Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes has become the latest player from title-chasing Arsenal to withdraw from international duty with injury.
Six of the Arsenal first-team squad have now pulled out or been determined to be unavailable to represent their country in the international window that begins this week.
The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) said that Gabriel will miss the friendlies against France and Croatia, which will take place in the United States, because of “pain in his right knee”.
The CBF says that imaging tests confirmed the 28-year-old’s injury.
His fellow Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad, with Les Bleus also travelling to the US for their friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia.
England midfielder Eberechi Eze was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan but withdrew with a calf problem.
He suffered that blow in Arsenal‘s 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in their Champions League last-16 second leg and missed the Wembley defeat on Sunday.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club are waiting for Eze to undergo another scan to find out the severity of his injury.
Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard is out of the Belgium squad for their matches against the USA and Mexico because of an injury issue.
Club captain Martin Odegaard was already ruled out of Norway duty because of a knee injury, while Dutch defender Jurrien Timber is also out of action at the moment.
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Arsenal are competing to win their first Premier League title for 22 years and lead second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand, by nine points.
They are next in action when they take on Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 4, before they play the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting on April 7.
The Gunners resume their league campaign on April 11 when they play Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium.
When you’re standing over a 3-foot putt — especially with something on the line — it’s amazing how quickly tension can creep in. Suddenly, what should be a “gimme” feels anything but guaranteed, and you can’t shake the sense that the putt is yours to miss rather than make.
Fortunately, GOLF Top 100 Teacher David Armitage says it’s easy to take the pressure out of these putts. You just need to remember to dial in your setup and remember a simple phrase — if it’s long, it’s wrong.
“My theory here is that you’ve holed this putt before you’ve holed it,” Armitage says. “It’s all about setup, and if you set up correctly, you cannot miss this putt.”
Let’s break down Armitage’s five steps for draining 3-footers and help you turn these short, must-makes into automatic putts.
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Take time to line it up — never give the hole away
Armitage emphasizes that taking a few extra seconds to properly line up your ball is essential if you want to make these putts on the course.
“Ninety-five percent of this putt is already done once the ball’s on the ground and it’s lined up,” he says.
While he prefers using the line on the ball, the key is consistency. Whether that means utilizing a line you’ve drawn, the ball’s logo, or a built-in alignment aid, there’s no one right way to line up your putts. Just make sure whatever you use helps you aim it correctly every time.
As you finish lining it up, keep in mind that putts this length usually don’t turn much.
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“There’s not much break in these putts,” Armitage says. “It’s normally inside the hole.”
So, when you pick your line, don’t give away the hole.
Focus on speed, not the line
After lining up your putt, go through your normal routine and settle into your setup. From there, Armitage says to take one final look at the hole before you pull the trigger. This last glance should help you hold a clear picture of your putt in your mind, which helps increase your confidence. As you take your last look, Armitage says to focus on one thing: speed.
“I would never think about anything other than pace or commitment [during the stroke],” he says. “What a lot of people are doing is they’re thinking about direction whilst they’re hitting the putt. So they’re thinking about don’t miss it left, don’t miss it right. There’s a lot of don’ts that go on.”
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Instead of filling your mind with ways you might miss, Armitage suggests zeroing in on pace. After all, you’ve already picked your line — now it’s time to trust it.
By focusing on speed, you shift your attention to something you can control and reinforce your stroke with confidence knowing you’ve read the putt correctly and chosen the right line.
Think: toe-to-toe for your stroke
Armitage stresses the importance of keeping your stroke short and efficient.
“If your stroke gets long, it’s wrong,” Armitage says. “Because then you have to manipulate the face too much or you slow down.”
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In the video above and below, he says you can use your toes as a guide on 3-footers. Simply take the putter back, stopping at your trail toe. Then, on the follow-through, finish at your front toe.
“Now that putter is moving efficiently,” Armitage says. “You don’t need a long stroke for a 3-footer, unless you’re playing on greens that are very, very slow.”
This simple guide will help you produce a short, efficient stroke that keeps the face stable and prevents any decelerating through the ball.
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Listen for the ball to go in
One of the most common mistakes amateurs make on short putts is picking up their head to watch their putt drop. However, Armitage offers a simple alternative that, when mastered, will improve your performance on these short, pressure-packed putts: listen for it to go in.
“That sound, for me, is something that I want to hear,” he says. “And the key is if I don’t hear that sound, I missed it. So, I don’t need to look up to know if I missed it or holed it.”
This approach can look different for every player. Armitage notes tour pros who have won tournaments by keeping their eyes closed over putts. To practice listening for your putts, you can find a spot on the green just in front of the ball to focus on, or even keep your eyes closed. Whatever you decide, the key takeaway is the same — keep your head still and trust your stroke.
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Expect to make these putts
The final key to making pressure-packed putts, is to expect to have to make them.
“Always expect to have to hole this putt,” he says. “Always look forward to holing it. Want to hole it.”
It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing alone or in a tight match with a friend. By expecting to have to execute these putts, you face the pressure head-on and become more comfortable under it. No matter the outcome, this will help you build confidence that carries over to every round.
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the Built to Last alternate rivalries edition helmets of the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Offensive tackle Oli Udoh has been removed from the Minnesota Vikings’ roster orbit for three years, bouncing around the NFL since, and now landing with the Arizona Cardinals.
Udoh is headed to Arizona after spending most of his career in Minnesota.
Udoh experienced a quiet free agency out of the gate, but he’s in the house with Mike LaFleur’s team, probably on tap for OT3 or OT4 in 2026.
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Arizona Adds Familiar Vikings Depth Up Front
Udoh originally played for the Vikings for five years, believe it or not.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Olisaemeka Udoh blocks during second-half action against the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium, Sep 14, 2025, in Nashville. Udoh works along the edge to protect the quarterback and create rushing lanes as Tennessee battles a physical Rams defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Udoh to ARI
It’s official. Udoh is a member of Kyler Murray’s old team. Cardinals reporter Darren Urban wrote Friday, “The Cardinals still may use the No. 3 pick overall on an offensive lineman, but they continue to add depth to the roster for the unit and give themselves leeway for their first pick in April’s draft. On Friday, that came in the form of a one-year contract with veteran Olisaemeka’ Oli’ Udoh.”
“Udoh, 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, has played 74 games in his NFL career since becoming a sixth-round pick of the Vikings in 2019. The Cardinals are expected to draft a tackle at some point, and there remains the possibility that it would come at No. 3; Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is mocked most often as the probable pick if that were to happen.”
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Vikings fans, for the most part, remember Udoh in a positive light — and as an effective depth lineman.
The Cardinals’ OTs before the Draft
With Udoh in the house, the Cardinals’ OT group now looks like this:
Paris Johnson Jr.
Elijah Wilkinson
Josh Fryer
Oli Udoh
Demontrey Jacobs
Christian Jones
Wilkinson, the man on tap for starting RT duty, is a serviceable-to-decent OT. He can hold the job if needed in September. However, he’s not a dazzling solution, so the Cardinals are widely expected to draft a tackle with the third overall pick — probably the aforementioned Francis Mauigoa from Miami. The pick would put Odoh in line as OT4 or so.
Udoh’s Resume
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Udoh served as a backup tackle throughout his rookie contract with the Vikings, playing in 43 games and starting 18 when injuries arose. Minnesota also tried Udoh at guard in 2021 and 2022, but penalties hampered his progress, preventing him from securing a consistent role.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Olisaemeka Udoh walks off the field following a game against the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium, Oct 19, 2025, in Nashville. Udoh exits after another outing in a rotational role, contributing depth along the offensive line during the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Udoh started at guard full-time in 2021, holding the position for the entire season. His most productive period came in 2022 when he returned to a backup role and earned a 74.7 Pro Football Focus grade in 189 snaps.
His career stops through six seasons:
Minnesota Vikings (2019–2023)
New Orleans Saints (2024)
Tennessee Titans (2025)
Arizona Cardinals (2026-now)
Udoh played 341 snaps for the 2025 Titans, or about one-third of the time.
Our Janik Eckardt on Udoh: “It’s unlikely that Udoh is more than depth, but he has made a career out of providing an alternative as an injury replacement at offensive tackle. At 6’6″ and 323 lbs, Udoh had the size and the movement skills to be an intriguing tackle prospect, which is why Rick Spielman took a shot when he drafted the Elon project.”
“In his rookie year, Udoh made the 53-man roster and avoided any practice squad stints. His only rookie appearance came against all-world defender Khalil Mack and he looked surprisingly good against him. After another season of depth duties, Udoh’s breakthrough came in 2021 when Mike Zimmer’s squad deployed him as a starting guard, with inconsistent results, especially in the penalty category.”
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All the Cardinals FA Moves
Arizona has been one of the busier teams in the NFL this offseason, adding these newcomers and re-signing these men:
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Oli Udoh stretches during pregame warmups before facing the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Aug 27, 2021, in Kansas City. Udoh prepares for action as part of Minnesota’s offensive line rotation during a preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
England’s head coach Brendon McCullum with captain Ben Stokes. (File photo/PTI)
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday decided not to make any changes to its leadership group after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, following a review of the tour.Firing people would “be the easy thing to do,” Gould said but he insisted, “This is not the time to throw everything out.”Managing director Rob Key, head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes will continue in their roles. England, described as their strongest side to tour Australia in 14 years, lost the Ashes within 11 days, with two Tests still to be played.
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“Moving people on can sometimes be the easy thing to do. That’s not the route that we’re going to take,” Gould said, as cited by news agency Associated Press. “I’ve seen the driving ambition and determination that we’re lucky enough to have within our leadership group to take the lessons from the Ashes and move forward.”Gould, who previously served as chief executive of Bristol City football club, said cricket operates differently from football and does not follow a hire-and-fire approach.“Cricket is a very unique sport in that it takes a team of leadership … it’s not like football where there’s a single point of failure or success with a manager,” he said. He added the ECB would not “select or deselect management based on a popularity campaign.”The review identified issues around preparation, player behaviour and selection decisions during the tour.At a press conference at Lord’s, Gould and Key said there had been no “bust up” between McCullum and Stokes. They added that McCullum is not expected to “completely change” but “to evolve,” while acknowledging that some player behaviour was “unprofessional.” They also pointed to stricter consequences for underperformance and a focus on “better long-term planning” ahead of major Test series.Some adjustments were already made during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where England reached the semifinals. Gould suggested that performance played a role in McCullum retaining his position.Key accepted that supporters may have expected stronger action.“I know people want punishment and that people then should be sacked for that,” Key said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t feel like we’ve gone through some serious pain: Brendon, myself, Ben. It’s been as tough a time as I think I’ve had.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs walks off the field after a game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium, Nov 12, 2023, in Minneapolis. Dobbs reflects following another start during his midseason stint, helping stabilize the Vikings offense during a stretch of quarterback uncertainty. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL’s quarterback free-agent pool received an injection on Monday after the New England Patriots cut ties with former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs. The 31-year-old will now scour the league’s lay of the land for his 10th employer.
New England moved on, and Dobbs is back on the market again.
The Patriots will also need a QB3 for the 2026 campaign, or at least for the summer, so the Dobbs release is a bit strange.
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NE Moves on from the Former Vikings QB
The Patriots have passed on the Passtronaut for 2026.
New England Patriots quarterback Joshua Dobbs goes through pregame warmups before facing the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium, Nov 2, 2025, in Foxborough. Dobbs prepares for action as part of the Patriots quarterback room, getting loose ahead of a regular-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Dobbs Dropped by NE
Dobbs lasted a year in Foxborough. ESPN’s Mike Weiss wrote Monday, “The New England Patriots released quarterback Joshua Dobbs on Monday. Dobbs, 31, served as the No. 2 quarterback behind Drake Maye in the 2025 season. He was scheduled to earn a base salary of $3.2 million in 2026 and carried a $4.75 million salary cap charge. The deal included per-game roster bonuses of $25,000 (up to $425,000) and a $75,000 workout bonus.”
“Dobbs’ signature game with the Patriots came in a 31-13 win over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 19 when Maye left early in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. Dobbs entered and on third-and-5 completed a 12-yard pass to receiver DeMario Douglas before Maye returned on a drive that ended with a touchdown. That put the Patriots ahead 24-13, and they cruised from there.”
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For what it’s worth, Dobbs should have no problem finding work as a QB2 or QB3 as early as now.
Tommy DeVito Wins for Now
The Patriots recently added DeVito, formerly of New Giants mini-fame, and that was apparently the catalyst for Dobbs’s release.
Weiss noted on DeVito, “The Patriots’ decision comes after the club signed No. 3 quarterback Tommy DeVito to a two-year deal with a base value of $4.4 million after not tendering him as a restricted free agent. DeVito’s deal includes incentives that could increase its value to $7.4 million.”
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“The team now projects to bump DeVito, on a cheaper contract, to the No. 2 role. A No. 3 quarterback is expected to be added later in the offseason.”
DeVito turned heads as a rookie in 2023 when the Giants went 3-3 on his watch, while the youngster delivered an 8-touchdown to 3-interception split. Oozing machismo, some bought into DeVito as the next big thing, but his undrafted Cinderella streak eventually ran out.
New England must believe it can resurrect DeVito in a QB2 capacity.
Dobbs’ Career
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For starters, here’s Dobbs enormous resume so far in his career:
Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–2019)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2019)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2020–2021)
Cleveland Browns (2022)
Detroit Lions (2022)
Tennessee Titans (2022)
Cleveland Browns (2023)
Arizona Cardinals (2023)
Minnesota Vikings (2023)
San Francisco 49ers (2024)
New England Patriots (2025)
In a remarkable three-week stretch in 2023, Dobbs led the Vikings to unexpected victories against Atlanta and New Orleans. These wins kept Minnesota’s playoff hopes alive, increasing their chances of making the postseason to over 80%.
It all unfolded rapidly. After Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in late October 2023, and with Nick Mullens also unavailable, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah quietly traded with Arizona, acquiring Dobbs for a 6th-Round pick and a conditional 7th. The condition for the 7th-Round pick was never met because Dobbs didn’t play enough for Arizona to trigger it, making the trade a minimal investment for Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs drops back to pass during first-half action against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Nov 19, 2023, in Denver. Dobbs scans the field while managing the offense during his midseason stint with Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dobbs’s debut was unforgettable. Jaren Hall started against Atlanta that day but suffered a concussion, forcing Dobbs into action with limited knowledge of the playbook. His performance ignited “DobbsMania” in Minnesota. The following week, he replicated that success, leading the Vikings to a win against New Orleans.
However, the magic soon faded. The passing game struggled. Dobbs and Jordan Addison couldn’t establish a consistent connection, his accuracy faltered, and a critical miscommunication with Justin Jefferson in Denver proved costly. The following week in Las Vegas, head coach Kevin O’Connell replaced Dobbs with Mullens mid-game. The Vikings won, marking the abrupt end of Dobbs’s brief but memorable tenure in Minnesota.
He spent a season in San Francisco in 2024 and on to New England, where he lasted as another one-hit wonder.
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The Patriots’ FA Moves in March
In addition to the Dobbs release, the Patriots did not re-sign these players:
Alex Austin (CB) NE → MIA
K’Lavon Chaisson (ED) NE → WAS
Jack Gibbens (LB) NE → ARI
Jaylin Hawkins (S) NE → BAL
Austin Hooper (TE) NE → ATL
Vederian Lowe (LT) NE → SF
Khyiris Tonga (DL) NE → KC
Former Vikings center Garrett Bradbury was traded to the Chicago Bears a couple of weeks ago, so in addition to Dobbs and Bradbury, New England is basically getting rid of all its former purple players, including OT Vederian Lowe, DT Khyiris Tonga, and WR Stefon Diggs, who was also released.
New England Patriots quarterback Joshua Dobbs speaks with media members at the Santa Clara Marriott, Feb 5, 2026, in Santa Clara. Dobbs addresses reporters during a team-related media session, discussing his role and outlook as part of the Patriots organization. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
In return, the Patriots added these newcomers via free agency and re-signed these men:
Kevin Byard (S) CHI → NE
Mike Brown (S) TEN → NE
K.J. Britt (LB) TB → NE
Romeo Doubs (WR) GB → NE
Reggie Gilliam (FB) BUF → NE
Julian Hill (TE) MIA → NE
James Hudson (LT) NYG → NE
Dre’Mont Jones (ED) BAL → NE
Alijah Vera-Tucker (T/G) NYJ → NE
Kindle Vildor (CB) DET → NE
Oddsmakers expect the Patriots to win nine or ten games next season.
Fulham FC have taken a significant step towards signing Samuel Chukwueze on a permanent deal after opening talks with AC Milan over a possible summer transfer.
The Nigerian winger, who joined Fulham on loan earlier this season, has impressed since arriving in England. After struggling for regular form in Italy, Chukwueze has rediscovered his confidence in the Premier League, where he has played with greater freedom and purpose.
One of his most notable performances came in December, when he scored twice against Manchester City in an exciting encounter. That display strengthened Fulham’s belief that he can play an important role in the club’s future.
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Chukwueze has also settled quickly off the pitch, helped by the presence of fellow Nigerians Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey. Their influence has contributed to his smooth adaptation and improved performances.
Reports indicate that Fulham have now informed AC Milan, through an intermediary, of their intention to trigger the buy option included in the loan agreement. Although the move has not yet been made official, it reflects the club’s strong interest in securing his services permanently.
Chukwueze is also believed to be open to the move. The winger is said to be happy at Fulham and would welcome a permanent stay if both clubs reach an agreement.
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For AC Milan, the deal could represent good business. The Italian side had hoped a loan move would help the winger regain his form, and that plan now appears to be working. During his time in Italy, Chukwueze found it difficult to secure a consistent starting role, partly due to competition from players such as Christian Pulisic.
The agreed buy option is reportedly valued at around €24 million, with additional bonuses that could take the total fee to €28 million. Milan are now waiting for Fulham to formalise their interest, with expectations that the deal could be completed smoothly once negotiations are finalised.
Based on his performances this season, the move appears beneficial for all parties. At Fulham, Chukwueze has already made a stronger impact in fewer matches compared to his time in Italy, showing that his style suits the pace and intensity of English football.
The potential transfer represents a fresh start for the Nigerian international, who now looks set to continue his revival at Fulham.
Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock defeat at the Miami Open 2026, falling to Sebastian Korda in what marks one of the biggest wins of the American’s career.
For Korda, this moment has been a long time coming. After battling injuries and setbacks, the 25-year-old finally delivered on his potential against one of the best players in the world.
After the match, Korda reflected on the performance:
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“It feels great. I took the scenic route that’s for sure . A little more stress than I would want but happy with how I played and stayed with it. Kept believing. I got myself in some nasty situations . Just kept going and kept believing. I played really well at the end.”
He also spoke about the mindset shift that helped him get over the line:
“a lot of soul searching that’s for sure. I’ve gone through a lot of things, played a lot of great players. Haven’t been able to get it done but I felt always when I was playing these top players that I’d start spraying the ball and try to do a bit too much than I need to do. With Ryan we sat down, our goal today was to play average. Just have an average ball. Don’t do too much with it. That’s when you get in trouble. That’s kind of what he’s searching for is you start spraying and you get yourself in trouble against him.”
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On how he managed to execute against Alcaraz:
“I mean the ball speed. Not the way I played I was as aggressive as possible. I served great the whole match. That’s what you need to do to beat a player like him. He’s unbelievable in every aspect of his game. Movement, volleys, forehand, backhand.. there’s nothing he can’t do. I had to be aggressive. I had to take the ball out of his hand and take the point in my favor.”
A huge result in Miami and a reminder that even the very best can be pushed off their game.
A man who knows Keyshawn Davis very well has claimed the former world champion is doing everything in his power to avoid a fight.
Davis is widely regarded as being one of the best talents in all of boxing, beginning when he won a silver medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
After turning professional, he became WBO lightweight champion when he knocked out Denys Berinchyk, though he was later stripped of the title when he came in overweight for a defence against Edwin De Los Santos, which was subsequently cancelled.
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Davis returned in January when he moved up to 140lbs and earned a stoppage win over Jamaine Ortiz, and he has since made his intentions known to head up a further weight class and potentially challenge WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney.
One man that seemingly doesn’t appear to be on the radar of Davis is Andy Cruz, who beat the American on all four occasions when they met as amateurs, most notably in the gold medal clash of the Tokyo Olympics.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Cruz referred to Davis as ‘his son’, and accused his past rival of making excuses to not face him again.
“Truth is, my son doesn’t want anything to do with me and I’m letting him enjoy his career on his own. He always talks about me but he’ll always have excuses not to fight.”
As a professional, Cruz holds a record of six wins from seven fights, after unsuccessfully challenging Raymond Muratalla for the IBF lightweight title back in January, perhaps making it difficult for a fight with Davis to take place anytime soon.
Manchester United signed Memphis Depay for £25million over a decade ago now and the forward made barely 50 appearances, scoring just seven goals, before leaving
Memphis Depay received a telling off from a Corinthians coach after being caught using his mobile phone on the substitutes bench during their match against Flamengo.
The former Manchester United player started the match but came off midway through the first half after grimacing earlier in the game. Memphis went down the tunnel to their dressing room before later reemerging and sitting in the dugout.
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During the final few minutes of second-half added-time, he was looking down at a phone in his hands. A staff member soon came over and animatedly spoke to Memphis, who quickly put the phone away.
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The player claims he was using it to communicate with medical staff in the Netherlands after sustaining an injury. Memphis said on X afterwards: “Just to clarify, my moment with the phone was purely to communicate with the medical staff in the Netherlands at that moment.
“I came outside to show support to my team, while I could’ve stayed inside the dressing room with the injury. I’m upset with the result of the game as well. We keep working for better days.”
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Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman said Memphis had a scan on Monday and was awaiting the results. He said at a press conference on Monday: “He can still travel over, but it doesn’t look good.
“We might bring him in later, perhaps for the second match, but if that’s not feasible, then there’s no need.” The Netherlands face Norway in a friendly on Friday, followed by Ecuador four days later.
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Memphis remains a regular for the national team 18 months after moving to Brazil following short spells with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Erling Haaland was the only player to manage more than his eight goals in the European section of World Cup qualifying.
That is one more than Memphis managed during his entire United career. All seven strikes came during his first season, when he made 45 appearances across all competitions.
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However, after Jose Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal, the former PSV player featured just eight more times before being sold to Lyon midway through his second season in England. Memphis rediscovered his form across the Channel, scoring 76 goals over 178 games and earned a dream move to Barcelona.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
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He scored 13 times during his debut season, but, like at United, left midway through his second for Atletico. Four goals in nine games from January onwards did not translate over his first full season, however, scoring nine in 31 before departing and eventually joining Corinthians.
Memphis has made 76 appearances across three seasons in Brazil, scoring 20 times, but just once so far this season. His contract with Corinthians is due to expire this year.
We’ve already examined which MLB players we think might cash futures bets in offensive stat categories, but what about the pitchers? Aces are nastier than ever, but which of the game’s great hurlers will rack up the most strikeouts or pace the field in wins? Which closers will notch the most saves? SportsLine expert Angelo Magliocca looks at the pitching landscape across MLB ahead of the 2026 season and makes his case for who will lead the league in key statistical categories while also giving some options to stay away from.
Magliocca, also known as “Amags” is a hugely profitable MLB capper who uses his deep knowledge of baseball to find value on player props, sides and totals. He is coming off another strong season at SportsLine. Over the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 MLB seasons, Amags is up 133.4 units on straight bets and parlays while winning an additional 25.3 units on ladder plays.
Here’s a look at his picks and analysis of World Series futures for the AL and NL in 2026.
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MLB wins leader: Paul Skenes (+1400)
We saw how great Paul Skenes was in the World Baseball Classic against a Dominican Republic lineup filled with all stars, showing how dominant pitching can keep a dominant offense at bay any day of the week. Having a lineup that scores a bunch of runs has been a missing piece so far for the 2025 NL Cy Young winner, getting the third lowest average run support in the majors last year at just 3.16, far below MLB average, and something that will need to change for this bet to hit. Yet he wound up with 10 wins because of his impeccable ERA at 1.97, and holding opponents to the fourth lowest hit total of any pitcher with 180+ innings last year.
The Pirates have finally invested (slightly) in upgrading their lineup, adding Brandon Lowe, Marcell Ozuna, and Ryan O’Hearn, all of whom have been All-Stars and will help them score more runs. Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds finally get some big league level help in the order, and I love Cruz as a real breakout star this year offensively too. Scoring more runs for Skenes is imperative to their success, and the offense is getting better at the same time it seems the young right-hander is getting better on the mound. Skenes ended last year with just 10 wins, and projects for around 13-14 this year, which would get us within striking distance of the leaders. With one of MLB’s most improved offenses behind him, getting to 15+ wins is well within the potential outcomes. We could be getting the best pitcher in baseball priced as the fourth or fifth option on the odds board.
When betting this market, you’ll need to get at least a little bit lucky when it comes to the health of the pitchers you’re backing. We have Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet and Skenes at the top of the projected leaderboard here, each above 230 strikeouts. But after that tier, you have a bunch of pitchers in that 200 strikeout range, Logan Webb being one of them. Last year, Webb struck out 224 batters, leading all National League pitchers (including Skenes), but we’re getting odds as if he has absolutely no shot here. I get that regression is expected, but I also recognize Webb’s progression last year, where he adjusted the use of his changeup and cut back on the fastball but used it more in two-strike counts. He’s getting maturing and just pitched for Team USA, racking up 11 strikeouts in 8.2 innings of work.
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If something were to happen where Skubal and Crochet missed portions of the season, it would open the field up. If you’re trying to fade the top three options, how about the pitcher that’s led the MLB in innings pitched in two of the last three seasons, and recently tweaked his pitch arsenal to hunt more strikeouts? At this price, I can’t pass it up.
It may be tough to overtake Edwin Diaz for this award with how many wins the Dodgers are projected to rack up this year, but we’re going to try. Daniel Palencia has as much talent as any reliever in baseball, with a fastball that tops 100 mph and a hard slider that has a nearly 40% whiff rate. The Cubs are in line to win the NL Central if all goes to plan and the Brewers don’t come up with another historic effort to overtake them. The Pirates are young and exciting but they lack depth, which should catch up with them over 162 games. The Reds have already been hit with a Hunter Greene injury, so we’ll need to see how they recover, but I’m not sold on the offense or bullpen either. And the Cardinals are already half torn apart as they enter a rebuild.
In the end, winning just 88 games could take this division and it could get tight if the Brewers play well, so having Palencia to help shorten games will be huge. He wasn’t really used as a closer until late May last year, yet he picked up 22 saves, spanning from May 21 to Sept. 2. Producing 22 saves in just over three months has me excited to see what he can do with full ownership of the ninth inning now. Palencia joins last year’s leader, Carlos Estevez, as my two picks in this market.
SportsLine expert Angelo “Amags” Magliocca has looked at the 2026 season from all angles and has his top plays for betting on the World Series champion
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