Stade Brestois will host Le Havre at the Stade Francis-Le Bre on Sunday in another round of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign. The home side have had mixed fortunes this season, although results recently have improved, as they sit ninth in the table, seven points adrift of the European qualification spots.
Fresh off an impressive 2-0 victory over Champions League-chasing Olympique Marseille a fortnight ago, Brest recorded back-to-back league victories for the first time this year last weekend, edging Metz 1-0. Les Pirates looked poised for a difficult outing at the Stade Saint Symphorien following a first-half red card for Daouda Guindo, but rose to the challenge, with Ludovic Ajorque finding the net for a second game running to secure victory for Eric Roy’s men.
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Le Havre, meanwhile, have struggled for results this season but remain hopeful of recording a more comfortable finish than they managed last term, when they avoided the drop by just one point.
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Le Club Doyen welcomed defending champions and league leaders Paris Saint-Germain to the Stade Oceane last time out and predictably faltered, falling 1-0, with goalkeeper Mory Diaw making multiple key saves to prevent a much heavier defeat.
Stade Brestois vs Le Havre Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
There have been 37 meetings between the two teams, with Brest winning 17 of those encounters and Le Havre claiming eight victories, while the remaining 12 contests ended in draws.
Le Havre won 1-0 when the two teams met earlier in the campaign, ending their five-game winless streak against Brest.
Only Auxerre (19) have scored fewer goals in Ligue 1 this season than Le Havre’s 20.
Brest, meanwhile, have scored 32 goals in the division so far, the fewest of any team in the top half.
Stade Brestois vs Le Havre Prediction
Les Pirates have collected three wins and two draws from their last five matches after losing four of their previous five. They have also won five of their last six home games and will head into Sunday’s fixture with confidence sky-high.
Le Club Doyen, meanwhile, are on a run of back-to-back defeats and have won just two of their last seven matches, with a herculean effort needed on Sunday if they are to avoid defeat.
Prediction: Stade Brestois 2-0 Le Havre
Stade Brestois vs Le Havre Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Brest to win
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Tip 2 – Goals – Over/under 2.5 – Under 2.5 goals (Five of the hosts’ last six matches have produced fewer than 2.5 goals)
Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between the India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team, former Australia captain Michael Clarke has showered praise on star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as the most crucial bowler in world cricket at the moment. Clarke also suggested that Bumrah could play a decisive role in the title clash and even emerge as the Player of the Match.Bumrah has been one of India’s standout performers in the ongoing tournament. He currently sits second on the team’s wicket-taking charts with 10 scalps from seven matches, only behind Varun Chakaravarthy, who has 13 wickets. The fast bowler has also maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.63, the best among Indian bowlers in this edition.
T20 World Cup Final: Greenstone Lobo predicts India vs New Zealand winner | Astrological analysis
Speaking on the Beyond23 cricket podcast, Clarke highlighted Bumrah’s exceptional ability to deliver under pressure, saying his execution sets him apart from the rest.“One thing is having so many options (variations), but most importantly, having the skills to execute under pressure. This is what makes him the best in the world. He has been a defining factor for India. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is Man of the Match in the final. He’s just so dominant.”Clarke further emphasised Bumrah’s value across all formats of the game, calling him a rare match-winner who consistently delivers in high-pressure situations.“India are the standout team in this tournament. They have been absolutely brilliant. We probably haven’t spoken much about him throughout this World Cup campaign, because we now just expect it. Bumrah. He is just a freak. All three formats, he is, by a distance, the most important player in the world in all three formats. He is a match-winner. He bowls the most difficult overs. Run-saving machine, wicket-taker, execution under pressure is better than anybody in world cricket.“The former Australian skipper also reflected on the challenge of managing a bowler like Bumrah if he were leading a team. According to Clarke, deciding when to use the pacer during an innings would be the biggest tactical decision for any captain.“He’s got so many different skills. It’s like when you see the best batters, we always talk about how they make runs under pressure, but they do it in different conditions around the world. Bumrah does that. He wins games in all different conditions and at different stages of the game. If I was captaining him, my biggest challenge would be when to use him. That’s why they don’t look to open the bowling with him and you want two overs from him at the death.“
Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. entered his second NFL season with high expectations for the Jacksonville Jaguars after an impressive rookie campaign in 2024. The first-round pick delivered 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first year, but he couldn’t match that level of production in his second season.
Playing under first-year coach Liam Coen, Thomas finished 2025 with just 707 yards and two touchdowns on 47 catches. Due to that dip in performance, there have been speculation that his long-term future might not be in Jacksonville.
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The Jags’ crowded receiver group, which includes Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter and Parker Washington, has only added fuel to Thomas Jr.’s potential trade discussion.
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Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has suggested a potential landing spot for Brian Thomas Jr. if the Jaguars decide to entertain trade offers for the young receiver. He believes the Washington Commanders would be an ideal fit, largely because it would reunite Thomas with his former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.
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“The Washington Commanders need to trade for Brian Thomas Jr. if the Jaguars make him available via trade. Washington needs to reunite him with his college QB Jayden Daniels. Together at LSU, they were SPECIAL,” Griffin III tweeted on Friday.
The Commanders could be in the market for additional help at wide receiver this offseason, especially with Deebo Samuel entering free agency. That need makes the team a logical landing spot for Thomas if the Jaguars decide to explore trade offers.
The potential reunion with Daniels only strengthens the case. The two built strong on-field chemistry during their time at LSU, and bringing Thomas to Washington could provide Daniels with a familiar target under offensive coordinator David Blough.
Thomas and Daniels spent two seasons together at LSU. In 2022, they connected 31 times for 361 yards and five touchdowns, but their production surged in 2023, when they combined for 68 receptions, 1,177 yards, and 17 touchdowns.
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That level of production helped both players become first-rounders during the 2024 NFL draft. Considering the circumstances, the Commanders, valued at $7.6 billion by Forbes in 2025, would likely be wise to at least explore a trade if Thomas becomes available.
Breaking down a possible trade package for Brian Thomas Jr.
Any team looking to acquire Brian Thomas Jr. will likely need to offer significant draft compensation. As a former first-round pick who has already shown flashes of being a WR1, the Jacksonville Jaguars could require at least Day 2 draft capital in return.
The Buffalo Bills acquired veteran receiver D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears on Thursday in exchange for a second-round pick, and a similar price tag could be necessary for any team hoping to land Thomas.
The trade for Moore gives a clear sense of the market. While their 2025 production is comparable, Thomas is younger and on a lower-cost contract.
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Moore, 28, caught 50 passes for 682 yards and six scores last season. Thomas, 23, recorded 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns, with his rookie contract still in place and the fifth-year option available.
For teams looking to land Brian Thomas Jr., a trade package would almost certainly need to include a third-round pick at least, along with other draft assets or players to make it appealing to the Jaguars.
The spotlight shifts to Ahmedabad as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between the India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team is set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. With anticipation building for the title clash, the Indian Railways has stepped in to help fans reach the venue by introducing a special train service from New Delhi to Ahmedabad.On Saturday, the official handle of Northern Railway announced that the train had been arranged to assist supporters eager to witness the final in person. The move comes amid soaring flight fares and limited ticket availability for travel to Ahmedabad.
T20 World Cup Final: Greenstone Lobo predicts India vs New Zealand winner | Astrological analysis
The special train is scheduled to depart from New Delhi at 11:45 PM on Saturday. Fans have been encouraged to secure their seats quickly to avoid missing the opportunity to travel.“A Special Gift from Indian Railways for Cricket Lovers! Considering the increased flight ticket prices and unavailability of tickets, Indian Railways has announced a special train from New Delhi to Sabarmati for passengers’ convenience, departing today, March 7, 2026, at 11:45 PM. Book your seat in this 19-coach train featuring 3rd AC and 2nd AC coaches.”Earlier, Western Railway had also revealed plans to run another special train for the final. This service will operate between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, offering fans an affordable and convenient way to travel for the highly anticipated contest.The Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to witness a packed house for the tournament decider. India sealed their place in the final after edging past the England cricket team by seven runs in the semi-final, while New Zealand secured their berth by comfortably defeating the South Africa national cricket team.Before the first ball of the final is bowled, spectators will also be treated to a vibrant closing ceremony. Puerto Rican Grammy-winning star Ricky Martin will headline the event alongside renowned Gujarati folk singer Falguni Pathak and Bollywood playback singer Sukhwinder Singh.The International Cricket Council has also planned a musical entertainment segment before the toss, where the crowd of nearly 1,32,000 spectators is expected to dance to Martin’s iconic hit Un Dos Tres (Maria).This will mark the second time that Ahmedabad hosts India in a World Cup final. The previous instance came during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, when Australia national cricket team stunned the hosts to lift the 50-over title.
Jai Opetaia is set to lose his IBF cruiserweight title if he goes ahead with a fight against Brandon Glanton on Sunday.
Opetaia is scheduled to fight Glanton for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight title but the IBF said it has “withdrawn sanction of the optional defence” for its belt.
The IBF said that it had initially approved the bout as Opetaia’s team had told them the Zuffa Boxing fight in Las Vegas would not be a unification bout and that any belt awarded would be “characterised as a trophy or token of recognition”.
However, it added that following a news conference on Friday, it was “made it clear that the Zuffa World Cruiserweight title would still be contested” and, as the IBF does not recognise Zuffa Boxing, it was now an unsanctioned fight.
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“For the purpose of unification of titles, the preeminent champions of the World Boxing Association (WBA), the World Boxing Council (WBC), and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) may be designated as ‘elite contenders’ and may be permitted to fight for the unified title,” said the IBF in a statement.
It added: “An unsanctioned contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn.
“If a champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the champion wins or loses the bout.”
Australian Opetaia, 30, also holds the Ring cruiserweight title.
Nov 29, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) celebrates a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
We are well into NFL mock draft season, with the 2026 draft now under eight weeks away. It’s still fairly early, but it’s worth noting what the various media outlets think when it comes to Vikings mock drafts.
Mock drafts usually focus on the first round, but some go as far as the third round. When looking at the popular choices for the Vikings, I want to focus only on the 18th overall pick the Vikings own in the first round.
The Prospects Most Often Slotted to Minnesota at Pick No. 18
The Vikings’ choices at 18 have almost exclusively been on the offensive side of the ball. There have been a few exceptions: Oregon TE Kenyon Sidiq’s name popping up in early drafts, and Notre Dame RB Jeremiah Love, but he is almost a consensus top-10 pick at this point and out of the Vikings’ range.
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Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) celebrates after stopping a fake punt attempt by Troy Trojans Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
For the most part, the analysts have looked to improve the Vikings’ secondary, though some have looked to strengthen up front with an interior defensive lineman. Their story is the same here at Vikings Territory, where a CB has been selected three times and a DT twice in our mock drafts to date.
Two names have been very popular to date, and they are Toledo S Emmanuel McNeill-Warren and Clemson CB Aveion Terrell. Around the 18th pick has the range for Terrell in mock drafts, and he was the early favourite for the latest first-round pick to land in Minnesota. Terrell to the Vikings has cooled off a bit in recent weeks, with many experts turning to safety as the Vikings’ route. McNeill-Warren has been a big favorite in recent mocks, with his draft stock rising, but there is a contender to take his place.
Dillon Thieneman’s draft stock is taking a huge boost from an impressive display at the combine. I suspect there will be a lot of sending him to Minnesota in mocks between now and the draft, as many see him as the perfect Harrison Smith replacement. Thienemen, McNeill-Warren, and Terrell are all for the bill of a Brian Flores-type player in the secondary, so it’s not a great surprise that these are the names mostly linked with the Vikings.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Another name that has cropped up a lot is Tennessee CB Jerod McCoy. A fully healthy McCoy is being selected right near the top of the draft, such is the ability he has shown. However, after missing the 2025 season due to a torn ACL, he didn’t perform on-field drills at the combine. The doubts over his health could lead him to slide to the Vikings at 18.
My Personal Favorite
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While many are looking to the secondary, I am a big advocate of strengthening the trenches first. My personal favorite pick is Florida DT Caleb Banks, and he has shown up on a few mock drafts to date. He is another who had an impressive combine, helping boost his mock draft.
If there were doubts about Banks being a good value pick at 18, those were somewhat alleviated as he proved the foot injury that disrupted his 2025 season is behind him. Banks has the potential to be a game-wrecker for the Vikings on the interior, helping make all levels of the defense better.
The Other Names Being Sent to the Vikings
Some other names have popped up in mock drafts. Most notably, three cornerbacks, Colton Hood, Brandon Cisse, and Mansour Delane. All three have the potential to be a good fit in Minnesota, but most don’t see it happening at 18th overall. Delane is generally off the board well before 18, and that would be the expectation come draft day.
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Aug 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Donavon Greene (3) tries to make a one handed catch behind South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Brandon Cisse (15) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
On the other hand, Hood and Cisse are generally looked at as late first and early second round options. Of course, there is always the potential for the Vikings to trade either up or down in the draft. After an impressive combine, Hood is another whose draft stock is on the rise and could come into play for the Vikings at 18.
Will it be one of these names for the Vikings at 18? There’s a good chance it will be, but the landscape of the Vikings’ roster will change as we head into the start of free agency, which can drastically alter perceived draft plans.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
Most fans would say it’s the second most exciting time of the offseason — behind April’s draft — as free agency gets underway next week. The Minnesota Vikings won’t have much money to spend compared to the last two offseasons, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be silent. It’s time to get some predictions on record.
Our last pre-free-agency forecast touches quarterback, tight end, and bargain defensive help.
Minnesota is led by interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, who will hold the title indefinitely and perhaps permanently.
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VikingsTerritory’s Main Predictions for the Roster Dominoes
Our final forecast for Vikings free agency.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates after scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Nov 27, 2023. Hockenson pumped his arms and acknowledged the crowd following the scoring play that helped Minnesota extend its momentum late in the NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
1. T.J. Hockenson Will Take a Pay Cut
Fans have wondered about Hockenson’s fate beyond 2025 from the moment it became apparent that his receiving production dipped. The Vikings used him as a blocking tight end last season because the offensive line couldn’t stay healthy, and when he did command passing targets, well, J.J. McCarthy didn’t really target him.
Minnesota won’t release Hockenson, nor will it trade him. It will rip up his current deal altogether and give Hockenson a new contract, reflecting an honest-to-goodness paycut.
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He’ll be back as the TE1 in 2026.
2. Asante Samuel Jr. Is the Main CB Addition
Adding Asante Samuel Jr. alongside Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers would give the Vikings the cornerback depth necessary to avoid feeling pressured to draft for the position this April.
Samuel Jr. almost signed with the Vikings last year, even meeting with the team before ultimately joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. While in Pittsburgh, he played under defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, who recently replaced Daronte Jones in Minnesota.
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This connection, combined with Mike Tomlin’s departure from Pittsburgh, could lead to Samuel Jr. signing a two-year deal with the Vikings for around $11 million.
Steelers-themed media seems to want Samuel Jr. back in 2026, a sign that he’s the real deal.
SteelersDepot‘sMatthew Marzi noted on Samuel Jr. this week, “On paper, it would sure be nice if it all worked out. If the Steelers pair Asante Samuel with Joey Porter, they could have a strong pair that can grow together. Samuel is still 26 years old even with five seasons under his belt, so he could easily have another half a decade in him.”
“He may not be the best cornerback to which they might have access this offseason, but factoring in price, is Asante Samuel the Steelers’ most ideal option at cornerback? He did play over 200 snaps for them last year, so it’s not like they didn’t get a look. Even with a new coaching staff, the tape is still the tape. And Mike Tomlin is a phone call away if they need a second opinion.”
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3. Harrison Smith Returns for Year No. 15
Why hasn’t Smith filed the retirement papers? C.J. Ham already did it. So did Adam Thielen.
Probably knowing that an efficient quarterback is on the way — more on that momentarily — Smith will once again return to Minnesota. He has a hard time walking away when he knows he can produce at a commendable clip. The Vikings can still pursue a safety of the future — like Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman — but Smith will ride again. One last time, though we’ve written “one last time” every year since the start of 2023.
4. Kyler Murray, It is
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Murray’s somewhat unexpected release has significantly altered the NFL quarterback landscape. Following Arizona’s decision to release him (shortly after the Cardinals ranked last in the NFLPA ownership survey), teams should flood his agent with interest.
The opportunity to acquire a quarterback of his caliber for a minimal investment is enticing; quarterbacks with Murray’s credentials — a No. 1 overall draft selection and career efficiency statistics surpassing those of Trevor Lawrence and Baker Mayfield — rarely become free agents.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) surveys the field during second-half action against the Houston Texans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Oct 24, 2021. Murray moved around the pocket and prepared to throw while Arizona’s offense continued attacking downfield during the regular-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports during the afternoon contest.
Minnesota emerges as a logical destination. Murray’s childhood allegiance to the Vikings, coupled with the team’s favorable environment — Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system, talented receiving corps, and competitive defense — suggests a potentially appealing one-year agreement.
Given Murray’s recent injury history, the Vikings would likely retain McCarthy as a backup. If successful, the pairing of Murray and Minnesota could prove formidable, particularly if O’Connell tailors the offense to capitalize on Murray’s mobility and improvisational skills.
Murray’s a Viking — and he could be the new QB1 for the next half-decade.
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5. Vikings Sign 3-4 Affordable New Defenders
The Vikings can’t offer Jonathan Allen or Javon Hargrave-style contracts during this free-agency period, but they can scour the wire for bargains.
New York Jets safety Andre Cisco (8) walks off the field following the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sep 14, 2025. Cisco reacted after the final whistle while players from both teams met near midfield following the AFC East matchup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images after the contest concluded.
In addition to the Samuel Jr. prediction, Minnesota will sign a safety like Andre Cisco, a linebacker like Jerome Baker, and perhaps an EDGE defender like A.J. Epenesa (in the event a Jonathan Greenard trade comes to fruition).
The Vikings have only three off-ball linebackers under contract right now: Blake Cashman, Jacob Roberts (The Snake?), and Josh Ross. If they re-sign Wilson, they still need a couple more ILBs after releasing rookie Kobe King last year. Expect some movement at inside linebacker. The depth behind Cashman of only Roberts and Ross is downright comical.
Lille will host Lorient at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday in another round of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign. The home side endured a challenging start to the year, although results over the past few weeks have been positive, and they will now hope their struggles are behind them.
After their trip to Serbia last week, which saw them overturn a first-leg deficit against Crvena Zvezda to book a spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League, Lille returned to domestic action last weekend, going toe-to-toe with a relegation-threatened Nantes side. Les Dogues looked set to be held to a disappointing goalless draw before Nathan Ngoy netted a dramatic winner in stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory.
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Newly promoted Lorient, meanwhile, have wasted no time readjusting to life in the French top flight and now sit 15 points clear of the bottom three, with a top-half spot potentially awaiting them should they collect maximum points in Northern France this weekend.
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A first-half brace from Ahmadou Bamba Dieng earned Lorient a point in their 2-2 draw with Auxerre last time out in Ligue 1. However, they endured a less positive cup outing days later, losing on penalties to OGC Nice to exit the Coupe de France in the quarterfinals.
Lille vs Lorient Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
The two teams have met 40 times, with Lille winning half of those encounters and Lorient claiming 12 victories, while the remaining eight contests have ended in draws.
Lille ran out 7-1 winners when the two teams met earlier in the season.
Lille have lost just one home game to Lorient in the last 15 years.
Lorient have scored 34 goals in Ligue 1 this season, the highest of any team in the bottom half of the table.
Lille vs Lorient Prediction
Les Dogues head into the weekend clash on a run of three straight wins after winning just one of their previous 10. They are comfortable favorites for this one and should receive an additional boost from their home advantage.
Les Merlus, meanwhile, have lost just one of their last 13 league matches and have every chance of securing a positive result this weekend. However, they have struggled for results on the road in Ligue 1 this season and could come unstuck here.
Prediction: Lille 1-0 Lorient
Lille vs Lorient Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Lille to win
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Tip 2 – Goals – Over/under 2.5 – Under 2.5 goals (Each of the hosts’ last eight matches have produced fewer than 2.5 goals)
The Ironclad in Slay the Spire 2 grants improved resilience, powerful combos, and heavy-hitting abilities. This beginner-friendly deck originating from the demonic pact allows players to brute force their way to the end. The vast card pool cards of The Ironclad allow users to create either a Strength, Block, Exhaust, or Bloodletting build.
However, choosing the right cards can be overwhelming, yet it is essential for securing victory in this roguelike deckbuilder title. Read on, as we discuss the best ways to play the Ironclad in Slay the Spire 2.
How to play The Ironclad in Slay the Spire 2
The Ironclad character will be available from the beginning in Slay the Spire 2. You might be enticed to use the entity and its associated cards. With abilities to manipulate HP and Strength, you can become extremely resilient early on to soak up incoming damage before unleashing powerful heavy attacks.
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You can later recover from the punishments using the after-combat healing ability of the character. Below we have discussed the best cards you can use with the Ironclad builds:
The Ironclad Strength build: Best cards and abilities
A crucial card for Strength build (Image via Mega Crit)
Key cards
Demon Form: At the start of your turn, gain 2 Strength.
Whirlwind: Deal 5 damage to ALL enemies X times.
Heavy Blade: Deal 14 damage. Strength affects this card 3 times.
Relic recommendations
Orichalcum
Horn Cleat
Captain’s Wheel
The Ironclad’s Strength build in Slay the Spire 2 is quite straightforward. It allows you to buff the specified stat to increase the overall damage output. Use Demon Form, Spot Weakness, and Limit Break to gain more Strength scaling.
To make your attacks more effective and hit multiple targets, use Whirlwind, Sword Boomerang, and Twin Strike. Make sure to also use Heavy Blade for its exponential Strength scaling. As for the relics, they will improve your blocking capabilities, which will allow the Ironclad to focus on dealing damage.
The Ironclad Block build: Best cards and abilities
Body Slam lets you deal damage with a Block build (Image via Mega Crit)
Key cards
Body Slam: Deal damage equal to your Block.
Entrench: Double your Block.
Barricade: Block is not removed at the start of your turn.
Relic recommendations
The Ironclad’s Block build in Slay the Spire 2 is all about absorbing damage before retaliation. As such, you benefit from the Barricade and Body Slam cards. The latter enables your character to deal damage after you endure the punishments.
Pick up Bronze Scales specifically to be able to tank the incoming attacks.
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The Ironclad Exhaust build: Best cards and abilities
Use Dark Embrace for the Exhaust build (Image via Mega Crit)
Key cards
Corruption: Skill costs no energy. Whenever you play a Skill, Exhaust it.
Dark Embrace: Whenever a card is Exhausted, draw a card.
Feel No Pain: Whenever a card is Exhausted, gain 3 Block.
Relic recommendations
This combo in Slay the Spire 2 allows you to unleash powerful synergies and use them to deal heavy damage at the expense of exhausting a card. Corruption, Dark Embrace, and Feel No Pain will consistently replenish the draw pile. Dead Branch will further ensure that you never run out of cards.
The Ironclad Bloodletting build: Best cards and abilities
Key cards
Rupture: Whenver you lose HP on your turn, gain 1 Strength.
Brutality: At the start of your turn lose 1 HP and draw 1 card.
Relic recommendations
Self-Forming Clay
Blue Candle
Bloodletting ability boasts some of the most powerful cards in Slay the Spire 2. They usually inflict damage to the Ironclad and rely on deck synergies to turn him into a strength-scaling champ. Rupture boosts the Strength stat while Brutality causes self-damage.
With the accumulative stacks, you can use Heavy Blow to deal massive damage. Feed and Reaper cards will grant bonus HP to help Ironclad survive the battle.
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For the Oilers, centre Adam Henrique left the game after blocking a shot with his knee.
Henrique played 7:09 before being forced to exit. He won two faceoffs and took two shots on goal in the 6-3 loss.
Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t have an update on the 36-year-old, but said that Henrique’s knee didn’t feel good enough to return to the game.
Henrique has played in 48 games for the Oilers this season, scoring two goals and 10 points.
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It’s unclear how the veteran blue-liner suffered the injury, but he did get tangled up with Oilers forward Colton Dach in the first period. He stayed in the game to close the opening frame, but didn’t come back for the second period.
Gostisbehere logged 4:01 of ice time and scored his 11th goal of the season before departing.
The 32-year-old has battled a lower-body injury for much of the 2025-26 campaign. Friday was just his 45th game of the year. His goal brought him to 43 points on the season.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour also didn’t have an update on the defenceman post-game.
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“I don’t have one. It’s obviously not good,” the coach said, per The Hockey News‘ Ryan Henkel. “He’s been dealing with stuff it feels like all year. Just when he gets rolling, he just gets nicked up. I don’t really have an update at this point.”
With the results of the NFL combine in the books, there is always a reevaluation of draft boards as players’ draft stock goes up or down depending on their performance. That has been the case for some players who are potential Vikings draft targets.
Several Fits for Minnesota Took a New Turn in Indianapolis
The NFL combine is an essential part of the pre-draft process. It gives players a chance to showcase their raw ability, which can be compared not only with their fellow draft prospects this year but also with the historic results of players who have gone on to achieve great things in the league.
Several Vikings draft prospects have seen their draft stock go up or down following the combine. I will look at four players whose stock has risen and three whose stock has fallen, and what that means for their prospects of becoming a Minnesota Viking.
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Dillon Thieneman (S), Oregon – Stock Up
Dillon Thieneman is being compared to Harrison Smith, and with the Vikings needing help in the secondary, he is becoming a more popular choice at 18th overall. That high in the draft might have been seen as too high for Thienemen before the combine, but not so much now.
Nov 29, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) intercepts a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
His athletic prowess is undeniable after he ran a blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash with an equally impressive 1.52-second 10-yard split. Thieneman also ranked second among the safety group with a 41-inch vertical jump. Thieneman has pushed his claim to be not just a first-round pick but in the top 20, which puts him in the Vikings’ range. Landing in Minnesota with Smith comparisons will bring with it a unique kind of pressure.
Chris Johnson (CB), San Diego State – Stock Up
The Vikings need help at CB, but I’m not seeing the lockdown outside corner the Vikings need at 18 – without there being a catch. Chris Johnson looked smooth on tape during his college career without looking like a top-flight athlete. After an excellent combine, Johnson’s draft stock is up, so the question for the Vikings is will he be available at 49?
Caleb Banks (DI), Florida – Stock Up
My 2026 draft crush has been Caleb Banks, and the Florida interior defensive lineman did his best to back up my claims at the combine. Banks measured and tested like an absolute beast, allaying any concerns created by the foot injury that made him miss much of the 2025 season. Any doubts that he is first-round material are now gone. I’m sticking to my claim that Banks would be an excellent choice for the Vikings at 18.
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Eli Stowers (TE), Vanderbilt – Stock Up
Kenyon Sadiq has been the clear TE1 in this draft class, but after showcasing his elite athleticism at the combine, Eli Stowers may have solidified himself as TE2 in this class and weighed in at 239 pounds. His 4.51-second 40-yard dash ranked second among the TE group, behind only Sadiq. He led all players with his incredible 45.5-inch vertical jump.
Stowers has put some weight on for the draft process and probably needs to add a bit more to be an every-down player. With TJ Hockenson and Josh Oliver already in Minnesota, Stowers would be an intriguing receiving option who could develop into a starter with some added bulk if the Vikings can land him on Day 2.
Jermod McCoy (CB), Tennessee – Stock Down
Jermod McCoy is one of the most intriguing prospects with medical concerns, having been 13 months removed from a major knee injury, meaning scouts haven’t seen him in action since last January. McCoy did not participate in any testing aside from the bench press.
Nothing makes a player’s draft stock slide like injury concerns, and if McCoy doesn’t perform well – or at all – at his pro day, he will represent a big risk. These concerns might see him slide down to the Vikings at 18, but will they also be the reason they let him keep sliding?
Emmett Johnson (RB), Nebraska – Stock Down
Emmet Johnson has been a favourite of some Vikings onlookers and was at least in the mix for RB2 with all the backs jockeying for positioning behind Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Johnson had a rough time at the combine, running a relatively average 4.56-second 40-yard dash.
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He also failed to impress with a 35.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump, and he logged a well-below-average 7.32 seconds in the three-cone drill. Johnson’s game is based more on his vision and craft behind the line of scrimmage, and he can certainly be a productive runner in the NFL, but his lack of elite traits may make him slide. Possibly good news for the Vikings if they want to hold off on selecting an RB.
Peter Woods (IDL), Clemson – Stock Down
Peter Woods looked like a top 10 pick and a certainty to be the first interior defensive lineman off the board. That’s all changed as his slide started before the combine. It felt like Woods needed a good week with his 2025 tape a step back from 2024.
Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) shown on the field pregame prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
While other IDLs like Banks and Lee Hunter are having excellent pre-draft processes, Woods didn’t participate in any drills and measured in at 6-2, 298, with 31-inch arms. He is in danger of becoming the forgotten man in this draft, but that could be to the Vikings’ advantage.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
