For the Premier League’s biggest clubs, this competition is usually an opportunity to blood youngsters and give fringe players valuable minutes.

However, only 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, who scored twice, emerged from the starters with a compelling case for more regular involvement.

Even Valentin Barco, despite scoring Chelsea‘s fifth goal, was partly at fault for Leeds‘ second and was among several players who repeatedly surrendered possession during a difficult first half.

Young attackers Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens suffered the disappointment of being substituted at half-time, while £40m signing Geovany Quenda, who joined from Sporting, did not add to his solitary substitute appearance for the club as he watched from the bench.

Midfielder Reggie Watson, making his debut at the age of 16, was also withdrawn at the break after being booked.

Alonso later said he would not take a “cynical” view as some on the outside might about the difference in level between his proven stars and Chelsea‘s back-up options.

He added: “I know that probably I have to take the right decisions for them to show their best level, so it’s something that I will analyse and learn from today.”

Nevertheless, reaching the fourth round is important for Chelsea.

It is not only about preserving their hopes of silverware in a season without European football, but Chelsea are also a club that need as many competitive fixtures as possible.

They have a 27-man squad, supported by a strong academy pipeline, and these matches are vital for keeping a large group of players engaged throughout the campaign.

There is an irony, then, that Palmer, Rogers and Chelsea‘s other established stars may have secured future opportunities for the very fringe players whose performances had put the club’s EFL Cup campaign at risk.

Sachin hails Shelton’s big win over Alcaraz (Agency Images)

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was left impressed by the intensity of the Ben Shelton-Carlos Alcaraz battle at the US Open, describing their quarter-final clash as “some tennis” after a gripping five-set contest that went down to the final few points.Shelton stunned defending champion Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a dramatic encounter that lasted four hours and 28 minutes. The American held his nerve in the deciding tiebreak to pull off one of the biggest wins of his career.Taking to X, Tendulkar praised the fighting spirit shown by both players throughout the marathon contest.“That was some tennis! Every time it looked like one of them had the match, the other fought his way back. And then it came down to the final few points.Well played, Ben Shelton! Tough luck, Carlos. Coming back after an injury makes this one even tougher,” Tendulkar wrote.

A battle that refused to settle

Tendulkar’s assessment captured the nature of a match that swung repeatedly between Shelton and Alcaraz.Alcaraz took the opening set in a tiebreak, but Shelton responded emphatically, winning the next two sets to move within one of a place in the semi-finals. The Spaniard, however, refused to go quietly, taking the fourth set 6-1 and forcing a decider.The fifth set ultimately needed a 10-point tiebreak, with Shelton prevailing 10-7. He then finished the job in emphatic fashion, firing a 146 mph ace on match point. The contest also became the latest-finishing match in US Open history, ending at 3:33 a.m. in New York.

Shelton ends Alcaraz’s title defence

The victory ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak and sent Shelton into the US Open semi-finals, where he will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe. It was also Shelton’s first career victory over a top-three opponent.For Alcaraz, the defeat came during his first tournament since a four-and-a-half-month layoff because of a right wrist injury. Despite the loss, the Spaniard said he was proud of how he fought back during the contest.

The latest DraftKings promo code gives new users $200 in bonus bets after making a $5 bet, paid within 21 days. The Seahawks and Patriots will face off in the 2026 NFL Kickoff Game on Wednesday. The SportsLine Projection Model and SportsLine team of experts have locked in multiple Seahawks vs. Patriots picks, including expert R.J. White backing Under 44.5 total points (-115) in Wednesday NFL best bets at DraftKings for Patriots vs. Seahawks. The model is backing the Seahawks to cover as 3.5-point favorites (-118) as part of Seahawks vs. Patriots best bets at DraftKings, up from three points. Also, SportsLine expert Sia Nejad has locked in a player prop betting pick for Drake Maye. According to the latest NFL player props at DraftKings, Maye’s over/under for total passing completions is 20.5 (+104 to the over). Claim the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $200 in bonus bets after making a $5 wager:   

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The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on betting sites on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters the 2026 NFL season on a 53-37 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024. Anybody following its picks at NFL betting sites could have seen strong returns.

Wednesday Patriots vs. Seahawks best bets at DraftKings

• Seahawks -3.5 (-118)
• Patriots vs. Seahawks: Under 44.5 total points (-115)
• Drake Maye, Patriots, Over 20.5 completions (+104)

Combining the three picks into a Wednesday same-game parlay betting at DraftKings would result in a payout of +475 (risk $100 to profit $475, odds subject to change). Claim $200 in bonus bets after your first $5 wager at DraftKings here:

Seahawks -3.5 (-118)

The Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champions, and with that comes all the celebrations and a raucous home crowd for what is already one of the toughest environments to play. Seattle defeated the Patriots, 29-13, and they led 19-0 in the fourth quarter in the Big Game. Seattle controlled the contest throughout, and with many key returners, such as Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Leonard Williams, back, the model projects the Seahawks to cover in 65% of simulations, a coveted A-rated pick. Bet the Seahawks at DraftKings here and claim $200 in bonus bets after making a $5+ wager as a new user:

Patriots vs. Seahawks: Under 44.5 total points (-115)

“A Super Bowl rematch kicks off the season, and I see the Under as the best angle in the game,” SportsLine expert R.J. White said. “The Pats offense had no answer for Seattle’s defense in February, punting on eight straight drives to open the game and turning the ball over on three of their next four drives. Will the O-line be that much better? The Seahawks lost talented OC Klint Kubiak and have questions about the rushing attack, so they might not be able to run up the score in the same way this time around. This one might struggle to get to 40 points.” Bet the Under at DraftKings here and claim $200 in bonus bets after making a $5+ wager as a new user:

Drake Maye, Patriots, Over 20.5 completions (+104)

“The Patriot preference is to run the ball when possible, but this is a matchup that may force Maye into more passing volume,” SportsLine expert Sia Nejad said. “The Seahawks defense is strong at all levels, but their biggest questions are in a partially revamped secondary (which also has some injury concerns). Whether the game script is trailing or neutral, I think Maye will look to move the ball through the air.” The model is skeptical, calling for 19 completions and this prop going under. Bet this player prop at DraftKings here and claim $200 in bonus bets after making a $5+ wager as a new user:

Want more NFL picks for Seahawks vs. Patriots?

You’ve seen some of the model’s and SportsLine team of experts’ Wednesday best bets. Now, get against the spread, total and money-line picks for all games, including NFL, MLB, college football, and more, all from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has simulated every game 10,000 times. 

Responsible Gaming at DraftKings

DraftKings provides a “Responsible Gaming Center” tab for users on their profile pages. This landing page includes help for problem gambling as well as “Safer Play Tools,” a list of options that allow users to limit their use of the app with deposit limits (daily, weekly or monthly), wagering limits, max wager limits and time limits. The platform also has a support team available 24/7 via live chat, and provides contact information for state and national helplines for those who need additional help. If you think you may have a gambling problem, you can call or text 1-800-MY-RESET. 

The controversy surrounding the ending of the Western Michigan and Michigan game hasn’t slowed down heading into Week 2. Despite formal appeals, statements and lingering concerns the backlash shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

How much time was actually left? 

That still hasn’t been determined with so much discrepancy surrounding the play and the cannon of an arm that Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood showcased on Saturday night. As things stand now, the call will stand and there will be no action or league involvement.

Here’s a timeline of everything that’s happened since the controversial call in Ann Arbor:

Saturday Night

Michigan entered the matchup as a nearly four-touchdown favorite. However, Western Michigan hung in there and remained competitive until the final whistle, at one point leading 12-6 and standing on the brink of pulling off the biggest upset in program history.

However, that lead was put to the ultimate test as the clock hit zero and Underwood unleashed a final Hail Mary. As the ball bounced off multiple defenders in the back of the end zone, the game seemed over… or was it?

While the TV broadcast clock showed zero, replay officials came together and confirmed one second remained when the previous pass hit the turf out of bounds. Given one final chance, Underwood this time launched a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown to JJ Buchanan as time expired.

The wild final play was only the start of a controversial sequence that would become the talk of the college football world.

Later On Saturday Night 

The controversial call made waves across the sport. Both Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham and Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor shared their thoughts on the final play, which was impactful enough to prompt official statements from both the MAC and the Big Ten.

“But as I looked, I knew it was close,” Whittingham said after the game. “When the ball sailed back to the end zone, I glanced up at the clock, and it was just ticking to zero, and somebody had touched it. I didn’t know who had touched it, but apparently it was a defender that had already established an out-of-bounds position. I’m assuming they got it right. They looked at it and their technology that they have is very advanced, I guess.”

Even with Whittingham coming out victorious, he offered an honest opinion and backed the officials. Similarly, Taylor focused on why his defense failed to execute as they should have, refusing to make excuses.

“I know when I looked up at the clock, it was past zeros before we touched it,” Taylor said. “I knew that they would review it. It was the last play of the game, and because we defended it so well, wasn’t worried or concerned about our guys going out and defending it the second time. Unfortunately, we did not defend it as well the second time.”

The MAC and Big Ten both issued statements following the game, and everyone accepted the outcome despite the controversy.

Sunday Statement Released

On Sunday, NBC Sports addressed the growing controversy on air during the Washington vs. Washington State game. Host John Fanta delivered a statement on behalf of the network regarding a clock dispute from the game.

He made sure to remind viewers that the TV graphics don’t dictate official game time.

“Now, the official time of the game is kept by the Big Ten,” Fanta said. “Our cameras are not the official arbiter of timekeeping within the game. That is the Big Ten and game officials’ responsibility. After the game last night, the Big Ten released a statement and raw video from its replay process that showed how and why the decision was made.”

Monday: Rules and Extra Seconds Continue to Dominate the Conversation

When it comes to the rules of the sport and how officials operate, few people are more qualified than FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira. He joined “The Joel Klatt Show” on Monday to break down the latest controversy.

His explanation for why Big Ten officials didn’t follow protocol focused on the discrepancy, saying that they needed to rely on the television footage.

“The official replay officials have been told that if there is a discrepancy, use the television footage,” Pereira said. “Do not use your footage in the command center. Use the footage that 10 million people are watching, not the one that’s three.”

Despite heavy criticism of the call, Pereira defended the officials but criticized the review result, stating that the game crew made the best possible decision in real time with the information they had.

“When it’s all said and done, that’s what should have happened, and there shouldn’t have been another play,” Pereira said. “They did not look at the television copy of what was being shown to all of us.”

MAC Decides To Appeal Ruling On Tuesday

After initially accepting the ruling, the MAC reversed course and decided to appeal. On Tuesday, MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher released a statement indicating that proper replay protocol was not followed.

Following a careful review, the NCAA denied the MAC’s appeal, as the Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee stated that it does not have the power to alter the outcome or final score of a game. 

With that in mind, Michigan remains the winner of the game, even with all the controversy surrounding the result. Both Michigan and Western Michigan will be heading into Week 2 with an outcome that will always be known as the “what-if” game.

Brazil have named a star-studded 26-man squad for their friendly matches against Australia and India. The list includes Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, who remains the star attraction, and Barcelona forward Raphinha, among a host of other stars. Brazil will play two matches against Australia on September 25 and 29 before locking horns with India in a historic friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3. Endrick, Andrey Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes and Estevao are among the other big names included in the squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Brazil will arrive in Kolkata on September 30.

Com muitas novidades, Carlo Ancelotti convocou a selecao brasileira para os amistosos contra Australia e India. E ai, o que achou da lista?#selecaobrasileira #Ancelotti #convocacao #futebol pic.twitter.com/N9UFUil4jI

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— ge (@geglobo) September 9, 2026

“With these three friendlies, we will start a new cycle to prepare the Selecao for the objectives of the coming years, namely the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup,” Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had said.

The Indian team will also face Panama and two-time world champions Uruguay in a high-profile friendly series.

A Brazilian delegation recently visited the Salt Lake Stadium to inspect the venue and its infrastructure and get a first-hand look at the arrangements for the international friendly.

The delegation expressed serious concerns about the playing surface, which it found to be uneven.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers and defenders: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba) and Otavio (Cruzeiro); Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Junior (PSV), Vitor Reis (Manchester City) and Wesley (Roma).

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus) and Gabriel Bontempo (Santos).

Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estevao (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo) and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

Featured Video Of The Day

Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver, Yashvir Singh Bronze As India Seal Double Podium In CWG Javelin

Indian cricket’s commercial landscape has added three new names, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing Campa, SBI Life and ChatGPT as its latest associate partners for India’s home international season.

The three partnerships, collectively valued at more than Rs 130 crore for two seasons, mark a 44 per cent increase over the value of the corresponding deals in the previous cycle.

The associations will come into effect with India’s upcoming home series against the West Indies and will remain in place until March 2028. The agreements bring brands from the beverage, insurance and artificial intelligence sectors into the BCCI’s commercial portfolio.

Partnerships to cover India’s home cricket

The three partnerships will begin with India’s home series against the West Indies and cover the Board’s home international cricket commitments until March 2028.

The BCCI said the agreements will expand its commercial portfolio across three different sectors, with Campa representing the beverage industry, SBI Life operating in insurance and ChatGPT bringing an artificial intelligence technology brand into the partnership group.

Combined partnership value crosses Rs 130 crore

The BCCI said the combined value of the three partnerships is more than Rs 130 crore across the two-season period. This represents a 44 per cent increase compared with the previous partnership cycle.

According to the Board, the rise in the value of the deals reflects the confidence of major brands in the reach and engagement offered by India’s home cricket.

The partnerships also add three distinct categories to the BCCI’s commercial portfolio, with brands from beverages, financial services and artificial intelligence joining the home cricket programme.

Mithun Manhas highlights growth in commercial value

BCCI president Mithun Manhas described the signing of Campa, SBI Life and ChatGPT as an endorsement of the strength of the Indian cricket ecosystem.

Manhas said the significant increase in the combined value of the partnerships was particularly encouraging, adding that it reflected the trust placed by leading brands in the reach, engagement and commercial potential associated with the BCCI.

He also noted that each of the three partners brings a different brand proposition to Indian cricket and said the Board would work with them to develop associations that create value for the stakeholders involved.

Saikia points to confidence in BCCI and Team India

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the increase in the value of the home-season partnerships reflected the strength of the property and the confidence that brands have placed in the BCCI and Team India.

The three agreements will therefore remain part of the BCCI’s commercial framework as India hosts international cricket through March 2028, beginning with the upcoming series against the West Indies.

The Week 1 NFL schedule begins with a star-studded showdown on Wednesday, as the New England Patriots travel cross-country to take on the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Kickoff Game. Wednesday’s matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl LX, a game which Seattle won 29-13. According to the latest NFL betting odds, Seattle is favored by 3.5 points in the season opener, while the over/under is 44.5 points. You can bet on the NFL Kickoff Game using the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $200 in bonus bets after your first $5 wager: 

Kickoff for Seahawks vs. Patriots is set for 8:20 p.m. ET at Lumen Field. SportsLine’s team of NFL experts have analyzed Patriots vs. Seahawks and revealed their three best bets, and you can also read our NFL betting preview for the NFL Kickoff Game. Bet on Seahawks vs. Patriots at FanDuel and get $350 in bonus bets:

Seahawks vs. Patriots betting preview

The Seahawks and Patriots are meeting in a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl, marking just the third such rematch in Week 1 of the following season. This is also just the fifth NFL game on a Wednesday since 1950, and the first since there were a pair of games on Christmas in 2024. Defending Super Bowl champions are 16-5 in NFL Kickoff games since they were introduced in 2004. 

Seattle returns quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while Mike Macdonald is eyeing another strong campaign after becoming the third-youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl. New England is led by MVP runner-up Drake Maye, who became the second-youngest quarterback to start the Super Bowl. The Seahawks are 3.5-point home favorites in the Seahawks vs. Patriots odds, with the over/under at 44.5. Claim $200 in bonus bets after your first $5 wager at DraftKings here:

Seahawks vs. Patriots best bets 

• AJ Barner Over 24.5 receiving yards (-114)
• Under 44.5 points (-110)
• Seahawks -3 (-118)

AJ Barner Over 24.5 receiving yards (-114)

“I like this spot for AJ Barner who looks like an ascending player for the defending champion Seattle Seahawks,” SportsLine expert Alex Selesnick said. “Barner had a strong rookie season and was a reliable target for Sam Darnold. He dealt with numerous injuries which were addressed in the offseason. New Seahawks OC Brian Fleury, who served as the TE coach in San Francisco for the last four seasons, figures to feature the position more. There is minimal target competition after JSN. The Patriots did give up above average production to opposing Tight Ends last season.” Bet on Seahawks vs. Patriots at bet365 and get $365 in bonus bets after betting $10:

Under 44.5 points (-110)

“A Super Bowl rematch kicks off the season, and I see the Under as the best angle in the game,” SportsLine expert R.J. White said. “The Pats offense had no answer for Seattle’s defense in February, punting on eight straight drives to open the game and turning the ball over on three of their next four drives. Will the O-line be that much better? The Seahawks lost talented OC Klint Kubiak and have questions about the rushing attack, so they might not be able to run up the score in the same way this time around. This one might struggle to get to 40 points.” Use the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS to get bonus bets when wagering on Seahawks vs. Patriots:

Seahawks -3 (-118)

“Defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks still looks like a juggernaut in the NFL this season,” SportsLine expert Emory Hunt said. “Rarely do you see a team that won the Super Bowl retain a good amount of their key contributors from that team. While the Patriots have vastly upgraded at WR and have strengthened the offensive line, I still believe the Seahawks still own a slight edge in this game.” Bet on Seahawks vs. Patriots at FanDuel and get $350 in bonus bets:

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Image: IANS)

NEW DELHI: All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has received the green signal from the BCCI medical staff and is set to join the rest of the India squad in the national capital on Thursday ahead of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting on September 13, the TimesofIndia.com can confirm.Reddy last played for India in the ODI series against Afghanistan earlier this year in June, where he aggravated his left quadriceps injury. The 23-year-old had initially sustained the injury while bowling in the first ODI in Dharamsala and was subsequently rested for the second match in Lucknow. Reddy returned for the third ODI in Chennai, where he experienced discomfort again. He then missed India’s recent white-ball tours of Ireland and England because of the injury.It is learnt that Reddy passed his fitness test last week, following which he was picked for the Afghanistan series. On Wednesday, he underwent a final match simulation at the BCCI‘s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, which he passed in flying colours. It also is understood that he is bowling workload ticked all boxes and he seems ready for even the longer grind.Reddy is also part of India’s squad for the Asian Games, which begin on September 24. India won the men’s gold medal at the previous edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in October 2023. They were adjudged winners on the basis of being the higher-seeded team in the final against Afghanistan after the match was washed out.Indian team will depart for Asian Games from Delhi on September 18. Before the start of the Asian Games, Team India will also play a solitary T20I against Japan n September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi PrefectureIndia men’s T20I squad for Asian Games: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-capt), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Jasprit Bumrah.