The US-Israel war with Iran has caused many sporting events in the region to be postponed. The conflict is also affecting other events farther afield, largely by forcing changes to travel arrangements. Some questions cannot yet be answered.
Iranian women kick off Women’s Asian Cup campaign
The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup kicked off on Sunday – a day after the US and Israel began launching airstrikes on Iran, but also a long way away from the conflict, in Australia. On Day 2 of the tournament, on Monday, all eyes were on the Iranian team, one of 12 taking part in the Women’s Asia Cup. The Iranian women took to the pitch as scheduled and there appeared to be no outward sign of the conflict raging in their homeland. South Korea dominated the football match from the outset, perhaps to have been expected given that they sit at 21st in the FIFA women’s rankings, well above Iran at 68. South Korea won easily 3-0.
Formula 1: Australian GP to go ahead.
Formula 1 motor racing officials have sought to play down the impact of the US-Israel war with Iran on the 2026 season, which is to open with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday, March 8.
“Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and not in the Middle East ― those races are not for a number of weeks,” an F1 spokesman said. “As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”
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Australian Grand Prix and Formula 1 officials say next weekend’s opening race is a go despite having to make some quick travel rearrangementsImage: Chris Putnam/ZUMA/IMAGO
However, the conflict has the series scrambling to rearrange travel plans.
Travis Auld, managing director of the Australian Grand Prix, estimated that the number of people linked to the race who had to make alternative plans was around 1,000.
He said instead of flying to Australia via Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha, many had opted for Singapore or Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, tire supplier Pirelli has said that its testing of wet weather tires planned for the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain over the weekend had been scrapped for safety reasons.
Cricket: English team’s match canceled, alternative T20 travel plans
Sunday’s match between the England Lions developmental team and the Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi was cancelled, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Saturday.
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“The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority,” the ECB said in a statement.
The England Lions, a developmental team, saw their match in Abu Dhabi called off on the weekendImage: Richard Wainwright/AAP/IMAGO
It also announced that while it was delaying the departure of the England women’s team to Abu Dhabi next week, the men’s team, currently playing in the Twenty20 World Cup, would travel from Sri Lanka to Mumbai for Thursday’s semifinal against India as planned.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday said it was working on alternate flight plans for visiting players and officials seeking to return home from the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, due to the conflict.
Euroleague Basketball announced the cancellation of the adidas NextGen EuroLeague qualifying tournament in Abu Dhabi, citing safety concerns.
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The eight-team competition was called off during the second quarter of the opening match between Monaco and Aris Thessaloniki.
“After careful evaluation and ongoing consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders, it was determined that cancelling the event is the most responsible course of action at this time,” the league said in a statement on Sunday.
Domestic football leagues suspended, ‘Finalissima in doubt’
Several football associations in the region have announced that they have suspended play over the conflict. Among these were the Qatar FA, which postponed all matches from Sunday, and the Persian Gulf Pro League, Iran’s top flight. The Israeli Premier League has also suspended play for the time being.
Also on Sunday, Asian soccer’s governing body postponed continental club championship playoffs scheduled in the Middle East for this week, saying AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 games would be rescheduled.
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The ‘Finalissima’ between Spain and Argentina is scheduled for March 27 in Lusail Stadium in Doha, QatarImage: David Ramos/Getty Images
Meanwhile the “Finalissima” match slated for March 27 in Doha is in doubt. The contest is to pit European Championship winners Spain against Copa America champions Argentina.
Paralympics: Iranian, Israeli athletes qualified
One athlete each has qualified from Iran and Israel to represent their countries at the Paralympic Games in Milan Cortina, which open on Friday, March 6. Iran’s Abolfazl Khatibi is a 23-year-old para-cross-country skier, while Israel’s Sheina Vaspi, 24 is a para-alpine skier, who competed at the 2022 Paralympics in Bejing four years ago. It’s not clear how the conflict could affect their participation.
Men’s football World Cup: Will Iran participate?
Even as the women were playing their opening match at the Women’s Asian Cup, the big question on football fans’ minds all over the world is whether the Iranian men would do the same at this summer’s World Cup.
Iran’s group matches are all scheduled to be held in the United States, with two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
The president of Iran’s FA now says he can’t yet say whether the team will take part.
Kane emerged from the bench as a half-time substitute at the Allianz Arena and grabbed his 56th goal of the campaign for club and country – which was his 32nd Bundesliga goal in 27 appearances this term – to add to efforts from Raphael Guerreiro, Nicolas Jackson and Alphonso Davies.
Chris Fuhrich had put Stuttgart ahead early on, and Chema Andres grabbed a late consolation second goal, but Bayern defended their title by winning the competition for the 35th time, as they now sit 15 points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with four games to play.
The treble-chasing Bavarians face Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup semi-final next week before taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals as Kane hunts more trophies.
“It’s been a fantastic season for us,” said the England captain and Bundesliga top scorer. “To finish the league off in the way we have with the goals we scored, credit to the lads. We still have a lot to play for but all the hard work, this makes it all worth it.”
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Bayern have been dominant once more in the Bundesliga this season, shattering the all-time league record for goals scored in one campaign (101), having already netted 109 times with four matches remaining.
Harry Kane celebrated the title on the pitch with his family (Reuters)
Kane had earlier grabbed his 56th goal of the season for club and country (Reuters)
Kane, who is leading the scorers list with his 32 strikes, will need to score nine times in the remaining games if he is to equal Robert Lewandowski’s record of 41 goals in a Bundesliga season.
But the England skipper is already on track to win the golden boot and, if he does, he will be the first player to claim that crown in his first three seasons in the German top tier
With back-to-back German league titles in his two seasons in charge, coach Vincent Kompany – who took over from Thomas Tuchel in 2024 despite getting Burnley relegated from the Premier League in his previous job – has quickly succeeded in re-establishing Bayern’s domestic dominance after Leverkusen broke their stranglehold with an unbeaten domestic double in 2024.
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
It’s hard to believe that the 2026 NFL Draft is already almost here. It’s the perfect time to cash in on some draft betting picks.
Over the last few months, countless NFL mock drafters have taken stabs at where these top prospects could be selected.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best value on the board, utilizing FanDuel Sportsbook odds. Remember, this doesn’t mean that we’re predicting these players will be drafted in these spots.
Rather, we’re going to try to cash in on some valuable plus money opportunities for the NFL Draft, an event that is always capable of a few surprises.
No. 3 Overall: Francis Mauigoa (+650)
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The Arizona Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick – and they have needs all over their roster.
David Bailey (+110) and Arvell Reese (+260) are the betting favorite to come off of the board in this spot. But what if the Cardinals want to hook up new offensive minded head coach Mike LaFleur with a player to help fix his offense?
That could lead the Cardinals to Mauigoa, who was a standout right tackle for the Miami Hurricanes. 31-year-old veteran Elijah Wilkinson is expected to start at right tackle for the Cardinals.
They’ll probably take an edge rusher. But if they don’t Mauigoa would be the play at +650.
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No. 6 Overall: Caleb Downs (+1200)
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The Cleveland Browns don’t need a defensive player. But Browns general manager Andrew Berry continues to float the idea of the team trading down. It’s a safe bet to expect the Browns to try and trade back.
Who would be worth another organization deciding to trade up for? Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs, who should still be on the board if the New York Giants select his Buckeyes teammate, Sonny Styles, at No. 5 overall.
Obviously, a lot has to go right for this selection to cash. But Downs is one of the best players in the draft. If he’s still available outside of the top five selections, he won’t last much longer.
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No. 10 Overall: Jordyn Tyson (+440)
Tyson is the one player in this class that could cause a major shakeup inside the top 10 picks.
According to reports, 20 teams attended the Arizona State star’s private workout, where the consensus seemed that most teams were comfortable with his medical situation.
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The Giants just acquired the No. 10 selection from the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Giants GM Joe Schoen had dinner with Tyson the night before the private workout.
If Tyson is still available at No. 10 overall, the Giants could load up on offense for Jaxson Dart.
Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge has arrived at a critical juncture as they have dropped points against direct rivals Manchester City in a fixture that could significantly reshape the race from here on. A 2-1 loss at the Etihad stadium means that City will now go top of the table if they win their game in hand against Burnley.
A 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in their previous outing had tightened the margin at the top, handing City a renewed opportunity to apply pressure and deny Arsenal a chance to lift their first league title in more than 20 years.
Here are the scenarios of the Premier title race of Arsenal drop points tonight –
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If Arsenal lose –
Arsenal points tally – 70 after 33 games
Manchester City points tally – 67 after 32 games (game in hand)
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If Arsenal drop points tonight, they will have a slender 3 point lead in the table as City have played one game lesser than them till now. This means that if Pep Guardiola’s side win their 33rd game, they will be level on points with the Gunners making it a rollercoaster title race for the last 5 games.
If Arsenal draw tonight –
Arsenal points tally – 71 after 33 games
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Manchester City points tally – 65 after 32 games (game in hand)
If Arteta’s men manage to take a point away from Etihad tonight, they will have a 6 point lead intact which could reduce to 3 points if City won their game in hand in the future. Afterwards, with 15 points to fight, the Gunners will have the fate in their hands and could seal the title by winning their remaining games. However, if they lose a single game in the process, then things could be decided by the goal difference as well. Currently Arsenal have a batter goal difference (+3) than City which could prove benefetial for them later on.
If Arsenal win tonight –
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Arsenal points tally – 73 after 33 games
Manchester City points tally – 64 after 32 games (game in hand)
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If the Gunners manage to win the match tonight away from home, then only a miracle could deny them their 1st title in 22 years as City would have to win all their remaining games and expect Arsenal to lose 2 of their last 5 games as well to cut down the 6 point gap.
A season of sustained control at the top
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Despite the immediate tension, Arsenal’s position remains built on months of consistency. They have spent large portions of the season at the summit, repeatedly responding whenever City have attempted to close the gap. Even during phases where the lead has narrowed, Arsenal have shown an ability to recover momentum and maintain control over the standings.
Their campaign has not been defined by dominance in every phase, but rather by resilience and consistency across the long run of fixtures, which has kept them ahead in a tightly contested title battle.
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Defensive structure as the foundation
A key factor in Arsenal’s season has been their defensive organisation. Built on structured rest defence and compact positioning, they have made it extremely difficult for opponents to exploit space in transition. This stability has allowed them to stay competitive even when attacking output has fluctuated.
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Set pieces have also played a decisive role. Arsenal have been the league’s most effective side in these situations, consistently turning dead-ball moments into goals and using them as a reliable source of advantage in tight matches.
City’s challenge and shifting dynamics
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Manchester City, traditionally known for late-season surges under Pep Guardiola, have taken a different path this season. While they remain a powerful attacking side, their usual end-of-campaign acceleration has not been as dominant. Defensive inconsistencies and uneven form have occasionally prevented them from capitalising fully on Arsenal’s slip-ups.
As a result, the gap at the top has remained stubbornly intact for long stretches, rather than collapsing under pressure as in previous seasons.
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Arsenal still likely to lift title?
Even in the event of a defeat, Arsenal’s title hopes would not be extinguished. A reduced lead would intensify the race, but the standings would still leave everything to play for in the remaining fixtures. Their season-long accumulation of points and defensive reliability means they would remain firmly in contention. City may gain psychological momentum from such a result, but Arsenal’s consistency across the campaign ensures they would not be displaced from the race.
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Ultimately, today’s match may shape the narrative of the run-in, but it is unlikely to determine the outcome. The title race remains finely poised, with both teams carrying different strengths into the final stretch. Arsenal’s structured consistency against City’s attacking firepower sets up a conclusion that will likely be decided not in a single game, but across the final sequence of matches.
Was this the moment Arsenal could have won the Premier League?
Mikel Arteta fell to his knees. In a title race of the finest margins, Kai Havertz’s header in stoppage time was the golden chance Arsenal had to take to keep the title race in their hands. Instead, Havertz headed over the top of the bar to leave Arsenal knowing they could be knocked off top spot for the first time since October on Wednesday night.
It wasn’t the only chance Arsenal had in the second half. In fact, they had two brilliant opportunities when the match was level at 1-1 – which, given how an Arsenal victory could have knocked City out of it, may have been even more critical to the outcome of the title.
In the 62nd minute, a counter-attack saw Martin Odegaard slipping Havertz through on goal with just Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat. But the goalkeeper stood tall and made a redemptive save, given his earlier error. Arsenal had a four-on-two but could not capitalise.
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A couple of minutes later, Eberechi Eze hit the inside of the post with a curling shot from the edge of the box, the rebound off the woodwork skirting across the face of goal. That was how close Arsenal came to taking charge of the title race and getting their hands on a first league trophy in 22 years.
(PA Wire)
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2026 02:00
Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter – get one month free and go beyond the game with exclusive insights
Packed with snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip and updates from Miguel Delaney’s reporting trips, members have a backstage pass as he covers the 2025/2026 season, the 2026 World Cup and more…
Chris Wilson20 April 2026 00:00
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Arsenal water bottles sold outside Etihad ahead of crunch Man City clash
Arsenal-themed water bottles were on sale outside the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City fans ramped up the banter ahead of Sunday’s crucial title clash.
City were hoping to move within three points of the Gunners at the top of the table – with a game in hand – with victory over Mikel Arteta’s side.
Supporters quipped Arsenal were “bottling it” after losing to Bournemouth last weekend.
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Chris Wilson19 April 2026 23:00
Vieira on Arsenal
“I think Arsenal had a good performance but the difference between good teams and great teams, you can see that on the field. Those top players make the difference,” said Patrick Vieira on Sky.
“Arsenal will feel more of the pressure now. I would question the mental strength of the team even more now,” he added.
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Chris Wilson19 April 2026 22:45
Neville full of praise for Silva
Here’s some praise for Silva from Gary Neville on Sky:
Chris Wilson19 April 2026 22:30
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WATCH: Silva & Haaland speak at full-time
Here’s the entertaining interview with Silva and Haaland after the final whistle on Sky:
Chris Wilson19 April 2026 22:15
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‘Title race not over yet’
This title race is not over yet, I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come,” says former Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney on BBC’s Match of the Day.
“It is is obviously going to be tight but City have got one more game to try to win, so I still have Arsenal down as slight favourites.
“I’ve been in this situation myself, where you need to win all your games for the title. You look at your games and you think well we should win this one, or that one, but it never pans out that way.
“From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best – that’s who will win it,” he added.
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(AP)
Chris Wilson19 April 2026 22:00
ICYMI: Watch as City wrap up huge win
Here are the scenes at full-time as City secured a potentially pivotal three points:
Chris Wilson19 April 2026 21:45
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WATCH: Cherki & Haaland secure vital City win
Here are the highlights of the two City goals then.
A spectacular run and finish from Rayan Cherki to get the hosts started…
And an equally accomplished finish from Haaland to secure the three points!
Chris Wilson19 April 2026 21:30
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Haaland: ‘Look at the energy we used’
Here’s what Haaland has to say to Match of the Day:
“Look at the battles, look at the energy we used, look at the atmosphere. It was amazing. Everyone knows how much I enjoyed that. A good win.
“You need to stay focused, know what you want to do. We have a plan, you need to execute and do what you can do to win the game.”
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“I expected us to have a lot of the ball, I expected them to press us high, they are really good at this.”
On what the City dressing room was like before the game, he explains: “We played them a few weeks ago so we knew a bit about what you’re going into it. It’s at our home and we kind of knew what was going to happen.
“Everyone knew if we lost this game or didn’t win this game it kind of would be over so we are still in the race. The locker room before was calm because we knew what we had to do because of the Carabao Cup final and the Chelsea game. We still need to keep building and take it step by step because it’s another game on Wednesday,” he added.
Tempers frayed between Arsenal’s Gabriel (left) and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)
LAS VEGAS – Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio were once brothers in arms in the Judgment Day. The two helped the faction run “Monday Night Raw” for several years.
As championships and opportunities came and went, the rift between Balor and Mysterio grew. It came to a head when Balor caused Mysterio to lose the Intercontinental Championship to Penta. Balor leaving the Judgment Day left Mysterio and Liv Morgan as the leaders with JD McDonagh, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez sticking around.
Finn Balor is introduced before his match against Dominik Mysterio during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The latter four chose to ride with Mysterio and attacked Balor on one episode of Raw.
The bitter war led to a match Sunday night at WrestleMania 42. To make matters more interesting, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce made the match a street fight hours before the show was set to begin.
Balor had vowed to bring the “Demon” out and he certainly did.
Finn Balor is introduced before his match against Dominik Mysterio during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Balor made his way to the ring in his “Demon” gear, dripping with red and black paint. Mysterio was in a mask with other Mysterio supporters.
The two then proceeded to beat the crud out of each other.
Mysterio wrapped Balor’s head in between a chair and hit a 619 on him. He tried to pin Balor, but to no avail. At another point, Mysterio tossed Balor through a table set up in the corner.
As many have learned, it’s hard to keep your demons down. Mysterio learned the hard way.
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Balor would not give up. Balor clotheslined Mysterio, hit him with a chair multiple times before wrapping his head in between the chair and drop-kicking him into the corner. Balor put Mysterio onto a table and hit the Coup de Grâce for the win.
Dominik Mysterio is introduced before his match against Finn Balor during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The Denver Nuggets’ halftime adjustments in Game 1 on Saturday spurred them to a 116-105 win over Minnesota. Now, it’s the visiting Timberwolves’ turn to adjust for Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Monday night.
Minnesota missed 14 of its first 16 shots in the third quarter, when Denver built a 15-point lead. The Timberwolves cut it to 97-95 in the fourth quarter, but two turnovers contributed to a Nuggets’ run that put it away.
It is only one game, and No. 6 Minnesota has an opportunity to steal one from No. 3 Denver before heading home for Games 3 and 4.
“No one wants to have a moral victory, but we understand we had every opportunity to win that game and down the stretch, we cut it to two,” Ayo Dosunmu said. “We just have to be better.”
Composure and the ability to defend without fouling will be vital if the Timberwolves want to even the series. Jaden McDaniels hit a turnaround jumper that ended a Minnesota drought in the third quarter, and then drew a technical for pushing Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the back after the bucket.
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The Timberwolves had 25 personal fouls that led to 33 free-throw attempts for Denver, 16 by Jamal Murray. He didn’t miss from the line, and the Nuggets missed just three overall.
Minnesota’s chances to pull off the upset in the series hinge on star guard Anthony Edwards. He missed 11 of the final 14 games of the regular season due to a balky right knee, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said Edwards looked “rusty” Saturday.
Edwards acknowledged he struggled.
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“I haven’t played in like a month, month and a half, so, I was a little fatigued,” he said despite tallying 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.
Denver is hoping to get fully healthy for the rest of the series if forward Peyton Watson can return from a right hamstring strain. Watson has not played since aggravating the hamstring injury on April 1. He initially sustained the injury Feb. 4 and missed more than six weeks.
The Nuggets do have Jokic and Murray healthy, and they were a force in Game 1. Jokic recorded the 22nd triple-double of his playoff career, and Murray scored 30 points despite going 7-for-22 from the field. He did most of his damage from the line and disputed Minnesota’s grumblings in the disparity of foul calls.
“I thought I got fouled on every single one of them. I don’t know what everybody is talking about,” Murray said. “They were real fouls.”
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Denver has been on a roll since losing to Memphis on March 18. The Nuggets won their final 12 games of the regular season to overtake the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed and secure a third playoff meeting in four years against the Timberwolves to build on a budding rivalry.
“I think some people say it’s the same teams. I don’t think it’s the same teams,” Jokic said. “People are more experienced, different players. One player can change the whole situation, the whole rotation, the whole momentum of the team.”
Punjab Kings’ Cooper Connolly, right, and his batting partner Priyansh Arya (AP Photo)
Punjab Kings’ explosive new batting pairing of Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly has already forced its way into rare statistical company, producing a partnership that now stands second only to the legendary Virat Kohli–AB de Villiers stand in IPL history for both dominance and scoring rate. On Sunday in Mullanpur, Arya and Connolly tore apart the Lucknow Super Giants attack with a jaw-dropping 182-run partnership off just 80 balls, at a staggering run rate of 13.65. It is now the second-highest run-rate for a 100-plus stand in Punjab Kings’ IPL history, only behind David Miller and R Sathish’s 2013 burst. Across IPL history, only one stand has surpassed their combination of runs and scoring tempo — the iconic 229-run partnership off 96 balls between Kohli and de Villiers against Gujarat Lions in Bengaluru in 2016, which came at 14.31 runs per over. Arya, just 24, smashed 93 off 37 balls with fearless clarity, while Connolly brought Australian flair with a 45-ball 87. Between them, they struck 16 sixes and 12 fours, dismantling every phase of the LSG attack.150-plus stands for PBKS in the IPL206 – Adam Gilchrist & Shaun Marsh vs RCB, Dharamsala, 2011183 – KL Rahul & Mayank Agarwal vs RR, Sharjah, 2020182 – Priyansh Arya & Cooper Connolly vs LSG, Mullanpur, 2026 LSG’s response, despite 200/5 in 20 overs, never came close. Rishabh Pant (43) and Mitchell Marsh (40) showed resistance but lacked the tempo to match Punjab’s opening explosion. Vyshak Vijaykumar’s disciplined spell (1/30) was the only real control point for LSG in an otherwise one-sided contest. The result was a reminder that Punjab’s new generation is not just winning matches, but rewriting record books alongside the greatest names the IPL has ever seen.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the problems with City’s run-in after beating Arsenal in the Premier League
Pep Guardiola will wait to find out the extent of a groin injury for Rodri after the midfielder had to be substituted towards the end of their 2-1 win. The Spaniard, who suffered a serious injury in this fixture last season, was excellent for most of the match before pulling up at the end and immediately asking to be taken off.
That didn’t stop Rodri from running back out to the edge of the dugout to give his teammates extra instructions as he looked to help them see out seven minutes of injury time against the league leaders, but it may rule him out of some upcoming matches. City are in action on Wednesday at Turf Moor as their schedule gets busy again after a few weeks with just one match in them.
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As much as Guardiola said the victory over Arsenal gives the players ‘hope’ that they can beat Mikel Arteta’s side to another Premier League title, he was cautious for the six games they have left to play – not least because they are still behind on points and goal difference. An absence of any length of time for Rodri would further complicate City’s run-in as they look for a perfect finish.
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“What happened if Havertz scored with a header in the six-yard box in front of Donnarumma?” he said. “What is the message? We don’t have personality, we cannot defend our goal…the margins are there. They have a post, we had a post for Erling. The mentality has always been there except last season.
“Sometimes win, sometimes there, but the margin at this level is Madrid three times arrive in the first half and three goals. There are many things you cannot control and we were not at our best because I give a lot of credit to our opponent.
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“We are alive, we are there, everybody is pushing and now everybody will make a contribution when we play every three days. I don’t know how long Rodri will be out. The doctors will make checks later tonight or in the morning.”
Chelsea hero Joe Cole has heaped praise on Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo after his performance at Stamford Bridge. He claimed that the midfielder was exceptional and admitted surprise that former manager Ruben Amorim did not use him enough.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole said that Mainoo was one of the best players on the pitch. He questioned Amorim’s decision to bench him earlier this season and said:
Thanks for the submission!
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“One of the MAD things for me watching Kobbie Mainoo… HOW did Ruben Amorim not get a tune out of him?”
Michael Carrick revealed that Mainoo was not training this week ahead of the Chelsea clash. However, the Englishman played in the match as he wanted to prove himself on the pitch. The Manchester United coach said:
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“Kobbie didn’t train an awful lot really. He only did a little bit on Thursday and a little bit more yesterday. I wasn’t an awful lot, so credit to him for stepping into that one.”
The head coach went on to hail the performance, saying it was one of the best games from the midfielder, and said:
“I thought that was the best Kobbie’s played, certainly since I’ve been back here. To step up and put so many phases or sides to his game tonight… I thought he looked so composed and so calm, he had a real presence about him, defended well.”
“It’s not easy when you’ve got good players around you and it was a good battle between him and Cole Palmer. So he had to be right at it tonight but as you saw he had so much quality and composure in a tough environment really, to show us what he can do.”
Mainoo played the full match and misplaced just five passes in the game, but picked up a booking in the game.
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim on Kobbie Mainoo
Ruben Amorim spoke about Kobbie Mainoo in December, saying that it was his decision not to play the midfielder. He hit out at the journalist who questioned him about the Englishman and said:
“You love Kobbie, he starts for England. But that doesn’t mean that I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn’t put Kobbie [in], so it’s my decision.”
Mainoo played 1727 minutes in his 20 appearances under Ruben Amorim, while has already played 976 minutes in his 11 matches under Michael Carrick at Manchester United.
Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya, and Cooper Connolly (PTI Photo)
New Chandigarh: Punjab Kings possess perhaps the most fearsome top order in the IPL, comprising three genial but fearless young batters. On Sunday, Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly carried out a brutal assault on Lucknow Super Giants with elegance — a second-wicket partnership of effortless hitting, yielding 182 runs off just 80 balls to set up a score of 254/7 and a 54-run win.A carnage of this nature and magnitude is usually driven by muscular hitting which shatters the confidence of the bowling team. Arya’s 37-ball 93 and Connolly’s 46-ball 87 slit the spirit of the LSG bowling like a hot knife gliding through a block of butter. It was always going to be tough for LSG batters to recover from the massacre. Their forceful batting, led by Rishabh Pant’s 23-ball 43 and Aiden Markram’s 22-ball 42, did see them finish with a decent score of 200/5, but they had fallen too far behind in the first half of the match. It didn’t even matter if Punjab Kings put out a subpar fielding effort.Arya and Connolly have shown that scoring at a manic run-rate doesn’t necessarily require brute force. It could be done with languid elegance, depending more on optimum timing. They took touch play to another level. Each of Arya’s nine sixes didn’t have an exaggerated bat swing. In comparison, Connolly’s seven hits beyond the boundary carried a more pronounced follow-through of the bat. The ball looked to be floating into the stands off their bats. They ditched the quintessential flamboyance of T20 batting and relied on finesse. And just like that, Arya has quietly flown under the radar to compete with other Indian marauding left-handed openers like Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
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They may know the conditions at their home venue too well. The pitch was undeniably flat. Yet, the authority and confidence in their nonchalant ball-striking was spellbinding, even for someone with the experience and skill of Mohammed Shami. Once Shami’s impeccable outswinger dismissed opener Prabhsimran Singh for naught at first slip off the third ball of the match, it seemed the LSG bowlers were doing well enough to not let Punjab Kings run away with the match in the Powerplay. Connolly struggled for timing and even survived an LBW shout. Arya was unaffected by anything that was happening at the other end. They ended the Powerplay at 63/1 with Arya on 40 off 13 and Connolly on 19 off 22.Punjab Kings have built a reputation of killing games in the first six overs of the innings. They went the other way on Sunday. Connolly gave up trying to hit the ball hard and followed what Arya was doing.Perhaps, they know the conditions here too well, but they also are evidently in ominous form in this tournament. Arya made batting look so easy that one thought all he needed to do was just put bat on ball. Before one could realise, the duo had brought up the team’s 150 in just 12.1 overs. Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan and Aiden Markram appeared resigned to the onslaught. Even Shami looked out of place and short of ideas. Only Prince Yadav held his own and finished his spell with figures of 2/25, his spell an anomaly in the innings.The brute power only came with Marcus Stoinis coming out after Arya and Connolly were dismissed in the space of two runs. His unbeaten 29 off 16 had sixes that could have seriously injured people in the stands. But he did kill LSG’s hopes of restricting Punjab Kings under 240 after the rare failure of Shreyas Iyer.
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