Brighton v Sheff UtdSheffield United are five points better off than Brighton, and six places higher in the table, but the Seagulls have been playing very well this season. The Blades have still not been beaten away from home in eight league games this season, and I am sure plenty of people will think they will continue that run here. But I think different - and this is how stupid I am - they are obviously going to get beaten away from home at some point, so I am going to back them to lose pretty much until they do.
It took St Mirren 14 minutes to cleave open an advantage, when Ilkay Durmus' delightful, inch-perfect delivery fell for Obika to record his ninth goal of the season. Jamie McGrath stung the palms of Motherwell goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, but it was the hosts who would score next as St Mirren failed to deal with a corner, and Polworth's low drive deceived St Mirren keeper Vaclav Hladky. That was just before the half hour, but the next 13 minutes featured a stunning spell by the visitors, in particular Obika and Watford loanee Alex Jakubiak.
His previous six goals were spread across 25 matches between August and February. Marcos Alonso: The Chelsea left wing-back scores against Spurs, gets sent off against Bayern Munich and nets another two against Bournemouth - all in a week's work. Alonso is back to his goalscoring best as Chelsea's three at the back suits the Spain international. The Cherries should really count themselves very lucky because Alonso should have had a hat-trick and missed arguably his easiest chance of the game.
Crystal Palace claimed a first league win in six games with a 2-0 victory at Burnley. All was calm at Anfield when Dutch central defender Virgil van Dijk scored two first-half headers against Brighton, but the second 45 minutes was anything but comfortable. Brighton had shown some threat and when Alisson rushed out of his goal in the 76nd minute and blatanly handled there was no option but to send him off -- a rush of blood that will rule him out of the Merseyside derby.
This has the making of a thrilling cup tie. Carlisle looked as if they were going to knock Cardiff out in the first tie but let slip a 2-0 lead. Both sides have been regularly scoring and conceding of late and the confident tip here is for both teams to score a goal.
Feyenoord vs Heerenveen predictions for Saturday's match in the Eredivisie. Hosts Feyenoord could move into the top four with a win over Heerenveen but a victory for the visitors would see them leapfrog the home side, so there is plenty to play for on Saturday. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
It is a problem," Guardiola said. I don't know if he will be fit for the Madrid game. City winger Leroy Sane is still on the road to recovery as he stepped up his comeback from a serious knee injury that required surgery last year, but Guardiola said it would be "weeks" before he was ready to return to action.
Pep Guardiola has progressed from 23 of the previous 24 knockout ties in his management career when winning the first leg, with the exception coming against Monaco with City in the 2016-17 Champions League last 16. Manchester City have scored exactly three goals in all of their League Cup matches so far this campaign - the only previous team to score three or more in every game on their way to reaching the final was Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest in 1977-78.
Chelsea have played three away Champions League matches at Valencia without losing (W2, D1, L0) - they've only faced Schalke and Atletico Madrid as often away from home without defeat in the competition. ValenciaIn all European competition, Valencia have faced nine English teams in home matches, registering a win over seven of them (Arsenal, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Stoke), failing against only two opponents - Chelsea (three games) and West Bromwich Albion (one game).
Fleetwood welcome Tranmere to Highbury Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as they look to pick up where they left off in the league. The visitors, who're getting dangerously close to the drop-zone, go in search of a third away win of the campaign.
Loïc Rémy replaces Jonathan Ikoné. Posted at 67' Corner, Paris Saint Germain. Conceded by Mike Maignan. Posted at 67' Attempt saved. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint Germain) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner. SubstitutionPosted at 65' Substitution, Paris Saint Germain.
I'm delighted he and his staff have committed to these new long-term contracts. Together with his backroom team, he has continued the club's progress of recent years and brought a different approach with a new style of play, which has been embraced by players and supporters alike. Potter said: "I'm thrilled that the club have liked what they've seen so far, in a relatively short period of time, and have already shown an added confidence in what we are trying to do.
His pace when he makes those penetrative runs off the ball frightens defenders and pins them back and is vital for making space for the likes of De Bruyne or Aguero. I know it sounds like I am just calling him a runner but it is an important part of the game in ties like this and, with Leroy Sane still not ready to return, City do not have anyone else who is as effective at it. That will be particularly important in the away leg, and City's chances of getting a positive result to take back to the Etihad will be much improved if Sterling features.
For FourFourTwo, Andy Murray (not that one) profiles Diego Simeone. RETRO CORNER He spots the keeper off his line, carefully lines up the shot and expertly judges the bounce into the corner of the net. On this day in 2003, Paul Robinson scores one of his two career goals… COMING UP Ben Snowball will be here tomorrow.
The 31-year-old Brazilian international has attracted interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan, and he can leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, reports the Telegraph. Lampard explained: “He's in talks with the club [about a contract], he speaks with the club on the money side of it.
Talks between the Premier League, Football League and both the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) and League Managers' Association (LMA) are continuing, with clubs expected to be updated on this at Friday's meeting. Explanation for the delay in players accepting pay cuts or, more likely, wage deferrals - including the fact they are financial assets of their clubs in addition to employees and have watertight contracts which, in some cases, expire on 30 June - has cut little ice with many within the general public and also some politicians, who have made their displeasure clear.
Where to Watch Free Ireland Vs. Italy Live Stream in Six
Now we have a steep mountain to climb. Superb City overwhelm UnitedReaction to the action at Old TraffordPlayer Rater - who was your man of the match?Riyad Mahrez's 33rd-minute second was followed by an Andreas Pereira own goal and at half-time it seemed a completely outclassed United were set for a repeat of their embarrassing 6-1 home defeat by City in 2011. Instead, the introduction of Nemanja Matic for Jesse Lingard brought some stability to the home midfield and Marcus Rashford's fourth goal in Manchester derbies adds at least some jeopardy over who will go on to meet Leicester or Aston Villa in the final on 29 February.
Will take the handicap bet on Ceske here who still hold some chances of finishing the normal season inside the top 6 teams, it has been a very good season for them given the fact that last season they were playing just in the 2nd league level, and last home game they won 2-0 at home with Sigma Olomouc while last round they played away from home at Karvina and kept another clean sheet in what was a 0-0 draw in the end, but they should find it easy to score against Teplice team which conceded 9 goals in its last 3 league games.
Current Leeds United captain Liam Cooper said Charlton's death was "a very sad day". View more on twitter'Epitome of the word legend'England record goalscorer Wayne Rooney: "Sad news, legend. Condolences to Sir Bobby and family. Former England striker Gary Lineker: "Saddened to hear that Jack Charlton has passed away. World Cup winner with England, manager of probably the best ever Ireland side and a wonderfully infectious personality to boot.
Teenager Ansu Fati, who started in a front three with Messi and Griezmann, had two early efforts, one of which resulted in a superb save from Rui Silva. And in the second half Messi's low strike struck the side-netting. Granada spent most of the match defending, but a brief spell after the break saw them go close to scoring when Yan Eteki's firm low strike came off the post. Barcelona's next match is a Copa del Rey quarter-final match at Ibiza on Wednesday.
Earlier in the season after falling behind quickly, Atleti might have sulked their way to defeat. Not on Sunday, though. They responded in emphatic fashion and appeared a side transformed, overturning the deficit and securing a 3-1 victory that propelled them into third in the La Liga standings. Perhaps being given a nightmare draw with the champions in Europe may prove to have been the best thing that could have happened to Atletico, after all.
I really don't understand why a player can get booked for the most innocuous challenge and a tackle which is clearly meant to make you wince does not. Did you know? Aston Villa's Jack Grealish scored his sixth Premier League goal in his 19th appearance this season - as many as he netted in 31 matches in the Championship last season (excluding play-offs). James Maddison: James Maddison's sixth goal of the season and Leicester's second away at St James' Park was a screamer and enough to put Newcastle on skid row.
Letting him go for 150 million euros would ease the French club’s huge Financial Fair Play obligations, and would allow them to keep star striker Kylian Mbappe for at least another season. Read the full story Celtic want title awarded The Telegraph reports that the Scottish football authorities are considering giving the current season ‘unofficial’ status, as they have done to the seasons played throughout wartime.
Consistency and confidence have characterised the 34-year-old’s career to date. There is a commanding presence about the German, something which Kepa has often been accused of lacking, so would trading him for these qualities go some way to solving Chelsea’s defensive frailties?” However, any potential arrival of Neuer would not necessarily spell the end of Kepa.
Italy v Ireland live stream: How to watch Six Nations from Feb 25, 2023 — Can Italy beat Ireland for the first time since 2013? Your guts may tell you that Italy versus Ireland in Rome is going to be tasty – and it ...
It was the same again here as they created chances and dictating large periods of the match. But once again Atleti struggled for firepower in the final third. Simeone will surely enter the January transfer window when it opens for another striker. His team desperately needs one. MAN OF THE MATCH - Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal) The case could be made that it was in fact Felix who created the most opportunities and made the biggest impression, but for all his liveliness the Portuguese teenager was wasteful in front of goal.
Read the full story Tottenham given boost in pursuit of Saints skipper Spurs are also looking at another Premier League star, with the Star reporting that the north London club are planning to poach Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from the south-coast side. Tottenham were linked to the Danish international back in the winter window and Jose Mourinho has kept one eye on Hojbjerg, deeming him as his "priority" signing this summer.
So it would have been right as well if Virgil would have won it. Italian Fabio Cannavaro was the last defender to win the Ballon d'Or, in 2006, after helping Italy in the World Cup. The award has been dominated by forwards, with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo a five-times winner and third on Monday. Van Dijk transformed Liverpool's defence on the way to winning last season's Champions League and helped the Netherlands reach the Nations League final in Portugal.
Select formationConfirm teamThe Crooks of the Matter What are Arsenal doing appointing a manager who isn't bigger than his players? Far be it from me to tell the Gunners who their manager should be but come on. Mikel Arteta - really? I have always held the view that the bigger the club, the bigger the manager. It was the late great Bobby Robson who said that when he moved to his beloved Newcastle, he was surprised to see that some of his players were driving bigger cars than him.
Motherwell hosts second-place Rangers this weekend and they come into this game in fine form. The hosts' are currently on a three-game winning streak after defeating Hearts, St Mirren and St Johnstone in the last few weeks.
Van Basten would bump me into traffic'The Rangers manager would still be involved in Dick's next move, though. Shortly after the Ibrox deal faltered, Souness was contacted by Cruyff with a view to signing Davie Cooper. The Ajax icon was rebuffed but was sent away with a recommendation that he take another Scottish winger. That's why I got a very strange call out the blue from Ajax," Dick says. The Ajax squad of that 1985-86 season reads like a who's who of Dutch footballing royalty - Ronald Koeman, Frank Rijkaard, Dennis Bergkamp.
Ireland v Italy LIVE: Six Nations 2024 score and latest 45 minutes ago — Can Italy cause an upset in Dublin or will Ireland's bid for back-to-back grand slams continue?
Fenerbahce are in good form with 9 wins in the last 13 matches and in the cup they have a very good home record winning 10 of the last 12 matches. And in 4 of the last 5 matches they have also kept a clean sheet.
Lech Poznan and Pogon Szczecin will face each other in the upcoming match in the Ekstraklasa. Lech Poznan this season have the following results: 11W, 10D and 7L. Meanwhile Pogon Szczecin have 12W, 8D and 8L. This season Lech are usually playing attacking football in the league and their matches are often high scoring.
But Michael Woods got Dover's winner with two minutes to go to break the travelling fans' hearts. We threw everything at it," Barrow fan Taylor Nelson told BBC Sport. We made all three changes and ended up with five strikers up front to try and get something out of the game - and that worked. But from that point Dover realised they were able to be less conservative and attack us as we lacked numbers at the back.
This is Great Barr, where Smith, the son of an Aston toolmaker, is a legend. An area to the north-west of Birmingham city centre, the 48-year-old Villa boss grew up on the Gorse Farm estate, went to school in these parts, while his uncle Reg is secretary of Great Barr Conservative Club. On Sunday, the local-boy-made-good will lead his beloved team out against Manchester City at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.
Young Boys are winless in 10 away Europa League matches. Young Boys have scored in 11 of their last 13 Europa League matches. Rangers have scored two or more goals in nine of their last 10 matches. Rangers are unbeaten in 15 home matches in Europa League. Rangers have one loss in 13 matches. Rangers will be hosting Swiss side Young Boys in the final round of matches in Group G of the Europa League.
Vardy: Two shocking mistakes, the first by Vicente Guaita and the second by Mamadou Sakho cost Crystal Palace the match. I can't for the life of me understand why defenders try to play in dangerous areas when there is no requirement to do anything of the sort. Sakho is a good defender, but only when he sticks to the basics. Neither can you play in goal if you're afraid to take a smack in the face. Guaita looked like he was afraid of his own shadow for Leicester's first goal.
Needless to say, this isn't the kind of form that you want to bring into a game versus Bayern Munich. This rings especially true for Werder Bremen, who have struggled immensely versus Bayern in recent history. Werder have lost each of their last 17 fixtures versus Bayern Munich. We don't expect this record to end this Saturday.
Besiktas need 3 points in order to fight for the Europa League and maybe even for the Champions League, so a win should come here easily. Also, as far as Head to head matches are concerned, Besiktas had much more success.
Let us remember that in that period Ronaldo had a muscle injury in the left thigh as well as patellar tendonitis in the left knee. Cristiano RonaldoGetty Images The eternal comparison with Lionel Messi The numerical comparison with Lionel Messi is also very interesting. It seems as if we always have to put one in front of the other wherever possible but in terms of free-kicks the two are very close.
Assisted by Harry Wilson. SubstitutionPosted at 66' Substitution, Bournemouth. Callum Wilson replaces Junior Stanislas. Posted at 64' Attempt blocked. Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Posted at 63' Attempt missed. Philip Billing (Bournemouth) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Posted at 61' Diego Rico (Bournemouth) wins a free kick on the right wing.
