Jarrod Bowen and Nuno Espirito Santo have refused to rule out a departure from West Ham following their relegation.

Hammers captain Bowen scored in a 3-0 final-day win over Leeds but it was not enough to keep the club in the top flight after Tottenham beat Everton to secure their own survival.

The 29-year-old now may be among a raft of West Ham players, along with manager Nuno, to leave the club in the summer transfer window, visibly emotional as he thanked the fans still inside the London Stadium after full-time.

But when pressed on his future, Bowen insisted it was “disrespectful” to speak on such a matter so soon after the club’s demotion, ending a 14-year stint in the top flight.

“It’s still very, very raw,” he told BBC Sport. “Talking about futures is disrespectful to the club, the fans, everything like that. This club deserves to be in the Premier League. Our aim now is to get this club back into the Premier League.

Asked again, he added: “It’s disrespectful to everyone to start talking about that. I want this club to be in the Premier League. It’s a club that means so much to me and has given me so much so my vision is to get this club back in the Premier League.”

Bowen, who missed out on the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, has recorded 10-plus goals in the past five seasons for West Ham, having joined from Hull in 2019/20.

Nuno echoed Bowen’s stance in regards to future plans, stating that fans “will know” his situation but only at a different time.

“It’s a moment of deep sadness for all of us at the club,” said Nuno. “It was a tough day, we had a tough mission, we lost the privilege of deciding our own future.

“If you ask me now about the past and the future, I don’t think it’s the best days to understand the moment of sadness of our fans, of ourselves, of the club, and apologise and thank them for all of the support they gave us.

“It was a strange season in terms of points, normally 39 I think in the last 10 years or so has given the teams enough to keep safe. We improved, but it’s not enough.”

During any given offseason, the Minnesota Vikings (and 31 other NFL teams) usually have at least one roster cut that prompts the fan base to collectively ask, “Wait, why’d they release that guy?” VikingsTerritory writers are here to predict that man’s identity in 2026.

A handful of recognizable Vikings players could enter dangerous roster territory as Minnesota trims its depth chart this summer.

Roster cuts are still three months away, but this is the list to get you thinking.

Minnesota’s Roster Bubble Has Several Familiar Names

Is unemployment around the bend for these dudes?

1. Zavier Scott | RB

VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala

With the addition of rookie RB Demond Claiborne and FB Max Bredeson, there will be crowded space to make room for a fourth back on the 53-man roster, even after Scott’s promising moments in the 2025 season. Expect the Vikings to try to stash him on the practice squad and have him ready in case of injury this year.

2. Myles Price | WR-KR-PR

VT Writer: Janik Eckardt

Though he looked like an excellent returner, Price made several crucial mistakes over the course of his rookie season. This summer, dynamic rookies Dillon Bell and Demond Claiborne will challenge Price for his spot and come out victorious.

3. Johnny Hekker | P

VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler

I don’t know if it winds up being a big surprise, but Brett Thorson was signed to win the punter job. He offers more long-term upside than the veteran Hekker, and he’ll get his opportunities to push him off the roster.

4. … Nobody This Time

VT Writer: Wes Johnson

The Vikings are a team that has largely missed on the NFL Draft over the past few years, and as a result, they have lacked depth over the past two seasons. That looks to have changed this season, as, by all accounts, they have added intelligently in the draft and through free agency.

While trading the loser of the QB battle is possible, rolling with an undrafted rookie QB at times last season should have left a bad taste in the coaching staff’s mouth, to the point that I would not want to trade my depth at the most important position in football.

t5. Theo Jackson | S

VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi

I expected a lot more from Jackson as a starter, to be honest. Brian Flores has used a lot of three-safety packages, so maybe Jackson will stick around. However, Jay Ward had some nice moments late in the season. Metellus should be healthier in 2026, Jakobe Thomas will have the opportunity to play on defense, and I’m also buying UDFA Jacob Thomas’s stock.

t5. Theo Jackson | S

VT Writer: Dustin Baker

The Vikings usually keep nine defensive backs on the regular season roster. Because he has not expressly retired, let’s roll with Harrison Smith returning for Year No. 15. That completes this DB room for Brian Flores:

• Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
• Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
• James Pierre (CB)
• Charles Demmings (CB)
• Harrison Smith (S)
• Joshua Metellus (S)
• Jay Ward (S)
• Jakobe Thomas (S)
• Tavierre Thomas (S)

Jackson is the odd man out.

t6. Tai Felton | WR

VT Writer: Cole Smith

The Jauan Jennings signing signals that Felton isn’t ready to take the next step, and Myles Price offers return ability. That makes me wonder whether the Vikings think they can replace whatever potential he has as WR4 with someone else.

t6. Tai Felton | WR

VT Writer: Brevan Bane

Felton may have had the chance to take the WR3 role before the Jauan Jennings signing; now, he may never get that opportunity. The Vikings letting Felton go before he ever gets a shot would be a “surprise”, but that’s in the name. Perhaps, they’ve seen all they need to see from him in practices and workouts. After all, they have more knowledge of him than we do.

t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB

VT Writer: Kyle Joudry

Hate to say Ivan Pace Jr., since I’ve speculated about him being traded away for a while before being wrong for several months now, but it’s hard to ignore Minnesota lessening his workload for consecutive seasons, and then his entire cap charge being able to get wiped off the books with zero dead money. So, I’ll say Mr. Pace, even if I have been wrong a lot here and wish nothing but good things for him.

t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB

VT Writer: Adam New

From undrafted to a starter, the fairytale of Pace Jr. has soured. If second-round rookie Jake Golday is an early success, Pace Jr. could slip further down the depth chart, and there is over $3 million to be saved by cutting him. It could become the smart decision.

t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB

VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui

The Vikings would save over $3 million by releasing Pace Jr., and they used their second pick on an LB. His role also decreased last year. Too many good linebackers is a wonderful problem. Champagne, even.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

The Chicago Cubs, losers of eight straight, aim to turn around their fortunes during a Memorial Day matinee, as Alex Bregman and the Chicago Cubs take on Brandon Lowe and the Pittsburgh Pirates to begin a four-game series. The Cubs (29-24) are in nightmare mode, mired in an eight-game losing streak after getting swept in six straight at Wrigley to the Brewers and Astros. Pittsburgh (27-26) returns home after a 3-3 road trip to St. Louis and Toronto. Ben Brown (1-2, 2.09 ERA) goes for the Cubs, while the Pirates counter with Carmen Mlodzinski (4-3, 3.96). 

First pitch from PNC Park in Pittsburgh is set for 1:35 p.m. ET. Chicago is a slight -112 favorite on the money line (risk $112 to win $100) while Pittsburgh is at -104 in the latest Cubs vs. Pirates odds. The over/under for total runs is 8. Before making any Pirates vs. Cubs picks, be sure to see the Cubs vs. Pirates predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model. 

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The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, and enters Week 9 of the MLB season on a red-hot 12-1 run on all top-rated MLB picks. It also excelled at making home run prop picks in 2025, returning nearly 30 units of profit. Anybody following its MLB betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Cubs vs. Pirates and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Pirates vs. Cubs:

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Top Cubs vs. Pirates predictions 

After 10,000 simulations of Pirates vs. Cubs, the model is going Over 8 combined runs. For over/under betting, the Under had hit in four straight Cubs games before their 8-5 loss on Sunday to the Astros. But the Over is healthy 10-5 (66.7%) for Pirates home games when the line is 8 or 8.5. The Over hit twice in a three-game series between these sides earlier this season. 

SportsLine’s model projects 1.6 total bases or more for the Cubs’ Bregman, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Pirates, meanwhile, are projected to get over 1.5 total bases or more from Lowe, Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds. The model projects 9.2 combined runs as the Over hits in 54% of simulations. Get the Cubs vs. Pirates money-line pick at SportsLine.

How to make Pirates vs. Cubs picks

After simulating every pitch of Pirates vs. Cubs 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can get that pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Cubs vs. Pirates, and which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.

Pep Guardiola fought back tears on the sideline as he brought 10 years at Manchester City to an end.

His final game ended in a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on a day charged with emotion as he said goodbye to the fans he gave so much joy during a decade of dominance in English soccer.

“I never could have imagined the amount of love I’ve found,” said Guardiola, standing in the centre of the field at the Etihad Stadium and addressing the crowd on Sunday.

“It is an incredible, tremendous honor to be your manager, to be here 10 years.” 
The tears started long before the final whistle, with Guardiola welling up and rubbing his eyes as two of his most loyal servants, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, also said farewell and were given guards of honor when substituted in the second half.

Then it was his turn to receive a guard of honour of his own.

“This is the man who changed everything,” the stadium announcer said as Guardiola ran onto the field wearing khakis and a cream T-shirt, with fans cheering wildly.

“10 more years,” they chanted, prompting Guardiola to shake his head in defiance.

After 17 major trophies and records galore, on Friday he confirmed he could do no more. After turning City into the most dominant Premier League team of its generation and a champion of Europe for the first time, he said the time was right to hand over the reins.

“I will not miss it for a while,” he said on Sunday. “I feel deeply… it is the right decision.” 
Guardiola’s day 
Former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who won the Club World Cup last year, is favorite to take over with an announcement possibly in the coming week.

Guardiola did not confirm his replacement, but said he would call his successor to offer advice.

“Be yourself… be free with your ideas and work a lot. Everything will be fine,” he said.

That is for another day. This day was about Guardiola and the chance for supporters to show their appreciation.

“He means everything to me and this club. It’s absolutely brilliant what he’s done for it,” City fan Fred Taylor, 82, told The Associated Press.

“I can’t think of another manager that’s done what he’s done in the 10-year period he’s been here.” 
Guardiola joined City in the summer of 2016 and has led the Abu Dhabi-owned team to six Premier League titles and a first Champions League crown in 2023.

“That’s what we always wanted … we’d never done it,” said Taylor.

“That was probably the highlight of his tenure.” 
Guardiola’s trophy haul included a domestic double this season of the English League Cup and the FA Cup. He led City to the treble in 2023, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup – matching Manchester United’s feat from more than 20 years earlier in 1999.

First to 100 points 
There were other benchmarks. City became the first team to win four straight English leagues and the first to amass 100 points in a single season in 2018. The following year City was the first team to win the domestic treble of the league, FA Cup and League Cup in the same season.

Those are big shoes to fill, but Guardiola said expectations of his successor should be realistic.

“Fans don’t forget that winning the treble, doubles is exceptional,” he said.

“It is so difficult, this business is so complicated. That’s why when you come here, you win one game, here in the Etihad – enjoy it. Celebrate it.” 
More than just trophies, Guardiola has connected with City fans, telling them Sunday to hug him if they ever see him in the future, saying “I will need it.” 
“It’s hard to describe, it’s someone you don’t actually know, but you feel like you do know,” City fan Richard Wilbourn said.

“When I heard the news (he was leaving) I got a bit emotional. What he’s done for the club has been absolutely unreal, and it’s something that we’ve never seen in our lifetime.

“Growing up through my mid-20s to mid-30s (he’s been) a massive part of my life.” 
City has honoured Guardiola by naming its newly developed north stand after him. He will also take up a role as global ambassador.

“I’m sad he’s leaving, but I think he’s leaving at the right time,” said Taylor.

“He’s done everything and he can’t go any further in this club, but I think he’s done brilliant and I wish him all the best.

On the occasion of World Football Day, Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) reiterated its commitment to driving the growth and development of football in India. As it continues to celebrate the transformative power of football in shaping young lives, Zinc Football, in the past year alone, has positively impacted more than 1,400 young boys and girls in its bid to nurture grassroots talent and support India’s footballing aspirations. This season has been a landmark chapter in ZFA’s journey. The academy clinched its third Rajasthan State Men’s League title, remarkably achieved with one of the youngest squads in the competition, underlining its strong development pathway.

On the national stage, ZFA’s Under-18 team finished runners-up in the AIFF Under-18 Elite League, emerging as the second-best Under-18 team in India. Marking another significant milestone, the Zawar academy made its debut in the I-League 3, one of the top tiers of Indian football.

The girls’ team also delivered an exceptional season within just one year of its debut, securing titles at the Doon Cup, DAV Under-19 Nationals, and Asmita Football League, while currently leading the points table in the ongoing Rajasthan Senior Women’s League, highlighting the rapid rise of women’s football at ZFA.

Guided by its core philosophy, “Football Creates Dreams. Zinc Football Academy Builds Futures”, Hindustan Zinc’s ZFA has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a professionally driven football ecosystem. With a strong focus on holistic development, the academy combines world-class infrastructure, structured coaching methodologies, and technology-led performance analysis to nurture the next generation of Indian footballers.

Beyond the pitch, the academy promotes a true student-athlete model, ensuring every player’s education is taken care of, all on a full scholarship basis.

Since its inception in 2018, Zinc Football Academy-an AIFF 3-star rated academy-has consistently produced players for India’s age-group teams, strengthening the nation’s talent pool. Recently, the academy also launched India’s first residential football academy for girls, with an inaugural batch of 20 players from rural backgrounds.

Mohammed Kaif, nurtured at the academy, became the first player from Rajasthan in over 40 years to represent India, marking a historic milestone and showcasing the strength of ZFA’s development pathway. He said, “I will always be grateful to Hindustan Zinc and Zinc Football. My seven years in Zawar, learning under top coaches at a world-class facility, played a defining role in shaping my career.”

On the women’s side, Geet Meena, a local girl from Zawar Mines, represents the academy’s grassroots success story. She began her journey through Zinc Football Community Schools and later earned selection in ZFA’s first-ever girls’ batch through trials. Alongside her, four other girls from Zawar – Minu Kumari Meena, Bindiya Meena, Manisha Patel, and Savita Kalbeliya, also secured their place, reflecting the academy’s deep-rooted community impact and commitment to nurturing local talent.

“We are thankful to Hindustan Zinc for giving us this platform to showcase our talent. Initially, we used to come to the Zinc Football community schools for training, and now it feels even more special. Special to see our proud families, special to be inspiring many children in our community that girls can dream too. This is just the beginning. We want to represent India”, said Geet.

ZFA has emerged as a recognised force in youth football, with consistent performances in national competitions such as the AIFF Youth Leagues. The academy’s growing reputation is further reflected in the success stories of players like Sahil Poonia, Prem Hansdak, and Rajrup Sarkar, who have represented India across various age groups.

At the heart of this journey lies a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity. Zinc Football Academy has opened doors for talented girls from rural and underrepresented communities, actively promoting their participation in football. By providing access to professional training environments and competitive exposure, ZFA continues to bridge the gap between raw talent and national-level aspirations.

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Hardik Pandya (L) and MS Dhoni© AFP

Minnesota Vikings training camp is two months away, and the club will host about seven notable roster battles, which is the case every summer. From a pre-June perspective, we’re here to predict the winners.

Minnesota’s summer depth chart already has a few competitions with clear early favorites.

The Vikings are forecasted to win eight or nine games in 2026, according to oddsmakers. Let’s examine these preliminary battles.

Seven Battles Will Highlight the Vikings’ Summer

It’s Year No. 5 for head coach Kevin O’Connell.

1. QB1

The Contenders: Kyler Murray | J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings’ messaging over the last few weeks has been oddly insistent that Murray and McCarthy will have a genuine competition at training camp. That’s fine — but Murray is clearly the better quarterback, possessing more arm strength, speed, and passing accuracy. He also averages 30 passing and rushing touchdowns per 17 starts.

It would be sweet if McCarthy had the juice to dethrone Murray, but we’re not really buying it.

Prediction: Kyler Murray

2. OLB3

The Contenders: Bo Richter | Tyler Batty | Jake Golday | a Free Agent

Without Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota’s EDGE depth quickly became skimpy, at least compared to the last couple of years.

Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner lead the group. Beyond them, the Vikings are relying on Richter or Batty to step into a significant OLB3 role by September — a considerable leap for both. Richter has only played 81 defensive snaps in two seasons, while Batty logged just 42 as a rookie.

While there is potential, especially under Brian Flores, neither player has demonstrated enough in live games to fully solidify the Vikings’ depth behind Van Ginkel and Turner.

That highlights why adding a veteran EDGE remains a sensible move. The team doesn’t require another superstar, but rather one more reliable pass rusher. This would stabilize the unit should injuries mount or if Turner’s development takes more time than anticipated.

We pick Leonard Floyd because of his link to O’Connell from the LAR days.

Prediction: Vikings sign Leonard Floyd

3. Center

The Contenders: Blake Brandel | Michael Jurgens | Gavin Gerhardt

Brandel is the favorite at center heading into camp. He’s is the most realistic outlook, especially after Minnesota waited until Round 7 to draft Gerhardt from Cincinnati — a late-round rookie who projects more as a developmental prospect than an immediate starter.

Many fans likely anticipated a more direct draft investment at the position. Players like Connor Lew, Logan Jones, Jake Slaughter, and Sam Hecht all seemed like solid Day 2 options. Instead, O’Connell’s staff opted to wait, drafting Gerhardt and giving Brandel the inside track.

The only significant wildcard remains a potential trade. Should Minnesota make a bold move and inquire with Miami about Aaron Brewer, the landscape would shift dramatically. For now, however, Brandel is the safe bet, while Gerhardt remains a long-term lottery ticket.

Prediction: Blake Brandel

4. Free Safety

The Contenders: Jay Ward | Theo Jackson | Jakobe Thomas

Ward quietly surpassed Jackson on the depth chart late in 2025, a development that received surprisingly little attention.

Jackson began last season in a more favorable position. He had more experience, a familiar role, and seemed like the next man up if Harrison Smith slowed down or retired. But then Ward began to usurp his role.

The shift is significant now. Ward is faster, more aggressive, and still has a year left on his rookie deal. Should Smith retire, Minnesota should give Ward the first opportunity at an expanded role. Jackson can still contribute, but Ward has greater upside and stronger late-season momentum.

Prediction: Jay Ward

5. Nose Tackle

The Contenders: Domonique Orange | Levi Drake Rodriguez

The nose tackle position presents a Week 1 question mark. Long-term, Orange is expected to be the Vikings’ future nose tackle, a role for which he was drafted. However, Week 1 could tell a different story.

Rodriguez has seen action for Minnesota over the past two seasons, and Flores might decide there’s no need to thrust Orange into the heart of the defense immediately. The Vikings have also been notably cautious with rookies recently, partly because Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s draft classes haven’t forced their way into starting roles. Put plainly, most of Adofo-Mensah’s draft picks weren’t very good.

While Orange represents the future, Rodriguez could still be the early-season answer.

Prediction: Domonique Orange

6. Punter

The Contenders: Johnny Hekker | Brett Thorson

Minnesota faces a clear old-versus-new battle at punter.

Hekker, once considered the best punter in football — in 2015 —may no longer be at his peak, but he can still get the job done. The Vikings then signed Thorson after the draft, setting up a genuine competition.

Thorson was one of college football’s top punters in 2025. Despite some draft whispers projecting him as a middle-round pick, he went undrafted. Minnesota now has that upside without spending a draft pick.

Hekker represents the safer, more established option, while Thorson is the livelier, high-upside bet.

Prediction: Brett Thorson

7. RB3

The Contenders: Zavier Scott | Demond Claiborne

Claiborne presents the stronger case for the RB3 spot, especially if pre-draft assessments hold true.

He offers 4.37 speed, a build reminiscent of De’Von Achane, and a compelling connection to the coaching staff, as Minnesota now employs Frank Smith, Achane’s offensive coordinator in Miami for the past three seasons. While that doesn’t guarantee that Claiborne will replicate Achane’s success, the alignment of skill sets and size is undeniable.

Scott has earned respect by diligently working his way up the depth chart. However, his most realistic role might be limited to practice squad depth. Claiborne possesses more explosive potential, higher draft capital, and a clearer path to making a dent in the offense.

Prediction: Demond Claiborne

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi during the J300 Beaulieu-sur-Mer tournament in France. (Instagram)

New Delhi: India has two teenagers honing their skills in Europe at two prestigious tennis academies. There is 18-year-old Manas Dhamne at the Piatti Tennis Academy, which built, among others, Jannik Sinner. At the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, 16-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is hoping to pave her path to future success.Once someone who enjoyed playing on slow hard courts, Revathi has started to embrace clay as well. She’s already played seven tournaments on the red dirt this season with two semi-final finishes and a J300 title in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France.She would continue to put those learnings to test at the Junior French Open in Paris from May 31.“I think when the physical part develops, I think you will like to play on clay a lot. Generally. Because the fact that I am based in Europe, I have been training on clay a bit more than I did back earlier in my career. I think the more that I train on a certain surface, I feel more belonged to that surface,” said the ITF 27th ranked Maaya in a virtual interaction facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).“To be honest, I don’t mind playing on any surface. Because as long as I step on court and I am ready to compete and I am there to fight it out, I think I am happy to play on any surface. And the fact that the experience that I have gained in the last year playing multiple tournaments in multiple places, so many surfaces, I think it’s just that it’s a matter of how you want to get on court and play more than the surface,” she continued.When she steps up to the court in the French capital, it will be her fifth appearance in a junior major. Her best performance came last year at the US Open, where she reached the second round.These are small steps before the 16-year-old from Coimbatore takes the giant leap towards the senior circuit. It, however, remains a delicate balance between exposure and growth. The signs of potential were visible earlier in the year when she reached the semifinals of the Mumbai Open WTA 125.

Maaya Rajeshwaran at the junior event in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. (Instagram)

“Our idea at the beginning of the year was that Maaya plays as many matches as possible, competes a lot and gets comfortable with her game. She has a very big game. So, we want her to develop that even more and to have that confidence in matches,” explained coach Polina Radeva, who travels with the Indian youngster for tournaments.“We started with the junior events in Australia, then she played a couple of ITF events in India. And our idea was to stick with the junior tour and see how that goes. Because if you finish with a good ranking in juniors, the following year, you get a head start. You get some direct entrances into professional events. That’s our goal. That is one of the reasons why we’re doing so many junior events.”“The ultimate objective is to transition to the pro tour. The life of a tennis player is unpredictable. Sometimes we cancel events and go back to training,” continued the player-turned-coach Radeva.‘Focus on what I have to do’

File photo of Indian tennis player Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi. (Instagram)

Much like Dhamne, Revathi, too, has a clarity of thought well beyond her years. She’s got the likes of fellow teenagers Iva Jovic, Lilli Tagger, Alina Korneeva, and Emerson Jones to look up to in the top-150 WTA rankings. Instead, the focus remains firmly on herself.“I think we’re moving in a very fast competing environment that at the moment I’m just focused on what I have to do and what will make me feel best on court when I’m competing and whatever works for me. I think it’s solely based on me and to figure out how I want to be on court more than replicating someone else,” she stated.