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Norwich v Liverpool – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Liverpool FC will travel to Norwich on Saturday to kick off their 2021/22 Premier League campaign at Carrow Road.

The side will begin the season as one of the favourites to win the title, with the return of Virgil Van Dijk and other injured first-team players increasing their chances.

The 2019/20 Premier League champions will want to start this season off as they did two years ago – a win over Norwich.

A full crowd of Norwich fans will welcome Jurgen Klopp’s men to the ground as they look to start their season off on a high.

Alisson and his safe hands will give Reds fans confidence throughout the game and they may get more if new signing Ibrahima Konate plays and performs well.

Konate is expected to go into the starting lineup this weekend as first-choice centre-backs Van Dijk and Joe Gomez continue their recovery from season-ending injuries they sustained last year.

Andy Robertson will not be available as he suffered ligament damage in a friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The injury has ruled him out for several weeks, leaving Liverpool without their only mainstay in the Premier League last season.

Robertson played all 38 of Liverpool’s league games last season, failing to finish 90 minutes only twice.

Kostas Tsimikas took Robertson’s place for Liverpool’s final pre-season match against Osasuna on Monday night.

It is expected that the Greek full-back will step in for Robertson in competitive fixtures in his absence.

Tsimikas only made seven appearances for Liverpool in his debut season in England as a result of early-season injury problems and Robertson’s ever-presence in the squad.

However, the 25-year-old has had an impressive pre-season this summer and will look to carry over his form into the new season and get more appearances for the club that signed him last summer.

Curtis Jones will also be unavailable as he must follow concussion protocols but the 20-year-old was not expected to dislodge Fabinho and Thiago in midfield.

Naby Keita or Jordan Henderson are the two most likely to take that third spot in Liverpool’s 4-3-3.

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané will be hungry for goals as they look to terrorise defences once again, having failed to be as fluid as they are known to be last season.

Diogo Jota is expected to provide a threat from the bench and 18-year-old Harvey Elliott could earn a spot after his performances in pre-season.

Norwich City comes into the game with new attacking signings Josh Sargeant and Milot Rashica ready to play after joining from Werder Bremen.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul will return to the Premier League with Max Aarons and captain Grant Hanley in front of him in the back four.

Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour will look to make his mark in his debut for the Canaries and impress his parent club.

Todd Cantwell will have another opportunity to shine in the Premier League after a fantastic season in the EFL Championship.

Teemu Pukki will want to start off the season in the right way once again after scoring a goal in the 4-1 loss to Liverpool on the opening day two years ago.

The home crowd will be behind this newly-promoted Norwich side but Jurgen Klopp’s men may prove too tough a challenge for them.

Predicted Lineups

Norwich City (4-2-3-1): Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Giannoulis; Gilmour, McLean; Rashica, Sargeant, Cantwell; Pukki.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mané.

Betting

Norwich 17/2

Draw 9/2

Liverpool 2/7

Where To Watch

Norwich v Liverpool will kick off at 5:30 pm on Saturday, August 14th. You can watch the game live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.

Dessie Farrell speaks to DubsTV ahead of Dublin v Mayo All-Ireland Semi-Final

DubsTV caught up with Dublin Senior Football manager Dessie Farrell this week, ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland Football Semi-Final clash with Mayo at Croke Park.

“Very little separates these teams over the last number of years. Supporters are going to be in for a great spectacle and the players always enjoy these types of games. They’re to be relished…”

 

Rangers winger on the cards for move to Leeds

English winger Ryan Kent looks to be on his way out the door of Rangers after their Champions League exit, Leeds are his favorite suitors so far

Kent has caught a few eyes with his blistering pace and powerful first-time shots in the Scottish Premiership over the last three years. The 24-year-old used to be on books for Liverpool in 2019 but failed to make any meaningful appearances.

Along with striker Alfredo Morelos, the two bossed last season to win the Scottish league. Now that they have missed out on Champions League football after a 4-2 defeat to Malmo, their heads could be turned by bigger clubs further south.

Manager Steven Gerrard will not want to lose the winger but Kent has been linked with a move to Leeds for a few seasons now. He currently has a market value of €6 million but would probably be sold for a sum closer to €20 million.

Kent is capable of playing in any of the forward-line positions but would probably have stiff competition with Jack Harrison, Helder Costa, and Raphinha.

Bielsa is looking for a team that can compete for the top ten places next season after an impressive 11th place finish last year. Kent would certainly fit his style of play with having speed, energy, and creativity in an abundance.

The winger managed 15 goal involvements in the league last season in 33 games. Yet to hit his prime, those numbers could go higher in the Premier League.

After not finding his for when he was younger in Liverpool or in the Bundesliga with Freiburg, it will be interesting to see if he adapts to Yorkshire life better.

If Leeds can secure his signature, it is still most unlikely that he will play in their opening game of the season away to Manchester United. That match kicks off at 12:30 on Saturday 14th August.

 

Partey will miss Chelsea and Man City games with injury

The Gunners will be without Ghanian midfielder Thomas Partey and striker Eddie Nketiah for the opening few weeks of the 2021/22 season

Partey suffered ankle ligament damage in the 2-1 friendly defeat to Chelsea last week. The Ghanian is not expected to return for at least two weeks with this type of injury.

2020 was a tough opening season for Partey as he failed to light up the Emirates Stadium in a year where Arsenal finished ninth. This injury already puts his second season off to a similarly poor start.

Also in the Chelsea match, young English forward Nketiah sustained bruising to his right ankle. He is to be sidelined for at minimum a month before his leg has recovered.

This means that both players will miss the opening Premier League match against Brentford on Friday. Later this month they will also miss very important ties with Chelsea and later Manchester City. The pair will also be out of contention for the EFL Cup second-round match against the newly relegated West Bromich Albion.

The club is still unsure on center-back Gabriel’s return date after he injured his knee representing Brazil at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

With Arsenal’s team seemingly depleted for their opening game on Friday, manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Arsenal still has plenty of business to do in the transfer window.

The club has already spent in the region of €75 million on three players: Ben White from Brighton, Albert Sambi Lokongo from Anderlecht, and Nuno Tavares from Benfica.

The club is also linked with a swap deal of Lautero Martinez from Inter Milan for aging striker Alexander Lacazette.

Speaking about their transfer business in a recent press conference, Arteta said:

“There is still a window to go, I’m sure things will happen in a way. I’m willing to work with the players I have at the moment and get the best out of them. We will see what we can do.

“We have ownership that are willing to invest in the team and they want to get the team better with bigger aims. But at the same time, we need to be careful because we want to be in a financial position that is sustainable for the club.”

Arsenal start their season away to newly-promoted Brentford at 20:00 on Friday, 13th August.

 

Ulster Rugby 2021/22 Academy Squad Announced

Ulster Rugby has announced its academy squad for the upcoming 2021/22 season, with five new faces coming into the squad.

The fresh faces joining the 12-strong group are James Humphreys, Conor McKee, Jude Postlethwaite, George Saunderson and Harry Sheridan.

All five players were involved in this year’s U20 Six Nations campaign for Richie Murphy’s Ireland.

Humphreys, who joins the province from Gloucester Rugby’s Academy set-up, will follow in the footsteps of his father, David Humphreys, as an out-half, having previously played at scrum-half during his school days.

The 20-year-old Queen’s University Belfast student played against Scotland and Italy for Richie Murphy’s national team.

Meanwhile, Belfast-born, Conor McKee, also helped steer Ireland to third place in this year’s Under-20 Six Nations Championship.

The scrum-half, who was the leading points-scorer for his school, Sullivan Upper, in 2019, has already gained valuable experience in the provincial set-up through his involvement with both the U18 Schools and U19 teams.

19-year-old, Jude Postlethwaite, joins the Academy after been recognised as the leading try-scorer in the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup in 2020, earning him a nomination for the competition’s Player of the Year, whilst playing for RBAI.

Postlethwaite has represented Ireland at Sevens as well as at U20 level and the Lisburn native also enjoyed success as part of last season’s Ulster ‘A’ squad.

George Saunderson, another former pupil of Sullivan Upper School, also gained prominence in the 2020/21 season for his involvement with the province’s ‘A’ side, following time spent with the Ulster U19s.

This led to the 20-year-old prop playing against Wales, France and Italy for the Ireland U20s and scored a try in the latter game.

Rounding off this season’s Year 1 players is 19-year-old, Harry Sheridan – a third product of Sullivan Upper joining the side.

As his school’s leading try-scorer in 2020, the lock, like some of his fellow Academy new-starts, featured in the Ulster ‘A’ setup on top of his international exploits.

He also gained experience in the second row during time spent with the Ulster U19s.

On the selected squad, Ulster Rugby Academy Manager, Gavin Hogg, said: “With a promising new intake, who have already showcased their talent and tenacity, joining our Academy group, I am looking forward to what the season ahead holds.

“I am confident the coaching group and myself will be able to build on the solid foundation which each of these players has established through their involvement over the past number of years in the school, club and international game.

“I would like to thank all of the coaches, particularly those within a domestic game setting, who have played their part in getting these young men to where they are now. The opportunity to continue along the Ulster pathway, all with the support of Dan McFarland and his staff, is fantastic for these players, all of whom have a bright future ahead of them.”

ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD 2021/22:

Year 1:

James Humphreys

Conor McKee

Jude Postlethwaite

Harry Sheridan

George Saunderson

Year 2:

Ben Carson

Reuben Crothers

James McCormick

Ben Moxham

Conor Rankin

Year 3:

Azur Allison

Lewis Finlay

Liverpool Winger Shaqiri Agrees Terms With Lyon

Liverpool FC winger Xherdan Shaqiri has agreed on personal terms with French side Olympique Lyonnais ahead of a potential move to Ligue 1.

‘Les Gones’ are offering €6 million plus add-ons for the bit-part player on Merseyside but Liverpool are holding out for €8 million.

They signed Shaqiri from Stoke in the summer of 2018 for a price of £13 million (€15 million).

The 29-year-old has won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the Premier League with Liverpool.

There is no agreement between the clubs yet but talks are ongoing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Shaqiri’s potential new contract is ready until June 2024 and the two-time Champions League-winning player is now pushing for the move away.

The Swiss talisman has made 63 appearances for the Reds and has racked up 17 goal involvements in that time.

The winger, who can also play in an advanced midfield role, only managed to earn 819 minutes of football last season in 22 games across all competitions for his club.

He was out of action due to a muscle injury from the end of November through to December but could not break into the side when fit.

Shaqiri was an unused substitute for the side 15 times throughout the season – the Premier League tally (13) is close to the number of appearances he had in the competition (14) in 2020/21.

The former Stoke star impressed fans on occasion but never got a consistent run in the side and fell further down the pecking order the longer he stayed at the club.

Lyon have been searching for a replacement for Memphis Depay, who ran down his contract and moved to Barcelona earlier this summer.

Shaqiri, a player who can play in the role that Depay did at the club, would be useful for head coach Peter Bosz, who thrives on attacking football.

The 29-year-old will want to make the most of his prime years in football and a starring role for Lyon would be the perfect opportunity to do so.

Brendan Maher announces retirement from Tipperary hurling

After three All-Ireland medals and 13 years on the senior panel, Tipperary legend Brendan Maher announced his retirement from inter-county hurling

The Borrisoleigh native has been part of the Premier county’s senior panel since 2009, after winning All-Ireland’s at minor and under-21 level.

Maher even captained the county to win the Liam McCarthy for the 25th time in 2016, stopping Kilkenny from reaching three in a row. He played in center back that day but has been seen all around the defense and midfield throughout his career.

Maher released a statement this morning to break the news:

“After 13 years playing with Tipperary, I have decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from inter-county hurling.

“It was a huge honor and privilege for me to wear the Tipperary jersey and I am very grateful to have played with so many top-class players and to have enjoyed many successes with them. The inter-county game requires very significant commitment, and I am happy that I can look back on my career with no regrets having given everything that I could during my time with Tipperary.

“Firstly, I want to thank the Tipperary players sincerely, I have made lifelong friendships with so many of them. I am also very grateful to the managers and backroom teams who gave me so much support and guidance.

“As a player, I always received immense support from the Tipperary County Board, Tipperary Supporters Club, and Associations, Tipperary team sponsors, and the GPA. I want to thank all of them. Thanks also to the Tipperary supporters who I have always been so proud to represent.

“To my club, Borris-Ileigh, where it all began, a huge thank you. I look forward to what the next few years will bring as we continue our journey. My friends have also been hugely supportive of me and helped me in so many ways over the course of my career, for which I am very grateful.

“My parents, Johnny and Anne, have done everything they possibly could to support and encourage me and there are no words to describe my gratitude to them. I have always looked up to my three older brothers, Sean, Declan, and Martin, to whom I am very grateful for instilling such self-belief and will to win in me. My nieces, nephews, and extended family have always been very loyal supporters and I want to say thanks to all of them.

“I am very lucky to have had such constant support and encouragement from my fiancée, Aoife. She has helped me get through the toughest of times and being able to share so many wonderful moments with her has made it all extra special.

“Finally, I wish Tipperary all the very best for 2022 and beyond. I have no doubt that the players and management will do everything in their power to bring more success to the county in the years ahead.”

The Tipperary county board expressed their best wishes to Maher and thanked him for his service to Tipp hurling. Maher will likely go down as one of the Premier counties greatest hurlers as he continues to play with his local club Borrisoleigh.

 

Young defender Chalobah impresses on competitive Chelsea debut

Last night, Chelsea beat Villareal in the Super Cup final with a thrilling penalty shootout and one Blues’ newcomer left his mark on the game

An hour before kickoff and there was one unexpected face on the team sheet. 22-year-old Trevoh Chalobah was named as one of the three center-backs instead of the much more experienced Thiago Silva, Cezar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen.

This decision was made after good performances in recent club friendlies against Arsenal and Tottenham where he played more than 80 minutes in each.

What Thomas Tuchel saw in Chalobah was true and he was the strongest of the defenders on the pitch in the final. He completed the most passes in the game with 124 and won five of his eight duels.

With five interceptions and five recoveries, he became a big part of why Chelsea held out Villareal for so long.

What will be Chalobah’s future at Chelsea?

The young defender is a product of Chelsea’s academy and much more famous loan system. Since becoming a senior player in 2018, he has played for clubs like Huddersfield Town, Ipswich, and Lorient.

He caught the eye of many fans while in France as he scored two, assisted two in 29 games.

His main problem is that he comes back to a Blues team stacked to the brim with central defenders and looking for more. The club is already edging closer to signing Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

When someone needs to get dropped, Chelsea’s normal response is to sell the young players. Fikayo Tomori was a great example of a promising English center back now plying his trade in AC Milan.

Some speculate that Tuchel played Chalobah to showcase him to any available suitors and to up his price tag. With three weeks left in the transfer window and Chelsea currently full of qualified center-backs, expect to see Chalobah on loan again this season.

 

Rovers in high hopes for important European tie

Shamrock Rovers have traveled to Albania to face Teuta Durres tonight in the second leg of the Europa Conference League match

The squad got the first half of the job done in Tallaght with a late 1-0 victory thanks to substitute Aidomo Emakhu.

Now preparing in the Stadiumi Niko Dovana, Rovers have a full squad with Neil Farrugia back from injury. Rovers have now won their last six games on the bounce and hope to go another better.

Manager Stephen Bradley spoke about the team’s excitement to play this game in a recent press conference.

“We’re a very experienced group in Europe. We know what it takes. We’ve been together a long time; we’ve played in a lot of big games and played in Europe a lot. So, the players are ready and focused and going into this game in really good form. It’s one we’re really looking forward to,” said Bradley.

Rovers do expect Teuta Durres to be stronger this time, now they are at home but their recent form is not very strong. Although narrowly winning the Albanian league on goal difference, they have only won one of their last five competitive matches.
Another problem for Bradley’s side is acclimatizing to the heat and humidity in such a short space of time. The squad travelled to Albania on Tuesday and had their first try-out on the main pitch yesterday evening.
“There’s no getting away from it, it’s very hot but thankfully by the time kick-off comes around, it’s calmed down quite a bit. We’ll be fine. It is what it is and there’s no excuses. We’ll manage it right and get ready to go with a game plan to win the game,” added Bradley.
The match kicks off at 19:00 tonight, 12th August.

Other Irish clubs in European action

PAOK Thessaloniki (1) v Bohemians FC (2) – 18:00 – Thessaloniki, Greece

Dundalk (2) v Vitesse (2) – 20:00 – Oriel Park, Dundalk – Available on LOI TV

Leicester Set To Sign Jannik Vestergaard For £15m

Leicester City FC are set to sign Southampton FC centre-back Jannik Vestergaard for a fee of £15 million, per Fabrizio Romano.

Jannik Vestergaard will leave Southampton after three years at the club and a total of 79 appearances for the Dane.

He had moved to St. Mary’s in the summer of 2018 from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach for £22.5 million.

Vestergaard will travel to Leicester to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms before the deal is finalised.

The Foxes have been interested in signing a centre-back since Wesley Fofana was ruled out until 2022 through injury in pre-season.

The French defender fractured his right fibula after he was on the receiving end of a tackle from Villarreal attacker Fernando Nino.

The 20-year-old’s leg was caught underneath Nino’s as the tackle occurred and he went down immediately.

The Marseille-born centre-back was stretchered off the pitch and was replaced by Ben Nelson.

Fofana played 38 times for the team over the course of his debut season and was part of Leicester’s historic FA Cup-winning run, playing in the final.

Rodgers recently spoke about the possibility of signing a centre-back to step in for Fofana this season in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

Rodgers told Sky Sports: “Hopefully we can. It’s an area where we are a little light with Jonny out as well for a period of time with a foot injury.

“With all the games we’re going to have over the course of the season, we need to have cover in those positions.

“It is something the club are currently looking at.”

Vestergaard played 32 times for Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side across all competitions last season and scored three times as they finished the league in 14th.

The 29-year-old was also involved in all six of Denmark’s games at Euro 2020 as they made an impressive run to the semi-finals after their talisman, suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.

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