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Preview, Prediction & Key Battles – Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills

Preview, Prediction & Key Battles – Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills, start time 6pm live on Sky Sports NFL. We will have match highlights and results. 

Key Battles:

Steelers Pass Rush vs Bills Protection: You probably don’t need me or anyone else to tell you that the Steelers defensive gameplan must centre around getting pressure on Josh Allen. I lost count how many times last season I saw the Bills come up with massive plays when Allen had all day to move around in the pocket and let loose with that rocket he has for an arm. But he will be hunted down by one of the best defensive fronts in football, including of course, TJ Watt. Should be a mouthwatering battle.

The Turnover Battle: One of the oldest cliches in football, win the turnover battle. The Steelers were excellent in this regard last season and they will be looking to pick up where they left off, 1 of the 4 teams that led the league in interceptions with 18.

Steelers Ground and Pound vs Bills Run Defense: While Thursday Night’s season curtain raiser was an aerial assault from start to finish, the Steelers will probably try to avoid getting into that type of game. Look for Alabama alum Najee Harris to try to set the tone early in this one as Pittsburgh revert back to the smashmouth style that served them so well down their history. The Bill run defense are no pushovers however, even if they are without Nose Tackle Star Lotulelei who was due back after opting out of last season.

Boylesports Betting:

Moneyline:                 Pittsburgh 23/10 Buffalo 1/3
Over/Under:              48.5
Spread:                      Buffalo -6.5

If you fancy swinging for the fences, you can get Najee Harris at 66/1 to score the 1st and last TD. Stefon Diggs is at 50/1 for the same bet.

Prediction

Hate trying to predict week 1 games, the good teams haven’t hit their stride yet and the weaker teams haven’t had the optimism beaten out of them yet. I do believe the Bills are the more talented team and are rightly favourites, but Pittsburgh are a lively underdog at 23/10.

If the Steelers get ahead and get the run game established early, it could be a tough day for the Bills. I wouldn’t fancy falling behind and being in a position where Watt and co. can pin their ears back and take aim at Josh Allen. Even though I have Buffalo tipped to win the Lombardi this year, put me down for the week 1 upset here. Steelers by 3

All-Ireland Final: Tyrone Dash Mayo Dreams With Inspired Performance

Tyrone have won the 2021 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship after a fantastic performance proved too much for a Mayo side that had taken down the defending champions Dublin in the semi-final stage.

Goals from Tyrone’s Cathal McShane and Darren McCurry proved to be the killing blows on a day in which the Connacht champions failed to take numerous goal chances.

A penalty miss from Ryan O’Donoghue encapsulated the problems that had Mayo had on the day as hit golden opportunity found only the post.

Mayo had started out as the better side in the first minute in their second All-Ireland final in as many years with two quick-fire points acting as a strong attempt to give themselves an early foothold.

However, Tyrone awoke from their momentary slumber and soon took the driving seat in the game, with Mayo chasing them after the tenth minute when Tyrone scored their third point.

Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan was phenomenal for his side after an early gaffe with a kickout.

His kicking was fantastic for the rest of the match and his decision-making was vital to the success of the Ulster champions on the big day.

Morgan’s ability to move up the field and act as a 15th outfield player for Dooher and Logan’s men helped to free up some space for Tyrone further up the pitch.

Tyrone looked to use the right flank often to create plays and scores from the likes of captain Padraig Hampsey and McCurry attest to that.

Mayo, on the other hand, struggled to score from anything other than a central position throughout the match.

James Horan’s men were repeatedly on the left side of the final third in the first half but never took any chances that they fashioned.

Rob Hennelly’s frees were an outlier on the day as Mayo failed to take gilt-edged chances.

Several goal chances came to nothing for the J.J. Nestor Cup holders as they went into their dressing room two points down at the break.

Enda Hession replaced Mayo corner-back Michael Plunkett on the right-hand side of the full-back line at the start of the second half.

Mayo had a huge chance to get into the drivers seat early in the second half when a Ryan O’Donoghue caused panic in the Tyrone square and led to a penalty after Frank Burns picked the ball up illegally.

However, O’Donoghue hit the post with his penalty attempt and chances still came Tyrone’s way and they began to attack the Hill end through the middle of the defence.

Their first attack of the half that went through the middle resulted in a goal for super-sub Cathal McShane, who got his second in two games for the Red Hand.

The side’s traded missed chances for a period of the second half before Stephen Coen found Kevin McLoughlin after a good run and the corner-forward put it between the sticks.

Yet, Tyrone responded as they had done to Rob Hennelly’s second point earlier in the second half as Darren McCurry put the result of the game beyond doubt when he palmed the ball into the net.

Mayo hit two points in quick succession but also shot their tenth wide and further folded as midfielder Matthew Ruane saw red for his part in a scuffle.

A Niall Morgan placed kick sealed the deal for the Ulster giants in the All-Ireland final who will bring home the Sam Maguire 13 years after its last journey to the O’Neill county.

Man of the Match: Niall Morgan (Tyrone)

Mayo: Rob Hennelly; Padraig O’Hora, Lee Keegan, Michael Plunkett; Paddy Durcan, Stephen Coen, Enda Hession; Matthew Ruane, Conor Loftus; Diarmuid O’Connor, Aidan O’Shea (C), Bryan Walsh; Kevin McLoughlin, Tommy Conroy, Ryan O’Donoghue.

Tyrone: Niall Morgan; Michael McKernan, Ronan McNamee, Padraig Hampsey (C); Frank Burns, Peter Harte, Kieran McGeary; Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick; Conor Meyler, Michael O’Neill, Niall Sludden; Darren McCurry, Mattie Donnelly, Conor McKenna.

All-Ireland Final: Mayo v Tyrone – Preview, Lineups, Odds, TV Coverage

Mayo and Tyrone will face-off against each other in the All-Ireland final on the evening of Saturday, September 11 at 5 pm.

Both sides are looking to end long droughts and bring home the Sam Maguire to their county – Tyrone have not won since 2008 while Mayo have not won in 70 years.

Mayo were All-Ireland finalists last year and conceded an early goal – something not unfamiliar to them at this stage of the competition.

James Horan’s side recovered from the early setback but the power of Dublin proved too much.

However, this year, things are different – after a poor first half in the All-Ireland semi-final against their rivals, Mayo rallied and put in an exceptional performance to end Dublin’s reign over Gaelic football and progress to the final.

Tyrone also came up against a long-standing rival in Kerry – the last time the two sides had met saw the Munster champions run out 6-15 to 1-14 winners over Brian Dooher and Feargal Logan’s side.

Tyrone have been a different animal in the championship though, winning the Anglo-Celt Cup and looking hungry for more, even after a Covid outbreak within the camp.

It is Tyrone’s first appearance in an All-Ireland final since 2018, where they also fell foul to the well-oiled machine from the capital.

Yet, both sides have banished old rivals and set up an exciting showdown at Croke Park – excitement is something the predictability of Gaelic football had lacked in recent years.

This final is unpredictable and that’s what makes it such an interesting match-up – two teams who have unique traits but also some that are very similar will battle it out for the biggest achievement in Gaelic football.

And we sit and watch it unfold.

Lineups

Mayo: Hennelly; O’Hora, Keegan, Plunkett; Durcan, Coen, Mullin; Ruane, Loftus; O’Connor, O’Shea (C), Walsh; McLoughlin, Conroy, O’Donoghue.

Tyrone: Morgan; McKernan, McNamee, Hampsey; Burns, Harte, K McGeary; Kennedy, Kilpatrick; Meyler, O’Neill, Sludden; McCurry, Donnelly, McKenna.

Subs: Quinn, Bradley, Canavan, Donaghy, Kelly, McCann, McDonnell, HP McGeary, McShane, J Munroe, Shields/C Munroe.

Odds

Mayo 10/11

Draw 7/1

Tyrone 11/8

TV Coverage

The game will be available to watch on RTÉ 2 and Sky Sports Arena. Coverage begins at 3:30 pm on RTÉ with Sky starting their coverage at 4 pm.

How can Saul change Chelsea?

This weekends Premier League tie against Aston Villa could be Chelsea fan’s first chance to see their new loanee Saul Niquez in action

It will be interesting to see if the German tactician Thomas Tuchel gets the best out of Saul in his season-long loan stay in the blue side of London.

The Spanish midfielder was very highly acclaimed in his nine years with Athletico Madrid and his national team. Last season was his first proper lull in form as he scored two goals and got one assist in 33 league appearances.

Saul’s main problem was his immense versatility, being able to play in any position across the midfield. This led to him not locking down a position throughout the season, competing against Marcos Llorente and Koke.

After not being picked for Spain’s Euro 2020, the 26-year-old was in need of a change of scenery to rekindle his form.

How will Saul Niguez fit in at Stamford Bridge?

Now at Chelsea, he will be competing with Ngolo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, and Jorginho for a spot in central midfield. This might be a hard task with two of those men on the shortlist for Ballon D’or.

So far, Tuchel’s preferred formation is 3-4-2-1 with wingbacks that are just as much attackers as they are defenders. Luckily for Saul, the German boss has told him that he intends to play him in his preferred midfield spot.

Each of the Blues’ central midfielders has different qualities but Saul seems to be all-rounded and could prove very useful in their setup.

Standing at six-foot-tall, he would also be the tallest of his midfield teammates. Throughout his career, he has shown to be physically strong as well as powerful in the air.

The Spaniard also grew a reputation of scoring important goals and has drawn comparisons to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

 

As a Deadline Day loan with an option to sign for €30 million next season, this could be some very astute business by Chelsea.

Now with injuries to Kante and Pulisic, there is a good chance that fans could see his debut against Aston Villa this weekend. The match will kick off at 17:30 on Saturday 11th September in Stamford Bridge.

 

Munster Squad To Face Exeter Chiefs In Pre-Season Friendly Named

A 31-man Munster squad has been named for Saturday’s pre-season clash with Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

Jack O’Donoghue captains the side with Greencore Munster Rugby Academy back-row and Ireland U20 captain Alex Kendellen starting at no.8.

Mike Haley is named at full-back with Calvin Nash and Matt Gallagher completing the back three.

Rory Scannell and Dan Goggin start in midfield with a half-back pairing of Rowan Osborne and Ben Healy.

Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell and Keynan Knox pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and Thomas Ahern in the engine room.

O’Donoghue, Chris Cloete and Kendellen complete the starting XV.

An extended replacements bench includes Academy quartet Mark Donnelly, Cian Hurley, Paddy Kelly and Paddy Patterson.

Speaking ahead of the game, Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan said: “There’s real excitement to have a game like this ahead of us, playing a quality opposition such as Exeter Chiefs on their home turf in front of supporters.

“We are very much treating this as another step in our pre-season preparations, building towards our United Rugby Championship season kicking off.

“We’ve a good mix across the squad and for the younger guys, this is going to be their first time playing at this level in front of a big crowd.

“With a group of 31 players, we’ll be making plenty of changes as we look to get as many guys game-time as possible.”

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Matt Gallagher; Ben Healy, Rowan Osborne; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Keynan Knox; Jean Kleyn, Thomas Ahern; Jack O’Donoghue (C), Chris Cloete, Alex Kendellen.

Replacements from: Diarmuid Barron, Liam O’Connor, Josh Wycherley, Roman Salanoa, Mark Donnelly, Cian Hurley, Jack O’Sullivan, Paddy Kelly, Jack Daly, Neil Cronin, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, Jake Flannery, Liam Coombes, Alex McHenry, Seán French.

Cullen Names Squad Ahead of Harlequins Tie

Cullen Names Squad Ahead of Harlequins Tie

Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen has named his matchday squad ahead of the Bank of Ireland Pre-Season fixture against Harlequins in Aviva Stadium (KO 7 pm).

The game is not being televised but tickets are still on sale here.

When speaking about the upcoming game, Cullen discussed the game with the media earlier in the week, with Johnny Sexton set to captain a squad that will include eight Academy players, with four of those yet to play for the senior team.

There is also a welcome return from injury for Conor O’Brien and Max Deegan.

Chris Cosgrave, in his first year in the Leinster Academy, gets the number 15 jersey for tomorrow’s game with the UCD man also joined by another year one player in Rob Russell in the back three.

Russell is a third-year Business and Management student in Trinity and was an unused replacement in the game against Glasgow Warriors in the PRO14 last season. Completing the trio is James Lowe who is back from injury and will take his place on the left-wing.

In the centre, Conor O’Brien will partner Academy back Jamie Osborne for the first time, with the Westmeath man back from injury and making his first appearance in a Leinster shirt since February 2020.

Luke McGrath is selected at scrum-half with Sexton captaining the side outside him

The front row sees Peter Dooley and Dan Sheehan joined by new arrival Michael Ala’alatoa for his first taste of Leinster Rugby action. The Samoan international arrived from the Crusaders during the summer.

Devin Toner is joined by Wexford’s Brian Deeny in the second row. This will be Deeny’s first taste of senior action with Leinster Rugby as he is also back from a long-standing injury.

Finally, in the back row, Cullen has gone with the experienced trio of Rhys Ruddock, Scott Penny and Max Deegan although, like O’Brien and Deeny before, it is noteworthy for the return of Deegan from a long-term knee injury. Deegan last played against Dragons almost a year ago.

Amongst the replacements, there is again a mixture of Senior and Academy experience, with Niall Comerford looking to get his first taste of Leinster Rugby action in the Aviva tomorrow evening.

Cullen Names Squad Ahead of Harlequins Tie

Leinster Team to face Harlequins

15. Chris Cosgrave (0)
14. Rob Russell (0)
13. Jamie Osborne (6)
12. Conor O’Brien (23)
11. James Lowe (52)
10. Johnny Sexton (173) Captain
9. Luke McGrath (151)

1. Peter Dooley (93)
2. Dan Sheehan (13)
3. Michael Ala’alatoa (0)
4. Devin Toner (266)
5. Brian Deeny (0)
6. Rhys Ruddock (188)
7. Scott Penny (29)
8. Max Deegan (65)

Replacements

Cian Healy (231), Seán Cronin (195), James Tracy (129), Vakh Abdaladze (12), Ross Molony (116), Ryan Baird (27), Martin Moloney (1), Cormac Foley (1), Ross Byrne (104), David Hawkshaw (8), Liam Turner (6), Niall Comerford (0)

For more news and stories on all things Rugby, click here.

28-man squad named for pre-season friendly with London Irish

28-man squad named for pre-season friendly with London Irish

The Connacht squad to face London Irish in tomorrow’s pre-season friendly at The Sportsground has been named.

Bar the 200 spectators for Connacht’s clash with Glasgow Warriors last October, this game will be the first Pro team fixture to take place in front of Sportsground spectators since February 2020.

Athlone native Jack Carty captains the side from out-half with Kieran Marmion alongside him. There is a start at outside centre for new arrival Shayne Bolton who will be alongside Tom Daly. While John Porch, Diarmuid Kilgallen and Tiernan O’Halloran make up the back three.

The front row consists of Jordan Duggan, Shane Delahunt and Jack Aungier, while Ultan Dillane comes into the second row for his first run-out of the season, starting alongside Oisin Dowling. A back row of Cian Prendergast, Conor Oliver and Paul Boyle completes the starting lineup.

There are 13 replacements in all, including Academy player Ciaran Booth. Also on the bench, Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan and Niall Murray will have plenty to prove if given the opportunity.

28-man squad named for pre-season friendly with London Irish

Connacht Rugby Squad to face London Irish

Friday 10th September 2021, 5:30 pm @ The Sportsground

1. Jordan Duggan
2. Shane Delahunt
3. Jack Aungier
4. Oisin Dowling
5. Ultan Dillane
6. Cian Prendergast
7. Conor Oliver
8. Paul Boyle
9. Kieran Marmion
10. Jack Carty (C)
11. John Porch
12. Tom Daly
13. Shayne Bolton
14. Diarmuid Kilgallen
15. Tiernan O’Halloran

16. Dave Heffernan
17. Matthew Burke
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy
19. Niall Murray
20. Eoghan Masterson
21. Ciaran Booth
22. Jarrad Butler
23. Colm Reilly
24. Conor Fitzgerald
25. Sammy Arnold
26. Ben O’Donnell
27. Peter Sullivan
28. Oran McNulty

For more news and stories on all things Rugby, click here.

Kerry Club Football Championships 2021 – Preview, Fixtures

The Kerry Senior A Gaelic football club championship throws in this Saturday with 8 clubs battling to be leaders of the Kingdom

This will be another competitive year to decide what Kerry club will take home the Michael O’Connor Cup.

This competition has an unusual problem, that they are starting the 2021 season without finishing the 2020 season first. Now, there are two teams in the intermediate final fighting for one spot in Group 2 of the senior championship.

Spa are the bookmakers’ favorites to get promoted over the next two weeks. They will first have to beat Desmond in the semifinal this Sunday.

As for the current senior teams, Austin Stacks are the reigning champions after beating Kenmare Shamrocks in the final last year. They will face some stiff competition from Dr. Crokes who are the most successful team since the competition’s recommencement in 2009.

Another dark horse to watch out for will be Dingle who already got silverware this year after winning the senior football league.

Group 1: Austin Stacks, Killarney Legion, Dingle, Kerin O’Rahillys

Group 2: Templenoe, Kenmare Shamrocks, Dr. Crokes, (2020 Intermediate winner)

Remaining Intermediate teams: Beaufort, Spa

Round 1:

Senior Football Championship

Templenoe (1-07) v Kenmare Shamrocks (1-13)

Austin Stacks (1-14) v Killarney Legion (0-08)

Kerin O’Rahilly’s (0-12) v Dingle (0-18)

Round 2 Fixtures:

Austin Stacks v Kerin O’Rahilly’s – 14:30, Sunday 12th September – Connolly Park

Killarney Legion v Dingle – 14:30, Sunday 12th September – Killarney Legion GAA

Beaufort or Spa v Dr. Crokes – 14:30, Sunday 19th September

2020 Intermediate Championship Playoff Final

Beaufort v Spa – 14:30, Sunday 19th September – Fitzgerald Stadium

Betting

Senior Championship

Not Available

2020 Intermediate Championship Playoff

Spa 2/5

Beaufort 9/4

Limerick Club Hurling Championships 2021 – Preview, Fixtures, Betting

The Limerick Senior Hurling club championship starts this weekend with 12 of the county’s best teams battling for the title

Soon there will be 12 teams from the All-Ireland champions club tournament going for the John Daly Cup.

The most successful team in the history of the competition is Patrickswell GAA with 20 county championships. Now the new all-star team and current titleholders are Na Pairsaigh going for the seventh title this year.

Kilmallock seems to be one of the bookies’ outside shouts for the competition this year, hoping to go one better than some of their previous seasons.

The draw is made up of four groups with three teams. The top teams will qualify for the county quarterfinals while second place will go into the knockout round. Bottom place in each group will go into a relegation playoff for next season.

Group 1: Na Pairsaigh, Kilmallock, Ballybrown,

Group 2: Patrickswell, Doon, Ahane

Group 3: South Liberties, Blackrock, GarrySpillane

Group 4: Adare, Monaleen, Kildimo Pallaskenry

Round 1

Na Pairsigh (3-16) v Kilmallock (0-15)

Patrickswell (1-23) v Doon (0-27)

South Liberties (4-19) v Blackrock (0-15)

Adare (2-27) v Monaleen (1-16)

Round 2 Fixtures

Kildimo Pallaskenry v Monaleen – 19:30, Friday 10th September – LIT Gaelic Grounds

Ballybrown v Kilmallock – 19:30, Saturday 11th September – LIT Gaelic Grounds

Garryspillane v Blackrock – 13:30, Sunday 12th September – LIT Gaelic Grounds

Ahane v Patrickswell – 16:45, Sunday 12th September – LIT Gaelic Grounds

 

Betting

Na Pairsaigh 1/2

Doon 9/2

Patrickswell 11/2

Kilmallock 7/1

Adare 16/1

Ahane 25/1

Ballybrown 33/1

South Liberties 33/1

Kildimo Pallaskenry 40/1

Monaleen 80/1

Garryspillane 100/1

Blackrock 250/1

Kieran Donnelly Appointed As Fermanagh Senior Football Manager

Fermanagh GAA have announced that they have appointed Kieran Donnelly as their new senior football manager.

Donnelly comes into the role following the departure of the Fermanagh footballers’ former boss, Ryan McMenamin after two years in the role in August.

The Brookeborough man’s selection was ratified at a meeting of Coiste Chontae Fhear Manach held on Thursday evening.

Donnelly previously played for Fermanagh at senior level and managed the minor team, working with the seniors as a trainer during this time as well when they were under the tutelage of Peter Canavan.

The Fermanagh native was most recently the manager at Cavan Gaels and also previously led Monaghan club Scotstown to the Ulster final in 2018, collecting a county title on the way.

Confirming his appointment, a Fermanagh GAA spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint someone with the experience, drive and ambition of Kieran Donnelly to this position.

“Kieran comes into this role as a successful coach and manager of the highest standard, with considerable experience of leading players in a high-performance environment and has an impressive managerial track record.

“We look forward with excitement to working with Kieran in implementing the main objectives of our current strategic plan and in developing not only the current group of players, but also those that are progressing along the player pathway in Fermanagh, to be the best that they can be..”