5. Paddy Mulligan (1969-1972)

Mulligan was a strong, dependable right-back throughout his long career. He is most known for his successful time with Shamrock Rovers and West Brom but also had a decent spell in London with Chelsea.

The 50-capped Irishman cost the Blues £17,500 and made a substitute appearance in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup against Real Madrid. The Dubliner spent three years in blue, scoring two goals in 71 appearances before moving to Crystal Palace.

Happy Birthday to former Blue Paddy Mulligan who is 74 today #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/e4oHNZSmCf

— Chris Mears (@ChrisMears1) March 17, 2019

4. Tony Cascarino (1992-1994)

Cascarino is a very memorable name in Irish football. He had his best moments in a football shirt while playing for Millwall and much later down the line for Marseille in France.

At the midway point of his career, he joined Chelsea. The Kent-born midfielder scored 8 goals in 45 games for the club. After all this, most Irish people will remember him for the important parts he played in the Boys in Green’s runs in 1988, 1990, and 1994.

Happy Birthday to Hall of Fame recipient Tony Cascarino pic.twitter.com/4hSCHd3VvI

— Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) September 1, 2019

3. John Dempsey (1969-1978)

Dempsey was a legendary center half for Chelsea throughout the nine years he spent in the clubs. He had many highs, such as winning the FA Cup in 1970 and scoring the opening goals in the previously mentioned UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final victory.

The Hampstead-born defender also stayed with the club during their turbulent spell in the 70s. He qualified for Ireland through his parents and would make 19 appearances, scoring once in six years.

He would also go on the be player-manager for Dundalk before retiring.

Great to have Chelsea legends Marvin Hinton, Ron Harris, Tommy Baldwin, John Dempsey and John Hollins in the house today – all members of our 1970 FA Cup winning squad! #CHEFOR pic.twitter.com/7pzjg1m8C3

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 5, 2020

2. Andy Townsend (1990-1993)

In 1990, Townsend joined Chelsea for the mouth-watering sum of £1,200,000 from Norwich. He was a truly quality player and this did not affect him as he won the club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season.

Unfortunately, the Irish player never had great success with Chelsea and after 14 goals in 120 games, the midfielder moved to Aston Villa for over two million pounds.

His time in the green jersey is more storied after he scored seven goals in 70 appearances over eight years, playing in many of Ireland’s greatest matches.

Happy Birthday to former captain Andy Townsend pic.twitter.com/wLiRM8A4ez

— Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) July 23, 2021

1. Damien Duff (2003-2006)

Duff is one of Ireland’s most underrated footballers, a master on the wing, playing for some of England’s best teams and being a major part of Ireland’s success in 2002. In his three years at Chelsea, he played alongside Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, and Frank Lampard.

He scored 19 goals in 125 appearances while wearing blue in London winning a Premier League title and a League Cup trophy. This made him a must-have for Ireland as he made a century of caps and scored eight goals.

At the peak of his career, Damien was famous on popular betting websites in Ireland and still remains the people’s favourite as a current manager of League of Ireland club Shelbourne F.C.

Loved the Arjen Robben & Damien Duff partnership!!!! pic.twitter.com/Yu3NHq8SaF

— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) July 15, 2021

The post Greatest Irish footballers to play for Chelsea appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

With teams languishing at the bottom of the table, every match becomes a potential lifeline or a step closer to the abyss of relegation. The question on every football fan’s lips is: Who will muster the strength to climb to safety, and who will succumb to the Championship’s beckoning? Let’s delve into the current state of play.

The Current Standings

The Premier League table, as of early March, paints a picture of desperation for several clubs. Luton Town, sitting in 18th place with 20 points, finds itself in the relegation zone but within touching distance of salvation, only eight points behind 14th-placed Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Sheffield United and Burnley appear to be in dire straits, both 11 points adrift from safety and seemingly destined for the drop.

Bournemouth’s recent victory has provided them with a cushion above the danger zone, but they cannot rest easy just yet. Everton and Nottingham Forest are also embroiled in this survival scrap, with the added complication of potential points deductions hanging over their heads due to alleged financial irregularities.

The Financial Fair Play Cloud

Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations aim to prevent clubs from spending beyond their means, but Everton and Nottingham Forest have found themselves under scrutiny for potential breaches. Everton’s immediate 10-point deduction was reduced to six on appeal, while Forest awaits the outcome of their hearing. These decisions could significantly impact the relegation battle, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to an already tense situation.

The Run-In

The remaining fixtures for these clubs are fraught with challenges and opportunities. Each game is a chance to secure vital points, and the scheduling could be crucial in determining who stays up. For instance, Bournemouth’s upcoming matches include encounters with fellow strugglers Sheffield United and Luton, which could be pivotal in their quest for survival.

Crystal Palace, Brentford, Everton, and Nottingham Forest all face a mix of top-half teams and direct rivals in their final games. Their ability to snatch points from these encounters will likely decide their fate.

Predictive Models and Football Match Odds

Data specialists and predictive models offer a glimpse into the possible outcomes of this relegation dogfight. According to Opta’s ‘supercomputer,’ the likelihood of relegation varies significantly among the teams, with Burnley and Sheffield United facing the highest probability of going down. However, football match odds can shift dramatically with each game, and the sport’s unpredictable nature means nothing is set in stone.

The Human Element

In the end, it’s the players and managers who will determine their club’s destiny. The mental and physical fortitude to perform under pressure, the tactical acumen to outwit opponents, and the sheer will to win are intangible factors that no model can predict. The teams that can harness these qualities when it matters most will likely be the ones celebrating come May.

In summary, the Premier League relegation battle is a complex web of tactics, nerves, and resilience. With financial penalties adding to the drama, the final weeks promise to be a rollercoaster ride for the clubs involved. As fans, we can only watch, wait, and wonder who will emerge from the fray unscathed.

The post EPL Relegation Battle: Who Will Survive? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

April looks likely to be a key month in determining who will win the title. Will it be a fourth successive win for Manchester City or could Liverpool and Arsenal dethrone the reigning champions?

Perhaps even Aston Villa might be able to go on a great run and close the gap at the top. They will have an opportunity to do that on April 3 when playing Manchester City at the Etihad. A win there could shake things up at the top of the table. Not coming home with a win will make it even more of a three-horse race.

City are known for their long winning streaks that lead to trophies being won. After the Villa match, they travel to Crystal Palace before hosting Luton Town. Six more points look on their way. April ends with potentially awkward trips to Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.

Betting on the English Premier League is incredibly popular all over the world. After allowing private companies to operate in Ontario, Canadians have been enjoying making online bets. https://twin.com/bets/soccer/england/1970324836975359-premier-league is a popular gambling site in Canada as gamblers seek the latest odds on the English Premier League.

How many trophies will Jurgen Klopp win in his final season at Anfield? Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup and are going well in the English Premier League. They should get April off to a flying start with a home game against Sheffield United.

That’s followed by an away game at Old Trafford against Manchester United. It’s tight at the top and even drawing games could be very costly in the run-in. The Reds then host Crystal Palace before two trips to London. Fulham and West Ham are the opponents and they could be tricky games. They’ll want wins though as May begins with matches against Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Arsenal made a bold bid to win the English Premier League last season. It was in the run-in when their bid to finish above Manchester City began to falter, will that happen again this season.

The Gunners have been firing on all cylinders in 2024 with goals aplenty. The chants of ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’ haven’t been heard for ages. April could start with a few more goals as they host Luton Town.

Of their next four league fixtures in April, three are on the road. They go to Brighton and Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham. All of those matches aren’t straightforward wins. The month ends with a more winnable home game against Bournemouth.

April is going to be a fascinating month in the English Premier League. Plenty of twists and turns could well be on the way.

The post Intriguing April Ahead in Battle for Premier League Title appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

In yet another display of their formidable form, Arsenal secured a resounding 6-0 victory against a struggling Sheffield United side at Bramall Lane. The Gunners cruised to their seventh successive Premier League win, further solidifying their position as serious contenders in the title race.

Arsenal’s Unstoppable Attack

From the onset, Arsenal asserted their dominance, racing to a 3-0 lead within the first 13 minutes of the game. Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Ben White all found the back of the net, with an unfortunate own goal from Jayden Bogle adding to Sheffield United’s woes.

Making Premier League History

Arsenal’s relentless attack didn’t wane after the break, as they continued to pile on the pressure. Their impressive performance saw them become the first English league side to secure three consecutive away wins by a margin of five or more goals. Conversely, Sheffield United’s struggles were highlighted by their dismal record of four consecutive home defeats, conceding five or more goals in each game.

Sheffield United’s Frustration

For Sheffield United, the defeat only compounded their woes as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table, 11 points adrift from safety. Manager Chris Wilder’s attempts to shore up his side’s defense proved futile, as Arsenal’s relentless attack tore through their ranks.

Looking Ahead

As Arsenal’s title charge gathers momentum, they have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Sheffield United faces an uphill battle to salvage their season and avoid relegation, with time running out and their performances failing to inspire confidence among fans and players alike.

The post Arsenal’s Dominance Continues: Gunners Thrash Sheffield United 6-0 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Gary Neville, Former Manchester United Defender, Reflects on Derby Intensity

Former Manchester United stalwart turned pundit, Gary Neville, captured the essence of derby matches, emphasizing the emotional and passionate nature, particularly for local academy products. Neville’s sentiments echoed throughout the electrifying encounter between Manchester City and Manchester United.

Fodens Brilliance Seals City’s Triumph

Phil Foden’s majestic performance left spectators and pundits alike in awe. Neville hailed Foden as “cool as ice” and “a special talent,” affirming his pivotal role in Manchester City’s victory. Foden’s brace, including a sensational winner, cemented his status as a rising star in English football. They are a big price of 6/5 to beat Liverpool next Sunday, you can get that fantastic price with BarOne Racing football markets.

End of United’s Unbeaten Streak

The clash marked the end of Manchester United’s remarkable 143-match unbeaten run in the Premier League when leading at half-time. Despite holding a halftime advantage, United faltered, failing to extend their streak to 144 matches.

Haaland and Foden Shine Bright

Erling Haaland showcased his predatory instincts, capitalizing on United’s defensive lapse to open the scoring for Manchester City. Meanwhile, Phil Foden’s virtuoso display saw him net two sublime goals, propelling City to a memorable victory.

Dublin Praises Rashford’s Brilliance

Former Manchester United striker, Dion Dublin, lauded Marcus Rashford’s clinical finish, describing it as “the perfect strike.” Rashford’s goal epitomized his determination and skill, underscoring his importance to the United cause.

In a pulsating Manchester derby, Manchester City emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. With Foden’s brilliance and United’s unbeaten streak shattered, the stage is set for an enthralling climax to the Premier League season.

The post Manchester Derby Drama: City Overcome United in Thrilling Encounter appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Football’s lawmakers, Ifab, are set to introduce trials for sin-binning players and issuing blue cards, with an announcement expected on Friday. Sin-bins, typically used at grassroots levels for dissent, may now extend to cynical fouls as part of this trial.

The Sin-Bin Trial: What to Expect

During the trial, players receiving a blue card from the referee will spend 10 minutes in the technical area. However, details regarding the start date and participating competitions are yet to be confirmed.

Premier League Stance and Fifa’s Position

The Premier League has opted out of the initial trial rollout, while Fifa clarified that reports of implementing the ‘blue card’ at elite levels are premature. Fifa emphasizes responsible testing at lower levels and will address this agenda item at the upcoming Ifab AGM in March.

Ifab’s Agenda: Sin-Bin Trials at Higher Levels

Ifab’s annual meeting in March will delve into sin-bin trials at higher levels of the game, aiming to discuss and potentially implement changes for professional matches.

Success of Previous Trials and Future Prospects

Sin-bins were piloted in 2018-19, resulting in a significant reduction in dissent across multiple leagues. Implemented in grassroots and lower-tier football, these trials seek to enhance respect and fair play on the field.

Exploring Tactical Fouls and Beyond

Mark Bullingham, FA’s chief executive, highlights the frustration among fans due to tactical fouls disrupting promising plays. The consideration to extend sin-binning to tactical fouls reflects ongoing efforts to address player behavior and uphold the integrity of the game.

The post Premier League to Trial Sin-Binning Players and Issuing Blue Cards appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Liverpool secured a spot in the Carabao Cup final, holding Fulham to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage and clinching a 3-2 aggregate win in the semifinals. The match featured key moments, including Luis Diaz’s opener and Issa Diop’s equalizer.

*Key Moments:*
– **Diaz’s Quick Opener:** Exploiting a defensive lapse, Diaz scored in the 11th minute, giving Liverpool an early lead.
– **Fulham’s Response:** Despite Fulham’s efforts, including Palhinha’s volley and Robinson’s dangerous deliveries, Liverpool maintained their lead.

The @LuisFDiaz19 goal that proved decisive in taking us to Wembley pic.twitter.com/mIS0xhba1U

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 25, 2024

*Second-Half Action:*
– **Missed Opportunities:** Fulham struggled to convert chances in the second half, with Nunez’s effort and Pereira hitting the post.
– **Liverpool’s Defensive Stand:** Liverpool weathered Fulham’s attacks and asserted control, with Gravenberch’s narrowly missed strike.

*Fulham’s Late Equalizer:*
– **Wilson’s Assist, Diop’s Finish:** In the 77th minute, Wilson’s cross found Diop, who expertly finished to level the score.
– **Liverpool’s Defensive Hold:** Despite Fulham’s late push, Liverpool defended resolutely to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup final.

Looking Forward:

Liverpool will face Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea at Wembley on February 25, aiming to replicate their success from two years ago when they defeated Chelsea in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals.

The post Liverpool Advances to Carabao Cup Final with Aggregate Victory appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This game has fans not only in England but throughout the globe. In this sport, there are many big names, for instance, Mohammed Salah or Halland, creating the history of modern football.

Numerous people prefer to have fun and even earn money by betting on sports in ggbet.co.uk and other gambling companies. The thing is that when a clear favourite and an outsider meet, there is an excellent chance of making a bet and winning, which makes the match watching more exciting. This English league is unpredictable, and it adds even more interest and adrenaline to each bettor’s experience.

The Championship Final is Near

First, we would like to discuss the championship race. It already obviously involves two teams – Manchester City and Liverpool. The real juice is that Liverpool city will have a face-to-face match! On April 10, they will meet in the 32nd round. Given the current form of both teams, the game will undoubtedly be a championship game. Undeniably, it is the most anticipated game of the season, and millions of football fans wait for it with great impatience.

One more exciting match is with Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa in the last round. So, the final matches of the championship have prepared a lot of surprises for their fans around the world.

Why is Betting So Popular for Football Fans?

Nowadays, gambling and betting activities are incredibly common among British users. Numerous sportsbooks open their doors and provide unique conditions for sports fans to have fun and get a portion of adrenaline. There are some reasons for such popularity:
· making bets makes a match more exciting and adds interest;
· betting is easy and accessible for anyone;
· with online sportsbooks, each user can bet without leaving home and get the chance of winning real cash;
· online bookmakers often provide users with generous bonuses.

Other Benefits of Betting in EN

It is worth noting that online betting clubs provide the possibility to make parlays using a smartphone or tablet, making it even easier and more accessible. Thus, the user can track everything in their favourite events anytime and anywhere. This makes it possible to feel entirely new emotions and have insane fun.
Moreover, as has been already mentioned, most bookmakers provide some bonus offers for new and existing customers. Thus, the user who enters the site for the first time has the opportunity to significantly save their own funds but still experience the chance to earn real money.

Conclusion

As a rule, fans of the English Premier League also like participating in sports betting activities. The best bookmakers allow members to enjoy watching a football match, add excitement, and earn good money without the need to leave home. There are still many interesting matches of world-famous teams ahead – and the struggle for victory promises to be intense.

The post The Current Situation in the English Premier League appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The probe is centered around allegations of illegal betting activity involving the 23-year-old midfielder, who was recently withdrawn from Italy’s training camp.

Italian Authorities Probe into 23-Year-Old’s Activities

In response to the investigation, Tonali is actively cooperating with the authorities, as affirmed by Newcastle United. Despite his withdrawal from the training camp, the club asserts its unwavering support for Tonali and his family, emphasizing that they will continue to receive the club’s full backing throughout the inquiry.

Withdrawal from Italy’s Training Camp Raises Questions

A statement from the club reads, “Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.” This development comes as Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa were both removed from Italy’s training camp for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England, following notification of their involvement in the Italian prosecutors’ investigation.

It’s worth noting that Tonali, capped 15 times by Italy, made a high-profile move to Newcastle from Milan in July for a transfer fee of £55m. The ongoing investigation adds a layer of complexity to Tonali’s recent career transition and raises questions about the potential implications for both the player and the club.

The post Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali Under Investigation for Alleged Betting Activity appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This raises concerns about the potential repercussions for Newcastle’s summer signing, Sandro Tonali, if he too is found guilty of similar breaches.

Fagioli’s Ban:

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli faced the consequences of breaching betting rules as the Italian football federation imposed a seven-month ban.

This development has sent shockwaves through the football community, prompting speculation about the severity of such breaches.

Uncertain Future for Sandro Tonali:

Newcastle’s summer signing, Sandro Tonali, now finds himself under the spotlight as questions arise regarding the nature and extent of his alleged betting breaches.

The duration and impact of Tonali’s potential suspension remain uncertain, leaving fans and football pundits eagerly awaiting further details.

Awaiting Details on Tonali’s Breaches:

As the football world grapples with Fagioli’s ban, the focus shifts to Sandro Tonali’s situation. The lack of specific information regarding Tonali’s alleged breaches adds an element of suspense.

The football community is eager to learn whether Tonali’s infractions mirror those of Fagioli and how they might influence his playing career.

Conclusion:

Nicolo Fagioli’s seven-month ban for betting breaches has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Sandro Tonali’s future with Newcastle.

As details emerge, the football world watches closely, awaiting clarity on Tonali’s alleged infractions and the potential impact on his playing career. The implications of such incidents extend beyond individual players, highlighting the ongoing challenges and scrutiny surrounding betting rules in football.

The post Uncertain future for Newcastle’s summer signing appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.