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Liverpool Midfielder Curtis Jones Out Of PL Opener

Liverpool FC midfielder Curtis Jones has been ruled out of his side’s Premier League opener against Norwich this weekend.

The 20-year-old suffered a concussion in the club’s final pre-season game against Osasuna on Monday.

Jones was taken off during the first half of the pre-season friendly against CA Osasuna following a collision.

Klopp told the club’s website: “He had a slight concussion so we just have to follow the protocol. He is fine, he feels fine again, but that’s the protocol.

“He is available for training from Sunday on I think.”

The Scouse prospect made four appearances in pre-season for Liverpool but may not have made the starting eleven against Norwich due to the depth the side has in midfield.

Andy Robertson has also been ruled out of Liverpool’s season opener at Carrow Road after sustaining ligament damage against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Robertson was taken off at half-time after picking up an injury and was replaced by the great-nephew of Ian Rush, Owen Beck, for the second half.

The Scotsman landed awkwardly after making a block towards the end of the first half and stayed on the ground.

He was treated on the field before finishing the half and did not need a stretcher to leave the pitch, instead of being helped off by the physios.

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.

Klopp was able to report Liverpool have no other fresh injury concerns three days out from the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign.

“No, not from an injury point of view,” said the boss when asked for any new squad updates.

“But yeah, a few players had a shorter pre-season than others. No, all the others are healthy.”

Liverpool will kick off their season at 5:30 pm on Saturday, August 14th when they travel to Norwich.

Robinson Can Prove Doubters Wrong by Firing West Brom to Promotion

Callum Robinson failed to fire West Bromwich Albion Robinson must be one of the players to rise to the occasion over the course of the season. The Republic of Ireland international has not been particularly notable during his career to date. His record of one goal in 18 appearances for Ireland attests to his issues in front of the net. The forward enjoyed the best years of his career at Preston North End in the 2016/17 campaign when he scored ten goals in 42 games, and then again in the 2018/19 term when he fired home 12 goals in 27 matches. The second effort earned him his Premier League move to Sheffield United, but his return since then has been underwhelming, to say the least.

With the support of the Baggies and the tutelage of Ismael, Robinson has his second opportunity and he must be willing to take it. Robinson was once one of the most promising forwards in the Championship, but unlike Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, he wasn’t able to take the next step. Becoming the driving force behind a surge for promotion for West Brom will allow him to get back on the right trajectory and into the top flight once more, where he can go out to prove a point

lear of relegation last season as the Baggies plummeted back down to the Championship after only one term in the Premier League. In 28 appearances, Robinson scored only five times, although two of those efforts came in a famous 5-2 win for Sam Allardyce’s men against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Robinson flashed talent on occasions following his move from Sheffield United, which saw Oliver Burke make the switch in the opposite direction. However, he lacked the consistency that the Baggies required in the final third. Allardyce’s departure paved the way for Valerian Ismael to take charge at the Hawthorns after an impressive stint as the manager for Barnsley, who narrowly missed out on a place in the Premier League after losing out in the playoffs.

With a small squad, Robinson will be a key part of Ismael’s plan to drive the Baggies back to the top flight, and they are one of the leading contenders in the English Football League Championship betting odds at 6/4 to return to the Premier League. It shouldn’t be forgotten that the 26-year-old has already proved his worth for Ismael by notching a vital strike to earn West Brom a point on the road in their season opener against Bournemouth.

The Baggies battled back twice from behind to earn a share of the spoils against a club that will have similar ambitions of their own of reaching the Premier League. It was a promising sign for Ismael in that his team responded to adversity and for Robinson as an individual as he answered the call for his manager.


The Baggies weren’t prolific in their run to promotion in the 2019/20 campaign under Slaven Bilic. Hal Robson-Kanu and Charlie Austin finished the term as joint top-scorers with ten strikes apiece to their name. Matt Phillips, Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana were also influential in the final third, allowing goals to flow from the midfield. The departures of Robson-Kanu, Austin and Pereira have left a huge void for the Baggies to fill in their return to the second tier.

Robinson must be one of the players to rise to the occasion over the course of the season. The Republic of Ireland international has not been particularly notable during his career to date. His record of one goal in 18 appearances for Ireland attests to his issues in front of the net. The forward enjoyed the best years of his career at Preston North End in the 2016/17 campaign when he scored ten goals in 42 games, and then again in the 2018/19 term when he fired home 12 goals in 27 matches. The second effort earned him his Premier League move to Sheffield United, but his return since then has been underwhelming, to say the least.

With the support of the Baggies and the tutelage of Ismael, Robinson has his second opportunity and he must be willing to take it. Robinson was once one of the most promising forwards in the Championship, but unlike Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, he wasn’t able to take the next step. Becoming the driving force behind a surge for promotion for West Brom will allow him to get back on the right trajectory and into the top flight once more, where he can go out to prove a point

Leeds United trying to combat ticket touts

Touting is an old and infamous practice of reselling tickets for much more than you originally paid for and yet again this scandal hits the Premier League 

Leeds United has seen this problem with tickets for their opening two games of the season. The club no longer has any seats left to sell but adverts are appearing online of expensive tickets for Leeds matches.

This practice is not just frowned upon in football and other social circles but it is also illegal by law in the UK and Ireland.

The Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has now lashed out at those who have been selling tickets for inflated prices. He wrote a statement on Twitter to condemn the touts:

“It is very disappointing to see this situation. This is not fair and I am working with the club management to tackle and stop these illegal activities.”

The club announced on Wednesday that anyone caught using third-party websites to sell tickets would be banned from their website and matches.

After more than 15 years of Leeds not being in the top flight, fans have been itching to get to see their team play again.

Elland Road is still yet to have a full stadium due to the pandemic causing most of last season to be played behind closed doors.

The first tickets for the trip to Burnley went on sale today with the first two games, as you can expect, sold out.

For more news on Leeds United’s tickets, read Leeds United ticket news announced.

Leeds United’s first game of the new season is in Old Trafford against Manchester United at 12:30 on Saturday 14th August.

 

Leinster Rugby Announce Squad For Women’s Interprovincial Series

Leinster Rugby have announced their final squad ahead of the 2021 Women’s Interprovincial Series.

The Women’s Interprovincial Championship will take place on three successive weekends – August 28, September 4 and September 11.

First up, on August 28, reigning champions Leinster Rugby travel to the Sportsground to face Connacht in a repeat of the 2019 Championship decider.

Leinster return to Energia Park for round two against Ulster on September 4 before the final weekend sees them host Munster at the same venue.

Announcing the squad, head coach Phil de Barra said: “I’m delighted to finally announce our final 30-player squad for the 2021 Interpros. It was a tough process but I believe this squad has an excellent mix of talent and experience.

“The senior players have, in particular, clearly established our values and the massive opportunity that lies ahead for this group. We can’t wait.”

2021 Leinster Rugby Women’s Squad:

Ailbhe Dowling (Old Belvedere RFC)
Aine Donnelly (Old Belvedere RFC)
Ali Coleman (Blackrock College RFC)
Alice O’Dowd (Old Belvedere RFC)
Chloe Blackmore (Railway Union RFC)
Christy Haney (Blackrock College RFC)
Ciara Faulkner (MU Barnhall RFC)
Clodagh Dunne (Old Belvedere RFC)
Caoimhe Molloy (Blackrock College RFC)
Elaine Anthony (Old Belvedere RFC)
Elise O’Byrne-White (Old Belvedere RFC)
Ella Roberts (Wicklow RFC)
Emily McKeown (Naas RFC)
Emma Murphy (Railway Union RFC)
Grace Miller (Old Belvedere RFC)
Grace Tutty (CYM RFC)
Holly Leach (MU Barnhall RFC)
Jennie Finlay (Old Belvedere RFC)
Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere RFC)
Katelynn Doran (MU Barnhall RFC)
Lauren Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC)
Lisa Callan (Railway Union RFC)
Mairead Holohan (Blackrock College RFC)
Meabh O’Brien (Suttonians RFC)
Michelle Claffey (Blackrock College RFC)
Molly Scuffil McCabe (Railway Union RFC)
Niamh Byrne (Railway Union RFC)
Nikki Caughey (Railway Union RFC)
Rachel Horan (CYM RFC)
Vic O’Mahony (Old Belvedere RFC)

Saturday, August 28, 2021
Connacht v Leinster, The Sportsground, 2.30pm

Saturday, September 4, 2021
Leinster v Ulster, Energia Park, 4pm

Saturday, September 11, 2021
Leinster v Munster, Energia Park, 7pm

Tips on How to Bet on Irish Boxing

There are many exciting things about boxing in general. This is one of the reasons why it’s such a fun sport to bet on. Usually, there’s a heavy favourite and sometimes nothing goes as expected. Here are some tips on how to get started betting on boxing.

Sometimes nothing goes as expected in boxing, but mostly there’s a heavy favourite for a reason. But this means that there are several betting markets to choose from when it comes to boxing. If you want to bet on Irish boxing, luckily there’s plenty of local and foreign sites, where you can place your bets. If you’re new to the whole of betting and gambling online, then take extra precautions. Remember to pick a trustworthy and reliable site, when you’re choosing a betting site or online casino. 

Boxing Markets

Since there are several betting markets it’s important to know them from each other.  Especially if you want to earn money betting on boxing. The way to make money is to know them from each other and which market to place your wager in at the right time. The most common is surely betting on the fight winner. This is pretty straightforward. You can also bet on the fight winner and method. This could be by knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification. 

Another thing to do is round betting. This is also a very popular type of betting. You’re just betting on in which round that a certain boxer will win the match. Another option is over/under rounds. In this market, you assess whether the fight will go over or under a certain number of rounds. Fight to go the distance is also a possible bet. This means that no winner will be declared until the end of the full 12 rounds. 

Boxing Betting Tips

Always do your research properly before betting. The best way to increase your chances of winning is to know exactly what you’re betting on. This means knowing the fighters. What shape are they in, and have they met before? How are their fighting styles? Considerations like this are worth taking into account. Try to know all there is to know about boxing. 

Another very important thing when betting is to compare the lines. You need to look at the different sites and compare their odds. It won’t be the same site that provides the best odds every time. So, if you want to make money betting, you need to be sure to shop for the best odds and place your wager there.

Irish boxing in the Olympics

If you’re watching the Olympics, know that you can bet on Irish boxing. There are many exciting matches to choose from. Soon the Irish boxer Kellie Harrington is fighting for gold. She will be fighting the 41-year-old Brazilian boxer Beatriz Fereira. If you want to bet on this game remember to check out the different tips on betting and make sure to do your research properly before placing your wager.

 

Ulster Rugby Announce Squad For 2021 Interpros

Ulster Rugby has announced its squad ahead of the upcoming Interprovincial series, which is set to kick-off for the province on Saturday, August 28 at Kingspan Stadium.

With Interprovincial action set to take place across three consecutive weekends, the Ulster Senior Women’s squad, which will first face Munster in front of a home crowd, has been named.

The squad, which is currently training together at Newforge Country Club, includes experienced provincial players, as well as some new faces hoping to make their debut for Ulster.

On the squad, Ulster Senior Women’s Head Coach, Neill Alcorn said: “This is an exciting time for this group of players. We have a great mix of youth and experience within the squad. The players have driven up standards this year and are fighting for places each week with serious determination.

“The players and coaches are focused and excited to see the start of the Interpros. We’re all looking forward to our opening game against Munster – especially as it’s being played at Kingspan Stadium – the home of Ulster Rugby.”

Further details on the kick-off time and available tickets for Ulster v Munster at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday 28 August will be released later this week.

2021 Deloitte Ulster Senior Women’s Squad

Aishling O’Connell (Cooke RFC)

Aoife Cahill (Queen’s University Belfast RFC)

Ashleigh Orchard (Cooke RFC)

Ava Fannin (Barnhall RFC)

Beth Cregan (Cooke RFC)

Bethany McDowell (Malone RFC)

Diane Ramsey (Queen’s University Belfast RFC)

Dolores Hughes (Cooke RFC)

Elizabeth McKeever (Cavan RFC)

Ella Durkan (Malone RFC)

Emma Jordan (Malone RFC)

Fern Wilson (Malone RFC)

Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere RFC)

Gemma McCamley (Cooke RFC)

Hannah Beattie (Cooke RFC)

Hanna Harris (Cooke RFC)

Helen McGhee (Cooke RFC)

Holly Brannigan (Malone RFC)

Ilse van Staden (Cooke RFC)

India Daley (Cooke RFC)

Jemma Farrell (Old Belvedere RFC)

Jill Stephens (Malone RFC)

Katie Hetherington (Cooke RFC)

Keelin Brady (Railway Union RFC)

Kelly McCormill (Cooke RFC)

Lauren Magennis (Malone RFC)

Pieta McAllister (Malone RFC)

Rachael McIlroy (Queen’s University Belfast RFC)

Shannon Buller (Queen’s University Belfast RFC)

Sorcha MacLaimhim (Cooke RFC)

Stacey Sloan (City of Derry RFC)

Taryn Schutzler (Malone RFC)

Toni Macartney (Cooke RFC)

Sevilla Director hints at Kounde move to Chelsea

It has been a very unusual and hectic transfer window so far. Of the Premier League clubs, Chelsea will seem to have one of the most unrecognizable teams next year

After winning the Champions League last season, Thomas Tuchel is trying to assemble a team to hold the title and to win the Premier League.

The club has started making way for new players by selling Fikayo Tomori, Olivier Giroud, Victor Moses, and likely next Tammy Abraham. A deal is all but confirmed for the resigning of striker Romelu Lukaku, the other player on Tuchel’s mind in Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

Rumours about the young French centre-back went quiet in the last few weeks but a recent interview has peaked many fans interests.

Sevilla’s sporting director Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo, commonly known as Monchi spoke in a recent interview about the chances of Kounde leaving the club.

“Many clubs have asked for Koundé. Of course, there’s interest but no official bid on the table. I don’t know what’s gonna happen… if an important bid arrives, we’ll sell as this is our policy to improve the team,” Monchi said.

The rumoured deal was planned to include Kurt Zouma going the other way to soften the financial blow. Kounde has an €80 million release clause on his contract and Sevilla will be wanting money near that some for a deal to go through.

The 22-year-old defender is a hot prospect in La Liga at the moment. He played 34 games for Sevilla last season, scoring two goals with the team finishing fourth.

The youngman has a strong standing tackle and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Last season, he showed himself to be a good dribbler and long ball passer playing in but the centre and right back.

Time is running out with only three weeks left in the transfer window but expect Kounde to be playing in a new club next year, if not Chelsea then another big club challenging for titles.

Professional Rugby ‘Unsafe’ According To New Study

Professional rugby is unsafe in its current format, according to a new study by The Drake Foundation.

Athletes who can be as tall as six foot eight inches and as wide as 26 stone are leaving the sport due to structural changes to their brains caused by high tackles, the Foundation has said.

The Drake Foundation say that medical evidence and recent cases’ of brain abnormalities among stars foreshadows a concerning future for the sport.

Founder James Drake said to MailOnline that the tackles during the Lions’ tour of South Africa had brought the issue back into focus.

Mr Drake told MailOnline: “We believe that elite rugby, in its current format, is an unsafe sport.

“The long-term consequences of these brain structure abnormalities are unknown and require further research.

“But taken together with existing evidence across different sports, as well as recent cases of rugby players being diagnosed with brain diseases in their 40s, they are painting a concerning picture when it comes to players’ long-term brain health.”

He added: “Players are getting bigger, impacts are becoming harder, so it is only right that we see meaningful changes to rugby to ensure that player welfare is the number one priority for the sport.”

Drake cited head impacts in the matches as a cause for concern, including Dan Biggar being kneed in the ruck.

The Drake Foundation’s calls to improve the safety of the game follow the release of a report on the topic.

The report involves the Rugby Football Union in England which found that 23 per cent of 44 elite stars between 2017 and 2019 had experienced changes to their brains.

The study, published last month, said rugby players had abnormalities to the white matter and changes in the white matter volume – white matter is important for cognitive ability.

It also found that half of the rugby players involved had an unexpected reduction in brain volume.

Professor of Medical Imaging Science at University College London, Derek Hill, said to MailOnline that brain differences may not mean damage.

“A longer study would be needed to determine if the brain changes lead to harmful long term effects,” Professor Hill said.

Drake noted that the sport has changed completely since becoming professional in the 1990s, with players now taller and bulkier.

“Players are now generally bigger and more powerful, so we have to be mindful of all the ramifications that increased impacts will have on their bodies.

“Seeing younger players suffer with the consequences of that, I am not convinced that the game is safer now than it was when I started The Drake Foundation in 2014.

“More must be done to protect players, and without delay.”

Abraham on the cards for switch to Arsenal

The next 48 hours could be vital in where Tammy Abraham plays this season, Arsenal or further abroad, according to David Ornstein

A lot can change in a season, in 2019/20 young English striker Tammy Abraham seemed to be one of the brightest talents in the Premier League. With Chelsea having a transfer ban in place, himself, Mason Mount, and Reece James were giving a lot of time on the pitch.

In a season where Chelsea surprised many and finished fourth, Abraham challenged for the golden boot with 15 goals and three assists.

A year and some expensive transfers later and his game-time has been more than halved. Not favored by German Thomas Tuchel, he got six goals and a single assist in 12 starts.

He and Olivier Giroud played second fiddle to Kai Havertz and Timo Werner in the forward line, now with the imminent arrival of Romelu Lukaku, coming off the bench even looks unlikely.

Giroud has already left for AC Milan and it seems Abraham is trying to get out as well. He nearly joined Atalanta last week until negotiations fell through.

The Athletics David Ornstein believes that the next two days could decide if the 23-year-old moves to Arsenal or to AC Roma.

The Rome side has already been in talks with Blues for a permanent move and would be the preferred choice for Chelsea.

Reports claim that Abraham has asked for two days so that he can think about the deal. This could be to give time for Arsenal to make an offer. Although Chelsea would not want to sell a good striker to one of their rivals, the striker would probably prefer not to have to move country and learn a new language.

The Gunners would need to find more funds in the coming days to afford Abraham as they continue their ongoing negotiations for Leicester’s James Maddison.

Standing nearly 6’3” with a decent turn of pace, Abraham would be a good signing for any top table side, especially when Chelsea will let him go for cheaper due to needing funds for the Lukaku deal.

Leicester Boss Rodgers Praises Club’s Recruitment

Leicester City FC manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the club’s recruitment in light of Wesley Fofana’s injury in the pre-season.

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

“Obviously, to lose a player with such an injury in a friendly game was devastating for us – and for the player himself, more importantly,” Rodgers said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports. “He had been very, very good over the course of pre-season and was looking forward to the beginning of the season.”

Rodgers drafted squad player Daniel Amartey into the centre of his defence for the Community Shield win over Manchester City on Saturday.

He was impressed with the Ghanaian’s performance beside Caglar Soyuncu as they kept a clean sheet against the likes of Riyad Mahrez.

However, the Leicester City boss is interested in strengthening the position with another signing after losing Fofana for a substantial period of time.

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.”

Leicester has an impressive recent history when it comes to recruitment, with the injured French defender being one of the examples of this.

Their stellar recruitment led to the famous Premier League-winning season of 2015/16 as £5 million signing N’Golo Kante and £450,000 addition Riyad Mahrez shone alongside other cut-price players to take the side to the top of English football.

The trend has continued under Rodgers with the club having a net spend of £48.9 million under the former Liverpool and Celtic boss.

That is less than Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Leeds – all of whom they finished above last season.

Rodgers is involved in the recruitment process at the club and hailed their ability to find players suited to the club.

He added: “I think at this moment in time, Leicester City is a very attractive place to be. If you want to develop as a player, work in world-class training facilities and be a part of a real community club with a family feel, then this is a great place for you.”

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