TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Draymond dismisses notion of rebuilding Warriors trust following Poole altercation

    Draymond Green dismissed the necessity to rebuild trust within the Golden State Warriors following his altercation last week with team-mate Jordan Poole.

    Green returned to practice on Thursday and will play in the Warriors’ preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday after stepping away following last Wednesday’s incident where he punched Poole.

    Team-mate Kevon Looney has spoken about Green needing to regain the group’s trust, while head coach Steve Kerr has danced around the subject publicly, but the Warriors power forward was dismissive on Thursday.

    “Everyone says, build trust as a team,” Green said. “I don’t really quite understand what’s trust? Is it trust that you’re going to make the right play?

    “I always make the right play to be the best of my ability, so what is that? We do have to make sure we’re together, make sure we’re doing the necessary things that it takes to win a championship and have everyone’s back.

    “I think there’s so many different things when I hear the word trust, that I’m not always certain that that is the most fitting word for what people are trying to say.

    “I think it always sounds good. Everyone kind of has this idea of what that means. But yet what does that truly mean?”

    Green insisted that he and Poole would be professional enough to maintain a working relationship at the Warriors this season.

    “Jordan is a professional, and I’m a professional,” Green said. “We have a job to do. We both have experienced a lot of winning over the course of our lives and we know what that takes, and so we want to do just that. What it takes to win. And I think that’s the most important thing.”

    Four-time NBA champion Green was in a combative mood, adding that he did not care about how people perceived him.

    And Green, 32, spoke about his desire to win another NBA title this season with the defending champions.

    “I’m going to prove a lot of people wrong this year,” Green said. “I’ve been proving people wrong my whole life, so there’s some added motivation.

    “Not quite proving people wrong because the same people that are talking now are the same people who have been talking forever, and they’ve been wrong the entire time.

    “They just give new hot takes about how, ‘You can’t do it this time’, but never acknowledge the million times that they said I couldn’t do it and were wrong. I’m not quite motivated by those people.

    “But there are definitely some motivations that have been sparked by some people and I’m going to use that, and I’m going to do exactly what I do when I’m motivated. In a major way.”

    Green was a key part of Golden State’s title-winning 2021-22 side, averaging 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 7.0 assists per game and having a big impact defensively.

    The Warriors are due to open their 2022-23 NBA campaign on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Westbrook rubbishes claims of Lakers discord after preseason clip goes viral

    Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook has rubbished suggestions he is in dispute with his team-mates following viral footage that appeared to show him intentionally distancing himself from them.

    Video captured in a preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves showed the 33-year-old splitting from the rest of his team during a huddle, while he eschewed a later one.

    After a difficult first season in LA as the Lakers missed the playoffs and Westbrook’s performances were the subject of scrutiny, questions were raised as to whether there was discord in the ranks even before the start of the new campaign.

    But Westbrook responded: “Pre-game, I’ve been doing that since I’ve been in the league for years, man.

    “I think they just cut the video, and obviously the internet is going to take it and run with whatever they need to run with.

    “But I’ve been doing the same ritual since I’ve been in the league. As far as the other video, I was actually talking to the coaches and they cut that video in half as well.

    “Honestly I’m just trying to compete and do my job. Everything, videos get nitpicked. You can cut any video and make anything you want out of it. It’s not up to me to be able to judge that.

    “I know I’m a genuine team player. I’ve never had a problem being with my team-mates, so I’m going to continue doing what I’ve been doing.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Tierney ‘gutted’ to be benched for Arsenal’s win over Liverpool

    Kieran Tierney was “gutted” to be overlooked for Arsenal’s win over Liverpool last weekend but says “I’m not going to be angry.”

    Takehiro Tomiyasu got the nod at left-back over Tierney in the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has made an impressive start to his Gunners career after his move from Manchester City.

    Japan international Tomiyasu kept Reds forward Mohamed Salah quiet in a 3-2 win at the Emirates Stadium that put Mikel Arteta’s side back on top of the Premier League.

    Scotland international Tierney has vowed to try and earn his place back rather than feel sorry for himself.

    “I’m gutted, that’s all it is,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m not going to be angry, I’m not going to try hard, I’m gutted because I want to play every opportunity I can.

    “Especially in the big games, you want to play and soak in the atmosphere. There’s nothing I can say. We went out and won and Tomiyasu played amazing and the game plan worked.

    “I’m learning, I’m dealing with it, but it is tough, football is what I want to play. Unfortunately, I’ve not played too many but every time I get a chance to play, I’m so grateful. I work as hard as I possibly can for the team.

    “I’ll just try and get my head down, work hard. I can’t change anything other than how I approach training, how I work. So I’m just trying as hard as I possibly trying to work my way back in.”

    Arsenal travel to Leeds United on Sunday looking for a seventh consecutive win.

    Source: Livescore

  • Foden signs new five-year contract with Man City

    Phil Foden has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City, committing his future to the Premier League champions until June 2027.

    The England international reportedly began negotiations over fresh terms more than 12 months ago, with a change in the creator’s management delaying the finalisation of his new deal.

    However, the Stockport-born playmaker has now reached an agreement over his future, having emerged as a key part of Pep Guardiola’s team since his November 2017 debut.

    “It’s hard to put into words how happy I am to have signed this contract. It’s a dream come true,” he told the club’s official website.

    “I have been a City fan all my life. I’ve trained here for so many years and I’ve even been a ballboy. I love this club so much, so to know I am going to be a part of it until 2027 feels amazing.

    “I’ve improved a lot in recent years and so much of that is down to Pep and his staff, who guide me every single day on the training field. Working with them gives me the best chance of improving even more and becoming the best player I can be.

    “With the squad we have here, I feel I can keep learning and winning trophies. Those are the two most important things to me.”

    Foden has won four league titles and five domestic cups with City, as well as being named the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season in each of the last two campaigns.

    The 22-year-old has also started the new season in excellent form, scoring seven goals across 13 appearances in all competitions.

    That includes a hat-trick in City’s recent 6-3 drubbing of rivals Manchester United, a game where Erling Haaland also secured the match ball with a trio of goals himself.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Steele sets the early pace at Zozo Championship

    Brendan Steele holds a one-shot lead after finishing his first round with a flourish at the Zozo Championship.

    Steele started with a six-under 64 to lead the way at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club on Thursday.

    The American made a first birdie at the second hole and came alive after the turn, making another six gains as his only blemish came with a bogey at 14.

    Steele holed his approach shot at the par-four 17th and another birdie at the last put in out on his own at the top of leaderboard in Chiba, Japan.

    The 39-year-old has not won a PGA Tour event since retaining his Safeway Open title five years ago.

    Adam Schenk is second place following a bogey-free 65, with fellow Americans Sam Ryder, Matthew NeSmith and Keegan Bradley a further stroke back.

    Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele are nicely poised just three shots off the lead along with Kazuki Higa, Maverick McNealy and Mito Pereira.

    It was not a good day for defending champion Hideki Matsuyama on home soil, as he is down in 41st after a one-over 71.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Garcia opens up on ‘hard’ Ryder Cup no-show

    Sergio Garcia admits it was “a hard decision” to eschew next year’s Ryder Cup, stating he does not feel as if he would be “very welcome” amid the bitter PGA Tour-LIV Golf Invitational Series split.

    The Spaniard, a six-time tournament winner, will not represent Team Europe next year at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy after failing to enter his name by last Friday’s deadline.

    While Team USA-eligible defectors are barred from inclusion following PGA Tour membership suspension, no call has been made on their opponents.

    But even if he was to get a sponsor’s invite, Garcia says he will not feature next year, acknowledging he is sad to feel ostracised amid the fallout of his defection to the Saudi-backed tour.

    “It was a hard decision,” he said. “But unfortunately, it doesn’t feel like I’m very welcome there, so I don’t want to be a bother to anyone.

    “I’ve always said I love the Ryder Cup too much. I obviously would love to keep being a part of it. [But] when I see that so many people are against [me playing], if the team is better without me, I’d rather be out of it.

    “There’s obviously several guys who feel strongly that way. The [DP World] Tour is of that same thought. So I don’t want to be something that might hurt the team.

    “Obviously it’s sad for me, how much I love the Ryder Cup and everything I’ve been able to do with Europe. That’s the way they want it. I’m just helping out.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Koepka stays bogey free to take two-shot lead at LIV Golf Jeddah

    Brooks Koepka holds a two-stroke lead of LIV Golf Jeddah after finishing the opening round eight under par in Saudi Arabia.

    The four-time major champion made eight birdies in his round of 62 and did not go over par on any hole to head into the weekend ahead of second-placed Charl Schwartzel, while Patrick Reed is tied for third with Hideto Tanihara and Peter Uihlein at three shots off the lead.

    The inaugural individual LIV Golf champion Dustin Johnson is T16 on two under par, alongside Open champion and world number two Cameron Smith.

    Johnson, who has collected 121 points across the season, struck five birdies, but a double-bogey on the par-three eighth set him back.

    Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood fared slightly better at three under, the latter not carding any bogies in his round.

    LIV Golf Bangkok winner Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra struggled to back up his performance in Thailand and is T28 at one under par, seven shots back from Koepka. Bryson DeChambeau, meanwhile, only managed a par 70.

    After withdrawing from LIV Golf Bangkok with injury, Branden Grace carded a one-over-par round on his return to action.

    Source: Livescore

  • I’m on the winning side with LIV Golf – Mickelson

    Phil Mickelson says he has on the “winning side” with LIV Golf and believes the PGA Tour is “trending downwards.”

    Mickelson defected from the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-backed breakaway series on a hugely lucrative contract in June.

    Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau are among the other high-profile players who turned their back on the PGA Tour to sign up for LIV Golf.

    As he prepares to tee off in Jeddah on Friday, six-time major winner Mickelson is in no doubt he made the right decision.

    He said: “Golf is very lucky to have the PIF [Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia] invest in the game… being influxed with billions of dollars.

    “Now the US and the UK are not favourable to this, but everywhere else in the world, LIV Golf is loved. It is very negatively viewed currently [in the US and UK], but that has been changing and evolving already and in a few years LIV will be not only accepted but appreciated, because of the involvement and the influx of capital and what it is doing.”

    He added: “I’ve spoken with people who have had dealings that have not been positive with the [PGA] Tour and have had nothing but positive experiences with LIV.

    “For a long, long time, my 30 years on the PGA Tour, pretty much all the best players played on the PGA Tour. That will never be the case again.

    “I think going forward you have to pick the side you think is going to be successful. And I firmly believe that I’m on the winning side of how things are going to evolve and shape in the coming years for professional golf.

    “I see LIV Golf trending upwards, I see the PGA Tour trending downwards. And I love the side that I’m on.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Co-leader Fowler ready for title tilt at Zozo Championship

    Rickie Fowler is hoping to put on a show over the weekend at the Zozo Championship after moving into a share of the lead.

    The American shot a blemish-free 63 at the Narashino Country Club on Friday to sit level with Andrew Putnam on 10 under. Putnam went one better than Fowler with a 62.

    Keegan Bradley, one stroke back, provides the closest competition to the leading pair while first-round leader Brendan Steele’s 73 saw him fall seven shots off the pace.

    Fowler, who missed the cut at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open last time out, is having a ball in Japan and looking forward to wowing the crowd in pursuit of a sixth PGA Tour title.

    “I definitely enjoy myself over here and the people are awesome. It is really cool to play in front of the Japanese fans,” he said.

    “I’m hoping we can give them more good golf over the weekend.

    “I’m very happy with where we’re at. Obviously didn’t have the week we wanted last week, drove it poorly, but with some of the changes we’ve made and to have the finish that we did at Napa [T6 at the Fortinet Championship] and kind of seeing a lot of good things, I’m definitely happy about it and excited to be here and off to a good start.”

    John Huh’s 61 was the best round of the day and saw him climb to eight under, one stroke ahead of Japanese home hope Keita Nakajima.

    Headline act and 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama is not likely to figure in the battle for silverware but did move back to even par with a 69.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • ‘Not possible’ to match Messi’s achievements, says Pedri ahead of El Clasico

    Pedri says it is “not possible” to emulate Barcelona legend’s Lionel Messi’s achievements as he prepares to face fierce rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.

    Barca teenager Pedri has emerged as one of world football’s most talented prospects, showing maturity way beyond his years with majestic performances in the middle of the park.

    The 19-year-old Spain midfielder looks set for a long, successful career and Xavi will be expecting him to step up on the big stage again when the Blaugrana face LaLiga champions Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

    Pedri has high hopes for what he can achieve, but believes it is too much to ask that he will emulate the feats of the mercurial seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

    “I hope so,” Pedri replied when asked if he would like to be named the best player in the world as many times as Messi has. “I know how hard I need to work to try to do something like that.

    “There is only one Messi, however, and I think to repeat what he did is not possible.”

    Pedri is relishing the challenge of facing Madrid, with Barca above Carlo Ancelotti’s side on goal difference at the top of the table.

    “It’s a match where a lot of people watch from around the world,” he said. “It’s a match that I always try to enjoy and hope all the people watching enjoy too. This is why we play football – to entertain everyone and to have fun.

    “I used to go to watch the games [against Madrid] with my parents and a lot of Barcelona fans. We used to be very lucky in that we won a lot of times. That’s why we enjoyed it even more with each other.”

    – Pedri was speaking as a global brand ambassador for TCL.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Linette and Bronzetti crash out of Transylvania Open

    Magda Linette was the highest-profile casualty at the Transylvania Open on Wednesday after suffering a straight-sets defeat against Xinyu Wang.

    Four of the seeded players have now fallen at the first hurdle in Cluj, with Lucia Bronzetti also joining Linette, Ana Bogdan and Marta Kostyuk in suffering early exits.

    Fifth seed Linette was beaten 6-2 6-4 by Wang, while ninth seed Bronzetti went down 4-6 6-2 6-4 against world number 89 Dalma Galfi.

    Anna Bondar is through to the quarter-finals, though, with the eighth seed enjoying a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 victory over Harriet Dart.

    Jasmine Paolini took just 58 minutes to wrap up a resounding 6-4 6-1 win over Dayana Yastremska.

    Next up for the Italian is a last-eight showdown with Wimbledon quarter-finalist Jule Niemeier, who overcame Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4 6-4.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Gauff beats Montgomery in battle of American teenagers

    Coco Gauff won the battle of the American teenagers as she progressed into the San Diego Open second round with a 6-3 6-3 over Robin Montgomery on Wednesday.

    The 2022 French Open finalist beat fellow 18-year-old Montgomery in a rain-affected match in one hour and 23 minutes to clinch a last-16 clash with Bianca Andreescu.

    The match marked Gauff’s first game on tour since losing to Caroline Garcia in the US Open quarter-finals last month, although she had to endure an overnight rain delay, resuming on Wednesday up 6-3 3-2.

    Gauff only needed 20 minutes on Wednesday to close out the victory, finishing the match with 3-0 aces, winning 76 per cent on her first serve and converting four of seven break points.

    Croatian qualifier Donna Vekic continued her strong run with a 6-3 6-2 win over 2022 US Open quarter-finalist Karolina Pliskova. Vekic moved into the third round, having beaten Maria Sakkari in the first round too.

    Fourth seed Jessica Pegula eased her way into the third round with a 6-3 6-1 victory over wild card Coco Vandeweghe in only 69 minutes. Pegula can secure her first WTA Finals qualification this week.

    Danielle Collins was another American victor, triumphing 6-2 6-4 over Italy’s Martina Trevisan in one hour and 27 minutes, reaching her third quarter-final of the year.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Second seed Kalinina breezes into last eight at Transylvania Open

    Number two seed Anhelina Kalinina cruised through to the last eight of the Transylvania Open on Thursday thanks to a straight sets victory over Ysaline Bonaventure.

    The Ukrainian barely had to break sweat on her way to a 6-3 6-2 triumph to set up a quarter-final meeting with Anna Blinkova, who beat Xinyu Wang 6-4 2-6 6-1.

    Fourth seed Anastasia Potapova had an equally comfortable time in her last-16 match against Viktorija Golubic in Cluj, strolling to a 6-2 6-3 win.

    Xiyu Wang, seeded seventh, had a tougher time in her meeting with Elena-Gabriela Ruse, the Chinese player ultimately overcoming her Romanian opponent 6-1 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (8-6).

    In Thursday’s other match, Nuria Parrizas Diaz beat Dalma Galfi 6-1 6-4.

    Number two seed Anhelina Kalinina cruised through to the last eight of the Transylvania Open on Thursday thanks to a straight sets victory over Ysaline Bonaventure.

    The Ukrainian barely had to break sweat on her way to a 6-3 6-2 triumph to set up a quarter-final meeting with Anna Blinkova, who beat Xinyu Wang 6-4 2-6 6-1.

    Fourth seed Anastasia Potapova had an equally comfortable time in her last-16 match against Viktorija Golubic in Cluj, strolling to a 6-2 6-3 win.

    Xiyu Wang, seeded seventh, had a tougher time in her meeting with Elena-Gabriela Ruse, the Chinese player ultimately overcoming her Romanian opponent 6-1 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (8-6).

    In Thursday’s other match, Nuria Parrizas Diaz beat Dalma Galfi 6-1 6-4.

    Source: Livescore

  • Murray through to Gijon quarter-finals as Auger-Aliassime dodges scare

    Andy Murray overturned a first-set deficit to defeat Pedro Cachin gripping 2-6 7-5 7-6 (7-3) and book his spot in the quarter-finals of the Gijon Open.

    The three-time grand slam champion lost a 56-minute opening set but showing his trademark doggedness to defeat his Argentine opponent and earn a fourth Tour-level last-eight berth of the season.

    It sets the Briton up with a last-eight encounter against Sebastian Korda after the unseeded American delivered the upset of the day to knock out third seed and home favourite Roberto Bautista Agut in a 5-7 6-4 6-4 triumph.

    Elsewhere, first seed Andrey Rublev saw off a fightback from Ilya Ivashka to also book his place in the quarter-finals, with his reward a tie against Tommy Paul.

    At the Firenze Open, top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime saw off a second set scare from Germany’s Oscar Otte, with the Canadian ultimately triumphing 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 6-2.

    He will meet eighth seed Brandon Nakashima, who ran out comfortably in straight sets against Altug Celikbilek with a 6-3 6-4 win.

    Third seed Lorenzo Musetti also made smooth work on his own turf, with a 6-3 6-0 demolition job against Bernabe Zapata Miralles, to set up an encounter in the last eight with Mackenzie McDonald.

    Source: Livescore

  • Swiatek claims hard-fought win to set up Gauff quarter-final clash in San Diego

    World number one Iga Swiatek commenced her San Diego Open campaign with a hard-fought three-set victory over Chinese lucky loser Zheng Qinwen in rainy conditions on Thursday.

    The 2022 French Open and US Open champion triumphed 6-4 4-6 6-1 in two hours and two minutes, bouncing back strongly after losing the second set.

    Zheng’s power and forehand top spin proved challenging for the Pole, who was solid from the baseline to secure her 11st tour quarter-finals appearance this season.

    The Chinese had broken Swiatek to lead 1-0 in the third set, but the top seed responded in trademark style, improving her record in the United States this season to 21-1.

    Swiatek will take on eighth seed Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals, with the match-up marking a re-match of this year’s French Open final.

    Gauff worked her way into the last eight with a 6-4 4-6 6-3 victory over 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.

    The 18-year-old American also had to fight back from a set down in the third set to win in a match that lasted just over two-and-a-half hours.

    Third seed Aryna Sabalenka fought back from a lopsided opening set to knock out American Sloane Stephens 1-6 6-3 6-2 in two hours and one minute. The Belarussian will take on Donna Vekic in the next round.

    Second seed Paula Badosa eased into the last eight, winning in 53 minutes against American qualifier Louisa Chirico 6-0 6-3. Badosa will face Danielle Collins in the quarter-finals.

    Madison Keys triumphed over eighth seed Daria Kasatkina 6-4 6-3 in one hour and 27 minutes to secure a quarter-final date with fourth seed Jessica Pegula.

    Source: Livescore

  • Dalot claims Man Utd’s mentality ‘will take us places’

    Diogo Dalot believes the underlying spirit shown in Manchester United’s dramatic 1-0 win over Omonia Nicosia promises to take them far as a team.

    United looked destined to be frustrated by their visitors in Thursday’s Europa League clash at Old Trafford, but the hosts eventually scored with their 34th shot.

    Scott McTominay dealt the decisive blow after Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho had performed admirably to keep the game goalless.

    With his goal, McTominay became the first substitute to score a winning goal in the 90th minute or later in a European match for United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 1999 Champions League final.

    Like Solskjaer on that occasion, McTominay came off the bench to net his winner, and Dalot felt that reflected well on United’s depth and the strength of character that runs through the squad.

    “I think that this is what will take us to places,” he said.

    “Be a squad as a full, not just 11 or 12, 13 players, be a complete squad and I think everyone feels that they can get a chance if they work hard, if they fight for it.

    “I think this competition is healthy for everyone – especially us as players. It always improves us and I think, as a squad, it’s the best that you can have.”

    He added: “We had to be patient. We created – I don’t know how many chances we created – but I think we could be a little bit more clinical, but I think we deserved it at the end, the goal.

    “When that happens I think it has to come out the patience to not be frustrated because you see the time going and going and you don’t score a goal, but I think we did well.

    “We kept patience, especially around their box. Like I said, we could be a little bit more clinical but, at the end, I think we deserved the goal and the three points.”

    Dalot’s analysis of United not being clinical enough was highlighted by the fact their one goal came from 4.3 expected goals (xG).

    That was only the second time since 2010 that United recorded more than 4.0 xG (excluding penalties) in a single match, and yet they still only scraped by.

    Nevertheless, it was also an eighth win in 10 matches across all competitions, with those two blemishes coming against Manchester City and Real Sociedad.

    That demolition by City aside, United do appear to be making progress under Erik ten Hag, though Dalot accepts they are not where they want to be yet.

    “I think we still have a lot of time and space to improve,” he said. “But the games are coming fast so we have to be prepared each game for different kinds of things that the manager can ask for us.

    “But overall, I think we are reacting well to what he has been asking – especially after the pre-season, where we had a lot of information coming to us.”

    United are next in action on Sunday when they face Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

    Source: Livescore

  • Pep paying ‘zero attention’ to Liverpool form ahead of City’s Anfield trip

    Pep Guardiola is ignoring Liverpool’s below-par start to the Premier League season ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Anfield on Sunday, declaring: “Nothing changes what I feel about Liverpool.”

    City and Liverpool have finished as the Premier League’s top two teams in three of the last four seasons, but the Reds trail the champions by 13 points after a poor start to the new campaign.

    Liverpool’s tally of 10 points is their lowest at this stage of a season since 2012-13 (nine), and Jurgen Klopp’s team have already lost as many league games this campaign as they did throughout the entirety of last term (two).

    That form represents quite the drop-off for a side who went tantalisingly close to a stunning quadruple in 2021-22, but Guardiola believes City will still face a stern test.

    “I had the feeling at Anfield we have played really well [in the past],” Guardiola said on Friday. “It’s different circumstances, but you have to behave at a top, top level.

    “In Anfield, winning or losing, we have behaved with an incredible personality. It’s a football game, Liverpool is important because of the quality they have.

    “Liverpool were going for a prestigious achievement of four titles. For two little details, they didn’t achieve what no English team has done.

    “I pay zero attention to them being in a good moment or bad moment. They know in the last years, we have fought for most of the competitions and titles, and it’s been really close.

    “We were a bit better, especially in the Premier League, but nothing changes what I feel about Liverpool.”

    Pushed on whether Liverpool remain title contenders, Guardiola said: “Liverpool have always been our biggest challengers, and they will be now. Being in the position that we are, with the World Cup, anything can happen.”

    City have picked up four points from their last two league trips to Anfield, just one fewer than they earned in their previous 17 visits to Liverpool (D5 L12).

    Should Guardiola’s men avoid defeat on Sunday, it will represent the first time they have done so in three consecutive away league games against Liverpool since December 1992.

    City’s efforts could be hampered by the absences of England trio Kalvin Phillips, John Stones and Kyle Walker, but Guardiola says Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva are raring to go after being rested at Copenhagen on Tuesday.

    “John Stones will be back in, I don’t know, maybe one week or 10 days. Kalvin is doing really well, but Kyle is out,” Guardiola said.

    “We have a lot of games, like all the teams. Players are recovering better. Erling could not play all the games last season. Bernardo was tired, but they feel good and are ready for Sunday.”

    Haaland has only played nine Premier League games for City, but he has already broken the records for most goals (15) and goal involvements (18) in a player’s first 10 outings in the competition.

    The Norwegian is just one goal away from matching the record for most goals scored by a player across any 10-game stint in Premier League history, set by former Liverpool attacker Luis Suarez – who from October to December 2013 scored 16 goals for the Reds.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Australia vs England third T20 predictions: Tourists eye clean sweep

    England are warming up nicely for the T20 World Cup and they will be aiming to complete a 3-0 series clean sweep over tournament hosts and defending champions Australia in Canberra on Friday.

    Jos Buttler’s side, who claimed a good 4-3 series victory in Pakistan last month, held their nerve to win the first T20 against the Aussies in Perth by eight runs and took Wednesday’s second game by exactly the same margin at the Manuka Oval.

    The series concludes at the same ground in Canberra and Australia, who won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, will want to get a victory on the board before they start their title defence against New Zealand on October 22.

    Aaron Finch’s men beat the Kiwis in last year’s World Cup final and they have been drawn in Group 1 alongside England, who take on Afghanistan in their opening World Cup fixture in Perth.

    Team news

    Australia revamped their bowling attack for the second game of the series, recalling first-choice pacemen Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood as well as spinner Adam Zampa, their leading wicket-taker at last year’s T20 World Cup.

    With this year’s tournament starting on Sunday, neither team will take chances with the fitness of key players so Australia could rest one of their frontline fast bowlers and give Kane Richardson a game.

    Aussie opener David Warner passed a concussion test after a heavy fall in the field on Wednesday but may not be risked, while England’s Liam Livingstone (ankle) is still working his way back to full fitness.

    There is fierce competition for places in England’s pace attack as Sam Curran, Reece Topley and Mark Wood have all made impressive returns from injury so Chris Jordan will be hoping for a chance to press his claims for a World Cup start.

    Kane Richardson could feature for Australia in Canberra in the third T20
    Kane Richardson could feature for Australia in Canberra in the third T20

    The stats

    Australia may be the T20 world champions but England have dominated their recent meetings, winning six of the last seven 20-over clashes between the teams.

    That run includes an eight-wicket win at last year’s World Cup, in which Buttler smashed 71 not out off just 32 balls, and the opener had a similar impact in Sunday’s first T20, cracking 68 off 32.

    Buttler scored the only century of the 2021 T20 World Cup, against Sri Lanka, and followed up with four tons for Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 Indian Premier League.

    Australia middle-order man Tim David also starred in this year’s IPL, hitting 16 sixes from just 86 deliveries for his franchise Mumbai Indians.

    England paceman Wood dismissed the dangerous Warner, David and Marcus Stoinis in the first T20 in Perth and he has claimed three-wicket hauls in each of his last three T20 internationals.

    Prediction

    The third T20 in Canberra is a dead rubber in terms of the series but Australia will be determined to avoid a 3-0 defeat on home turf so close to the start of their World Cup title defence.

    The Aussies are 8/11 for victory at the Manuka Oval via LiveScore Bet but there is little between these well-matched teams so a better bet may be the 3/1 about England captain Buttler top-scoring for his side.

    The opener was the fourth-highest run scorer at last year’s T20 World Cup, racked up over 200 more runs than any other player at the 2022 IPL, and has a great T20 record against Australia.

    Buttler was dismissed for a brisk 17 on Wednesday but his six previous T20 scores against the Aussies were 68, 71 not out, 77 not out, 44, 61 and 46.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Women’s Indian Premier League set to be launched in 2023

    The Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL) looks set to become a reality, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plotting a March 2023 launch following next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.

    The men’s short-form league is one of the largest across any sport by revenue around the globe, and has helped usher in an era of white-ball dominance to cricket over the past decade and a half.

    The BCCI has now announced plans to state associations outlining a five-team tournament to run in between the aforementioned international tournament and the men’s Indian Premier League.

    The proposals concede a likely clash with the inaugural season of the Women’s Pakistan Super League, but showcase a belief there will be a place in the Future Tours Programme cycle for a fixed place.

    The WIPL will succeed the Women’s T20 Challenge, its precursor in the 20-over format in the country, though where the teams will hail from remains up in the air.

    The Women’s T20 World Cup, meanwhile, will see India go in search of silverware in South Africa, having been beaten in the 2020 final by Australia last time.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Rain thwarts Australia and England as third T20I is abandoned

    Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes impressed before England were denied the chance to press for a 3-0 series clean sweep against Australia by rain in Canberra.

    Captain Buttler cracked 65 from 41 balls as England posted 112-2 from 12 overs in the third T20I, their innings having been disrupted twice by downpours at Manuka Oval.

    Buttler’s fellow opener Alex Hales made a disappointing duck, while Dawid Malan scored 23 and Ben Stokes added an unbeaten 17.

    The fifth over of England’s innings saw a minor flash point as Australia paceman Starc appear to threaten a ‘Mankad’ dismissal when he claimed Buttler, later named player of the series, was leaving the crease at the bowler’s end too early.

    England held a 2-0 lead coming into the final match of the series, after posting eight-run wins in Perth and the first leg of a Canberra double-header, and they had another victory in their sights, particularly when the home team made a dreadful start to their reply.

    Australia lost Aaron Finch to the first ball of their innings, with the captain reaching outside off stump and flogging Chris Woakes to Harry Brook at deep point.

    Woakes had two wickets in two balls when Mitchell Marsh fell, Mark Wood taking the catch after the batter looked to be caught in two minds and got a leading edge to short third man. Steve Smith fended off the hat-trick ball.

    Australia got to 30-3 in their reply from 3.5 overs, with Woakes (3-4 from two overs) having also dismissed Glenn Maxwell, when rain stopped play again.

    Five overs needed to be completed for a result to be called, but there was no prospect of play resuming, the teams denied what could have been a useful finale to the contest ahead of the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup campaign.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Shami joins up with India as Bumrah’s replacement for T20 World Cup

    Mohammed Shami has been called up to replace the injured Jasprit Bumrah in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

    Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament earlier this month due to a back problem, which will keep the paceman out of action for around six weeks.

    A BCCI statement on Friday confirmed Shami, who has not played at all over the past three months, has now joined India’s squad in Australia.

    Shami, who starred for Indian Premier League champions Gujarat Titans earlier this year, was included in India’s squad for their T20I series against Australia and South Africa, only to test positive for COVID-19.

    Mohammed Siraj was named the player of the series against South Africa, which India won 2-1, and has been named as a back-up alongside Shardul Thakur.

    While Shami has not featured in recent months, he always seemed a likely option to replace Bumrah due to his experience of playing in Australia – he has played Down Under in two Test series and was one of India’s best performers with the ball in the 2015 ODI World Cup.

    The 32-year-old last played a T20I in last year’s World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, taking six wickets in five appearances.

    Shami helped the Titans to an IPL title in their maiden season in the competition, taking 20 wickets and playing in all 16 of their games.

    India start their World Cup campaign against fierce rivals Pakistan at the MCG a week on Sunday.

    India T20 World Cup squad:

    Rohit Sharma (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chaha, Deepak Hooda, Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav.

    Source: Livescore

  • Fakhar replaces Qadir in Pakistan T20 World Cup squad

    Fakhar Zaman has replaced Usman Qadir in Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia.

    Batter Fakhar was selected on Friday, as leg spinner Qadir has not yet recovered from the hairline fracture on his right thumb that he suffered during the recent series defeat to England.

    Qadir will be a travelling reserve along with Mohammad Haris and Shahnawaz Dahani.

    Fakhar will arrive in Brisbane from London on Saturday along with fit-again paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi and will be available for selection in the warm-up matches against England next Monday and Afghanistan two days later.

    The 31-year-old left-hander was out first ball in his last T20I appearance, a defeat to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final just over a month ago.

    He has played for his country 71 times in the shortest format, scoring 1,349 runs at an average of 21.75.

    Pakistan start their quest to win the World Cup by taking on arch-rivals India at the MCG on October 23.

    Pakistan T20 World Cup squad:

    Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Rafiq refutes fresh anti-semitism and homophobia claims

    Azeem Rafiq refuted fresh allegations of anti-semitism and homophobia against him as “categorically untrue”, with the former Yorkshire bowler saying he will “not be intimidated” by the claims.

    The ex-spinner was found to have been racially harassed during his time at the club following an investigation in the wake of his own allegations in 2020, with several key figures subsequently resigning.

    Yet he has been dogged by claims of his own misconduct, and was reprimanded earlier this month for historic social media posts, to which he offered an unreserved apology.

    Fresh claims from the Daily Mail have now levelled allegations of further anti-semitism and homophobia, alongside reportedly fat-shaming children, which he strongly denied.

    “These allegations are categorically untrue,” he stated. “I knew as a whistleblower I would come under attack.

    “What I did not expect was a never-ending, co-ordinated campaign of lies, which has caused serious risk to me and my family’s safety.

    “I have been vindicated over and over again, and will not be intimidated by those who seek to silence me.”

    Rafiq indicated this month he would move abroad over fears for his family’s safety following his decision to speak out, having been subjected to further abuse and intimidation.


  • Arsenal-linked Douglas Luiz signs new long-term Villa contract

    Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League club.

    Arsenal were said to have made two bids for the Brazil international during the last transfer window, with reports suggesting the Gunners’ second offer of £23million fell some way short of Villa’s £40m valuation.

    Luiz’s previous contract with Steven Gerrard’s side was set to expire at the end of this season, and the 24-year-old was also linked with Serie A champions Milan.

    However, Luiz has agreed a new deal to remain Villa Park, where he arrived in 2019 following a two-year spell at Manchester City.

    He told the club’s official website: “I love this club. This club opened the door for me when I came to England to play in the Premier League. I’m so happy because I’m staying here and my choice is here.”

    Luiz is set to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, with boss Gerrard under pressure following a poor start to the season.


    Source: Livescore

  • Chelsea’s James to see specialist on knee injury amid World Cup fears

    Reece James is set to see a specialist this weekend to assess the injury he suffered in Chelsea’s midweek victory over Milan, amid reports he could miss the upcoming World Cup.

    James was forced off in the victory at San Siro and the Daily Mail has subsequently reported he sustained ligament damage, which could rule him out for between six and eight weeks.

    Chelsea boss Graham Potter was questioned on James’ situation ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa, but was unable to provide a definitive timeframe for the defender’s recovery.

    “Reece is due to see a specialist over the weekend so until we get that information there’s not too much I can add. We will wait and see,” Potter said in Friday’s news conference.

    “There’s discomfort so we just need to check and see a specialist.

    “When we spoke yesterday he didn’t feel so bad, but you need to get things checked and see the way forward.”

    Any long-term absence for James would represent a severe blow for Gareth Southgate’s England, particularly with fellow right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker also battling injuries.

    Chelsea will also be without N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana for Sunday’s clash against Villa, and Potter provided an update on the pair.

    “Kante is due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s a setback and it’s not good news. But at this stage, I can’t give you anything more,” he added.

    “Fofana is progressing where he was. I don’t think we’ll see him before the World Cup.”

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Galtier fumes at Mbappe reports as PSG boss prepares for Classique

    Christophe Galtier angrily articulated his frustration about the latest Kylian Mbappe transfer speculation as the Paris Saint-Germain boss questioned why his point of view is never believed.

    In his first season with PSG, Galtier has had to cope with reports and rumours of unrest within his squad, and this week saw newspaper claims from Spain that Mbappe is once again thinking about a future away from Paris.

    That seemed improbable when the France striker signed a new contract in May, having been urged to do so by no less an authority than France’s president, Emmanuel Macron.

    The 23-year-old turned his back on a possible free transfer to Real Madrid, but he has at times appeared unhappy this season, and now there are suggestions he would welcome a move away from PSG as soon as January.

    Galtier has already scoffed at such talk, and he has claimed Mbappe’s focus is where it should be, on delivering results for the French champions.

    Those results have tailed off at an unfortunate time, with a pair of Champions League draws against Benfica coming either side of a 0-0 stalemate with Ligue 1 strugglers Reims.

    Ahead of Sunday’s Classique against Marseille, Galtier was asked how he coped with the incessant news cycle, the focus on the team, and situations such as that with Mbappe.

    “You have to have experience and be a certain age to be able to manage these things,” he said, before launching into a tirade about media coverage.

    “What I’d like to say is you never speak about football. You ask me lots of questions. I’m not talking about you individually, but you, the media.

    “I’ve been here many times as the Paris Saint-Germain coach and I have a feeling that match after match, press conference after press conference, we have to speak for 10 or 15 minutes and for maybe one minute about football. It is topics away from football.

    “Whatever I say to you, you don’t believe me, because you write the opposite and you say the opposite. Whether it is the written press, the radio, television, you say the opposite of what I say.

    “So when I say that this [player] is well, they get on well, they are serious, they are professional, they have solidarity, it interests nobody. Other things are written.

    “I am not here to comment on rumours. To answer your question about Kylian Mbappe, there is a rumour that came out before the game [against Benfica on Tuesday]. He had the best answer. He was named man of the match. He played well, he put in a great performance and showed solidarity.

    “As for what is happening away from that, you have the right to talk about other things, but when you ask me questions I answer honestly. I have lots of faults, but I am very honest. When I say it, it is true. But when I say those things, nothing is written in the press, and you often see the opposite anyway.

    “So to answer about Kylian Mbappe, have I spoken to him regarding the rumour, no.

    “I am very proud to be the coach of Paris Saint-Germain and to be in charge of these players. Please, write that and let’s talk about football.”

    Talking about football does not always make for comfortable reading either. Galtier has won just four of his 25 encounters as a coach against Marseille in Ligue 1 (D10 L11), a 16 per cent win-rate, and he only has a worse such ratio against Auxerre (D4 L1 in 5 games).

    Previous clashes have been during his time in charge of Saint-Etienne, Lille and Nice, however.

    As PSG boss, the expectations are different, and the leaders will be expected to get the better of a side who sit third heading into the weekend.

    Galtier said PSG have been in a “very intense” spell of games, but he recognised the same applies for Marseille, who are also involved in the Champions League.

    Sergio Ramos misses out through suspension this week after his red card against Reims, but Lionel Messi should be back from a calf injury.

    Messi trained on Friday and barring any problems on Saturday he will be in Galtier’s squad.

    “It’s the match that everyone looks forward to in the French league,” said Galtier. “When I wasn’t the Paris Saint-Germain coach, I was always excited to watch it. It is the Classique. Everybody is excited about it.”

    Galtier, who hails from Marseille, was adamant the vibe in the PSG dressing room is one of unity rather than division.

    “Of course we don’t all kiss each other every day, but things are going much better than elsewhere,” he said.

    “It is going much better than you might write or imagine. Kylian Mbappe is doing very well.”

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Tottenham boss Conte never worried by lack of goals for Son or Kane

    Antonio Conte claimed he has never been worried about the form of strike duo Son Heung-min and Harry Kane as Tottenham prepare to host Everton on Saturday.

    Son endured an underwhelming start to the 2022-23 campaign, failing to score in Spurs’ first six Premier League games before hitting a hat-trick in a 6-2 thrashing of Leicester City last month.

    While those goals remain Son’s only domestic strikes of the season, he scored a brace – including a crashing left-footed volley – as Tottenham earned a 3-2 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.

    Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s meeting with the Toffees, Conte said Son’s quality prevents him from fretting about any lack of goals, adding he would feel the same if Kane endured a drought.

    “I wasn’t really worried about Sonny, or maybe last season, if Harry didn’t score goals,” Conte said on Friday. “We are talking about two important players for us, they work very well.

    “It can happen during the season that you have a period where you can’t score or are a bit unlucky, but I repeat, we are talking about two important strikers.

    “For sure, by the end of the season, I know that they are going to score more goals to help us do our best.”

    Kane’s tally of eight Premier League goals this season is only bettered by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (15), and the England captain has scored 13 goals in 14 league appearances against Everton.

    That return includes six doubles – only Alan Shearer has scored multiple goals against a specific opponent more often in the competition (seven times v Leeds United; six braces, one hat-trick).

    Kane’s form has helped Tottenham cope with the absence of fellow attacker Dejan Kulusevski, who has been ruled out since last month after sustaining a hamstring injury.

    Conte pledged not to take any “stupid” risks with Kulusevski’s fitness as he ruled the Sweden international out of Saturday’s match, adding: “We have the same players from the last game.

    “Deki is still not available for the Everton game. The rest of the players are okay.

    “We need to have a bit of patience with him, and to not take any stupid risks because we play a lot of games between now and November.

    “It’s important he recovers very well, and in this moment he is not 100 per cent in perfect physical condition. For this reason, it’s good to respect the opinions of the doctors.”

    Conte has seen his sides keep clean sheets in all six of his Premier League meetings with Everton. Should Tottenham shut Frank Lampard’s men out this week, the Spurs boss will match Roberto Mancini (seven v Wigan Athletic) for the most games against a single side without conceding in the competition as coach.

    Source: Livescrore

     

  • Klopp thinks City the ‘perfect fit’ for Haaland to fulfil ‘insane’ potential

    Jurgen Klopp became aware of Erling Haaland’s “insane” potential when he faced Liverpool with Salzburg, and the Reds boss believes the striker has found “a perfect fit” at Manchester City.

    Liverpool were drawn into the same Champions League group as Haaland’s Salzburg in the 2019-20 season.

    Then 19, having hit a hat-trick against Genk on his Champions League debut, Haaland netted in a 4-3 defeat at Anfield.

    The Norway international has scarcely stopped scoring since, earning moves to Klopp’s former club Borussia Dortmund and then City, where he has an astonishing 20 goals in 13 games in all competitions.

    Ahead of facing Haaland again on Sunday in the Premier League, Klopp was asked for his take on the dominant forward.

    “Even when he was very young, younger than he is now, you could see the potential was insane,” Klopp said.

    “Physically, he sets new standards. The combination of being really physical and technical and [having] sensational awareness, his orientation on the pitch is exceptional, he is barely offside, he resets really well – there are so many things that make him a striker.

    “Now, at City, he has some of the best players around him in the world in setting up goals and finding the right moment for the passes, with Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, [Riyad] Mahrez, whoever. They all are really good at that.

    “It’s a perfect fit, there is no doubt about that.”

    Asked how Haaland might compare to other elite forwards, with Robert Lewandowski name-checked as a player Klopp worked with previously, the Liverpool manager said: “For Erling, I think it’s that he combines so many things, and it’s rare.

    “His finishing skills are exceptional, but he also moves really smart. You can only use the speed if you use it in a smart way, because just running is not helpful if you forget the ball or whatever. Especially behind the line, you need to make sure that you are patient enough in not being offside.

    “The package makes him special.”

    So, do Liverpool have any special plans for dealing with Haaland? That is tricky, Klopp said, when he plays for a side as good as City.

    “When you play against, at the moment, the best striker in the world, you have to make sure he doesn’t get that many balls,” Klopp explained.

    “That’s what we will try, but against City, obviously the problem is if you close Haaland down with too many players then you open up gaps for all the other world-class players, so that will not make life easier.

    “It’s a challenge, a football problem. We will try to find solutions.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Allegri denies reports of Juventus unrest ahead of derby clash

    Massimiliano Allegri has denied reports that several Juventus players were angered by his decision to impose a training retreat ahead of Saturday’s derby against Torino.

    Juventus suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat at Maccabi Haifa on Tuesday, leaving Allegri’s team on the brink of a group-stage exit from the Champions League.

    Meanwhile, Juve have taken just 13 points from their first nine matches of the Serie A season, their worst return at this stage of a campaign since 2015-16 (12), and are already 10 points adrift of leaders Napoli.

    Bianconeri chairman Andrea Agnelli was forced to reject reports Allegri would be fired following the loss in Israel, after which the Juventus coach revealed the team would hunker down at their Continassa training ground ahead of Saturday’s Derby della Mole.

    Subsequent reports suggested that decision irritated several players, but Allegri claimed that is not the case on Friday, saying: “These are unfounded rumours. The team has never asked not to retire.

    “We know the moment, we came back on Wednesday, we trained when we arrived and the next morning we were on the pitch.

    “We are focused on trying to get out of this situation which is certainly not beautiful. We know that we cannot come out with just one match, but we must start achieving results.

    “I talk to the team every day. Withdrawal is just a moment to be together, it is not a punishment.

    “We had yesterday and today to do double workouts, to give a little more order because it is normal that when there are no results, we tend to see things blacker than they are.”

    Juventus are winless in their last six away games in Serie A (D2 L4), their longest such run since they failed to win on seven consecutive road trips in 2010, but Allegri says the Bianconeri retain a sense of togetherness.

    “It is not my personal challenge, it belongs to everyone,” he added. “It is not that one wins and the others lose, it is done all together.

    “The team has worked well for two days, this afternoon we will do the last refinement and then we will arrive tomorrow evening to play against Torino.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Chelsea boss Potter backs under-fire Gerrard

    Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has given his backing to Steven Gerrard following a poor start to the season for Aston Villa.

    Villa have won just two of their opening nine Premier League matches, sitting just three points above the relegation zone with only Wolves having scoring fewer than their goal tally of seven.

    That has resulted in boss Gerrard coming under pressure, with speculation that Villa could move on from the former Liverpool captain if results do not improve.

    Potter has made it clear that the situation can change swiftly, adding that there is “always somebody under pressure” in England’s top flight.

    “The margins are very small in the Premier League – I’m sure Steven will want to improve their results,” he said ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Villa on Sunday.

    “If they had beaten Forest they would have gone above Liverpool so that shows you how quick things change.

    “There’s always somebody under pressure in the Premier League and at the moment it’s Steven.”

    Chelsea’s axing of Thomas Tuchel and appointment of Potter has resulted in a quick upturn in form, with the Blues unbeaten in his five games in charge and enjoying a four-match winning streak.

    That has come despite a “surreal” start to Potter’s stint at Stamford Bridge and the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss is adamant there is still work to do.

    He added: “From the outside results are good, there are always things you can improve, but I can’t sit here and complain about anything, with the results we’ve had.

    “It was a really surreal start with the Queen’s death, games being called off, not really knowing the players but I’ve got to credit the players – they have been really open and it has gone well.

    “We haven’t played that many games in the league, there are so many games to go.”

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Klopp says Liverpool-City could be title decider but rules out Reds

    Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will experience a familiar rush heading into Sunday’s clash with Manchester City, despite writing off their Premier League title chances.

    Klopp has openly dismissed the possibility of the Reds contending for top spot this term, having already slipped 14 points behind leaders Arsenal and 13 adrift of champions City.

    Liverpool have regularly been City’s closest challengers in recent seasons, twice taking them to the final day and winning the title themselves in 2019-20.

    As such, matches between the two teams have made for compelling viewing, with the championship seemingly on the line.

    Yet Klopp, while acknowledging his side will not be celebrating come May, suggests the title element could still be relevant this weekend as Liverpool welcome City – “definitely the best football team in the world” – to Anfield.

    “It could be [a title decider] this year… just not with us,” Klopp said.

    “When you play City, the results left and right are not really important. This game requires all your focus, requires all the things you know about football.

    “I enjoy preparing the game really, but it’s the biggest challenge you can face in football.

    “Football is all about closing down spaces, closing down players, making challenges in the right areas, these kind of things. With City, it’s always: if you close down here, they are there; if you close down that gap, you open up that gap. The pitch is so big, and we have only 10 players to close all the gaps.

    “It’s always a challenge. It’s not that we now feel different; it’s a home game, it’s Anfield, it’s us against Man City.

    “They are, at the moment, definitely the best football team in the world, that’s how it is. But we will give it a try anyway, knowing there are no guarantees. We get help from a full Anfield and we try to use that.”

    Liverpool come into the match on a high after winning 7-1 against Rangers in the Champions League.

    That was an encouraging result and performance for Klopp, but having also beaten Bournemouth 9-0 this season before again struggling, he added a joke at his team’s expense.

    “It’s helpful when these boys at least still know where the goal is,” he said. “We just need to spread the goals a bit more to different games.

    “We should not focus on one, then nine, then seven, then nil. We know that.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Guardiola faces Man City contract extension talk ahead of Liverpool clash

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he is “not thinking one second” over a potential contract extension as his team prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

    Having joined City in 2016 and led them to four of the last five Premier League titles, Guardiola’s side once again look favourites to win the league.

    They are the only remaining unbeaten team in the Premier League this season and are kept off the top spot by just Arsenal.

    But with Guardiola’s current set to expire at the end of the 2022-23 season, there are fears he may depart in similar fashion to the sabbatical period he took when leaving Barcelona in 2012 if a new agreement is not made.

    However, Guardiola says he is not even considering his contract situation yet.

    “You know I am not thinking one second about that,” he said.

    “We have two or three weeks until the World Cup and this is an important time. After that, we have plenty of time to talk about that.”

    Sunday’s fixture sees City face their closest competitors over the past couple of years, with the Citizens and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool finishing as the top two in three of the past five campaigns.

    After finishing as runners-up in both the Premier League and Champions League last term, Liverpool have struggled at the beginning of this season, winning just two of their eight league games and already finding themselves 13 points behind City and 14 behind leaders Arsenal.

    Liverpool’s star forward Mohamed Salah has faced particular criticism for his poor start, but Guardiola believes the Egypt international will come good.

    “These type of players always score goals in their career,” Guardiola added. “Sometimes they struggle a little bit, but the quality is there.

    “They get chances, they convert it. We played many times against Liverpool. Just because Salah isn’t scoring goals now doesn’t mean he’s not going to score.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Fuel prices to increase by 10% effective October 16 – COPEC predicts

    The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has warned Ghanaians to brace themselves for yet another surge in fuel prices.

    Prices of petroleum products are expected to see a rise from Sunday, October 16. This forms part of the adjustments for the 2nd pricing window of this month.

    According to COPEC, fuel prices across pumps are projected to see an increase of an average of 10% for both petrol and diesel.

    From observed figures within the downstream industry, and forex movements, COPEC anticipates an average price escalation of about 10.12% for both petrol and diesel based on the increase in price of crude oil on the international market and the depreciation of the cedi.

    “Between the current window and the next window due, 16 Oct 2022, Crude oil price is observed to have seen an increase of 3.66% from $89.46 to $92.73 per Barrel, whilst the Dollar index has further gone up by about 4.08% from GHS10.21 to GHS10.627 per Dollar as per Government rate (Conservative figures) though actual market rates are quite higher currently,” COPEC observed.

    The corresponding international processed Petroleum prices for the next window averages as follows:

    Petrol: $964.75/MT (up by 15.72%)
    Diesel: $1,097.15/MT (up by 9.60%)

    Internally, the projected average price of both Petrol and Diesel for the next window are expected to be GHS13.77/L, showing a price jump of 10.12% over the current Mean fuel Prices for both products across the various OMCs trading.

    From observed data, Petrol, which is currently selling at an industry average of GHS11.06/L is likely to be sold at GHS12.38/L (11.88% higher) from 16 October 2022 whilst Diesel currently selling at an industry average of GHS13.95/L is likely to be sold at GHS15.16/L. (8.72% higher)

    For LPG, the international price is estimated to hit $618.34/MT (up by 3.81%); the price of LPG is likely to go up by 5.04% to sell around GHS10.21/kg.

    Considering no sudden jerks in Crude Oil pricing, that may lead to changes in Petrol, Diesel and LPG Prices on the International market, the Mean Ex-pump prices are expected to be within the projected figures by +/-2% as indicated below:

    Petrol: GHS12.12/L to GHS12.63/L
    Diesel: GHS14.86/L to GHS15.46/L
    LPG: GHS10.01/kg to GHS10.41/kg

    COPEC has therefore implored the petroleum service providers to be considerate of applying the full force of the indexes in their pricing.

    It added: “We are without equivocation, mindful that, the projected figures are conservatively lower than what the actuals could be due to the continuous depreciation of the local currency.”

    It further admonished: “Government to do whatever it deems necessary, to ensure an urgent stabilisation of the cedi to the Dollar exchange rate in order to prevent pricing of petroleum products getting to an impending disaster as the effect of these steep increases in fuel prices cuts across all sectors of the local economy and to also further ensure some drastic reductions of some of the existing taxes and levies on Petroleum products to help ease the burden on consumers.”

  • Jeremy Hunt appointed as UK chancellor

    Jeremy Hunt has been made chancellor, Downing Street has confirmed.

    This comes barely an hour after Kwasi Kwarteng was relieved of his duties by Prime Minister Liz Truss.

    During the leadership contest over the summer, Hunt put himself forward to be the next Tory leader but after not gaining enough support from fellow MPs he supported Rishi Sunak’s bid.

    Hunt will be the fourth chancellor this year.

    Ed Argar will take over chief secretary to the treasury – the second in command over the country’s finances.

    Argar will be moving from his role at the Cabinet Office as paymaster general, swapping roles with his predecessor Chris Philp, who becomes the new paymaster general.

  • Social media users react to Kwasi Kwarteng’s dismissal as Chancellor

    Users on social media are reacting to the dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng as the UK Chancellor.

    He was relieved of his duties today, Friday, October 14, 2022, by Prime Minister Liz Truss.

    Mr Kwarteng served for 39 days after being appointed on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

    There are diverse opinions from social media users on the matter. Some section of the public believe his sacking was inevitable as the Pound as plummeted by over one percent against the US dollars.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Liz Truss will hold a press conference at 14:30 BST to break silence on the issue.

    One person being tipped to be the new chancellor is Jeremy Hunt.

  • Moyes warns job not done after Anderlecht victory

    David Moyes was delighted to see West Ham qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League knockout stages but warned his side the job is not yet done after a 2-1 victory over Anderlecht.

    The Hammers saw off their Belgian Pro League rivals at London Stadium on Thursday thanks to goals from Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen, in a match marred late on by crowd trouble in the stands.

    Victory further cements West Ham’s place atop Group B with four wins from four, six points ahead of Danish outfit Silkeborg, who they face in a fortnight.

    But with sides finishing in first place heading straight to the last-16, and runners-up having to settle for an additional play-off round with teams eliminated from the Europa League, Moyes cautioned there remains work to be done.

    “I’m really pleased we’ve qualified for the next stage,” he stated. “The big thing is to always be in Europe still after Christmas.

    “[But] the form of Silkeborg at the moment looks a problem given the goals they’re scoring, so we still need a point to be winners of the group.

    “Hopefully we can do that but winning tonight was important. We deserved to win, but we made it much harder for ourselves than it should’ve been.”

    The final act in London – during which Anderlecht scored a late penalty to set up a tense last few minutes – was overshadowed by off-field events, with police required to keep supporters at bay.

    Anderlecht subsequently criticised their own supporters in a statement after the full-time whistle, a move Moyes applauded, though the Scotsman was at pains to limit discussion on the matter.

    “It’s good for the press officer to stand up for the club,” he added. “It’s a big credit to them as they’re a really good football club. They want to protect their own club and rightly so.

    “Everyone’s focus is taken away when there’s crowd trouble in some way. I didn’t have any interest in it as it’s one of those things you don’t want to talk about. I don’t want to draw any more attention to it.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Premier League Matchday 11: Liverpool and Man City meet in clash of the titans

    The best two sides of recent Premier League seasons do battle on Sunday afternoon when Manchester City travel to Liverpool.

    But before they bring the curtain down on the footballing weekend, there are plenty of tasty clashes elsewhere.

    Manchester United meet Newcastle, leaders Arsenal are at Leeds and we have every game previewed.

    Brentford vs Brighton (Friday, 8pm, Sky Sports)

    Brentford host Brighton hoping their impressive Friday night record ends their eight-year wait for a home win over the Seagulls.

    The Bees have not lost on a Friday in nine attempts and secured victories against both Arsenal and Watford last term, but they have only beaten the Seagulls once at home in their last seven meetings.

    They also enter this game after a club record 5-1 Premier League defeat at Newcastle and are looking to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time since February.

    Brighton were beaten by Tottenham last time out but have won eight and drawn three of their past 13 games.

    Leicester vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport 1)

    Brendan Rodgers is under increasing pressure at Leicester, who face Crystal Palace on Saturday
    Brendan Rodgers is under increasing pressure at Leicester, who face Crystal Palace on Saturday

    Brendan Rodgers continues to hang on to his job at Leicester and will know anything other than a win against Crystal Palace could see him axed.

    The bottom-placed Foxes lost at Bournemouth last time out and their 24 goals conceded through nine games is the joint-worst in their history.

    They have already lost four times this term when scoring first and the fact both of Palace’s league wins have come from 1-0 down will worry Rodgers.

    The Eagles picked up a much-needed three points at home to Leeds last Sunday and will want to end their run of three consecutive defeats at the King Power Stadium.

    Fulham vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)

    Among the favourites for relegation before a ball was kicked, Fulham and Bournemouth head into this game in the top half of the table.

    But the Cottagers will be keen to avoid a third successive defeat and beat the Cherries for just the second time in 11 meetings.

    In fact, not since April 1992 have Bournemouth lost at Craven Cottage, though they have been defeated in seven of their past eight top-flight games in London.

    After netting in both games against Fulham in the Championship last term, Dominic Solanke is one away from his 50th goal in English league football.

    Wolves vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)

    A battle of two expensively assembled but struggling squads takes place as Wolves welcome Nottingham Forest to Molineux.

    It is the first time since March 1984 that the two sides have met in the top tier, though both sit in the relegation zone after nine games.

    Wolves have netted just three times in the league this term and have already drawn 0-0 with the other two promoted sides Fulham and Bournemouth.

    Forest, meanwhile, have lost three of their four away league games this term, including the last two by an aggregate of 10-0.

    Tottenham vs Everton (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

    Richarlison is still looking for his first Premier League goal for Tottenham
    Richarlison is still looking for his first Premier League goal for Tottenham

    Tottenham are aiming for a 10th successive home victory when Everton make the trip to the capital.

    Spurs also have an imperious record against the Toffees, losing only one of their past 19 meetings (nine wins, nine draws).

    Frank Lampard’s Toffees were on a seven-game unbeaten run before losing to Manchester United last Sunday, though they did win their last away game at Southampton.

    It will mark Richarlison’s first game against his former side after he scored 53 goals in 152 matches for them.

    Aston Villa vs Chelsea (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

    Boyhood Aston Villa fan Graham Potter takes Chelsea to Villa Park looking to continue his strong start to life as the Blues boss.

    The West Londoners have won four consecutive games and are eyeing back-to-back clean sheets in the top flight for the first time since March after beating Wolves 3-0 last weekend.

    Villa have only beaten Chelsea once in their past 11 meetings and are struggling with boss Steven Gerrard under increasing scrutiny.

    Only Wolves (three) have netted fewer times than Gerrard’s side (four) and despite a four-game unbeaten run, fans who witnessed Monday’s tepid 1-1 draw at Forest on Monday were calling for him to go.

    Leeds vs Arsenal (Sunday, 2pm)

    Arsenal will look for their 12th win in 13 games when they visit Leeds on Sunday
    Arsenal will look for their 12th win in 13 games when they visit Leeds on Sunday

    Early season pacesetters Arsenal travel north to Leeds looking to maintain their spot at the top of the Premier League.

    Victory at Elland Road would mean the Gunners win nine of their opening 10 league games for the first time since the 1903-04 season.

    In fact, the past four teams to have achieved this feat have all gone on to win the league, with Liverpool being the most recent in the 2019-20 campaign.

    But Leeds are unbeaten at Elland Road with three wins and two draws this season, though they are on a five-game winless run.

    Manchester United vs Newcastle (Sunday, 2pm)

    After smashing four past Fulham and five past Brentford, Newcastle go on the hunt for a first victory at Manchester United in nine years.

    In fact, the Magpies have only won on one of their past 37 league trips to United and have conceded more Premier League goals against them than any other opponent (113).

    The Red Devils have netted three or more goals in each of their past five home games with Newcastle, only against Luton between 1899 and 1957 have they managed that feat in six consecutive games.

    Under Erik ten Hag, the hosts have turned their league form around with five wins in six games, as many as they had managed in their previous 18.

    Southampton vs West Ham (Sunday, 2pm)

    Struggling Southampton are out to avoid a fifth successive defeat when West Ham visit the South Coast.

    Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints are on a seemingly unstoppable downward spiral with just two wins in their past 15 league games and two in their last 10 at home.

    Despite losing 3-1 in last season’s FA Cup fifth round, the Hammers have enjoyed recent league trips to St Mary’s, taking eight points from their past four away meetings.

    After netting against Wolves and Fulham, Gianluca Scamacca will be the first Italian to score in three Premier League games in a row since Manolo Gabbiadini did it for Southampton in 2017.

    Gianluca Scamacca is looking for a third goal in three Premier League games
    Gianluca Scamacca is looking for a third goal in three Premier League games

    Liverpool vs Manchester City (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

    Perennial challengers Liverpool face Manchester City knowing defeat would leave them 16 points off the champions and their title hopes in tatters.

    The Reds are enduring their worst start to a campaign since 2012-13 with just 10 points from their opening eight games.

    And Jurgen Klopp’s side are winless in their past five league meetings with City, but secured 3-2 victories in both last season’s FA Cup semi-final and July’s Community Shield clash.

    Erling Haaland can break another record at Anfield — if he scores two goals he will beat Luis Suarez’s Premier League record for most goals in a 10-game period, set back in December 2013.

    Source: Livescore

  • Bundesliga Matchday 10: Dortmund face capital clash with leaders Union

    Borussia Dortmund secured a last-gasp draw with Bayern Munich on Matchday 9 — and things do not get any easier this weekend with a trip to leaders Union Berlin.

    Bayern, meanwhile, face a tricky test of their own as they host second-placed Freiburg.

    Eintracht Frankfurt face struggling Bayer Leverkusen, while the Bundesliga’s bottom two sides meet when winless Stuttgart play Bochum.

    Elsewhere, RB Leipzig will be looking to maintain their recent upturn in form when they take on Hertha Berlin.

    Game of the week: Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund (Sunday, 4.30pm)

    Table-toppers Union are enjoying their best-ever start to a Bundesliga campaign with 20 points from nine games — but they will have to defy more of their own history to get the better of Dortmund.

    The Berlin outfit have a worse top-flight loss percentage against the visitors than any other opponent (67%) and have suffered defeat in each of their last three meetings with them.

    Additionally, they have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last eight competitive clashes with BVB and have conceded more Bundesliga goals against them (16) than any other side except Bayern (also 16).

    However, the league leaders have the best defence in Germany’s top flight this year, conceding just six times and boasting a division-low expected goals against tally of 8.1.

    Union are unbeaten in their last 10 Bundesliga home games (seven wins, three draws) and will hope to continue that run against Edin Terzic’s men.

    Bayern go into this fixture below Freiburg for just the third time in their history — but they have the chance to leapfrog their opponents with a win.

    Julian Nagelsmann’s men are enduring their worst start to a season in 12 years. But history is on the reigning champions’ side in this fixture, with Die Roten never having lost a home Bundesliga match against Freiburg (19 wins, three draws).

    However, the Breisgau Brazilians are one of just two teams who are still unbeaten away from home this term, so will hope to maintain that record in Bavaria.

    Freiburg have also scored in each of their last eight clashes with Bayern — doing so again will certainly boost their chances of a positive result.

    Bayern Munich were comprehensive winners in their last match against Freiburg
    Bayern Munich were comprehensive winners in their last match against Freiburg

    Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    Leverkusen’s 4-0 win over Schalke last Saturday saw them climb into 15th place and out of the drop zone.

    But Eintracht Frankfurt are not the side they would have wished to come against next, as they look to turn that momentum into a positive run.

    The hosts have won more Bundesliga home games against Leverkusen than against any other side (21) — and Xabi Alonso’s side only have a worse away loss percentage against Bayern (74%) than they do versus this weekend’s opponents (57%).

    In fact, Leverkusen have lost their last four trips to Deutsche Bank Park.

    However, Die Adler have conceded three goals in defeats to both Bochum and Tottenham in the past week and will be hoping for a positive response.

    Stuttgart vs Bochum (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    The league’s bottom two clubs — Stuttgart and Bochum — face off in a critical encounter.

    The hosts sit one place higher with five points to their rivals’  four — but are the only team in the league yet to taste victory.

    Bochum have the worst away record in the division (zero points) but come up against the league’s worst home side in Stuttgart (two points).

    Die Schwaben are unbeaten in their last 23 home games against Bochum in all competitions (16 wins, seven draws). However, they have also failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 26 Bundesliga matches at home — a club record.

    RB Leipzig vs Hertha Berlin (Saturday, 5.30pm)

    Timo Werner is starting to regain his goalscoring touch after returning to RB Leipzig from Chelsea in the summer
    Timo Werner is starting to regain his goalscoring touch after returning to RB Leipzig from Chelsea in the summer

    RB Leipzig have started tentatively picking up form after a poor start to the season, earning four points from their last two league outings.

    And this clash with Hertha Berlin represents a good chance to build some momentum, with Leipzig winning 10 of their 12 Bundesliga matches against the club from the capital (one draw, one defeat) — scoring 45 goals in the process. Both those tallies are higher than against any other side.

    Hertha are unbeaten in their last five games but have only won once in 2022-23, drawing their last four in a row.

    Leipzig will look to Timo Werner to break that streak, with the striker having been involved in 12 Bundesliga goals against Hertha in his career (eight goals, four assists) — only managing more against Mainz.

    The weekend’s other games

    Schalke vs Hoffenheim (Friday, 7.30pm)

    Werder Bremen vs Mainz (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    Wolfsburg vs Borussia Monchengladbach (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    FC Cologne vs Augsburg (Sunday, 2.30pm)

    Source: Livescore

  • Drake logo to appear on Barcelona jerseys in El Clasico

    Barcelona will wear a limited-edition jersey donning the logo of rapper and singer Drake during Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.

    The idea stems from Barca’s relationship with audio streaming subscription service Spotify, whose branding usually appears on the front of the Blaugrana’s shirts and who own the naming rights to Camp Nou.

    But rather than Spotify branding on jerseys this weekend, Barca will instead sport Drake’s ‘OVO Sound’ logo – essentially the silhouette of an owl.

    It is a move designed to celebrate Drake becoming the first artist to break the 50 billion streams barrier on Spotify.

    The four-time Grammy winner’s achievement was not recent, however, with the Canadian reaching the 50 billion mark in January 2021.

    In addition to his logo featuring on Barca jerseys throughout the game, Xavi’s team will also wear a special version during their warm-up, with ‘DRAKE 50’ on the back – the usual Spotify brand will appear on the front of this shirt.

    Barcelona travel to the Santiago Bernabeu as LaLiga leaders, but they are only ahead of bitter rivals Madrid on goal difference after both teams won seven and drew the other in their first eight games of the season.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Serie A Matchday 10: Juventus target redemption in Turin derby

    Juventus’ struggles show no signs of abating — and a Derby della Mole clash with Torino is next up for the beleaguered Bianconeri.

    Max Allegri’s men are bidding to bounce back from a humbling midweek defeat against Maccabi Haifa when they face an out-of-form Granata this weekend.

    Elsewhere, table-toppers Napoli host Bologna, while fellow title challengers AC Milan head to Verona.

    European hopefuls Lazio and Udinese meet in the capital on Sunday, before sixth-place Roma take on bottom side Sampdoria.

    Game of the week: Torino vs Juventus (Saturday, 5pm)

    It is now back-to-back defeats for Juventus, who are reeling from losses to AC Milan and Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa in the past week.

    But a meeting with Torino should offer the perfect opportunity to put things right — Juve have only lost one of their previous 32 Serie A meetings against their city rivals (won 23, drawn eight).

    The Granata have also won just two of their last 12 league fixtures at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino (drawn five, lost five), failing to score in five of their most recent eight home encounters.

    Ivan Juric’s side will need to pay particular attention to Juan Cuadrado, who has been involved in an impressive 11 Serie A goals against Saturday’s opponents.

    Despite Juventus' struggles, Juan Cuadrado has created a number of chances for his team-mates in 2022-23
    Despite Juventus’ struggles, Juan Cuadrado has created a number of chances for his team-mates in 2022-23

    Napoli vs Bologna (Sunday, 5pm)

    Unstoppable Napoli continue to demolish all that come before them, both domestically and in Europe.

    Buoyed by a 4-2 midweek victory over Ajax, Luciano Spalletti’s high-flyers will fancy their chances of racking up another win against struggling Bologna.

    After all, Napoli have won their last four fixtures against the Rossoblu — keeping three clean sheets in the process — and are in sensational form.

    Only AC Milan (64) have picked up more points since the turn of the year than the Partenopei (63), while Napoli’s attack is the best in the division over that period with 61 goals scored.

    Verona vs AC Milan (Sunday, 7.45pm)

    Milan will be itching to get back to domestic matters, after their damaging Champions League defeat to Chelsea in midweek.

    The Rossoneri are just three points off Serie A’s summit — and should be confident of adding to their points total at lowly Verona.

    Stefano Pioli’s outfit are the division’s only unbeaten team away from home in 2022 (played 13, won nine, drawn four), while their opponents have lost their previous four matches.

    The visitors have an impressive recent record against the Gialloblu too, winning five of their last seven encounters and each of their three most recent meetings.

    Lazio vs Udinese (Sunday, 2pm)

    Gerard Deulofeu's displays has been a key factor in Udinese's impressive Serie A form
    Gerard Deulofeu’s displays has been a key factor in Udinese’s impressive Serie A form

    Rome’s Stadio Olimpico plays host to a fascinating encounter between Lazio and Udinese on Sunday afternoon, with both teams firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

    Surprise package Udinese have picked up 20 points from their first nine games of the season for only the second time in their history — but they face a Biancocelesti side in scintillating form.

    Maurizio Sarri’s unit have won their last four league matches by an aggregate scoreline of 14-0. They could triumph in five consecutive games without conceding a goal for the first time ever on Sunday.

    However, Gerard Deulofeu will be confident of stopping that run. The Zebrette forward has been involved in a goal in each of his last three appearances and has already registered an eye-catching six assists this term.

    Sampdoria vs Roma (Monday, 5.30pm)

    Roma narrowly edged their last visit to Stadio Luigi Ferraris
    Roma narrowly edged their last visit to Stadio Luigi Ferraris

    Sampdoria are yet to win a single Serie A game in 2022-23 — and Jose Mourinho’s resurgent Roma will be aiming to inflict more misery on the Blucerchiati faithful.

    Monday’s hosts have won only one of their last eight meetings with the club from the capital (drawn two, lost five).

    However, scoring goals has not been the Giallorossi’s forte this term. They have only found the net 12 times, which is some way below their expected goals tally of 18.92 — no other club in Europe’s big five leagues has a greater disparity.

    The visitors will be confident of coming away with all three points if they open the scoring though. Only Milan can match the six times that Roma have triumphed when they have netted first.

    The weekend’s other games

    Empoli vs Monza (Saturday, 2pm)

    Atalanta vs Sassuolo (Saturday, 7.45pm)

    Inter Milan vs Salernitana (Sunday, 11.30am)

    Spezia vs Cremonese (Sunday, 2pm)

    Lecce vs Fiorentina (Monday, 7.45pm)

    Source: Livescore

  • Transfer Talk: De Jong plotting January exit as Barca frustrations grow

    Frenkie de Jong is growing frustrated with his lack of game time at Barcelona this season.

    The Dutchman, 25, has only played 90 minutes twice in LaLiga so far this term and the is now said to be considering his future at the club.

    De Jong — a 44-cap international — was part of a transfer saga in the summer with former Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag trying to bring his former charge to Manchester United.

    A move never materialised due to a difference in personal terms but the United boss has not ruled out a future deal being struck.

    Catalonia has not been a happy home for the midfield maestro with Xavi often opting for the likes of Sergio Busquets or Gavi in important games.

    And with El Clasico taking place on Sunday, De Jong’s future could be plunged into further doubt if he were to warm the bench again.

    Xavi’s men are on the brink of Champions League elimination and an early exit would heighten their financial problems.

    A move to offload their No21 would become more favourable should Barca need to raise funds quickly and with United lurking once more, we could see movement in January.

    In other news

    Bruno Guimaraes is proving to be a coup for Newcastle
    Bruno Guimaraes is proving to be a coup for Newcastle

    Real Madrid have been monitoring Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes but the Magpies are set to block any attempts at a transfer, report The Daily Star.

    According to Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan have offered Rafael Leao a new contract to fend off interest from Chelsea.

    The Blues, meanwhile, are prepared to pay upwards of £80million for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham, say Bild.

    Source: Livescore

  • LaLiga Matchday 9: Real and Barca meet in El Clasico showdown

    El Clasico takes centre stage in Spain this weekend — and the stakes could not be higher.

    Real Madrid and Barcelona are level on points at LaLiga’s summit, with only goal difference separating the division’s fiercest rivals.

    Elsewhere, top-four contenders Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid go head-to-head, with fellow European hopefuls Real Betis and Valencia in action against Almeria and Elche respectively.

    At the opposite end of the table, struggling Sevilla will be desperate to get their season up and running when they travel to Mallorca on Saturday.

    Game of the week: Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Sunday, 3.15pm)

    Barcelona’s Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after their midweek draw with Inter Milan — but they remain top of the pile in LaLiga.

    Real will fancy their chances of leapfrogging the Catalans though, having won five of their last six meetings in all competitions.

    However, their previous encounter saw Barca secure a sensational 4-0 victory, so Blaugrana supporters will be hoping for consecutive Clasico triumphs for the first time since March 2019.

    Both teams’ centre forwards could have a decisive impact on this match.

    Karim Benzema has scored 20 times in 38 appearances for Los Blancos against Barcelona, while Robert Lewandowski has netted six times in eight games against the Madrid outfit.

    Star strikers Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski will be looking to add to their respective goal tallies in El Clasico
    Star strikers Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski will be looking to add to their respective goal tallies in El Clasico

    Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid (Saturday, 8pm)

    LaLiga’s top-four battle is fiercer than ever, so Athletic and Atleti will be desperate for all three points at San Mames.

    But the visitors have a tough task on their hands this Saturday. Bilbao are unbeaten at home in 2022-23 and have only lost one game all season — that is their lowest number of defeats at this stage of the campaign in the 21st century.

    Despite that impressive record, the omens could be in Atleti’s favour. Current Los Leones boss Ernesto Valverde has suffered six defeats when facing opposite number Diego Simeone — his second-worst record against any manager.

    Colchoneros striker Antoine Griezmann has also been a constant thorn in the hosts’ side, having been directly involved in 15 LaLiga goals against Bilbao (nine goals, six assists).

    Both of Antoine Griezmann's league goals this season have come from outside the box
    Both of Antoine Griezmann’s league goals this season have come from outside the box

    Mallorca vs Sevilla (Saturday, 5.30pm)

    Sevilla’s startling decline saw Jorge Sampaoli replace Julen Lopetegui in the dugout earlier this month — and he will be targeting a first victory in Mallorca.

    However, a point apiece is the more likely outcome if history is anything to go by, with these sides playing out a remarkable 19 LaLiga draws.

    Mallorca have failed to win in their last four encounters with Los Nervionenses (drawn two, lost two), though Sevilla are considerably weaker than in previous campaigns.

    This is just the second time this century that the visitors have only won a solitary match from their first eight league fixtures.

    Valencia vs Elche (Saturday, 3.15pm)

    Valencia’s upcoming game against Elche will have repercussions at both ends of the table.

    Los Che are firmly in the hunt for European football next season, while their opponents are propping up the division with just two points on the board.

    And the hosts’ record against Los Franjiverdes is exemplary, having won their last three encounters and only lost once in 23 home meetings (won 16, drawn six).

    Elche’s hopes of success may rest with forward Roger Marti, who has previously scored six times in eight LaLiga appearances against Valencia — more than any other side he has faced.

    Valencia secured a narrow 1-0 victory when they last faced Elche
    Valencia secured a narrow 1-0 victory when they last faced Elche

    Real Betis vs Almeria (Sunday, 8pm)

    Betis are only outside of the top four on goal difference — but will need to get back to winning ways after dropping points in their last two matches.

    Los Verdiblancos seem to have misplaced their shooting boots in recent LaLiga fixtures. After netting seven times from their first 13 shots on target this season, they have scored just three from their last 16.

    Luckily for Betis, they are facing an Almeria side who have allowed 118 shots against them — the third most in the division.

    Manuel Pellegrini has also never lost any of his home meetings with La Union across his managerial career (won three, drawn one), so will be full of confidence ahead of Sunday evening’s match-up.

    The weekend’s other games

    Rayo Vallecano vs Getafe (Friday, 8pm)

    Girona vs Cadiz (Saturday, 1pm)

    Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad (Sunday, 1pm)

    Espanyol vs Real Valladolid (Sunday, 5.30pm)

    Villarreal vs Osasuna (Monday, 8pm)

    Source: Livescore

  • Museveni’s son apologises for Kenya invasion tweets

    Ugandan General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has apologised to Kenya’s President William Ruto over tweeted threats about invading the neighbouring country and capturing its capital in two weeks.

    Gen Kainerugaba’s tweets drew angry reactions from Kenyans and prompted his father, President Yoweri Museveni, to apologise to Kenya.

    In his Thursday evening apology, the general said he had never had any problem with President Ruto.

    He added: “If I made a mistake anywhere, I ask him to forgive me as his young brother.”

    Mr Museveni – who has been in power since 1986 – has long been suspected of grooming his 48-year-old son to succeed him when he eventually steps down, an allegation he has always denied.

    Source: BBC

     

  • Mourinho goads Barca and Juve as ‘failed sharks of Champions League’

    Roma head coach Jose Mourinho mocked clubs qualifying for the Europa League knockout stages via the backdoor as ‘the failed sharks of the Champions League’.

    Mourinho’s side are in a battle to reach the knockout stages via Group C after a 1-1 draw at Real Betis left them third on four points, behind the Spaniards (10) and Ludogorets (seven). Roma will still hope to overhaul Ludogorets and advance with two games to play in the group.

    The draw, however, meant Betis were assured of reaching the next stage and Mourinho was asked if they were the Europa League favourites, leading him to implicitly goad teams like Barcelona and Juventus.

    “I see them [Betis] as candidates, but the failed sharks of the Champions League will arrive, and they will come in hard,” Mourinho said, referring to sides who drop into the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League groups.

    “They shouldn’t come but it’s the reality. It’s going to be fun. The failures of the Champions League.”

    Among the clubs currently third in Champions League groups are Barcelona, Juventus, Ajax, Atletico Madrid and Milan.

    Should Roma fail to finish in the top two in Group C, they will qualify for the Conference League where they will defend the title they won under Mourinho last season.

    The Portuguese added: “We want to go through and finish second, but if we finish third, we’ll become candidates to retain the Conference League.”


    Source: Livescore

  • Haaland’s form speaks for itself but Bobby could be decisive for Liverpool

    Roberto Firmino was not supposed to be Liverpool’s go-to man this season. If widespread reports were anything to go by, Firmino himself did not even envisage himself being at Anfield this campaign.

    And yet here we are, midway through October, and no Liverpool player – not even the £350,000-a-week Mohamed Salah, despite his record-breaking six-minute hat-trick against Rangers – has played a part in more goals in all competitions this season than Firmino’s eight.

    Far from being the odd man out following the arrivals of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez this year, Firmino has regularly stepped up for the Reds this season and is surely in contention to start Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City.

    Liverpool quite simply have to win at Anfield, where Firmino will come face-to-face with Europe’s hottest striker in Erling Haaland, a player boasting 20 goals – six more than anyone else in Europe’s top-five leagues – from his 13 appearances for City and feeling refreshed after a midweek rest.

    Ahead of the meeting between the Premier League’s two most dominant forces over the past four seasons, we look at Firmino’s figures in more detail and just why he may hold the key to Liverpool getting the better of the champions.

    KLOPP’S FAITH PAYS OFF

    Amid all the noise surrounding Firmino’s future heading into the 2022-23 campaign, with Juventus said to be in advanced talks to sign him, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp branded the forward “the heart and soul” of the team.

    No wonder the German thinks so highly of the 31-year-old, with no Liverpool player playing more games (332), featuring for more minutes (23,899) or registering more assists (70) during Klopp’s seven years in charge.

    The arrivals of Diaz and Nunez, plus the impressive form of Diogo Jota, looked as though it would curtail Firmino’s playing time, but he started three of Liverpool’s opening four matches of the campaign, including the Community Shield win over City.

    Firmino failed to register a single goal or assist in any of those matches, yet he retained the faith of Klopp – albeit helped by Jota being injured and Nunez suspended – and truly kick-started his campaign in the 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth at the end of August.

    In that game, a joint-record winning margin for a side in Premier League history, Firmino became the first Liverpool player to be directly involved in four goals in the first half of a match in the competition en route to scoring two and assisting three. If a reminder was needed of Firmino’s qualities, this was very much it.

    An important equaliser followed in Liverpool’s next match, a late 2-1 win over Newcastle United; two goals to drag Liverpool back from two goals down in a 3-3 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion; another equaliser, this time in defeat to Arsenal; and then another two-goal and an assist showing in the 7-1 midweek Champions League rout of Rangers.

    Those 12 goals and assists in all competitions is level with Salah’s tally for the season, and double that of next-best Diaz, who has started three games more than the Brazil international. Per minute, no Liverpool player is performing better this season in an attacking sense.

    FIRMINO THE FOCAL POINT

    Perhaps most remarkable of all as focus turns to Liverpool’s meeting with City, Firmino is only one goal short of Haaland’s tally for October (five goals compared to six). Across clubs from Europe’s top-five leagues, when taking all competitions into account, Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder is the only other player with five or more goals this month.

    Firmino’s five goals have come from an expected goals (xG) value of 1.43, incidentally, compared to six from an xG of 3.03 for Haaland – a difference of 3.57 and 2.97 respectively, suggesting the quality of Firmino’s chances have been lower than those teed up for Haaland.

    That is not to say Firmino is in the same league as Haaland right now – who is? – but on a personal level this is by some way his best start to a campaign for Liverpool. His eight goals after 11 games is at least two more than he has managed in his previous seven seasons at Anfield, while only in 2019-20 has he had more assists than his four this term.

    But exactly why is that? Playing against a Bournemouth side unable to defend any balls into the box has admittedly skewed the figures somewhat, though it is clear to see that Firmino’s game has also changed this season compared to last.

    Just under 11 per cent of his touches of the ball in the Premier League this season have come within the width of the goal inside the penalty area, which is an increase on a figure of six per cent last time out. It was further back last season, and more towards the right, that he more occasionally touched the ball.

    Indeed, all eight of his goals this season have come from that central zone inside the box – one via his head, three with his left foot and four with his right.

    Another interesting aspect of Firmino’s game this season has been his movement, or more specifically his off-the-ball runs into the penalty area. He has made 89 of them in the Premier League in his 468 minutes on the field, which is the most per 90 minutes (17.1) of any player, followed by Haaland (14.1).

    That may well be a tactic Liverpool will aim to take full advantage of against City, a side in which Firmino has scored or assisted against seven times in 14 top-flight appearances – only versus Arsenal (13 combined) does he have a better record against among top-five clubs.

    So while plenty of the build-up to Sunday’s showdown will – justifiably – be centred around Haaland and his remarkable scoring run, Liverpool will have born-again Bobby to call upon in a game they simply must win if they are to keep alive any hopes of challenging for the title.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Nigerian lecturers suspend eight-month strike

    Lecturers in Nigeria’s universities have suspended their strike which began eight months ago.

    They were demanding better funding for universities, more facilities and an improved pay system among other issues.

    Several rounds of talks with the government had failed to resolve the dispute. Last month a court ordered the lecturers to end the strike but their union appealed against the decision.

    However, in the early hours of Friday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (Asuu) announced the suspension of the strike after a meeting of its leaders overnight.

    Union vice-president Chris Piwuna confirmed the suspension of the strike to the BBC.

    The conditions for the suspension are not immediately clear.

    The union has now asked its members to resume work on Monday next week.

    Earlier this week the union gave the clearest indication to end the strike after a meeting with key leaders of Nigeria’s parliament.

    The eight-month industrial action was one of the longest strikes by university lecturers in Nigeria. It disrupted academic activities in the country’s public universities, affecting around two million students.

    The suspension of the strike comes as a huge relief to the students after months of anxious waiting.

    Source: BBC

  • Bodies of 15 migrants wash up on Tunisia coast

    The bodies of 15 migrants have been washed up off the coast of Mahdia, Tunisia’s coastguard has revealed.

    Per reports, the deceased had been in water for a long time, hence have been badly decomposed.

    The identities of the deceased are yet to be revealed, however, they are known to be Africans.

    Many African migrants risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean trying to reach Europe.

  • Envoy accuses Rwanda of taking DR Congo’s gorillas

    The Democratic Republic of Congo’s representative at the UN, Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, has accused Rwanda, without presenting facts, of taking gorillas from Congolese forests to Rwanda.

    Mr Nzongola-Ntajala said this during the 11th emergency UN General Assembly session to debate and vote on a resolution on Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions.

    He accused Rwanda of occupying Congo “in 1998 to 2003” plundering gold and coltan “and many other resources”.

    “They even take chimpanzees and gorillas from the Congolese forests taking them to Rwanda, all of this is well known,” Mr Nzongola-Ntajala added.

    Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo share the massive volcanoes between their borders that are home to rare mountain gorillas.

    Rwandan envoy Robert Kayinamura appeared to laugh at Mr Nzongola-Ntajala’s statement.

    “These allegations of; every time there is no flowing water it is Rwanda, there’s no electricity it is Rwanda, there’s no roads it is Rwanda…We need to move beyond that kind of mentality.” Mr Kayinamura said.

    Videos of the exchange have been shared widely.

    In September during a UN general assembly, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda “of direct aggression”, before his counterpart Paul Kagame replied that “blame game doesn’t solve the problems”.

    Rwanda has continuously denied allegations of supporting M23 rebels who now control the border city of Bunagana and areas around it in DR Congo’s North Kivu province.

    Source: BBC

  • At least 11 killed, more injured in Mali bus blast

    At least 11 people died in central Mali when a bus hit an explosive device on the road between Bandiagara and Goundaka.

    Many others were seriously injured.

    A jihadist insurgency in the West African country has claimed thousands of lives and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

    A report by the UN mission in Mali (Minusma) found that mines and improvised explosive devices had caused more than 70 deaths by the end of August this year.

    It said most of the victims were soldiers – but a quarter are civilians.

    Source: BBC

  • ‘Remove the Ghana flag from your neck’ – Judge orders Barker-Vormawor

    A High Court Judge on Thursday morning ordered #FixTheCountry Movement convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, to “remove the Ghana flag from his neck.”

    The Cambridge PhD student, who was draped in the flag of Ghana, was in Criminal Court 3 conversing with his lawyers and holding a walking stick.

    This was before Justice Mary Maame Akua Yanzu, who is presiding over the case of treason felony filed against the youth activist will enter the courtroom and gavel the court to order.

    When she entered the court and the case was called, Mr Barker-Vormawor walked from the gallery into the dock still draped in the Ghana flag.

    “Sir, please step back and remove the Ghana flag and fold it”, the piercing voice of Justice Mary Maame Akua Yanzu was heard through the courtroom.

    The Judge made a similar order directed at two other persons who were also in court to offer solidarity to the activist.

    Mr Barker-Vormawor and his supporters complied with the order before the case proceeded.

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor who is standing trial for treason felony is accusing government of unnecessarily delaying his trial.

    The Criminal Court division of the High Court adjourned the case involving the activist to 21st October to hear an application filed by lawyers of the accused to quash the bill of indictment.

    When asked by JoyNews after court what he made of the Judge’s order to remove the Ghana flag he was draped in, Oliver Barker-Vormawor said he was surprised about the order of the Judge.

    “Why? Are the courts immune to the Ghana flag?”, he quizzed.

    He continued “it’s never been my understanding that the court system had a problem with the Ghana flag.

    “Of course when the whole democracy is so much in shambles and everybody is ashamed to identify because the sense of patriotism is low, markers of patriotism like this obviously make people uncomfortable.”

    Right after the court adjourned, Oliver draped himself again with the flag.

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com