Palacios has made eight appearances — seven as a starter — in the Apertura tournament.

The other new addition is Gabriel Rojas, a left back for Racing Club, who also compete in the Argentine league. The 28-year-old defender brings extensive experience in his home country, as well as in Uruguay and Mexico, but has found his best form with Racing since 2023. Now, with less than three months to go before the World Cup, he has the opportunity to compete for a spot in the squad, in a position where depth is limited.

* Developing story

Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken an intriguing turn, as head coach Roberto Martinez addressed growing speculation surrounding the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming international friendlies. With fixtures against the United States and Mexico on the horizon, uncertainty looms over whether the iconic forward will be part of the national team squad. The situation has sparked widespread discussion, particularly given Ronaldo’s importance to both his club, Al-Nassr, and the Portugal national team, as well as his enduring legacy in international soccer.

Ronaldo’s current situation stems from a hamstring injury sustained during a recent Saudi Pro League match. The injury has sidelined the veteran forward at a crucial juncture in the season, raising doubts about his readiness for international duty. His club confirmed the setback in an official statement, saying, “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.”

The lack of a clear recovery timeline has only intensified uncertainty, especially with Portugal’s March fixtures forming a key part of its World Cup preparation. These matches are not merely friendlies; they are designed to simulate tournament conditions and finalize tactical decisions ahead of the global showpiece set to begin in June 2026.

Despite the injury, Ronaldo has remained included in preliminary considerations, reflecting both his stature and the cautious optimism within the Portuguese camp. However, the final call has been left deliberately open.

What did Martinez say about Ronaldo’s availability?

The mystery surrounding Ronaldo’s involvement was addressed directly by Martinez, who provided a measured but revealing update midway through preparations. Speaking about the situation, the Portugal boss stated in an interview with Observador, “Cristiano is injured, he’s not playing for Al-Nassr right now, and he hasn’t been able to participate in the recent matches either. We still have a few days to make a decision.”

He further added, “We’ll make the decision on Friday. Currently, Cristiano has a minor injury.” This confirmation places the 41-year-old’s participation firmly in doubt, though it stops short of ruling him out entirely. Martinez emphasized the importance of physical readiness, noting that only players in peak condition would be selected for the upcoming FIFA window.

In another clarification, he explained, “It’s a minor injury being treated by the medical staff.” This suggests that while the issue is not severe, the coaching staff is unwilling to take unnecessary risks with a player of Ronaldo’s age and importance.

Crucial friendlies ahead of the World Cup

Portugal’s upcoming fixtures are strategically significant. Matches against international opposition, including the USMNT, are part of a broader plan to acclimatize the squad to North American conditions, where the World Cup will be held.

These games serve as a testing ground for squad depth and tactical flexibility, particularly in Ronaldo’s potential absence. Martinez has already hinted at experimenting with alternative attacking options, with several forwards vying for a place in the final World Cup squad. The uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo has opened the door for emerging talents and returning players to stake their claim.

However, none can replicate the experience and leadership that the veteran forward brings. For now, the situation remains unresolved. The Selecao’s coaching staff continues to monitor the superstar’s recovery closely, with the final decision expected to hinge on medical assessments in the days leading up to the squad announcement.

Less than two months after staging their first event, Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing have secured a broadcast deal in the UK. After conquering the world of MMA and making the UFC arguably the biggest combat sport promotion in the world, White has now turned to boxing, teaming up with Saudi chief Turki Al-Sheikh to launch […]

The post Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing announce major UK broadcaster deal: “A massive milestone” appeared first on Boxing News.

Voleybol SMS Grup Efeler Ligi'nin 25. haftasında Gebze Belediyespor'a 3-1 mağlup olan Kuşgöz İzmir Vinç Akkuş Belediyespor, 2025-2026 sezonunun sonuna iki hafta kala lige veda etti.

Efeler Ligi'nin bitimine bir hafta kala Cizre Belediyespor'dan sonra küme düşen ikinci takım da belli oldu.

Voleybol SMS Grup Efeler Ligi'ni 5 galibiyet ve 19 mağlubiyetle tamamlayan İzmir temsilcisi, 6 galibiyeti bulunan İBB Spor Kulübü'nün arkasında 13. sırayı alarak küme düştü.

Salon: Ünye

Hakemler: İsmail Yıldırım, Bektaş Kalender

Kuşgöz İzmir Vinç Akkuş Belediyespor: Cardoso, Oğuzhan Karasu, Esmaeilnezhad, Baturalp Burak Güngör, Rojas, Vefa Yılmaz (Muhammed Aray, Oktay Tetik, Butko, Oğuzhan Tarakçı, Yusuf Bakır,)

Gebze Belediyespor: Yiğit Yıldız, Tervaportti, Bahov, Furkan Aydın, Gutierrez, Yasin Aydın (Metin Durmuş, Semih Çelik, Berk Dilmenler, Franca, Kaan Atmaca, Kadir Gürkan Uz)

Setler: 25-21, 22-25, 22-25, 22-25

Süre: 115 dakika

Fenerbahçe son zamanlarda çıkan prim iddiaları hakkında açıklama yayınladı.

Fenerbahçe, resmi kanalları üzerinden yayınlamış olduğu bir açıklama ile dikkat çekti. Sarı-lacivertli kulüp, Trabzonspor maçı dönüşü uçakta yaşandığı iddia edilen prim krizine ilişkin açıklamada bulundu. İşte kulübün konuya ilişkin resmi açıklaması...

FENERBAHÇE'DEN AÇIKLAMA

"Son günlerde kamuoyuna yansıyan ve yaklaşık bir ay önce Trabzon maçı dönüşünde uçakta geçtiği iddia edilen diyaloglara ilişkin bazı ifadelerin, bağlamından koparılarak farklı bir amaçla servis edildiğini görmekteyiz.

Söz konusu diyalog, aile içinde, oyuncularımızla gerçekleşen ve profesyonel futbolun doğası gereği her takımda benzer şekilde yaşanabilecek son derece doğal bir iletişimin parçasıdır.

Futbolun içinde bu tür sohbetler ve zaman zaman espri düzeyinde geçen konuşmalar olağandır. Bu tür anlık diyaloglar üzerinden takımımıza dair farklı anlamlar çıkarılması futbolun doğasına aykırıdır.

Oyuncularımızın bu tür başlıklar üzerinden hedef haline getirilmesine müsaade etmeyiz.

Bu takım, sezon boyunca sahada ortaya koyduğu mücadele, birliktelik ve karakterle Fenerbahçe formasının ne anlama geldiğini defalarca göstermiştir.

Bu emeği ve bu duruşu tek bir başlık üzerinden tartışmaya açmak, bu formayı taşıyan oyuncularımıza haksızlıktır.

Fenerbahçe; teknik ekibi, oyuncuları ve yönetimiyle bir bütündür. Bu bütünlüğü hedef alan hiçbir girişime alan açılmayacaktır.

Göreve geldiğimiz günden bu yana kulübümüzde planlı bir prim sistemi uygulanmakta olup, bu sistem oyuncularımızla karşılıklı mutabakatla belirlenmiş ve aynı çerçevede devam etmektedir. Tüm ödemeler belirlenen sistem doğrultusunda, zamanında ve eksiksiz şekilde gerçekleştirilmektedir.

Oyuncularımızın bu tür başlıklar üzerinden yıpratılmasına yol açan yaklaşımlara karşı gerekli hassasiyet gösterilmiş; aile içindeki bir konuşmayı maksadını aşacak şekilde dışarıya taşıyan kişiyle yollarımız ayrılmıştır.

Futbol takımımızın tek odağı; teknik direktörümüz Domenico Tedesco önderliğinde, oyuncularımızla birlikte önümüzdeki maçlar ve hedeflerimiz doğrultusunda mücadelemizi en güçlü şekilde sürdürmektir.

Bu süreçte hocamıza ve oyuncularımıza olan inancımız ve desteğimiz tamdır."

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında yarın Kasımpaşa'yı konuk edecek Beşiktaş, hazırlıklarını tamamladı.

Siyah-beyazlı kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, BJK Nevzat Demir Tesisleri'nde teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın yönetiminde gerçekleştirilen antrenmanda taktik çalışma yapıldığı belirtildi.

Isınma koşuları ve 5'e 2 top kapma çalışmasıyla başlayan idmanın taktiksel antrenmanla tamamlandığı aktarıldı.

Bu antrenmanla hazırlıklarını tamamlayan Beşiktaş, maç için kampa girdi.

UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 turu rövanşında yarın deplasmanda İspanya ekibi Rayo Vallecano ile karşılaşacak Samsunspor'un teknik direktörü Thorsten Fink, "İlk dakikalarda bulabileceğimiz golden sonra maç sürpriz sonuçlara açık olacaktır." dedi.

Fink ve Samsunpor Takım Kaptanı Zeki Yavru, maçın oynanacağı Madrid Vallecas Stadı'nda düzenlediği basın toplantısında, değerlendirmelerde bulundu.

Alman teknik adam, uzun zamandır futbolun içinde olduğunu belirterek, sözlerini şöyle sürdürdüi:

"Bu tür maçlardan sonra her şey mümkün olduğuna inanıyorum. Biz buraya maçı kaybetmeye değil maçı kazanmaya geldik. Tabii skor ne olur bilmiyorum. İlk dakikalarda bulabileceğimiz golden sonra maç sürpriz sonuçlara açık olacaktır.

İlk maçta bizim yapmış olduğumuz hatalardan dolayı maçı kaybettik. Ama bu seviyelerde ligde her hangi bir zayıf takım yok. Biz de zayıf takım değiliz. Rakibimizde iyi bir takım, hatta kendi liginde baskı şiddetlerinde, koşularda belki liglerinde en iyi istatistiklere sahipler. Elbette her şey mümkün. Kesinlikle zor olacaktır. Kendi evimizde 3-1 yenilgi aldık. tabii kendimizi inanıyoruz. Bizimde kendi gücümüz var. Turu geçmekle alakalı pozitif olduğumu söyleyebilirim."

Yarın kazanmak için sahaya çıkacaklarına işaret eden Fink, "Rayo Vallecano ile ilk maçta oynadığımız karşılaşmada rakibimiz bizden iyi değildi, sadece bizim hatalarımızdan dolayı kaybettik. Rakibimizde sonuçta olgun ve tecrübeli oyuncu kadrosuna sahip.Tabii bende kendi takımıma güveniyorum. Onlara göstermiş olduğum taktiksel çalışmaları çok hızlı bir şekilde öğreniyorlar. Ezber oyun becerilerimizi de her geçen gün de geliştiriyoruz. Yarın küçük bir mucizeye ihtiyacımız olacak, bunu da gerçekleştireceğimize inanıyorum. Rakibimiz ilk maçı 3-1 kazandı ama kendi evlerinde çok rahat bir karşılaşmaya çıkacakları anlamına gelmez. Mümkünse ilk dakikalarda gol bulmaya çalışacağız." diye konuştu.

Emre Kılınç ve Tanguy Coulibaly'in yarın 50 veya 60 dakika oynamasının mümkün olabileceğini dikkat çeken Fink, şunları kaydetti:

"Ona göre bir karar vermem gerecek. Kolay değil çok uzun bir sakatlık dönemi anlattılar. Onun için hazır oldukları anlamına gelmez. Onları sakatlıkları atlatıp takıma dönmeleri çok önemli. Onları da risk etmek istemiyoruz. Çünkü Türkiye Kupası'nda 3 karşılaşma oynayacağız ve bu kupada iyi derece elde edersek gelecek yıl yine Avrupa'ya gitmeyi garantilemiş olacağız.O yüzden onları riske etmek çok istemiyorum. O yüzden kanat oyuncumuz olmaması sebebiyle Holse'yi kanat oyuncusu olarak oynatıyorum. Rayo Vallecano çok iyi takım, belki bu şampiyonayı da kazanabilirler."

- "İnşallah buradan çiftte bayramla Türkiye'ye döneriz"

Tücrebeli oyuncu Zeki Yavru ise ilk maçta korakor mücadele ettiklerini sadece basit hatalarla yedikleri goller nedeniyle yenildiklerini anlattı.

Takımın hatalarından ders çıkardığına dikkat çeken Yavru, "Belki erken bulabileceğimiz bir gol burada atmosferi bambaşka boyuta çevirebilir. İnşallah buradan çiftte bayramla Türkiye'ye döneriz. İlk maçta yaptığımız hatalardan ders çıkardık. Erken bulabileceğimiz bir gol farklı bir havaya sokabilir bizi. Buradan zaferle dönebilmek için neler yapabileceğimizi göreceğiz. Bizim işimizin gerçeği eleştiriler. 15 yıldır Türkiye'de üst düzey futbol oynuyorum. Burada eleştiri de oldu övgü de oldu. Sakatlığım konusunda gece gündüz tedavi oldum. Nerede nasıl davranacağımı bilen biriyim. Ağrılarım vardı, hocamız 30 dakika görev verdi ben çıktım oynadım. Yarın da hocamız görev verirse elimden gelenin en iyisini vermeye çalışacağım. Hiç bir zaman ben sorumluluktan kaçmadım. Yine kaçmayacağım. " diye konuştu.

Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında evinde Kocaelispor'u 5-0 mağlup eden Corendon Alanyaspor'un teknik direktörü Joao Pereira, maç sonunda açıklamalarda bulundu.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında evinde Kocaelispor'u 5-0 mağlup eden Corendon Alanyaspor'un teknik direktörü Joao Pereira, bugün yakaladıkları pozisyonları gol ile sonuçlandırdıklarını belirterek, önceki maçlarda bu konuda çok sıkıntı yaşadıklarını söyledi.

Pereira, maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, uzun süredir hak ettikleri üç puanı bugün elde ettiklerini dile getirerek, "Bugün farkı yaratan şey aslında topun kaleye girmesiydi. Önceki maçlarda bu konuda çok sıkıntı yaşıyorduk." dedi.

Pereira, oyuncuları için bugün ayrıca mutlu olduğunu ifade ederek, oyuncularının hafta boyunca çok sıkı çalıştığını vurguladı.

Pereira, oyuncularının bugün oyunu çok iyi anladığını söyleyerek, şunları söyledi:

"Galibiyet için ne yapmamız gerektiğini çok iyi anladılar ve devreye avantajlı bir şekilde girdik. Ama içeride konuştuk, 'Maç 0-0 gibi oynayacağız.' dedik. 'Sadece 45 dakika oynadık. Önümüzde bir 45 dakika daha var' diye konuştuk. İkinci yarının ilk 15 dakikası oyunu tutmak çok önemliydi. Skoru koruduk ve bunu başardık ve sonrasında da 5-0'lık bir galibiyet aldık."

Pereira, mağlup olduklarında çok kötü bir takım olmadıkları gibi bugün aldıkları galibiyetle de en iyi takım olmadıklarının altını çizdi.

Önlerinde 7 lig maçı daha olduğunun altını çizen Pereira, "Alabileceğimiz 21 puan var. Maksimumumuzu verip daha fazla puan kazanmamız gerekiyor. Çünkü buna ihtiyacımız var." dedi.

Pereira, oyuncuları için çok önemli bir galibiyet elde ettiklerini dile getirerek, "Çünkü çok iyi şeyler yapıyorlar. Daha öncesinde de çok iyi şeyler yaptılar ama gol atamıyorduk. Bugün yine aynı şekilde çok iyi şeyler yaptılar ve 5 gol bulduk. Ama şu anda ayaklarımızın yere sağlam basması gerekiyor. Evet 5-0 kazandık ama bu sadece bir maç. Şu anda bizim için hiçbir şey değişmiş değil. Bizim mücadeleye, çalışmaya odaklı olmamız gerekiyor. İyi bir şekilde ligi bitirmemiz gerekiyor." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında ikas Eyüpspor'a konuk olacak. Mücadele öncesi teknik direktör Fatih Tekke kadro tercihini değerlendirdi.

Trabzonspor, Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında Eyüpspor'a konuk oluyor. Trabzonspor teknik direktörü Fatih Tekke maç öncesi açıklamalarda bulundu.

Fatih Tekke'nin açıklamaları şöyle:

-Mustafa da bu sabah, daha doğrusu gece geç saatlerde biraz rahatsızlık yaşadı. Ciddi bir ağrısı oldu, şimdi daha iyi. İlk 11'den çıkarmak zorunda kaldık. Batagov ve Mustafa'nın yokluğu önemli ama 3 puan ile bu araya girmemiz gerekiyor.

-Eyüpspor ile ilgili bir şeyler söylemem lazım. Cesur oynamaya çalışan, her an oynamaya çalışan, denemeye çalışan bir takım. Oyunlarda eksik kaldıklarını düşünmüyorum. Dolayısıyla uyarılarımızı, konuşmalarımızı yaptık. İyi hazırlandık. Gayet iyi hazırlandık. Son dakika Mustafa'nın olmayışı oyunun başında bizi zorlayabilir ama iyi çalıştık ve galibiyetle ayrılmak istiyoruz.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında oynanan RAMS Başakşehir, Hesap.com Antalyaspor'u ağırladı.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında oynanan RAMS Başakşehir, Hesap.com Antalyaspor'u ağırladı.

MAÇTAN DAKİKALAR (İLK YARI)

11. dakikada RAMS Başakşehir gole yaklaştı. Solda Kazımcan Karataş'ın pasında ceza sahası içinde topla buluşan Harit'in sert şutunda meşin yuvarlağı kaleci Julian çeldi. Dönen topa Kazımcan'ın dar açıdan yaptığı vuruşta Julian yine gole izin vermedi.

21. dakikada Erdoğan Yeşilyurt'un sağdan ortasında Van de Streek'in arka direkte yaptığı vuruşta meşin yuvarlak auta çıktı.

Karşılaşmanın ilk yarısı golsüz eşitlikle sona erdi.

Voleybol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Yüksək Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 18-ci turunun daha üç oyunu keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, kişilərin yarışında “Azərreyl” “Xilasedici” ilə üz-üzə gəlib.

Beş setə qədər davam etmiş görüşdə “Xilasedici” 3:2 hesablı qələbəyə sevinib.

Qadınların mübarizəsində isə 2 matç baş tutub. “Azərreyl” “Gənclər”i 3:0, “DH Volley” isə “Milli Aviasiya Akademiyası”nı 3:2 hesabı ilə məğlub edib.

Xatırladaq ki, ötən gün kişilərin yarışında “Neftçi” “Gəncləri” (3:0), “Ordu” “Murov”u (3:2) məğlub edib. Qadınların mübarizəsində isə “Turan Tovuz” “Murov”dan güclü olub – 3:1.

Yüksək Liqa
18 mart

Kişilərin yarışı, 18-ci tur

“Azərreyl” – “Xilasedici” 2:3 (15:25, 25:20, 24:26, 25:23, 10:15)
Fövqəladə Hallar Nazirliyinin idman zalı.

Qadınların yarışı, 18-ci tur

“Gənclər” – “Azərreyl” 0:3 (15:25, 11:25, 13:25)
Azərbaycan Voleybol Federasiyasının idman zalı.

“DH Volley” – “Milli Aviasiya Akademiyası” 3:1 (25:18, 22:25, 25:23, 25:18)
Azərbaycan Voleybol Federasiyasının idman zalı.

Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan Birinci Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 19-cu turunun oyunlarına start verilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.

Lider “Şəfa” “Şahdağ Qusar”la ev oyununda tək qolla qalib gəlib. “Baku Sportinq” – “Mingəçevir” oyununda komandalar hərəyə 1 qol və 1 xalla kifayətləniblər. Dörd qolluq “Səbail” – MOİK görüşü də bərabərliklə başa çatıb.

19-cu turun görüşləri martın 19-da keçiriləcək.

Birinci Liqa
19-cu tur
18 mart

“Baku Sportinq” – “Mingəçevir” 1:1
Qollar: İlham Allahverdiyev, 8 – Kennet Kalunqa, 34.
Hakimlər: Cavid Cəlilov, Eyyub İbrahimov, Ruslan Babayev, Sənan Bayramzadə.
Hakim-inspektor: Ceyhun Haşımov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Nəriman Axundov.
Buzovna qəsəbə stadionu, 15:00.

“Şəfa” – “Şahdağ Qusar” 1:0
Qol: Emin Zamanov, 45.
Hakimlər: Tural Qurbanov, Zöhrab Abbasov, Orxan İbişov, Kamran Əliyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Ramil Diniyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Zaur Hacı-Məhərrəmov.
Binə qəsəbə stadionu, 15:00.

“Səbail” – MOİK 2:2
Qollar: Ruslan Voronsov, 64. Qurban Səfərov, 86 – Seyxan Fərəcov, 19. Məzahir Məmmədzadə, 69.
Hakimlər: Elvin Bayramov, Vüqar Bayramov, Sənan Atayev, Alik Yunusov.
Hakim-inspektor: Asim Xudiyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Emin Cəfərov.
Bakı. “Bayıl Arena”, 18:00.

19 mart

“Şimal” – “Zaqatala”
Hakimlər: Emin Əliyev, Rəhman Aslanov, Anar Bədəlov, Nəriman Ağayev.
Hakim-inspektor: Zöhrab Qədiyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Eldar Məmmədov.
Şamaxı Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 15:00.

“Difai” – “Cəbrayıl”
Hakimlər: Əkbər Əhmədov, Tərlan Talıbzadə, Safalı Ağayev, Ruslan Quliyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Rövşən Əhmədov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Asif Əliyev.
Ağsu şəhər stadionu, 15:00.

Azərbaycan I Liqasında XIX tura start verilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, ilk gündə üç matç keçirilib. Lider “Şəfa” “Şahdağ Qusar”a qalib gəlib.

“Baku Sportinq” “Mingəçevir”lə, “Səbail” isə MOİK ilə heç-heçə edib.

Azərbaycan I Liqası
XIX tur

“Baku Sportinq” – “Mingəçevir” 1:1
Qollar: İ.Allahverdiyev, 8 – K.Kalunqa, 34

“Şəfa” – “Şahdağ Qusar” 1:0
Qol: E.Zamanov, 45
Qırmızı vərəqə: X.Tomarov, 26 – A.Çipesse, 90+3

“Səbail” – MOİK 2:2
Qollar: K.Quliyev, 64, Q.Səfərov, 86 – S.Fərəcov, 19, M.Məmmədzadə, 69

Misli Premyer Liqasının XXV turunun “Şamaxı” – “Araz-Naxçıvan” oyunundan (0:1) sonra meydan sahibi komandanın baş məşqçisi Ayxan Abbasov jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşüb…

– Artıq neçənci dəfədir ki, layiq olmadığımız halda məğlub oluruq. Üstün oynayırıq, qol epizodları bizdə çox olur. Təəssüf ki, bunları dəyərləndirə bilmirik. Bu gün rəqibə heç epizod vermədik və öz qapımıza qol vurduq. Amma buna baxmayaraq, uşaqlar sona qədər vuruşdular, təslim olmadılar. Bu ayda 5-ci oyunumuz idi. Heyətdə çox dəyişiklik edə bilmirik. Sevinirəm ki, “Araz-Naxçıvan” kimi komandaya qarşı üstün oynadıq. Belə məğlubiyyətlər olur. Bir çox matçda yaxşı oynamışıq, amma fürsətləri dəyərləndirə bilməmişik. Son ötürmələrdə, son vuruşlarda inkişaf etməliyik. Buna vaxt lazımdır. Çempionat davam edir. Fasilədən sonra yaxşı hazırlaşıb sona qədər mübarizə aparacağıq.

– “Şamaxı”nın futbolçularını millidə görmək ehtimalı var?
– Bizim bir neçə futbolçumuz U-21 millisinin əsas oyunçularıdır. Əsas milliyə çağırmaq istəyərdim. Bir neçə gənc oyunçu stabil çıxış edir. Həm də bunu haqq edirlər. Amma U-21-in iki çətin oyunu var. Biz onları da fikirləşirik. Bu futbolçular böyük oyunları da oynamalıdır. İstəyirəm ki, onlar əsas milliyə gələndə hazır olsunlar. A millidə 10-15 dəqiqə oynamaqdansa, U-21-in heyətində Portuqaliyaya qarşı 90 dəqiqə oynamaq daha yaxşı olar.

– Millidə qarşınıza hansı məqsəd qoyulub?
– Məqsəd deyəndə ki, qalib gəlməliyik.

– Son mətbuat konfransında klub rəhbərlərini tənqid etmişdiz. Konkret olaraq kimləri nəzərdə tuturduz?
– Bizim problemimiz odur ki, mətbuat konfransına qulaq asmırıq. Kimin kiminlə problemi varsa, ora yozur. Mənə verilən suala baxmaq lazımdır. Həmişə mənə verilən suallara cavab verirəm, fikrimi bildirirəm. Sual verilmişdi ki, bizdə uğursuzluq olanda tək məşqçilər dəyişir, ancaq dünya praktikasında uğursuzluq olanda klub rəhbərləri istefa verirlər. Mən də dedim ki, bəli belə bir şey var. Bu, heç kimə şamil olunmur. Hərə bir yerə yozub. Suala cavab vermişəm. Kiminləsə problemim yoxdur.

– Millinin keçmiş üzvlərindən növbəti toplanışa dəvət etməyi planlaşdırdığınız kimsə var?
– Var. 25-ci turun oyunlarını gözləyirik. Hansısa zədə ola bilər. Həm yeni adlar olacaq, həm də son vaxtlar dəvət olunmayanları çağırmağı düşünürük.

Misli Premyer Liqasının XXV turunun “Şamaxı” – “Araz-Naxçıvan” oyunundan (0:1) sonra qonaq komandanın baş məşqçisi Andrey Demçenko jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşüb…

– Fasilədən əvvəlki 2 oyunda məqsədimiz 6 xal toplamaq idi. Buna nail olduq. Komandamı təbrik edirəm. Birinci hissədə qol epizodlarımız oldu, oyuna nəzarət edirdik. Bu, o deməkdir ki, artıq komandada nəsə var. İkinci hissənin sonlarında isə o qədər də yaxşı təsir bağışlamadıq. Rəqib uzun toplarla oynamağa başladı və bizdə problemlər üzə çıxdı. Oyun heç-heçə ola bilərdi. Komandam müdafiədə yaxşı oynadı. Rəqibi yüz faizli imkanlardan yararlanmağa qoymadılar. Bu gün iki tam fərqli hissə gördük. Birinci hissədə daha yaxşı idik. İkinci yarının ortalarından etibarən isə rəqib üstünlüyü ələ aldı. Bəzən bu cür oyunlar oynamalısan. Nəticə qazanmaq üçün döyüşmək lazımdır.

– Qarşıda milli fasilə olacaq. Necə dəyərləndirəcəksiniz?
– Futbolçulara 3-4 gün istirahət verəcəyik. Bundan sonra isə hazırlaşmaq üçün vaxtımız olacaq. Qarşıda bizi “Sabah” və “Neftçi” ilə çətin oyunlar gözləyir. Planımızda yoxlama oyunu keçirmək də var.

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus are in contact with Jorge Mendes, the agent of Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, who remains a target for the Bianconeri on a free transfer this summer. 

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Reports Juventus in contact with Bernardo Silva’s agent

Reports from various outlets over the last few weeks claim that Juventus are interested in a free transfer for Manchester City’s Bernardo, who will be out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the 2025-26 season and is not currently expected to renew his deal. 

According to the latest updates from Matteo Moretto via the YouTube channel Fabrizio Romano in Italiano, Juventus are actively pursuing a deal for Bernardo and are in contact with the player’s entourage, which includes super agent Mendes. 

As things stand, however, the ball is very much in the player’s court. And, Juventus will be made to wait as Bernardo is unlikely to make any major decisions on his future until the end of the 2025-26 season with Manchester City. 

The Bianconeri are certainly not the only side interested in a potential free transfer for Bernardo this summer. The Portugal international is said to have suitors in and outside Europe – Inter Miami and Galatasaray had been mentioned as potential destinations in reports elsewhere. 

What is clear, according to Calciomercato.com, is that Juventus will need to convince Bernardo to take a pay cut if he is to move to Turin, as the reported €10m net salary that he earns in Manchester would make him comfortably the highest-paid player in Serie A next season. 

Lazio winger Mattia Zaccagni picked up a muscular injury during his side’s recent 1-0 loss against Milan and is now expected to miss Italy’s crucial World Cup play-off campaign coming up at the end of the month according to the latest updates. 

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Zaccagni ruled out of crucial Italy and Lazio fixtures

Lazio have confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Zaccagni is due for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in Serie A on Sunday evening. 

“During the Lazio-Milan league match, Mattia Zaccagni suffered a medium-scale post-traumatic muscular injury to the vastus medialis and vastus intermedius of his right thigh. The player has already started the recovery protocol,” Lazio’s statement read. 

Zaccagni’s injury is expected to rule him out of Italy’s upcoming World Cup play-off campaign, which kicks off on March 26, according to Wednesday’s reports. 

As per Calciomercato, Zaccagni is likely to miss around a month of action, which rules him out of the upcoming international break, plus potential club matches against Bologna, Parma, Fiorentina and Napoli. 

It isn’t a case of his season being over, but Zaccagni is unlikely to return to the Bancocelesti starting line-up until the final few matches of the campaign. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Bodo/Glimt played in ‘an old-school Italian style’ against Sporting CP in the Champions League, prompting some regret for Inter, as the perception of the Norwegian side appears to have been overstated.

Bodo/Glimt had eliminated Serie A giants Inter from the Champions League knockout play-off, but faced elimination in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, after a 5-0 loss away at Sporting CP.

Bodo/Glimt’s ‘Catenaccio’ against Sporting CP

Bodo had won the first leg against the Portuguese side 3-0, but suffered an incredible comeback in the second leg, with Sporting scoring three times in 90 minutes and two more in extra time.

“In Lisbon, Bodo set themselves up like in the first half at San Siro. Compact in defence, dug in behind in a fairly deliberate Catenaccio,” examined Gazzetta journalist Sebastiano Vernazza.

“Sporting CP, however, attacked with ferocity, forcing them to defend in the final 30 meters. Unlike Inter in the return leg in Milan, Sporting CP did an excellent job of preventing any counterattacks.”

Inter lost both games against Bodo, first by 3-1 in Norway, and then 2-1 at San Siro. In the second leg in Milan, Bodo had remained very cautious, just like against Sporting CP on Tuesday.

“Bodo played in an old-school Italian style, just as they had in the first half at San Siro,” the journalist continued.

“In Milan, though, Inter had gifted the 1-0 in the second half with a misplaced pass by Akanji, and that effectively ended the tie. This time, it went differently. The defensive approach didn’t pay off because there were no counterattacks.

“The narrative around Bodo has been exaggerated. It’s been described as something it is not: an innovative team. Bodo play an adaptive kind of football. They aim to wear down the opponent and then strike on the break,” the Gazzetta journalist concluded.

“Inter can dwell on their regrets. Bodo was not an insurmountable obstacle. However, had Inter gone through, they would have suffered against Sporting CP, and that’s another aspect to consider.

“After the Bodo-Sporting CP pairing was drawn, many thought Chivu and his players had missed a great chance to reach the quarter-finals. That would not have been the case.”

Inter remain the Serie A table leaders with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan with nine league games remaining.

Wrexham are plotting a raid on Sunderland to sign their academy sensations Finn Geragusian and Jenson Jones.

Wrexham have had an emphatic rise in English football. They have secured three consecutive promotions and are now eyeing a fourth via the play-offs of the Championship. While their first team has been doing wonders, they are looking to strengthen their youth setup by signing some bright prospects from rival clubs.

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Wrexham are keen on Finn Geragusian and Jenson Jones

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Red Dragons are interested in acquiring the services of Sunderland duo Finn Geragusian and Jenson Jones. They have made quite a name for themselves with impressive performances at the youth level and have caught the attention of the Wrexham recruitment staff.

While everything seems to be going as per plan in the first-team setup, the Championship club’s ownership wants to strengthen their youth setup. They want to build a system that can help them sustain against the big boys. They beleive bringing in some top talents from the academies of rival clubs could fast-track the process.

Their recruitment staff have been closely monitoring several young prospects, and the Sunderland pair of Geragusian and Jones are among them. They rate them quite highly, and Wrexham are now considering making formal approaches for the duo.

More Stories / Latest News

Report: English outfit plotting ambitious double raid on Sunderland

Mar 18 2026, 17:00

12-G/A star makes decision on Leicester City future

Mar 18 2026, 16:30

Latest report: Man United cleared to sign Liverpool transfer target for €60m as club need to sell

Mar 18 2026, 14:29

Geragusian and Jones shining at Sunderland

18-year-old, Geragusian, is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents to have come up the ranks at Sunderland in recent years. The left-footed striker has already been called up to the club’s first-team squad, and he has been doing wonders for Armenia at the youth level.

As far as Jones is concerned, the teenage full-back has also managed to impress the scouts with his consistent performances at the youth level. Developed at Sunderland’s Academy of Light, the 19-year-old full-back is believed to have a very bright future. While he prefers playing as a right-back, he can feature on the left as well as in central midfield. His versatility and consistency stand out.

The post Report: English outfit plotting ambitious double raid on Sunderland appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is set to join VfB Stuttgart on a permanent basis.

Following Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship last season, the Moroccan international wasn’t keen on playing in the second division. While rival clubs Crystal Palace and Newcastle United were ready to offer him an opportunity to stay in the Premier League, the Foxes were not ready to let him join an English club.

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Bilal El Khannouss to join VfB Stuttgart permanently

VfB Stuttgart spotted an opportunity and secured his services on loan last summer. The 21-year-old has been doing wonders for the German outfit, and according to Bild via SportWitness, Bilal El Khannouss will not be returning to Leicester. His move to Stuttgart will be made permanent in the summer.

His loan move to the Bundesliga had a conditional obligation and as per the report, it has been triggered. The Moroccan international has been involved in 32 games for the German outfit and has even contributed towards 12 goals.

The buy obligation was dependent on the number of appearances and since it has been triggered, Leicester will now receive €18 million. Given their financial difficulties, it is a massive boost for them.

More Stories / Latest News

Report: English outfit plotting ambitious double raid on Sunderland

Mar 18 2026, 17:00

12-G/A star makes decision on Leicester City future

Mar 18 2026, 16:30

Latest report: Man United cleared to sign Liverpool transfer target for €60m as club need to sell

Mar 18 2026, 14:29

El Khannouss exit offers financial relief

The Foxes had received €3.5 million as a loan fee last summer, which means they have recouped €21.5 million out of the reported €24.3 million they paid to sign him from Genk. The final fee could rise further depending on bonuses, and Leicester have also secured a buy-on clause.

While the Championship outfit won’t receive any payment until the summer, it does help their cause as they can borrow against it. The Moroccan international is set to sign a deal until 2030, which includes a salary worth €3 million.

The post 12-G/A star makes decision on Leicester City future appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Visibility is no longer just about ranking. It depends on whether your content is discovered, evaluated, and selected in AI-driven search experiences.

We’re kicking off our new monthly SMX Now webinar series on April 1 at 1 p.m. ET with iPullRank’s Zach Chahalis, Patrick Schofield, and Garrett Sussman on how you must adapt.

The session introduces iPullRank’s Relevance Engineering (r19g) framework for executing Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) through an omnichannel content strategy. You’ll learn how AI search uses query fan-outs to discover and select sources, and how to structure content so it’s retrieved, surfaced, and cited.

It also emphasizes that GEO success isn’t universal. It requires testing, tailored strategies, and a three-tier measurement model spanning discovery, selection, and citation impact.

Save your spot

Search Engine Land is proud to be a media partner for iPullRank’s upcoming SEO Week event.

Google is expanding how inventory appears in Google Ads Search campaigns, giving automotive advertisers a more visual, product-rich format directly in text ads.

What’s happening. Google Ads now supports vehicle feed integration on Search ads, allowing advertisers to pull inventory from Google Merchant Center and enhance existing text ads with details like make, model, price, and images.

How it works. Vehicle listings appear as clickable assets alongside standard Search ads, either below or beside the main text. Users can click through to a specific vehicle detail page or a broader landing page, depending on the interaction.

Why we care. This update lets automotive advertisers bring real inventory directly into Search ads, making them more engaging and useful for high-intent users. It also means richer visibility without extra campaign setup, while potentially driving more qualified leads by showing key details upfront within Google Search.

Why it’s notable. The update brings Shopping-style visual elements into Search campaigns, helping advertisers showcase real inventory without needing separate campaign types.

For advertisers. Key benefits include a more engaging ad experience, the potential for higher-intent leads, and the ability to use existing Merchant Center feeds without duplicating setup.

Measurement. Performance can be tracked using the “Click type” segment, allowing advertisers to understand how users interact with vehicle listings versus standard ad components.

Matching. Google’s automation determines which vehicles appear based on user intent and query context, continuing the shift toward less manual control and more AI-driven ad assembly.

The bottom line. Vehicle feeds in Search campaigns give automotive advertisers a way to blend inventory with intent-driven queries, turning standard text ads into more dynamic, product-led experiences within Google Search.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has said Everton are “built for Europe” ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with his former club Chelsea. Everton sit eighth in the standings ahead of the weekend’s games, and a win over the Blues would see them move into seventh, with Brentford not in action until later in the day. In fact, […]

The post Everton are ´built for Europe´, says Dewsbury-Hall ahead of Chelsea reunion appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Everton are ´built for Europe´, says Dewsbury-Hall ahead of Chelsea reunion appeared first on Soccer News.

Former Georgia Bulldogs basketball star guard Silas Demary headlines the three Georgia basketball transfers that have made the NCAA Tournament. Demary and the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies open the NCAA Tournament against No. 15 seed Furman.

ESPN ranks Demary as the No. 33 player in March Madness. Demary's transfer departure certainly hurt Georgia basketball, but the Bulldogs still managed to make the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive year under head coach Mark White. Georgia reloaded via the portal and will open the tournament against Saint Louis.

ESPN highlights Demary's ability as a distributor (tied for No. 22 in the country in assists per game) and defender as reasons why the Huskies can make a Final Four run. The junior guard is averaging career-best shooting efficiencies and has the highest assist to turnover ratio in his career.

Demary was one of the nation's top ranked transfers and has adapted well at UConn. He along with Georgia transfer RJ Godfrey, who transferred to the Clemson Tigers, are the two Georgia transfers with significant roles for their new teams in the NCAA Tournament.

Godfrey, a senior, is No. 8 seed Clemson's leading scorer and will hope to lead the Tigers to a March Madness win over No. 9 seed Iowa. Godfrey's production is up to mostly career-best numbers. He is much more productive than his 2024-2025 season at Georgia.

The third Georgia transfer in March Madness is Miami guard Jordyn Kee, who is not expected to play in the NCAA Tournament. Kee has appeared in just eight games for Miami this season. Kee and No. 7 seed Miami will face No. 10 Missouri in the first round of March Madness.

Georgia basketball transfers in March Madness

• Silas Demary (UConn): 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game
• RJ Godfrey (Clemson): 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game
• Jordyn Kee (Miami): 0.4 points, 0.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game

Follow UGA Wire on Instagram or Threads for more Georgia basketball coverage!

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: The 3 UGA basketball transfers in the NCAA Tournament

One of the reasons we all love this game of football so much (along with it being the greatest game in the world) is its unpredictable nature. We don't know what we'll get from one season to the next. Hey, we don't know what we'll get from the Baltimore Ravens from one day to the next. Look at the bright side. We can never accuse them of being 'boring'. Each day brings new opportunities, and speaking of 'opportunity,' how about a hand to former Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin? He reportedly will join Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge as one of the newest members of the LSU Tigers coaching staff.

Sources: Former #Ravens QBs coach Tee Martin is being hired by Lane Kiffin as an offensive analyst at LSU.

Martin, who has been in Baltimore since 2021, now returns to the college ranks and reunites with Kiffin, who hired him at USC back in 2012. pic.twitter.com/6LPPzBkS0r

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 18, 2026

We mentioned football's unpredictable nature. Perhaps we should mention that it always evolves. The USC Trojans and Oregon Ducks now play in the Big Ten Conference. The Big Ten is home to 18 teams. The Big 12 also houses 16. Tee Martin did something with the Tennessee Volunteers that Peyton Manning couldn't. He led the Vols to a BCS National Championship Game win as their starting quarterback.

Martin's move to LSU is a reminder of how volatile the coaching landscape has become. Despite a strong résumé and years of NFL experience, landing an offensive role was far from guaranteed, but the former National Champion quarterback should have a place. With limited openings and increasing competition, even proven assistants are being forced to pivot. Martin's reunion with Lane Kiffin offers stability, but it also highlights how quickly opportunities can shift—and how adaptability is now essential for long-term coaching success.

He'll now lend his talents to the Bayou Bengals in an attempt to help them reach the mountaintop as the College Football Playoff national champions. The ability is there. We'll see if the results follow. Something tells us big things are coming at LSU.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Changing NFL landscape leaves Tee Martin heading back to LSU

The New York Jets were incredibly active during the first wave of NFL free agency.

The team acquired players like QB Geno Smith, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat via trade. Offensive lineman Dylan Parham, linebacker Demario Davis, and edge Joseph Ossai were among the free-agent additions.

On Monday, the Jets traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs.

There are positions Darren Mougey could still target during the second wave of NFL free agency. Wide receiver is a big one, with no proven depth behind Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell.

Jets Wire has identified three free-agent receivers the Jets could still sign.

Dyami Brown, WR

Dyami Brown produced just 219 receiving yards and one touchdown for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season after signing a one-year, $10 million contract. He was deemed surplus after the Jags traded for Jakobi Meyers, and was limited to 11 games due to injury. Brown is still a capable No. 3/4 receiver with a possession element to his game. The Jets should kick the tires on his availability.

Jauan Jennings, WR

Jauan Jennings obviously hasn't been met the market he expected, or else he'd already be signed. Indications are Jennings was hoping for a Romeo Doubs-like or Wan'Dale Robinson-like deal in free agency. That hasn't materialized. With his asking price potentially coming down, the Jets should consider making an offer.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR

The division rival Miami Dolphins released Nick Westbrook-Ikhine from his contract. He was a 2025 flop after scoring eight touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans in 2024. Westbrook-Ikhine is a reliable No. 3 or 4 receiver who is a savvy route runner.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 3 veteran WR the New York Jets could still sign in free agency

Tom Pidcock launched a late attack to win the Milano-Torino race on the 150th anniversary of the first edition of the world's oldest classic.

The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider was making his debut in the Italian one-day race and went clear during the final 600m to win its 106th edition.

The 26-year-old double Olympic mountain biking champion became the second Briton to clinch victory in the 174km (108-mile) race, after Mark Cavendish in 2022.

Pidcock was part of a lead group of 12 riders on the final Superga climb, which whittled the contenders down to five.

He attacked with 600m remaining, with Tobias Halland Johannessen in pursuit, but Pidcock kicked again with 400m left to cruise to the summit finish four seconds before the Norwegian, with 2021 winner Primoz Roglic crossing a second later.

"Primoz is hard to read, he's always in the saddle," said Pidcock. "I was expecting him to be good there and was hesitating to attack, everyone was looking pretty strong.

"But I knew at one point I had to go. Luckily in the end I had a kick there and I could hold them off.

"A win's a win, they're not easy to come by, so it's nice to get your hand in the air."

It was Pidcock's first win in a one-day race since the Amstel Gold Race in 2024 and his second victory of the season - having claimed a stage of the Vuelta a Andalucia last month.

Wednesday's win also keeps the Briton in good form heading into another Italian classic on Saturday, the Milan-San Remo.

Results

1. Tom Pidcock (GB/Pinarello-Q36.5) 3hrs 48mins 45secs
2. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor/Uno-X Mobility) +4secs
3. Primoz Roglic (Slo/Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) +5secs
4. Giulio Pellizzari (Ita/Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) +11secs
5. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Bel/Movistar) +13secs

• Pogacar wins Strade Bianche for record fourth time
• Vingegaard claims maiden Paris-Nice title

Red Sox Superstar Named To 2026 MLB All-Under-25 Team originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox have assembled an impressive collection of young talent over the last few years. They have one of the better farm systems in baseball and are loaded with rising stars, both in the field and on the mound.

Several of their recent top prospects have already graduated to the Major Leagues, including Roman Anthony. He immediately established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball last year and appears poised for an even bigger season this year coming off his outstanding World Baseball Classic.

Not surprisingly, the 21-year-old was named to The Athletic‘s MLB All-Under-25 Team on Wednesday (subscription required).

"Anthony played less than half a season as a rookie, yet hit .292/.396/.463 (.859 OPS) and finished third for AL Rookie of the Year in his age-21 season," author Stephen J. Nesbitt wrote. "The Red Sox outfielder is an advanced hitter — as he recently showed in the World Baseball Classic — and will occupy a spot at the top of Boston’s lineup. Expect his power to come into play more this season as Anthony adjusts to big-league pitching."

Nesbitt had Anthony as one of his four outfielders along with Wyatt Langford, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jackson Merrill. He also had Anthony as the leadoff hitter in his imaginary starting lineup.

Boston had two honorable mentions as well with Marcelo Mayer and Connelly Early at infield and starting pitcher, respectively. There's a case to be made that Payton Tolle deserved an honorable mention as well.

Depending on how this season goes, perhaps all three will make the team next year. But based on everything Anthony's shown so far, he looks like a lock on this team until he turns 25.

More MLB: Red Sox's Roman Anthony Among Players Catching Heat For WBC Postgame Decision

Lakeland, Fla. – The first thing you will notice is a couple of absences from the Tigers’ prospect breakout game roster, which Major League Baseball released Wednesday ahead of the third-annual showcase event Friday night.

Kevin McGonigle, the Tigers’ top-ranked prospect and No. 2 in baseball, is busy trying to make the Opening Day roster. Infielders Max Anderson and John Peck are also still in big-league camp.

The Tigers have a Grapefruit League game in Clearwater that same day.

Catchers Thayron Liranzo (oblique) and Josue Briceno (wrist surgery) are both dealing with injuries.

But even without those players, the Tigers will be sending an impressive roster of prospects, headlined by No. 2 prospect (No. 10 in MLB) Max Clark and No. 3 prospect (No. 35, MLB) Bryce Rainer, to their showcase game against the Pirates, 7:35 p.m., Friday, in Bradenton.

The team will be managed by Hall-of-Famer Alan Trammell, who is 2-0 in this game.

Tigers' Spring Breakout Game roster

Here is the full roster:

PITCHERS (11)Marco Jimenez, RHPTanner Kohlhepp, RHPCarlos Lequerica, RHPTrevin Michael, RHPJoe Miller, LHPHayden Minton, RHPMoises Rodriguez, RHPYosber Sanchez, RHPJohan Simon, LHPDylan Smith, RHPDrew Sommers, LHP

CATCHERS (2)Ricardo Hurtado, CMichael Oliveto, C

INFIELDERS (9)Woody Hadeen, UTILChris Meyers, INFIzaac Pacheco, 3BJack Penney, INFBryce Rainer, SSCarson Rucker, INFEduardo Valencia, 1B/CJude Warwick, SS/2BJordan Yost, SS

OUTFIELDERS (5)Brett Callahan, OFMax Clark, OFCris Rodriguez, OFSeth Stephenson, OFJackson Strong, OF

Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com

@cmccosky

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Max Clark, Bryce Rainer headline Detroit Tigers' prospect breakout game roster

What an absolute blast of a tournament. To be entirely honest, I’ve never paid close attention to it until this year, but you can be sure I’ll be watching closely the next time they play one because that was some of the most fun I’ve ever gotten to have watching baseball. It doesn’t hurt that starting with the semi-finals, no matter who walked away with the trophy, my favorite team was going to be represented.

Is it a coincidence that the team with the most Royals ended up winning the tournament? You might be tempted to say yes, but the tournament was frankly dominated by Royals and Royals-centric storylines.

Maikel Garcia

Maikel – pronounced the same as Michael, we now know – is obviously the biggest story in the aftermath as he walked away with MVP honors after slashing .385/.393/.577/.970 with a pair of doubles, a home run, and three stolen bases in the tournament. He was so highly regarded by Team Venezuela after his 2025 breakout campaign that they chose him to bat second in every game of the tournament.

But not only did Maikel have a tremendous slash line, he consistently showed up in the biggest moments of the tournament. In the final game of Pool Play, while Venezuela was trying to defeat the Dominican Republic in a battle for the top seed out of the pool, Maikel went four-for-four with a double and a walk to help keep his team in the game. When they played underdog against Samurai Japan, Maikel Garcia lit the spark of the comeback with a two-run home run while his team was down three and seemed destined for an early exit. In the semi-final against Team Italy, his single drove in the go-ahead run. And in the final, Garcia belted a sacrifice fly to drive in Salvador Perez to give Venezuela their first run in a game they never trailed in.

In other words, he was good and clutch, and it’s hard to have a better tournament than that.

Salvador Perez

Speaking of Salvy, he wasn’t the offensive force for Venezuela that Maikel was, but he provided veteran leadership and postseason experience to a relatively young roster as Venezuela’s captain. He also made an absolutely nails throw to catch Seiya Suzuki trying to steal second when they played Japan. He is also credited by his teammates with being a steadying defensive presence behind the plate that helped their pitchers do their best work, including holding the high-powered USA offense to only three hits in the final.

Bobby Witt Jr.

Bobby, along with Maikel and the next person in this recap, had something of a coming-out party at the tournament. Not only did he slash .250/.400/.333/.733, but he stole three bases, walked more than he struck out as the leadoff man, and made some eye-popping defensive plays that spawned one of the most entertaining memes of the tournament.

Sure, it would have been better if Bobby had treated us to a bomb, but he still did plenty of good work.

Vinnie Pasquantino

Vinnie captained Team Italy and is credited with doing much of the recruiting that led to a team that made Italy’s first-ever Semifinal appearance. He didn’t get a hit until the final game of pool play, but he was the one who insisted on the inclusion of the espresso machine in the dugout that became the central aspect of their many, many home run celebrations. He also made several terrific defensive plays at first, saving his fellow infielders from a variety of throwing errors.

When he did start hitting, he put the team on his back. Against Mexico, he slammed three home runs – the first time it had ever been done in WBC history – to lead his team to victory. In the semi-final against Puerto Rico, he drove in the first run with a single against Seth Lugo, then went back to his teammates, Dominic Canzone and Jac Caglianone, with some advice about facing Lugo, before they each earned RBI hits of their own and chased Seth from the contest.

Jac Caglianone

Vinnie wasn’t the only hitter getting things done for Team Italy, of course, Jac Caglianone also showed up in a big way, slashing .286/.500/.571/1.071, walking more than he struck out, and even stole a base. He hit a home run to cap off an at-bat against Ryan Yarbrough and Team USA in the fourth inning to make it clear Italy wasn’t content with the lead they had built to that point and intended to finish that game. At one point, he went seven straight plate appearances without making an out – the game against USA was smack in the middle of that streak – and he drove in runs in three of Italy’s six games

Seth Lugo

This wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the pitching and while Seth “Quaterrican” Lugo had a horrible outing against Italy in the Quarterfinal, he pitched four scoreless innings in Puerto Rico’s first tournament game against Colombia to set the tone for his team.

Michael Wacha

Wacha only made it into one game for Team USA, but he pitched three innings of relief and struck out five without walking any. He did give up three runs in his final inning of work, but he chewed up enough innings in what had been a comfortable USA lead to preserve the relievers for the more dangerous games to come.

Luinder Avila

Avila, despite the fact that there is a very real chance he won’t even break camp with the big league club, had probably the best WBC of any of the Royals pitchers. He pitched in two games for Venezuela, totalling 4.1 innings. He walked three while striking out three, but only allowed a single unearned run and was dominant against Italy with 2.1 scoreless pitched in that semifinal match, holding the line until his team’s offense could get things together against former Royal Michael Lorenzen.

Others

Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless inning for the Dominican Republic. Eric Cerantola pitched 1.1 scoreless over two appearances for Canada. Royal non-roster invitee Abraham Toro outslashed all of his fellow Canadians .421/.476/.842/1.318. Oscar Rayo pitched 1.1 scoreless innings for Nicaragua.

All in all, it was a fantastic tournament. And it was especially fun for Royals fans. Even better, we are now a week away from the official opening day for MLB play, and we can root for all of these guys to succeed together!

Coming off a Super Bowl berth, the New England Patriots have a clear plan in mind for the 2026 offseason: it’s about remodeling, not rebuilding, as head coach Mike Vrabel said after the season.

The NFL Draft naturally is a major part of this process. Until the event in late April, the Patriots — led by Vrabel and EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf — will be conducting interviews, working out prospects, inviting them for a finite number of pre-draft visits, and in general try to get as complete a picture as possible. It remains to be seen what this process eventually leads to, but there will be plenty of news to report.

In order to find out who the Patriots have already spoken to or worked out thus far, please make sure to bookmark this regularly-updated pre-draft tracker. We will have all contact listed to the best of our knowledge.

(Note: Please scroll down for a meeting-by-meeting breakdown)

Quarterback

Haynes King (Georgia Tech): Pro Day

Running back

Kejon Owens (Florida International): Senior Bowl

Adam Randall (Clemson): 30 visit

Jordon Vaughn (Abilene Christian): College Gridiron Showcase

Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas): Combine + Pro Day

Wide receiver

Lewis Bond (Boston College): Senior Bowl

Camden Brown (Georgia Southern): Hula Bowl

Emmanuel Henderson (Kansas): East-West Shrine Bowl

Tight end

Nate Boerkircher (Texas A&M): Combine

John Michael Gyllenborg (Wyoming): Senior Bowl

D.J. Rogers (TCU): Senior Bowl

Dan Villari (Syracuse): Hula Bowl + Senior Bowl

Offensive tackle

Travis Burke (Memphis): Pro Day + 30 visit

Kamar Missouri (UTSA): College Gridiron Showcase

Jake Pope (Illinois State): Pro Day

Interior offensive line

Kage Casey (Boise State): Senior Bowl

Desmond Daniels (Alabama State): FCS Showcase

Nick Dawkins (Penn State): American Bowl

Jalen Farmer (Kentucky): Combine

Ashton Grable (Florida A&M): HBCU Legacy Bowl

Delby Lemieux (Dartmouth): Senior Bowl

Peter Nygra (Louisville): East-West Shrine Bowl

Brian Parker II (Duke): East-West Shrine Bowl

Connor Tollison (Missouri): American Bowl

Interior defensive line

Nick Barrett (South Carolina): Combine

Rayshaun Benny (Michigan): Senior Bowl

Gracen Halton (Oklahoma): Pro Day

Kody Huisman (Virginia Tech): American Bowl

Noah Miles (Howard): HBCU Legacy Bowl

Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M): Combine

Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana): Combine

Landon Robinson (Navy): East-West Shrine Bowl

Defensive edge

Keyron Crawford (Auburn): Combine

Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State): Senior Bowl

Dayon Hayes (Texas A&M): American Bowl

Michael Heldman (Central Michigan): Hula Bowl

Romello Height (Texas A&M): 30 visit

Cashius Howell (Texas A&M): Combine

Michael Lunz II (South Carolina State): HBCU Legacy Bowl

Akheem Mesidor (Miami): Combine

T.J. Parker (Clemson): Senior Bowl

R. Mason Thomas (Oklahoma): 30 visit

Zion Young (Missouri): Combine

Linebacker

Shad Banks Jr. (UTSA): Hula Bowl

Khalil Jacobs (Missouri): Pro Day

Javin Wright (Nebraska): American Bowl

Cornerback

Caleb Anderson (Michigan): College Gridiron Showcase

Rashad Battle (Pittsburgh): American Bowl

Elijah Culp (James Madison): American Bowl

Michael Dansby (Arizona): American Bowl

Andre Fuller (Toledo): East-West Shrine Bowl

Al’Zillion Hamilton (Fresno State): American Bowl

Jaden Rios (Texas State): Hula Bowl

Avery Smith (Toledo): Combine

Safety

Dathan Hickey (Youngstown State): College Gridiron Showcase

Cam Smith (Marshall): Hula Bowl

Gavin Gibson (North Carolina): Hula Bowl

Kamari Ramsey (USC): Combine

Robert Spears-Jennings (Oklahoma): Pro Day

Jalen Stroman (Notre Dame): Senior Bowl

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo): 30 visit

Zakee Wheatley (Penn State): 30 visit

Specialists

Garrison Grimes (LS | BYU): East-West Shrine Bowl

Laith Merjan (K | Kansas): Hula Bowl

Whereas the list above gives an overview over the prospects the Patriots have been in contact with before the draft, the following overview is a breakdown by meeting opportunity plus the source of each report.

FCS Showcase

OL Desmond Daniels (Alabama State) | Source

Hula Bowl

WR Camden Brown (Georgia Southern) | Source

TE Dan Villari (Syracuse) | Source

ED Michael Heldman (Central Michigan) | Source

LB Shad Banks Jr. (UTSA) | Source

CB Jaden Rios (Texas State) | Source

S Cam Smith (Marshall) | Source

S Gavin Gibson (North Carolina) | Source

K Laith Merjan (Kansas) | Source

College Gridiron Showcase

RB Jordon Vaughn (Abilene Christian) | Source

OT Kamar Missouri (UTSA) | Source

CB Caleb Anderson (Michigan) | Source

S Dathan Hickey (Youngstown State) | Source

American Bowl

OL Nick Dawkins (Penn State) | Source

OL Connor Tollison (Missouri) | Source

DT Kody Huisman (Virginia Tech) | Source

ED Dayon Hayes (Texas A&M) | Source

LB Javin Wright (Nebraska) | Source

CB Rashad Battle (Pittsburgh) | Source

CB Elijah Culp (James Madison) | Source

CB Michael Dansby (Arizona) | Source

CB Al’Zillion Hamilton (Fresno State) | Source

East-West Shrine Bowl

WR Emmanuel Henderson (Kansas) | Source

OL Brian Parker II (Duke) | Source

OL Peter Nygra (Louisville) | Source

DT Landon Robinson (Navy) | Source

CB Andre Fuller (Toledo) | Source

LS Garrison Grimes (BYU) | Source

Senior Bowl

RB Kejon Owens (Florida International) | Source

WR Lewis Bond (Boston College) | Source

TE John Michael Gyllenborg (Wyoming) | Source

TE D.J. Rogers (TCU) | Source

TE Dan Villari (Syracuse) | Source

OL Kage Casey (Boise State) | Source

OL Delby Lemieux (Dartmouth) | Source

DT Rayshaun Benny (Michigan) | Source

ED Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State) | Source

ED T.J. Parker (Clemson) | Source

S Jalen Stroman (Notre Dame) | Source

HBCU Legacy Bowl

OL Ashton Grable (Florida A&M) | Source

DT Noah Miles (Howard) | Source

ED Michael Lunz II (South Carolina State) | Source

NFL Scouting Combine

TE Nate Boerkircher (Texas A&M) | Source

OL Jalen Farmer (Kentucky) | Source

DT Nick Barrett (South Carolina) | Source

DT Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana) | Source

DT Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M) | Source

ED Keyron Crawford (Auburn) | Source

ED Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) | Source

ED Akheem Mesidor (Miami) | Source

ED Zion Young (Missouri) | Source

CB Avery Smith (Toledo) | Source

S Kamari Ramsey (USC) | Source

RB Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) | Source

Pro Days

OT Travis Burke (Memphis) | Source

OT Jake Pope (Illinois State) | Source

LB Khalil Jacobs (Missouri) | Source

DT Gracen Halton (Oklahoma) | Source

S Robert Spears-Jennings (Oklahoma) | Source

RB Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) | Source

QB Haynes King (Georgia Tech) | Source

Local Pro Day

TBD

30 visits

ED R. Mason Thomas (Oklahoma) | Source

ED Romello Height (Texas Tech) | Source

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) | Source

OT Travis Burke (Memphis) | Source

RB Adam Randall (Clemson) | Source

S Zakee Wheatley | Source

Liverpool head into a defining European night at Anfield with Arne Slot openly acknowledging both the pressure and the expectation ahead of our clash with Galatasaray.

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After a frustrating run of results, including the late collapse against Tottenham, the Dutchman has used his programme notes to set the tone for what feels like a season-defining evening.

Slot responds to pressure and fan frustration

Writing in the official matchday programme via Liverpoolfc.com, Slot made it clear just how big this game is for us.

“That this is a massive game for us requires no explanation. Having worked so hard to reach this stage of the competition, we want – and need – to continue our journey.”

The 47-year-old didn’t shy away from recent criticism either, instead showing an understanding of the reaction from supporters after dropped points.

“A lot has been said about the reaction of our fans to our draw against Tottenham and all I can say is I get it.”

“I get it from the point of view of disappointment at points being dropped, I get it in terms of frustration at conceding another late goal and I get it about elements of our performance in general.”

That honest admission comes after Didi Hamann described the current mood around the club as “toxic”, highlighting just how quickly the atmosphere has shifted in recent weeks.

Slot, however, is focused on turning that emotion into something positive.

“Our job now is to use that frustration in a positive way and for this reason it is clearly a good thing that not only do we have another home game so soon after but also that it is a home game of such crucial importance.”

Liverpool must respond on biggest night

The Liverpool boss also made it clear that this is about more than just progression, it’s about putting things right after recent performances.

“We owe this to ourselves and to our supporters and this, in my view, is as big a motivation as ever.”

Slot highlighted a clear issue that has cost us in both the first leg and the Spurs draw, pointing directly to our lack of cutting edge.

“It is clear that we can make things easier for ourselves if we become more decisive in the final third.”

That aligns with what David James pointed out about failing to kill games, something that’s repeatedly hurt us this season.

The former Feyenoord coach finished with a clear message about responsibility and opportunity.

“The onus is on us. This is our opportunity to go to the next round and also to remind ourselves and everyone else what we are capable of. Let’s make the most of it.”

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus are in contact with Jorge Mendes, the agent of Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, who remains a target for the Bianconeri on a free transfer this summer.

Reports Juventus in contact with Bernardo Silva’s agent

Reports from various outlets over the last few weeks claim that Juventus are interested in a free transfer for Manchester City’s Bernardo, who will be out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the 2025-26 season and is not currently expected to renew his deal.

According to the latest updates from Matteo Moretto via the YouTube channel Fabrizio Romano in Italiano, Juventus are actively pursuing a deal for Bernardo and are in contact with the player’s entourage, which includes super agent Mendes.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 30: Bernardo Silva #20 of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Manchester City and Al-Hilal at Camping World Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

As things stand, however, the ball is very much in the player’s court. And, Juventus will be made to wait as Bernardo is unlikely to make any major decisions on his future until the end of the 2025-26 season with Manchester City.

The Bianconeri are certainly not the only side interested in a potential free transfer for Bernardo this summer. The Portugal international is said to have suitors in and outside Europe – Inter Miami and Galatasaray had been mentioned as potential destinations in reports elsewhere.

What is clear, according to Calciomercato.com, is that Juventus will need to convince Bernardo to take a pay cut if he is to move to Turin, as the reported €10m net salary that he earns in Manchester would make him comfortably the highest-paid player in Serie A next season.

Arsenal are set to wear their red-and-white home kit for the League Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, with special detailing for the occasion.

League Cup final promotional images

Arsenal will wear their red-and-white home kit at Wembley for the League Cup final on March 22nd, as confirmed by behind-the-scenes footage of the ‘cup final media day’ released earlier this week.

The Gunners are set to wear their red-and-white home shirt, their white shorts, and their red socks.

City will also wear their home kit, with their blue shirt, their white shorts, and their blue socks.

League Cup final promotional images

The Arsenal goalkeeper will wear yellow, whilst the City goalkeeper will be dressed in green.

As it stands, the expectation is that those goalkeepers will be Kepa Arrizabalaga and James Trafford, rather than usual starters David Raya and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

League Cup final promotional images

Though the media photos don’t show any special detailing on the Arsenal shirts for the final, Arsenal Shirt Collection confirm that the plan is to have such detailing on the shirts worn on the day.

Such detailing can already be seen on the Manchester City shirts, so they clearly managed to get theirs ready earlier than the Gunners.

Mariners may have no choice but to give Colt Emerson his MLB debut soon originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Mariners probably have a whole Colt Emerson plan figured out for how to incorporate the top-10 MLB prospect into major league action for the first time.

An injury could change that whole timeline.

The Mariners aren't sure about J.P. Crawford's status for Opening Day, which is March 26. Crawford has missed five consecutive Spring Training games.

The problem? An injury to Crawford's right shoulder, which is quite important for a shortstop.

Emerson has played 16 Cactus League games for Seattle this spring and has an .854 OPS that includes a double, a triple, two home runs and eight RBI.

“Until we hear what exactly the situation is with J.P., it’s hard to kind of weigh those options,” manager Dan Wilson told reporters, via MLB.com. “So, we’ll wait and see once we hear, and then we’ll begin to decipher where we’ll need to go."

MORE: Cubs' Daniel Palencia completes improbable rise for Venezuela

Emerson is still just 20 years old, but pretty much every prospect ranking includes him as one of the 10 best youngsters in the entire sport.

Last season, he had an .842 OPS as he climbed from High-A Everett to Double-A Arkansas to Triple-A Tacoma.

“I think there’s some confidence there, too, where he’s able to get the head [of the bat] out a little bit more right now," Wilson said of Emerson this spring. "He’s just getting more familiar, getting more comfortable and I think his timing is just better.”

Maybe Crawford will be ready in time, and maybe that sends Emerson to Tacoma for the time being. Regardless, it won't be long until Emerson is in the bigs, probably for good.

More MLB news:

• Aaron Judge confirms Yankees fans' worst fears in WBC
• Bryce Harper had his crowning WBC moment, at least for a few minutes
• This Yankees hitter uses more than 100 bottles of cologne

It’s key to any successful fantasy baseball season to correctly identify sleepers and breakouts. Below, we break down some of the top sleepers and breakouts at outfield.

Daylen Lile, Nationals (214.5 ADP)

The market is giving you a giveaway draft price here; please take advantage. Lile wasn’t overmatched in his first run through the majors, slashing .299/.437/.498 with nine homers and eight steals over 91 games. And the steal count is going to rise — he possesses a speed score in the 92nd percentile, and he had a silly 11 triples in 91 games last year. Some say the triple is a dying play in modern baseball — Lile is single-handedly bringing it back. His stolen-base success rate will rise as he gains experience.

The Nationals were patient with Lile at the front of his debut, but he was hitting cleanup at the end of last season. This year, he’s slotted in the No. 3 spot, after James Wood and CJ Abrams and ahead of Dylan Crews. I probably can’t sell you on the bottom of the Washington lineup, but the top needs little defense.

Lile was far from the fantasy radar at this time last year and arrived at the 2025 All-Star break having hit .234 with two homers in his initial 111 career at-bats. But things clicked over the summer, as he improved in each of the final three months and loudly broke out in September (.391 BA, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 20 R, 1.212 OPS). Lile has strong contact skills and a line-drive stroke, and his overall .299 batting average was well-supported by a .302 xBA. Although he lacks the ceiling of the more heralded Crews, Lile is a more polished hitter and is nearly a full year younger. He’s also faster, as Lile hasn’t yet put his 92nd percentile sprint speed to full use. As mentioned, the rebuilding Nats will likely make their outfield trio of Lile, Crews and James Wood the foundation of their lineup.

Ramon Laureano, Padres (213.9 ADP)

Laureano was probably the most underrated outfielder in fantasy baseball last year — he was the No. 29 outfielder in 5x5 value — and I initially had him as a double-digit value on my tiered rankings. I’m a little concerned the Nick Castellanos signing could create a logjam in the San Diego outfield, and ultimately, I decided to be prudent with Laureano’s ranking, mindful that he’s in his 30s and has never logged 500 at-bats in a season. Still, he’s an above-average hitter, and hopefully the Padres will give him some leash.

[Draft your Yahoo Fantasy Baseball team for the 2026 MLB Season]

Nobody picked outside the top 200 is a sure thing, but Laureano has already shown upside to be excited about.

Kerry Carpenter, Tigers (203.4 ADP)

Carpenter doesn’t take many walks and he’s never hit left-handed pitching much — the Tigers have generally platooned him — so at first glance, you’re thinking he’s a capped-ceiling player. But Carpenter showed some progress in limited work against lefties last year (three homers, .400 slugging) and Detroit is considering giving him more exposure to southpaws this season.

So you have two paths to make your money on Carpenter this year. If he approaches 500 at-bats, 30-plus homers and 85-plus RBI are reachable targets. And if the platoon sticks, at least he can focus on what he normally does: mashing right-handed pitching. Carpenter is also in the prime part of his career arc, stepping into his age-28 season. Carpenter is probably a better pick for leagues that allow for regular lineup tinkering, but no matter your format, consider his positives.

Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox (208.3 ADP)

I’m not going to cheat and call Abreu a breakout player, because we’ve seen growth the last two years (and he was great in limited action for the WBC champion Venezuelan team).

If he doesn’t get hurt in the second half of 2025, Abreu likely gets home with 30 homers and 100 RBI. His .256 career average isn’t a problem, and although Boston’s outfield is congested — this roster is still begging for one more trade — Abreu’s Gold Glove defense marks his spot in the lineup. If Abreu didn’t get hurt last year, his ADP would surely be 30-50 slots higher this spring.

Justin Crawford, Phillies (203.5 ADP)

The ADP is on the rise but it’s still going to be reasonable all spring, so consider the upside case with this intriguing rookie. Crawford hasn’t developed power yet, but he was a .334/.411/.452 player at Triple-A last year, with 46 steals in 112 games. And that came while navigating his age-21 season; time is on his side.

Crawford is in camp as a non-roster invitee, given a chance to win the bigger half of Philly’s center field platoon. But with Johan Rojas facing a PED suspension, Crawford has a shot to take this job all for himself. Crawford's defense is MLB-ready — the Phillies will appreciate having a good defender join their outfield, for once — and he’s not going to have the bat knocked out of his hands.

Crawford also checks the pedigree box, as he’s the son of former All-Star Carl Crawford. You’ll see similarities in their games.

Alec Burleson, Cardinals (173.9 ADP)

I’m putting Burleson towards the bottom of today’s list because he might be more of a value pick than a true sleeper. Again, amigos, I’m not hung up on definitions. I’m just trying to give you some appealing players to target in your drafts, guys you can make a profit on. Burleson applies.

Burleson figured out lefties in 2025 and no longer has any worry about being platooned. His contact skills are excellent and he still might grow into a 25-30 homer guy. He also qualifies at first base, which has quietly become a difficult fill in recent seasons. The Cardinals will probably have Burleson in the No. 3 slot all year, ideal for volume and run production.

Dylan Crews, Nationals (200.4 ADP)

Once one of baseball’s best prospects, Crews has thus far sputtered in the majors, logging a .634 OPS in 412 at-bats over two seasons. But this youngster has such a fantasy-friendly skill set that even with little success at the dish, he has still managed to produce 13 homers and 29 steals. The No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft has been hamstrung by a .248 BABIP, and the combination of better luck and improved skills will lead to a breakout campaign. For the cost of a late-round pick, managers could find themselves with a 24-year-old who hits .260 with 20 homers and 35 steals.

Dominic Canzone, Mariners (Undrafted)

Despite doing some excellent things at the plate last season, Canzone is a complete afterthought in most drafts. The slugger hit .300 with 11 homers in 269 at-bats, thanks to elite marks in average exit velocity (92.4 mph) and barrel rate (14.5%). His success at the dish was well-supported by his expected marks, and his .533 xSLG was even higher than his .481 SLG.

The left-handed hitter also put himself in position to be considered for a full-time role by posting a respectable .712 OPS against southpaws. The Mariners have a top-heavy lineup and could really use someone to emerge as the No. 6 hitter. Canzone currently looks like their best bet.

Evan Carter, Rangers (Undrafted)

After breaking out by posting a .917 OPS during the Rangers’ World Series run in 2023, Carter has dealt with significant injuries over each of the past two seasons. But he is healthy right now, and with 15 homers and 19 steals over 400 career at-bats, the 23-year-old has already proven to have the diverse skill set that is coveted in category formats. Despite going undrafted in practically all Yahoo leagues, Carter has 20-20 potential if he can stay off the injured list. Additionally, he should immediately improve on his career .235 average, since he made massive improvements on his strikeout rate last year.

Matt Wallner, Twins (Undrafted)

Wallner is the definition of an all-or-nothing masher, as is evidenced by his career 32.3% strikeout rate and 15.7% barrel rate. He dealt with terrible luck last season, as his .228 BABIP seemed nearly impossible for someone who hits the ball so hard.

[Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem: Make your picks for $50K in total prizes]

Even in a down year, he still managed to produce 22 homers in 336 at-bats, thanks to his penchant for producing pulled fly balls. Wallner also logged some time on the IL last year, and this time around he will use better durability and improved luck to hit .250 with 30 home runs.

Jesús Sánchez, Blue Jays (Undrafted)

A Sánchez breakout may not be as spectacular as that of the others on this list, but it still could happen for someone who has become an afterthought in fantasy drafts. By being traded twice since last summer and ultimately moving from Miami to Toronto, Sánchez received an upgrade in both supporting cast and home ballpark. A poor finish to the 2025 season with the Astros hid the fact that he improved his walk rate last year, while maintaining strong marks in average exit velocity (91.3 mph) and barrel rate (11.1%). The Blue Jays made a point of acquiring Sánchez on the eve of spring training, and he should occupy a premium lineup spot against righties. He has averaged 14.5 steals over the past two years and should finally produce a 20-homer season.

The Las Vegas Raiders went into the offseason needing, at least, one new starting offensive line.

They attacked it in a big way on the first day of the legal-tampering period by signing Baltimore Ravens standout center Tyler Linderbaum. But they still have some needs to address on the line, potentially even after signing potential starting guard Spencer Burford from the 49ers on Tuesday night.

The Raiders, who currently have 10 draft picks, and they could address the line early in the draft. But there also other need to addresss.

And it cant be ignored that the Raiders have recently addressed the unit with a draft-capital commitment. They drafted tackle Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant in the third round last year. They drafted guard Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round in 2024 and tackle D.J. Glaze in the third round that year. They drafted guard Dylan Parham in the third round in 2022 (their first pick of the draft after the Davante Adams’ trade).

Parham signed with the Jets as a free agent this month, but the others will be or should be in the mix.

So, for the most part, the upper-level of the unit may be in place in Las Vegas. What do you think the Raiders should do on the offensive line?

Houston didn’t sign Wyatt Teller for headlines. They signed him because C.J. Stroud can’t keep paying the price for a line that leaks at the worst moments. The deal is clean – two years, $16 million, with upside to $23 million through incentives. That’s not a vanity contract in the NFL. That’s a calculated buy on a proven interior lineman who still has real football left, even if the last year came with some wear and tear.

MORE: New Mel Kiper NFL mock draft shows major impact of free agency

Teller’s Track Record and Texans New Offensive Line:

Teller is 31, a three-time Pro Bowler (2021 – 2023), and he’s started 101 games in his career across Buffalo and Cleveland. Last season, he started 13 games for the Browns, and if you watched Cleveland’s run game during his peak years, you already know what he brings – power, nasty hands, and a mindset that says the defender’s feelings are probably going to get hurt.

This is also a message – the Texans are done pretending their offensive line was fine. They’ve been ripping up the room and replacing parts because the 2025 tape wasn’t acceptable. This isn’t a tweak. It’s a line overhaul built around one idea – protect the franchise quarterback and stop wasting the window.

AFC Picture:

And here’s the part that matters in the AFC – interior pressure ruins everything. Teller helps stop that, and he does it without forcing Houston into some ridiculous cap hostage situation. Is he perfect? No. Injuries and age are real, and nobody stays elite forever. But at this price, Houston isn’t asking for perfection – it’s asking for stability, edge, and competence in the trenches. 

This was a fantastic addition. The kind that looks boring in March, but brilliant in December – when Stroud is still upright, and the Texans aren’t trying to win playoff games with a patchwork line held together by hope. They have created one of the strongest offensive units in the NFL and have done it in one offseason.

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African football - and the reputation of its Cup of Nations - was on a high after the 2023 tournament.

The event provided high-quality football, excellent atmospheres and an amazing comeback story, with hosts Ivory Coast winning the trophy despite losing their two opening matches.

Everything seemed set for the 2025 competition in Morocco to build on that success, with modern, state-of-the-art stadiums, passionate home fans and record-breaking numbers of travelling supporters.

It did deliver more goals and a bigger worldwide audience than ever before, but all it will now be remembered for is a chaotic final that ended with Senegal beating Morocco and - two months later - a decision to overturn its outcome.

One fan called it the longest VAR check in history.

Here, with the help of BBC journalists and pundits, we look at what has happened and what comes next.

Conspiracy theories, chaos and controversy

Working at the tournament, I remember a feeling there was an extra edge in the build-up to the final in Rabat, compared to previous editions.

What stood out were the allegations - on social media - that hosts Morocco were getting the rub of the green when it came to refereeing decisions. It was becoming a big part of the managers' pre-match news conferences.

The conspiracy theories seemed to be linked to a perceived close relationship between Morocco's football federation and the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

Morocco have become a powerhouse in African football - regularly hosting tournaments like the Women's Afcon, and helping Caf by hosting many qualifying matches for nations who can't play at home.

There was chaos when Senegal arrived in Rabat for the final, and pictures of the players walking through huge crowds - with seemingly minimal security - went viral. Complaints followed from Senegal's football federation that their original hotel wasn't good enough - and that they didn't have enough tickets for their fans.

It felt almost inevitable that a controversial moment during the game would lead to an incident - but no-one could have foreseen a group of players walking off the pitch as Senegal did in that chaotic conclusion to normal time.

Now, the two best teams on the continent are at loggerheads. Even before Tuesday's decision, Senegal's prime minister had complained about the prison sentences given to 18 people from the country after being convicted of hooliganism offences during the final. Many of the Senegal players spoke out in support of those fans.

The teams will meet again soon - potentially even in the next Afcon final - and you wonder, with relations at an all-time low, what sort of occasion that will be.

Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala blew the final whistle of that match in Rabat almost two months ago, but the ramifications of events during the game will impact African football for a long time to come.

• Senegal government alleges corruption over Afcon
• Afcon final chaos - key questions answered
• Listen: What next for Afcon after Senegal stripped of title?

'I don't think anybody will ever truly consider Morocco champions'

Some fans in Morocco are actually celebrating, but many don't feel like they are true or proper African champions.

We're all expecting the appeal to happen, eventually the decision will be overturned, and Senegal will remain champions of the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

The difficulty is what happens next.

I remember writing in my post-match report that Sadio Mane had elevated himself into the top five African football players of all time with his second Afcon win. He was nominated best player of the tournament.

The Moroccan coach, Walid Regragui, lost his job after the tournament.

Legacies were made. Senegal held parades... what do we do with all that? Are we supposed to forget it all?

Even if, in the unlikely event, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upholds this decision, I don't think anybody will ever truly consider Morocco African champions.

'African football needs to move on'

I am very, very surprised. The final was literally two months ago and no-one was expecting like this.

It's bittersweet. Of course, a trophy... you'd rather win it than not, but to win it this way doesn't help Moroccan football or African football in general.

There's no celebration. A cup, a trophy, especially for a nation who organised it like Morocco... to get told like this that, in the night, two months after... where are you going to celebrate it?

I think it's really sad. As a player, you won't feel like you have won it, even if you have the medal in your trophy cabinet. You will look at it and you know you lost the game on the pitch. It's just a decision outside that's been made in the offices.

It's just beyond me that Caf hasn't organised that in a better way.

It's sad for Morocco and for Senegal, and we'll have to see what the Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal brings as well, because there might be another twist.

African football needs to move on from that and needs to learn. That's the most important point.

'Football in Africa is the biggest victim'

I'm shocked. Everything about this decision, everything about this news, is mind-blowing, but not in a positive way - in a very negative way.

I have sympathy for each and every one of us that are in love with African football.

The biggest victim is not necessarily Senegalese players or the Senegalese population, but it's all of us that have been working so hard to put African football where it is now.

The decision is out of proportion. It's out of line. It's too much.

I can't see them [Senegal players] giving their medals back, first and foremost. I can guarantee that none of the Moroccan side is going to celebrate. No players are going to be celebrating 'I'm African champion'.

What they want is to win it on the pitch.

Fifa to discuss final scenes

World governing body Fifa and law-makers Ifab were both very concerned at the scenes that unfolded during the final.

There will be conversations at the Fifa Congress next month about potential sanctions for players who copy what Senegal did when a referee's decision has gone against them.

But in situations like the Afcon final, currently the referee's only real choice is to book players who leave the field without permission.

The referee blowing the final whistle doesn't limit governing bodies from taking disciplinary decisions, though. We have seen teams thrown out of cup competitions for fielding players they shouldn't have.

In African World Cup qualifying, countries had wins turned to 3-0 defeats for playing players who were suspended, so there is a precedent.

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Tyler Minick and Jackson Marshall put an exclamation point on a bounce-back win over the University of California (13-8) on Tuesday when the two sluggers went back-to-back in the sixth inning to allow the Huskies (9-11) to pull away with a 9-3 victory.

It was the Huskies’ first win against the Golden Bears in over ten years, according to the team website.

With UConn up two runs, Minick pushed one the opposite way and off the stadium track in right field to drive in two runs and give UConn a 7-3 lead. It was the junior’s second home run in five games since his return from injury.

Marshall decided that a four-run lead still wasn’t enough, as he smacked a 2-2 pitch to dead center off the batter’s eye to give the Huskies a 8-3 lead.

Despite the barrage of Husky runs, the Golden Bears scored first. Hideki Prather turned on the first pitch faced by a Cal batter and drove it over the left field wall for a lead-off home run.

Outside of the early long ball, Charlie Hale delivered another outstanding outing. Working mostly in relief this year, Hale earned his second start of the season and picked up his third win and the second straight win by a UConn pitcher. The right-hander allowed three runs, two earned, across 5.1 innings while tying his season-high in strikeouts at seven.

The only other runs the junior gave up came in a poor defensive fifth inning, one in which Bryce Detwiler gave the Golden Bears a free base runner on a throwing error on a potential fielder’s choice. Another runner advanced all the way to third on the miscue and scored on a Gannon Snyder double. The free base runner scored a batter later on a sac fly off the bat of Prather, as the Golden Bears picked up two runs in the inning, one earned.

However, the good outweighed the bad for Detwiler. The freshman drove in the run of the game for the Huskies with an RBI groundout in the second.

The next batter, California native Chase Taylor, who went 3 for 4 on the evening, drove in the next two runs on a line drive base hit to center field.

Cam Righi also went 3 of 4, his second three-hit performance in four contests. The freshman’s biggest contribution came in the fifth, when his double shot down the right field line scored another.

Rob Rispoli also provided an RBI double, while Evan Menzel drove in a run as well.

Beyond Marshall and Wachter, another Southern New Hampshire University transfer made a big impact. Reliever Austin Trumpour posted his best outing of the season, pitching the last 3.2 innings of the contest for the Huskies. The graduate student didn’t allow a run and punched out three on his way to the first save of his season.

The Huskies will be back on the field tonight, traveling about an hour down the road to take on Santa Clara (9-9). First pitch is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST. The game will stream live on ESPN+.

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany could be forced into making an unusual choice for tonight’s starting XI for the Champions League match against Atalanta, with 16-year-old goalkeeper Leonard Prescott potentially in line to make his senior debut.

Prescott, a Germany youth international who regularly features for the club’s U19s, was called up to the senior side for the first time ahead of last week’s Champions League first leg tie against the Italian side, which Bayern won 6-1.

Jonas Urbig started the first leg but suffered a concussion, while third-choice Sven Ulreich then suffered an adductor muscle problem in the weekend’s Bundesliga draw with Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer is still recovering from a calf issue as he looks to make a return at the business end of the season, meaning Prescott could be the only available option for Kompany this evening at the Allianz.

But who is the 16-year-old, and how has he made to it Bayern’s senior squad?

Prescott was born in September 2009 in New York, and was a member of the youth sides at German club Union Berlin before moving to Bayern in 2023.

He has made 12 appearances for the clkub’s U19s and four for the Uefa Youth League team, while he has also featured for Germany’s U17s, making his debut in September 2025.

He is yet to feature for Bayern’s senior sides, while he is also still eligible to represent the USA on the international stage in senior football

The youngster has drawn early comparisons to Neuer due to his height and composure, with the official Bundesliga website also making comparisons to current Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Bayern youth team coach Peter Gaydarov has previously called Prescott “technically outstanding”, adding: “You feel like he could play outfield. He's very courageous in his actions and definitely very advanced for his age.”

Speaking ahead of Prescott’s potential incluson in the starting line-up on Wednesday, Bayern boss Kompany stated: “He is very calm. Overall, we as a staff are also calm. If he plays tomorrow he will have our full backing. Everyone will help.

“There will never be a young player who will be forced to play a main role. We have full confidence in him whatever happens tomorrow,” added the Belgian.

If Bayern do manage to successfully navigate the second leg of their last-16 tie, they will face continental rivals Real Madrid in next month’s quarter-finals, with the Bavarians scheduled to play the second leg at home in the week of 14/15 April.

Sidney Crosby will return to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury suffered at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“Excited to get back in it,” Crosby told reporters after the morning skate. “Just watching these guys, being on the [road] trip, obviously getting closer [to returning]. It’s been close. So, just happy to finally be back in there.”

It’s the second straight game that the Penguins will see a key player return to the lineup. Center Evgeni Malkin completed his five-game suspension for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and scored two goals and recorded an assist during Monday’s 7-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche.

Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem: Make your picks for $50K in total prizes

Crosby’s injury happened during Canada's Olympic men's quarterfinal win over Czechia last month. He did not play in the semifinal win over Finland or the gold-medal game loss to the United States.

Upon returning to Pittsburgh, the Penguins announced on Feb. 25 that Crosby would be out at least four weeks.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner, who was teammates with Crosby on Team Canada, told reporters last week that Crosby suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain.

Crosby last played for the Penguins on Feb. 5 before the Olympic break. The team went 5-3-3 in his absence and remain tied for second place in the Metropolitan Division on 83 points, seven behind the division leading Hurricanes.

There are 15 games to play in the regular season and despite his 11-game absence, Crosby still leads the team in goals (27) and points (59).

Few professional sports circuits offer the ability to earn as much cold, hard cash week after week as the PGA Tour, and nowhere is that more evident than the career earnings list.

The 2026 season began with Tiger Woods still holding firm in the top spot with $120.99 million, but Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are closing in on him fast. Here's a look at where the top pros stand on the career money list as of March 17, 2026.

Since we last published this list after the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Adam Scott has jumped two spots after a fourth-place finish at the Genesis, which netted him $1, and a T-11 at the Arnold Palmer added another $493,000.

PGA Tour 2026 Season Money Rankings: See the full leaderboard here

PGA Tour Top 20 career earners

Earnings are accurate as of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5:12 a.m. and rounded to the second decimal place.

See the full PGA Tour career money list here

LIV Golf members are not included in this list.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: PGA Tour career money leaders on March 18, 2026

Michael Bisping believes Alex Pereira signing an eight-fight UFC contract is good business.

Fighter pay has been at the forefront of headlines after Ronda Rousey ripped the UFC. The absence of the likes of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones from the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House also has sparked controversy about the promotion not giving its stars their due.

But former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Pereira (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is not one of those fighters after he signed a long-term deal that will likely lock him in with the company for the rest of his career.

"I assume he was making somewhere around $3 million to $4 million per fight," Bisping said on his YouTube channel. "This new deal, which probably does lock him up for the rest of his combat sports life, is probably going to be around the $5-6 million range. Who knows? I'm guessing, I'm spit balling, but that would not surprise me. And look at this, Alex Pereira is not complaining.

"He is happy, and it's the same story with all the guys at the top of the sport. I know just recently a lot of people have been talking sh*t about the UFC, but funnily enough, the champs, the people at the top of the sport, the best on the planet and in the division, the guys that drive the sport, they're not b*tching, they're not complaining, and I wasn't back in the day."

More: Triple Take: Is the UFC Freedom 250 card a complete letdown?

Pereira's first fight of his new contract will come against Ciryl Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) for the interim heavyweight title in the UFC Freedom 250 co-headliner June 14 in Washington.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Michael Bisping supports Alex Pereira's 'lifetime' UFC deal

We’re back hoops fans with another Yahoo Fantasy x Arena Club drop for Week 21. Yahoo Fantasy Basketball Slab Packs are a brand-new weekly drop featuring real, graded trading cards of the hottest fantasy performers in the NBA.

If you’re new to Arena Club, here’s the lowdown. Arena Club is the premier online marketplace for sports cards, giving collectors a way to rip packs virtually, buy and sell graded cards and track their entire collection — all in one place. Whether you’re in it for the hobby, the thrill or the chase, Arena Club brings the excitement directly to your screen.

[Rip your exclusive Yahoo Fantasy + Arena Club slab pack here]

Each week, Arena Club curates real, graded NBA cards and builds two types of Yahoo Fantasy Slab Packs:

• Silver Pack – $59

• Gold Pack – $159

Every pack contains a graded card of an active NBA player — but the real treasure is the weekly Chase Cards, featuring some of fantasy basketball’s top performers. These limited-edition hits can reach values up to 20x the cost of the pack.

Weekly NBA Slab Packs go live every Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET and remain available through Friday at 1 p.m. ET (or until they’re gone). It’s the ultimate mid-week boost for fantasy hoopers and collectors alike.

To top it off, use promo code YAHOO at checkout for 20% off your first slab pack or card purchase on ArenaClub.com or the Arena Club app.

This Week’s Featured Players

Rip a slab pack today for a chance to pull one of the week’s biggest fantasy basketball stars:

Devin Booker, Suns

Book has missed time this season due to injury but is healthy and back to filling up the box score. He’s dropped 40+ points in two of his past three games and is in the midst of a five-game week for Phoenix.

Stephon Castle, Spurs

We’ve seen the ceiling from Castle this season; it was 88 fantasy points back in February with a 40-12-12 triple-double. The Spurs PG posted his third triple-double of the season last week against the Nuggets.

[Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem: Make your picks for $50K in total prizes]

Luka Dončić, Lakers

Dončić is one of the more popular cards to chase in the hobby. He’s also been an absolute beast in fantasy basketball with at least 73 fantasy points in four of his past six games, including a High Score of 91 last week.

Cade Cunningham, Pistons

Cade may not win regular-season MVP but he’s got a shot at being the fantasy MVP. He’s averaging almost 12 assists per game in March so far and has posted back-to-back games with at least 60 fantasy points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder

You think SGA wants to repeat as MVP? If this recent stretch of play is any indication, the answer to that question is yes. The Thunder guard is coming off one of his best fantasy weeks, topping out at 80 fantasy points in High Score.

Weekly Drops. Real Cards. Real Value. Real Thrill.

With new cards releasing every week based on real fantasy performance, the Yahoo Fantasy x Arena Club partnership delivers a constantly refreshing lineup of NBA stars — and the chase cards you’ll be talking about all season.

Don’t miss this week’s release.

Rip your slab pack, hit a chase card, and upgrade your collection today!

[Get your Yahoo Fantasy Basketball Slab Pack now]

The St. Louis Cardinals are barely a week away from Opening Day, but there are still more Spring Training games to complete. Today, they face off against the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Stadium. According to MLB.com, the Astros will send J.P. France to the mound while the Cardinals starter will be Kyle Leahy.

The Good Phight will be previewing the 2026 season by going over each position on the field. We’ll talk about the players that will occupy them, the players behind them, their strengths and weaknesses and give a few takes about how we think the season will shake out.

The bar is low for Adolis García. Nick Castellanos played in 143 games last year as the Phillies primary right fielder for most of the season. He was one of the worst players in Major League Baseball. He brought a beer into the clubhouse and didn’t like Rob Thomson.

Once the Phillies made the trade for Harrison Bader to play center field, Nick Castellanos began to lose playing time, eventually leading to Max Kepler becoming Thomson’s primary option against right handed pitchers. Over the final month of the season, Kepler played right field in 13 of the 17 games he played. He was the game one starter out there in the NLDS but moved back to left when Bader got hurt.

Overall, the Phillies right field output was 21st in fWAR and 15th in wRC+, mostly because of what Max Kepler did over the final two months of the season.

After a 39 home run campaign that helped the Texas Rangers win a title in 2023, García’s production has plummeted in his early 30s. His slugging from 2023 to 2024 dropped 108 points and dropped an additional six in 2025. He rebounded defensively last season but he was still a below-average player at the plate.

The inspiring takeaway from García is that he still has the raw physical talent for a potential rebound. While his bat speed has declined, his average exit velocity was still north of 92 mph last season with a plus hard hit rate. In spring training, García’s hard hit metrics still show a player who can hit the ball very hard.

The approach at the plate is a different question, however. He may be a vastly different defensive outfielder than Nick Castellanos but they’re quite similar at the plate. The general profile of both hitters looks very similar.

García:
.304 xwOBA
.232 xBA
.427 xSLG
Chase% 35.8
Whiff% 30.3
K% 24.7
BB% 5.1
Pull Air% 17.9
GB% 36.9

Castellanos:

.302 xwOBA
.242 xBA
.408 xSLG
Chase% 40.9
Whiff% 29.9
K% 22.6
BB% 5.4
Pull Air% 18.3
GB% 38.8

The similarities don’t stop there, García hit just .247 on four-seam fastballs last season. Castellanos? .246.

Against breaking pitches, Castellanos hit .220 with a .392 slugging. García? .212 with a .390 slugging.

If Adolis García ends up being a slightly better version of Castellanos at the plate by demonstrating more raw power while giving the Phillies at least slightly above-average defense, that’s a better player than the right field situation the club had last season. That’s what the Phillies are asking him to do.

But even in that world, is it enough of an upgrade? It’s a hard question to answer. That still might be the first place the team looks for help at the trade deadline in August.

There is also the path for a collapse in production. García is now 33 years old and has a game predicated on raw athleticism to make up for approach issues. It’s very easy to imagine a major decrease in bat speed, which leads to issues against fastballs. If he loses a bit of speed, he might go from an above-average outfielder defensively to someone below. Sapped raw power would lead to less extra base hits.

How easy is it to imagine that happening for a 33-year-old right fielder? It happened to the Phillies last year with Nick Castellanos.

This article was first published in the Cougar Insiders newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each week.

BYU will play its first-round game in the NCAA Tournament in Portland on Thursday as a No. 6 seed in the West Region. Led by projected No. 1 NBA draft pick AJ Dybantsa, the Cougars hope to ride an uptick in play to extend this “new” season of opportunity.

To help, BYU just finished playing in the nation’s most difficult league. The Big 12 had three of the top seven teams in the field of 68 including No. 2 overall seed Arizona, the No. 5 overall seed in Houston, and No. 7 seed in the tournament, Iowa State. No other league had more than one. BYU was competitive in every one of the games against these teams and defeated Iowa State.

Here is Jay Drew’s breakdown of how Dybantsa can influence a Cougar run in the Big Dance. BYU earned a No. 6 seed because of its finish after struggling when senior Richie Saunders went down for the season with an injury.

A huge challenge for BYU coach Kevin Young in this postseason is there is the potential he will face two outstanding coaches in Sean Miller (Texas) and Mark Few (Gonzaga).

Cougar Insiders predictions

Question of the week: Predict what you expect this week as BYU has the opportunity to play twice in the NCAA West Regional in Portland.

Jay Drew: When he met with reporters via Zoom on Sunday night, BYU coach Kevin Young said NCAA Tournament games often come down to matchups. For that reason, it is tough to predict that the Cougars will make a lengthy NCAA Tournament run, like they did last year.

Whether it is Texas or North Carolina State, the matchup Thursday for BYU does not appear to be favorable. Texas has incredible length and size that could give BYU trouble. The Wolfpack is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country, and BYU has trouble defending the 3.

That was even apparent in the Kansas State game last week, as Nate Johnson and PJ Haggerty lit the Cougars up from beyond the arc.

As much as I would like to think that BYU turned the corner defensively in the win over West Virginia and the close loss to Houston, I need to see it Thursday in the pressure inferno that is the Big Dance to fully believe it. So my prediction is a loss for BYU this weekend — either in Round 1 or Round 2, should the Cougars advance.

As for a possible matchup with Gonzaga, that would be all kinds of fun. But I don’t see BYU having an answer for GU’s Graham Ike, especially if Keba Keita can’t stay out of foul trouble. BYU getting to the Sweet 16 this year doesn’t appear to be in the cards — but I’ve been wrong before. Like last year.

Dick Harmon: This will be an interesting week for Kevin Young, because if he’s truly reinvented his team, especially on defense the past two weeks, he could make a run in the NCAAs. Young said a key component of his team’s 3-1 finish is the squad’s competitive spirit. His team wants it. Gone is the 9-9 conference finish. Here is the 2-1 Big 12 tourney performance. Seasoned by playing the NCAA Tournament’s toughest conference foes including Arizona, Iowa State, Houston and Texas Tech, now it’s time to face somebody else.

I think BYU will beat the winner of Texas-North Carolina State because BYU’s defense has improved almost 20 places in Ken Pom over its last four games. While both these teams have outstanding offenses and can light it up, they are both terrible defensive teams. Postseason games are won with defense and, believe it or not, at this stage of the season BYU is better because of the recent change of putting tall, athletic defenders up front to challenge shooters. Still, BYU’s defense has shown it can be fragile. Is that behind them? We’ll see.

If BYU wins Thursday in Portland, they’ll likely face Gonzaga and Mark Few. While this isn’t the Zag team of old, it still has Few’s outstanding influence of playing hard, getting easy paint buckets and athleticism. Plus Portland will be easy for Zag fans to travel to. This will be tough, but doable.

The reason for BYU optimism is Dybantsa. None of these teams have a potential No. 1 draft pick and BYU does. Fresh off a record 40-point game performance in the Big 12 tournament, Dybantsa has seen every type of defense designed by the best Big 12 teams in the nation’s toughest conference, and he still leads the nation in scoring. There isn’t anything he hasn’t faced.

I think BYU’s first game will be influenced by their opponent having to play Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio, and then traveling to Portland where BYU will be rested and anxious to get in a fight.

The bottom line is BYU will go as far as its supporting cast will take it — in support of Dybantsa. This means Kennard Davis, Dominique Diomande, Aleksej Kostic and Keba Keita. I’m not worried about what Robert Wright will bring to the party. It will be tough, but making the Sweet 16 is possible — if BYU plays defense at a high level. It would be extremely disappointing for the Cougars if they go one and done.

Cougar tales

BYU freshman Jane Hedengren sets records in winning NCAA 5,000- and 3,000-meter races, while Carter Cutting won the NCAA mile title at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. BYU women didn’t make NCAAs but accepted a WBIT bid.

BYU freshman Kihei Akina won the collegiate Lampkin Invitational after finishing in the top 15 of the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open, competing against pros. Here’s Dave McCann’s look at BYU’s Fabulous Four Freshmen.

From the archives

From X-verse

NEW: This freshman class has taken college basketball by storm🔥

Here are eight first-year stars that could take over the NCAA Tournament.

View: https://t.co/FgAjKQxoSUpic.twitter.com/ZrKU9qX5Y7

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) March 16, 2026

"I know we're playing our best ball at the right time of the year..." 🙌

Coach Young on the team attitude looking ahead to March Madness pic.twitter.com/hnwjgfVYTZ

— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) March 16, 2026

Extra points

• Former Cougars playing in the NCAA Tournament (Deseret News)
• Experience rising up in spring football (Deseret News)
• Big 12 “no tolerance” for anti-Mormon chants (Deseret News)

Fanalysts

Comments from Deseret News readers:

I watched our freshman runner Jane Hedengren win both the 5,000 meter and 3,000 meter races against the country’s best runners. She actually seems to glide over the track and definitely gets stronger at the finish line. When they interview her at the conclusion of each race she is so confident and poised. Jane is representing all of Cougar Nation very well. We get to watch her in action for the next three years and it will be exciting to see her win many races. Congratulations on your victories Jane!

— BoydinProvo

KSU was desperate for points, jacked up 3s by reserves. It was basically a 20 point win. 2 of those in conference tournaments is very impressive, not to mention BYU set a bunch of records. Let’s not minimize what they did.

Clearly the coaches figured something out. The weaklings who wanted him gone are eating crow now. They are an elite coaching staff. I admire all they’ve done. BYU is set for another Sweet 16 run if they play like they did this week. BYU went toe to toe with a 1 or 2 seed with a 2nd year college coach. They destroyed KU with a 20 year plus seasoned coach. Don’t underestimate how good our coaches really are.

— RR

Up Next

• March 18 | TBA | women’s swimming | NCAA championship
• March 19 | TBA | women’s basketball, NCAA Basketball | Alabama A&M
• March 19 | noon | women’s tennis | @ Colorado
• March 19 | 4 p.m. | UCF | men’s tennis | Florida
• March 19 | 4:30 p.m. | baseball | @ West Virginia
• March 19 | 5 p.m. | softball | @ Oklahoma State 
• March 19 | 5:25 p.m. | men’s basketball, NCAAs | Portland
• March 20 | 4:30 p.m. | baseball | @ West Virginia
• March 20 | 5 p.m. | men’s volleyball | Concordia
• March 21 | TBA | women’s gymnastics | Big 12 
• March 21 | TBA | track and field | @ Utah Tech
• March 21 | 11 a.m. | baseball | @ West Virginia
• March 21 | 11 a.m. | women’s tennis | @ Texa Tech
• March 21 | 11 a.m.  | softball | @ Oklahoma State
• March 21 | 7 p.m. | men’s volleyball | Concordia
• March 23 | 8 a.m. | men’s golf | @ Bridgestone Collegiate

Is there life in this Tottenham Hotspur side yet?

Following potentially the worst 20 minutes of their season to kick off their Round of 16 away leg in Madrid (and to be clear, there are a lot of options to choose from here), Spurs turned the remainder of the match into something resembling a battle. The Lilywhites then did the unthinkable and took a point from Liverpool at Anfield with a squad cobbled together by bandages and duct tape.

Spurs now host Atletico Madrid amidst an atmosphere of renewed hope, buoyed further by the return of some of the walking wounded: Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall have recovered from injury, as has Cristian Romero from his head knock. They take on a Madrid side missing players of their own, and perhaps more importantly, a side that at times made Spurs look threatening in the Spanish capital.

Down three goals on aggregate heading into this leg, it would take a miracle for Spurs to progress; but they have worked miracles before in this competition. Could it happen again?

COYS!

Lineups

Lineups will be posted closer to kick-off.

Live Blog

How to Watch

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Atletico Madrid
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET, 8:00 p.m. UK
TV: DAZN USA, TNT Sports 3 (UK). Check international listings at livesoccertv.com
Streaming: Paramount+

Match thread rules

The match thread rules are the same as always. To any visitors coming here for the first time, welcome! We’re glad you’re here! Wipe your feet, mind the gap, and be sure to check out the other pages at this outstanding site. While you’re here, though, we have a few rules and regulations:

• Absolutely no links to illegal streams. They’re bad and they get us in trouble. Violators will be warned or banned.
• We have rules against “relentless negativity.” Nobody likes a Negative Nancy. Don’t knee-jerk and post outlandish or hurtful things just because you’re frustrated.
• Along those lines, outright abuse of players or match officials is also not allowed. It’s fine to say “wow, that was a really bad call,” but it’s NOT okay to direct copious amounts of abuse in the direction of said official over a call you did not like.
• Treat other people in the match thread the way you would want someone else to treat your grandmother. Be nice. This is a community of fans, not an un-moderated message board.
• NO SPIDERS!
• Finally, while we don’t have a rule against profanity, please try and keep the naughty words in check. Also, language that is sexist, racist, transphobic, or homophobic in nature will be swiftly deleted and you will be immediately banned. This is an open, supportive community.

Have fun, and COYS!

The 2026 NCAA women’s basketball tournament officially-but-unofficially tips off on Wednesday night, when the first two “First Four” games will be played.

No. 11-seeds Richmond and Nebraska will meet at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC to earn an official bid to the Big Dance (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2). The winner will play No. 6-seed Baylor on Friday (2 p.m. ET, ESPN). Then, No. 16-seeds Stephen F. Austin and Missouri State face off at the Moody Center in Austin, TX (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2), with the winner earning a date with No. 1-seed Texas on Friday (4 p.m. ET, ESPN).

On Thursday, the third “First Four” game features two more No. 16-seeds, with Samford and Southern playing at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Saturday, the winner meets No. 1-seed South Carolina (1 p.m. ET, ABC). The final entrant into the 64-team field will be determined at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, IA between No. 10-seeds Arizona State and Virginia (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2). No. 7-seed Georgia awaits the victor for a Saturday game (1:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2).

Here’s what to know about the four “First Four” showdowns. Be sure to also share your predictions in the comments below.

Britt Prince and Maggie Doogan will look to shoot their squads into the 64-team field

Two of the most-efficient scorers in women’s college basketball will look to lead their teams into the 64-team tournament field.

For Nebraska, which finished 18-12 overall and 7-11 in the Big Ten, the name to know is Britt Prince. The sophomore guard led the Huskers with 17.4 points per game, while shooting better than 45 percent from 3. She arguably should fire away more frequently from downtown, as she averaged under three attempts per game. Prince, however, scores just as smoothly inside the arc, finishing almost 56 percent of her 2-pointers. And in a tighter tournament game, Prince’s 90.5 percent from the free throw could be crucial.

Richmond’s scoring star is Maggie Doogan. The Spiders were knocked off in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament after finishing the regular-season conference slate 15-3, good for third place; their overall mark was 26-7. A senior forward, Doogan averaged 21 points per game as she repeated as Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. She more frequently fires off 3-pointers, taking 6.6 per game and converting them at a 40 percent clip. She’s likewise hyper-efficient on 2-pointers, hitting almost 60 percent, and from the line, where she shoots 89.2 percent.

And as Eric Nemchock highlighted, Doogan’s ambitions extend beyond the “First Four,” as a strong tournament could see her rise up the draft boards of WNBA teams.

Although neither player is a one-woman show, the outcome of the first “First Four” could be swung by which of Prince or Doogan finds a sweeter scoring groove.

Similar journeys brought SFA and Missouri State to this “First Four” fight

After a third-place finish in the Southland Conference with a 16-6 record, Stephen F. Austin won the conference tournament, upsetting regular-season conference champion McNeese in the final to book their second-straight ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

As SFA lost to McNeese twice during the regular season, including a 17-point defeat in the final regular-season game, the tournament final win, by a score of 71-59, had to be particularly sweet. A tight affair for three quarters, the Ladyjacks pulled away in the fourth to take the trophy.

Myka Perry, a sophomore guard, scored 21 points to lead the Ladyjacks. Senior guard Harmonie Dominguez added 18 points, while freshman wing Aziyah Farrier grabbed a team-best 10 boards from off the bench.

Missouri State has arrived on the precipice of the 64-team field with a similar story. The Lady Bears finished in third place in Conference USA with an 11-7 record and met Louisiana Tech, the regular-season champions that they had lost to twice during the regular season, in the conference tournament final. Missouri State prevailed in a low-scoring affair, 43-38, to get the chance to go dancing for the first time since 2022.

Although the Lady Bears scored just six points in the fourth quarter, they held the Lady Techsters to only 12 second-half points. The tandem of Lainie Douglas and Kaemyn Bekemeier combined for 31 of Missouri State’s points. Douglas, a sophomore forward, scored 15 points with Bekemeier, a junior guard, leading with 16 points. The two also totaled 20 rebounds.

Southern or Samford will not be scared of South Carolina

After a sixth-place regular-season finish in the Southern Conference, plus a below .500 overall record at 16-18, Samford might be the Cinderella-est of Cinderellas.

They beat the conference’s top-three teams—Wofford (59-57), East Tennessee State (57-48) and Chattanooga (72-67)—to win the SoCon Tournament and sneak into the NCAA Tournament as a No. 16 seed. It’s their first tournament appearance since 2012.

Southern is dancing for the second-straight year, as well as for the third time in the last four seasons. Last year, when the Jaguars also were a “First Four” team, they earned their bid to the official dance with a win over UC San Diego before the suffering a blowout loss to No. 1-seed UCLA in the first round.

The Jags repeated as SWAC Tournament champs after finishing the regular season in third place with a 12-6 record. In the semis of the SWAC tourney, Southern snuck by regular-season champs Alabama A&M, 51-49, before running away from Alabama State in the final, 73-56.

Barring a miracle, neither squad will have much of a chance against No. 1-seed South Carolina in the round of 64.

But, that’s doesn’t mean they’ll be intimated. Samford’s schedule featured games against five Power Four teams, including fellow “First Four” squad Nebraska and Alabama. Southern embraced an even more daunting non-conference slate, challenging seven tournament teams, including taking on UCLA in Pauley Pavilion again.

It’s been awhile since ASU or UVA made the Big Dance

Under first-year head coach Molly Miller, Arizona State started the season 15-0, taking advantage of a fairly soft schedule by tallying win after win.

Big 12 play presented more challenges for the Sun Devils, as they finished in ninth place in the conference at 9-9. Two of those wins came against conference opponents that made the tournament. Back in November, they opened conference play with a big home win over Colorado, now a No. 10 seed in the tournament. In the second round of the Big 12 Tournament, they knocked off Iowa State, a No. 9 seed in the tournament.

Although a similarly-situated middle-of-the-pack Power Four team, as Virginia finished ACC play at 11-7 and in eighth place, the Cavaliers have a few signature wins that inspire greater confidence in their potential to be a tournament threat. Virginia beat Notre Dame before scoring a huge upset of Louisville on the Cardinals’ home floor. However, the Cavaliers skidded after their banner win, closing out the regular season with two losses before falling in the first round of the ACC Tournament.

Among the two teams, Virginia’s Kymora Johnson certainly brings the most offensive juice. A 19-points-per-game scorer, the sophomore guard owns a season-high scoring mark of 41 points. She also led the Hoos in assists and steals per game, with 5.9 and 2.2, respectively. However, the Sun Devils have more sources of scoring pop, with Gabby Elliot and her 16 points per game, McKinna Brackens’ almost 15 points per game and Heloisa Carrera’s more than 10 points per contest.

ASU last made the tournament in 2019, while 2018 was the last time UVA was tournament-bound. So, dipping their toes into the “First Four” is noteworthy achievement for two programs that hope to keep heading in the right direction.

Liverpool vs Galatasaray: How to Watch Champions League Clash Live

Liverpool return to Anfield with their European campaign delicately poised, a single goal separating them from Galatasaray as the Champions League last 16 reaches its decisive phase. Defeat in Istanbul has left Arne Slot’s side chasing the tie, and the sense of urgency around this fixture reflects a broader unease that has crept into their recent performances.

Anfield Stage Set for Crucial Night

The equation is simple for Liverpool, overturn a 1-0 deficit or see their European ambitions curtailed earlier than expected. Mario Lemina’s goal in the first leg at RAMS Park still looms large, a reminder of how fine margins can shape knockout football.

Photo:IMAGO

That result marked their second setback in Istanbul this season, following another narrow defeat during the league phase. On that occasion, Victor Osimhen converted from the penalty spot, underlining a recurring vulnerability away from home that Liverpool must now compensate for on Merseyside.

Yet, Anfield has not offered the reassurance it once did. A frustrating draw against Tottenham at the weekend, sealed by Richarlison’s late equaliser, prompted audible discontent from the home crowd. The reaction spoke volumes about expectations and the pressure building around Slot’s tenure.

Recent Form Raises Stakes

Liverpool’s domestic form has added an extra layer of tension to this European encounter. Dropped points against Spurs have complicated their push for a top four finish, particularly as Manchester United secured a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.

There was a minor reprieve elsewhere, Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle offering some balance, but the broader picture remains one of inconsistency. For a team accustomed to setting the pace, Liverpool now find themselves responding to events rather than dictating them.

This Champions League tie therefore carries significance beyond progression. It represents an opportunity to reassert control, to rediscover fluency, and to reconnect with a support base that demands both effort and identity.

Where to Watch Liverpool vs Galatasaray

Supporters in the UK can watch Liverpool vs Galatasaray live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 7pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick off.

For those preferring to stream the match, TNT Sports subscribers can access the game via the Discovery+ app and website, ensuring full coverage of what promises to be an absorbing European night.

Need a VPN to watch the match? Our preferred VPN to watch UK TV from anywhere is LibertyShield.com – they offer a 48 hour no-obligation free trial and have apps or all popular devices including Mac, Windows, FireTV, iPhone/iPad and Android.

European Nights Demand Response

Knockout football often hinges on moments, composure, and belief. Liverpool have navigated such terrain before, but recent performances suggest a side searching for rhythm at a critical juncture of the season.

Galatasaray arrive with confidence and a slender advantage, aware that patience and discipline could prove decisive. Liverpool, meanwhile, must summon both urgency and clarity, knowing that the margin for error has all but disappeared.

Daniil Medvedev has called out United Airlines after his baggage went missing ahead of the Miami Open, criticising the airline’s response on social media.

The situation developed just days before the tournament, raising immediate concerns around preparation and timing.

What followed turned into a public exchange that quickly drew attention beyond tennis.

Daniil Medvedev’s United Airlines baggage issue before Miami Open

Medvedev’s post on X showed him reaching out directly after his bags failed to arrive following a flight to Florida.

“Hi United [Airlines]… need a little help. Flew from PSP to Florida yesterday, and none of my bags arrived. Kind of need them to play in the Miami Open… can you help?” Medvedev tweeted.

The timing of the issue made it more serious than a standard travel delay, with Medvedev preparing for one of the key events on the ATP calendar.

It also meant any delay in resolving the problem could directly impact his readiness for the tournament.

United Airlines’ AI response draws reaction from Daniil Medvedev

United Airlines responded publicly, but the tone of the reply became the main talking point.

“Hi there, Daniil. Thank you for reaching out. We are sorry to hear about your delayed baggage. We absolutely understand how important it is to have your belongings as quickly as possible. Please DM your delayed bag file reference number so that we can check for update,” the airline responded.

A frustrated Medvedev responded: “The amount of AI help has been overwhelming.”

Medvedev’s response pointed to frustration with what appeared to be a generic reply rather than a tailored solution.

The exchange highlights a wider issue: automated responses can struggle to match the urgency of real situations, especially when timing is critical.

Read more:

DRIPPING SPRINGS —  Shea Sisson and Lily Ruff had the same reaction when Dripping Springs' girls soccer team won the UIL state championship in 2021: That will be us someday.

Well, the time is now for the Dripping Springs seniors to duplicate their predecessors' triumph and bring home their own gold medals. The Tigers (16-1-4) will begin their 2026 playoff journey when they play Westwood (14-5-3) in a bi-district game Thursday night at Tiger Stadium.

For Sisson and Ruff, a trip to the state finals would be extra special because they have family ties to that 2021 team. While watching the state championship game from the bleachers five years ago in Georgetown, they paid close attention to their older sisters, Riley Sisson and Ella Ruff, who were Tigers sophomores when they earned gold.

Shea and Lily were seventh-graders at Dripping Springs Middle School at the time.

"Shea and I were actually sitting together and we said we can't wait to be in this situation," Ruff said. "We always wanted to do what our sisters did and we wanted to do it together."

Ruff's sister Ella, who plays for Mary Hardin-Baylor, had a feeling this year's team might have a chance to win it all.

"When Riley and I became alumni, I told her she had more time to go and win another title," Ella said. "I have no doubt the team can win."

MORE:Round Rock girls soccer heating up for playoffs

This has been a remarkable season for the Tigers, who won District 26-6A with a 10-0-2 record. Led by sophomore goalkeeper Annabelle Pittman, 16 of their 21 matches have been shutout victories. Bailey Stephenson (21 goals, 14 assists) leads an offense that has outscored its opponents 59-8.

BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Thursday
Class 6A: DI — Westlake at Round Rock, 7:30 p.m.; DII — Westwood at Dripping Springs, 7 p.m.
Class 5A: DII — Weiss vs. LASA (Burger Stadium), 7:30 p.m.
Class 4A: DI — Jarrell at  San Antonio Davenport, 5:30 p.m.; Taylor vs. Waco La Vega, 6 p.m., John Glover Stadium
Friday
Class 6A: DII — Austin High vs. Vandegrift (Monroe Stadium), 7:30 p.m.
Class 5A: DI — Leander at New Braunfels, 7 p.m.; McCallum at Hendrickson, 7:15 p.m.; Smithson Valley vs. Rouse (Dripping Springs), 7 p.m.; East View vs. Anderson (Burger Stadium), 7:30 p.m.; DII — Cedar Park vs. Alamo Heights (N.B. Canyon), 5:30 p.m.; Georgetown vs. Ann Richards (Burger Annex), 7:30 p.m.; Liberty Hill vs. Comal Pieper (TBA), 7 p.m.
Class 4A: DI — Burnet vs. Long Creek (TBA), 7 p.m.; DII — Lago Vista vs. Wimberley (Bastrop Memorial Stadium), 6:30 p.m.; Legacy Ranch at Canyon Lake, 7 p.m.
Saturday
Class 6A: DI — Cedar RIdge at Lake Travis, 1 p.m.

Another year, another good team

The town of Dripping Springs supports young athletes from the time they're able to kick a ball. By the time they reach high school, players are already well-versed in the sport, from kicking and defending to dribbling and scoring.

"What makes Dripping Springs special is how much the families and the community are invested in these girls," said Bailee Perrine, who's in her ninth season as varsity head coach. "The parents do so much behind the scenes because they genuinely want their daughters to have a great experience and be successful. These players are already very talented before they even reach high school, so my job — and the job of my assistants — is really just to get them to play for each other and believe in themselves."

Sisson said her sister, Riley, has been a good role model in her soccer development. They were always tight, never adversaries.

"I was really proud of Riley (for winning state)," Sisson said. "I think it put an extra oomph in my step and I wanted to (reach state) someday just like her."

Drawing inspiration from the past

Riley Sisson, who plays at St. Edward's, said there is even more irony about this year's sister act. Riley Sisson and Ella Ruff were team captains on the 2021 team. This year Shea Sisson and Lily Ruff are team captains.

"I think Shea has influenced me as much as I have influenced her," Riley said. "We both push each other and hold each other to a high standard of work that I believe has helped both of us."

MORE:30 Central Texas boys soccer players having big years

MORE:Westlake boys fall in state basketball finals

Perrine said the team knew Dripping Springs was going to have a great season when it beat Westlake 2-1 in a district game.

"You could tell that was a major shift in our team," the coach said. "You could tell the girls believed they were a special team. Since then, they play and practice with confidence."

Pittman admitted she did not have high personal expectations before the season began but gained confidence after the Tigers started winning game after game. When the Tigers won state five years ago, she was only in the fifth grade.

"At the time I thought it would be amazing to be in the same shoes as those girls," the the 6-foot-1 goalkeeper said. "If we win state, I'd be doing it for my seniors. It would be a proud moment for everyone."

As for Sisson and Ruff, they playfully said their six years of being besties will soon come to an end: They will compete against each other in college. Sisson has signed with Houston Christian, Ruff with Incarnate Word.

But they have business to take care of before going their separate ways.

"We have a ton of great athletes here," Ruff said. "The standard is to just go and be great. Stepping on this field, you have the town supporting you want to represent the name on your shirt."

City’s heritage in the League Cup is hugely impressive – having won the trophy eight times in our history.

The Blues are, in fact, the second most successful club in the competition behind only Liverpool in the all-time standings.

Our first triumph came in 1970 as we defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 with Joe Mercer masterminding victory over the Baggies courtesy of a goals from Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe with captain Tony Book lifting the trophy at Wembley.

Much-loved and missed Book then held the cup aloft as manager in 1976 as he led us to victory over Newcastle 2-1 thanks to Dennis Tueart’s winner which was subsequently voted the greatest in the history of the competition, with the boss becoming the first person to win the competition as both a player and manager.

Manuel Pellegrini’s Blues followed that up with triumphs in 2014 and 2016 before Pep Guardiola’s City won four successive League Cups from 2018 to 2021 with the Catalan becoming the first coach to win the trophy in a quartet of consecutive years.

Those eight successes have featured some truly magnificent players and, as we head into yet another final on Sunday, kick-off 16:30 (UK) at Wembley, we’ve decided to put together our Greatest League Cup XI!

And you get to decide who’s selected in our 4-3-3 formation with Goalkeeper, Right Back, Centre Back Option 1, Centre Back Option 2, Left Back, Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Right Wing, Left Wing, Forward and also Manager available to vote on below.

There are some tough choices ahead for you, no less in Attacking Midfield as Colin Bell, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne go head-to-head – good luck with that one!

We will be revealing the XI plus Manager on Saturday as we build up to Sunday’s final.

GOALKEEPER

JOE CORRIGANTwo-time League Cup-winning City legend in 1970 and 1976

WILLY CABALLEROPenalty shoot-out heroics helped us to 2016 League Cup glory

CLAUDIO BRAVO  In goal for League Cup triumphs in 2018 and 2020

RIGHT BACK

TONY BOOKFirst person to ever win the League Cup as player and manager in 1970 and 1976

KYLE WALKERWon four League Cups in succession from 2018 to 2021

PABLO ZABALETAHelped end a 38-year wait for League Cup glory with 2014’s success over Sunderland

CENTRE-BACK OPTION ONE

MIKE DOYLEScored in 1970 West Brom success. Captain in 1976 Newcastle triumph

DAVE WATSONColossus overcame serious back injury to star in 1976 victory over Newcastle

TOMMY BOOTHVersatile ace starred in central defence in 1970 win and central midfield in 1976 victory

CENTRE-BACK OPTION TWO

VINCENT KOMPANYSkipper for wins in 2014, 2016, 2018 and scored in the 3-0 Arsenal success

NICOLAS OTAMENDIUnsung hero was four-time winner in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020

AYMERIC LAPORTEClassy Spaniard scored the only goal in 2021 success over Tottenham

LEFT-BACK

WILLIE DONACHIEReliable Scottish ace won the League Cup in 1976 and helped set up Dennis Tueart winner

GLYN PARDOEMuch-loved star scored the stoppage time winner in 2-1 success over West Brom in 1970

OLEKS ZINCHENKO  Four-time League Cup winner from 2018 to 2021

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD

ALAN OAKESCity’s record appearance maker was a two-time winner in 1970 and 1976

FERNANDINHOBrilliant Brazilian was a six-time winner playing under both Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola

RODRISpaniard scored in our 2-1 success over Aston Villa in 2020

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

ASA HARTFORDScot starred in our 1976 success over Newcastle and involved in Peter Barnes opener

YAYA TOUREScored in 2014’s 3-1 win over Sunderland and the decisive penalty in our 2016 Liverpool win

ILKAY GUNDOGANFour-time winner, scoring one of the shoot-out spot-kicks in our 2019 success over Chelsea.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD

COLIN BELLKing of the Kippax won the League Cup in 1970 and supported teammates in 1976 success

DAVID SILVAScored in 2018 success over Arsenal. Captain for 2019 and 2020 wins over Chelsea and Villa

KEVIN DE BRUYNEKing Kev was a League Cup winner in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021

RIGHT WING

DENNIS TUEARTStunning overhead kick winner in 1976 was voted the competition’s most iconic moment

SAMIR NASRIScored in 2014 Sunderland success and also voted Player of the Match

JESUS NAVASSpaniard scored in 2014 victory over Sunderland and 2016 win over Liverpool

LEFT WING

PETER BARNESBecame the youngest Wembley final goalscorer with his opener in 1976 triumph

PHIL FODENPlayer of the Match in our 2021 1-0 success over Tottenham. Four-time winner

RAHEEM STERLINGFive-time winner scored in our penalty shoot-out win over Liverpool in 2019

FORWARD

FRANCIS LEELegendary striker won the League Cup in 1970 as one of his six City trophies

SERGIO AGUEROSix-time winner scored in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020 finals

EDIN DZEKOGiant ace impressed in 2014 success over Sunderland

MANAGER

JOE MERCERVisionary manager won the 1970 final as part of his Golden Era in charge of the Blues

TONY BOOKSkip led us to glory in 1976 as boss following his 1970 success as a player

MANUEL PELLEGRINIPopular Chilean was twice winner in 2014 and 2016

PEP GUARDIOLAIconic Catalan boss became the first coach to win the cup in four consecutive years

Rory McIlroy achieved golfing nirvana in April of last year when he won The Masters and completed the career Grand Slam in the process.

McIlroy’s lifelong dream was realized at Augusta National in 2025 after he defeated Justin Rose on the first playoff hole.

Since then, the 36-year-old Northern Irishman has had to reassess his goals after doing what he described as ‘climbing the golfing version of Mount Everest’.

Just 48 hours after finishing his final round at The Players Championship on Sunday, McIlroy played in the TGL for Boston Common against Jupiter Links.

However, it’s worth pointing out that McIlroy has only played six events in total in 2026 – four on the PGA Tour and two on the DP World Tour.

The 29-time PGA Tour winner has been in fairly decent form so far in 2026, but his performance at The Players was extremely sloppy, after suffering a back injury just five days before the start of play at TPC Sawgrass.

He will be very keen to sharpen up his game ahead of his return to Augusta National next month as he looks to win The Masters for a second time.

However, he has now made a decision that, I believe, will prevent him from being at his absolute best at Augusta.

Rory McIlroy is taking a big risk ahead of The Masters

McIlroy will be desperate to defend his Masters title next month at Augusta National.

However, that certainly won’t be easy. Only three golfers have managed to do it in the history of the game – Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and most recently, Tiger Woods in 2002.

So it’s clear that McIlroy will have to be at the very top of his game to stand any chance of walking away from Augusta with green jacket number two.

With that in mind, the question has to be asked: Is the five-time major champion giving himself the best chance to defend his Masters title?

My opinion is that he isn’t, and has made a big mistake heading into the first major of the year.

On Tuesday, McIlroy announced he won’t be playing between now and The Masters, which starts in three weeks time.

That means that The Players Championship will be the last event he will have played by the time he tees it up at Augusta National.

McIlroy usually likes to play an event two weeks before every major championship he competes in.

He has even been known to play the week before majors in the past, most commonly at the Texas Valero Open prior to The Masters.

The last time McIlroy went three weeks or more before getting in some competitive reps before The Masters was way back in 2015 when the only event he played prior to Augusta National was at Bay Hill in March.

So, by deciding to have a three-week layoff before the first major of 2026, McIlroy has veered away from his normal routine.

If you’re a Rory McIlroy fan, that could be bad news on two accounts.

Rory McIlroy fans should be concerned ahead of The Masters

Firstly, McIlroy has achieved great success at Augusta National throughout the years by sticking to a blueprint that he knows and trusts.

By moving away from his trusted plan, he may well be out of sync by the time he arrives at Augusta National next month.

Secondly, in what is perhaps more concerning, McIlroy not playing between now and The Masters could be a sign that he is having more trouble with his back.

Back injuries are notoriously difficult to fix, and they can end up affecting the rest of the body.

Hopefully McIlroy is feeling 100 per cent fit with The Masters just three weeks away now.

However, his decision not to play any competitive golf for three weeks before he tees it up at Augusta National suggests that he might not be feeling great regarding his back right now.

Whatever way you look at it, McIlroy has made a strange decision in the lead-up to the first major championship of the year.

In the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 matchup, Bayern Munich smashed Atalanta 6-1 with the result never in doubt for the Rekordmeister. Bayern will play the second leg without the services of Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise due to yellow card accumulation. With Bayern’s top four goalkeeper options sidelined with injuries, Vincent Kompany must choose between Jannis Bärtl from Bayern II or Leonard Prescott from the U19 side.

Atalanta is winless in the club’s last five matches but it should be noted the last win was a 4-1 thumping of Dortmund in the second leg of the Champions League knockout phase. Atalanta will look to throw everything at Bayern in the first half then make some strategic long-term decisions in the second half if they have not reduced the five-goal deficit.

Prediction

Bayern wins 3-2. With a lot of rotation and lack of chemistry, the defensive breakdowns will be abundant. Both teams will score on free kicks in the first half. Nursing a five-goal lead, Bayern will concede a counterattack goal in the second half. As Atalanta starts to throw numbers forward, Lennart Karl and Luis Díaz will each score in the second half to send Bayern into the quarterfinals.

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Date: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

Time: 9:00pm local time (4:00pm EST)

TV/streaming: CBS Sports Network, Paramount Plus, Find Your Country

Odds: Bayern (-330), Draw (+425), Atalanta (+850)

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Time is winding down for Orioles spring training. The O’s have just four days left in Florida before heading north for a pair of home-and-home exhibition games against the Nationals and then Opening Day. This afternoon the O’s play their second and final spring game against the defending AL champion Blue Jays. They won’t see them again until the end of May, two months into the regular season.

Albert Suárez is in desperate need of an effective start. Spring training stats don’t mean everything, but his have been particularly rough — a 10.80 ERA in 6.2 innings — and when you’re a roster bubble guy, that could make the difference between cracking the Opening Day roster or being left out in the cold. Suárez is on a minor league contract, so it would be easy enough for the O’s to simply stash him at Triple-A Norfolk if he doesn’t make the team out of camp. Chances are we’ll be seeing him at some point this season, so it’d be nice if he can show he’s still got something in the tank.

A lot of Orioles regulars are making the trip to Dunedin for this one, including a number of guys who will be starting on Opening Day, though not necessarily at the same positions. Pete Alonso gets a partial breather as the DH while Ryan Mountcastle plays first, and Blaze Alexander is making the start in center field. If Alexander proves himself capable as an outfielder, that’ll be a huge boon to the Orioles’ bench.

Orioles lineup:

RF Dylan Beavers
C Adley Rutschman
DH Pete Alonso
1B Ryan Mountcastle
LF Colton Cowser
CF Blaze Alexander
2B Jeremiah Jackson
3B Weston Wilson
SS José Barrero

RHP Albert Suárez

Charlie Mulgrew did it all in his time at Celtic and now he is joining us in the Kerrydale Suite to share all his stories this May!

The former defender, who amassed over 200 appearances for the club, lifted eight trophies during his time at Paradise as well as multiple individual accolades too.

On Friday, May 15 (7pm), he will look back on the highlights of his time in the Hoops, players he shared a pitch with, managers he worked under and the support who backed him in their quests for domestic supremacy and European history.

Hosted by Gerry McDade, the evening promises to be one full of laughter, insight and entertainment.

Buy tickets

Tickets starting from £40 will include a bowl of curry on arrival, live entertainment from Liam McGrandles, a raffle and live auction too.

Enjoy all the evening has to offer before sitting down and reminiscing as Charlie Mulgrew takes a trip down memory lane.

VIP Tickets Available

A limited number of VIP tickets are available which include an exclusive meet & greet with Charlie before the event begins, giving you the chance to take photos and get memorabilia signed. VIP access starts from 6pm - 7pm.

Buy tickets

*Tickets for this event are over 18’s only

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Galatasaray: Injury Latest and Key Selection Calls

Predicted lineup and tactical shape

Liverpool head into a decisive European night with both urgency and quiet confidence, their predicted lineup reflecting a blend of returning stability and attacking ambition. The Reds are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Alisson restored between the posts after missing the first leg.

Ahead of him, the defensive spine looks far more secure. Ibrahima Konate is back in contention and likely to partner Virgil van Dijk, a pairing that offers both recovery pace and aerial dominance. At right-back, there is an intriguing tactical wrinkle. Dominik Szoboszlai is tipped to be preferred over a more natural full-back option, suggesting Liverpool may prioritise ball progression and midfield overloads in that channel.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to anchor proceedings, providing a balance between control and forward thrust. This double pivot will be crucial in dictating tempo, especially against a Galatasaray side that thrives in transitions.

Further forward, creativity hinges on Florian Wirtz operating centrally as a No.10. His ability to receive between lines and unlock compact defences could define Liverpool’s attacking rhythm. Mohamed Salah is set to return to the starting XI, bringing both goal threat and experience, while Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike complete a forward line designed for fluid movement and vertical penetration.

Ugurcan Cakir of Galatasaray in action against Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool Galatasaray v Liverpool, UEFA Champions League

Injury latest and fitness boost

Liverpool’s injury latest offers a timely lift. The headline news is the return of Konate, whose recent absence had raised concerns. As the original source details, the French defender was dealing with hamstring discomfort but has now been declared fit.

Manager Arne Slot provided reassurance in his pre-match comments: “He is declared completely fit, he doesn’t feel the discomfort anymore. So, then he is ready to start and hopefully fulfil 90 minutes or, if needed, even longer.” That statement alone reshapes Liverpool’s defensive outlook.

However, not all concerns have vanished. Joe Gomez remains a doubt after missing training and will face a late fitness test. Elsewhere, longer-term absentees continue to thin squad depth, with Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni unavailable.

The goalkeeper situation also sees a positive shift, with Alisson returning to bolster a backline that lacked its usual authority in the first leg. His presence alone can recalibrate defensive confidence, particularly in high-pressure European ties.

Key selection dilemmas for Slot

Slot’s biggest calls lie in the balance between control and creativity. The decision to deploy Szoboszlai at right-back is not merely positional, it signals intent. Liverpool may look to dominate possession and pin Galatasaray back rather than engage in a chaotic, end-to-end contest.

Equally, the positioning of Wirtz as the central playmaker places heavy responsibility on his shoulders. His interplay with Salah could prove decisive, especially if Liverpool are forced to break down a compact defensive block.

Another subtle but important decision revolves around Ekitike’s inclusion. His mobility offers a different dimension compared to a traditional striker, potentially dragging defenders out of shape and creating channels for wide attackers to exploit.

Champions League context and match outlook

This fixture arrives with Liverpool chasing a first-leg deficit, adding a layer of urgency to every tactical decision. The predicted lineup suggests a side built to control territory while retaining the capacity for quick, incisive attacks.

Galatasaray will not be passive opponents, particularly given their advantage. That places added emphasis on Liverpool’s midfield structure and defensive discipline. The return of key players, especially Konate and Alisson, could be the difference between vulnerability and resilience.

Ultimately, this is a night that demands both composure and conviction. Liverpool’s predicted lineup reflects a team prepared to take calculated risks while leaning on returning experience to steady the occasion.

If Slot’s selections strike the right balance, the Reds have both the personnel and momentum to overturn the deficit and progress deeper into the competition.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Seahawks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Seattle Seahawks’ unrestricted free agent class is officially all signed up. Seattle kept Josh Jobe, Josh Jones, Rashid Shaheed, and Chazz Surratt, while Cobe Bryant, Riq Woolen, Kenneth Walker, Dareke Young, and Boye Mafe have gone elsewhere.

For this week’s Reacts survey, we want to know which of the FA departures is the biggest loss for the Seahawks. Young was primarily a special teams player, Mafe has had some flashes of success as a rotational pass rusher, Walker has had his ups and downs but ended on a high note with the Super Bowl MVP, Woolen has been everything from a shutdown corner to a penalty-prone liability, and Bryant has done really well at safety after starting his career at cornerback.

The other question is the biggest need the Seahawks have entering next month’s draft. They’ve kept some free agents, signed depth players like safety Rodney Thomas II and running back Emanuel Wilson, but this is by no means the same splashy free agency we atypically saw last season. I’m not including every position because, well, some positions like quarterback are clearly not needs right now. The top options are running back, cornerback, safety, edge rusher, interior offensive line, and even interior defensive line if you think a true nose tackle or a possible long-term successor to, say, Jarran Reed is a must.

Vote in the survey below!

Check back during the weekend for the full results.

The Athletes Germany group has said it is "shocked" by an updated government draft on a planned sports funding law, saying athletes are not at the centre of it and that the political side and sports bodies have too much influence.

Athletes Germany said in a statement on Wednesday that they "firmly rejects it in its current form, saying that "the draft fails to meet fundamental requirements for modern governance in elite sport."

“With this draft bill, the federal chancellery and the organised sports sector – which has had a significant influence on it – are sending a clear signal: independent and effective athlete representation is still not desired within the German sports system,” Athletes Germany president Pia Greiten said.

The draft seen by dpa could be presented to the cabinet next week by State Minister for Sport Christiane Schenderlein. It is unclear when it will be presented in parliament.

The new law is regulate sports funding regardless of who is ruling the country. It is to give better planning securrity, reduce beaurocracy and serve a better performance from athletes.

One key is an independent sports agency which is to distribute the funds from 2029 onwards. The draft was reworked after criticism including from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) which said that organised sport did not have a big saying while the political influence was too big.

The original five-strong foundation council included only one member from sport. In the new version it has nine members, including three from the DOSB. The other six are from the federal side and that of state sports ministers.

Athletes Germany said that through the draft "organised sport consistently upholds existing power structures and prevents genuine participation.

"Decisions regarding athletes’ living and working conditions are made without their meaningful involvement."

Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl will reportedly get his first call-up into the German national team on Thursday for upcoming World Cup tune-up matches.

The Bild paper said on Wednesday that attacking midfielder Karl would be part of coach Julian Nagelsmann's 26-player squad for the games on March 27 in Basel against Switzerland and in Stuttgart against Ghana three days later.

Karl, 18, has seven goals and four assists for Bayern this season and has become the youngest German to score in the Champions League. He also had three goals in his last two German under-21 team appearances.

There had already been speculation that Karl would be picked for the last World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia in November but that did not happen.

Karl is considered one of Germany's brightest talents and a contender for a place in the World Cup squad. Nagelsmann has said that the March squad and that for the World Cup would be quite similar.

Germany will play debutants Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the group stage of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Today, the Chicago Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) released a statement regarding their future stadium plans:

We are excited to kick off our inaugural season in Evanston with our home opener at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on March 22.

Our goal has always been one of unity—galvanizing the Evanston community in support of the club, our athletes, and the advancement of equity for women’s sports. Based on the overwhelming support we’ve received, we believe that this is what Evanston residents seek as well but have also heard a call for more dialogue and understanding about who we are and the impact our presence will have on the community.

After thoughtful consideration with Northwestern University and their desire to open the new Ryan Field in a phased approach out of consideration for its neighbors, at this time we will not be proceeding with our application for a unique use permit to play in Ryan Field. We will play the entirety of our 2026 season at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

With our season now in progress, we are turning our full attention to delivering an exceptional inaugural season at Martin Stadium in Evanston while continuing to connect with the community through additional conversations, town halls, and civic engagement.

We encourage the entire community to come out to our home opener on March 22 to see what we’re all about and experience firsthand the future we hope to build together

What will be next for the Chicago Stars? Will they be able to find a long-term solution?

As Major League Baseball teams prepare for their final days of spring training in Arizona and Florida, Opening Day is lurking.

All three of them.

With a made-for-streaming standalone game and a handful of three-game series spread over four days, all 30 teams will open over a three-day period, as a handful of new national television windows debut.

The openers will also have a decidedly interleague look to them, as seven of the 15 series will match up American and National league teams. And while many teams build an off day into the second day of the season to allow for inclement weather, eight of the openers will be held in climate-controlled or warmer-weather venues.

When does the 2026 MLB season begin?

The San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees will begin the season Wednesday, March 25, with an 8:05 p.m. ET matchup broadcast exclusively on Netflix. Left-hander Max Fried will start for the Yankees, opposed by Logan Webb for the Giants, whose manager, Tony Vitello, will be making his professional debut. Vitello is the first manager to leap directly from collegiate coaching - at Tennessee - to the top spot in a big league dugout.

The Yankees and Giants are off Thursday, March 26 before concluding their series the following two days, including the debut Fox Sports national broadcast on Saturday, March 28.

When is MLB Opening Day?

Oh, you mean real, widespread Opening Day? That would be Thursday, March 26, when 22 teams will be in action, with all the trappings of the season opener: Plenty of bunting (hung from stadium facades, anyways) and a parade in Cincinnati and probably some Clydesdales in St. Louis.

The season openers on Thursday, March 26 (all times p.m. ET):

• Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets, 1:15
• Chicago White Sox at Milwaukee Brewers, 2:10
• Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs, 2:20
• Minnesota Twins at Baltimore Orioles, 3:05
• Boston Red Sox at Cincinnati Reds, 4:10
• Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros, 4:10
• Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, 4:10
• Tampa Bay Rays at St. Louis Cardinals, 4:15
• Texas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies, 4:15
• Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers, 8:30, NBC
• Cleveland Guardians at Seattle Mariners, 10:10

Which teams open Friday, March 27?

The Atlanta Braves (vs. Kansas City Royals), Toronto Blue Jays (vs. the Athletics) and Miami Marlins (vs. the Colorado Rockies) open Friday, March 27. All three series are of the three-game variety and these clubs opted to play three days in a row rather than use Friday as a potential weather make-up day (Miami and Toronto play in domed stadiums, anyway).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is MLB Opening Day? Three days of openers, explained

After addressing many of their immediate needs in free agency and via trade, the Los Angeles Rams will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with the flexibility to truly take the best player available. Still, it’s very possible that the Rams will prioritize some positions over others.

Following recent rumors that the Rams have interest in A.J. Brown, the front office may be showing their cards as to what position they may be targeting in the first round of the draft. The Rams have a clear need at the WR3 spot behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Jordan Whittington is more of a special teams player while Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith aren’t quite to the level of being a true third wide receiver in the offense.

According to The Athletic and Pro Football Talk, the Rams were one of the teams in serious talks with the Philadelphia Eagles for Brown, but backed out due to some concerns with his medicals.

The Brown trade discussions may have simply been about opportunity and wanting a more proven wide receiver. At the same time, the Rams may be looking for a legitimate third wide receiver behind Nacua and Adams. That’s a player that the Rams could also add with the 13th overall pick.

If the Rams backed out of the Brown trade due to medicals, that may rule out players such as Jordyn Tyson or Chris Bell. Still, if Brown is the type of receiver that they were looking for, Bell makes a lot of sense as he has elite physicality and dominates after the catch. The same can be said about Omar Cooper Jr.

Makai Lemon could fit that mold of a physical wide receiver as well which is why NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had the Rams taking the USC wide receiver in his latest mock draft. Said Jeremiah,

“According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams were in on trade discussions for Eagles star A.J. Brown, which points to their desire to add at receiver. Lemon has the characteristics they covet in wideouts, with toughness, strong hands and the ability to pick up yards after the catch.”

However, even if the Rams don’t take a wide receiver in the first round, it could be a position that’s on their radar on day two. Elijah Sarratt, Skyler Bell, and Ja’Kobi Lane could be potential fits in the middle rounds. Sarratt and Bell especially fit what the Rams are missing at the position.

With the Rams set to potentially pay Puka Nacua a top-of-the-market contract, it makes sense to keep the rest of the position cost effective on rookie contracts where they can. While wide receiver may not be considered a top need, it is a position that the Rams need to upgrade from a depth perspective. Adams is getting older, and having young depth behind him that can immediately upgrade the WR3 spot and develop into the eventual WR2 is the best-case scenario.

Again, the Rams will have the flexibility to go best player available in the draft because of how they’ve approached the rest of their offseason. With that said, their interest in AJ Brown speaks volumes on how they feel about their need at wide receiver.

Vision is a big part of winning in fantasy baseball. There is always a battle between upside and opportunity for young players arriving in the majors. Over the past couple of weeks, I've been thinking about this starting pitcher and where he went in drafts in the high-stakes market. He was on my radar when drafting my early Draft Championship formats (15-team league with 50 rounds and no waiver pickups or trades), but I was only able to roster him once in my three swings.

Check out our 2026 Fantasy Baseball Breakout Hitter of the Year!

Present Value

On Thursday night (3/19), I drafted my first main event ($1,800 entry fee with a chance to win $200,000) in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship. This pitcher went undrafted in nine main events from March 14th to March 17th. In the DC market, over the same time frame, he had an ADP of 506 with a range between 456 and 540.

Where did he come from?

His road to the majors has taken some time due to having TJ surgery in May of 2023. The Rockies drafted him in the 38th round out of high school, but he chose to go to Vanderbilt for three seasons (28-10 with a 2.89 ERA, 1.001 WHIP, and 321 strikeouts over 236.2 innings). The Mets invested a 10th overall pick in the 2021 June Amateur Draft, only to pass on signing him due to concerns about his medical record. In the following draft, the Texas Rangers upped their ante to the third overall selection.

Minor League Track Record

Due to his TJ surgery (2023), he has only pitched 83.2 innings in the minors over three seasons, leading to a 3-3 record with a 2.90 ERA, 0.908 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts. He walked only 1.6 batters per nine innings. His average tracked fastball over this past three seasons came in at 96.9 (2024), 96.1 (2025), and 95.4 (2026). His slider has been a high usage pitch in the past, with swing and miss upside.

What happened with the Rangers in 2025?

Texas gave him 14 starts last year, but major league batters had their way with him in seven disaster games (31 runs, 56 baserunners, and nine home runs over 24.1 innings with 22 strikeouts). He missed about six weeks from late April to early June with a mild right shoulder issue. Despite the disastrous look to his arm, his other seven trips to the mound showcased his potential (10 runs, 29 hits, two home runs, 10 walks, and 34 strikeouts over 40.0 innings - 2.25 ERA and 0.975 WHIP). He allowed 11 steals over 64.1 innings with no runner getting caught.

2026 Opportunity

Heading to spring training, he is competing for a fifth starting job for the Rangers. Over three appearances, he allowed five runs, 10 hits, one home run, and one walk over 8.2 innings with eight strikeouts. An off-the-books start (WBC exhibition game) led to a run, seven hits, and one strikeout over three innings on March 5th.

Who is my risk/reward pitcher?

My hidden gem is Kumar Rocker. He brings winning velocity and command, but he will start 2026 at age 26 with an injury history. For someone reading between the lines, a failed starting opportunity to open the season could lead to him working in the Rangers' bullpen, where Rocker checks a lot of boxes as a potential closing option. Texas needs someone to stand tall in the 9th inning to finish games, and he may surprise if given that opportunity.

I'm still drafting him late in deeper formats, with the hopes that Rocker earns a starting job and pitches well above his previous resume in the majors. His price point is free, removing the risk card from his investment equation.

In 2006, Jonathan Papelbon came out of spring training as a swing man for the Boston Red Sox. He allowed only seven runs all year over 68.1 innings (0.92 ERA), resulting in four wins and 35 saves. So, the downside of Rocker losing a starting job in March could be a closing win for the Rangers in the long run. Fewer innings could treat his arm well, which was also the case for Mason Miller a couple of years ago.

More Fantasy Sports On SI News:

• Luis Severino Finds Docked Fantasy Baseball Value in this Potential In-Season Trade
• Sam Darnold and Bucky Irving Biggest NFL Offseason Losers So Far
• Kenneth Walker III and Kyler Murray Among NFL Offseason Winners So Far
• CJ Abrams' Fantasy Value Set to Skyrocket in Potential Trade to the Yankees

This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as 2026 Fantasy Baseball Shocking Sleeper Pitcher of the Year Revealed.

While the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team is starting March Madness, the football team is getting ready for spring ball, with practices open to the media beginning on Thursday.

Wisconsin has a far different team in 2026 after overhauling their roster via the transfer portal once again this offseason. The Badgers brought in 33 transfers, which was the eighth-most in the country and the second-most of any team that didn’t have a head coaching change this offseason.

That coincided with 23 players exiting via the transfer portal, so Wisconsin needed a large batch of transfers to improve the roster and acquire depth at key positions.

With spring ball starting, let’s break down every position group, starting with the new-look quarterback room, which includes multiple transfers and a new projected starter.

Here’s what the room projects to look like heading into the spring.

Starter: Colton Joseph (redshirt junior)

Backup: Deuce Adams (redshirt sophomore)

Depth: Carter Smith (sophomore), Ryan Hopkins (freshman), Danny O’Neil (junior)

The Badgers will have three new faces at quarterback this season after bringing in Colton Joseph and Deuce Adams from the transfer portal and adding four-star Ryan Hopkins in their freshman class.

Joseph was the team’s prized possession in the portal, as Wisconsin was a significant competitor for him early, getting him on campus for a visit before quickly landing his commitment. One of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in college football last year, Joseph threw for 2,624 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while rushing for 1,0007 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Coming into Wisconsin, Joseph provides offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes with the ability to be creative with the quarterback run, but has some growth to do. Joseph still has a lot of refining with his footwork and pocket presence, as he can have a tendency to hold on to the ball too long. Wisconsin’s quarterbacks saw how big of an issue that was last year behind an inconsistent offensive line.

While that trait is important for extending plays, Joseph will have to be better in structure and also improve his accuracy after completing under 60 percent of his passes last year. The quarterback does have a good arm, but it’s not the strongest, so Joseph will have to find more efficient ways to stretch the ball downfield with his crop of pass-catchers.

Still, while there is some room for improvement as a passer, Joseph’s dual-threat ability immediately raises both the floor and ceiling of Wisconsin’s offense, as it adds another dimension for the defense to account for.

Behind him, the Badgers brought in Louisville transfer Deuce Adams, who saw minimal action in his first two years in college. Adams did make one start in 2026, but has completed only 7 of 15 passes for 112 yards in his career.

He should compete with Carter Smith for the backup role this season, and might have the upper hand with his ability in the pocket and his arm talent. Smith showed promise last year as a true freshman, but there was still quite a bit of development needed as a passer. We’ll see how much he’s grown this spring.

Those two should compete for the No. 2 and No. 3 roles, with Hopkins coming in as the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart as a true freshman. Danny O’Neil, who suffered a major lower-body injury to end the year, isn’t expected back for a while, if at all this season, so Wisconsin will likely roll with their those top four quarterbacks in the spring.

Los Angeles Lakers (43–25) vs. Rockets (41–26) | Game 69 of 82

WHERE TO WATCH AND WHAT TIME

Date: Wednesday, March 18 

Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. 

Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas 

TV: ESPN, Spectrum SportsNet 

Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW

GAME PREVIEW

The Lakers (43–25) and Rockets (41–26) continue their mini playoff series in the second matchup in three days as the season inches closer to its final stretch.

Los Angeles pushed their win streak to six games on Monday in a gritty 100-92 win over Houston behind an executed fourth-quarter plan defensively by the Lakers and another 30-point night from Luka Dončić; He has scored over 30 points in their six-game win streak.

Dončić finished with 36 points (six rebounds, four assists) on 14 of 27 shooting while LeBron James had 17-5-5 on 54% (seven for 13) shooting.

Austin Reaves had a season-high four steals against Houston in large part due to their defensive shift around Kevin Durant. Doubling him and forcing it out of his hands in the fourth.

Reaves finished with 15 points but struggled to find his shot, finishing on 28% shooting (five of 18) from the floor.

The Lakers' dialed-down defense forced Durant to finish with two points and seven turnovers in the second half. He totaled seven turnovers on eight made shots and zero 3s, with 18 points in 37 total minutes.

Don’t expect the same result from Easy Money Sniper, who will look to be aggressive from tip-off.

The Rockets were without Alperen Şengün in the loss, but he’s expected to make his return after a two-game absence.

Tonight’s matchup marks the third and final regular-season meeting between the teams this season.

The Lakers are 20-13 on the road, while the Rockets are 23-9 at home.

WHY THIS GAME MATTERS

The Lakers remain No. 3 in the Western Conference standings at 43-25.

A win tonight extends their margin in the standings to two and a half games over Houston, who is right behind them at No. 4 in the West.

The margin for error, or losses, is small in the West, as just two games separate the seeds from No. 3 to No. 6. 

WHAT TO AVOID

The Lakers were dominated on the offensive glass for the majority of the contest against the Rockets. Amen Thompson and Tari Eason had their way getting extra buckets and shot opportunities as they each finished with five offensive rebounds apiece.

The Rockets finished with 15 offensive rebounds, which led to 23 second-chance points.

Although the Lakers found a way to win down the stretch, they have to avoid the same mistake, as Durant is due for a big scoring night.

NOTABLE OPPONENT RANKS AMONG THE NBA

The Rockets' current ranking remains the same as before, outside of their 3P%, as a 19% outing against the Lakers dropped them four spots down:

10th (116.4) in offensive rating

8th (112.2) in defensive rating

Other rankings:

PTS — 21st (114.1)

FG% — 10th (47.4%)

REB — 1st. (48)

BLKS — 2nd (5.9)

3P% — 11th (36.2%)

STAT TO WATCH

LeBron James (1609 games) is currently two games away from tying Robert Parish (1611 games) for the most games played in NBA history and four games from breaking it. 

SEASON SERIES

Game 1 — Lakers 119-96 loss vs. Houston on Dec. 25

Game 2 — Lakers 100-92 win at Houston on March 16

INJURY REPORT

Lakers:

• Maxi Kleber (back strain): Out

Rockets:

• Jae'Sean Tate (knee): Out

• Steven Adams (left ankle surgery): Out for season

• Fred VanVleet (torn ACL): Out for season

THREADS FOR THE GAME

The Lakers will wear their purple Statement Edition uniforms, while the Rockets will wear their white ‘H-Town’ Nike City Edition unis.

NEXT MATCHUP

The Lakers continue the next four on the road against Miami on Thursday for their third game in four days. 

Then they head to Orlando, Detroit and then finally Indiana to end the six-game road trip.

16TB M.2 SSDs are now available to purchase, and their pricing is NUTS If you want to max out your M.2 slots and you have an unlimited budget, you can now buy a 16TB M.2 NVMe SSD for your PC. Fanless Tech has spotted a 16TB PE4 M.2 SSD from Exascend, a drive that costs […]

The post The world’s first 16TB M.2 SSD has appeared on Amazon, and its price is eye-watering appeared first on OC3D.

Chery achieves 400Wh/kg solid-state battery, Exeed ES8 testing within a year.

The post Chery’s 400Wh/kg batteries set for Exeed ES8 vehicle testing within a year appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.

HireMeIQ helps job seekers organize every application, interview, response, rejection, and ghosting in one place. Import roles from links or emails, log each stage, and see at-a-glance insights into volume, response rates, and progress.

HireMeIQ focuses on clarity today and hiring transparency tomorrow, surfacing patterns and timelines across companies as the community grows. Your data stays private, you control what’s tracked, and early users shape what comes next.

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HSMAI Europe Launches AI Advisory Board aims to guide hospitality in the responsible use of AI, exploring its future impact on the growth, innovation and industry.

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Australians face rising fuel costs due to Middle East war, impacting domestic travel plans, including road trips, flights, and cruises. Regional tourism hit hardest.

Hertz adds the INEOS Grenadier to its U.S. fleet, offering travelers a rugged 4X4 experience at select airport locations.

Eucepe Puntriano, named Executive Chef at Live Oak Charleston, will oversee Terra and Bloo Pool & Provisions when the hotel opens in April 2026.