Connect with us

Sports

Chelsea fans’ preferred lineup against Brighton: Bank three points securely with JP, Morgan, or a better nickname

Published

on

In just a few short hours, after a power nap or two, Chelsea will be taking on Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge. It will be game number two of the Premier League season, both teams coming in off wins on opening weekend, Chelsea narrowly over Fulham, 3-2 and Brighton not so narrowly over Aston Villa, 4-0.

Xabi Alonso may have a preference for a back-three, but he’s been fairly fluid with formations overall. Things morph and move around. Standard formation notations aren’t really cut out for the modern game. That said, the WAGNH Community overwhelmingly prefer the back-three look.

Advertisement

And there’s strong consensus on two of that back-three in Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill. Similarly, there is very strong consensus on the front-three, in JP, Morgan, and the guy who doesn’t like the JP Morgan nickname for that trio. Reece James is also a nailed-on starter. But there’s a steep drop after him for the last four starters, though in Caicedo’s case, that’s surely just due to his uncertain fitness status.

Advertisement

Oh, and it’s Big Mike in goal.

3-4-3 / 3-4-2-1 (86%)
Penders (76%) | Colwill (92%), Lacroix (98%), James (87%) | Hato (47%), Lavia (54%), Caicedo (55%), Gusto (51%) | Rogers (97%), Palmer (96%) | João Pedro (98%)

Josh Acheampong (45%), Pep Chavarría (42%), Wesley Fofana (41%), and Valentín Barco (34%) also came very close, though I expected a bit more for Barco after his Man of the Match showing midweek. Pedro Neto (23%) remains far off the pace, along with Estêvão (13%). Enzo Fernández managed just 11% as he continues to write a new chapter in his Chelsea legacy.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Week 1 San Antonio high school football scores for Saturday

Published

on

The Saturday slate of high school football games to end Week 1 was uneventful on the weather front, unlike the first two days of the weekend.

Here are the scores and stats from Saturday as Week 1 wrapped up in San Antonio.

Advertisement

Don’t miss out on the latest in high school football, sign up for the Express-News high school sports newsletter.

Saturday’s high school football box scores

Advertisement

Advertisement

Saturday’s high school football scores

Non-district

Lytle 21, Medina Valley Creek View 18

Advertisement

Harlan 30, East Central 14

Marion 35, Gonzales 34

Austin LBJ 42, Sam Houston 33

Brandeis 38, O’Connor 28

Advertisement

LEE 50, Edison 19

Warren 55, Jay 21

Subscribe

There’s more to San Antonio with the Express-News. Subscribe today for just 25¢.

This article originally published at Week 1 San Antonio high school football scores for Saturday.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Shohei Ohtani ‘Not 100%’ Yet, Will Not Pitch vs. Tigers On Sunday

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Shohei Ohtani will not pitch Sunday against the Detroit Tigers after experiencing knee discomfort during a Friday bullpen session.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Saturday’s 2-1 loss that Ohtani’s knee still isn’t pain free, and he’s also having minor issues with the biceps muscle that troubled him earlier in the inning.

After the game, Roberts said Ohtani would not be used against Detroit and his next pitching outing is up in the air. Tyler Glasnow, who was expected to follow Ohtani, will now start Sunday’s game.

Advertisement

The two-way star hasn’t pitched since throwing six innings in a 4-3 win against the San Diego Padres on July 3, and would have only pitched an inning or two on Sunday.

“The hard part right now is trying to figure out if he’s not 100% in the overall body, is it worth giving him an inning to build him up,” Roberts asked.

Ohtani has been able to hit through the problems – he’s batting .274 with 12 homers in 45 games since his last pitching performance – and the addition of Tarik Skubal has made it easier to win without him in the rotation.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took charge as East Zone’s stand-in captain in Duleep Trophy semifinal | Cricket News

Published

on

Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took charge as East Zone’s stand-in captain in Duleep Trophy semifinal
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Screengrabs)

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took on a new responsibility on Sunday as he captained East Zone for the first time in senior first-class cricket during their Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone.15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who is normally East Zone’s vice-captain, stepped in after regular skipper Ishan Kishan was forced off the field with a thumb injury while keeping wickets. Kumar Kushagra replaced Kishan behind the stumps, while Sooryavanshi temporarily took charge of the team.

Sooryavanshi embraces leadership role

The youngster has been one of the talking points of East Zone’s Duleep Trophy campaign. Although he managed only eight runs in the quarter-final against North East Zone, he impressed with the ball by taking two wickets.Sooryavanshi later spoke about his experience of bowling and taking responsibility for the team.“If you ask any batter, they always enjoy bowling. A batter always enjoys bowling and a bowler always enjoys batting equally,” Sooryavanshi said in a video posted by BCCI Domestic.The teenager also revealed that Kishan took a chance by giving him the ball and described himself as a “wicket-taker”.“Opponent team’s wickets weren’t falling, so I was asked to bowl two or three overs. Ishan Bhaiya felt like he was taking a risk, but he didn’t know that I am a wicket-taker,” he added.

East Zone make strong start

East Zone won the toss and chose to bowl first against Rajat Patidar’s Central Zone. Saransh Jain returned to the Central lineup after recently making his India debut in the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka.East’s bowlers made an early impact, restricting Central to 81/3 after 32 overs in the opening session. Abhijit K Sarkar claimed two wickets, while Mukesh Kumar took one.Sarkar dismissed Aman Mokhade and Kunal Chandela early, before Mukesh removed Central captain Patidar. Mohammed Shami also kept Patidar under pressure during an intense contest as East Zone controlled the opening session.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Transfer news LIVE: Gakpo chooses City, Atletico give Alvarez deadline, Barcola set for Liverpool medical, Enzo latest

Published

on

Unai Emery reveals Ollie Watkins apology – but confirms tearful Aston Villa departure

Unai Emery admitted he shed a tear as he received an apology from Ollie Watkins ahead of the Aston Villa striker’s move to Saudi Arabia.

Watkins is set to join Al Hilal in a £50m deal, with Emery’s side agreeing to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as his replacement.

The England international missed Aston Villa’s 4-0 defeat to Brighton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Advertisement

Emery was left seething by Watkins’ absence and said he could “only answer by silence”, but revealed an emotional farewell on Thursday.

“I can tell you now Watkins’ commitment and behaviour was fantastic always,” Emery said on Friday.

“Last week, we didn’t get a deal to finish playing the match against Brighton but he told us after the match that he was sorry and he told us he made a mistake and was wrong.

“We accepted it and the players did as well because he always had very good behaviour with me. For me, he’s a fantastic guy, even more so than as a player.

Advertisement

“I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and a small cry. But all the best with him in Saudi and with Nicolas Jackson replacing him.”

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is heading for the exit door (Nick Potts/PA)
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is heading for the exit door (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 10:30

Burnley interested in Ryan Giles

Burnley are looking to sign Hull City left-back Ryan Giles on loan, according to Football Insider.

A clause could be included in the deal to make his arrival permanent next summer.

Advertisement

Giles was key to Hull’s promotion last season and is a fan favourite at the MKM Stadium.

(Reuters)

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 10:20

Arsenal reignite interest in Endrick

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Real Madrid forward Endrick.

The Brazilian striker is said to be concerned with having fallen doing the pecking order at the Bernabeu and talkSPORT say Arsenal have held talks over a potential signing.

Advertisement
(AP)

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 10:10

More movement at Aston Villa? Ibrahim Mbaye fee ‘agreed’

Aston Villa’s busy summer looks set to continue: David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Unai Emery’s side have reached an “agreement in principle” to sign 18-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbaye was linked to Liverpool earlier in the window and has been left out of PSG’s squad for the last three games, along with the outgoing Bradley Barcola. The Athletic report that Villa have reached a €55m (£47m) for the forward.

Meanwhile, Villa target Rafael Leao is set to join Galatasaray from AC Milan. Sky Sports report that Leao has accepted the move after Villa did not match Galatasaray’s offer on wages.

Advertisement

Villa have signed Nicolas Jackson after the departures of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, and have signed Johan Manzambi too.

(Getty)

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 10:00

Chelsea sign Martinez and could hand goalkeeper immediate debut

Chelsea have completed the signing of Emiliano Martinez.

The Argentine goalkeeper is thought to be available for Sunday’s game against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.

Advertisement

A two-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months has been signed between the World Cup winner and the club.

It brings an end to Robert Sanchez’s error-prone time as the Blues’ No 1.

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 09:50

Advertisement

Man City hold interest in Enzo Fernandez with Chelsea prepared to sell midfielder

Xabi Alonso said he wants players that “feel a desire to play” for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of the squad for Thursday’s win over Luton.

Chelsea are open to Fernandez leaving before the transfer deadline, but Manchester City would need to pay more than the £120m asking price the Blues set earlier in the window.

Alonso has dismissed reports in Argentina that Fernandez asked not to be involved in the game against Luton and speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game at home to Brighton, Alonso said: “We need the players that are in the best situation to play.

“We need to take everything into consideration, players that are in good moments, players that are not feeling that energy to play. For me it’s very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation.

Advertisement

“We talked, and we decided that (for Luton) it was better not to be part of the squad. He’s a top player, there’s no doubt about that.”

Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move to Manchester City (John Walton/PA
Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move to Manchester City (John Walton/PA (PA Wire)

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 09:40

Liverpool agree fee for PSG’s Bradley Barcola as Reds prepare medical for winger

Liverpool will pay an initial £106m for the France winger, which could rise to £123m, including add-ons, and he is expected to sign a five-year deal at Anfield.

They had reached an outline agreement with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week after a breakthrough in negotiations.

Advertisement

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 09:30

Julian Alvarez misses training again before Atletico Madrid’s deadline for offers

Atletico Madrid have given Arsenal target Julian Alvarez a deadline of Sunday to decide his future, with his options either to consider a move to the Premier League champions or stay at the club.

Atletico’s chief executive said the Argentina star will “never, ever” be sold to Barcelona, his preferred choice, with Alvarez now considering his options.

Advertisement

The 26-year-old will not feature in the squad to play Sevilla this weekend after missing three consecutive days of training, with boss Diego Simeone confirming his absence.

(PA)

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 09:21

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo chooses Manchester City as new club in shock move

An extraordinary transfer about to happen, it seems: Cody Gakpo is heading to Manchester City in what is thought to be a deal worth around £85m!

Multiple reports tonight say Gapko has chosen City over Spurs (or indeed staying at Liverpool), despite the competition for places at the Etihad.

Advertisement

His mind was made up by the signing of Bradley Barcola at Anfield, and now Liverpool will try to bring in another player to replace Gakpo before the deadline.

(PA)

Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 09:15

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Vuelta: Pogacar’s terrifying crash, serious injuries and abandonment – Sports

Published

on

Tadej Pogacar, who was comfortably leading the overall standings at the Vuelta a España, was forced to abandon on Saturday after a heavy crash during Stage 8. The Slovenian suffered multiple fractures and could even see his season come to an early end, with the World Championships looming at the end of September.

Elsewhere in sports news, disappointment for Lens and Lyon in Ligue 1. Lens were beaten 2-1 by Strasbourg after surrendering the lead, while Lyon were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at home by Le Havre.

In the Premier League, more frustration for Liverpool. For the second time in two games, the Reds fought back from behind to rescue a draw. They had been hoping for more against Nottingham Forest, but settled for 2-2 on Saturday in new manager Andoni Iraola’s first game at Anfield. Tottenham, meanwhile, suffered again, a second straight defeat, this time a 2-0 loss to Newcastle.

In La Liga, Atlético Madrid moved temporarily to the top of the table after beating Sevilla 3-1.

Advertisement

In Serie A, Juventus were made to work hard for a 2-0 victory over Parma.

Finally, tennis takes centre stage, with the US Open getting underway this Sunday. An especially wide-open edition is in store, with both the men’s and women’s draws looking difficult to call.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Chelsea complete surprise signing of Emiliano Martinez as World Cup winner finally gets his move

Published

on

Chelsea have completed a surprise move with the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The 33-year-old, who has been linked to leaving Villa for the last two summers, has finally got his wish as he has moved for £7.5million, signing a three-year contract with Chelsea.

It comes after criticism of Chelsea’s current number one Robert Sanchez.

Martinez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and twice secured the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, is set to displace Sanchez.

“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martinez told the club’s official website. “Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I’m just over the moon – I can’t wait to get started.

Advertisement

“I want to be successful here. I’m someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match.

“I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”

Martinez became the latest high-profile player to leave Villa following Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins also on the verge of an exit.

The Argentinian joined Villa in 2020 and was a key player in their rise to the top table of English football, culminating in last season’s Europa League success.

Advertisement
Robert Sanchez was badly at fault for one of Fulham’s goals in Monday’s win at Craven Cottage (John Walton/PA)
Robert Sanchez was badly at fault for one of Fulham’s goals in Monday’s win at Craven Cottage (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

He had tried to leave last summer but a move never materialised and another exit attempt fell through earlier this month when a deal with Juventus collapsed.

Villa said in a statement: “Emi joined the club from Arsenal in 2020 and has been a commanding presence in goal throughout his time at the club, which culminated in him helping Villa win the UEFA Europa League in May.

“He earned his first international caps while at Aston Villa, going on to win two Copa América titles and a FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

“He was also twice named the world’s number one goalkeeper, picking up successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024 as well as two The Best FIFA Football awards.

“With his stellar performances and infectious competitive nature, Emi will always be remembered for his part in our recent journey and success and leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Lionel Messi scores 4 as Inter Miami routs Montreal

Published

on

Aug 29, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) scores a free kick against CF Montreal during the second half at NU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesAug 29, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) scores a free kick against CF Montreal during the second half at NU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Lionel Messi scored four goals in a Major League Soccer match for the first time in his career and added an assist to help host Inter Miami snap a five-game winless skid across all competitions with a 7-1 rout of CF Montreal on Saturday night.

Messi broke a 1-1 tie shortly before halftime, added a second goal in the 52nd minute, a third in the 83rd minute and a fourth on a free kick in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. Messi has 18 goals this season and passed Dallas’ Petar Musa (16) for the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. Musa and Dallas visit St. Louis City SC on Sunday.

It was also the ninth time in Messi’s pro career that he’s scored four or more goals in a match.

Inter Miami (12-4-6, 42 points) secured a needed three points while Montreal (5-11-6, 21 points) had a four-game unbeaten streak in league play snapped.

Casemiro, Luis Suarez and rookie Alexander Shaw each also scored one goal.

Advertisement

Inter Miami assistant coach Rafael Perez coached the match with Guillermo Hoyos watching from a skybox at the stadium. Hoyos was suspended for the match for violating the league’s Late Kickoff Policy multiple times in recent matches. Hoyos will soon be replaced by Argentine Kily Gonzalez, who was hired this week but is waiting for the necessary paperwork to clear so he can join the team in the United States.

Casemiro headed home a ball off a corner kick by Telasco Segovia to open the scoring in the 20th minute.

Montreal leveled the match in the 37th minute when Fabian Herbers scored his first goal of the season. Noah Streit took a long ball inside the 18-yard box and swung it to the top and just outside the box to Herbers, who then fired a shot past Miami keeper Dayne St. Clair.

Advertisement

It was the 21st goal of Herbers’ career.

Messi answered quickly in the 40th minute, angling a free kick just inside the near post that Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier was unable to deflect.

Messi’s second goal was a masterpiece, as he wove his way among three defenders and fired a shot past Gillier. Suarez’s goal in the 80th minute came on a counterattack, as did Shaw’s, which he scored in the 89th minute of just his third career MLS match.

Advertisement

–Field Level Media

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Han Xu scores career-high 19 as Liberty get past Sky

Published

on

Han Xu WNBA Liberty vs SkyHan Xu WNBA Liberty vs Sky

Han Xu #21 of the New York Liberty drives towards the basket against Rachel Banham #24 of the Chicago Sky during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center on August 29, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York. Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images/AFP

NEW YORK — Han Xu scored a career-high 19 points and the New York Liberty bounced back from a blowout loss to defeat the Chicago Sky 85-66 on Saturday.

The Liberty, held to their season-low point total in a 79-60 loss to Golden State on Friday, turned it around against Chicago, making 11 3-pointers and 20 of 22 free throws.

Article continues after this advertisement
Advertisement

Breanna Stewart had 13 points and nine rebounds for New York (24-16). Leonie Fiebich, Rebekah Gardner and Jonquel Jones added 11 points each.

READ: WNBA: Liberty beat Fever as Leonie Felbich returns

Natasha Cloud scored 14 points and Sydney Taylor had 13 for Chicago (15-25).

Advertisement

Han scored seven points in the final period to pass her career high of 17 set Aug. 1 in a 94-92 victory over Phoenix. The 6-foot-11 center from China is averaging 6.1 points per game after returning to the WNBA this season. She last played in the league in 2023.

Article continues after this advertisement

She made 6 of 8 shots, including 2 of 3 3-pointers, and went 5-for-5 at the free-throw line.

MERCURY 101, TEMPO 69

PHOENIX — Noemie Brochart and Shay Ciezki scored 15 points each to lead six Phoenix players in double digits and the Mercury beat Toronto.

Advertisement

It was Phoenix’s second-highest win margin this season following a 99-66 season-opener win over Las Vegas.

Article continues after this advertisement

Sami Whitcomb scored 14 points, reserves Marta Suarez and Maddy Westbeld scored 13 and 12 respectively, and Lexi Held 11 for the Mercury (14-26) who ended their four-game losing streak.

Alyssa Thomas distributed 12 assists, the 11th game this season in which she’s dealt 10 or more assists.

Advertisement


Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Diane Parry clinches first title with WTA Monterrey win

Published

on

Diane Parry WTA MonterreyDiane Parry WTA Monterrey

Diane Parry poses with her trophy after winning the WTA Monterrey title.–WTA PHOTO

France’s Diane Parry bagged the first singles title of her career with an upset defeat of Belgian second seed Elise Mertens at the WTA Monterrey tournament in Mexico on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Parry, ranked 50th in the world, held her nerve to seal a 6-4, 0-6, 6-3 win over the vastly more experienced Mertens, the world number 24.

Article continues after this advertisement

Parry started confidently, clinching the first set after breaking Mertens for the second time in the 10th game of the opening set.

Advertisement

READ: WTA introduces gene testing for all players on women’s tennis tour

But Mertens, chasing her 11th singles title, came roaring back to race through the second set to love to regain the initiative.

Parry responded with an early break to take a 2-0 lead in the decisive third set, her powerful forehand continuing to cause problems for Mertens.

Advertisement

A further break gave Parry a 5-1 lead, and although she was broken immediately, she closed out the set to complete her first tournament win.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.
Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Runaround Sue primed for Ipswich sprint in 2026

Published

on

Ipswich racecourse frequently offers sprint races over short distances like 800 metres, a rarity in many other racing locations, providing trainers such as Pat Webster with excellent opportunities.

The experienced trainer has two contenders in the Barrier Reef Pools Benchmark 65 Handicap scheduled for Thursday. Among them is Runaround Sue, who is aiming to enhance her strong record at the Ipswich track.

“We like to use those races for a lot of horses resuming,” Webster said.

“Sometimes we hold them back from a second trial, or even start them first-up with no trials over the half-mile and if you’re lucky enough you can get an earn out of it. I think they are a good tool.”

Advertisement

With two wins and two placings from her six starts, Webster believes the 800-metre distance is ideal for the seven-year-old mare, particularly as she races effectively second-up, indicating her potential for another good performance.

Runaround Sue was defeated by a narrow margin, less than half a length, in her first start back at Toowoomba over 870 metres on August 15.

“I think she’ll run well second-up,” Webster stated.

“She probably could have had a run sooner in the prep than she did but there wasn’t much around for her at the time so she is on the quick back-up for a horse that only started ten days ago.

Advertisement

“But I’m happy with her going into tomorrow and gate one will definitely help.”

Master trainer Pat Webster, who also guides apprentice Chloe Lowe, has found success by carefully selecting the mare’s race engagements.

Lowe will be aboard Runaround Sue, and her two-kilogram claim will reduce the mare’s weight to 57.5 kilograms.

“Chloe rides a lot of our work and has won a few on this horse,” Webster commented.

Advertisement

“She is going pretty good. There is still a bit of tidying up to do but she is a hard worker and is very good on horses that run along.”

Webster’s other runner, Medals, also carries a three-kilogram apprentice claim. However, racing first-up and burdened with 61 kilograms, the gelding might face an uphill battle.

“I probably would have taken him to a race in the country, an open 1000m if there was one but I think he’ll run well,” Pat added.

Runaround Sue is the $3.80 favourite in early markets released on Wednesday, with Medals at $4. Explore the available racing betting markets for this event.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025