Enzo Maresca felt Manchester City’s record buy Enzo Fernandez slotted seamlessly into the side and backed the £125million man to be a crucial influence for the Blues this season.
Fernandez completed his move from Chelsea on deadline day and was initially named on the bench for City’s Premier League game with Coventry City. But an injury to Nico O’Reilly in the warm up prompted Maresca, who managed the Argentina international during their time together at Stamford Bridge, to hand Fernandez a full debut. The City chief was pleased with how the 25-year-old fared as Erling Haaland’s first half header earned City a 1-0 win and extended their perfect top flight start to three wins from three.
“It is much more easy with a player that you already share time together because they know exactly what you want,” said Maresca of City’s record signing. “We know each other very well and I know how good he is and I know that he he is going to help the team win games.”
Fernandez played 75 minutes and showed his composure and class, linking well with Rayan Cherki and causing Coventry problems from his advanced midfield role. And Maresca, who didn’t want to rush Fernandez straight into the side, felt the midfielder acquitted himself well in what were his first minutes since featuring for Chelsea on the opening weekend of the season.
“The reason why Enzo was on the bench was just because he arrived two days ago,” said the City boss. “I know how frustrating it has been for Enzo in the last two or three weeks so the idea was to give him some minutes but in the end he played from the start and was quite good and I am happy with his performance.”
O’Reilly missed the game with a back issue picked up in the warm up but City hope the issue isn’t serious with the Blues in Champions League action against Porto in midweek before travelling to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby next Sunday.
“Nico felt something in his back, doesn’t look something serious but he was not able to play,” said Maresca.
Croatia legend Luka Modric will be continuing his international career after the FIFA World Cup, making himself available for UEFA Nations League fixtures against Czechia, FIFA World Cup champions Spain, and England, confirmed the country’s football governing body on Saturday. Croatian Football Federation confirmed the availability of the 40-year-old football legend on their official X handle. “Croatia captain Luka Modric will be included in the upcoming national team squad for Nations League encounters with Czechia, Spain, and England!” posted the federation’s account on their X handle.
“Modric has confirmed to head coach Slaven Bilic and HNS president Marijan Kustic his availability for the Nations League and is ready to continue his fascinating international career, with 202 caps and historic achievements,” they added.
Speaking about Modric’s decision to continue, coach Bilic said, “Of course, this Luka’s decision makes me extremely happy, we are all aware what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the pitch. I am looking forward to working with him again, after 14 years, and we both share a strong ambition to keep Croatia a top, successful team, shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the world”
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Currently playing for AC Milan in Serie A, he has made two appearances in the new season, not having made any goals and assists so far.
In the FIFA World Cup this year, Modric captained his side to a round-of-32 finish, losing to Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal. In four matches, he produced five chances and delivered one assist.
UEFA Nations League 2026/27 will start from September 24 onwards. Croatia, the 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up, finished as runners-up in the competition in 2022-23 edition, losing to Spain.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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India Ends CWG Boxing Campaign With Record-Breaking Seven Gold Medals
Paris Olympics gold medallist Zheng Qinwen won the last seven games of the match to surge to a 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 victory over Madison Keys on Saturday and reach the fourth round of the US Open. After coming through the second-set tiebreaker, Zheng appeared to be out of steam in the final set. The former world number four had to come through qualifying after a lengthy recovery from an elbow injury saw her ranking plummet. Keys took charge with an early break and broke Zheng again for a 4-0 lead in a game the Chinese player led 40-0.
Keys held for 5-0 lead, but Zheng had a last stand in her. She saved match point at 5-1 and kept on rolling.
Keys, former Australian Open champion and runner-up at Flushing Meadows back in 2017, had taken the first set in just 23 minutes without facing a break point, dropping just five points on her own serve.
Zheng found her rhythm in a tight second set. A late exchange of breaks sent it to a tiebreaker, Zheng winning the last three points to force a deciding third set.
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Zheng, currently ranked 121st in the world, will face either six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek or Czech Marie Bouzkova for a place in the quarter-finals.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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India Ends CWG Boxing Campaign With Record-Breaking Seven Gold Medals
Ryan Whitney does not expect the New York Rangers to make the playoffs next season, although he believes they will be better than they were in 2025-26.
The former NHL defenseman and Spittin’ Chiclets co-host said the Rangers have too many question marks to give him confidence about their playoff chances. He still expects the race to be close and believes the health of Adam Fox could play a major role.
The Rangers are coming off a difficult 2025-26 season. They finished 34-39-9 with 77 points, placing last in the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference.
“There’s a bunch of question marks. I think they’re going to be better than last year. I don’t have them getting in. I don’t. I think it’s going to be close, though. I think they’re going to come down to the wire. I think a lot depends, I guess, on Adam Fox’s health. If Adam Fox plays the whole year and pops off with 70 points, no one’s really surprised. He’s that good…I don’t have them getting in, but I think it’s going to be close.”
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The Rangers were shut out seven times at Madison Square Garden. They also failed to score in each of their first three home games, setting an NHL record for the longest scoreless start by a team at home.
The New York Rangers were officially eliminated from playoff contention on March 25, 2026, during Mike Sullivan’s first season as head coach. Injuries to key players, including Fox and Igor Shesterkin, also affected the team throughout the season.
New York Rangers could have a chance to return to the playoffs
While Ryan Whitney does not expect the New York Rangers to make the playoffs, NHL insider Vin Santoro of The Big Lead sees a different outcome for New York.
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Santoro included the New York Rangers among the teams he expects to still be playing after the regular season. He pointed to the addition of Pavel Dorofeyev as one reason for his prediction, noting that the forward was productive even when he was away from Vegas stars Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner.
“This team has the potential to either thrive or face challenges once more. Pavel Dorofeyev is an ideal addition for a team in need, as he possesses the ability to score at an elite level. While playing alongside stars like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner certainly boosts his performance, Dorofeyev has also shown impressive numbers even when not on the ice with them. In the 25-26 season, he logged 403 minutes at 5v5 without either Eichel or Marner, during which Vegas achieved a 55.3 expected goals percentage and outshot their opponents by 68.”
Santoro also pointed to Alexis Lafreniere as a player the Rangers need more from this season.
“With supportive linemates, Dorofeyev is set to shine, but one player who must step up this season is Alexis Lafreniere. Despite being the first overall pick, Lafreniere has yet to meet those high expectations, and this year could be crucial for his development.”
The New York Rangers last reached the playoffs in 2024, when the Rangers won the Presidents’ Trophy and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final before losing to the Florida Panthers.
On this week’s episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, co-host Johnny Wunder asked Impact Golf’s Eric Chung, one of Maylasia best fitters, what he thinks makes the fit.
“I like to keep things relatively simple with everything I do. But I’ve always favored heads,” Chung said. “Heads to me has always been paramount to any fit, whether it’s locked, whether it’s certain weight positions, even shapes, looks, feels, sounds, et cetera, et cetera, right? Spin rates on different areas.
“I always use the shaft as a pairing instrument, this so that they can center the strike a little bit better. Whether it’s length, whether it kicks, whether it’s being profiles, et cetera. So, to keep it really simple, um, predominantly head-based, um, head bias first and then shaft pairing.
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“And then all the small things, like, whether it’s a preference of swing weight, grip sizes to, uh, even total masses, which is probably more important for me. Yeah, but it’s still along those lines, and as long as I just feel that you can get it close enough. Like, you know, 85, 90% of where it needs to be. It’s more than good enough, if that make sense. It doesn’t have to be completely dialed in or over optimized.”
The startegy for Chung is simple: Identify the best head, then dial everything, including shaft, in from there. Chung says you basically can get 85 to 90 percent of the way there before even touching the shaft.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress have suffered another setback at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after losing 71–67 to Hungary in Berlin on Saturday.
The African champions went into the Group B clash looking to bounce back from their 99–81 defeat to South Korea in their opening game.
However, despite staying within touching distance of Hungary for much of the contest, D’Tigress could not find the extra quality needed to turn their efforts into a win.
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Hungary showed greater efficiency in key areas, particularly with their two-point shooting. They converted 24 of 41 attempts inside the arc, while Nigeria managed 17 from 44.
D’Tigress also struggled from long range, making just seven of their 25 three-point attempts. They converted 12 of 23 free throws.
Hungary, meanwhile, made four of their 14 attempts from beyond the three-point line and remained composed when the game reached its decisive stages.
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The four-point defeat means Nigeria are still searching for their first victory after two Group B matches, leaving their chances of progressing to the knockout phase in serious danger.
With France next on Monday, D’Tigress now face a huge test against one of the strongest teams in the group.
The Nigerian side will need to recover quickly, improve their shooting and produce a much stronger performance against France if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Being a writer can be a humbling business. So, let’s go ahead and invite the football gods to prove us wrong.
Included below is a listing of 5 Vikings predictions. Many have sent out some guesses about the team’s final record. Moreover, there has been no shortage of people who have made guesses about how the passer battle is going to unfold. Included below is some other ways at coming after what’s in store for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026.
Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Domonique Orange (97) tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Dontae McMillan (36) during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Big Citrus boasts some wiggle.
In a perfect world, Domonique Orange ends up being a true monster in the middle. Think back to those Pat Williams days when running on the Vikings was exceedingly difficult. Harrison Phillips offered similar abilities, albeit at a lesser level than Williams.
In Orange, the Vikings boast a 22-year-old talent who is going to get playing time as a rookie. Look for the newcomer to clog running lanes and chase down the passer.
Prediction No. 2 — RB Jordan Mason Clears 1,000 Yards
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Most of the focus for Minnesota rests on the high-skill guys like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Think finesse instead of power.
Look for Jordan Mason to get tossed into the mix with greater frequency to help up the meanness level. At 27, Mr. Mason is within his physical prime. What’s encouraging for the Vikings is that he doesn’t have a ton of miles on the odometer. His 159 carries in 2025 were the highest of his career. Look for the carries to clear 250 as he expands his workload while maintaining his efficiency.
Prediction No. 3 — Max Bredeson Plays More Snaps than C.J. Ham Ever Did
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30), offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) and tight end Ben Yurosek (85) celebrate after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
C.J. Ham is a Minnesota Vikings legend. Consider his snap totals on offense during the Kevin O’Connell era:
2022: 169 Snaps
2023: 216 Snaps
2024: 269 Snaps
2025: 184 Snaps
Look for Max Bredeson to hit/surpass 270 snaps as the Vikings’ FB spot gets reinvigorated by youth.
Prediction No. 4 — Top Ten on O and D
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.
Brian Flores is impressive. He’ll get his side to a top-ten finish in points against per game.
Kevin O’Connell still has something to prove. Last year, the Vikings finished at 26th in the NFL by averaging just 20.2 points per game. I say the skipper gets his side of the ball into a much better spot.
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Prediction No. 5 — J.J. McCarthy Goes into 2027 With Momentum and Promise
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws during first-half action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. On Dec. 14, 2025, McCarthy continued his first season as Minnesota’s starting quarterback while facing another playoff contender on the road. The young passer remained one of the franchise’s most closely watched players. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
Anybody buying J.J. McCarthy stock right now is doing so for cheap. Buying the same stock at the beginning of 2027 will mean needing to spend more money.
For a little while, the guess I’ve made is that Kyler Murray starts for the Vikings in Week 1. The catch has been that I’ve often been found insisting that McCarthy starts more games than Murray in the 2026 season. If that occurs, then this prediction could end up looking spiffy.
Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman. Image via: Getty Images
Trinity Rodman was sitting in Ben Shelton’s player box at the US Open on Tuesday when the cameras found her.The ESPN commentary that followed introduced her as “Trinity Rodman, also known as Ben Shelton’s girlfriend, and also known as a member of the US women’s national team.” The on-screen graphic was similarly arranged: “Ben’s girlfriend & USWNT player.”Rodman is, of course, Shelton’s girlfriend. The two tennis and football stars made their relationship public in March 2025, after Rodman slid into Shelton’s DMs. Shelton, 23, is one of American tennis’s leading players, a left-handed power hitter who reached a career-high world No.5 in late 2025 and has already won four ATP titles in 2026, including the National Bank Open two weeks before the US Open.But Rodman has spent the better part of her career becoming recognisable without him.The 24-year-old is an Olympic gold medallist, an NWSL champion and the highest-paid women’s footballer in the world. She is also the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, another fact that has often followed her into introductions of her own.
Soccer player Trinity Rodman celebrates after her boyfriend Ben Shelton, of the United States, won his match against Hubert Hurkacz, of Poland, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
The ESPN description prompted a familiar reaction from fans online, particularly because there was no shortage of things from Rodman’s own career that could have been used instead.“Geez… she is so much more than Ben’s girlfriend,” one fan wrote.Another put it more bluntly: “Trin is an Olympic gold medalist, NWSL player and then Ben’s girlfriend. In that order.”
Rodman’s career does not need Shelton’s name attached to it
Rodman’s football career began long before she became a fixture in Shelton’s box.The Washington Spirit selected her No.2 overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft when she was 18, making her the youngest player ever selected at the time. She won the league’s Rookie of the Year award and helped Washington win the NWSL Championship in her first season.Three years later, she produced one of the defining moments of her international career.In the 2024 Paris Olympics final, Rodman scored in extra time against Japan as the United States won women’s football gold for the first time since 2012. She now has 13 goals in 57 appearances for the USWNT.At club level, her value has grown just as quickly. Rodman became the first player signed under the NWSL’s High Impact Player rule and agreed a landmark deal with Washington worth more than $1 million per season through 2028, making her the highest-paid player in the league.
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FILE – Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman in action during the second half of an NWSL soccer match against the Portland Thorns FC, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams,File)
There is also the question of her surname, which has brought its own assumptions.Rodman has spoken openly about her complicated relationship with her father and rejected the idea that the name defines her.“He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else,” she said on Call Her Daddy.“I love to have my last name and when I say Rodman, it’s not my dad’s name, it’s my name.”She has been less defensive about being known as Shelton’s partner. In fact, Rodman has said she actually likes the term WAG, even while acknowledging why some people dislike it.“For me, I think I like the term personally because, like I said before, I feel like 24/7 I’m on in front of cameras, and so I think I use the term WAG for me to simplify what I’m doing,” she said on Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce in August.“For me, saying WAG, it’s me being like, ‘I’m Ben’s girlfriend.’ But I can understand why it’s so hated.”She described being able to share that experience with Shelton as “the best feeling in the world”, pointing to the fact that both are constantly training, competing and exhausting themselves doing the sports they love.That distinction matters. Rodman choosing to embrace the label is not the same thing as it being the most useful way to introduce her.
This has happened before
The US Open moment was not the first time Rodman’s identity has been filtered through the people around her.At Wimbledon in 2025, she was introduced during one of Shelton’s matches as “Tiffany” and had her father mentioned in the same breath.This time, the mistake was different. Her name was right, her relationship was real and her football career was acknowledged. Yet the order still said something: Ben’s girlfriend first, USWNT player second.
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Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman shoots as Seattle Reign FC midfielder Samantha Meza, right, looks on during the first half of an NWSL soccer match, Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
There was plenty of room for a different introduction.Rodman was not simply another celebrity sitting in a tennis player’s box. She was an Olympic champion watching another elite American athlete compete at one of the biggest sporting events in the world.She can be Ben Shelton’s girlfriend. She can be Dennis Rodman’s daughter. She can even happily call herself a WAG.None of those things requires her own achievements to come second.At 24, Trinity Rodman has already built a career substantial enough to stand on its own. At the US Open, she happened to be there to support someone else.For once, she deserved the spotlight without needing to be introduced through him.
Aug 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (56) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jameson Taillon is expected to undergo an MRI on his right elbow Saturday after he was removed from Friday’s game following two innings with elbow discomfort.
According to a report from Sportsnet, Taillon is expected to be placed on the injured list by Sunday.
Taillon, who has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, was making his return from a bout of right forearm tendinitis when he started against the Kansas City Royals. He gave up two hits, including a first-inning home run to Bobby Witt Jr.
The 34-year-old is a combined 2-6 with a 5.65 ERA in 18 starts this season with the Chicago Cubs and Blue Jays. Over 10 major league seasons, the former No. 2 overall draft pick in 2010 is 84-66 with a 3.99 ERA in 242 appearances (241 starts) for the Pittsburgh Pirates (2016-19), New York Yankees (2021-22), Cubs (2023-26) and Blue Jays.
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In addition, the Blue Jays claimed catcher Shawn Ross off waivers from the New York Mets on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo.
Ross, 26, was designated for assignment by the Mets on September 3rd. He has appeared in only two career MLB games, both came this season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Ciaron Maher stable recently achieved a top four finish in a maiden race at Sandown.
Two of those contenders are now advancing to a Stakes race at Sandown, aiming to build on the good form exhibited by the Maher stable.
Saintly Dancer and Ghana’s Akan, who finished first and second respectively in the August 19 maiden event, are slated to compete in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes over 1300 metres this Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, remarked that the prevailing track conditions could play a significant role in the outcome for the stable’s two fillies on Saturday.
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Saintly Dancer benefited from the Soft 7 conditions during her Sandown victory, whereas Ghana’s Akan handled the ground but was not as effective.
“Saintly Dancer is up-and-coming and we don’t know her ceiling, a bit like with Ghana’s Akan,” Turnbull shared.
“Saintly Dancer profiles like a horse that will get seven or eight (furlongs – 1400m to 1600m) in time.
“She’s more your middle distance, scopey type whereas Ghana’s I think will be restricted to 1100m to 1400m this prep.
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“She’s quite speedy and I don’t think either filly will have too many excuses on Saturday, provided the track is OK.
“Ghana’s probably doesn’t want a boggy track.”
The track was rated a Good 4 on Friday morning, although rain is forecast to begin on Friday evening.
Turnbull highlighted that Ghana’s Akan’s draw of barrier four is advantageous for Saturday’s race, in contrast to Saintly Dancer, who is in gate 10.
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Ghana’s Akan has raced six times, securing three second placings, and has amassed close to $500,000 in prize money without a victory.
“Ghana’s has always had improvement this campaign,” Turnbull noted.
“She’s looked rough in the coat coming off the back of winter, but both fillies are very exciting.”
Apprentice Jabez Johnstone, who rides exclusively for Maher, will be making his third ‘Black Type’ Victorian appearance when he rides Saintly Dancer, a horse on whom he won at Sandown.
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“It’s good reward for Jabez to retain the ride in a Black Type race,” Turnbull concluded.
Dave Allen returns to action tonight in front of another major crowd, taking on Irish heavyweight Thomas Carty at Croke Park in Dublin.
The 34-year-old has rebuilt on a low level after his blowout defeat to Filip Hrgovic, picking up two four-round wins before accepting a ten-round clash with Carty as the chief support to Katie Taylor’s farewell fight. Allen brings far greater professional experience into the contest, but will be facing a younger southpaw with a sizeable home crowd behind him.
Allen-Carty is scheduled for ten rounds and will be shown live worldwide on DAZN, with the event promoted by Matchroom Boxing. Stay with Boxing News for a live scorecard and final fight result.
Dave Allen vs Thomas Carty live scorecard
This is a Boxing News live scorecard and not the official score from the judges.
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