Indian cricket great Sunil Gavaskar has unveiled the DP World Celebrity Golf Event, a special charity initiative set to be held on March 6, 2026, at the iconic Bombay Presidency Golf Club in Chembur, Mumbai. The event is aimed at raising awareness and support for the CHAMPS Foundation, an organisation founded by Gavaskar to assist former Indian international athletes facing financial and medical hardships.
Driving Awareness for CHAMPS Foundation
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The CHAMPS Foundation, Caring, Helping, Assisting, Motivating, Promoting Sportsperson, was created to ensure that athletes who once brought glory to the nation are not left unsupported in difficult times. Since its inception, the foundation has worked towards providing care, dignity, and financial assistance to several former sportspersons across disciplines.
Speaking about the initiative, Gavaskar said: “The CHAMPS Foundation was created with the belief that those who have brought glory to India through sport should never be left behind in times of need. This event is not just about golf, it is about giving back to the sporting community that has given us so much. I am deeply grateful to DP World and all the participating legends who have come forward to support this cause. Their presence reflects the strong sense of camaraderie and responsibility that defines the global sporting fraternity.”
Star-Studded Sporting Icons to Participate
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The 18-hole event will feature over 100 participants, including renowned Indian cricketers such as Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Venkatesh Prasad, and Ajay Jadeja. International cricket personalities Eoin Morgan and Michael Vaughan are also set to be part of the initiative.
The event extends beyond cricket, with Indian tennis legend Leander Paes and badminton great Prakash Padukone joining leading professional golfers.
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Paes shared his thoughts on the cause, stating: “Sport teaches us resilience, discipline, and the importance of standing by one another. The CHAMPS Foundation embodies these very values. It’s inspiring to see athletes across disciplines unite to support fellow sportspersons. This event is a celebration of sport’s enduring spirit and a reminder that the sporting community is, above all, a family.”
Strong Partner Support
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The DP World Celebrity Golf Event is backed by leading partners including Asian Paints as Official Colour Partner and Tata Motors (Tata Sierra) as Official Car Partner, along with Campa, 3 Below, and Godawan Estuary Premium Water.
Blending sport, philanthropy, and camaraderie, the event aims to spotlight a meaningful cause while bringing together some of the biggest names in the global sporting fraternity.
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:
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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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RCB admit batting failure after close defeat | IPL 2026
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.
While Arsenal have just five games left to play, City have six, with their match against Crystal Palace still to be rescheduled. They also have an FA Cup semi-final against Southampton on the agenda and Arsenal remain in Champions League contention.
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Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at City and Arsenal’s last remaining Premier League fixtures after Sunday’s blockbuster of a match.
Manchester City
Burnley (A) – Wednesday, April 22
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Everton (A) – Monday, May 4
Brentford (H) – Saturday, May 9
Bournemouth (A) – Sunday, May 17
Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, May 24
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Crystal Palace (H) – TBC
Arsenal
Newcastle United (H) – Saturday, April 25
Fulham (H) – Saturday, May 2
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West Ham United (A) – Sunday, May 10
Burnley (H) – Sunday, May 17
Crystal Palace (A) – Sunday, May 24
What Pep Guardiola has said
“It [the game against Arsenal] was a good advert for the Premier League,” said Guardiola after the win. “They don’t allow you to go through the process, they’re so aggressive.
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“They are good in the duels and one of the most competitive teams I ever faced in my career in terms of duels and one against one; long balls with Havertz and Rice, second balls — fantastic.
“When you beat them once, it’s difficult. But twice [in a short time], they are so competitive and aggressive in all departments. We had momentum, they had momentum, we had chances, they had chances.
“At the end in these type of games, it is little margins. I’ve been so demanding, but the reality is it’s just one game. They are top of the league with one goal difference [better]. We have to enjoy it, celebrate it, take the good things, but don’t lose the focus. The focus is in three days, we go to Burnley.”
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Man City came out as 2-1 winners over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in a big boost to their title hopes
Roy Keane is sticking with his prediction that Arsenal will clinch the Premier League title this season, despite their defeat to Manchester City in the pivotal top-of-the-table clash. City came out as 2-1 winners, closing the gap between the two teams to just three points.
Recent weeks have seen the margin steadily shrink, with City now in a position to leapfrog Mikel Arteta’s side in the standings, should they win their midweek clash.
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Rayan Cherki put City ahead at the Etihad Stadium, only for Kai Havertz to level things up just two minutes later. Arsenal did create opportunities to take the lead, but Erling Haaland‘s second-half strike ultimately proved decisive.
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With the gap narrowing and City holding a game in hand, opinion is shifting on who the favourites are to lift the trophy come the end of the campaign.
Speaking following the final whistle, former City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports: “I have said if Man City win today, this is the game, they will win the League. I have always said that.”
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Former Arsenal and City midfielder Patrick Vieira was of the same view, stating: “There’s still 15 points on the table but if I had to answer the question I will say it, it will have to be Blue today,” he said.
Gary Neville echoed similar sentiments, saying: “For the first time this season I am probably going to say they will win the League.”
“I don’t care. I am going to stick with Arsenal, of course I am going to stick with them,” he said.
“No doubt the belief is not as strong as it was before the game, obviously City have got the momentum but I am going to have to stick with Arsenal because I called them at the start of the season.”
Man City’s midweek fixture sees them face second-from-bottom Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening. Victory would see the champions leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the table.
Both teams will then have five Premier League games of the season remaining.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker (3) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the 2024 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Minnesota Vikings fans and pundits are hyperfixated on the club drafting a safety, cornerback, or defensive tackle on Thursday night, as the roster calls for it. But what if they don’t? What if the Vikings get funky? The following is a look at the Vikings’ dark horse draft outcomes, even if they’re somewhat unrealistic.
Three surprises. One draft. Anything can happen.
Always remember: a team like the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. two years ago after handing Kirk Cousins a $180 million contract.
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The Unexpected Paths Minnesota Could Still Explore
.. and the stuff on Thursday that would make you scratch your head.
NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales interviews Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love during the NFL Scouting Combine, Feb 28, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, as he speaks on his college production and draft outlook while evaluators and media gather around during one of the league’s key pre-draft events. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
1. A Splashy Trade Up the Draftboard for Love, Styles, or Downs
The premise of this article is dark-horse draft outcomes that could unfold: strange, unprecedented, unexpected, and thrilling.
Here, the Vikings would bet it all on Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame), Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State), or Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State). All three play non-premium positions, but Minnesota disregards “smart person” logic to obtain the best football player.
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For example, if Love is available between pick 6 and 10, the Vikings could send a basket of draft picks to a a team in Top 10 and secure the draft’s top playmaker. Love would then cook in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, likely forcing him to run the football at a normal NFL clip.
This option will be expensive and probably won’t happen because Minnesota needs all of its draft picks to onboard young talent. Still, this would be the ultimate “all in” move.
SI.com‘sWill Ragatz wrote about the notion of trading up this week, “Jeremiyah Love would be an incredibly fun addition to the Vikings’ offense, but I’m not sure he’ll even fall far enough to be a realistic trade-up candidate for Minnesota. The one that stands out as a possibility is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.”
“He could potentially slide a bit because of the positional value of safeties and the fact that he didn’t run at the combine or OSU’s pro day. It’s possible Brian Flores loves Downs and thinks he has a chance to be an All-Pro in the Vikings’ scheme.”
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It’s worth noting that Minnesota would likely have to donate a fortune to land Love or Downs, including next year’s 1st-Rounder.
Ragatz continued, “With that said, I don’t think the Vikings will want to part with the draft capital required to move up from 18 to, say, the Chiefs’ pick at No. 9. But if Downs falls out of the top 10, it might be worth making some calls to see about the price on moving up 5-7 spots.”
“Ultimately, I don’t think it’s particularly likely they go up or land Downs.”
2. Picking an Offensive Lineman
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Christian Darrisaw’s torn ACL recovery has concerned Vikings fans, Brian O’Neill is on deck for 2027 free agency, Will Fries’s guaranteed money runs out after the 2026 season, and Minnesota doesn’t have a starting center.
Those concerns are perhaps easily fixable, but what if the Vikings’ offensive line situation is causing distress behind closed doors? They could pick offensive tackle Spencer Fano from Utah or the best interior offensive lineman in the draft, Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane.
Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) lines up against Boise State during the Fiesta Bowl, Dec 31, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, battling in the trenches throughout a postseason matchup as both teams compete in one of college football’s premier bowl games. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Minnesota proved in the last draft that it was serious about the trenches with Donovan Jackson. What if they make it two years in a row?
Sadly, an offensive tackle selection would signal significant fears about Darrisaw’s future, whether that’s accurate or not.
3. Drafting an EDGE with Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Turner on the Roster
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Do the Vikings need an EDGE rusher? They do not. Is EDGE one of the most important spots in the NFL? It is.
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski has vowed to select the best player available on Thursday night, and that might just be an outside linebacker like Keldric Faulk (Auburn) or T.J. Parker (Clemson). Think of it this way: Jonathan Greenard has been the subject of trade rumors; he wants a new contract. The upcoming season is scheduled to be Andrew Van Ginkel’s last in Minnesota.
EDGE rushers break the bank in free agency; positions like safety and running back do not. EDGE is a premium position.
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) celebrates a defensive stop against South Alabama, Sep 13, 2025, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, reacting with energy as the Tigers build a lead before halftime in a home matchup during the early portion of the college football season. Mandatory Credit: Jake Crandall/Advertiser-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There’s a world where Brian Flores pounds the table for another pass rusher. It really wouldn’t be that weird.
Of course, the need for an OLB would explode through the roof if Minnesota traded Greenard during the draft. Texans EDGE Will Anderson just secured a contract worth $50 million per season; Greenard could reasonably ask for $35 million. Would the Vikings have that in their budget?
Mohamed Salah had struck Liverpool’s first goal at Everton’s new stadium just two-and-a-half minutes after Iliman Ndiaye thought he had given the hosts a deserved lead, only to see his strike disallowed for an offside in the build-up.
Everton responded well in the second half and pulled themselves level when Beto slid in to finish Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross, which left Liverpool turning to their third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman after an injury to Giorgio Mamardashvili.
Substitute Rio Ngumoha had a very late chance to win the derby for Liverpool but, in the last minute of 11 minutes of stoppage time, Van Dijk rose to head in a corner and secure a famous win for the visitors.
It leaves Liverpool seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League spot, with five games of the season remaining. Chelsea lost 1-0 to Manchester United last night.
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Has Van Dijk’s latest Merseyside derby winner wrapped up top-five race?
Virgil van Dijk’s first goal for Liverpool came as he rose from an inswinging corner from the left to head in a late winner against Everton in the FA Cup third round. Eight years on from the captain’s dramatic debut at Anfield, Van Dijk provided another historic Merseyside derby moment when he headed in Liverpool’s winner at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Liverpool have conceded seven goals in stoppage-time in the Premier League this season, losing games at Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Wolves and against Manchester City. But this was a call-back to Liverpool’s run at the start of the season, when they won games late on against Bournemouth and Newcastle. Liverpool are often involved in late drama, but Arne Slot could reflect that it was about time it went his side’s way.
It could be crucial in the race to finish in the top-five, which is what Liverpool’s failed Premier League title defence has come down to after recent exits from the Champions League and FA Cup. After Chelsea’s defeat at home to Manchester United last night, Liverpool have opened up a seven-point advantage over the sixth-placed Blues with five games to go. That is surely insurmountable.
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Aston Villa grabbing a late winner in a 4-3 thriller against Sunderland is a further blow to Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League. With five games to go there is still room for some twists and turns, but anything other than a win for Liam Rosenior’s side at Brighton on Tuesday could mean the race for the top five is realistically over.
(PA)
Mohamed Salah makes more history in final derby
Part of Mohamed Salah’s legacy at Anfield is his outstanding record against Liverpool’s two biggest rivals: Manchester United and Everton. On his last Merseyside derby, Salah made sure to bag himself another record, and write his name into the history of this fixture one last time before he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season.
Just a couple of moments after Iliman Ndiaye thought he had scored the first Merseyside derby goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Salah was clinical as he finished first-time from Cody Gakpo’s excellent ball across the face of goal. After scoring Liverpool’s last goal at Goodison Park, he had their first in Everton’s new home.
It also took Salah level with Steven Gerrard for the most Premier League goals in the Merseyside derby, with nine. Like this one, many of those finishes had been slipped, cooly, past Jordan Pickford, leaving England’s No 1 with no chance.
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Everton could rue losing the ball in the build-up, with Dwight McNeil giving it away as the hosts looked to build from the back. But Liverpool, and Salah, were ruthless. It rather compounds the strangeness of Arne Slot’s decision not to start him against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
Goalkeeper crisis for Liverpool after Mamardashvili injury
Liverpool could enter a crucial stretch of their season down to their third-choice goalkeeper after Giorgio Mamardashvili was stretchered off with an injury sustained when Beto slid in to score Everton’s equaliser. It was unclear if Beto or the recovering Andy Robertson collided with Mamardashvili, but the Georgia international was left in serious pain. Arne Slot later said he went to hospital due to a “big wound, an open wound”.
It meant Freddie Woodman made just his second appearance for Liverpool, and Premier League debut for the Reds, as a second-half substitute. With Everton pushing for a winner, it was difficult circumstances for the 29-year-old to come into, and they was a nervous moment as he had to come out from his box to head away after Virgil van Dijk guided the ball back to him.
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Woodman may now be required to play a significant part in Liverpool’s run-in as they aim to finish in the top-five and qualify for the Champions League. Alisson Becker may not return before the end of the month and Liverpool’s No 1 has been out since March with his own injury issues. Woodman’s only previous appearance for Liverpool came in the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup earlier this season and he may need to face the Eagles again when they travel to Anfield next weekend.
That would be another big challenge for an inexperienced goalkeeper, but it was telling Liverpool’s players surrounded Woodman to celebrate victory at the full-time whistle. Slot, however, said Liverpool could have Mamardashvili back sooner than expected. “It’s not going to be a long-term injury. Let’s see if he is available for next week,” Slot said. “We’ve had almost in all positions our problems and now even two goalkeepers being out.”
Liverpool players congratulate goalkeeper Freddie Woodman following the 2-1 win (PA)
Anonymous Isak and Wirtz struggle to make an impact
With Hugo Ekitike sidelined for the rest of the season, and much longer, this was another difficult day for Liverpool’s two other expensive signings in Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Neither looked ready for the frantic nature of a Merseyside derby away from home, with Isak still working his way up to full fitness and Wirtz still adjusting to the physicality of the Premier League.
Both were quiet in the early spell where Everton were on top. Isak managed just two touches in the first 40 minutes of the game, before firing straight at Jordan Pickford shortly before half-time in his only sight of goal. Wirtz managed to find Isak at one stage and send him through on goal, but Jarred Branthwaite was quite easily able to get across and muscle the striker off the ball.
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Liverpool lost control in the second half and when Everton equalised it came following another sustained period of pressure. Arne Slot eventually reacted by withdrawing Isak for Rio Ngumoha in the 72nd minute, and then Wirtz for Alexis Mac Allister as part of a double-change in the 84th minute. Neither had made an impact and the changes could have come much earlier.
Beto makes amends but Everton rue missed chances
With Everton roared on by a feverish atmosphere in the first Merseyside Derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool would have been expecting their neighbours to make a lightning start. Still, they did not look prepared for how Everton would fly out of the traps and Arne Slot’s side were very fortunate to not fall behind early on.
Giorgi Mamardashvili first made an important stop to deny Beto’s header before Everton twice got in behind the Liverpool defence. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was played in with a ball over the top and demanded a penalty after stand-in right back Curtis Jones came in from the side and challenged him with his shoulder. Beto was slipped through but was closer to the corner flag than the goal with his finish as he opened up his body and looked for the far corner.
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Iliman Ndiaye’s goal ended up being a hugely deflating moment, as Everton went from thinking they had taken a deserved lead to going behind just two-and-a-half minutes later. But Beto made amends in the second half as he slid in to score Everton’s equaliser. After their earlier let-offs, Liverpool were once again caught out by the ball over the top, with Dewsbury-Hall finding space and shrugging aside Ibrahima Konate before firing the ball across.
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