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Sunday, June 8, 2025
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Ferrari and Toyota are Le Mans favorites – but what about Porsche?
Last year, Porsche arrived at Le Mans as one of the favourites, riding the momentum of a strong start to its WEC campaign. But when it came down to it, the real fight was between Ferrari and Toyota. In 2025, the German manufacturer comes to La Sarthe in a very different situation, after a quiet opening trio of races.
What Porsche needs to lean on, if it’s to chase what would be a record-extending 20th Le Mans win, is exactly what made it strong in last year’s championship run.
“Our strengths are consistency and reliability. We didn’t have any reliability issues last year during the whole season, and not at Le Mans either, so I think that’s a big asset,” explains Kevin Estre. “We had a lot of problems in year one, but last season was great in terms of reliability. We didn’t have any trouble, and the team almost won every race in IMSA, in the U.S.”
“We’ve shown we have the ability, the talent to win big races, to win championships. I think we ran a great race last year at Le Mans - we were just missing a bit of outright performance.”
“There’s strong competition, like we’ve seen over the last three years, but I feel like this year it’s even tighter.
“The newcomers from last year are still learning and improving. You look at the start of the season for BMW, Alpine, and even Peugeot showing up here and there, plus Cadillac arriving with four cars. I think it’s going to be a real battle on track.”
Porsche remains Porsche
#6 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963, #5 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963
Rainier Ehrhardt
With its know-how, experience, and an LMDh prototype that delivered a drivers’ title last year, would you count Porsche out? The former winners remain a solid bet for victory, especially when you factor in a Balance of Performance (BoP) unique to the Le Mans circuit, which could very well shake things up. That’s what Kevin Estre, who shares the No. 6 car with Laurens Vanthoor and Matt Campbell, is banking on.
“You always have to count on Ferrari and Toyota, that’s a given,” the French driver admits. “Cadillac always has great top speed, they’ve never quite put it all together, but they’re strong. Jota’s a great team at Le Mans, we know that. Alpine has had a really solid start to the year, and Peugeot could be in the mix…”
“It’s hard to rank the pecking order. I think Ferrari and Toyota are probably still the favourites, and maybe us. They’re proven contenders at Le Mans, they’ve shown it time and again. It’s tough to say, but I hope we’ve improved our package a bit and that we’ve got the performance needed to fight for the win.”
Kevin Estre, Porsche Motorsport
Rainier Ehrhardt
As Estre rightly points out, the start of the championship almost becomes irrelevant when it comes to Le Mans: “It’s a completely different track compared to the rest: we reach top speeds that are 30 to 40 km/h higher than on other circuits in the championship.”
“There’s a new BoP, the track characteristics are different, so it reshuffles the deck. We’ll see if we can be as strong as last year over a single lap, and a bit better in the long stints during the race.”
“We’ve got a new driver with Matt replacing Andre [Lotterer], but the same engineers, the same mechanics — there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work. We know how to win races, we know how to win championships — we just need to find the performance.”
To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
Merab Dvalishvili's Actions Toward Donald Trump Turn Heads After UFC 316 Win
Merab Dvalishvili's Actions Toward Donald Trump Turn Heads After UFC 316 Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Merab Dvalishvili took down Sean O’Malley in their UFC 316 rematch, winning by submission in the third round on Saturday to retain the Bantamweight belt.
But it was Dvalishvili's actions immediately after winning that captured some of the most attention.
Almost immediately after forcing O'Malley to submit, Dvalishvili jumped out of the Octagon and to the front row, where he greeted President Donald Trump with a handshake and shared a few words with the president. The actions captured some viral attention, with many sharing video of his quick run to share a moment with Trump.
O'Malley later left the Octagon to greet Trump, sharing a handshake before leaving.
Merab Dvalishvili taps Sean O’Malley and immediately runs over to celebrate with President Trump #UFC316
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 8, 2025
(🎥 @JoseYoungs) pic.twitter.com/uxxlYDDIDN
Trump has become a regular at UFC matches, often sitting in the front row and greeting fighters. His entrance at UFC 316 also captured some viral attention.
Big daddy Trump walks in at UFC 316 to Massive Applause in Newark NJ - Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2@AmBrushfire you bet O'Malley, too? 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/YRqoQBgTE2
— Brutal American 👊 🇺🇸 (@BrutalAmerican) June 8, 2025
Dvalishvili had predicted before the fight that he would make easy work of O'Malley, saying he toyed with his opponent in their first meeting at UFC 306. Dvalishvili dominated that meeting as well.
“I do have extra motivation to finish this fight because the first fight I was going easy on him, but this time I’m looking for finish,” Dvalishvili told The Schmo. “I was laughing, I was showboating and stuff, and then I was kissing him. I’m not planning on kissing in this fight, I’m planning to finish him. If a kiss will come ... I never plan this stuff, it’s just natural and depends how I’m going to feel. But I already kissed him, now it’s time to smash him.”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Florida, Edmonton meet with series tied 1-1
Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, in the Pacific Division) vs. Florida Panthers (47-31-4, in the Atlantic Division)
Sunrise, Florida; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Panthers -135, Oilers +115; over/under is 6.5
STANLEY CUP FINAL: Series tied 1-1
BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers host the Edmonton Oilers in game three of the Stanley Cup Final with the series tied 1-1. The teams meet Friday for the fifth time this season. The Panthers won 5-4 in overtime in the last matchup. Brad Marchand led the Panthers with two goals.
Florida is 31-15-2 at home and 47-31-4 overall. The Panthers have a 23-10-0 record in games they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponents.
Edmonton is 29-19-2 in road games and 48-29-5 overall. The Oilers are 24-10-5 in games they score one or more power-play goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Sam Reinhart has 39 goals and 42 assists for the Panthers. Sam Bennett has eight goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
Connor McDavid has 26 goals and 74 assists for the Oilers. Leon Draisaitl has five goals and 11 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Panthers: 7-2-1, averaging 4.1 goals, 7.3 assists, 5.9 penalties and 17.7 penalty minutes while giving up two goals per game.
Oilers: 7-2-1, averaging 3.7 goals, 6.8 assists, 3.6 penalties and 7.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.2 goals per game.
INJURIES: Panthers: None listed.
Oilers: None listed.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Is Lewis Hamilton really in free fall?
“Lewis is in free fall, isn’t he?” That was a message I’d received this week from a friend, who is a staunch Hamilton supporter.
The timing was interesting, as moments before, an email had dropped containing the comments from former F1 driver-turned-pundit Johnny Herbert, who is rapidly becoming Mr Rent-A-Quote on all manner of subjects, with his remarks freely available to use as a source for stories (in exchange for plugging betting websites).
In essence, Herbert’s point was that Lewis Hamilton had lost his way with Ferrari and that the Italian team would be better to throw all its weight behind Charles Leclerc, who at 13 years younger, should be considered the team’s future.
It is a fair assessment, and came after Hamilton had finished sixth, courtesy of Max Verstappen’s penalty in the Spanish GP; otherwise, it would have been seventh, while Leclerc had taken another podium finish.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Clive Rose / Getty Images
After the race in Barcelona, Hamilton had labelled it: “the worst he had ever experienced”. That is some unwelcome accolade, given it was his 365th F1 race. With each race, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the growing frustration he is experiencing as he adjusts to the new surroundings following his switch from Mercedes in the winter.
Hamilton’s commitment cannot be questioned. He is spending time at Ferrari’s Maranello factory and staying well into the night during F1 GP weekends, digging into the data in the hope of finding elements that, as yet, have been missing.
Those missing elements remain unknown to the sender of the text message, or indeed perhaps Herbert too, but those working close to him can see his determined work in a relentless quest for an uptick in performance and results.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari SF-25
Andrej Isakovic / AFP via Getty Images
However, those halcyon days and his well-choreographed unveiling in the winter begin now seem a distant memory, and there is a foreboding sense that the dreams of winning an eighth F1 World Championship are nothing more than that.
The win in the sprint race in China, as was the happiness he expressed in the post-race media sessions at Imola, have both proved to be false dawns, and even, as is the case with the person who sent the message, the most passionate Hamilton fan must now be fearing the worst.
Perhaps we should not be surprised. Like Hamilton, fellow F1 world champions Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel all arrived at F1’s most famous team with the hope that it would herald another title — only for that not to prove the case.
So why is it not working for Hamilton?
The situation is complicated, and there is not one single factor that is obvious. At the start of the season, Ferrari’s problems stemmed from set-up, with ride height being a factor. Indeed, Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese GP due to a worn plank as his car was set up too low to the ground.
Then there is Hamilton’s fondness for an F1 car that is set up to be stiff - again compromised by the softer rear suspension set up, which has prevented him from getting it dialled in. Furthermore, the upgrades were slow to arrive in the early part of the season as Mercedes and Red Bull both benefitted from new parts.
Poor strategy has been a frequent problem for Ferrari, and this has not been helped by Hamilton being required to forge a new relationship with his race engineer - and dealing with the language barrier.
The significance of the cultural shift that comes with moving from a UK team to one based in Italy cannot also be underestimated. It was always going to take time for Hamilton to adjust, but to take Herbert’s point, at 40, time in F1 is not something Hamilton has an abundance of.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Peter Fox / Getty Images
It looks bleak, and perhaps to the outsider, looks like Hamilton is in free fall. His demeanour and comments in Barcelona are backed up by miserable race results, which means he’s placed sixth in the drivers’ championship — some 23 points behind his team-mate. Plus, history tells us that Ferrari does not usually offer a happy ending to the careers of F1 world champions.
However, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari was never about this season, but for preparation for the new regulations that come in 2026, in the hope of one roll of the dice for the record-breaking eighth world title his glittering career deserves.
Even the most fervent of Hamilton fans are having to dig deep, and some, like Herbert, are starting to question if it will happen.
Is this really the beginning of the end, which will see him turfed out of the back door of a sport he has dominated? I absolutely hope not, but the reality is, we don’t know.
To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
Barcelona captain addresses contract renewal, UCL defeat, Yamal, Ballon d’Or – ‘My intention is to…’
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future at the club.
In an interview with VZ (h/t SPORT), the Dutch international made it clear that his intention is to stay at Barcelona and extend his contract, which currently runs until 2026.
“I think I’m going to renew for Barça,” De Jong stated, although he did add a small note of caution. “I can’t be one hundred percent sure, but if everything goes well, it will be done.
“My intention is to renew this summer, but we will see what happens. It is a negotiation and you can’t say exactly when. The important thing is that both parties want it, and I think we will reach an agreement.”
Reflecting on market speculation
There have been reports that De Jong is trying to cut ties with his current agent, a figure who has often been a major obstacle in talks with Barcelona in the past.
When asked directly about it, the midfielder said, “I can’t talk about my agent. I can’t say anything about that now. Right now, I’m focused on the national team, and then we’ll see.”
De Jong also reflected on his performances this season, claiming that although he did not feel he was much better than in previous campaigns, winning more matches and trophies helped shine a bigger light on his contribution.
“Before I got injured, I was in the best moment of my game,” he said.
“I don’t think this year I did much better than the previous ones, but the titles we have won and the victories have given more visibility to my game.”
On UCL defeat and Yamal’s Ballon d’Or candidacy
He admitted the Champions League elimination against Inter was one of the low points of the season.
“It hurt a lot to lose against Inter. We were so close to the final and failing like that was painful. PSG deserved the title this year,” De Jong commented.
The Dutchman also praised Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal and supported his Ballon d’Or candidacy.
“That trophy isn’t decided by just one match or a title. It’s about the full season. There’s no doubt that Lamine is a special talent and deserves recognition.”
De Jong’s public statement is a clear signal that, despite rumours of a potential exit, his heart is still in Barcelona.
Now, fans will be waiting to see if a new contract agreement is reached in the coming weeks, possibly one that will reduce his current wage and help the club with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Man United fans overwhelmingly believe in Ruben Amorim despite 5/10 season
Manchester United fans have given head coach Ruben Amorim a grade of 5/10 for his first seven months in charge of the club.
This is according to a fan survey run by The Athletic, who asked fans the question “How would you rate Ruben Amorim’s performance as manager this season?”
It was a surprisingly positive result, given that United recorded their worst ever Premier League finish, broke almost every conceivable negative record in their history and failed to bring home any silverware.
Admittedly, only 25.5% of respondents gave the gaffer more than half marks, with 74.5% ranging between 1 and 5 out of 10. Yet only 4.6% gave him 1/10, while 24.5% – the most – put him at five.
Source: The Athletic.
Despite this low score, the responses to another question in the survey demonstrate that the majority of fans still have faith in the Portuguese to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
In response to the question “How far do you think United can go under Ruben Amorim?”, 38.8% said they think he will lead their club to the Premier League title.
31.6% said Amorim will get the Red Devils back into the top four.
30.1% opted for Europa League level or lower.
Source: The Athletic.
The fact that 70% of fans have that faith in the manager is borne out by another question in the survey, “What has been the biggest issue that has affected the team this season?”
A staggering 47.3% of respondents blamed player performance, 21.2% blamed the ownership and 11.3% blamed poor signings. Only 8.3% chose managerial tactics.
Putting all three questions together, it is clear that, whilst acknowledging he has not got off to a great start, United fans have seen something in their head coach that makes them believe in him.
They have his back.
Amorim recently said he would walk away from the club if he felt the board and fans don’t want him. INEOS have already spoken on the issue, and now, it would seem, the fans have too.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Alcaraz puts French Open title on line against scorching Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz bids to defend his French Open title against Jannik Sinner as the two stars of a new generation face off in a Grand Slam final for the first time on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz and Sinner, 23, have together scooped up the last five majors to usher in a new era in men's tennis after two decades defined by the dominance of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz hopes to become the third man this century to retain the Coupe des Mousquetaires after Gustavo Kuerten and Nadal.
Sinner is chasing his third successive Grand Slam triumph -- and fourth overall -- after winning last year's US Open and retaining his Australian Open crown in January.
The world number one has lost just seven matches since the start of 2024 but four of those defeats have come against Alcaraz, including a five-set reverse in last year's Roland Garros semi-finals.
Alcaraz holds a 7-4 head-to-head edge over Sinner, winning the Italian Open final in Rome three weeks ago as the latter made his return to competition following a three-month doping ban.
The Spaniard warned after that final that Sinner would be an even greater threat in Paris with more matches under his belt, and so it has proved with the Italian yet to drop a set at the French Open.
"He's the best tennis player right now," said Alcaraz. "I mean, he's destroying every opponent."
Alcaraz is battle-tested having won just two of his six matches in straight sets but had a shorter outing in the semi-finals than perhaps anticipated after Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire.
Second seed Alcaraz has little doubt that Sunday's showpiece -- the first Grand Slam men's final between two players born in the 2000s -- will be one to remember.
"It's going to be a really great Sunday for fans of tennis," said Alcaraz, who knows he will need to be at his best to deny Sinner a maiden French Open trophy.
"I love that battle. But most of the time is just about suffering, because (he pushes) you to the limit."
- 'It doesn't get any bigger' -
Sinner is 18-1 this year and has picked up where he left off in Melbourne after a doping controversy which forced him off the courts for the Sunshine Swing in the US and the start of the clay-court season.
He twice tested positive for traces of the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March last year, a contamination doping authorities accepted was accidental.
Sinner has always maintained the product entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing it to treat a cut.
He has looked in prime form in Paris, extending his winning streak in majors to 20 matches to reach a first Roland Garros final.
Adriano Panatta was the last Italian man to win the French Open in 1976.
Sinner dashed Djokovic's hopes of a record-setting 25th Grand Slam on Friday with a fourth straight win over the 38-year-old Serbian, who admitted the loss may have been his final French Open match.
With the last remaining member of the old guard out of the picture, the stage is set for Alcaraz and Sinner to embark on the biggest clash so far in their already gripping rivalry.
Both are unbeaten in Grand Slam finals, but that will change come Sunday.
"The stage, it doesn't get any bigger now. Grand Slam finals against Carlos, it's a special moment for me and for him, too," said Sinner.
"The tension you feel before the match and during the match is a little bit different in a way, because we are both very young, we are both different, but talented."
Comparisons have already been made between the sport's new rivalry and those shared by the big three of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer.
While Sinner believes it is too early for such talk, Djokovic is certain the top two will hoover up the biggest prizes for years to come.
"They're definitely great for tennis, both of them. I think their rivalry is something that our sport needs, no doubt," said Djokovic.
"The way they are playing and the way they are approaching tennis life, I think they are going to have very successful careers.
"I'm sure that we're going to see them lifting the big trophies quite often."
mw/jc
How are the 2026 World Cup contenders shaping up?
The 2026 World Cup in North America will be the first to feature 48 teams but an expanded tournament does not necessarily mean a wider field of genuine contenders to succeed Lionel Messi's Argentina as champions.
Only eight countries have won the World Cup in 22 editions up to the most recent tournament in Qatar, when Argentina defeated France on penalties in an epic final.
That was their third title, a tally bettered only by Brazil with their record five crowns, and Germany and Italy on four each.
With a year still to go until kick-off in the United States, Canada and Mexico, there remain plenty of unknowns, not least with European qualifying barely having begun.
Of the eight previous World Cups held on the American continent, seven have been won by a South American team.
There was a European winner in Brazil in 2014, when Germany edged Argentina in the final.
However Argentina, who top the FIFA world rankings, will be the team to beat in 2026, even if no country has retained the trophy since Brazil in 1962.
As well as being the champions, they have won the last two editions of the Copa America, including last year in the USA. In March they became the first South American team to secure qualification.
Most of the 2022 team remains under coach Lionel Scaloni, and it looks like Messi –- who will turn 39 during the competition –- will have a role to play.
"He is keen to play at the World Cup and everyone is keen to see him play," Scaloni said recently.
Brazil won the last World Cup in the United States in 1994 but are mired in crisis and even Carlo Ancelotti may struggle to revive their fortunes.
"I have a big job ahead of me and have great hope that Brazil will become champions again," Ancelotti said after being presented as coach last month.
"The only goal is to win the 2026 World Cup."
Their inconsistent form in qualifying cost former coach Dorival Junior his job, and Ancelotti needs Raphinha and Vinicius Junior to step up. Ancelotti started with a goalless draw in Ecuador on Thursday.
- Spain chase second title -
If there is to be a European winner then Spain are the obvious candidates. They will be bidding to repeat their achievement of 2010, when they won the World Cup off the back of a European Championship triumph.
Luis de la Fuente's team, who start qualifying in September, boast the most exciting teenager in world football in Lamine Yamal. He will turn 19 during the World Cup.
France have been to the last two finals, and four of the last seven.
This will be the last tournament for Didier Deschamps before he steps down after 14 years in charge, and Kylian Mbappe will be gunning for a second World Cup winner's medal.
England's desperation to win a first title since 1966 led to the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as coach.
"I know that there are some trophies missing... and, of course, I want to help to make it happen," the German said.
Runners-up at the last two Euros, and World Cup semi-finalists in 2018, England will look to Jude Bellingham to lead their charge. It could also be Harry Kane's last chance to win an international trophy, as he will be almost 33.
Germany have not gone beyond the group stage since winning in 2014 but Julian Nagelsmann's side appear on the up and the key could be getting Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala to work together.
- Portuguese prospects? -
Italy look limited and just want to be there having missed the last two World Cups.
"We need to qualify because it's absolutely crucial for us," admitted coach Luciano Spalletti.
If there is to be a first-time winner then three-time runners-up the Netherlands cannot be dismissed, although Portugal perhaps have the better chance.
As ever the question will be whether the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo -– expected to appear at a record sixth World Cup at the age of 41 -– could hold back an exciting team.
The prospect of a first triumph for a host since France in 1998 seems non-existent.
Mauricio Pochettino is struggling to make his mark on the United States, having set the team the target of winning the competition when he was appointed.
Mexico are eyeing the quarter-finals, which would match their previous best showing, while for Canada just getting out of their group would be a considerable achievement.
as/lp/gj
Triple-hosted World Cup: huge ambition at a hefty cost to planet
The largest and most far-flung World Cup kicks off in 12 months with a record 48 teams spread across Canada, the United States and Mexico and sceptics are asking whether its frenzied growth is worth the environmental cost.
FIFA, the governing body of world football, like the International Olympic Committee, insists it is working to reduce the carbon footprint. But the expansion from 32 competing nations to 48 and the resulting shift to multiple hosts both next year and in 2030, leads critics to question that claim.
"Unlike the case of the Olympic Games, where the carbon footprints have been reducing over the last several editions, this is totally opposite in the case of the men's World Cup," David Gogishvili, a geographer at the University of Lausanne and a specialist in mega-sports events, told AFP.
While the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was certainly compact, it drew criticism for its oversized, air-conditioned stadiums built at breakneck speed in a small country with a scorching climate.
For 2026, all 16 stadiums -- ranging in capacity from the 45,000-capacity Toronto Stadium to the 94,000-capacity cauldron of Dallas Stadium -- already existed when the bid was made.
- '5 million fans' -
One problem is the distances.
Foxborough Stadium, outside Boston, is 3,700 kilometres (2,300 miles) from the Azteca in Mexico City. The Stadium at BC Place in Vancouver is 4,500km from Miami Stadium. That multiplies air travel for teams, officials, media and the "more than five million fans" who, FIFA says, "are expected to attend".
Organisers say the 72 matches in the first round -- when teams will play in 12 four-team groups -- will pivot on three "regional hubs". Yet distances will still be huge. Group B, for example, has matches in Toronto as well as in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver on the Pacific Coast.
For the 32 matches in the five-round knockout phase teams will be flying all over the map.
FIFA, whose president Gianni Infantino proclaimed his "determination" to combat global warming at COP 26 in Glasgow, committed itself in 2018 to "measuring, reducing and offsetting" the emissions associated with its World Cups.
Yet, since it was nailed in June 2023 by the Swiss Fairness Commission for boasting of the "climate neutrality" of the 2022 World Cup, without being able to prove the claim, FIFA has refrained from making assessments or promises concerning 2026.
The only official estimate of the carbon impact -- a record 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 -- was made before the number of matches was increased from 80 to 104.
"FIFA's insatiable appetite towards growth," Gogishvili said, means "more athletes, more fans, more hotel infrastructure, more flights. It's kind of a never-ending cycle".
- 'Environmental denial' -
A joint British report on football and the environment published in February by the New Weather Institute and Scientists for Global Responsibility, punningly entitled 'Dirty Tackle', said one men's World Cup finals match generates emissions "between 26 times and 42 times that for a domestic elite game" or the equivalent of "between 31,500 and 51,500 average UK cars driven for a whole year".
"With every game added to the football calendar, international football associations make the world less safe," the report said.
Next year's World Cup is not a blip.
"It seems that the environmental denial of the FIFA World Cups will continue," wrote Gilles Pache, professor at the University of Aix-Marseille, in the Journal of Management.
He pointed to 2030 that will open with matches in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, to celebrate the centenary of the first World Cup, before switching across the Atlantic to the three hosts Morocco, Spain and Portugal for the remaining 101 matches.
The 2034 World Cup, will be held in Saudi Arabia, in a climate comparable to that of Qatar, but with 40 more matches.
Saudi giant Aramco, the world's leading oil company, became a major FIFA sponsor of FIFA last year.
cfe/pb/lp
2026 DL Law talks West Virginia camp stop
Danville (Va.) George Washington 2026 defensive lineman Christopher Law came to the second West Virginia one-day camp looking to put his best foot forward in front of the coaching staff.
And he believes he made a positive impression.
Law, 6-foot-2, 275-pounds, made his first visit to Morgantown for the event and really felt at home during the course of the camp.
“My camp visit went great. Overall great school, great facilities and the coaches made it feel like it was home,” he said.
Law spent most of his time working with defensive line coach William Green and was highly impressed with how he and the other coaches handled the camp.
“The coaches were outstanding. They taught you the technique and did a lot of critiquing to make sure you were on the right path,” he said.
Law received positive feedback from the coaching staff both due to his hustle and work ethic, while the Mountaineers also were impressed with his ability to get off the ball.
The Mountaineers are looking at Law at the defensive tackle position and overall Law felt he left a positive impression with what he was able to do on the field.
“I think I did pretty good. There’s always something to improve on so I’m forever chasing that standard of perfection,” he said.
Law now has visits set to Liberty and Western Michigan but admittedly definitely could see himself returning to Morgantown for another visit.
“If I was blessed with that chance,” he said.
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Spain XI vs Portugal – Predicted lineup and team news
Spain are seeking to retain the UEFA Nations League when La Roja take on Portugal in the 2025 final tonight.
Luis de la Fuente’s side beat France in a thrilling semi-final tie earlier this week, eventually prevailing 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller. La Roja were more comfortable than the scoreline suggested, however, racing into four-goal lead inside the opening 55 minutes before easing up.
Portugal vs Spain for the Nations League title 🏆#NationsLeaguepic.twitter.com/hdQbKGgvBK
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 8, 2025
Spain are unbeaten across all competitions since March 2024, a run that includes success at Euro 2024 last summer. The Spanish are bidding to win a third consecutive tournament, ahead of facing their Iberian rivals in Munich tonight.
Portugal are also seeking a second Nations League crown after becoming the tournament’s inaugural winners in 2019. Roberto Martinez’s side eliminated final hosts Germany in the semi-finals.
Spain XI vs Portugal – Predicted lineup and team news
Spain team news
Lamine Yamal strengthened his case for the Ballon d’Or with a two-goal performance in the win over France. The 17-year-old is a contender to become the youngest-ever winner of the award in 2025. Tonight, he faces five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time.
Mikel Oyarzabal earned the nod over captain Alvaro Morata at centre-forward and registered two assists. He is expected to retain his place. Fabian Ruiz could also come back into the side with the Champions League winner starting from the bench against France.
Spain predicted lineup
Spain predicted XI: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Ruiz, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
When is Portugal vs Spain?
Portugal take on Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday 8th June 2025. Kick-off at the Allianz Arena in Munich is 8pm BST.
What TV channel is Portugal vs Spain?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on ITV1 and ITVX.
Read – Iconic Performances: Ronaldo treble stuns Spain
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Is there a case to be made for hanging onto Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis?
Is there a case to be made for hanging onto Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis? The Latvian center has been the first player brought up as a potential trade chip in the Celtics likely quest to get under the second apron to avoid the harsh penalties created by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to break up expensive teams like Boston.
But there are other ways to pull such a goal off besides trading away Porzingis for whatever the team can do it with, perhaps even requiring some assets to get off his deal despite it being a large expiring contract in a cap-starved league. What options does Boston have where they would not deal away KP before the end of the next NBA regular season?
The host of the CLNS Media "You Got Boston" podcast, Noa Dalzell, linked up with Spotrac cap guru Keith Smith to talk it over. Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about the case for hanging onto KP.
If you enjoy this pod, check out the "How Bout Them Celtics," "First to the Floor," and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network: https://ytubl.ink/3Ffk
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Is there a case for hanging onto Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis?
What is the Washington Commanders biggest nightmare situation for the 2025 season?
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters has worked tirelessly this offseason to add the necessary tools for his team. He bolstered the defense, added protection for Jayden Daniels, added weapons for Daniels, and ensured depth across the roster. Head coach Dan Quinn is stepping in to do his part now through offseason workouts and training camp.
Organizations hope that all of the work put in during the offseason will result in a better season than last year. While what Peters has done looks good on paper, we won't really know until the team hits the field this fall if he did enough. Plenty of media analysts and reporters are predicting that Jayden Daniels will have a sophomore slump, and Bleacher Report says that's the organization's biggest nightmare situation.
Washington Commanders: If Jayden Daniels pulls a C.J. Stroud from 2024.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud ended his rookie campaign with a 100.8 quarterback rating and a 58.3 QBR. At the end of his sophomore campaign, he had an 87 quarterback rating and 49.8 QBR. He threw five interceptions and took 38 sacks in 2023, while in 2024 he threw 12 interceptions and 52 sacks. Not all of that is his fault, but he definitely took a step back during his second season.
Daniels, though, is not the same quarterback as Stroud, nor are they the same person. They are in two different environments with different supports in place and different life experiences that led them to where they are. Daniels may not be as productive in 2025 as he was in 2024, but that doesn't mean that he's having a slump. Maybe it's because that's what is being asked of him since he has better protection and more weapons in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: What is the Commanders biggest nightmare for the 2025 NFL season?
When is the U.S. Open golf tournament? What to know for championship week at Oakmont
Championship week for the 125th U.S. Open is finally here, with practice rounds commencing Monday, June 9, and the first round of the championship scheduled for Thursday, June 12, at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa.
Here is what you need to know for the 2025 U.S. Open, whether you are heading to the course or watching at home.
When are the practice rounds for the 125th U.S. Open?
Practice rounds for the U.S. Open run June 9-11, with gates open each day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
When are the championship rounds of the 125th U.S. Open?
The first two rounds of the U.S. Open tee off on June 12-13, with play scheduled to begin at 6:45 a.m. and the final groups of each day scheduled to tee off at 2:42 p.m. Gates for fans open at 6 a.m. until the conclusion of play.
Rounds 3 and 4 are June 14-15, with the first pairing beginning play between 8-9 a.m., depending on how many players make the cut. The final pair will start from the first tee at around 3 p.m. on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Gates will be open for the final two rounds at 7 a.m. until the conclusion of play.
Where can I purchase tickets for the 125th U.S. Open?
On June 6, the USGA announced that all tickets for championship rounds are officially sold out for the 125th U.S. Open. Tickets on the resale market for championship rounds can be purchased here.
Limited tickets are still available for practice rounds in the Gallery and Trophy Club on June 9-11. Tickets are also still available in the 1895 Club and Champions Pavilion for Wednesday’s practice round only. The remaining tickets can be found at usopen.com/tickets.
Where can I park for the 125th U.S. Open?
There will be no parking for fans within Oakmont or Plum Borough but fans will have the option to park at two lots and be shuttled to and from Oakmont Country Club.
Fans traveling on I-79, I-279, I-76 East, PA-28 or PA-8 coming from the west or north of Oakmont Country Club are asked to use the Red Lot at Hartwood Acres.
Required Reading: Oakmont gears up to host U.S. Open for a 10th time, giving fans a unique experience
Fans that are traveling on I-76 West, I-376, PA-30, PA-22 or coming from the east or south of Oakmont Country Club are asked to use the Blue Lot at Monroeville Mall.
Individuals who require lift-equipped transportation services can contact the USGA at 2025usopen@usga.org for more information.
How can I watch the 125th U.S. Open?
Television coverage of the 125th U.S. Open will be broadcast on the USA Network, NBC and Peacock for the championship rounds.
Here is a look at the broadcast schedule.
Thursday, June 12 (First Round)
USA Network: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Click here for a free trial with Fubo)
Peacock: 5-8 p.m. (Click here for Peacock subscription information)
Friday, June 13 (Second Round)
Peacock: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NBC: 1-7 p.m.
Peacock: 7-8 p.m.
Saturday, June 14 (Third Round)
USA Network: 10 a.m. to noon
NBC: Noon-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 15 (Championship Round)
USA Network: 9 a.m. to noon
NBC: 12-7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: U.S. Open 2025: Dates, tickets, TV schedule for Oakmont men's golf major
Predicted Teams Portugal-Spain: Lamine Yamal and Cristiano face off in Munich
Portugal and Spain will contest the final of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, with the match taking place at the Allianz Arena. Both teams are aiming to win the competition for the second time – for La Roja, it would be their second in a row after the 2023 success against Croatia.
The eyes of the world will be on Munich, with supporters eagerly anticipating the match-up between Lamine Yamal, arguably the best player in the world, and Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history. As per Diario AS, both men will start in the UEFA Nations League final.
Luis de la Fuente planning one change from France victory
It’s predicted that Spain will make only one change from the side that defeated France 5-4 in Thursday’s semi-final: Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi is projected to come into the side to partner Dean Huijsen, with Robin Le Normand dropping to the bench. It means that Fabian Ruiz would not come back into the team, while captain Alvaro Morata would also miss out on starting.
Portugal to make two changes for UEFA Nations League final
According to the report, Portugal are planning to make two alterations from the side that defeated Germany in their UEFA Nations League semi-final on Tuesday. Champions League winner Vitinha is set to come into the team in place of ex-Barcelona winger Francisco Trincao, while another former Blaugrana player in Nelson Semedo is projected to start ahead of Joao Neves at right-back.
It promises to be a very interesting spectacle in Munich. As the reigning European champions, Spain will probably start as favourites, but Portugal will be determined to get one over their Iberian rivals.
Iconic Performances: Ronaldo treble stuns Spain
Spain and Portugal is one of international football’s oldest rivalries, with the neighbouring nations each belonging to the elite of the game.
Clashes between the two teams often bring fans on either side of the Iberian peninsula to a standstill. That intrigue is only amplified when the nations cross paths in a major competition.
The 2018 World Cup draw placed the teams together in the group stage, with each travelling to Russia with ambitions of challenging. The remnants of Spain’s dominant side of earlier in the decade remained, while Portugal arrived at the tournament as European champions after ending their long wait for international success at Euro 2016.
Ahead of their opening clash, the pre-game talk centred around the Spanish. Preparations for the tournament had been thrown into chaos. Head coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked just two days before the meeting with Portugal after it was announced he would be leaving for Real Madrid following the tournament.
If the build-up had focused on Lopetegui, there was just one name who was headline news as the full-time whistle blew in Sochi – Cristiano Ronaldo.
A chaotic build-up spilt into the contest, with the result a classic World Cup clash. Spain twice cancelled out goals from Portugal, as the traditional sparring partners from Southern Europe traded punches with spite. When Spain then found a second-half sucker punch, Portugal – and Ronaldo – dug deep, bit down on the gum shield, and fought back.
In a game that swung freely like a pendulum, it was Spain who were the better side. Portugal, however, had the trump card in an iconic individual performance from their talisman.
Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot. His footwork invited a challenge from Real Madrid teammate Nacho, whose protests fell on deaf ears with the officials after a lazy leg brought Ronaldo down inside the area.
Less than four minutes in Portugal led, as Ronaldo emphatically slammed the spot-kick past David de Gea to become just the fourth man to have scored at four separate World Cups.
Spain showed vulnerability on the break, but Diego Costa led their charge back into the contest. Costa was not always an easy fit into the subtleties of Spanish football, but the Brazil-born battering ram brought La Roja level, as he crashed into Pepe before continuing on, leaving Jose Fonte and Cedric twisted inside the area before firing home.
It was Portugal’s turn to regroup and respond, with Ronaldo putting his side back ahead just before the break. Against the run of play, his low left-footed effort squirmed through David de Gea’s grasp in a horrible moment for the goalkeeper.
As the half-time whistle blew Portugal were ahead, but the Spanish were made of stern stuff. Upped was their level of control and within minutes the narrative of the game had changed.
First, Costa brought the sides level from close range after a well-worked free-kick routine. Moments later, Nacho smashed home a finish from the edge of the area to atone for his earlier error.
Ronaldo had scored twice in the first half but appeared set to end on the losing side. Spain dominated the ball, exhibiting passages of football that had become synonymous with their reign as international football’s dominant force. The Portuguese huffed and harried, but struggled to close down the carousel of Spanish possession.
As time ticked towards full-time, it looked set to be another disappointment for Ronaldo at football’s biggest event. The FIFA World Cup is the greatest stage for a professional footballer. It’s the equivalent of Madison Square Garden to a world champion boxer or an Olympic final to those in athletics. It’s the culmination of a lifetime of work.
Ronaldo, however, had failed to truly stamp his mark on the tournament. Despite all the titles won and records achieved at club level, by his own expectations his three previous attempts had been underwhelming.
That narrative changed in the final moments, as Ronaldo was handed one last chance. Stood over a free-kick, he took his familiar sharp inhale and exhale of breath before taking aim. The result was spectacular.
Having been a spectator for much of the second half, Ronaldo had the last word. With 44 previous attempts from set-pieces at major tournaments he had never scored. This one could hardly have been more perfect.
It rose and dipped and swerved en route into the top corner, with David de Gea powerless to prevent it. What had been an enthralling encounter was decided at the death by its lead character, the Portugal captain and the man for the big occasion.
When @Cristiano did THIS against Spain 😱#ITVFootball | @FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/J8USsX3VB9
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 16, 2022
Ronaldo’s goal was a stunning strike, a final twist in the tale. It was a goal that made Ronaldo the oldest hat-trick scorer in World Cup history, aged 33 years and 130 days.
“Even at 3-2 down, he was the one who raised the team and went on with absolute trust,” Portugal manager Fernando Santo reflected.
“That is innate but also he plays in great teams and is always in finals and that gives him a very different perspective. It’s great to have someone like that.”
A footballer who had made a habit of delivering decisive moments had just produced another one. On the grandest of stages, he had delivered a one-man show to save his side.
“When you are playing a player like Ronaldo these things can happen,” Spain manager Fernando Hierro reluctantly conceded at full-time. “When you have a player like Ronaldo, it is extremely fortunate for whichever team has him.”
Read – Iconic Performances: The night Zinedine Zidane dominated Brazil
Read Also – Iconic Performances: Fabio ‘The Berlin Wall’ Cannavaro in the 2006 World Cup semi-final
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What to watch for in today's NASCAR Cup race at Michigan International Speedway
BROOKLYN, Mich. — High speeds, harried restarts and high-pressure decisions will be on display in today’s Cup race at Michigan International Speedway.
Today’s race is the 15th of the season. Eleven races will remain in the regular season after today. The green flag is scheduled for 2:19 p.m. ET on Prime.
Here’s a look at what to watch for in today’s race:
Restarts, restarts, restarts
Today’s race will mark the third for Christopher Bell with new spotter Matt Philpott, who took over after Stevie Reeves left the team after Bell’s All-Star win last month at North Wilkesboro.
Let Bell, who starts 25th today, explain what Philpott will face in spotting today’s race:
“He’s in a for a rude awakening at this race track, let me tell you, because restarts here are probably the most intense restarts that we get all year long,” Bell told NBC Sports. “Massive draft runs. Lots of lanes to pick where to go.
“He’s been doing a lot of studying. He’s been doing a great job, too. I think for getting thrown in the middle of the season, he’s done everything you could ask for.
“From my side, really, there’s been a couple of really tight clears. I had my incident with a teammate Ty (Gibbs) at Charlotte that hindered his race, so that was a bummer, but we worked through that. It’s just me understanding his language and knowing his tone of voice, stuff like that.
“I think Adam (Stevens, crew chief) has had a little bit of direction for him, but he’s been doing a really good job every week and really taking care of our car and getting us to the end of the races. He’s doing a really good job.”
As Bell noted, restarts are a key part of the racing at Michigan because of how wide the track is, allowing drivers to use different lanes to get around cars.
Of course, it also can create calamity and multi-car crashes. Seven cars were involved in a crash shortly after a restart in last year’s race that eliminated Bell, Kyle Larson and Joey Logano.
A new winner today?
Six of the top 10 starters for today’s race have yet to win a race this season.
Those are Chase Briscoe (starting first), Kyle Busch (second), Chris Buescher (sixth), Ty Gibbs (eighth), Bubba Wallace (ninth) and Zane Smith (10th).
Briscoe is starting on the pole for the third consecutive race. Busch is winless in his last 71 Cup races and finished fourth in this race a year ago. Buescher won here two years ago and finished sixth last year despite being involved in an incident. Gibbs finished third in last year’s race.
Four of the last five races have seen a driver score their first victory of the season. Those drivers were Ryan Blaney (Nashville), Ross Chastain (Coca-Cola 600), Joey Logano (Texas) and Austin Cindric (Talladega).
Wait now or wait later
With pit crews able to change four tires quicker than a fueler can fill a car with gas, crew chiefs will be left with the decision of having to make their driver wait on fuel or leave when the tires changed and with less gas.
Fuel often plays a key role at this 2-mile track.
While restarts will be pivotal, gaining track position with a faster pit stop also can prove key. Watch when teams wait for fuel and when they don’t in today’s race.
Mariners Announce Julio Rodriguez News After Angels Game
Mariners Announce Julio Rodriguez News After Angels Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night. This was the second game of a three-game AL West series. With the loss, Seattle ends the night 3.5 games back of the first-place Houston Astros, and just two games up on the third-place Angels.
In addition to the MVP-caliber numbers switch-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh has been putting up this season, Seattle has been reliant on the production of All-Star center fielder Julio Rodriguez.
The 24-year-old is second on the team in RBIs and runs scored, and has played good defense in center, including a home run robbing catch in the series opener against LA.
In an unfortunate development on Saturday, Rodriguez was removed from the game after recording hits in each of his first two at-bats. While running from second to third, Rodriguez was struck by a 98.1 MPH ground ball off the bat of Randy Arozarena.
Not only was this an automatic out, but it forced Rodriguez to exit the game. There was obvious concern among Seattle fans, and the Mariners have since announced an official update via manager Dan Wilson.
"Julio Rodríguez had X-rays taken tonight here at Angel Stadium, which came back negative … He is day to day and Dan Wilson is optimistic that he’ll avoid the IL, but they won’t know more until tomorrow," Daniel Kramer of MLB.com wrote on X.
Julio Rodriguez was removed from the game after being hit with a ground ball while trying to steal third base pic.twitter.com/SafNydd4k1
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 8, 2025
This encouraging update from the team got even better when Rodriguez told reporters there is a "high chance" he plays in the series finale against Los Angeles (via Kramer).
Rodriguez owns a .742 OPS this season, which is below his career .793 mark. The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year, Rodriguez burst onto the scene with 28 home runs and 75 RBIs in his first MLB season. He followed that with 32 homers and 103 RBIs the next season, but took a step back in 2024.
While his numbers do not mirror what he did in his first two MLB seasons, Rodriguez remains an integral part of this Seattle team that has postseason hopes.
Related: Major Juan Soto Announcement Made on Saturday
Related: Mets Announce Trade With Giants After Rockies Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Rams Legend Andrew Whitworth Addresses Possibility of Coaching
Rams Legend Andrew Whitworth Addresses Possibility of Coaching originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Andrew Whitworth hung his cleats up over three years ago, calling it quits after 16 seasons in the NFL. He went out on top, winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams.
Whitworth, who, along with Matthew Stafford, helped lead that championship-winning group, was recently asked if he'd be interested in returning to the game in a different capacity.
"Thx for asking Chef! I enjoy coaching my kids for now. Don't see myself coaching at higher levels. But it would be foolish to talk in absolutes about a game I love. Only time will tell," Whitworth wrote Thursday on X.
Whitworth opted to retire after realizing his body was "tired. ... There's just still been some days where my body doesn't want to move with me."
Whitworth earned a Pro Bowl nod four times and was named a first-team All-Pro twice. During his final season, at 40 years old, he became the oldest player to start at left tackle in an NFL game.
"There is nobody that has had a bigger impact than Andrew Whitworth on establishing the foundation, the culture of 'We Not Me,' and being a part of something bigger than yourself," Rams head coach Sean McVay said after Whitworth hung his cleats up. "Helping influence and affect people in the right way, through the good -- but I think even more importantly, in the bad. That's when he was at his best."
That type of leadership would likely suit Whitworth well as a coach. McVay has a good deal of admiration for the former standout offensive lineman.
Related: NFL Reporter Charissa Thompson Made Her Opinion of Andrew Whitworth Crystal Clear
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yankees and Red Sox square off in series rubber match
Boston Red Sox (31-35, fourth in the AL East) vs. New York Yankees (39-24, first in the AL East)
New York; Sunday, 7:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Red Sox: Hunter Dobbins (2-1, 4.06 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 37 strikeouts); Yankees: Carlos Rodon (8-3, 2.49 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 98 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Yankees -219, Red Sox +180; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: Both the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox are looking for a series win with a victory on Sunday.
New York has a 39-24 record overall and a 21-11 record in home games. Yankees hitters have a collective .343 on-base percentage, the best percentage in the AL.
Boston has a 31-35 record overall and a 14-19 record on the road. The Red Sox have gone 24-11 in games when they record at least eight hits.
The teams meet Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Paul Goldschmidt has 13 doubles, a triple, seven home runs and 29 RBIs for the Yankees. Aaron Judge is 12 for 35 with three doubles and three home runs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Yankees: 6-4, .245 batting average, 5.42 ERA, outscored by 12 runs
Red Sox: 4-6, .258 batting average, 4.64 ERA, outscored by four runs
INJURIES: Yankees: Anthony Volpe: day-to-day (elbow), Luke Weaver: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Oswaldo Cabrera: 10-Day IL (ankle), Giancarlo Stanton: 60-Day IL (elbow), Marcus Stroman: 15-Day IL (knee), JT Brubaker: 60-Day IL (ribs), Jake Cousins: 60-Day IL (elbow), Gerrit Cole: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Gil: 60-Day IL (back)
Red Sox: Josh Winckowski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Nick Burdi: 15-Day IL (knee), Justin Slaten: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Liam Hendriks: 15-Day IL (hip), Alex Bregman: 10-Day IL (quadricep), Triston Casas: 60-Day IL (knee), Masataka Yoshida: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kutter Crawford: 60-Day IL (knee), Tanner Houck: 15-Day IL (flexor), Chris Murphy: 60-Day IL (elbow), Patrick Sandoval: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Mariners aim to break losing streak in matchup with the Angels
Seattle Mariners (32-31, second in the AL West) vs. Los Angeles Angels (30-33, third in the AL West)
Anaheim, California; Sunday, 4:07 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Mariners: George Kirby (0-3, 8.56 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 11 strikeouts); Angels: Tyler Anderson (2-2, 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 51 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mariners -170, Angels +143; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Seattle Mariners look to break a five-game skid with a victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Los Angeles has a 30-33 record overall and a 12-15 record at home. The Angels have hit 92 total home runs to rank second in the AL.
Seattle is 32-31 overall and 16-14 in road games. Mariners hitters have a collective .394 slugging percentage to rank seventh in the AL.
Sunday's game is the fifth time these teams match up this season. The season series is tied 2-2.
TOP PERFORMERS: Taylor Ward leads the Angels with 17 home runs while slugging .479. Nolan Schanuel is 11 for 38 with four doubles and five RBIs over the past 10 games.
J.P. Crawford has nine doubles and five home runs for the Mariners. Cal Raleigh is 13 for 38 with a double and seven home runs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Angels: 5-5, .240 batting average, 4.39 ERA, even run differential
Mariners: 2-8, .233 batting average, 5.28 ERA, outscored by 28 runs
INJURIES: Angels: Jorge Soler: day-to-day (groin), Yoan Moncada: 10-Day IL (knee), Robert Stephenson: 15-Day IL (biceps), Ben Joyce: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Gustavo Campero: 10-Day IL (ankle), Garrett McDaniels: 15-Day IL (biceps), Anthony Rendon: 60-Day IL (hip)
Mariners: Julio Rodriguez: day-to-day (ankle), Collin Snider: 15-Day IL (forearm), Luke Raley: 10-Day IL (side), Gregory Santos: 60-Day IL (knee), Logan Gilbert: 15-Day IL (forearm), Victor Robles: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ryan Bliss: 60-Day IL (biceps)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Rockies bring home losing streak into matchup against the Mets
New York Mets (41-24, first in the NL East) vs. Colorado Rockies (12-52, fifth in the NL West)
Denver; Sunday, 3:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Mets: Tylor Megill (4-4, 3.77 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 79 strikeouts); Rockies: Chase Dollander (2-5, 6.26 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 39 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mets -293, Rockies +234; over/under is 11 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Rockies look to break their four-game home losing streak with a win against the New York Mets.
Colorado is 12-52 overall and 6-24 in home games. The Rockies have gone 7-20 in games when they record at least eight hits.
New York has a 41-24 record overall and a 17-17 record in road games. The Mets are 20-9 in games when they did not give up a home run.
Sunday's game is the sixth time these teams meet this season. The Mets are up 5-0 in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Hunter Goodman has 14 doubles, two triples and 10 home runs while hitting .281 for the Rockies. Mickey Moniak is 6 for 28 with three home runs over the past 10 games.
Pete Alonso leads the Mets with 36 extra base hits (20 doubles, a triple and 15 home runs). Francisco Lindor is 15 for 40 with two doubles, four home runs and eight RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockies: 3-7, .214 batting average, 4.03 ERA, outscored by 17 runs
Mets: 7-3, .242 batting average, 2.90 ERA, outscored opponents by 18 runs
INJURIES: Rockies: Ezequiel Tovar: 10-Day IL (oblique), Tanner Gordon: 15-Day IL (oblique), Kris Bryant: 60-Day IL (lumbar), Ryan Feltner: 15-Day IL (back), Austin Gomber: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jeff Criswell: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Mets: Francisco Lindor: day-to-day (toe), Mark Vientos: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jesse Winker: 10-Day IL (side), Danny Young: 60-Day IL (elbow), A.J. Minter: 60-Day IL (lat), Frankie Montas: 60-Day IL (lat), Brooks Raley: 60-Day IL (elbow), Sean Manaea: 60-Day IL (oblique), Jose Siri: 10-Day IL (shin), Nick Madrigal: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Drew Smith: 60-Day IL (elbow), Christian Scott: 60-Day IL (elbow)
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Rays take on the Marlins in series rubber match
Miami Marlins (24-38, fifth in the NL East) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (34-30, third in the AL East)
Tampa, Florida; Sunday, 12:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Marlins: Anthony Veneziano (0-0, 4.58 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 17 strikeouts); Rays: Drew Rasmussen (5-4, 2.14 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 56 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rays -252, Marlins +203; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: Both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Miami Marlins are looking for a series win with a victory on Sunday.
Tampa Bay is 34-30 overall and 22-20 in home games. Rays hitters are batting a collective .247, which ranks eighth in the AL.
Miami has a 24-38 record overall and a 10-18 record in road games. The Marlins have gone 13-32 in games when they have allowed at least one home run.
Sunday's game is the sixth time these teams square off this season. The Marlins are ahead 3-2 in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jonathan Aranda has 12 doubles, seven home runs and 34 RBIs for the Rays. Junior Caminero is 14 for 40 with five doubles and six home runs over the last 10 games.
Xavier Edwards has a .284 batting average to lead the Marlins, and has five doubles and a triple. Jesus Sanchez is 14 for 35 with two home runs and nine RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rays: 7-3, .260 batting average, 2.83 ERA, outscored opponents by 32 runs
Marlins: 3-7, .250 batting average, 4.25 ERA, outscored by seven runs
INJURIES: Rays: Jonny Deluca: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ha-Seong Kim: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Hunter Bigge: 15-Day IL (lat), Shane McClanahan: 60-Day IL (tricep), Richie Palacios: 10-Day IL (knee), Alex Faedo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nathan Lavender: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Marlins: Jesus Tinoco: 15-Day IL (forearm), Max Meyer: 15-Day IL (hip), Derek Hill: 10-Day IL (wrist), Rob Brantly: 60-Day IL (lat), Griffin Conine: 60-Day IL (arm), Andrew Nardi: 60-Day IL (back), Braxton Garrett: 60-Day IL (elbow), Eury Perez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Guardians bring 3-game losing streak into matchup with the Astros
Houston Astros (36-28, first in the AL West) vs. Cleveland Guardians (33-30, third in the AL Central)
Cleveland; Sunday, 1:40 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Astros: Brandon Walter (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, five strikeouts); Guardians: Tanner Bibee (4-6, 3.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 56 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Guardians -152, Astros +127; over/under is 7 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Cleveland Guardians head into a matchup with the Houston Astros after losing three games in a row.
Cleveland has a 17-13 record in home games and a 33-30 record overall. The Guardians have a 22-4 record in games when they scored five or more runs.
Houston has gone 14-16 in road games and 36-28 overall. Astros pitchers have a collective 3.53 ERA, which ranks fifth in the AL.
The teams meet Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jose Ramirez leads the Guardians with 12 home runs while slugging .558. Angel Martinez is 6 for 42 with two home runs and five RBIs over the last 10 games.
Jeremy Pena has nine home runs, 16 walks and 32 RBIs while hitting .321 for the Astros. Yainer Diaz is 9 for 36 with three home runs and four RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Guardians: 4-6, .247 batting average, 3.74 ERA, outscored by five runs
Astros: 7-3, .223 batting average, 4.30 ERA, outscored by nine runs
INJURIES: Guardians: Austin Hedges: 7-Day IL (concussion), Andrew Walters: 60-Day IL (lat), Lane Thomas: 10-Day IL (foot), Ben Lively: 60-Day IL (forearm), Will Brennan: 10-Day IL (forearm), Paul Sewald: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Shane Bieber: 60-Day IL (elbow), Erik Sabrowski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Trevor Stephan: 60-Day IL (elbow), John Means: 60-Day IL (elbow), Sam Hentges: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
Astros: Cam Smith: day-to-day (illness), Chas McCormick: 10-Day IL (oblique), Ronel Blanco: 60-Day IL (elbow), Zach Dezenzo: 10-Day IL (hand), Hayden Wesneski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Yordan Alvarez: 10-Day IL (hand), Spencer Arrighetti: 15-Day IL (thumb), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (elbow), J.P. France: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Taylor Trammell: 10-Day IL (calf), Pedro Leon: 10-Day IL (knee)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dodgers aim to stop 3-game road slide, play the Cardinals
Los Angeles Dodgers (38-27, first in the NL West) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (36-28, second in the NL Central)
St. Louis; Sunday, 2:15 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 5.17 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, eight strikeouts); Cardinals: Michael McGreevy (0-0)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Dodgers -142, Cardinals +119; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Dodgers hit the road against the St. Louis Cardinals looking to stop a three-game road skid.
St. Louis has a 36-28 record overall and a 22-10 record at home. The Cardinals have the sixth-ranked team slugging percentage in the NL at .395.
Los Angeles has a 15-16 record in road games and a 38-27 record overall. The Dodgers have the top team slugging percentage in the NL at .460.
The matchup Sunday is the third time these teams match up this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brendan Donovan has four home runs, 22 walks and 26 RBIs while hitting .315 for the Cardinals. Masyn Winn is 15 for 43 with four doubles and four RBIs over the last 10 games.
Shohei Ohtani leads the Dodgers with 23 home runs while slugging .635. Andy Pages is 15 for 41 with three doubles, three home runs and eight RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cardinals: 6-4, .248 batting average, 4.35 ERA, outscored by eight runs
Dodgers: 4-6, .273 batting average, 4.45 ERA, outscored opponents by two runs
INJURIES: Cardinals: Matthew Liberatore: day-to-day (fatigue), Jordan Walker: 10-Day IL (wrist), Zack Thompson: 60-Day IL (lat)
Dodgers: Tony Gonsolin: 15-Day IL (elbow), Luis Garcia: 15-Day IL (adductor), Tyler Glasnow: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Evan Phillips: 60-Day IL (forearm), Blake Snell: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Roki Sasaki: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Blake Treinen: 60-Day IL (forearm), Edgardo Henriquez: 60-Day IL (foot), Kyle Hurt: 60-Day IL (elbow), Emmet Sheehan: 60-Day IL (elbow), Michael Grove: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brusdar Graterol: 60-Day IL (shoulder), River Ryan: 60-Day IL (elbow), Gavin Stone: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Athletics take on the Orioles with series tied 1-1
Baltimore Orioles (26-37, fifth in the AL East) vs. Athletics (25-41, fifth in the AL West)
West Sacramento, California; Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Orioles: Tomoyuki Sugano (5-3, 3.04 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 40 strikeouts); Athletics: Jacob Lopez (0-4, 7.20 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, 26 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Orioles -128, Athletics +108; over/under is 10 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: Both the Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles are looking for a series win with a victory on Sunday.
The Athletics are 25-41 overall and 11-23 in home games. The Athletics rank seventh in MLB play with 79 total home runs, averaging 1.2 per game.
Baltimore is 26-37 overall and 14-20 in road games. The Orioles are 16-8 in games when they have more hits than their opponents.
Sunday's game is the third time these teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler Soderstrom leads the Athletics with 14 home runs while slugging .480. Jacob Wilson is 20 for 42 with two home runs and nine RBIs over the last 10 games.
Jackson Holliday has nine doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 27 RBIs while hitting .263 for the Orioles. Gunnar Henderson is 10 for 38 with a double and a home run over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Athletics: 2-8, .268 batting average, 7.95 ERA, outscored by 30 runs
Orioles: 7-3, .248 batting average, 3.24 ERA, outscored opponents by seven runs
INJURIES: Athletics: Denzel Clarke: day-to-day (shoulder), Shea Langeliers: 10-Day IL (oblique), Miguel Andujar: 10-Day IL (oblique), Gunnar Hoglund: 15-Day IL (hip), Nick Kurtz: 10-Day IL (hip), Zack Gelof: 60-Day IL (hand), Gio Urshela: 10-Day IL (hamstring), J.T. Ginn: 15-Day IL (quadricep), Jose Leclerc: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brady Basso: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ken Waldichuk: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Medina: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Orioles: Ryan Mountcastle: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Cody Poteet: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Cedric Mullins: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Tyler O'Neill: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Grayson Rodriguez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jordan Westburg: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Gary Sanchez: 10-Day IL (wrist), Albert Suarez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Tyler Wells: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Bradish: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Giants look to keep home win streak alive, host the Braves
Atlanta Braves (27-36, fourth in the NL East) vs. San Francisco Giants (37-28, third in the NL West)
San Francisco; Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Braves: Spencer Strider (0-4, 5.68 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 19 strikeouts); Giants: Landen Roupp (3-4, 3.32 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 61 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Braves -121, Giants +101; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The San Francisco Giants will try to keep a four-game home win streak alive when they take on the Atlanta Braves.
San Francisco has a 37-28 record overall and a 21-11 record in home games. The Giants have the second-best team ERA in MLB play at 3.07.
Atlanta has a 10-22 record on the road and a 27-36 record overall. The Braves have gone 23-13 in games when they record eight or more hits.
The teams meet Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Matt Chapman leads the Giants with 12 home runs while slugging .447. Heliot Ramos is 15 for 41 with two home runs and six RBIs over the last 10 games.
Ozzie Albies has nine doubles and six home runs for the Braves. Austin Riley is 12 for 41 with two doubles and three home runs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Giants: 6-4, .229 batting average, 1.88 ERA, outscored opponents by four runs
Braves: 2-8, .226 batting average, 4.28 ERA, outscored by five runs
INJURIES: Giants: Jordan Hicks: 15-Day IL (toe), Justin Verlander: 15-Day IL (pectoral), Tom Murphy: 60-Day IL (back)
Braves: Daysbel Hernandez: 15-Day IL (arm), AJ Smith-Shawver: 60-Day IL (calf/elbow), Stuart Fairchild: 10-Day IL (finger), Ignacio Alvarez: 60-Day IL (wrist), Reynaldo Lopez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Joe Jimenez: 60-Day IL (knee)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Brewers and Padres play to decide series winner
San Diego Padres (36-27, second in the NL West) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (35-30, third in the NL Central)
Milwaukee; Sunday, 1:05 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Padres: Ryan Bergert (1-0, 2.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, four strikeouts); Brewers: Freddy Peralta (5-4, 2.92 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 75 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Brewers -160, Padres +135; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: Both the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres are looking for a series win with a victory on Sunday.
Milwaukee has a 19-11 record in home games and a 35-30 record overall. The Brewers have a 23-5 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.
San Diego has gone 16-17 on the road and 36-27 overall. The Padres have the 10th-ranked team on-base percentage in the NL at .314.
The teams meet Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Christian Yelich leads the Brewers with 13 home runs while slugging .427. Jackson Chourio is 14 for 45 with three doubles, two home runs and nine RBIs over the last 10 games.
Luis Arraez has 13 doubles, three triples and three home runs for the Padres. Manny Machado is 13 for 40 with a double and three home runs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Brewers: 8-2, .268 batting average, 2.77 ERA, outscored opponents by 28 runs
Padres: 5-5, .223 batting average, 3.13 ERA, outscored by three runs
INJURIES: Brewers: Connor Thomas: 60-Day IL (elbow), Blake Perkins: 60-Day IL (shin), Garrett Mitchell: 10-Day IL (oblique), Nestor Cortes: 60-Day IL (elbow), Brandon Woodruff: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Robert Gasser: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Padres: Michael King: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Jason Heyward: 10-Day IL (oblique), Bryan Hoeing: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Logan Gillaspie: 15-Day IL (oblique ), Jhony Brito: 60-Day IL (forearm), Yu Darvish: 15-Day IL (elbow), Joe Musgrove: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Blue Jays try to continue road win streak in matchup against the Twins
Toronto Blue Jays (35-29, second in the AL East) vs. Minnesota Twins (34-30, second in the AL Central)
Minneapolis; Sunday, 2:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Blue Jays: Bowden Francis (2-7, 5.84 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 48 strikeouts); Twins: Joe Ryan (6-2, 2.91 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 76 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Twins -174, Blue Jays +145; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Blue Jays hit the road against the Minnesota Twins trying to extend a three-game road winning streak.
Minnesota has an 18-10 record at home and a 34-30 record overall. The Twins have a 24-7 record in games when they out-hit their opponents.
Toronto has gone 13-16 in road games and 35-29 overall. Blue Jays hitters are batting a collective .253, the seventh-best team batting average in MLB play.
The teams play Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Trevor Larnach has eight doubles, a triple, 10 home runs and 31 RBIs for the Twins. Willi Castro is 12 for 37 with a double, four home runs and six RBIs over the last 10 games.
George Springer leads the Blue Jays with 10 home runs while slugging .487. Ernie Clement is 15 for 38 with five doubles, two home runs and six RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Twins: 4-6, .253 batting average, 5.04 ERA, outscored opponents by three runs
Blue Jays: 9-1, .302 batting average, 3.50 ERA, outscored opponents by 30 runs
INJURIES: Twins: Pablo Lopez: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Luke Keaschall: 60-Day IL (forearm), Danny Coulombe: 15-Day IL (forearm), Michael Tonkin: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
Blue Jays: Daulton Varsho: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Anthony Santander: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Yimi Garcia: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Scherzer: 60-Day IL (thumb), Ryan Burr: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nick Sandlin: 15-Day IL (back), Alek Manoah: 60-Day IL (elbow), Angel Bastardo: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Tigers and Cubs square off with series tied 1-1
Chicago Cubs (40-24, first in the NL Central) vs. Detroit Tigers (42-24, first in the AL Central)
Detroit; Sunday, 1:40 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Cubs: Cade Horton (3-0, 3.51 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 19 strikeouts); Tigers: Jack Flaherty (4-6, 3.72 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 76 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Tigers -138, Cubs +116; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs play on Sunday with the winner claiming the three-game series.
Detroit is 42-24 overall and 22-9 at home. The Tigers have the fifth-ranked team on-base percentage in the AL at .321.
Chicago has gone 20-13 in road games and 40-24 overall. The Cubs have the 10th-best team ERA in the majors at 3.66.
The matchup Sunday is the third time these teams match up this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Spencer Torkelson has 14 doubles and 15 home runs for the Tigers. Wenceel Perez is 10 for 34 with three doubles, three home runs and four RBIs over the last 10 games.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is second on the Cubs with 35 extra base hits (15 doubles, three triples and 17 home runs). Michael Busch is 12 for 29 with two triples, three home runs and 11 RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Tigers: 6-4, .235 batting average, 3.06 ERA, outscored opponents by five runs
Cubs: 7-3, .251 batting average, 1.80 ERA, outscored opponents by 16 runs
INJURIES: Tigers: Jason Foley: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alex Cobb: 60-Day IL (hip), Jackson Jobe: 15-Day IL (flexor), Matt Vierling: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Reese Olson: 15-Day IL (finger), Ty Madden: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jose Urquidy: 60-Day IL (elbow), Alex Lange: 60-Day IL (lat)
Cubs: Miguel Amaya: 10-Day IL (oblique), Porter Hodge: 15-Day IL (oblique), Eli Morgan: 60-Day IL (elbow), Shota Imanaga: 15-Day IL (leg), Javier Assad: 60-Day IL (oblique), Justin Steele: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
White Sox host the Royals on 3-game home win streak
Kansas City Royals (33-32, fourth in the AL Central) vs. Chicago White Sox (22-43, fifth in the AL Central)
Chicago; Sunday, 2:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Royals: Michael Lorenzen (3-6, 5.12 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 54 strikeouts); White Sox: Mike Vasil (3-2, 1.89 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 27 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Royals -159, White Sox +134; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago White Sox will try to keep a three-game home win streak alive when they face the Kansas City Royals.
Chicago has a 16-17 record in home games and a 22-43 record overall. The White Sox have a 14-2 record in games when they scored at least five runs.
Kansas City has gone 14-19 in road games and 33-32 overall. The Royals have a 5-1 record in games when they hit two or more home runs.
The teams meet Sunday for the seventh time this season. The Royals are ahead 4-2 in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Bobby Witt Jr. has 22 doubles, three triples and seven home runs while hitting .289 for the Royals. Vinnie Pasquantino is 14 for 36 with a double and two home runs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: White Sox: 5-5, .251 batting average, 3.78 ERA, outscored opponents by four runs
Royals: 4-6, .271 batting average, 4.29 ERA, outscored by 10 runs
INJURIES: White Sox: Ky Bush: 60-Day IL (elbow), Lenyn Sosa: 10-Day IL (hip), Miguel Castro: 60-Day IL (knee), Jonathan Cannon: 15-Day IL (back), Tyler Gilbert: 15-Day IL (knee), Fraser Ellard: 15-Day IL (lat), Martin Perez: 60-Day IL (forearm), Drew Thorpe: 60-Day IL (elbow), Prelander Berroa: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jesse Scholtens: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Royals: Hunter Harvey: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Lucas Erceg: 15-Day IL (back), Alec Marsh: 60-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow), Sam Long: 15-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Wright: 15-Day IL (shoulder)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Nationals and Rangers meet, winner takes 3-game series
Texas Rangers (30-35, fourth in the AL West) vs. Washington Nationals (30-34, third in the NL East)
Washington; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Rangers: Jake Latz (0-0, 2.95 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 20 strikeouts); Nationals: Trevor Williams (3-6, 6.03 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 47 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rangers -142, Nationals +119; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers play on Sunday with the three-game series tied 1-1.
Washington is 30-34 overall and 15-17 in home games. The Nationals have a 20-6 record in games when they scored five or more runs.
Texas is 10-22 in road games and 30-35 overall. The Rangers have a 17-11 record in games when they record eight or more hits.
The teams meet Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Luis Garcia has 14 doubles, five home runs and 27 RBIs for the Nationals. Josh Bell is 11 for 36 with a double and three home runs over the past 10 games.
Wyatt Langford has eight doubles, 11 home runs and 26 RBIs for the Rangers. Marcus Semien is 14 for 31 with three doubles, three home runs and eight RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nationals: 6-4, .242 batting average, 3.80 ERA, outscored opponents by seven runs
Rangers: 4-6, .204 batting average, 2.30 ERA, outscored opponents by 12 runs
INJURIES: Nationals: Dylan Crews: 10-Day IL (back), Paul DeJong: 10-Day IL (face), Orlando Ribalta: 15-Day IL (biceps), Derek Law: 15-Day IL (forearm), DJ Herz: 60-Day IL (elbow), Mason Thompson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Josiah Gray: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Rangers: Nathan Eovaldi: 15-Day IL (tricep), Joc Pederson: 10-Day IL (hand), Cody Bradford: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jon Gray: 60-Day IL (wrist), Josh Sborz: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Diamondbacks aim to avoid series sweep against the Reds
Arizona Diamondbacks (31-33, fourth in the NL West) vs. Cincinnati Reds (32-33, fourth in the NL Central)
Cincinnati; Sunday, 1:40 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (4-7, 5.13 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 70 strikeouts); Reds: Brady Singer (6-4, 4.66 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 53 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Diamondbacks -141, Reds +118; over/under is 9 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Cincinnati Reds and the Arizona Diamondbacks play the final game of a three-game series. The Reds will sweep the series with a victory.
Cincinnati is 32-33 overall and 17-16 at home. The Reds have a 6-10 record in games decided by one run.
Arizona has a 31-33 record overall and a 16-16 record in road games. Diamondbacks hitters are batting a collective .253, which ranks fourth in the NL.
Sunday's game is the third meeting between these teams this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: TJ Friedl leads the Reds with a .297 batting average, and has 11 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 32 walks and 23 RBIs. Tyler Stephenson is 11 for 37 with three home runs and seven RBIs over the last 10 games.
Corbin Carroll has 12 doubles, six triples, 18 home runs and 39 RBIs for the Diamondbacks. Ketel Marte is 13 for 37 with four home runs and nine RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Reds: 5-5, .228 batting average, 3.27 ERA, outscored opponents by eight runs
Diamondbacks: 4-6, .236 batting average, 6.36 ERA, outscored by 22 runs
INJURIES: Reds: Rhett Lowder: 60-Day IL (forearm), Hunter Greene: 15-Day IL (groin), Austin Hays: 10-Day IL (foot), Carson Spiers: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Tyler Callihan: 60-Day IL (forearm), Noelvi Marte: 10-Day IL (side), Jeimer Candelario: 10-Day IL (back), Brandon Williamson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Julian Aguiar: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Diamondbacks: Corbin Burnes: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Mena: 15-Day IL (shoulder), A.J. Puk: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jordan Montgomery: 60-Day IL (elbow), Blake Walston: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Phillies look to end skid in matchup with the Pirates
Philadelphia Phillies (37-27, second in the NL East) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (25-40, fifth in the NL Central)
Pittsburgh; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Phillies: Cristopher Sanchez (5-1, 3.02 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 74 strikeouts); Pirates: Paul Skenes (4-6, 2.05 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 85 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Pirates -115, Phillies -105; over/under is 7 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia Phillies enter the matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates as losers of four games in a row.
Pittsburgh is 25-40 overall and 16-18 in home games. The Pirates have a 7-27 record in games when they have allowed at least one home run.
Philadelphia has a 37-27 record overall and an 18-15 record in road games. The Phillies have a 25-5 record in games when they scored at least five runs.
Sunday's game is the sixth time these teams square off this season. The Phillies have a 3-2 advantage in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Oneil Cruz has nine doubles, a triple and 12 home runs for the Pirates. Bryan Reynolds is 14 for 37 with two doubles, a triple and two home runs over the past 10 games.
Kyle Schwarber has 20 home runs, 43 walks and 46 RBIs while hitting .255 for the Phillies. Trea Turner is 12 for 43 with three doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pirates: 6-4, .246 batting average, 3.17 ERA, outscored opponents by 10 runs
Phillies: 2-8, .208 batting average, 6.15 ERA, outscored by 28 runs
INJURIES: Pirates: Andrew Heaney: day-to-day (calf), Endy Rodriguez: 10-Day IL (elbow), Joey Bart: 7-Day IL (concussion), Colin Holderman: 15-Day IL (thumb), Enmanuel Valdez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Justin Lawrence: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tim Mayza: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jared Jones: 60-Day IL (elbow), Johan Oviedo: 60-Day IL (elbow), Dauri Moreta: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Phillies: Bryce Harper: 10-Day IL (wrist), Aaron Nola: 15-Day IL (ankle)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Stephanie White Replacement Shares Strong Comments on First Career Win
Stephanie White Replacement Shares Strong Comments on First Career Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Indiana Fever were once again without Caitlin Clark on Saturday when they took on Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on the road on Saturday. But they were also without another key member in the organization.
Head coach Stephanie White missed the game due to personal reasons, and assistant Austin Kelly was tapped to be the acting head coach for this game. Things went well for him and his team, as it jumped out to an early lead and kept increasing its advantage en route to a 79-52 win.
Kelly talked about getting his first victory as a head coach after the game.
"Being in that locker room at the end, it means a lot," he said. "It's something I'll never forget. First win. They did a hell of a job for 40 minutes of executing the game plan, and I thought when we had lulls, the communication out there was really good, that they picked each other up when it was needed."
Coach Austin Kelly on how special it was to get his first win as a coach. His son Zayn makes an appearance (and exit) from the post game presser ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/KRVcB5MzOO
— correlation (@nosyone4) June 8, 2025
Indiana hired Kelly to be an assistant coach in November. He had spent the previous two seasons as an assistant under White on the Connecticut Sun. Before that, he had been an assistant and recruiter at the college level for multiple schools.
He once played a season of college basketball at Georgia Southwestern, and he was even a moderately successful wide receiver with the Duke Blue Devils for four years.
On Saturday, Indiana got the job done with defense. It held the Sky to 32.1% shooting from the field and 20% from 3-point range while forcing 19 turnovers and scoring 23 points off those turnovers. The Sky didn't have a single player who scored in double figures.
Offensively, Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 17 points. New addition Aari McDonald, who was signed following the injuries to Clark and Sophie Cunningham, contributed 12 points off the bench.
As a result, the Fever now have a respectable 4-4 record with Clark nearing a return from her quad ailment.
Related: Cameras Catch Caitlin Clark’s Reaction to Angel Reese’s Mistake on Saturday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Liverpool risk missing out on Striker as Chelsea move fast
Chelsea Chase Ekitike as Liverpool Focus Elsewhere
As the summer transfer window stirs into life, Chelsea’s intent on landing Hugo Ekitike sends a strong message across the Premier League. Empire Of The Kop report that the Blues are “pushing to finalise a move for Ekitike,” while Liverpool appear preoccupied with negotiations over another Bundesliga star, Florian Wirtz. Priorities are being drawn, but risks remain.
Ekitike’s Rising Stock
Hugo Ekitike’s numbers do the shouting. Twenty-two goals and twelve assists in 48 appearances across all competitions in 2024–25 make for convincing reading. It is no wonder Frankfurt are “understood to be demanding €100m [£84.3m]” for their prized No.11, who is under contract until 2029.
The French forward is being eyed as a top-tier addition, with RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins noting, “Chelsea are still considering signing Hugo Ekitike this summer and negotiations ongoing with player’s camp.” This isn’t a casual enquiry. “A meeting took place between the two parties in recent days,” Hawkins added, confirming that “contact has therefore not been broken off, even though the deal has not progressed.”
Liverpool’s Calculated Patience
Arne Slot’s Reds, meanwhile, are choosing precision over panic. While links to Ekitike have been mooted, Liverpool’s focus remains on securing Florian Wirtz. As Empire Of The Kop point out, “Arne Slot’s men are giving priority to ongoing talks with Bayer Leverkusen.”
Wirtz’s generational talent rightly commands centre stage. But is this tunnel vision at the risk of losing out on another high-potential talent?
Time on Liverpool’s Side
“Liverpool have the advantage of time,” reads one line from the original piece. Indeed, with Chelsea reportedly scrambling before the June 10 provisional window closes, Liverpool’s broader strategy could bear fruit later. “This should grant us enough time to work out the specifics of a Liverpool move for Hugo Ekitike,” the report adds, suggesting Anfield could yet be in the frame.
Chelsea’s “need for a top striker borders on desperate,” which might weaken their hand. Their urgency could either accelerate a deal or see them overpay for a striker Liverpool may be happy to negotiate for more sensibly.
Transfer Window Timelines
The Club World Cup has skewed timings, with a provisional closure on June 10 at 7pm BST. The proper window reopens June 16 and runs until September 1. Liverpool’s famed restraint in the market could pay off again, but they will need to be quick if Chelsea make their move stick.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Tone: Concerned Liverpool Supporter
There’s a growing sense of unease among Liverpool fans reading this report. Yes, Wirtz is a phenomenal talent, but putting all our eggs in one basket has historically cost us in the market. Hugo Ekitike is the kind of player we’ve been crying out for — mobile, clinical, young, and already producing elite numbers.
Letting Chelsea walk in and sign him while we deliberate over future sales would be frustrating. We’ve seen this before — remember the Fekir saga? Or Tchouaméni? There’s admiration for how Slot and the recruitment team are building a long-term project, but the modern transfer market waits for no one.
The £84.3m asking price is steep, but not outrageous given the four-year contract and goal return. And if Chelsea are seriously pursuing him now, we risk getting caught flat-footed. The phrase “Liverpool have the advantage of time” only rings true if we actually use it.
This feels like one of those moments where decisive action could shape the season ahead. We missed out on Haaland and Mbappé in previous windows — surely the lesson has been learned?
New Jrue Holiday Trade Proposal Surfaces After Clippers Report
New Jrue Holiday Trade Proposal Surfaces After Clippers Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Because the Boston Celtics want to get under the NBA's second tax apron, Jrue Holiday is a prime trade candidate this offseason. He has three years left on his deal, and he'll only get more expensive each year as he ages into his late-30s.
The Celtics may not even care what players they get back as long as it accomplishes this goal. Holiday is aging and not the player he was, but he's still a good player. There are teams that want to improve without giving up assets to do it. One team that fits that bill is the Los Angeles Clippers, who are reportedly interested in him, per MassLive's Brian Robb.
Following the report of LA's interest in Holiday, NBA salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan proposed a three-way trade between the Celtics, Clippers, and Washington Wizards that would get Holiday to Los Angeles and save the Celtics money in the process. The proposed trade is as follows:
Clippers get: Holiday, Xavier Tillman
Celtics get: Kris Dunn, Saddiq Bey, Colby Jones
Wizards get: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Drew Eubanks, No. 28 pick.
New mock offseason: Boston Celtics!
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 6, 2025
Roster expenses will exceed $500 million if they run it back next season.
I explore aggressive multi-team trade frameworks that bring them below the second apron and potentially below the luxury tax while maintaining future draft assets. pic.twitter.com/QegCu53Q8O
A trade like this would save the Celtics $21.1 million, and potentially more outright if they elect to waive and stretch any of these players. Because they are also in the luxury tax, per Gozlan, they would save $130 million.
The best player the Celtics would get in this deal is Dunn, who is a good defender like Holiday is, but not quite at the same level as an overall player. Boston acquired Dunn in 2021, but he never played a game for the team.
Related: Joe Mazzulla’s Blunt Message to Celtics Player Surfaces on Friday
Related: Heated Incident Between Former NBA Stars Turns Heads on Friday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
This Week In Lazio History: June 2-8
The week of June 2-8 in Lazio history sees some fundamental matches for promotion, a record (three wins in a day) and we remember Nello Governato.
Matches of the Week
Date: Sunday, June 2, 1935
Venue: Stadio PNF, Rome
Fixture: Lazio Ambrosiana Inter 4-2
By beating Ambrosiana Inter in the last game of the season, Lazio hand the scudetto to Juventus. A prequel of May 5, 2002.
Date: Sunday, June 3, 1923
Venue: Campo Rondinella, Rome
Fixture: Lazio Libertas Palermo 10-2
Lazio score ten but the game is never competitive as Sicilians take the field in ten men and are soon reduced to nine. One of the biggest wins in Lazio’s history.
Date: Sunday, June 4 1972
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Fixture: Lazio Foggia 2-0
Lazio beat Foggia 2-0 with goals by Massa and Chinaglia and can almost touch Serie A paradise.
Date: Sunday, June 5, 1983
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Fixture: Lazio Catania 2-1
In inhumane conditions, Lazio beat the Sicilians thanks to former player Mastropasqua’s own goal.
Date: Sunday, June 7, 1908
Venue: Piazza d’Armi, Pisa
Fixtures: Lucca FBC Lazio 0-3, Spes Livorno Lazio 0-4, Virtus Juventusque Livorno Lazio 0-1, Pisa Interregional Tournament
Lazio win three games in one day in Pisa, playing with the same XI. No other club in history has ever managed such a feat.
Matches In Focus
Dates: Sunday, June 6, 1982 & Sunday June 8, 1986
Venues: Stadio Olimpico, Rome & Stadio Comunale, Catanzaro
Fixtures: Lazio Varese 3-2 & Catanzaro Lazio 2-3
Two similar games, two similar situations, two identical scores for two identical outcomes.
The seasons are 1981-82 and 1985-86. Lazio in both of them started out as one of the favourites for promotion and in both failed miserably. The situation was so bad that they were risking relegation to Serie C.
There were two games to the end of the season and in 1982 the Biancocelesti were ninth but just three points above the relegation zone. They had to face Varese, fourth, who desperately needed to win to maintain their promotion hopes.
In 1986 Lazio were 14th and if the season had finished then there would be a four-team playoff to avoid relegation. They had to face Catanzaro away from home and the Giallorossi from Calabria were in an even worse situation since they were two points behind Lazio and they too needed to win to keep hopes of staying in Serie B alive. The worst thing was that the Biancocelesti had not scored a single goal in the last four games and had not won away from home since Cremonese Lazio 0-1 on March 6, 1983. Winning these games was fundamental not only to avoid Serie C but for the survival of the club.
Back to 1982 and Lazio Varese. After 14 minutes the visitors were 2-0 up. Descent to hell was now a concrete possibility. But, like many times before, captain Vincenzo D’Amico took the team by the hand. He scored a penalty in the 26th minute and a superb free-kick three minutes later. In the second half there was another penalty for the Biancocelesti and Vincenzino scored his hat-trick. All of this with a deep cut on his leg. Lazio won and were out of trouble.
In Catanzaro four years later, the Biancocelesti scored early. An own goal to break the scoring drought but the Calabrians equalised almost immediately. But then two goals from Mimmo Caso and Gabriele Podavini gave the advantage to Lazio who held strong despite Catanzaro reducing the deficit in the second half. A miraculous victory, yet again.
Lazio supporters probably thought that was it as far as flirting with Serie C was concerned. Been there, done that, survived. But the situation would be even more desperate in the 1986-87 season.
In Memory: Nello Governato
Nello Governato, “Il Professore” (The Professor), was one of the pillars of the Lazio squad in the 1960s.
Born in Turin on September 14 1938, he started his career in the Torino youth team, playing sometimes as centre forward and sometimes in midfield. In 1957-58 he was sold to Como in Serie B where he stayed for four very productive years.
Lazio set eyes on him and he joined the good side of the Tiber in 1961 for Lazio’s first year of Serie B. But it was a jinxed season. Managers coming and going, Lazio’s too many ups and downs and then there was the famous ghost goal.
Lazio had to play Napoli at the Stadio Flaminio on March 4 1962. It was a big match, if Lazio had won the immediate return in Serie A would be downhill from then on. In the 76th minute the referee, Iginio Rigato, gave a free kick to Lazio. Gianni Seghedoni with a splendid shot put the ball in the back of the net. The Lazio players and fans celebrated, the Napoli players despaired. Rigato laughed. “It’s not a goal, the ball went out”. There was a hole in the net and the ball went right through it. Lazio protested but there was nothing the players could do. The Rai TV footage demonstrated the referee’s mistake and Lazio appealed to the Lega Calcio, but the game’s result remained 0-0. The ref never admitted his mistake. Lazio missed out on promotion by one point, Napoli went into Serie A thanks to that point.
In that season Governato suffered three managerial changes and the fact that he played as centre forward instead of playmaker. All this changed in the next season, when new Manager Juan Carlos Lorenzo decided to use him in his more natural role of playmaker.
He had a great ability to read games and situations as well pass the ball with both feet precisely and intelligently to his fellow players. He was also very good at man marking. The star midfield players of the 1960s always had problems when they had to play against him. He was never nasty or rough, always elegant in the way he played, hence the nickname “The Professor”.
He was so good that when Inter called, Lazio, who never had much money, could not say no to Angelo Moratti so in 1966 they sold him. However, Governato had a very hard time in finding a way into a team full of players with strong personalities (he never played a game for Inter) and in November the Nerazzurri sold him to Vicenza where at least he was able to play.
Lazio called him back in 1967 and he stayed for another four years until the club let him go as a free agent when Tommaso Maestrelli arrived. The maestro wanted to work with a clean slate so three of the older players, Governato, Giancarlo Morrone and Rino Marchesi, were allowed to go.
He played the last few years of his career with Savona in Serie C.
After football he studied to become sporting director and worked for Lazio for a couple of years from 1983. He was later at Bologna, Juventus and Fiorentina. In the 1990s, Sergio Cragnotti asked him to make Lazio the strongest team in the world and that is exactly what he did. He left when the Cragnotti era ended.
Governato was not just able with the ball but also with the pen. He became a journalist and worked for Tuttosport newspaper. He also wrote books. The first one in the 1970s and the others once he stopped working for Lazio.
A Second book, Gioco Sporco “Dirty Play” of 2004, anticipated the events that would lead to the Calciopoli scandal of 2006. He also wrote about Matthias Sindelar, the Austrian footballer who refused to play for Germany and the Anschluss and one about Angelo Vassalo, the Mayor of a small town near Salerno killed by the Camorra.
Nello Governato died on June 8 2019, aged 80.
He played 265 games for Lazio (131 In Serie A, 105 in Serie B, 15 in Coppa Italia, two in the Fairs Cup, 2 in the Mitropa Cup, 4 in the Anglo-Italian Cup and six in the Cup of the Alps) and scored 17 goals (9 in Serie A, 7 in Serie B and one in Coppa Italia).
Birthdays This Week
- Luigi Di Biagio, 3-6-1971, midfielder, Italy, 1 appearance (1988-89)
- Pasquale Foggia, 3-6-1983, midfielder, Italy, 84 appearances, 6 goals (2006-11)
- Nicola Lo Buono, 4-6-1933, defender, Italy, 108 appearances, 1 goal (1955-61)
- Francesco Dell’Anno, 4-6-1967, midfielder, Italy, 39 appearances (1984-86)
- Juan Pablo Carrizo, 5-6-1984, goalkeeper, Argentina, 27 appearances (2008-09, 2011-13)
- Ugo Dosio, 6-6-1899, defender, Italy, 82 appearances, 3 goals (1919-25)
- Augusto Mattei II, 7-6-1910, defender, Italy, 76 appearances (1929-33)
- Fabio Vignaroli, 7-6-1976, midfielder, Italy, 11 appearances (2007-08)
- Mario Ielpo, 8-6-1963, goalkeeper, Italy, 22 appearances (1985-87)
- Idilio Cei, 8-6-1937, goalkeeper, Italy, 294 appearances (1957-68)
This Article Was Written by Dag Jenkins & Simon Basten from Lazio Stories. More Information on the Above Matches and Players can be found on LazioStories.com.
Rangers eye Southampton's Downes & Forest's Toffolo' - gossip
New Rangers head coach Russell Martin wants reunited with midfielder Flynn Downes, who he signed for Swansea City and the 26-year-old's current club, Southampton, but he could be thwarted by the £10m price tag, while Harry Toffolo is interested in a switch to Ibrox with the left-back poised to quit Nottingham Forest. (Scottish Sun On Sunday)
Rangers have opened talks with Leicester City over Conor Coady, who will have to take a pay cut following relegation to the Championship, but the 32-year-old centre-half's future is also unclear because of question marks over the long-term future of team boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. (Sunday Mail)
Dor Turgeman says he is ready for his next challenge in Europe amid interest from Rangers and clubs in Italy and Spain after the £4m-rated 21-year-old striker helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win the league title in Israel. (Sport 5 via Sunday Mail)
Rangers head coach Russell Martin aims to retain Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande as he wants to keep his best players amid reported interest in the midfield duo. (Glasgow Times)
Basel, Leuven and Cincinnati have expressed their interest in Rangers winger Ross McCausland and would all prefer a permanent transfer for the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international. (Sky Sports)
Russell Martin says he "doesn't see a reason" to change the Rangers captaincy, currently in possession of right-back James Tavernier, upon his return to the club as head coach. (The National On Sunday)
Issame Charai, who remains on Rangers' coaching staff after joining in January, is the frontrunner to take over at Westerlo with Timmy Simons likely to exit the Belgian Pro League club. (DH via Sunday Mail)
Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Barcelona agree club veteran must leave, want clean and respectful solution
According to a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are preparing for life after Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with a clear decision having been reached within the club to part ways with the long-serving German goalkeeper this summer.
However, the intention is to facilitate his departure in a manner that respects his legacy and serves both parties.
The 33-year-old shot-stopper, who still has three years left on his contract, wants to stay at the club.
But behind the scenes, Barcelona are drawing up plans to transition to a new starting goalkeeper, and Hansi Flick will play a central role in delivering that message to the veteran.
Flick could force a big shift
With Joan Garcia’s arrival from Espanyol virtually sealed, Barça are preparing to hand the gloves to the 24-year-old Spaniard.
Flick reportedly considers Garcia as the future of the team in goal and is expected to make him the starter from day one of pre-season.
The responsibility now falls on Flick to communicate this shift directly to Ter Stegen. The coach’s relationship with his compatriot could ease this difficult conversation, but Barcelona expect him to be firm and transparent about the club’s new direction.
The decision is rooted not only in sporting reasons but also in broader considerations, including the German keeper’s recent handling of the captaincy and internal dissatisfaction among the technical staff and board.
A delicate exit plan for a club icon
Barcelona are well aware that Ter Stegen is unlikely to go quietly. Given his status as a senior player and his existing contract, the club is preparing for a complex negotiation.
Their aim is to reach a mutual agreement that avoids public fallout and allows Ter Stegen to continue his career elsewhere.
There is a strong consensus within the club that it is time for a change. While Ter Stegen has given the club nearly a decade of high-level performances and leadership, recent months have revealed tensions.
Hence, if a suitable offer arrives and Ter Stegen is open to a dignified exit, Barcelona would view the operation as ideal.
Sinner-Alcaraz final 'doesn't get any bigger'
French Open 2025 - men's singles final
Date: Sunday, 8 June Time: 14:00 BST Venue: Roland Garros
Coverage: Live radio commentary across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app
The latest chapter in the burgeoning rivalry between the two brightest talents in men's tennis will play out on one of the sport's grandest stages for the first time in Sunday's French Open final.
World number one Jannik Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz meet in a tantalising Paris showpiece, having already captured seven major titles between them.
The first Grand Slam final to feature two players born in the 2000s heralds the beginning of a new era in the men's game - but only one can leave Paris with their perfect record in major finals intact.
"It doesn't get any bigger now. It's a special moment for me and for Carlos," said Italy's Sinner.
"The tension you feel before the match and during the match is a little bit different in a way, because we are both very young, we are both different, but talented."
- Gauff beats Sabalenka to win French Open title
- 'Worst final I ever played' - Sabalenka on Paris loss
- Tears of pain to tears of joy - Gauff's journey to glory
'The rivalry the sport needs'
This will be the first French Open men's final between two players aged 23 or under in more than three decades.
Spanish 22-year-old Alcaraz has already amassed four Grand Slams - including beating Alexander Zverev in five sets to win last year's Roland Garros final.
All three Grand Slam triumphs for Sinner, 23, have come on hard courts - and he is seeking to become only the sixth man in the Open era to win three consecutive majors.
It is the first time Alcaraz and Sinner have faced off in a major final - but it is unlikely to be the last.
Whatever the outcome on Sunday, Alcaraz and Sinner will have carved up the past six majors between them as they assert themselves in the post 'Big Three' era.
Speaking after his semi-final loss to Sinner, the 38-year-old Novak Djokovic said of the pair: "They're definitely great for tennis, both of them.
"I think their rivalry is something that our sport needs, no doubt.
"The way they are playing and approaching tennis life, I think they are going to have very successful careers in the next years.
"I'm sure that we're going to see them lifting the big trophies quite often."
'It's fun and not fun' - Sinner's kryptonite
Following his US Open and Australian Open triumphs, Sinner goes into the French Open final on a 20-match winning streak at the majors.
The youngest man to reach three consecutive Grand Slam singles finals since Pete Sampras in 1994, his unshakeable consistency combined with devastating precision means he is yet to drop a set in Paris this year.
But Alcaraz has proved to be Sinner's kryptonite of late.
Since the start of his title-winning run at the China Open in September 2023, Sinner - who served a three-month doping suspension between February and May - has lost just nine of the 120 matches he has contested.
But four of those defeats have come in his past four meetings with Alcaraz, including in straight sets in the Italian Open final on clay last month.
Asked if he enjoys the challenge of facing Alcaraz, whom he trails 7-4 in the overall head-to-head, Sinner joked: "It's fun and not fun.
"I think we try to push ourselves in the best possible way.
"I believe when there is a good match, it's also good to play [it]. It's very special."
Alcaraz prepared for 'beautiful suffering'
Following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal as the second Spaniard to reach five major men's singles finals, Alcaraz could emulate his childhood hero by winning his fifth major at the exact same age: 22 years, one month and three days.
The two-time Wimbledon champion has taken just 82 matches to reach 70 wins at slams - quicker than all but Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, who took 81.
He improved his record on clay this season to 21 wins in 22 matches - including title wins in Monte Carlo and Rome - after Lorenzo Musetti retired with injury when trailing in their semi-final.
"Most of the time it is just about suffering," Alcaraz said when asked what it would take to beat either Sinner or Djokovic after winning Friday's first semi-final.
"But my favourite thing is that it gives me the feedback of how I can be a better player.
"I think that's important, and that's beautiful. Even if I win or not, it gives you a lot of stats and feedback."
On Sinner, he added: "He's the best tennis player right now. I mean, he's destroying every opponent."
Milan and Chelsea agree on a €18 million deal for Mike Maignan
Serie A side Milan have agreed on transfer fees with Premier League outfits Chelsea for Mike Maignan.
According to a report by Marco Guidi of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan and Chelsea have found common ground in the negotiations for Mike Maignan. The Rossoneri have agreed to settle on a €18 million transfer deal proposed by the London-based side for the French goalkeeper.
Milan named their asking price of €30 million for Maignan and Chelsea came up with an initial offer of €15 million, including bonuses. Chelsea felt that the Rossoneri’s demands were high and they went to agree on personal terms with the player to gain leverage in negotiations.
Finally, Milan are set to receive a bit higher amount than Chelsea’s first offer in their coffers. Massimiliano Allegri’s club are now expected to go for Roma’s Mile Svilar, who has been impressive in the Serie A for quite some time now.
Real Madrid in line for €40m windfall as former players close in on summer transfers
According to a recent update from Real Madrid Confidencial, Los Blancos could be in line for a massive financial boost of around €40 million this summer and they won’t even need to sell any of their current players.
Instead, Real Madrid are poised to profit from smartly negotiated sell-on clauses in the contracts of two former academy talents, namely, Takefusa Kubo and Miguel Gutierrez.
With the transfer window in full swing, Real Madrid have already made headlines with their high-profile arrivals.
But now club president Florentino Perez has his eyes set on balancing the books by cashing in on past exits. The club’s foresight in retaining 50% of the rights to Kubo and Gutierrez is about to pay off in a big way.
Kubo on verge of Premier League move
Kubo, currently at Real Sociedad, has enjoyed a standout season and attracted serious interest from the Premier League.
With seven goals and four assists in the recently concluded campaign, the Japanese international has become one of La Liga’s most consistent attacking threats outside of the traditional big three.
While he has not finalised his destination yet, his suitors are expected to pay around €40 million for his services, which would leave Real Madrid entitled to €20 million.
It is now just a matter of choosing the right sporting project before sealing the move that could benefit both Sociedad and Real Madrid financially.
Gutierrez wanted by Juventus
On the other hand, Gutierrez, the talented full-back now at Girona, is being courted by Serie A giants Juventus.
The Italian side is reportedly ready to pay around €40 million to acquire the 23-year-old, who was among La Liga’s top-performing defenders last season.
Real Madrid also maintained 50% of his economic rights and a buyback option, which they are unlikely to activate now, given the impending arrival of Alvaro Carreras.
Should Juventus complete the signing, Madrid would pocket another €20 million, matching the projected fee from Kubo’s transfer.
Wild Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Stat Highlights Sky Star's Jaw-Dropping Struggles
Wild Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Stat Highlights Sky Star's Jaw-Dropping Struggles originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Whether it is fair or not, and whether the two principals like it or not, Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese are going to be inextricably linked for the remainder of their respective careers -- and likely well beyond.
The two battled for an NCAA title when Iowa and LSU met in the championship game in 2023, and Reese's Tigers came out on top. They played again in the Elite Eight the following year, when Clark's Hawkeyes won and made a second consecutive trip the Final Four.
Both women were first-round picks in the 2024 WNBA draft, Clark going No. 1 to the Fever and Reese landing in Chicago at No. 7. They battled for Rookie of the Year honors in what was a relatively close contest before Clark ran away with it at year's end, at least in part because Reese suffered a season-ending injury late in the campaign.
The two have barked at each other on the floor, taunted one another and engaged in physical play. Both are young faces and rising stars in the league, which they have helped elevate to new heights of popularity, and soon, financial opportunity.
Both Clark and Reese also have several lucrative off-court endorsement deals, massive social media followings and fiercely loyal fans. Despite only being in its fourth year of existence, the rivalry between Clark and Reese is already one of the most -- if not the most -- defining rivalry in all of women's sports.
Early in the 2025 season, however, Clark and the Fever have the obvious upper hand. Not only has Indiana (4-4) blown out Chicago (2-5) by an average of 31 points per game across two victories -- including one without Clark on Saturday, June 7, as she remained sidelined with a quad injury -- but Clark is playing impeccable basketball when healthy. Meanwhile, Reese has struggled mightily on the offensive end.
One statistic in particular highlights just how much difficulty Reese has had putting the ball in the basket through seven games.
Caitlin Clark is averaging more APG than Angel Reese is averaging PPG this season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/i4NMF2zoQg
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) June 8, 2025
"Caitlin Clark is averaging more [assists per game] than Angel Reese is averaging [points per game] this season," Polymarket Hoops posted to X on Saturday.
Clark has posted averages of 19 points, 9.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals in four games played this season, while Reese is averaging 9.1 points per game on 31% shooting from the field through seven contests -- including Saturday night against the Fever. Reese is also grabbing more than 12 rebounds per contest.
The Fever and Sky won't match up again until Sunday, July 27, in a game that will air on ESPN.
Related: Angel Reese Reveals One Desire Before Indiana Fever Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Coco Gauff responds to Aryna Sabalenka over ‘not fair’ French Open final claim
Coco Gauff said Aryna Sabalenka’s suggestion that she would have lost the French Open final to Iga Swiatek was not “fair” after the American won her first Roland Garros title by beating the World No 1.
In difficult, windy conditions, Gauff fought from a set down to defeat Sabalenka 6-7 6-2 6-4 and win her second grand slam title on the Paris clay. However, a disgruntled Sabalenka criticised her own performance, in which she made 70 unforced errors, and said “it was the worst final I have ever played”.
Sabalenka had defeated Swiatek in the semi-finals, to end the Pole’s 26-match winning run at Roland Garros, but could not get the job done as she lost to Gauff for her second grand slam final defeat in a row.
“That hurts,” Sabalenka said. “Especially when you've been playing really great tennis during the whole week, when you've been playing against a lot of tough opponents, Olympic champion [Qinwen Zheng], Iga and then you go out, and you play really bad.
“Like I think Iga... I think she would go out today and she would get the win. It just hurts. Honestly hurts. I've been playing really well, and then in the last match, go out there and perform like I did, that's hurt.”
To add to an extraordinary press conference, Sabalenka added: “She was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow magically the ball lands in the court. It felt like a joke, honestly, like somebody from above was there laughing, like, ‘let's see if you can handle this’.”
Sabalenka also said: “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes.”
Gauff said that while she respected both Sabalenka and Swiatek, she could not agree with Sabalenka’s assessment and said that she did a better job of dealing with the conditions.
“I mean, I don't agree with that,” Gauff replied as she appeared at her press conference next to the French Open trophy. “I'm here sitting here [as the champion].
“No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her I won in straight sets. I don't think that's a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen.
“The way Aryna was playing the last few weeks, she was the favourite to win. So I think she was the best person that I could have played in the final.
“Her being No. 1 in the world was the best person to play, so I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone.”
Gauff explained how she adjusted her game and handled the conditions to add to her 2023 US Open triumph, which also came against Sabalenka.
“It was super tough when I walked on the court and felt the wind because we warmed up with the roof closed,” Gauff said. “I was, like, ‘this is going to be a tough day’.
“I knew it was just going to be about willpower and mental. It really came down to the last few points, but overall I'm just really happy with the fight that I managed today. It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done, and that's all that matters.”
Sabalenka, who also suffered a painful defeat to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final in January, said she had no plans to re-watch the final and will be going on holiday to Greece for “tequila, gummy bears and swimming”.
“No, no, I already have a flight booked to Mykonos and alcohol, sugar,” Sabalenka said. “I just need couple of days to completely forget about this crazy world and this crazy - if I could swear, I would swear right now - but this crazy thing that happened today.
“I think everyone understands. I'm just trying to be very polite right now, but you know, there is no other word, that could describe what just happened today on the court. But yeah, tequila, gummy bears, and I don't know, swimming, being like the tourist for couple of days.”
Chelsea submit Maignan bid ahead of Club World Cup deadline
Chelsea have submitted a bid for Mike Maignan worth €15m as the club look to sign the goalkeeper before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Maignan has informed Milan of his desire to move to the Premier League, though Chelsea are unwilling to meet the Italian side’s asking price of around €30m (£25.2m).
The France international has just 12 months to run on his contract and Milan risk losing Maignan on a free transfer next summer if an extension is not agreed.
Mike Maignan 💥#EURO2024pic.twitter.com/u4ugQzlRMi
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) May 14, 2025
The Rossoneri failed to qualify for European football for next season and appear set for an exodus of talent. A deal for Tijjani Reijnders to join Manchester City has already been agreed, while Rafael Leao has expressed his interest in leaving the San Siro.
Chelsea set deadline for Mike Maignan transfer
Maignan has made clear his desire to join Chelsea, who want a deal done before Tuesday’s deadline for the mini-window. Transfers must be completed before this deadline to register players for the group stage of this summer’s Club World Cup. Personal terms have already been agreed.
Chelsea’s interest in Maignan comes despite a depth of goalkeepers in West London. Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to sign for Arsenal in a £5m deal, while the future of Djordje Petrovic is to be decided after an impressive loan at Strasbourg. Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen also remain among Enzo Mareca’s senior options.
Maignan has made 163 appearances for Milan since arriving from Lille in 2021 and won the Serie A title in his debut campaign with the club. The 29-year-old has twice been named as Serie A’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
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Pochettino says Tottenham links are ‘not realistic’ after USMNT loss to Turkey
Mauricio Pochettino pushed back against suggestions he is a candidate to take over the newly-vacant Tottenham Hotspur managerial position, telling reporters on Saturday that it was “not realistic” for him to leave his current role as US men’s national team manager.
Pochettino had been considered a possible candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked by Tottenham on 6 June despite him leading the club to Europa League glory – the club’s first trophy in 17 years. However, Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League, their lowest position since 1977.
Related: Shorthanded United States let lead slip in soggy 2-1 defeat to Turkey
Pochettino enjoyed a successful run at Spurs from 2014 to 2019, challenging for the Premier League title in 2016 and advancing to the Champions League final in his last season. He was let go because of Tottenham’s league performance – the club finished 14th.
“After I left [Tottenham] in 2019, every time [the manager position] is free … my name appeared on the list,” Pochettino said following USA’s 2-1 loss to Turkey in a friendly on Saturday afternoon. “If you have seen the rumors, I think we are 100 coaches on the list of the club. Don’t be worried about that. If something happens, we for sure will see. But we cannot talk about this type of thing because I think today it’s not real. I think it’s not realistic. And look – where I am, where we are? The answer is so clear, no?”
Pochettino took over the US national team at the end of 2024 and has overseen a mixed bag of performances in his first nine months. Saturday’s friendly was seen mostly as a way to regain the team’s footing after a pair of far below-par outings in March’s Nations League finals, with the team losing to Panama and Canada and looking generally listless throughout.
Even though they lost, the US played with far more verve against Turkey than they had in March. Pochettino has called in a younger and less-experienced squad for this summer’s games, with several of the team’s first-choice stars out – either by choice, for health reasons, for personal reasons, or due to their club’s participation in the Club World Cup. Jack McGlynn, one of those newcomers, opened the scoring on Saturday with a signature curling effort from outside the box. Later that half, two defensive miscues in about three minutes doomed the Americans, with both resulting in goals.
Lakers Receive Unfortunate News on Potential Mavericks Trade
Lakers Receive Unfortunate News on Potential Mavericks Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers' biggest priority this offseason will be to upgrade their frontcourt. It would be an added bonus if it was a big man Luka Doncic has played with before. One big man they could target is Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford.
In a recent article, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report proposed a hypothetical deal that reunites Doncic and Gafford in LA. It actually would make sense as the Mavericks' frontcourt will likely be crowded. Along with Gafford, they will presumably enter the 2025-26 season with Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Dereck Lively II.
But would the Mavericks agree to another trade with the Lakers after the massive backlash they got for trading Doncic there at the trade deadline?
Jovan Buha of The Athletic revealed the Mavericks would have a steep price for the Lakers to pry him away from them. He detailed on his Buha's Block show what the Lakers would have to give up, which he believes is more than they should.
"They probably have to overpay," Buha said. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe [Vincent], Dalton [Knecht] and a first (round pick) for Gafford. And that's a lot."
This is unfrtunate news for a Lakers team already low on assets. That said, they are coming off being a first round exit on the NBA Playoffs, and only have so much time left with LeBron James. Gafford's not a star, but he would be much better than who LA had in its frontcourt.
During the 2024-25 season, Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70.2% from the field. Add in his familiarity with Doncic, and he might just be worth an overpay.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Mason Rudolph on the Steelers signing of Aaron Rodgers: 'It provides clarity'
From the moment the Pittsburgh Steelerssigned quarterback Mason Rudolph back after a year with the Tennessee Titans, we knew his days as the starter were numbered. Well before Rudolph re-signed with Pittsburgh, there were rumblings about Aaron Rodgers signing with the team, and on Saturday, it all became a reality.
The moment Rodgers signed, Rudolph immediately got bumped to the No. 2 quarterback spot. This is despite him working throughout the offseason as the starter and performing well. But don't look for Rudolph to sit around feeling sorry for himself. Rudolph was asked about the situation and handled it with all the poise and professionalism we've come to expect from him.
“It won’t change my approach," Rudolph said. "We’ve got one more week of practice coming up, our mandatory minicamp. It will be nice to get everybody in the building. I’ll keep doing what I’ve done my whole career. I’ve had plenty of adversity and found a way to battle through it. I stayed ready to play well when called upon.”
Rudolph spent his first four NFL seasons with the Steelers. Rudolph went 8-4-1 as a starter before signing with the Tennessee Titans in 2024. Rudolph's return solidifies the quarterback depth chart and gives the team an experienced leader.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Mason Rudolph talks about his role with the Steelers addition of Aaron Rodgers
Manuel Akanji conveys concerning Club World Cup sentiment in Manchester City dressing room
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has relayed the dressing room’s worries over a strenuous playing calendar that will intensify further when the FIFA Club World Cup begins next week.
FIFA have launched a 32-club new format of the tournament and Manchester City – alongside Chelsea – will be representing the Premier League in the United States as Pep Guardiola and co begin their preparations for the 2025-26 campaign earlier than they would have usually expected.
Several Manchester City first-team stars are away on international duty – after a long-drawn and disappointing season – and there is little time to rest as the Blues are set to kick off their Club World Cup campaign on June 14.
Embroiled in title races and competing on all fronts since Guardiola took charge in 2016, Manchester City first-team stars have had to get accustomed to a demanding schedule but there have been outcries from some of the most influential footballers in the world – such as Rodri and Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min – for the game’s governing bodies to look after players.
As Manchester City players who are set to be named in the travelling squad for the competition prepare to return to training next week, Manuel Akanji has given his honest verdict on what he needs to be an unnecessary tournament that comes with a high risk of injury for competing players.
“I have been a strong critic of this competition (FIFA Club World Cup) for some time now. We players would love to have some holidays, and some time for our bodies to rest,” the Switzerland international said, as quoted by Mirror Sport.
“My (Manchester) City teammates are not exactly overjoyed about the tournament (FIFA Club World Cup) either. But it’s now right in our faces, and there is nothing we can do about it.
“If we take part, then of course we want to win it. But if we reach the final, then the time period for us to recover ahead of the new season will become even shorter.”
On the contrary, the Club World Cup does give Guardiola and his squad a platform to get a head start for next season and gain some confidence after their evident struggles over the course of the 2024-25 season.
“Set against the expectations we have, this hasn’t been a good season. We finished third in the Premier League, three points behind Arsenal, and qualified for the Champions League,” the 29-year-old added.
“But it is still our worst campaign for some time. However, Pep Guardiola still said he was proud of us for never giving up. The season could have finished far worse than it did.”
Manchester City will have fresh blood within their ranks for the Club World Cup after incoming left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri completed a medical in Manchester on Saturday – with AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders set to follow suit on Sunday – as the club remain in talks with Lyon to sign France international Rayan Cherki.
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