Earlier in the day, Vikings Territory ran a piece insisting that LG1 Donovan Jackson is the Vikings’ top breakout candidate. What of the player who is ready to bounce back from a poor season?

The candidates for that title are pretty robust. Players such as LT Christian Darrisaw, LB Blake Cashman, S Josh Metellus, and RB Aaron Jones could be the focus. In like manner, WR Justin Jefferson is coming off a poor year. The reality, though, is that Jefferson was playing good ball but without a good quarterback to unlock him. WR Jordan Addison could be understood in a slightly different manner.

WR2 Jordan Addison
The Vikings’ Top Bounce Back Candidate

Going into his fourth pro season, Mr. Addison is yet to clear 1,000 yards. Might that change soon?

His best year for overall yards arrived in 2023 when he finished off at 911 yards. A lot was going on in that season. Most notably, Justin Jefferson missed seven full games alongside part of two more due to injury. Addison thus had to step into the WR1 job as a rookie. Some will see that as a pure positive since he earned more targets. Keep in mind, though, that he also earned more attention from defenders.

Another key factor in that ’23 season: the quarterback turmoil.

Addison did well working with Kirk Cousins. Needing to catch the ball from all of Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall afterwards was difficult, though. The collection of four passers all had very different abilities.

He has since gotten into his own way several times, most notably with his driving infractions. There was a random issue at a noodle restaurant inside of a casino earlier in 2026 that proved to be a blip rather than anything major. All of the off-field nonsense — speeding, noodle issues, missing a walk through — are in the past.

Jordan Addison can just focus on ball in 2026.

Better yet, Jordan Addison can do so with a nice mixture of youth and experience. He’ll then have Kyler Murray delivering the pigskin. Can the pair of remarkably gifted football players develop nice chemistry?

Moving into 2026, Addison will see $4,296,411 hit the budget, per Over the Cap. He’ll then receive a nice payday in 2027 due to Minnesota snagging his 5th-year option. He’ll gobble up $18 million next year.

Absolutely crushing the upcoming season could lead to a scenario where GM Nolan Teasley opts to extend the talented WR2 so that Minnesota boasts twin weapons out wide to keep rallying around for several more years. Motivation shouldn’t be an issue.

Jordan Addison is still only 24.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Prices for select packages have fallen by more than 50% since the start of the month, with the cheapest option now £75, which provides access to Old Trafford’s newest lounge opened last season

Manchester United are back in the UEFA Champions League and their first game is now days away. Michael Carrick’s men kick off their campaign against Azerbaijani side Sabah FC on September 10, and fans can still book tickets for the game.

It will mark the club’s first fixture in Europe’s top competition since December 2023 having secured their spot with a third-place Premier League finish last season. Man United’s own allocation of tickets has already gone on sale exclusively to season ticket holders and club members, but there is a way for all fans to book a seat at the game.

Seat Unique offers official match tickets with VIP and hospitality packages for each home game this season, including Man United vs Sabah. As well as a seat at Old Trafford, fans usually have a range of complimentary food and drink options included in the price of a ticket, plus a series of other perks.

READ MORE: Man United vs City Derby tickets still available despite selling out as prices ‘dropped’

READ MORE: Amazon Fire TV stick drops to £8 ahead of next week’s Manchester Derby

Prices for select packages have fallen by more than 50% since the start of the month, with the cheapest option now £75 (was £159) per person for the Seat Unique Club, which provides access to Old Trafford’s new lounge opened last season. Here, fans can choose from a selection of complimentary food and drinks such as beer, prosecco and soft drinks, with a matchday programme and Megastore voucher also included at no extra cost.

Guests also receive a ‘VIP Executive’ padded seat near the half-way line in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand’s block N3405, as well as a four-course meal and complimentary drinks. A ticket includes a matchday programme and pre-game screening around the lounge.

Also available is the Block N1404 with Victoria Warehouse package at £99 (was £149). This provides seating in block N1404 of the Sir Alex stand and access to the Victoria Warehouse hospitality area from three hours before kick off and one hour after the final whistle.

Man United vs Sabah VIP and Hospitality Tickets

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Seat Unique offers hospitality packages for Man United’s Champions League clash with Sabah FC on September 10, including ‘premium’ seats and complimentary food and drink.

The £139 (was £189) Salford package includes padded seating on or near the halfway line of the Sir Alex stand and informal rotating street food options in the Salford Lounge from three hours before one hour after the game. A match programme is provided for free, but food and drink must be purchased on the day.

Prices rise to £179 (was £249) for the Champions Club Lounges package, which comes with stellar ‘VIP Executive’ padded seats in the middle tier near the half-way line. There’s also an all-inclusive three course meal with drinks served in one of Old Trafford’s two newly refurbished Champions Club 22 suites – the Sir Alex Suite or the Legends Lounge.

Fans can also enjoy hot pies, savouries and cakes at full time and inclusive car parking. The Evolution package is also £179 (was £249) per person and includes similar perks but has ‘VIP Executive’ padded seats situated near the front of the North-East Quadrant’s middle tier, between the Sir Alex and East stands.

As well as a three course meal and complimentary drinks including champagne on arrival, Evolution guests can also enjoy a Q&A from a Man United legend before the game. It’s worth noting that each Seat Unique package is intended for Man United fans only as away supporters are not permitted in the hospitality areas.

Also, some packages operate with certain dress codes, so guests should check the details of their ticket when booking. Alternatively, fans can visit Man United’s website to check eligibility for any remaining tickets.

Otherwise, Man United vs Sabah will be broadcast live on TNT Sports on September 10 from an 8pm kick off. As well as the TNT Sports TV channel, it will be available to stream on HBO Max or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.

Terence Crawford hung up the gloves back in December but Eddie Hearn believes that the five-weight world champion will soon end that retirement.

Crawford last competed in September 2025 when he moved up to 168lbs and pulled off an incredible victory over Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed super-middleweight champion, before announcing his retirement three months later.

Crawford has been linked to bouts with various names since then but as of yet there are no signs that the 38-year-old will reverse his decision, but Matchroom promoter Hearn has told The Ring that he believes a possible fight with Jaron Ennis could soon change that.

“I’ve wanted this fight for so long. I rate Crawford so highly but I’m just such a huge believer in Jaron Ennis, and I think this will be the fight that will be the biggest fight in boxing.”

“Boots is probably going to fight Josh Kelly and has to see if he can beat him, if he beats him he’ll fight Fundora, and if he becomes undisputed I think the Crawford fight will happen.”

“I think it’s an unbelievable fight. Boots is a superstar, he’s paving his way. Crawford is the ultimate competitor, his body is breaking down and maybe he won’t fight again but at the same time he’s the ultimate competitor. I know he’s looking at Boots up and down and thinking ‘I’ll do you’, so we’ll see.”

Crawford and Ennis recently had a back and forth on the broadcast of the Andy Ruiz vs Damian Knyba fight on Friday, which has fuelled the recent speculation over a potential meeting.

After becoming unified world champion at welterweight, Ennis stepped up to 154lbs and won the WBA and WBO titles back in June with a seventh round TKO win over Xander Zayas.

As Hearn mentioned, a clash with IBF champion Josh Kelly appears to be next, before a possible meeting with WBC champion Sebastian Fundora, and only time will tell whether a victory there would be enough to tempt ‘Bud’ out of retirement.

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala hits a return to USA’s Iva Jovic during their women’s singles third round tennis match on day seven of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on September 5, 2026. (Photo by Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP)

Alex Eala took a seat at the table to again face the world media on Sunday, this time to do the losing player’s interview.

That pretty, baby face she once described as having ‘chubby cheeks’ tried very hard to put up that elegant smile. Those eyes, usually sun-bright, were a bit gloomy.

She would later show how she felt in general during the tail-end of a press conference that didn’t even take six minutes—a mere speck of time compared to what she had to endure just minutes ago on the biggest US Open stage.

READ: Alex Eala on US Open loss to Iva Jovic: ‘I left everything out there’

“I think it’s just a part of life, having friends (you lose to),” Eala said after making a third round exit when good friend Iva Jovic rallied and showed the Filipina superstar the door with a 7-5, 6-3, 7-5 thriller of a win carved out in a more than three hours at Arthur Ashe in Flushing Meadows, New York.

“I don’t think being friends affects how much we fight, how bad we want it,” Eala said. “We’re professionals.”

There was evident dejection in Eala’s face when she stepped off the court to a standing ovation from a sell-out crowd that witnessed a classic between two rising talents, as television cameras followed her all the way to the corridors leading back to the locker room.

She had her chances after all.

Eala had a break point to go 5-2 up in the third set, only for Jovic to fight back to forge a 4-all tie before the American came up with a finishing kick that left an entire country trying to find out what went wrong.

READ: Alex Eala mania heads to Singapore Tennis Open next

“It took everything (I had) to get through that,” the 18-year-old Jovic would later say. “From losing my earrings, falling flat out on the floor, (having) cuts on my knees, (a) mental breakdown. Literally everything.”

“I honestly don’t know what to think after that,” she said. “The level (of play) was absolutely incredible from both sides.”

Jovic advanced to face fellow American Coco Gauff for a place in the quarterfinals. And having played to deafening roars in facing Eala two times this week—one in an exhibition—could certainly help her moving forward.

“That’s what you want,” Jovic said of the throng that has followed every Eala match. “I don’t care if they’re cheering for me, against me. I don’t care who they support, there’s so many people there.

“It’s the biggest stadium in tennis, so I’m just really grateful to have been a part of it.”

It was heartrending defeat for the 21-year-old Filipino to take, as she was trying to replicate a fourth round appearance she had at Wimbledon after she bundled out defending champion Iga Swiatek.

READ: Alex Eala on upcoming Asian Games stint: ‘I love being with PH team’

“I had my chances, set myself up for some opportunities, which was great,” Eala said. “I am happy with the match. In general, there’s disappointment in losing, but on the positive side, the level (of play) was really high.”

The early exit still had its silver linings for the Filipino, who can improve on her world No. 18 ranking—still the highest achieved by any Southeast Asian—pending results of other players.

“Congrats to Iva for pushing through,” said Eala, who showed genuine class when she crossed to Jovic’s side of the net to congratulate her friend after the smoke of the battle had cleared.

“What I have learned tonight I have yet to process,” Eala said. “But I left everything out there tonight, I fought. So I am happy with that.”

And then she showed her emotions.

“It’s indescribable, the support. How it makes me feel. it’s a real privilege to experience this in a lifetime,” Eala said before slightly tearing up. “Playing on Arthur Ashe, feeling the support, learning these lessons, fighting and doing what I love. I’m really lucky to be able to work this hard and live this life.” INQ

The Indian football team is set for a high-profile international window, with matches against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in a series of international friendlies beginning September 26.

However, the matches have already sparked discussion even before India take the field, with several senior and established players missing from the squad announced for the fixtures.

Head coach Khalid Jamil has defended the selections, saying established names alone cannot guarantee a place in his team. Jamil said players were picked on merit and performance after everyone had been given an equal and adequate opportunity to stake a claim.

The Indian coach said the changes are part of a longer-term plan to build a team capable of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Jamil also ruled out bringing retired India captain Sunil Chhetri back for a farewell appearance against Brazil, while confirming that India will approach the three matches with an emphasis on defensive strength and flexibility.

Jamil defends squad selection

Jamil defended the 26-member squad after several established players were left out of the group for the upcoming friendlies.

Former India captain Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vishal Kaith, Liston Colaco and Jeakson Singh were among the prominent names missing from the squad.

The head coach said he had assessed the players before making his selections and insisted that there was no distinction between senior and junior players. According to Jamil, everyone had been given an adequate opportunity to demonstrate their credentials, with performance determining who made the squad.

2027 Asian Cup qualification remains the main target

Jamil said the changes to the squad are connected to India’s preparations for the next phase of the national team’s development.

With qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup identified as the principal objective, the coach said the team needs to improve across different areas of the game rather than focus on one particular aspect.

He specifically pointed to attacking and defensive organisation, set-pieces and the transition from attack to defence as areas where India need to be effective.

Jamil also stressed that players would have to take greater responsibility on the field, while acknowledging that the pressure would increase as the team prepares for important assignments.

India will not use one fixed formation

India will face three opponents who are higher in the FIFA rankings, and Jamil said he would not commit his team to one formation for all three matches.

The coach said the tactical approach would depend on the circumstances of individual games. He mentioned systems such as 3-4-3 and 5-4-1 as possible options, while stressing that the priority would be to make India a stronger defensive unit.

At the same time, Jamil said India would not enter the matches simply looking to limit the number of goals conceded. He wants the team to play for victories and believes the players will need to raise their level against stronger opposition.

Jamil backs India for strong performance

Despite the changes to the squad, Jamil said India’s recent performances against competitive opponents provide grounds for confidence in the current group.

He referred to matches against Iran and Oman, as well as a game against Tajikistan on their home ground. Jamil also cited India’s performances against Zimbabwe and Jamaica while making the case that the national team has been involved in competitive fixtures recently.

The coach said these matches had provided the players with experience against strong opposition and maintained that India’s recent results should not be viewed as evidence that the team has been performing poorly across the board.

No Chhetri return for the Brazil match

Jamil also addressed speculation about Sunil Chhetri returning to the national team for a farewell appearance against Brazil.

The former India captain retired from international football in 2024, bringing an end to a career in which he became the country’s leading men’s international goalscorer and appearance-maker.

Jamil said Chhetri remains an example for the current generation, particularly because of his discipline and continued hunger to perform. He said India needed more players who could emulate those qualities and admitted that the team misses having him around.

However, Jamil ruled out asking Chhetri to return for the Brazil fixture. He said India are in the process of building a new team and that bringing Chhetri back would not be appropriate. Jamil added that Chhetri’s decision to retire should be respected.

When will India play Panama, Brazil and Uruguay?

India will begin the international window against Panama on September 26 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

The team will then move to Kolkata for two successive fixtures at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Brazil will be the opponent on October 3, followed by Uruguay on October 6.

Brazil are currently ranked fifth in the world, while Uruguay are 20th and Panama 44th. Uruguay will enter the India fixture under interim head coach Diego Forlán following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure.

The three matches will form part of India’s preparations as Jamil continues to build a squad with the 2027 Asian Cup qualification campaign as the principal target.

Gianni Infantino will stand in next March’s FIFA presidential election, despite the backlash over his now-abandoned plan to bring private investment into the World Cup, football’s global governing body announced Sunday.

“The FIFA President announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election.”

The 56-year-old Swiss has taken a pummelling since the announcement in late July of his short-lived FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan to bring private investment into FIFA events.

But now for the first time since the plan became public, FIFA has reiterated Infantino’s intention to run for a fourth and final term in next year’s elections.

Should he be re-elected, he will continue to serve as head of world football until 2031.

Read moreUEFA moves to file criminal complaint against Infantino over failed FIFA sell-off

Infantino is in Poland for the Women’s Under-20 World Cup, but refused to answer queries about his future when questioned by journalists on Saturday.

Only candidate

European body UEFA has accused Infantino of “criminal mismanagement” over the scheme and was the ringleader of the initial fightback to the announcement, including threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, if it was not shelved.

If UEFA withdrew its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments on August 27 – ahead of the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland – it remains absolute in its conviction that Infantino must depart his role.

The European body has filed requests in the USA for the disclosure of documents related to the plan from FIFA and partners.

If successful in gaining access to the documents, UEFA had said it intends to lodge a legal complaint in Switzerland, saying it has been assured the case would meet the requirements to be heard in a Swiss court.

It has also found solid support from North American body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in its actions against Infantino.

The three confederations have kept up the pressure and collaborated on a no-holds-barred joint letter issued last month.

“Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding – or demanding – power to be held,” they wrote.

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is widely seen as the likeliest challenger to Infantino – UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out.

Read moreUEFA chief Ceferin calls for Infantino to quit but rules out replacing him

Montagliani, a FIFA vice-president, had long been regarded as a close ally of Infantino, but there were signs, even before he distanced himself over the now-scrapped plan to allow private investment into World Cups, that he viewed FIFA’s purpose somewhat differently to the Swiss.

But Infantino is not without friends – 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia came out in support last month, with African football’s governing body CAF and South America’s CONMEBOL supportive, too.

Earlier in September, FIFA also accused UEFA of a “smear campaign” and a “fishing expedition” against Infantino.

As the only declared candidate so far for the election due to take place in Rabat, Infantino will need a simple majority of votes from the 211 federations affiliated to FIFA to extend his term of office, which began in 2016 and was renewed in 2023.

Candidate nominations for next year’s election must be submitted by November 18.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

A lot of the time, fantasy football experts are listing Vikings WR1 Justin Jefferson down in the 2nd Round of fantasy drafts. That’s madness.

Nobody has generated more air yards across his opening six NFL seasons than Jefferson. That’s despite starting as a backup for Mike Zimmer. That’s despite seeing all of these passers throw him the ball since 2022: Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, Sam Darnold, Joshua Dobbs, J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer, and Carson Wentz. Now with Kyler Murray, Jefferson is looking to prove many naysayers wrong.

Vikings WR1 Justin Jefferson & The Fantasy Football Madness

Consider just a trio of spots that list Justin Jefferson in some fantasy rankings:

Nobody truly knows how fantasy leagues are going to unfold. What’s crystal clear, however, is that crushing the ADP is a surefire way to give a team an edge. Jefferson offers potential for this kind of advantage.

Last season was pretty poor, at least for Jefferson. Understand, though, that Jefferson’s bad isn’t bad.

With 84 receptions, Jefferson finished off at 13th in the NFL for that stat category, giving him a ton of value in PRR leagues. His 1,048 receiving yards were similarly modest compared to what the WR1 has done in the past. Just note that he still finished at 12th in the NFL with that total.

Where he could be said to have done legitimately poorly was in his touchdown caches, or lack thereof. Boasting just 2 scores is a shortcoming that needs to get fixed. The receiver sits in a tie for 118th with the 2 scores.

Nobody has ever mistaken Jefferson with Davante Adams when it comes to touchdowns. A scoring assassin he is not. What happens, though, if he’s just good rather than great in this area? Where could he go with his game if he gets within the 8-10 touchdown range?

Elite catches and yards can do wonders if he finds a way to get back to good with touchdowns.

Kyler Murray isn’t a perfect quarterback. However, he is a good quarterback. Seeing him form some nice chemistry with Jefferson should be the expectation. At 29, Murray has accumulated plenty of experience, meaning he’ll know where his bread is buttered. He’ll look to his WR1 regularly.

As it relates to numbers, Justin Jefferson could very plausibly climb up to 100 catches, 1,500 yards, and 8 touchdowns. That’s an eye-popping fantasy season (especially in PPR) that’s sometimes being priced at a “very good” rather than an “elite” level.

Justin Jefferson is 27.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.