Arsenal vs Fulham: Arteta Faces Selection Test in Title Race

Arsenal chase vital Premier League advantage

Arsenal meet Fulham at the Emirates Stadium with opportunity and anxiety walking side by side. Mikel Arteta’s side can move six points clear of Manchester City before Pep Guardiola’s team travel to Everton on Monday night, giving this London fixture real weight in the Premier League title race.

Yet Arsenal must balance domestic ambition with European pressure. Their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid remains delicately poised after a first-leg draw in Spain, making Arteta’s team selection against Fulham a serious test of nerve, depth and judgement.

Odegaard concern clouds selection

Martin Odegaard remains the major doubt after leaving the Atletico match early in the second half, having required treatment for knee discomfort before the interval. Arsenal will hope their captain has avoided a significant setback, although Arteta offered little certainty when asked about his availability, saying only “let’s see”.

Bukayo Saka should return to the starting lineup, having not started since the Carabao Cup final in March. After two substitute appearances, Arsenal need his rhythm, sharpness and conviction restored quickly. Eberechi Eze is also expected to start after beginning on the bench in midweek.

Photo IMAGO

Saka and Eze can lift Arsenal attack

Fulham will arrive knowing Arsenal are managing tired legs and injured bodies. Riccardo Calafiori could come in at full-back, offering Arteta the chance to freshen up his back line and rest Piero Hincapie.

Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are expected to anchor midfield again, with Myles Lewis-Skelly more likely to be used from the bench. Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain unavailable, although Havertz could return for Tuesday’s second leg.

Predicted Arsenal XI

Predicted Arsenal XI, 4-2-3-1: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.

Doubt: OdegaardInjured: Timber, Havertz, MerinoTime: 5.30pm BST, Saturday May 2, 2026Venue: Emirates StadiumHow to watch: Sky Sports

Real Madrid must win at Espanyol on Saturday to ensure they remain in the La Liga title race alongside arch rivals Barcelona. Alvaro Arbeloa’s side currently trail the Catalans by 11 points, with that gap having increased significant in the weeks that starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been out.

Courtois has been absent since picking up an injury prior to Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Manchester City in March – he suffered the hamstring issue in the warm-up, but proceeded to play the first half at the Etihad Stadium. And while Andriy Lunin has done well in his absence, Los Blancos officials will be desperate to have the Belgian goalkeeper back as soon as possible.

According to Diario AS, Courtois is expected to return next weekend for the aforementioned El Clasico showdown at the Spotify Camp Nou. Real Madrid see it as certain that their star goalkeeper will receive the medical green light in time to travel to Catalonia, although Sunday’s match with Espanyol will come too soon for him.

Courtois has been partially training with Real Madrid over the last few days, and from the start of next week, it’s expected that he will return to the group. All being well, he will be passed fit to face Barcelona, and if that does happen, he will be certain to reclaim his place in the line-up.

Courtois return is too little too late for Real Madrid

The good news for Courtois is that he will be returning to action with a number of weeks to go in the season, meaning he can get up to speed in time for this summer’s World Cup in North America. Real Madrid are also eagerly awaiting him receiving the medical green light, although they would have preferred it to happen sooner – when they were still in with a realistic chance of winning La Liga.

Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was spotted with a camera crew on Deansgate earlier this week, according to the Sun. The Man United goalie, who last made an appearance for the Old Trafford club last September, appears to be filming a departure video having been linked with a summer exit. Bayindir was also seen filming with a Turkish broadcaster who captured him at Carrington on Wednesday. No one knows exactly why the Turkey international is being filmed, but it would not surprise many if the 28-year-old is preparing his goodbyes.

He started the season in goal but has since lost his place to Senne Lammens. Bayindir featured in Man United’s opening six league games of the campaign but has not played since then and appears to have made his last appearance for the Red Devils. Bayindir joined Man United from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 and has played 17 times since then, keeping two clean sheets. He had played 166 games before joining the club, keeping 53 clean sheets. The former Ankaragucu star became Man United’s first-ever Turkish player upon joining the club but could now be on his way out.

Bayindir wants to play regularly going forward and has been linked with a move to Besiktas. The club are preparing for his departure and could look to sign a cover for Lammens in the summer or promote Radek Vitek to second-choice after his impressive loan spell at Bristol City. Man United are also in talks with Tom Heaton over handing the 40-year-old another one-year extension to his deal. He is out of contract at the end of the season, but the club want him to remain at the Old Trafford club beyond this season.

Heaton has not made any appearance for the Red Devils first-team this term, with his last competitive game coming in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest in 2023.

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Watch: Women's Scottish Cup semi-final - Noonan gives Celtic lead over Glasgow City

It's all about RPI these days, and that's what the Oregon Ducks are hoping to maintain down the stretch of the regular season and into the Big Ten Tournament.

Just before the Ducks begin a series at Washington on Friday, the Ducks announced their impending midweek series at PK Park against Grand Canyon has been canceled. Additionally, the Ducks announced that the beginning of their final regular season series against USC has been set for 7 p.m. PT on May 14.

No reason was given for why the series between the Ducks and the Antelopes was canceled just days before it was set to begin on May 5. Instead of playing two games against the team from the desert, Oregon will keep the schedule open, for now, and maintain its RPI ranking at No. 25.

🚨🚨𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬🚨🚨

The May 14 game against USC has been moved to a 7 p.m. first pitch while the two Grand Canyon games have been canceled. #GoDucks

Press Release | https://t.co/cLqsHQFMNJpic.twitter.com/vlffyMXlWu

— Oregon Duck Baseball (@OregonBaseball) May 2, 2026

The Ducks will play a trio of Quad 3 games in Seattle against the Huskies this weekend, so winning is paramount. Oregon has been battling some pitching injuries lately, with Cal Scolari missing consecutive starts and Ryan Featherston and Ian Umladt both remaining on the bench.

By taking a break from a midweek series before their final two weekend series against UCLA and USC, the Ducks can stay fresh and finish the season strong. Winning both of those series could put the Ducks in a great spot to host a regional round in the NCAA Tournament.

The Ducks previously agreed to cancel a game against the No. 6 Oregon State after not being able to find a way to reschedule it. Oregon coach Mark Wasikowski reportedly said he was willing to cancel games to make it happen, but it doesn't appear Oregon's newly opened schedule will change those plans.

Perhaps the Ducks saw what happened to the Beavers on Wednesday and took notice. Oregon State was stunned at home in a 9-7 midweek loss to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The loss knocked the Beavers down to No. 15 in the RPI rankings, placing them on the edge of a regional hosting bid.

Midweek losses have plagued the Ducks at times this season, having dropped a game to the Beavers and two to Portland. By avoiding Grand Canyon, the Ducks are escaping the risk of dropping a game (or two). The risks of the midweek game don't align with the potential reward against a Quad 4 opponent. It's not unusual for teams to cancel games like this down the stretch of the season to preserve their postseason possibilities.

Oregon will be in Seattle facing bitter rival Washington over the weekend.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon-Grand Canyon baseball series canceled

Formula 1® returns to the U.S. this weekend for the Miami Grand Prix, streaming live on Apple TV with every session available live and on demand for subscribers in the U.S.

The highly anticipated Miami Grand Prix arrives at a pivotal point in the 2026 season, with teams bringing upgrades, drivers adapting to the Sprint format and limited practice time putting immediate pressure on setup, strategy and execution. Around the Hard Rock Stadium complex, the circuit’s mix of tight technical sections, the marina sequence and a long, top speed run into Turn 17 creates an environment where key moments can happen well before Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Apple TV is the new U.S. home of F1, pairing comprehensive coverage with customizable live feeds, race-week tools and deeper ways to follow the action across the Apple ecosystem. Here are five reasons U.S. fans can get more from the Miami Grand Prix on Apple TV.

Alpine F1 pit stop practice.

1. Every session matters with the Sprint format 

The Miami Grand Prix does not wait for Sunday. With only one practice session before sprint qualifying on Friday, teams have less time to prepare, evaluate upgrades and settle on a direction before competitive running begins.

Apple TV gives U.S. subscribers access to every session live and on demand, including practice, qualifying, sprint sessions and the Grand Prix. Fans can follow the pressure from the first laps on Friday through the final laps on Sunday, with English and Spanish commentary, 4K with Dolby Vision and 5.1 surround sound.

For a sprint weekend, being able to follow closely and follow the action matters. A setup choice, qualifying mistake or early battle can shape the entire race before the lights go out.

Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing

2. Multiview helps fans follow more of the race at once

The Miami International Autodrome can produce action in several places at once. A lead battle may be building into Turn 17 while a midfield fight develops through the marina section, or a driver further back may be setting up an overtake over multiple laps.

With Multiview on Apple TV, viewers can watch up to four live feeds at once. Fans can choose their own layout or use one-tap preconfigured Multiview options for every team, making it easier to keep an eye on the battles that matter most to them.

That added choice is especially useful at a race where the broadcast focus, timing data and onboard perspectives can each tell a different part of the same story.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

3. Live feeds bring fans closer to the drivers

Apple TV subscribers can access up to 30 additional live feeds across sessions, giving fans more ways to follow the drivers, teams and battles beyond the main broadcast.

Driver Tracker provides a bird’s-eye view of the race, while real-time telemetry and timing feeds show how gaps, pace and strategy are changing. A mixed onboard feed automatically switches between onboard cameras as the action develops, while the Podium feed dynamically follows the drivers running P1, P2 and P3.

For fans locked onto one driver, one team or one battle, those feeds can make the race easier to read. A strong qualifying run, a sprint setback or a late push toward the front no longer has to disappear from view when the main broadcast moves elsewhere.

MSC Yacht Club at Miami GP

4. Apple Maps makes the Miami Grand Prix easier to explore

The Miami Grand Prix extends well beyond the circuit itself. The Hard Rock Stadium complex brings together grandstands, fan zones, hospitality areas, bridges, race entrances, the marina and a full slate of race-week activity.

Apple Maps gives fans at home or trackside a detailed way to explore the venue at any time, with circuit maps that include turn numbers, grandstands and custom-designed 3D landmarks such as the pit building, the marina and the finish line. Fans attending in person can also find practical details including gates, race entrances, pedestrian walkways, restrooms, water stations and road closures.

Apple Maps also includes race-week guides such as “A Local’s Guide to Miami F1® Race Week” and hyperlocal Miami spots, helping fans make more of the Grand Prix across the wider city.

Racing Bulls Miami livery

5. Apple Sports, Apple News, and replays keep fans connected 

Not every fan will watch every lap live, and the Miami Grand Prix will give them plenty to keep up with. Sprint format adds meaningful action earlier in the weekend, and Apple TV gives viewers several ways to stay close to the race even on a flexible schedule.

Full replays, highlights and Race in 30 are available spoiler-free, making it easier to catch up after a session or revisit the key moments later. The Apple Sports app adds real-time leaderboards, driver and constructor standings, live updates for every session and race, Live Activities on the iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch, plus quick access to watch live on Apple TV.

Apple News brings personalized F1 coverage, headlines, results, notifications and live blogs, giving fans another way to stay current on the stories shaping the Miami Grand Prix.

After the race, fans can keep the conversation going with The POV, a social series featuring former Red Bull Racing senior technician Calum Nicholas and content creator and engineer Christina Roki as they react to key moments from the weekend, from strategy calls to decisive overtakes.

Start action

Bonus: Miami Grand Prix energy goes beyond the race

Are you as obsessed with F1 as we are? Apple is extending the Miami Grand Prix beyond the traditional race broadcast. Fans across the country can experience the race live in IMAX at more than 50 locations, while Apple brings race day to Times Square with a live public screening in New York City.

Apple Music also gives fans another way into the weekend, with a Miami-centric DJ mix from Dímelo Flow, audio livestreams of the Sprint and Race, and Cadillac driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez’s personal playlist.

Together, Apple TV and the Apple ecosystem give U.S. fans more ways to experience Formula 1’s return to Miami, from every live session and custom Multiview setup to driver-focused feeds, race-week navigation and flexible ways to catch up.

However you choose to watch, Apple TV brings more of the Miami Grand Prix within reach.

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

After two years and $7.5 million in renovations, Cedar Irons Golf Club has reopened to the public in northeast Tacoma.

The 18-hole championship course formerly known as North Shore welcomed golfers to the new-and-improved local fixture on Friday morning, updated with a modernized irrigation system and reimagined layout that caters to all skill levels.

Pacific Northwest golf architect Dan Hixson spearheaded the project, which began in November 2024.

“The property had wonderful bones, but over time it had become tight and overgrown,” Hixson said. “It’s really kind of magical when a course like Cedar Irons is opened up. It creates a better playing experience with improved sightlines, more strategic options, and a layout that’s enjoyable for everyday golfers while still challenging for better players.”

The renovated, 18-hole track managed by Columbia Hospitality features expanded tee boxes and widened fairways. Hixson and Cedar Irons rebuilt every bunker and either reconstructed or refined all 18 greens.

“Hixson’s renovation reestablishes clear playing corridors, opens views across the property, and restores the course’s natural flow,” a press release said.

Owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Cedar Irons opened its renovated back nine in 2025. The revitalized front nine was completed in April.

Here’s a hole-by-hole guide of the course’s more significant modifications:

• Cedar Irons completely rebuilt putting surfaces on Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 6.
• No. 2, once a 347-yard par 4, now plays over 400 yards.
• No. 3, once a par 5, was shortened to a par 4.
• No. 5, once a par 4, was stretched into a par 5.
• No. 17, once a par 3, was stretched into a Par 4 that turned the back nine into a Par 36.

Updated practice facilities include new range targets, an improved chipping green, and covered hitting stalls.

The newly-named Cedar Irons “represents a course rooted in the land and designed to celebrate the artistry of the game,” the release said. Renovations improved drainage, turf conditions, and all-around playability for golfers of all abilities.

Al Smith designed the original track that opened in 1961.

“For the Puyallup Tribe, Cedar Irons represents stewardship of this land and a commitment to creating a welcoming place for the community to gather,” said Kyle Eley, Chief Operating Officer of the Puyallup Tribe. “This renovation restores the beauty of the property while creating a golf experience that can be enjoyed by longtime Tacoma golfers and those discovering the game for the first time.”

Cam Young has played some sensational golf through two rounds of the Cadillac Championship this week.

Young has posted rounds of 64 and 67 at the Cadillac Championship, and is currently sitting on 13-under par heading into the weekend, five strokes clear of three players on eight-under.

The Blue Monster at Trump National Doral has been tamed by the 28-year-old New Yorker.

Cam Young has been one of the standout players on the PGA Tour this year, and he has proven his quality yet again at the Cadillac Championship.

Perhaps Scottie Scheffler sitting on six-under par will be Cam Young’s biggest threat this week.

However, the 28-year-old is playing so well right now, it’s doubtful that anyone will even be able to get close to him.

What ‘disgusted’ Cam Young during his second round at the Cadillac Championship

Young played alongside Scheffler during the first two rounds at Trump National Doral this week.

Even Young’s poor shots resulted in surprisingly positive outcomes.

Perhaps the best example of that was Young’s 16-foot putt for birdie on the long par-three 13th hole.

The American hit what he thought was a really poor putt and immediately walked towards the hole, but he ended up in genuine shock as his ball found the bottom of the cup.

Young responded to reporters when asked what happened there on the 13th green.

“Yeah, I was absolutely disgusted about halfway there,“ Young admitted.

“I think my read netted out to be okay, but I just thought it was going to go a little bit left and then a little bit right and it ended up going six inches left and six inches right.

“So it got way left of where I thought it had a chance to go in and then just on a day like that when you’re putting well some of those they tend to wobble into the hole and that one did.“

What Cam Young expects from the chasing pack at the Cadillac

The two-time PGA Tour winner has his sights set on winning the third title of his career.

However, that certainly won’t be easy, with so many talented golfers ready to chase down his lead over the weekend.

When addressing the media after his round, Young shared how he plans to attack the golf course this weekend.

“I think you have to be ready for them to go low,“ Young said.

“I don’t know exactly what the weather looks like, but there’s been scoring in the morning every day out here.

“There were a couple guys that went nuts this morning. I feel like you have to be ready for that.

“I may have a two- or three- or four-shot lead starting tomorrow, but it just goes away so fast out there.

“There’s no sense really playing like you have a four-shot lead, you might as well play like you’re four back.“

PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past month in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.

The P/PTSD Perspective: May 2nd, 2026

1) Vikings Add Perfect Player for Brian Flores: Chef Flores happens to have something figured out when it comes to cooking up great defenses. Giving him the ingredients he’s looking for makes a lot of sense. Note that each level of the defense — the DL, LBs, and DBs — got additions.

2) Vikings Steal a Do-it-All Player: While development is needed, the newcomer offers a lot of promise. Why not go for promise when bringing in UDFA talent? The team keeps UDFAs on an annual basis. Maybe the next tremendous add has been scooped up.

3) Kevin O’Connell Thinks He Has an Ace Up His Sleeve: The presence of Ryan Nielsen is seen as being very important. The former HC and DC is now a top assistant in the Twin Cities. Partnering the super talented Caleb Banks with the coach is meant to lead to a great outcome.

4) The Vikings’ Depth Chart and the Players Who Got Bad News: The NFL is a tough workplace. Every haul of new talent means others are getting forced out. The league always leans toward youth, especially when the young players are cheap.

5) Vikings Pickup Boasts “Gazelle-Like” Speed: Much to like in the very athletic Jake Golday. Minnesota’s linebacker spot did need a youth infusion, especially with veteran Blake Cashman playing on the final year of his deal. Even better, Golday could get kicked up to edge rusher.

Enjoy the extra reading, Vikings fans.

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.

The final knockout round place came down to the final matchday in Group C at the 2014 World Cup. A draw against Greece would likely help Ivory Coast advance with Japan needing a high-scoring win over group leader Colombia to overcome a goal-difference tiebreaker.

The Ivorians were playing in their third straight World Cup, but were unable to advance out of the group in two previous tournaments. They were on the brink, and Wilfried Bony's 74th-minute equalizer looked to be the goal that would put them through.

Sports can give hope and also take it away.

In the 93rd minute, Ivory Coast’ Giovanni Sio was whistled for a foul on Georgios Samaras inside the penalty to give Greece a last-gasp penalty kick.

Samaras stepped up and cooly beat goalkeeper Boubacar Barry to put Greece through to the Round of 16.

That was the last World Cup match played by Ivory Coast. They failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022, but made it through AFCON qualifying undefeated with eight wins and two draws to earn an automatic spot. This summer, they have been drawn into Group E with Germany, Curaçao and Ecuador.

The Philadelphia Flyers had just a 3.8% chance to make the playoffs with a little more than a month left in the season. They beat the odds. Then, they were the heavy underdogs against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The veteran savvy of Pittsburgh’s lineup was supposed to be too much for the Flyers. Well, Philadelphia won the series in 6 games.

Now, the Flyers have made it well beyond where they were expected to be this season. The playoffs seemed like a stretch to many. Now they’re in the second round.

Heading into Round 2, the Flyers’ draw is not much easier. The Carolina Hurricanes are a good team. Good might be an understatement. Rod Brind’Amour has had many great teams in Carolina. This year’s team is one of his best.

At 113 points, the Hurricanes were the top team in the Eastern Conference. They allowed the fewest shots per game in the league, 23.9, and took the second most, 32.2. Brind’Amour’s team is a hard-checking team that is aggressive on both ends of the ice.

So, the odds are stacked against the Flyers, and rightfully so. But that doesn’t matter to the Flyers or head coach Rick Tocchet.

“We’re not going into it like, hey, we’re just happy to be here,” said Tocchet. “We’re here to win the series. And you’ve got to have that mindset. That’s what I believe in.”

The Flyers are going to Carolina with the mindset that they have as good a chance as anyone. They’re not going to roll over because they’re just happy to be there; they’re going to do their best to win.

We know Carolina is a good team. The Flyers will have their hands full, so what do they need to do to win the series?

Read More: Flyers-Hurricanes Game 1: Lines, Notes, & How to Watch

Flyers have to clean up their breakouts

If the Flyers want to win, they’re going to have to clean up their defensive zone breakouts. Pittsburgh was good at checking to defend breakouts. But their aggression is no match for the Hurricanes’.

That said, the Flyers will need to be much cleaner. Yes, the Flyers are a dump-and-chase team. But they dumped more pucks than I think they would have liked. Carolina will be an even more difficult challenge for the Flyers.

The Flyers have some good skating defensemen. Using them to exit the zone with possession may be the key to success. Obviously, Jamie Drysdale is the first player that comes to mind. I may go as far as to say he is my X-Factor for the series.

Still, guys like Drysdale, Travis Sanheim, and Rasmus Ristolainen will play an important role in keeping possession for the Flyers. If they can maintain control and fight off the Hurricanes’ forecheck, they can give themselves a chance to set up in the offensive zone.

It goes beyond the blueliners. Owen Tippett will have to use his speed. Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov will need to use their creativity. It will have to be a team effort, but the more controlled zone exits and entries the Flyers have, the better their chances are of winning the series.

Take advantage of opportunities

We’ve talked about how good the Hurricanes are at suppressing shots. Frederik Anderson has been nothing short of fantastic for Carolina, allowing 5 goals over 4 games played this postseason, and a shutout in the mix.

The Hurricanes’ checking will be a nightmare for the Flyers. Even if everything is cleaned up, it’ll still be difficult for the Flyers to consistently get out of the zone and set up possession. Opportunities will be few and far between.

When the Flyers get their chances, they have to capitalize.

This was a theme against Pittsburgh, and not in a good way. The Flyers had many, many good chances against the Penguins, but could not finish. It’s the reason why the series went to 6 games, when it very well could have been ended in Game 5, or even by Game 4.

There almost seemed to be a sense where the Flyers were trying to be too perfect, where, in reality, settling for just good and getting pucks to the net and creating chaos would have worked, especially against Silovs.

With Freddie Anderson or even Brandon Bussi, the same strategy could work. Yes, the Flyers have to be perfect against Carolina. But in this case, perfect isn’t holding on to the puck waiting for a one-of-one opportunity. Perfect is taking advantage of the good opportunities and making things happen in the chaos.

The Flyers cannot get too cute against Carolina. If they have a good opportunity, they have to take it.

Flyers need Dan Vladar to keep doing his thing

The Philadelphia Flyers do not make the playoffs without Dan Vladar. They do not beat the Penguins without Dan Vladar.

Goaltending has been the key for the Flyers, not only in Round 1 but throughout the whole postseason push. In Round 1 against the Penguins, Vladar had 2 shutouts, 1.61 GAA, and a .937 SV%. He came up big for the Flyers when they needed him the most.

The Hurricanes have the second-most shots per game in the league during the regular season with 32.2. They’re averaging 33.8 so far in the postseason, which is the most.

The Flyers’ defense looked solid against the Penguins. Their top pair of Sanheim and Ristolainen looked legitimate, and York and Drysdale have made plenty of strides. Sean Couturier looked rejuvenated, and Luke Glendening and Noah Cates have been great defensive forwards as well. Still, with the offensive talent that the Hurricanes have, their hands will be full.

Dan Vladar was forced to be the hero for the Flyers more often than most are comfortable with. He came up big for the Flyers throughout the entire series in Round 1. Whether you want to hear it or not, the Vladar will be put in similar situations against Carolina.

If the Flyers get the same performance from Vladar in Round 2 as they did in Round 1, they will have a chance to win the series.

Read More: Flyers Practice: Lines, York’s Stick Returned, & Getting Ready for Carolina

The post ‘We’re Here to Win’: How the Flyers Can Win or Lose the Series vs. the Hurricanes appeared first on Philly Hockey Now.

At 6:57 PM ET, close to 150,000 people will be inside Churchill Downs Racecourse to see which competitor will win the first leg of the 2026 Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby. This year’s field includes a deep list of contenders, dark horses, and long shots. But who is the best of the best heading into Saturday’s event?

We look to answer that question with our rankings of the 2026 Kentucky Derby horses, as well as best bets to win, show, and place tonight.

20. Ocelli (50-1)

D. Whitworth Beckman-trained horse Ocelli jumps into the 2026 Kentucky Derby after several horses, including Right to Party, were scratched from tonight’s race. Although Ocelli has six contests on his resume, he has no wins to his name. Furthermore, he enters this year’s derby in a slump after a pair of sixth-place finishes in his last three.

19. Intrepido (50-1)

Early in his career, Jeff Mullins-trained colt Intrepido showed a lot of potential after winning two of his first three races, including the American Pharoah last year. However, since then, the horse has struggled. Finishing fifth in the following race, and fourth a few weeks ago at Santa Anita. It is why he is a big underdog this Saturday.

18. Robusta (50-1)

Calumet Farm’s product Robusta gets a spot in this year’s event following a trio of scratches during race week. The colt is a huge underdog due to an underwhelming career thus far. While the three-year-old has a first and second-place finish on his five-race resume, he also has a pair of seventh-place finishes. Including last month against several derby competitors at Santa Anita.

17. Great White (50-1)

John Ennis-trained colt Great White has been all over the map over his first four races. The three-year-old scored a win in his December debut and in February at the John Battaglia Memorial. However, White has fifth-place finishes in his other two races, including in April at the Blue Grass. That unpredictability is a key reason why he is one of the biggest underdogs on Saturday.

16. Golden Tempo (30-1)

Cherie DeVaux-trained horse Golden Tempo got off to a solid start by scoring victories in the first two races of his career. However, when his team raised the competition by placing him in G2 races this year, the three-year-old has struggled. Finishing third in two races in Louisiana. That is why Tempo is seen as a long shot on Saturday.

15. Litmus Test (30-1)

Bob Baffert’s colt Litmus Test is one of the most experienced competitors in this weekend’s race. However, that is rarely a good thing. In six races, he has just two wins, and he has long-shot odds heading into Saturday after a very disappointing seventh-place finish in March at the Arkansas Derby.

14. Six Speed (50-1)

Bhupat Seemar-trained colt Six Speed is one of the foreign-bred contenders in this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. The horse is also one of the more inexperienced competitors, with just three contests in his career. However, Speed has looked good thus far by winning two of those three races. Yet, he remains a long shot at the derby because of the weaker level of competition he has faced in the UAE so far.

For risky bettors looking for an under-the-radar Place option with big odds, Speed is a horse to keep an eye on.

13. Albus (30-1)

Riley Mott-trained horse Albus got off to a slow start when he made his debut last year. Finishing fourth and third in his first two contests. However, 2026 has been far better for the three-year-old as he has won two straight, including at the Wood Memorial in April. Albus is an intriguing Show option on Saturday.

12. Wonder Dean (30-1)

Japanese colt Wonder Dean is another of the international competitors in the 2026 event. The Yoshinari Yamamoto-trained Colt has only taken to the track twice after debuting at the Saudi Derby in February. However, a UAE Derby win over fellow Kentucky competitor Six Speed shows he is the top foreign horse this weekend. Dean is a solid choice to Place on Saturday.

11. Pavlovian (30-1)

Doug O’Neill-trained colt Pavlovian is one of the most experienced horses in this year’s race after competing in 10 contests since his debut in May 2025. However, he is one of the biggest underdogs in the event because he has just two wins to his name.

Nevertheless, despite his average performance throughout his career, Pavlovian did finish second at the Louisiana Derby to fellow Kentucky competitor Emerging Market. So he does have an outside chance at winning a Show bet, but is a sleeper to place.

10. Incredibolt (20-1)

Riley Mott-trained colt Incredibolt has had an up-and-down career. It’s why he is at the back end of the betting odds heading into the event after finishing sixth in a G3 face in January. However, Incredibolt turned heads in March when he won the Virginia Derby, making some wonder if he could perform better than expected on Kentucky’s fast dirt track this weekend and potentially Place.

9. Potente (20-1)

Potente, a three-year-old trained by racing legend Bob Baffert, is an intriguing betting option heading into the Kentucky Derby. The colt has taken to the track just three times after making his debut in January. However, he has two wins and a second-place finish in early April at the Santa Anita against notable Kentucky contender So Happy. Potente is a strong choice for Place and Show bets.

8. Danon Bourbon (20-1)

Although Danon Bourbon is Kentucky-bred, the Manabu Ikezoe-trained colt went to Chiba, Japan, in March for his debut and scored a first-place finish. Despite being the least experienced of all the horses in this year’s race, Bourbon has solid odds. Showing that the three-year-old has talent to be a big problem on Saturday. The colt is an intriguing option as a Win bet tonight.

7. Chief Wallabee (8-1)

William Mott-trained colt Chief Wallabee will take to the track for just the fourth time on Saturday at the Kentucky Derby. While the three-year-old has good odds, it would be a big surprise if he won the race. In his last two contests, he has lost twice to fellow Kentucky competitor Commandment, including a third-place finish in Florida to both Commandment and The Puma.

6. Emerging Market (15-1)

Chad Brown-trained colt Emerging Market is an under-the-radar sleeper at the 2026 Kentucky Derby. Yes, he only has two races on his resume after making his debut in February. However, after those races, he has two wins on his record. Including a big victory at the Louisiana Derby, where he outdueled fellow Kentucky Derby competitors Pavlovian and Golden Tempo. Market is a fantastic option for a Place bet.

5. So Happy (15-1)

Mark Glatt-trained colt So Happy enters this year’s Kentucky Derby as a top contender after an impressive start to his career. After debuting in January 2025, the three-year-old has won three of his four races. Although he stumbled with a third-place finish at San Felipe in March, So Happy bounced back with a big victory at Santa Anita in April. A race that included fellow Kentucky competitors Potente and Intrepido.

Happy can definitely Place on Saturday, but is be an interesting choice for bettors looking at a sleeper option to Show.

4. Further Ado (6-1)

Further Ado had a bumpy start to his career when he came out of the gates with third and fifth-place finishes in his first two races. However, since then, the Brad Cox-trained colt has caught fire. Winning three of his last four, with his lone defeat being a second-place finish to one of the favorites at the Kentucky Derby, The Puma. Further Ado will get a lot of wagers placed on him to Show and Place tonight.

3. The Puma (10-1)

The Puma — trained by Gustavo Delgado — is a favorite heading into the 2026 Kentucky Derby because of the strong competition he has faced throughout his four-race career. While he has just one victory (never lower than a third-place finish), he has previously faced off with Kentucky competitors Chief Wallabee, Renegade, Further Ado, and Commandement.

It gives Delgado key intel to further prepare his talented horse for a Win at Saturday’s race.

2. Commandment (6-1)

Commandment is one of two Brad Cox-trained horses that are a real threat to win the Kentucky Derby. After a surprising fourth-place finish in his October debut, the team retooled, and Commandment is red-hot ahead of this year’s race.

The colt has won four straight, including a big victory over The Puma and Chief Wallabee at the Florida Derby in March. Commandement will be a popular pick among bettors and is our choice to win the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

1. Renegade (4-1)

Todd Pletcher-trained colt Renegade enters the 2026 Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites because of a strong five-race career and a recent hot streak. While he finished third in his August 2025 debut, he has consistently improved with each race since.

Renegade has won two straight, including a strong showing in March when he took home first-place at the Arkansas Derby. However, his February victory at the Sam Davis may have been his best yet because it included another Kentucky contender, The Puma. Renegade is the safest bet to Show and Place on Saturday, and is a favorite to Win for good reason.

Related Headlines

• 2026 Kentucky Derby: What You Need To Know on May 2, Including Start Time & Latest Odds
• 2026 Kentucky Derby Horses: Ranking All 21 Competitors & Predicting Race Winner
• Racing insider claims Journalism and Sovereignty may not be real favorites at Belmont Stakes

‘The mission... stayed the same,’ LeBron James ahead of the playoff round two push originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

LeBron James packing up the Houston Rockets in Game 6 and wrestling with “Father Time” was just incredible. The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Rockets 98–78 at the Toyota Center on Friday. James showed his experience with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.

The Lakers’ playoff run began on shaky ground - injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves had locked up the team’s chemistry. Many doubted whether James’ aging legs could carry such a heavy load.

“The mission has always stayed the same, no matter what my role has been throughout my career, and that’s to go out there and try to dominate,” James said in the post-game interview to ESPN.

MORE: LeBron James is well aware of how good the OKC Thunder will be against the LA Lakers

Kareem 1985 vs. LeBron 2024

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James, at 41, with his “kicking Father Time’s ahh” attitude, recalls Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1985. Kareem was 38, and after the “Memorial Day Massacre” in Game 1, many thought he was finished. But Abdul-Jabbar responded with surgical precision, winning Finals MVP and silencing Father Time, just as James did against the Rockets.

The Rockets had youth, but James had an endless reservoir of experience.

“We know the hardest game is the closeout game,” James added. “So I was glad guys stepped up, and we were able to make it happen.”

In Games 1–3, the Lakers executed a great game plan, credit to head coach JJ Redick, who emphasized ball protection against the Rockets. James instilled confidence in role players like Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, as he told ESPN postgame:

“Every game I thought Luke Kennard, the way he played early in the series… obviously Marcus was steady throughout the series.”

But in Games 4-5, the Rockets raised their aggression, and the Lakers made some “Know Your Personnel” mistakes. On the positive side, Reaves rejoined the team in Game 5. The final strike hadn’t come yet. In Game 6, James kept constant pressure on the rim. By setting the tone in the post, he created space for role players like Rui Hachimura (21 points, six rebounds) to hit sensational shots.

“It’s important for me to go out and kind of set the tone, and I did that from the beginning. I felt like everybody just kind of took my lead,” James said.

The Lakers closed out the series 4–2 and now advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, who swept the Phoenix Suns 4–0.

Austin Reaves contributed 15 points and three rebounds, while Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart each added seven points.

More Los Angeles Lakers News:

• LeBron James has fun with how he is managing to stand out despite being a 41-year-old
• Lakers blowout Rockets in Game 6, advance to face Thunder in NBA Playoffs
• How many points LeBron James scored tonight? Lakers star stats vs Rockets in Game 6
• Anthony Davis trade rumor could lead to blockbuster deal with Lakers

Lando Norris of McLaren stormed to sprint pole position at the Miami Grand Prix, putting an end to Mercedes’ perfect qualifying run in 2026.

The Briton clocked a lap time of 1m 27.869s in the upgraded MCL40 car, enough to pip current championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes to pole by two tenths of a second.

Starting in third place is Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

Championship’s second-placed George Russell had to settle for sixth place for Mercedes ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari, with Franco Colapinto, Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly rounding out the top 10.

Further down, the Audi duo of Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg qualified 11th and 12th respectively while Oliver Bearman landed in 13th for Haas.

Williams’ Alexander Albon initially clocked in at 14th but had his times deleted for exceeding track limits, pushing him down to 19th. His teammate Carlos Sainz moved up to 14th ahead of Racing Bulls drivers Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson.

Esteban Ocon is sitting in 17th in the other Haas, while Cadillac’s pair of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas occupy 18th and 20th respectively.

Aston Martin faced another tough day with Fernando Alonso stuck in 21st and Lance Stroll unable to complete a lap.

Despite the disastrous start to their 2026 campaign, the Silverstone outfit are the only team to have not brought any aerodynamic upgrades to their struggling AMR26 in Miami.

MORE FROM FORBESCan Andrea Kimi Antonelli Remain F1’s Leader? Here’s How To Watch The Miami Grand PrixBy Yara Elshebiny

MORE FROM FORBESF1 Standings 2026 After Japanese Grand PrixBy Yara Elshebiny

MORE FROM FORBESF1 Sprint Race Explained: Format, Qualifying, Points, Rules And MoreBy Yara Elshebiny

2026 Miami Grand Prix Sprint - Starting Grid

Here’s the starting order for the second sprint of the season in Miami:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren): 1:27.869
2. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): +0.222
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren): +0.239
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): +0.370
5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull): +0.592
6. George Russell (Mercedes): +0.624
7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): +0.749
8. Franco Colapinto (Alpine): +1.451
9. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull): +1.553
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine): +1.605
11. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
12. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
13. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
14. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
15. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
16. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
17. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
18. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
19. Alex Albon (Williams)
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
21. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

The Miami Grand Prix sprint starts at 12 p.m. local time (EDT) on Saturday, May 2.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Fluminense begins the month of May with a packed schedule full of crucial challenges that could define the team’s path in its main competitions.

With a tight calendar, the Tricolor will face a true marathon of eight matches in just 24 days, including decisive clashes in the Conmebol Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil, as well as important fixtures in the Brazilian Championship.

The physical and tactical demands will be high for the squad led by Luis Zubeldía, who is looking for a turnaround this season.

The most immediate challenge on the domestic stage is to prevent Palmeiras, the current Brasileirão leader, from pulling further away at the top of the table.

With 26 points, Fluminense is six points behind the São Paulo side, which already has 32.

This Sunday (3), the Tricolor visits Internacional at Beira-Rio in a match valid for the 14th round of the Brazilian Championship, at 6:30 p.m.

A good result away from home is essential to keep alive its hopes of fighting for the top spots and to prevent the gap to the leader from growing even more.

On the international front, the team is preparing for the fourth round of the Libertadores group stage.

Next Wednesday, May 6, Fluminense will travel to Mendoza, Argentina, to face Independiente Rivadavia at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas.

The clash is vital for the club’s ambitions in the continental competition, where the team needs a perfect record in its remaining group-stage matches to stay alive in the tournament.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

AS Monaco will hope to keep within touching distance of the UEFA Champions League race when they travel to bottom-of-the-table FC Metz tonight. Les Monégasques start the weekend six points behind Olympique Lyonnais and Lille OSC, who sit in third and fourth, respectively. 

Paul Pogba could be provided his first start for Monaco since signing in the summer. The former FIFA World Cup winner has spent much of the season on the sidelines due to injury, with only sporadic appearances off the bench. 

Ansu Fati will likely drop to the bench after he started in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Toulouse FC. The FC Barcelona loanee should be replaced by Russian international Aleksandr Golovin on the left of the attack.

AS Monaco likely line-up v FC Metz

Lukas Hradecky; Wout Faes, Denis Zakaria, Thilo Kehrer; Simon Adingra, Paul Pogba, Lamine Camara, Jordan Teze; Aleksandr Golovin, Folarin Balogun, Maghnes Akliouche. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Nick Hartland

Barcelona are dealing with a delicate situation surrounding Raphinha, as the winger is said to be reflecting on his future ahead of a crucial summer.

Recent updates from SPORT suggest that Raphinha has been thinking seriously about his next step for several months and has already informed the club about his current state of mind. 

There is no conflict or internal issue, but rather a period of reflection from a player at a key stage of his career.

As far as Barcelona are concerned, they want him to stay. However, the final decision will come from the player himself, and that will only happen at the end of the season.

Impact of injuries and UCL setback

As per the outlet, two moments have played a major role in shaping Raphinha’s thinking. 

His latest injury, suffered during the international break, hit him hard and forced him to step back and reassess his situation.

At the same time, Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid added further disappointment. 

These setbacks have led the Brazilian to reflect deeply on his career direction and ambitions.

It is said that this is not a sudden reaction from the former Leeds United star, but a process that has been building over time.

Barcelona are calm

Raphinha is beginning to have doubts about his Barcelona future. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Despite the uncertainty, Barcelona are not concerned about any internal problems. 

The club appreciate the honesty shown by Raphinha in communicating his thoughts openly with the sporting management.

There is a strong sense of trust between both sides, and no pressure is being applied on the player to make a quick decision.

Within the club, support for Raphinha remains strong, as Hansi Flick and Deco continue to count on him and are keen for him to stay.

Simply put, Barcelona’s vision under Flick includes him, and the club is prepared to give him all the time he needs to make his decision.

For Raphinha, who has a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, while Barcelona are building towards continued dominance in La Liga, his main ambition is to reach the highest level in European football.

That ambition is central to his thinking as he weighs up his future.

At this stage, he is keeping all of his options open and it is believed that the most likely outcome will be for him to stay and continue as a core part of the team.

The Boston Bruins saw their 2026 NHL playoff run end with a flat 4-1 Game 6 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, and the tone afterward matched the result. David Pastrnak did not soften the moment.

Speaking to the media after the game, Pastrnak said, “Of course, it’s disappointing.”

Buffalo controlled the elimination game early, building a 2-0 first-period lead and never giving Boston space to recover. Pastrnak briefly cut the deficit, but the Bruins generated little sustained offense against Alex Lyon. The numbers tell the same story. Boston scored just five goals over the final four games and lost all three home games in the series.

MORE: Connor McDavid rips Oilers’ calling ‘average team with high expectations’ after playoff exit

Pastrnak still led the Bruins with seven points in six games, but his minus-seven rating underlined a wider issue. Boston leaned heavily on one offensive driver without enough secondary push. That imbalance showed up clearly once playoff hockey tightened.

Bruins’ aging core meets rising urgency

Pastrnak’s comments reflect a shift inside the room. At 29, he now echoes the message once delivered by Patrice Bergeron.

“I’m turning 30 in a couple of weeks, so, had one sniff at the Cup so far, and yeah, it’s getting harder every single year,” Pastrnak said. “That’s what I tell the young guys now that I – what Bergy [Patrice Bergeron] and those guys told you when I was young. You know, when you’re younger, you look at it way differently than when you are 30.”

That urgency matters more for a team which last won the Stanley Cup in 2011, and lost in the finals in 2013, and 2019.

“The season is a blink of an eye,” Pastrnak said. “I remember being young, and each season felt like forever. January comes, you feel like it should be over, and when you’re older, and you have family, and you have outside life, it’s a blink of an eye. So you don’t want to waste any opportunity.”

Boston’s structure still leans more on top-end production than depth scoring. The club remains competitive, but not deep enough to absorb a cold stretch from its stars. The Sabres, who ended their 14 season long playoff drought this year, exposed that gap by limiting time and space through the neutral zone, forcing Boston into low-danger attempts.

Bruins’ structural gaps exposed in series loss

The Bruins’ system struggled under playoff pressure. Breakouts lacked pace, and zone entries often became one-and-done sequences. Buffalo’s younger lineup dictated tempo, while Boston reacted. That difference showed in puck possession and shot quality, not just the final scoreline.

MORE: Penguins’ offseason begins with clear goal after Stanley Cup Playoff disaster

Pastrnak’s 100-point regular season (fourth consecutive 100-point season) confirms elite consistency, yet the playoffs demand more from the lineup around him. Boston needs stronger middle-six scoring and cleaner defensive transitions. Without those elements, even elite production cannot carry a series.

Looking ahead, Pastrnak made it clear the expectation remains unchanged. “It’s the Boston Bruins, and they always want to be – they have the high standards,” he said. The pressure now shifts to management and roster construction. The window is still open, but it is no longer wide.

Sheffield Wednesday have announced that US consortium Arise Capital Partners has bought the club, officially bringing to an end Dejphon Chansiri's ownership.

The group is led by David Storch, 73, an American executive whose background is in the aviation services sector.

The EFL confirmed the news on Saturday, and said it would not impose a 15-point deduction on the club following its exit from administration as this has been "an incredibly challenging and complex situation for all parties".

Sources have told BBC Sport that former owner Chansiri rejected or simply did not respond to multiple offers for the club, which the EFL took into consideration when choosing to waive the 15-point deduction.

As part of the agreement, Wednesday will remain under budget restrictions for the next two seasons as part of the "conditions of continuing membership in the EFL" but they will still be permitted to sign new players.

Storch's son, Michael, and Tom Costin complete the three-man consortium.

Costin brings football experience to Wednesday through Blue Crow Sports Group - a multi-club football ownership and investment platform with controlling interests in Leganes from Spain, Le Havre in France and Mexican club Cancun FC.

Arise had set a deadline of 1 May, aware that there could further delays if the takeover was not completed before the Independent Football Regulator took control of the new owner process from the EFL on 5 May.

The final paperwork was completed on time on Friday before the club announced the takeover was done ahead of their sold-out, final-day game at Hillsborough against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The Owls had been in administration since 24 October

That led to an immediate 12-point deduction, with a further six points taken off for charges related to missed payments to players, staff, HMRC and transfer fees due to other clubs.

As a result, Chansiri received a three-year ban from owning or being a director at any EFL club.

Yet the points penalties made no difference to the club's fate, with most senior players sold either by Chansiri or as part of the administration process.

The club suffered the earliest-ever relegation in English football, as defeat at Sheffield United on 22 February consigned them to League One with 13 games to play.

Just three days later a takeover led by Dunfermline Athletic owner James Bord collapsed, leaving Wednesday in limbo.

But Storch, who missed out being named the preferred bidder to Bord in December, returned to the table to cut a deal with the administrators.

With Chansiri's reign now over, and new owners in place to bring fresh hope, the club can look to a brighter future.

• Latest Sheffield Wednesday news, analysis and fan views
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The start of the ninth round of the Brasileirão Feminino A1 left Corinthians even more isolated at the top of the competition. By beating Grêmio 2-0 on Friday afternoon (1), at Francisco Novelletto, the São Paulo side reached 22 points, five more than their main rivals in the standings: Palmeiras, São Paulo and Internacional, all with 17 points.

Four other matches were played on Friday. Internacional beat Santos 3-0 at Vila Belmiro. Juventude and Cruzeiro, meanwhile, played out a goalless draw at Alfredo Jaconi. Atlético-MG and Fluminense also drew, 1-1, at Arena do Jacaré, while at Fonte Luminosa, Ferroviária defeated Mixto 3-0.

The round features two matches this Saturday: América-MG vs. Vitória, at 3 p.m., at Castor Cifuentes; and Bahia vs. Palmeiras, at 4 p.m., at Arena Fonte Nova.

On Sunday, Botafogo host Red Bull Bragantino at 6 p.m. at Nilton Santos. São Paulo vs. Flamengo will close out the round on Monday (4), at 9 p.m., in Cotia.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

CSK vs MI IPL 2026 live score: Scorecard, toss result, win chances, weather report and highlights from Chennai originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY MATCH DETAILS:

• Venue: M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Captains: Ruturaj Gaikwad(CSK), Hardik Pandya (MI)
• Toss result: TBD
• Live Telecast: JioHotstar (India), No Broadcast (Pakistan), CricLife Max, StarzPlay (UAE), Willow TV, Fubo, Willow TV app, Sling TV (USA & Canada)
• Umpires & Match officials: Kaushik Gandhi, Nitin Menon (on-field umpires), Vinod Seshan (Third Umpire), Tanmay Srivastava (Fourth Umpire), Amit Sharma (Match referee)
• Match result: TBD
• Player of the Match: TBD

IPL 2026 HUB:Latest IPL News | IPL Points Table | Team Stats | IPL 2026 Squads

Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians live match Scorecard

Follow along with the latest live scorecard here as the match unfolds, or click here for key text commentary updates from the action.

Key highlights and reactions: CSK vs MI IPL 2026

• Best and worst captains in IPL 2026: Ranking the skippers of each IPL team in the ongoing season
• CSK vs MI Dream11: Lineups, pitch report and score predictions for IPL 2026 match
• CSK vs MI: Will Rohit Sharma play against CSK on 2 May?
• CSK vs MI: Why are there no double-headers on May 2

CSK vs MI IPL 2026: Predicted Playing XI

CSKpredicted playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary

Impact Player: Akeal Hosein

MIpredicted playing XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Tilak Varma, Sherfane Rutherford, Jasprit Bumrah, Krish Bhagat, AM Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar

Impact Player: Shardul Thakur

MORE: What happens if an IPL match is cancelled due to rain? Rules and refund details

CSK vs MI IPL 2026 Live Score Updates

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to Cricket News' live blog for the blockbuster IPL 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

The match will be played at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Mumbai Indians will seek revenge against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in their crucial IPL 2026 clash at the Chepauk on Saturday, May 2.

Toss result: Toss is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. IST. 

CSK vs MI: Win Probability

Chennai weather update: Chances of rain interrupting play

Let's take a look at the hourly temperatures and the probability of rainfall in Chennai on Saturday evening.

• 6:00 PM: 33°C (0% chance of rain)
• 7:00 PM: 33°C (0% chance of rain)
• 8:00 PM: 33°C (0% chance of rain)
• 9:00 PM: 33°C (0% chance of rain)
• 10:00 PM: 32°C (0% chance of rain)
• 11:00 PM: 31°C (0% chance of rain)

IPL 2026 Points Table live: Latest updated CSK vs MI standings

To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit ourFacebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Wayne Rooney Makes Jurgen Klopp Admission

Wayne Rooney and Liverpool will never be natural bedfellows. His Everton roots and Manchester United legacy make sure of that. Yet football has a funny way of cutting through tribal lines, especially when the subject is Jurgen Klopp.

Ahead of Liverpool’s latest Premier League meeting with Manchester United, Rooney’s comments about Klopp landed with real force. Not because they were inflammatory, but because they were unusually honest. A player so closely tied to Liverpool’s fiercest rivals openly admitting admiration for a Reds manager tells you something about Klopp’s reach.

Rooney said: “Klopp was the only Liverpool manager I’ve looked at and thought ‘I’d love to play for him’ – obviously not for Liverpool but for him as a manager.

“Slot maybe hasn’t got the aura [of Klopp] which could be a good thing or a bad thing.”

That is not a throwaway line. It is a reminder of what Klopp represented, not only to Liverpool supporters, but to players across the Premier League.

Photo: IMAGO

Jurgen Klopp’s Aura Remains Hard to Replace

Klopp’s nine years at Liverpool reshaped the club’s modern identity. The Champions League triumph in 2019, the long awaited Premier League title and the restoration of Anfield’s sense of certainty all formed part of a wider emotional contract between manager, players and fans.

For Wayne Rooney, the appeal was obvious. Klopp’s football was intense, direct, emotional and demanding. It asked players to empty themselves physically and mentally, but it also gave them something back, belief, clarity and belonging.

That is why comparisons with Arne Slot are inevitable, even if they are not always helpful. Slot inherited more than a squad. He inherited the afterglow of a manager who became part coach, part symbol and part cultural reference point.

Liverpool Must Avoid Living in Klopp’s Shadow

Liverpool’s challenge now is not to find another Jurgen Klopp. That is the trap Manchester United fell into after Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013. Every new appointment was measured against a giant, and every difference became a flaw.

Liverpool cannot afford that cycle. Klopp’s legacy should guide standards, not suffocate successors. Slot may not carry the same electricity on the touchline, and he may not project the same emotional force, but that alone does not define his ceiling.

Rooney’s point about “aura” matters because it captures the intangible part of elite management. Players respond to authority, charisma and conviction. Supporters do too. Yet football also moves through tactics, recruitment, injuries, form and timing.

Photo: IMAGO

Bigger Question for Liverpool Supporters

For Liverpool fans, the temptation is clear. When results dip or performances feel flat, Klopp becomes the reference point. The pressing looked sharper then. The connection felt stronger then. The certainty seemed greater then.

That nostalgia is understandable, but it can become dangerous. Klopp was exceptional because he was rare. Asking every Liverpool manager to replicate him risks turning admiration into a burden.

Rooney’s admiration for Jurgen Klopp says plenty about the German’s stature. It also says something about Liverpool’s present dilemma. The club must respect what Klopp built while allowing a new manager to build differently.

For Liverpool, that balance may prove just as important as any result against Manchester United.

Khamzat Chimaev admits something big needs to happen to fix his reputation

Khamzat Chimaev knows he needs to do something big at UFC 328 if he wants to change the way people see him.

Chimaev will put his middleweight title on the line for the first time on May 9, facing former teammate Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated main event.

Leading up to their fight in Newark, New Jersey, things have only gotten more heated, with both men hinting at violence beyond the cage.

Chimaev admits he must score a finish at UFC 328 to change his reputation

‘Borz’s’ UFC 328 fight camp has been heavily documented on social media, with the Chechen looking in the best shape he has ever looked.

And with him being heavily favoured to beat his long-time rival, Chimaev has admitted that he must score the finish to change his current reputation among fans.

Despite his sheer dominance against Dricus Du Plessis to win the title, fans were disappointed that Chimaev didn’t really come close to a finish.

“Yeah, for sure I have to finish him, otherwise people will (continue) to call me a boring fighter,” Chimaev said this past Thursday during an open workout media scrum.

Although Strickland has remained extremely outspoken ahead of their clash, ‘Borz’ is attempting to remain calm and collected.

Chimaev is predicted to have a tougher challenge taking Strickland down than he did with Du Plessis, who he took down 12 times.

Strickland currently holds a takedown defence percentage of 76%, whereas Du Plessis’ is 34%.

“They’re all the same for me,” Chimaev said regarding all of his past opponents. “It should be (easy to take him down), it was easy. We trained five years ago and I don’t think he’s changed, so let’s see.”

Read more:

Vasco da Gama is not expected to have SportingBet as its new main sponsor, according to reports published this Friday (1).

Fans had high hopes for a deal with the betting company, but negotiations apparently did not move toward a positive outcome, according to Lance.

The search for a main sponsor has been a constant topic behind the scenes at São Januário.

A strong deal is seen as crucial for the club’s financial strengthening and for maintaining investments in the squad and infrastructure. SportingBet was one of the leading names being considered to appear on the Cruzmaltino shirt.

The reasons that led to the sponsorship not being finalized have not yet been detailed.

The sports betting market has proven to be fertile ground for partnerships with football clubs, and Vasco remains in search of a partner that meets its expectations and financial needs for the season.

With the uncertainty over the main sponsorship, the Vasco board will likely step up efforts to find other options in the market.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Tai Tuivasa’s disappointing losing streak continued at UFC Perth on Saturday and it’s tough to imagine he’ll get another chance in the octagon.

This time it was Louie Sutherland, who scored multiple takedowns and racked up copious amounts of control time on the ground as Tuivasa was just stuck on his back with no chance to escape. Tuivasa even managed a late foul, which cost him a point, as the final scores read 30-26 across the board as Sutherland got the unanimous decision win.

“Listen, me and my coaches said it, we done a big 360, we started here, it didn’t go to plan,” Sutherland said after his first UFC win. “But that’s on a week’s notice, who you f*cking booing? I love fighting. I’ve know I’ve got the skills to win in this organization. Get me anybody, I’ll fight them all. Marcin Tybura, Serbia, let’s have at it!”

It didn’t take long for Sutherland to shoot for a takedown but Tuivasa resisted before shrugging him off to reset in the center. But Sutherland was undeterred as he shot again to put Tuivasa on the ground but the veteran Australian heavyweight was able to get up again without much struggle.

Back on the feet, Tuivasa blasted Sutherland with a couple of nasty punches and an elbow but the Brit survived before firing back with a spinning back elbow and a knee right up the middle that landed clean. A wild scramble ensued with Sutherland landing on top with Tuivasa playing defense on the ground.

Sutherland stayed in control until the round ended and the heavyweights restarted on the feet in the second.

But Sutherland quickly closed the distance and effectively tossed Tuivasa to the ground as he fell into side control. While the action was minimal, Sutherland eventually advanced to the mount before looking for an arm triangle choke, although he wasn’t able to lock it up.

Still, Sutherland stayed on top and shut down Tuivasa’s best efforts to get up again.

With five minutes remaining, Sutherland cracked Tuivasa with a stiff calf kick before scoring another takedown in the center of the cage. Tuivasa was just flat on his back with the referee warning Sutherland that he need to do more work to maintain his position.

Sutherland did just enough to hold Tuivasa down but the fighters were eventually stood up with less than a minute remaining. This time, Sutherland effectively just flopped to the ground and Tuivasa threw a knee to the head, which cost him a point as the fight came to an end.

While Sutherland celebrated his win, Tuivasa was understandably disappointed in defeat, especially knowing he was probably fighting for his job at UFC Perth. He now goes hope after a seventh straight defeat and an uncertain future as far as his UFC career goes.

ACC men's lacrosse tournament bracket, schedule, TV channel, live streams, scores for 2026 championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Before the NCAA men's lacrosse tournament gets underway, conferences have to determine their champions. The 2026 ACC  tournament comes to Charlotte this weekend.

Notre Dame has clinched the ACC's top seed for the third year in a row, following another successful 10-1 season that's held them at the top of the national rankings. The Fighting Irish secured the regular season title with a win over Syracuse last weekend, but No. 2 North Carolina is trailing not too far behind.

Compared to the women's tournament, the men's is much smaller. Only four programs qualified for competition — No. 1 Notre Dame, No. 2 North Carolina, No. 3 Syracuse and No. 4 Virginia. Semifinals will take place on Friday, and the winners of those matchups will battle for a title on Sunday.

Who will prove themselves ahead of the NCAA tournament?

Here's everything you need to know about the ACC men's lacrosse tournament, including TV channel and streaming options for the 2026 competition. 

ACC men's lacrosse tournament TV channel, live streams

• TV channel: ACC Network
• Live stream:fubo

College lacrosse fans can watch all three games of the 2026 ACC men's lacrosse tournament live on the ACC Network. For those looking to stream all of the action, fubo will have a live stream on its platform.

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.)

ACC men's lacrosse tournament schedule 2026

The 2026 ACC men's lacrosse tournament will begin on Friday, May 1, with two semifinal games. Winners will advance to the championship match on Sunday, May 3.

All three games will take place at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Friday, May 1: Semifinals

Sunday, May 3: Championship

ACC men's lacrosse tournament bracket 2025

The full seeding, bracket and team records for the 2026 ACC men's lacrosse tournament are below.

The reactions to Duke’s deal with Amazon Prime have been interesting, to say the least.

Is it a turning point in college athletics? Probably. Is it something that can’t be overcome? Probably not.

Over at OrangeFizz.net, there is outrage, a sense that Duke just got an unmatchable advantage, and that it “bought” it.

To that, we have a few comments. First, strictly speaking, Duke sold; Amazon bought.

Second, there’s no particular reason why Duke should do well. It’s done well because Mike Krzyzewski built a monster program just as ESPN came along, and was smart enough to adapt to several changes in the game in the intervening years. He also mastered some elements of an M.B.A., notably branding (it’s possible that Quin Snyder, who earned an M.B.A. from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, helped Coach K down that particular road).

Jon Scheyer has also done a brilliant job adapting to the current environment, and has generally been ahead of the curve. The first GM in college basketball? Check. Figuring out NIL? Check. Adapting to the portal? Check again.

Duke didn’t get the Amazon deal just because it’s Duke. Duke is Duke because the people who have managed Duke Basketball have been really, really smart.

In other words, it didn’t just happen. Duke was ready for the opportunity.

However, the Orange Fizz article is correct, because it is an advantage for Duke. It didn’t dawn on us immediately, but look at when the first two Prime games are scheduled: UConn on Thanksgiving Eve, almost immediately before Black Friday, and against Michigan on December 21st, just before Christmas. Everything else aside, that’s the sweet spot, especially if you have players pitching Amazon products on those dates. NIL will run like water.

The third game will be Duke’s traditional late-season out-of-conference tuneup, and the Blue Devils will face Gonzaga on Feb. 20 in Detroit.

But here’s where Orange Fizz gets it wrong.

People forget that when Coach K got to Durham in 1980, while Duke had been good under Bill Foster, the dominant ACC teams were UNC, Maryland, and NC State.

The Wolfpack was transitioning to the Jim Valvano era, but Norm Sloan had a great run, and Valvano was about to step into legend. And Virginia had Ralph Sampson.

Krzyzewski’s first three seasons at Duke produced a 38-47 record. Until 1991, Duke was seen as an admirable overachiever. Duke wasn’t really disliked (outside of Chapel Hill, anyway) until Christian Laettner frightened and infuriated people in his senior season.

Duke is in a great situation, but nothing is permanent. Ask yourself this: if a young Mike Krzyzewski came to coach Syracuse today, would he succeed?

It seems pretty obvious, right?

We are clearly in a new era, but the most basic building block is the coach. UNC struggled to be consistent under Hubert Davis, and he was canned before things got worse. Kentucky has struggled under Mark Pope, and he seems to be on the hot seat already. And remember UK struggled this past season, despite the obvious determination that no one was going to outspend them in the portal.

Obviously, you need money, and money now means players, but you’re going to have a tough time getting people to invest in your program if the most basic element, the leader, isn’t very good at his job.

Which is why we’re optimistic about Syracuse.

Gerry McNamara built a nice team at Siena, one that went toe-to-toe with #1 Duke in March. If he can become competitive, money will follow. And if he can revive the ‘Cuse, power will flow back to that program.

Just for a point of reference, warning and humility, remember when Miami signed Nijel Pack as a transfer?

People were shocked that he got $400,000.

Well, big men this cycle are asking for $5 million. Given their position in the New York market, not to mention brand awareness in Ontario, Syracuse has the potential to stake a major claim.

No one knows the specifics of Duke’s deal with Amazon, but it’s the first. The next may be bigger, and the ones after that, bigger still. Payrolls will continue to increase. And in fact, the Big 12 just announced a private equity deal that will inject about $12 million into the conference, and open a vast credit line for any school that wants to tap into it (however, the interest rate on those lines of credit, reportedly double-digits, looks to be financial suicide).

Another thing that a lot of people are overlooking is that a lot of the traditional Blue Bloods are in a tough spot. UNC had no problem throwing Hubert Davis, and the Dean Smith legacy, overboard. Kentucky is struggling. Indiana hasn’t been a big factor for a long time. UCLA is not what it once was. Kansas hasn’t made it past the first weekend of the NCAA tournament for the last four years.

In other words, there is room at the top. Dusty May has pushed Michigan up. Dan Hurley has done it for UConn, and Tommy Lloyd has made Arizona a powerhouse again.

Syracuse has the chance to rise. Hiring McNamara looks like a great move, and if he can improve, and build, money, and therefore talent, will follow. But you have to set the table first.

• Duke Just Bought Another Advantage — And Everyone Else Should Be Furious
• Duke-Amazon partnership could send college hoops down slippery slope
• Prime Video Expanding Beyond NBA With Duke College Basketball
• Prime Video signs first college sports deal with Duke men’s basketball to present three premier games per season

Go to the DBR Boards to find Blue Healer Auctions || Drop us a line

Confirmed India women's squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Full list of players originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• India women's T20 World Cup squad announced, led by Harmanpreet Kaur.
• Key players Mandhana, Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma all included in the squad.
• India face England in three T20Is before the World Cup begins in June

India women's squad for T20 World Cup announced

India's women's cricket team has been named for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Harmanpreet Kaur as the skipper.

The selection panel retained several experienced names, with Smriti Mandhana, Jemaimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma all keeping their places in the group.

India go into this tournament on the back of a difficult run. In their most recent T20I series, they were beaten 4-1 by South Africa, a side led by Laura Wolvaardt. The series laid bare real problems across both departments as the batting lacked consistency, and the bowling struggled to build sustained pressure.

South Africa controlled large portions of the five matches and wrapped up the series convincingly, leaving India with plenty to address.

Before the World Cup gets underway, India will play a three-match T20I series in England. The first game is scheduled for May 28, followed by the second on May 30, and the third and final match on June 2. These fixtures will give the squad a chance to reset, build combinations and find form ahead of the tournament.

India women's full squad for the T20 World Cup

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundahti Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav

The Cricket News opinion: Indian T20 side's latest form a concern before World Cup

The Indian women's T20I side kicked off the year on a grand note, having beaten Australia 2-1 in a three-match series Down Under. However, in their latest five-match contest against South Africa, the reigning ODI World Cup champions suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will need to fix the issues in the squad in their upcoming series against England before the World Cup kicks off. 

To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Von Miller says he's not done in the NFL and made note of the Buffalo Bills.

Speaking via live steam, Miller expressed his interest in playing again in 2026 at the age of 37. Specifically, Miller noted the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills as teams he'd want to sign for.

Miller previously signed in Buffalo in 2022 but an ACL injury overshadowed his time with the team. Miller was performing well before the injury but it is an injury that takes an extensive time to fully return from.

Miller did show signs of juice in 2025 after leaving Buffalo. He played with the Washington Commanders last season and appeared in all 17 games and recorded nine sacks.

Miller has a more extensive history with the Denver Broncos compared to the Bills. However, Miller has openly expressed a desire to win three Super Bowls with three different teams and he has already won two with the Broncos and Los Angeles Rams. No player has ever accomplished that feat in the NFL.

Miller is currently a free agent.

A clip of Miller's comment can be found below:

Von Miller was asked about his ideal landing spot right now, as he’s still currently a free agent:

“If I can pick, I would love to go back to the Denver Broncos.” 🥹

Do the right thing @Broncos and bring him back for one last ride 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/jgecCU56qH

— SleeperBroncos (@SleeperBroncos) April 28, 2026

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Von Miller would like to play for the Buffalo Bills in 2026

The New York Jets and Russell Wilson could still happen.

However, there could be an interesting consideration for him in between the QB and Gang Green.

Wilson, 37, had a free-agent visit in New York this past week with the idea of potentially backing up Geno Smith:

The Jets, exploring the veteran backup QB market, had Russell Wilson in for a visit late yesterday, per source. Nothing is imminent. #Jets are going through their process.

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 28, 2026

Wilson is weighing options... which evidently is between the Jets and becoming an analyst. According to The Athletic, Wilson has had talks with CBS Sports to join "The NFL Today" crew.

Per The Athletic, Wilson would potentially take another former QBs position:

If the CBS deal is finalized, Wilson will fill the spot vacated by Matt Ryan. Ryan left CBS to become president of football for the Atlanta Falcons. The rest of CBS’ crew is host James Brown and analysts Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher.

If Wilson joined the Jets, it would be his 15th NFL season. The former Super Bowl champion would serve as a more experienced backup option to fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik.

Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Report: Russell Wilson could be deciding between Jets or new career

Where to watch Cadillac Championship golf: Channels, live streams, TV schedules, tee times for 2026 Doral event originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The PGA Tour has its next stop this weekend as golfers gear up for the Cadillac Championship. With the PGA Championships just two weeks away, this is one of the last stops for golfers to ready themselves ahead of another major. 

This weekend's field is star-studded, headlined by Scottie Scheffler. Seven of the top 10 golfers in the FexExCup standings are competing this weekend as well, including Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup.

WATCH: 2026 Cadillac Championship LIVE on DIRECTV

Matt Fitzpatrick is currently ranked No. 1 in the FedExCup and will not compete this weekend. This weekend will give Scheffler a chance to pass Fitzpatrick for No. 1 in the standings.

Here's everything to know ahead of the latest stop on the PGA Tour.

Where to watch Cadillac Championship

• TV channels: Golf Channel, CBS
• Live stream: DIRECTV, ESPN+, Paramount+

The 2026 Cadillac Championship will air on two TV channels and three streaming services. ESPN+ will contain the largest window of broadcasting time, from morning until night on all four days.

The Golf Channel and CBS will also have select coverage of the event for 3-4 hours, depending on the day and channel.

All Golf Channel and CBS coverage can be streamed via DIRECTV and when the broadcast is on CBS, it will be available through Paramount+. Below is the full broadcast schedule.

Cadillac Championship TV, live stream schedule 2026

Cadillac Championship tee times, leaderboard 

Find the updated scores and tee times on The Sporting News leaderboard.

Related Links

• Latest golf news and rumors
• This week's PGA Tour leaderboard
• LIV Golf schedule 2026

To many, Wayne Rooney is the best English player of the last 30 years if not longer. 

With the second most caps (120) and second most goals (53) for the Three Lions, it's hard to argue against, and he's still got it if his training videos for Soccer Aid are anything to go by. 

The 40-year-old was put through his paces in a shooting drill and despite being far from his athletic prime, his touch and shooting remains at an elite level. 

Rooney will be playing in his third Soccer Aid after starring in 2021 and 2025, scoring the opening goal in a 5-4 loss to the World XI at Old Trafford last year. 

The likes of Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Robbie Williams and Olly Murs will also be part of the English side this year but, like in his playing days, the Manchester United legend will be the main man at the London Stadium on Sunday May 31st. 

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has been a stellar player for Serie A side Napoli since joining from Fulham. He has helped in two Scudetto wins under different managers but there are signs he could now ask for a transfer in the summer.

The midfielder has had an injury-prone campaign so far with the Partenopei, who are second in the Serie A right now. 

La Repubblica – via AreaNapoli, note that Zambo Anguissa was actually close to being handed a new deal by the Naples club last year. Soon, he picked up an injury during international break and Napoli’s intentions then changed as they turned away from a renewal.

This seems to have annoyed the Cameroonian, who was then certain about staying at Napoli. Parties had met several times to discuss terms and a deal was appearing close. The club’s decision to back out can now force him into asking for a transfer at the end of the campaign.

With Zambo Anguissa unhappy, Milan could be one of the suitors in line to keep him in Italy. The ex-Fulham man can also attract clubs in England, with Sunderland previously interested.

Zambo Anguissa will leave as a Napoli hero

All in all, it feels like the end of a special relationship that yielded silverware and quite an upturn in Zambo Anguissa’s career too. He turned into one of the best midfielders in Serie A as a result, with Antonio Conte also having used him as a receiver in the final last season.

He was deployed a deeper role by Luciano Spalletti but the Cameroon international thrived even then, showing immense ability to carry the ball progressively.

While the relationship may not end well but fans will remember Zambo Anguissa as a special player.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

When are the EFL Championship playoffs? Schedule of 2026 matches as teams battle for Premier League promotion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With three teams set to earn promotion to the Premier League at the end of each season, the conclusion to the 2025/26 campaign will nominate a trio of outstanding performers to be boosted up to the English top flight.

Two of those clubs will be selected as the top finishers in the EFL Championship at the conclusion of the season, but the third will be determined through an exciting playoff system.

The four teams that finish third through sixth will progress to the Championship playoff, a thrilling and nerve-wracking four-team mini bracket to determine the eventual winner. The final is considered the richest game in football, as the winner earns access to the massive financial provided by the English top flight.

The Sporting News details who will be involved in this year's playoff and when the games will be played, including the famous final at Wembley Stadium.

MORE:What teams have been promoted to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season?

When are the 2026 EFL Championship playoffs?

The final day of the EFL Championship regular season is Saturday, May 2.

That means the playoffs will begin the following weekend. The first leg of the semifinals will take place on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, while the second legs will be played that following Monday and Tuesday.

Then, the Championship playoff final will be held on Saturday, May 23 at Wembley Stadium.

What teams are in the 2026 EFL Championship playoffs?

At this point, it's still tough to know who will be in the 2026 playoffs.

Coventry City have already sealed automatic promotion, so they will not be involved. There is a battle for the second spot between Ipswich Town, Millwall, and Southampton which could go down to the wire, with the two that fall short likely being left to the playoffs.

Middlesbrough are in a strong position to make the playoff as well, with the final spot also due to go down to the wire as Hull City, Wrexham, and Derby County duke it out.

Race for Championship promotion playoff

Table updated prior to final round of matches on Saturday, May 2

* Mathematically confirmed a place in at least the Championship playoff

EFL Championship playoff schedule, fixtures for 2026

The semifinals will take place the weekend of May 8, while the final will take place in late May at Wembley Stadium.

Playoff semifinals

First leg

Second leg

Playoff final

There are so many good names of the horses running the 2026 Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs -- be sure to check out our full rankings of the monikers -- but there's one that might be a fan favorite.

Albus, who is trained by Riley Mott and owned by Pin Oak Stud, has a very famous name for those of you who are fans of the Harry Potter series. And if you're here, you might be wondering: Is the colt named after Dumbledore, the incredible all-time great wizard who is the headmaster at Hogwarts?

The answer is: Looks that way! Per an Instagram post from Pink Oaks, he's been named after the legendary Dumbledore.

So if you're a fan of the books or the movies, we know which horse you're rooting for on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is Albus the Kentucky Derby horse named after Harry Potter character?

Grêmio arrives in Curitiba for the match against Athletico-PR, valid for the Brazilian Championship, with an uncomfortable milestone: the club has now gone 100 days without winning an away match in 2026.

The negative streak has been a cause for concern for the coaching staff and fans, directly affecting the team’s performance across different competitions.

In addition to the challenge of playing away from home, coach Luís Castro is dealing with absences in every area of the team.

The need to improvise and adapt the side has been constant, and the result of the match against Palestino in the Copa Sudamericana, in which Grêmio failed to win, increased the pressure for better results.

The difficulty in picking up points away from home has prevented Grêmio from mounting a more consistent climb in the Brasileirão standings.

Today’s match is seen as a crucial opportunity to end this run and bring more stability and confidence to the squad.

The team and the fans hope that May’s packed schedule can bring renewed energy and, above all, end the long spell without away wins, which is key to Grêmio’s ambitions for the season.

Source: Globoesporte, GZH

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Boston Marathon "hero" Aaron Beggs has said he is hoping not to become a "villain" in the Belfast race.

After helping to carry a fellow runner over the line in Boston last month, Beggs knows he will be a focus of attention as he runs 26.2 miles around Belfast on Sunday.

If he spots anyone struggling near the finish line, the 40 year old from Bangor in Northern Ireland said he will feel obliged to help them.

"I'll have to pick them up. I know if I run past anyone this weekend I'll be a villain. One week hero, next week villain!" he said.

Since his and Robson De Oliveira's actions went viral on social media, Beggs has done more than 50 interviews with media outlets from across the world.

"It's been crazy. I have just been spreading the word that it's 'nice to be nice'," he told BBC News NI.

Beggs can run a standard marathon (26.2 miles) in under three hours and he is hoping to do the same again on Sunday in Belfast in spite of an exhausting few weeks since Boston.

"It's my home city race and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

He is one of almost 7,000 runners taking part in the race which begins at Stormont and goes through all four corners of the city.

Among the participants are husband and wife Philip and Debbie McLorinan from Lisburn, both hoping to complete their first marathon.

Debbie said: "He's faster than me but we all run together with Jog Lisburn Running Club."

At the age of 29, Alice Cinnamond from Belfast had a stroke, but three years later she has entered the Belfast marathon.

She is raising money for charity and also celebrating her remarkable return to good health.

"Now I'm in full recovery, happy, healthy and ready to run another marathon," said Alice.

One runner likely to stand out from the crowd is Alan Harris, 46, from east Belfast as he runs in a gorilla suit with a pink top and skirt.

"I wanted to do something to grab attention as I run for my favourite charity," he said.

"I ran the London Marathon last week. The suit gets a bit warm after eight miles but I'll cope."

As well as the full marathon runners, there are more than 3,200 relay teams, made up of five people each running around five miles.

There is also a wheelchair race.

The field includes runners from Ethiopia, Morocco, Canada and USA as well as many runners from the European mainland.

However, the majority of entrants are from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

There is full coverage of the Belfast Marathon on BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio Ulster, and the BBC NI Sport website from 08:45 BST on Sunday.

The latest weather forecast suggests a rather cloudy day with a moderate, north-easterly wind.

More on this story

• 'Superstar' runners praised for helping exhausted man finish marathon

• Everything you need to know about the Belfast Marathon

Alexander Zverev’s strong run at the Masters 1000 level is continuing, following his win over Flavio Cobolli in Madrid.

The 28-year-old, who has already won this event twice, looked comfortable as he reached the semi-finals. Zverev also holds a solid record against Cobolli, having won all three of their previous meetings.

Cobolli was ranked 40th before this tournament but is expected to move up after his impressive run in Madrid.

What Alexander Zverev said about Flavio Cobolli after their match

Speaking to Tennis TV while still on court, the German was asked whether this felt like payback, after Cobolli had beaten him in Munich just last month.

“No revenge,” Zverev said. “I love Flavio.”

He added: “He’s one of my favourite guys on tour. He knows that. I have a great relationship with him, a great relationship with his father.

“You know, this is sport. Sport can change very, very quickly.

“In Munich he played a great match; I didn’t play a very good match. Today maybe it was the opposite. I played an amazing first set, he didn’t play an amazing first set.

“In sports it’s like that and definitely happy with the win.”

Alexander Zverev breaks Masters 1000 record

There has been a lot of focus on Jannik Sinner’s recent success at the Masters 1000 level, but Zverev has quietly put together an impressive stretch himself, even though he hasn’t lifted a trophy since Paris in 2024.

His win over Cobolli marked his fifth straight semi-final appearance at this level, a milestone that puts him alongside Sinner in the history books.

Zverev and Sinner are now the first players ever to reach the semi-finals of five or more consecutive ATP Masters 1000 events. And with both still in the draw, a showdown between them in Madrid remains a real possibility.

This run underlines not just Zverev’s quality but also his consistency. Even without titles to show for it recently, he keeps pushing deep into tournaments and isn’t letting setbacks throw him off course.

He faces youngster Alexander Blockx next for a place in the final.

Read more:

Barcelona travels away from home to Pamplona as they face e Osasuna in their next La Liga encounter on Saturday.

Barcelona are leading the La Liga table and are on the verge of winning the league under Hansi Flick as they head into this match with an 11 point lead at the top of the table.

Osasuna vs Barcelona – Match preview and team news

• Date: Saturday, 2nd May.
• Kick-off: 8pm BST.
• Venue: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona.

Osasuna team news

For the hosts, Osasuna enters this clash at El Sadar with a mix of reliability and fitness concerns. Ante Budimir, who remains the focal point of the attack with 16 goals this season, will lead the line once again.

However, the squad is stretched thin in certain areas. Iker Benito is sidelined with a knee injury, and Víctor Munoz remains out due to a muscle strain.

Question mark surrounds Aimar Oroz as well, who is racing against time to recover from a muscle issue; his presence in the starting XI likely won’t be confirmed until shortly before kickoff.

Despite these absences, the defensive core of Flavien Boyomo and Alejandro Catena remains intact to face the league leaders.

Osasuna remains highly motivated, as they are currently battling to secure a European qualification spot for next season.

Barcelona team news

The most welcome news for Hansi Flick is the return of captain Raphinha and young midfield anchor Marc Bernal, both of whom have been cleared to play following hamstring and ankle recoveries.

However, the defence takes a hit with Jules Koundé serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation.

Lamine Yamal is officially ruled out for the rest of the campaign, and while Andreas Christensen is back in training, he has not been risked for this matchday squad.

Flick faces a tactical dilemma regarding Robert Lewandowski, who may be rotated to manage his workload.

Additionally, the team must play with discipline, as Raphinha, Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong are all one booking away from a suspension that would rule them out of the upcoming El Clásico.

Form

Osasuna

Osasuna enters this fixture showing mixed form but remarkable resilience at home. In their last outing, they secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sevilla thanks to a 99th-minute winner, keeping them in the hunt for a European spot. While they have only two wins in their last eight games (W2, D3, L3), their record at El Sadar is formidable; they are currently on a ten-match unbeaten streak at home (W6, D4).

Barcelona

Barcelona is in blistering form as they march toward a second consecutive La Liga title under Hansi Flick. They have won nine consecutive league matches, most recently defeating Getafe 2-0. The Blaugrana have recorded two straight clean sheets in domestic play. Their only recent stumbles have come in cup competitions, losing their Champions League quarter-final to Atletico Madrid.

Predicted lineups

Osasuna: Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Boyomo, Galan; I Munoz, Moncayola; Moro, Oroz, Ruben Garcia; Budimir

Barcelona : J Garcia; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Fermin; Torres

How to watch Osasuna vs Barcelona?

In the United Kingdom, the La Liga match between Osasuna and Barcelona will be broadcast exclusively on Disney+.

Read Also – PSG vs Lorient – Predicted lineup and team news

See More – Man United to prioritise Premier League-based transfer targets

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RC Lens will look to maintain the pressure on Paris Saint-Germain when they travel south to the Riviera to face relegation strugglers OGC Nice. A six-point gap between Lens and league leaders PSG exists ahead of today’s fixtures. 

Pierre Sage vented his frustration with his side following last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Stade Brestois. The head coach will likely ring the changes with a completely changed front three. Wesley Saïd. Abdallah Sima, and Florian Sotoca should drop to the bench for Allan Saint-Maximin, Odsonne Édouard, and Florian Thauvin. 

In defence, Arthur Masuaku’s suspension means that Samson Baidoo should return to the starting line-up, while on the right of the defence, Saud Abdulhamid will likely come in for Ruben Aguilar. 

Lens likely line-up v OGC Nice

Robin Risser; Malang Sarr, Samson Baidoo, Ismaëlo Ganiou; Matthieu Udol, Adrien Thomasson, Mamadou Sangaré, Saud Abdulhamid; Allan Saint-Maximin, Odsonne Édouard, Florian Thauvin. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Nick Hartland

Apple’s Mac Mini just became a lot less affordable Apple has removed the cheapest Mac Mini option from its global storefront, significantly raising the baseline pricing for the system. Previously, Apple’s baseline Mac Mini had 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD and cost £599/$599. Now, the system’s baseline configuration has 16GB of memory […]

The post Apple raises Mac Mini prices by removing 256GB option appeared first on OC3D.

Valve's Steam Machine was supposed to be an affordable gaming PC for the living room. Rising memory and storage prices have turned that dream into a pricing nightmare.

Tenstorrent made a bold claim during their TT-Deploy livestream, saying they are going to crush everyone at everything, including AI, with their Galaxy servers. Tenstorrent Galaxy Supercluster Offers 10x Faster GenAI Video, And Destroys Current-Gen GPUs With "Blitz Mode", Offering 350+ Tokens/s In DeepSeek R1 Jim Keller and his Tenstorrent are on a mission to challenge the existing AI hierarchy with their RISC-V-powered platforms. As such, the company unveiled its latest Galaxy Blackhole servers for AI at scale. With Galaxy Blackhole, Tenstorrent offers a fully Networked and native AI solution that includes compute, memory, and networking, all unified into a […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/tenstorrent-vows-to-crush-everyone-galaxy-blackhole-hits-350-tokens-on-deepseek-r1-undercut-nvidia-gb300-ai-tco/

CPUs or GPUs, but require lots of memory for running Agentic AI, and this demand is spiraling to unseen levels as DRAM constraints persist. CPUs Running Agentic AI Will Be Equipped With Up to 400 GB of Memory, Further Crushing The DRAM Supply Chain Memory makers are earning big profits but are also unable to meet the demand. We have seen reports on how major manufacturers are rapidly expanding their production facilities, but these are yet to become operational, and Samsung itself has stated that 2027 will be worse for the DRAM industry than 2026, so it's looking like a […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/agentic-ai-pushes-cpus-to-pack-400-gb-of-memory-4x-more-than-today/

Rehinged Healthcare helps post-acute sales teams identify providers that need their products by ranking facilities using 150+ CMS and Medicare clinical, staffing, and operational signals. Describe your ideal account, then filter, score, and export prioritized nursing home and prescriber lists in seconds.

The platform updates monthly with verified datasets, requires no IT integration, and covers over 80,000 post-acute providers and 1.1 million Medicare prescribers, so you can focus outreach on high-fit accounts.

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Domily is a rental platform for Germany that treats landlords and tenants fairly. You can list properties or find apartments with one-time, pay-on-success pricing—no subscriptions or auto-renewals. Create listings in plain English, schedule viewings, and review applications with clear summaries and verified documents. Manage everything from a single dashboard with real-time notifications, capped applications, and direct dispute resolution. Launching Q2 2026, credits never expire and only active, verified listings go live.

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Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/united-states-customs-delays-cruise-passengers-in-san-francisco-what-travelers-need-to-know/

United States Customs Delays Cruise Passengers in San Francisco: What Travelers Need to KnowThousands of cruise passengers held up for...

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Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/united-airlines-takes-to-the-skies-new-nonstop-flights-to-split-bari-glasgow-and-santiago-de-compostela-give-travelers-direct-access-to-hidden-european-gems-this-summer/

United Airlines Takes to the Skies, New Nonstop Flights to Split, Bari, Glasgow, and Santiago De Compostela Give Travelers Direct...

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Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/joby-aviation-leads-evtol-flight-revolution-in-new-york-transforming-urban-air-mobility-under-federal-pilot-program/

Joby Aviation Leads eVTOL Flight Revolution in New York: Transforming Urban Air Mobility Under Federal Pilot ProgramJoby Aviation’s electric air...

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Luxury Hotels Saint-Tropez 2026: A Guide to the Restored COMO Le Beauvallon EstateCOMO Hotels and Resorts unveils the restored COMO...

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Samsung has just patched the broken update system of an app. Galaxy users reported that the Bixby Vision requires an update while using, but the Galaxy Store had nothing to install. Well, a new update has arrived, and the problem is solved.

Bixby Vision is getting updated to version 5.0.00.14. It’s available for installation, unlike the previous broken alerts. Now, the Galaxy users are getting the update key working, which was not accessible before.

Earlier, using Bixby Vision had become a complete frustration. Galaxy users run the app, and it alerts them to install the new version, but Galaxy Store has nothing. Several users reported having the same problem in various markets.

It often happens with Galaxy Store and Play Store apps. This is because of the sequential rollout of app updates, which spread slowly. The installed app pushes an update alert, but limited coverage renders a failed update.

This update hides two possibilities:

1. Bixby Vision update has become available widely.
2. Samsung is rolling out a patched version of Bixby Vision.

If you use the Bixby Vision app, check for its latest update in the Galaxy Store. You may also get an update notice right after opening the app. Tapping the update button takes you to the app’s landing page in the Galaxy Store.

Even if you don’t see a new version available for download, waiting a bit is the only option. The expansion might still be rolling out slowly. The expansion usually takes a couple of days to reach a broad range of users across countries.

The post Samsung patches broken app update system appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung may actually be losing money on its new Galaxy S26 series. The phones have been on discount since day 1 and continue to be. Other Samsung devices such as the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy Z Flip7 have also received discounts. Phones from Google, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Apple have received price cuts as well. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ and the Galaxy S26 Ultra are on sale with a £170 discount. Notably, customers can also get £100 off at checkout. The Galaxy S26, on the other hand, is only eligible for the £100 off. Samsung Galaxy...

After years of back and forth, an agreement has finally been made for a blockbuster domestic clash between and , and now promoter Frank Warren has revealed whether a rematch clause is in place. Fury has been involved in a host of rematches during his career; fighting each of John McDermott, Derek Chisora, Deontay Wilder […]

The post Frank Warren clarifies whether or not Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua has a rematch clause appeared first on Boxing News.

has emerged as an elite operator in recent years, but despite struggling to secure fights against the division’s biggest names, he has ruled out a clash with a two-time world heavyweight champion. A shock victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov kickstarted a run of triumphs on the big stage for Kabayel, with stoppage wins against Frank Sanchez, […]

The post Agit Kabayel rules out facing one heavyweight: “I’m not interested in him” appeared first on Boxing News.

Trabzonspor'un, Beşiktaş'tan kiraladığı Ernest Muçi'de satın alma opsiyonunun tarihi 10 Mayıs'ta bitecek. Bordo-Mavililer'den hala konuyla ilgili bir hamle gelmedi. Bunun sebebi ise ortaya çıktı.

Trabzonspor sezon başında 1 milyon euro bedelle Ernest Muçi'yi Beşiktaş'tan kiralamıştı. İki kulüp arasındaki anlaşmada 8.5 milyon euroluk satın alma opsiyonu da bulunuyor. Ve bu maddenin aktif hale getirilmesi için son tarih; 10 Mayıs... Ardından her şey, Beşiktaş'ın belirlediği rakamlara göre gidecek.

ŞÜPHELERİ BULUNUYOR

Bordo-Mavililer'de çok iyi bir sezon geçiren Arnavut futbolcu, 24 Süper Lig karşılaşmasında 10 gol ve 4 asist üretti. Ancak Fırtına, şu ana kadar opsiyonla ilgili hiçbir girişimde bulunmadı. Bunun arkasındaki sebep ise ortaya çıktı. Teknik Direktör Fatih Tekke'nin, Muçi'nin sakatlık durumuyla ilgili şüphelerinin bulunduğu öğrenildi.

BEL PROBLEMLERİ

Ernest Muçi, Beşiktaş döneminde bel problemleri yaşamıştı. Benzerleriyle Trabzonspor'da da karşılaştı. 1.80 boyundaki futbolcu aslında çok maç kaçırmadı. Fakat geleceğe yönelik sağlık heyeti ve Tekke'nin bazı çekinceleri bulunduğu konuşuluyor. Trabzonspor'un konuyla ilgili net tavrı, 10 Mayıs'a kadar belli olacak.

Beşiktaş, Demir Ege'yi Rio Ave'ye satın alma opsiyonuyla kiraladığında herkes yönetime yüklenmişti. Ardından takıma döndü ve beğenilmedi. Braga'ya satıldıktan sonra da neden gittiği sorgulanıyor!

Türkiye'de yerli oyunculara bakış açısının ne olduğunu, Demir Ege Tıknaz harika bir şekilde gösterdi! 21 yaşındaki futbolcu, 2024 yazında satın alma opsiyonuyla birlikte Rio Ave'ye kiralandı. Bu sebeple herkes dönemin yönetimine yüklendi. Rio Ave'nin opsiyonu kullanmaması için adeta dua edildi.

YİNE KIYMETLİ OLDU

1.93 boyundaki futbolcu, sezon başında Beşiktaş'a döndü. Burada fazla şans bulamadı ve resmen yerden yere vuruldu. Devre arasında 7 milyon euro karşılığında bir başka Portekiz ekibi Braga'ya satıldı. 30 Haziran 2031 tarihine kadar mukavele yaptı. Orada iyi performanslar sergileyince Türkiye'de yine kıymetli oldu!

DIŞARIDA İYİ BURADA KÖTÜ

Demir Ege yurt dışındayken Türkiye'de çok değerli, geri döndüğünde ise sıradandı! Onun özelinde yerli futbolculara bakış açısı bir kez daha gözler önüne serildi. Süper Lig'de oyuncuyu eleştirenler, Braga'daki performansının ardından övgüler yağdırıyor. Bu; gerçekten bir ders konusu niteliğinde...

Galatasaray'ın Senegalli sol beki Ismail Jakobs'un mevcut kontratı 30 Haziran 2027'de tamamlanıyor. Yani süre daraldı. Yönetimin konuyla ilgili harekete geçme kararı aldığı öğrenildi.

Galatasaray, 2024 yazında 1 milyon euro bedelle Monaco'dan Ismail Jakobs'u kiralamıştı. Sezon sonunda 8 milyon euroluk zorunlu satın alma maddesi devreye girdi. 26 yaşındaki sol bekle 30 Haziran 2027 tarihine kadar mukavele yapıldı. Oyuncu, yaz döneminde sözleşmesinin son senesine girmiş olacak.

SORUN ÇIKMASI BEKLENMİYOR

Yönetimin sezon sonunda 1.84 boyundaki futbolcuyla masaya oturma kararı aldığı öğrenildi. Ismail Jakobs, Galatasaray'da çok mutlu... Taraflar arasında herhangi bir problem yaşanması beklenmiyor. Senegalli yıldızın kalitesi konusunda hiçbir soru işareti yok. Fakat zaman zaman yaşadığı sakatlıklar, kafaları karıştırıyordu.

EN ÇOK SEVİLEN İSİMLERDEN

Senegal Milli Takımı'nın da bir parçası olan Ismail Jakobs, senelerdir devam eden sol bek problemini bitirmek için alınmıştı. Sakatlıklar haricinde sahaya çıktığı karşılaşmaların büyük bölümünde de iyi performanslar sergiledi. Ayrıca takım içinde de en çok sevilen isimlerden biri...

Fenerbahçe'nin sezon başında West Ham United'dan kiraladığı Edson Alvarez, sakatlıklar sebebiyle doğru düzgün oynayamadı. Ama güzel maaş aldı!

Fenerbahçe, West Ham United'a 2 milyon euro ödeyerek Edson Alvarez'i kiralamıştı. İki kulüp arasındaki anlaşmada 22 milyon euroluk satın alma opsiyonu da bulunuyordu. Ancak Sarı-Lacivertliler bu maddeyi kesinlikle aktif hale getirmeyecek. Meksikalı futbolcu, sezon sonunda İngiltere'ye dönecek.

DOĞRU DÜZGÜN OYNAMADI

1.90 boyundaki oyuncu, Süper Lig'de şu ana kadar 11 maça çıkabildi! Sahada 767 dakika kaldı. Sadece 1 asist üretti. Sakatlıklar sebebiyle doğru düzgün oynamadı. Meksikalı futbolcunun, senelik 4.5 milyon euro aldığı söyleniyordu. Ancak başka bir kaynak, farklı rakamlardan bahsediyor.

6 MİLYON 470 BİN EURO!

Capology sitesinin verilerine göre; Edson Alvarez bonuslar dahil, Sarı-Lacivertliler'den 6 milyon 470 bin euro kazanacak. Meksikalı futbolcunun, West Ham'daki mukavelesi ise 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar devam ediyor. Onlar da tıpkı Fenerbahçe gibi oyuncuyu gelecek sezon kadrosunda düşünmüyor. Alvarez'in yaz döneminde satılması veya yeniden kiralanması bekleniyor.

Galatasaray birçok talibi bulunan Roland Sallai'ye çok yüksek bir teklif gelirse oyuncuyu satacak. Onun yerine düşünülen isim; Celta Vigo'daki sözleşmesi bitecek olan Oscar Mingueza...

Galatasaray'a kanat takviyesi olarak gelen ancak sonraki süreçte kendisini ağırlıklı olarak sağ bekte bulan Roland Sallai'yi birçok takım izliyor. Macar futbolcunun özellikle Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde sergilediği performanslar, piyasasını iyice yükseltti. Bazı Premier Lig temsilcilerinin teklif yapması bekleniyor.

BOŞA ÇIKACAK

Yönetimin, çok yüksek bir öneri gelmesi durumunda oyuncuyu satabileceği öğrenildi. Bu durumda Galatasaray'ın acil durum planı Oscar Mingueza olacak. 26 yaşındaki sağ bekin Celta Vigo ile sözleşmesi 30 Haziran'da bitiyor. Yani sezon sonunda boşa çıkacak. İstediği yere bonservis bedeli olmadan gidebilecek.

BARCELONA TEHDİDİ

Oscar Mingueza, Celta Vigo'nun mukavele yenileme tekliflerini defalarca geri çevirdi. Galatasaray cephesinin, acil durum planı olarak İspanyol futbolcunun menajeriyle bir temas kurduğu konuşuluyor. Sallai giderse, vakit kaybedilmeden oyuncuya kontrat önerilecek. 1.84 boyundaki futbolcunun adı Barcelona'yla da anılıyor. Oscar Mingueza bu sezon La Liga'da 29 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 1.807 dakika kaldı. 1 gol ve 4 asist üretti.

FIFA Başkanı Gianni Infantino, gelecek yıl başkanlığa yeniden aday olacağını duyurdu.

Kanada'nın Vancouver kentinde düzenlenen FIFA Kongresi'nde konuşan 56 yaşındaki Infantino, "Gelecek yıl yapılacak FIFA başkanlık seçimi için aday olacağımı size teyit etmek istiyorum." dedi.

FIFA başkanlık koltuğuna 2016'da oturan, 2019 ve 2023 yıllarında seçimlere tek aday olarak giren Infantino, Asya, Afrika ve Güney Amerika konfederasyonlarının desteğini almış durumda. Bu üç konfederasyon, 211 üye federasyonun 110'unu temsil ediyor.

2026 Dünya Kupası'na katılan 48 takıma verilecek para ödülünü 2'şer milyon dolar daha artıran Infantino, üye federasyonlara 2,7 milyar dolar dağıtılacağı sözünü verdi.

FIFA başkanlığı seçimleri 18 Mart 2027'de, Fas'ın başkenti Rabat'ta yapılacak.

Trendyol Süper Lig'de yarın deplasmanda Samsunspor ile karşılaşacak Galatasaray'ın teknik direktörü Okan Buruk, Türk futbol tarihinin en çok şampiyon olan ikinci teknik direktörü ünvanını almaya çalışacak.

Süper Lig'de 32. haftaya en yakın takipçisi Fenerbahçe'nin 7 puan önünde giren sarı-kırmızılı ekip, yarın Samsunspor mücadelesini kazanması durumunda rakiplerinin alacağı sonuçlara bakmadan şampiyonluğu garantileyecek.

Galatasaray, Samsun'dan istediği sonuçla dönmesi halinde ligde üst üste 4, toplamda ise 26. kez ipi önde göğüsleyecek. Okan Buruk da teknik direktörlük kariyerinde şampiyonluk apoleti sayısını 5'e çıkaracak.

Daha önce İstanbul Başakşehir'in başında 2019-2020 sezonunda şampiyon olan Buruk, Galatasaray'ın başında ise 2022-2023, 2023-2024 ve 2024-2025 sezonlarında kupayı kaldırdı.

Fatih Terim zirvede

Süper Lig'de 8 kez şampiyonluk yaşayan teknik direktör Fatih Terim, bu alanda rekoru elinde bulunduruyor.

Tecrübeli teknik adam, dört dönem çalıştığı Galatasaray'da 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2017-2018 ve 2018-2019'da şampiyonluk sevinci yaşadı.

Ligde Terim'in ardından en fazla şampiyonluk yaşayan teknik adamlar ise dörder kez ile Ahmet Suat Özyazıcı ve Okan Buruk oldu. Özyazıcı, Trabzonspor ile 1975-1976, 1976-1977, 1979-1980 ve 1983-1984 sezonlarında şampiyonluk ipini göğüsledi.

Üst üste 4, toplamda ise 5. şampiyonluğuna ilerleyen Okan Buruk, bunu başarması durumunda Özyazıcı'yı geride bırakarak ikinci sırada tek başına kalacak.

Süper Lig tarihinde Mustafa Denizli, Gordon Milne, Brian Birch ve Christoph Daum'un üçer şampiyonluğu bulunuyor.

Üst üste 4 kez şampiyon olan 2. teknik adam olmak istiyor

Okan Buruk, Süper Lig'de üst üste 4 kez şampiyonluk yaşayan ikinci teknik direktör ünvanını almaya hazırlanıyor.

Sarı-kırmızılı ekibi son 3 sezonda şampiyonluğa taşıyan Buruk, bu yıl da ligi kazanırsa 1996-2000 arasında 4 sezon üst üste şampiyonluk kazanarak rekoru elinde bulunduran Fatih Terim'i yakalayacak.

Şampiyonluk rekoru Okan Buruk'ta

Okan Buruk, Süper Lig'de futbolcu ve teknik adam olarak toplamda en fazla şampiyonluk yaşayan isim konumunda.

Ligde bu sezona kadar futbolcu (7) ve teknik adamlık (4) kariyerinde en fazla şampiyonluk gören isim olan Okan Buruk'un toplamda 11 şampiyonluğu bulunuyor. Buruk, bu sezon da şampiyon olarak bu sayıyı artırmaya çalışacak.

Şampiyonlar

Süper Lig'de sezonlara göre şampiyonluğa ulaşan takımlar ve teknik adamları şöyle:

Amerikan Basketbol Ligi (NBA) play-off ilk tur mücadelesinde Los Angeles Lakers, deplasmanda Houston Rockets'ı 98-78 yenerek seriyi 4-2 kazandı ve yarı finale çıktı.

Batı Konferansı play-off serisinin 6. maçında Rockets'ı bu sezonun en düşük skorunda tutmayı başaran Lakers, yarı finalde son şampiyon Oklahoma City Thunder ile eşleşti.

Lakers'ta LeBron James 28 sayı, 8 asist, 7 ribaunt, Rui Hachimura 21 sayı, Deandre Ayton 16 ribauntla maçı bitirdi.

Milli basketbolcu Alperen Şengün'ün 17 sayı, 11 ribauntla "double double" yaptığı Rockets'ta, Amen Thompson 18, Tari Eason 14 sayı kaydetti.

Pistons, 24 sayıdan döndü

Doğu Konferansı'nda normal sezonun lideri Detroit Pistons, 6. maçta Orlando Magic'i 93-79 yenerek seriyi 3-3'e getirdi.

24 sayılık farktan geri gelen Pistons'ta, Cade Cunningham 32 sayı, 10 ribauntla takımına liderlik etti. Tobias Harris, 22 sayı, 10 ribauntla oynadı.

Magic'te Paolo Banchero ve Desmond Bane, 17'şer sayılık performansla maçı tamamladı.

1 numaralı seri başını elemeye çok yaklaşan Magic, üst üste 23 şuttan yararlanamazken Pistons 35-5’lik seriyle geri döndü.

Raptors, uzatmada seriye tutundu

Doğu Konferansı ilk turunda Cleveland Cavaliers’ı uzatmada 112-110 mağlup eden Toronto Raptors, seriyi 3-3 yaptı.

Raptors'ta Scottie Barnes 25 sayı, 14 asist, RJ Barrett ve Ja’Kobe Walter 24’er sayıyla takımlarını galibiyete taşıdı.

Cavaliers’ta Evan Mobley'nin 26 sayı, 14 ribaunt, Donovan Mitchell'in 24 sayılık çabası yarı finale çıkmaya yetmedi.

Beşiktaş'ın yanı sıra Fenerbahçe ve Başakşehir formaları da giyen eski futbolcu Josef de Soua, çarpıcı açıklamalarda bulundu.

Türkiye'de Beşiktaş'ın yanı sıra Fenerbahçe ve Başakşehir FK formalarını da giyen 37 yaşındaki eski orta saha oyuncusu, siyah-beyazlılarda birlikte çalıştığı teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın için övgü dolu sözler kullandı.

Josef de Souza, AA muhabirine yaptığı açıklamada, şu an ailesiyle vakit geçirdiğini belirterek, "Şu an çocuklarımla, ailemle vakit geçirmeye odaklanıyorum. Onlar da futbol oynuyorlar. Birkaç yıl sonra çocuklarımı Beşiktaş'a getireceğim. Şu an sadece hayatımın tadını çıkarıyorum." diye konuştu.

Josef de Souza, Beşiktaş'ta Süper Lig ve Türkiye Kupası şampiyonlukları yaşadığı teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın'ın kendisine çok yardımcı olduğunu söyledi.

Sergen Yalçın'a kariyeri için iyi dileklerde bulunan Brezilyalı eski futbolcu, şunları kaydetti:

"Sergen Yalçın'ı çok özledim. O benim için bir baba gibi. Ben Beşiktaş'ta forma giyerken bana çok yardımcı oluyordu. Beni daha iyi bir oyuncu yaptı. Daha iyi bir oyuncu olmama yardım etti. Ona en iyisini diliyorum. Beşiktaş ile Süper Lig'de 100. maçına çıktı. Umarım Beşiktaş ile bir 100 maça daha çıkar."

Brezilyalı eski oyuncu, Süper Lig'de Beşiktaş formasıyla elde ettikleri 2020-2021 sezonu şampiyonluğunda kimsenin ligi zirvede bitireceklerine inanmadığını aktardı.

Siyah-beyazlı takımın eski günlerini aradığını belirten Josef de Souza, "Biz ayrıldıktan sonra Beşiktaş eskisi gibi olamadı. Gelecek sezon daha iyi olmalarını umuyorum. Çünkü mutlu olmaya ihtiyaçları var. Önümüzdeki sezon umarım daha iyi oyuncuları transfer edebilirler. Süper Lig'de şampiyon da olabilirler, neden olmasın? Çünkü 2020-2021 sezonunda beni, Rachid Ghezzal'ı ve Vincent Aboubakar'ı getirdiler. Kimse bize inanmıyordu ama biz şampiyon olduk. Umarım gelecek sezon da Beşiktaş için aynısı olur." ifadelerini kullandı.

Josef de Souza, siyah-beyazlı takımın Türkiye Kupası'nda mutlu sona ulaşmasını istediğini dile getirdi.

Milli futbolcu Orkun Kökçü ile ilgili de konuşan Brezilyalı eski oyuncu, "Orkun çok iyi bir oyuncu. Onunla birlikte oynamak benim için büyük bir onur olurdu. Ona en iyisini diliyorum." dedi. Siyah-beyazlı taraftarların mutlu olmasını istediğini sözlerine ekleyen Josef de Souza, "Umarım kupada Konyaspor'a karşı olan maçlarını kazanırlar. Finale çıkıp kupayı kazanmalarını istiyorum. Çünkü Beşiktaş taraftarının biraz mutlu olmaya ihtiyacı var. Bu yüzden taraftarlara en iyisini diliyorum." şeklinde konuştu.

Futbolculuk kariyerinden sonraki planlarıyla ilgili de bilgi veren Josef de Souza, "Haziran ayında Brezilya'da antrenör olmak için kursa başlayacağım. 2-3 yıl içinde antrenörlük yapmak için Türkiye'ye dönebilirim." diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.

Beşiktaş'ın genç forveti Mustafa Hekimoğlu, Gaziantep FK mücadelesine ilk 11'de çıkmıştı. 19 yaşındaki santrfor, sezon sonunda büyük ihtimalle ayrılacak. Ancak tapusuyla birlikte gitmeyecek.

Beşiktaş altyapısından çıkan Mustafa Hekimoğlu, bu sezon fazla forma şansı bulamadı. Bunda geçirdiği sakatlıkların da etkisi vardı. 19 yaşındaki santrfor, 2-0 kazanılan Gaziantep FK mücadelesine ilk 11'de çıktı. Performansı ise Siyah-Beyazlı taraftarlar arasında tartışma konusu oldu.

DAHA DA ZORLAŞACAK

Mustafa Hekimoğlu'nun sezon sonunda kiralanması planlanıyor. 1.86 boyundaki futbolcunun Beşiktaş'la 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar mukavelesi var. Yönetim ve teknik heyetin, Mustafa'nın maç tecrübesi kazanması gerektiğini düşündüğü belirtildi. Çünkü gelecek sezon işler daha da zorlaşacak.

OH SONRASI BİR TAKVİYE

Beşiktaş Yönetimi, Güney Koreli forvet Oh sonrasında yeni bir yabancı santrfor konusunda çalışmalarını sürdürüyor. Bu durumda Mustafa'nın oynama şansı iyice azalacak. Siyah-Beyazlılar, kendilerine oynama garantisi sunan kulüplere gerekli kolaylığı gösterecek. Mustafa'nın ilerleyen yıllarda ciddi bir gelişim göstereceği düşünülüyor.

Fenerbahçe'de başkan adaylarından birinin, sezon sonunda PSG'den ayrılmak isteyen Gonçalo Ramos'a, "Bizi bekle" mesajını yolladığı öğrenildi. Portekizli yıldızın çok sayıda talibi var.

Fenerbahçe, devre arasında elindeki golcüleri yollamıştı. Kadroya katılan tek forvet, Sidiki Cherif oldu. Mevcut yönetimin en çok eleştirildiği konulardan biri de buydu... Sarı-Lacivertliler'de kongre kararı alındı. Fenerbahçe'nin Olağanüstü Kongresi, 6-7 Haziran tarihlerinde düzenlenecek.

KESİNLİKLE ALINACAK

Göreve kim gelirse gelsin, en az 1 yıldız forvet takviyesi yapılacak. Duruma göre; rakam 2'ye de çıkabilir. Fenerbahçe'deki başkan adaylarından birinin, Gonçalo Ramos'un menajeriyle temasa geçtiği öğrenildi. PSG'de mutsuz olan Portekizli yıldız, sezon sonunda kesinlikle ayrılmak istiyor.

30-35 MİLYON CİVARINDA

Bu başkan adayının, oyuncunun temsilcisine, "Bizi mutlaka bekleyin. Daha önce başka bir kulüple anlaşmayın" mesajını ilettiği öğrenildi. 24 yaşındaki santrforun, PSG ile 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar mukavelesi var. İstediği forma sürelerini bulamayan 1.85 boyundaki futbolcu, bu sebeple mutsuz... Fransız ekibinin, 30-35 milyon euro seviyelerindeki bir teklifi kabul etmesi bekleniyor.

Amedspor, sezon ortasında defalarca yaşadığı teknik direktör değişikliklerinin ardından Sertaç Küçükbayrak yönetiminde bu gün Iğdır'da final maçına çıkıyor. Diyarbakır futbol tarihinin en büyük başarısına imza atabilir.

1. Lig'de sezonun en kritik günü geldi çattı. Şampiyon Erzurumspor'un ardından Süper Lig'e doğrudan yükselecek ikinci takımı belirleyecek olan 38. hafta mücadeleleri bugün saat 16:00'da başlayacak.

73 puanla ligin ikinci sırasında yer alan Amedspor, deplasmanda Iğdır FK karşısında kazandığı takdirde diğer sonuçlara bakmaksızın tarihinde ilk kez Süper Lig'e yükselen takım olacak.

Amedspor ile aynı puanda (73) olan ancak ikili averajda rakibinin gerisinde bulunan Erokspor, Diyarbakır temsilcisi takılırsa galibiyetle Süper Lig biletini cebine koyacak.

70 puanla pusuda bekleyen Çorum FK, hem Amedspor'un hem de Erokspor'un mağlup olması durumunda galibiyet alarak puanları eşitlemeyi ve mucizevi bir yükseliş gerçekleştirmeyi hedefliyor.

Fenerbahçe'de bütün gözler bu toplantıda... Aziz Yıldırım ve arkadaşları bugün oturup konuşacak. Toplantı sonrası efsane başkanın aday olup, olmayacağı netleşecek.

Fenerbahçe'de 6-7 Haziran'da yapılacak seçim öncesi adaylık süreci kızıştı. Büyük olasılıkla Sadettin Saran aday olmayacak. Beklenmiyor. Adaylığı en fazla merak edilen isim olan Aziz Yıldırım ise bugün "yol arkadaşları" ile masaya oturacak. Stratejik görüşme sonrası başkan adaylığı konusundaki kesin kararını kamuoyuna duyuracak. En azından beklenti bu yönde.

Aziz Yıldırım’ın özellikle kulübün içinde bulunduğu finansal ve idari sıkıntılar yüzünden "1 yıllık geçiş süreci başkanlığı" formülü üzerinde durduğu iddia ediliyor.

Efsane başkanın adaylık kararı alması durumunda, sadece yönetim listesi değil, futbol takımı için de dev hamleler yapacağı belirtiliyor.

Beşiktaş, deplasmanda Gaziantep FK karşısında aldığı 2-0'lık galibiyetin ardından oyuncuların değerlendirmeleriyle dikkat çekti. Siyah-beyazlı ekipte hem genç isimler hem de sahada süre alan oyuncular, maç sonrası düşüncelerini paylaştı.

Karşılaşmanın ardından Mustafa Erhan Hekimoğlu, galibiyetin önemine ve takımın hedeflerine vurgu yaptı.

Genç oyuncunun açıklamaları şu şekilde:

“Kazandığımız için mutluyuz. Önümüzde kupa maçı var. Ligi en iyi şekilde bitirmek istiyoruz. Bu maça iyi hazırlandık ve kazandık. Kupa bizim için en yakın hedef. Kupayı kazanmak istiyoruz. Finale yükselmek istiyoruz.”

Bir diğer açıklama ise Yasin Özcan’dan geldi. Maçın iki yarısı arasındaki farka dikkat çeken Yasin, bireysel performansına dair de samimi değerlendirmelerde bulundu.

Yasin Özcan’ın ifadeleri şu şekilde:

“Maça iyi başladık. İkinci yarıya durgun başladık ve rakibe pozisyon verdik. 90 dakika boyunca en iyi şekilde mücadele etmemiz gerekiyor. İlk yarı kendimi iyi gördüm. İkinci yarıda fiziksel eksiklik hissettim. Bu bahane değil. En iyi şekilde çalışarak maç boyu en iyi performansı göstermek için çalışacağım.”

“Atletiko”nun hücumçusu Xulian Alvares Çempionlar Liqasının yarımfinalında “Arsenal”a qarşı cavab oyununda iştirak edə biləcək.

Arena.az xatırladır ki, argentinalı futbolçu İngiltərə təmsilçisinə qarşı “Metropolitano”da keçirilmiş ilk oyunda (1:1) zədələnərək, ikinci hissədə əvəzlənmişdi.

Lakin Alvaresi zədəsinin ciddi olmadığı məlum olub. Vurğulanır ki, argentinalı hücumçu mayın 5-də “Emireyts”də “Arsenal”a qarşı keçiriləcək cavab oyununda “döşəkçilər”ə kömək edə biləcək.

Xulian Alvares Argentinanın “River Pleyt” klubunun yetirməsidir. Argentinalı futbolçunun Avropa səfəri “Mançester Siti” ilə başlayıb. “Atletiko” Xulian Alvaresi 2024-cü ilin avqustunda 75 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində “Mançester Siti”dən öz heyətinə qatıb. Alvaresin “döşəkçilər”lə müddəti 2030-cu ilə qədər qüvvədə olacaq müqaviləsi mövcuddur.

Alvares “Atletiko”nun heyətində meydana çıxdığı 105 oyunda 49 qol vurub, 17 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.

Xulian Alvares 2021-ci ilin iyununda debüt etdiyi Argentina yığmasının heyətində 51 oyuna çıxıb, 14 qol vurub, 4 məhsuldar ötürmə verib. Alvares “albiseleste” ilə 2022-ci ildə dünya çempionatının qalibi olub. O, yığmanın heyətində 2 dəfə Amerika Kubokunu (2020/2021, 2023/2024) də qazanıb. 2021/2022 mövsümündə isə o, yığma ilə Finalissimanın qalibi olub. Argentinalı hücumçu klub futbolundakı titullarının əksərini isə “Mançester Siti” ilə qazanıb.

“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 26 yaşlı argentinalı mərkəz hücumçusunun transfer dəyərini 90 milyon avro məbləğin qiymətləndirir.

Portuqaliyalı hücumçu Qonçalo Ramoş mövsümün sonunda PSJ-dən ayrıla bilər.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə insayder Fabrizio Romano məlumat yayıb. Forvard oyun praktikasının azlığından narazıdır və klubunu dəyişmək niyyətindədir.

Ramoşla İngiltərə və İtaliya klubları yaxından maraqlanır.

Forvard bu mövsüm 41 oyunda 12 qol vurub.

“Marsel”in futbolçusu Meyson Qrivund karyerasını İtaliyada davam etdirə bilər.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Yuventus” ingiltərəli hücumçunun xidmətində maraqlıdır. Bu barədə İtaliya mətbuatı məlumat yayıb. Turin klubu yayda futbolçunun transferi üçün danışıqlara başlayacaq.

Qrinvud bu mövsüm 42 oyunda 25 qol vurub, 10 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.

“Real”ın baş məşqçisi Alvaro Arbeloa açıqlama verib.

Futbolpress.az “sport.es” saytına istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis Joze Mourinyonun onu əvəzləyəcəyi haqqında çıxan məlumatlara münasibət bildirib:

“Bütün diqqətim növbəti oyundadır. Mühüm olan “Real”dır. Sualların yaranması normaldır, başa düşürəm. Ancaq indi öz karyeram haqda nəsə deyə bilmərəm. Hər oyun mənim üçün önəmlidir”.

İspaniya mətbuatı Arbeloa ilə yolların ayrılacağını və bu posta Mourinyonun gətiriləcəyini iddia edib.

“Real” La Liqada 74 xalla ikinci sıradadır və lider “Barselona”dan 9 xal geri qalır.

“Kəpəz” Misli Premyer Liqasının XXX turunda bu gün “Sumqayıt”ı qəbul edəcək.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Azər Bağırovun rəhbərlik etdiyi kollektiv çempionatda son 4 oyunu uduzub. “Qarabağ”a qalib gələndən sonra “qara zolağ”a düşən gəncəlilər “Sumqayıt”la matçda uğursuz seriyanı sonlandırmaq istəyir.

Komandalar arasında bu mövsüm baş tutan iki oyunda da 3:0 hesablı nəticə qeydə alınıb. Tərəflər hərəyə bir dəfə üç xala sevinib.

Ümumiyyətlə, “Kəpəz” ilə “Sumqayıt” arasında keçirilən son 5 matçda komandalar hərəyə iki dəfə qələbə qazanıb. Bir görüşdə isə qalib müəyyənləşməyib.

Bu gün, Yevlax şəhər stadionunda baş tutacaq matça saat 16:00-da start veriləcək.

“Qalatasaray” bu gün Super Liqada XXXII turda “Samsunspor”un qonağı olacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “cim-bom” matçda qələbə qazanacağı halda, sona iki tur qalmış çempionluğunu rəsmiləşdirəcək. Görüş saat 21:00-da başlayacaq.

“Qalatasaray” 74 xalla çempionatda birinci sıradadır. İkinci “Fənərbağça”nın isə 67 xalı var.

“Tottenhem”in baş məşqçisi Roberto de Zerbi açıqlama verib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, yerli mətbuata danışan mütəxəssis komandada neqativ fikirlərin olduğunu deyib:

“Əsas mübarizəmiz özümüzlədir. İçimizdəki səsi susdurmalıyıq. Oynamalı, döyüşməliyik. Hamımız ağlayırıq, sanki liqanı tərk etmişik. Mübarizə davam edir, hələ heç nə bitməyib. İlk növbədə komandadakı neqativ fikirləri atmalıyıq. Çətin günlərdən keçirik. Məğlub olanlar ağlamalıdır, biz yox. Çünki hələ liqadan düşməmişik”.

“Tottenhem” 34 xalla sona 4 tur qalmış 18-ci sıradadır.

Source

The 2025-26 Serie A season is beginning to draw to a close and teams are already beginning to plan their next steps ahead of opening of the transfer window, but it could be another complicated summer for Juventus and Aston Villa loanee Douglas Luiz according to the latest reports. 

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Juventus may struggle to find a Douglas Luiz solution this summer

Douglas Luiz joined Juventus in a €50m deal from Aston Villa at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, but went on to have a disappointing start to life in Serie A with just starts in the league during his first campaign in Italy. 

Having failed to convince during his first season in Turin, Douglas Luiz was allowed to leave to join Nottingham Forest on loan with a conditional obligation to buy in a deal that could have earned Juventus €31.5m if all bonuses were met. 

In the end, Forest did not trigger the obligation to buy clause in the Brazilian’s contract, and instead agreed to terminate his deal ahead of schedule, which facilitated a return to his former club, Aston Villa, during the January transfer window. 

The Aston Villa loan deal included an option to buy for a fee of €25m with bonuses of up to €3.5m, however, according to the latest reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa have already decided that they are unwilling to trigger their option to buy. 

Though he made six consecutive starts in the Premier League after rejoining Aston Villa in January, Douglas Luiz has not been included in the starting XI for the last five league fixtures, nor has he started in any of the club’s last three outings in the Europa League. Since mid-March, the 27-year-old has only played for a total of 80 minutes. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus need to raise around €30m from Douglas Luiz if they are to avoid making a capital loss. But given that he has now endured underwhelming stints with three different clubs over the last 18 months, the Pink Paper writes that Douglas Luiz will become ‘a big problem’ for the Bianconeri this summer: “Finding a club willing to relaunch him will not be easy at all.”

Though they are not due to play until Sunday evening, Hellas Verona’s relegation from Serie A has been mathematically confirmed following Lecce’s 2-1 victory away against Pisa on Friday night. 

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Confirmed: Pisa and Verona relegated to Serie B

Two sides were officially relegated on Friday evening: 20th-placed Pisa were defeated at home by the 17th-placed Lecce, which means that they are now 14 points deep into the relegation zone with just three games of the season left to play and are no longer able to reach safety. 

Verona, who will play against Juventus on Sunday, are only one point better off than Pisa on 19 points after 34 matches. They are 13 points deep into the relegation zone with four matches left to play, which confirms that they will also finish the 2025-26 season in the bottom three. 

It has been a disappointing season for Verona, who have only picked up three wins in the league all season; their first coming at home against Atalanta on December 6. This led to the dismissal of Paolo Zanetti as head coach on February 2, who was replaced by interim Paolo Sammarco the following day. 

Verona will now return to the second tier of Italian football for the first time since the 2018-19 season, when they finished the Serie B campaign in fifth place, gaining promotion through the play-offs. 

Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah had a public fallout with manager Arne Slot earlier this season.

The Egyptian was dropped from the starting lineup due to his dip in form, and he decided to criticise the manager publicly during that period. The two reportedly settled their differences later on, and Salah was eventually brought into the starting lineup.

However, it seems the player is still not quite happy with the manager’s treatment and philosophy this season. During an interview with former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard, the Egyptian took another sly dig at the manager.

While discussing the number of assists they have for Liverpool, Gerrard said Salah has more assists than he does because he had to play as a right back for Liverpool at times in the past. Responding to the former Liverpool captain, the Egyptian joked that he had to slot in as a right back this season.

Slot has been heavily criticised for his conservative approach this season, and there have been claims that it is one of the main reasons Salah has not been at his best. The Egyptian operated in a far more advanced position last year, and he had more license to attack. On the other hand, his freedom has been curbed this season, and it seems he has been shackled by a more conservative approach from the Liverpool manager.

His remarks during the interview with Gerrard is clearly another swipe at the Netherlands manager.

Salah has decided to leave the club in the summer, and he has been an exceptional servant for Liverpool over the years. The fans would certainly have expected him to finish off on a high. However, the fallout with Slot will certainly go down as a blot in his final season with the Reds.

The post Liverpool star takes fresh swipe at Arne Slot with latest joke during interview appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool is interested in signing the Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is one of the finest young talents in the Premier League, and Liverpool are in advanced talks to secure his signature. He has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but a report from Marca claims that Liverpool have stolen a march on the Spanish club.

It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. Wharton has been described as “an incredible player”.

They need more defensive cover and control in the middle of the park. The England International would be an exceptional addition. He is a world-class talent, and he has all the attributes to develop into a future star. He is already a key player in the Premier League, and he will only improve with coaching and experience.

He will add defensive cover and control, along with composure, in the middle of the park. Apart from his ability to win the ball back for his team and break up opposition attacks, he is capable of controlling the tempo of the game from the deep and recycling the possession.

He could be the ideal midfielder for Liverpool. His arrival would also allow Liverpool to use Ryan Gravenberch in his natural role. The Netherlands International has been operating in a defensive midfield role, but he is better suited to central midfield.

Crystal Palace will not want to lose a tremendous talent like him easily, and they are likely to demand a premium. Liverpool will have to break the Bank if they want to get the deal done. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

The post Liverpool in advanced talks for “incredible” Real Madrid target who could cost a fortune appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are looking to sign Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP.

A report via A Bola claims that the player could be available for a fee of around €40-50 million. Even though he has an €80 million release clause, the Portuguese outfit is prepared to sanction his departure for a reasonable fee.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can win the race for his signature. They will also face competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and Juventus.

The report claims that Manchester United is currently in pole position to sign the Denmark International. The 26-year-old will add physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park for the Premier League side.

Casemiro has decided to leave Manchester United in the summer, and they need to replace him properly. They will need an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte as well. Hjulmand has shown his quality in Portugal, and he has the physicality to succeed in English football as well. He could prove to be an excellent addition for Manchester United.

Meanwhile, it is no surprise that Arsenal are keeping tabs on him. They could use more depth in the middle of the park as well. The Denmark International would be an upgrade on Christian Norgaard.

Furthermore, the 26-year-old is a lifelong Arsenal fan, and they might feel that they could have an edge in the transfer race. It will be interesting to see if they are truly keen on the player. They have the resources to afford him, but they have yet to present an official proposal.

Hjulmand is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to join a bigger club. Arsenal or Manchester United could be an exciting destination for him.

The post Man United lead Arsenal in the race for €50m-rated midfield general appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool have joined the race for the Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.

The 28-year-old will be a free agent in the summer, and he has been linked with multiple clubs in recent weeks, according to a report from Marca.

Liverpool could use more depth in the defensive unit, and the South American would be ideal for them on a free transfer. He has the quality and experience to compete in the Premier League, and he has shown that with Bournemouth.

Liverpool could lose Ibrahima Konaté at the end of the season, and the 28-year-old central defender could be his replacement. Konate will be out of contract in the coming weeks, and he has not yet signed an extension with the Premier League club. It is normal for Liverpool to look at potential alternatives, and signing the 28-year-old Premier League defender for free could be a masterstroke.

Meanwhile, signing an experienced player like him for free would allow Liverpool to invest their money elsewhere in the squad. They will need to bring in multiple players during the summer transfer window.

It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can convince the defender to join. Senesi has played under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, and he might be open to a reunion. Richard Hughes also knows the player well from his time with the Cherries.

Furthermore, the opportunity to play for one of the country’s biggest clubs will be exciting for the South American. Liverpool won the league title last season, and they will be expected to fight for major trophies next season. The defender could be excited about the possibility of joining them.

The post Liverpool linked with bargain move for 28-year-old as Arne Slot eyes reunion with star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Barcelona have all but given up on their pursuit of Julian Alvarez as a long-term replacement for striker Robert Lewandowski. The Argentina international is very happy and settled in Madrid and has no wish to leave, and Atletico are preparing a new long-term contract for him, with terms significantly approved. […]

The post Barcelona set sights on Joao Pedro to replace Lewandowski appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Barcelona set sights on Joao Pedro to replace Lewandowski appeared first on Soccer News.

Verdict: Aston Villa win Best Odds: 6/5 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Two camps who are scrapping it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, Aston Villa will welcome Tottenham to the Midlands on Sunday night. Aston Villa Starting with the hosts, getting their iconic Europa League semi-final adventure underway with a 1-0 loss away at […]

The post Prediction: Aston Villa vs Tottenham – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Aston Villa vs Tottenham – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

Burnley entered the game against Leeds United on Friday already relegated from the Premier League, and it’s hard for the players to stay motivated in such circumstances. That, however, is now the job of interim boss Michael Jackson, for whom that game was the first in charge following the dismissal of Scott Parker. “We need […]

The post Burnley interim boss Michael Jackson underlines team problems after defeat to Leeds (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Burnley interim boss Michael Jackson underlines team problems after defeat to Leeds (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah both joined Liverpool in 2017, and both will leave the club in 2026. Here’s what the Scotland captain has to say to the Egypt captain, so close to the journey’s end. “I’m going to miss you so much” 🥺 Andrew Robertson’s wholesome message to Mo Salah ❤️ pic.twitter.com/S3TR4YjCsM — Sky […]

The post Andy Robertson’s message for Mohamed Salah as both stars prepare to leave Liverpool after nine years together (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Andy Robertson’s message for Mohamed Salah as both stars prepare to leave Liverpool after nine years together (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Barcelona have all but given up on their pursuit of Julian Alvarez as a long-term replacement for striker Robert Lewandowski. The Argentina international is very happy and settled in Madrid and has no wish to leave, and Atletico are preparing a new long-term contract for him, with terms significantly approved. […]

The post Barcelona set sights on Joao Pedro to replace Lewandowski appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Barcelona set sights on Joao Pedro to replace Lewandowski appeared first on Soccer News.

Verdict: Draw Best odds: 27/10 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Although neither Manchester United nor Liverpool are competing for Premier League honours this season, Sunday’s meeting at Old Trafford remains one of the most significant fixtures in English football. The stakes for gameweek 35 are higher than usual too, as victory would mean very much for the hopes […]

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According to Spanish outlet Marca, Barcelona have all but given up on their pursuit of Julian Alvarez as a long-term replacement for striker Robert Lewandowski. The Argentina international is very happy and settled in Madrid and has no wish to leave, and Atletico are preparing a new long-term contract for him, with terms significantly approved. […]

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St. Pauli

St. Pauli are languishing in the relegation playoff spot after mustering 26 points from their 31 games this season. A seven-game winless run has dented their hopes of escaping the bottom three, with five points separating them from Hamburger SV and FC Köln in 15th and 14th spot respectively. In truth, St. Pauli are fighting to avoid automatic relegation, given the fact they are just a point clear of Wolfsburg and four points better off than basement side Heidenheim. 

Their final day home clash with Wolfsburg has the potential to be a winner-takes-all affair, but ideally, they will look to do the majority of the work in their next two outings against Mainz and Leipzig. Alexander Blessin’s side will return home for matchday 31 after falling to a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to relegation rivals Heidenheim last weekend.

If they are to return to winning ways this weekend, St. Pauli will need to record their first-ever victory over Mainz since May 2009. 

Team News

The hosts are unable to call upon the services of James Sands, Mathias Pereira Lage and Ricky-Jade Jones.

Predicted lineup: Vasilj; Ando, Wahl, Mets; Saliakas, Smith, Irvine, Pyrka; Sinani, Fujita, Hountondji

Mainz 05

Mainz are sitting in 10th spot after winning eight, drawing 10 and losing 13 of their 31 league games this season. Mainz appear to be playing for position at this stage of the season, considering the fact they are eight points adrift of St. Pauli and nine points away from the European spots.

Urs Fischer’s side will travel to Millerntor-Stadion with hopes of returning to winning ways after failing to win their last four matches in all competitions. They followed a 1-0 defeat to Freiburg with a heavy 4-0 loss to Strasbourg in the second leg of their Conference League semi-final. After being eliminated from European competition, Die Nullfünfer returned to Bundesliga action with a 1-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach, before they fell to a 4-3 defeat against champions Bayern Munich after racing into a three-goal lead at the break.

While they spurned an opportunity to beat Bayern, Mainz will surely fancy their chances of claiming all three points on Sunday, having won four of their last five games against St. Pauli, including a 3-0 success in their last trip to Millerntor in October 2024. 

Team News

Mainz are without Lee-jae Sung, Silas, Benedict Hollerbach, Kasey Bos, Maxim Dal and Maxim Leitsch due to injury. 

Predicted lineup: Batz; Da Costa, Posch, Kohr; Caci, Nebel, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Becker, Tietz

Former Formula One driver and Paralympic champion Alessandro 'Alex' Zanardi has died at the age of 59, his family said in a statement on Saturday.

The Italian lost both legs in a car racing accident at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany in 2001.

He then took up para-cycling and won four gold medals and two silver medals in hand-cycling at the Paralympics.

Zanardi had competed in more than 40 Formula One races between 1991 and 1999. He drove for Lotus and Williams among others where he was a team-mate of Ralf Schumacher. He scored one solitary point.

His family did not provide details about the cause of death. They said Zanardi died suddenly on Friday evening.

"Alex fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones," their statement said.

After his Formula One career ended, he suffered the life-changing accident after a pit-stop during a CART series race at the Lausitzring. His legs had to be amputated.

He later enjoyed success in cycling at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Italian PM Meloni leads tributes

In 2020 in another accident, he lost control of his hand-bike during a charity race in Tuscany and collided with a lorry. He suffered severe head and facial injuries and his life was in danger for some time.

Six years later and his death prompted heartfelt reactions across the world.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to Zanardi as an "extraordinary man who was able to turn every test in life into a lesson in courage, strength and dignity.

"With his sporting achievements, his example and his humanity, he gave all of us far more than just a victory: he gave us hope, pride and the strength never to give up."

The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) asked all sporting bodies in the country to hold a minute's silence for Zanardi at events this weekend.

Italian sport was full of tributes, including from Serie A leaders Inter: "FC Internazionale Milano joins the mourning of the sporting world after the passing of Alex Zanardi, a motorsport and Paralympic champion, and stands in solidarity with the family in this moment of grief."

Formula One president Stefano Domenicali, an Italian and friend of Zanardi, said in a statement: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi.

"He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete. I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength."

F1's governing body the FIA said in a statement, "The FIA is saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Zanardi, the former Formula 1 driver, two-time CART champion whose journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medallist made him one of sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination."

As the clock ticked down during the second phase of qualifying for the Miami GP sprint race, Formula 1's world TV feed briefly cut to the incongruous spectacle of Liam Lawson sitting in his car in the Racing Bulls garage.

Lawson had been eliminated in the first phase of sprint qualifying but his team was hoping he would be allowed to return to the track. The belief was that Alex Albon's Williams would be penalised for exceeding track limits on the lap that put him 16th in SQ1, leaving Lawson 17th and therefore knocked out.

Albon had indeed gone beyond track limits at Turn 6 in setting the 1m30.216s lap, but this was not picked up at the time. An FIA spokesperson explained that tyre marks left on the asphalt by the other championships racing this weekend – including the domestic McLaren Trophy America and Porsche Carrera Cup as well as Formula 2 – meant its systems didn't register the infringement immediately, as they normally would.

Race director Rui Marques reported this to the stewards but SQ2 had already begun. Accordingly, all the times set by Albon in that session were also struck off once the stewards had reviewed the infringement, leaving just his initial SQ1 lap of 1m31.322s, putting him 19th on the grid.

"The stewards heard from the team representative and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, and video evidence," said the stewards in their rationale for the decision.

"During SQ1, Car 23 [Albon] clearly exceeded track limits in turn 6. However this was not reported to the stewards until SQ2 had commenced.

"Car 23's time recorded on the lap that track limits were exceeded was sufficient to place it in SQ2. Hence at the time the Stewards were informed that Car 23 had left the track and that its lap should have been potentially deleted, it was already on track in SQ2.

"As this was an unusual situation, the stewards have decided to settle the matter by exercising their authority under Article 11.7.1.a of the International Sporting Code by deleting the lap time of the lap in question in SQ1. As Car 23 should not have proceeded into SQ2, all lap times from SQ2 will consequently be deleted."

Alexander Albon, Williams

This follows a precedent set in Austria in 2022, when Sergio Perez made it through to SQ3 and qualified fourth for the sprint race, but it was later discovered that he had breached track limits on the lap that elevated him to SQ3. The stewards then deleted not only the SQ2 lap, but also the SQ3 laps – much to the chagrin of Perez's Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, who felt the issue "should have been dealt with before SQ3".

"The team made the point that they took both risk and expended resources to compete in SQ3," said the stewards' verdict at the time. 

"The stewards accept this point. However, in assessing a penalty after a session, this is no different than any other situation.

"The usual penalty is deleting the lap time concerned, and the stewards order the same penalty here.

"However, as a consequence, the driver would not have proceeded into SQ3 and therefore, in fairness to all the other competitors, the stewards order that all the lap times for SQ3 for the driver also are deleted."

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Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal may have played his final game for the club, after suffering an injury that could keep him out until the final game of the season. The 34-year-old is out of contract this summer, and there is little certianty over his future.

The veteran right-back suffered a blow to his foot on training on Friday, and on Saturday morning, Real Madrid put out a statement confirming that he had an ‘fissure’ in one of his toes. Marca report that this will keep him out for a total of two weeks, risking his final appearances of the season.

Carvajal could play final game of the season

Given the midweek round of La Liga on the way means he will miss their clash with Espanyol this weekend, what could be the final Clasico of his career next weekend against Barcelona, Real Oviedo at home and potentially Sevilla away. His recovery time puts him right on the verge of returning at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Carvajal should be fit to face Athletic Club in the final game of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carvajal’s World Cup dream all but over

The injury all but ends Carvajal’s hopes of going to the World Cup with Spain this summer. Manager Luis de la Fuente had reportedly told him that if he could demonstrate he was physically up to the task in the final two months of the season, then he would be considered for selection. However he has struggled to displace Trent Alexander-Arnold from the right-back slot, and Carvajal’s latest injury means that he will only have started one game since mid-March, amid talk of a falling out with Alvaro Arbeloa.

The end of Carvajal’s Real Madrid career?

It could also be a disappointing end to his Real Madrid career. Carvajal is out of contract this summer, and there has been no suggestion that they are set to offer him an extension. After three seasons dogged by injury, this would be a disappointing manner for Carvajal to close the curtain on his illustrious Real Madrid career.

Get French Football News sat down with former France, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton striker Louis Saha this week for a wide-ranging football chat.

In this third of a four-part interview, Louis spoke about some of the best players alongside whom he has played – and whether he thinks he would be able to get into the current France squad.

You mentioned Ledley King, who might be connected to my next question which is in two parts. You had the chance to play with incredible players like Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney for example. I wanted to ask you first who is the best player you have played with. And then – I don’t know if King will come up here, but who is the most underrated player you played with. For me it would be Sylvain Distin.

[Smiles] Awwwww! Ah well you’ve said it – you mustn’t think that it’s just because he’s my friend that I think of Sylvain. I’ve always teased him because I’ve never understood why was never selected for the full France team. I think he’s a player who didn’t receive the same attention or recognition as other players in his position. Maybe others had the gift of the gab or knew how to promote themselves more. He had stiff competition, like William Gallas, Michaël Silvestre, Jean-Alain Boumsong and others – very good players. But I always felt that Sylvain was at the same level, he played in a huge number of Premier League games – certainly of all French players he must be among those with the most appearances. So yes, he’s definitely right up there and it’s incomprehensible to me that he never received a call-up. But hey, that’s football, sometimes we miss out on things and don’t understand why. But he’s certainly one of the most underrated players of his generation, at least as far as defenders go.

And if we’re talking about Ledley King too, I had the chance to play with him for four or five months and what impressed me the most was that he was very physically diminished but you would never have known that on the pitch because of his mentality, his ability to adapt and always perform. So Ledley King is a legend in that sense.

As for best player, without disrespecting “ZZ” – ZZ had amazing charisma, had that magic – I’m talking about pure talent.

But, after maybe Pelé for those of another generation, the most complete, the most perfect player, if you had to build the perfect footballer, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo. If you’re creating Lionel Messi, you’re going to create him within a certain tactical system. But the ideal player, with the physique, the guy who is 1m88 tall, who goes at 3,000 kilometres an hour, who has endurance, technique, strength, who has a high footballing IQ – maybe not as high as Paul Scholes or even Messi but still very high – who is strong mentally, who is a leader but who also continues to challenge himself,  who will give you confidence because he always has so much self-confidence. Well, I can’t think of any other player like that. It’s impressive. For me, he’s a cyborg!

Speaking of very talented players, France at the moment is blessed with several great strikers. Does Louis Saha, at the top of his form, have a place in the current France squad?

Oh, that’s a great question! I think I have a game that is a little different from the others who are in the team today. We don’t necessarily have the traditional number 9 à la Olivier Giroud. Between Giroud, Djibril Cisse and me, let’s say, we had that number 9 role. Me, I’m not in the mode of a Hugo Ekitike, who is an incredible talent. I could see maybe Jean-Philippe Mateta in the squad. But when you see the likes of Dembouz – Ousmane Dembélé – and Kylian Mbappé as your strikers, with Marcus Thuram in the squad too – yes, I’d hope to be able to bring something too!

Louis Saha was talking exclusively to Get French Football News courtesy of ToonieBet

GFFN | Jeremy Smith

Texas A&M's 2026 wide receiver rotation is widely considered one of the top units in the nation after the addition of Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton this offseason, who brings much-needed size to the outside, while the return of star junior Mario Craver automatically made the Aggies contenders to return to the College Football Playoff for the second straight season.

After transferring from Mississippi State before the 2025 season, combined with fellow transfer and recent first-round NFL Draft selection KC Concepcion, Craver reeled in 59 receptions for 917 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 15.5 yards per reception, while his track speed and elite quickness out of his breaks make him the No. 1 player to watch as the Aggies' next potential first-round draft pick.

However, standing at just 5'9" and 165 pounds, Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith and Texas transfer Cam Coleman are considered Top-10 selections, while Craver, according to Pro Football Focus's latest 2027 NFL mock draft, sees the Aggies star going 32nd overall to the Los Angeles Rams, who will be looking to upgrade a wide receiver room that could look very different next offseason.

"The Rams bypassed their need for receiving help in the first round this year to draft quarterback Ty Simpson. The odds remain in their favor to win a third Lombardi Trophy next season, in which case this luxury pick could be used on a more dynamic offensive weapon. Craver could be a Rookie of the Year candidate in the right scheme."

While Smith and Coleman, both true X receivers, look like immediate impact players in any scheme, the "right scheme" is the correct fit for a player of Craver's skill set, utilizing his versatility in the slot or even at X, given his downfield speed and ability to consistently out-run coverage.

After selecting Ty Simpson, future Hall of Fame quarterback Matt Stafford's future will be re-evaluated after the 2026 season, and if the former Alabama signal caller is deemed to take over sooner rather than later, Mario Craver would be the perfect addition in one of the more wide receiver-friendly offensive schemes in the league.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M WR Mario Craver projected as first-round 2027 NFL Draft pick

The New York Giants added a wealth of talent to both sides of the ball during free agency this offseason.

New York signed former Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard to a two-year, $7.6 million deal in March. The nine-year veteran is expected to provide a significant boost to the Giants' backfield in 2026 and will reunite with head coach John Harbaugh in New York after spending nine seasons together in Baltimore.

Ricard has long been regarded as one of the NFL's top fullbacks throughout his nine-year career. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound star represents a major addition for the Giants, and he should make an immediate impact in New York as early as Week 1.

Ricard recently shared his first impressions of Giants quarterback Jaxon Dart, noting that the young passer already displays the traits of a true leader both on and off the field.

#Giants FB Pat Ricard on meeting QB Jaxson Dart:

“For me, he sat down with me and talked for like 10 minutes just to get to know me on my second day there. He’s very accessible.” https://t.co/taakm9Wjnapic.twitter.com/TN3c2wqhF9

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 1, 2026

"Year 2, I feel like he thinks he has a lot to prove," Ricard said. "He's very hungry. For me, he sat down and talked with me for like 10 minutes just to get to know me, like my second day there. He's very accessible. He's in the locker room after workouts playing pool for an hour.

"I think that’s really important for building the culture of the team and getting guys to play for you. It's very important for quarterbacks to bring the team together. You definitely see it. And having Jameis Winston in the room, Dart will learn from him as well in terms of leadership and team morale—trying to eat W's and whatnot."

Ricard should also provide a much-needed boost in protection for Dart next season. The young quarterback absorbed unnecessary hits on multiple occasions in 2025, and Ricard is expected to help both Dart and the Giants’ backfield as a whole.

Both Dart and Ricard are poised to play critical roles on New York’s offense in 2026, with the duo likely contributing directly to each other’s success throughout the season.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Patrick Ricard: Jaxson Dart a 'hungry' leader ready for Year 2

Arminia Bielefeld and VfL Bochum lock horns as they look to secure their league status before the final matchday of the season. The visitors could even be safe at the end of this week, while Bielefeld also boosted their chances with a big win over Preußen Münster last week.

Here are the lineups for today’s clash at Schüco-Arena.

Confirmed Lineups

Bielefeld: Kersken; Hagmann, Bauer, Knoche, Handwerker; Russo; Corboz ©, Rochelt; Momuluh, Uldrikis, Grodowski

Bochum: Horn; Olsen, Loosli, Strompf, Wittek; Bero ©, Lenz; Miyoshi, Onyeka, Holtmann; Hofmann

To no surprise, the two Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball players to receive an invite to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine were Nick Boyd and John Blackwell.

Blackwell, who transferred to Duke this offseason, is still listed as a Wisconsin player in the official announcement from the NBA. Obviously, that was due to him spending his junior season with the Badgers and has nothing to do with him playing under Greg Gard again next season.

There's still a chance Blackwell declares for the NBA Draft. Keep in mind, the combine takes place from May 10-17, and all collegiate athletes must declare before the end of the month.

The NBA announced today that 73 players have been invited to the AWS NBA Draft Combine 2026, which will take place May 10-17 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.

Additionally, a select number of standout players from the AWS NBA G League Draft Combine 2026,… pic.twitter.com/9w2ncpacCe

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 1, 2026

As for Boyd, Wisconsin got everything it could out of his senior season. Gard couldn't have asked for much more as the 6-foot-3 guard who averaged a career high 20.7 points per game.

The New York native is a top 100 prospect, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll hear his name called at the draft in June. The combine gives Boyd every chance to prove that even though he's 25-years old, the oldest of any declared player, he can still compete at a high level and age is just a number.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin's Nick Boyd and John Blackwell invited to NBA Draft Combine

Holstein Kiel host Eintracht Braunschweig as both teams look to avoid the drop. The hosts are in a favorable position, but they still need more points to secure their league status. Ivan Nekic and Umut Tohumcu are absent after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season in the win over Hertha BSC. Braunschweig left the bottom three after last week’s 2-0 win in Kaiserslautern.

Here are the lineups for today’s clash at Holstein-Stadion.

Confirmed Lineups

Holstein Kiel: Weiner; Rosenboom, Zec, Roslyng, Ivezic; Meffert ©; Kapralik, Davidsen, Ugoh, Therkelsen; Harres

Eintracht Braunschweig: Hoffmann ©; Aydin, Ehlers, Hoti, Bell Bell; Flick, Marie; Heußer, Tempelmann, Gomez; Mijatović

Today in Boston Celtics history, Hall of Fame Boston big man Bill Russell secured his final NBA championship in 1968, serving as the player-coach of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics defeated their longstanding rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, with a score of 124-109 in Game 6 of the finals. Celtics forward John Havlicek was the standout player in the win, contributing a total of 40 points and 10 rebounds, while forward Bailey Howard added another 30 points and 11 rebounds, and guard Larry Siegfried added another 22 points and 6 assists. This victory marked the Celtics' 10th championship banner as a franchise, the first of which was won during Russell's rookie season.

The title was also the first championship won without legendary general manager Red Auerbach serving in the role of head coach.

It was the first time NBA play had taken place in the month of May, and the first of the four major U.S. sports to see a Black head coach win a championship in the modern era.

Historic milestones

In 1981, the Boston Celtics erased a double-digit lead by the Philadelphia 76ers to win Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, 91-90. Larry Bird led Boston with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and as many steals. Forward Cedric Maxwell added 19 points and 6 boards, and Robert Parish 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The Celtics went on to win their 14th title over the Houston Rockets in the 1981 NBA Finals 4-2.

It is also the anniversary of a 109-99 Game 7 victory over the Chicago Bulls in the 2009 NBA Eastern Conference first round, the Celtics clinching the series with only the third game in that stretch that did not require overtime to settle. "Oh, my God. Overtime after overtime after overtime," offered center Glen Davis on the welcome change of pace, via the Associated Press.

On this day, point guard Isaiah Thomas scored 53 points in a 129-119 playoff victory over the Washington Wizards in 2017. The win was especially emotional for IT. It came on what would have been his sister Chyna's 23rd birthday. She had passed earlier in the week in an automobile accident. To add insult to injury, the Seattle native had spent hours in the dentist's chair ahead of the game addressing a tooth that had gotten knocked out earlier in the series.

It was the second-highest postseason point total logged by a Celtic, a point behind forward John Havlicek's 54-point record and just ahead of Ray Allen's 51-point performance from Game 6 of the 2009 first-round series against the Bulls. "The least I can do is go out there and play for her," Thomas said after the game via the Associated Press. "I knew once game-time came, my guys would get me going … There was no way I was sitting out."

Birthdays

It is also former Celtic big man Troy Murphy's birthday today. Murphy was born in 1980 in Morristown, New Jersey, and played for Notre Dame in college and the Indiana Pacers and New Jersey (at that time) Nets before being dealt to the Golden State Warriors in 2011.

Murphy was bought out and signed with Boston for the remainder of the season to help shore up the Celtics' aging frontcourt. He appeared in 17 regular-season games for Boston, averaging 2.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game while with the team.

Gone too soon

It is also the date that we lost big man Toby Kimball in 2017. The former UConn player had been drafted by Boston in 1965 and played 38 games over one season with the team before he was picked up by the (then) San Diego Rockets in the 1967 NBA expansion draft.

He averaged 2.6 points and 3.8 boards per game while with the Celtics.

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: IT for 53, Coach Russell last banner; beat 76ers in '81 ECF

Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59.

The Italian had both his legs amputated after a motor racing accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring track in Germany.

He raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the Cart championship in the United States, winning the series in 1997 and 1998.

Following his injury he took up handcycling and won two golds in the Paralympics in London in 2012 before doing the same in Rio de Janeiro four years later.

"It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May," Zanardi's family announced.

"Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

"The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning."

Zanardi returned to motorsport after his crash, winning four times for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship from 2005-09.

In addition to his handcycling success at the Paralympics, he became a 12-time world champion and won the men's para-cycling race at the New York marathon in 2011.

Zanardi suffered serious head injuries in 2020 when he lost control of his handbike during a road race in Tuscany and crashed into an oncoming truck.

Formula 1's governing body the FIA said Zanardi's "journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medallist made him one of sport's most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination".

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country had lost "a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity".

She added: "Alex Zanardi knew how to get back in the game every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity, and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional.

"With his sporting achievements, with his example, and with his humanity, he gave all of us much more than a victory: he gave hope, pride, and the strength to never give up.

"On behalf of myself and the government, I extend my heartfelt thoughts and the sincerest closeness to his family and to all those who loved him.

"Thank you for everything, Alex."

More to follow.

In honor of Jim Thorpe's legacy and to inspire the next generation, the Kansas City Chiefs recently hosted local American Indian youth for football drills, physical and mental wellness education, and a tour of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs hold the event annually in April to celebrate Thorpe's legacy, often including children from the Iowa, Kickapoo, and Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes.

Honoring Jim Thorpe's legacy by inspiring the next generation 🏈

Last weekend, we hosted local American Indian youth who joined us for football drills, physical and mental wellness education, and a tour of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium! pic.twitter.com/Z7U6yzwISQ

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 16, 2026

The Chiefs traditionally recognize Thorpe not just as an Olympian but also as a leader and pioneering professional football player. He was the first president of the American Professional Football Association, later known as the National Football League.

According to Chiefs Media, Thorpe's reputation as one of the nation's first great sports figures helped the fledgling professional league draw fans as he appeared in 52 games for six different teams, including the New York Giants and Chicago Cardinals. He was, without question, the new league's gate attraction, and it is said that he ran with great speed for his time and was not timid in playing with power.

The event's initiative is to create a lasting, positive impact on Native youth in the community, connecting them with Chiefs legends and the history of the game.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs honor Jim Thorpe's legacy in their annual community event

Dr Jessica Hammond-Graf is president and chief sporting officer of Women’s Elite Rugby, the US semi-professional rugby union competition that kicks off its second season on Saturday in Massachusetts and Illinois. Like most Americans, she did not grow up with the game.

An Army kid, she spent a lot of time playing soccer. In the early 90s, at the University of Connecticut, she tried out for the round ball and then played Ultimate Frisbee. Then, one fateful day, a woman on her floor said, “Hey, you should come try rugby, OK?” Hammond-Graf agreed, then found herself starting her very first game at fly-half, responsible for directing a team.

“Someone was running by me and was like, ‘Where am I supposed to go?’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t even know where I’m supposed to be. So like, let’s just figure this out, right?’”

Related: Women’s Elite Rugby: new league aims to boost US game and – finally – pay its players

In America, it was ever thus. Deep-end introductions can be challenging, bordering on terrifying, but can also prove extremely potent, seeding love of the game for life. Times change, players find the game younger and WER is altogether more professional in approach than 90s college rugby ever could have been. But having launched from the foundation of the amateur Women’s Premier League, and operating amid all the disadvantages that afflict women’s sports, the new league must still scrap for each yard gained.

Hammond-Graf’s own rugby career shadowed her professional career in the halls of higher education: coaching at Temple University in Philadelphia; game time in Louisiana for the New Orleans Half-Moons, while at Tulane; regional rugby, representing the West; US Eagles sevens selection, leading to memorable experiences in New Zealand and Fiji; playing back home for the DC Furies and NOVA, in Virginia; coaching with the US Naval Academy and Chesapeake women. But by the time WER came into view, in 2022, around the awarding of a US-hosted women’s World Cup in 2033, she’d actually stepped away.

“My professional background was in college athletics,” Hammond-Graf said. Rugby “was this thing that I was passionate about, but I didn’t have an active role in rugby at the time. Then in the fall of 2022, after the WPL season, the league leadership and the players came together, and they recognized that there was an opportunity for change, and they wanted to elevate rugby. And so myself and a group of other women were seated as the first external board. So really it was about taking that and running with that, and then launching WER, and I felt that my background in college athletics could help guide and shape the direction of the league, how we were going to go about our business.”

The mission, Hammond-Graf said, was simply “to elevate our game. We needed to evolve from the grassroots. The leadership at the time was great, but it’s really hard to be a player-led organization. We really wanted to elevate that for the players and for rugby in general, and really change the landscape of women’s rugby in the US.

“We know that there’s going to be a lot of eyes on rugby as early as 2028 with the Olympics [in Los Angeles] and the subsequent World Cups [the men’s event being hosted in 2031]. And so this was the opportunity to bring people along, to help build a fanbase, to create that pathway. Really to think of it in the business lens, that commercial lens. How do we take it from the grassroots to a professional environment?”

Season one kicked off last March. In California, Colorado, Chicago, Minneapolis-St Paul, Boston and New York, six teams got down to business, the result an inaugural championship for the Denver Onyx, a host of lessons learned.

“It’s certainly not easy,” Hammond-Graf said. “There’s a lot of late hours to really be able to put things in motion. For example, I think next year, or when we consider our expansion teams, we will have the venues before we announce the locations.

“Securing venues has probably been the hardest thing we’ve had to do, and right-sizing the venues too. We talk about elevating. You don’t want to just play on the parks and rec fields any more. We’ve all done that, and we’re now women playing in stadiums. But we don’t need 20,000-seat stadiums to capture an audience. So finding the right venues has probably been the hardest thing. We’ve pivoted this year to two new venues. The Bay Breakers are opening up at Heart Health Park in Sacramento, which we know is a great rugby pitch. The US just played there [against New Zealand]. And we’ve also pivoted in Chicago to Benedictine University, which grants access to a higher-level training environment.”

Season two brings new investors, including Grammy-winning singer Meghan Trainor, announced with appropriate fanfare this week. It also brings new challenges, including controversy over a change to USA Rugby rules regarding trans players in women’s rugby, dictated by the sport’s Olympic status and federal government pressure and with which WER has said it “does not agree”, adding that it will “actively work to ensure inclusion both on and off the pitch”.

Related: ‘Every body is a rugby body’: US women players fight for inclusivity after trans ban

Back on the field, the US Eagles squad for the recent Pacific Four series, including that game against the Black Ferns, contained five players from WER. Many top American players earn a living in England, in Premiership Women’s Rugby, but WER players thrive elsewhere, including on the world sevens circuit. Hammond-Graf points to such exploits from Tahna Wilfley, daughter of the former US Eagles fly-half Link Wilfley and a WER standout with Denver last year. The Eagles also deploy a number of players still in full-time college, a talent pool of which WER leaders are certainly aware.

Hammond-Graf works with WER’s director of rugby, the great Eagles prop Jamie Burke, to “make sure that we are casting a wide net, especially during the declaration period that happened last fall. One of the things that was important to us is to eliminate barriers to try out for WER. So that’s why right now we don’t have combines. We know there’s a lot of people that have a lot of rugby skills that can relocate and so we’re casting that wide net to bring people along and give them an opportunity to participate. Our coaches this past year went on a couple scouting trips to look at talent in the college ranks.”

There is continuity in coaching, five of the six teams starting season two with the coaches who started season one. In Chicago, Kristin Zdanczewicz took charge part way through that run.

Chicago were notable stragglers then, winless in 10 games while Denver won nine of 10 before smashing New York Exiles 53-13 to win the Legacy Cup. Hammond-Graf would like to see greater parity, in part because “we know fans will stick around for exciting matches. Coaches want the big swings, right? It gives them a little bit of breathing room. But with tight games, people stay involved. We’ve all seen those Super Bowls that are blowouts. We just end up turning them off. So we want to make sure that we have the player base to come along with us as we look to expand.”

Related: ‘Don’t you dare count us out’: KC women’s sports mogul hails US rugby double-header

That’s the plan: more teams, employing more women, particularly in areas “that we just haven’t tapped into. I joke that now, everything’s above the Mason-Dixon line. There’s a lot of rugby that’s happening in DC, down in North Carolina, in San Diego and the LA area. So there’s really still hotbeds for us to tap into, and there’s a lot of talent that for whatever reason can’t play in WER right now. So we know that there’ll be some good movement coming.”

USA Rugby and World Rugby will hope that is the case, as the World Cup approaches and as the Eagles seek to build on promise shown this month in victory over Australia and, in places, in defeats by Canada and New Zealand.

Hammond-Graf recently attended Senior Day at Dartmouth, in New Hampshire, long a women’s college power.

“When they were announcing, ‘So-and-so is graduating and her plans are blah, blah, blah,’ somebody said their plan was to play professional rugby. It just made my heart swell – whether it’s in the US or whether it’s overseas, that desire, that recognition that this is possible now. This is something young players can see as a pathway forward.”

• Martin Pengelly writes on rugby in the US on Substack, at The National Maul.

Rohit Sharma has been absent due to a persistent hamstring issue, and it remains to be seen if he remains out of action on Saturday evening as Mumbai Indians face Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. 

The franchise has struggled immensely to fill the gap at the top of the order. Without Rohit’s explosive starts, his replacement, like Danish Malewar, has failed to provide the necessary momentum, leaving the middle order under constant pressure.

However, MI coach Mahela Jayawardene did not reveal if Rohit will be available for selection.

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

“It’s progressed well. He’s working really hard to get back at it. For us, with the medical team, it’s on a daily basis," Jayawardene said in the pre-match press conference.

“We see how he feels, how he pulls up the next day. So we’ll make a decision. We’ll see him practising today as well. So let’s see how he feels tomorrow and what the medical team will tell us."

What is Rohit Sharma's score in today's CSK vs MI IPL 2026 match?

MI will make a late decision if Rohit has gained enough fitness to make it to the pitch against CSK. 

What is Rohit Sharma's record in IPL?

Dafabet

BEST ODDS AND OFFERS

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Where to watch Arsenal vs. Fulham live stream, TV channel, start time for Premier League match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With zero margin for error, Arsenal are firmly in the crosshairs as their Premier League title chase is put to the test with a home match against Fulham on Saturday.

With just four matches remaining in the 2025/26 league schedule, the Gunners have a three-point lead over Manchester City, but they have also played one extra game, meaning the two sides are virtually neck-and-neck.

They are both almost entirely level on the two tiebreakers as well, with Arsenal holding a +38 goal differential with 64 goals scored, while Man City hold a +37 goal differential with 66 goals scored. Thus, not only will this match be about securing the three points, but the final scoreline will also be important as well.

Fulham are pushing for their own strong finish to the campaign, as the Whites make a push for European football. They sit 10th in the table, level on points with both Brentford and Chelsea above them, and within two points of fifth-placed Brighton. There may be as many as 11 European places up for grabs this season depending on how things finish.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the weekly schedule.

Arsenal vs. Fulham live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Premier League match in English across the United States:

TV channel: NBC
Live stream:Peacock

This match will be televised on NBC network channel, given its importance in the Premier League title race. It will also be streamed on NBC's dedicated platform Peacock.

NBC can be accessed on DIRECTV. Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

What time does Arsenal vs. Fulhamkick off?

This Premier League clash takes place at the Emirates Stadium in London, England and kicks off on Saturday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across the United States:

Premier League fixture schedule this week

All times Eastern.

Friday, May 1

• Leeds vs. Burnley (3 p.m.)

Saturday, May 2

• Brentford vs. West Ham (10 a.m.)
• Newcastle vs. Brighton (10 a.m.)
• Wolves vs. Sunderland (10 a.m.)
• Arsenal vs. Fulham (12:30 p.m.)

Sunday, May 3

• Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace (9 a.m.)
• Man United vs. Liverpool (10:30 a.m.)
• Aston Villa vs. Tottenham (2 p.m.)

Monday, May 4

• Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest (10 a.m.)
• Everton vs. Man City (3 p.m.)

Where to watch High Limit Racing at Texas Motor Speedway: Full schedule, times, live streams for sprint car races originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 High Limit Racing season continues Saturday with the 12th race of the circuit, being held at Texas Motor Speedway.

Owned by NASCAR champion Kyle Larson and sprint car champion Brad Sweet, High Limit Racing is a premier dirt-track sprint series featuring dozens of top-tier drivers from around the nation. High Limit Racing expanding into a national touring series just two years ago.

Between the sprint series, O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Cup Series, Larson has the opportunity to win four races in Texas this week. Larson won Thursday night's race, marking his 11th career triumph with the series, and second this season. Could he go four for four?

Be sure to tune in for all the action in DFW.

Here's everything you need to know about High Limit Racing at Texas Motor Speedway, including TV channel and streaming options for the sprint car races.

Where to watch High Limit Racing 2026: Channel, live stream

• TV channel: None
• Live stream:FloRacing

The High Limit Racing sprint-car races at Texas Motor Speedway won't be on TV this weekend. However, Saturday's race will be available to stream on FloRacing.

High Limit Racing at Texas Motor Speedway full schedule

Here's a look at the schedule for the remaining race on Saturday. 

Saturday, May 3

High Limit Series Championship points 2026 leaderboard

Related Links

• Latest NASCAR news and updates
• 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule
• Printable 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule
• 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule
• 2026 Craftsman Truck Series schedule

David Benavidez vs. Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez live stream: How to watch, start time, channel originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

A massive cruiserweight title fight airs on Cinco de Mayo weekend when David Benavidez and Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez compete for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.

Here’s how to watch David Benavidez vs. Gilberto Ramirez, including streaming options and channel to catch the main card.

Where to watch David Benavidez vs. Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez

• Live Stream: DAZN | Amazon Prime
• PPV price: $79.99

David Benavidez vs. Gilberto Ramirez will be available on DAZN worldwide. The event will also air on Amazon Prime. 

A DAZN monthly subscription is $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $29.99 month-to-month. The annual subscription is $224.99.

The PPV price is $79.99. 

David Benavidez vs. Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez start time

• Date: Saturday, May 2
• Start time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
• Main event start time (approx.): 11:15 p.m. ET | 8:15 p.m. PT
• Location: T-Mobile Arena - Las Vegas

David Benavidez vs. Gilberto Ramirez is on Saturday, May 2. The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET and the main event should begin around 11:15 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.

Benavidez (31-0) is a two-time WBC super middleweight champion. The 29-year-old moved to light heavyweight and beat Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the interim WBC belt, eventually becoming full-time champion. He beat Anthony Yarde in his last fight.

The 29-year-old, with 25 wins via knockout, who has attempted to fight Canelo Alvarez, looks to be the true face of boxing by winning a title in another weight class in this Mexico vs. Mexico showdown.

"I feel like this weight is definitely gonna help me," said Benavidez. "Once you get to this weight, the punches are bigger. When you combine that power with my speed, I bring something to the cruiserweight division that hasn't been seen since James Toney. My speed is superb, and it's just on a different level. This is gonna be the best David Benavidez that you see."

Ramirez (48-1) dominated the super middleweight division for years. "Zurdo" lost the first fight of his career in 2022 when Dmitry Bivol outpointed him to retain light heavyweight gold. The 34-year-old moved to cruiserweight and won the WBA and WBO belts.

With 30 wins via knockout, Ramirez looks to hold onto gold against his former sparring partner.

"I’ve thought about fighting for David for about 10 years," said Ramirez. "I think we both wanted to fight each other for that long. Now the time is almost here. David is a great fighter. I’ve been watching him a lot over the years and keeping an eye on him, knowing that one day we’d get in there together."

David Benavidez vs. Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez fight card

• Gilberto Ramirez (c) vs. David Benavidez for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles
• Armando Resendiz (c) vs. Jaime Munguia for the WBA super middleweight title
• Oscar Duarte vs. Angel Fierro; Super Lightweights
• Isaac Lucero vs. Ismael Flores; Super Welterweights
• Jorge Chavez vs. Tito Sanchez; Super Bantamweights
• Daniel Blancas vs. Raul Salomon; Super Middleweights
• Juan Carrillo vs. Marlo Delgado; Light Heavyweights

The curse is lifted! The New Jersey Devils are saved! Sunny Mehta must be thrilled.

If you’re a conspiracy theorist, you might believe your favorite team is cursed.

Well, it seems like that’s over thanks to a WWE Superstar who apparently wields that kind of power. More on that in the links below.

Elsewhere, Mehta’s first fingerprints, a big free-agent decision, and more.

Devils Trade Rumors & News

New Jersey Hockey Now:Sunny Mehta made his first major move, signaling changes to the Devils’ front office as two executives wont see their contracts renewed. 

Speaking of Mehta, he has some important pending free agents to tend to. Here are four players he should re-sign, and one BIG maybe in the latest Devils analysis.

Okay, this is good. One day after WWE’s Danhausen uncursed the New York Knicks—who then went on to maul the Atlanta Hawks and move onto the second round of the NBA Playoffs—he received another request to uncurse the Devils, and did. Here’s the video:

📺 Devils Rink Report: With Sunny Mehta’s analytical approach, can he fix the goaltending? What does that mean for the future with Jacob Markstrom in net? I broke it all down on the latest Devils Rink Report.

Full episode here 👇🏼

Please be sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on those notifications for when we go LIVE every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we’ve officially launched on several platforms. Listen to Devils Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

ALSO! Devils Rink Report is on TikTok now — Follow us here.

Sign up for the New Jersey Hockey Now newsletter for daily Devils intel straight to your inbox.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): The Buffalo Sabres didn’t let the Boston Bruins force a Game 7. They’re moving on to the second round. More inside on the key takeaways from Game 6.

More from The Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid wasted yet another year of contention. They were eliminated by the younger and very green Anaheim Ducks. So, what went wrong, and what’s next?

Forever Blueshirts: The Devils aren’t the only ones making changes as the New York Rangers announced they’ve parted ways with a member of their front office that’s underwhelmed for quite some time.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: When asked if he’d play for another team if the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t extend him, Evgeni Malkin didn’t mince words. The answer is yes. More inside from Dan Kingerski.

Colorado Hockey Now: This isn’t the first time the Colorado Avalanche have met Minnesota in the postseason. In fact, they have a storied history in the postseason.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Tampa Bay Lightning have forced a Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens. The good news is the Habs’ depth scoring is driving success. However, the bad news is in the top-six.

Related Headlines

• Sunny Mehta Makes First Changes to Devils Front Office
• Devils Analysis: Four Players to Re-Sign, One Big Maybe
• Devils Daily: Weird Stats; Quinn Hughes Delivers; Brady & Florida

Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs kicks off on Saturday when the Philadelphia Flyers (0-0, 4-2) take on the Carolina Hurricanes (0-0, 4-0) at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Hurricanes make quick work of the Ottawa Senators, sweeping them in 4 games. However, quick work was not easy work. Each game was decided by two or fewer goals. Two of them were decided by one goal, one was a one-goal game before an empty-netter, and of course, the Hurricanes won Game 1 2-0 after the controversial no-goal call on Drake Batherson’s would-be goal for the Senators.

The Flyers took 6 games to put their bitter rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins, away in an emotional series. Games 1, 2, and 3 were a defensive clinic by the Flyers, coupled with opportunistic scoring. That went missing for the next 3 games, but the Flyers came through with the Game 6 overtime winner.

Puck drop is at 8:00 p.m. EST at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. Here is how the Flyers are expected to line up.

Read More: Cam York Calls Game: The Flyers Are Moving on After OT Thriller vs. Penguins

Flyers expected lines & pairs @ Hurricanes

Forwards

Denver Barkey–Trevor Zegras–Owen Tippett
Travis Konecny–Christian Dvorak–Porter Martone
Alex Bump–Noah Cates–Matvei Michkov
Luke Glendening–Sean Couturier–Tyson Foerster

Defensemen

Travis Sanheim–Rasmus Ristolainen
Cam York–Jamie Drysdale
Nick Seeler–Noah Juulsen

Goalies

Dan Vladar
Sam Ersson

Special Teams
PP1: Drysdale, Cates, Zegras, Foerster, Martone
PP2: Ristolainen, Dvorak, Tippett, Konecny, Bump

PK1: Cates, Couturier, York, Sanheim
PK 2: Dvorak, Tippett, Seeler, Ristolainen

Read More: Flyers Analysis: Incredible Goaltending, Outlasting the Penguins, & Making Necessary Adjustments

Game Notes

The Hurricanes did not score many goals in their win over the Senators. In fact, they had 11 total. Carolina got great goaltending from Frederik Andersen in those games, enough to hold the Senators to just 5 goals in 4 games. Anderson is getting the start for Game 1 against the Flyers. He’s going to be tough to crack.

To that point, Dan Vladar has been just as good, if not better, in his 6 games for the Flyers in Round 1. In 6 games, Vladar gave up 11 goals, including 2 shutouts. His 42-save shutout in Game 6 was what sealed the deal for the Flyers.

This could be setting up to be a goaltender’s duel. The Flyers will need Vladar at his best.

As for what to look for for the Flyers, I will be keeping a close eye on Jamie Drysdale and Travis Sanheim in this series. The Flyers will need clean breakouts if they want a chance to establish possession throughout the series. Both Sanheim and Drysdale were the best with the puck on their stick exiting the zone. They’re going to need to keep that up.

Lastly, the Flyers will need to be much more opportunistic. Carolina is a good, no, great shot-suppressing team. Chances will be limited, so if the Flyers get a good look, they’d best not miss. In the late games of the series against the Penguins, they failed to capitalize on many good chances. That has to change in Round 2.

How to Watch Flyers @ Hurricanes

TV: ABC
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

Puck drop is at 8:00 p.m. EST at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

Read More: Flyers vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Date Set

The post Flyers-Hurricanes Game 1: Lines, Notes, & How to Watch appeared first on Philly Hockey Now.

Good morning Broncos Country!

We are down to our final recap of the Denver Broncos draft picks with Mr. Irrelevant himself: Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock. This pick was one that was universally loved by fans. Especially after the team ignored inside linebacker through their first six picks of the draft and, frankly, they got a downhill baller despite it being the final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Let’s review the pick and, if you missed any, here are the others I went through this week:

Potent quotables – Red Murdock focus

Paton and Payton quotes on Murdock

On the other two seventh-round picks, S Miles Scot and LB Red Murdock

Sean Payton: “[S] Miles [Scott] we were real familiar with, talking with ‘Palcho’ (T Alex Palczewski) and [WR] Pat [Bryant]. These guys were teammates. Illinois had a handful of players drafted. It would be very normal, especially when a player’s younger on our roster, [and] has been on the same team. His name came up and up. He went in with Pat as a receiver and then was converted. So with both our players, his name came up a number of times. Throughout the process, I think we became very familiar with him. So there’s versatility, special-teams flex.”

George Paton: “With Miles, I think the ball skills. I think he had seven interceptions throughout his career. [He is] very physical for a former receiver, and instincts for a guy who hasn’t played it all that long. We thought he had really good anticipation and instincts, and thus he had the interceptions. I think he fits in with our group and what we look for in safeties. Then [LB Red] Murdock, just man, he’s a tackling machine. Just really instinctive. Really good against the run. He may hold the record—you guys may know—for forced fumbles. Everyone talked about the Texas Tech guy [Dolphins LB Jacob Rodriguez], and he was amazing, but this guy—oh my gosh, if you look at his career and all the forced fumbles he had. Just a nose for the ball, relentless motor. Think he could be a good special teamer. Great make up, all of these guys I think have great make up.”

On the Mr. Irrelevant pick and Irrelevant Week in Newport Beach, Calif.

SP: “When we talked to [TE Dallen] Bentley, he’s vice president Mr. Irrelevant. So if there’s anything that [LB Red] Murdock can’t handle, then the two of them…”

Red Murdock quotes

On how he feels about being Mr. Irrelevant and what he knew about Mr. Irrelevant before being selected

“I feel extremely grateful and excited to be able to go out there for the Broncos. I know a little bit about Mr. Irrelevant, but the main thing is I have to make the most out of it and help us win.”

On what it was like to get the call from the Broncos

“It was an emotional moment trying to hold it all together in front of the family and everything. I’m just really excited to get the opportunity. The main thing now is just being able to help the team be able to win. I’m excited to play for the Broncos. That’s a great team that I wanted to play for before the draft.”

On his production in college with 17 forced fumbles

“Meticulous intent and being kind of being obsessed with it. Now I’m just ready to go do that on the field and help us get some wins.”

On how he would describe himself as a linebacker and a player

“I’m a team-first guy, but as a linebacker I prepare as a quarterback on the defense and getting everyone on the same page. Make sure our defense performs as one and that is what I’m looking forward to bringing to the Broncos team as a player that is going to put the team success before all else in any instance.”

On if he thought he would go undrafted

“I was trying to keep my mind off of things that I can’t control. When I got that call, I was extremely grateful.”

On if he had opportunities to leave the University of Buffalo and why he stayed

“I did have opportunities, but I’m big on being a team-first guy. That is all that matters to me. Also I felt like my main thing was being the best player that I can be and winning a MAC championship. I felt like I could have done that when I had those opportunities, so I stayed.”

Under the Radar

It’s not just Broncos fans who love the Red Murdock pick.

Everything Red Murdock

We here at Mile High Report covered each Denver Broncos draft pick in a variety of ways, but the news feed got deep fast and much of that coverage was buried in short order. Here is everything we did on linebacker Red Murdock over draft weekend ICYMI:

Denver Broncos select Buffalo LB Red Murdock 257th overall
Denver closed out the entire 2026 NFL Draft by making Buffalo’s Red Murdock “Mr. Irrelevant” — but the tape says otherwise. The 6’2″, 233-pound linebacker was a second-team AP All-American in 2025 and set the NCAA record for career forced fumbles with 17. Over his final two seasons, Murdock racked up 298 combined tackles, 30 TFLs, seven sacks, and 13 forced fumbles. ESPN’s Matt Miller had him ranked 167th on his own board, making him a 90-spot value steal at No. 257 that directly fills Denver’s need for linebacker depth.

Denver Broncos inside linebacker Red Murdock highlights
The highlights show a physical, downhill thumper who is a magnet to the football — and specifically to the football when it’s in someone else’s hands. Murdock’s forced fumble reel is absurd for any draft prospect, let alone the last pick in the draft. He flies downhill against the run, delivers big hits at the point of attack, and has a nose for stripping the ball that’s borderline instinctive. The limitations are clear on tape too — he’s not great in space or coverage — but as a run-game enforcer and special teams weapon, the highlights make a strong case he’ll outplay his draft slot.

Why the Broncos drafted Buffalo LB Red Murdock
Dane Brugler had a fourth-to-fifth-round grade on Murdock and called him “a magnet to the football who plays with physicality that will get the job done in the NFL” — so getting him at 257 was a gift. The Broncos see his early path as a special teams ace, where his physicality and team captain pedigree make him a natural fit, with a longer-term development track at inside linebacker behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad where the depth is thin. He won’t cover tight ends in space, but that’s not why he’s here. Denver drafted a violent, turnover-forcing linebacker with a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster — not bad for the last name called.

My favorite picks were Jonah Coleman and Kage Casey, but after that it would have to be Red Murdock. Absolutely loved their last pick. How are you feeling about Murdock being a Denver Bronco?

There are moments that define an era, and the message from Jurgen Klopp to Mo Salah feels like one of them as we approach the end of a remarkable Liverpool chapter.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

During an interview with Steven Gerrard on TNT Sports, the former boss surprised the Egyptian with a pre-recorded message that perfectly captured their journey together at Liverpool.

Klopp’s message to Salah shows what Liverpool was built on

The German began by acknowledging the significance of the moment, addressing both Salah and Gerrard in a way only he could.

“Two of my legends are sitting together… Stevie, you know how much I love you. But Mo, it was an absolute honour to work with you. It was a pleasure as well… not every minute but most of the time.”

It was a typically honest Klopp line, mixing humour with genuine appreciation, before he reflected on the promise he made when Salah first arrived at Anfield.

“And you remember when we came together I said let’s create a special story and let’s make sure that when we see each other in 10, 15, 20 years’ time and look back we cannot avoid a smile.”

A legacy Liverpool will never forget

That message hits differently now, because everything Klopp spoke about has come true, with Salah becoming one of the defining figures of this era.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager made that clear as he closed his tribute.

“And I have that smile when I think of our time together.

“I’m just super happy and thankful that I was part of the whole journey for a while. And all the best for what’s coming up. There are still a few good years to come… have a great time.”

For us, it ties directly into everything Salah has said himself, whether that’s calling for Jordan Henderson to receive a proper send-off or explaining the desire that drove him to chase the standards set by Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish.

What Klopp described at the very start, creating something special and leaving with a smile, is exactly what this Liverpool side has done.

As players move on and eras change, moments like this remind us that while individuals come and go, the story they build together is what truly lasts.

​​Good morning, New York Giants fans!

From Big Blue View

• NY Giants post-2026 NFL Draft 53-man roster projection
• NY Giants UDFAs: DT Anquin Barnes Jr. could be a hidden gem for New York
• NFL Draft 2026: NY Giants UDFA tracker — signings, rumors, news, updates
• Giants free agency tracker 2026: Rumors, cuts, signings, news, analysis

Other Giant observations

Giants decline fifth-year option for CB Deonte Banks | Pro Football Talk

Giants cornerback Deonte Banks is now set to become a free agent next spring as the team has declined Banks’ fifth-year option, setting up 2026 to be the final year of his rookie contract. If the Giants had elected to pick up Banks’ option, they would have owed him $12.633 million guaranteed in 2027. Banks is set to earn $2.6 million in base salary for 2026.

The Giants selected Banks with the No. 24 overall pick of the 2023 draft. He’s appeared in 45 games with 35 starts, recording 28 total passes defensed with two interceptions. He has not recorded a pick since his rookie year.

Giants have Harbaugh-esque draft leaning on big, physical players | ESPN.com

Harbaugh said New York added a bunch of players this offseason who are giants, both literally and figuratively. Which is necessary for a team that wants to run power concepts on offense and impose their will on defense. Not the other way around.

It’s not abnormal for a new coach and regime to want guys who fit their mold. And that is what has happened with the Giants so far this offseason. They’ve brought in players who fit what Harbaugh wants to do on the field. It’s a process that will likely even take another full offseason to complete.

With Harbaugh having more say in personnel than Giants coaches of the past, they finally seem to have an identity. The draft was the latest step in putting the pieces in place for Harbaugh and his newly installed staff.

Joe Schoen discussing the Giants offseason, John Harbaugh

“The relationship’s been great, aligned in the way we’re building the team.”#Giants GM Joe Schoen, on his chemistry with John Harbaugh, during his visit with @judybattista and me on The Insiders on @nflnetwork. More 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/6bvmeXvFJI

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 1, 2026

2026 NFL Draft: New York Giants draft recap | PFF

The Giants used the No. 5 overall pick on Ohio State‘s Arvell Reese. A top-two talent on the PFF Big Board, Reese provides a physical, downhill presence with the athleticism to mirror the impact of 2025 pick Abdul Carter. New York landed Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa at Pick 10. Mauigoa, who earned an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025, offers immediate flexibility as a dominant run blocker on the interior or a long-term answer at tackle.

Illinois tackle J.C. Davis represents a major steal at pick 192. Ranked No. 147 on the Big Board, Davis posted the class’s highest PFF grade (87.8) and dominated in the run game with an 86.7 run-defense grade. Overall Grade: A

Why rival NFL execs are raving about the Giants, Jets and Raiders | FanSided.com

“John will know how to use Reese,” one longtime personnel executive with a keen understanding of Harbaugh told me. “That’s the perfect player for him. He is going to build a big, tough team. He understands cold weather football. You can see it in this draft.”

“You can just see the impact he’s had on that entire franchise,” said one general manager. “It’s like there’s an adult in charge now. Trading Lawrence is tough, but you have to take the 10th pick if the player wants out and you can’t make it work. I thought they had a great draft.”

6 NFL Draft team fits that are so good, rookies can become instant stars | SB Nation

Arvell Reese, LB, New York Giants — 1st round, 5th overall. It might seem like a copout to throw the top player on our big board on this list, but it really can’t be overstated how perfect a fit Reese will be on the Giants. The best trait Reese brings to the pros is his unbelievable scheme flexibility, which translates to chaos in the NFL. Essentially he’s a player that can be moved all around the formation into basically any position in the front seven and find a way to make an impact.

The only thing that can hamper a player like this is a lack of talent around them. If a chaotic linebacker like this finds himself being the only threat on the field then it becomes easy for a team to bracket them and neutralize that ability. This simply is not possible when it comes to the New York Giants. Opposing offenses have to account for Brian Burns on every down, then worry about a rotation of Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux coming off the edge. With two solid pass rushers in on snaps it creates the ultimate canvas for Reese to wreak havoc.

Sixteen Day 3 NFL draft picks who could compete for starter snaps as rookies in 2026 | NFL.com

16. Bobby Jamison-Travis, Auburn · DT. I’m expecting the Giants to sign a veteran before training camp or after final cuts to bolster the nose tackle spot left open by the Dexter Lawrence trade. However, Jamison-Travis has a quick first step to go with strong hands that he uses to shed blockers in the run game. Quality play in training camp and the early part of the season could give him a chance to lock up a starting spot by midseason.

Darius Slayton surgery has no bearing on Giants’ Odell Beckham Jr. interest | New York Post

Wide receiver Darius Slayton had offseason surgery for a core-muscle injury but he is expected to be ready to roll for training camp and this physical issue has nothing to do with any interest the Giants have in signing Odell Beckham Jr., The Post has learned.

Slayton, the longest-tenured Giants player — he arrived in the 2021 NFL Draft — tried to fight through the core-muscle injury but decided surgery was his best course of action.

Giants-Odell Beckham reunion: Latest update on if it will happen | NJ.com

It remains possible the Giants will reunite with Odell Beckham, their once-great wide receiver.

Here’s what general manager Joe Schoen told NFL Network on Thursday about the situation: “We worked him out a couple of weeks ago, and he did a good job in terms of that. We’ll continue to have conversations with his camp and see where it goes.”

Making Sense of Every NFL Backfield After 2026 NFL Draft | Bleacher Report

RBs: Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, Dante Miller. Regardless of how the Giants list Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the depth chart, they’ll both have significant roles. Skattebo is a rugged ball-carrier who will dish out and take punishment after contact, though he can also catch out of the backfield. The 5’11”, 215-pounder hauled in 24 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns last season.

That said, on passing downs, the Giants can feature Tracy, who played wide receiver in college. As an elusive playmaker, the receiver-turned-tailback can be a dynamic threat in Big Blue’s offense. He’s racked up over 1,000 scrimmage yards in back-to-back campaigns.

Albert Breer on the Joe Schoen/John Harbaugh relationship

Ranking the New York Giants’ 8 UDFAs: Who has the best shot to make the team? | The Athletic

4. Ryan Schernecke, OL, Kutztown. The Giants invested in their offensive line this offseason, using the No. 10 pick on Francis Mauigoa and re-signing RT Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency. They added depth on Day 3 of the draft by selecting tackle J.C. Davis along with other depth signings in free agency. But you can never have too many options in the trenches, and Schernecke, like Dixon, drew a relatively large contract for a UDFA.

The 6-6, 318-pound Schernecke was the No. 39-ranked offensive tackle in Brugler’s rankings and was a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award, which is given to the nation’s best Division II lineman. The question is, how will Schernecke be able to make the leap from Division II to the NFL?

Too Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning No. 1? | Sharp Football Analysis

9. New York Giants, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame. Giants Projected Win Total: 7.5

It’s rare that you have a top prospect at a premium position fall all the way to nine, but that is the case this year with Moore since there are so many teams drafting ahead of the Giants that potentially will need quarterbacks. According to PFF, Moore finished the 2025 season with a 92.6 coverage grade, which ranked #1 among all Power 4 cornerbacks.

Around the league

Makai Lemon talks DeVonta Smith, getting Nick Foles’ blessing to wear No. 9 | Bleeding Green Nation9

Dan Quinn explains how Commanders might use Sonny Styles in 2026 NFL season | Hogs Haven

Todd Monken: I would love to name QB before training camp, I’m not there yet | Pro Football Talk

Browns break ground on $2.4 billion stadium targeted for ’29 | ESPN.com

Dan Morgan: Panthers to sign QB Bryce Young to long-term deal ‘at the right time’ | NFL.com

2026 NFL schedule release date is still up in the air | CBSSports.com

Russell Wilson in talks to go into TV, with CBS the favorite: Sources | The Athletic

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Newcastle vs Brighton: Gordon Boost Gives Howe Timely Selection Lift

Gordon Fitness Shapes Newcastle Attack

Newcastle approach Brighton with Anthony Gordon pushing hard to return at St James’ Park, a timely boost after the England winger missed the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal with a groin issue. Eddie Howe had already suggested Gordon should be ready for this fixture, and his partial return to training has strengthened the sense that he can be involved.

That matters. Newcastle need pace, width and direct running against a Brighton side who can stretch games with their own bravery in possession. Gordon’s presence on the left would give Howe a sharper outlet, while Harvey Barnes could come back on the opposite flank ahead of Jacob Murphy.

Photo IMGAO

Midfield Muscle Returns For Howe

Joelinton’s return from suspension gives Newcastle their preferred midfield blend again. Alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, he restores bite, carrying power and control. Against Brighton, that trio may decide whether Newcastle can turn pressure into territory and territory into chances.

Will Osula is expected to continue through the middle, despite competition from Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. Howe appears ready to trust Osula’s movement and physicality after Wissa missed a major chance at Arsenal.

Defensive Changes Could Define Brighton Clash

Tino Livramento’s groin injury leaves Newcastle with a right back decision, with Lewis Miley tipped to edge Kieran Trippier. On the other side, Lewis Hall could replace Dan Burn, adding more adventure from deep.

In goal, Aaron Ramsdale is expected to come straight in for Nick Pope after Pope survived a red card scare at the Emirates. Newcastle’s possible XI reads: Ramsdale, Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Osula, Gordon.

For Newcastle and Brighton, this is a fixture of fine margins. Howe’s side need authority, not anxiety.