Aave has been under intense pressure following the recent KelpDAO exploit, which exposed vulnerabilities across the broader DeFi ecosystem. The attacker reportedly used a bridge-related flaw to mint fake collateral, borrow real ETH from Aave, and leave behind bad debt estimated at nearly $280 million. The impact was immediate—AAVE price, which was struggling to hold above $115, dropped sharply toward the $85 zone.
Now, even as price attempts a recovery above $93, the underlying signals tell a different story. Capital flows, exchange reserves, and protocol-level activity are no longer aligning with a typical recovery phase, raising concerns about the strength of this bounce.
So the question is, is Aave price simply reacting to short-term fear after the exploit, or is the data pointing to something deeper—like distribution and rising sell pressure?
On-Chain and DeFi Data Reveal Weak Recovery Structure
After the initial price shock, a closer look at both on-chain and protocol-level data reveals that Aave’s recovery may not be as strong as it appears. Exchange flows and DeFi activity are beginning to diverge from what is typically seen during a healthy rebound, raising concerns about whether this move has real strength or is simply a temporary reaction.
Exchange Inflows Spike as Sell-Side Pressure Builds
The exchange reserve chart shows a sharp spike in AAVE balances, climbing to nearly 2.39 million tokens in a short span. This kind of inflow usually indicates that holders are moving assets onto exchanges, often with the intent to sell. Historically, such spikes tend to precede increased volatility or downside moves, especially when not accompanied by strong demand.
Capital Outflows Point to Fading Demand Strength
The DeFiLlama chart doesn’t just show TVL declining—it reflects a broader contraction across the protocol. Alongside TVL dropping, active loans are flattening/declining, indicating reduced borrowing demand. Treasury growth appears stagnant, suggesting limited value accrual, while USD inflows have weakened, pointing to lower fresh capital entering the ecosystem.
The combination of rising exchange reserves and falling TVL creates a clear imbalance—supply is increasing while demand is weakening. This is not a typical recovery setup. While short-term bounces can occur, the current structure leans toward distribution and cautious sentiment rather than strong accumulation. Unless exchange reserves begin to decline and protocol activity stabilizes, any upside move risks being temporary, with downside pressure still firmly in play.
Aave’s price action continues to reflect a weak and reactive structure rather than a strong reversal. After the sharp drop from above $115, the price attempted multiple recoveries but consistently faced rejection near the $100–$105 zone, which now acts as immediate resistance. The broader structure still shows lower highs and sustained selling pressure, indicating that buyers have not regained control.
On the downside, the $85–$90 range remains a critical support zone. Price recently swept liquidity below this level before bouncing back toward $93, but the recovery lacks conviction. Momentum indicators support this view—RSI is hovering around mid-levels (~45–50), showing no strong bullish momentum, while CMF remains negative, signaling that capital inflows are still weak.
The Bottom Line
Aave’s current setup reflects a clear mismatch between price attempts and underlying strength. While short-term bounces are occurring, rising exchange reserves, declining protocol activity, and weak price structure all point toward distribution rather than accumulation.
Unless AAVE price can reclaim and hold above the $100–$105 resistance with strong volume and improving on-chain signals, the path of least resistance remains uncertain, with downside risks still in play. For now, the data suggests that this is not a confirmed recovery, but a fragile consolidation phase where any breakdown could trigger another leg lower.
SEI has delivered a decisive move, rallying over 10% after breaking out of a prolonged downtrend. The shift comes after weeks of compressed price action where sellers maintained control through a series of lower highs. Momentum is now rotating as price structure, network activity, and derivatives data begin aligning. With the breakout confirmed and key resistance levels approaching, SEI price is entering a critical phase that could define its next directional move.
Network Activity Strengthens the Setup
SEI’s network activity shows steady improvement, reinforcing the recent price action. Total Value Locked (TVL) has climbed to $61.44 million, reflecting consistent capital inflows into the ecosystem. Stablecoin market cap on the network stands near $180.11 million, with a 0.94% weekly increase, indicating stable liquidity conditions. USDY dominance remains elevated at 59.43%, highlighting concentrated liquidity within the system.
Daily inflows are approaching $922,835, while decentralized exchange volume is around $6.29 million, supported by perpetual volume of $22.68 million. The data suggests sustained activity rather than a short-lived spike.
SEI Price Structure Signals Early Trend Reversal
SEI has broken out of its falling channel, ending a multi-week downtrend that kept price locked in a sequence of lower highs. SEI price is currently trading near $0.061–$0.062, rebounding from recent lows around $0.055. The breakout confirms a structural shift as price moves above the descending resistance, signaling that bearish control is weakening. The 20 EMA has flipped below price, indicating that short-term momentum is now favoring buyers.
With a clear volume spike visible during the breakout, it confirms a strong participation and reduces the probability of a false breakout. RSI has recovered toward the 58–60 range, showing improving strength while still leaving room for continuation. The structure now suggests the formation of a higher low, replacing the previous downtrend behavior and signaling the early phase of a potential trend reversal.
Key Levels to Watch
SEI is now testing a key resistance band between $0.065 and $0.070, a zone that previously acted as supply and capped upside attempts. A sustained move above this range could open the path toward $0.085–$0.090, aligning with prior breakdown levels.
On the downside, the breakout zone between $0.055 and $0.058 becomes the critical support area. Holding this range is essential to maintain bullish structure and confirm continuation.
Derivatives Data Signals Growing Participation
Derivatives data is reinforcing the strength of the move. Trading volume has surged to approximately $112.32 million, marking a 96.77% increase, while open interest has climbed to around $66.15 million, up 29.35%.
This rise in both volume and open interest indicates that new positions are entering the market, supporting the breakout rather than reflecting short-term covering. Funding rates remain relatively balanced, suggesting the rally is not overcrowded and still has room to expand. The current setup places SEI at a key inflection point where continuation could evolve into a broader recovery trend.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said focusing on performances – rather than the Premier League table – was the best approach for his side after their dominant win over Chelsea. The Seagulls replaced Chelsea in the top six on Tuesday as an outstanding performance at the American Express Stadium was rewarded by goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, […]
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Firefox developer Mozilla revealed that an early version of Anthropic’s Claude Mythos AI identified 271 vulnerabilities in the Firefox browser during internal testing, all of which were patched this week. The findings point to how advanced AI systems are starting…
Microsoft has released out-of-band updates to address a security vulnerability in ASP.NET Core that could allow an attacker to escalate privileges.
The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-40372, carries a CVSS score of 9.1 out of 10.0. It's rated Important in severity. An anonymous researcher has been credited with discovering and reporting the flaw.
"Improper verification of cryptographic
JAIPUR: It was a truly instinctive and athletic piece of wicketkeeping as Dhruv Jurel, playing his part to perfection for Rajasthan Royals, stumped Cameron Green of Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden last Sunday. Even Sachin Tendulkar singled out his presence of mind. “Only one stump in sight, on the move and done in the blink of an eye! Simply magnificent Dhruv Jurel,” he posted on X.
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Jurel was partially unsighted as Green moved forward and across to counter a Ravi Bishnoi googly that spun viciously down the leg side. The 25-year-old gloveman reacted in a flash. Diving full-length to his left to collect the ball, tumbling and off-balance, he managed a blind, behind-the-back flick that arrowed straight into the stumps. For Jurel, being behind the stumps offers the best possible view of the game. “It helps me understand the game better. The best seat in the house,” he told TOI.
Despite his evident quality, he is yet to become India’s first-choice keeper-batter in any format. But that does not dishearten him. “Competition is good and it actually keeps me sharp. The mindset is rooted in Army discipline, where you don’t just prepare for the battle, you train every single day to be battle ready,” he said. For Jurel, temperament and mental toughness are everything, qualities he readily admits he inherited from his father. “Growing up in an Army environment and hearing my father’s stories about being on the front has taught me a lot about bravery and discipline. I bring the same frontline mindset to the crease,” the Royals’ keeper said.
— sachin_rt (@sachin_rt)
Love for Test cricket
“Red-ball cricket is like a game of chess. I love the format. Test cricket is the real test of your character. I have learned that patience is more important than speed, and you need to be in-the-game all through the five days. It’s tough to maintain that focus.
“Winning a Test match for India provides a sense of fulfilling a duty, that’s why I felt like dedicating my maiden Test century to the Indian Army, in honour of the real heroes,” said Jurel.
United want at least two midfielders in the summer as part of their rebuilding job and are considering the France international. Casemiro is leaving Old Trafford when his contract expires and, though Kobbie Mainoo is close to signing a new deal, United only have three specialist central midfielders, with Michael Carrick instead using captain Bruno Fernandes as a No 10 now.
Tchouameni, who cost Real €80m in 2022, has been a regular across four years at the Bernabeu, making 44 appearances so far this season. But Real are expected to look for midfield reinforcements while other players have voiced their interest in joining the 15-time European champions, including Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Rodri.
Tchouameni, 26, has won La Liga and the Champions League during his time at Real as well as playing in the 2022 World Cup final for France. United have signed from Real Madrid in recent seasons, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Casemiro.
Celtic face Racing Club battle for Marcelo Saracchi
Celtic left-back Marcelo Saracchi is reportedly attracting interest from Argentine side Racing Club…
According to Argentine outlet El Crack Deportivo, the 27-year-old has caught attention following a string of decent performances since his arrival in Glasgow last summer.
Saracchi joined Celtic without an option to buy included in the agreement, leaving his long-term future at the Hoops uncertain. Earlier reports hinted at discussions over a potential permanent transfer, but no concrete progress with Celtic has been made.
The report suggests Racing Club are now monitoring the left-back as they prepare for possible squad changes. With current full-back Gabriel Rojas linked to a potential exit, head coach Gustavo Costas is believed to be assessing replacements, with Saracchi emerging as a viable option.
Saracchi’s agent confirmed last month that talks regarding his future were expected, though developments since then seem to have hit a stumbling block. Despite the uncertainty, Saracchi has been impressive this season for Celtic – contributing three goal involvements – two assists and one goal – in 22 appearances this season.
His energetic displays have resonated with supporters, many of whom are calling for increased playing time, especially given the inconsistencies of Kieran Tierney in recent weeks. Saracchi brings a wealth of experience, having previously featured for the likes of River Plate, RB Leipzig, Galatasaray, and Levante.
Marcelo Saracchi of Celtic takes a shot while under pressure from Jayden Richardson of St Mirren during the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and St Mirren at Hampden Park on April 19, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
The SFA has confirmed the refereeing team for Celtic’s upcoming Scottish Premiership fixture against Falkirk this weekend.
O’Neill’s side return to action following the league split on Saturday, taking on John McGlynn’s Falkirk at Celtic Park. The match will be the fifth meeting between the sides this season, with Celtic having won all four previous encounters.
Ryan Lee has been appointed as the referee for the match, with Jonathan Bell and Dougie Potter AR1 and AR2.
Meanwhile, VAR responsibilities will be handled by Chris Graham at Clydesdale House. He will be supported by Greg Aitken who is AVAR.
Conor Spence
Post your own thoughts in the comments section below…
‘For sure, Man Utd are considering…’: Romano discloses what INEOS are now thinking about signing Real Madrid star
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that while Aurelien Tchouameni is ‘appreciated’ by Manchester United, Real Madrid have not received any word of an incoming proposal.
In addition, he adds that the Spanish outfit have given ‘no indication’ that they’d be willing to part ways with their star midfielder this summer.
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With at least one marquee signing anticipated in M16, it goes without saying that the majority of fans would’ve jumped at the prospect of adding the highly-regarded Frenchman to the squad ahead of 2026/2027.
Prior to his £85.3 million (£68.3m upfront and £17m in add-ons) switch to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2022, United were among Tchouameni’s admirers when he was making a name for himself at AS Monaco.
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However, as is the case for countless young players being targeted by Premier League sides, the then-22-year-old favoured the European giants, and eventually put pen to paper on a six-year deal in the Spanish capital.
His decision unsurprisingly paid off, as he has since claimed seven major honours in a Los Blancos shirt, including a La Liga title and the club’s 15th Champions League.
Tchouameni ‘appreciated’ by United, but no talks have taken place
When addressing the speculation, Romano told viewers that, for now, it’s relatively ‘useless’ to keep addressing each link to a midfielder, as United are doing their due diligence in the lead-up to the window and extensively scouring the market to find players who they believe could be a perfect fit at Old Trafford.
“Just to be clear, I told you that Man United will go for two midfielders in the summer. Let’s see if it will be more, but for now, the indication is two. Man United want to sign important names, not small names. So, for sure, Man United are considering several midfielders,” began Romano.
“There are some players they really appreciate; Elliot Anderson, I’ve already mentioned, Sandro Tonali as well. There are some that they really like.
“Tchouameni is, for sure, appreciated. But at the moment, from Real Madrid, they are not receiving any indication of doors [being] open for a potential exit in summer.”
Lazio are reportedly keeping close tabs on Celtic midfielder Arne Engels as they consider a possible move in the upcoming summer transfer window…
Arne Engels during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
The Belgian has recently returned to action after a two-month injury absence, rejoining Martin O’Neill’s squad during a crucial period of the season.
Celtic turned down a £25 million bid from Nottingham Forest in January, standing firm on their decision not to sell the player midway through the campaign.
However, interest in Engels has not faded, with Lazio now said to be weighing up a summer approach.
Arne Engels of Celtic scores his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Reports in Italy from Lorenzo Lepore claim the midfielder has impressed those at the Serie A club, who could view him as a replacement should Fisayo Dele-Bashiru depart.
Any potential move may hinge on the future of Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri, whose position remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are also believed to be considering a renewed bid, despite their managerial change earlier this year.
Engels is expected to assess his options carefully over the coming months, with his long-term future still unclear. During the winter window, O’Neill had made it clear that only an exceptional offer would persuade Celtic to sell.
RB Leipzig had previously been linked with the midfielder but opted to pursue a deal for Rocco Reitz instead.
Uncertainty also surrounds Celtic’s managerial situation heading into next season. Under O’Neill’s interim spells in charge, Engels has worked his way back into the starting line-up after Brendan Rodgers benched him on a few occasions at the start of the season.
Lazio currently sit ninth in Serie A, though they have lost just once in their last seven matches.
Engels made his first start in Sunday’s 6-2 victory over St Mirren since his hamstring injury which came against Livingston in early February.
Arne Engels. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)
Given the turnover of players that Celtic will go through in the summer, Engels might see it the perfect opportunity to land a big money move back to one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Conor Spence
Post your own thoughts in the comments section below…
Chelsea’s 114-Year Low: Boehly has burnt down the empire that Roman built
Amid a plethora of figures who would mourn the current incarnation of Chelsea, perhaps one will feel frustrated more than once.
Roman Abramovich spent almost two decades transforming Chelsea. From the moment he ushered in a new dawn at Stamford Bridge in 2003 to his exit under a cloud 19 years later, Abramovich had only one objective: To win.
A team that had occasionally competed for trophies began to collect them with regularity. 21 major prizes were lifted under Abramovich, including twoChampions League titles. No London side had ever previously been European champions, and none have since.
Abramovich's fall from grace in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent government-enforced sanctions was an unceremonious end to his ownership.
Putting that enormous elephant to one side of the room, from a footballing perspective solely, the contrast between Abramovich's Chelsea and Todd Boehly's bumbling Blues could not be more stark.
Chelsea suffer worst run of results since 1912 after Brighton defeat
A dismal defeat at Brighton has all but ended Champions League hopes, and was a fifth straight league loss. Chelsea have failed to score in any of those games, the club's worst run of form for 114 years.
"I've defended the players, and I am accountable. I've always said that. But after tonight, I think the players as well need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. We lost 80 per cent of duels. We didn't win a header. Two of the goals come when we could head the ball. At any level, if you make those errors and lack of engagement, you're not going to win games of football."
Rosenior is not to blame for his appointment, but it's one of several poor decisions Chelsea have made. This is a coach with limited senior experience at any level, let alone managing a club with Chelsea's expectations. An internal BlueCo promotion without the required credentials for the job he inherited.
Chelsea have shattered transfer records under BlueCo, as Boehly and company have attempted their own 'Money-Ball' mission. There has been an absurd number of incomings and outgoings, with a focus on emerging talent. The oldest outfield regular is Tosin Adarabioyo, at just 28.
Chelsea have spread their bets and prioritised youth, with the hope that rough diamonds can become polished. Some might still bear fruit but Stamford Bridge, right now, is far from an idealistic environment to nurture novices. With an inexperienced squad and head coach, where will vital lessons be learned?
Somewhere along the line, the vision between long-term potential and winning has become blurred. This is not an organisation centred around success. The Abramovich era saw tunnel-like focus on big trophies. It may have been a ruthless 'hire them and fire them' policy, but nothing but the best was accepted.
Serial winners in Jose Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte all paid the price for falling short. Patience was a virtue that came second to that of determination to win.
Football is not all about winning, but Chelsea is a club that has been accustomed to it. In such a short time, Boehly has burnt down the empire that Roman built.
MS Dhoni and Deepak Chahar have always shared a strong off-field bond, and a recent video shared by Mumbai Indians on X once again showcased their camaraderie, this time with a humorous twist.
As Chennai Super Kings prepare to face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, the two five-time champions will meet for the first time in IPL 2026. Both teams have had a similar start to the season, winning two and losing four matches each, making this high-stakes clash crucial for regaining momentum.
The CSK vs MI fixture, often dubbed the “El Clasico of the IPL,” remains one of the most intense rivalries in the league. Mumbai Indians hold a slight edge in the head-to-head record, leading 22-19 across IPL and CLT20 encounters. In IPL 2026, MI and CSK is going to face for the 40th time and it is their 14th face-off in Mumbai.
Dhoni-Chahar Banter
Despite the fierce on-field rivalry, moments like these highlight the friendships that go beyond team colours. In a video from a recent net session, Deepak Chahar, now part of Mumbai Indians after his stint with CSK, approached his former captain MS Dhoni for a chat.
However, Dhoni jokingly pointed out the presence of the camera and quipped:
“Tum aaya, saath mein camera leke aaya… bhagao isko.” (You came along with a camera… get him out of here.)
Chahar then playfully told the cameraman to leave, saying: “Arey yaar bhaiya, jao aap.''(Come on, brother, please go.)
Dhoni added with a smile: “Haan, warna baat nahi kar paenge.” (Yes, otherwise we won’t be able to talk.)
— mipaltan (@mipaltan)
The duo is famous for their "elder brother-younger brother" bond. During the 2025 MI vs CSK match, Chahar hilariously tried to sledge Dhoni by gesturing he would field at short silly point as Dhoni walked out to bat. After CSK's win, Dhoni was seen jokingly "hitting" Chahar with his bat during the post-match handshakes, a moment that went viral as a sign of their enduring friendship.
When Formula E launched its Gen4 car on Tuesday at Circuit Paul Ricard, a much-discussed paddock topic was the yet to be announced calendar for the 2026-27 campaign when it will make its debut. That is because the all-electric championship faces a dilemma over whether to stick to its mantra of city-centre, street venues, to or visit more traditional and permanent tracks due to the insane performance of its new car.
The Gen4 has a top speed of 208mph with a peak power output of 804bhp – approximately 70% more than its predecessor, the Gen3 Evo – but the key is in its weight and size. It will be 87kg heavier, 439mm longer and 90mm wider, a significant step up from previous Formula E machines, and its scale really did take the audience back when it launched off the line for a demo run in the south of France.
With this step forwards in performance comes the issue that it may not be able to race at the circuits that the championship previously used, because if one thinks it is tricky for a Formula 1 car to race at places like Monaco, then it’ll be a similar problem for Formula E with the Gen4 just 110mm narrower than the all-new 2026 car.
And this puts London at risk. The British capital has been on the calendar with its ExCeL venue since 2021 and has proven to be a proper fan favourite – traditionally being the season finale. However, it is a very tight track with bendy sections such as Turns 10-13 and 18-20.
“It’s just a bigger, more muscular car, so it really has opened up circuits to us that we haven’t considered,” said championship CEO Jeff Dodds. “The bad side is there are circuits we love that we race on currently that it means the Gen4 car is going to find it very difficult to race on.
“London in the ExCeL, which is a fan favourite, a race that I really love personally, it’s already tight when those Gen3 Evo cars come out of the indoor section into the outdoor section and they’ve got a tight bottleneck that comes up.
“You simply won’t be able to do that in a Gen4 car. It would be too dangerous, it would be too complex. It would make for a very complex race.”
The Gen4 car is larger, heavier and faster than the Gen3 Evo
The Gen4 car is larger, heavier and faster than the Gen3 Evo
So, all signs are pointing to this year’s race, the final round of the 2025/26 season on 15-16 August, being the last for Formula E in London as it looks towards other venues and will submit its calendar proposal to the World Motor Sport Council in June.
It’s not yet known what will replace it, but general paddock chat puts Brands Hatch in the firing line as London’s obvious replacement. Yes, it’s not a city centre venue, but it’s rather easy to get to from the capital and, with the historic circuit lacking that headline event, it could really make Formula E its own.
Madrid’s Jarama has also set the benchmark, as the ex-grand prix venue made its debut in March and was a genuinely well-received event with a top atmosphere. Times are therefore changing and although one could argue that it means Formula E is losing its unique selling point, its chief championship officer and co-founder Alberto Longo holds the opposing view.
“We knew from the beginning that the more we have faster cars, the more challenging it will be to remain [at the tracks it has historically used],” said Longo. “City centre is one thing, what we’re used to is street racing.
“Let’s not forget about the track that we did in Moscow, Paris, Rome, those were purely street venues and when we talk about city centre, we can be talking about Mexico. Even if it’s a permanent track, it’s a city centre, you can go there by tube.
“Using permanent tracks, why not? This is about showcasing a car that is eventually going to be the fastest car on earth, so let’s start using the tracks that will showcase that. Our DNA is intact."
The Philadelphia Eagles have established one of the most consistent rosters in the NFL by focusing heavily on their offensive and defensive lines. However, this approach has raised questions about whether other positions should be the primary focus. Year after year, the Eagles invest significant draft capital in linemen, and while this strategy has proven effective, it has also led to a growing debate: are the Eagles neglecting key playmakers in a league that increasingly prioritizes explosive offenses?
The Eagles have been reluctant to use first-round resources on the tight end or safety position, while defensive tackle has been the first-round pick in two of the past five drafts, including going back-to-back in 2022 and 2023. General manager Howie Roseman has remained committed to building inside-out, prioritizing protection and pass rush above all else. But with evolving offensive trends across the NFL, some question whether the Eagles should adapt and load up on a game-changing safety.
Just two weeks ago, Philadelphia had Andrew Mukuba, Sydney Brown, Andre Sam, and Brandon Johnson on the roster at the safety position following Reed Blankenship's departure. Then the Eagles traded Brown to Atlanta and quickly re-signed Marcus Epps and added J.T. Gray. Mukuba is a guaranteed starter in Year 2, despite returning from a season-ending injury as a rookie. The second safety spot is up for grabs. Epps is a solid contributor, but he's aging and not a dominant game-changer. Gray is a special teams standout, while Sam and Johnson are back after spending 2025 on the practice squad.
The roster is loaded, but not without questions. Depth at safety, wide receiver flexibility behind the dynamic duo, and long-term offensive evolution all linger as areas that could demand attention.
On the field, the defensive backs showed strong quickness in closing on short completions, a theme throughout the high-tempo practice.
The defensive backs reacting quickly and closing in on short completions was a common theme throughout practice. Cornerback Paulson Adebo would do it later on after a completion to wide receiver Darius Slayton.
Adebo also broke up a pass in the final team period, contributing to a productive day for the secondary as the Giants focused on communication, coverage fundamentals, and competitive 7-on-7 and team drills.
Texas A&M's success on the recruiting trail will more than likely lead to finishing the 2027 cycle ranked No. 1 by the end of the year, and after the Maroon & White Game last Saturday, which also served as another hosting opportunity for third-year head coach Mike Elko and his revamped staff.
Over the last four months, Elko and new cornerbacks coach Bryant Gross-Armiento have had their sights set on five-star cornerbacks John Meredith and Joshua Dobson, who are both taking official visits to College Station over the next two months. Two blue-blood programs will serve as the Aggies' primary competition for both blue-chip recruits, while Dobson has now placed Texas A&M in his final five program list.
Officially competing with LSU, South Carolina, Michigan, and Auburn, Texas A&M has received nothing but praise from the five-star corner during his last unofficial visit, noting Elko's background as a defensive backs coach, while current freshman and former five-star cornerback Brandon Arrington has already looked like a first-year contributor after an impressive spring performance.
Joshua Dobson transferred to Cornelius (N.C.) Hough, before his 2026 senior season this fall, recorded a tackle and an interception during the Under Armour All-America Game earlier this year. According to 247Sports, Dobson is the 43rd-ranked prospect in the 2027 class, the 6th-ranked cornerback, and the 2nd-ranked prospect in North Carolina.
NEWS: Five-Star CB Joshua Dobson is down to 5 Schools, he tells me for @Rivals⁰⁰The 6’1 185 CB from Cornelius, NC is ranked as the No. 6 Recruit in the 2027 Rivals300⁰ Where Should He Go?⁰⁰https://t.co/mkYg8P5GBtpic.twitter.com/q2h69KY701
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AI may have many uses. Predicting the NFL draft may not be one of them.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, draft experts around the internet have tried to predict the outcome of the first round in their own unique mock drafts. Each expert has provided their own spin on the first 32 picks in this year's draft, and most of them have provided analysis while explaining their thought process for those picks.
But what if we pawned off all of that lousy "thinking" and "analysis" to a large language model (LLM) powered by AI? Can the chatbots come up with their own versions of a mock draft that compete with the accuracy and predictive analysis provided by real draft experts?
Over the last month, USA TODAY Sports has consulted with five different AI chatbots, asking each one to come up with its own predictions for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. OpenAI's ChatGPT, xAI's Grok, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI and Google Gemini each put together its own mock draft.
Here is a full roundup of the results of AI mock drafts ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft:
AI mock draft predictions before 2026 NFL Draft
Note: All five mock draft predictions were compiled before the Cincinnati Bengals traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants.
The only consensus pick of the entire mock draft roundup. Mendoza to the Raiders is the closest thing to a foregone conclusion in this draft, so even the artificial intelligence couldn't screw this pick up.
The Jets' selection at No. 2 was one of the picks that came the closest to a consensus in this roundup of AI mock drafts. One has to wonder how much of that came down to three out of the five chatbots seemingly forgetting about Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey's existence. Copilot's decision to have Love match Eagles running back Saquon Barkley's draft position at No. 2 overall was a real head-scratcher, but it's not even the worst pick of the group. ChatGPT's selection of Moore, who has already announced he would return to Oregon instead of declaring for the draft, was just a bit of foreshadowing for the disastrous mock draft OpenAI's LLM put together.
Microsoft Copilot: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Google Gemini: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
Grok: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Meta AI: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
ChatGPT: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Spoiler alert: Gemini's pick is the highest that Bailey goes in any AI mock draft in this roundup. Meanwhile, Copilot had Arizona opting for a different edge rusher – Microsoft's LLM had Bailey go later – and the two social media-owned AIs were in lockstep on an offensive tackle selection instead. Bailey and Mauigoa are among consensus selections for the Cardinals in the draft community, so those picks don't stand out. Bain at No. 3 is a bit of a reach in the post-NFL combine world where his arm length raised concerns. Elsewhere, ChatGPT continued to march to the beat of its own drum.
Microsoft Copilot: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Google Gemini: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Grok: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Meta AI: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
ChatGPT: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Another near-consensus pick. Tennessee would love to have Reese fall to them as one of the top edge rushers in the class, and Love is otherwise a popular consensus pick for the Titans among experts' mock drafts. For ChatGPT, none of that meant anything. While building up the offensive line in front of Cam Ward makes sense, no draft expert has Proctor as the top offensive tackle in this class, which is where he lands in OpenAI's mock.
According to five different AI large language models, one thing was for sure when it came to the No. 5 pick: an Ohio State Buckeye was coming off of the board. Though the LLMs did not have a consensus pick, all of the selections made sense for New York. Downs and Styles provide a necessary upgrade to Big Blue's defense, while Tate is an excellent wide receiver to pair with lead wideout Malik Nabers to support quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Microsoft Copilot: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Google Gemini: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Grok: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Meta AI: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
ChatGPT: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Build up the trenches! Getting an offensive tackle in the building is important for protecting whichever quarterback wins the starting battle in Cleveland for 2026, whether that be Mauigoa, Fano or Freeling (though the latter is a bit of a reach at 6). ChatGPT continues to do its own thing here, and while Woods is also a reach this early, he is also one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the class.
The Commanders' pick was another rare instance in which there were several different options from the different LLMs and all of them would make sense. Styles is a pick that would make a ton of sense for Washington if he fell this far – helping to replace Bobby Wagner in the linebackers group and provide a capable pass defender at the position. Downs would help give the Commanders an extra boost in the secondary, which they desperately need with a weak group of cornerbacks. Bain could slot in across from free agent signing Odafe Oweh to upgrade Washington's pass-rush attack in a big way, and Tate could be the No. 2 wide receiver the Commanders are in need of behind Terry McLaurin.
Addressing the worst pick first: ChatGPT's selection of Stewart was the second time in its mock draft it tried to pick a player that did not declare for the draft. Outside of that, it was either Tate – to give New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough a strong second option to throw to outside of Chris Olave – or Delane, a cornerback that fills a need across from Kool-Aid McKinstry after Alontae Taylor's departure in free agency. Not bad.
Giving Mahomes more wide receiver help with Tyson would make sense at No. 9, as would improving the secondary or edge rusher situation in Kansas City. The Chiefs have not done well getting after opposing quarterbacks on the edge – though Chris Jones has held things down in the interior – and they've lost some key defenders in the secondary this offseason.
What does not make sense in the slightest is wasting a top-10 pick on a player that already plays for another professional team. This is only the beginning of many (many) such moves by ChatGPT.
Improving the defense had to be a clear point of focus for the Bengals this offseason – which they made clear in their trade of this pick for Dexter Lawrence. These AI mock drafts were all put together before that trade, and each LLM understood that assignment except for ChatGPT. Offensive tackle is a position of need, but Cincinnati will have a hard time if it tries to draft one of the Saints' players.
Google Gemini: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
Grok: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
Meta AI: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
ChatGPT: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Lemon's a good fit for a team that released wide receiver Tyreek Hill and traded away Jaylen Waddle this offseason. Bailey is a steal at the No. 11 pick in the draft and gets the Dolphins a high-ceiling replacement for Bradley Chubb, whom they also released in the offseason. But once again, ChatGPT is trying to use the draft to steal players from other teams. Johnson was the Cardinals' second-round pick last year.
Defense, defense, defense for the Cowboys, who finished last year with one of the worst units in the sport. Dallas allowed the third-highest completion rate, second-highest passer rating and most passing yards to opponents in 2025, so adding a cornerback makes sense. Styles, a super-versatile freak athlete, would be a steal for Dallas here as well. But not as much of a steal as Pearce, who is currently rostered by the Atlanta Falcons.
Fano would give the Rams talented extra depth at offensive tackle, while Tyson and Lemon would do the same at wide receiver to eventually replace Davante Adams. Notably, Grok just re-drafted Lemon two picks after sending him to the Dolphins. Sadiq would be a strong addition to an offense that loved to run three-tight-end sets in 2025, though there isn't an immediate need there. Meanwhile, ChatGPT tries to steal a player who is already in the NFL for a fifth straight pick.
Make it six straight stolen players for ChatGPT as Hunter, currently on the Jaguars, apparently manages to both play offense and defense and play for two different teams. Otherwise, Ioane is the most popular pick for a Ravens offensive line that just parted ways with center Tyler Linderbaum. Edge rusher is not as pressing a need for Baltimore after it signed Trey Hendrickson, and the Parker pick is also a bit of a reach by Copilot. Still not as bad as ChatGPT.
Microsoft Copilot: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
Google Gemini: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Grok: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Meta AI: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
ChatGPT: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Replacing wide receiver Mike Evans is on the docket for the Buccaneers in the logic of Copilot and ChatGPT, but only one of them picked a draftable player. McMillan, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year for the Carolina Panthers, isn't going anywhere. The three other LLMs opted to address a more pressing draft need for Tampa Bay: edge rusher.
A new quarterback for Gang Green? That makes sense, Copilot and Gemini. More wide receiver help across from Garrett Wilson? Solid decisions, Grok and Meta AI. An edge rusher that ranks outside the top 75 of USA TODAY Sports' draft expert Ayrton Ostly's big board? Well, ChatGPT, at least it's a 2026 draft prospect for the first time since No. 7 overall.
Offensive tackle is a clear need for the Lions with Taylor Decker's surprise release request, and four out of five AI LLMs got that memo. If you had one guess as to which missed it... That's right, ChatGPT picked another player that already plays in the NFL.
Thieneman is by far the most popular pick for the Vikings at No. 18 in draft experts' mocks around the web, so it makes sense to see him well-represented in the LLMs' picks. McCoy also makes some sense for Minnesota as help in the secondary at a different position. What doesn't make sense? Drafting an offensive tackle that already plays for the Houston Texans.
More pass-catching help for Bryce Young? Sure, even if it means a third straight year of taking a wide receiver in the first round. For Grok, this is the third time Lemon has been drafted, so that's not ideal. Gemini's Sadiq selection is the best of the bunch here by getting tight end help instead. While ChatGPT's "heart" was in the right place, its logic once again misled it by trying to draft yet another player that has already been employed by another pro team.
More defensive help for the Cowboys in most of the selections here at No. 20 after most LLMs had them taking a cornerback at 12. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is back to its old ways and trying to give Dallas another already-drafted player: first it was James Pearce Jr., now Walker, who was the Bills' fourth-round pick last year.
No real theme emerges from the collective AI picks at No. 21. In addition to ChatGPT continuing its tendency to select 2025 draft picks (Morrison was a second-rounder for the Buccaneers last year), Grok got in on the weirdness. The xAI chatbot tried to select Ioane a second time after sending him to the Ravens seven picks prior.
Microsoft Copilot: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Google Gemini: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Grok: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Meta AI: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
ChatGPT: OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
So Grok apparently loves re-drafting players in the same draft. First Lemon, now Ioane gets drafted a third time. ChatGPT still loves stealing players from other teams, with the Commanders losing their offensive tackle this time. Tackle depth makes some sense here from Meta AI and Gemini's picks after last year's disaster. Johnson, one of the best small school prospects in this class, gets into the first round in Copilot's mock draft.
If the Eagles are able to get Sadiq, their eventual replacement for Dallas Goedert, at No. 23, their draft would be off to an incredible start. One thing Howie Roseman definitely won't do? Try to poach Luther Burden III from the Bears with his first-round pick, at least in any way that isn't via trade. McNeil-Warren and Faulk would address Philly's needs on defense, with edge rusher among the biggest roster holes.
Disregarding ChatGPT again here, the rest of the picks mostly make sense. Copilot's move to have Cleveland double down on offensive tackles in the first round is questionable, but the wide receiver picks from other LLMs make a ton of sense for a team needing more support in the receiving corps.
Once again, we're going to disregard ChatGPT's shenanigans at this point. The Bears could really use safety help after letting so many of their safeties walk in free agency this offseason. Grok and Meta AI's McNeil-Warren picks address that. Copilot's Omar Cooper Jr. selection serves as Chicago's replacement for DJ Moore, whom the Bears traded to the Bills, but is also a more questionable pick with more pressing needs elsewhere.
Again, ChatGPT makes a horrible pick of a 2025 draft prospect, and again, we disregard. Gemini and Grok's picks for an edge rusher make the most sense here to address one of Buffalo's biggest needs.
ChatGPT disregarded. Gemini and Meta AI have the 49ers drafting their possible Trent Williams replacement, while Copilot and Grok have them addressing one of their biggest needs at edge rusher. Outside of ChatGPT, solid choices all around.
All AI LLMs (except one, because of course) went with an interesting strategy of going defense with the Texans' first-round pick. Houston already has one of the strongest defensive units in the sport, and offensive line felt like a bigger priority heading into this draft. The chatbots seemed to disagree here at pick 28.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)
Microsoft Copilot: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Google Gemini: Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Grok: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Meta AI: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
ChatGPT: CB Kalen King, Penn State
Similar to the Chiefs' first pick in this mock draft roundup at No. 9, pretty much every pick (except the one bad one, you know which) makes sense. Cornerback needs to be a priority with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson going to the Rams earlier in the offseason, and that's what Grok and Meta AI address. Wide receiver and edge rusher help is necessary as well, which jibe with Copilot and Gemini's selections.
Another pick, another nonsensical ChatGPT selection. Outside of that, more draft capital spent on building up the Dolphins' foundation makes sense after each AI took strides to do so with the No. 11 pick. Meta AI's selection stands out as the most unique of this bunch as a player at a non-premium position.
Copilot got in on the jaw-droppingly bad logic train with this pick. The Patriots are not drafting a quarterback in the first round after Drake Maye was the MVP runner up and led New England back to the Super Bowl. ChatGPT also picked another 2025 prospect, so nothing new there, and Meta AI reached for a linebacker. That leaves Grok, shockingly, with one of the better picks to give Maye some blocking help up front. Gemini's defensive tackle pick – getting Woods, a top-ranked player at his position as well – is the best pick here.
ChatGPT closes out its mock with a whimper. Copilot, Grok and Meta AI all make a logical pick for a cornerback with Riq Woolen departing earlier in the offseason. Gemini's selection of a wide receiver is a bit surprising given Seattle's retention of Rashid Shaheed in free agency, but the extra depth wouldn't hurt for the Seahawks' offense.
ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 28: Duquesne Dukes guard Jimmie Williams (3) drives to the basket as Saint Louis guard Quentin Jones (1) defends during an Atlantic 10 Conference basketball game between the Duquesne Dukes and the Saint Louis Billikens, on Feb. 28, 2026, at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, MO (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“Bucketheads” is LGHL’s men’s basketball podcast, hosted by Connor Lemons and Justin Golba. In every episode, they give you the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes and everything else happening in college hoops.
On episode 202 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Justin and Connor are back to discuss the newest Ohio State men’s basketball transfer portal signee Jimmie Williams and what the roster looks like as of April 21.
With the addition of Williams, the Buckeyes bench depth is starting to take shape. We talk about what he did well at Duquesne, what he struggled with, and what the main things are that he brings to Ohio State.
Now, what is left for Jake Diebler and the staff to add, and who are the main players to look out for? What do we think the rotation will look like next season?
Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review! We have episodes every Thursday morning.
This offseason, the Denver Broncos brought back most of their 2025 roster that reached the AFC Championship game.
They made a splash this spring when they acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, but the Broncos didn't make any big outside signings during NFL free agency. They are now approaching the 2026 NFL draft with a second-round pick, two fourth-round picks, one fifth-round pick and three seventh-round picks.
With limited draft capital and a talented roster, Denver's draft class might not make huge contributions in 2026. Broncos general manager George Paton admitted as much during his pre-draft press conference last week.
"We typically like to draft high-trait players," Paton said. "Maybe they lack a little bit of polish, and it’s going to take some development. We’ve done a great job with the coaches in developing these types of players. We took Quinn Meinerz. He started his first year, maybe wasn’t quite ready.
"Sure, we’d like somebody to come in and start right away, but that’s not always realistic for first-, second-[round picks], no matter where they’re picked. It’s just hard. With the way our team is built now, it’s going to be hard to come in and start Day 1.”
That's something to keep in mind during the draft. Denver's looking for long-term talent to develop, but similar to cornerback Jahdae Barron in 2025, there might not be many immediate snaps available for the draft class. It's ultimately a good sign as it reflects the strength of the roster that Payton and Sean Payton have built with the Broncos.
In his two spells at Pirates he has made 69 appearances, scoring 39 tries.
"[Nelson] brings a wealth of Championship experience and his time in the Prem with Gloucester has added another layer to his game," joint-head coach Alan Paver told the club website.
"His leadership, both on and off the field, has been a major factor for us this season and we see him as a key part of the future at the Pirates."
Morgan is the latest player to agree a new deal with the side this week after Angus Mawson and Arwel Robson committed themselves to the club.
ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor #74 of the Alabama Crimson Tide sprints down the field during the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on September 27, 2025, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A lot of mock drafts project Kansas City to take Francis Mauigoa in the top 10, but I predict the Chiefs select a different offensive tackle at No. 9 overall. Kadyn Proctor fits the team’s prototype for the position and could slip into the starting RT spot following the release of Jawaan Taylor. The gargantuan Alabama product could also stay on the blind side in a scenario where 2025 first-rounder Josh Simmons switches back to right tackle, where he started as a redshirt freshman at San Diego State.
The Chiefs have a strong track record of first-round trades. Kansas City has made a trade involving a first-round pick in seven of the last 10 drafts, with mostly strong results — including the 2017 deal that landed Patrick Mahomes.
The No. 29 pick came from trading cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams in March. That deal also netted a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick.
Wide receiver could be the pick at No. 9. With Hollywood Brown now in Philadelphia and Rashee Rice entering a contract season, the position checks the boxes of team need, positional value and available talent — with Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson potentially on the board.
Edge rusher and cornerback are also major needs. Free agency departures including McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Mike Danna created holes. Many mock drafts project top edge rushers off the board before No. 9, which could push that position to No. 29.
Justin Fields has everything it takes to be a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs during this new stage of his career. During his early interactions with his teammates, he noticed a winning mentality that reminded him of his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Just the winning, to be honest, finding ways to win. Just having that culture, similar to when I was in Pittsburgh, just that winning mindset. You can tell why that happens,”
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
The Chiefs haven’t picked in the top 10 of the draft since 2017. They took some guy named Patrick Mahomes.
If they play things right and get things back on track, this will be the last time they pick in the top 10 for a long time. That’s why rolling the dice on Jordyn Tyson is not a risk worth taking for Kansas City at No. 9.
Tyson is the ninth-ranked prospect on our big board and our top receiver by a narrot margin over Carnell Tate. But the injury risk has to be acknowledged.
Tyson has a concerning history of injury that needs to be considered. He tore his ACL, MCL and PCL as a freshman at Colorado and only played in nine games last season as he dealt with a hamstring issue down the stretch of his final collegiate campaign.
His skills will make him a tempting selection for a team that needs young playmakers to step up. However, needs at offensive tackle and edge-rusher should leave Kansas City with better, higher-floor selections.
Just to be clear, this isn’t about Mansoor Delane being overrated. Delane is 100% a first-round cornerback that feels like a very safe bet to be a quality cornerback from day one of his rookie season and should have a successful NFL career for years to come. The problem is that most experts agree he’s just shy of the true NFL shut-down corner tier prospect. If Delane was viewed as a Sauce Gardner/Jalen Ramsey/Darrelle Revis type of elite corner, he would be a surefire top five draft pick in a draft class that is seen as short on true elite talents, especially at the more premium positions.
Delane is incredibly fluid and excels in zone coverage and is very good in man coverage as well. He’s smart and has good technique. His size and speed are both good but fall just short of being ideal for a true shut-down corner that you can match up with any wide receiver in man coverage. While he ran an impressive 4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day, there are times on tape where really fast/twitchy wideouts can get away from him (KC Conception was one). While he plays physical, he isn’t overly strong, and his 30″ arms leave room for bigger/stronger wideouts to bully him a little at the catch point.
The Fox Sports commentator said a lot hinges on when Mahomes returns to the lineup and his overall recovery from the injury. Mahomes recently returned to the field for throwing work and Reid recently said there is a strong possibility that the star quarterback returns in time for Week 1.
“Can Steve Spagnuolo on defense continue to keep that defense rolling and carry the load with Chris Jones and some of those other good pieces? Sure,” Olsen said. “But make no mistake about it, your team is not as good without Patrick Mahomes than it is with Patrick Mahomes. The number one priority of that organization is getting him healthy on whatever timeline that is.
“If he’s not back for Week 1, so be it, because they got to ensure that when Patrick Mahomes is back, he is 100% the Patrick mahomes that we’ve seen for give or take a decade,” said Olsen. “They keep him lined up behind center, that is their two of their number one priorities this season. And from there, we’ll see how the draft goes. We’ll see. Can they continue to find some more offensive pieces to solidify the O-line? A couple other question marks that are out there, but never count out Mahomes, never count out Andy Reid. They’ve been doing it at a high level for a long time.”
“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players,” said Vrabel, who earned his second AP NFL Coach of the Year award last season while leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance.
“Those have been positive and productive. We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me, that starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction. Those are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team and with the team. We’ll keep those private and to ourselves.”
Notably, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN’s Ben Strauss that the league is not reviewing whether Vrabel violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which states that players, coaches and executives must not engage in “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in” the NFL.
Vrabel started his Tuesday statement by thanking the assembled media for their patience in what he described as a “personal and private matter” for both him and everybody involved.
Two days before the NFL draft, the New York Jets’ preference with the second overall choice is still shrouded in mystery. It’s expected to be either Ohio State’s Arvell Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey, whose scheduled top-30 visit last week was canceled by the Jets.
Don’t read anything into that, according to general manager Darren Mougey.
“In regard to David, we had good touch points with him at the combine, we went to his pro day, had a good dinner with him, and we were just kind of juggling our 30 [visits] and how to use them,” Mougey said Tuesday at a predraft news conference. “I wouldn’t look too much into a cancellation because there was other ones that we may have changed as well.”
Mike Tomlin, one of the most intriguing NFL TV prospects in years, is headed to NBC to be a top studio analyst on its Sunday night pregame show, “Football Night in America,” sources briefed on the move told The Athletic on Tuesday.
Tomlin, 54, has been eyed by sports TV executives for more than a decade because of his success as a Super Bowl-winning Steelers coach, his knowledge of the game and his unique phraseology.
Fox showed some interest in Tomlin, but NBC had the biggest need for his services. The network is reimagining its pregame show, a move that has already led to Tony Dungy’s dismissal after 17 seasons.
The roles of Rodney Harrison, Jac Collinsworth and Chris Simms are also in question as the network seeks more current star power and fewer people on the show. NBC Sports declined to comment.
Trade up from pick No. 9 to pick No. 3: Arvell Reese, Outside Linbacker, Ohio State
Chiefs trade picks No. 9 and No. 29 to the Arizona Cardinals for No. 3 and No. 104
Kansas City is in a rare position as a perennial Super Bowl contender picking in the top 10 after a down season, while also holding extra draft capital from trading cornerback Trent McDuffie. With an already strong core in place, the Chiefs are one of the few contenders where moving up makes real sense.
The ninth pick offers a chance to secure a franchise cornerstone for the next decade, which should be the priority. Rather than addressing only short-term needs, the Chiefs should focus on sustaining the long-term championship window.
The biggest long-term concern is the defensive line. Chris Jones is 32 years old and nearing the later stages of his prime. Replacing his impact will only become harder when the team returns to drafting near the end of the first round. Acquiring that type of player later often requires multiple first-round picks for an older, more expensive veteran.
That makes trading up now the smarter move: give up less capital, land an elite talent on a rookie deal and develop him in-house through his prime years.
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Highest win percentage when team allowed 28+ points in the Super Bowl era…
1. Patrick Mahomes – .483 (14-15) 2. Josh Allen – .435 (10-13) 2. Randall Cunningham – .435 (10-13) 4. Joe Montana – .409 (9-13) 5. Jim Kelly – .393 (11-17) 6. Jalen Hurts – .381 (8-13) 7. Tom Brady -… https://t.co/Ibhi2t1K8p
Charley Hoffman has shared how well he gets along with Rory McIlroy more than a year on from his letter to the PGA Tour membership that appeared to criticise the Northern Irishman in particular.
It does appear that brighter times lie ahead for the PGA Tour. There is more than a question mark hanging over the future of LIV Golf. Those at Ponte Vedra now seem to hold almost all of the cards in the game’s civil war.
But in the early stages of 2025, there was a lot more debate over the best way for the PGA Tour to move forward.
Charley Hoffman reflects on his 2025 letter to the PGA Tour membership that indirectly criticised Rory McIlroy
The likes of Justin Thomas and Charley Hoffman sent lengthy letters to the membership. Hoffman’s letter threatened to ruffle more feathers, with the veteran noting that stars playing on other tours do not help the PGA Tour.
He pointed out that players could not moan about how much they play while also turning up on the DP World Tour and TGL.
The problem was that Rory McIlroy was the one player who ticked every box on that front. Understandably, McIlroy felt that the point was directed squarely at him when asked about Hoffman’s letter after a TGL appearance.
He did not seem particularly impressed.
Speaking on the Fore Play Podcast, Hoffman opened up on his message to his fellow PGA Tour players, and how he and McIlroy have got along since.
“Rory and I, believe it or not, are on very good terms I think. I speak my mind in what I think and I think I’m very open-minded when it comes down to it. It was a lot of focus at the top players saying they wanted to play less, which is a bunch of BS. They just want to get paid when they play, which I don’t have a problem with by the way. I don’t have an issue with that,” he said.
Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
“Unfortunately or fortunately depending on who you are, the PGA Tour doesn’t make you play any events. You don’t have to play in a playoff event, you don’t have to play in a signature event, you don’t have to play anything. But we’re lining up sponsors for $20 million. You need participation.
“So the Delaware group said we want to play less, we want to do this. And it’s like half the guys want to play less, half the guys want to play more. You’re never going to make the whole membership happy, but when people start talking like this is the reason why we’re doing this and then they go on to play the Race to Dubai, which I don’t have a problem with, playing in Australia for the Aussie Open, the reality is for the game of golf, it’s better to play globally. Rory’s taking this game across the world which is amazing. But it’s not the best thing for the PGA Tour.
“So if you’re sitting on the board representing the PGA Tour and you’re saying all these things, but you’re actually supporting the Aussie Tour, the DP Tour and all these other tours, you’re not really supporting the PGA Tour when you’re taking events off that need to be supported because you’ve got sponsorship domestically that need you in the field. So I was just calling that out.”
How PGA Tour players feel about how the product has changed since LIV Golf started
It is going to be fascinating to see how the PGA Tour looks in the coming years. It has already been announced that neither The Sentry or the Sony Open in Hawaii will be on the future calendar in their current forms.
It is a controversial step. And it also provides an indication of some of the brutal decisions that are to come from Brian Rolapp and the Future Competitions Committee.
Some – particularly those with connections to Hawaii – will not like the move. But speaking about the direction the tour is going in, Hoffman suggested that he is extremely optimistic.
“Obviously TGL was a very strategic move by the PGA Tour. There’s no need to go into depth about that, but the reason why TGL was formed was to keep players here domestically and not to play LIV. It is a league that was formed so that you couldn’t join another league. That’s the reality of TGL. And another way to make money, and it’s great, another way to make money for the players,” he said.
“It’s pretty up front that we’ve made a lot more money since LIV’s come around. It’s been a good thing to be an independent golfer, an independent contractor in the game of golf, no matter which way you went, you made a ton of money. The guys who stayed on the PGA Tour made more money. The guys who went to LIV made more money. Everybody made more money. It sort of trimmed the fat of which way we’re going to go. And who knows where we end up, and obviously a ton of rumours in this last week about what’s going on, but I think the tour is a better product now than it was three years ago, four years ago.”
The PGA Tour certainly seems to be in a much stronger position than when LIV emerged back in 2022.
And if they have learned from the complacency that opened the door for the breakaway league in the first place, then the PGA Tour has plenty to be extremely excited about.
Dec 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
One of the most underrated transactions of the offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals is re-signing quarterback Joe Flacco.
After starting six games in 2025, throwing for 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, Flacco has earned the respect of the entire team and the adoration of Bengals fans.
Flacco could have gone elsewhere to start this season, but he chose to stay with the Bengals and backup Joe Burrow.
“It’s not like I didn’t have opportunities. At the end of the day, I felt like I made a decision that was best for me and my family and what my gut was telling me and all that,” Flacco said. “It wasn’t like I just had to make the decision to go back to Cincinnati.
“I gladly made that decision, but at the same time, I think you always feel that way as a competitor. You want to be the guy, and when you don’t really feel like you’re given as many opportunities as you would like, of course, you’re going to feel a certain way about it.
But you know, I kind of say that half-seriously, half-jokingly. You know, I was serious for sure. But I gladly made my decision to go back to Cincinnati, and I’m excited about that.“
Not only have the Bengals pushed their chips into the center of the table by trading for Dexter Lawrence, but they have also insured themselves with Joe Flacco, giving Joe Burrow an insurance policy. If the worst happens, the Bengals aren’t doomed. That’s a good thing. This is all the product of a very good offseason for the Bengals.
“It wasn’t like I just had to go back to Cincinnati, I gladly made that decision”
Victor Wembanyama’s availability has suddenly become the biggest question in the San Antonio Spurs’ playoff series.
The Spurs star exited Game 2 against the Portland Trail Blazers after a concerning fall, immediately shifting attention from the result to his health.
With the series now tied, his recovery timeline could play a major role in how things unfold next.
Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
NBA concussion protocol sets timeline for Victor Wembanyama’s return
According to NBA insider ShamsCharania, the process is clearly defined.
“Per NBA guidelines, Wembanyama cannot return to full participation for 48 hours but can resume gradual activity in 24 hours as long as his symptoms don’t worsen,” Charania wrote.
He added, “Then he must hit several benchmarks while being symptom-free before he is cleared to play. He’ll then require clearance from team doctor in consultation with league protocol director.”
The key factor is not just time, but progression. Every step depends on him remaining symptom-free, making his exact return difficult to predict.
How Victor Wembanyama’s Game 2 concussion impacts the Spurs series
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter, when Wembanyama lost balance on a spin move and fell face-first, striking his jaw on the court before being ruled out.
He finished with five points, four rebounds, and one block in just 12 minutes, a stark contrast to his Game 1 dominance.
Following his exit, the Trail Blazers rallied to secure a 106-103 win, leveling the series at 1-1 and shifting momentum heading into Game 3.
Wemby’s absence was immediately felt, especially on the defensive end, where his rim protection typically alters entire offensive schemes.
For the Spurs, the situation is simple. Their playoff outlook now hinges not just on adjustments, but on how quickly their biggest star can safely return.
The National Women’s Soccer League kicked off its 2026 season in March with a striking scene: an announced crowd of 63,004 watching Denver Summit FC’s inaugural home game, more than 20,000 tickets beyond the league’s previous high. But while an attendance record in a rollicking NFL stadium offered a visceral sign of the NWSL’s momentum, this week provided a perhaps even more impactful demonstration.
On Tuesday, commissioner Jessica Berman announced that Columbus, Ohio, had been awarded the league’s latest expansion franchise, due to begin play in 2028 as the NWSL’s 18th team. A group led by Jimmy and Dee Haslam, the billionaire owners of MLS’s Columbus Crew and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, is paying a $205 million fee to secure the spot, a person with knowledge of the deal tells Forbes—$40 million more than Arthur Blank, owner of MLS’s Atlanta United FC and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, agreed to shell out for an Atlanta expansion club just five months ago.
The price is also nearly double Denver’s $110 million deal from January 2025, and almost quadruple the $53 million paid by Boston Legacy FC and the San Francisco area’s Bay FC in 2023. And it is more than 100 times the roughly $2 million expansion fees of 2021.
That sort of trajectory would have been unimaginable a few short years ago, when even the most successful teams would sell for less than $5 million, but all of the NWSL’s clubs have recently found themselves propelled skyward on a rapidly rising tide. Forbes now estimates that the league’s current teams (excluding Denver and Boston in their debut seasons) are worth $200 million on average, a 49% increase from last year. With particularly strong growth across the bottom half of the table, the median value is up even more—79%, exceeding $192 million—and the floor sits at $140 million, twice the figure from 2025.
At the top of the league, Angel City FC remains No. 1, worth $340 million, followed by the Kansas City Current at $325 million. Four other clubs—Bay FC, San Diego Wave FC, the Washington Spirit and the Portland Thorns—are worth more than $200 million as well.
For most of the teams lower in the ranking, the valuations have little to do with the current state of the franchises’ business and instead represent bets by eager investors that the league-wide upswell will someday justify the lofty price tags. For instance, Chicago Stars FC, valued at $144 million after a league-best 106% jump from 2025’s $70 million valuation, generated only $7 million in revenue during the 2025 regular season, according to Forbes estimates.
That number should take a significant step forward this year now that the team has left SeatGeek Stadium in Chicago’s southwestern suburbs for a better situation at Northwestern University’s Martin Stadium, more than an hour north. But the Stars’ long-term plans remain unsettled after they halted a push to play at a new Northwestern stadium next year in the face of resistance from Evanston residents.
Meanwhile, for all the buzz around the NWSL, the league saw its regular-season attendance dip 5% last year, to an average of 10,669 per game, from 2024’s 11,235. Explanations by soccer insiders vary, from unlucky weather to an overstuffed summer soccer calendar to macroeconomic trends that left fans with less disposable income to spend on tickets, but the most common hypothesis centers on the unavailability of big names like the Stars’ Mallory Swanson and the Thorns’ Sophia Wilson (who both gave birth in 2025) and Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (who had back and knee injuries) for all or most of the year.
Rodman and Wilson are back in action in 2026, and Swanson is expected to return later in the season, but the experience underlines the task ahead of newly installed NWSL chief marketing officer Rachel Epstein: cultivate a new generation of stars after the recent retirements of United States national team icons including Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe.
At the same time, no NWSL club is believed to have reached break-even yet, and with at least a couple of ownership groups projecting that they won’t cross over into the black until their top-line revenue gets into the $50 million range, profitability likely remains a long ways off for much of the league, even with several teams projecting year-over-year revenue growth of 20% or more for the next few seasons.
Of course, financial losses aren’t entirely uncommon even in more established men’s professional leagues—12 of MLB’s 30 teams, and 16 of 29 in MLS, had negative operating income in 2025, according to Forbes estimates—and the Current could get out of the red as soon as this year.
The NWSL has also recently notched some off-field victories, including an updated national broadcast schedule that features prime-time matchups on ESPN on Sundays and additional media partners in Victory+ and the Women’s Sports Network, along with new deals with CVS and Panini trading cards that follow league-level sponsorship revenue growth of almost 50% in 2025. And the NWSL is poised to maintain its position as the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league after implementing a “high impact player rule” to persuade stars like Rodman to stay in the U.S. with salaries that go beyond the salary cap.
Against that backdrop—and with Deloitte projecting global revenues in elite women’s sports to surpass $3 billion in 2026—the North Carolina Courage are believed to have an agreement to sell a significant minority stake to Avenue Sports Fund at a reported valuation of $155 million. On top of validating numbers across the rest of the league, the deal would bring another billionaire into the NWSL fold in Avenue chairman Marc Lasry, following recent transactions involving Gail Miller (Utah Royals), Bob Iger (Angel City) and Lauren Leichtman (San Diego), as well as powerhouse investment firms Carlyle (Seattle Reign FC) and Sixth Street (Bay FC).
“When I look back on my career in professional sports, the thing that has made the difference in all of the professional sports leagues’ success is having blue-chip ownership who not only have the resources but the desire and vision to invest in the product,” commissioner Jessica Berman recently told Forbes.
Putting the deeper pockets to good use, many teams have begun building new practice facilities, and Current owners Angie and Chris Long privately financed the $140 million construction of CPKC Stadium, which opened in 2024 and has turbocharged the team’s business. The Summit are also building a new home field, scheduled to open in 2028, and the Legacy are renovating Boston’s White Stadium for their sophomore season.
“Clubs are investing in the hard infrastructure that will change the economics of the game substantially for them for generations, not just for the next three years,” Legacy president Jennifer van Dijk says. “You see it most specifically in the business in terms of schedule preference—if I can play on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons and in the windows where I have the best chance at getting my stands full, that is a massive differentiator.
“The second place it shows up is that you’re actually participating in concessions revenue, parking revenue, some other operational revenue—any sort of venue sponsors, of course. When you’re a tenant, you don’t get any of that.”
The league could hit another inflection point in 2028 with the start of its next media rights package, which is expected to carry a dramatically higher price than the current deals’ reported average annual value of around $60 million. Adding to the optimism around that negotiation, regular-season TV viewership rose 22% in 2025, to 214,000 per game, and the CBS audience for the league championship game in November peaked at 1.55 million.
The bullishness is reflected in the revenue multiples underlying teams’ valuations. This year, Forbes generally pegs top NWSL clubs at between eight and ten times their revenue from the most recent completed season, and with help from the lower-ranked franchises, the league’s average value of $200 million is 11.1 times the trailing year’s average revenue—not quite at the level of the NBA (12.9 times trailing-year revenue) but outpacing the NFL (10.7x), the NHL (8.9x), MLS (8.9x) and MLB (7x). Only a year ago, the NWSL’s figure stood at 8.8x.
“Myself and a lot of my colleagues grew up in a world where being a pro athlete was not a viable career path as a woman,” van Dijk says. “And to see that change just within our career span, it’s really meaningful, but also it’s good business, which frankly is just as exciting.”
THE MOST VALUABLE NWSL TEAMS 2026
#1. $340 million
Angel City FC
One-Year Change: 21% | Revenue: $38 million | Owners: Willow Bay and Bob Iger
Karen Hickey/ISI Photos/Getty Images
#2. $325 million
Kansas City Current
One-Year Change: 18% | Revenue: $38 million | Owners: Angie and Chris Long
Jay Biggerstaff/NWSL/Getty Images
#3. $230 million
Bay FC
One-Year Change: 35% | Revenue: $23 million | Owner: Sixth Street
One-Year Change: 106% | Revenue: $7 million | Owner: Laura Ricketts
Scott Taetsch/NWSL/Getty Images
#13. $142 million
Utah Royals
One-Year Change: 49% | Revenue: $9 million | Owner: Gail Miller
Chris Gardner/NWSL/Getty Images
#14. $140 million
Racing Louisville FC
One-Year Change: 59% | Revenue: $10 million | Owner: John Neace
Chris Carter/NWSL/Getty Images
METHODOLOGY
To rank the most valuable National Women’s Soccer League franchises, Forbes examined recent transaction data and spoke to more than two dozen industry insiders, including team and league executives, team owners and investors, investment bankers, advisors and consultants.
Revenue figures are estimated for the 2025 season and are rounded to the nearest $1 million. Playoff and non-league games were excluded from the revenue calculations, as were player transfers.
Team values include the economics of the team’s stadium but not the value of the stadium real estate itself. The valuations similarly take into account ancillary revenue streams that are captured in the team’s financial statements, such as income from sponsor signage or events at the team’s practice facility, without directly measuring the value of those other assets. The listed team owners are the principal owners; other investors are omitted.
Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC, expansion clubs that began play this year, were excluded from the ranking. The future expansion teams in Atlanta and Columbus, scheduled to begin play in 2028, were also excluded.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 08: Chloe Sotell #22 of the Missouri Tigers drives towards the basket against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on January 8, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Brenda Frese’s second portal addition is a 6-foot guard with College Park ties. Maryland women’s basketball is adding sophomore Chloe Sotell to its 2026-27 roster, the program announced Tuesday.
— Maryland Women’s Basketball (@TerpsWBB) April 21, 2026
Sotell spent this past season at Missouri and two seasons ago at Pepperdine. If her last name sounds familiar to Terps’ basketball fans, that’s because her brother Lukas has been a walk-on on the men’s team for three years.
Chloe plays a lot more than her brother does, averaging eight points, five rebounds and 2.2 assists as a sophomore with the Tigers last season. She shot 38% from the field on 29.4 minutes per game.
The incoming junior is Maryland’s second portal addition, alongside Stanford forward Nunu Agara.
In other news
Maryland baseball crushed Mount St. Mary’s on Tuesday, 19-8, for a fifth straight midweek win. Zoe Hammond had the story.
Maryland football has secured a commitment from unranked 2027 wide receiver Davion Vanderbilt from Channelview, Texas.
Longtime Maryland men’s soccer assistant Jake Pace is leaving the program after 17 combined years.
Thank you to Jake Pace for his 17 years of service to Maryland Soccer!
A player for 5 seasons and a member of the staff for 12, Pace has helped shape the program through his leadership, passion and commitment to excellence.
We're a little over 24 hours away from the start of the 2026 NFL draft, and the Ravens are a team to watch despite being relatively quiet on the trade front over the past few years. Since taking over for Ozzie Newsome in 2018, GM Eric DeCosta has made one significant draft-related trade, and his best selection undoubtedly is All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens have 11total picks: Nos. 14, 45, 80, 115, 154, 162, 173, 174, 211, 250, 253 in this weekend's draft, and ample opportunity to move up or down draft boards.
With the 2026 NFL draft fast approaching, we're looking at every first-round pick selected during Eric DeCosta's tenure as the Baltimore Ravens GM
2025: Malaki Starks
Starks, a 2025 first-round pick from Georgia, started 15 of the 17 games he appeared in this season, logging 1,060 defensive snaps (11th), 84 total tackles (49 solo) and four passes defensed, including two interceptions. Starks finished his rookie season with the third-most interceptions and the fourth-most total tackles on the Ravens' defense. Starks may not be Kyle Hamilton, but he was solid, and an improvement in pass coverage (64.9 PFF grade) could take him to a Pro Bowl level.
2024: CB Nate Wiggins
Wiggins was the Ravens' highest graded rookie and looks like a future star after recording 33 tackles while playing 15 games for the Ravens in the 2024 season and starting in each of the team's playoff games. Wiggins's 769 snaps were the seventh most on the Ravens defense that struggled against the pass early on but improved down the stretch.
2023: WR Zay Flowers
Baltimore made a trade and moved up to land Flowers out of Boston College. In his rookie season in 2023, Flowers recorded 77 catches for 858 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Flowers has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods.
A Swiss Army Knife, the ultra-versatile Hamilton earned his second AP first team All-Pro honor. Everything Minter wants to do on defense starts with Hamilton.
Hamilton joins Hall of Famer Ed Reed (2003 & 2004) as the only Ravens defensive backs to earn multiple Pro Bowl nods within the first three years of a career.
2022: Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa, Round 1, Pick 25
Linderbaum was the first Ravens offensive lineman to earn consecutive Pro Bowl honors since Orlando Brown Jr. (2019-20). He's now departed, joining the Raiders as the highest-paid center in NFL history.
2021: 1st (No. 27) – WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
After a career year in 2024, Bateman finished last season with 13 games played, 12 starts, 38 targets, 19 receptions, 224 yards receiving, and two touchdowns.
2021: 1st Round (No. 31) – EDGE Odafe Oweh, Penn State
Oweh was one of the most freakishly gifted athletes in the entire draft, at any position. At 6-foot-5, 251 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds. He had only played football for five years when Baltimore made the selection.
2020: Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU (28th overall)
Now a Steelers linebacker, Queen, the running mate for Roquan Smith, made his first Pro Bowl in 2023 after logging 125 tackles (78 solos) and matching a career high with six passes defended. He also added 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for the best defense in the league. Queen is the only NFL defender to have produced at least 400 tackles (with 445), double-digit sacks (13.5), and double-digit takeaways (four interceptions and six fumble recoveries) since 2020.
The Ravens traded wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown to the Arizona Cardinals for the 23rd-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Baltimore also sent the 100th-overall pick (third round) to the Cardinals as part of the trade. Brown was the Ravens' leading wide receiver the year prior (2021), hauling in 91 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. But in the prior year's draft, Baltimore also used a first-round pick on Rashod Bateman. Brown posted 195 catches for 2,361 yards and 21 touchdowns in his three seasons in Baltimore.
Sparta Rotterdam hoping to appoint former Go Ahead Eagles and Wolfsburg head coach as Maurice Steijn’s replacement
ESPN are reporting that Sparta Rotterdam are hoping to appoint former Go Ahead Eagles and Wolfsburg head coach Paul Simonis as Maurice Steijn’s replacement for the 2026/2027 season. Steijn confirmed that he will be leaving the club a few weeks ago and it appears that Sparta Rotterdam will turn to Simonis as his replacement.
Simonis did a fantastic job at Go Ahead Eagles last season, taking them into Europe by winning the KNVB Cup. His success did not go unnoticed, with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg taking him away from the Netherlands last summer. However, Simonis’ time in Wolfsburg did not go as planned. Simonis only managed 12 games in Germany, with Wolfsburg losing seven, drawing two and winning just three. The Dutch head coach was sacked back in November.
Recently, Simonis had been linked with the vacancy at Anderlecht, showing how high his stock still appeared to be despite the struggles with Wolfsburg. However, the sides off field issues put off Simonis and many other candidates. Now, it appears that Simonis will be taking up the role at Sparta Rotterdam instead.
AHMEDABAD: Southpaw Tilak Varma had made 43 runs from 32 balls in five innings prior to his maiden IPL century on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The noise surrounding his batting form was getting heavier with every passing match. Answering all those questions, the 23-year-old reinforced his value to the team with a knock that was composed and aggressive in equal measure. His 101 off 45 balls, studded with seven sixes and eight fours, took MI to 199/5, a total that proved too steep for the Gujarat Titans (GT), who lost by 99 runs.
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Coming in at the crease when Titans new-ball operator Kagiso Rabada was breathing fire and cranking up the speedometer with his thunderbolts, Tilak commenced his knock by nudging around for ones and twos and playing the odd dot ball, but crucially steadying the ship along with Naman Dhir to bring a semblance of calm to the Mumbai Indians innings. His innings was composed of two parts — the first 22 balls yielded only 19 runs, without a single hit to the fence. The rest of the innings was a blur of fours and sixes, an exhibition of unstoppable power hitting.
Tilak’s childhood coach, Salam Bayash reflected on the slight changes the batter has made to his game. “I told him to spend some time at the crease before going for shots and also to cut down on the reverse sweep and play straight. The pitch wasn’t that easy to bat on and the Titans’ attack was a good one. I’m happy with his century. He played no reverse sweeps. Almost all his shots were either straight or played square,” Bayash said.
Even the opposition was left in awe. Gujarat batting coach Matthew Hayden, in particular, was left gushing. “It was visible that the pitch had cracks, it was up and down. All credit to Tilak Varma, who put in a wonderful performance from 46/3. I once spoke to a fisherman and asked him a question about longevity in his life and in his career, and he said that when there’s plenty of fish around, everyone catches fish. But what he (Varma) did was that he caught fish when no one else was catching fish,” the former Australian opener said.
“We all know MI are a dangerous side. They’re notorious starters. As an opposition side, we knew that and we blinked. And when you blink against a world-class player like Tilak Varma, even on a wicket that’s kind of spicy, that leads to your downfall. We couldn’t really retract the negative momentum that was going our way because of the performance that we saw,” Hayden said.
A former TT rider has died after a crash on a test run on the Isle of Man.
Andreas Racing Association has confirmed that Ed Poole, 79, died following an incident at an Auto Cycle Union (ACU) test day at Jurby Circuit on 11 April, in which no other riders were involved.
An experienced rider from Rhencullen on the island, he began his Mountain Course racing career in 1994, and competed in the Isle of Man TT, Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT for over 25 years, the association said.
In a statement, it said he was a "valued member of our paddock community and will be greatly missed."
"Our thoughts are with his wife, his family, and all who knew him at this incredibly difficult time," it said.
"We know this news will be deeply felt across the racing community, and we ask that everyone respects the family's privacy as they come to terms with their loss," the association added.
After opening the scoring in West Brom's 3-0 win over Watford to go nine games unbeaten, midfielder Isaac Price says there's a togetherness about the squad since interim boss James Morrison took over.
Price, 22, told BBC WM: "There's a real togetherness around the place. I think he's [Morrison] probably instilled a little bit of confidence is us when we weren't feeling the confidence.
"I think its more about going back to the basics - run for each other, fight for each other and the rest will come with it. The nice little bit of play that you see, that's probably off the cuff from the lads that are good enough to do that. But the real key message is: just be together, outrun people, outwork them and the results will come."
Price's goal came after 21 minutes at The Hawthorns and the Northern Ireland international was quick to praise Crystal Palace loanee Danny Imray after he provided the assist.
"I think I've probably had a lot of them chances this season. It's helped since Danny's come in, the threat down the right side has been terrific. His pace and power, then his detail on his crossing has been superb and I think it was an easy enough finish for me," he said.
Albion's final two games come against promotion-chasing Ipswich at home before a final-day trip to relegated Sheffield Wednesday and Price said his side, who sit 18th in the table, are looking to end the season on a high despite the threat of a potential points deduction if the club are found guilty of breaching profitability and sustainability rules.
"Genuinely, in the dressing room it's something we don't think about. You go into every football game wanting to win and wanting to get three points, and I feel like in the last nine games we've been great at doing that.
"Whatever's going to happen is going to happen but our focus is to go and win the last two games that we've got this season.
"We're going into every game wanting to win every game and I think it's a great opportunity for us players."
He added: "We know we've not been good enough this season and this club should never be in the situation that we've been in, but we'll be going into every game thinking: come on lads, let's go get six points and finish really strong."
The schedule for the 2026 MLB All-Star week, which will be hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies, was released on Tuesday.
The events begin with the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10, and culminate with the 96th Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia on July 14.
The MLB says it's all part of the celebration for America's 250th anniversary this summer.
"Set within a year when Philadelphia will host the world, All-Star Week captures a uniquely American perspective on that global spotlight, rooted in heritage, community, and the enduring spirit of the game," said Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Events.
Full List of 2026 All-Star Week Events:
July 10: HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park
The HBCU Swingman Classic was co-created by Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and highlights the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs while also providing HBCU baseball players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage.
July 10-13: Youth baseball and softball tournaments at Philadelphia Phillies Urban Youth Academy in FDR Park
The All-Star Commissioner's Classic features teams of youth baseball players from MLB Youth Academies across the country and Puerto Rico.
The Jennie Finch Classic features teams of youth softball players from MLB Youth Academies and Jennie Finch softball programs.
July 11-14: Capital One All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
MLB's marquee fan festival is a unique, one-of-a-kind baseball theme park for fans of all ages. More details on specific activations and former players attending All-Star Village will be announced at a later date, along with ticket availability.
July 11: Opening rounds of the MLB Draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Grand Hall
Attending the draft will be free and open to the public. More information, including attendees and ticketing for the Draft, will be announced at a later date.
July 12: All-Star Sunday Doubleheader featuring All-Star Futures Game and MLBx All-Star 3-on-3 at Citizens Bank Park
The All-Star Futures Game highlights baseball's top prospects playing in a seven-inning exhibition with some of Minor League Baseball's best promotions, mascots and entertainment.
The MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 game is a new, co-ed competition bringing together male and female athletes with MLB legends and special guests. Lineups will be revealed at a later date.
July 13: T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park
The Home Run Derby features some of MLB's biggest power hitters competing in three rounds before crowning a champion.
July 14: The All-Star Red Carpet Show
The All-Star Red Carpet Show is where the MLB All-Stars will showcase their personal style ahead of the All-Star Game.
The location of this year's Red Carpet Show will be announced at a later date.
July 14: The 96th Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park
Events culminate with the All-Star game at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, featuring some of MLB's best players from across the league.
Further details regarding 2026 All-Star Week, including ticketing and broadcast information, will be announced soon. For more information, visit AllStarGame.com.
James Tavernier has confirmed his 11-year spell at Rangers will end this summer, but the captain insists "this isn't the end just yet", with the team "fully focused on pushing for the league title".
The 34-year-old, who joined from Wigan in 2015, confirmed earlier this week he had not yet been offered a new deal.
He has now revealed his time at Ibrox will conclude at the end of the season, which he hopes will end in a second Scottish Premiership title triumph.
"After a lot of thought, I've made the decision that this will be my final season at the club," Tavernier said on Instagram.
"This hasn't been an easy decision. This club has been a huge part of my life and my family's over the past 11 years.
"It's given me so much, both on and off the pitch. From the moment I arrived, I've always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.
"To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of.
"Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me than I can properly put into words."
Tavernier has already captained Rangers to a Scottish top-flight title in 2021, as well as a Scottish Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League final.
He has achieved that while providing remarkable attacking output from right-back, contributing a combined goals and assists tally of 292 over 562 games.
Despite now not being a guaranteed starter, Tavernier has still featured from the off in 36 of his 49 appearances this term and is Rangers' top scorer with 14 goals.
Tavernier will hope to add another Premiership medal to his collection as Rangers go into their final five Premiership fixtures just one point behind leaders Hearts.
"We've shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way," he added.
"These include lifting the Scottish Cup, League Cup, our journey to a European final and those unforgettable European nights at Ibrox against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, where the atmosphere was something I will never forget.
"It also includes winning the league title and delivering 55, a moment that meant everything to this club and its supporters and one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
"This isn't the end just yet. There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title. I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have, until the very last day."
Rangers fans, what do you think of the news that Tavernier is departing after 11 years? And how will you reflect on his time at the club? Send us your thoughts.
Kadidia Toure arrived as Wisconsin’s clearest plug-and-play frontcourt answer out of the transfer portal, a 6-foot-3 graduate student with one season left and a recent resume that screams immediate production. After stops at James Madison (2022-23) and Arizona State (2023-24 and a brief 2024-25 season), Toure broke out at LIU in 2025-26 as one of the most productive mid-major posts in the country, giving the Badgers a veteran scorer-rebounder profile they have lacked.
Toure averaged 19.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game on 46.9% shooting, earning NEC Player of the Year honors. Her shooting splits included 34.2% from 3-point range and 77.9% at the free-throw line.
One of the nation’s most productive players is headed to Madison!
— Wisconsin Women’s Basketball (@BadgerWBB) April 15, 2026
That free-throw production and her 100 offensive rebounds stood out as the kind of skill that creates offense through contact and tends to travel, even when the Big Ten’s size and athleticism change the shot diet. The question for Wisconsin is how cleanly Toure can scale up while tightening the rough edges. She averaged 4.1 turnovers and 3.3 fouls per game because high-usage forwards in the Big Ten get punished for loose decisions.
“Kadidia is a dominant presence on both ends of the floor and has proven she can take over games,” head coach Robin Pingeton said. “As the NEC Player of the Year, she led her conference in scoring, rebounding, and double-doubles while ranking among the nation’s best in multiple categories. She’s tough, she competes, and she impacts winning. We’re excited to add her experience and presence to our program!”
If Wisconsin gets even most of the LIU version, scoring, double-doubles, defensive playmaking, and free-throw pressure, Toure has a path to becoming one of the Badgers’ most important players right away, and the next step is how quickly that physical style translates once she’s facing Big Ten frontcourts every night.
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Eintracht Frankfurt in talks to sign Real Madrid’s Víctor Valdepeñas
Eintracht Frankfurt have shown concrete interest in signing Real Madrid’s Víctor Valdepeñas.
As reported by BILD, Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche have already held talks with the player’s representatives, while the possibility of a summer transfer is being explored. Although Valdepeñas, who made his Real debut in December under former head coach Xabi Alonso, is one of several candidates that Eintracht are showing an interest in.
Who is Victor Valdepeñas?
The Spain youth international plays for Real Madrid’s reserve team and has made 26 appearances this season while helping his side win the UEFA Youth League, although the left-back was an unused substitute in their penalty victory over Club Brugge.
Additionally, Valdepeñas can also operate in a central position, which is where Eintracht see the youngster but the Hessen side also face competition from Arsenal and Milan and like previous departures from the Spanish giants, Los Blancos will likely demand a buy-back option.
Captain James Tavernier has announced he will leave Rangers at the end of the season, after 11 years at Ibrox.
British football's highest scoring defender, 34, has led the Glasgow side for the past eight years, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021, the Scottish Cup the following year and the League Cup in 2023. He also skippered Rangers in their 2022 Europa League final appearance, which they lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt.
As a right-back, the Englishman has scored 144 goals in 562 Rangers appearances and 152 goals overall.
He said in an Instagram post that departing at the end of his current contract "hasn't been an easy decision".
"This club has been a huge part of my life and my family's over the past 11 years," he said.
"It's given me so much, both on and off the pitch and from the moment I arrived, I've always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.
"To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of. Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me that I can properly put into words."
Ten managers, two divisions, three major trophies
Former Newcastle player Tavernier was signed by Mark Warburton from Wigan in the summer of 2015, when Rangers were in the Scottish Championship.
He helped the Ibrox side win that division and captained the side in the absence of the injured Lee Wallace as Warburton made way for Pedro Caixinha.
When Steven Gerrard arrived as Rangers manager in 2018, Tavernier became captain full-time as Wallace's contract ran down and was pivotal part of the Gerrard title-winning team, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Europa League final and Scottish Cup-winning side and Philippe Clement's League Cup victors.
Tavernier also wore the armband during Graeme Murty, Michael Beale, Barry Ferguson and Russell Martin's brief stints as boss. This season under Danny Rohl since October, the defender has not been an automatic starter, with Dujon Sterling often preferred at right-back.
Jack Butland and Nico Raskin have deputised as captain, with both still under contract next season.
"We've shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way," Tavernier said.
"To all the players I've shared the pitch and dressing room with over the years, thank you. The bonds that we've built, the battles we've been through and the memories we've created are what make this game so special.
"To the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, thank you for everything you've done for me and the for the team. Your support often goes unseen, but it has never gone unappreciated.
"And to the fans, your support home and away, through every high and every difficult moment has meant more than I can ever fully express. You are the heart and soul of this club and it has been a privilege to play in front of you."
Tavernier added "this isn't the end just yet", without confirming where he would be next season.
Second-placed Rangers are in a three-way fight to win the Scottish Premiership, with Hearts one point ahead and Celtic two points off the Ibrox side and five games to play.
"There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title," Tavernier said. "I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have until the very last day.
"My focus right now is on finishing this season the right way, together."
The portal has officially closed and most of the big-name players have landed at their new programs.
With all that player movement, teams are now coming into focus and the landscape has certainly changed for the 2026-27 season. Top-10 teams are no longer top anything. And some teams that were entirely outside of Top 25 projections appear to have burst onto the scene as contenders who could make deep March runs next season.
With all that movement, here’s a look at the winners and losers of the 2026 portal season.
Winners
Oklahoma State
No team made a more precipitous jump from irrelevance to contenders for a deep NCAA Tournament run than Oklahoma State with this portal haul. Cowgirls coach Jacie Hoyt’s team lost nine players to the portal and graduated another two, returning just Stailee Heard. The rising senior is a two-time All-Big 12 selection, but it’s hard to put together a competitive team (or a team at all) with just one player and three incoming freshmen.
Hoyt’s early transfer portal signings weren’t splashy, but they had a theme — elite 3-point shooters. Ellie Brueggemann (Lindenwood), Talexa Weeter (Division II Fort Hays State) and Nene Ndiaye (Rutgers) all shot better than 40 percent from long range last season. Hoyt then signed Florida transfer Liv McGill, the high-volume shooter who’s an asset in the paint and in transition. But what really elevated Oklahoma State’s ceiling was center Audi Crooks’ decision to sign with the Cowgirls. With Crooks operating in the middle, 3-point shooters spacing the floor and McGill working in between, the Cowgirls became an exciting team in the span of two weeks.
In: Audi Crooks (Iowa State), Liv McGill (Florida), Ellie Brueggemann (Lindenwood), Talexa Weeter (Division II Fort Hays State) and Nene Ndiaye (Rutgers), LA Sneed (Utah)
Out: Achol Akot (North Carolina), Amari Whiting (Iowa), Jadyn Wooten (TCU), Macey Huard (Washington), Faith Acker, Praise Egharevba, Tyla Heard, Lena Girardi (Utah), Favour Onoh
The Hawkeyes lost five players to the portal. Only freshman Addie Deal had played more than 15 minutes a game during the season, and her production can be replaced by the returning guards and incoming freshman McKenna Woliczko. Even so, coach Jan Jensen went into the portal to bring more depth and talent to the Iowa backcourt with the additions of Dani Carnegie and Amari Whiting.
Adding Carnegie is particularly promising because she and Chit Chat Wright — who started 31 games in 2025-26 — played together as freshmen at Georgia Tech. They logged more than 250 possessions together that season. The only Iowa guard combos who played at least 250 possessions together in 2025-26 were Wright and Taylor Stremlow and Wright and Kylie Feuerbach. Wright and Carnegie’s experiences together should help establish a baseline for a team heading into the 2026-27 season eager to rewrite its early March Madness exit.
Hannah Stuelke’s graduation will hurt — she started 96 games the past three seasons — but Ava Heiden can be the interior centerpiece as Iowa continues to fill out the rest of the floor with talented guards and wings.
In: Dani Carnegie (Georgia), Amari Whiting (Oklahoma State)
Louisville’s offense this season produced its highest scoring since 2013-14, and though the Cardinals lost three of their top eight players from their Elite Eight team — forward Laura Ziegler (graduation), guard Reyna Scott (graduation) and wing Anaya Hardy (transfer) — they’ve reloaded quite well with key transfer additions.
Coach Jeff Walz landed Carys Baker, an experienced 6-foot-2 forward from Virginia Tech who had 16 points and nine boards against Louisville this season, to bolster the inside with Elif Istanbulluoglu (6-3 forward) and incoming freshman Ayse Melek Demirer (6-5 forward). Baker’s ability to knock down 3s and chase down rebounds will be a difference-maker for Louisville. Bringing in Zam Jones from NC State was another significant intraconference win for the Cardinals, making this already-strong rising junior core of Tajianna Roberts, Imari Berry and Mackenly Randolph that much better.
After losing seven of their top eight rotational players, the Horned Frogs needed to hit the portal hard and bring in some talent to continue their Elite Eight streak. Coach Mark Campbell did that, bringing in a talented group to surround center Clara Silva — the rare multi-year player at TCU.
Oklahoma State’s Jadyn Wooten brings experience as a ball handler and distributor, while North Carolina’s Lanie Grant is an elite floor spacer (42 percent from range). Lara Somfai, who started 32 games for Stanford as a freshman, averaged 11 points and nine rebounds a game. Paired with Silva, Somfai should be able to elevate her game even more in her sophomore season at TCU.
In: Lanie Grant (North Carolina), Jadyn Wooten (Oklahoma State), Lara Somfai (Stanford), Bella Hines (LSU), Avery Hjelmstad (Utah)
The Tigers lost four to the portal, but Jada Richard was the only player who averaged more than 14 minutes a game. Bringing in Iowa State’s Jada Williams, who averaged 7.7 assists per game last season, to distribute to and play alongside MiLaysia Fulwiley, Mikaylah Williams and ZaKiyah Johnson is big. Florida’s Laila Reynolds will add key depth necessary for an SEC season.
Duke
After the graduations of Taina Mair and Ashlon Jackson, Duke needed to add instant guard depth. The Blue Devils got that and more with Texas’ Aaliyah Crump. The 6-1 guard seems like she just scratched the surface with the Longhorns in less than 18 minutes a game. Toby Fournier, Riley Nelson and Delaney Thomas played more than 300 possessions together this season, so they have an established chemistry. Bringing in an elite two-way player like Crump should elevate what they built together in 2025-26.
Ole Miss
The self-described “portalista,” coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, was at it again. With only two of the Rebels’ top eight rotational players returning, McPhee-McCuin got eight players out of the portal. Tennessee’s Talaysia Cooper is the most intriguing, and LSU’s Jada Richard, who started 34 games for the Tigers, will likely become the starting point guard tasked with bringing these new players together.
South Carolina
With their retention rate, the Gamecocks rarely need to add much through the portal, but after losing Raven Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson to graduation, bringing in an experienced guard was a huge plus for a team that figures to be a Final Four contender again. In Jordan Lee, coach Dawn Staley landed a two-time Final Four finalist, a two-way non-stop player and a 3-point floor spacer.
Losers
Texas
The team that looked like it was going to be headed toward a third-consecutive Final Four is no longer that. Madison Booker remains, and she’s a great foundation around which to build, but not much else is left in the cupboard. Aaliyah Crump, Jordan Lee and Justice Carlton are gone, meaning the Longhorns will be young next season. Oklahoma guard Zya Vann is a nice backcourt addition. Otherwise, expect to see a lot of minutes go to the four top-25 players Texas signed in its 2026 recruiting class.
Out: Aaliyah Crump (Duke), Jordan Lee (South Carolina), Justice Carlton (Houston)
In: Zya Vann (Oklahoma)
Iowa State
The Cyclones lost nine players to the portal, including starters Audi Crooks, Addy Brown, Kenzie Hare and Jada Williams. Now, Iowa State returns just one starter — Ariana Jackson (6.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game).
Coach Bill Fennelly has not backfilled his roster with talent similar to what he lost. The Cyclones have grown accustomed to being near the top of the Big 12, but that might not be the case next season. Iowa State has just one player in its 2026 high school recruiting class, 5-9 point guard Macy Comito, and the Cyclones have gotten another five through the portal. Three of those players — May Babbitt (Kent State), Alex-Anne Bessette (Loyola Chicago) and Ashleigh Connor (La Salle) — were starters at their previous schools, but none are transferring from a power conference.
Out: Audi Crooks (Oklahoma State), Addy Brown, Jada Williams (LSU), Kenzie Hare (Indiana), Reese Beaty (Mississippi State), Alisa Williams (Indiana), Alli Tanke, Lilly Taulelei (Rice), Reagan Wilson (Toledo)
In: May Babbitt (Kent State), Alex-Anne Bessette (Loyola-Chicago), Ashleigh Connor (La Salle), Gift Ezekiel (Florida), Sienna Harvey (Washington)
Stanford
The Cardinal lost five of their top six rotational players (four transfers, one graduate), including three starters who were potential returners. Hailee Swain, a rising sophomore, is the only returning starter. Stanford can build around her, but they need to pick up quite a bit more.
Stanford has missed two consecutive NCAA Tournaments. At this point, with the current returners (just three of whom averaged more than 10 minutes per game), one transfer pick-up and three Class of 2026 signees, it’s hard to gauge if Stanford can improve in Year 3 under coach Kate Paye.
Lost: Courtney Ogden (Michigan), Lara Somfai (TCU), Nunu Agara (Maryland), Chloe Clardy (North Carolina), Carly Amborn (Cal), Harper Peterson (Tennessee), Mary Ashley Stevenson (Columbia)
In: Inés Sotelo (Michigan State)
Tennessee
The Lady Vols were left with no returning players after graduations and a transfer exodus following a season of lows. In coach Kim Caldwell’s third season, Tennessee welcomes an entirely new team. To make matters worse, her 2026 recruiting class is down to just one player after Oliviyah Edwards, the No. 3 player in the 2026 class, requested a release from her letter of intent.
Tennessee signed six players out of the transfer portal, though only two were starters at power conference schools (Rylie Theuerkauf from Georgia and Harissoum Coulibaly from Auburn). Can this group make it work in Knoxville? To play at the same pace the Lady Vols established the past few years, they’ll need to add a few more players.
Duke Blue Devils, Stanford Cardinal, Tennessee Lady Volunteers, South Carolina Gamecocks, Ole Miss Rebels, Louisville Cardinals, Iowa Hawkeyes, TCU Horned Frogs, Iowa State Cyclones, LSU Lady Tigers, Oklahoma State Cowgirls, Texas Longhorns, Women's College Basketball
Nebraska softball (37-6) faced off against Omaha (29-9) for the third and final time this season on Tuesday night. The Huskers completed the seasonal sweep, taming the Mavericks 11-4.
Nebraska and Omaha traded three-run innings and a single-run inning in the first half of the game, heading into the fourth tied 4-4. The Huskers, however, pulled away in the fourth, doubling their run total before chalking up three more runs across the remainder of the game. Nebraska finished with 14 hits while the Mavericks totaled six.
Ava Kuszak dominated on the night to lead the Huskers, batting 4-for-5 for four RBIs, which included a double and a two-run home run. Jesse Farrell also hit one over the wall, striking a three-run shot to finish the game with three RBIs. Samantha Bland and Alexis Jensen both delivered a solo home run while Kacie Hoffmann and Hannah Camenzind each contributed an RBI. H. Camenzind, Bland and Jensen also finished with two hits, along with Jordy Frahm.
H. Camenzind (5-0) won in the circle for Nebraska, pitching the final 4.0 innings and shutting down Omaha's bats. She earned one strikeout and allowed one hit and no runs. Jensen started the game and threw five strikeouts against three hits and four runs across the first 3.0 innings.
Nebraska returns to Lincoln for its final home series of the season, playing host to Iowa starting Friday night. The first pitch is set to start at 5:30 p.m. CT on B1G+.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
Paulo Dybala’s future at Roma remains uncertain, with the Argentine, after returning to the squad, aiming for a call-up for next Saturday’s match against Bologna following meniscus surgery.
The match against the Rossoblu could be one of Dybala’s last appearances in the Giallorossi jersey, given that his contract expires in June and a renewal seems far off.
However, a possible extension hasn’t been ruled out, though the matter is complex. Adidas, the player’s and the club’s longtime sponsor, could play a key role.
The brand, which has been accompanying Roma since 2023-24, appears to be assessing Dybala’s media appeal, especially in light of the club’s centenary.
A possible renewal, writes Il Corriere della Sera, could represent a strategic move from a commercial standpoint, with Adidas eyeing the situation with interest.
Furthermore, Dybala is reportedly willing to reduce his salary, a key condition for considering a future with Roma.
For now, the Argentine has put all other offers on hold, trying to determine whether his experience in the capital can continue.
Despite the difficulties surrounding the renewal, hope for a possible agreement remains alive.
“The Vikings will draft (insert guess here), and it will be the (best player available/player of need). Book it!” Famous last words of everyone on the Internet banging out mock drafts, trying to either just have some fun speculating or trying to be a “Temu” Mel Kiper Jr.
I go with the first option for myself, but I’m not going to stay quiet if I’m right! Hey, even the experts get it wrong from time to time, so why not brag a little when someone like me guesses right? Kevin O’Connell and the entire Vikings staff are going to take their best stab at players in just a few days.
Contingency Paths Could Tilt Minnesota’s Draft Strategy
No matter how sure many of us and the experts are that the Vikings are going to draft Dillon Thieneman if he’s there, it doesn’t mean they will or even have the opportunity to if a team ahead of them thinks highly of him or another team jumps ahead of them for the same reason.
What do the Vikings do if the player they covet in a position they’re looking to fill is gone? Just like last year’s offensive line and quarterback, they’re going to have to go to the backup. That doesn’t necessarily mean a different position at their pick, but a hole they need to plug somewhere in the draft with the next guy in line that they can snag.
Sep 13, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive safety Cole Wisniewski (5) looks to the sideline in the first half during the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
Last year, many people thought the team might get a chance at Grey Zabel until the Seahawks took him as he moved up draft boards for every team. The Vikings did take a guard, Donovan Jackson, at 24, who is a solid starter and most fans are happy with.
With that solid pick last year, it filled a need and took that position off the board for a “need” pick. We also don’t have to wait as long this year (18) as last year (24), but some of the spots we need to fill are similar.
Hitting on these positions and finding a solid player doesn’t matter what round you get them in, but some obviously have better skills and pedigree than others, with less risk in football’s biggest guessing game. Once again, I’m going to be clear that the team is NOT settling for a player just because they didn’t get the cream of the crop, but rather players similar to the consensus best player to choose at pick 18 in the draft.
Want: Safety – Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)
Draft: Cole Wisniewski (Texas Tech)
Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat. The Vikings need a smart, versatile safety to run Brian Flores’ scheme who can see the entire field and set the defense on the back end. Harrison Smith may come back for one more year, but the future may be now.
Thieneman was seen as a 2nd round pick for quite a while until he started gaining steam based on film and shot up boards. If he gets out of the Vikings’ reach, they may need to see who else is available at a different position and fill that role, and save safety for later. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is also in that vicinity to be picked at 18, but he seems to jump between the 1st Round and the 2nd on most experts’ opinions.
That may be a scenario where they trade back and get better value for the position. If they go a different position, they may take Wisniewski in the later rounds. He was a combine snub but has been on several Top-30 visits, including one with Minnesota. Maybe like Thieneman, he’s a player who was overlooked, and teams see him as a late-round steal based on the tape.
He’s bigger than Smith and Thieneman, at 6’3″and 219 pounds. In North Dakota, he had 8 interceptions two years ago that didn’t necessarily translate to Texas Tech, but he held his own in the tackling department. If Smith grinds out one last year, he would be a great person to bring along the younger talent.
They’re not “The Purple People Eaters” or even “The Wiliams Wall,” but the interior is pretty solid due to great late-round drafting and going outside of the league. Levi Drake Rodriguez has become a solid interior run defender with strong push, and Jalen Redmond is set to become a well-known NFL name for his ability to sack quarterbacks and make tackles in the backfield.
Taki Taimani and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins are great rotational players who splashed last year at times. The Vikings need a big man who makes it tough to move the line of scrimmage. McDonald should be there at 18, along with Clemson’s Peter Woods, but they should also be available later in the 1st, if not at the beginning of the 2nd.
If they trade back to snag one and miss out, they have a guy later in round 3 or 4 in Orange, also known as “Big Citrus”. That’s a fun nickname! More than that, he can plug the middle and absorb double teams, which should free up everyone else to mind gaps and rush the passer. He doesn’t have pass-rush upside, but who cares if teams get so one-dimensional and frustrated because they can’t run on them?
Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) celebrates after a play against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
He is truly a player the Vikings might be targeting later in the draft, no matter what happens earlier on, and they can get him in, possibly even in the 5th round, if they don’t move back up into the 4th.
Want: C – Sam Hecht (Kansas)
Draft: Jake Slaughter (Florida)
2026 is not a strong year for centers. There isn’t one seen as a 1st-round pick, and maybe not even one in the 2nd. Sam Hect is a solid technician at the position and doesn’t come with any injury baggage like Connor Lew from Auburn. Hecht could be snagged in the 3rd round or beyond, and no one would blink an eye.
Blake Brandel jumped in mid-season and was pretty solid at the position, with Michael Jurgens playing well when given the chance. If they want a true center, they may take Hecht and have him compete with the others, or give him time to develop. If they go a different direction or he gets snagged before they pick, the team could look to Slaughter.
The top three centers are ranked very similarly, and some say they could go in any order depending on team schemes. If the run doesn’t start until late, the team could steal one in the 6th or 7th Round, where, if they quickly develop into a starter, the team could look like drafting wizards. They could realistically think they already have the position covered, but competition is never a bad thing for a team or its players.
Want: RB – Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
Draft: Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
I never say never, but the chances of getting Love in the natural progression of the draft or by trading up are becoming less than 5% at this point if the experts are reading the tea leaves correctly. Love is generational, and the drop-off to the next level is significant, including his main backup, Jadarian Price. Why didn’t I name him?
He should be available at the 49th pick and maybe even in the 3rd at picks 82 and 97. I don’t think he fits the team scheme at this point for the type of player they need. Aaron Jones is getting old by running-back standards, and Jordan Mason is better known as a power back. Johnson is the quick twitch, make a cut, or even three, and get loose for a long run.
Nov 22, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) jumps to avoid a tackle from Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback A.J. Harris (4) during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
He’s not going to bowl people over. He’s going to outmaneuver them and leave them grasping at air. He had a great number coming out of Nebraska, both on the ground and through the air. Having a threat coming out of the backfield where teams have to keep an eye on Jefferson, Addison, and TJ Hockenson can open up underneath routes for a speedy, shifty guy like Johnson to cause major damage catching or on delayed handoffs.
He gives Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy a great option to check down to or use in run/pass option plays. Being from Minneapolis and a Vikings fan who recently said the team better draft him or pay for it for the next ten years is a nice sense of professional confidence that teams appreciate when you can back it up.
Those who remember having David Palmer as a change-of-pace running back will appreciate a player like Johnson, who makes the offense that much more dangerous. He needs to improve his pass protection if he wants to be a serious rotational player or starter, as O’Connell covets that skill.
Want: CB – Mansoor Delane (LSU)
Draft: Chris Johnson (San Diego State)
Delane may be a target of the team, and he could reach them naturally, or the Vikings could trade up if it’s just a few picks. Let’s say he’s gone, and the other corner choices don’t fit Flores’ scheme. They decide they can find a player in the 2nd Round, and that player is Johnson.
Sep 6, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) celebrates after a play against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
He is a bigger corner, which Flores likes in his system. At 6’0″ and 193 pounds, he fits the bill and is a solid tackler, which means runners don’t get far, and receivers either get the pass knocked away or are stopped in their tracks. Getting him at 49 in the 2nd Round might be tough, but if he’s there, he might be the best player available.
Last year, the team flirted with having only two viable starters, and the backups were either flops or questionable if they had to start regularly due to injury. They made it through unscathed, but they need an infusion of youth and true depth to lean on. Johnson can be that guy and should be able to play inside or outside when needed. They can’t risk it a second year, hoping no major injuries happen and there’s a big drop-off.
A father and son from Scotland are to make history while playing for England at the World Senior Curling Championships in Geneva, Switzerland.
Andy McGlynn lives in Forfar and his Inverness-born son Douglas in Nairn.
They will be the first father and son to compete in the same team at the championships and, at 83 years old, Andy will be the event's oldest ever competitor.
The men qualify for the England team because Andy was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Douglas, who describes himself as a proud Scot and curled with the Scottish Juniors, is the England team's skip.
He said he and his dad were "really excited" about competing and it was an opportunity too good to miss.
"I saw this as a way to circumvent the Scottish system because qualifying out of Scotland is so hard. There's so many good curlers in Scotland," said Douglas.
"I don't see it as representing England in terms of the shirt. For me it's just you're putting a top on.
"To be able to curl at this level and gain this amount of experience has been a long term dream for me."
Douglas, a father-of-two, added: "We have lots of sportspeople who are born in one country and play for another and I thought if they can do it why shouldn't I."
He said he had spoken to the dad of Scottish Olympic curler Hammy McMillan and he told him the opportunity to play at international level should be "grabbed with both hands".
"I felt a little bit more vindicated by that," said Douglas.
Proud son
Douglas, who lived in Canada for 23 years and curled competitively in the Canadian provincial league system, returned to Scotland during the Covid pandemic.
He then worked in Wales but curled in Preston and that was when he was invited to form a curling team to qualify for the world championships.
The England team successfully qualification and it is currently ranked ninth in the world.
Douglas said he was proud of his dad's achievements - which include coaching the England team last year, and a number of champion curlers over the years.
They have included Olympic silver medallist and world gold medal winner Greg Drummond, and Ricky Tasker who has represented Australia and won gold and silver at the Pacific Asia Championships.
Douglas said it was a special year for his dad, who has continued to compete after having had two knee and hip operations.
He said: "I think he hopes it's an inspiration for other people to look at that and go 'wow, if you're 83 and you're representing a national team at the worlds then I can go out and do that too'."
The pair are due to be in action on Sunday when England take on Hong Kong.
After almost three hours on their feet and the finish line in sight, two runners sacrificed personal bests to come to the rescue of an exhausted competitor at the Boston Marathon.
Aaron Beggs was first to stop to pull Ajay Haridasse up off the ground after he fell and could not get up.
With Haridasse still struggling to stay on his feet, another runner, Robson De Oliveira, stepped in and the pair put their arms around Haridasse to help him across the line.
Beggs is a member of North Down Athletic Club in Northern Ireland, which hailed him as a "superstar" who "couldn't pass an athlete in distress".
"What a gentleman! What a phenomenal sportsman. Our Aaron Beggs," the club said in a post in social media.
The incident was filmed by several spectators who witnessed Haridasse falling shortly after the 26 mile (41.8km) mark.
The footage showed a debilitated Haridasse making several attempts to get back on his feet while onlookers shouted encouragement.
Dozens of competitors passed the struggling athlete, until Beggs, dressed in a yellow and blue North Down Athletic Club vest, stopped to provide assistance.
He put both his hands out to pull Haridasse up off the ground, but struggled to steady the exhausted runner.
Then De Oliveira - who was on track to run his fastest-ever marathon - also paused his own race to help Beggs carry Haridasse over the line.
The pair's selfless actions, sacrificing their own race times, prompted cheers from the crowd who were lining the finishing straight.
Spectators filmed the incident from multiple angles and posted it on social media.
At the time of writing, one of the posts has been viewed more than two million times on X.
Speaking to the Boston Herald, Haridasse said: "After falling down the fourth time, I was getting ready to crawl."
He praised his rescuers, acknowledging that De Oliveira in particular had sacrificed a probable personal best in order to help him.
"If he didn't help me, that would have been his fastest race ever," Haridasse said.
Writing on Instagram, De Oliveira said he saw Haridasse collapsing in the distance close to the end but he knew he did not have "the strength to help him on my own".
"In that moment, I thought, 'God, if someone stops, I'll stop too and help him'."
De Oliveira praised Beggs for stopping, saying: "I knew I could help, because two are stronger than one."
Posting on Instagram, Beggs also acknowledged De Oliveira's "selfless commitment to put others before yourself" and called him a "true star".
NEW DELHI: At 6-foot-5, R. Sai Kishore brings a unique trajectory and relentless accuracy to the crease. Coming off a stellar IPL-2025 campaign where he bagged 19 wickets in 15 matches for Gujarat Titans, the Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner finds himself waiting for an opportunity in the early stages of IPL-2026.
Despite missing out on the playing XI so far this season, the 29-year-old remains remarkably grounded, putting the franchise’s objectives ahead of personal ambition.
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“Cricket is not an individual sport, it’s a team sport,” Sai Kishore tells TOI in an exclusive interview facilitated by the Gujarat Titans on Tuesday. “So, at the end of the day, you celebrate when you win the trophy, celebrate when you win the IPL. So, the team always comes first in all decisions. And me myself being a leader, I should understand this more than anyone else. As much as you’re disappointed that you’re not in the playing XI at present, it should be kept in mind that the team comes first and whenever the conditions are suited to play more spinners, I’ll get my chance.”
With 32 IPL wickets to his name, Sai Kishore knows the T20 game is heavily dictated by conditions. Early in the tournament, flat surfaces have always favoured the batters and continuing to do so even in IPL-2026, but the seasoned spinner anticipates a shift.
“IPL is a very dynamic tournament. How the tournament unfolds, how the wickets are playing, all those things are crucial factors in getting the combinations right,” he said. “The team always comes first, and whenever the wickets start to deteriorate, when the heat is more, slowly but surely the spinners will come into play. Not just for Gujarat Titans, but across the tournament. If you see, not a lot of spinners have been able to change games as of now. It’s mainly batting-friendly now.”
For a spinner, maintaining control on flat tracks that are dished out in the IPL requires a delicate balance between containing runs and hunting for wickets. “Role clarity” from the franchise surely makes this tightrope walk much easier.
“My role has been clearly mentioned and that is to provide control to the captain,” Sai Kishore said. “It becomes easy for any player to play to his full potential when the role is mentioned.”
When it comes to executing that control, he relies heavily on reading the game dynamically rather than sticking to a rigid script. “A lot depends on player to player, situation to situation. In what situation, what you’re trying to do. Let’s say if some batter is very settled, you would want to take him off strike, be more defensive to him. Somebody is new to the crease, you try and get his wicket. It is all about your decision-making skills at that moment, on that day, on that kind of wicket. So, if you have that instinct, it’s easy to manage between when to attack and when to defend,” he said.
In an era where T20 cricket is heavily driven by analytics and match-ups, Sai Kishore, who has previously captained Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, believes that numbers only tell half the story.
“No matter what kind of data you follow, your instincts always precede,” he said. “Because, at that moment, what you feel is what you’re gonna do. Data is important, knowing the game is important, but at the same time trusting your instincts, your inner voice is what this game is all about.”
Sai Kishore has already tasted international success, making his T20I debut during India’s gold medal-winning run at the 2023 Asian Games, where he famously claimed 3/12 against Bangladesh in the semifinals. However, he hasn’t been able to break into the Indian team again in any format. Rather than obsessing over a national call-up, his philosophy revolves around self-improvement and “absolute” preparation.
“To be relevant as a spinner, especially in India, you have to be able to hold yourself in all three facets of the game. You have to be a brilliant fielder, you have to be decent with the bat, which is not a very easy task. So, in that desire to play for the country, you naturally improve yourself to be a better cricketer.
“I feel I just have to make my garden very beautiful. I have to keep working on my game and be ready with the skill sets. And whenever a chance comes... more often than not when you’re absolutely ready, the chance comes. I think it will just happen on its own accord,” he said.
“Until then, I want to enjoy my game. I want to be very happy mentally, skillfully, emotionally, physically and everything.”
Chelsea Women are set to play all of their Women’s Super League (WSL) matches at Stamford Bridge from the start of next season.
The move signals a new era for the team, which has already hosted several fixtures at the men’s team’s home ground this season.
The team has played three WSL games at Stamford Bridge during the current campaign and is scheduled to conclude their season there against Manchester United in May. Additionally, the upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City has been relocated to the larger stadium.
This means Chelsea Women’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Aston Villa on 29 March was their final competitive outing at the 4,850-capacity Kingsmeadow in Kingston, which had been their home since 2017.
In a statement, the club outlined the strategic importance of the relocation: "Stamford Bridge will give CFCW a stage befitting the club’s achievements and ambition, a place to compete and win. This move reflects the club’s unwavering belief in the long-term opportunity in women’s football as well as the responsibility the club has to help push the game forward.
Chelsea Women will move to Stamford Bridge permanently next season (Getty)
“By establishing a permanent home at Stamford Bridge, CFCW is investing not just in today but in a legacy. Playing at Stamford Bridge will elevate visibility, provide consistency for fans, unlock potential and inspire the next generation as the sport continues to grow."
The decision is understood to be driven partly by the potential for increased matchday attendances and the enhanced commercial opportunities a larger, more developed stadium offers.
While Chelsea Women have seen fluctuating crowds at Stamford Bridge this season – over 30,000 for their 2-0 defeat by Arsenal in January, but around 10,000 for a win against London City Lionesses in November – the ambition is clear.
This contrasts with Arsenal, who averaged 34,110 for their nine WSL fixtures at the Emirates Stadium during the 2024-25 season, including more than 56,000 for their 5-0 victory over Tottenham.
An open letter from Chelsea’s first-team squad to supporters underscored the historical significance of the transition: "This moment is not just for us. It’s for every player to have worn the Chelsea badge. It’s for every person who has pushed the women’s game forward. It’s for every supporter who has been with us on our incredible journey.
“This is a new chapter, but our ambition remains the same. We want to win. We want to lift more trophies. We want to create further history. That is what Chelsea has always done – and we’re going to continue that legacy with our supporters beside us at the Bridge."
It is anticipated that Chelsea will also host Women’s League Cup, FA Cup, and – subject to qualification – Champions League fixtures at Stamford Bridge.
However, scheduling conflicts with the men’s team could necessitate the use of alternative venues for some cup matches.
Arsenal Women have played in front of significant crowds since moving to the Emirates (Getty)
The women’s team was sold to a subsidiary company, Chelsea FC Women (CFCW), in 2024.
Recent accounts for the men’s club, covering the year to June 2025, revealed a payment of £22.6m from CFCW, with sources close to the club indicating that almost £12m of this related to the sale of Kingsmeadow following an independent valuation.
The agreement for the women’s team to operate as a standalone business included a deal for Stamford Bridge to be used in exchange for a service fee.
Kingsmeadow will continue to serve as a venue for women’s academy and age-group matches.
Since the 'modern era' of snooker started in 1969, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry hold the joint record for most men's World Snooker Championship titles with seven.
Scotland's Hendry became the first to reach the mark - in 1999. All of his titles were won in the 1990s, including five in a row from 1992-1996.
O'Sullivan's Crucible titles have come over a longer period, with the Englishman winning his first in 2001 and repeating the feat in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020 and 2022.
Ray Reardon and Steve Davis are the next most successful players at the tournament with six titles each. All of Reardon's titles were won in the 1970s, with Davis' haul coming throughout the 1980s.
John Higgins - one of two four-time champions competing at the Crucible again this year - won his titles between 1998 and 2011. Mark Selby is also on four - all between 2014 and 2021.
John Spencer and Mark Williams are both on three titles each. Williams - another of those in action this year - won the first of his in 2000, while Spencer's trio are dated between 1969 and 1977.
The only other player with multiple titles in the modern era is Alex Higgins, who won in 1972, and again a decade later.
Prior to the start of the modern era, only two players entered the competition and would play much longer matches with significantly more frames than the best-of-35 finals that have been held since 1980.
Joe Davis won the first 15 editions of the tournament between 1927 and 1946. Fred Davis and John Pulman also won eight titles apiece before 1969, with Walter Donaldson claiming two titles and Horace Lindrum one.
Full list of multiple World Snooker Championship winners
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry share the modern era record with seven World Snooker Championship wins each [Getty Images]
Shomurodov officially leaves Roma on permanent deal
Roma has said goodbye to Eldor Shomurodov.
The Uzbek striker, a key figure for the Giallorossi last year during Ranieri’s reign, will continue to play for Istanbul Basaksehir.
According to Il Tempo, the Turkish club has been forced to buy following their mathematical certainty of survival.
The purchase fee will be €2.8 million, while the loan fee was €3 million. Roma will retain 10% of the player’s future resale value.
This season, Shomurodov is putting up impressive numbers in the Turkish SuperLig: 18 goals and 4 assists in 30 league appearances for the Uzbek international striker.
Strong league finish could land Carrick top job, but United are in false position
As Manchester United slide inexorably into next season’s Champions League, it’s hard not to think that barring a biblical capitulation Michael Carrick has coached his way into a permanent position in the Old Trafford dugout.
The interim head coach won’t be counting his chickens just yet, given United’s propensity for abrupt self-destruction. But should he get the club back to the top table of European football he will surely have passed the audition set – formally or informally – by INEOS when he was brought in to replace Ruben Amorim in February.
Great achievement
What discussions took place during his appointment, and what conversations have happened since, is anyone’s guess. But it is reasonable to assume that securing Champions League football was the primary task set, and therefore that achieving it could lead to the permanent role.
United are two wins away from securing what would undeniably be a huge feather in the cap of the relatively inexperienced manager. He was anything but a sure thing; this was no short-term deal for an established winner, no six-month contract for Jose Mourinho.
The former Middlesborough boss turning around a floundering United and steering it to at least a top five finish would be impressive however you slice it.
If the bottom falls out at this point it would be disappointing bordering on devastating, but it would deliver the underwhelming league position many imagined when he took over.
Low standard
That said, United are far from the only flounderers. Liverpool have mounted a historically pathetic defence of their Premier League title, a disastrous Chelsea have now lost five in a row without scoring, and Aston Villa are gently burning out while fighting on several fronts.
The way is clearing for underdogs like Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford and Bournemouth to mount serious bids for Europe, revealing their own meteoric rises at the same time as the declines of everyone bar Arsenal and Manchester City.
It is therefore a distinctly low-calibre pack that United are currently leading, which risks rendering a potential high finish something of a false position, clearing a bar set only at knee height. The thought of the current United side, in their current form, facing Champions League opposition is terrifying.
Cause for concern
If Carrick’s side had maintained the breakneck form which swept aside both title contenders in his first two games in charge, then there would be little to discuss. An emphatic three months to ease into a third-place finish would certainly have landed the Englishman the job, and rightly so.
That he could still end up with it despite a worrying downturn in form starts to become a concern. What if he gets the nod but can’t reverse that trajectory? Time on the training ground clearly isn’t a magic bullet – there was plenty of that before the dismal defeat to Leeds United, which contained some of the very worst football of the Carrick era.
A more positive take would be that despite working with a squad with some glaring holes, Carrick will have done the job. A win is a win; you can only play what’s in front of you. History will look back on a league position, not form.
It’s hard to argue against appointing a coach who has delivered, in the circumstances, the best possible result and there is a strong case to make that his achievement, however many caveats there are, deserves a show of faith in return.
This summer will be make or break. Strong and decisive recruitment is essential to equip next season’s head coach – whoever that may be – with the tools to drag United back into the conversation for silverware.
In the current circumstances that could very well be the unassuming Englishman, but if he gets the nod then Slot, Rosenior and Villa’s busy fixture list could expect mentions in his acceptance speech.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 26: A screen shows Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' name after being selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick during the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We will save the best-case scenario and optimism for Thursday. Today, with the first day of the 2026 NFL draft just a day away, we come back to our DBN readers with the question of the worst-case scenario. While we want to be hopeful, there are some options that we will start you off with as possible answers to the question:
QB would be a disaster. That includes trading 3 future 1st round picks plus more for Mendoza. Been there. Done that. Do it next year if you have to. There will be plenty to choose from that can see over the line.
Touchdownbrowns had a different take on the quarterback decision, but noted seeing two AFC North rivals snag players he is high on would be bothersome:
I’m so disagreeing with QB take! 😂😂😂 i really want us to take one! Hear me out though… I have to work backwards from my absolute worst-case scenario. I REALLY don’t want to see Watson on the field ever again. We are 1 Sanders injury away from that becoming a reality as of right now. So yes, taking Ty Simpson at 6 or 24 would not be worst case for me. Infact, it insures that my worst case never happens. The rest of the draft would be us consistently taking players that I’m low on when the other players that I’m high on are still available and then watching the ravens and Steelers take them.
Trading down was a concern for a couple of folks (Beast44 and tmartin5785):
Trading the #6 pick and passing on Downs.
Trading down from 6 too far and missing out on Freeling, Tate, Mauigoa, and Lemon while also not getting a 2027 1st in the trade
Now it is your turn, or theirs, to either change their choice or defend their almost month-old thoughts, in our comment section below.
What is the worst-case scenario for the Cleveland Browns in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft?
The Philadelphia Eagles head into the final hours before the 2026 NFL Draft with a wide range of projected outcomes at pick No. 23. Across mock drafts and league intel, several prospects and positions continue to surface as logical fits. Offensive tackle remains a popular projection, particularly with long-term questions surrounding Lane Johnson, while edge rushers and wide receivers have also been consistently linked to Philadelphia as potential impact additions.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is a huge supporter of trading up and down the draft boards, no matter the round or the assets at his disposal. Roseman, known for never sitting still, has always been an active draft-night trader and will likely make a move or two in rounds 1-3. Roseman has conducted over 60 draft-day trades over the past ten years, not including the 2015 draft when coach Chip Kelly snatched personnel control.
Despite the growing list of predictions, the Eagles are unlikely to lock into any single direction. Roseman has built his draft philosophy around flexibility and value, often capitalizing when top talent unexpectedly falls. That mindset leaves open the possibility of multiple outcomes — from selecting the best player available to executing a trade up or down the board. As the final projections come into focus, the Eagles remain one of the most unpredictable teams, positioned to adapt and maximize value when they're on the clock at No. 23.
As the draft nears, experts continue to connect a range of prospects to the Eagles at pick No. 23, offering insight into Philadelphia's potential Round 1 strategy.
The Shark PowerPro is a great value vacuum from an excellent brand. It's on sale right now at Amazon for a fantastic price making it an unbeatable deal.
Nvidia’s new DLSS SDK delivers 6x Frame Generation and Dynamic Frame Generation to game developers NVIDIA has officially released its DLSS 4.5 SDK, giving game developers direct access to the company’s newest Super Resolution and Frame Generation technologies. With their newest update, developers have been given access to DLSS 5x and 6x Multi Frame Generation […]
Microsoft cuts Call of Duty to slash Xbox Game Pass pricing Microsoft has unveiled a major price slash for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The monthly price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has been slashed from $29.99 to $22.99, and the price of PC Game Pass has dropped from $16.49 to $13.99. […]
Xbox has removed Social Clubs, prompting questions about the future of its social features. I'm exploring what could be next, and whether Xbox is moving away from its social roots.
Previously announced for launch in July 2024, the ill-fated Xbox Mobile Store seems to be dead, with all test URLs relating to it now hitting a 404 error.
The KYY Portable Monitor is a pretty popular display on Amazon that's loved for its above-average performance rates and FHD resolutions, and it's now back on sale with a 34% discount.
Microsoft recently indicated that its Microsoft Defender antivirus is enough for Windows 11 users, dismissing the need to install additional software for that extra layer of protection.
Microsoft could be forced to reimburse $2.8 billion to 60,000 UK-based businesses for overcharging customers for its Windows Server software on competing cloud platforms at higher rates than its own Azure service.
A new tool called Model Capability Initiative (MCI) will run on work-related apps and also take occasional snapshots of workers' screens, according to internal memos seen by Reuters.
Following its delay from 2025, Bungie's Marathon launched last month on PC and PlayStation 5. While the game was generally well received, with our own David Carcasole awarding it a 9 out of 10 score in his review, the extraction shooter by the makers of Halo and Destiny did not manage to become a smashing success at launch, and its player base is continuing to contract despite Bungie providing solid support so far. However, for some reason, the game has become the most searched game on SteamDB since its launch. As spotted on Reddit by user Anihalation, Marathon has been […]
In the latest episode of the Broken Silicon podcast, leaker Moore's Law Is Dead claimed that the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, could be as disruptive as Apple's new MacBook Neo due to its sheer value, which MLID likened to a two or even three-thousand-dollar gaming PC: Project Helix is basically a high-end PC, even using the same silicon as AMD's 70 or maybe 80 class RDNA5 GPU is. It isn't an ultra level of PC hardware, but still far more power than consoles usually have. It will have the biggest APU in console history. I think over 400 […]
OpenAI has published a new patent in which it discloses an AI chip housing several compute chiplets, surrounded by a large number of HBM memory stacks. One Compute Chiplet, Several HBM Memory Stacks: This Could Be OpenAI's Future AI Chip Plans In a new patent titled "Non-Adjacent Connection of High-Bandwidth Memory Chiplets, I/O Chiplets, And Compute Chiplets Through Embedded Logic Bridges", OpenAI shares plans for an AI chip solution that is going to house several HBM chiplets and compute chiplets, all connected using Embedded Logic Bridges. The research proposes the idea of leveraging these embedded logic bridges for high-speed interconnects […]
Amidst constant news of price increases for gaming hardware and services, Microsoft did the unexpected yesterday by lowering the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which had become too expensive for too many players, according to Xbox head Asha Sharma, at the cost of new Call of Duty games that will only hit the service one year after their launch. Reportedly, this is only the beginning, as according to Windows Central's Jez Corden, Microsoft's long-term goal for its subscription service is flexibility. "Microsoft sources tell me that the longer-term goal for Xbox Game Pass is to make it more flexible," […]
Iranian state media has alleged that equipment from Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, and MikroTik failed during U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran.
Zedly gets OpenClaw running on your machine in one session. It delivers a signed Docker container and an agent-assisted setup that configures LLM providers, model routing, and plugins, then installs Shield for PII redaction and audit logging. Run via a secure outbound tunnel with full local control on macOS, Windows, or Linux, and launch vetted workflows with backups and monitoring. Manage multiple instances with a fleet dashboard and schedule runs without touching your host OS.
EasyWill helps expats and investors create legally valid UAE wills fully online with official court registration. Users complete a guided questionnaire, and the platform generates a compliant will in their preferred language, with translation, notarization by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and official filing.
EasyWill simplifies estate planning by letting users protect property, bank accounts, and business interests, appoint guardians and executors, and securely manage updates via a centralized dashboard. Transparent, all-inclusive pricing ensures clarity and peace of mind.
Accor has signed a new resort project in Bali, Indonesia, set to open in 2028 as part of its growing Handwritten Collection portfolio. The Satori Resort – Handwritten Collection will be developed under an Operations […]
Justin Bieber has fuelled intense speculation about a return to touring after closing his Coachella 2026 headline set with the words “See y’all soon,” prompting a wave of anticipation among fans and the wider music […]
Leak season for the next Galaxy S lineup has already begun. A new leak sheds light on specs and features of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and 6 Pro that will potentially power the Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra globally.
Weibo leaker DCS revealed key specs of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, and the chips powering the Galaxy S27 series may be made by TSMC.
TSMC’s 2nm process node means better efficiency, sustained performance, and improved thermal behavior. Qualcomm is also considering a 2nm Snapdragon chip, but it seems unlikely to be from the 6th generation.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 (SM8950) configuration:
2 prime cores
3 performance cores
3 efficiency cores
The Pro variant keeps the same layout but pushes it harder. Higher clocks are expected, but Qualcomm is also stacking more resources around it.
The standard chip reportedly uses 16MB L2 + 6MB SLC cache, while the Pro bumps system-level cache to 8MB SLC. It may sound minor, but SLC plays a big role in reducing memory latency during heavy workloads like gaming and AI tasks.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro – Adreno 845, up to 18MB graphics cache
Memory support:
Gen 6 – LPDDR5X
Gen 6 Pro – LPDDR6 (quad-channel 24-bit) or LPDDR5X (quad-channel 16-bit)
LPDDR6 is not just about speed; it is about bandwidth efficiency and power scaling. Both chips still share the essentials: integrated 5G with sub-6 and mmWave, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, UFS 5.0 storage, and 10Gbps USB-C.
The Galaxy S27 and S27+ are expected to use Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2700 in most markets. Meanwhile, regions like the US, Canada, and China could get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.
Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra are tipped to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro globally, which at least brings some consistency at the top end.
Samsung may launch the Galaxy S27 series early next year.
Acer is launching a new e-scooter priced at around €350 with the Acer Nitro ES Series 3 Select, which offers features designed for everyday use as well as a maximum range of 40 km.
The OnePlus Watch 4 should achieve a battery life of up to 16 days despite Google Wear OS. To make this possible, OnePlus relies on a modern LTPO OLED panel and supports the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 with an energy saving co-processor.
More details about a new Redmi Note smartphone have emerged online. The successor to the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max may not depart from its predecessor as much as Xiaomi's new naming suggests.
Anker Innovations has officially unveiled Thus, its first in-house AI chip platform to bump audio performance. Produced in Germany, the chip will debut in new soundcore products at an event on May 21, 2026.
After weeks of teasers, the Lenovo Lecoo AI Mini Pro is now available to purchase in China. It features a Mac mini-esque design, is powered by the Intel Lunar Lake series, and can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM. The starting price is CNY 3,999, about $586.
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has been spotted in Korea meeting with Samsung executives. The trip is all about manufacturing chips on the 2nm process, and there's a chance that Qualcomm will turn to Samsung to fabricate the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 SoCs.
Back at CES in January, Amon revealed that Qualcomm was talking to Samsung about this, and it seems like the discussions are still ongoing. If all this pans out and Qualcomm does indeed pick Samsung to fab the next top of the line Snapdragon SoC, it would mark a return to the Korean company for the first time since 2022, which is...
While last year's Honor 500 and 500 Pro remained exclusive to China, the brand-new Honor 600 and 600 Pro are making their debuts internationally from the jump.
The newest members in Honor’s lineup bring a revamped design which takes some clear inspiration from the iPhone 17 Pro series with the oversized camera island and vibrant orange colorway. But outside of the iPhone look, Honor’s new phones offer impressive batteries, top-tier IP69K ingress protection and 200MP main cams.
Honor 600 (left) and Honor 600 Pro
Both phones are built around 6.57-inch AMOLEDs with 2,728 x 1,264px...
has revealed the only man that he thinks could be a threat to . Usyk defeated Bellew at cruiserweight back in 2018, and then moved up to the heavyweight division where he has defeated all comers, including Tyson Fury, and all on two occasions each. With the Ukrainian approaching the end of his career, Bellew […]
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek final mücadelesinde Galatasaray ile Gençlerbirliği arasında oynanacak maçın VAR hakemi açıklandı.
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek final mücadelesinde Galatasaray ile Gençlerbirliği bu akşam karşı karşıya gelecek.
RAMS Park'ta saat 20.30'da oynanacak müsabakayı hakem Oğuzhan Aksu yönetecek. Aksu'nun yardımcılıklarını Bahtiyar Birinci ve Kerem Ersoy üstlenecek. Mücadelenin dördüncü hakemi ise Melih Aldemir olacak.
Maçın VAR koltuğunda Eren Özyemişçioğlu oturacak. Özyemişçioğlu'na, AVAR olarak Mehmet Salih Mazlum eşlik edecek.
Kocaelispor forması giyen Serdar Dursun'dan golünü tuşlu cep telefonuyla kaydeden minik taraftara anlamlı hediye geldi.
Kocaelisporlu futbolcu Serdar Dursun, Göztepe maçında attığı penaltı golünü tuşlu cep telefonuyla kaydeden 9 yaşındaki taraftara dijital kamera hediye etti.
Kocaelispor taraftarı 3. sınıf öğrencisi 9 yaşındaki Ertuğrul Sert, Trendyol Süper Lig’in 30. haftasında Turka Araç Muayene Kocaeli Stadı’nda oynanan Göztepe karşılaşmasında, Serdar Dursun’un 90+8. dakikada penaltıdan attığı golü tuşlu cep telefonuyla kaydetti.
Bu anların başka bir taraftar tarafından ABD merkezli X şirketinin sosyal medya hesabından paylaşılması üzerine Dursun, paylaşımı alıntılayarak, "Salı akşamı tesise gel kardeşim, beni bul" notunu paylaştı.
Kocaelispor Kulübünün girişimiyle ulaşılan minik taraftarın okulunu ziyaret eden Serdar Dursun, Sert’e dijital kamera hediye etti.
Sert, Körfez Brunga Tesisleri’nde, ligin 31. haftasında deplasmanda oynanacak Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği maçı hazırlıklarını sürdüren takımın antrenmanını da ziyaret etti. Futbolcular ve teknik direktör Selçuk İnan ile yeni kamerasıyla fotoğraf çekilen Sert, antrenman boyunca görüntü aldı.
Antrenmanda minik taraftarla bir araya gelen Dursun, gazetecilere, Ertuğrul Sert, tesise gelmeden önce onu okulunda ziyaret ederek sürpriz yaptıklarını söyledi.
Dursun, ailesiyle konuştuktan sonra telefon yerine kamera almaya karar verdiklerini belirterek, "Kamerayla bundan sonra bol bol kayıt yapabilir. Benim ve Kocaelispor'un gollerini çeker. İleride belki kameraman bile olabilir. Ertuğrul'u inşallah mutlu etmişizdir. Sonraki maçta kendisi stadyumda misafirimiz olacak. Böyle değerli gençlerimiz olduğu için mutluyuz." ifadelerini kullandı.
Fotospor, Galatasaray alt yapısından Çağrı Balta'nın ardından 'Yeni Hagi' olarak dillendirilen Furkan Koçak'ın da Galatasaray'dan Fenerbahçe'ye transfer olduğunu yazmıştı. Fenerbahçe'den bir hamle daha geldi. Berk Kızıldemir de Fenerbahçe ile anlaştı.
Galatasaray'dan Fenerbahçe'ye genç futbolcu akışına bir isim daha eklendi. Galatasaray efsanelerinden Hakan Balta'nın oğlu Çağrı Balta'nın U-19 takımında oynarken bir anda Fenerbahçe idmanında belirmesi ve 18 yaşına basar basmaz Fenerbahçe'ye imza atması büyük gündem yaratmıştı.
FURKAN KOÇAK DA FENERBAHÇE'DE
Daha sonra ise Fenerbahçe'nin Galatasaray U-19 takımının yıldızlarından Furkan Koçak ile de anlaşmaya vardığı iddia edildi. Efsane yıldız Hagi gibi sol ayaklı 10 numara olan ve U-19 takımında 27 maçta 8 gol atarak yıldızlaşan Furkan Koçak ile Fenerbahçe'nin ön protokol imzaladığı da yine iddialar arasında yer almıştı.
BİR İSİM DAHA
Öte yandan Galatasaray'ın kadro dışı bıraktığı Berk Kızıldemir'in de Fenerbahçe ile anlaştığı öğrenildi. İddialara göre 2006 doğumlu orta saha oyuncusu, sezon sonunda sözleşmesinin sona ermesinin ardından Fenerbahçe’ye katılacak.
Berk Kızıldemir ile Çağrı Hakan Balta’nın yakın arkadaş olduğu da biliniyor.
Galatasaray'da kadroda kendisine yer bulamadığı için sezon başında Udinese'ye kiralık olarak gönderilen Nicolo Zaniolo'nun aklı Galatasaray'da kaldı.
Galatasaray'dan sezon başında Udinese'ye kiralık olarak gönderilen Nicolo Zaniolo gösterdiği başarılı performansla dikkatleri üzerine çekmeyi başarmıştı. Bonservisi Galatasaray'da olan ancak Udinese'de 10 milyon euroluk satın alma opsiyonu hakkı bulunan Zaniolo için İtalyan kulüpleri devreye girmişti. İtalyan futbolcu için son olarak Milan kulübünün de devrede olduğu öğrenilmişti.
AKLI GALATASARAY'DA KALDI
Ancak, Zaniolo'nun aklı Galatasaray'da kaldı. Nicolo Zaniolo'nun babası Igor Zaniolo yaptığı açıklama ile başarılı futbolcunun Galatasaray ile bağlarını koparamadığını gözler önüne serdi. İşte o açıklama:
-Nicolo, Galatasaray taraftarını çok seviyor ve her zaman maçlarını takip ediyor. Takım arkadaşlarıyla da sürekli iletişim halinde.
SEZON PERFORMANSI
Bu sezon Udinese formasıyla 31 maça çıkan Nicolo Zaniolo 6 gol, 6 asistlik performans sergiledi.
Gelecek sezon transfer çalışmalarını sürdüren Beşiktaş'tan sürpriz bir hamle geldi. Siyah-beyazlılar Leverkusen'in yıldız sol beki Alejandro Grimaldo ile anlaşmaya vardı.
Bu sezonda şampiyonluğa erken veda ederek taraftarını büyük hayal kırıklığına uğratan Beşiktaş gelecek sezonda kadroda önemli değişiklikler yapmak istiyor. Teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın ile Serkan Reçber konu konuda çalışmalara başladı. Siyah-beyazlıların gelecek sezon için ilk hamlesi de belli oldu.
ANLAŞMA TAMAM
Sky Sport'un haberine göre Beşiktaş, Alejandro Grimaldo ile her konuda anlaşma sağladı. Siyah-beyazlıların sunduğu proje ve takımda üstleneceği rol nedeniyle İspanyol sol beki cezbettiği ve yıldız futbolcunun artık İstanbul'a gelmeye hazır olduğu vurgulandı.
SIRADA BONSERVİS VAR
Öte yandan yine aynı haberde, Beşiktaş'ın Grimaldo transferini resmiyete dökmesi için Bayer Leverkusen ile bonservis konusunda anlaşması gerektiği de belirtildi. Kulüp başarılı futbolcu için 20 milyon Euro talep ediyor.
Rafael Markes bu il keçiriləcək dünya çempionatından (DÇ-2026) sonra Meksika millisinin baş məşqçisi təyin olunacaq.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Meksika Futbol Federasiyasının mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Hazırda 47 yaşlı mütəxəssis yığmada baş məşqçi Xavyer Aqirrenin köməkçisi vəzifəsini yerinə yetirir.
“Barselona”nın sabiq müdafiəçisi peşəkar karyerasını bitirdikdən sonra Kataloniya klubunun əvəzedici komandasına rəhbərlik edib. Rafael Markes 2024-cü ildən Meksika yığmasında baş məşqçinin köməkçisi kimi fəaliyyət göstərir. O, 1997–2018-ci illər aralığında formasını geyindiyi Meksika millisinin heyətində 148 oyun keçirib, 17 qol və 7 assistlə yadda qalıb.
Qeyd edək ki, bu il iyunun 11-dən iyulun 19-na qədər ABŞ, Meksika və Kanadada keçiriləcək DÇ-2026-ya ümumilikdə 48 komanda qatılacaq. Meksika millisi CAR, Koreya və Çexiya yığmaları ilə eyni qrupda mübarizə aparacaq.
51 yaşlı ukraynalı futbol mütəxəssisi Sergey Rebrov Ukrayna milli komandasının baş məşqçisi postundan istefa verib.
Arena.az bu barədə Ukrayna Futbol Assosiasiyasına (UFA) istinadən xəbər verir.
Belə ki, tərəflər əməkdaşlığa xitam verilməsi barədə qarşılıqlı razılığa gəliblər.
Qurumun yaydığı məlumata görə, Rebrov 2023-cü ildə komandanı çətin pley-off mərhələsindən keçirərək Avropa çempionatına çıxarmağı bacarıb. Lakin yığmanın dünya çempionatına vəsiqə qazana bilməməsi ayrılığa səbəb olub.
UFA prezidenti Andrey Şevçenko mütəxəssisə gənc futbolçuların inkişafındakı töhfələrinə görə minnətdarlığını bildirib. O, qeyd edib ki, hazırda komanda üçün yeni qərarların qəbul edilməsi vaxtıdır.
Rebrov UFA-da vitse-prezident və İcraiyyə Komitəsinin üzvü kimi fəaliyyətini davam etdirəcək. Yığmanın yeni baş məşqçisi isə hələlik müəyyənləşməyib.
Xatırladaq ki, Sergey Rebrov 2023-cü ilin yayından Ukrayna yığmasına rəhbərlik edirdi. O, milli komandanı bütövlükdə 34 oyuna çıxarıb. Ukraynalılar bu görüşlərdə 16 qələbə qazanıblar, 8 heç-heçə ediblər, 10 məğlubiyyətə üzülüblər.
Vaxtilə futbol üzrə İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının qalibi olmuş, son illərdə böhranda olan “Lester Siti” daha bir uğursuzluqla üzləşib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda ölkənin 3-cü divizionuna yuvarlanıb.
“Tülkülər” Çempionşipin 44-cü turunda “Hall Siti” ilə heç-heçə edib (2:2) və cəmi 42 xalla turnir cədvəlinin 23-cü pilləsində qərarlaşıb. Mövsümün sonuna 2 tur qalsa da, 21-ci yerdə olan “Bləkbörn” 49 xala malikdir. Bu isə Lester təmsilçisinin liqada qalmaq şansını itirməsi deməkdir.
Qeyd edək ki, “Lester Siti” ötən mövsüm İngiltərə Premyer Liqasında çıxış edib. Komanda 25 xalla 18-ci yeri tutaraq aşağı liqaya yuvarlanmışdı. Cari ilin fevralında isə klub maliyyə qaydalarını pozduğuna görə 6 xal itirmişdi.
Xatırladaq ki, Lester təmsilçisi 2015/2016-cı illər mövsümündə Klaudio Ranyerinin rəhbərliyi altında İngiltərə çempionu olub. Komanda həmin mövsüm 81 xal toplayaraq ən yaxın izləyicisi “Arsenal”ı 10 xal qabaqlayıb.
İstanbul Anadolu Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı, Beşiktaş-Fenerbahçe maçında karaborsa bilet satışı iddiasıyla düğmeye bastı. Passolig sistemini engelleyerek Fenerbahçe tribünündeki biletleri toplu şekilde kapatan şebekeye yönelik 8 ilde eş zamanlı düzenlenen operasyonda 15 şüpheli kıskaca alındı.
Galatasaray'da kadro dışı kalan Berk Kızıldemir'in Fenerbahçe ile anlaşmaya vardığı öne sürüldü. İki kulüp arasındaki altyapı gerilimi yeniden gündemde.
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“Barselona”nın sabiq futbolçusu Rafael Markes DÇ-2026-dan sonra Meksika yığmasına rəhbərlik edəcək.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə yerli futbol federasiyasının mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. 47 yaşlı mütəxəssis bu postda hazırkı çalışdırıcı Xavyer Aqirreni əvəzləyəcək.
Meksika millisi mundialda Cənubi Afrika, Cənubi Koreya və Çexiya ilə bir qrupda mübarizə aparacaq.
Dünya çempionatı iyunun 14-dən iyulun 19-dək keçiriləcək. Yarışa ABŞ, Kanada və Meksika ev sahibliyi edəcək.
Ukrayna millisində baş məşqçi Sergey Rebrovla yollar ayrılıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə yerli futbol assosiasiyasının mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Mütəxəssislə müqaviləyə qarşılıqlı razılaşma əsasında xitam verilib.
Rebrov 2023-cü ilin yayından yığmaya rəhbərlik edirdi. Milli onun başçılığı altında 34 oyunda 16 qələbə qazanıb, 10 dəfə məğlub olub.
Braziliyanın Fos-du-İquasu şəhərində boks üzrə Dünya Kuboku davam edir.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, reytinq xarakterli yarışın ikinci günündə rinqə çıxan Azərbaycan millisinin hər iki idmançısı qələbə qazanıb.
55 kq-da Zidan Hünbətov 1/16 finalda Aqustin Susloaqanı (Uruqvay) mübarizədən kənarlaşdırıb – 5:0 (30:27, 30:27, 30:27, 29:28, 30:27). O, növbəti görüşünü Rafael Lozano Serranoya (İspaniya) qarşı keçirəcək. Döyüş aprelin 23-də olacaq.
Məhəmməd Abdullayev (+90 kq) də Dünya Kubokuna qələbə ilə başlayıb. Boksçumuz 1/8 finalda Yakub Domuradı (Polşa) 5:0 (30:27, 30:27, 29:28, 30:27, 29:28) hesabı ilə məğlub edib. Abdullayev ikinci görüşündə Luka Pratljaçiçlə (Xorvatiya) üz-üzə gələcək. Döyüş aprelin 24-də baş tutacaq.
Qeyd edək ki, Dünya Kubokuna aprelin 26-da yekun vurulacaq.
“Zirə” Azərbaycan Kubokunda finala yüksəldi. Rəşad Sadıqovun rəhbərlik etdiyi kollektiv yarımfinalda “Turan Tovuz”u üstələdi. İlk oyunda 2:0 hesablı qələbə qazanan “qartallar” cavab matçında qapısını toxunulmaz saxladı və qolsuz heç-heçə adını finala yazdırdı.
Tərəflər arasındakı birinci dueldə yaşanan hakim səhvi hər iki matçı kölgədə saxladı. Oyundan çox hakim qərarlarının müzakirə olunduğu dueldən sonra da idarəçilik məsələsi gündəmdə qaldı. Birinci matçda “Turan Tovuz”un lehinə verilməli olan penaltilər bəlkə də, turun həlledici məqamı idi. Ən azından tovuzlular bu iddiadadır.
Cavab matçında “Turan Tovuz”un hücumda daha effektiv oynayacağı gözlənilsə də, sərgilənən oyun sanki tovuzluların məğlubiyyətlə barışdığını hiss etdirdi. Ciddi epizodlara girə bilməyən “Turan Tovuz” matçın son hissəsində daha çox təzyiq göstərsə də, real təhlükə yarada bilmədi. Burada “Zirə” müdafiə xəttinin də etibarlı oyunu xüsusi vurğulanmalıdır.
Hər bir halda, ilk oyunda verilən qərarlar yarımfinaldakı bu duelləri, meydandakı mübarizəni kölgədə qoydu.
Tarixində üçüncü dəfə finala adlayan “Zirə”nin rəqibi “Sabah” – “Qarabağ” cütünün qalibi olacaq. Qəsəbə təmsilçisi üçün hər iki rəqib arzuolunmazdır. “Qarabağ” finallarda kifayət qədər təcrübəli, “Sabah” isə son çempiondur.
Komandalar arasındakı ilk matçda qollu bərabərlik qeydə alınıb – 2:2. Cavab matçı bu gün, saat 20:00-da start götürəcək.
“Qarabağ” futbol akademiyasının meneceri Nail Kərimov və koordinatoru Aftandil Hacıyev UEFA Gənclər Liqası 5-ci Forumunda iştirak ediblər. Msport.az xəbər verir […]
Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, and Football Italia looks at the favourite teams to lift the coveted cup this summer.
Italy have once again suffered a World Cup heartbreak, losing the play-off Final on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy miss out on World Cup qualification once again
The Azzurri last played in the World Cup in 2014 and, next summer, they’ll be forced to watch the competition from home for the third time in a row.
Odds comparison from the best offshore sportsbooks shows defending Euro champions Spain as the favourite side to lift the 2026 World Cup.
However, competition is stiff, as La Roja is followed by England, France, Argentina, and Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil.
France reached the Final in the last two editions, first beating Croatia in 2018 and then losing to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in 2022.
England, on the other hand, reached the European Championship Final in the last two editions, losing to both Italy and Spain.
Marcus Rashford of England (R) celebrates as he scores his team’s second goal with Harry Kane of England during the UEFA Nations League A Group Four match between Spain and England at Estadio Benito Villamarin on October 15, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Only eight countries have ever won the World Cup, and despite the frequent shocks over the last decade, Italy remain one of the most successful countries in the competition with four victories, the same as Germany, and just one less than Brazil.
Arguably, the most prominent Italian at next summer’s 2026 World Cup will be Brazil coach Ancelotti, who took over the South American national team less than a year ago.
Ancelotti is already the most successful coach in the Champions League and the only manager to have won the domestic title in each of the top five European leagues: Italy, England, Spain, Germany and France.
“Brazilians want to see the national team win the World Cup. Of course, if you play well, you have better chances of going far, but in 1994 and 2002, they had great forwards yet won thanks to a very solid defence. I think it will be the same in the next World Cup,” Ancelotti said in a recent interview.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 26: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti waves before the international friendly match between Brazil and France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“We have high-level veterans and talented youngsters. We’re surrounded by incredible passion. They ask us to win the World Cup, and that’s what we’ll try to do. Brazil has been waiting far too long; they want the sixth title.”
The Italian tactician also named the favourite teams to win the World Cup and warned about possible surprises.
“France, Spain, England, Germany, Argentina, Portugal. The usual ones,” he said.
“But be careful. With 48 teams, there will surely be surprises. Tomorrow we play Senegal, who beat England 3-1. They’re very strong. Same for Morocco, they’re doing great. You have to be ready and prepared.”
Wednesday’s reports claim that Gianluigi Donnarumma has made himself available to interim Italy head coach Silvio Baldini for the upcoming friendly fixtures in June and that the Azzurri captain will lead a youthful side that features a lot of the current U21 squad.
Gazzetta: Donnarumma to captain youthful Italy side into June friendlies
Baldini was called in as the interim replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned from his position as Italy head coach following the failure to overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March.
The U21s coach will step up to the senior side for Italy’s friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece in June.
With Italy out of the World Cup before it has even begun, there is unsurprisingly little appetite for the friendlies in June, but according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, these are still obligatory due to TV rights deals.
UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that many of Italy’s big names, including the likes of Sandro Tonali, Alessandro Bastoni, Manuel Locatelli and Moise Kean are likely to stay at home for the upcoming June friendlies and that Baldini is likely to bring a lot of his current U21 squad with him.
Captain Donnarumma is still expected to lead the team into June’s friendlies, though. La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that he recently spoke to Baldini over the phone and made himself available to play.
The Pink Paper suggests that Baldini will call up some of Italy’s young, established talents, such as Pio Esposito, Marco Palestra and Nicolo Pisilli.
EMPOLI – MARCH 26: Jeff Ekhator of the U21s celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal with Michael Kayode and Luca Kaleosho during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match against North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
There could also be call-ups for a number of Italy’s U21 stars, including the likes of Pietro Comuzzo, Michael Kayode, Fabio Chiarodia, Davide Bartesaghi, Honest Ahanor, Cher Ndour, Luca Lipani, Luka Koleosho and Jeff Ekhator.
Raffaele Palladino is likely to turn to Gianluca Scamacca while Maurizio Sarri has a toss-up between Daniel Maldini and Tijjani Noslinas Atalanta and Lazio go head to head for a spot in the Coppa Italia final.
Atalanta will host Lazio for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final at the New Balance Arena at 20.00 on Wednesday night. The scores are level at the halfway stage of the tie after a 2-2 draw between the two sides at the Stadio Olimpico at the beginning of March.
The winner of tonight’s tie will go on to face Serie A leaders Inter in the final on May 13. The Nerazzurri qualified after a spectacular late turnaround against Como on Tuesday night, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in the final 20 minutes in San Siro.
For tonight’s semi-final, Palladino is expected to make at least three changes to his starting line-up, with Raoul Bellanova, Giacomo Raspadori and Nikola Krstovic likely to start on the bench.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from a penalty, after Mattia Perin of Juventus (not pictured) failed to make a save, during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
That could mean opportunities for the likes of Lorenzo Bernasconi, Nikola Zalewski and Gianluca Scamacca.
It remains to be seen whether Sarri will go with Daniel Maldini or Tijjani Noslin at the centre of Lazio’s attack on Wednesday evening.
There are also some doubts over the availability of Adam Marusic, but pre-match reports indicate that he is in line to start.
Kick-off is due at 20.00 GMT.
Atalanta vs. Lazio: Probable line-ups
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 13: Maurizio Sarri manager of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Zalewski; Scamacca.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on Premier Sports. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Coppa Italia: they overturn Como and fly into the final
Behind by two goals, Martinez saves everything. Calha (brace) and Sucic unleashed: 3-2 . Chivu: ‘Now we can dream about the double’
Milan and Juve dear on goals
Heading towards Sunday’s battle in San Siro
The attackers aren’t scoring much, but are costing a lot
Red light investigation involves 70 footballers
Investigation into a prostitution ring in Milan
Corriere dello Sport
Infinite Inter
Como overturned, Chivu’s in the final
Coppa Italia From 0-2 to 3-2: Against Atalanta or Lazio on May 13 for the double
Fabregas dominates for an hour: Goals from Baturina and Da Cunha. Josep Martinez prevents collapse/. The comeback in the last 20 minutes through Calha (brace) and Sucic
Have to do the maths with Allegri
The analysis of his last three years with Juve
Despite the Prisma investigation and the club being wiped out, he conquered Champions League qualification every year and what a balance on the market: -40
Mau, this one counts
Embraces the fans at Formello: ‘I want to reach the final, but no one game changes a season’. Marusic tries. Doubt in attack: Noslin or Maldini
Conte transforms Napoli
From Alisson to Rrahmani: Cremonese on Friday
Mancini, mess in Qatar
Could lose a trophy he’s already celebrated
Tuttosport
Juve-Lewa: Overtaking Milan
The Barcelona bomber in contact with the Bianconeri: 6 million plus bonuses the offer to convince him
The Pole reflecting on his future: His agent isn’t just talking to the Americans, Saudis or the Rossoneri … Silva double: Looking at City’s Bernardo, Benfica’s Antonio is back in fashion. De Gea coming up again in goal. The battle with Allegri on Sunday: Operation Yildiz
Calha, magic finale
Coppa Italia: Crazy Inter comeback in the final 20 minutes against Como
From 0-2 to 3-2 in Calhanoglu dreamland: A world-class brace and an assist for Sucic in the 89th minute. Beaten a spectacular Como, who had San Siro scared with goals from Baturina and Da Cunha. Chivu will play the winner of Atalanta-Lazio (20.00) for the trophy
‘Seventh year out of eight in the red, debts rising to €160m, structural losses: This is how we slide downwards. I believe the President hopes to sell the club. A change is needed.’
Allegri takes us to the top
Interview with Abbiati
The former Milan goalkeeper: ‘He’s already won here and he knows how to do it. It’s dangerous to change. I’m with Leao’. Thiago Gabriel for the defence
Escorts case: More than 70 footballers involved including from Inter, Juve, Milan and Toro
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The France international is a top player, so it’s logical that he’d be on Man Utd’s radar as they look for options in that position this summer, though it’s not currently clear that he’s one of their priorities.
That’s according to Romano in his latest post on his YouTube channel, with the Italian journalist saying there’s not currently any indication that Tchouameni will be leaving Real Madrid.
Fabrizio Romano on Aurelien Tchouameni transfer speculation
Romano has reiterated that United are in the market for a midfielder this summer, mentioning the likes of Sandro Tonali, but suggesting that Tchouameni doesn’t necessarily look like he’ll be on the move.
“Many questions in the last 24 hours on a report coming from England, from very good sources in England about Aurelien Tchouameni and Manchester United,” Romano said.
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“Guys, just to be clear, I told you United will go for two midfielders in the summer. Let’s see if it’s going to be more, but at the moment, the indication is two midfielders in the summer.
“And Manchester United want to sign important names, not small names. So, for sure, Man United are considering several midfielders.
“There are some players they really like. Tchouameni is for sure appreciated, but at the moment from Real Madrid, they are not receiving any indication of doors open about a potential exit in summer transfer window.
“So, at the moment, who doesn’t appreciate (Tchouameni)? But to even think about any possibility to get him, you need to understand what Real Madrid want to do. And at the moment from Real Madrid, there are no indications of club intention to get rid of Aurelien Tchouameni.”
Is Aurelien Tchouameni the right fit for Manchester United?
Tchouameni has shone for Real Madrid and looks like someone who could be a decent fit for the demands of the Premier League, though he’s never played in England.
Aurelien Tchouameni
TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
***
Achievements
****
Career phase
***
Squad need
*****
It remains to be seen if the 26-year-old will be available, but he certainly seems like someone who could strengthen this MUFC side.
Still, the club have perhaps also signalled their preference for signing Premier League-proven players as they did with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha last summer, and with Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali seeming to be top targets now.
It’s been a nightmare start to life at Stamford Bridge for Rosenior, with the club now in serious danger of missing out on Champions League qualification, having also been dumped out of the tournament in embarrassing style by PSG recently.
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According to Simon Phillips, it now seems Rosenior’s future is in serious doubt and that an official statement could come from the Blues later today.
The Chelsea reporter adds that the club’s players don’t trust Rosenior and have been mocking him and his methods.
Even if the 41-year-old didn’t inherit the easiest situation at CFC, these are obviously unacceptable numbers for a club of this size.
This total collapse from Chelsea now means they’re down in 7th place, and they could slip even further down as the teams just below them each have a game in hand.
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Rosenior did well at previous club Strasbourg, but it looks like this kind of job came too soon for him, and it’s hard to see his methods having any kind of positive impact on this group of players.
Could Chelsea move for Cesc Fabregas?
Phillips has suggested Chelsea already look prepared to axe Rosenior and move for Como manager Cesc Fabregas.
“Based off what I’ve heard though, I’d be VERY surprised if we don’t get that official statement from Chelsea today saying they have let him go and McFarlane takes the team for now – likely until the summer when they go for a new permanent manager,” Phillips wrote.
“I know they will approach Cesc Fabregas if this does happen, but I’m not sure he will come right now. Marco Silva is another name I’ve heard early doors at this stage, but more names will certainly come up IF they do decide to sack Rosenior.
“So, I cannot confirm he’s been sacked yet, but I do think he could be sacked today.”
Manchester United are going to be one to watch in the race for an intriguing €45m talent this summer, according to sources.
Benfica’s Richard Rios is, I’m told, “highly unlikely to stay at Benfica” beyond the end of this season, with offers in the region of €45m likely to be accepted.
Depending on who you speak to, however, it might also be that Benfica will wait for the opportunity to raise their asking price after the World Cup if the 25-year-old Colombia international impresses in the tournament in North America.
So, overall, a bit of a mixed picture in terms of his valuation for the moment, but the interest is concrete, with Fulham already making contact over a potential deal, while Napoli have held internal discussions over tabling an opening offer.
Manchester United to move for Richard Rios?
For the time being, it’s unclear if United are making Rios a priority, but several sources confirmed that they’ve had scouts watch him play, with all the feedback being very positive so far.
It’s pretty much public knowledge at this point that MUFC will be in the market for one or two midfielders this summer, with big names like Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Carlos Baleba previously linked.
It’s not yet entirely clear how United will prioritise these various names, who have also been linked with other big clubs, so there are a lot of moving parts here.
One source suggested, however, that “it’s shaping up for United to make one ‘statement’ signing in midfield, ideally Anderson, whilst also shoring up their squad depth with one more player who’d likely be a bit cheaper.”
So in that sense Rios fits the bill, as long as his asking price doesn’t shoot up too much in the weeks ahead.
We know that impressive international tournaments can inflate a player’s price tag a lot, so clubs might do well to move for Rios earlier if Benfica are ready to enter into negotiations.
Russia’s State Duma passed the country’s long-awaited crypto regulation bill in its first reading on April 22, 2026, formally recognizing cryptocurrency as property under Russian law. However, Bitcoin and Ethereum are expected to be among the first approved assets.
Russia Crypto Bill Classifies Crypto as Property
Russia’s State Duma has passed the first reading of a new law titled “On Digital Currency and Digital Rights,” officially recognizing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as property.
The bill received overall political support and sets the foundation for a structured crypto framework in the country.
THIS IS MASSIVE FOR CRYPTO
Russia just "PASSED" the crypto regulation bill to allow businesses and companies to use crypto as payment for cross-border and foreign trade settlements, even under sanctions.$BTC and $ETH are expected to be the first assets approved under the… pic.twitter.com/Y3vG7jlqm7
Under the proposed rules, cryptocurrencies can be used for cross-border payments and foreign trade, but they will remain banned for everyday domestic use. This means crypto cannot be used to pay for goods, services, or salaries inside Russia.
Meanwhile, the ruble will continue to be the only legal currency for internal transactions. This shows that Russia is opening the door to crypto, but in a limited and controlled way.
Additionally, the bill also makes crypto mining legal, but with clear conditions. Miners must register their equipment and operate within Russia’s infrastructure. This could help the government track and regulate the industry more effectively.
Strict Rules for Exchanges, Investors, and Banks
The bill gives the Bank of Russia full control over crypto operations. It will license exchanges and brokers, set rules, and supervise all activity in the sector.
License exchanges and brokers
Set rules for operations
Monitor all crypto-related activity
Investors will also be divided into two groups:
Qualified investors (with fewer limits)
Non-qualified investors (limited to around $3900 to $4,000 per year)
This approach aims to protect smaller investors from high market risks.
What Happens Next for Russia’s Crypto Law
If fully passed, the law is expected to come into force on July 1, 2026, with some sections taking effect later. This gives Russia time to refine the system before full implementation.
With over 20 million crypto users, Russia is now building a structured system rather than leaving the market unregulated.
SoFi has added XRP to its crypto platform, and Ripple wasted no time calling it a win. But inside the XRP community, the reaction is more complicated.
The national bank now lets users deposit and hold XRP alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Ripple framed the listing as a step toward broader participation, arguing that putting XRP inside a regulated banking app means more people can access it with less friction.
The problem is that users cannot withdraw XRP to external wallets. That single limitation has shifted the conversation from adoption to whether this move means anything at all.
Access Is Not the Same as Usage
More people holding XRP inside more systems builds utility over time. Getting into a regulated, nationally chartered bank is not a small thing, and the visibility alone matters.
Critics disagree. If XRP cannot move off the platform, it cannot be used in cross-border payments, DeFi, or self-custody. It sits inside the app and goes nowhere. For an asset whose core value proposition is fast, low-cost settlement, that is a significant caveat.
One community member put it plainly, asking how this increases utility when XRP is locked inside a SoFi account and is not being used for cross-border payments, the way SoFi uses the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
SoFi’s support team responded publicly, confirming that crypto withdrawals are coming soon without giving a specific date.
A Longer Game?
Not everyone is writing the integration off. Analyst Bill Morgan said Ripple may have a deliberate longer-term plan behind the listing. In his view, the limited launch could be intentional, with deeper functionality rolling out once deposit volumes grow. He also flagged RLUSD, Ripple’s stablecoin, as a possible next step if the partnership expands.
Where XRP Stands
XRP currently ranks as the fourth largest cryptocurrency by market cap, sitting at roughly $89B billion. The SoFi listing adds a retail banking channel, but without withdrawal support, its practical impact on network activity remains limited for now.
The debate cuts to something XRP holders have argued about for years: the difference between price exposure and actual utility. SoFi gives users the former. Whether the latter follows depends on what comes next.
The floki price prediction conversation is back in focus after Bitmine scooped up 101,627 ETH worth more than $230 million on April 20, its largest weekly haul of 2026 and the clearest sign treasury firms are loading risk assets before the next leg higher, per CoinDesk.
When public companies accumulate at this pace, every floki price prediction starts reading differently, and the meme coin sector moves from consolidation into recovery. Pepeto has crossed $9.29 million raised because the wallets running this cycle want early entries with working products, audited code, and a confirmed Binance listing ahead. The floki price prediction audience is watching that setup closely.
Treasury Firms Buy the Dip: $230 Million Flows Into ETH in One Week
Bitmine now holds close to 5 million ETH after adding 101,627 coins in seven days, the fastest accumulation of the year, per CoinDesk.
Strong spot flows and calmer leverage point to more durable demand, a Wintermute trader told the publication. For anyone tracking the floki price prediction, this is the same quiet buying pattern that showed up before the 2021 meme coin run, when smart money accumulated ahead of the loudest retail rally in crypto history. The floki price prediction outlook always sharpens when treasury desks move first.
Floki Price Prediction and the Coins Set to Catch the Next Wave
Pepeto: Real Tools Built for the Cycle Treasury Firms Are Front-Running
Crypto’s next leg rewards projects that already ship. Pepeto fits that description, and the proof is the $9.29 million sitting inside the presale from capital tracking the same on-chain signals treasury desks follow. The floki price prediction crowd gets a second-chance entry at a fraction of the cost.
PepetoSwap runs live today with zero swap fees across Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana, so every dollar sent in arrives as position without the bleed that chips away at smaller accounts.
PepetoAI scans each contract a wallet touches, flagging honeypot patterns and abnormal whale flows before the damage hits a balance. SolidProof cleared both products before release.
The original Pepe architect who took a single meme token past $11 billion in market cap is the cofounder here, with a senior Binance developer running listing strategy. Staking at 180% APY compounds tokens daily while the listing draws near. This round is moving fast at $0.0000001865, and once trading opens, the entry closes for good.
Floki Price at $0.000031 as Meme Coin Sector Tests Recovery
Floki (FLOKI) trades near $0.000031 on April 21, holding 91% below its $0.0003437 all-time high from 2024, per CoinMarketCap. The project ships more utility than most meme coins, with Valhalla gaming, FlokiPlaces, and a fresh Bitkub listing in early April.
CoinGecko puts the market cap near $270 million, and Cryptopolitan targets a 2026 range of $0.0000230 to $0.0000683. The upper end delivers roughly 135% from here. The floki price prediction math says months of sustained buying are needed to close that gap, while a presale-to-listing entry needs one trading event.
Dogecoin Price at $0.10 as Retail Demand Cools
Dogecoin (DOGE) changes hands near $0.10 on April 21, sitting 86% below its $0.7376 record and flat over the past week, per Blockchain.com. Daily DOGE volume stays above $1.2 billion, but token issuance continues diluting demand, and the Dogecoin price has not cleared $0.11 resistance for weeks. The market cap near $14.7 billion makes any repeat of 2021’s vertical move a multi-quarter project.
A DOGE rally to even $0.30 needs a full macro wave and months of follow-through, and Dogecoin’s own long-standing cycle rhythm has shown that clearly. For the floki price prediction crowd weighing meme entries, that timeline looks slow next to the gap a confirmed Binance listing opens on the day it goes live.
Conclusion
Bitmine loading 101,627 ETH worth $230 million in a single week proves treasury capital is already positioning before the cycle rotates, and the wallets entering the projects built for this moment collect the returns that pure hype stopped producing two cycles back.
While Floki runs one of the more complete meme coin ecosystems with Valhalla and FlokiPlaces, and Dogecoin continues pulling daily volume above $1.2 billion, neither delivers what the floki price prediction audience actually wants: the floor-to-listing spread a presale ahead of a confirmed Binance launch puts on the table.
The preceding round filled ahead of schedule, and new buyers land on the Pepeto website every day as the current stage closes block by block. The price open right now shapes up as the cycle’s single largest return, while every wallet that waited winds up buying at listing price what the presale handed out for a fraction, and the Binance debut is where that full return finally lands.
Is FLOKI or Dogecoin the better meme coin buy for 2026 based on the current FLOKI price prediction?
Pepeto is the stronger 2026 entry when measured against both FLOKI and Dogecoin because the presale at $0.0000001865 comes packaged with a confirmed Binance listing. FLOKI changes hands 91% below its 2024 peak of $0.0003437, with Cryptopolitan modelling a 2026 ceiling of $0.0000683, and Dogecoin at $0.10 still sits 86% off its $0.7376 record with no catalyst on the near-term calendar. Those profiles leave the presale-to-listing spread as the clearer asymmetric trade.
Why is Pepeto drawing capital while the Floki price prediction outlook stays mixed?
Pepeto is drawing capital because the project already ships the tools a meme coin audience usually waits years for: a live zero-fee exchange, a cross-chain bridge, and a contract scanner, all SolidProof-verified. Presale commitments have reached $9.29 million at $0.0000001865, staking runs at 180% APY, and the cofounder is the architect behind the original Pepe that crossed $11 billion in market cap before any product ever shipped.
Bitmine, chaired by Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, has staked an additional 61,232 ETH worth about $142 million via Coinbase Prime, according to on-chain data. This raises its total staked Ethereum to 3.39 million ETH valued at nearly $7.88 billion, representing about 68% of its portfolio. The move comes after a recent large accumulation of over 101,000 ETH, pushing total holdings close to 5 million ETH, or more than 4% of Ethereum’s total supply, reinforcing its aggressive long-term ETH accumulation and staking strategy.
Bitcoin, the pioneer cryptocurrency, is up around 3% to $78,112.87 in the last 24 hours, outperforming the broader market’s 2.47% gain. The rise is mainly driven by easing global tensions following Trump’s ceasefire update and strong institutional buying.
Let’s look at the key reasons why the Bitcoin price is up today.
Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire
One major trigger came from Donald Trump, who announced on Truth Social that the United States will extend its ceasefire with Iran.
However, the extension is at Pakistan’s request, acting as a mediator. It allows more time for Tehran to present its proposal. Meanwhile, the original two-week ceasefire was set to end on Wednesday
However, the situation remains complex as Iran has not officially responded yet. While the US will continue its blockade of Iranian ports.
Institutional Accumulation Race Heats up
At the same time, institutional accumulation continues to strengthen the market. Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, recently purchased 34,164 BTC worth around $2.54 billion at an average price of $74,395.
This brings the company’s total holdings to 815,061 BTC, making it the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, ahead of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).
This signals an intensifying institutional accumulation race, adding strong support to Bitcoin’s price.
Bitcoin ETF Continues to Record Inflows
Another key factor behind today’s rally is the steady inflow into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds.
Over the past six days, Bitcoin ETFs have attracted more than $1.62 billion in net inflows, creating consistent buying pressure in the market.
Major funds, including BlackRock’s IBIT and products linked to Morgan Stanley, have recorded up to ten consecutive days of inflows, effectively absorbing selling pressure and supporting price stability.
Short Squeeze Adds Fuel to Bitcoin Rally
The rally was also intensified by a short squeeze. CoinGlass data shows more than 107,000 traders were liquidated, with total liquidations reaching $454.87 million in 24 hours.
Short positions alone accounted for a $319.99 million, helping push prices higher quickly.
What to Watch Next for Bitcoin Price
For now, Bitcoin has broken out of a descending broadening wedge, effectively ending the downtrend that had persisted for more than seven months.
If it stays above $78,000, the next possible target is around $81,952.
But if buying slows down or ETF inflows weaken, the price could fall back toward $75,170.
Bitcoin price surged to $78,000 on Wednesday, hitting a new monthly high as strong institutional buying and easing geopolitical tensions boosted investor sentiment. BTC price is 2.5% at $78,029, outperforming a largely flat S&P 500.
According to Walter Bloomberg, Large Bitcoin holders bought around 45,000 BTC in the past week, with many of the purchases happening at the same time. Long-term investors have also added more than 1 million BTC over the last three months, showing growing confidence in the market.
Adding to the bullish sentiment, BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has set an end-of-year Bitcoin price target of $500,000 and a $200 target for HYPE, in an exclusive interview with Coinpedia, while reaffirming that the majority of his personal wealth remains stored in Bitcoin.
Asked to rank the current top ten crypto assets by conviction, Hayes did not hesitate. Among Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and the rest of the top ten by market capitalization, he said Bitcoin remains his strongest conviction holding, a position backed by where he keeps most of his own money.
The view aligns with a broader narrative that has been building through 2026, as institutional inflows into Bitcoin spot ETFs continue and macro uncertainty drives demand for hard assets. Bitcoin has been the primary beneficiary of that rotation, with analysts pointing to sustained accumulation by large holders as a structural support for prices.
Price Targets For End Of 2026
Bitcoin: $500,000
HYPE: $200
The $500,000 Bitcoin target would mean a substantial move from current levels and puts Hayes among the more aggressive forecasters in the market. The HYPE target of $200 signals strong conviction in the Hyperliquid ecosystem, which has been one of the standout performers in decentralised derivatives trading in 2026.
What Could Blow Up Or Accelerate The Targets
Hayes flagged a single wildcard as the biggest variable that could either accelerate or derail his 2026 targets, though the specific wildcard was not included in the available excerpts of the interview.
Based on his publicly stated macro views, the most likely candidate is a shift in US monetary policy or a significant expansion of global liquidity, both of which he has previously identified as the primary drivers of crypto bull markets.
The best crypto portfolio conversation shifted this week after spot Bitcoin ETFs booked $238.37 million in net inflows on April 20, extending the streak to 5 straight sessions and signalling institutional flows at a tempo not logged since the last cycle low, per Bloomberg. The best crypto portfolio for April 2026 no longer comes together from blue chips alone.
Wallets that compounded the most every cycle paired those anchors with one early-stage allocation. Pepeto has crossed $9.29 million raised, the architect of the original Pepe is building it, SolidProof cleared the contracts, and a confirmed Binance listing is queued. The best crypto portfolio math for 2026 only solves when institutional buying pairs with a presale that carries the widest floor-to-listing gap.
BTC ETFs Post Five Straight Green Sessions as Recovery Capital Comes Back
Spot Bitcoin ETFs drew $238.37 million on April 20, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading at $256.05 million and Morgan Stanley’s MSBT adding $8.1 million, per Bloomberg. The streak marks five sessions of net inflows and the firmest institutional bid since February.
Ether ETFs logged $276 million on the week, Fidelity’s FETH leading at $126 million, per SoSoValue. The best crypto portfolio being assembled through this recovery needs presale exposure, where the distance between buy-in and listing price is the widest return the market still offers.
How ETH, BNB, and Pepeto Line Up Inside the Best Crypto Portfolio for This Cycle
Pepeto: The Presale Slot That Turns a Steady Book Into a Breakout One
Large caps anchor a portfolio, but the books that compound through a full cycle hold one early-stage allocation that carries outsized weight. Pepeto is that slot in April 2026, and the spread a presale opens between entry and first listing is a gap no blue chip priced near recovery can match. The best crypto portfolio heading into the next leg treats this position as non-optional.
The exchange already ships: zero-cost swaps, a cross-chain bridge, and a contract scanner that flags malicious tokens before a wallet touches them, all live and moving volume.
Commitments reached $9.29 million during broad market fear, proof the capital arriving is disciplined, not impulsive. The architect of the first Pepe, who grew 420 trillion tokens into an $11 billion valuation, is building end to end this time with real tools behind it. SolidProof verified every contract, and 180% APY staking compounds daily while the listing window narrows.
At $0.0000001865, analyst models still print 100x to 300x because the FDV stays small and the token powers every swap. The best crypto portfolio pulling ahead this cycle is the one that captured Pepeto before the listing flips the price.
Ethereum Price at $2,307 as BlackRock ETHA Keeps Drawing Inflows
Ethereum (ETH) trades near $2,307 on April 20, up 1.84% over 24 hours according to CoinMarketCap, holding the 3H ascending channel analyst Elja flagged as the short-term decision point.BlackRock’s ETHA keeps drawing flows, and Bitmine’s 101,627 ETH weekly buy pushes treasury holdings near 5 million coins.
Standard Chartered maintains a $7,500 year-end ETH target, with base-case desks modeling $3,200 to $5,000, per CoinGecko. Ethereum anchors any best crypto portfolio as the base layer, but from $2,307 the percentage gains that reshape a wallet need years, while a presale holds the listing-day spread where cycle-defining returns tend to print.
BNB Price at $629 as Binance Keeps Driving Exchange Volume
Binance Coin (BNB) trades near $629.66 on April 21, down 2.3% since Friday, supported by quarterly burns and steady platform volume, per CoinDesk. Fresh Binance launches have historically lifted BNB demand as traders rotate onto the platform, and the upcoming Pepeto listing queues another such event for the BNB order book. Market cap near $85 billion, and the next BNB token burn scheduled for Q3 2026 keep the floor intact.
BNB supplies defensive weight inside any best crypto portfolio, but from $629 the run to $900 prints about 45%, a fraction of what a presale produces when listing clears the full gap. For BNB holders looking to pair their foundation with asymmetric upside, the Pepeto presale sits alongside that stack as the aggressive leg.
Conclusion
Five sessions of BTC ETF inflows and $276 million into ETH products confirm the recovery is already under way, and the wallets assembling the best crypto portfolio are rotating past the large caps toward the one presale entry carrying the widest upside. Pepeto brings the running exchange, the SolidProof-audited contract, the Pepe cofounder, and $9.29 million of capital behind it into one position.
Listing day resets the presale floor for good, and the books that added Pepeto ahead of that reset are the ones running ahead of every other allocation this cycle. The window is still open today, and every block that clears brings closing time one step nearer on every wallet still hesitating.
What belongs in the best crypto portfolio for April 2026?
The best crypto portfolio for April 2026 pairs Ethereum (ETH) at $2,307 and Binance Coin (BNB) at $629 as the large-cap foundation with Pepeto at $0.0000001865 as the presale allocation. Pepeto has raised $9.29 million, runs a live zero-fee exchange and SolidProof-audited contracts, and carries a confirmed Binance listing that closes the floor-to-listing gap neither ETH nor BNB can reproduce from their current market caps.
How do BTC ETF inflows shape the best crypto portfolio right now?
BTC ETF inflows shape the best crypto portfolio because institutional capital returning to Bitcoin historically rotates into altcoins and presale entries within weeks. Spot BTC ETFs drew $238 million on April 20 for a 5-session streak led by BlackRock’s IBIT at $256 million, ETH ETFs added $276 million on the week, and presale allocations like Pepeto capture more of that institutional wave than large caps already priced near recovery targets.
Russia’s State Duma has passed the first reading of a crypto regulation bill that classifies cryptocurrencies as property and allows their use in cross-border and foreign trade settlements. The move is partly aimed at supporting international payments amid sanctions. However, crypto remains banned for domestic payments. The bill gives the Bank of Russia control over licensing exchanges and brokers, while limiting access for non-qualified investors to about $3,900, signaling a tightly regulated but expanding crypto framework.
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust recorded a $39.3 million net inflow on April 21, adding 521 BTC, as total Bitcoin spot ETF inflows reached $11.8 million for the day. The fund continues strong momentum with about $1.64 billion in inflows over 10 straight days and nearly $900 million in a recent week, showing steady institutional demand. Meanwhile, Michael Saylor’s Strategy briefly overtook BlackRock in total Bitcoin holdings, highlighting intensifying competition among major institutions accumulating BTC.
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Russia’s State Duma has advanced a crypto regulation bill in its first reading, outlining licensing rules, investor limits, and cross-border use provisions. According to state news agency TASS, the proposed law assigns the Bank of Russia as the primary authority…
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"The backdoor communicates with a dynamic DNS-based command-and-control server over HTTPS and supports remote shell access, file operations, and session management, indicating a continued espionage-focused capability set rather than
A critical security vulnerability has been disclosed in a Python-based sandbox called Terrarium that could result in arbitrary code execution.
The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-5752, is rated 9.3 on the CVSS scoring system.
"Sandbox escape vulnerability in Terrarium allows arbitrary code execution with root privileges on a host process via JavaScript prototype chain traversal," according to
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Pro Bowl left guard Isaac Seumalo left the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency this offseason, but luckily, the 2026 NFL Draft is packed with capable replacements.
From premium first-round picks to seventh-round sleepers, here's a look at one guard the Steelers can select in each round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
First round: Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Steelers have been heavily linked to Ioane throughout the draft process, and while they may need to trade up a few spots to secure the talented guard prospect, there may be no better fit in the draft.
Second round: Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
A highly underrated guard out of Texas A&M, Bisontis may fall right into the Steelers' lap during the second round of the draft. Steadily improving in pass protection every collegiate season, Bisontis may be the most complete option the Steelers could acquire on Day 2.
Third round: Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
Farmer may be one of the most physical guard prospects of his class, a perfect fit for the Steel City brand of football. A force in the run game, Farmer would slot nicely into the Steelers' left guard vacancy.
Fourth Round: Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
While Schrauth carries some injury concerns heading into the draft, the Steelers cannot afford to pass up this exceptionally talented pass protector at fourth-round value.
Fifth round: Jeremiah Wright, Auburn
Violent in the run game, Wright is at his best when imposing his will upon defenders. Possessing outstanding upside as a physical guard, the Steelers would be wise to take a chance on this developmental prospect.
Sixth round: Kobe Baynes, Kansas
Owning one of the biggest wingspans of the 2026 guard class, Baynes typically enters most blocking opportunities with an instant advantage over defenders. Pass blocking has been a real strength for Baynes, while his nastiness and physicality in the run game also serve as major selling points.
Seventh round: Micah Morris, Georgia
What Morris is lacking in experience, he makes up for with raw talent and athleticism. While there are some glaring red flags, like his pad level and hand placement, his intangibles make him an interesting seventh-round option for the Steelers.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Pogba warns Man Utd they have a player in their ranks who ‘all the clubs’ will be after, he’s too ‘talented’
Paul Pogba believes Kobbie Mainoo is the type of player that ‘all the clubs’ will be after following his meteoric breakthrough.
The former Red was full of praise for Manchester United’s homegrown starlet when meeting with Rio Ferdinand recently.
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What did Pogba have to say about Mainoo?
When asked whether Mainoo should stay at Old Trafford long-term, Pogba told Ferdinand: “He’s such a talented kid. He’s still young. It’s really difficult. He’s going to have all the clubs after him, this is for sure. He’s such a great player, big potential, and he can have a great career at Manchester United, too.
“So I don’t know, but I just wish him the best. I don’t know what decision he’s going to make. I just want to see this kid play because it’s enjoyable to see him play football.”
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Mainoo ready to commit future to boyhood club
His comments come just a day after it was revealed that Mainoo and United had finally reached a verbal agreement over a new contract, one that will keep him tied to the club until 2031, plus the option of a further 12 months.
However, rewind only four months ago, and the 21-year-old was pushing for a move away due to his continued omissions under Ruben Amorim.
This season, Mainoo did not make a single Premier League start under Amorim before he was eventually relieved of his duties back in January, which had prompted him to explore alternative ventures.
United blocked a late-summer loan move for the midfielder back at the very beginning of the campaign, when he had been an unused substitute for the opening two league matches, and were prepared to rebuff his requests to leave again – until Michael Carrick was appointed and put matters right.
Carrick instantly restored Mainoo to his rightful place in the starting XI alongside Casemiro, and he has since started every fixture he’s been available for; he missed out against Leeds United through a minor injury setback.
Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston revealed that the London outfit had set their sights on the England international, and would’ve attempted to facilitate a deal had an opportunity presented itself.
Barcelona set to hand a trial to 16-year-old African midfield gem
Aboubacar Maiga has been making waves for some time as one of the brightest young prospects in African football. The 16-year-old central midfielder, known for his playmaking ability, had already been linked with FC Barcelona in recent months.
He is part of the Africa Foot academy in Mali, which has a collaboration agreement with Barça and previously facilitated the arrival of Ibrahim Diarra.
Maiga to have a trial at Barcelona
Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona will hand Maiga a trial at the club to take a closer look at him and evaluate a potential move for the teenager.
Alongside Diarra, who is already at Barça, Maiga is considered one of the standout talents to emerge from Mali in recent years.
Recently, the youngster spent several days on trial at Paris Saint-Germain. He was also seen during Easter at the Olympia Future Cup, a youth tournament held at the facilities of AFC Ajax.
PSG have a long-standing focus on the African market, particularly players of African descent born in France who hold French passports, which simplifies transfers as it removes the need to wait until the age of 18.
After spending time in Paris with the U-17 side, Maiga returned to Mali to take part in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The initial plan was for him to travel to Barcelona earlier, but he is now expected to arrive after the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from 25 April to 15 May. After the tournament, the idea is for him to spend several weeks training in Barcelona.
Closely monitored by the Blaugrana scouts for some time now, Maiga is known for his technical quality, particularly with his right foot. He is effective from set pieces and has a strong ability to arrive late into the box, contributing goals from midfield.
His natural position is as an interior midfielder, although he can also operate in wider areas.
Final decision to come later
A final decision regarding a permanent move has not yet been made, although the reports on the player are very positive. Due to regulations, he would not be able to join officially until he turns 18.
It is worth noting that Barcelona, thanks to their agreement with Africa Foot Mali, hold priority over the player ahead of PSG, who may also consider signing him after their own evaluation.
The NFL draft will kick off Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and will conclude Saturday after seven rounds.
Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman is projected as the No. 292 best available player for the 2026 NFL draft, according to ESPN.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end played at Tennessee from 2024-25 after transferring from Alabama and Hutchinson Community College.
Kitselman appeared in 24 games for the Vols, totaling 48 receptions for 554 yards and six touchdowns. His longest reception was 31 yards. The former Vol also scored one rushing touchdown on three attempts.
From 2022-23, Kitselman recorded two receptions for 18 yards in 19 games at Alabama. He totaled two receptions for 16 yards and one touchdown in three games at Hutchinson Community College in 2021.
Kitselman was granted an additional year of eligibility with a NCAA waiver in Dec. 2024.
17 former Vols have been selected in the NFL draft during the Josh Heupel era as Tennessee’s head coach. Tennessee has produced 391 all-time NFL draft picks, including the AFL draft.
In Columbus, and for the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, wide receiver excellence is not an exception. It is the expectation.
From Garrett Wilson to Chris Olave to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the program has become a pipeline for polished, NFL-ready talent. Now, the next name in that lineage is Carnell Tate. And what separates Tate is not just production.
It is how he produced, steadily, efficiently, and in ways that translate directly to NFL Sundays.
A three-year climb from depth piece to featured weapon
Tate’s Ohio State career followed the exact arc NFL teams want to see.
As a freshman in 2023, he entered one of the deepest receiver rooms in college football and still carved out a role, finishing with 18 receptions for 264 yards and a touchdown while appearing in every game. That early contribution mattered, not because of volume, but because it showed he could earn trust in a crowded, elite room.
By 2024, his role expanded significantly. Tate became a consistent part of the offense, posting 52 catches for 733 yards and four touchdowns, while contributing to a national championship run. He was no longer a rotational player. He was a reliable option in high-leverage moments, including the postseason.
Then came the breakout. In 2025, Tate elevated into one of the most productive receivers in the country, recording 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging over 17 yards per catch. Despite missing time with injury, he still produced multiple 100-yard games and became one of the offense’s most explosive threats.
Across three seasons, the resume is clear, 121 receptions, 1,872 yards, 14 touchdowns in 39 games. That kind of steady progression is not accidental. It is development.
The production profile: Elite ball skills, zero drops, and winning through contact
What makes Tate’s production truly compelling is not just the volume. It is how clean and translatable it is.
Let’s start with the efficiency. Tate averaging over 17 yards per catch in 2025 is a reflection of explosive downfield playmaking. He consistently won on vertical routes and intermediate concepts, turning opportunities into chunk gains rather than simply moving the chains.
But the most important part of Tate’s profile shows up in two areas NFL teams value heavily, contested catches and reliability.
Tate has developed into one of the best contested-catch receivers in the country. According to PFF, Tate had a 85.7% contested catch rate in 2025, consistently converting throws in tight coverage and winning at the catch point. His combination of size, timing, and body control allow him to play through defenders and finish plays that many receivers simply cannot.
That trait translates immediately to the NFL. When separation shrinks on Sundays, receivers who can win in traffic become invaluable. Tate already operates comfortably in that environment.
Then there is his hands. In 2025, Tate recorded zero drops, a statistic that reinforces what shows up on film. He is a natural hands catcher who consistently plucks the ball away from his body, maintains focus through contact, and finishes plays in critical moments.
RD1 WR’s with 750+ career routes & a 75%+ career catch-rate:
(Since 2020)
– Devonta Smith (76.5%) – Carnell Tate (75.2%) – Justin Jefferson (75%)
That level of reliability is rare. Many receivers offer explosiveness. Others offer consistency. Tate offers both, and that combination is what elevates his projection. He is not streaky, he is stable.
More than a WR2: Why history says Tate can be a true NFL WR1
One of the laziest ways to evaluate receivers coming out of Ohio State is by labeling them based on their role. Tate was often viewed as a “WR2” within the Buckeyes’ offense. But at Ohio State, that label means something very different than it does elsewhere.
Being a secondary option in that system does not limit NFL projection. It often enhances it. Just look at Terry McLaurin, who was never a featured WR1 in college but became one of the most consistent and productive receivers in the NFL. Or Chris Olave, who shared targets in a loaded room and still translated into a high-level NFL playmaker.
Ohio State’s receiver room is built on distribution, not force-feeding. Tate’s production came within that structure. He was not schemed touches, he earned them. And when opportunities came, he maximized them.
That is exactly what NFL teams want to see. Because the transition to the league is not about being the only option. It is about being able to operate within a system, earn trust, and expand your role over time.
Tate has already done that. And that is why the ceiling is higher than many realize. He is not just a complementary receiver at the next level. He has the tools to become a true WR1, and the type of player who can lead a passing game, win against top corners, and produce consistently against elite competition.
This is just a “my guy is better than your two guys” throw.
Tate enters the NFL as one of the most polished and complete receivers in his class. At 6′ 2 1/4″ and 192 pounds, he brings ideal size and catch radius, allowing him to win both in space and in contested situations. His route running is advanced, built on timing, leverage, and an understanding of how to manipulate defenders.
He can line up outside, beat press coverage, operate in the intermediate game, and threaten vertically. That versatility makes him scheme-flexible, capable of fitting into multiple offensive systems.
But the most important trait he brings is trust. Quarterbacks trust receivers who are where they are supposed to be, who catch the ball when it is thrown to them, and who make plays when things break down. Tate has built his entire game around those principles. And that is why his transition projects so cleanly.
The bottom line
Carnell Tate is not built on hype, he is built on traits that translate. Consistency, ball skills, reliability, and physicality at the catch point.
At Ohio State, he proved he could develop, adapt, and produce within one of the most demanding environments in college football. He showed he could win without being the focal point, and still deliver when called upon.
In the NFL, that profile tends to scale. That is why Tate is not just a safe projection, he is a high-ceiling one. And if his development continues on its current trajectory, he will not just follow the path of past Ohio State receivers.
He will join them, not as a role player, but as a true No. 1 option at the next level.
The Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs is the ornately decorated area of the infield where the Kentucky Derby trophy is presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey after the "greatest two minutes in sports."
But the Winner's Circle hasn't always been such a special spot.
"It originally was a small area outlined in chalk where the winners were presented their prize," Kevin Kerstein, publicity manager for Churchill Downs. said.
Staring down a 2-0 deficit, the Penguins will head to enemy territory for Game 3 of their first-round series against the Flyers.
After stealing home-ice advantage with a 3-2 win in Game 1, Philadelphia shut down an elite Pittsburgh offense in Game 2 behind a stellar performance from Dan Vladar. The 28-year-old goaltender earned the first playoff shutout of his career, totaling 27 saves in a 3-0 victory.
Now, the Penguins must figure out a way to win four out of five in order to avoid elimination. Their comeback attempt will begin with a road contest on Wednesday night.
Here is everything you need to know about Penguins vs. Flyers, including TV and streaming options for Game 3 of the first-round series.
How to watch Penguins vs. Flyers Game 3: TV channel, live stream
Penguins vs. Flyers will air locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Game 3 will also be available to stream on SNP 360 and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Penguins vs. Flyers Game 3 start time
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Penguins vs. Flyers is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 22. Game 3 will be played at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
Penguins vs. Flyers schedule: Philadelphia leads 2-0
The NFL Draft is not an exact science, to say the least. Even the wisest front office minds know selecting players is closer to an educated guess than anything else.
The draft isn't completely random, though. First-round picks have a much higher rate of success than fourth-round picks, and second-round picks have a much higher rate of success than sixth-round picks. A first-rounder flopping could cost a general manager his job, but a seventh-rounder never panning out is nothing out of the ordinary.
That doesn't mean all highly-drafted players fulfill expectations. The 2026 NFL Draft will inevitably have its share of busts, and a few players have already showed warning signs before hearing their name called in Pittsburgh.
Here are seven NFL Draft prospects who could be bust candidates in 2026.
The rate of success for quarterbacks with only one year of starting experience at the college level isn't particularly high. Simpson spent four years in Alabama's system between Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer, but he didn't take over as the Crimson Tide's starter until 2025. Will that lack of experience matter?
Simpson, in essence, has only a half-season of impressive football under his belt. He looked like an NFL quarterback over Alabama's first eight games in 2025, throwing 20 touchdowns to only one interception and beating some talented defenses, but his accuracy suffered late in the season.
Nagging injuries and health issues, including gastritis, might have hampered Simpson, but his slight build at 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds raises questions about his durability at the next level. Simpson's arm is fine and he generally keeps the ball out of harm's way, but it doesn't jump off the page compared to NFL starters.
If Simpson is over-drafted, it will be the result of a lack of elite-level quarterback prospects in this draft. The hit rate for first-round quarterbacks outside the No. 1 pick is much shakier than other positions because teams are desperate to find a franchise quarterback, and Simpson could be the latest to fall short of those expectations.
Bain was an absolute monster at times on Miami's defense in 2025, finishing the year with 15.5 tackles for loss and constantly disrupting opposing quarterbacks. By the eye test, he looked like a potential NFL star -- and he could be. If he is, he will be breaking precedent related to arm length.
Bain's arms measured in at 30 7/8 inches at the NFL Combine in February, which is one of the shortest measurements of any edge rusher in recent history. Since 2010, there is no comparison for a first-round edge rusher whose arms are as short as Bain's. Carl Lawson and Trey Hendrickson are examples of pass-rushers who found NFL success with arms below 33 inches, but Lawson (31 1/2) and Hendrickson (32) still came in ahead of Bain and weren't close to being first-round picks.
If Bain has found a way to be so successful to this point, there is little doubt he is capable of having a long NFL career. As he faces bigger bodies, however, it's worth wondering whether he will live up to the billing that comes with being a likely top-10 pick.
Outside of the arm concerns, off-field concerns have also surfaced for Bain. A recent report revealed Bain was charged with careless driving after a 2024 crash that killed a passenger in his car, though the charge was later dropped. Subsequent reports said NFL teams already knew about the incident and weren't concerned, but any red flag is something front offices pay attention to this time of year.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A talented player struggling to stay in shape is a tale as old as time. That doesn't mean Proctor will be the latest to deal with those issues, but his weight is a potential red flag as he prepares for his his NFL career.
Proctor measured in at 6-7 and 366 pounds at the NFL Combine, but he said weeks later that he was already down into the 350s and didn't consider 365-370 an acceptable playing weight. Proctor showed up to training camp weighing about 390 pounds in 2025.
While the offensive tackle insists he can manage his weight and keep it where his future team wants it, the fluctuations at Alabama and his inconsistency on the field are concerns, as is Proctor's mobility. The raw talent to be a strong pass protector is absolutely there, but more than a few offensive linemen have cost themselves money in the NFL by struggling to stay in shape.
Some consider Allar a boom-or-bust candidate. Others question whether there is any "boom" potential at all after the Penn State quarterback struggled to make the leap the Nittany Lions were hoping to see before going down with a season-ending injury in October.
Allar has the size and many of the tools of a prototypical NFL quarterback, but he couldn't put it all together at Penn State, making some costly mistakes and never breaking through in an offense that wasn't conducive to a great deal of success in the passing game.
All it takes for Allar to be drafted in the second or third round is one team that believes he wasn't put in the best position to succeed at Penn State and has physical traits that can still be molded in the years ahead. While some quarterbacks are the exception, most don't go from underwhelming at the collegiate level to quality starter at the NFL level. If Allar's talent was going to shine through, it's possible it would have by now.
Sadiq's measurables were off the charts at the NFL Combine, cementing his first-round status and validating what many NFL teams already believed: he is an absolute physical specimen.
Dominating the combine, however, doesn't always translate to dominating the NFL. Sadiq had all of those physical tools at Oregon, but it never quite resulted in dominant showings on the field. He didn't break out until his junior season, which saw him put up 560 yards and eight touchdowns on 11 yards per catch. Sadiq had nine catches for 51 yards between Oregon's two College Football Playoff games, which came against talented Texas Tech and Indiana defenses.
The talent is absolutely there, but the NFL team that selects Sadiq can't expect him to be a finished product when he steps on the field. If he doesn't end up in the right developmental situation, Sadiq could struggle to become one of the NFL's top tight ends.
Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) blitzes as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3. Imagn Images.
Shemar Stewart's career still has a long way to go, but after a rookie season dominated more by a contract dispute than anything he did on the field, he is a warning sign for pass-rushers who have all of the physical traits but didn't necessarily produce at the collegiate level.
Faulk produced more than Stewart did, to be clear. He posted seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2024, emerging as a first-round prospect with top-10 potential, but two sacks and five tackles for loss over 12 games in 2025 were disappointing marks that raise more questions than answers.
Faulk impressed at the NFL Combine with a massive wingspan and strong performances on the field, coming in at a 9.10 Relative Athletic Score, but Stewart serves as a reminder that betting on physical traits without production is a significant risk that might not be worth taking in the first round.
McCoy looked every bit like a first-round pick at Tennessee in 2024 after coming over from Oregon State, but there is always risk associated with using a first-round pick on a player coming off a major injury.
It's been about 16 months since McCoy last played competitive football, so a team looking to plug him right into its secondary has to expect rust at the very least. The Cowboys selected potential first-round talent Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round of the 2025 draft off a torn ACL, and Revel struggled mightily in his five-game stint as a rookie.
McCoy's injury is in the distant past compared to Revel, and he already impressed with a 4.38 40-yard dash in the lead-up to the draft. Given McCoy is expected to be available for the start of the season, it's not a one-to-one comparison. Still, spending a premium draft pick on a player who has been away from the field for so long and has a major knee injury on his record is riskier than the average selection.
Las Vegas will once again host some of the nation’s best wrestlers when they compete at the 2026 U.S. Open Wrestling Championships.
The multi-day event features various weight classes and events, as well as multiple age groups. The Expo at World Market Center will showcase matches from all levels, from youth and high school to U20, senior, and Masters.
Several NCAA champions will participate, including Spencer Lee, David Carr, Kyle Dake, and Wyatt Hendrickson. Meanwhile, Bella Mir, the daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, looks to stand out.
An incentive for some could be to enter the Final X in June. With the Olympics in 2028, several wrestlers aim to impress.
The Sporting News has all the details on how to watch the 2026 U.S. Open Wrestling Championships.
Where to watch U.S. Open Wrestling Championships 2026
The 2026 U.S. Open Wrestling Championships will not air on a national TV channel. You can keep up with the action on FloWrestling, which will be covering the entire event.
Senior Women Freestyle - Championship Finals
Senior Men Greco-Roman Group A - Championship Finals Round 2 (Best 2/3) & Round 3 (if necessary)
Saturday, April 25
Session 7
1 p.m. ET - 2:45 p.m. ET: Senior Men Greco-Roman Group B - Championship Finals Round 1 (Best 2/3), Consolation & Medal Matches (3rd, 5th, 7th place matches)
1 p.m. ET - 4 p.m. ET: Senior Men Freestyle - Consolation, Consolation Semifinals & Medal Matches (3rd, 5th, 7th place matches)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees stands for the national anthem during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium on April 16, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MLB.com | Joe Vasile: The New York Yankees and the Hudson Valley Renegades announced yesterday afternoon that pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón will start for the Renegades on Thursday and Friday, respectively, as part of their rehab assignments. Cole will be making his second start, as he began his rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots last week, while Rodón will be taking the hill for the first time this season. I’m not saying I feel bad for the Brooklyn Cyclones batters they’ll be facing, but, well, I kind of do.
The Athletic | Brendan Kuty and Jen McCaffrey: With the Yankees and Red Sox starting their first series of the season yesterday, The Athletic’s reporters on the New York and Boston beats teamed up to break down how the two teams have been going in the early weeks of the season. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the starting rotations of both staffs were highlighted: the Bombers need their rotation to cover for a shaky bullpen, while the Red Sox has been overtaxing their bullpen due to underperformance.
ESPN | Jeff Passan: The history of pitching is, in many ways, the search for more and more velocity. Two decades ago, a pitcher hitting triple digits was a rarity. Nowadays, though, so many pitchers — both starters and relievers — reach 100 miles per hour consistently that it no longer seems all that remarkable. Talking to players throughout the league — including Yankees starter/ace-in-training Cam Schlittler — Jeff Passan talks about the rise of the 100 mph fastball over the last few years, to the point where it has become an obsession even among high school students.
And, while Passan doesn’t get into it, probably also the reason for so many arm injuries.
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: Brett Thorson #92 of the Georgia Bulldogs punts against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is a day away as the New England Patriots continue the process of finishing their board. Things will look quite different for the team this draft picking 31st overall after back-to-back years selecting in the top-five. After spending two draft picks on specialists last season, New England may be looking to add more competition this go-around.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that might make sense for the Patriots at the position.
Patriots’ current specialists situation
The Patriots dipped into the draft twice last year to upgrade their specialists group. That began in the sixth-round with kicker Andy Borregales, who finished his rookie season strong making 27-of-32 attempts in the regular season. Borregales is set to enter the year as the unquestioned starter. Seventh-round pick Julian Ashby now faces competition at long snapper, however, after the team signed Niko Lalos in free agency. Ashby, who started every game for the Patriots his rookie season, would still be considered the odds-on favorite.
Any addition in the draft would likely come at the punter position, as Bryce Baringer enters the final year of his rookie contract. While Baringer has had plenty of strong moments, some continued inconsistency may result in the team bringing in competition.
Patriots NFL Draft fits on special teams
Brett Thorson (Georgia): Last year’s Ray Guy Award winner as the best punter in college football, Thorson will likely be the first punter off the board. The Australian recorded 23 punts i20s last season in comparison to just four touchbacks, while his 8.7 percent return rate was the third lowest in the FBS. | Consensus ranking: 275
Ryan Eckley (Michigan State): Taking over for Bryce Baringer in 2023, Eckley has handled punting duties the last three seasons for the Spartans. His 2025 campaign was perhaps his best as he increased his average hang time and kicked just one touchback while 20 punts were downed inside the 20. | Consensus ranking: 344
Jack Stonehouse (Syracuse): One of the highest graded punters last season, Stonehouse ranked in the top-15 in yards per attempt and fair catches as his average hang time increased for the fourth consecutive season. His six touchbacks were a career-worst, however. Jack’s cousin, Ryan, served as Mike Vrabel’s punter in Tennessee. | Consensus ranking: 407
Tommy Doman (Florida): Beginning his collegiate career as a kicker, Doman switched to punting in 2023. He led the FBS in average hang time last season (4.52s) but must continue to improve his accuracy and touch. | Consensus ranking: 499
In addition to those prospects, others to watch include: Tyler Perkins (Iowa State), Ross James (Oregon), Wes Pahl (Oklahoma State), Cole Maynard (Western Kentucky), and Keegan Andrews (UMass).
Former US national team player Cobi Jones juggles a ball on the new test pitch for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on March 13, 2025. The pitch will be used for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League semifinals on March 20 when the US play Panama and Canada plays Mexico. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
While FIFA has been criticized in some circles for exploitative pricing of 2026 World Cup tickets, in most cases, ticket demand appears to be validating their approach, at least from an economic standpoint.
The report estimates that a bit over 2,000 tickets are still currently available for fixture against Paraguay, billed as special occasion to mark the opening of the majority portion of the tournament to be played on Ameican soil. And that may not include other tickets that FIFA has yet to release, since it continues to make some available at all matches on a rolling basis.
Tickets for the third group game in Los Angeles against Turkey may also be slower than other fixtures, the report adds.
FIFA has pushed back, saying that the documents used to draw this conclusion are misleading. Here’s the relevant paragraph on the FIFA perspective:
A FIFA spokesperson, responding after publication Tuesday, said in an emailed statement that “ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup remain strong with a high degree of interest for all matches, including the ones you have highlighted.” The spokesperson argued that the document “does not accurately reflect actual sales to date” (The Athletic’s report cites ticket data as of April 10), and said “it would be misleading and irresponsible to publish such figures as fact,” but did not say why or how the numbers were inaccurate reflections or misleading.
However, if The Athletic’s reporting does reflect an accurate assessment of demand for USMNT games staged in Los Angeles, it would not necessarily be surprising to those who follow American soccer closely.
Here are five reasons the Yanks might be struggling to lure ticket buyers for two of the biggest matches in American soccer history.
The Price (Duh)
This is Captain Obvious territory. But as The Athletic notes, prices for the June 12 match at the 70,000-capacity venue were the third-highest of all tournament games (behind the final and one semifinal) when ticket sales launched in September.
While the prices of other matches have climbed under FIFA’s variable pricing model, the cost for the June 12 USMNT opener remains at $2,730 for Category 1 tickets, $1,940 for Category 2 and $1,120 for Category 3. (General public ticket applications for all World Cup matches are split into three price categories.)
That’s in line with face value for “lower end” Super Bowl tickets (although secondary market prices typically exceed $5,000 for America’s biggest annual sporting event.) And given the fact that the United States will play twice in the same market in the space of two weeks, and that the real tournament opener will come the day before in Mexico City, it’s understandable that fans might not be convinced to make a Super Bowl-sized investment.
Lingering 2018 Resentment
The United States Soccer Federation is not tasked with pricing the USMNT’s games at the World Cup. But it has also come under criticism in recent years for making USMNT games less accessible while the product on the field hasn’t improved.
The average cost of watching the United States play in person nearly quadrupled between the 2002 and 2018 World Cup cycles, according to a 2025 story in The Athletic. That was well above the cumulative inflation of just under 40% between 2002 and 2018, according to the Consumer Price Index. And the 2018 cycle ended in the Americans’ failure to reach a World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Fast forward to 2025, and there are signs of a fanbase that is still sour. Four of the 10 home friendlies marketed by U.S. Soccer in 2025 drew under 20,000 fans, and only one crowd exceeded 30,000. Crowds at the Gold Cup – which is priced and marketed by Concacaf – were also own for matches featuring the American team, particularly in group stage games against poor draws like Trinidad and Tobago, and Saudi Arabia.
The news was much better last month, when the Americans played in front of two crowds greater than 60,000 in Atlanta against Belgium and Portugal. But the relationship between fans and the USMNT has been tenuous ever since the failure of 2018, a sentiment that FIFA’s price practices risk enflamming.
SoCal Market Demographics
INGLEWOOD, CA - JUNE 14: Fans celebrate during 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Tournament between Mexico and Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium on June 14, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Edwin So/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
ISI Photos via Getty Images
Los Angeles is the nation’s second-largest metropolitan area. But it is not exactly known as a USMNT hotbed.
Given the city’s large Latin American diaspora, the Mexico national team is likely the most popular international side in Los Angeles, and Central American nations like Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala also have considerable followings. As far as other competitors in the 2026 World Cup, there are also significant Iranian and South Korean fanbases in Southern California. (Iran will also play two matches in Los Angeles.)
That’s one reason U.S. Soccer and Concacaf rarely schedule matches in Southern California where the American team is the main draw, instead opting for Midwestern or Southeastern locales.
In the 2022 World Cup cycle, the Americans’ home games were contained to five states: Texas, Tennessee, Minnesota, Ohio and Florida. In the 2023 and 2025 Gold Cups, Concacaf scheduled one United States group stage game in Northern California (San Jose), scattering the other five between Texas, Missouri, Illinois and North Carolina.
The World Cup has a far higher level of visibility. And the Americans were able to draw pro-USA crowds to the Rose Bowl in nearby Pasadena twice in 1994. But that was at a far lower price.
Concacaf Soccer Saturation
A last part of the equation is that,no nation on earth has more chances to watch their national team play in meaningful matches than the United States.
Because of its unparalleled ticket buying power in the region, the United States has hosted every major international Concacaf men’s international event since 2005. That adds up to 11 editions of the Gold Cup and four editions of the Concacaf Nations league, including 12 continental finals with the USMNT competing.
In its own pursuit of American consumers, CONMEBOL also staged the Copa America in the United States twice in the last 10 years, in 2016 and 2024.
Yes, the World Cup is more important than all of those games. But American fans balking at World Cup ticket prices can very reasonably expect there will be other relatively less expensive chances to see the USMNT in action in meaningful games in the near future beyond 2026.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Liverpool Could Hijack Juventus Plans for Kolo Muani
Juventus might face a formidable foe if they’ll try again to lure Randal Kolo Muani, as Liverpool have shortlisted him as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who’s leaving the club, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
The Reds have taken an interest as they are intrigued by the Frenchman’s versatility. He’ll be very available in the summer, when he’ll return to PSG following a loan spell at Tottenham. He hasn’t produced much in the Premier League this campaign, scoring and assisting once in 25 appearances. Instead, he has hit the net four times and dished out two helpers in UEFA Champions League play.
Juventus risk encountering intense competition from Liverpool and other outfits if they don’t move quickly for Kolo Muani. The player waited for them until the end of the past summer window before heading elsewhere, though.
The striker’s valuation has decreased to about €35M, making the negotiation easier. PSG could be keen on Jonathan David, who was unearthed by their current director, Lucas Campos, back in the day. A swap deal could be on the table.
Our Take on Juventus, Liverpool, and Kolo Muani
It’s all up in the air for the Bianconeri since it’s not sure whether they’ll come to terms with Dusan Vlahovic. If they did, they might refrain from targeting another highly-rated center-forward. Plus, they have to find a landing spot for Lois Openda, which will be a chore. Even if a trade was a real possibility, it’s far from certain that David will agree to depart after choosing his next team very carefully last year. All those things will need precious time to get sorted. He’ll have to be very patient again if he’s hell-bent on returning.
SANTA CLARA - APRIL 26: VP of Player Personnel Scot McCloughan, Special Projects Manager Jed York and Owner John York of the San Francisco 49ers discuss their decision during the 2008 NFL Draft in the draft room on April 26, 2008 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) | Getty Images
How 49ers can improve pass rush in the draft after they got exposed in 2025 (Paywall) “Malachi Lawrence (Central Florida) has a No. 39 consensus big-board ranking via NFL Mock Draft Database, an aggregation of publicly available big boards and mock drafts, but “the Beast” author Dane Brugler of the Athletic recently mocked Lawrence at No. 26. Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) appears in similarly unpredictable territory. Howell is No. 35 on the consensus big board but landed at No. 26 on a mock draft by NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Welcome to the season of guesswork, folks.
Lawrence and Howell are twitchy athletes with good get-off. Lawrence has longer arms. Howell has better bend. Lawrence shows a higher floor against the run, based on Brugler’s assessment of both. From a production standpoint, Howell was a consensus All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.”
“He’s a bundle of energy. He’s curious. He’s insightful,” Lynch said. “We always talk about there’s guys who drain a room and then there’s guys who give life to a room; he gives life to a room. He’s funny.
“His whole thing is, ‘If we draft this guy, I’m throwing a pool party.’ We’re hoping we’re having a lot of pool parties with Raheem.”
49ers mailbag: Why Kenyon Sadiq might fall; will team double up at edge? (Paywall) “I know we’ve been beating this drum all offseason, but it still feels like Mac Jones could be traded. The Arizona Cardinals, for example, don’t even have a starting quarterback on hand for their offseason program (Jacoby Brissett is staying away because he wants starter-level money.) If they miss out on a top quarterback in the draft, would they be interested in a trade, or are they merely positioning themselves for a quarterback in the 2027 draft?
The other spot the 49ers seem to have some overflow is at cornerback. They signed two in free agency, Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs.”
Hutchinson: This is my one and only 49ers Mock Draft (Paywall) “Why he’s available: Frankly, I think people overrate (negatively) the weird system at Tennessee in which he stayed on the right side of the formation, never went in motion, and was coached to be lazy. He also struggles to keep his feet in bounds and had some drops.
Why the 49ers will like him: He’s a 6’5” receiver who moves like a gazelle, with unfathomable deceleration and route-running craft at his size. Elite physical talent and tools who won’t have to produce Day 1 and gets to learn from Mike Evans. They have used this year-early model before with Ricky Pearsall. Remember, Evans could be a one-and-done, and neither Christian Kirk nor Demarcus Robinson are signed after this year. Brazzell is all upside with the runway to learn, without pressure on his shoulders.
What I think of this pick: My #2 receiver in the class. He’s special, or at least should be. I don’t like how he can’t drag his toes, but I do not care about the Volunteers’ ugly offense. The drops don’t bother me. He did it all at Tulane, and frankly, he blocks his tail off. He’s a rare guy who can truly be a star X receiver.”
Jan 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan speaks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The NFL Draft kicks off tomorrow night and as of right now, the Miami Dolphins will be making two selections during the first round. With needs all over the roster, the Dolphins can go in any direction with their picks. It’s up to the new regime to reload this roster with some new talent and players with the right mindset. It will be interesting to see how Jon-Eric Sullivan approaches the draft. Will it be similar to how the Green Bay Packers did things?
You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.
Chris Perkins: Dolphins have one job in this year’s NFL draft Here’s what Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley need to acquire in the NFL draft — players with the right attitude, guys who have a winning mindset.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 08: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid at Camp Nou on April 08, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
All set for Barça taking on Celta – FC Barcelona La Liga returns after a weekend off due to the Copa del Rey final with a Wednesday game for Barça at home to Celta Vigo, kick off 9.30pm CEST at Spotify Camp Nou.
Hansi Flick: ‘The team has energy and enthusiasm’ – FC Barcelona When you fall down, you have to pick yourself back up again was the message from Barça boss Hansi Flick in his pre-match press appearance before his team’s game against Celta Vigo on Wednesday in La Liga at Spotify Camp Nou.
Five stats about Barça v Celta – FC Barcelona Matches between Barça and Celta can be considered classic LaLiga fixtures. Games are usually very intense, with a lot of goals scored as a result of the attractive and attacking football both sides play.
The tragic passing of Juha Miettinen at the Nurburgring was also lying heavy on the 6 Hours of Imola. With BMW and WRT dedicating their LMGT3 victory to the fallen Finn, it was the words of amateur driver Anthony McIntosh that truly moved the paddock.
The CEO of Global Power Components spoke up during the post-race press conference at the World Endurance Championship Imola race, earning a round of extra applause for his raw honesty.
"It’s strange in a way – I only started racing because I almost died. I was in the hospital, and at one point I had to say goodbye to my kids, which is an incredibly painful thing to go through. It was a very traumatic experience", the 51-year old said.
"So when I look back on it, I understand why people see something like that as a tragedy – and of course it is. But for me personally, it’s also how I found racing. I had never owned a nice car before, so I decided to treat myself and put down a deposit. Because of the pandemic, the car was never delivered."
This led him to look into renting a car for a track day, but no one would rent to him without a racing license. "So I Googled how to get one – simply because I wanted to drive on track. And that’s what led me down this path, all the way to IMSA and the start of my racing career."
Since then, racing has become a profound passion. Addressing the inherent dangers of the sport, he added: "We are always walking a fine line. If something were to happen, I would feel terrible for the people around me. But speaking purely for myself, I know that if I were to die racing, I would at least be doing something I truly love. In a way, racing saved me."
From the deathbed to the winner’s podium
Speaking to Motorsport.com afterwards, the American detailed just how close he came to the end: "A virus attacked the back of my brain. It felt like electric shocks – so intense that my hands were curling in.”
These seizures happened every 20 minutes, lasting about 10 minutes each, around the clock. “There was nothing that could stop them”, the American said.
He went through hell on Earth: Because the issue was neurological, doctors couldn't provide effective pain relief. McIntosh couldn't eat or sleep for days. "The virus was taking over my brain. I had already said my goodbyes."
His life was saved by a seemingly trivial question: Had he been to California? It turned out yes, as his daughter wanted to go free climbing after seeing the movie Free Solo. As a protective father, McIntosh insisted on testing the route (with safety ropes) in Yosemite National Park himself first.
"I thought the question was irrelevant because my symptoms didn't appear until months later in Wisconsin," he explained.
But it was the key. He had been bitten by a specific type of tick found in California, leading to Lyme disease that had spread to his brain. Once diagnosed, targeted antibiotics cleared the infection, and he was able to leave the hospital two weeks later.
Rapid rise in motorsport
Driven by his new lease on life, McIntosh entered the Mazda MX-5 Cup in late 2021. Just two years later, he was winning amateur titles in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo. By 2025, he had reached the big stage of IMSA and the WEC.
"I’ve always been good at what I did – triathlon, cycling, wrestling. But in a race car, I was terrible at first," he recalled. "It took a lot of hard work, and that’s what makes motorsport special. When you love something, you aren't naturally good at, but you work until it pays off – that means everything."
The Imola race itself was a thriller. The #10 Garage 59 McLaren of Marvin Kirchhofer, Antares Au and Thomas Fleming seemed destined for victory until a still unknown failure struck with just 30 minutes to go. This handed the lead to the WRT BMW, but the win was far from guaranteed.
Due to a communication error regarding fuel levels and the remaining laps, closing driver Dan Harper started celebrating a lap too early.
"I thought it was over, but then they told me the last lap was just starting," Harper said. With Nicky Catsburg’s Corvette breathing down his neck, Harper managed to hold on, crossing the line with a margin of just 0.265 seconds.
USC Trojans infielder Adrian Lopez (5) reacts after making a base it during an NCAA baseball game between University of Southern California and University of California Los Angeles on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles Calif
The No. 23 USC Trojans found their footing once again in their 9-2 victory over the Cal State Fullerton Titans, Tuesday night.
USC held an offensive clinic in Fullerton to end their five-game roadtrip. The Trojans totaled 17 hits on the night, with each batter in the lineup having picked up a hit and six batters finishing with a multi-hit game.
USC's offense wasted no time driving baserunners in against the Titans' pitching. USC loaded four runs in the first inning and batted around the order to force a Fullerton pitching change after securing just one out.
A bases-loaded walk from Kevin Takeuchi scored the first run of the game. The next came from a fly ball dropped by Titan's right fielder Andrew Kirchner to score Adrian Lopez. Then a two-RBI chopper to left field from Abbrie Covarrubias was enough to end Fullerton pitcher Nick Santivanez's start and introduce their bullpen.
Freshman Diego Velazquez made his first start of his collegiate career for the Trojans. Velazquez has come out of the bullpen and has also played in the infield throughout the season. He pitched two innings, stacked four strikeouts and gave up one hit.
Fullertons' two runs came in the third and fourth inning. The first from an RBI single to right-center field from Kirchner. The second from a towering home run by Max Ortega that landed on the rooftop of the Titans' clubhouse in left field for his first homer of the season.
USC continued to add to their lead in the fourth inning with a two-rbi double from Takeuchi, the team's leader in hits and batting average. Maximo Martinez brought Takeuchi home with an RBI single knocked to left field later in the inning.
The Trojans continued to tack on runs the remainder of the game. A wild pitch spiked in front of home plate and shot to the backstop gave enough time for Isaac Cadena to score in the sixth inning. Covarrubias snuck a ground ball into left field for an RBI in the ninth inning.
USC sent a total of seven pitchers to the mound and gave up six hits, their best performance since they hosted Iowa on April 12. This comes after a four-game losing streak that includes a three-game sweep against Nebraska where they were outscored 36-15.
This USC performance may be enough to bring back the winning energy seen prior to the UCLA series that has altered USC's season ever since. They will face the Purdue Boilermakers at home for a three-game series from April 24-26.
Purdue sits third in the Big Ten standings with a 28-12 record and are 15-6 within the conference. USC has fallen to fifth with a 31-11 total record and are 13-8 in the Big Ten.
USC will play Purdue at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles on Friday at 7 p.m. PST.
Stockport County cannot complain about what they need to do to achieve a League One play-off spot, boss Dave Challinor has said.
The Hatters' 1-0 defeat by Mansfield Town on Tuesday ended a seven-game unbeaten league run and was their first loss at home in 2026.
Challinor's side are fifth in League One with a game in hand on their rivals, however fellow play-off chasers Stevenage and Luton Town both won on Tuesday.
"Three home games, no-one can have any complaints around us knowing what we need to do regardless of what happens elsewhere," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
"Play-off-wise, before Tuesday without any games being played 76 was probably the number we had to get to to guarantee [a play-off spot].
"I think with what's happened since, 74 is more likely as a minimum, not including goal difference, but our aim is solely on trying to win on Saturday."
Of Stockport's three games, two are at home, as they face Peterborough on Saturday, then already-relegated Port Vale at Edgeley Park on Tuesday before rounding off the season with a visit to Barnsley.
Stockport missed out on automatic promotion last season having finished third, but were knocked out of the play-offs at the semi-final stage by Leyton Orient.
"The disappointment for us is that the past couple of games, in my opinion, we've dropped points," Challinor added.
"We've got two home games. We can't complain about anything else. We have to make sure we turn up and produce a performance on Saturday.
"Again, it doesn't have to be too dissimilar to what we've done tonight [against Mansfield], but we need to be much better in the final third. And then that hopefully allow us to look at what Tuesday looks like and look at what next Saturday looks like."
Predicted Teams Barcelona-Celta Vigo: Ferran Torres to continue up front
Barcelona return to action for the first time since their Champions League exit against Atletico Madrid, hosting Celta Vigo at Camp Nou. The Blaugrana will be looking to restore their nine-point lead at the top of La Liga, after Real Madrid’s win. Meanwhile Celta require the three points to keep pace with Real Betis in fifth place, after they beat Girona.
The Catalan side remain without Andreas Christensen, while Marc Bernal has not recovered in time from an ankle sprain. Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong are one booking away from missing their clash with Getafe on Saturday. Claudio Giraldez is planning the game without key centre-back Carl Starfelt and Miguel Roman. He admitted that his side are conscious they have not been playing well, after losing their last three games by an aggregate of 9-1.
Ferran Torres to remain up front for Barcelona
With doubts about Robert Lewandowski’s future, Sport and MD both believe that it will be Ferran Torres who continues up front. The former see Marcus Rashford replacing Dani Olmo, restoring Fermin Lopez to the number 10 spot, and Pau Cubarsi returning from suspension to partner Eric Garcia intead of Gerard Martin.
MD expect just one change, with Cubarsi coming back in for Gavi, and Eric moving into midfield, but that otherwise Hansi Flick will not touch the line-up that beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 last week.
Celta Vigo question marks over wide positions
It seems that Giraldez is set on using the experience of Matias Vecino in midfield alongside former Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba. Borja Iglesias, who scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season, is expected to lead the line, but there are doubts over who will accompany him. Fer Lopez and Pablo Duran are backed to start, while Ferran Jutgla and Williot Swedberg are the alternatives selected by Sport.
Oscar Mingueza seems far more likely to start as a wingback rather than a centre-back, and he is competing for a start with Javi Rueda and Sergio Carreira.
NEW DELHI: The buzz around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has reached a fever pitch in IPL 2026, with former India captain Kris Srikkanth making a dramatic call to fast-track the 15-year-old sensation into the national setup — while even rival skipper Shreyas Iyer has labelled him “one for the future.”
Srikkanth, known for his blunt takes, did not hold back as he urged selectors to act immediately. “This guy, Sooryavanshi… imagine someone playing such shots. That boy is simply outstanding and brilliant. Ajit, I’m telling you, you need to fast-track him. The next series, he should be playing,” he told The Week, addressing chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
‘No need to wait, he’s a match-winner’
The former chief selector dismissed the idea of a gradual approach, insisting the youngster is ready for the big stage. “I think Sooryavanshi should be fast-tracked. No question of ‘give him time, let him be consistent’. No chance. That guy can win matches for you just like that,” Srikkanth said.
He pointed to the fearless manner in which the teenager has taken on elite bowlers this season — smashing Jasprit Bumrah for sixes and hammering Josh Hazlewood without hesitation. “Imagine, first ball, he hits Bumrah for a six… he’s not bothered about who the bowler is. He’s a prodigy,” he added.
Tendulkar comparison raises stakes
In a striking comparison, Srikkanth invoked Sachin Tendulkar’s early rise. “When I went as captain in 1989, there was a prodigy — a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar. Today, he’s the God of Cricket. Similarly, this boy could well become the next ‘demigod’ of cricket,” he said.
The excitement is not limited to former players. Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer also praised the youngster’s technique and temperament. “He is a spectacular talent… the way he has that bat flow, the rhythm and momentum… I think he is one for the future,” Iyer noted.
Sooryavanshi has backed the hype with numbers, scoring 246 runs in six matches at a staggering strike rate of 236.53 this season.
For now, all eyes remain on the prodigy as Rajasthan Royals face Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday, with the teenager at the centre of Indian cricket’s next big debate.
With 50 days until the World Cup kicks off, BBC Sport highlights some of the best kits that will be on show at this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Vote for your favourite kits at the bottom of the page.
Algeria (away)
[@lesverts.faf]
Algeria are a dream in green.
The Desert Foxes will return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, when they were beaten by winners Germany in the last 16.
Argentina (away)
[@afaseleccion]
Defenders will be left bamboozled when Lionel Messi twists and turns past them in this swirl patterned away strip.
The holders topped South American qualifying, finishing nine points ahead of second-placed Ecuador.
Austria (away)
[@oefb_1904]
Austria have qualified for their first World Cup since 1998. Ralf Rangnick's team will bring a touch of cosmopolitan sophistication to this summer's tournament in a marbled away shirt that's been designed as a nod to the country's cafe culture.
Belgium (away)
[@belgianreddevils]
Belgium's away shirt for the 2026 World Cup is inspired by Belgian surrealist artist, Rene Magritte.
Like Magritte's artwork, the Red Devils' qualifying campaign for the tournament certainly subverted expectations at times, with 6-0 wins over Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan sandwiched between draws against North Macedonia and Kazakhstan.
Brazil (home)
[@brasil]
Does anything say World Cup more than the bold yellow and green of the Selecao?
Brazil finished fifth in the Conmebol qualifying table, losing six of 18 matches, but who would rule out the five-time champions lifting the trophy again?
Canada (home)
[@canmnt]
Canada's home shirt draws inspiration from the country's national symbol, the maple leaf.
The co-hosts have appeared at two previous World Cup tournaments, but have never made it beyond the group stages.
Colombia (home)
[@fcfseleccioncol]
For fans of a certain vintage, the sight of Los Cafeteros playing in three stripes will evoke memories of a hirsute Carlos Valderrama at Italia '90.
In-form winger Luis Diaz will carry much of his nation's hopes at this summer's tournament.
Croatia (home)
[@hns_cff]
The red and white checkerboard of Croatia's home kit is another classic design that evokes tournaments past.
Despite being a relatively small nation, with a population of just over four million, the Kockasti have a strong record in the World Cup, finishing as runners-up in 2018.
Curacao (away)
[@thebluewaveffk]
With a population of roughly 156,115 people, the Caribbean island nation of Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup when they booked their place for this year's tournament as Concacaf representatives under Dutch manager Dick Advocaat - who has since resigned.
Plenty of fans will advocate for the beauty of this shirt.
Czech Republic (away)
[@ceskarepre]
Czech out this jersey, with its crystal-inspired design.
The Czech Republic secured their place at a first World Cup tournament in 20 years when they beat Denmark via a penalty shootout in the play-offs last month.
The Leopards' 2025-26 home kit features a dramatic print motif.
Ecuador (home)
[@marathon_ecuador]
Moises Caicedo and the rest of the Ecuador team will be hoping to make an impression at this summer's tournament.
This year's edition will be the fifth time the South American nation has played at a World Cup. Their best showing so far was at Germany 2006, when they made it to the last 16.
Egypt (home)
[@egyptnt]
Egypt's home kit is adorned with geometric patterns that evoke the nation's historic roots.
The Pharaohs have won a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles but have only appeared at three previous World Cup tournaments, in 1934, 1990 and 2018.
England (home)
[@england]
England are hoping to make a big noise at this year's World Cup. Meanwhile, their home shirt is a rather muted affair.
Germany's 2026 home shirt is the last that will be made by native brand Adidas. Stylistically, it's a very intentional mash-up of their 1990 and 2014 World Cup-winning kits.
Ivory Coast (away)
[@fif.ci]
This kit manages to be loud and quiet all at the same time - with a mixture of repeated motifs emblazoned in soft green and orange hues.
Ivory Coast have played in three previous tournaments - 2006, 2010 and 2014 - but have failed to make it past the group stages.
The multi-colour stripes on their away shirt represent "colours beyond the horizon".
Mexico (home)
[@miseleccionmx]
This shirt goes deep, with an Aztec-inspired motif. It's also very reminiscent of the iconic kit that Mexico wore at France '98.
The last time the North American country hosted a World Cup, back in 1986, they made it to the quarter-finals.
Netherlands (home)
[@onsoranje]
The Netherlands home shirt for the World Cup is minimal and understated, in as much as one can use terms like those to describe a bright orange jersey.
This great footballing nation has never won the game's biggest trophy, despite reaching the final on three occasions - in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
Norway (home)
[@herrelandslaget]
There's Norway you could mistake this kit and it comes with a big plus...
The Scandinavian country make their return to the World Cup this summer after a 28-year absence. At France '98 Norway beat Brazil 2-1 during the group stages before being eliminated by Italy in the last 16. This year's squad boasts a few big stars, including Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland.
Panama (home)
[@selecciondepanama]
This shirt gets a tip of the hat.
Panama share Group L with England, Ghana and Croatia. Harry Kane will have fond memories of the last time the Three Lions played Los Canaleros, during the group stages at Russia '18, when the England striker scored a hat-trick during a 6-1 rout.
Portugal (home)
[@portugal]
Portugal will look wavy in this kit inspired by the Atlantic Ocean, which borders the country.
Roberto Martinez's men had a mixed qualifying campaign, with a 9-1 thrashing of Armenia followed up by a 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland and a 2-2 draw with Hungary - ranked 59th and 40th in the world respectively by Fifa.
Qatar (home)
[@qfa]
After hosting the 2022 World Cup, Qatar will be hoping to make a mark at this year's competition in a simple, but effective, home shirt based around the national colours and pattern of the Middle East country's national flag.
Saudi Arabia (home)
[@saudint]
Saudi Arabia shocked the world when they beat eventual champions Argentina 2-1 at the 2022 World Cup and they've made headlines again recently by sacking head coach Herve Renard just two months before this year's tournament.
The Middle East nation's home kit is bolder than previous editions, with new purple and gold accents alongside the traditional green base.
Scotland (away)
[@scotlandnationalteam]
Scotland are back at the World Cup, after a 28-year hiatus. Steve Clarke's men will be hoping to make it past the group stages for the first time in the nation's history, but face a tough task in Group C, which they share with five-time winners Brazil and Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco, as well as Haiti.
Their away kit comes in a bold coral colour, reminiscent of Scotland's 1999 away strip.
South Africa (away)
[@bafanabafanaofficial]
South Africa's away shirt gives a nod to the kits worn by Bafana Bafana in 2010, when they hosted the World Cup - becoming the first African nation to do so. They recorded a historic 2-1 win over France in that tournament.
South Korea (away)
[@thekfa]
A blooming marvellous kit - South Korea's away strip featured an energetic, floral design set against a violet base.
This year will mark South Korea's 12th World Cup and their 11th consecutive appearance. They made it to the last 16 in Qatar and topped their group in Asian qualifiers.
Spain (away)
[@sefutbol]
Spain's away kit includes a graphic pattern inspired by ancient Spanish manuscripts.
The European Champions will be hoping to write another chapter in their country's rich footballing history. They enter this year's competition as the favourites, having enjoyed a near-perfect qualification campaign.
Sweden (home)
[@swemnt]
Sweden have a strong heritage in the World Cup, having finished runners-up in 1958 as well as finishing third in 1950 and 1994.
Their home shirt pays homage to the '70s and features an embossed print inspired by daisies.
Switzerland (home)
[@swissnatimen]
Switzerland teamed up with Swiss online personality Adrian Vogt for the launch of their new home kit. It's inspired by the country's futuristic-looking passports. Captain Granit Xhaka will be hoping for an easy journey through Group B, which they share with Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.
Switzerland have played at 12 previous editions of the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in 1934, 1938 and 1954.
Turkey (home)
[@millitakimlar]
Turkey's home strip features a marbled pattern, inspired by the Turkish paper marbling art of Ebru.
This will be the nation's first appearance at a World Cup finals since 2002, when they finished third.
Uruguay (home)
[@aufoficial]
Two-time World Cup winners Uruguay will look classy when they turn up to this year's competition in this simple home shirt.
Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have both retired from international football, but Federico Valverde and company will be hoping to write their own history under manager Marcelo Bielsa.
USA (home)
[@usmnt]
As co-hosts, the USA will be aiming to stand out at this year's tournament - having previously only hosted the World Cup in 1994.
The team are managed by Mauricio Pochettino and share Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.
We asked for your views on which Hearts player has been the biggest disappointment in the club's memorable season.
Here are some of your views:
Kevin: Ageu seems to fit the pre-Jamestown mould of signings - lots of hype with little product, and very injury prone! Hope he can kick on next season, but even his limited appearances haven't been impressive.
John: No shortage of candidates for this unfortunately. Any of Islam Chesnokov, Rogers Mato or Pierre Landry Kabore could get the nod here but it has to be Ageu. Allegedly costing £1.8m and no doubt with considerable wages alongside that yet he's played about 60 minutes all season, appears to have all the strength of wet paper and looks like a colossal failure currently and a gargantuan waste of money.
Dave: Obviously Ageu, however the other has to be Calem Nieuwenhof. The boy has had absolutely no luck with injuries, I was hopeful we would see him kick on this season.
Richard: There are a few who've come in and not featured so that's disappointing. I don't want to name individuals who have underwhelmed but it's fair to say that Ageu, who came with a bit of a fanfare, hasn't been allowed to do his stuff due to injury so that's been a bit of a letdown.
David: There are several players who would fit in this category. I have, however, gone for Elton Kabangu - looked lively and with a few goals when he joined on loan - given a contract and he's completely disappeared from view! With no comments from the management then you have to wonder what has happened. An end of season exit surely - together with several others!
Alan: Underwhelming player is tough to come up with. If I had to I'd go for Ageu, right-back Christian Borchgrevink, Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock. Injured most of the time so unfortunately had to be.
Chelsea are facing a crisis of confidence, with former captain Gary Cahill describing the club as a "wounded animal" following their latest humiliating defeat under manager Liam Rosenior.
The pressure is now intensely focused on the club’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final, which Cahill believes is essential to salvage their season.
Tuesday’s 3-0 loss to Brighton marked a new nadir for the London club, representing their fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring – a dismal streak not seen since 1912. The result also saw Brighton leapfrog Chelsea into sixth place, seizing control of the race for European football qualification.
With Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds looming, Cahill, a two-time winner of the trophy with Chelsea, expressed deep concern.
"Leeds are probably watching this thinking, ‘we’ve got a wounded animal here, we’ve got a chance in the semi-final’," he told Sky Sports.
Cahill won the FA Cup twice while playing for Chelsea (PA Wire)
He continued: "Chelsea are going into a semi-final against Leeds, no disrespect, with an opportunity to hit a final. They should be licking their lips, ready to go, but this is a bit of a wounded Chelsea squad.
“Confidence and momentum is a big thing, so going into tomorrow’s training, it’s not the same vibe when you are on a good run or off the back of a good result. It’s going to be a tough few days for the manager and for the squad to galvanise themselves and get fired up for this semi-final."
Cahill underscored the gravity of the situation, stating: "The FA Cup now is, strong word, it’s a must to save the season. It needs to be a hell of a lot better."
Rosenior, who faced angry barracking from travelling supporters, was visibly furious with his team’s performance at the Amex Stadium, where goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck sealed their fate.
Asked if it was the worst display of his tenure, the manager told Sky Sports: "By far. It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude. I keep coming out and defending the players. That’s indefensible, that performance tonight.
“The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now."
Liam Rosenior was furious with his players after Tuesday’s loss (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)
He added: "The professionalism wasn’t there. It’s a really difficult night. The most difficult night not even just here, so far, at this magnificent football club, but in my career. Some of the things I witnessed today, I never want to see again."
Chelsea’s hopes of securing European football are dwindling, as they remain seven points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool, having now played an additional game.
Rosenior, who was without key attacking players Cole Palmer, Estevao and Joao Pedro due to injury, concluded: "We need to look in the mirror; I need to look in the mirror. But I can’t keep coming out here and defending some of the things we’re seeing.
“The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking apart from maybe three or four of the XI. That is nowhere near enough for this club. I can’t come out and lie. I’ll tell the truth. That was an unacceptable performance in every area."
The Washington Commanders head into the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 7 overall pick. In a draft often described as short on blue-chip talent, the Commanders are in an excellent position to land an elite prospect before the talent level drops off. Many draft analysts feel there are around six to eight blue-chip talents in this class, and very little difference between picks 15 through 40.
The problem for Washington is that other teams control the first six picks. While the Commanders may love Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, there's a good chance both will be gone. General manager Adam Peters is prepared for virtually every scenario, admitting as much last week.
Everyone knows Washington needs a wide receiver. The Commanders were aggressive in their pursuit of both Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs in free agency, landing neither. They've hosted all of the top wide receivers for visits, meeting with each multiple times. Washington will come out of this draft with a receiver, but will it be at No. 7 overall, or will Peters wait?
The top options at receiver are Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Makai Lemon (USC). There are other first-round options, too, such as Denzel Boston (Washington), KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana).
So, which direction will the Commanders go?
ESPN Analytics, using its NFL Draft Day Predictor, simulated the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and identified which prospects could be on the clock at each position, including No. 7 for the Commanders.
Here are all nine prospects named and their approximate chances of landing with Washington at No. 7:
Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami): 22.5%
Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State): 21%
Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State): 17.5%
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State): 14%
Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami): 11%
Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU): 6%
Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): 2%
David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech): 1.5%
Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State): 1%
It appears Delane and Tyson are a little low here, while Bain and Mauigoa are a bit too high. We shall see.
The Tennessee Titans are coming off back-to-back disastrous seasons, yet under new head coach Robert Saleh and after adding a solid free-agent haul, excitement is building in Nashville.
This excitement and belief in a potential turnaround isn’t limited to Nashville; some outlets see the Titans as a dark horse in 2026. The latest to tout this potential turnaround is Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports, who lists the Titans as a possible instant contenders if they nail this draft class.
They’ve got a new coach and an offensive coordinator who should be really good for quarterback Cam Ward. They also gave him a new weapon (receiver Wan’Dale Robinson), beefed up the offensive line and restocked the pass rush and defense for head coach Robert Saleh.
So they are already much improved, but it’s still a big leap from 3-14 to the playoffs. And they could use more offensive playmakers — receiver and running back — and a little more defensive help on the edge. They could find either with the No. 4 overall pick, where they could be eyeing Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love if he gets past the Cardinals at No. 3.
If they do that, and add an edge rusher and a receiver with their next two picks (Nos. 34 and 66), they’ll have addressed all their biggest needs. Making the playoffs will still be an uphill climb in a suddenly stacked division. But they’ll have the talent in place, at least, to give it a run.
General manager Mike Borgonzi has some big decisions to make when the draft kicks off on Thursday, and those choices will leave a lasting imprint on the franchise. While what they do in the first round is important, they will have to land some talent on Day 2 and Day 3 to have any chance to turn things around in 2026.
Another game closer to the end of the season and another defeat which gave Stoke City a close look at the most popular recipe for success in the Championship.
Take a consistent goalkeeper, add outfield players with strength, athleticism, power and reliability on the ball and garnish with a couple of individuals with match-winning quality who can offer something different and you're almost there.
Mix into a shape that gets players forward in numbers whilst retaining defensive solidity, bake for 46 games and you will be there or thereabouts.
Coventry, Millwall, Middlesbrough and Wrexham are all in the top six, none has the financial advantage of parachute payments and each team has most if not all of the characteristics listed above.
Stoke are missing the physicality, athleticism and reliability in possession and at times over the past few weeks some players in red and white have also lacked a bit of desire.
To be competitive at the top end of the division next season, they will need to add plenty of all of that to a squad about to undergo another significant transformation.
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez will accomplish the life-long goal of being selected at the 2026 NFL Draft this weekend.
Rodriguez – the most-decorated defensive player in college football last season and a potential first-round sleeper – is making the moment about everyone else. Rodriguez will not make the trip to Pittsburgh. He has other plans.
"I'm going to watch with family," Rodriguez told The Sporting News. "I think Emma and I will be around my family and it will be fun. This accomplishment for me is great, but it's more so for me along with my entire family who have pushed me to this moment and my friends have held me accountable and to all the people who have played a part in this process for me. I want them to be celebrated just as much as it is an achievement for myself."
Rodriguez's wife Emma – a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot for the United States Army – will also come into focus as part of the draft coverage. Jacob and Emma kept a long-distance relationship through college.
This is part of the mental makeup for Rodriguez, who swept the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award last season for the Red Raiders. It is yet another reason why NFL teams are getting a valuable pick in either Round 1 or Round 2.
Jacob and Emma Rodriguez's long-distance relationship
Rodriguez is partnered with USAA's "Salute to Service" program ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. He joined Emma on a helicopter flight simulator – and that was a learning experience for Jacob, who laughed when asked how that transpired.
"It's very difficult," Rodriguez said. "Try to fly a helicopter and not know there's everything you have to look at apart from looking outside the aircraft. You have to use both your feet and both your hands, and just trying to put it all together definitely takes a lot of practice.
"It was very fun and very eye opening to get to see and understand what she goes through on a daily basis," he said.
Jacob and Emma's relationship grew stronger throughout his college experience while she stayed in the military. Rodriguez was initially a quarterback at Virginia before switching to linebacker and transferring to Texas Tech. The couple now lives together as Jacob prepares to start his professional career.
"It helps us out a lot that we're both super busy," Rodriguez said. "I think long distance can be very difficult, but it can also build a lot of strong habits and you can build a really strong communication foundation."
Jacob Rodriguez's NFL Draft profile
Rodriguez – a 6-foot-1, 231-pound linebacker – was a key defensive standout for Texas Tech in 2025. The Red Raiders won the Big 12 championship and made the program's first College Football Playoff appearance. He had 128 tackles and 11 tackles for loss – production typical of elite linebackers. He also had four interceptions and a FBS-best seven forced fumbles. That is above-board at any level.
Rodriguez was one of the top performers at the Reese's Senior Bowl and held his own at the NFL Scouting Combine with a talented group of linebackers that includes Ohio State's Sonny Styles, Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. and Georgia's CJ Allen. Again, Rodriguez made that experience more about the players surrounding him.
"It was nice to be there with the best of them and show everybody that I can compete and be a part of that conversation," Rodriguez said. "I think more importantly it was cool to meet the people, and it was cool to get to know their personalities and who they are."
Rodriguez also was in full support of his Texas Tech teammates – which includes projected first-round edge rusher David Bailey, defensive tackle Lee Hunter and edge rusher Romello Height. The Red Raiders allowed 11.8 points per game in 2026 – which ranked third in the FBS.
"I would argue the best locker room in the country and we really cared about each other off the field," Rodriguez said. "I will be so happy getting to see those guys getting everything they ever dreamed of getting. I'm excited to see Texas Tech in the future and everything that Coach (Joey) McGuire is still doing at Lubbock."
Rodriguez could become just the second Texas Tech linebacker to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Seattle Seahawks took Jordyn Brooks with the No. 27 pick in 2020. Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas was a fifth-round pick in 1996.
Brooks and Thomas were known for their strong tackling skills, and that's what Rodriguez hopes the NFL scouts see in his evaluation.
"I'd love for that to pop off the tape," Rodriguez said. "The biggest thing for me and why I play football is I want people to see someone who plays extremely hard — and he plays one way all the time. There is never a play where he takes off and he's always going and wants to be the guy who his teammates look up to and see who is working extremely hard."
Daniel Jeremiah – a NFL.com draft analyst – knew Rodriguez's backstory before watching the film.
"You learn about the person, and you learn about the production, and a lot of times you're almost nervous to watch the tape because you're like, 'I just don't know if that's good enough,'" Jeremiah said. "Is the athleticism going to be there to match what you see? Because you already love the kid, and then you love the production.
"Then when you watch the tape, you're like, 'Oh, no. He passes the threshold,'" Jeremiah said. "He can run. He's got the ability to cover. He's a firm tackler. Obviously, the forced fumbles are outrageous, and that showed up at the Senior Bowl as well."
Jeremiah ranked Rodriguez at No. 42 on his top 150 prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Rodriguez is a second-round pick in Sporting News' latest mock draft.
Could that push that into the first round? Rodriguez impressed at the college level and through the NFL Draft process. That production – and the person – should be successful at the next level.
"He's not getting out of the second round," Jeremiah said. "There's no chance he gets out of the second round. If you're looking for, 'Who are these surprise first rounders that kind of come out of left field?' I wouldn't rule him out there either. I just think someone is going to fall in love with him."
Rodriguez is partnered with USAA ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, and his story with Emma was profiled on Instagram. "It means a lot to Emma and I to be able to show appreciation for military families and spouses. People in that area of work — they do a lot. They volunteer their time and their service to support the great country that we're in."
Manchester United look to Premier League and La Liga for midfield reinforcements
Manchester United Midfield Rebuild Takes Centre Stage Ahead of Defining Summer
The past week offered a telling snapshot of where United stand. A 2-1 defeat to Leeds United and a 1-0 win at Chelsea did more than produce mixed results, they reinforced a reality that has been building for some time. United’s midfield lacks both depth and balance, and the consequences are increasingly difficult to mask. As reported by The Telegraph.
There is no dramatic revelation in that conclusion, but there is clarity. When Kobbie Mainoo was absent against Leeds, United’s structure faltered. When he returned at Stamford Bridge, control and composure returned with him. That contrast alone explains why this summer carries such weight.
Photo IMAGO
Midfield Fragility Exposed Across Key Fixtures
Michael Carrick’s tenure has largely been defined by stability in central areas, yet even his system has shown its limits. The Leeds defeat stood out because it was the only match in which he could not pair Mainoo with Casemiro. The outcome, only his second loss in 12 games, spoke volumes.
Without that partnership, United looked disjointed. Manuel Ugarte struggled to impose himself, Casemiro found himself isolated, and transitions became chaotic. It was not simply a poor performance, it was a demonstration of how thin the margin for error has become.
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By contrast, the narrow 1-0 win at Chelsea showcased a more measured approach. Mainoo’s presence allowed United to dictate tempo more effectively, even in a match where defensive resources were stretched. Missing four of five centre-backs could have been destabilising, yet the midfield provided enough structure to hold firm.
That duality has sharpened the club’s focus. It is no longer about incremental improvement, it is about necessity.
Recruitment Strategy Shifts Toward Cohesion
In previous windows, United’s midfield recruitment has often felt reactive. There have been moments where it appeared, as the original report suggests, that the club had “thrown a load of mud at the wall and seen what sticks.” That approach is no longer viable.
Under the guidance of Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell, there is a clear intent to prioritise cohesion. The emphasis is on assembling a group of players who complement each other, rather than collecting individual profiles without a defined structure.
Photo: IMAGO
With Casemiro expected to depart and Mainoo set to sign a new contract, at least two midfield additions are required. If Ugarte also leaves, that number could rise to three. The challenge lies in identifying the right combinations within a restricted budget.
This is where tactical compatibility becomes crucial. United are not simply searching for talent, they are searching for fit.
Profile Puzzle Shapes Transfer Targets
The case of Adam Wharton illustrates the complexity of this process. His progressive passing has attracted admiration, yet there are concerns that he is too similar to Mainoo to form a natural pairing in a 4-2-3-1 system. That does not eliminate him as a target, but it reframes his role within a broader recruitment plan.
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Instead, attention has shifted towards players who offer mobility and defensive coverage. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest fits that description in terms of age, energy and temperament. However, a potential £100m valuation presents a significant obstacle, particularly with Manchester City also showing strong interest.
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Aurélien Tchouaméni represents a different kind of opportunity. At 26, he is entering his peak years at Real Madrid, and circumstances in the Spanish capital could influence his availability. Florentino Pérez’s admiration for Rodri introduces a layer of intrigue, even if such a move would require multiple factors to align.
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United’s approach reflects a growing awareness of market dynamics. They cannot afford to chase every target, nor can they compromise on quality. Each decision must be deliberate.
Alternative Options Reflect Broad Scouting Network
Beyond headline targets, United’s scouting network has cast a wide net. Sandro Tonali has been identified as a player who aligns with the desired profile, though his price tag could exceed £80m. Interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba dates back to last summer, while Mateus Fernandes and João Gomes represent options whose valuations could fluctuate based on club circumstances.
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Alex Scott’s performances for Bournemouth have also drawn attention, adding another dimension to the shortlist. Each of these players brings different attributes, and the final composition of United’s midfield will depend on how these pieces fit together.
What is clear is that there are “many moving parts,” as highlighted in the original report. The task is not simply to add numbers, it is to build a unit capable of competing across multiple competitions.
With Champions League football likely returning to Old Trafford, alongside the demands of the Premier League and domestic cups, depth will be as important as quality. United cannot afford to rely on a narrow core of trusted players.
Strategic Importance of Summer Window
This summer feels like a hinge moment. The decisions made in the coming months will shape United’s trajectory over the next two seasons. A well-constructed midfield could provide the foundation for sustained progress, while missteps could prolong the cycle of inconsistency.
There is a growing sense that the club understands the stakes. The emphasis on planning, profiling and compatibility suggests a more disciplined approach. Whether that translates into effective recruitment remains to be seen.
What cannot be ignored is the urgency. The Leeds defeat and Chelsea victory served as reminders of both vulnerability and potential. United have seen what works, and what does not. The challenge now is to act decisively.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
This report strikes a familiar chord with United fans, equal parts optimism and caution. There is relief in seeing a more structured recruitment strategy taking shape, especially after years where midfield signings often felt disconnected from a broader plan.
Mainoo’s emergence has been a rare positive, a player who brings composure and intelligence beyond his years. Building around him feels logical. Yet relying on him so heavily at this stage of his career carries risks. Supporters will want to see experienced reinforcements who can share that responsibility.
The potential departure of Casemiro adds another layer of uncertainty. While his influence has waned, replacing his experience and leadership will not be straightforward. Finding a midfielder who can combine defensive awareness with progressive passing is easier said than done.
There is also scepticism around the financial aspect. Reports of £100m valuations for targets like Anderson raise questions about how effectively United can operate within their budget. Fans have seen big fees spent before without delivering the desired impact.
What stands out is the need for balance. Mobility, control and resilience must all be addressed. This cannot be another window where one problem is solved while another is created.
If United get this right, the midfield could become a strength rather than a weakness. If they get it wrong, the same conversations will continue into next season. Supporters will be watching closely, hoping that this time, the rebuild is built on solid foundations rather than short-term fixes.
Luca Kjerrumgaard never looked like scoring, captain Imran Louza was dropped to the bench and the heads of Egil Selvik and his backline dropped further as each goal went in.
You would expect a confident Selvik to come and punch away the cross for the second goal, but he freezes, leading to a finger-pointing blame game in the six-yard box.
While it was clear that West Brom had something to play for in a match that secured their Championship status for another season, a performance of that standard by Watford is not acceptable.
And now the attention of supporters turns to just how low we may finish in the table.
Not long ago the discussion was whether the Hornets would be the team to snatch the final play-off spot - and now it looks like we will finish closer to the relegation zone than the top six.
The Ed Still experiment has not been a total disaster, as nobody expected a play-off spot with the age, quality and profile of this season's squad.
But the worrying disconnect between the players themselves, as well as between the squad and the fans, is a cause for concern.
That mixed with a string of negative results may signal the end of the manager.
Whether the board will pull the trigger before the final two matches are played waits to be seen. But it certainly would not be unusual - or unjust - for them to do so.
The only positive to take is that the season is almost over - and relegation is not mathematically possible.
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 18: USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley yells at the official on the sidelines during a game between University of Southern California and University of Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium on October 18, 2025 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
In some conversations with some of my friends and family, we’ve often talked about how politics has turned into sports with the most unathletic people on the planet. The incredible political divide in the country is akin to like living in Toledo or Findlay and dealing with the Ohio State and Michigan Rivalry. The absolute loyalty to whatever bullshit is being pushed is just incredible.
And that’s where we are with USC.
We all saw how the ending of the Notre Dame and USC rivalry went down — and we all saw it coming. Lincoln Riley started this nonsense by bringing up the game as being something USC might have to get out of so they could have a schedule more conducive to make the college football playoff. He was absolutely hammered by both fanbases and the media for being soft, shortsided, and a serious coward. And then… again… we all saw what went down and there’s no reason to really hash it all out again.
Which leads us to now. Lincoln Riley is really out here beating his chest about a “championship window.” Seriously. He said USC is in a championship window now with they way they have everything aligned… but conveniently leaves out that part of that alignment was made possible by running for the hills away from Notre Dame — a school that has owned them for a decade and a half. He talks about this in the same way he talked about needing to get Notre Dame off of the schedule.
Anyone who still thinks that Notre Dame is the one that “dropped the rivalry” is just a political lamb being led to the slaughter via bullshit covered in fake gold. Those people will believe anything other than the truth right in front of them… that a coach with a 35-18 record over the last 4 years has somehow found the secret sauce to winning. Even if you flip the Notre Dame losses around, he’s still just 38-15 — a real contender for a national championship run.
Lincoln Riley is just playing with tin soldiers in a make believe world where he doesn’t suck at his job, and his collection of stuffed animals are the only ones that believe in him.
NEW: Lincoln Riley believes USC has now entered its championship window, he tells @whalexander_✌️
“Taking this over, you knew you had to go fight like hell just to try to get this window opened.”
Grimaldo reportedly agrees personal terms over potential summer transfer
Bayer Leverkusen star Alex Grimaldo has reportedly agreed to join Beşiktaş at the end of the season.
Writing for the Swiss edition of Sky, Belgian transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that the 30-year-old left-back recently met with representatives from the Turkish club, which led to a full agreement on personal terms.
However, an agreement still needs to be reached with Leverkusen, who are said to be demanding around €20 million to allow the Spaniard to leave.
Grimaldo has been an important player for Die Werkself since joining from Benfica in the summer of 2023.
The 30-year-old, who is under contract until 2027, has made a total of 140 appearances for the German club, scoring 30 goals and providing 44 assists.
Liverpool now 90% likely for Champions League after Chelsea loss
It felt like a big week in the race for the Premier League top five, and the numbers now show just how much it swung in our favour.
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After our dramatic win over Everton on Sunday and Chelsea collapsing against Brighton last night, Liverpool have taken a huge step towards securing Champions League football.
Opta update shows Liverpool in commanding position
According to Opta Analyst, our chances of finishing in the top five have now climbed significantly.
“Arsenal 100%, Man City 100%, Man Utd 98.66%, Aston Villa 98.33%, Liverpool 90.25%, Brighton 5.97%, Bournemouth 2.33%, Brentford 1.93%, Chelsea 1.45%”
That figure of 90.25% represents a noticeable jump from the 89.2% projection after the derby, showing how much impact Chelsea’s defeat has had on the wider picture.
It’s also telling that the London side now sit at just 1.45%, effectively falling out of the race entirely after their fifth consecutive league loss without scoring.
Why this week changed everything
The swing isn’t just about the data, it’s about the context around it.
Chelsea’s heavy defeat to Brighton, combined with our last-gasp winner at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, has created a gap that now looks incredibly difficult to close with only five games remaining.
Before facing Everton, the situation was still delicate, with projections suggesting we needed at least a strong run-in to be certain of qualification.
Now, we’re in a position where the margin for error is far greater, and that changes the pressure heading into the final stretch.
That’s crucial when you consider what’s at stake financially as well, with this season’s Champions League campaign already generating around £95 million in prize money alone.
From a footballing perspective, the importance is just as clear.
Qualifying ensures we remain competitive at the top level and continue attracting the calibre of players needed to push forward under Arne Slot.
Given how the season has unfolded, it hasn’t always been convincing and there have been moments where we’ve looked vulnerable.
But results like the derby win, combined with rivals slipping up at exactly the right time, have put us firmly in control of our own destiny.
‘Small adjustments’ – Luis Enrique outlines PSG’s transfer window plans
Paris Saint-Germain’s lack of activity in last summer’s transfer window has come into question at times throughout the season, but this summer won’t be any different, according to Luis Enrique.
Last summer, PSG signed Ilya Zabarnyi, Lucas Chevalier, and Renato Marin. None has gone on to become a guaranteed starter. Chevalier, the replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma, did start the season as No.1 but lost his spot due to poor form and the guarantees provided by Matvey Safonov in his absence. Zabarnyi has struggled and has been used sparingly in the big games in the UEFA Champions League, whilst Marin remains the third choice in the goalkeeping hierarchy. Dro Fernandez, meanwhile, arrived from Barcelona in January. The Spaniard is seen as one for the future.
At times, the lack of squad depth has shown… and been criticised. But don’t expect a spending spree this summer. “There will be small adjustments, just like last year,” said Luis Enrique in a press conference on Tuesday. “We won’t sign a lot of players.”
Abhishek Sharma registered his ninth T20 century and his second-highest score in the IPL, while also batting through the full 20 overs for the first time in his IPL career. His brilliant unbeaten 135 powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a massive total of 242, which the team successfully defended, sealing a 47-run win over Delhi Capitals. Following the knock, his mentor Yuvraj Singh heaped praise on his protégé, saying, “Let the bat do the work!”
Sunrisers Hyderabad continued their strong run in IPL 2026 with a 47-run win over Delhi Capitals, powered by a sensational unbeaten 135 from Abhishek Sharma. His 68-ball knock, featuring 10 fours and 10 sixes, guided SRH to a massive 242/2, with support from Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37* off 13).
In response, Delhi Capitals showed early promise through a partnership between KL Rahul (37) and Nitish Rana (57), but lost momentum after their dismissals. Eshan Malinga starred with the ball, picking up 4/32, including two wickets in two balls, as DC were restricted to 195/9.
The win pushed SRH to third place, while DC slipped to fifth in the standings.
Reflecting on his innings, Abhishek said the team had a clear plan to attack the powerplay but had to quickly reassess conditions. “The way we started, I felt we had a plan… but the wicket was a bit slow, so we had to re-plan it again. I just wanted to utilise the powerplay and entertain the crowd,” he said, adding that judging a par score wasn’t easy until the innings progressed.
The left-hander also credited the environment within the SRH setup for allowing him to play freely. “You have to have the backing from the captain and coach… that is very important. The environment in Sunrisers in 2024 was a game-changer. It felt like they wanted to grow the youngsters,” he explained, pointing out that such freedom has helped him express himself consistently.
After his blistering knock he earned some praised from his mentor Yuvraj Singh, who wrote on X,
"Let the bat do the work! getting better each day well played sir Abhishek! keep up with the process,'' Yuvraj SIngh, Abhishek's mentor, wrote on X.
— YUVSTRONG12 (@YUVSTRONG12)
Yuvraj Singh has been mentoring Abhishek Sharma since around 2019, with their partnership intensifying during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown through a structured training camp in Mohali. He implemented a long-term “four-year plan” to help Abhishek transition from a domestic player to an international-level performer.
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The mentorship has focused on improving technique, discipline, fitness, and mental strength, with Yuvraj playing a key role in boosting Abhishek’s confidence during challenging phases. This guidance has paid off, reflected in Abhishek’s recent performances, including his stunning unbeaten 135 in IPL 2026.
Manchester City are now just about everyone's favourites to win the Premier League.
They have all the buzz words on their side; momentum, experience and belief. They 'know' they can win the title because many of the group have done it before, Arsenal only 'hope' they are still capable.
City's win over Arsenal provides the ultimate dream sporting scenario. They both could well end the season on the same points total now and that provides the conditions for a total change in attitude.
If either team is 2-0 up with half an hour to go, they will still have to go at it full throttle for more goals to increase their goal difference.
This is an alien concept these days because players have to rest and recover, so time wasting, constant substitutions and controlled play are the order of the day when the game is ostensibly won with 20 minutes left to play.
But these rules no longer apply and I can't wait to see the outcome.
Winning 3-0, you might still send your goalkeeper up for late corners to get another goal - how brilliant will that be?
No City or Arsenal player will feign injury, take the ball into the corner or take an eternity organising a corner or a free-kick. They will have to keep it moving and keep trying to score more goals.
As a kid, I was brought up with this attitude at Celtic. The phrase was "score an early goal and press on regardless". For years this was considered quaint and almost naive - but from here on in, it is absolutely necessary.
Former Arsenal technical director James Ellis is a serious contender to become Bristol City's new sporting director.
Ellis has been locked in talks with the Championship side over the past fortnight with a view to taking the leadership position at Ashton Gate.
Discussions are accelerating, with a move to Bristol for Ellis understood to be at an advanced stage.
However, Sheffield Wednesday have also taken an interest in Ellis in recent days as they look to revamp their leadership team before next season.
In an interview with BBC Sport last week, Ellis spoke of his desire to return to football following his sudden departure from the Emirates Stadium earlier this year.
"I feel I have unfinished impact and objectives I would like to achieve," he said
"I have been through rejection, education, coaching, scouting, senior leadership all in this and would like to carry on."
Ellis joined the Gunners from Fulham in 2021, and last summer was promoted to the role of technical director.
Prior to that he had been head of recruitment - playing a key role in identifying several of the squad battling to win the club's first Premier League title since 2004.
He left the club in February following a restructuring of the football leadership team.
NOBLESVILLE — “So many days, I never thought I’d make it out. So many days I thought about shutting down.” - Andy Riemersma, New Day
Andy Riemersma will sing those lyrics from his latest song, “New Day,” in roughly seven minutes. A crowd of Noblesville Boom fans and a few players from the Pacers’ G-League affiliate are waiting to hear the team chaplain perform.
But for now, Riemersma is in the tunnel by Section 8 inside the Arena at Innovation Mile. The 30-year-old hip-hop artist is swaying his arms back and forth to loosen his body. His knees aren’t as weak, and his arms aren’t as heavy as they were the first time he performed a spoken word as a sophomore at Indiana Wesleyan in 2016. But he’s still anxious.
He contemplates doing push-ups to calm his nerves before bending down to tie his Jordan 11 Concord sneakers. The performance holds weight.
Riemersma always wanted to play in the NBA. His 5-11 frame and three concussions in high school derailed his dreams. But here he is on March 20, living in what he called “God’s round-about” plan for him to pastor and perform in the NBA.
There are five minutes until show time. It feels like an “eternity” to Riemersma. He uses it to say a prayer and practice his set.
“So many days, I never thought I’d make it out. So many days I thought about shutting down,” Riemersma repeats as he holds his phone, which is playing the song’s instrumental, to his ear.
The line alludes to a time when Riemersma considered quitting music. He questioned why anyone would want to listen to him among all Christian artists. But it is also in reference to the grind of building momentum in the early days of planting ONE Church in Westfield, where he pastors. Riemersma sees a similar reality in the lives of the G-League players he counsels.
“Sometimes I can sense the players just don't know what's going to happen tomorrow — are they going to get a call-up, be out of the G-League, or go overseas? And so it's just like it feels almost like a lack of security with the grind that comes with the G-League,” Riemersma said. “But if I can bring the gospel in and teach them our security is in Christ, then ifthey lost basketball, tomorrow, you would be okay. You have enough of a foundation under you.”
Riemersma uses music to break down the walls players often hold up. Through pastoring, Riemersma reinforces a purpose bigger than basketball to players who are uncertain of what’s next. Current players like Gabe McGlothan and former ones like Stephan Hicks have reaped the benefits of Riemersma’s faithfulness with his two gifts.
Riemersma helps players on opposite career trajectories
“You be pickin’ me up every time I’m falling down.” - Riemersma, New Day
McGlothan’s season ended after he sustained multiple rib fractures in a late February game against Capital City. The injury allowed McGlothan more time to focus on his internship and grow his relationship with Riemersma. Riemersma carved out time in his busy schedule to disciple McGlothan, as the two occasionally went to lunch and had late-night phone calls.
Riemersma allowed McGlothan to preach at his church during a late March service. Afterward, the duo “went over film,” McGlothan said, in which Riemersma provided McGlothan with feedback on his sermon.
“Us going over that together was encouraging and very pivotal because it was like, ‘Oh, I can do this,’” McGlothan said. “I didn't know what my future was going to be with ministry. But because of that opportunity and us going over it, I could see the giftings that God has given. Right now, my time block is basketball, but Andy helped spark the foundation of what I could do in ministry later.”
McGlothan praised Riemersma for his intentionality and credited him for “going out of his way just to show so much care and love.” For Hicks, his journey is different from McGlothan’s. But his experience with Andy is the same.
Hicks spent eight seasons with the Boom franchise (formerly Mad Ants) and retired in 2023, having never played in an NBA game. Noblesville retired his jersey in March 2025. The former Cal State Northridge standout moved back home to Los Angeles, where he works in a post office.
“Being in the G League, there’s a lot of ups and downs, and if you don’t have your head on straight, it can have you shut down and get overwhelmed,” Hicks said. “I wasn’t being the best man I could be to my now-wife because of that, and Andy helped me get closer to God and understand my responsibilities as a man.”
Riemersma is a father of two daughters, with a third child on the way. Since becoming a chaplain in 2023, Riemersma has developed routines with his family to ensure they remain his priority.
The Westfield native takes a Sabbath rest day every Friday, during which he fasts from social media and turns off his phone for part of the day. He and his wife, Leanza, who plays acoustic guitar, often initiate worship jam sessions and go on family walks.
“Seeing how he puts his family first helped me grow as the leader of my family,” Boom assistant coach Bryce Taylor said. Taylor met Riemersma in 2023. Riemersma baptized the father of three a year later.
Added McGlothan: “That's something that you're always balancing as a working man — creating windows of time and opportunities just to spend time with your family. During the season, things are very busy, so just seeing how he navigates that because I think as a pastor of a church, you’re really there to be in support of 100s of people, and I think it would be easy to be overwhelmed at times, but he does it really easily or effortlessly.”
The role that appeared easy was once hard for Riemersma to accept.
How Riemersma got into ministry
“You been workin’ it all out for my good. You been doin’ everything You said You would.” - Riemersma, New Day
Riemersma wanted to focus on business after college. An advisor at Indiana Wesleyan encouraged him in 2015 to pursue full-time ministry.
Riemersma was hesitant. His view of a pastor is what he described as “jaded.”
Riemersma didn’t want to wear a suit and carry a big Bible. He wanted to don street wear and Jordans as a way to relate to the youth and “connect organically through the work of the Spirit,” he said.
God provided clarity amid his indecision. What he wore didn’t matter in comparison to how he led. Riemersma’s heart for others was clear, and God was going to use him just as he was to make an eternal impact.
Riemersma founded the campus ministry “Awaken” at Ball State in 2017. He served as a youth pastor in Fishers from 2019 to 2021 and opened ONE Church in 2022.
While Riemersma and Leanza felt compelled to plant a church in 2020, Leanza had not given up on her dream to do music with her husband.
Riemersma doubted it would come to fruition. Similar to pastoral care, he expected something contrary to the truth. He thought he would have to play guitar and different acoustic instruments. Leanza thought of rap.
She encouraged him to pursue it, watering the seed Riemersma’s dad, Randy, had planted when he introduced Andy to Christian hip-hop during his senior year in high school.
“It became clear with music — God wants me to use it to reach people that may not come into a church setting because a song can sometimes reach where a sermon can’t,” Riemersma said.
New season, same purpose
“It’s a new day.” — Riemersma, New Day
Riemersma is now comfortable in his call. He visits the studio at least once a month to record. At times, Riemersma uses a bar as a word of encouragement in a sermon or during chapel. Music is just as much a ministry as pastoring. “Two lungs working together,” as Riemersma described it.
As he grappled with perception and purpose, he needed the likes of his wife and an advisor to steer him in his giftings. Now it’s his job to help players recognize their own.
“He actually loves them, no matter if their career pans out or not,” said Mike Colaw, one of Riemersma’s mentors.
Riemersma still checks in with Hicks and other former players via text. He can’t forget the players of old. His shepherd’s heart won’t allow him.
The Boom ended the 2026 season with a 16-20 record and failed to make the playoffs. Next season will feature a new set of players. Which means new stories and new conversations. Maybe Riemersma and McGlothan’s go-to Thai or Mexican food spot will become a mainstay for meet-ups with players.
But certain to remain is Riemersma’s music and pastoral care as the means by which he speaks truth and life into each player who walks into the chapel. Reminding them that when the ball stops dribbling, they can look forward to life on the other side of basketball.
To a new day.
“One of the things I always say to the guys is, ‘I don’t want something from them, I want something for them,’” Riemersma said. “They’re not people’s first pick to watch and so much of life could be unpredictable in the G-League, but I’m so grateful to do ministry there because at the end of the day, I can let them know God is sovereign and he’s going to help orchestrate our steps even when things don’t make sense.”
NOBLESVILLE — “So many days, I never thought I’d make it out. So many days I thought about shutting down.” - Andy Riemersma, New Day
Andy Riemersma will sing those lyrics from his latest song, “New Day,” in roughly seven minutes. A crowd of Noblesville Boom fans and a few players from the Pacers’ G-League affiliate are waiting to hear the team chaplain perform.
But for now, Riemersma is in the tunnel by Section 8 inside the Arena at Innovation Mile. The 30-year-old hip-hop artist is swaying his arms back and forth to loosen his body. His knees aren’t as weak, and his arms aren’t as heavy as they were the first time he performed a spoken word as a sophomore at Indiana Wesleyan in 2016. But he’s still anxious.
He contemplates doing push-ups to calm his nerves before bending down to tie his Jordan 11 Concord sneakers. The performance holds weight.
Riemersma always wanted to play in the NBA. His 5-11 frame and three concussions in high school derailed his dreams. But here he is on March 20, living in what he called “God’s round-about” plan for him to pastor and perform in the NBA.
There are five minutes until show time. It feels like an “eternity” to Riemersma. He uses it to say a prayer and practice his set.
“So many days, I never thought I’d make it out. So many days I thought about shutting down,” Riemersma repeats as he holds his phone, which is playing the song’s instrumental, to his ear.
The line alludes to a time when Riemersma considered quitting music. He questioned why anyone would want to listen to him among all Christian artists. But it is also in reference to the grind of building momentum in the early days of planting ONE Church in Westfield, where he pastors. Riemersma sees a similar reality in the lives of the G-League players he counsels.
“Sometimes I can sense the players just don't know what's going to happen tomorrow — are they going to get a call-up, be out of the G-League, or go overseas? And so it's just like it feels almost like a lack of security with the grind that comes with the G-League,” Riemersma said. “But if I can bring the gospel in and teach them our security is in Christ, then ifthey lost basketball, tomorrow, you would be okay. You have enough of a foundation under you.”
Riemersma uses music to break down the walls players often hold up. Through pastoring, Riemersma reinforces a purpose bigger than basketball to players who are uncertain of what’s next. Current players like Gabe McGlothan and former ones like Stephan Hicks have reaped the benefits of Riemersma’s faithfulness with his two gifts.
Riemersma helps players on opposite career trajectories
“You be pickin’ me up every time I’m falling down.” - Riemersma, New Day
McGlothan’s season ended after he sustained multiple rib fractures in a late February game against Capital City. The injury allowed McGlothan more time to focus on his internship and grow his relationship with Riemersma. Riemersma carved out time in his busy schedule to disciple McGlothan, as the two occasionally went to lunch and had late-night phone calls.
Riemersma allowed McGlothan to preach at his church during a late March service. Afterward, the duo “went over film,” McGlothan said, in which Riemersma provided McGlothan with feedback on his sermon.
“Us going over that together was encouraging and very pivotal because it was like, ‘Oh, I can do this,’” McGlothan said. “I didn't know what my future was going to be with ministry. But because of that opportunity and us going over it, I could see the giftings that God has given. Right now, my time block is basketball, but Andy helped spark the foundation of what I could do in ministry later.”
McGlothan praised Riemersma for his intentionality and credited him for “going out of his way just to show so much care and love.” For Hicks, his journey is different from McGlothan’s. But his experience with Andy is the same.
Hicks spent eight seasons with the Boom franchise (formerly Mad Ants) and retired in 2023, having never played in an NBA game. Noblesville retired his jersey in March 2025. The former Cal State Northridge standout moved back home to Los Angeles, where he works in a post office.
“Being in the G League, there’s a lot of ups and downs, and if you don’t have your head on straight, it can have you shut down and get overwhelmed,” Hicks said. “I wasn’t being the best man I could be to my now-wife because of that, and Andy helped me get closer to God and understand my responsibilities as a man.”
Riemersma is a father of two daughters, with a third child on the way. Since becoming a chaplain in 2023, Riemersma has developed routines with his family to ensure they remain his priority.
The Westfield native takes a Sabbath rest day every Friday, during which he fasts from social media and turns off his phone for part of the day. He and his wife, Leanza, who plays acoustic guitar, often initiate worship jam sessions and go on family walks.
“Seeing how he puts his family first helped me grow as the leader of my family,” Boom assistant coach Bryce Taylor said. Taylor met Riemersma in 2023. Riemersma baptized the father of three a year later.
Added McGlothan: “That's something that you're always balancing as a working man — creating windows of time and opportunities just to spend time with your family. During the season, things are very busy, so just seeing how he navigates that because I think as a pastor of a church, you’re really there to be in support of 100s of people, and I think it would be easy to be overwhelmed at times, but he does it really easily or effortlessly.”
The role that appeared easy was once hard for Riemersma to accept.
How Riemersma got into ministry
“You been workin’ it all out for my good. You been doin’ everything You said You would.” - Riemersma, New Day
Riemersma wanted to focus on business after college. An advisor at Indiana Wesleyan encouraged him in 2015 to pursue full-time ministry.
Riemersma was hesitant. His view of a pastor is what he described as “jaded.”
Riemersma didn’t want to wear a suit and carry a big Bible. He wanted to don street wear and Jordans as a way to relate to the youth and “connect organically through the work of the Spirit,” he said.
God provided clarity amid his indecision. What he wore didn’t matter in comparison to how he led. Riemersma’s heart for others was clear, and God was going to use him just as he was to make an eternal impact.
Riemersma founded the campus ministry “Awaken” at Ball State in 2017. He served as a youth pastor in Fishers from 2019 to 2021 and opened ONE Church in 2022.
While Riemersma and Leanza felt compelled to plant a church in 2020, Leanza had not given up on her dream to do music with her husband.
Riemersma doubted it would come to fruition. Similar to pastoral care, he expected something contrary to the truth. He thought he would have to play guitar and different acoustic instruments. Leanza thought of rap.
She encouraged him to pursue it, watering the seed Riemersma’s dad, Randy, had planted when he introduced Andy to Christian hip-hop during his senior year in high school.
“It became clear with music — God wants me to use it to reach people that may not come into a church setting because a song can sometimes reach where a sermon can’t,” Riemersma said.
New season, same purpose
“It’s a new day.” — Riemersma, New Day
Riemersma is now comfortable in his call. He visits the studio at least once a month to record. At times, Riemersma uses a bar as a word of encouragement in a sermon or during chapel. Music is just as much a ministry as pastoring. “Two lungs working together,” as Riemersma described it.
As he grappled with perception and purpose, he needed the likes of his wife and an advisor to steer him in his giftings. Now it’s his job to help players recognize their own.
“He actually loves them, no matter if their career pans out or not,” said Mike Colaw, one of Riemersma’s mentors.
Riemersma still checks in with Hicks and other former players via text. He can’t forget the players of old. His shepherd’s heart won’t allow him.
The Boom ended the 2026 season with a 16-20 record and failed to make the playoffs. Next season will feature a new set of players. Which means new stories and new conversations. Maybe Riemersma and McGlothan’s go-to Thai or Mexican food spot will become a mainstay for meet-ups with players.
But certain to remain is Riemersma’s music and pastoral care as the means by which he speaks truth and life into each player who walks into the chapel. Reminding them that when the ball stops dribbling, they can look forward to life on the other side of basketball.
To a new day.
“One of the things I always say to the guys is, ‘I don’t want something from them, I want something for them,’” Riemersma said. “They’re not people’s first pick to watch and so much of life could be unpredictable in the G-League, but I’m so grateful to do ministry there because at the end of the day, I can let them know God is sovereign and he’s going to help orchestrate our steps even when things don’t make sense.”
Ederson: Man United refuse to give up on signing Atalanta star
Manchester United are refusing to give up hope of agreeing a bombshell hijack for Atalanta enforcer Ederson, if the latest report from Italy is to be believed.
Fixing the Engine Room
The Red Devils are prioritising an overhaul of their midfield unit this summer, with two new signings expected to arrive at Old Trafford. Despite enjoying a resurgent campaign, Casemiro will depart in May as INEOS have ruled against triggering a twelve-month extension in the 34-year-old Brazilian’s exorbitant contract.
Similarly, Manuel Ugarte has proven to be an abject recruitment decision by the club’s hierarchy, offering zero justification for the £50.5 million outlay to capture him from Paris Saint-Germain two years ago.
The primary target is Nottingham Forest powerhouse Elliot Anderson, while Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) are also high on the radar, as Premier League-proven operators are the focus. However, the club are extending their search beyond these shores for the ‘second’ recruit in the hope of striking a cheaper deal for a midfielder on the continent.
This has led United to reignite interest in Ederson, the 26-year-old Brazil international who has been a long-term target in M16.
Contact is made
Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web claims the Red Devils have made “concrete efforts” to try and reach an agreement on a deal by holding talks with Atalanta.
A host of clubs across Europe are also interested, with Atletico Madrid understood to be the frontrunners after agreeing personal terms with Ederson in the January window.
David Ornstein (The Athletic) also reveals Arsenal are rivalling United for the Brazilian. Inter Milan are another side said to be carefully monitoring the situation at their rivals.
Ederson’s contract in Bergamo expires next year, meaning this is Atalanta’s last chance to command a fee for their midfield general. Despite this relatively weak negotiating position, La Dea are asking for between €45-50 million (£39-44m) as they hope to spark a bidding war between his big suitors.
Possessing a potent pairing of size and strength, the Campo Grande native offers a profile which appears perfectly suited to the cut and thrust of Premier League football. He has played in both a midfield three and a double pivot during his time with Atalanta, playing a pivotal role in their Europa League triumph in 2023.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear why United are preparing to hijack Atletico’s deal for Ederson, as the price, though steep for a player with an expiring contract, pales in comparison to the fees bandied about for targets in England.
Furthermore, Ederson fits the mould of hungry talents yet to enter their prime, looking to make that jump to an elite club. His attitude and work-rate are both outstanding, though there are concerns over his technical ability.
Ederson is understood to be keen on a move this summer, with interest in playing in either LaLiga or the Premier League. If INEOS are able steal in ahead of their rivals in Madrid and north London to convince the Brazilian his future lies in Manchester, it will be a signing as brutal as it is sweet.
Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, and Football Italia looks at the favourite teams to lift the coveted cup this summer.
Italy have once again suffered a World Cup heartbreak, losing the play-off Final on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy miss out on World Cup qualification once again
The Azzurri last played in the World Cup in 2014 and, next summer, they’ll be forced to watch the competition from home for the third time in a row.
Odds comparison from the best offshore sportsbooks shows defending Euro champions Spain as the favourite side to lift the 2026 World Cup.
However, competition is stiff, as La Roja is followed by England, France, Argentina, and Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil.
France reached the Final in the last two editions, first beating Croatia in 2018 and then losing to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in 2022.
England, on the other hand, reached the European Championship Final in the last two editions, losing to both Italy and Spain.
Marcus Rashford of England (R) celebrates as he scores his team’s second goal with Harry Kane of England during the UEFA Nations League A Group Four match between Spain and England at Estadio Benito Villamarin on October 15, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Only eight countries have ever won the World Cup, and despite the frequent shocks over the last decade, Italy remain one of the most successful countries in the competition with four victories, the same as Germany, and just one less than Brazil.
Arguably, the most prominent Italian at next summer’s 2026 World Cup will be Brazil coach Ancelotti, who took over the South American national team less than a year ago.
Ancelotti is already the most successful coach in the Champions League and the only manager to have won the domestic title in each of the top five European leagues: Italy, England, Spain, Germany and France.
“Brazilians want to see the national team win the World Cup. Of course, if you play well, you have better chances of going far, but in 1994 and 2002, they had great forwards yet won thanks to a very solid defence. I think it will be the same in the next World Cup,” Ancelotti said in a recent interview.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 26: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti waves before the international friendly match between Brazil and France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“We have high-level veterans and talented youngsters. We’re surrounded by incredible passion. They ask us to win the World Cup, and that’s what we’ll try to do. Brazil has been waiting far too long; they want the sixth title.”
The Italian tactician also named the favourite teams to win the World Cup and warned about possible surprises.
“France, Spain, England, Germany, Argentina, Portugal. The usual ones,” he said.
“But be careful. With 48 teams, there will surely be surprises. Tomorrow we play Senegal, who beat England 3-1. They’re very strong. Same for Morocco, they’re doing great. You have to be ready and prepared.”
The situation at Trigoria has become increasingly complex with the conflict between Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri, which has also involved Ricky Massara.
The sporting director, who has never had a good relationship with Gasperini, now finds himself in a delicate position.
If Gasperini gains the trust of the owners and remains on the bench, Massara could be the next to pack his bags.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gasperini made it clear during discussions with the Friedkins that it would be preferable for him to find a new sporting director. However, some delays in transfer market operations may be attributable to the owners, not just Massara.
There’s a strong empathy and mutual respect between Massara and Ranieri, which suggests that if the veteran advisor were to stay at Roma, Massara could continue in his role.
However, the situation is constantly changing and will depend greatly on the ownership’s decision and the club’s internal dynamics.
If the Friedkins’ choice were to retain Gasperini as coach, transfer rumors about Massara’s possible replacement are already circulating.
Cristiano Giuntoli is the hottest name in the running for the role. Tony D’Amico and Sean Sogliano are the other two candidates who could be on Roma’s radar.
It's not very often fans cheer at the end of a 5-1 defeat, or strictly speaking about two minutes before the end when Oxford's result was confirmed, but the Pompey fans knew the job was done and Championship survival was ensured.
This was a game too far for Portsmouth, and Coventry were just too good.
A huge amount of physical and emotional energy was spent last week, the nine-point return put them on the brink. Wrexham finished the job for them on Tuesday night.
It's a funny old game. If you told anyone after the 6-1 drubbing at QPR on 21 March that Pompey would have been safe with two games to go they would have thought you were crazy.
Goal difference caveat can’t distract Manchester City in Premier League run-in, says Pep Guardiola
Guardiola says goal difference can’t distract City from fundamental requirement of winning games
City beat Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki
Blues can go top of the table with win away at Burnley on Wednesday night
Pep Guardiola has addressed the possibility of the Premier League title being decided by goal difference, insisting the scenario cannot distract his side from the primary objective of winning every remaining game.
Manchester City cut Arsenal’s lead to three points with Sunday’s 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland‘s 65th-minute winner proving decisive after Rayan Cherki had opened the scoring and Kai Havertz levelled for the visitors.
City now travel to Burnley on Wednesday in a game that could take them level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, setting up a finale of extraordinary drama.
Burnley vs Manchester City (Premier League): Match Preview, Team News, Head to Head, How to Watch
City won the season series against Arsenal, having beaten them 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, meaning if goal difference and goals scored are also equal between the pair, the Blues would win the title.
The only previous instance of the Premier League title being decided on goal difference was the famous 2011-12 season, a precedent that gives the ongoing run-in a deeply resonant historical context for City supporters.
Guardiola: Goal difference cannot be a distraction
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Turf Moor, Guardiola acknowledged the possibility of goal difference coming into play while making clear it would not change how City approach their remaining fixtures.
“Yes, absolutely,” the 55-year-old said. “It can happen but it cannot be distracted from the fact that you’re going to score a lot of goals. It would be unbalanced, and without balance we’re going to concede a lot of goals. It’s the same question.
“I have the feeling that the opponents we face are going to score a lot of goals, I would say, the margin. The rivals are really, really good defensively when we talk mainly about the next opponent.
“So we have to try to go there, do what you have to do to win the game. It’s the same thing before Arsenal. What is the game plan? What do you have to do to play? Not the consequences. Not what happens if you win or lose?
Rodri ruled out of Burnley clash as Pep Guardiola provides Ruben Dias and John Stones update
“Before Arsenal everybody said, ‘What happens if you lose?’ Nobody asked, ‘What happens if you win?’ So that is the same. What do you have to do in the game plan to beat Burnley?”
The game will dictate if we score goals, admits Guardiola
The Manchester City manager was equally clear that any attempt to engineer a high-scoring performance at the expense of structural balance would be counterproductive, pointing to the quality of Burnley’s defence as the key factor shaping City’s approach on Wednesday.
“The game will dictate if we’re going to score goals or not,” Guardiola added. “As much as we play, more chances we’ll have to play. If you tell me, ‘Listen, if you’re going to play seven strikers you are going to score 20 goals’. Okay, I’m going to play with seven strikers, but that doesn’t work.
“So we have to defend well, all the throw-ins, set pieces, and after attack well, defend well, do all the things we are working on or talking about for the last month.
“So that’s what we have to do. After, maybe, we are able for our game, it’s fluid, it’s nice, in the momentum, we can score lots of goals.”
With City holding the head-to-head advantage and the title race now in the balance on every conceivable tiebreaker, Guardiola’s message to his players is simple: win the football games and everything else will take care of itself.
Liverpool set to lose dream player to Manchester United
Manchester United could be about to sign one of Liverpool's dream players. That's certainly a blow.
The Telegraph reports that Manchester United are ready to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid if the Spanish side decide to sell. And they may well do - all reports after their UEFA Champions League exit to Bayern Munich suggest they want to rebuild their midfield.
United are looking for someone to replace the last defensive midfielder they signed from Real Madrid, Casemiro. And who better to do that than the defensive midfielder who replaced him at Real Madrid?
But it’s something that would be a blow to Liverpool. The Reds have long hoped to sign Tchouameni and battled Real Madrid back in 2022 to get him.
The midfielder himself has confirmed that, doing so in an interview with Le Parisien later that year. Liverpool have always maintained an interest but it appears the timing isn’t right.
We do expect the Reds to sign a midfielder this summer but it’s unlikely to be an out-and-out holding player like Tchouameni. Someone like Adam Wharton seems a lot more likely at this stage.
Instead, they may need to watch as the Frenchman signs for Manchester United. It would be a tough one to take, certainly - but football just works out that way sometimes.
Aurelien Tchouameni: Situation Summary
Real Madrid Consistency and European Exit
As of 21 April 2026, Aurélien Tchouaméni remains a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield, described as one of the club's "most consistent performers" during a tumultuous season. The 26-year-old Frenchman has made 41 appearances across all competitions, recording two goals and two assists while maintaining an elite 93% pass completion rate. Despite his individual form, he missed the critical second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich due to a one-match suspension. In his absence, Madrid suffered a 2–0 defeat (6–4 on aggregate), leading to their continental exit and sparking internal debates regarding the squad's future direction under managers Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Transfer Shortlist and Manchester United Interest
Tchouaméni’s future in Spain has become a major talking point as he enters the final two years of his contract. Reports on 21 April 2026 reveal that Manchester United have placed him at the top of their shortlist to replace the outgoing Casemiro. While Real Madrid reportedly prefer to partner Tchouaméni with a new signing—such as Manchester City’s Rodri—the club may consider significant offers to fund their own rebuild. Arsenal and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation closely, though Madrid's hierarchy is said to be more open to selling Eduardo Camavinga first. Currently valued at approximately €75 million, Tchouaméni is expected to be a primary figure for France at this summer’s 2026 World Cup.
Former Barcelona defender dreams of return to the club – ‘I think I’d fit in well’
Former FC Barcelona defender Sergino Dest has stated in a recent interview that he feels he still has unfinished business at the club and would love to return to Catalonia.
The American full-back, who joined Barcelona at a young age from Ajax, was unable to establish himself as a regular starter despite being considered a long-term prospect.
He was eventually loaned to AC Milan and then to PSV Eindhoven, where he eventually signed permanently and has now delivered an impressive campaign.
Dest open to Barcelona return
Now, speaking with NPO Radio (h/t SPORT), Dest made it clear that he would welcome a return to Barcelona.
“Signing for Barça would still be a dream. Hansi Flick’s style of play is incredible. I think I’d fit in well,” the USMNT right-back said.
Dest also revealed that he remains in contact with current Barcelona players and that they still rate him highly.
“I spoke to [Ronald] Araujo a while ago after the match between the United States and Uruguay, and we had a good chat. He told me that he and Frenkie [de Jong] sometimes say they don’t understand why they sold me, that I’d fit in well here,” he explained.
Sergino Dest enjoying a resurgence at PSV. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
After overcoming a serious knee injury, Dest believes he is ready to take another step forward in his career.
“I think PSV is a great club, so any other club must be a good one too. But I want to keep challenging myself. It’s also about the Eredivisie. I want to be able to improve every week in a bigger league and measure myself against the best,” he said.
“There’s interest from clubs, but nothing concrete yet. That’s still a long way off,” he added.
Dest admitted that his knee injury following his first year on loan at PSV from Barça, where he put up some incredible stats, was a huge blow.
“I would have really liked to see where I would have played after that season with PSV. I played very well and maintained a consistent level,” he declared.
Finally, Dest explained his decision to represent the United States instead of the Netherlands at the international level, saying:
“To be honest, at the time I was more drawn to the Netherlands, but American culture really appealed to me.
“Clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona had already shown an interest in me, but the Dutch Football Association wanted me to join the Netherlands’ Under-21 team first.
“At that point, I stopped taking them seriously, partly because I was already eligible to make my debut for the US national team. And that’s what I did.”
The club want to add two midfielders, but they could pursue a third if Manuel Ugarte also departs.
According to Tuttosport, United are willing to ‘take a gamble’ on Koopmeiners in the upcoming transfer window.
The 28-year-old joined Juventus in a €52 million deal in 2024, but he has failed to live up to expectations.
The Dutchman has played in different positions but has failed to establish himself as a regular under Luciano Spalletti.
He has featured in 28 Serie A games this season, but 12 of them have come off the bench.
Juventus are ready to part company with Koopmeiners, who has a contract at the Allianz Stadium until 2029.
United and Galatasaray have shown interest in the Netherlands international, who could be signed for €30m.
Koopmeiners initially played as an attacking midfielder for Juventus but has mainly taken on the defensive role this season. He also played as a central defender.
Given his struggles in Serie A, United may be wary of pursuing a deal for Koopmeiners.
However, the Premier League giants could make a concrete move if Juventus lower their asking price.
PDF software does not have to be overly complex to be capable. Adobe Acrobat is still the most widely recognized name in space. Many people also feel that the daily document work demands are more expensive and cumbersome than they are. In practice, what matters more is a reliable editor that can handle the full PDF workflow efficiently.
UPDF positions itself as exactly that kind of alternative. Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, it offers a cross-platform workflow that fits naturally into both desktop and mobile use. It also brings in AI-assisted tools for editing and document interaction for convenience without pushing the product into unnecessary complexity.
Samsung verifies its QD-OLED display lineup successfully in the QuantumView verification program, showcasing why its displays are the best. Samsung's QD-OLED Displays Receive Superior "QuantumView" Viewing Angle Performance Press Release: Samsung Display announced today that its QD-OLED panels for TVs and monitors have received verification from UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, for their viewing angle performance under the ‘QuantumView™’ standard. ‘QuantumView’ is a verification program that evaluates changes in luminance and color coordinates as the viewing angle shifts from the front in 10-degree increments up to 60 degrees. According to the assessment results, Samsung Display’s QD-OLED […]
Over the past year or so, several game developers have started sharing thoughts on the potential benefits and downsides of using AI in game development. As with all things AI, the conversation is quite polarized at the moment: some have already embraced it, while others have sworn not to touch it with a tentpole, mainly for ethical reasons. Veteran industry executive Jack Buser sits firmly in the first camp. Buser, who worked at Dolby, then at Sony on PlayStation Home and PlayStation NOW, and finally at Google on Stadia first and as Google Cloud's Global Director for Games now, believes […]
Tesla has approached Samsung to expand its GDDR6 memory supply, which could lead to DRAM shortages for PlayStation 5 & Gaming GPUs. Sony PlayStation 6 & Many Current-Gen Gaming GPUs Rely on Samsung's GDDR6, But Tesla Is Now Going After The DRAM For Its Own Use Samsung is one of the leading manufacturers of the GDDR6 memory solution, which is primarily used in graphics applications such as GPUs, SoCs, and AI solutions. Although NVIDIA has moved to the GDDR7 standard, GDDR6 still makes up the bulk of the volume with several current-gen products leveraging the DRAM standard. Now, Samsung is […]
SK Hynix has taken matters into its own hands to solve the HBM memory crisis by building a new production facility called "P&T7". SK Hynix's "P&T7" Facility Will Be Constructed By 2027, and All Production Lines Will Commence By 2028 Being built at the Cheongju Technopolis Industrial Complex, the P&T7 facility will take the key role in addressing the AI memory crisis, fulfilling the demand for HBM DRAM while also enabling WLP (Wafer-Level Packaging) lines. The announcement comes from SK Hynix in the form of a groundbreaking ceremony where 125 executives and employees took part. In his opening remarks, Byeonggi […]
Wishwave lets you create and share wishlists for any occasion. Add gifts from any store to one list, then send a link so friends and family can reserve items without signing up, preventing duplicates and awkward returns. Track reservations, keep lists private until you’re ready, and use it free on any device. Find gifts for your events using our AI gift finder tool.
Kayphi is a customer engagement platform that deploys an AI chatbot trained on your knowledge base to handle conversations on your website and social channels. It captures leads, books meetings, and supports over 50 languages with optional voice. Launch in minutes by uploading documents and links, customize tone and actions, then track customer questions with conversation analytics and automate follow-ups through tags, webhooks, and CRM sync.
Mexico is increasing security at major tourist attractions after a shooting incident at the Teotihuacan pyramids raised concerns about visitor safety ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move follows an incident in which […]
HackerOne, one of the largest bug bounty platforms in the world, reported there were 85,000 valid bounty submissions in 2025, up 7% from the previous year.
Umbra has shut down its front end to stop hackers, but says it can’t stop the use of its smart contracts or another version of its open-source front end.
Sullivan & Cromwell’s Andrew Dietderich said the company has AI policies to prevent incorrect citations and other errors, but procedures weren’t followed on this occasion.
Coinbase’s quantum advisory board says quantum computing isn’t yet a threat, but has urged for upgrade work to begin, with some blockchains being less prepared than others.
Sun said the suit is to protect his rights as a token holder, but he remains a supporter of President Donald Trump and his administration’s efforts to make the US crypto-friendly.
Google Wallet may start showing live flight and travel updates on the Samsung Now Bar. This update will make tracking travel status easier than ever.
Recently, the Google Wallet app silently rolled out support for Live Update. Pixel phones running Android 16 (and Android 17 Beta) have started showcasing flight updates on the lock screen and always-on display.
Android’s Live Update is quite similar to Samsung Now Bar, so expect an imminent Google Wallet support rollout to the latter system.
A flight ticket stored in Google Wallet will trigger tracking of the flight and display status in real time. It will go beyond the existing notification system that alerts you with updates like boarding time changes.
On Pixel phones, the Status bar displays the Google Wallet logo for flight tracking. Expanding it shows the estimated arrival time and airline. On the AOD and lock screen, you see a progress bar that shows flight duration.
The alert is interactive too; when you tap the pill, the system takes you to the Google Wallet app. It’s the usual functionality of Live Update and the Now Bar system to stay linked with roots.
Samsung’s Now Bar should feature a similar appearance. When it arrives, Google Wallet will join the existing services, including Sports from Google, Google Finance, and Google Maps.
Google and Samsung closely work to tailor Galaxy experiences. Like existing ones, Google Wallet will be integrated into Now Bar, but the timeline is not known yet.
Oppo unveiled its new flagship smartphone in China today, featuring top-of-the-line hardware and an improved Hasselblad camera system. We’ve already had the chance to play around with the Find X9 Ultra and would like to share our first impressions.
Honor has officially released the Honor 600 smartphone in the global market with a matte metal frame. With a large 7,000 mAh battery, a 8,000 nits bright 120 Hz AMOLED display, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, the Honor 600 offers a complete package at prices starting at RM 2,599.
Honor has officially launched the Honor 600 Pro flagship smartphone in the global market. Honor’s latest premium offering features a matte metal frame, a 120 Hz AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, AI-image-to-Video 2.0 technology, a large 7,000 mAh battery, and a 200 MP primary camera.
Beats and Jennie have announced a special‑edition Solo 4 on-ear headphone, featuring detachable bows and an embellished ear cushion. The model retains the Solo 4’s long battery life, lossless wired playback, and Personalized Spatial Audio support.
Interesting new features and improvements are coming for owners of various Anker Solix Solarbanks. The manufacturer has rolled out an update for its app, introducing a range of new capabilities.
Rumors about Apple testing a 200MP rear camera for the iPhone have been circulating for a while, with the first leak emerging in May last year. Now, a tipster suggests that the first iPhone to feature a 200MP sensor may not arrive until 2028.
According to tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently testing a 200MP periscope telephoto camera for the iPhone. However, Apple may still take a few years to bring the technology to market.
This aligns with a recent Morgan Stanley investor note, which claims that an iPhone with a 200MP camera is unlikely to arrive before 2028.
The...
believes would beat all but one of his heavyweight counterparts, despite the precocious talent being just 21-years-old. The hard-hitting southpaw comes off a fifth-round stoppage over Jermaine Franklin, scoring a third-round knockdown before delivering a grandstand finish last month. In doing so, Itauma has firmly placed himself in the world title picture, having secured a […]
Former heavyweight world champion has predicted how a showdown between British rivals and may play out amid talk of their long-awaited meeting. Joshua and Fury have been linked to a clash with one another for a number of years, but negotiations have often seemed too complicated, with promotional rivalries and egos getting in the way […]
Amerikan Basketbol Ligi'nde (NBA) Alperen Şengün'ün forma giydiği Houston Rockets, Batı Konferansı play-off ilk tur ikinci maçında deplasmanda Los Angeles Lakers ile karşılaştı. Rockets, Alperen Şengün'ün "double double"ına rağmen Lakers'a 101-94 kaybetti.
Amerikan Basketbol Ligi'nde (NBA) Alperen Şengün'ün forma giydiği Houston Rockets, Batı Konferansı play-off ilk tur ikinci maçında deplasmanda Los Angeles Lakers'a 101-94 yenilerek seride 2-0 geriye düştü.
Rockets'ta milli oyuncu Alperen, 20 sayı, 11 ribaunt, 5 asist, 4 top çalma ve 2 blokla "double double" yapmasına rağmen mağlubiyete engel olamadı.
Lakers'ta LeBron James 28 sayı, 8 ribaunt, 7 asist kaydederken Marcus Smart, 25 sayı attı.
Trabzonspor, Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde yarın deplasmanda Samsunspor ile karşılaşacak.
Trabzonspor, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde yarın deplasmanda Samsunspor ile mücadele edecek.
Samsun Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadı'ndaki müsabaka saat 18.45'te başlayacak.
Trabzonspor'da Batagov, Visca ve Okay Yokuşlu'nun tedavileri devam ediyor.
Bordo-mavili ekip, Türkiye Kupası'nda A Grubu'nu 9 puanla Galatasaray'ın ardından ikinci tamamladı. Samsunspor ise B Grubu'nu 12 puanla ilk sırada bitirmeyi başardı.
Bu sezonki 3. randevu
Trabzonspor ve Samsunspor, bu sezon 3. kez karşı karşıya gelecek.
Süper Lig'de Trabzon'da oynanan ilk karşılaşma 1-1'lik eşitlikle sona ererken Samsun'daki müsabakayı bordo-mavililer, 3-0 kazandı.
Son 9 deplasmanda bileği bükülmedi
Trabzonspor, Süper Lig ve Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nda son 9 deplasman karşılaşmasında yenilmedi.
Ligde 7 dış saha maçında 5 galibiyet, 2 beraberlik alan Karadeniz ekibi, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nda 2 galibiyet elde etti.
Trabzonspor'un sezon başında kadrosuna kattığı Paul Onuachu için transfer hareketliliği başladı. Suudi Arabistan kulüpleri Nijeryalı yıldız için harekete geçti.
Süper Lig'in bitmesine kısa bir süre kala gelecek sezon için transfer hareketliliği başladı. Fatih Tekke yönetimindeki Trabzonspor'da gelecek ve gidecek olan oyuncular netlik kazanmaya başladı. Ancak, Suudi Arabistan cephesinden gelen haberler bordo-mavili taraftarların canını sıktı.
ONUACHU'YU İSTİYORLAR
Trabzon yerel basınından 61saat'in haberine göre, Nijeryalı golcüye, Suudi Arabistan’dan ciddi bir ilgi olduğu öğrenildi. Bir Suudi kulübünün, Onuachu’yu transfer listesinde ilk sıralara yazdığı ifade edildi. Arap temsilcisi, Onuachu’ya Trabzonspor’da kazandığı ücretin 4 ila 5 katı arasında bir maaş önermeyi planlıyor. Ancak henüz resmi bir teklif ya da imza yok. Suudi kulübü sezonun bitmesinin ardından harekete geçecek.
SEZON PERFORMANSI
Onuachu, bu sezon tüm kulvarlarda 28 maça çıktı ve 24 gol - 2 asistlik performans gösterdi. Süper Lig'de rakip fileleri 22 kez havalandıran Onuachu, gol krallığının zirvesinde yer alıyor.
Fenerbahçe, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası Çeyrek Final müsabakasında TÜMOSAN Konyaspor'a uzatma bölümünde penaltıdan yediği golle 1-0 mağlup oldu. Maçın ardından konuşan Fenerbahçe'de yönetim kurulu üyesi Ertan Torunoğulları bu hafta sonu oynayacakları Galatasaray derbisi için VAR talebinde bulundu.
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası Çeyrek Final müsabakasında TÜMOSAN Konyaspor'a uzatma bölümünde penaltıdan yediği golle 1-0 mağlup olan Fenerbahçe'de yönetim kurulu üyesi Ertan Torunoğulları, VAR'ın aynı hızda kendileri için devreye girmediğini, hakemler ve VAR'dan tüm kulüplerin şikayetçi olduğunu söyledi.
MEDAŞ Konya Büyükşehir Stadyumu'nda oynanan maçın arından basın mensupların açıklamalarda bulunan Torunoğlulları, üzücü bir gece yaşadıklarını belirterek, taraftarlardan özür diledi.
Oyunun büyük bir bölümünde iyi oynamalarına rağmen birçok pozisyondan yararlanamadıklarını ve maçı penaltıyla kaybettiklerini anlatan Torunoğulları, "Konyaspor'u tebrik ediyoruz, iyi mücadele ettiler ve kazandılar. Penaltı pozisyonu bizim lehimize olsaydı VAR devreye girer miydi? Hızlı bir şekilde bir çalışma olur muydu? Lig boyunca bunun gibi birçok pozisyonda puan kaybettik. Yakın zamanda Antalyaspor, Kasımpaşa, Rize maçında. VAR bu kadar hızlı çalışıyorsa bizim için aynı hızda bir çalışmasını görmüyoruz." dedi.
GALATASARAY MAÇI İÇİN VAR TALEBİ
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında deplasmanda Galatasaray ile oynayacakları maça ilişkin değerlendirmelerde bulunan Torunoğulları, şunları kaydetti:
"Derbiyle ilgili federasyona resmi bir yazı yazdık. Özellikle VAR'da iki kulübünde temsilcileri olsun. VAR'daki konuşmaları, görüntüleri, gelen ve gidenleri görmek için hem bizim hem de Galatasaray'ın temsilcileri olsun. Galatasaray bunu kabul edecek mi bekliyoruz. VAR'a eğer temsilci göndermek istiyorsanız iki kulübünde istemesi lazım. Biz başvurumuzu yaptık, federasyondan cevap bekliyoruz."
Torunoğulları, Çaykur Rizespor maçındaki VAR kayıtları için de TFF'ye resmi başvuru yaptıklarını, hakemlerle VAR arasındaki bütün konuşmaları dinlemek istediklerini anlattı.
''SIKINTILARI ÇÖZECEK OLAN FEDERASYONDUR''
Hakemler ve VAR'dan tüm kulüplerin şikayetçi olduğunu ancak bir çözüm üretilmediğini dile getiren Torunoğulları, şu ifadeleri kullandı:
"Federasyon, 'Hakeme ceza vereceğiz' diyor. Biz şampiyon olmadıktan sonra hakem ceza alsa ne olur, almasa ne olur. Hakemlerden ve VAR'dan herkes şikayetçi. Sadece konuşuyoruz, değişen bir şey olmuyor. Herkes şikayetçiyse demek ki bir sıkıntı var. Bu sıkıntıyı da çözecek olan federasyondur. Hafta sonu bütün kanallarda futbol konuşacağımıza hakemleri, VAR'ı konuşuyoruz. Dünyanın en büyük yıldızlarını da getirseniz, bu hatalar olduğu sürece hiçbir şey olmaz."
Başkan Sadettin Saran, Konyaspor yenilgisi sonrasında bir hışımla basın mensuplarının karşısına geçip Tedesco'dan futbolculara kadar her bir zerreye kadar tepki vermesi bekleniyordu. Ancak o hışım, 'Daha ne olması gerekiyor istifa etmen için?' diyen taraftarla kesildi. O taraftarın maç öncesinde Fenerbahçeli yöneticilerle samimi olması ise soru işaretleri yarattı.
Fenerbahçe dün gece Konyaspor'a 120'nci dakika yenilerek Süper Lig'den sonra Türkiye Kupası'na da havlu attı... maçın ardından Sadettin Saran’a bir taraftarın “Daha ne olması gerekiyor istifa etmen için?” diye seslenmesi üzerine ortalık karıştı. Bahsi geçen taraftar olay yerinden uzaklaşmasa belki de yumruklar konuşacaktı.
Maçın ardından Sadettin Saran’a bir taraftarın “Daha ne olması gerekiyor istifa etmen için?” diye seslenmesi üzerine ortalık karıştı.
Fenerbahçe yöneticileri ile taraftarlar arasında kısa süreli gerginlik yaşandı.
— Fener Ajans ???? (@ajansfenercom) April 21, 2026
O TARAFTAR KİMDİ?
Olayın en ilginci ise ilk kez bir yenilgi sonrasında basın açıklaması yapmaya hazırlanan Başkan Saran'ın yürüyüp gitmesi oldu. Saran, stadyumu açıklama yapmadan ve morali bozuk şekilde terk etti.
İddialara göre Başkan Saran'a tepki gösteren kişi sarı-lacivertli yöneticilerle maç öncesinde oldukça samimi pozlar veren birisiydi. Sıradan bir taraftar değildi.
BAŞKAN KONUŞACAKTI
Bu arada eğer o tepki olmasaydı Başkan Saran'ın çok sert bir açıklama yapmaya hazırlandığı iddia edildi. Protokol tribününden bir hışımla çıkan başkanın başta Tedesco ve futbolcular aleyhine çok dolduğu, kameraların karşısına çıksaydı belki de geriye dönülemeyecek şekilde sert ifadeler kullanacağı iddialar arasında.
Fenerbahçe derbisini son saniyede penaltı golüyle kaybeden Sergen Yalçın'ın, "umarım siz de son dakika haksız bir penaltı ile yenilirsiniz de bunun nasıl bir acı olduğunu anlarsınız" diye beddua ettiği iddia edildi. Sarı-lacivertliler önce Rizespor'dan 90+8'de sonra da Konyaspor'dan 120'nci dakikada golü yiyip hem lige hem de kupaya veda etti.
5 Nisan'da oynanan derbide Fenerbahçe ezeli rakibi Beşiktaş'ı son saniyede çok tartışılan bir penaltı golüyle devirdi... siyah-beyazlı camia o penaltı golüne uzun süre itiraz etti. Başkan Serdal Adalı MHK ve Portekizli eğitmenlerin yine yeniden istifalarını talep etti.
SES YA DA GÖRÜNTÜ KAYDI YOKTU
O maçla ilgili Sergen Yalçın'ın maç sonunda Fenerbahçelilere, "umarım siz de son dakika haksız bir penaltı ile yenilirsiniz de bunun nasıl bir acı olduğunu anlarsınız" dediği iddia edildi... ancak ses ya da görüntü kaydı olmadığı için Yalçın'ın söylediği iddia edilen sözlerin üzerinde hiç durulmadı.
ARADA BİR KAYSERİSPOR VARDI
Fenerbahçe derbiden sonra "can çekişen" Kayserispor'a 4 atınca sosyal medya bir kez daha "yaz geldi" sandı. Ancak önce Rizespor dün gece de Konyaspor facialar Fenerbahçe'yi önce ligden sonra da Türkiye Kupası'ndan kopardı.
Sarı-lacivertliler, Rizespor' 90+8'de (son 20 saniye kala) puan bırakıp, Konyaspor'dan ise 120'nci dakikada penaltı golü yeyip kupadan elenince akıllara Sergen Yalçın geldi.
Karagümrük hezimeti sonrasında "ültimatom" alan Tedesco ders çıkarmadı... sonraki 3 maçı ağır aksak kazandı. Son iki 210 dakikada önce lige sonra kupaya veda etti. Konyaspor mağlubiyeti sonrasında Tedesco'nun başka yönetimin başka telden çalması ise Fenerbahçe'nin tamamen bir kopuş yaşadığına işaret oldu.
Fenerbahçe'de herkes farklı tellerden çalmaya başladı... bunun en önemli göstergesi Konyaspor maçında 120'nci dakikada gelen penaltıya yönetici Ertan Torunoğulları ile teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco'nun verdiği tepkiler oldu.
PENALTI MI DEĞİL Mİ?
- Ertan Torunoğulları: Aynı penaltı pozisyonu bizim lehimize olsaydı VAR devreye girer miydi? Ligde VAR'ın devreye girmemesiyle çok puan kaybettik.
- Tedesco: VAR böyle bir penaltı veriyorsa kabul etmeliyiz, demek ki penaltıdır.
AKILLARA RİZE'DE KALDI
Alman teknik adam Semedo'nun Kramer'e yaptığı hareketin penaltı olduğunu bir şekilde kabul ederken Torunoğulları ise aynı pozisyonun kendileri aleyhine olsaydı çalınmayacağını iddia etti.
İkilinin ortak fikri ise akılların Rize'de kalması oldu.
ULTIMATOM İŞE YARAMADI
Bu arada Başkan Saran'ın Karagümrük maçından sonra verdiği ültimatom pek işe yaramadı.. o tarihten sonra sarı-lacivertliler görevi bırakan Burak Yılmaz'ın Gaziantep'ine 4 attı. Son saniye penaltısı ile Beşiktaş'ı yendi. Can çekişen Kayserispor'u 4-0'la geçti. Ancak 3 maçta da "tamam" dedirtmedi.
Son iki maçı ise Rizespor ve Konyaspor'a son saniye golleri ile verdi.
Fenerbahçe yönetimi bugün planları olarak bir toplantı yapacaktı. Konyaspor hezimeti sonrasında bu toplantının ertelenip ertelenmeyeceği henüz net değil. Bu toplantıda Galatasaray derbisinin planlaması, prim konusu gündeme gelecekti. Ancak toplantıda Tedesco'nun kovulmasının oylanacağı da ortaya çıktı.
Rizespor karşısında son 20 saniyede yenilen golle şampiyonluk yarışına "hemen hemen" havlu atan Fenerbahçe dün gece de Konyaspor karşısında 120'nci dakikada yediği golle Türkiye Kupası'na daha çeyrek finalde "bye bye" dedi.
Kendilerine "santrfor almadıkları" için fatura çıkaramayan yöneticiler ise çareyi Tedesco'yu suçlamakta buldular. Dün gece oynanan Konyaspor maçından sonra İstanbul'a dönüş uçağında bazı yöneticiler Başkan Saran'a, "Galatasaray derbisine Tedesco ile çıkmayalım" diyerek görüş belirttiler.
TUNCAY ŞANLI İLE ÇIKALIM
Tedesco'nun oyunculara, oyuncuların da Alman teknik adama herhangi bir inancının kalmadığını savunan yöneticiler derbi öncesinde bir şoka ihtiyaçları olduğunu savundular.
Tedesco'nun gönderilip yerine Tuncay Şanlı ile derbiye çıkılması kararının futbolcular üzerinde şok etkisi yaratacağını iddia eden yöneticiler, "eğer bunu yaparsak iyice yayan futbolcular. Sıra bize geldi diyerek pabucun pahalı olduğunu belki anlarlar" dediler.
KADERİ BUGÜN OYLANACAK
Fenerbahçe yönetiminde bugün bir toplantı olması planlanıyordu. Burada Galatasaray derbisinin planlaması, prim konusu gündeme gelecekti. Ancak beklentiler bu toplantıda Tedesco'nun kaderinin oylanması şeklinde.
Tedesco'nun suyu ısınmadı, kaynadı... şu anda takımın başında idmana çıkıyor olması bile bazılarına göre mucize. Böyle bir ortamda Aykut Kocaman ismi sosyal medya tarafından dolaşıma sokuldu. Ancak Fotospor daha 15 Mart'ta Kocaman'ın Saran kararını yazmıştı.
Tedesco'ya ayrılan süre doldu... aslında Kasımpaşa maçından sonra bir ayrılık olacaktı. Ancak Başkan Sadettin Saran, "ültimatom" vererek Alman teknik adamla yola devam ettiklerini itiraf etti.
Aslında "ültimatom" sözünün arkasında iki neden vardı:
- UEFA tehdidi.
- Aykut Kocaman'ın hayırı.
MOURINHO YÜZÜNDEN
Mart sonunda UEFA’nın denetlemesi yüzünden Saran yönetimi teknik direktör değişikliğinin maliyetinden kaçındı. Mourinho'dan sonra bilançoya yansıyacak yüklü bir tazminat kaleminin UEFA nezdinde kulübü zor durumda bırakmasından endişe eden yönetim zoraki Tedesco’yla devam kararı aldı.
Asıl önemlisi ise Seçim sürecinde Kocaman’a "beraber çalışacağız" diyen Saran’ın koltuğa oturduktan sonra Ali Koç’un tavsiyesiyle Tedesco ile devam etmesi oldu.
Fotospor bu gelişmeyi daha 15 Mart'ta duyurdu. Kocaman’a herhangi bir bilgilendirme yapmadı. Mazeret sunmadı. Kocaman da sürecin nezaketten uzak yürütülmesi nedeniyle Saran'a kapıları kapattı.
İddialara göre bugün bir teklif yok. Olsa da Kocaman "evet" demeyecek.
Fenerbahçe'yi uzatmalar sonucu 1-0 mağlup ederek adını yarı finale yazdıran Konyaspor, mücadele sonrası Deniz Türüç'ün motivasyon konuşmasını paylaştı.
Fenerbahçe için bu sezon, hem Süper Lig'de hem de Türkiye Kupası'nda alınan sonuçlar nedeniyle yoğun eleştiriler ile geçiyor. Sarı-lacivertli ekip bu performansın yanında üzücü puan kayıpları da yaşadı.
Amerikan Basketbol Ligi'nde (NBA) Alperen Şengün'ün forma giydiği Houston Rockets, Batı Konferansı play-off ilk tur ikinci maçında deplasmanda Los Angeles Lakers'a 101-94 yenilerek seride 2-0 geriye düştü.
Galatasaray'da tüm gözler pazar akşamı RAMS Park'ta oynanacak Fenerbahçe derbisine çevrilirken Sarı Kırmızılı yönetimde bilet krizi patlak verdi. Başkan Dursun Özbek'in gelen istekler üzerine ekibine verdiği talimat ortaya çıktı.
"Hidayet, harika bir oyuncuydu. İyi şutları vardı, çok yönlü iyi bir oyuncuydu. En önemli şutunu 2001'de İstanbul'da bize karşı atıp maçı uzatmaya götürmüştü. Sonra uzatmalarda bizi yendiler ve elbette o şutu asla unutmayacağım"- "İstanbul'da gençler için harika bir kampüs ve büyük bir salon inşa edilmesine katkı verdiğini duydum. Onun orada çaba göstermesi, sporumuz için bir şeyleri harekete geçirmesinden mutluyum"
Fenerbahçe'nin Konyaspor'a penaltıdan yediği golle 1-0 mağlup olarak elendiği maçta penaltıyı yaptıran Nelson Semedo, taraftarlardan büyük tepki topladı.
1.89'luk puan ortalamasıyla gönderilen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer'in ardından "Kurtarıcı" olarak göreve getirilen Beşiktaş'ın efsanesi Sergen Yalçın, 1.79'la hayal kırıklığı yaşattı.
Mayıs ayında yapılacak seçimde tekrar başkanlığa aday olan Dursun Özbek, gayrimenkul, tesisleşme, mağazacılık yatırımlarının yanı sıra Şampiyonlar Ligi hedefi gibi geniş bir vizyonla yeni dönemine hazırlanıyor.
Son dakika Galatasaray transfer haberleri: Gelecek sezonun kadrosunu kurmak için çalışmalarına hız veren Galatasaray'ın uzun süredir transfer etmek istediği Hakan Çalhanoğlu'nu takıma kazandıracağı iddia...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'de üst üste 4. şampiyonluğa giden Galatasaray'da yeni sezon için transfer çalışmaları da devam ediyor. Sarı-kırmızılıların sezon sonunda yolların ayrılması beklenen Arjantinli golcü...Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş'ta yeni sezon çalışmaları devam ediyor. Siyah-beyazlıların, sezon başı Atalanta'dan kiraladığı El Bilal Toure'nin geleceği ile iligili sıcak gelişmeler yaşanıyor. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Son dakika Fenerbahçe transfer haberleri: Yaz transfer döneminin yaklaşmasıyla birlikte çalışmalarına hız veren Fenerbahçe, Bayern Münih forması giyen eski futbolcusu Kim Min-Jae'yi gündemine almıştı....Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş'ta "kurtarıcı" olarak göreve gelen Sergen Yalçın, Süper Lig'de 1.79 puan ortalamasıyla Ole Gunnar Solskjaer'in 1.89'luk performansının bile gerisinde kaldı. Derbi maçlarında sadece 2 beraberlik...Devamı için tıklayınız
NBA'de Batı Konferansı play-off ilk turunda Los Angeles Lakers, konuk ettiği Houston Rockets'ı 101-94 mağlup ederek seriyi 2-0 yaptı. Houston'da milli basketbolcu Alperen Şengün 20 sayı, 11 ribaund, 5...Devamı için tıklayınız
Son dakika spor haberi: Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek final maçında Fenerbahçe'yi uzatmalar sonucu 1-0 mağlup ederek adını yarı finale yazdıran TÜMOSAN Konyaspor, mücadele sonrası Deniz Türüç'ün motivasyon...Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde 23 Nisan'da saat 20.45'te Tüpraş Stadı'nda Alanyaspor ile karşılaşacak. Tek maçlık eleme turunda kazanan takım yarı finale yükselecek. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Samsunspor, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde 23 Nisan saat 18.45'te sahasında Trabzonspor'u ağırlayacak. Tarihinde ilk kez kupayı kazanmayı hedefleyen kırmızı-beyazlılar için kritik mücadele. İşte...Devamı için tıklayınız
Avrupa Ampute Futbol Federasyonu takvimindeki ilk lig organizasyonu 23-25 Nisan'da Ankara'da düzenlenecek. 6 ülkeden takımlar şampiyonluk için mücadele edecek. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
“Barselona”nın baş məşqçisi Hansi Flik açıqlama verib.
Futbolpress.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis karyerasındakı son klubun Kataloniya təmsilçisi olacağını deyib:
“Barselona” sonuncu iş yerimdir. Ayrıldıqdan sonra klub çalışdırmaq niyyətim yoxdur. İndi bütün diqqətim komandadadır və qarşıda oyunlar var. Klubda qazana bilmədiyim iki titul da var. Onları əldə etdikdən sonra rahat ayrıla bilərəm. Xəyalım “Barselona” ilə Çempionlar Liqasını qazanmaqdır”.
“Barselona” La Liqada liderdir. Komanda ikinci pillədəki “Real”ı 6 xal qabaqlayır.
“Çelsi”nin baş məşqçisi Liam Rosenyor Premyer Liqada “Brayton”a uduzduqları görüşü şərh edib.
Futbolpress.az BBC-yə istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis 0:3 hesabıyla bitən matçla bağlı bunları deyib:
“Oyunda bütün komponentlərdə rəqibə uduzduq. Bu, qəbuledilməzdir. İndi nələrisə kökündən dəyişmək lazımdır. Özümüzə baxmalıyıq – oyunumuzda müdafiə ediləcək nəsə yoxdur. Komandada atmosfer yaxşı deyil. 11 futbolçudan sadəcə 3-4-ü oyuna canını qoyur. Bunu demək lazımdır – bu, həqiqətdir. Futbolçuların bəziləri peşəkar davranmır. Həqiqətən, karyeramın ən çətin axşamı idi. Gördüyüm bəzi şeyləri bir daha görmək istəmirəm”.
“Çelsi” 48 xalla turnir cədvəlində 6-cı sıradadır.
“Real”ın baş məşqçisi Alvaro Arbeloa açıqlama verib.
Futbolpress.az “Marca”ya istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis La Liqada “Alaves”ə qalib gəldikləri oyundan (2:1) sonra çempionluq yarışından danışıb:
“Birinci hissədə oyuna tam nəzarət etdik. Üstünlüyümüzü daha artırmalı və qələbəni möhkəmləndirməliyik. “Bavariya”ya məğlubiyyətdən sonra komanda ilə danışdıq və söz verdik ki, qalan 7 oyunumuzu qazanmalıyıq. Bir oyun getdi, qaldı altısı. Çempionluq yarışı hələ bitməyib. Futbolda hər şey mümkündür”.
“Real” La Liqada 73 xalla ikincidir. “Kral klubu” ehtiyatda bir oyunu olan “Barselona”dan 6 xal geri qalır.
Portuqaliyanın paytaxtı Lissabonda UEFA-nın təşkilatçılığı ilə “Məktəblərdə Futbol” mövzusunda seminar keçirilir.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, 21–23 aprel tarixlərini əhatə edən tədbir Avropa ölkələri arasında məktəb futbolunun inkişafı, kütləviliyin artırılması və uşaqların idmana cəlb olunması istiqamətində təcrübə mübadiləsinin genişləndirilməsini hədəfləyir.
Seminarda 19 ölkəni – Azərbaycan, Portuqaliya, Avstriya, Belçika, Danimarka, İngiltərə, Finlandiya, Almaniya, Macarıstan, İtaliya, Niderland, Polşa, İrlandiya, Şotlandiya, İsveç, İsveçrə, Türkiyə və Uelsi təmsil edən nümayəndə heyəti iştirak edir. Tədbir çərçivəsində məktəblərdə futbol layihələrinin tətbiqi, uşaqların erkən yaşlardan idmana marağının artırılması, inklüzivlik və gender bərabərliyi prinsiplərinin təşviqi kimi mühüm mövzular müzakirə olunur.
Seminarda AFFA-nı Kütləvi Futbol Departamentinin rəhbəri Fərrux İsmayılov, departamentin aparıcı mütəxəssisləri Orxan Mikayıllı və Ziya Səfərov təmsil edirlər. Nümayəndə heyəti seminar çərçivəsində müxtəlif ölkələrin uğurlu təcrübələri ilə tanış olur, interaktiv sessiyalarda iştirak edir.
Qeyd edək ki, bu cür tədbirlər UEFA-nın kütləvi futbol strategiyasının əsas istiqamətlərindən biri olmaqla, üzv assosiasiyalar arasında bilik və təcrübə paylaşımının gücləndirilməsinə xidmət edir.
Portuqaliyanın paytaxtı Lissabonda UEFA-nın təşkilatçılığı ilə “Məktəblərdə Futbol” mövzusunda seminar keçirilir. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, 21–23 aprel tarixlərini əhatə edən […]
“Real”ın hücumçusu Kilian Mbappe İspaniya çempionatının 33-cü turunda “Alaves”lə matçda (2:1) fərqlənərək yeni şəxsi göstəriciyə imza atıb. Msport.az xəbər verir […]
“Çelsi”nin İngiltərə Premyerliqasındakı uğursuz çıxışı tarixi antirekordla nəticələnib. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, London təmsilçisi çempionatda keçirdiyi son beş qarşılaşmanın hamısında […]
Azərbaycan Kubokunda ikinci finalçı bu gün müəyyənləşəcək. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, yarımfinal mərhələsinin cavab oyununda “Sabah” “Qarabağ”ı qəbul edəcək. Qarşılaşma […]
The Argentina international has had a hugely disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge, and this has unsurprisingly led to talk that he could leave already.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano quoted Rosenior as saying Garnacho is still in Chelsea’s plans, though he also added that CFC could be looking at new wingers for the summer.
Fabrizio Romano on Alejandro Garnacho and Chelsea winger situation
Chelsea seem likely to strengthen in attack again this summer, according to Romano, and this is hardly surprising considering how poorly their current crop of forwards have performed.
Chelsea might be willing to give Garnacho more time as he’s still young, but he also struggled at Manchester United, so the signing arguably just looks worse and worse with every passing game.
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“In the last two three days we had many reports on Garnacho,” Romano said.
“One specific report talking about Garnacho leaving Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Well, we now have the reaction from Chelsea and coming directly from the manager Liam Rosenior, who goes public and says ‘I don’t know where this story is coming from’.
“At the moment the message coming from Chelsea’ manager is quite clear – that Chelsea still want to believe in Garnacho and still want to trust Garnacho.”
Romano added that Chelsea’s qualification for the Champions League will be crucial when it comes to deciding targets, with the Blues now looking highly unlikely to be able to make it.
He added: “Well, what I understand guys is that in general Chelsea approach to the market could also include the possibility to add a winger to the squad for season 26-27 and so to have one more player up front in that position on the winger position.
“Then we have to understand several things before we can mention Chelsea names, plans, exits, incomings and it’s obviously Champions League football. Champions League football is crucial for Chelsea of course – for Chelsea planning, for Chelsea views, for Chelsea ideas.”
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The former Red Devils striker is a big fan of Gibbs White, praising him as a “top, top player” and someone with “aggression” in midfield.
The England international has been one of Forest’s most important players for some time now, and he’s contributed a hugely impressive 15 goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
Sheringham feels he’s a different kind of player to his Forest teammate Anderson, but believes the pair could be affordable and could complement each other well in the Man Utd midfield.
Manchester United urged to sign Forest duo
Discussing United’s plans to strengthen in midfield this summer, Sheringham told TEAMtalk: “I really like Anderson at Nottingham Forest, and I really like Gibbs-White as well. When Tottenham were in for him, I was very excited about that.
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“I can understand why Forest wouldn’t let him go because of the calibre of player he is.
“He’s very different to Anderson – he gets forward, he’s got great tenacity, wants to fight people, and the aggression and will-to-win comes out in him. I think he’s a top, top player.
According to Football London, Arsenal are now showing a very genuine interest in bringing the 25-year-old England international Anthony Gordon to the Emirates Stadium.
While recent headlines have heavily linked Newcastle United’s electric winger Gordon with a blockbuster move to Bayern Munich, the mood in North London suggests Mikel Arteta isn’t about to let the German giants have a free run.
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It’s no secret that Arsenal are looking to ruthlessly upgrade their forward line this summer.
Despite huge investments in recent windows, the hierarchy, led by manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, reportedly feel the left-wing position desperately needs a fresh, dynamic injection of pace and creativity.
Arsenal want more attacking depth on left-wing
Although Arteta already has the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard battling for minutes on that left flank, the feeling behind the scenes is that the club wants to aggressively refresh that area to continually challenge for the game’s biggest prizes.
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Gordon perfectly fits the profile of a relentless, hard-working wide player who can thrive in Arsenal’s high-pressing system.
However, prying him away from St. James’ Park is going to require some serious cash.
Gunners face battle to sign the Newcastle United star
Bayern Munich remain the clear frontrunners for his signature, with the tantalising prospect of Gordon linking up with his England teammate Harry Kane in the Bundesliga proving to be a massive draw.
Gordon is reportedly very open to the idea of a move to the Allianz Arena to ensure he continues playing Champions League football.
There is also Liverpool in the conversation for the Premier League attacker, who are looking to replace Mohamed Salah in the summer transfer window and Gordon is a name on their shortlist.
If Arsenal truly want to secure Arteta’s required offensive upgrades, they are going to have to act decisively and open the checkbook.
Things are going from bad to absolute disaster for Chelsea.
Following a totally humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton on Tuesday night, the calls for manager Liam Rosenior to face the chopping block are growing.
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Leading the charge is former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood, who did not hold back in his brutal, highly publicised assessment of the Blues’ latest collapse.
It was Chelsea’s fifth Premier League defeat in a row and their latest defeat means they are now 7th in the league table.
Sherwood feels Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior could be sacked
Speaking on Sky Sports in the immediate aftermath of the match, Sherwood completely unloaded on the Chelsea squad, explicitly calling the display “embarrassing”.
‘It was a team playing against a bunch of individuals who had no spirit, no character,’ Sherwood told Sky Sports, as reported by Metro.
‘I’ve just watched them at the end going up to the Chelsea fans, half of them had already left the stadium probably 20 minutes ago, it was done and dusted after the second goal went in.
‘They played five at the back in the first half, it was embarrassing the amount of room Brighton had, second half was a little bit better at the start.
‘He [Rosenior] was lucky at half time it was only one [goal], Garnacho came on and gave more in forward areas but as soon as they got the second goal with Hinshelwood, we’re talking an academy player who played in every single position on the pitch, he played full-back, he’s outstanding in that position, plays in midfield, he played as a No.10 tonight, he was outstanding.
‘I don’t like saying it but there are demonstrations there and flags out against BlueCo, he will not survive this, Liam Rosenior will not survive this, unfortunately for him.
‘It’s a real tough job for any manager to go in there and change the environment because these Chelsea fans have been brought up winning trophies, the biggest trophies, with the biggest players. It’s a development club.’
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For Rosenior, the walls are closing in at a rapid pace. He only took the job in early January, signing a colossal, headline-grabbing contract that supposedly runs all the way until 2032.
Just days ago, he was actively fronting the media, publicly insisting he had “100%” backing from the club’s board.
However, the underlying numbers are terrifyingly bad for a club of this stature. This latest hammering officially marks Chelsea’s fifth consecutive Premier League defeat.
To make matters significantly worse, Rosenior’s 1.42 points-per-game record is officially the second-worst of any permanent Chelsea manager this century, sitting just marginally above the historically disastrous Graham Potter era (1.27 PPG).
You have to seriously wonder how much more embarrassment the BlueCo ownership group can tolerate.
Rosenior might technically have a massive six-and-a-half-year contract in his back pocket, but in the ruthless reality of the Premier League, patience at Stamford Bridge appears to have completely evaporated.
The start of the week had been pretty volatile for the crypto markets, with the Rave DAO price losing over 98% of its value and a KelpDAO exploit that impacted the AAVE price. Regardless of this, the top tokens, Bitcoin and Ethereum, held their gains and have begun to rise. On the other hand, some of the altcoins have been performing exceptionally well, printing massive bullish candles in the past few days. Memecore, Binance Life & edgeX are among these altcoins, which are surging regardless of the market turmoil.
Memecore (M)
The Memecore price has been rising since the start of the month and has surged over 100% till now, with over a 22% jump in the past 24 hours. The rise seems to be driven by sustained momentum from recent network upgrades, the hard fork that slashed gas fees and improved transaction speeds. On the other hand, the main trigger for volume expansion was the overcrowded long positions in futures, with funding rates spiking by nearly 70%.
Memecore is currently in a strong breakout phase, but it’s approaching a decision point. Price has impulsively moved above the 0.5 Fib and even tapped into the 0.786–1.0 zone ($3.98–$4.73), followed by a rejection. The trend structure is bullish, and CMF staying positive confirms real inflows. As long as price holds above the $3.0–$3.2 zone (previous resistance turned support + trendline), continuation toward $4.7+ is possible. Lose that level, and this likely turns into a fake breakout with a pullback toward $2.5–$2.9 liquidity.
Binance Life (BINANCELIFE)
Binance Life price has plunged by nearly 7% in the past 24 hours, while in the past seven days, the token has attracted over 56% gains. The surge is primarily driven by mentions of exchange listings like Binance, KuCoin or others. There has been no fundamental catalyst, and it is heavily relying on narrative, listings and hype. The rapid vertical moves do not appear to be stable, as these types of rallies usually end up in a liquidity grab, a sharp correction, or a long squeeze.
Price has cleanly reclaimed the $0.30–$0.35 resistance as support and impulsively pushed into the $0.45–$0.50 zone, which previously acted as a rejection area. The structure is bullish with a clear higher-high expansion, and CMF rising sharply confirms real inflows. However, the move is overextended, with RSI in the 80–90 zone signaling exhaustion risk. As long as the price holds above the $0.40–$0.42 support band, continuation toward and beyond $0.50 remains possible. Lose that level, and this likely turns into a bull trap with a pullback toward $0.30–$0.35 liquidity.
edgeX (EDGEX)
edgeX price is up by 4.88% to $1.45 in the past 24 hours, outperforming a broadly positive market, primarily driven by the recent token burn. Nearly 2.5 million tokens were burnt, and nearly 14% of the supply was locked, which has directly reduced the selling pressure and circulating supply. Besides, the token was recently launched, and these phases are known for violent moves, price discovery and thin liquidity effects. Recent trading sessions show massive volume spikes and price swings, which show slow accumulation.
EdgeX is currently trading inside a rising wedge structure, pushing toward a key resistance zone near $1.45–$1.50, where multiple rejections have previously occurred. The overall structure remains bullish with higher lows holding along the ascending trendline. Momentum is steady but not explosive—RSI around 60–62 shows strength without being overbought, while MACD signals the possibility of a bearish crossover. As long as the price holds above the $1.17–$1.18 support zone, continuation toward $1.65+ remains possible on a breakout. However, rejection from this resistance or a breakdown below the wedge increases the probability of a pullback toward $1.05–$0.95 liquidity zones.
Wrapping it Up
Across Memecore, Binance Life, and EdgeX, the common theme is liquidity-driven momentum, not stable accumulation. All three altcoins this week are pushing into key resistance after sharp moves, with RSI signaling late-stage strength. While triggers differ—leverage (Memecore), hype (Binance Life), and tokenomics (EdgeX)—the structure is the same: fast expansion and rising exhaustion risk. Continuation is possible if supports hold, but chasing here is risky, as any failure can lead to sharp pullbacks.
The Bitcoin price prediction from Grok AI and ChatGPT both point toward a digital gold regime in 2026, and Strategy just dropped $2.54 billion on another 34,164 BTC between April 13 and April 19 per Reuters, lifting its treasury past 815,061 BTC and ahead of BlackRock as the largest institutional holder on earth. Bitcoin trades at $76,071 after Michael Saylor posted his “Think Even Bigger” chart on April 19.
That Bitcoin price prediction tracks what every major desk keeps confirming: Bitcoin is not an altcoin; it is the reserve asset replacing gold. Pepeto crossed $9.29 million at $0.0000001865 with a Binance listing closing in, and wallets loading now are not waiting for Grok to print.
Pepeto’s Binance Listing Tightens as the Bitcoin Price Prediction Points Past $200K After Strategy’s Record Buy
Grok AI gives Bitcoin a 2026 bull case ceiling of $250,000 per 24/7 Wall St., a base range of $98,000 to $132,000, while ChatGPT maps a bull case near $180,000 on sustained ETF inflows. Strategy’s April 20 filing confirmed the $2.54 billion buy pushed holdings to 815,061 BTC at $76,071per coin per CoinDesk, overtaking BlackRock’s IBIT as the largest institutional position.
The Bitcoin price prediction has every piece lined up: shrinking exchange reserves, ETF capital returning after March broke the outflow streak, and a corporate treasury race that counts Strategy alone at 3.8% of circulating supply. Returns go to addresses that locked into the right project while $76,071 and extreme fear kept everyone else sidelined.
Crypto News: Pepeto Built What No Other Presale This Cycle Has Attempted
Crypto news headlines rotate every hour, but the returns that reshape wallets live on chain. Shiba Inu turned sub penny entries into balances larger than most careers produce, delivering 49 million percent in weeks. Wallets that arrived 48 hours after listing found a different price while the earliest holders already sat on seven figure outcomes.
Pepeto is building that same speed regardless of where the Bitcoin price prediction lands. Talk on X, Telegram, and Reddit grows louder every day, matching the pattern before every viral meme launch.
The difference between both projects says everything. Shiba Inu had no real tools and lost 93% once hype ran out. Pepeto was built for the opposite outcome. The contract scanner catches dangerous code before a transaction runs, PepetoSwap routes trades across three chains with no fee, the bridge carries tokens across Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana with zero gas, and SolidProof cleared every contract before the presale took capital. A senior Binance alumnus manages the exchange, the founder who guided Pepe to $11 billion heads the build, and 180% APY staking compounds entries as listing day tightens.
“Memes pull more eyes than any sector of crypto, but 2026 will kill any project without real infrastructure. Pepeto is everything I wanted the original play to be, and the senior Binance engineer on the core build means the exchange stands at institutional standards,” said the original Pepe coin founder.
Bitcoin (BTC) Price at $76,071 as Strategy Clears 815,061 BTC and AI Models Map $250K
Bitcoin (BTC) trades at $76,071 per CoinMarketCap, up sharply from April lows near $74,300 after the Strait of Hormuz reopening and renewed ETF capital. Strategy holds 815,061 BTC worth $61.56 billion, and spot Bitcoin ETFs pulled close to $1 billion in net inflows last week with BlackRock’s IBIT crossing $100 billion in total assets.
Grok sets the 2026 ceiling at $250,000, ChatGPT maps $180,000, and the base case at $98,000 gives Bitcoin 30% upside. 100x from presale to listing is a gap no $1.49 trillion asset has produced, and the wallets buying Pepeto are positioning for the multiple Bitcoin’s scale now blocks.
Conclusion
The Bitcoin price prediction has Grok, ChatGPT, and Strategy’s 815,061 BTC treasury pointing past $100,000, and crypto news confirms Wall Street keeps building on ramps while corporate balance sheets double down. But returns from a $1.49 trillion base cannot match what a presale priced in fractions of a penny delivers.
When the Bitcoin price prediction finally prints six figures, crypto news will run the headline everywhere. The presale math offers a far higher multiple. A $1,000 entry at the current Pepeto price converts to 5.36 billion tokens, worth $268,000 at a $0.00005 listing price. Analysts back that target on the original Pepe’s all time high, with Pepeto carrying far stronger utility. The Pepeto official website holds the entry open before the Binance listing prints a higher price.
What does Grok AI predict for the Bitcoin price in 2026 and why does Strategy’s 815,061 BTC milestone matter?
Grok targets a Bitcoin top around $250,000 in 2026 with a base case of $98,000 per 24/7 Wall St.. Strategy bought $2.54 billion in BTC between April 13 and April 19, lifting holdings past BlackRock to 815,061 BTC.
What is the best crypto to buy now in 2026 for high returns before the next breakout?
Pepeto is the top presale to buy now because it pairs a SolidProof audited contract, a zero fee exchange, a cross chain bridge, and a contract scanner, all built by the original Pepe founder and a senior Binance developer. The presale has raised $9.29 million at $0.0000001865.
Solana’s price may appear stagnant, but the $85 zone is now turning into one of the most critical levels on the chart. After weeks of sideways movement, Solana price is holding firm near a key demand region while underlying developments continue to build. From shifting staking dynamics to expanding real-world use cases, the network is evolving even as price remains compressed.
This creates a growing divergence between price action and fundamentals, raising a key question: Is Solana (SOL) preparing for a breakout, or losing strength at a decisive level?
Staking Model Overhaul Reshapes Market Participation
One of the most important yet underpriced developments is Solana’s staking system upgrade. Previously, reward distribution heavily favored large holders. A wallet staking 5,000 SOL had nearly 5,000x advantage over a 1 SOL staker in reward probabilities. This created a system dominated by whales.
New: @Tramplin_io, a Solana staking app built around random reward distributions, has changed its rewards system to improve chances for smaller stakers. Under the old system, a wallet staking 5,000 $SOL had 5,000x the odds of a 1 $SOL staker in some draws. Under the new setup,… pic.twitter.com/4drxojFR6F
The new mechanism significantly reduces this imbalance. The advantage in large reward pools (Big Draw) has now been compressed to roughly ~70x, while smaller participants gain relatively higher chances. Additionally, the system introduces structural changes such as reduced draw frequency and more balanced reward allocation.
This is a critical shift. By lowering whale dominance and improving fairness, Solana is increasing participation at the retail level, an essential factor for long-term network strength and liquidity distribution. Such structural upgrades often precede accumulation phases, where fundamentals improve before price expansion follows.
$85 Becomes the Line That Defines Trend
Technically, Solana has been trading within a descending channel, consistently printing lower highs and lower lows. However, the recent price action shows a shift. After tapping the lower boundary of the channel, SOL has stabilized inside a defined demand zone between $80 and $85, where buyers are actively defending downside. This behavior signals absorption of selling pressure rather than continuation of weakness.
The current structure suggests early signs of a potential base formation. A breakout above the channel resistance would confirm a trend reversal, opening the path toward higher levels. On the flip side, losing this zone would invalidate the setup and expose SOL to deeper corrections. At this stage, $85 is not just support, it is the pivot controlling the next directional move.
XRP Integration Signals Real Utility Expansion
Beyond internal improvements, Solana is rapidly expanding its external utility footprint. A recent demonstration showed XRP trading directly via WhatsApp, where a user swapped 0.1 SOL for 5.99 wXRP using a simple chat command. The transaction was executed through an AI-powered interface connected to a non-custodial wallet, routing trades via Solana’s DEX aggregators.
XRP TRADES ON WHATSAPP VIA SOLANA AS YAKOVENKO BOOSTS VIRAL DEMO
XRP is now tradeable through WhatsApp, with a viral demo today showing a user swap 0.1 $SOL for 5.99 wXRP through a chat command. The trade ran through solanaclawagent, an AI bot connected to a non-custodial wallet… pic.twitter.com/pLkg4WoHMK
By enabling trading through messaging platforms, Solana is moving toward seamless, real-world usability. The integration builds on the recent launch of wrapped XRP (wXRP) on Solana via LayerZero, expanding its accessibility across platforms like Raydium, Orca, Kamino, and MarginFi. With ecosystem leaders amplifying this narrative, the focus is shifting from speculation to utility, a key driver for sustained growth.
Key Levels to Watch
The $80–$85 zone remains the critical support, and as long as Solana holds above this range, the current accumulation structure stays intact. A sustained move above $95–$100 is needed to confirm strength, as this level acts as the breakout trigger that could shift momentum in favor of buyers.
If that breakout unfolds, the next area of interest comes in around $110–$120, where the first meaningful resistance and expansion phase is likely to emerge. However, a breakdown below $80 would weaken the structure and expose Solana to further downside, with $70–$75 becoming the next key support zone.
Hackers behind the KelpDAO breach have started moving stolen assets into Bitcoin, using THORChain to convert funds and dramatically increase the network’s activity. One attacker wallet sent funds through THORChain, pushing daily transaction volume to about $211 million, nearly 10× the 30-day average. Around 442 BTC ($33 million) is now spread across more than 400 different Bitcoin addresses, with some of the laundered coins mixed with funds tied to previous North Korea-linked hacks, highlighting ongoing challenges in tracing and recovering stolen crypto.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX revealed that it has secured an option to acquire Cursor, the AI coding assistant developed by Anysphere, in a deal valued at $60 billion later this year, with an alternative $10 billion payment tied to their joint work if the acquisition does not go through.
This signals that the AI coding race has entered a completely different league.
SpaceX Steps In To Buy Cursor With $60 Billion Offer
On 22nd April, SpaceX announced on X that Cursor has granted the company an option to acquire the startup for $60 billion later this year.
If the full acquisition does not happen, SpaceX will instead pay $10 billion, structured essentially as a breakup fee tied to the two companies’ ongoing collaboration. The reasoning behind the deal was stated clearly by SpaceX in their post:
“The combination of Cursor’s leading product and distribution to expert software engineers with SpaceX’s million H100 equivalent Colossus training supercomputer will allow us to build the world’s most useful models.”
They added: “SpaceXAI and Cursor are now working closely together to create the world’s best coding and knowledge work AI.”
However, this partnership makes sense on paper. Cursor is one of the fastest-growing developer tools in tech history.
FTX Missed Billion-Dollar Opportunity
Back in April 2022, FTX’s trading arm, Alameda, invested $200,000 in Cursor for about 5% equity. However, during FTX’s bankruptcy process, this stake was sold at the same price.
Fast forward to today, and that same stake of Anysphere, based on Cursor’s valuation, has crossed $50 billion in recent funding talks.
This makes it one of the biggest missed investment opportunities linked to the FTX collapse.
Why SpaceX Is Not Buying Cursor Right Now – IPO Plan
Interestingly, SpaceX is not rushing to complete the acquisition. The company is preparing for a potential IPO that could value it at around $1.75 trillion, with plans to raise $75 billion.
Closing a major $60 billion acquisition before the IPO would force the company to update its financial filings and disclosures, potentially pushing back the entire listing timeline.
So instead of buying now, SpaceX has locked in the right to buy later, keeping the IPO process clean while securing its position in the AI coding race before a competitor moves in.
What Comes Next
For now, all eyes are on three things, SpaceX’s IPO timeline, the outcome of Cursor’s ongoing $2 billion funding round, and whether the $60 billion acquisition option gets exercised before year’s end.
As demand for AI coding tools continues to rise, the company is positioned at the center of a major tech shift.
FTX liquidators sold the Alameda Research stake in Cursor’s developer, Anysphere, for just $200,000 during the bankruptcy process, missing out on massive upside. Alameda originally backed Anysphere with $200,000 for roughly 5% of the company. Today, SpaceX has secured an option to acquire Cursor for $60 billion later this year or pay $10 billion for their partnership, as it pushes into AI coding tools ahead of a potential IPO. That same stake could now be worth billions based on Cursor’s soaring valuation.
A senior U.S. military commander has described Bitcoin as a cybersecurity tool with potential use in national defense. At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, Samuel Paparo said Bitcoin’s role goes beyond financial use cases and can support…
Kevin Warsh signaled support for integrating digital assets into the U.S. financial system during his Senate confirmation hearing to lead the Federal Reserve. During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday, Warsh backed the idea that crypto already plays a…
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Barcelona captain steps up with heartfelt words for injured talent
Barcelona first-team captain Ronald Araujo has reached out with a message of support to young defender Patricio Pacifico following his serious knee injury, in a moment that shows the unity within Barcelona’s dressing room.
The setback comes at a difficult time for the 20-year-old, who had only recently begun to establish himself with Barça Atletic after arriving on loan from Defensor Sporting in January.
Pacifico had shown promising signs early on, quickly earning a starting role and adapting well to the demands of Spanish football.
His progress, however, was abruptly halted during the reserve team’s clash against UE Olot.
The injury occurred late in the game, turning what initially looked like a minor issue into a major concern within hours.
Subsequent medical tests confirmed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, one of the most serious injuries a footballer can face.
Araujo has sent a message of encouragement to Pacifico. (Source: Instagram)
The news has been met with strong support from within the club, particularly from senior players.
Araujo, one of the leaders in the squad, took to social media to send a direct message to the young defender, offering encouragement during what is likely to be a long recovery process.
“You will come back stronger, dear Pato,” he wrote.
Before the injury, Pacifico had made seven appearances for Barça Atletic, starting every match and contributing with a goal.
His performances had already caught attention internally, with opportunities to train alongside the first team further showing the club’s belief in his potential.
Real Madrid add surprise Bundesliga coach to manager shortlist – report
According to an update shared by Christian Falk, Real Madrid have added Sebastian Hoeneß to their shortlist of potential candidates, as the club evaluates managerial options ahead of the summer.
The 43-year-old has caught the club’s attention not through reputation, but through the clarity of his work at VfB Stuttgart.
His team’s performances this season have stood out across Europe, particularly because of how competitive they have been without relying on high-profile signings.
Real Madrid impressed with Hoeneß
Within Real Madrid, there is a growing appreciation for Hoeneß’s model.
Stuttgart’s structure, intensity, and attacking intent have made them one of the most watchable sides in the Bundesliga, and more importantly, one of the most efficient.
Sitting comfortably in the top four, they are on course for Champions League qualification, which is a significant achievement given their squad profile.
Even then, Real Madrid are not rushing into a decision, but they are preparing for one.
Sebastian Hoeneß is on Real Madrid’s shortlist. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
While he continues to have the backing of both the dressing room and the board for now, the club is already exploring alternative profiles in case a change becomes necessary.
Options like Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, and Didier Deschamps bring experience and pedigree, but each comes with complications – whether contractual, financial, or strategic.
This situation has opened the door for a different type of candidate, where Hoeneß represents a more progressive profile.
He is defined as a coach well-versed in modern football principles. His teams are built around high pressing, quick transitions, and positional fluidity.
For now, though, the club’s priority remains the current campaign.
Arbeloa is still in charge, and there is a shared focus on finishing the season strongly. However, once the campaign concludes, a full evaluation will take place.
Warning: This article contains themes of suicide, self harm and mental health
A 22-year-old motorcycle racer walking around a paddock in a top hat is going to stand out.
But that is the whole point for Storm Stacey. It's a conversation starter, a way to encourage people to open up about their feelings.
He was 13 years of age when he discovered his dad had died by suicide, and it has shaped his path, not only as a sportsman, but how he interacts through life.
"You wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy and nothing can prepare you for that," Stacey said on the BBC Bikes podcast.
"But do you know what? It toughens you up. I could have gone down the road of drugs, partying, gone off the rails, probably be in prison.
"But what kept me going was motorbike racing. It gave me purpose and something to do, something to keep fighting for, to keep progressing and keep going."
Engines are in Stacey's DNA. His first rode a motorbike at just three years of age and he got a love of both motorcycles and cars from his late father.
A love of classic cars comes from his father, including a 1966 Ford Mustang that was handed down to him.
His collection is extensive and ranges from a Rolls-Royce, a Dodge Ram to a Ford Fiesta R2 rally car.
He was even named after a Lister Storm, a rare, historic British sportscar from the 1990s.
But, despite his love for bikes, Stacey had very little interest in watching them race.
When his dad suggested going to watch MotoGP or World Superbikes at Donington Park or Silverstone, Stacey didn't want to go.
"Even if I did go, I'd be pulling the grass out the floor and stuff like that. I wasn't watching the racing because I wanted to do it. I wanted to ride the bike.
"I got really jealous. I see people doing stuff and I want to do it. I'm not a good watcher at all.
"I'd say there is a bug to race, but there's more jealousy."
'People love it, it's my armour'
After Stacey's father died, his mum used "the last bits of money we had" to pay for his season in 2019.
The one-year gamble paid off. He almost won the British Superstock 600 title and earned a ride in the British Superbike Championship.
"I said to mum 'right, this is one year, we'll do it now', and if it don't work out now then we'll knock it on the head.
"You hear things like the parents of Casey Stoner [a two-time MotoGP champion] sold the house and stuff like that.
"Fair play, it's absolute commitment, but it's too uncertain to take risks like that for me and for my family."
Stacey stepped up to the British Superbike Championship in 2020, and only missed out on becoming the youngest rider in the series' history as the start of the season was delayed because of the Covid pandemic.
He won his first race in 2024, and will return to the championship in 2026 with Batham's Racing.
So when you see a top hat when at the circuits, you don't just see a top racer, but also someone who is open about how he feels.
For Stacey, the eccentric headwear is his "armour" and an "accessory" to talk about mental health.
"People love it, people get behind it, and it's my armour," he said.
"I've always wore it, and my dad wore eccentric hats, he wore cowboy hats, top hats, and top hat always stuck a lot towards the end.
"That's why I wear it, in memory of my dad and to put my foot in the ground and try and change the male mindset to speak out to people, because men don't. People see it as a weakness, but it's not."
Stacey said his "inbox is always open", adding: "I'm not a superstar, I'm just a lad that rides motorbikes."
"You'd rather talk to someone than go to their funeral. With situations in life, suicide isn't the way out."
'Nervous' for North West 200 debut
Stacey will make his debut at the North West 200 road race with Batham's Racing in May and said it was an "itch I need to scratch".
"The North West is a box I'd really like to tick," he said.
"Racing at 200 miles per hour, five abreast and slipstream in turbulence. It's a whole new realm of stuff I've never had to deal with.
"The closest I've come to slipstream like that would be Thruxton in the heat and that is just ridiculous in itself."
Stacey believes he can challenge for the British Superbike title this season and while he admits the dangers of road racing could jeopardise his hopes, he says "you've got to live your life".
"I'll open up now and say, I am really nervous about doing the North West," he said.
"I'm nervous about BSB too. I'm nervous about the whole thing.
"I'm petrified about it going wrong. I really want it to go right, and on that inner weakness, because if I can beat them all, I will.
"I'm nervous, but nerves are good."
If you have been affected by issues raised in this article, there is information and support available on BBC Action Line.
Juventus set £26m price tag on ‘special’ star following Man Utd enquiry
Manchester United have been informed that Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners is available at an affordable price.
During his time at Atalanta, the Dutchman was one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.
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Juventus managed to recruit his services in August 2024 following a soap opera that ended with the player effectively forcing his way out of Bergamo by presenting three medical certificates to justify his absence from training.
Juventus open to selling Teun Koopmeiners for €30m
Sadly for Koopmeiners, his time in Turin has been vastly underwhelming, as he has thus far failed to replicate his Atalanta exploits.
Last season, former Juve head coach Thiago Motta continued to back the Dutchman, describing him as a ‘special’ player with a skill set like no other.
But nowadays, the 27-year-old is no longer a starter at Juventus, as Luciano Spalletti prefers to rely on the likes of Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram, and Weston McKennie in the middle of the park
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Therefore, the Serie A giants are open to parting ways with the Netherlands international at the end of the season.
According to Italian journalist Gianni Balzarini (via TuttoJuve), Koopmeiners’ book value won’t exceed €30 million (or £26m) in the summer, so this figure should be enough to convince the Old Lady to sell the underperforming midfielder.
The source adds that Man Utd and Galatasaray have both been gathering information about the former AZ Alkmaar star, so it remains to be seen if they will follow it up by making a concrete move.
Should Man Utd consider Koopmeiners?
With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte considered dispensable, United might need to buy three new midfielders in the summer.
Therefore, the Red Devils will have to consider low-cost signings at some point. Nevertheless, Koopmeiners might not necessarily be the right profile.
The Dutch midfielder was sensational during his time at Atalanta, but he’s become a shadow of his former self since joining Juventus, hence why the Turin-based giants would be happy to cut their losses by selling him in the summer.
Koopmeiners is capable of playing almost anywhere in the middle of the park, but he hasn’t truly excelled in any position.
Thus, Man Utd would be better off investing in a player who’s on the rise rather than one enduring a steep decline.
Celtic's Belgium midfielder Arne Engels, 22, has caught the attention of Lazio. (Lorenzo Lepore on X)
Racing Club are keen on Marcelo Saracchi, the 27-year-old defender who is on loan at Celtic from Boca Rangers. (El Crack Deportivo - in Spanish)
Gordon Strachan is impressed by Martin O'Neill's impact back in the Celtic dugout but does not expect to make a similar return to management. (Herald - subscription required)
St Mirren goalkeeper Ryan Mullen faces four months out after coming off injured during Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Celtic. (Sun)
Gareth McAuley urges former club Rangers to sign Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who is expected to leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer. (Record)
Assistant Steven Naismith puts Scotland's continued success down to head coach Steve Clarke, captain Andy Robertson and John McGinn. (Glasgow Times)
LOS ANGELES — Kevin Durant was back for the Rockets. That made the marquee matchup "LeBron James vs. Durant," a showdown of two of the all-time greats.
LeBron winning that showdown is not why the Lakers are up 2-0 in their series with the Rockets. It's because of their defense, which forced nine Durant turnovers. And it's because the Lakers have Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. That starting backcourt — forced into action because of the injuries sidelining Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves — combined for 48 points on Tuesday night, made huge defensive plays and 3-pointers, which proved to be the difference. That Lakers' defense held Durant to three points in the second half and hung on at the end for a 101-94 win that has them holding serve on their home court. The Lakers are up 2-0 as the series heads to Houston on Friday night.
LeBron earned his share of the spotlight, finishing the night with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. He even had a reverse dunk at age 41.
"I don't even know what that was about," LeBron said postgame, shaking his head.
The biggest difference in this series through two games is that while both teams are missing key starters — the Rockets have been without point guard Fred VanVleet all season and also don't have center Steven Adams — it's the Lakers who have had players step up and fill the roles of their missing stars. LeBron had nothing but praise for Smart and Kennard.
"He's battle tested," LeBron said of Smart. "Guy has been to the Finals, been in multiple playoff games, big games in his career. So obviously, he's not afraid of the moment, and he's always been assigned with some of the best players ever played this game in his career. So to have someone like that, it just brings a lot of composure to our team."
Smart finished with 25 points, seven assists and five steals, most of those against Kevin Durant, who he guarded much of the night. Kennard finished with 23 points and six rebounds, but did so much more as a playmaker and passer.
"He's a sniper, we understand that, but he does so much more," LeBron said of Kennard. "He does so much more and I think that's what keeps defenses off balance. Sometimes you fall into the fact that he shoots 50 (percent) from 3, and you think that sometimes that's all he can do, but he is so much more than that."
Durant scored 20 points in the first half, but in the second the Lakers threw multiple bodies and different looks at the future Hall of Famer, trying to force the ball out of his hands. It worked, Durant had just three points in the second 24 minutes.
Nobody else on the Rockets stepped up. Alperen Sengun had a good box score game with 20 points and 11 rebounds, but that doesn't tell the story of his struggles — he missed bunnies all night and finished 9-of-19 in the paint. The Lakers would double-team Sengun when he had the ball in the post, and he would freeze, which cut off a lot of how the Rockets wanted to score in the halfcourt.
The Lakers' defense also doesn't fear the Rockets' ball handlers or shooters, and Houston isn't making them pay. As a team, the Rockets shot just 24.1% from 3 — Houston needs to hope that home cooking improves their shooting and changes the dynamic of their role players getting outplayed.
"I thought our guys at least matched their sense of desperation, or second efforts, or multiple efforts, all that stuff," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "I mean, you got to win a bunch of little fights. That could be your catch position offensively, that could be your screens, that could be creating separation, that could be boxing out. But this team requires you to win a bunch of little fights."
The Lakers need to win just two more games to have won the big fight. The Rockets need to show some fight at home, or this is going to be a short series.
LeBron James is a four-time NBA champion and has been the league's Most Valuable Player four times [Getty Images]
LeBron James shone as the Los Angeles Lakers took charge of their NBA play-off series while Victor Wembanyama was concussed during a San Antonio defeat.
The Lakers were without leading scorers Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), but 41-year-old James continued to show his class.
The 22-time All Star claimed 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Lakers to a 101-94 win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.
Fellow veteran Kevin Durant returned for Houston after missing the opening game of the series and scored a team-high 23 points but turned the ball over nine times and claimed just three points after half-time.
The Lakers now lead 2-0 in the first round of the post-season, with the Rockets hosting the next two games in the best-of-seven series.
Wembanyama had scored five points for the San Antonio Spurs when he was injured midway through the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 7ft 4in France international, who has been named this season's defensive player of the year, hit his face on the floor after being knocked off his feet during a drive to the basket.
The Spurs said he had entered the concussion protocol and would not return to the game. They confirmed after Portland's 106-103 win that he had sustained a concussion.
Scoot Henderson scored a game-high 31 points for the Trail Blazers, who levelled the series at 1-1 and are at home on Friday and Sunday.
NBA guidelines state that Wembanyama must remain inactive for at least 24 hours and cannot resume full participation for 48 hours.
San Antonio - the Western Conference's second seed - won 12 of the 18 games the 22-year-old missed during the regular season.
VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey combined for 59 points as the Philadelphia 76ers bounced back from a dismal game one to level their series with the Boston Celtics.
Edgecombe claimed 30 points in a 111-97 win at the Eastern Conference's second seed Boston and the 76ers host the next two.
Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 36 points for the Celtics, with Jayson Tatum (19) the only other Boston player to reach double figures.
With Fernando Mendoza the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 in the NFL Draft to the Las Vegas Raiders, the real draft begins at No. 2 with the New York Jets.
Of course, the Jets would have loved if there were another quarterback worthy of a top-two pick available, but none of the remaining quarterback prospects are in that discussion. Therefore, the Jets have an important decision to make with the No. 2 pick, as there are many high-quality players available but no consensus option.
Unless the Jets go really off the board, New York will likely take a defender, as the top of this draft is full of defensive star power. The Jets' defense in 2025 was abysmal, setting a record with zero interceptions in the entire 17-game season, and New York has many prospects available who will improve the unit in 2026.
Here's a look at the five best prospects available for the Jets at No. 2.
Many analysts consider Reese to be the best player in the draft, even better than Mendoza. Just 20 years old, Reese's lone year as a starter for Ohio State went incredibly well, as he led a stout Buckeyes defense at inside linebacker, producing 69 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Although Reese's versatility means a team could try him out as an EDGE, his best position is likely at inside linebacker, where he can grow as the leader of the defense. The Jets need as much high-end talent as they can get, so taking Reese should give them a blue-chip player for at least a decade.
Reese has been the favorite for most of draft season and fits the mold if the Jets go with the best player available.
Bain Jr. might be the best three-down player on this list, as he recorded 20.5 sacks in three years at Miami, including 9.5 in 2025, helping lead the Hurricanes to the National Championship game. During the College Football Playoff, Bain was arguably the best player on the field in every Miami game and showed why he will be a first-round pick.
However, Bain Jr. comes with two concerns that could scare off teams. First, he was involved in a car accident in 2024 that killed a passenger in his career, an incident that NFL teams have reportedly understood throughout the process. Second, Bain has shorter arms than most EDGE players, which could be overblown as long as he remains productive.
New York will likely look for a different option, but Bain's production is hard to ignore.
The best attribute a defender in the NFL can have is sacking the quarterback, which Bailey does better than anyone else. The Texas Tech EDGE led the Big 12 with 14.5 sacks in 2025 and produced 29 sacks over four seasons, as he would give the Jets an instantly dangerous EDGE from day one.
While winning on passing downs is not an issue for Bailey, the question is whether he will have an impact on running downs. Bailey isn't known for being a strong run-stopper, and while that's not as important as sacking quarterbacks, it's still crucial for star defensive players to be able to play all three downs.
The Jets taking Bailey would mean focusing on adding immediate impact along a defensive line that needs playmakers.
Safeties rarely go in the top five, but if anyone is worthy, it's Downs. The Ohio State star was an Alabama transfer who became a two-time All-American in Columbus, producing 257 combined tackles in three years between the Crimson Tide and Buckeyes.
Downs' position is his biggest hangup since most NFL teams don't consider safety a premier position. While there were rumors about a knee injury, that Downs himself denied, the safety should be one of the safest picks available as long as his health checks out.
While the Jets are unlikely to take Downs, he's the type of player who would give his new team the best chance at hitting on the pick.
5. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
In five years, very few analysts will be surprised if it's Styles who turns into the best player from this class. Another star defender from Ohio State, Styles played alongside Reese and collected 22.5 sacks and 244 combined tackles in four seasons as a hybrid defender.
Styles dominated the NFL Combine with incredible workout numbers, which only helped his case to be taken high in the draft. Some analysts have Styles ahead of Reese, so picking between the two could come down to personal preference.
With Reese being linked to the Jets, Styles is more of a distant conversation at this point. but he'd still be a good pick.
Analysis: These stats prove why Liverpool are about to get their Arne Slot decision wrong
Arne Slot Under Scrutiny as Liverpool Stats Raise Serious Questions
Liverpool’s summer review has quickly turned into a debate about leadership, direction, and the weight of performance data. On the latest Big Decisions podcast, hosted by Dave Davis and featuring Trev Downey, the discussion centred on Arne Slot and whether the numbers now tell a story that can no longer be ignored.
Downey’s analysis was not reactionary, but cumulative, built on months of observation and supported by stark statistical decline. His tone reflected concern rather than outrage, yet his conclusions were difficult to dismiss.
Decline Reflected in Liverpool Stats
The most compelling argument came through performance metrics. Downey pointed directly to a dramatic drop-off, stating, “the evidence is absolutely indisputable at this point.” He referenced a split in results before and after a key point in the season, highlighting a fall from a 74.4 percent win rate to just 50 percent.
He did not soften the impact of those numbers, adding bluntly, “Appalling… it’s just absolutely shocking.”
This statistical downturn forms the backbone of the argument. Liverpool, once efficient and controlled, have become inconsistent, conceding more and scoring less. For Downey, this is not variance or bad luck, but a pattern.
Mounting Tactical and Structural Concerns
Downey’s critique extended beyond raw stats into structural issues within the team. He summarised the situation with a line that resonated throughout the discussion: “If all of these things are happening at the same time… maybe we have one problem.”
That “one problem” is implied rather than explicitly stated, but the context is clear. Issues with fitness, tactics, player form, and defensive fragility are not isolated. They point toward systemic failure.
He also challenged common defences of Slot’s tenure. On squad usage, he noted, “if you are going to deliberately shrink your squad… then you can’t go crying about lack of availability of players.” This critique suggests that some of Liverpool’s struggles are self-inflicted, rooted in managerial decisions rather than external misfortune.
Dressing Room Energy and Public Messaging
Beyond tactics and stats, Downey raised concerns about team cohesion and communication. He questioned the visible unity of the squad, asking, “do you really get the feeling that all these guys are together… are they all fighting for the same cause?”
This doubt was reinforced by his reaction to Slot’s public comments. Downey was particularly critical, saying, “he is making the club seem small time.” He referenced remarks about simply competing rather than aiming to win, adding, “we’re not there to… take part and have a chance to win it.”
Such statements, in Downey’s view, conflict with Liverpool’s modern standards and expectations.
Growing Doubts Despite Early Success
Importantly, Downey acknowledged Slot’s early success, including a league title, but suggested that momentum has since evaporated. “He was a fresh voice when it was needed… and since then it’s been all downhill,” he said.
This idea of initial uplift followed by regression is central to the debate. Was Slot the right appointment for transition, but not for sustained dominance?
Downey also expressed concern about the club’s direction if continuity is prioritised over performance. He warned that Liverpool “might be about to take a punt with the manager situation,” raising parallels with other clubs that delayed decisive action.
Conclusion
The Big Decisions podcast offered a detailed, data-driven critique of Liverpool under Arne Slot, led by Trev Downey’s measured but firm analysis. The combination of declining stats, tactical concerns, and questionable messaging has created a narrative that is difficult to ignore.
As Liverpool approach a crucial summer, the central question remains whether the club views these issues as temporary setbacks or evidence of deeper problems.
Ulster hooker James McCormick says he is "excited to get going" when Ulster travel to Thomond Park to face Munster on Saturday [17:30 BST].
With Ulster ravaged by injuries in the lead-up to this weekend's United Rugby Championship [URC] interprovincial clash in Limerick, there is an opportunity for others to step up as Richie Murphy's side enter the business end of the season.
McCormick is ready to take his chance if selected and stake his claim to be a part of some huge games in the weeks to come.
"When you're in my position and other lads the same, you're waiting on these chances all year," the 24-year-old told BBC Sport NI.
"We are hungry to play, so it's about taking these chances.
"You have to have a lot of self-belief when some weeks you don't get picked and others you do, so it's a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions.
"I'm an Ulster lad and you want to play in the big games at this time of the year. It's gutting for those [injured] lads but I'm excited to get going."
McCormick anticipates "a big challenge this week" against a Munster side that sits one point and place below Ulster in the URC standings.
With Clayton McMillan's side now out of Europe, the league is their final chance for silverware this season and McCormick, who scored a late try in the Challenge Cup quarter-final win over La Rochelle, is expecting them to throw everything at Ulster this week.
"They are going to be physical down in Limerick," he predicts.
"I played a couple of the 'A' games against them this year and if you don;t match them, don't go after them, they are very good.
"They have threats all over the pitch and don't have Europe, so will be fully stacked going after the league."
Manchester City keep Kompany in frame to succeed Guardiola as Bayern insist he’s committed
For some time now, reports have suggested that Manchester City are considering bringing back their former captain Vincent Kompany to succeed Pep Guardiola once the Catalan coach eventually departs the Etihad Stadium.
According to Sport Bild, the Premier League club still see Kompany as a “top candidate” for the role, despite the fact that the Bayern coach extended his contract until 2029 last October.
However, FC Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen believes Kompany remains fully committed to a long-term future in Munich.
"We just extended Vincent’s contract, so this question doesn’t arise for us at all," Dreesen told Sport Bild.
“I’m also convinced that Vincent doesn’t do anything without thinking it through carefully and considering all possible scenarios.
”I’m 100 percent sure he asked himself this question before committing. His answer was to extend his contract, so it doesn’t matter if anyone comes calling or how many more titles we hopefully win.”
Pep Guardiola: “Manchester will be in his heart and mind”
Pep Guardiola himself recently suggested that if Kompany were to seek a new challenge in the future, a return to Manchester City could be an option.
“He’s so young, still just one or two years in Munich, so still [he] will be there," Guardiola said, according to HaytersTV (via City Xtra).
“But sooner or later, I have the feeling, just in case he decides in a certain moment to come back to England, I'm pretty sure Manchester will be in his heart and mind, and hopefully the path will cross at a certain point in his life.”
Kompany, who played for Manchester City between 2008 and 2019, was appointed Bayern head coach at the end of May 2024.
Guardiola, his former manager at City, has been in charge of the Premier League club since 2016.
🥐 Bad blood between Arbeloa and Carvajal, today’s top 5️⃣ stories
If you’ve already made coffee and toast, you don’t need anything else to get the day started because we bring you the five stories that could shape the football conversation on Wednesday morning.
💔 Arbeloa’s coldness toward Carvajal
The lack of affection Álvaro Arbeloa shows Dani Carvajal in public, captain and Real Madrid legend, is causing plenty of talk and will continue to do so until the end of the season.
Does the full-back deserve this treatment? Do they really have a bad relationship? Several analysts (Santi Cañizares, Fermín de la Calle, Paco González...) point out that the situation goes back to the time when an emerging Carvajal pushed Arbeloa out of the first team.
📈 Barça going all in for the title
📸 David Ramos - 2026 Getty Images
Flick, currently in the middle of contract renewal talks, has a good opportunity today against Celta to move closer to the league title.
Real Madrid’s win yesterday means there can be no letting up, and Barça will field the strongest possible lineup.
Gavi is expected to return in place of Bernal, with Rashford back on the left wing.
🇬🇧🇧🇷 Lingard makes history in Brazil
The Englishman scored the decisive goal in Corinthians’ 1-0 win over Barra-SC in the Copa do Brasil.
He is the first British player to score in Copa do Brasil history. It’s true that Kazim-Richards had already scored in the 2027 Brasileirão, but Jesse’s was a goal for the history books.
😱 VAR like you’ve never seen it before
Chaos in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-final as Shabab Al Ahli’s last-gasp equaliser was ruled out because play had been restarted before Machida Zelvia’s substitution had been completed.
The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here. Teams have completed their pre-draft work, including meetings and workouts, leaving the media to run with all the latest draft rumors. Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters said it best last week:
"It's hard to really understand or figure out where everything's going to go, where everybody's going to go, and man, you hear something new every day, right?" Peters said. "Really everybody's, nobody's telling the truth."
Peters is right. No one, including him, is about to reveal anything of substance, although most teams will put some information out there to get others talking, which is why the rumor mill spins so aggressively.
We're rounding up all the latest rumors and reports surrounding the Commanders as the draft approaches, updating this story over the next two days, leading up to Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
When ESPN NFL insider Peter Schrager talks, you should listen. Schrager said he believes Carnell Tate is Washington's guy. He also said that USC WR Makai Lemon is sort of a wild card and something worth monitoring. Remember, the Commanders hosted both on top-30 visits.
Peter Schrager shares his latest intel on the #Commanders first round pick:
- WR Carnell Tate "is their guy" - Adam Peters would love to have his "future Fred Warner" in LB Sonny Styles if available - WR Makai Lemon is the wildcard if Tate isn't available pic.twitter.com/WagcWsOKaE
— Commanders on Roundtable (@WSHRoundtable) April 21, 2026
We've heard about how much the Commanders like Sonny Styles and Jeremiyah Love. Both are likely gone before Washington goes on the clock, but Todd McShay says he has it on "good authority" that Styles is head coach Dan Quinn's guy.
Peter Schrager strikes again. Most of the talk surrounding the Cardinals using the No. 3 pick on Love feels like them trying to drum up trade interest. However, the Titans and Love at No. 4 have been a hot rumor since the 2026 NFL combine. Schrager says not so fast. Don't get excited, Washington fans, because it sounds like the Giants at No. 5 are ready to pounce if Love gets past Tennessee.
Peter Schrager no longer believes the Titans will take Jeremiyah Love at no. 4.
We've heard of how much Washington likes Love throughout the pre-draft process. It's almost felt like, at times, that the Commanders are daring others to pick Love. As we've gotten closer to the draft, it's clear that Love is not falling to Washington. If he does, it's a guarantee that he does not fall any further, with SI's Albert Breer calling the Commanders the "floor" for Love.
Albert Breer on the #Commanders seventh overall pick via The Breer Report:
“I think this could be the floor for Jeremiyah Love”
Commanders GM Adam Peters almost said as much last week. He doesn't reveal a lot, but even he admitted it was more likely that Washington would remain at No. 7 and pick. This doesn't mean Peters wouldn't want to move back, but it could also be him realizing there are too few teams willing to move up. It could also be a case of Peters wanting to land a blue-chip talent, something that's less likely if the Commanders move back. The voice of the Commanders, Bram Weinstein, agrees, calling a move back "unlikely."
Of course, things could change on draft night if Washington's phone rings and a team is desperate. Remember, the Commanders are without picks in the second and fourth rounds.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ injuries haven't stopped, and the hope and expectation is that at some point, a lot of this will look different than what it currently does.
As things stand at the moment, maybe the Blue Jays have been one of the worst teams in Major League Baseball, though it's almost impossible to get upset about it considering the injuries they've dealt with on both sides of the ball.
At 10-13, Toronto hasn't put itself in a horrible spot, but it will need to get healthy. According to the words from George Springer, the star outfielder who is currently sidelined with a toe injury, it sounds like he could be back rather soon.
"I mean, I don’t really put expectations on it. I’ve just expected it to hurt," Springer said on Tuesday. "I’m not going into it thinking it’s going to feel good, and then when it hurts, I just get angry about it. It’s a broken bone. So, you know, not much I could do besides just say, ‘Screw it, is what it is.’"
Regarding when Springer could be back, it was reported that the veteran might be targeting a Friday return, which would be a home game in the first contest of a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians.
“While a Friday return remains the optimistic target, Springer is finding ways to navigate the mental frustration of being sidelined by staying as active as possible within the clubhouse,” Courtney Hollmon of MLB.com wrote.
Springer, despite being older in his career now, is still a very good player and somebody Toronto needs back as soon as possible.
With a postseason that has already yielded a few unexpected results, the Thunder and Suns Game 1 was exactly the opposite. The defending champion Thunder coasted to a convincing 119-84 victory.
After finishing 19 games above the Suns at the end of the season, the Thunder remain the heavy favorites, with Game 1 being no different.
Oklahoma City had some expected top performers, like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game-leading 25 points or Jalen Williams getting 22 of his own. But once the Thunder established a convincing lead, their bench kept it intact. Nine different players came off the bench, totaling 40 points.
To no one's surprise, Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points. The major problem for the Suns was the lack of ball sharing, with no player securing more than three assists.
Here's what you need to know about Wednesday's matchup between the Thunder and the Suns, including broadcast information and start time.
Thunder vs. Suns Game 2 will be broadcast by ABC/ESPN and will stream live on the ESPN app.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.
Thunder vs. Suns start time
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Thunder and Suns is set to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Watch: Real Madrid duo faced Santiago Bernabeu’s wrath in Alaves win
During Real Madrid’s home game against Alaves, there was a noticeable edge inside Santiago Bernabeu even before the game had kicked off.
When the teams were announced, the reaction towards Vinicius Jr. hinted at growing frustration.
It was not overwhelming at first, but it was enough to signal that patience is starting to wear thin.
As the match unfolded, that tension did not fade – it built, as every involvement from the Brazilian seemed to amplify the reaction.
Instead of the usual energy and backing he often receives, there was a clear sense of dissatisfaction from sections of the crowd.
It created an uncomfortable dynamic, both for the player and for the team.
Carreras in spotlight too
What makes the situation more striking is that Vinicius has often been one of the emotional leaders of this side.
But this season, expectations have been different. With the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and the pressure to deliver silverware, the margin for inconsistency has become extremely small.
When performances dip, the Bernabeu does not stay quiet.
The frustration was not limited to one individual, either. Earlier in the match, Alvaro Carreras drew a reaction after a defensive lapse that nearly gifted Alaves a clear opportunity.
It was a sign that the crowd’s patience with mistakes had already run out.
Then there was Camavinga
The most intense moment, however, arrived in the second half.
When Eduardo Camavinga was introduced, the reception he received spoke volumes.
There is still a lingering memory among fans of the red card in Munich, a moment many associate with the club’s European disappointment, and that frustration resurfaced instantly.
On the touchline, Alvaro Arbeloa tried to lift the midfielder before he stepped onto the pitch, aware of the situation he was walking into.
Once on, Camavinga had to deal not just with the opposition but with the atmosphere around him.
In that moment, Federico Valverde stepped in quickly, offering encouragement and helping his teammate stay composed amid the noise, but ultimately, the message was sent.
NEW DELHI: It was India's opening match in the 2012 T20 World Cup. A star-studded line-up brimming with confidence on the back of a historic ODI World Cup victory in 2011, they were pitted against an Afghanistan side still trying to figure out the whims and fancies of ICC events, with this being their second appearance in World Cups.
Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag were the openers as India were asked to bat first by then-Afghan skipper Nawroz Mangal. Facing a bowler of 6 ft 2.5 in stature is always a formidable task. Ask Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag even today, and they’ll remember the name of Shapoor Zadran and how he blew the pair away in his opening spell of the World Cup, dismissing them for just 10 and 8 runs.
That well-built left-arm pacer is now bed-ridden, battling for his life in India.
Shapoor Zadran suffering from rare disease
The man who once sprinted to the crease with flowing hair and a menacing left-arm angle is now grappling with an enemy that cannot be caught behind the stumps. Shapoor, who will turn 39 this July, is suffering from Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
It is a rare and life-threatening condition where the immune system essentially turns on itself. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system begins to attack healthy tissues and organs, leading to hyper-inflammation and severe damage to the bone marrow, liver, and spleen.
While the disease predominantly strikes children, it can inflict adults susceptible to severe infection. Shapoor, who played 80 internationals for his country between 2009 and 2020, first felt unwell in October last year. What started as TB and a full-body infection eventually revealed its true, more sinister stage four HLH.
The treatment leading to Delhi
When the condition worsened, the medical advice in Kabul became unanimous. "Our doctor in Afghanistan advised us to come to India. Everyone said the treatment here is very good, and the whole world knows that India has some of the best medical care. That’s why we came," Shapoor’s younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive conversation.
Getting him to the right facility was a collective effort. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Mirwais Ashraf and cricketer Rashid Khan used his extensive network to fast-track the process.
Shapoor arrived in India on January 18 and was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit of a New Delhi hospital.
For the Zadran family, who traveled from around the world to be by his side, the medical care in India has been a source of comfort.
"Honestly, it is even better than we expected," Ghamai, who stays in Canada, added. "His doctor calls him a 'hero' and a 'legend'. The doctor is very experienced, the staff is excellent, and the hospital is great. They’re taking really good care of him. We’re very thankful."
A fraternity stands guard
Cricket is often called a gentleman's game, but for the Afghan team, it is a brotherhood forged in the fire of shared struggle. The support for Shapoor has been visceral. Former captain Asghar Afghan didn't just call; he came to the hospital for a week to help physically.
Even now, he visits every few days to check on his old teammate.
"Raees Ahmadzai, Nawroz Mangal, Mohammad Nabi, they all call," Ghamai told this website. "During the World Cup, Rashid Khan and other players came to visit him. Even now, Rashid is in close touch with me. When Mumbai and Delhi had a match (in IPL), Allah Ghazanfar, who is playing for Mumbai Indians, came twice. He even offered to help shift him to Ambani Hospital if needed. Even yesterday, Afghanistan’s former President Hamid Karzai called to speak with us."
Despite the high-profile visitors and the offers of aid, the family is adamant about not seeking money.
"Alhamdulillah, our family is financially strong. We don’t need money. We don’t need financial support, just prayers. That’s all we need, prayers," Ghamai emphasized.
Shapoor is a now successful businessman in Kabul, running a large company that manufactures door, window, and other home accessories.
The battle is slow. There are small improvements, but the condition remains serious. Shapoor, once the spearhead of the Afghan pace attack, now finds himself in the longest match of his life.
He talks very little and lacks the energy for long conversations, but the spirit that saw him dismiss world-class openers in 2012 remains intact.
Ghamai concluded, "He’s fighting very hard, just like he did in cricket. He never complains about pain or difficulty. He just says, 'I’ve fought all my life, and I’ll fight this illness too.'"
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Scott Twine of Bristol City is challenged by James Bree of Southampton during the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Bristol City at St Mary's Stadium on April 21, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Surprise
Arne Slot is expected to continue as Liverpool head coach next season, Sky Sports News understands, as the club close in on Champions League qualification 🔴 pic.twitter.com/twk9XFZrZa
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2026
Aston Villa have confirmed the North Stand of Villa Park will be shut for the entirety of the 2026-27 season as part of the club’s plan to expand the stadium.
Villa’s vision has long been to create a 50,000-plus capacity stadium, increasing the maximum crowd size by 8,000 in… pic.twitter.com/oAFAXe8IgC
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 21, 2026
Roma forced to record €80 million in capital gain by 30 June
The Friedkins have chosen, at least for now, not to make a final decision on the Gasperini-Ranieri dispute, but one aspect cannot be overlooked.
Roma must record approximately €80 million in capital gains by June 30.
This is a crucial financial objective for the club, which therefore finds itself forced to sell at least one big player to meet its financial demands.
The club is already working on negotiations to achieve this revenue, but the road still appears long and complex.
Commercially, Roma has signed two new sponsorship deals that will help strengthen its finances. Wizz Air will bring €2 million into the Giallorossi’s coffers in June.
Furthermore, the agreement with Eurobet.live will guarantee an initial payment of approximately €8 million. Another €15 million could arrive from the agreement between Serie A and IMG.
These new revenues, however, are not enough to completely bridge the gap, and Massara is already working to finalize the sales.
As Il Messaggero reports, Roma’s sporting director has already initiated discussions with several clubs regarding the initial transfers.
The first to leave is expected to be Baldanzi, whose €10 million buyout from Genoa will generate a €4.5 million capital gain.
Other negotiations could involve Salah-Eddine, destined for PSV Eindhoven for around €8 million, with the club merely recouping the purchase fee. Shomurodov’s buyout also appears imminent, as does Angeliño, who has asked to be sold.
As for the big names, Roma will need to make at least one high-profile sale to reach their capital gains target.
The most discussed players are Svilar, Koné, and Ndicka. The Frenchman, in particular, is in Inter’s sights, and currently appears to be the closest to a possible departure. Roma is asking €45 million.
AC Milan lose patience with Barcelona veteran and turn to new target
According to a report from MARCA, it has come to light that AC Milan have decided to step away from a potential move for Robert Lewandowski, bringing an end to speculation linking the veteran forward with a move to Serie A.
The Italian side had been monitoring Lewandowski’s situation closely amid uncertainty surrounding his future at Barcelona.
The Polish striker has been assessing his next step, particularly with no clear progress in contract discussions with the Catalan club.
The idea of joining a historic side aiming for a resurgence made the move appear logical from the player’s perspective.
From Milan’s side, the opportunity was financially attractive as a potential deal could have been structured without a transfer fee, making it a low-risk move for an experienced striker with a proven goal-scoring record.
However, the situation has now shifted.
Milan are out of the race
Milan have grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of clarity surrounding Lewandowski’s decision-making process.
AC Milan are no longer interested in Lewandowski. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
With the player still waiting to resolve his situation at Barcelona, the Italian club has opted not to wait any longer and has redirected their focus towards Alexander Sorloth as an alternative attacking option.
There has been no formal offer presented, and more notably, no clear communication.
Understandably, this lack of direction has left the striker in a holding pattern.
While he remains open to continuing at Barcelona, the absence of a defined plan from the club has created doubt over his long-term place in the project.
At present, Lewandowski appears to have already lost one suitor, but that does not mean his demand in the market has vanished altogether.
Despite being 37, he is still wanted by a few European giants as well as clubs from Saudi Arabia and the Major League Soccer.
“Manchester will be in his heart” – Pep Guardiola tips Vincent Kompany for Etihad Stadium return
Guardiola congratulates Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich on winning the Bundesliga
City manager insists Kompany will have Man City “in his heart” if he ever returns to England
City face Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday as they chase Arsenal in the title race
Pep Guardiola has paid a glowing tribute to former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany after his Bayern Munich side clinched the Bundesliga title.
Kompany has guided Bayern Munich to back-to-back Bundesliga titles, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young managers in European football in the process.
The 40-year-old’s Bayern side are also through to the UEFA Champions League semi-final, underlining a remarkable rise that Guardiola insists he saw coming from the moment Kompany took his first steps in management.
Burnley vs Manchester City (Premier League): Match Preview, Team News, Head to Head, How to Watch
Manchester City travel to Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday night in a fixture that takes on added significance given City’s pursuit of Arsenal at the top of the table.
Guardiola: Not bad at all, congratulations Vinny
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Turf Moor, Guardiola was warm in his assessment of how far Kompany has come since their last managerial encounter three years ago.
“Well, I would say not bad at all,” he said. “So, congratulations of course (to) Vinny and Bayern Munich – a place (where) I was, a place I have a lot of friends.
“Again they show high, high quality football and entertaining football with a lot of goals and actions. I know the people are so happy in Munich, so they won again the Bundesliga. Just a huge congratulations for the whole organisation from Bayern because it’s extraordinary.
“Really, really extraordinary club, well managed on the sidelines, on the board, with all the people, to the fans. And now, yeah, ready for the semi-final of the Champions League. So I wish him of course all the best.”
Guardiola spent three seasons at Bayern Munich between 2013 and 2016, winning three successive Bundesliga titles before departing for Manchester City. His affection for the club and the city is well-documented, making his praise for Kompany’s work there carry a particularly personal weight.
Pep Guardiola close to three-game Manchester City ban
Manchester will be in Kompany heart, says Pep
Pressed on whether Kompany remains a future Manchester City manager, a suggestion Guardiola himself has floated publicly on more than one occasion, the 55-year-old was characteristically thoughtful.
“I’m not suspicious to say. I did it, I said that for a long time ago when he was in, I think in Burnley, in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup we played at home and I saw the games, I said that guy will be manager sooner or later,” he said.
“But he’s so young, still have just two years in Munich, one or two years in Munich, so still will be there. But sooner or later I have the feeling when just in case, just in case he decides in a certain moment, he will decide, Bayern will decide, to come back to England, I’m pretty sure Manchester will be in his heart and will be in his mind, and hopefully the path will cross at a certain point in his life.”
The comments will inevitably reignite speculation over Guardiola’s own future at the club, with the Catalan due to make a decision on whether to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond the current season before the end of May.
Whoever fills the dugout at Manchester City in the years ahead, Guardiola’s endorsement of Kompany as a natural long-term successor is as clear as it has ever been.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 24: Paddy Pimblett of England reacts to the decison in the UFC lightweight interim championship bout during the UFC 324 event at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
UFC 324 was supposed to be the Paddy Pimblett show.
Everything was lined up for “The Baddy” to capture interim gold on the biggest stage possible. Not only did Pimblett have a significant edge in momentum and youth over Justin Gaethje, but “The Highlight” was hampered by an apparent staph infection. Pimblett was supposed to dispose of another older fighter in the UFC’s Paramount debut, setting the stage for an Ilia Topuria title grudge match five years in the making.
Instead, Gaethje beat Pimblett from pillar to post (watch here), walked away with interim gold, and will now take Pimblett’s would-be opportunity against Topuria at the UFC White House. It was a bit of a bummer for Topuria, who was looking forward to a high-profile grudge match as his first title defense. Three months later, Topuria is less bothered by losing the chance to face Pimblett, but he still can’t believe how badly the Englishman performed and questioned whether he can ever become a true contender.
“I was a little surprised at how bad Paddy really is. I was expecting him to win, to be honest.
He really proved that he’s a little sausage… How is he going to gain the skills and technique needed in this sport? That’s basically impossible. He needs to die and be born again.
“I was a little surprised at how bad Paddy really is,” Topuria told Ariel Helwani. “I was expecting him to win, to be honest. I was expecting him to take Justin down, to do a different fight. What he did inside the Octagon in that fight, it surprised me a little bit. He really proved that he’s a little sausage.
… Rebound from a loss? Of course, but how he is going to gain the skills and technique needed in the sport? That’s basically impossible. He needs to die and be born again … now he’s too far [down the rankings], we don’t see him in the horizon anymore. Bye Paddy. I didn’t even have to step inside the octagon to beat him, so that feels even a little bit better.”
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 21: Serge Gnabry of FC Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Joshua Kimmich during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on March 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With Bayern Munich in the running for two cups that they haven’t won in six years, they will have to do without the resurgent Serge Gnabry (reSergent?) for up to four months due to an injury sustained from practicing penalties (weirdly enough). Vice-captain Joshua Kimmich is aware of the 30-year-old’s importance to the team and laments losing one of the team’s serviceable members.
“We miss Serge terribly. In the dressing room, on the pitch,” Kimmich said (as captured by X account @iMiaSanMia). “It’s a really, really big loss – both as a footballer and as a person. It’s going to hurt us a lot, but I hope we can somehow compensate for it.”
The Bavarians are fortunate enough to have Jamal Musiala slowly getting back up to speed because Lennart Karl and Tom Bischof are both out injured as well, though they will both return soon. With crunch games in the horizon for the newly crowned 2025/26 Bundesliga champions, the last thing they need is more injuries to key players.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Pulling on the red and black of Down was always an ambition for Danny Magill.
With his father, Miceal, an All-Ireland winner in 1994, football was in the blood and in the 2023 Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final, Magill made his debut in the competition, scoring a point in the win over Donegal.
The 24-year-old won't play this Sunday when the teams meet in Letterkenny [15:00 BST]. A cruciate injury sustained in the first round of the Down SFC for Burren against Castlewellan has left him on the outside looking in throughout 2026 as he continues his recovery.
"I'm getting there, close," he says of his current status, but the desire to return to county colours mirrors his early ambitions as he seeks to get back on the pitch for Conor Laverty's side.
The initial pain, both physical and psychological has subsided with Magill "at one with it now" as he continues to work towards a return and has taken inspiration from some of Gaelic football's biggest names like Colm Cooper, Bernard Brogan and Ciaran Kilkenny who suffered the same fate but thrived upon their return.
"If you don't know me, know me personally, I've become sort of a psychopath with it all," Magill says of his recovery.
"I'm at one with it in terms of I know what to do every day and if I do that every day I sleep a wee bit better at night and I know how to attack the next day.
"I'm working out twice a day, four days a week and the other three days I'm hitting something else. I'm either on grass or in the gym for upper body. I'm at one with it in terms of I can't change it. The only thing I can affect is how I come back and the plan is to come back bigger, better, faster, stronger.
"I'm at one with it in terms of everyone knows where I want to get to and everyone's pushing me towards that goal."
'I have a fear of being average'
There have been "plenty of dark nights" as he worked on his own programme while his team-mates pushed themselves out on the training pitch.
It's all to reach one goal: to be the best version of themselves and bring the glory days back to the Mourne County.
"I think the group itself and the boys that I go to training with every day are completely obsessed with wanting to play for Down and I think that I am obsessed with playing for Down," he continued.
"I'm playing at the highest level. I have a fear of being average. I don't like the word average.
"I want myself and I want the boys and the group to play at the top level and to take on the likes of Donegal and the likes of Kerry and the likes of Galway, because I don't see why do you play football to go play, just to be a nobody. You want to be remembered.
"You want to leave your own legacy. Playing for Down, there's a proud history there. You've won five All-Irelands but you don't want to be a nobody playing for Down.
"We want to leave our own mark and I suppose I have the drive to get back there for myself personally and to be back playing for Down on a regular basis and to play at the top level on a regular basis."
'Our dream is to put Down back at the top'
They aren't quite there yet, but promotion to Division Two was secured earlier this year which gives them realistic hope of playing in this year's race for Sam Maguire.
Last year, Down enjoyed a positive championship campaign, bowing out at the hands of Galway after a thriller in Newry and these are the games and occasions they crave.
On Sunday, they take on back-to-back Ulster champions Donegal, exactly the type of test this group of Down players crave.
"I felt like we gave a really good record of ourselves last year and I felt like we were in a really good spot because we were disappointed we didn't beat Galway and that's the truth," Magill, a GAA coaching officer in St Louis, Kilkeel says.
"Every player here wants to be playing Sam Maguire football. Everyone wants it down at the top table. Everyone wants to play a Donegal, to bring a Kerry or a Dublin to Newry.
"You get big crowds and that's what the fans want. That's what the fans deserve and that's all the Down fans know is playing at the top level and challenging at the top level. So, it is a dream and an aspiration for us to get back there."
Of course, following in his father's footsteps with an All-Ireland title is the overall ambition.
Down did win the 2024 Tailteann Cup, but in a county with such a rich tradition, 32 years without Ulster or Sam Maguire success is an eternity.
"My dad still slags me, he's won an All-Ireland and I've none, so he still goes on about that," Magill says.
"It's always good craic with that, but I want to write my own history with this Down team."
NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 Orange Cap race has taken a dramatic turn, with Abhishek Sharma storming to the top after a sensational unbeaten 135 against Delhi Capitals, a knock that underlined both his form and dominance this season. The Sunrisers Hyderabad opener now leads the charts with 323 runs, averaging 53.83 at a staggering strike rate of 215.33, setting the benchmark for the competition.
Close on his heels is teammate Heinrich Klaasen, who has been equally impactful with 320 runs. Klaasen’s consistency and finishing ability have made him a vital pillar in SRH’s batting line-up, keeping the pressure firmly on Abhishek at the summit.
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Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill occupies third place with 265 runs from just five matches, combining leadership with reliability. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli follows in fourth with 247 runs, continuing his steady run of form, while Rajasthan Royals young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi completes the top five with 246 runs in an impressive breakout season.
Further down the list, SRH’s stand-in captain Ishan Kishan has climbed to sixth with 238 runs, edging past RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who sits seventh with 230. Punjab Kings’ Cooper Connolly and Rajasthan Royals’ Yashasvi Jaiswal are tied on 223 runs, occupying eighth and ninth respectively, while PBKS batter Priyansh Arya rounds off the top 10 with 211 runs.
With margins so tight and multiple players in peak form, the Orange Cap race is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of IPL 2026. Each innings is proving decisive, with positions shifting rapidly as batters push the limits.
IPL 2026 Orange Cap Standings
Rank
Player
Runs
Matches
Innings
SR
Ave.
HS
1
Abhishek Sharma (SRH)
323
7
7
215.33
53.83
135*
2
Heinrich Klaasen (SRH)
320
7
7
153.11
53.33
62
3
Shubman Gill (GT)
265
5
5
151.42
53.00
86
4
Virat Kohli (RCB)
247
6
6
157.32
49.40
69*
5
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR)
246
6
6
236.53
41.00
78
6
Ishan Kishan (SRH)
238
7
7
188.88
34.00
91
7
Rajat Patidar (RCB)
230
6
6
212.96
46.00
63
8
Cooper Connolly (PBKS)
223
6
5
163.97
55.75
87
9
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)
223
6
6
152.73
55.75
77*
10
Priyansh Arya (PBKS)
211
5
5
248.23
42.20
93
In a match that briefly influenced these standings on Tuesday, Abhishek’s blistering 135 powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a 47-run win over Delhi Capitals, reinforcing his grip on the coveted cap.
It was another rather disappointing season for the Golden State Warriors, an organization that's used to winning NBA championships. I don't want to say that any season that doesn't end in a championship for the Warriors at this stage should be viewed as a disappointment, but most fans would probably see it that way.
The Warriors still have some very good talent, as well as a superstar in Stephen Curry, who's only getting older. That's something that the Warriors will have to figure out this offseason, and they need to give Curry another chance to win a championship.
It's uncertain who the Warriors could even go after at this point, as there isn't a guarantee that anybody will be available star-wise in a trade this offseason until it happens, but some have floated the idea that Kawhi Leonard is one of the players who could be.
Leonard, still one of the better players in the NBA, wouldn't require the same type of haul that the Warriors would have to give up in comparison to somebody like Giannis Antetokounmpo, if he becomes available.
Golden State Warriors Receive: Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jimmy Butler, Will Richard, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap
“The Warriors’ angle is simple. They just went 37-45, ranked 18th in offensive rating, 17th in defensive rating, and 20th in net rating. That is not a roster that needs another small tweak. That is a roster that needs a sharper top-end fit around Stephen Curry before facing the Suns in the Play-In,” Fran Leiva wrote.
Giving up two first-round picks plus Butler wouldn't be ideal for the Warriors, but it might be what has to happen to land a player of his caliber. Frankly, however, I'd be a bit surprised to see the Warriors want to get rid of two picks, Butler, and then a young player in Richard.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday and Channel 2 Action News is your home for everything draft related.
All seven rounds from Pittsburgh are airing LIVE on Channel 2. Our special coverage begins at 7 p.m. with WSB-TV Sports Zone: NFL Draft Special followed by the NFL Draft first round at 8 p.m.
🥐☕ FC Breakfast: surprise droughts, Yamal's bold Messi claim
The Most Surprising Title Droughts in Europe 🏆❌
A look at the winners of Europe’s top 10 leagues since the start of the century. Several anomalies stand out: Ajax have not been champions since 2022, and Fenerbahçe, Turkey’s most successful club, have been chasing another title since 2014.
The droughts of Panathinaikos (2010), AS Roma (2001), and Anderlecht (2017) are also surprising. Finally, Arsenal have not managed to dust off their trophy cabinet since the Invincibles’ title in 2004, despite picking up a few FA Cups here and there. Here’s an overview.
📸 Emilio Sansolini
Yamal’s Strong Statement on Messi 🎙️
Asked after winning the Laureus award for World Breakthrough of the Year, Lamine Yamal admitted that he dreams of following a Lionel Messi-like path.
Chelsea in Deep Trouble 🥶
Thrashed by Brighton on Tuesday night (0-3), Chelsea have now suffered five straight Premier League defeats, gone five matches without scoring, and sit in seventh place, which all but rules them out of the Champions League race.
OM Innovates 💎
A very techno light show is coming to the Vélodrome! Could it be enough to galvanize Olympique de Marseille’s players during this crisis period?
The New York Knicks are currently tied at 1-1 with the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. In typical New York fan fashion, some are already starting to panic about losing. The reality here is that the Knicks are the better team, and if they don't win, we will probably see major changes.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but the most likely outcome, or the hope at least, would be going out to get Giannis Antetokounmpo. It remains uncertain if the Milwaukee Bucks want to move on from him, but it's at least something the Knicks will attempt to do, if I had to guess.
If that plan doesn't work, the Knicks could look a few different ways, and in a recent trade proposal, they do exactly that with another veteran star, though he isn't as good as Antetokounmpo.
“New York Knicks Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Pacome Dadiet, 2032 first-round pick
“A Brunson-Towns-Leonard core would give the Knicks far more half-court shot creation than they have now, and OG Anunoby would still be there to keep the defensive wing structure intact. My read is simple: if the Knicks ever decide to turn Bridges into a bigger playoff ceiling, this is the version that actually makes sense on the numbers,” Fran Leiva wrote.
Somebody like Leonard would be very interesting in New York for many reasons. If we're going based on play alone, he's still among the elite of the elite. The injury history is certainly something to be mindful of, and the Knicks and every other team around the NBA understand that. However, it's also tough to say that Leonard would fit in perfectly in New York. He's someone who likes to keep to himself, and the New York media typically doesn't allow for that. He's playing in Los Angeles now, but it's just a different beast.
Regardless, I think this could work out, as he's a very good player and would be welcomed by most of the fan base.
The New York Yankees have been dealing with a ton of injuries throughout the year, and one of them is to starting shortstop Anthony Volpe.
Volpe, a youngster who some fans have grown frustrated with, has been a polarizing player, to say the least.
During his time in New York, he's found some success but has also had moments when things haven't gone as well as they should.
To me, some of that is due to the injury Volpe dealt with a year ago, as he had surgery during the offseason on his shoulder. Had Volpe not been injured, I believe he would have been better than what we saw.
Regardless, there's been a lot of positive news coming from the Yankees recently on injuries, and Volpe was the latest on that front. The team announced that he was sent from Double-A to Triple-A and even played in a Triple-A game after four games in Somerset.
“Today, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of INF Anthony Volpe from Double-A Somerset to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.”
The youngster hit a home run and collected another hit during the contest.
When Volpe returns, the expectation is for him to be the starting shortstop. Some fans had hoped that Jose Caballero would be the guy who could fit in that role, but Caballero wasn't good enough to suggest him playing every day.
Volpe will have to work his way back, and it remains uncertain how long the Yankees expect him to be down there, but hopefully, it won't be too long until we see him back in the Bronx.
The Seattle Seahawks roster will look very different from a season ago, when they won a Super Bowl, but there's still a lot to like about what the organization has done in free agency and what it can do in the NFL Draft.
The Seahawks are in one of those positions where they can go out and make the necessary moves to improve this roster by replacing guys that they lost during the offseason, and there's reason to believe they'll do just that.
Whether they want to try to find a running back, help the secondary, or address a position they just think they need to improve, there are a wide range of places Seattle can take this.
“Coming off a championship season, picking 32nd and with just four picks total, this scenario seemed to have been designed in a lab for a John Schneider trade down. And maybe, just maybe, someone wants to come get Simpson at the bottom of the round (would Arizona want to leapfrog the Jets?).
“Regardless of how all that works out, Seattle will be on the lookout for guys to replace Kenneth Walker, Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe and Riq Woolen in the rotation at their respective positions. Should they get stuck at 32, Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price could be an interesting consideration for Schneider and Mike Macdonald, especially considering the drop-off at running back after he and Love come off the board,” Albert Breer wrote.
I wouldn't suggest taking a running back for the Seahawks too early. I understand the need to replace Kenneth Walker, but I also think this system is designed for running backs to be rather decent, as long as the options are at least suitable.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 13: Bennedict Mathurin #00 and Isaiah Jackson #22 of the Indiana Pacers block out Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the preseason game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 13, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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MILWAUKEE – The Indiana Pacers were 13-38 when the NBA trade deadline arrived in February, which was the worst record in the Eastern Conference at the time. They owned their 2026 first-round draft pick thanks to a smart trade last summer, meaning their poor record was trending toward a top selection in a strong 2026 draft.
Then, the Pacers made a bold trade. To acquire defensive anchor Ivica Zubac, Indiana agreed to a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. Zubac and Kobe Brown went to the Pacers. Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a second-round draft pick, and two first-round picks went to the Clippers.
One of the two first-round draft picks is the Pacers 2029 selection, and the second rounder is the Dallas Mavericks 2028 pick that the Pacers had previously acquired. Those are straightforward. But the other first rounder included in the deal is what made the trade bold – it’s the Pacers 2026 first-round draft pick. But it wasn’t sent outright.
Instead, it was traded with protections. If the pick falls within the top-four draft slots after the draft lottery on May 10, the Pacers will keep it and send the Clippers a 2031 first rounder, unprotected. If the pick lands outside of the top four, it will go to Los Angeles.
What makes the protections fascinating is that the Pacers have no control over their destiny. The top four picks in the NBA Draft are currently determined by the lottery, and every pick afterwards is made in the inverse order of the standings. Even after the trade, the Pacers had no way of guaranteeing that their 2026 first rounder would land in the top four.
“That’s a business decision. I can’t predict what happens in the lottery. Whatever happens, happens,” Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith said of the projected 2026 pick being included in the trade.
What did the Pacers draft pick trade do to their season?
While the Pacers had just 13 wins at the time of the trade, their final spot in the standings was far from certain. On that same date, the Sacramento Kings (12 wins), Utah Jazz (16), New Orleans Pelicans (13), Brooklyn Nets (13), and Washington Wizards (14) were near the Pacers in the NBA’s basement. None of those teams had been eliminated from the playoffs yet, but they were about a month away, meaning draft positioning was already a focus for several of those franchises.
The Pacers couldn’t reach the postseason field with certainty on March 11. They were the first team in the league to be hit with that fate, and their early-February trade became even more felt at that point.
With no postseason action to play for, the Pacers spot in the inverse standings became a major point to follow. If they finished with a bottom-three record, they’d have the highest possible odds of keeping their pick in the draft lottery. But if they finished with the fourth-worst record or better, their odds would drop somewhat.
“We’d like to have a top-four pick,” Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said with a laugh when asked what he still hopes to add to his team after the trade. “Depending on if we have the pick or don’t have the pick determines some of what we do roster-wise, what we have flexibility-wise with the cap.”
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 23: Kobe Brown #21 of the Los Angeles Clippers dives for a loose ball while being guarded by Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 23, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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A bottom-three finish would give the blue and gold a 52.1% chance at landing a top-four pick via the NBA draft lottery. The fourth-worst record would drop that percentage to 48.1%, then 42.1% at the fifth-worst spot. The Pacers, like every eliminated team, actually had a reason to aim for the bottom.
When addressing a question about teams angling to improve their draft position, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “I think what we’re seeing is modern analytics where it’s so clear that the incentives are misaligned.” The word incentive is fitting, and the Pacers had incentive to aim for a bottom-three record. They already did somewhat before making the trade for Zubac thanks to their 13-38 record. But after the deal, they had perhaps even more motivation.
After the All-Star break, the Pacers lost a franchise record 16 games in a row. Injuries mounted, just like they had all season. Their schedule was challenging from early March to the end of the campaign. The confluence of health, incentives, and opponent quality led to a pile of losses.
After making the trade to acquire Zubac, the Pacers went 6-25 the rest of the way. They finished 19-63, and that ranked as the second-worst record in the NBA. Only the Wizards were worse.
And that finish means the Pacers enter the upcoming draft lottery with the best possible odds of keeping their top-four protected pick. There’s a 52.1% chance their selection is drawn into the top four, and the 2026 rookie class is considered very strong at the top. The other 47.9% of lottery outcomes would have the pick going to the Clippers – the only possibilities there are pick five and six.
“We don’t control that,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of the draft lottery. “If it doesn’t happen, there’s a contingency plan to build the team up too. We’re going to view it as a win-win situation… If it turns out we don’t get one of the four picks, then we’ve fulfilled a pretty significant part of what we owe the Clippers and we’ve gotten a center.”
The odds that the Pacers end up with the number one overall selection is 14%. That would be quite the prize for the team after a crummy season. But the franchise has to wait just over two more weeks to know their draft fate, and that fate will be determined by the best-possible odds.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
All eyes are set to be on Fernando Mendoza at the 2026 NFL Draft, where he's expected to be the No. 1 pick to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mendoza has now been in the spotlight arguably more than any other college quarterback for months — after leading Indiana to an unbeaten season as the national champions, he's now set to be an NFL star.
In the weeks prior to the draft, however, an alleged old social media comment by Mendoza went viral, with him facing criticism over the words he left on a post about George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in 2020.
Here's what to know about Mendoza's alleged old comment on the Instagram post.
An Instagram post from LeBron James in 2020 was recently resurfaced, which shows a photo of police officer Derrick Chauvin kneeling on Floyd. Chauvin killed Floyd while he was being arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in May 2020, and he was arrested and convicted of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Alongside that was a photo of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick also kneeling, with the caption "This...Is Why."
Mendoza, would have then been in high school, allegedly left a comment on James' post that read: "You need to explain the context of the first photo of the cop on the man, because you never know what he did wrong."
Weeks before the NFL Draft, Mendoza's alleged comment on James' 2020 post was resurfaced on social media, including an X post from the account "Pop Crave" that got over 10 million impressions.
Fernando Mendoza is under fire following a resurfaced comment he made on LeBron James’ post about George Floyd:
“You need to explain the context of the first photo of the cop on the man, because you never know what he did wrong 🤷♂️” pic.twitter.com/hFGAhGoEUp
Running backs, across NFL history, have not been one of the more valued positions — both in free agency and in the draft.
Considering that most data will show an average running back can produce well behind a dominant offensive line, most teams invest their largest contracts on quarterbacks, receivers, defensive lineman or offensive lineman. But there are exceptions to that philosophy of not using premiere draft picks on a running back, especially when a special prospect comes around.
In 2026, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love — simultaneously viewed as one of the most electric and safest players available — is expected to become a top-10 pick, if not a top-5 selection. Should that happen, he'd join an exclusive list full of elite running backs in the 21st century who were drafted with a high slot.
Here's a look at the highest-drafted running backs in the NFL since 2000.
Since 2000, there have been 17 running backs to go in the top-10 of the NFL Draft.
Here's a look at each of those selections.
Jamal Lewis, 2000, No. 5 overall
The Baltimore Ravens took the first running back in the 2000 NFL Draft, selecting Tennessee's Jamal Lewis.
Lewis would spent seven years as a Raven, contributing to a Super Bowl title in his rookie year — he became the youngest player to play in and win a Super Bowl. He also had some outstanding seasons in the NFL, with 2,066 yards on the ground in 2003, which remains the third-most in a single season, named the Offensive Player of the Year.
In 2012, Lewis was inducted into the Ravens' Ring of Honor. He was also a one-time First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2003, later spending time with the Browns.
Thomas Jones, 2000, No. 7 overall
There were two top-10 running backs in 2000, with the Arizona Cardinals also selecting Virginia's Thomas Jones at No. 7.
Jones didn't wind up becoming a star in Arizona, but he would have five career 1,000-yard seasons between the Bears and Jets from 2005-09. When he retired, he was among the top-25 rushers in NFL history, with a 2008 Pro Bowl selection and over 10,000 rushing yards in total.
Jones played for the Cardinals, Buccaneers, Bears, Jets and Chiefs from 2000 to 2011.
The Chargers are certainly thrilled with how this selection panned out. LaDainian Tomlinson, coming out of TCU, went No. 5 in the 2001 Draft, then went on to become an MVP and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Over 11 NFL seasons, including nine with the Chargers, Tomlinson was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time First-Team All-Pro selection, and a two-time rushing champion. In 2006, he had one of the greatest single seasons by a running back, winning MVP after breaking the record for touchdowns in a single season (31) and rushing for more than 1,800 yards.
In all but one of his nine seasons with the Chargers, Tomlinson topped 1,000 rushing yards. “L.T.” was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 and is regarded as one of the best running backs ever.
Ronnie Brown, 2005, No. 2 overall
After Alex Smith went No. 1 to the 49ers in 2005, the Miami Dolphins selected a running back, taking Auburn’s Ronnie Brown — who shared carries for the Tigers with another top-five pick that year.
As a rookie, Brown became Miami’s starting back after a Ricky Williams suspension, and by 2006, he was the featured back, rushing for more than 1,000 yards.
However, Brown’s first two NFL seasons were also two of his best. He remained in Miami until 2011, when he signed with the Eagles and played a limited role before later stints with the Chargers and Texans.
Over his NFL career, Brown totaled 5,391 rushing yards and one Pro Bowl selection.
Cedric Benson, 2005, No. 4 overall
There were three top-5 running backs in 2005, which is rather unheard of in the modern era. But at No. 4, the Bears selected Texas' Cedric Benson.
Benson's rookie season didn't go according to plan — he had a contract dispute with Chicago, then fell behind on the depth chart and went down with an injury. It wasn't until 2006 that Benson even had his first NFL touchdown, but he did help contribute to the team's Super Bowl run that season.
While Benson became Chicago's starter in 2007, he finished with 674 yards before his season ended with another injury. He was released by the Bears in 2008 following an alcohol-related arrest.
Benson did go on to find success in Cincinnati. He ran for a career-high 1,251 yards in 2009 for the Bengals, then another 1,111 in 2010 and 1,067 in 2011. Benson, who also dealt with various legal issues off the field, finished his NFL career with the Packers in 2012.
The second Auburn running back to go in the top-5 in 2005 was Cadillac Williams, who had shared playing time with Brown in college. While at Auburn, Williams set the school's record for career rushing touchdowns and helped the team go undefeated in 2004. The Buccaneers took him at No. 5.
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) July 9, 2024
Williams' best NFL season was his first — he won Offensive Rookie of the Year after posting 1,178 rushing yards for Tampa Bay. He never reached the 1,000-yard mark again, dealing with injuries over the next few seasons before falling behind on the depth chart, still putting up 832 yards in 2009.
Williams finished his career with one season for the Rams in 2011, owning over 4,000 career rushing yards. He has since coached at Auburn and for the Raiders.
Reggie Bush, 2006, No. 2 overall
As the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, there was plenty of buzz for Reggie Bush in the 2006 NFL Draft. He lived up to it, going second overall to the Saints.
Bush, however, wasn't quite the megastar running back in the NFL that he was at USC. He wasn't an immediate starter, struggling on the ground but making some impact as a pass-catcher as a rookie. In an up-and-down rookie year, he had 565 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
It's always a good day for Reggie Bush highlights. 🔥
Injuries played a role in Bush being off the field a bit, but he remained a solid running back — more notably, he was a First-Team All-Pro at punt returner in 2008. He also helped guide New Orleans to a Super Bowl in 2009.
Bush later joined the Dolphins in 2011, where he made his most impact as a rusher since his college days, totaling 1,086 yards in his first season. He also topped 1,000 yards for the Lions in 2013.
Bush finished his career with the 49ers and Bills as a backup, retiring in 2017 with 5,490 rushing yards in total.
Also the most recent running back to win MVP, Adrian Peterson went No. 7 to the Vikings in the 2007 NFL Draft. He set the freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards in 2004 at Oklahoma and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up.
Success followed Peterson to the NFL — he played 15 seasons, including nine in Minnesota. As a rookie, he set an NFL record for the most rushing yards in a single game (296) and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. By 2010, he was the fifth-fastest player ever to reach 5,000 rushing yards.
After a knee injury set him back in 2011, Peterson dominated for 2,097 rushing yards in 2012, coming up just short of the single-season record. He won MVP for the Vikings in 2012.
Peterson was suspended in 2014 for charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. He also dealt with injuries to finish out his time in Minnesota, then would go on to spend time with the Saints, Cardinals, Commanders, Lions, Titans and Seahawks as a backup. In 2018, Peterson had his last 1,000-yard season for Washington.
He finished his career with four First-Team All-Pro and three Second-Team All-Pro nods, three rushing titles and 14,918 rushing yards in total.
Darren McFadden, 2008, No. 4 overall
After the Falcons took Matt Ryan at No. 3, the Raiders went with running back Darren McFadden at No. 4 in the 2008 NFL Draft. McFadden had a decorated Arkansas career, a two-time Heisman finalist who was later a College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
McFadden's NFL career, however, wasn't quite the same. He dealt with nagging injuries throughout his career, topping 1,000 rushing yards only twice in 2010 (1,157) for Oakland and again in 2015 (1,089) for the Cowboys. He was never a 16-game starter in the pros, despite making an impact in some other ways.
McFadden retired in 2017 with 5,421 career rushing yards.
At No. 9 in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills took Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, who had been a unanimous All-American.
Spiller had a slow start to his career, mostly contributing on special teams in 2010 and 2011. In 2012, he broke through with 1,244 rushing yards for Buffalo, then was selected to the Pro Bowl, then was also solid in 2013 with 933 rushing yards.
Throughout the rest of his NFL career until 2017, Spiller dealt with injuries and was also more of a special teams contributor. He spent time with the Saints, Seahawks, Jets and Chiefs before his retirement with 3,451 rushing yards in his career.
Trent Richardson, 2012, No. 3 overall
The Browns took a big swing at No. 3 in the 2012 NFL Draft, taking two-time national champion at Alabama, Trent Richardson.
Richardson had a great rookie season, running for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns — but those would be his peak numbers in the NFL. In September 2013, Richardson was traded to the Colts in exchange for the first-round pick that became Johnny Manziel, with Indianapolis needing a back to account for Vick Ballard's season-ending injury.
Richardson, however, didn't find the same elite production, finishing with just over 500 yards in 2013 and 2014. He wasn't active for the team's playoff run in the 2014 playoffs, including a team suspension for missing walk-throughs, and he was waived in March 2015.
Those would be Richardson's last NFL games, as he was waived by both the Raiders and Ravens over the next two years after signing deals with each squad. He later played in the CFL, AAF and FAM leagues, finishing with 2,032 NFL rushing yards.
Ezekiel Elliott, 2016, No. 4 overall
It had been a while since a team took a running back in the top 10 by 2016, when the Cowboys bucked the trend by selecting Ohio State star Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4. With the spotlight on him in Dallas, Elliott remained a star.
In his first seven NFL seasons, all with the Cowboys, Elliott was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro selection, leading the league in rushing yards in both 2016 and 2018. Famous for his “Feed Zeke” mentality, he was one of the league’s best backs in the late 2010s, with four 1,000-yard seasons — including a career-high 1,631 yards (third most by a rookie) and 15 touchdowns as a rookie. The only significant time Elliott missed was a six-game suspension in 2017 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, which stemmed from accusations of domestic violence.
He was released by Dallas after rushing for 876 yards in 2022, then had a one-year stint with the Patriots. Elliott returned to the Cowboys in 2024 in a backup role, which was his final NFL season. He finished his career with 9,130 rushing yards.
Leonard Fournette, 2017, No. 4 overall
There were two top-10 running backs in 2017. Leonard Fournette first went at No. 4 to the Jaguars, coming off various school records at LSU as a dominant back in college.
September 19, 2015: Leonard Fournette runs for 228 yards and 3 TDs and LSU beats Auburn 45-21. pic.twitter.com/b86OEC9mWf
Fournette did find plenty of early-career success in Jacksonville, running for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, then another 1,152 yards in 2019 after dealing with injuries and a one-game suspension for fighting in 2018.
He signed a one-year deal in Tampa Bay for the 2020 season, which resulted in a Super Bowl title alongside Tom Brady despite Fournette not being the regular starter in the backfield behind Ronald Jones II. In Super Bowl LV, Fournette had 89 rushing yards, 46 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs, becoming the third player in NFL history to score touchdowns in four games in a single postseason.
Fournette was the Buccaneers' starter in 2021, posting 812 yards, and spent one more year in Tampa Bay before his last NFL season with the Bills in 2023, appearing in just two games before his release after the season.
He has not appeared in the NFL since 2023, totaling 4,518 rushing yards in his career.
The Panthers took one of the NFL's most versatile weapons ever in 2017, with Stanford star Christian McCaffrey going at No. 8 overall. In 2015, McCaffrey had been a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, still holding the NCAA record for most all-purpose yards in a season (3,864).
Outside of some injury issues, McCaffrey has become one of the more dynamic running backs in NFL history. By his second season, when he became the full-time starting back in Carolina, McCaffrey posted 1,098 rushing and 867 receiving yards as a dual-threat weapon. In 2019, he then dominated the Panthers' offense, totaling 1,387 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns to go along with 116 receptions for 1,005 receiving yards and four receiving touchdown.
After injuries held him back in 2020 and 2021, he was traded to the 49ers midway through the 2022 season. He has remained a star in San Francisco, winning Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and appearing in Super Bowl LVIII with the squad.
McCaffrey, to date, has been a three-time First-Team All-Pro and one-time Second-Team All-Pro selection, a four-time Pro Bowler and owns 7,589 career rushing yards.
The last running back to go in the top-5 was Penn State star Saquon Barkley, who followed the Browns' selection of Baker Mayfield at No. 1 by going No. 2 to the Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft. After posting plenty of Penn State records, Barkley remained an elite weapon at the next level.
Throwback to the number 2 overall pick in the 2018 Draft before he won a Super Bowl 🦅@saquon | @PennStateFball
In New York, Barkley posted 1,307 rushing yards, 721 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns as a rookie, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. He topped 1,000 rushing yards again in 2019, then had a torn ACL in 2020 that held him to just two games.
Returning in 2021, Barkley finished with 593 rushing yards in 13 games, but bounced back in 2022 with a Pro Bowl nod after posting 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Barkley hit free agency after the 2023 season, opting to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, a Giants division rival. And in his first year as an Eagle, he had one of the greatest single seasons ever, regardless of position.
Philadelphia won the Super Bowl, with Barkley also rushing for 2,005 yards in the regular season to approach the single-season record. He won Offensive Player of the Year, breaking the record for most rushing yards in one season including the playoffs.
Barkley has signed an extension in Philadelphia, now 29 and one of the league's best weapons.
Bijan Robinson, 2023, No. 8 overall
Another active running back who went in the top-10 was the Falcons' Bijan Robinson; after starring at Texas, Robinson went No. 8 in the 2023 NFL Draft, viewed as an elite prospect. That broke a drought of five drafts without a top-10 running back.
Robinson has proved Atlanta right in its selection thus far. Through three NFL seasons, he has one First-Team All-Pro selection, one Second-Team All-Pro selection, two Pro Bowl nods and 3,910 rushing yards in total. In 2025, he had career-highs with 1,478 rushing yards and 820 receiving yards as the engine of the Falcons' offense.
The last running back to go in the top-10 was last year. After finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up and leading FBS in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2025, the Raiders made Ashton Jeanty the No. 6 overall pick.
Jeanty had a good-not-great rookie season, rushing for 975 yards and five touchdowns in a Raiders offense that struggled as a unit. However, he's still viewed as one of the best young weapons in the NFL, with a powerful build and a knack for running through defenders.
In other words, we're neither right nor wrong about Arch Manning yet. The Texas quarterback is one of four quarterbacks who were on our top 10 last year. Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers and Sam Leavitt all returned to school along with Manning, which our list still holds up on some level aside from missing out on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The 2027 quarterback class is loaded with talent. Manning and Moore are at the top of that list, which includes 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin, 2026 Heisman Trophy preseason favorite CJ Carr and Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, a breakout star last season whose NFL value is difficult to gauge.
Ultimately, however, most of the draft-day buzz is going to re-circle Manning in 2026. Will he emerge as the top quarterback and be the No. 1 pick, like his uncles Peyton and Eli, who went on to become two-time Super Bowl winners in the NFL? Manning showed signs he could be that No. 1 pick toward the end of the 2025 college football season, and we are buying in once again.
Sporting News breaks down the top 10 quarterbacks for 2027.
Manning (6-4, 219) is our No. 1 quarterback for the second straight season – but there is no guarantee he will be the first quarterback given the first half of last season with Texas in 2025. Manning struggled with accuracy and was labeled a bust after a Week 6 loss against Florida. He had a 60% completion percentage or better in each of Texas' last six games – which isn't off the charts but was an improvement in a stretch where he passed for 14 TDs and two interceptions. He had 13 TDs on passes of 20 yards or more – and he added 399 rushing yards and 10 TDs. Manning has a strong supporting cast with the Longhorns this season. We expect him to live up to the renewed hype in 2026, which started after this run.
Arch Manning - 60 yard TD run to twist the knife on Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. pic.twitter.com/DjWHktNk8j
Moore (6-3, 206) was No. 10 on this list last season – and SN wrote, "We are going to trust that patience leads to a breakout season with Dan Lanning at Oregon." That happened. Moore passed for 3,565 yards, 30 TDs and 10 interceptions and led the Ducks to the CFP quarterfinals. Moore had six games with three TD passes or more, and he picks his spots in the running game effectively. He had 15 TDs and two interceptions on passes of 20 yards or more. Moore struggled in the losses to Indiana – a two-game stretch where he had a 60% completion percentage and took eight sacks – which were outliers from the rest of the season.
3. Julian Sayin, Ohio State
2025 statistics: 3,610 yards, 77%, 32 TDs, 8 INTs
Sayin (6-1, 208) led the nation in completion percentage as a Heisman Trophy finalist, and yet he's already being labeled as a "game manager" given the supporting cast at Ohio State. Sayin had a 62% completion percentage on passes of 20 yards or more, and he made more mistakes in the short passing game. He's going to benefit from the addition of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Sayin limited mistakes under pressure. While there is excitement around sophomore Tavien St. Clair at Ohio State in the future, Sayin remains the first-round caliber quarterback right now. Sayin faces more scrutiny now than he will at the NFL Scouting Combine, and it's easy to under-appreciate the five-star talent producing at a high level.
Chambliss (6-0, 200) will be projected all over the draft board. He's 23 years old and entering a sixth college-football season after receiving a waiver to play one more year with the Rebels. That might knock him out of the first round – but we trust the on-field production and play-making skills that showed up against Georgia and Miami. Chambliss had 527 rushing yards and eight rushing TDs, and that's ability to make improv decisions outside the pocket that carried the Rebels to a berth in the CFP semifinals. He did not have an interception in the intermediate passing range (10-19 yards according to PFF). Height will be a question mark, but Chambliss is bound to impress at the on-field workout portion of the NFL Scouting Combine. Will that value fluctuate without Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. at Ole Miss.
Carr (6-2, 210) is among the Heisman Trophy favorites heading into his second season at Notre Dame – and our projection is tempered by the belief he could return to school in 2027 with the hopes of being the No. 1 pick in the 2028 NFL Draft. He's a high-end prospect who showed accuracy with eight TDs and no interceptions on passes of 20 yards or more. He took just 12 sacks and has escapability in the pocket. Carr will have to deal with higher expectations in Year 2 at Notre Dame – and that is the challenge before entertaining his first-round value. Still, the accuracy is ahead of schedule, and he is on track to end the Irish's first-round quarterback drought, which extends back to Brady Quinn in 2007.
Maiava (6-4, 230) checks a lot of boxes for the next level. He's a big quarterback with a quick release who led the Big Ten in passing yards last season. He had 300-plus yards in regular-season losses to Illinois, Notre Dame and Oregon. Maiava did throw 10 interceptions, but we're less worried about that given the high-volume passing attack under USC coach Lincoln Riley. Maiava ranked 13th in the FBS with a 157.8 passer efficiency rating. He had a 55.6% completion percentage with 13 TDs and seven interceptions on passes of 10 yards or more – numbers that will have to improve if he wants to stay in the conversation as a first-round pick.
Mensah (6-3, 205) is Miami's third transfer quarterback in three seasons, and he is an interesting sleeper among 2027 QBs. He led the ACC in TD passes in 2026 – and 28 of those TDs were on passes of 10 yards or more. He passed for 56 TDs and 12 interceptions the last two years at Tulane and Duke – where he compiled an 18-9 record and played in two conference championship games. According to PFF, Mensah had 15 TDs and one interception on play-action passes. Cam Ward and Carson Beck had success on their one-year tours with Miami. Mensah likely will fall somewhere in between those in the NFL Draft – and for now he is in between a Round 1 and Day 2 pick.
Sellers (6-3, 240) could end up being the most-talked about quarterback in this draft cycle – especially when he shows off the strong arm at the 2027 NFL Combine. Sellers has a 43.5% completion percentage with 16 TDs and eight interceptions on passes of 20 yards or more the last two seasons with the Gamecocks. He took 42 sacks last season – including seven games with four sacks or more. The upside is tremendous given the talent Sellers possess – and he might get drafted in the first round on that potential alone. It's still a gamble for a quarterback with a 12-12 record as a starter the last two seasons. He needs to have a bounce-back season first.
Hoover (6-2, 200) is the most-proven quarterback to transfer to Indiana the last three seasons, and that's saying something considering Mendoza is set to be the No. 1 pick after winning the Heisman Trophy. How will the Hoosiers help Hoover? It starts with cutting down turnovers and better decision making. Hoover averaged 28 TDs and 12 interceptions with the Horned Frogs. He can refine that under coach Curt Cignetti, and that could help maximize his draft-day value. He still feels like a high Day 2 pick – but we won't underestimate the improvement in efficiency Hoover should see with the defending national champions.
Leavitt (6-2, 205) was No. 6 on this list last season. So, what happened? He suffered a season-ending foot injury which kept him out of spring football with LSU. How much will that impact his mobility – which was key to his success the last two seasons with the Sun Devils? He averaged 374.5 rushing yards and five TDs per season. Leavitt has a 50.4% completion percentage on passes between 10-19 yards the last two seasons, according to PFF. That is the range where he will have to show improvement with Lane Kiffin at LSU. We like pairing Leavitt with Tigers offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Leavitt projects as a Day 2 QB with a chance to move up.
Manchester United star agrees terms on huge new contract
Kobbie Mainoo Contract Signals New Manchester United Direction
Midfield Revival Under Carrick
There is something quietly symbolic about Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence at Manchester United. Only months ago, the academy graduate stood on the periphery, contemplating a loan move to Napoli, uncertain of his place and his future. Now, as reported by The Mirror, he is on the brink of signing a contract worth £120,000 per week, tying him to Old Trafford until 2031.
“Kobbie Mainoo is poised to quadruple his wages after agreeing a new deal with Manchester United.” It is a line that captures more than financial reward. It reflects a shift in mood, in trust, and perhaps most crucially, in direction.
Under interim manager Michael Carrick, Mainoo has rediscovered both rhythm and relevance. His reintroduction into the starting XI has coincided with United’s climb to third in the table, a rise built not on spectacle but on control. Mainoo’s composure in midfield has provided exactly that.
Contract Talks Reflect Long Term Vision
“The England midfielder has been in negotiations with club bosses for the last three months.” That prolonged dialogue suggests careful planning rather than reactive decision making. United appear determined to secure one of their brightest prospects before his value, both symbolic and financial, escalates further.
It is understood that Carrick, while maintaining distance from negotiations, “spoke to club bosses to outline the long-term value of Mainoo.” That endorsement carries weight. Carrick, a former midfield orchestrator himself, recognises nuance where others may have overlooked it.
Mainoo’s new deal is not simply about retaining talent. It is about restoring identity. For a club often criticised for drifting between philosophies, investing in a technically assured, homegrown midfielder feels deliberate.
From Frustration To Opportunity
The contrast is stark. “Mainoo had become fed up with life at Old Trafford, after former boss Ruben Amorim refused to pick him.” At that stage, his concerns extended beyond club football. “Mainoo feared his chances of making England’s World Cup squad would be dead and buried due to Amorim’s treatment of him.”
Photo IMAGO
That anxiety now feels distant. His recall to the England squad has revived ambitions that once seemed to be slipping away. With the World Cup approaching, Mainoo’s trajectory has shifted from uncertainty to expectation.
England Ambitions Back On Track
There is a growing sense that Mainoo belongs at the highest level. His performances have been measured rather than flamboyant, yet increasingly influential. He dictates tempo, protects possession, and understands space in a way that cannot be taught quickly.
As his confidence grows, so too does his standing within the squad. “Mainoo won back his place in the England squad last month, and is growing increasingly confident he will be on the plane to the World Cup in North America in June.”
In many ways, this contract feels like confirmation of what United now believe he can become, not merely a squad player, but a cornerstone.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this development feels overdue but still significant. Mainoo represents something the club has lacked for years, a calm, technically intelligent midfielder developed in house, capable of dictating play rather than reacting to it.
There will be some scepticism around the wage figure. £120,000 per week for a 21 year old carries risk, especially at a club that has previously handed out inflated contracts too easily. Yet this feels different. This is not a panic decision, it is a reward aligned with performance and potential.
Carrick’s influence is also encouraging. Fans have long wanted to see clearer footballing logic behind decisions. His backing of Mainoo suggests a more coherent approach is emerging, one that values control in midfield rather than chaos.
There is also a wider implication. If United are serious about rebuilding, players like Mainoo must be central. Not just as contributors, but as leaders of a new identity. His development could define the next phase of the club’s evolution.
For supporters, the hope is simple. This is not just another contract announcement. It is the start of something more stable, more thoughtful, and ultimately more successful.
Roma meet with Alajbegovic’s father, submit contract bid
Roma is looking to build its future with a transfer move that has the potential to excite fans and unite everyone within the club.
The name being circulated persistently is Kerim Alajbegovic, a Bosnian talent who stood out with his performances against Italy.
The negotiations began with a lunch under the spring sun of Rome, with Miralem Pjanic and Alajbegovic’s father, Semin, discussing not only the youngster’s future but also Roma’s project.
Massara struck the deal. A direct, face-to-face meeting was held to advance a deal that Roma wants to make a priority. Because for Alajbegovic, there’s a clear desire to outperform Napoli and Milan.
As Corriere dello Sport reports, Pjanic’s mediation wasn’t just a simple matter. Initial contacts date back to late March. And it’s possible Massara may not have played the Fulvio Bernardini card.
Show Trigoria, discuss the Friedkin project, and explain why Roma is now a hub for growth, with Gasperini ready to transform talent into performance.
The salary isn’t daunting: a base salary of under €1 million, with a gradual increase in bonuses and fixed salary.
The real sticking point is the player’s transfer fee, with a valuation ranging between €25 and €30 million.
A significant figure, sparking interest from clubs across Europe. This is why the father is continuing his tour. England, Spain, Italy.
Roma was the first to move in Serie A, but they won’t be the only ones: Naples and Milan could be the cities on Semin and Pjanic’s new “tourist” tour.
Utah Mammoth defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) and center Logan Cooley (92) celebrate after Cooley's goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period in Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
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Ian Maule
LAS VEGAS — Kailer Yamamoto is a man of few words, but the three he used to describe the Utah Mammoth’s locker room after its first-ever playoff win said it all.
“It was hyped.”
The Mammoth’s series with Vegas Golden Knights was one of the biggest question marks in the league going into this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.
On one hand, you have a somewhat-recent championship team that significantly underperformed in the regular season. Yet, after a coaching change, the team went on a 7-0-1 run to clinch the division title.
On the other hand, you have a young, inexperienced team — both on the ice and behind the bench — that has found ways to beat good teams all year, including the Golden Knights.
The result, at least through two games, is a deadlock. Not only is the series knotted at 1-1, but neither team has even maintained any semblance of dominance for more than a few minutes at a time.
Both games were decided by one mistake.
“That’s what playoffs are all about, you know?” said Mammoth defenseman MacKenzie Weegar after Utah’s 3-2 win at T-Mobile Arena Tuesday. “Tight games like that, and we willed our way to get that win tonight.”
The teams now head to Salt Lake City for a two-game set. With each team having won a game, they’re guaranteed to make at least one more trip to Sin City.
Passing the torch
For the first couple years of their respective careers, Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley chipped in secondary offense, with guys like Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz doing the bulk of the heavy lifting.
This season, it has begun to switch — and in the playoffs especially, the two young guns have been the Mammoth’s primary source for offense.
“These two are unbelievable,” said Yamamoto of his two line mates. “Everything they do, you know, very easy to play with for myself and they just use their speed. They’re so quick and heavy on pucks.”
Much has been said about the difference between the playoffs and the regular season. Around the league, there are plenty of stars who score a point per game or more from October through the first two weeks of April, but lose their touch as soon as the postseason rolls around.
It’s still early into their playoff careers, but it seems as though that won’t be the case for Guenther and Cooley.
“The games are so intense, physical, fast, and I think that fits my game,” Cooley said.
He also expressed how much he cares — a trait he shares with every difference-maker in the history of the game.
“It’s so exciting playing these games,” he said. “You’re playing for the Cup. It’s what you dream of since you’re a little kid, and you just want to leave everything out there.”
Also, really quickly: Yamamoto’s contract is up at the end of the season. With how well he has complemented Guenther and Cooley — including registering two assists on Tuesday — it’s time to start thinking about an extension for No. 56.
He has played the last two seasons on two-way deals worth the league-minimum salary at the NHL level. Perhaps it’s time for him to get a raise akin to what Michael Carcone received in March.
It’s all about balance
Good playoff teams know how to play physically without taking unnecessary penalties.
That’s how Game 1 was: A combined 82 hits with just one power play for each team. But in Game 2, the penalty box attendants probably endangered their rotator cuffs with how much they had to open and close the gates.
There’s a fine line, and the Mammoth are learning to walk it. But where that line is changes from one series to the next.
“When you get in the series, (you need) to find the standard to what will be called, what won’t be called,” Tourigny explained. “We were not disciplined enough at some points. But at the same time, we had some opportunity on our power play as well.”
The NHL has a mechanism in place to promote consistency and fairness in the playoffs. Each series is assigned a supervisor — usually a retired referee — who meets with the officials to go over trends, flaws and anything the teams complain to them about.
The system allows the teams’ complaints to be heard and addressed, which helps decrease frustration levels.
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Keegan Kolesar (55) crashes into the boards after failing to check Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (92) during the second period in Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
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Ian Maule
Injuries have been very prevalent for the San Francisco 49ers over the past few years. That's the harsh reality of what this organization has dealt with, and something that will need to be fixed. If the 49ers want to be the team they know they can be, a lot of it will start with being healthy.
It'll be interesting to see what the organization decides to do during the NFL Draft, as drafting young players who have proven they can stay on the field might be a priority.
Addressing this health issue among young guys should be a priority, as should eventually replacing some of the older guys. One of those guys is Trent Williams, who recently agreed to a new contract. It doesn't look like Williams is leaving relatively soon, but finding his replacement should be a priority. From the sound of things, it will be.
“Also, at some point the Niners are going to have to find and groom Trent Williams’s successor. Someone like Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor would be appealing along those lines as an athletic freak who could begin as a right tackle (his college position) with the hope he could eventually move over to take Williams’ spot. And with fewer picks overall than normal, trading down is something that the Niners will certainly seriously consider,” Albert Breer wrote.
Offensive line picks are typically not ones that fans get too excited about. However, these are the type of moves that can truly come back to put San Francisco in a position to win a Super Bowl. I'd love for the 49ers to take a tackle and have him learn from Williams, one of the best in the NFL over the past decade.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Ryan Walker #74 of the San Francisco Giants celebrates a win against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on April 21, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Suzanna Mitchell/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants have not developed a reputation for intelligence early this season, but on Tuesday they did something very, very smart. They jumped on Yoshinobu Yamamoto early.
You’re familiar with Yamamoto. You hoped he was as good as everyone said he was when the Giants appeared determined to not be outbid for his services two years ago. You feared that he was as good as everyone said he was when he instead signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. You confirmed that he was as good as everyone said he was when did his best Madison Bumgarner impression last fall while leading the Dodgers to a second consecutive championship, collecting a World Series MVP award and a top-three Cy Young finish along the way.
So the Giants did the sensible thing. They pounced before Yamamoto had time to realize where he was.
Willy Adames led off the bottom of the first inning with an infield single, and took second on an error by shortstop Hyeseong Kim. Luis Arráez followed by doing the one thing he does better than anyone on the planet: hitting a single.
Yamamoto was just seven pitches in, and found himself both in trouble and unsure what had happened. Lost in a haze of confusion and crisp Bay Area fog, he proceeded to walk Matt Chapman, loading the bases with no outs.
The Giants are not always prepared to capitalize on these situations. You might go so far as to say that they’re rarely prepared to capitalize on these situations.
But they capitalized on this situation.
On the very next pitch, Rafael Devers looked nothing like his old self, as he barely made contact on a get-it-in fastball, ever so lightly dusting a foul tip into Dalton Rushing’s glove.
But on the pitch after that, Devers looked very much like his old self, dipping below the zone to grab a sinker and still smacking it loudly into the outfield, scoring a run.
The Giants had achieved the rare act of capitalizing, and had a rarer act left in their back pocket: adding on.
Casey Schmitt hit next and flew a ball into left field, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly which, it turns out, was the absolute best-case scenario for the Dodgers. Despite it being a fairly routine fly ball for Teoscar Hernández, center fielder Alex Call flew full speed after it, robbing his teammate of catch and instead gifting him a head-on collision. Miraculously, Call hung onto the ball. Even more miraculously, neither player was injured on the type of play that catches an entire stadium’s collective breath.
After the dust from that had settled, Jung Hoo Lee wisely seemed to predict that Yamamoto would be a little out of sorts, and so he jumped on a first pitch curveball that hung up in the zone, and toasted it into right field, scoring a third run.
Just like that, the Giants had put a three-spot on Yamamoto and forced 26 pitches out of him. The ref was counting to 10, and the star pitcher was wobbling his way back to his feet and falling against the ropes.
And then Yamamoto retired the next 10 batters he faced, quickly and with almost dismissive ease, and went around the lineup two full times before giving up another hit.
Things got entertaining when he did finally give up another hit, though. In the sixth inning, the Northern California rain started to come down in droves. But being the grandson of one adverse weather condition apparently gets you in with all adverse weather conditions, as Lee was utterly unbothered by the large amounts of water falling on his face, and again hit a single to right field, this time with two outs and nobody on, giving him his sixth multi-hit game in the last 10 contests.
Heliot Ramos followed and, I’m pleased to report, the swing that he found in Washington D.C. appears to have made the trip back to the West Coast, as he worked the count full before blasting a 108.5-mph single right back up the middle.
Which is where the fun — and pain — began.
Lee, who had a two-out jump, who knew that the wet baseball would be hard to throw, and who had watched for innings on end as none of his teammates could get a hit off of Yamamoto, decided to try to score.
From first.
On a single.
A hard-hit single that was directly to the center fielder.
More accurately, Héctor Borg took all of that into consideration, saw the speed at which Lee was flying at, and watched Call lazily get the ball back in, and decided what the hell, let’s get funky.
Funky indeed.
It didn’t work, but it was fun. And in Borg’s defense, it took a wonderfully-thrown relay by Alex Freeland and a perfect tag by Rushing to retire Lee, and I’d put the odds of that not happening as higher than the odds of Drew Gilbert getting a rain-soaked hit off of the second-best pitcher in the National League when they’re in a flow state that we sports mortals simply cannot relate to.
But Lee was out indeed, and in more than one sense of the word. He walked off the field gingerly, and was replaced two innings later by Jerar Encarnación. Thankfully, the Giants did not sound concerned about the injury, which Tony Vitello described as a banged-up right quad. Unfortunately, the Giants do not have a great track record with expressing a lack of concern in an injury. But that’s an issue for another day.
Yamamoto returned for the seventh inning and struck out Gilbert, Patrick Bailey, and Adames, in order, all looking, capping an exceptional night that had felt impossible just six innings earlier: seven frames, six hits, no extra-base hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts.
But the Giants had not only jumped on him early, but stacked more than half of their baserunners in one inning, using sequencing to get a few runs on the board. And now all that was left was to rely on the pitchers, and hope that they could teach Yamamoto about the glorious and dreadful (but today just glorious) art of The Caining.
It’s funny. When you watch sports with a rooting interest, you inherently see everything through the lens of your team. The old adage that hitters don’t hit home runs, but rather that pitchers throw them, is emphatically true when your team is pitching. And it’s a crock of manure when your team is at bat.
Such it is that when we think of a Caining — or a Webbing, to use the parlance of the youths — we associate it with the Giants hitters being feckless numbskulls incapable of the teensiest shred of offensive life. We never really frame it as a great pitcher showing off their talents at the Giants’ expense. But really, it’s both.
Enter Landen Roupp.
Roupp’s season has been a revelation, and with every start he inches a little further away from “encouraging start to the season” and a little closer to “wait a dang minute, this guy might be really, really good.” But he hadn’t faced a team like the Dodgers this year, and this felt like the test. And it felt like he knew it was a test, and was screaming the answer when he opened the game by striking out Shohei Ohtani, something he would do twice on the day.
It also felt like Roupp was yelling his answer when, after ceding a two-out first-inning walk to Freddie Freeman when Bailey chose not to challenge a pitch that probably was strike three, Roupp calmly took his spot on the mound, glared at the opposing hitter, and needed just two more pitches to end the inning.
But it was the third inning where Roupp really stated his top-of-the-rotation case, when he struck out Freeland swinging, then struck out Ohtani swinging, then struck out Kyle Tucker swinging. That’s a whole lot of hundreds of millions of left-handed dollars (a few even not deferred!) that Roupp mowed down easily, with both a demeanor and a talent that look more and more like Bumgarner with every passing day.
Yet while Roupp’s excellence was the main story of LA’s stuck-in-first offense, it was the fourth inning where the Caining really transpired. That’s the inning where the Dodgers and their fans shook their heads and questioned how this could happen to them, while Yamamoto sat somewhere on the bench wondering why his own teammates hate him so much.
Freeman opened the inning by drawing a walk. Hernández worked three balls before rolling over a pitch, hitting it softly into a fielder’s choice. Max Muncy walked. And then the play that briefly shifted momentum: Rushing took a 3-1 curveball, called for strike two. He challenged, and won by what could generously be described as an eyelash. Suddenly the bases were loaded, and there was just one out.
And then Roupp walked Kim, putting the Dodgers on the board and doing nothing to ease the danger of the situation. But after falling behind to Call 2-0, Roupp battled back and, thanks to an infield defense that lived up to its potential and paycheck, got a gorgeous inning-ending double play.
Roupp’s fifth inning was much cleaner, as he took down the side in order, sandwiching an Ohtani fly ball with Freeland and Tucker strikeouts. It was an outing that, true to the Bumgarner comparisons, was as steeped in grit as it was in talent. He needed a career-high 106 pitches to get through just five innings. He threw just 58 of those pitches for strikes. He walked five batters, including a run home.
But he gave up just one hit — a soft two-out line drive by Kim — and that one run was the only one he would allow.
Baseball enthusiasts and keen eyes alike will note that Roupp pitching five innings still left four innings unaccounted for, and the Giants were legally required to give those innings to the bullpen, which really added to the Caining/Webbing of the Yamamotoing. No Dodgers fan will sleep well tonight with the thought that the Giants bullpen preserved a lead for four innings, and, armed with that knowledge, you should sleep well tonight.
But Vitello pressed the right buttons, and, more importantly, the arms delivered.
Against an almost entirely left-handed lineup, Vitello turned to lefty killer/killed by righties southpaw Ryan Borucki for the sixth, and it was the perfect time to go in that direction. Borucki easily dismissed of three lefties — Freeman, Muncy, and Rushing — and did so with such comfort that you barely noticed that a righty (Hernández) snuck in there to bop a double that went nowhere (righties are now hitting 8-15 with four extra-base hits against Borucki this season).
Vitello stacked his lefties, turning to Matt Gage in the seventh, who got two quick outs before walking Freeland.
That brought up what was, at the time, the most intriguing bullpen decision by Vitello, and one that you rarely ever see. With his lefty reliever cruising, looking good, and having thrown just 14 pitches, and with a trio of left-handed hitters up next, the Giants skipper trudged out to the mound, took the ball, and brought in a different lefty. The oh-so-rare lefty-replacing-lefty.
But if you know anything about Erik Miller, it’s that no one on earth has proven as capable of getting Ohtani out, and so Vitello turned to his secret weapon. And in a cruel twist of fate, Ohtani hit a soft infield single to keep the inning going.
Just long enough for Tucker to strike out swinging.
Vitello’s decision to turn to Miller was unconventional, but it was both savvy and analytically sound. What happened in the ninth, however, was a bit more controversial.
After a smooth eighth — Miller retired two batters, and left one runner on for Keaton Winn, who absolutely obliterated pinch-hitter Will Smith, with a nasty sequence of sinkers and splitters — Vitello had a choice to make. I assumed it would be a four-out save opportunity for Winn, who has had perhaps the most electric stuff of anyone in the bullpen this year.
But no. Vitello turned to Ryan Walker. The same Walker who was fresh off a blown save in a similar opportunity. The same Walker who has flirted with disaster enough recently that you can hear — even through the TV — the reaction in the stands as the nerves kick in.
Arguably the biggest selling point of Vitello was his ability to manage players and get the most out of them. Bob Melvin lost his job because once the Giants started slumping they simply couldn’t stop, and that wasn’t just a team issue: it happened at the team level because it happened so frequently at the individual level.
That’s why Vitello is in San Francisco where, he admitted before the game, he finally stepped out to enjoy the local culture on Monday night.
I don’t want to give all the credit for good baseball plays to one of the few people in uniform who wasn’t making baseball plays, but I had to wonder: had Vitello’s motivational ways worked some magic on Walker?
He looked fantastic striking out pinch-hitter Andy Pages, who has been one of the best hitters in baseball this year, on just four pitches. Perhaps Vitello’s show of trust was helping him settle in.
He looked excellent getting Call to fly one out to left field, never falling behind in the count. Maybe Vitello, who has refused to name a closer publicly, has said the perfect things privately.
He looked dynamic striking out Freeland with an other-worldly sinker, then unleashed the roar of someone who felt like himself for the first time in a while. Like someone who has made no attempts to hide that they want to be the closer, and that they believe they should be the closer.
The buttons correctly pressed. A Caining on the other foot. Another data point suggesting Roupp is That Guy. Some timely hits. And a bullpen that maybe isn’t so bad, after all.
Most importantly, LA beaten. By a delightful 3-1 margin.
Tyrique George of Everton thanks the supporters after the Premier League match between Brentford and Everton at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, United Kingdom, on April 11, 2026. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
“There are still five games to go and plenty of points to play for…I’m just happy to keep on playing. I’m enjoying it, but we’ll see what happens for the rest of the season…there are still points to play for, it’s really tight. We know what we need to do and keep going,“ says Dwight McNeil. [Echo]
Jonathan Nsangou scored a worldie for the Under-16s the other day.
Blues linked with 22-year-old Venezia midfielder Issa Doumbia. [TEAMtalk]
Enjoy this long read from Beto on his current form and future Everton aspirations. [EFC]
Some Michael Keane and Vitaliy Mykolenko contract news from the Bobble.
Everton are planning to trigger extensions in both contracts of Michael Keane and Vitalli Mykolenko that will keep both players at the club until 2027 🔵 pic.twitter.com/YkiXMJoMto
There's a lot that can happen during the 2026 NFL Draft, but it'd be rather surprising to see the Chicago Bears pass on a defensive player. The Bears have shown that they need to improve on the defensive side of the football, and finding a young edge rusher who can pair with some of the veterans on the defensive side of the football could take this team from being one of the best in the NFL to the best in the league when things go as planned.
The Bears were very good last season but are still looking to improve, and there are a lot of ways for them to do that in the draft. From the sound of things, one of them will be finding an edge rusher.
“Since acquiring Montez Sweat three years ago (Sweat turns 30 in September—time flies), Chicago has been looking for his bookend. With the sorts of big, long ends that Dennis Allen likes, with Auburn’s Keldric Faulk and Missouri’s Zion Young possibly available, this could be the year they find one.
"Left tackle is another spot to keep an eye on. The team really liked Ozzy Trapilo as a rookie, but he tore his patellar tendon, throwing his future into flux (and making his ability to play at all in 2026 uncertain) and pushing the team to bring back Braxton Jones for another run and take a flier on former first-rounder Jedrick Wills Jr. So given what GM Ryan Poles and HC Ben Johnson typically value, it’d hardly be a shock for the Bears to pick up another potential long-term answer at the position,” Albert Breer wrote.
The only problem here for the Bears is that they aren't exactly in a prime spot to land an elite edge. That doesn't mean they can't develop one into a very good player eventually, but if the Bears were about four to five picks higher, they'd probably find themselves in a better position.
Lancaster Park damaged after the 2011 earthquake (Marty Melville)
A new $400 million stadium that was a symbol of Christchurch's struggle to rebuild after a deadly earthquake struck the New Zealand city will host its first match Friday in front of a sellout rugby crowd.
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake killed 185 people in February 2011 and toppled or damaged buildings, including the city's old Lancaster Park.
The stadium, which hosted international rugby and cricket and was home to rugby team the Canterbury Crusaders, was badly damaged and never reopened.
It was bulldozed in 2019 and turned into sports fields, leaving the Crusaders without a permanent home.
Government funding for a new stadium was finally approved in 2020, and Super Rugby side the Crusaders will run out at the NZ$683 million (US$404 million) Te Kaha stadium on Friday.
The 30,000-capacity state-of-the-art arena is one of the last projects to finish following the devastation 15 years ago.
"It's real beautiful and a great representation of our region," All Blacks and Crusaders back Leicester Fainga'anuku said.
"This place has become the heart of the city and it's something our people deserve.
"From the moment we heard about the new build and what it means to us and our people, it gets you excited.
"Now it's finally here, we're just ready to get into it and put on a good show."
Coach Rob Penney, whose side face the NSW Waratahs to open the stadium, said it had been "a long wait".
Taha Kemara, who will start at fly-half for the Crusaders, added: "It's something we've been looking forward to for a long time and something the city's been waiting for."
Canterbury found a temporary home after the earthquake at Rugby League Park, where the team won eight Super Rugby titles in nine years.
The ground was a fortress for the Crusaders, partly because of the freezing conditions that could greet unsuspecting away teams.
Under a roof at Te Kaha the conditions will be milder, but Penney hopes the fans keep the atmosphere hostile.
Fainga'anuku, who usually plays at wing or centre, will switch to flanker for the game and Penney said it was something the All Black had wanted to try for some time.
"This stadium felt like the right place to do it," Penney said.
"He loves big environments, loves pressure moments, and we feel he'll add real value against this opposition."
The Crusaders are also bolstered by the return of All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor, while David Havili is back in the starting side at centre.
Logan Cooley didn’t just score a goal—he announced Utah’s arrival on the playoff stage.
The 20-year-old forward buried the decisive marker midway through the third period, lifting the Utah Mammoth to a 3–2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of their Western Conference First Round series Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena. The victory marked the first postseason win in franchise history and evened the series at one game apiece.
Cooley Delivers Defining Moment Late
Cooley’s breakthrough came at 14:00 of the third, the product of relentless pressure and timing. After Dylan Guenther drove the net and rang a rebound off the post, Cooley crashed the crease and slipped the loose puck past Carter Hart’s right skate, turning a chaotic scramble into a defining moment.
Utah’s approach was evident throughout the night—speed through the middle, pressure on the puck, and a willingness to get dirty in front of the net. That identity paid off in a game where clean looks were scarce and second-effort chances proved decisive.
Guenther delivered a standout performance, recording his first career playoff goal along with an assist. Kailer Yamamoto quietly orchestrated much of the offense with two helpers, while goaltender Karel Vejmelka turned aside 19 shots to secure his first postseason victory.
Utah’s Speed And Depth Tilt The Ice
Vegas, the Pacific Division’s top seed, found production from familiar sources but struggled to maintain control as the game wore on. Mark Stone opened the scoring on the power play late in the first period, benefiting from a fortunate bounce off a defender in front. Ivan Barbashev added a highlight-reel effort in the second, intercepting a pass in the neutral zone, slicing through the defense, and finishing with a slick backhand.
Jack Eichel contributed two assists, and Hart made 26 saves, but the Golden Knights were largely outpaced during Utah’s dominant stretch in the middle frame, where the Mammoth outshot them 13–4 and began to tilt the ice.
Utah’s equalizer came late in the first period when a long-range attempt from MacKenzie Weegar created confusion in front, ultimately finding its way into the net off a Vegas defender. Guenther then gave the Mammoth their first lead late in the second, hammering home a one-timer off a cross-ice feed from Yamamoto.
The Miami Dolphins have shown over the past few years how you shouldn't build a team.
For any general manager around the NFL, the Dolphins have quite literally given them the blueprint of what not to do. It was fun at times, but at the end of the day, paying two wide receivers a lot of money and paying an average quarterback star money typically doesn't end well.
The Dolphins had some great moments, and we can definitely look at injuries as part of the reason why the team struggled, but it's important that they learn from their past mistakes. Right now, the Dolphins have the 11th pick, and if they make the right decisions, they could put themselves in a very good position to finally turn this thing around a little bit.
According to the latest, it sounds like the new decision-makers in Miami are going to put their hands all over this draft and really show what they're all about.
“It’d be easier to narrow down what the Dolphins don’t need—though the holes at receiver and corner are particularly deep.
“And with seven picks in the top 100, they’ll have a good shot to address those and, as we mentioned earlier, build up the guts of their roster. Two things I’d look for from new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan at 11 … The first would be for guys who are safe, both from an injury and character standpoint (making the first pick for him and new coach Jeff Hafley stand for something).
"The second would be top-end traits, which align with his shared philosophy with Packers GM Brian Gutekunst. Fano is someone I have circled. Delane is another. Tate, too, though I have a hard time seeing him slip this far. Downs would fit the “safe” part of this equation. The reality is Miami is wide open, and 11 might be right after the first “cliff” in the round, opening up a wide range of outcomes,” Albert Breer wrote.
This will be the first draft in a very long time that Miami doesn't have Chris Greer making decisions. Many fans have grown frustrated with Greer, and rightfully so. However, the new regime will have a chance to show that they're much different than the past, so hopefully this all goes well.
Ranieri won’t step down, Friedkin want him at Roma
The final reckoning will only be settled at the end, even if, in reality, decisions will be made beforehand, both in the minds of the owners and the two contenders.
While Gian Piero Gasperini wants to move forward with his Roma project, Claudio Ranieri has every desire and will to continue contributing to the Giallorossi cause.
The Friedkins’ senior advisor has, in fact, received renewed trust from the owners. Dan and Ryan, who even in discussions with Gasperini himself, reiterated the centrality of the former Giallorossi coach.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport reports, the coach, among the requests made to the Roma president, also included that of no longer having a direct working relationship with Ranieri himself.
After the two famous interviews he gave shortly before Roma-Pisa, Ranieri, who was considered a Giallorossi icon, also faced considerable criticism.
There was some bitterness, though it quickly dissipated. Like the possibility of his resignation, which in reality never gained traction.
Before Pisa, Ranieri knew he spoke out of concern for Roma, defending a group of players and the team as a whole. That was precisely the intent, but the result may have differed from the objective.
The sentiments expressed are certainly the same as those of the owners, otherwise he would have already been fired. And so it’s clear that from now until the end of the season, both sides will remain in the running.
Ranieri on one side, Gasperini on the other.
There will be a forced “coexistence,” though it’s highly unlikely that this coexistence will become a truce or armistice. Which is what the Friedkins are hoping for. After all, Ranieri also has a contract for another year and a strong desire to prove he’s up to the task, even as a manager.
The impact made by two Manchester City defenders has been immense
Early in 2026, Manchester City were faced with a defensive crisis. Josko Gvardiol had suffered a right tibial fracture, Ruben Dias was sidelined with a hamstring injury, and John Stones and Nathan Ake were battling constant injury issues. Abdukodir Khusanov stepped up in City’s hour of need, as did Max Alleyne. The January signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace solidified City’s defence, and Pep Guardiola’s side has powered on since that moment. More recently, Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov have formed a solid defensive partnership for Pep Guardiola’s side, and their impressive displays together have drawn well-deserved praise from Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City look to have found their ideal centre-back partnership for the remainder of this season.
Typically, as Manchester City enter a critical stage of the season, Pep Guardiola settles on his preferred starting eleven. That helps City build momentum and continuity in their play, which has been evident in Manchester City’s past four matches. City have beaten Arsenal twice, Liverpool, and Chelsea and have played their best football during the 2025-26 season. A key component of Manchester City’s play in their four impressive wins has been the centre-back pairing of Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi.
Guehi and Khusanov have formed almost the ideal centre-back pairing for Manchester City. In Khusanov, City have a centre-back blessed with tremendous pace and strength. Khusanov’s ability to track back at speed is a key attribute to City’s defensive system. Marc Guehi adds stability, leadership, and poise in possession to Pep Guardiola’s side. When the pair play together, their games complement each other perfectly. This has formed a strong ingredient of Manchester City’s play, and the chemistry between Khusanov and Guehi cannot be ignored.
Pep Guardiola has praised the play of Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov.
Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Burnley, Pep Guardiola has praised the performances of Guehi and Khusanov. He said their efforts have been extraordinary. The Manchester City manager explained: “Extraordinary. Like Nathan [Ake] when he played the Carabao Cup final, one of the best players on the pitch. Johnny’s [Stones] coming back. Unfortunately Josko [Gvardiol] and Ruben [Dias] have been injured.”
“But of course, in the last games Marc and Khusa… When I said the team, the future will be bright, because I see young, young players, grew up a lot this season and will be for the next year, many, many years there and that is really good for us.”
As Pep Guardiola said, Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi will be an important part of Manchester City’s future. They have also been a key component of Manchester City’s recent run and will play a crucial role in Manchester City’s bid to win this season’s Premier League title.
Kiki Wolfkill spent almost three decades leading various initiatives across the Xbox platform, from art leadership, to transmedia initiatives, and video game production.
Consumer & Server CPUs will face severe shortages, and are expected to see price hikes till the third quarter of 2026. AMD & Intel CPUs For Consumers & Servers Are Getting More Expensive, AI Is To Blame We have reported how the Agentic AI surge is resulting in demand shifting from GPUs to CPUs. This is now leading to shortages in both the consumer and server processor segments. In turn, CPU prices have seen a bump. In March, prices for consumer CPUs increased by 5-10%, while server CPU prices saw a more drastic bump of 10-20%, reports CTEE. But this […]
Arena for scientific papers. LLMs judge which arXiv preprints have the highest scientific impact in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, quantum physics, economics, and more.
Australia’s Carnival Splendor Faces Delays After Search Operation for Missing Passenger Off Moreton IslandCarnival Splendor's Sydney departure delayed after ship...
Philippine Airlines Flight PR 2544 from Dumaguete to Manila Makes Emergency Landing in Iloilo After Oxygen Failure, Passengers Panic Mid‑FlightPhilippine...
You may not have minded that your Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds haven’t received a new firmware update lately. Well, Samsung hasn’t forgotten, bringing a new update with stability and reliability improvements.
Galaxy Buds Able are in development with an open-clip design. Samsung has Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro as the latest hearable offering. Meanwhile, the company is also making sure older products function pretty well.
Earlier, Samsung rolled out new firmware to the Buds 3, Buds 3 FE, and Buds 3 Pro. Now, the company is rolling out (via TarunVats) the April 2026 update to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (and probably for the Buds 2 as well) in India.
The update carries PDA build version ending with AZD1. Samsung keeps security patches limited to mobile devices; that said, the earbuds are getting “stability and reliability” improvements.
Samsung’s update changelog says these OS-level tweaks improve the device behaviour. Expect an even more fluid experience while accessing your Buds 2 Pro settings through Galaxy Wearable, along with better listening.
The update weighs nearly 6 megabytes, and you can get it through the Galaxy Wearable app. Open the application to access connected Samsung wearables. Here, you need to access Buds settings, followed by Buds software update.
Samsung has announced that it will enter the 2026 World IT Show in Seoul to showcase its Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Buds 4 series, Galaxy XR series, and other products. The event kicks off on April 22 to April 24, 2026.
Samsung has installed Spatial Signage, a glasses-free 3D screen, at the entrance of its exhibition hall to provide guidance on products and the experience program for each section. The exhibition also includes Micro RGB for visitors to experience the immersive picture quality.
Electronics
A dedicated space will showcase the Galaxy S26 series with an upgraded camera and Galaxy AI features. Visitors are allowed to test the camera quality with the main and telephoto cameras. People can also test the Super Steady with Horizontal Lock for super stable video recording.
Visitors can check the upgraded photo assist to edit images with generative AI and view the result on a large display in the exhibition area.
Furthermore, Samsung is hosting a special AI session, “Galaxy AI Live Show,” to help people understand the Galaxy AI features that come with the Galaxy S26 series. The show consists of two segments – Creative Show to walk through creative and editing features. The privacy show will focus on security features such as call screening and privacy display.
Additionally, the Galaxy Buds 4 will demonstrate high-quality sound, and the Galaxy XR has a dedicated section for an on-site XR experience.
Gaming zone
A Cross-Platform Zone will enable visitors to enjoy top games on Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S11 series tablets, Galaxy Book 6 series PCs, OLED smart TVs, and Odyssey gaming monitors.
Samsung’s Gaming Section at the 2026 World IT Show
Additionally, the FreeStyle+ AI portable projector and Vision AI companion are coming to Samsung TVs.
Samsung Art Store has launched 22 art collections by Tamara de Lempicka, a Polish painter and preeminent artist of the Art Deco movement, renowned for her highly polished, glamorous, and sensual portraits of aristocrats, celebrities, and wealthy socialites.
Her art style fuses classical tradition with machine-age modernism. It is often described as “soft cubism”, bridging the gap between decorative and the fine arts.
The latest collection on the Samsung store includes the iconic Autoportrait from 1927, a self-portrait painted in Paris and commissioned by the German fashion magazine Die Dame to celebrate women’s independence.
Another art is St. Moritz, which depicts a skier, likely her muse Ira Perrot, embodying 1920s liberation. The painting is recognized for its vibrant red sweater, which contrasts with a geometric alpine landscape.
“At the heart of Tamara de Lempicka’s work is a powerful sense of identity, elegance, and modernity,” said Marisa de Lempicka, President of the Tamara de Lempicka Estate. “It is important for us to continue sharing that vision in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences. This collaboration with Samsung Art Store enables her work to enter new spaces.”
“Tamara de Lempicka’s work has a timeless quality that feels especially relevant as Art Deco comes back into focus,” said Marta Di Gioia, Curator for Samsung Art Store Europe.
The newest Tamara de Lempicka art collection is now available on Samsung Art Store for Frame TV lineup, Neo QLED, Micro RGB, Micro LED, and OLED TVs.
Samsung Electronics is seeing massive progress with the Harman audio unit, which is becoming a core pillar of Samsung’s automotive electronics business. According to reports, this subsidiary has recorded 15 trillion won ($10.1 billion) of sales in just 10 years after Samsung’s acquisition.
In 2025, Harman reached 15.7833 trillion won from sales, with an operating profit of 1.5311 trillion won, marking a record high. Compared to this, the company had 7.1034 trillion won in 2017. So, its sales revenue has doubled in the past decade.
Samsung acquired Harman in November 2016 and finalized all of the acquisition process in March 2017 for 9.4 trillion (about $8 billion), which was the largest merger and acquisition of a foreign firm by a South Korean company at that time.
Since then, Samsung has integrated Harman in all of its electronics products, including home appliances, smartphones, semiconductors, telecom devices, smart TVs, and electronics. However, the most notable application was Smart Car’s cockpit and in-car audio systems.
The Korean tech giant is planning to put more investment in the audio business to improve its technologies. In December, Harman acquired ZF’s ADAS division in Germany for 1.5 billion euros to harness an autonomous driving smart camera module.
It also purchased Marvell’s audio brand for 500 billion won. The next plan in line is to invest 131.18 million euros in Hungary to improve Harman’s automotive production base and set up a research and development center for autonomous driving software and hardware.
Perfect Circle Team S.A. have launched a free prologue for Police Chief Simulator on April 20, 2026. This introduction covers station renovation and case management in a town overrun by gangs and is out now on Steam.
Alongside the K90 Max smartphone, Redmi today also unveiled the K Pad 2 tablet. Like its predecessor, it's a mini tablet with very high performance.
It's powered by the Dimensity 9500, which is MediaTek's current top dog. This is paired with 8/12/16GB of RAM and 256/512GB of storage. The tablet has an 8.8-inch 3008x1880 LCD screen with 165Hz refresh rate, 1,100-nit peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 5 on top.
Redmi K Pad 2 official images
On the rear sits a 13MP camera, and on the front you get an 8MP snapper. The Redmi K Pad 2 has a 9,100 mAh battery with support for 67W wired...
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola revealed that star Rodri will be missing the next game against Burnley amid the Premier League title race.
Rodri has been one of Manchester City‘s most indispensable players, and the club felt his absence acutely during his lengthy injury layoff last season. Now, with the Premier League title race heating up, head coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the Spanish midfielder will miss the team’s upcoming fixture due to injury.
With the FA Cup semifinal on the horizon, City have scheduled their Matchday 34 Premier League clash against Burnley for Wednesday, April 22, at Turf Moor. Sitting just three points behind Arsenal at the top of the table with a game in hand, a victory would pile further pressure on the Gunners in the closing stretch of the season.
At Tuesday’s press conference, however, Guardiola confirmed that Rodri will not be available for the trip to Burnley due to a groin problem. “I think for tomorrow he will not be ready,” the City manager said.
The concern appears to stop there for now, with Guardiola suggesting Rodri could return either for the FA Cup semifinal against Southampton or the subsequent Premier League fixture. “We will see for the next games. Maybe against Southampton or maybe in 12 days,” he added.
Rodri of Manchester City runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Since returning from the ACL injury that ruled him out for the majority of last season, Rodri has featured in 31 matches across all competitions for City. His direct goal contributions have been modest, with two goals and no assists, but his presence in the engine room has restored the midfield stability that was so sorely missed in his absence, re-establishing him as the linchpin of Guardiola’s system.
Rodri and Bernardo Silva: the core of City’s win over Arsenal
City are in excellent form, with their recent momentum tracing back to a January 17 victory over Manchester United, a result that served as a turning point in the club’s season and reignited their title challenge. The game that truly shifted the tone of the race, however, was Sunday’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, in which Guardiola singled out both Rodri and Bernardo Silva for their leadership and composure in a high-stakes encounter.
“Both are experienced, they have a huge special personality,” Guardiola said. “They are not young guys anymore, experienced guys, but played a lot of this type of games and know how it must be played. They were exceptional,” the manager added. The praise comes at a poignant moment, with Silva set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, while Rodri’s own future is the subject of growing speculation amid reported interest from Real Madrid.
Beşiktaş, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nda yarın sahasında Alanyaspor ile karşılaşacak.
Beşiktaş, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde yarın sahasında Corendon Alanyaspor ile karşı karşıya gelecek.
Tüpraş Stadı'ndaki müsabaka, saat 20.45'te başlayacak.
Tek maç üzerinden oynanacak çeyrek final maçını kazanan takım, adını yarı finale yazdıracak.
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası C Grubu'nda mücadele eden Beşiktaş; Fenerbahçe, Erzurumspor FK, Gaziantep FK, Kocaelispor, Çaykur Rizespor, Beyoğlu Yeni Çarşı ve Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü'nün yer aldığı grubu 10 puanla ilk sırada tamamladı.
Siyah-beyazlı ekip, grupta Fenerbahçe, Ankara Keçiörengücü ve Çaykur Rizespor'u yenerken Kocaelispor ile berabere kaldı.
Beşiktaş, Alanyaspor'u elemesi durumunda TÜMOSAN Konyaspor ile yarı finalde karşı karşıya gelecek.
Tek eksik Kartal Kayra Yılmaz
Beşiktaş'ta yarın oynanacak Alanyaspor maçı öncesinde tek eksik bulunuyor.
Sakatlığı nedeniyle sezonu kapatan Kartal Kayra Yılmaz, Alanyaspor karşılaşmasında takımını yalnız bırakacak.
Kupada ilk randevu
Beşiktaş ile Alanyaspor, Türkiye Kupası'nda ilk kez karşılaşacak.
Çeyrek finalde karşılaşacak taraflar, yarı finale yükselmek için mücadele edecek.
Kupa başarıları
Beşiktaş, Türkiye Kupası'nda daha önce 11 kez mutlu sona ulaştı.
Akdeniz ekibi, 2019-2020 sezonunda final oynama başarısı gösterdi. Alanyaspor, söz konusu finalde Trabzonspor'a 2-0 mağlup oldu.
Siyah-beyazlılar, kupayı 12. kez kazanmayı hedefliyor. Corendon Alanyaspor ise ilk kez bu başarının peşinde.
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde Galatasaray, Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni konuk edecek. Galatasaray-Gençlerbirliği maçı ne zaman, saat kaçta ve hangi kanalda canlı yayınlanacak? Detaylar haberimizde...
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde Galatasaray,Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni konuk edecek. Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, Türkiye Kupası'nda A Grubu'nu 12 puanla en üst sırada tamamladı.
Başkent temsilcisi ise B Grubu'nu 10 puanla üçüncü sırada bitirerek, çeyrek finalde Galatasaray'ın rakibi oldu.
GALATASARAY-GENÇLERBİRLİĞİ MAÇI NE ZAMAN, SAAT KAÇTA VE HANGİ KANALDA CANLI YAYINLANACAK?
RAMS Park'taki müsabaka saat 20.30'da başlayacak. Mücadele, ATV ekranlarından yayınlanacak.
Sarı-kırmızılılar, RAMS Park'ta rakiplerini konuk ettiği son 13 resmi müsabakada mağlubiyet yaşamadı.
Sahasında son olarak 25 Kasım 2025 tarihinde UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde Belçika temsilcisi Union Saint-Gilloise'ya 1-0 yenilen Galatasaray, sonrasında RAMS Park'ta 8 Süper Lig, 3 Şampiyonlar Ligi ve 2 Türkiye Kupası maçına çıktı. Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, bu maçlarda 10 galibiyet ve 3 beraberlik yaşadı.
Söz konusu maçlarda 34 kez ağları sarsan Galatasaray, 10 golü kalesinde gördü.
TÜRKİYE KUPASI'NDA 10 MAÇTIR KAYBETMİYOR
Galatasaray, Türkiye Kupası'nda son 10 karşılaşmada mağlubiyet görmedi.
Kupada son olarak 29 Şubat 2024 tarihinde konuk ettiği Fatih Karagümrük'e 2-0 yenilen sarı-kırmızılı takım, sonrasında organizasyonda 8 galibiyet ve 2 beraberlik yaşadı.
Sarı-kırmızılılar, bu süreçte 24 kez rakip fileleri havalandırırken, 8 gol yedi.
GENÇLERBİRLİĞİ'NE KARŞI SON 5 MAÇTA GALİP
Galatasaray, Gençlerbirliği ile oynadığı son 5 resmi karşılaşmadan galibiyetle ayrıldı.
Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, 1 Mart 2020 tarihinde 3-0 kazanılan maçla başlayan süreçte Süper Lig'de rakibini üst üste 5 karşılaşmada mağlup etti.
Spor yazarları, Fenerbahçe'nin Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde Konyaspor karşısında uzatmaların son anlarında yediği golle 1-0 mağlup olarak elendiği maçı değerlendirdi.
Beşiktaş, Galatasaray'ın bonservisini almayı düşünmediği Noa Lang için harekete geçti. Yönetim, Napoli'yle masaya oturacak. Satın alma opsiyonuyla kiralama teklif edilecek.
Galatasaray, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde konuk edeceği Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni yenerek çifte kupa hedefi yolunda önemli bir adım atmak istiyor.
İtalyanlar 12 milyon Euro'yu indirmeyi, siyah-beyazlılar ise Semih'i geri istiyor. Eğer satın alma opsiyonu kullanılmazsa, genç golcü yeni sezonda Sergen Yalçın'a emanet edilecek.
Medaş Konya Büyükşehir Belediye Stadyumu'nda oynanan Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek final karşılaşmasında Konyaspor ile Fenerbahçe kozlarını paylaştı. Normal süresi golsüz tamamlanan mücadelede kazanan uzatma...Devamı için tıklayınız
Kupada şampiyonluk hedefleyen Galatasaray, çeyrek finalde Gençlerbirliği ile karşı karşıya geliyor! RAMS Park'ta oynanacak bu zorlu mücadelede sarı-kırmızılılar ev sahibi avantajını kullanarak yarı final...Devamı için tıklayınız
“Əl Nəsr” yeni mövsümdən Kriştiano Ronaldonun oğlu Junior Ronaldonu əsas komandaya daxil etmək istəyir.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Səudiyyə Ərəbistanı mətbuatı məlumat yayıb. Juniorun 15 yaşı var və qaydalara görə o, hələ əsas komandaya qoşula bilməz.
Ronaldonun oğlunun yayda 16 yaşı olacaq və bundan sonra o, atası ilə birlikdə oynamaq şansı qazana bilər.
“Çelsi” İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının XXXIV turunda “Brayton”a uduzub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Liam Rosenyorun rəhbərlik etdiyi kollektiv yarışda ardıcıl beşinci matçını uduzub. “Zadəganlar” bu görüşlərdə qol da vura bilməyib.
“Çelsi” sonuncu dəfə 1912-ci ildə çempionatda ardıcıl beş oyunda qol vurmadan məğlub olub.
Bu yaxınlarda dünyagörüşünə hörmət etdiyim bir klubun rəhbərindən eşitdim: Zaur Axundov yaxşı oğlandı.
Bu kəlmə/ifadə adətən, yerini bilən, doğru yolda olan, pozitiv imicə malik şəxslər haqda işlənir.
Duruxdum, amma bu, sırf futbol klubu rəhbəri personasına nəzərən eşitdiyim arasında fərqə görə var-gəl etdiyim üçün idi…
Əlqərəz, Axundov yaxşı futbol rəhbəri deyil, bu dəqiqdir. İzafi və nəzəri izahlarıyla sübut etmək olar və fikrimcə, şəxsiyyətində bu cür məsələləri etiraf edəcək keyfiyyətli çalarlar da var.
***
Naxçıvanda böyük futbolun yaranmasına ən çox o səbəb ola bilərdi. Olmadı.
İllər boşa getdi. İndi öz vəziyyəti sual altındadır.
“Araz Naxçıvan”ı yurduna qaytarmaq üçün şəxsi vəsaiti xərcləmək və ya naxçıvanlı imkanlılardan kömək istəmək lazım deyildi, elə AFFA-dan gələn 2.5-3 milyon manat illik dotasiyanın yarısı ayrılsaydı, bəs edərdi.
Deməli, istəmək lazımdır.
Şəxsi vəsaiti hesabına klub saxladığını iddia edən adam dotasiyaya ehtiyac duyarmı? Duysa da, onu baza tikintisinə sərf edər, böyük bir ƏHSƏN qazanardı.
Bu da olmadı.
Və ən vacibi, yoldaş Axundov, Azərbaycanda heç kəs şəxsi vəsaiti hesabına klub saxlamır. Bunu sizdən başqa da iddia edənlər tapılır arabir.
Ola bilər ki, şəxsi vəsaitdən bir qədər ayrılsın, lakin heç kəs, təkrar vurğulanır, diqqət edin, heç kəs şəxsi imkanları hesabına futbol klubu saxlamır.
Bunun heç praktiki izahını verə bilməzlər, nəinki hesabatını…
Azərbaycanda futbol sosial layihədir (!) və bu dövlət siyasətinin prioritetlərindən biri kimi tənzimlənir. Siz də ən yaxşı halda vasitəçi rolunda…
Uzadıb ucuzluğa aparmağın adı yoxdur, mövzu bitmişdir.
With the highly anticipated and emotional departure of Mohamed Salah officially announced, Liverpool’s front line is currently undergoing a massive, necessary transition.
To make matters significantly more stressful for manager Arne Slot, an awful long-term Achilles tendon injury to Hugo Ekitike means the Reds are suddenly incredibly short on reliable firepower.
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Enter Randal Kolo Muani. According to a fresh report from Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool have firmly identified the 27-year-old French international as a prime candidate to help fill the massive void left by Salah.
If you’ve been loosely following the Premier League this season, you know Kolo Muani’s situation has been a bit of a rollercoaster.
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He is currently navigating a season-long loan with Tottenham Hotspur, a move sanctioned by PSG after a brief but productive stint with Juventus in early 2025.
However, with Spurs surprisingly entangled in a messy relegation battle this season, the forward’s time in North London hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations.
He is widely expected to leave Spurs at the end of the current campaign and return to his parent club, where he will likely be placed straight back on the transfer list.
Should Liverpool target a move for the French attacker?
Slot has reportedly already approved the player’s profile during critical meetings with the FSG management, highly valuing his tactical versatility to play either as a central striker or out wide.
There is no doubt that the player is talented but by now, they must have seen enough to make a decision.
Kolo Muani has failed at Tottenham and it is an indication of what could be the future of Liverpool make a move for him.
He has struggled with the pace of football in England and the physicality as well.
Signing him as Salah’s replacement hardly makes any sense considering the other options available in the market who are more suited to the playing style, an option like Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig.
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In the Premier League, it’s one win in their last nine games, with Liam Rosenior’s side last scoring at the beginning of March in that win away to Aston Villa.
Since then Chelsea have lost 1-0 at home to Newcastle, 3-0 away to Everton, 3-0 at home to Manchester City, 1-0 at home to Manchester United, and then 3-0 away to Brighton yesterday evening.
Chelsea’s worst run since 1912
See below as Opta Joe confirm this is Chelsea’s worst run in over a century…
5 – Chelsea have lost five successive league games without scoring for the first time since November 1912. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/oym82XQMvD
Chelsea are not just bad right now, they’re in serious trouble, with last night’s result actually seeing Brighton overtake them in the table.
The Blues are now down to 7th place, seven points behind Liverpool in fifth, meaning they’re surely set to miss out on Champions League qualification.
Considering how much money CFC have spent, particularly on what looked like some talented young attacking players who’ve completely flopped, this is unacceptable.
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Chelsea’s misfiring attack
Chelsea brought in two new strikers and three new wingers last summer, and there’s not really a single success story there.
Going from the fees listed by Wikipedia, the west London giants spent £202.5m on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, and Estevao Willian.
Pedro has, in fairness, done quite well, with 14 Premier League goals. The rest have four league goals between them – two for Estevao, one each for Delap and Garnacho, and zero for Gittens.
Others like Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto have also gone backwards, so it’s really hard to know how Chelsea rebuild after such dire performances from so many players signed for big money.
? Liam Rosenior does NOT hold back on Chelsea's players! ?
Arsenal are reportedly one of the clubs in the mix for the potential transfer of Bernardo Silva this summer as he plans to decide his next move after the 2026 World Cup.
The Portugal international has already announced that he’ll be leaving Manchester City when his contract expires this summer, and it seems the Gunners are emerging as surprise suitors.
That’s according to a report from ESPN Brasil, which also suggests the rivalry between Arsenal and Man City might complicate things, with Barcelona also keeping an eye on Silva’s situation.
Silva remains a top performer at the highest level with five goals and seven assists in all competitions for club and country this season, though he will be turning 32 later this year.
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While Arsenal could do with signing a more creative and attack-minded midfielder of that mould, it would probably be more worthwhile to go for someone who’d be more of a long-term option.
Arsenal need more spark in midfield but is Bernardo Silva the answer?
There’s no doubt that Arsenal’s attack has left a lot to be desired this season, and that’s partly down to injuries and a loss of form from Martin Odegaard.
Siva could give AFC a bit more spark in the final third, while he’s also an experienced winner, so perhaps there’s an argument for snapping him up considering he’d be available on a free.
ESPN’s report suggests the 31-year-old is not keen on moving to somewhere like the Saudi Pro League yet, so he clearly feels he can continue to perform at the highest level in Europe.
Silva scores well for being the type of profile Arsenal need, being available on the cheap, and being proven at the highest level after a great career.
Still, his ‘career phase’ score is low as he’s surely now past his best and unlikely to be able to give Arsenal more than a year or two at most of the kind of performances they’re looking for.
As Manchester United prepare for another massive summer rebuild under the watchful eye of the INEOS hierarchy, their search for defensive reinforcements has reportedly led them back to a very familiar name: Inter Milan’s powerhouse right-back, Denzel Dumfries.
The Red Devils are incredibly keen on finally bringing the 30-year-old Netherlands international to Old Trafford to properly bolster their backline for the 2026/27 campaign, according to L’Interista.
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Right now, the current right-back options at Man United include Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui but the Premier League side are looking for more strength and offensive quality.
Inter Milan stance on Man United transfer target
From Inter Milan’s perspective, a summer sale makes a lot of financial and strategic sense.
Dumfries has just recently turned 30, meaning he is slowly entering the twilight of his absolute physical prime.
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The Italian giants are notoriously always on the lookout to balance their books and comply with strict financial regulations.
Cashing in on Dumfries right now, while his market value is still highly respectable, would give them vital funds to reinvest in younger talent across the pitch before his contract situation becomes a liability.
Interim boss Michael Carrick, and whoever eventually takes the permanent hot seat, will desperately need a dynamic, attacking presence on that right flank to stretch opposition defenses.
Dumfries fits that exact tactical bill perfectly. He is an absolute physical monster, boasting the relentless engine required to bomb up and down the touchline all day, and he has a proven track record of delivering crucial goals and assists on the biggest stages in Serie A and the Champions League.
He is going to provide them more attacking intent and quality, something that the current options are unable to provide.
The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Man United for a long time but in the last year, the interest has increased and his move to Old Trafford could become a real possibility this summer.
James Trafford could be heading toward one of the most important decisions of his young career, with growing signs that the Manchester City goalkeeper is open to leaving the club in search of regular first-team football.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Trafford is considering his options ahead of the summer window, even though Man City would prefer to keep him as part of their long-term plans.
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However, breaking into Manchester City’s starting lineup has always been a challenge, given the presence of established names in the squad.
With his development at a crucial stage, the desire to secure consistent minutes could push him toward a move elsewhere.
Brighton lead race to sign Man City goalkeeper
Among the clubs monitoring Trafford’s situation, Brighton are emerging as one of the most serious contenders.
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He is viewed as a “dream target” if current Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen leaves the club this summer.
Verbruggen has attracted attention from major European sides after several impressive performances, and Brighton are known for planning well in advance when it comes to squad transitions.
If Verbruggen does depart, Brighton’s recruitment team already appears to have shortlisted potential replacements.
Alongside Trafford, other names mentioned include Robin Risser of RC Lens and Noah Atubolu of Freiburg, both of whom have impressed in their respective leagues.
However, Trafford’s Premier League familiarity and English background could give him an advantage if Brighton prioritise a goalkeeper capable of adapting quickly.
Premier League giants reluctant to let Trafford leave
Man City, meanwhile, remain reluctant to let Trafford leave permanently.
The club has a strong track record of developing young talent and often uses loan moves as a stepping stone before integrating players into the first team.
City view Trafford as a valuable long-term asset, but they also recognise the importance of ensuring his development continues through regular match experience.
Several Premier League sides are reportedly keeping tabs on Trafford, particularly teams looking to strengthen their goalkeeping depth or plan for long-term replacements.
From Trafford’s perspective, the decision ultimately comes down to playing time. For a goalkeeper at his age, consistent exposure at the top level can make the difference between becoming a top-tier international and stagnating on the bench.
Justin Sun has filed a lawsuit in a California federal court against World Liberty Financial, a DeFi project backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., over a dispute involving frozen tokens and governance control.
Sun says the issue began when the team froze all his WLFI holdings, removed his voting rights, and allegedly threatened to permanently burn his tokens. He calls this the breaking point.
Today, I filed a lawsuit in California federal court against World Liberty Financial to protect my legal rights as a holder of $WLFI tokens.
I have always been—and remain—an ardent supporter of President Trump and his Administration’s efforts to make America crypto friendly.…
He also says he tried multiple times to resolve the matter privately, but the team refused to unfreeze his tokens or restore his rights, leaving him with no option but to move to court.
“I have tried in good faith to resolve this situation with the World Liberty project team without resorting to litigation. But the project team has refused my requests to unfreeze my tokens and restore my rights as a token holder. They have left me with no choice but to turn to the courts.”
Frozen Tokens and Lost Control
Sun’s main issue is control over his tokens. He says his WLFI holdings are locked, and he’s fully excluded from governance decisions. He argues there was no clear explanation or justification for the freeze, and that being locked out also prevents him from voting on matters affecting his own investment.
He adds that he was once a major early backer of the project but is now in direct conflict with it.
Governance Proposal Adds Pressure
However, the dispute intensified after a governance proposal from World Liberty Financial introduced stricter rules, including:
A 10% advisor token burn requirement
A 2-year cliff plus 2-year vesting for early investors
Indefinite token locks for users who don’t explicitly accept the terms
Sun criticized this setup, saying it effectively forces investor compliance, especially since frozen holders cannot vote against the proposal in the first place.
Smart Contract Allegations and Backlash
Tension increased further when Sun alleged that the WLFI smart contract may contain a hidden blacklisting function capable of freezing or restricting tokens at will. He raised concerns about transparency and control within the system.
WLFI rejected these claims, accusing Sun of “playing the victim” and making baseless allegations, while also suggesting potential legal action against him, turning the dispute into a full standoff.
Political Context and Court Battle
Despite the lawsuit, Sun clarified that his support for U.S. President Donald Trump and the administration’s pro-crypto stance remains unchanged. He stresses that the dispute is strictly with the project team, not political leadership.
As both sides refuse to back down, the case has now moved into the legal system, raising wider questions about investor rights, governance power, and control in politically linked crypto projects.
Justin Sun, the crypto entrepreneur behind TRON, has taken World Liberty Financial (WLFI) to a federal court in California, accusing the Trump-linked DeFi project of freezing his $WLFI tokens and blocking his ability to vote on governance decisions. Sun says repeated requests to unfreeze his assets and restore his rights were rejected, and he claims the team even threatened to burn his tokens without clear justification. He says that he sought a peaceful resolution first but turned to legal action after failing to reach an agreement, arguing the move undermines transparency and token holder protections.
The BNB price prediction sharpened this week after BNB Chain opened a three day push in Hong Kong from April 19 through April 21, anchored by RWA Demo Day and a technical session with AWS on AI powered DeFi tools per CoinMarketCap. BNB trades at $631 after the $1.02 billion quarterly burn on April 15 removed 1.57 million tokens.
Every BNB rally since 2017 traces to one pattern: an exchange token riding its own venue to returns the broader market cannot match. Pepeto sits on the same launchpad at $0.0000001865, past $9.29 million raised, with a Binance listing ahead and the asymmetric math that turned BNB ICO buyers at $0.15 into some of the largest paydays in crypto.
BNB Chain’s Hong Kong Push Lifts the BNB Price Prediction Into Institutional Territory
BNB Chain gathered builders, venture funds, and infrastructure partners across the three day event per CoinMarketCap. RWA Demo Day showcased early stage real world asset projects, and the AWS session on April 20 rolled out AI powered automation for DeFi, trading, and payment applications. Tokenized RWA on BNB Chain set a fresh record on April 10, the signal that the chain moved from pitch deck talk into scaled adoption.
When the network behind the world’s largest exchange locks AWS into its AI powered DeFi stack, the BNB price prediction becomes a question of supply and demand. Changelly pegs the April ceiling near $671 and May near $697, with a stretch target of $886 later in the cycle. The bull case caps at a 40% move for a large cap.
Where Serious Capital Is Rotating While BNB Waits for the $900 Breakout
Anyone who missed BNB’s run from $0.15 in 2017 to $1,369 at the peak knows the cost of sitting out, and the same window is wide open with Pepeto before the listing closes it. This project shipped a working exchange before the presale sealed its final rounds.
A zero cost bridge routes tokens across Ethereum, BNB, and Solana without skimming a cent, the contract scanner reads every token a wallet touches so last cycle scams never reach this one, and PepetoSwap fills trades at no fee.
SolidProof reviewed every contract before capital entered, a former senior Binance executive leads the listing work, and 180% APY staking compounds positions while the clock runs down.
The builder behind the original Pepe coin leads this, the same one who took 420 trillion tokens with no utility to $11 billion without any working tool. From $0.0000001865, clearing that same peak turns a $1,000 entry into over $100,000. For the BNB price prediction to match that multiple, BNB would need to clear $60,000, a target no analyst has ever put on the chart.
Binance Coin (BNB) Price at $631 as Hong Kong RWA Week Confirms 322M Holder Base
Binance Coin (BNB) trades at $631 on April 21, up 1.06% on the day per CoinMarketCap, with BNB 24 hour volume near $996 million and RSI at 62.5 pointing to neutral to bullish momentum. Support holds at $605 and resistance sits at $669.
The BNB price prediction from Changelly caps April at $671 and May at $697, while CoinGape models a run toward $886 and even $948 before year end, anchored by the quarterly burn and the 322 million holder base per CoinMarketCap history. The BNB ICO entry at $0.15 turned a $10,000 position into about $42 million at today’s level, a multiple no current large cap can replicate.
Conclusion
Here is what most traders will not figure out until the bull run is already priced in. BNB Chain locking AWS into its AI powered DeFi stack, the $1.02 billion burn on April 15, and the Hong Kong RWA push together showed the preview: the chain is firing on every fundamental. Once the next leg of the cycle lands, BNB clears $900, but the wallets that collect generational returns will not get them on a 40% move from an $85 billion asset.
They will get them by entering early stage setups while fear still grips the tape and everyone else sits too anxious to commit. Pepeto at $0.0000001865 with $9.29 million raised, the original Pepe builder on the team, SolidProof on the contract, and a confirmed Binance listing is the setup that fits every requirement and does not wait for anyone.
The next bull leg is close. The buyers entering the Pepeto presale today will be the ones pasted into every trading screenshot the rest of the crowd spends the cycle regretting they did not touch.
What is the BNB price prediction for April 2026 during the Hong Kong RWA week?
BNB trades at $631 today with Changelly projecting a ceiling near $671 for April and $697 for May. The BNB Chain Hong Kong summit and the $1.02 billion quarterly burn on April 15 anchor the upside case.
Why is Pepeto being compared to the early BNB entry?
Pepeto is the next exchange token offering the same asymmetric entry BNB holders captured in 2017, with a confirmed Binance listing ahead and live exchange tools already running. The presale has raised $9.29 million at $0.0000001865 with 180% APY staking.
Pi Network has rolled out Pi Request for Comment 2 (PiRC2), opening its testnet subscription smart contracts for developers and the community to review, test, and give feedback. The move is aimed at stress-testing recurring payment systems inside the ecosystem before full deployment.
The update focuses on a subscription smart contract system that enables recurring payments directly on-chain.
The system allows users to approve a subscription once, after which payments can be executed automatically on a set schedule. Unlike traditional models that lock full funds upfront, Pi’s approach keeps funds in the user’s wallet and only deducts when a payment is triggered.
It is built using Soroban technology from the Stellar ecosystem, using token allowance mechanisms for controlled and secure billing. Developers can also design flexible payment structures, including weekly, monthly, or usage-based models, depending on their application needs.
The framework is aimed at practical use cases such as digital memberships, AI tools, streaming services, e-commerce subscriptions, and local service billing systems. Users retain full control over their subscriptions, with the ability to pause, modify, or cancel at any time.
Security is handled through automated smart contract execution, reducing manual intervention. Transactions are recorded on-chain, making the system transparent and harder to manipulate, while also removing intermediaries from the payment flow.
Community Response
A Pi Network community account, 𝕏 FireSide, described the release as a transparency milestone, stating that smart contract code has been made publicly available on GitHub for testing and auditing. It also highlighted early technical progress, including a Pi Node-based RPC successfully connecting to smart contracts, suggesting deeper infrastructure integration.
The outlook remains mixed. Retail engagement is still strong, but price action is largely driven by speculation rather than real utility at scale. Supply unlock pressure also remains a key factor limiting upside.
APT price prediction for 2026 suggests potential highs of $30.00
Long term forecasts indicate APT could reach $70 by 2030.
Aptos (APT) is a layer-one blockchain network developed to support high-throughput decentralized applications, focusing on scalability, security, and developer efficiency. Since its launch, Aptos has gained attention for its advanced architecture and Move-based smart contract environment. However, despite strong technological foundations, APT’s market performance has remained largely subdued following its initial speculative phase.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, APT experienced persistent price compression, with the token gradually stabilizing near multi-year support levels. While broader market sentiment remained cautious, recent technical structure suggests that APT may now be entering a prolonged accumulation phase. If historical cycle behavior repeats, 2026 could serve as the inflection point where long-term consolidation transitions into a renewed growth phase.
Aptos is currently trading around the $1.00 mark, but the structure tells a very different story beneath the surface. After a prolonged downtrend through late 2025 and early 2026, price has now shifted into a clear accumulation phase, holding within a tight $0.90–$1.10 range while volatility continues to compress.
This kind of price behavior is not random. It typically reflects a market where selling pressure has largely been absorbed, but conviction from buyers is still building. The repeated defense of the $0.90 zone suggests that demand is gradually stabilizing, while the inability to reclaim higher resistance levels indicates that momentum is still in its early stage.
Technically, APT remains capped below the broader descending structure, with the $1.10–$1.20 zone acting as the immediate breakout trigger. A decisive move above this region is required to confirm that accumulation is transitioning into expansion.
For April 2026, APT is likely to trade between $0.90 and $1.30, with upside potential toward $1.40 if breakout strength sustains above $1.20. Failure to hold the range, however, could push the price back toward the $0.80 support zone.
Coinpedia’s Aptos (APT) Price Prediction 2026
As 2026 progresses, Aptos is not in a momentum phase yet, it is in a rebuilding phase, where the market is slowly trying to shift from weakness into stability. After months of decline, APT is now holding near the $0.90–$1.00 region, which is acting as a base. This zone matters because it is where selling pressure has started to fade, and buyers are quietly absorbing supply. These phases usually don’t look exciting, but they often set the foundation for the next big move.
For the structure to improve, the first real signal would be a move back above $1.30–$1.50. That’s the area where the last breakdown happened, so reclaiming it would indicate that the market is no longer in a purely bearish phase. If that happens, the next stretch comes around $2.20–$2.80, where price previously struggled to hold. This zone will likely act as the first real test, whether the move is just a bounce or the start of something bigger.
A stronger shift only comes into play if APT starts holding above $3–$5. That’s where the structure begins to look healthier, with higher lows forming and confidence returning gradually. Once this phase is established, the market typically moves faster, as sidelined buyers start stepping back in. In a broader bullish setup, especially if the overall crypto market supports risk assets, Aptos could extend its recovery toward the $10–$18 range by late 2026. This wouldn’t be a straight move, but rather a step-by-step reclaim of lost levels. On the flip side, if APT fails to hold the $0.90 zone, the recovery narrative weakens. In that case, the price could slip back toward $0.70–$0.80, delaying the entire rebuilding process.
Overall, 2026 for Aptos looks less like a breakout year and more like a year of structure repair, and how well it reclaims key levels will decide how far it can actually go.
Recent Developments / Catalysts For Aptos
Introduction of tokenomics adjustments, including fee burn mechanisms, aimed at improving long-term supply dynamics.
Expansion of institutional-grade trading access, increasing liquidity and broader market participation.
Continued ecosystem growth across DeFi and applications, supporting real network usage and on-chain activity.
Aptos Crypto Price Prediction 2026 – 2030
Year
Potential Low ($)
Potential Average ($
Potential High ($)
2026
10.00
18.00
30.00
2027
13.00
25.00
40.00
2028
20.00
35.00
50.00
2029
24.00
40.00
58.00
2030
36.00
50.00
60.00
Aptos (APT) Price Prediction 2026
The Aptos price range in 2026 is expected to be between $10.00 and $30.00.
Aptos Coin Price Prediction 2027
Aptos could trade between $13.00 and $40.00 in 2027
Aptos (APT) Price Prediction 2028
In 2028, Aptos is forecasted to potentially reach a low price of $20.00. and a high price of $50.00.
APT Price Prediction 2029
Thereafter, the Aptos price for the year 2029 could range between $24.00 and $58.00.
Aptos Price Prediction 2030
Finally, in 2030, the price of Aptos is predicted to maintain a steady positive. It may trade between $36.00 and $60.00.
Based on the historic data and trend analysis of the cryptocurrency along with the market sentiments, here are the possible Aptos price targets for the longer time frames.
Year
Potential Low ($)
Potential Average ($)
Potential High ($)
2031
40.00
60.00
80.00
2032
45.00
78.00
97.00
2033
52.00
88.00
120.00
2040
80.00
120.00
200.00
2050
150.00
250.00
400.00
Aptos Price Prediction: Market Analysis?
Year
2026
2027
2030
Changelly
$26.80
$44.00
$55.00
DigitalCoinPrice
$33.00
$56.00
$68.00
WalletInvestor
$30.00
$45.00
$50.00
Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!
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FAQs
What is Aptos (APT) and what makes it different from other blockchains?
Aptos is a Layer-1 blockchain built for speed and security, using the Move language to support scalable, low-latency decentralized applications.
What is the Aptos price prediction for 2026?
APT price forecasts for 2026 range between $10 and $30, depending on market conditions, adoption growth, and overall crypto cycle momentum.
Can Aptos (APT) reach $65 by 2030?
APT could approach $70 by 2030 if network usage grows steadily, developers continue building, and broader crypto markets remain supportive.
Is Aptos a good long-term investment?
Aptos shows long-term potential due to strong technology and scalability, but like all crypto assets, it carries risk and requires careful evaluation.
Why has Aptos price remained under pressure in recent years?
APT faced price pressure from early speculation cooling, token unlocks, and weak market sentiment, leading to prolonged consolidation phases.
Verdict: Morgan Gibbs-White over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 19/20 Bookmaker: Dachbet Looking to find a route into the top-half of the Premier League table, Sunderland will welcome Nottingham Forest to the Stadium of Light on Friday night. Sunderland Starting with the hosts, suffering the most dramatic of last-gasp heartbreak last weekend as they […]
DENVER (AP) — Colorado's Gabriel Landeskog scored the equalizing goal with 3:35 remaining to send a game that featured a delay to fix shattered glass behind the Los Angeles Kings bench into overtime tied at 1-1 on Tuesday night in Game 2 of the teams' first-round playoff series.
The Kings took the lead on Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal with 6:56 left. But Landeskog got loose in front of the net to score and energize the capacity crowd.
Anton Forsberg and Scott Wedgewood were brilliant in net. Forsberg had 33 saves in regulation while Wedgewood made 21, including one on a penalty shot.
The game was halted for roughly 17 minutes in the second period when a pane of glass broke behind the Kings bench, sending pieces raining on interim coach D.J. Smith. The incident occurred right after Quinton Byfield was stopped on a penalty shot by Wedgewood and fans began to celebrate by pounding on the glass. It gave way as Smith covered his head and then brushed the glass off his suit.
BOSTON — With their pitching depth decimated, the Red Sox are turning to a young arm who will be making the jump straight from Double-A to the big leagues when he debuts.
Boston will call up left-handed pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera ahead of Wednesday’s game, sources confirmed late Tuesday. Righty Jack Anderson will be optioned to Triple-A Worcester to clear a spot on the active roster. The Red Sox will also need to clear a 40-man roster to select Rivera and can do so by moving an injured player (like Triston Casas or Kutter Crawford) to the 60-day injured list.
It’s unclear whether Rivera will start or relieve in the majors. The 22-year-old dominated in two starts for Double-A Portland to start the year (1 earned run and 16 strikeouts in 10 innings) and was promoted to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday but didn’t pitch. He last threw Thursday in Altoona, striking out nine in 5 ⅔ innings.
The Red Sox are in something of a fire drill when it comes to their pitching staff just three-plus weeks into the season. With Sonny Gray (hamstring strain) on the injured list, the club will need someone to make a start in the coming days. For now, Ranger Suárez (Wednesday) and Brayan Bello (Thursday) are set to start the next two games with Gray’s spot set to come around Saturday in Baltimore. Pitching prospect Payton Tolle seems like the most likely candidate to take Gray’s rotation spot but has not pitched in nine days. The pool of depth starters is limited with Johan Oviedo (flexor strain) and Tyler Uberstine (shoulder inflammation) sidelined and Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval both shut down after recent setbacks while on rehab assignments.
The Red Sox signed Rivera, 22, as a minor league free agent in 2024. He’s a former Athletics prospect who was a 10th-round pick in 2021 and released three years later. SoxProspects ranks Rivera as the No. 33 prospect in Boston’s system. Standing 6-foot-7, the Puerto Rico native had a strong season in 2025, logging a 2.48 ERA in 87 innings across two levels (High-A and Double-A). Rivera, who has struggled with a high walk rate as a minor leaguer, pitched for Puerto Rico in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Anderson, a 26-year-old rookie, has made three multi-inning appearances since making his big league debut Wednesday in Minneapolis. He owns a 3.38 ERA with six strikeouts in eight innings, but allowed a run and four hits across two innings during Tuesday’s loss to the Yankees.
When Rivera pitches, he’ll be the fifth Red Sox pitcher to make his major league debut this season, joining Anderson, Tyler Samaniego, Uberstine and Ryan Watson. The Rivera-for-Anderson swap is the second pitching-related roster move of the last 48 hours for the Red Sox, who recalled Samaniego and placed Gray on the 15-day injured list before Tuesday’s game.
MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 28: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts after scoring against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half of the game at Kohl Center on January 28, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Duke Blue Devils have reeled in what may be the most significant transfer in the program’s history. John Blackwell, who was widely seen as the best scoring guard in the transfer portal has committed to Jon Scheyer, locking in a crucial piece of Duke’s 26-27 team. Duke Basketball Roundup co-hosts Jason Evans and Donald Wine have a complete breakdown of his game and what his presence in Durham will mean for Duke.
After the break, the guys switch their attention to another key piece as Sebastian Wilkins has confirmed that he will be back in Durham after a season spent as a redshirt. The DBR Podcast is super excited to see how the team will use the unique skill set that Seabass provides.
Oh, and before they go, the guys have a few words about Maliq Brown, who has added yet another award to his trophy case.
Make sure you’re following us! Head to our Linktree to get all our available social media and links to follow and subscribe to the show. That includes our affiliate partnerships, from Homefield Apparel (use the code DBRPODCAST to save 15% off your first order) and Fanatics to the NBA Store, NFL Shop, and even Fubo TV. And…we have some more coming! Save some cash on the latest gear or follow the Blue Devils on the go by hitting those affiliate links and it helps support the show as well. We are now on YouTube! Subscribe there, rate, and review our episodes on there and everywhere you get your podcasts. Also, follow us on Bluesky @DukeRoundup!
Back for the 11th annual edition, the 2026 Big Ten women's lacrosse tournament will bring the best programs in the conference to Michigan this week.
This year's bracket will be made up of seven teams, with the regular season champion earning a first-round bye. The winner of this conference tournament will secure an automatic berth to the 2026 NCAA Championship taking place in May.
The No. 1 overall seed belongs to Northwestern — a historic program in collegiate women's lacrosse. The Wildcats have won eight NCAA championships throughout the years, and were runners-up in 2025. Maryland, Johns Hopkins and Michigan State follow behind as the second, third and fourth seeds.
Don't miss out on a second of the action.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Big Ten women's lacrosse tournament, including TV channel and streaming options for the annual competition.
Where to watch Big Ten women's lacrosse tournament
The first round of the 2026 Big Ten lacrosse tournament will stream on B1G+, and the semifinals and championship will air live on Big Ten Network. Cord-cutters can stream the BTN games on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Big Ten women's lacrosse tournament schedule 2026
The 2026 Big Ten women's lacrosse tournament will begin on Wednesday, April 22, and conclude with the championship game on Sunday, April 26. All games will take place at the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Journalist: Chelsea hierarchy are responsible for turning club into financial experiment
The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney has declared that the Chelsea hierarchy are responsible for turning club into a financial experiment.
All the focus has been around head coach Liam Rosenior and whether he should be sacked or not right now, and of course he does need to be sacked, he’s well out of his depth.
EXCLUSIVE!! Chelsea now tracking Premier League winger – his name will universally excite Chelsea fans!! 👀
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But the issues at Chelsea are rooted problems. And those problems all come from the very top of the club – the owners. They’re the ones who have put this bizarre project in place, they are the ones who have spent £2bn on the squad in four years, they are the ones who have hired the lame sporting directors, and they are the ones who keep hiring managers who are proving not to be good enough.
Delaney on Chelsea
Behdad Eghbali and the SDs during embarrassing defeat to Brighton
“The focus should stay on the Chelsea hierarchy. They are responsible for this. They are responsible for turning a social institution into some kind of financial experiment.
“They’ve made the common mistake of thinking they are smarter than the norms of a 166-year-old sport and have been shown reality.”
In other news today
Gary Cahill tried his best to be positive about Chelsea’s performance against Brighton, but even he found today’s game a “hard watch” and says there were “no positives”.
Chelsea’s loss at Brighton means they’ve lost fives league games without scoring for the first time since 1912. So they have now broken one of the oldest records in history.
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Bayern Munich's Belgian head coach Vincent Kompany celebrates after the German first division Bundesliga football match between FC Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart in Munich, southern Germany, on April 19, 2026. Harry Kane scored his 32nd goal of the campaign as Bayern Munich cruised to a 4-2 home win over Stuttgart and claim a record-extending 35th Bundesliga title. (Photo by Alexandra BEIER / AFP via Getty Images) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO | AFP via Getty Images
Believe it or not, being a football manager is a very demanding job. Bayern Munich’s head coach Vincent Kompany, for example, certainly spends more than 8 hours a day working during the week. And, unlike a usual 9-5 job, the weekend is certainly not stress free. So one has to take all the breaks one can get in that profession.
That is probably why Kompany insisted on a work free summer. According to Daily Mail reporter Mike Keegan (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), this means also turning down being involved in some small way at the 2026 World Cup:
Vincent Kompany has rejected punditry offers from multiple broadcasters ahead of the World Cup. The Belgian instead intends to relax and re-energise over the summer following an intense season.
How much of a break from football Kompany can take is the question. Will he relax on the beach somewhere tropical or will he still watch the biggest football sporting event in the world? One must imagine, given how much of a football fan he is, that the temptation to watch the World Cup will be strong.
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly bringing up one of their top prospects much sooner than anticipated.
On Tuesday, the Red Sox promoted left-handed pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, where he was expected to debut on Thursday.
However, there's already been a change of plans. Following Boston's 4-0 loss to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night, MassLive's Chris Cotillo reported that the Red Sox are already promoting Rivera to the Majors.
Sources: Red Sox calling up pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera, who has never pitched above Double-A.
According to MLB Pipeline, the 22-year-old southpaw ranks as the No. 26 overall prospect in the Red Sox organization and the club's No. 13 pitching prospect. However, MLB Pipeline didn't project him to reach the Majors until next year.
While he's never pitched above Double-A, Rivera faced Major League hitters while pitching for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. The towering lefty also dominated his first two starts at Double-A this year with a 0.90 ERA, a 1.67 FIP and a .167 BAA.
After accelerating Rivera's promotion, Boston presumably plans to use him against the Yankees this week, likely out of the bullpen. The Red Sox have a history of having their top prospects make their MLB debuts against New York, so they must be confident in Rivera to have him skip Triple-A and go straight to facing the Yankees' lineup.
Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe says the west Wales region helped him achieve his dream of becoming a Springbok as he prepares to leave Llanelli for Irish province Munster.
The 29-year-old South African international will join Munster ahead of the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship (URC) season after agreeing a two-year deal, bringing an end to an influential spell at Parc y Scarlets.
Van der Merwe made his South Africa debut in July and played his part in their Rugby Championship triumph, featuring in victories over New Zealand and Australia after impressing during his time in west Wales.
Reflecting on his spell with the Scarlets, Van der Merwe said the region played a major role in his rise to international rugby.
"Looking back at it, a lot of stuff happened in the year and a half that I've been here. A lot of good happened, more good to me personally," he said.
"I'm grateful for Scarlets and everyone that supported me – the team, fans, all of them. I'm grateful for each and every one.
"Even coaches that were hard on me, players that were hard on me, they made me the player who I am now. I'm very happy – I couldn't have picked a better club to be at."
Van der Merwe says the challenge of testing himself in a new environment helped him develop and pushed him towards international recognition.
"The players here have stepped up and they helped me improve as much as I helped them," he added.
"We were hard on each other and tried to leave the jersey in a better place than we found it."
Asked what his main memory of the Scarlets would be, Van der Merwe pointed to fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
"The friends I've made and the fact they have driven me to become a Springbok. I think that's the main thing," he said.
"The coaching staff helped me achieve my dream and every step from the start I joined here they told me they wanted to push to get me there.
"I'm grateful every step of the way for actually achieving that and making my dream come true, so I'm grateful for Scarlets for doing that. I'll never forget this place."
Before his departure, Van der Merwe is hoping to help Scarlets finish the season strongly, starting with this weekend's tough test in Llanelli against a Bulls side packed with Springbok talent.
"They're loaded with Springboks, a lot of good players, a lot of physical players," he said.
"They're the favourites, so we as a team just go out there as the underdogs.
"They are a good scrummaging side, a good mauling side, good ball runners, tough tackling and very physical.
"We just need to step up physically, make sure we are in the game physically, then you will have a good game at hand."
Jack Kochanowicz #41 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during an MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium on April 21, 2026 in Anaheim, California.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — In a matter of six pitches, the wheels fell off for the Angels.
Left-hander Drew Pomeranz was tasked with facing the top of the Blue Jays’ lineup in the eighth inning in a tie game, and after retiring the leadoff hitter and getting the next batter to two strikes, things went south fast.
Pomeranz proceeded to give up three runs over the next six pitches and earned the loss in the Angels’ 4-2 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.
He had second baseman Ernie Clement down in the count, but Clement took Pomeranz’s 2-2 knuckle curve that was well below the strike zone and hit a double to left field. With first base open, the Angels opted to intentionally walk the ever-dangerous Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to avoid his bat and to create a chance for a double play.
Pinch hitter Lenyn Sosa then sharply lined a 1-1 fastball that didn’t get as high as Pomeranz wanted off the bottom of the wall in right field to score both runners. Two pitches later, designated hitter Eloy Jiménez grounded a ball through the right side to score the third run of the inning.
“We like (Pomeranz) against their best guys,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “And he really executed the pitch. Clement did a good job hitting a ball for a double. You walk Vlad, and Sosa hit that ball to the gap it was a good piece of hitting. Jiménez rolled on right through the right side. I felt like (Pomeranz) threw the ball good. It's just one of those nights.”
The Angels tried a late rally of their own in the ninth as Blue Jays closer, right-hander Jeff Hoffman, was also tasked with facing the top of the order.
Center fielder Mike Trout delivered a one-out single to put the wheels in motion, and Hoffman kept them spinning with his own mistakes.
Hoffman proceeded to hit right fielder Jo Adell and designated hitter Jorge Soler in consecutive plate appearances to load the bases. He then allowed an RBI single to pinch-hitter Yoán Moncada to make it a two-run game.
Manager John Schneider saw enough and went to the bullpen to bring in right-hander Louis Varland, who got first baseman Nolan Schanuel to ground out into a double play to end it.
It was too little, too late for the Angels’ bats, as they didn’t get a runner into scoring position until the fifth inning and wouldn’t have another until the ninth. After tearing the cover off the ball in their recent road trip, the Angels have now scored just six runs in their last four games.
“It looked like we were just out in front a lot,” Suzuki said. “We really minimized threats that would move the ball forward. Just couldn't find any holes tonight. (Patrick Corbin) kept us off balance. I thought he mixed in some offspeed pretty well.”
The lineup wasted what was another solid start from right-hander Jack Kochanowicz.
Kochanowicz’s quest for a bounce-back season added another chapter Tuesday night when he pitched 5 ⅔ innings while only giving up one earned run on five hits and two walks, lowering his ERA on the season to 3.10.
“I thought Jack was good,” Suzuki said. “He was throwing strikes, keeping them on the ground. Really making some good pitches and kept us in the game the whole time.”
What made this an interesting start for Kochanowicz is that, despite the suppressed offense, he really didn’t dominate.
Kochanowicz only struck out one hitter and only got swing and misses on 14% of his pitches that induced swings, where his season average before Tuesday was 25.3%.
More notably, his offspeed pitches weren’t as effective. Before Tuesday, his whiff rate on his slider was 42.9% and 38% on his changeup. In Tuesday’s outing, those numbers were only 20% for both.
“I wouldn't say my stuff felt the best today,” Kochanowicz said. “But just some deep breaths at the right times got me through some innings.”
The Angels have now lost four straight games and look to avoid getting swept in Wednesday’s matinee affair with José Soriano on the mound.
Each year, the NFL Draft draws in millions of viewers. However, not every fan can stay up late to watch all 32 names called in the first round, and the NFL may have helped viewers out this year.
This past December, the league announced that it would shorten the maximum time limit for each first-round selection from 10 minutes to eight. This change should shorten the first draft night by 64 minutes.
Typically, the first day of the draft would end after 11:30 p.m. ET. Now, if all goes to plan, viewers can be in bed by 11 p.m. after watching the entirety of the first round.
Here's an inside look at why the league opted to change the time limit, and how long the other rounds will take at this year's draft in Pittsburgh.
In December 2025, Adam Schefter reported that the NFL was shortening the first-round pick limit from 10 minutes to eight. The league was looking to shorten the duration of the first round, which was ending just before midnight in most years.
Two-minute warning: The NFL notified teams today that it will shorten the time between picks in the first round of the draft from 10 to 8 minutes starting with the 2026 draft in Pittsburgh.
This will shorten the length of the first round, which had been finishing around 11:45p… pic.twitter.com/yMsym354PY
At a minimum, the change will save 64 minutes while shortening every first-round selection period by two minutes. With coverage starting at 8 p.m. ET, the NFL is hoping to conclude the opening round by 11 p.m. ET.
This is the first time the league has changed the duration of the first round since 2008, when the first-round pick time was shortened from 15 minutes to 10.
After the first round, where teams will have eight minutes per selection this year, the draft will have the same time periods to draft as last year, according to the NFL. Here is a breakdown of time limits per round.
Round 1: Eight minutes
Round 2: Seven minutes
Rounds 3-6: Five minutes
Round 7: Four minutes
Teams will always need the most time to pick in the first round, as the importance of selecting the right player is paramount. Along with this, it is important for them to monitor draft trends and other team movement in the draft that can impact landing their desired star player. After the first round, teams will look to address roster needs in the ensuing rounds.
In years prior, the NFL Draft's first round took just under four hours. The first-day event typically starts at 8 p.m. ET and would end around 11:45 p.m., according to Schefter. Last year's draft ended at roughly 11:30 p.m.
After the first round, the second and third rounds will ensue on Friday night. The second round will have a pick limit of seven minutes, while the third round will take five minutes per pick. Day 2 will start at 7 p.m. ET and last until roughly 10 p.m., according to the draft's event operations page.
On Saturday, coverage from Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET and last until 6 p.m. The fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds will all have five minutes per pick, while the seventh round will have a pick limit of four minutes.
For the modern seven-round format, which began in 1994, the fastest total draft time came at the 2012 draft. Across three days, teams made all their draft picks in a lightning-fast 14 hours and five minutes.
This year's draft will most likely break that 2012 record, with pick limits being shortened by two minutes per selection.
A player who will play a pivotal role for Manchester City tonight knows the challenge ahead
Manchester City will be without Rodri for tonight’s Premier League fixture against Burnley. Paul Hirst has reported for The Times that Manchester City’s midfield general that Rodri sustained a calf injury in the second half of City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal. As per Hirst’s report, Rodri’s injury isn’t believed to be too serious, but he is unavailable for tonight’s match. It is expected that Nico will slot into Rodri’s role in Manchester City’s midfield at Turf Moor tonight. Speaking on mancity.com, Nico knows that City are in the ideal scenario for them entering the final stages of this season.
Nico seems certain to start in midfield for Manchester City against Burnley.
With Rodri ruled out of tonight’s match against Burnley due to injury, Nico seems certain to start for Manchester City at Turf Moor. Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic look to be the other alternatives to step into Rodri’s role tonight, but Nico is the standout candidate to play as a number six tonight. Nico was superb for City earlier this season in Rodri’s absence, and his fine performances in midfield helped lay a platform for City to launch into the second half of this season.
Nico is the player to step into Rodri’s role tonight. He played superbly in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield earlier this season. Nico’s performances showed that Manchester City has the ideal replacement for Rodri in their squad. Not having adequate cover for Rodri has been an issue for Manchester City in years past. It isn’t an issue now due to Nico and his rise.
Also, if Nico starts, Pep Guardiola doesn’t have to change the system that has served Manchester City so well recently. Nico slots into Rodri’s role perfectly, so his selection in Manchester City’s midfield tonight against Burnley seems to be a no-brainer.
Nico has said that City are exactly where they want to be for the run-in.
Ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Burnley, Nico said that Manchester City are the scenario that hoped to be in when the season started. He explained: “It was hard to think a few weeks ago about this position. If you said at the beginning of the season, we had the chance to be first with five games left, we would have all signed it.”
However, Nico knows that City cannot afford to look too far ahead, they simply must focus on beating Burnley tonight. He added: “It’s amazing – we can see it’s close, but we have to focus on Burnley. We will see what happens and take it game by game.”
“We are really happy about the job we are doing. It is 50/50. It’s going to be a nice race until the end. I really trust my team and I’m happy we are in this position.”
Nico has an important role to play tonight in Rodri’s absence for Manchester City, especially tonight at Burnley, as Pep Guardiola’s side knows that they must pick up three points to go top of the Premier League. The Spanish midfielder also believes that City are in an ideal situation for the final stages of this season to try and claim the Premier League title over Arsenal.
Bournemouth vs Leeds United – Predicted lineup and team news
Andoni Iraola targets a club-record finish for Bournemouth before his announced departure after the current campaign, as they entertain Leeds United on Wednesday.
Bournemouth sit eighth in the table after a clinical win on Tyneside last weekend. They look to avoid a fifth successive home draw on Wednesday night. The Cherries have struggled against promoted teams this season. They have taken zero wins from five such matches so far. Despite this, their 13-game unbeaten run provides the squad with immense confidence.
Iraola has revolutionised the side’s attacking output since taking charge at the Vitality Stadium. His team averages nearly ten attempts per game in their free-flowing system. That said, the side has only two wins in fifteen league meetings with Leeds. They must overcome this historical hurdle to secure continental football for next year. Success today would keep them level with Chelsea and Brentford in a tight race.
Bournemouth team news
The hosts will be without Justin Kluivert for tonight’s crucial league fixture. He has been sidelined since January with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Lewis Cook and Julio Soler are nearing a return after returning to training. A decision on their involvement will likely be made on Wednesday morning. In their absence, Alex Scott and Ryan Christie will control the midfield.
Djordje Petrovic will keep his place in goal behind a settled defensive line. Adrien Truffert and Alex Jimenez should occupy the full-back positions tonight. Marcos Senesi remains a key figure at the heart of the defence. He will be tasked with containing a resurgent Leeds strike force. That said, Tyler Adams might face his former employers from the substitutes’ bench.
Eli Junior Kroupi netted the equaliser at Elland Road earlier this season. He could become the first teenager to score home and away against Leeds. Marcus Tavernier remains a goal threat following his recent strike against Newcastle. Evanilson will lead the line as the primary focal point for the Cherries. The Brazilian’s movement will be essential against a compact Leeds backline.
Bournemouth predicted lineup
Bournemouth Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Christie; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium begins tonight, Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at 20:00 BST.
How to watch Bournemouth vs Leeds United?
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League, with streaming available via Sky Go and NOW.
Elche vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news
Atletico Madrid face Elche in their next La Liga encounter away from home on Wednesday evening.
Atletico Madrid are sitting comfortably in fourth position in the league table with 57 points from 31 matches while Elche are fighting for survival as they are in 18th position in the table with 32 points from 31 matches.
Elche vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news
Date: Wednesday, 22nd April.
Kick-off: 6pm BST.
Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Elche.
Elche team news
Managerial focus is currently on the fitness of Buba Sangare, who is recovering from a concussion, and Adam El Mokhtari; both players face late fitness tests before the squad is finalised.
A major boost for the hosts is the return of Pedro Bigas, who is expected to slot straight back into the heart of the defence after serving his suspension.
Elche is expected to field a compact 3-4-1-2 formation, relying on the physical presence of Rafa Mir upfront to pressure a makeshift Atlético defence.
Atletico Madrid team news
Diego Simeone is forced to navigate a mini-injury crisis, most notably losing key attackers Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sørloth to injuries sustained during that final.
José María Giménez remains sidelined with a muscle issue, while David Hancko is considered a major doubt despite nearing a return from an ankle injury.
With a critical Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on the horizon, Simeone is expected to rotate to manage fatigue.
This could see prospects like Julio Díaz and Javier Bonar earn rare starts. On a more positive note, veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak is set to return to the starting XI after being rested, and Marcos Llorente has been cleared to play.
Form
Elche
Elche CF shows signs of a late-season revival in their battle against relegation, having won two of their last three league outings. This positive run includes a crucial 1–0 home victory over Valencia CF on April 11, which moved them within a point of safety. While they currently sit 18th, their formidable home form is a major asset; they boast the league’s eighth-best record at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, losing only twice there all season.
Atletico Madrid
Atlético Madrid’s season has hit a rough patch, with six losses in its last seven matches across all competitions. Their recent 2–1 league defeat to Sevilla FC was compounded by a heartbreaking penalty-shootout loss to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final on April 18. Despite sitting fourth in the table, Simeone’s side has struggled for domestic consistency, failing to win a league match since mid-March. Their focus now shifts toward securing their top-four spot and an upcoming Champions League semi-final against Arsenal F.C.
PSG hosts Nantes on Wednesday night at the Parc des Princes in a Ligue 1 clash.
Luis Enrique’s side will aim to maintain their impressive scoring streak at home, having found the net in 47 straight league matches — the longest current run across Europe’s top five leagues.
PSG sit top of the table with 63 points from 29 games, just one point clear of Lens, while also holding a game in hand. However, they come into this match after a 2-1 home defeat to Lyon last weekend. Before that setback, they were in strong form, winning six matches in a row in all competitions, including a Champions League quarter-final triumph over Liverpool.
PSG team news
In terms of team news, Enrique has several concerns as he manages a stretched squad ahead of a crucial Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.
Vitinha is a major absentee after picking up a heel injury against Lyon, and his fitness for the European tie is uncertain.
In defence, Nuno Mendes remains sidelined with a thigh problem, while youngster Quentin Ndjantou is not expected back until May due to a hamstring injury.
Fabian Ruiz made a brief return from injury as a substitute in the last game but is likely to miss this one. As a result, Senny Mayulu is expected to continue in midfield.
There could also be changes in attack. Goncalo Ramos and Desire Doue started the previous match, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele are in line to feature from the start.
Merson ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if PL star with 68 G/A in 111 apps is playing for Man United next season
Paul Merson believes there’s a chance Cole Palmer could make the switch to Manchester United this summer – much to Chelsea fans’ dismay.
With Champions League qualification now slipping further from the Blues’ grasp, they might also struggle to keep hold of some of their most prized assets when the transfer window rolls around.
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Why Palmer is being tipped for a move elsewhere amid Chelsea’s UCL struggles
Palmer, who was part of Manchester City’s treble-winning squad in 2022/2023, has recently suggested that he is keen to continue plying his trade in Europe’s elite competition in the coming seasons.
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Since making the switch to Stamford Bridge in September 2023, he has only added to his UCL experience in one of the three campaigns he’s represented Chelsea, making five appearances this term as the side reached the last-16 before being hammered 8-2 on aggregate by Paris Saint-Germain.
That’s perhaps why Merson has tipped the coveted 23-year-old for a return to the North West – but this time in red and black as opposed to sky blue.
Weighing in on Chelsea’s struggles in his Sky Sports column, the pundit said: “Do you think Cole Palmer will be at Chelsea playing in the Europa Conference League? I don’t think so. Manchester United will get into the Champions League, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was playing there next season.”
His Premier League record speaks for itself, as the young talent has returned a scintillating 46 goals and 22 assists in 111 top-flight appearances.
Palmer’s record in all competitions for Chelsea
However, with the midfield poised to take the utmost priority for INEOS, there’s little to no chance the funds would be available to facilitate a deal for the England star – not to mention the fact that the London outfit will do everything in their power to keep hold of him.
Palmer actually touched on his frequent links to United this month in an attempt to play down the speculation. He told The Guardian: “Everyone just talks. When I see it [speculation over a move back to Manchester], I just laugh.
“Obviously, Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea.”
Bournemouth vs Leeds United – Match preview and team news
Bournemouth host Leeds United on Wednesday night as they chase a historic finish to an incredible campaign.
The Cherries chase European qualification after extending their record-breaking unbeaten run to thirteen matches. Recent victories against Arsenal and Newcastle have propelled the side into eighth place. They currently sit level on points with Chelsea and Brentford in a tight table.
However, Andoni Iraola’s side must fix their home form to stay in the continental hunt. They have drawn four consecutive matches at the Vitality Stadium and seek an elusive home win tonight.
Leeds, meanwhile, look to secure their top-flight status following back-to-back victories against Manchester United and Wolves. The Whites carry an eight-point cushion over the relegation zone with five games remaining.
Daniel Farke’s men remain unbeaten in their last five away fixtures in the Premier League. They are looking for their first consecutive top-flight away wins since April 2022. A victory today would likely seal their survival and allow a focus on the upcoming FA Cup semi-final.
Bournemouth vs Leeds United – Match preview and team news
Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
Referee: Michael Salisbury
VAR: Peter Bankes
Last Meeting: Leeds United 2–2 Bournemouth (27 Sept 2025, Premier League)
Team news
Bournemouth
The hosts remain without Justin Kluivert for this midweek encounter. Lewis Cook and Julio Soler could return to the squad after training this week. In their absence, Alex Scott and Ryan Christie have performed admirably in the midfield engine room. That said, Tyler Adams may start on the bench against his former club tonight.
Leeds United
Daniel James and Joe Rodon are both fit and available for selection. Anton Stach misses the trip as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup. Farke expects the rest of the squad to travel to the south coast. Noah Okafor should keep his place after scoring in his last two away games.
Form
Bournemouth
Bournemouth have drawn four consecutive home games at the Vitality Stadium. They have not beaten a promoted side in five attempts this season. However, they have opened the scoring in five of their last seven matches. Their win ratio against Leeds historically stands at a lowly 13 per cent.
Leeds United
The Whites are unbeaten in eight away games across all competitions. They recently booked an FA Cup semi-final spot after beating West Ham. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in three consecutive away matches this term. Daniel Farke has never lost a Premier League game against Bournemouth in three meetings.
Predicted lineups
Bournemouth Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Christie; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson
Leeds United Predicted XI (4-4-2): Darlow; Justin, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle; Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
How to watch Bournemouth vs Leeds United?
The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 19:00 BST.
Burnley vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news
Manchester City can seize the Premier League summit when they visit Turf Moor on Wednesday evening.
Pep Guardiola’s side trail leaders Arsenal by three points ahead of this crucial fixture. A victory by more than two goals would lift the visitors into top spot. City have found their stride lately following their recent triumph over the Gunners. They look to extend a run of 29 games unbeaten against newly promoted sides.
Burnley, meanwhile, face the daunting prospect of relegation confirmation if results go against them this week. The Clarets occupy 19th place and have not tasted victory since February. Scott Parker’s men must find a way to stop an 11-game losing streak against the visitors. They have struggled at home, conceding 25 goals at Turf Moor so far this campaign. Survival appears unlikely unless they can produce a perfect performance against the title challengers.
Burnley vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news
Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Venue: Turf Moor
Referee: Andy Madley
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Last Meeting: Man City 5–1 Burnley (27 Sep 2025, Premier League)
Team news
Burnley
Scott Parker deals with a depleted squad for this difficult midweek encounter. Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni, and Hannibal Mejbri remain unavailable due to various injuries. Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts are also ruled out of the matchday squad. Axel Tuanzebe remains a doubt, while Kyle Walker could face his former club.
Manchester City
The visitors must cope without influential holding midfielder Rodri due to a groin issue. Ruben Dias is also set to miss out as he continues his recovery. Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined, forcing further changes to the defensive line. That said, Nico Gonzalez is expected to deputise in the middle of the park.
Form
Burnley
Burnley have won just one of their 19 Premier League meetings with City. They currently endure a 12-game winless run at Turf Moor in the top flight. Parker’s side has conceded 212.5% more home goals than they did last season. Despite snatching draws against top sides recently, the Clarets look physically and mentally drained.
Manchester City
City have collected 21 away points since December, more than any other Premier League team. They have scored five or more goals in five different matches against Burnley. Erling Haaland averages one goal every 36 minutes against the East Lancashire outfit. Guardiola’s team has not lost a league game in April since 2021.
Leeds XI vs Bournemouth – Predicted lineup and team news
Daniel Farke aims to secure Premier League safety during a brilliant April run for Leeds United as they travel to Bournemouth.
Leeds occupy fifteenth place and sit eight points clear of the drop zone. They are the only top-flight side to win back-to-back games this week. Farke remains unbeaten against Bournemouth in three previous Premier League meetings. Despite this, Leeds lost 4–1 on their last visit to the Vitality Stadium. They must maintain their current focus to avoid another South Coast slip.
The Whites are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten away run in twenty-five years. They have not lost on the road in five Premier League matches. This streak extends to eight games across all competitions during an impressive period. A victory today would likely guarantee another year in the top division. Meanwhile, it would also build momentum for their upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash.
Leeds United team news
Daniel Farke has confirmed that Daniel James and Joe Rodon are fit. Both players have returned to team training following spells on the sidelines. However, the encounter comes too soon for German midfielder Anton Stach. He remains out with an ankle injury sustained against West Ham. The manager expects the rest of the squad to be available for selection.
Karl Darlow continues in goal while the regular outfield starters return. James Justin should start at right-back after his stunning goal against Wolves. Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol will form the central defensive partnership today. Joe Rodon is fit but might start on the bench following injury. In his absence, Ethan Ampadu has led the side with great composure.
Noah Okafor has been the catalyst for Leeds’ recent away success. He scored in the historic win at Old Trafford and at Molineux. Dominic Calvert-Lewin seeks to score in a fourth straight away game tonight. Brenden Aaronson and Ao Tanaka will provide the energy in a 4-4-2 setup. They must disrupt Bournemouth’s possession-based style to find success on the counter.
Leeds United predicted lineup
Leeds United Predicted XI (4-4-2): Darlow; Justin, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle; Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium begins tonight, Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at 20:00 BST.
How to watch Bournemouth vs Leeds United?
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League, with streaming available via Sky Go and NOW.
Atletico Madrid predicted lineup and team news vs Elche
Atletico Madrid travel to face Elche in La Liga on Wednesday evening, with both sides chasing very different goals at this stage of the season.
Atletico currently sit fourth in the table with 57 points from 31 games, while Elche are down in 18th place on 32 points, battling to avoid relegation.
Diego Simeone’s team are going through a difficult run, having lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions. Their struggles continued with a 2–1 defeat to Sevilla in the league, followed by a painful Copa del Rey final loss to Real Sociedad on penalties on April 18.
Despite holding a top-four position, Atletico haven’t won a league game since mid-March and are now under pressure to maintain their Champions League spot ahead of a semi-final clash with Arsenal.
Atletico Madrid team news
Injuries are also a concern for Simeone. Key forwards Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth are both ruled out after picking up injuries in the cup final.
Jose Maria Gimenez remains unavailable due to a muscle problem, while David Hancko is doubtful as he recovers from an ankle issue.
With the Arsenal match approaching, squad rotation is expected. Young players like Julio Díaz and Javier Bonar could be given opportunities to start.
There is some good news, though, as Jan Oblak is set to return in goal after being rested, and Marcos Llorente is fit again.
Atletico Madrid predicted lineup
Possible Atletico Madrid starting XI: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Bonar, Diaz; Mendoza, Cardoso; Almada, Baena, Gonzalez; Alvarez
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 6pm BST on Wednesday, 22nd April.
How to watch Elche vs Atletico Madrid?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Premier Sports 1.
PSG is set to face Nantes in a Ligue 1 encounter on Wednesday night at their home ground Parc Des Princes.
Luis Enrique’s men will look to continue their goal-scoring form at home as they have scored in 47 consecutive home league matches, the longest active run by any team in Europe’s top five leagues.
PSG vs Nantes – Match preview and team news
Date: Wednesday, 22nd April.
Kick-off: 6pm BST.
Venue: Parc Des Princes, Paris.
PSG team news
For Paris Saint-Germain, manager Luis Enrique faces a delicate balancing act as he manages a squad thinned by injuries ahead of a busy schedule that includes a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.
The biggest blow is the absence of Vitinha, who is sidelined with a heel injury picked up during the recent loss to Lyon; his availability for European duty remains a major concern.
Defensively, the Parisians are still without Nuno Mendes, who is continuing his recovery from a thigh issue, and young talent Quentin Ndjantou, who isn’t expected back until May due to a hamstring strain.
Midfielder Fabian Ruiz returned from his injury to feature off the bench in their last outing but he is expected to sit out this match as well.
Senny Mayulu is once again set to start in Midfield due to the absence of Vitinha and Ruiz.
Goncalo Ramos and Desire Doue started the last match but there might be changes in attack as well with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele expected to start.
Nantes team news
Nantes enters this daunting fixture in a precarious position, battling both relegation and a depleted roster.
The Canaries will be without their leader on the touchline, as manager Vahid Halilhodžić begins a four-match suspension following his dismissal against Brest.
On the pitch, the injury list is extensive: Fabien Centonze is out long-term with a cruciate ligament injury, joined by Kelvin Amian (groin) and Tylel Tati (thigh).
Furthermore, Remi Cabella has been ruled out until May alongwith Mohamed Kaba and Abakar Sylla. Adding to their woes, Dehmaine Tabibou is suspended following his recent red card.
Form
PSG
PSG remains at the top of Ligue 1, with 63 points from 29 matches, still one point ahead of Lens and also with one extra game in hand. They recently suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Lyon last Sunday. Before this loss, the Parisians had been in dominant form, securing six consecutive wins across all competitions, including a Champions League quarter-final victory over Liverpool.
Nantes
Nantes is currently mired in a difficult run as they fight to avoid the drop, sitting in 17th place and five points away from guaranteed safety. Their most recent result was a heartbreaking 1-1 draw against Brest, where they conceded a 96th-minute equaliser that denied them a much-needed victory. The Canaries are now winless in their last six matches and have struggled significantly on the road, failing to score in their last three away outings.
The Utah Mammoth defeated the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday to tie their series 1-1.
LAS VEGAS — Lady Luck was not on the side of Vegas on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena as The Utah Mammoth (1-1) defeated the Vegas Golden Knights (1-1) , 3-2 to knot the first round series at one. Both teams capitalized on mistakes by their opponent, but both teams also took advantage of some puck luck. In Game 2, it was Utah that had just a bit more luck on their side in what was otherwise a pretty evenly played game.
In an eventful first period, Lady Puck Luck was with both teams. With Utah’s Logan Cooley off for interference, the Vegas power play went to work. Mark Stone (2) gained control of the puck down low and attempted a cross-crease pass to teammate Tomas Hertl. However, instead of the puck reaching Hertl, it deflected off the skate of Utah defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and into the net at 11:42 of the first. The tally was Stone’s 12th career post-season power play goal, the most in Vegas franchise history and his 43rd overall post-season goal.
Utah got some puck luck of their own when it tied the game at one. With 3:01 left in the first MacKenzie Weegar (1) took a shot from the point that tipped off Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin, then off the stick of netminder Carter Hart, then deflected once more off Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson’s right shin pad and past an unsuspecting Hart.
There was a total of eight penalties called in the first period, five against Utah and three on Vegas. To nobody’s surprise, five of the eight penalties in the first period were for roughing. The parade to the penalty box would continue to start the second period. At the 2:27 mark of the second frame, Nick Dowd was whistled for tripping and the Utah power play went back to work. This power play was notable, not because of a Utah goal, but because of four Vegas blocked shots during the penalty kill, two of which severely stunned Hanifin and Jeremy Lazoun, respectively. While both players hobbled to the bench, they were both able to continue on in the game after some recovery time. Vegas would kill all four Utah penalties in the game.
Failed clearing attempts by both teams lead to the game’s next two goals. Four second after Utah killed another Vegas power play, the Mammoth took that momentum and then took their first lead of the night. Mitch Marner attempted to clear the puck from below his own goal line, but Utah defenseman Kailer Yamamoto was able to flag down the clearing attempt with his right glove and then complete a backhand, cross-ice pass to Dylan Guenther (1) who was stationed at the top of the left circle. He then unloaded on a one-time blast that beat Hart high to his stick-side. The goal came at 14:56 of the second and gave Utah a 2-1 lead. That lead, however, would be short-lived.
Just 1:02 later, Ivan Barbashev (2) picked off a Sergachev pass attempt at center ice and then skated in one-on-three, but somehow managed to dance all three Utah players like the Bellagio Fountains and then backhand the puck up and over the glove of Utah netminder Karel Vejmelka to knot the game at two and that is how the score remained heading into the second intermission.
The goaltenders took center stage in the third period as both teams peppered the opposing netminders, but each was stellar. However, late in the third, Utah was able to solve Hart for a third time through sheer tenacity. Guenther took a shot on Hart, then got his own rebound and rang it off the post. As Geunther looked to the heavens in disbelief, his teammate Logan Cooley (2) doggedly swooped in and corralled the rebound off the post and pushed it past Hart to put Utah ahead 3-2 with exactly six minutes left in regulation. With the goal, Cooley became the youngest U.S.-born player to score a goal in his first two career playoff games.
Vegas pulled Hart for the extra attacker and had some sustained pressure late, but could not get the equalizer. The win for Utah is considered their first in franchise history because they were considered an expansion franchise after their relocation to Utah from Arizona last season. While it was the first-ever playoff win for Utah, it was the first regulation loss for Vegas under coach John Tortorella. Vegas had been 8-0-1 since Tortorella became their new bench boss on March 30.
The series will now switch venues to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 will take place on Friday night and will be Utah’s inaugural home playoff game.
Notes
The final shots on goal favored Utah, 29-21.
Hits favored Utah, 33-31.
Blocked shots also favored Utah, 17-15.
Faceoff winning percentages were a dead even split at 50% apiece.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Tereza Vanisova had a goal and two assists as the Vancouver Goldeneyes held on for a 4-3 win over the Montreal Victoire on Tuesday night.
Sarah Nurse scored her eighth goal of the season, Ashton Bell added a power-play goal midway through the second and Claire Thompson rounded out the scoring for the Goldeneyes (9-2-4-14).
Thompson’s goal at the 5:06 mark of the third period gave Vancouver a 4-0 lead, before Montreal (16-5-2-6) pulled goalie Sandra Abstreiter with more than seven minutes left on the game clock in favor of an extra attacker.
Hayley Scamurra responded with three goals over 2 minutes and 44 seconds to cut the Victoire’s deficit to a goal with the first hat trick of her PWHL career. Nicole Gosling had three assists and Erin Ambrose added two.
Vancouver goalie Kristen Campbell stopped 25 of the 28 shots she faced, and Abstreiter made 14 saves for Montreal.
The Victoire have locked up their playoff spot and are still looking to secure first place so they can pick their semifinal opponent. The Goldeneyes have been eliminated from postseason play, but are aiming to rack up draft order points with strong showings in their final games.
Up next
Victoire: Visit the Seattle Torrent on Saturday.
Goldeneyes: Close out their inaugural season Saturday when they host the Minnesota Frost.
Retired Eagles center Jason Kelce drew a packed crowd and a rock-star welcome during a campus visit Tuesday at Rowan University.
He spoke with students and faculty about his football journey, life and the upcoming NFL Draft.
Kelce, the former All-Pro center who spent his entire NFL career in Philadelphia, reflected on his path, including before becoming a household name.
Now retired, Kelce has shifted his focus to new roles as a podcast host and ESPN NFL analyst. With the NFL Draft just days away, he said he expects plenty of unpredictability.
"It's going to be chaotic. Things are going to happen that no one sees coming. We're going to add some new teammates here in Philadelphia, which will be very exciting," Kelce said in an exclusive one-on-one interview with Action News.
Kelce was also asked about Eagles WR A.J. Brown, who could be traded, according to some reports. He described Brown as both a great player and teammate.
"I know AJ personally. I played with him, he's an awesome teammate. He's an incredibly talented player. At the same time, you've seen the frustrations over the last couple years. I don't know where he's at or where the teams is. Everything gets to a point where it's gonna come to an end and maybe it's at the point," Kelce said.
"AJ has clearly been frustrated and sometimes that frustrates the fans, but one thing I do find unique is that the players really haven't manifested in a negative way towards AJ, which lends me to think that a lot of people understand AJ's frustrations. I think AJ is a great player where if he is moved, the Eagles will miss him. He's not the reason the offense wasn't good last year," Kelce added.
Kelce spent 13 seasons anchoring the Eagles' offensive line, playing a central role in delivering the franchise's first Super Bowl title in 2018.
Even in retirement, Kelce remains a vocal ambassador for Philadelphia sports culture, extending his enthusiasm beyond football.
"If you play hockey all out, it's just such a fun sport to watch, and the Flyers are definitely making Philadelphia proud through two games right now," he said.
Tuesday, Kelce met with Rowan students in the Sports Communication and Media program and the football team.
He offered this advice to the students who packed the Pfleeger Concert Hall: "Enjoy every second of this because once it's gone -- I played in the NFL for 13 years -- nothing replicates being in college and that experience," Kelce said.
Kelce said it was his first visit to Rowan University and added that he plans to return for a future football game, prompting cheers from the crowd.
Jul 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) reacts against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb never hid where she wanted to spend the 2026 WNBA season.
Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Las Vegas Aces during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“[Phoenix] was my first choice,” Whitcomb said. “I have no problem saying that. I told [the Mercury] that when I left. This is where I wanted to be.”
The WNBA’s CBA negotiations stretched deep into the offseason, creating unease across teams and front offices. At times, the delay raised concerns about whether the 2026 season would even begin on time — leaving players like Whitcomb to navigate an unpredictable few months.
After an offseason filled with uncertainty surrounding the CBA, Whitcomb is back in the Valley on a two-year deal — a move that brings continuity and stability to both the player and organization at a pivotal moment.
However, the guard revealed that there were other options available to her, although she didn’t name what those options were.
“You know, there were a lot of things that were going to be unpredictable about the offseason,” she said. “There were times where I wasn’t so sure that this would be where I’d land. I stayed in constant communication with them, and I really appreciated that.”
Even through that uncertainty, both parties maintained consistent communication, something she said made the difference.
“We were really honest and open,” she said. “… I’m just really, really grateful that it ended up working out.”
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) dribbles the ball past Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The guard’s return is significant for the Mercury, a team that leaned heavily on her experience and shooting in 2025. In her first year in Phoenix, Whitcomb provided steady backcourt production from the bench that helped stabilize a roster in transition. Her perimeter shooting and playmaking often sparked the offense, while her composure proved valuable in close games — especially during the club’s deep playoff run.
In 2025, Whitcomb averaged 9.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Dallas Wings at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Beyond the stats, her familiarity with the system and culture gives Phoenix continuity at a time when many teams have completely reshaped their rosters. Whitcomb joins Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Kahleah Copper, Natasha Mack, Monique Akoa Makani and Kathryn Westbeld as returning faces.
For the Mercury, retaining a trusted contributor signals an intent to remain competitive while building cohesion. In a turbulent offseason, both sides got what they wanted, and that may matter as much as anything else once the season tips off.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
On Tuesday, Sanders took the majority of first team reps as Cleveland held their first session of voluntary OTAs, with Deshaun Watson also getting reps with the starters.
But last year at this time, Sanders —who nearly every NFL talent evaluator had pegged as a first round pick — was prepping for the draft.
And when the 2025 NFL Draft came around, the entire country watched the first round pass without Sanders hearing his name called. It continued all the way to the fifth round, when the Cleveland Browns finally selected Sanders.
There are always players who slide during the draft, but this one felt unprecedented. Absolutely nobody had the former Colorado star QB slipping to the fifth round.
To make things worse, Sanders received a call on the second night of the 2025 NFL Draft that he believed was from Saints GM Mickey Loomis. It turned out to be a prank call from the son of Jeff Ulbrich, the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons.
“[I have] been waiting on you,” Sanders said on the call, which was documented in a livestream. “You’re gonna have to wait a little bit longer,” the caller replied and hung up the call. Sanders was visibly confused. “What does that mean?” he asked on the livestream
Due to the unfortunate incident, and other players like Abdul Carter and Kyle McCord also reporting they were prank called on draft night, the NFL has implemented a new system to prevent these incidents moving forward.
The relevant contact information will be provided by the league to a single point of contact at the club in football operations,” an NFL spokesman told The Athletic. “This individual will be responsible for safeguarding the numbers.”
According to reports, Ulbrich’s son found Sanders’ contact information on an iPad that belonged to his dad or the Falcons. The NFL ultimately fined the Falcons $250,000 and another $100,00 for Ulbrich.
It will be interesting to see if the new protocols actually prevent these kinds of pranks from happening on draft night moving forward.
It could not be much tenser in the race to reach the Championship's play-offs.
And yet Wrexham are relaxed. Or at least that is what manager Phil Parkinson claims is behind their well-time turnaround and return to the top six.
On Saturday morning, the north Wales club were four points behind sixth-placed Hull City having suffered back-to-back defeats, including a crushing 5-1 beating by rivals Southampton and a flat 2-0 loss at Birmingham City.
Four days later the gap is gone, with Hull's hiccups and back-to-back victories pushing Wrexham ahead on goal difference.
"We never stopped believing, but the key to us in the last two games is that we've relaxed a bit," Parkinson said after Josh Windass' goal sealed a 1-0 win over Oxford United on Tuesday night.
"We just regrouped. I felt against Birmingham we were almost too desperate to go and win it, so we just tried to take a step back and had a week to reflect on what we need to and got our performance levels back to where they need to be."
And the side back into the position they want to be heading into the final week of the regular season.
Parkinson admitted his explanations may sound overly simplistic but – with a tinker to his team and the return to fitness and form of key midfielder Matty James – it has worked.
All of a sudden, the team who know better than most what it takes to win promotion have the bit between their teeth again.
Wrexham's challenge is to remain relaxed when the Championship carries on without them on Wednesday night and Saturday before they next play.
While Wrexham wait until midday on Sunday to face a Coventry City side enjoying the spoils of the title in their final home game, rivals above and below will be in anxious action.
Hull face a Saturday lunchtime trip to Charlton Athletic, while Middlesbrough – without a win in seven and now only three points ahead, albeit with a significantly better goal difference – welcome Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday and then Watford on Saturday.
To add to the intrigue, Boro travel to the Cae Ras on the final day while Hull welcome Norwich City.
Derby County – four points behind Wrexham with two to play – take on Queens Park Rangers away and Sheffield United at home hoping for others to slip-up.
'Can't stop the Reds?'
In the three years to the day from the first promotion out of non-league, Parkinson has rarely allowed himself to publicly predict what could happen in a promotion race or let himself be accused of getting carried away.
He was not about to start at Oxford, chuckling to the question of what will be needed to get over the line as he responded "more points than the teams around us", and not prepared to guess whether Coventry's title-sealing win over Portsmouth on Tuesday night was good news ahead of Sunday.
But he did accept the significance of Wrexham's return to form at just the right time, saying: "We're in a far better position than when I woke up Saturday morning.
"Did we believe (Hull) would drop points going to Leicester? We knew Leicester needed to win so we felt they would have a right go, but it was all about what we did and we performed really well.
"We spoke to the lads prior to the Stoke game about pushing all the way; we got a brilliant win and we have backed it up with a really hard-fought victory.
"To hit 70 points in our first season in the Championship is a good achievement – but it's not the achievement we want to be remembered for.
"It's a good benchmark for us, now can we add to that in the final two games?"
Co-chairman Rob Mac believes so, stating on social media, "Can't stop the Reds."
Rivals will try to have their say and keep the tension in the final two games.
The challenge for Wrexham will be to keep calm and carry on.
Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez (98) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
DENVER -- The San Diego Padres, who are coming off a fifth straight series win over the weekend, posted a narrow 1-0 shutout over the Colorado Rockies in their series opener on Tuesday at Coors Field.
In what was an underwhelming performance offensively for both clubs, the stars of this contest were San Diego's starter Randy Vásquez and Colorado's right-hander Chance Dollander, who came in to replace starter Jimmy Herget after he struck out the side in the first inning.
Despite the lone run given up by Dollander, the Rockies rotation of arms were nearly perfect on the mound, as they combined for 15 strikeouts, six hits and one walk. The key moment for Dollander was striking out six consecutive batters, which was two shy the Rockies' franchise record set by current Padres pitcher Germán Márquez.
"They pitched great," Padres manager Craig Stammen said. "Dollander got some really good stuff. (He's) got that really hard heater. We just couldn't quite catch up to it tonight. And then they got some good bullpen guys too. You know, they got a much improved pen from years past. And you know, they're going to be a tough out with those guys at the back end."
Vásquez, along with relievers Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon, not only combined for the shutout, but they set down 18 batters in a row. Earning his second win of the season and posting a 1.88 ERA through five starts, the 27-year-old tied a career high seven innings pitched, a benchmark he's reached now three times.
"It's fantastic", Stammen said. "Hard to pitch like that at Coors Field. You know, (he) did a tremendous job throwing strikes, getting his pitch countdown, got a lot of swing and miss. Just an outstanding outing for Randy.
He finished the night throwing 84 pitches and only allowed three hits with five strikeouts and no walks.
Morejon earned his first save of the season, but to some surprise, it was expected in a one-run game to see the usual dominate closer Mason Miller, who is one scoreless inning away from breaking the franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings. However Stammen decided on Sunday that since Miller pitched Saturday and Sunday, he would receive the next two days off, and at this point of the season, Stammen just wants to be careful with his roster.
"We decided Adrian was a good person for the ninth," Stammen said. "Mason will be fine going forward but you got to take it easy on him. We've used him a lot over here over the last week or so. You know, he's not a robot."
Even with the victory in hand, the Padres offense could not provide any run support for Vásquez. The team often had a difficult time making contact and posted a season-high 15 strikeouts, including from players who have been consistent at the plate: Ramón Laureano (3), Fernando Tatis Jr. (2), Jackson Merrill (3) and Xander Bogaerts (2).
The only generated offense came during the sixth inning when Dollander gave up a hustle double from Jake Cronenworth, followed up by a barehand misplay by third baseman Kyle Karros to allow Tatis Jr. to reach first base. On the very next pitch, Merrill would get plunked to load the bases with two outs, which led to an RBI walk by Manny Machado.
"We weren't getting anything going, we struck out on the side," Stammen said. "Their pitchers kind of had us in a tailspin. Jake gets one through the hole and then, you know, like he always does hustling everywhere gets in that double... Those finishing plays is what we talk about can win us some games, today it won us a game."
San Diego had a good chance to add a little cushion in the ninth inning with Miguel Andujar and Freddy Fermin in scoring position, but the pair would get left stranded after Cronenworth struck out following an overturned ABS challenge that touched the top of the strike zone.
The Padres will look to take the series on Wednesday with their starting right-hander Walker Buehler (1-1, 4.58 ERA) and he will face-off against Rockies right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (1-1, 3.92 ERA). First pitch is at 5:40 p.m.
SAN ANTONIO — “Whatever we do, we gonna do this s*** together!” — Keldon Johnson
A few minutes before tipoff of Game 2 against the Trail Blazers, the entire Spurs team and coaching staff formed a huddle near half-court, with the backdrop of adoring fans, cheering and congratulating Victor Wembanyama on his first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award.
Roughly 30 minutes later, with a little over a quarter of basketball played, that same huddle formed, only this time off the basis of confusion, trepidation and angst. Moments earlier, Wembanyama, in an attempt to drive to the basket while being defended by Blazers guard Jrue Holiday, got his feet tangled up and hit the ground — the velocity so high that his face planted directly into the floor before briefly bouncing off the surface.
For a moment, Wembanyama lay motionless on the ground before resting against the stanchion in an attempt to gather himself. In some ways, the Spurs’ hopes and dreams laid there with him. He would later be followed to the locker room after leaving on his own power before being officially ruled out with a concussion and entered into protocol. Per NBA rules, there is a 48-hour mandatory recovery period from the onset of a concussion before a player can be evaluated by a team physician or athletic trainer for a return to action.
Right then and there, San Antonio’s unspoken horrors manifested: the worst-case scenario of Portland’s physicality, a game plan in need of a major audible and an unknown postseason territory without Wembanyama.
“Give a lot of credit to Portland, the staff, the game plan and their players,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said following San Antonio’s 106-103 loss. “There was a level of fatigue there that kicked in, in terms of the intensity of the game and the output in minutes the guys had to play. And that’s a playoff game. That’s what it’s gonna feel like.”
Victor Wembanyama's scary fall shifted the tone of the night and left the Spurs staring at an uncertain series.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters
To the Spurs’ credit, even without Wembanyama, there was an admirable effort on the defensive end of the floor. San Antonio held Portland to just 76.1 points per 100 half-court possessions, one of the best defensive outputs both in the regular season and playoffs. They also won the rebounding battle despite going small for large portions of the evening, won the transition battle and held the Blazers to just 34 percent from 3 and 43 percent from the field overall. “We didn’t give up 150 or anything like that,” Johnson added. “I thought the guys actually fought their butts off, did a really good job.”
The problem with silver linings, however, is that a dark cloud frequently accompanies it. San Antonio, a top-half team in 3-point rate, attempted just 24 shots from behind the arc — including just four corner 3s for the NBA’s most proficient corner shooting unit — converting only seven(!) of them. A Spurs team that finishes nearly 70% of shots at the rim only saw 44 percent go down. In the fourth quarter, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox combined to shoot a woeful 2-for-10 from the field, the majority of which came in hotly contested back-and-forth final minutes with the game hanging delicately in the balance. Devin Vassell finished with 16 points on 16 shots, missing all five of his 3-point attempts, including the final chance at forcing overtime.
Moreover, San Antonio committed the one cardinal sin in a playoff series against an underdog: They gave them momentum, life and a chance. Portland, which has performed as one of the NBA’s top-10 defenses since Feb. 1, presented its deck of why this series is anything but over. The Blazers, led by the defensive grit of Holiday, Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson, are as pesky of a trio as any around the league, able to use their abundance of physicality and lateral quickness to crowd the airspace of even the quickest opposing guards. Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III are about as shrewd of a frontcourt one-two punch as there is around the Association, not only because of their ability to protect the interior but because of their snarl, soft touch and uncanny nature of their in-between game. What once appeared to be a breeze of a first-round series now has all the makings of a grueling, risky marathon.
As the entire city of San Antonio awaits Wembanyama’s immediate next steps, the Spurs coaching staff will reconvene to determine how to avoid letting go of the rope altogether in what will surely be a deafening Moda Center for Game 3. The Spurs are quite familiar with playing without Wembanyama, only being outscored by a single point in around 2,000 minutes this season. Their ability to remain even-keeled with Portland in non-Wembanyama minutes nearly brought them over the finish line on Tuesday evening and will certainly be at the forefront of any Game 3 preparation.
“We’ve played tough games without him,” Castle said about the prospect of Game 3 without Wembanyama. “Obviously, we want everybody healthy and to have him on the court, but I’ll get whatever five guys we have on the court. We’re gonna play like ourselves.”
(Within that game plan will certainly come some tough decisions. San Antonio’s most-played lineup without Wemby in Game 2 — regular starters plus Luke Kornet — were outscored by seven with a -46.7 net rating. Playing four guards alongside Kornet swung the pendulum to a +66.7 net rating in four minutes. There’s also the question of whether rookie Carter Bryant, who was deputized as a small-ball five, can withstand the pressure and physicality of the Clingan/Williams tandem on the road.)
Still, some tough questions remain. How did San Antonio’s elite defense allow Henderson — who has played in just 30 games all year and scored more than 25 points twice — to command the show like that with a game-high 31 points? How can the Spurs replicate Wembanyama’s vertical spacing and gravity, the centripetal force of their inside-outside balance, spacing and efficiency? What happens when Wembanyama, who literally forced Portland to adjust their line of offensive — and defensive — thinking, is not there to save the day? (San Antonio allowed 117.4 points per 100 possessions without Wembanyama this season, which would rank inside the bottom 10 among NBA defenses.)
How do you account for Deni Avdija, who was largely kept in check in Game 2, knowing one of the league’s most adept drivers will roam freely without the Defensive Player of the Year at the rim?
“It’s really the same game plan,” Castle said. “Most of their offense ends in guard-to-guard screening or one-on-one dribble drives. So being able to contain the ball, still be able to help each other. Obviously, we can’t make up for what Vic is for us defensively, but you’re trying to do it as a team. Stay in shifts for each other, communication and rotations.”
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