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Kerry – Tyrone Semi-Final Delayed A Second Time

The All-Ireland semi-final between Kerry and Tyrone has been delayed for another week to Saturday, August 28th after Tyrone announced that they could not fulfil the fixture if it were to go ahead on August 21st.

The Ulster champions’ county board said that it could not field a side after receiving expert medical opinion on the health of their players.

There has been a Covid outbreak in the setup that has caused the county to play without some players n the Ulster Senior Football Championship and the game to be rescheduled once previously.

The updated schedule also sees the All-Ireland get pushed back another week to Sunday, September 11th.

The winner of the semi-final between the Munster and Ulster champions will face Mayo in the final after they beat defending champions Dublin in extra time in their semi-final.

The GAA say the revised schedule has been finalised with the integrity of the championship in mind and to ensure that Kerry were not denied a semi-final outing.

Tyrone’s county board have welcomed the decision made by the CCCC to postpone their fixture for a second time.

A statement released on the Tyrone GAA website reads: “Tyrone GAA welcomes the decision taken by the CCCC at national level, this evening, to defer the All-Ireland football semifinal between Tyrone and Kerry to Saturday 28th August, as a result of the transmission of the Covid19 virus among a number of players on the Tyrone panel.
“Tyrone has also paid tribute to Kerry GAA and its senior football team for its assistance and co-operation in creating the circumstances that allowed this decision to be reached.
“The Tyrone players and management will prepare as safely as possible, in the continuing difficult circumstances, to ensure that the best available team will now fulfil this very important fixture.”
Times for both fixtures will be announced in due course.

Liverpool Defender Ben Davies Set For Blades Loan

Liverpool defender Ben Davies is set to complete a loan move to EFL Championship side Sheffield United for the 2021/22 season.

The two clubs are close to an agreement that would see Davies get game-time for the season in the second tier of English football.

There will be no option for the Blades to buy Davies during their first season back in the Championship.

The Liverpool player had taken part in the side’s pre-season ahead of the current season.

The 26-year-old joined Liverpool in January amidst an injury crisis but has failed to play in any competitive fixtures for the side since his arrival.

The former Preston North End defender joined the then-Premier League champions on deadline day in January.

The Englishman signed a long-term deal with the side and was signed to bolster their ranks at centre-back.

Davies had spent three-and-a-half years playing in the Championship with Preston after breaking into the side before leaving and will bring that experience with him to Sheffield.

The defender was Preston’s Player of the Year for 2019.

Davies will join the ranks at Sheffield, which include Republic of Ireland defenders John Egan and Enda Stevens.

He will become the side’s first incoming transfer of the summer after an exodus took place following their relegation last season.

Five centre-backs have left the club this summer and Ethan Ampadu also returned to Chelsea following the end of his loan period, leaving the side in need of reinforcement at the back.

Davies potential season-long loan would leave Liverpool with six centre-backs on their backs, including Rhys Williams.

Liverpool face Burnley in their first home fixture of the new season on Saturday, August 21st at 12:30 pm.

Chalobah has debut to remember against Palace

Young defender Trevoh Chalobah scores screamer in debut win as Chelsea thrash Crystal Palace at home

For the first time in a year and a half, Stamford Bridge was at full capacity for a Premier League match. A crowd of nearly 40,000 people came to see what was a one-sided but entertaining game of football.

This was Premier League legend Patrick Viera’s first game in charge of Crystal Palace as they looked to surprise the Blues. This did not come close to happening as Chelsea bossed the game throughout.

After continuous pressure in the opening half an hour, Marcos Alonso sweetly struck a 30-yard freekick past a confused Vicente Guaita. The goal sent roars around the stadium and energized Thomas Tuchel’s side even more.

Just before halftime, a scramble in the box led to a Cristian Pulisic poke home as Chelsea went in after 45 minutes two goals up.

This performance will worry Crystal Palace fans as they only made one meaningful attack. After being played through at a tight angle, a Wilfried Zaha shot was blocked down by Antonio Rudiger.

This game gave a Premier League debut to 22-year-old defender Trevoh Chalobah who impressed in the Super Cup final. Just before the hour mark and all his dreams came true, standing alone 30 yards from goal, he blasted a low shot into the corner of the net.

The young man collapsed to his knees in amazement at his shot. This goal capped off the match as the final half an hour went by slowly.

This game only lowered Crystal Palace’s confidence and leaves them in a poor position for the rest of the season.

Chelsea will face Arsenal away from home on Sunday 22nd of August at 16:30 in the Emirates stadium.

 

Match Facts

Chelsea

Mendy (GK), Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount, Pulisic, Werner.

Goalscorers

Alonso 27′, Pulisic 40′, Chalobah 58′

 

Crystal Palace

Guaita (GK), Mitchell, Guehi, Kouyaté, Ward, Schlupp, McArthur, Riedewald, Ayew, Mateta, Zaha.

Liverpool FC Women Announce Greaves-Smith Departure

Liverpool FC Women has announced that Adam Greaves-Smith will leave his role of general manager at the end of August, ending his three-year association with the club following a restructure within the department.

Greaves-Smith was involved with the club during a tough time which saw the side get relegated to the FA Women’s Championship.

The side will compete in the Championship for the second season in a row after a third-place finish last season was not enough to send them back to the top tier of women’s football in England.

Liverpool Women finished 11 points off the pace of champions Leicester City.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues at LFC for a fantastic experience over the past three years,” he said. “With an upcoming restructure, the timing was right for me personally to explore new challenges, whilst giving me time to focus on a difficult period in my family life. I’d like to thank the club for their understanding and support during this.

“I’d also like to thank my colleagues, the FA, fans and so many others who have worked so closely with me during my time at LFCW. It’s been an exciting journey and I’m looking forward to embarking on new adventures ahead. I will be supporting our men’s and women’s teams from afar and wish everyone the very best for the future.”

Everyone at LFC Women wishes Adam well for the future and the search now begins to recruit a new role of LFC Women managing director to lead the team and department in the next phase of its development.

Liam Sheedy steps down as Tipperary boss

Liam Sheedy and his entire backroom team have stepped away from the Tipperary senior hurling team today

The boss from Portroe has left his manager position along with Eamonn O’Shea, Tommy Dunne, Darragh Egan, and Eoin Kelly. This was his second three-year stint in charge of the Premier county.

He did not leave empty-handed as he won the All Ireland in his first year back with the team in 2019. They beat Kilkenny by a massive 14 points in Croke Park in that final.

The last two years have not been so kind for the county with two quarter-final exits, including a loss to Waterford in the most recent season.

The county board released a statement that confirmed the news:
“Liam leaves the position today having brought great success to the county, guiding a great group of players to All-Ireland success in 2019.

We wish him well in his retirement and we thank him for all he has done for Tipperary GAA and in particular Tipperary hurling.”

Sheedy also won an Ireland against Kilkenny in his first stint in charge of the Premier county’s hurling team. He has now made a statement this morning on his retirement.

“I have enjoyed the three years immensely and even though none of us expected or wished for the heartache and disruption that Covid-19 caused, I am well aware that sport, even when it was without attendances, played a big part in lifting people’s spirits in the last 12 months.

“I could not have undertaken this role without the help and support of so many people. I want to sincerely thank my wonderful management and backroom teams. Eamon, Tommy, Darragh and Eoin were excellent in all that they did and their dedication was exemplary. I could not have asked for a better team around me.

“The players I worked with over the last three years are an incredible group. Their ability, attitude and commitment were inspiring. I want to thank them all very much and wish them the very best for the future.”

Next year will be a major transition period for Tipperary hurling as they look for a new manager and new players after the retirement of former captain Brendan Maher.

To read more about Mahers career, read Brendan Maher announces retirement from Tipperary hurling.

James Milner: Playing In Front Of A Full Crowd Was ‘Incredible’

Liverpool midfielder James Milner told Liverpoolfc.com after the game against that playing in front of a full crowd once again was “incredible.”

Milner wore the captain’s armband in his side’s opening day victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road – a confident and assured 3-0 win.

It was the first time the team had played in front of a capacity crowd in 17 months, their last such experience being a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Milner said that the players knew they would thrive in front of the packed Carrow Road stands.

“It’s incredible,” Milner told Liverpoolfc.com post-match. “I remember the first few times I stepped out when there was nobody there and coming out of the tunnel it was the first time it really hit you because normally when you step out of the tunnel you either get the roar or booed or something, anything would have done, but it was just quiet and that’s what really hit you.

“But having our fans here today singing all the way through and seeing them at the end, amazing to have them back and obviously it will be special next week at Anfield as well.

“We’ve missed them and hopefully we can keep putting in performances and getting results like today for them.”

Diogo Jota, Bobby Firmino and Mohamed Salah got the goals for the side and they kept a clean sheet, courtesy of some heroics from goalkeeper Alisson late in the game.

Salah’s goal was a new Premier League record as the Egyptian scored on the fifth opening weekend in a row.

“The result is pretty much perfect obviously with a clean sheet and different goalscorers, obviously it’s always nice for those guys to get off the mark,” said the captain on the day.

“The performance could have been better, we know that, but that’s pleasing that there is plenty to work on and it was a good day’s work.”

Liverpool will face Burnley in their first home fixture of the weekend on Saturday, August 21st at 12:30 pm in front of a full crowd.

Bielsa with lessons to learn after Man Utd defeat

Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United did not get off to the right start in their opening game of the season in Manchester

For the first time in over 6000 days, Whites fans were able to see their team play a Premier League match. A massive 3,000 supporters traveled to Old Trafford for a day that they would ultimately want to forget.

What started evenly suddenly got out of hand. Manchester United’s masterful performance was mainly down to their two stars, Bruno Fernandes who scored a hat-trick, and Paul Pogba who assisted four of the five goals.

Although Leeds defended admirably in the first half, they rarely looked like scoring. Luke Ayling took the only meaningful shot at goal, a 30-yard pile driver that hit the top corner past a helpless David De Gea.

Once that goal went in, the Reds moved to top gear. They ran away with the game in the final 40 minutes, scoring another four past Ilan Meslier.

This was a tough day for the French shot-stopper who played his first game since signing a new long-term deal with the club.

As Leeds looked witless, Man United brought on a few substitutes, Nemanja Matic, Anthony Martial, and Jadon Sancho. The Reds were a different class and are beginning to look like the all-conquering side of the early Millenium.

As for Bielsa, he will need to look hard at this game. His side is no longer the unexpected surprise that it used to be, the Premier League has figured them out. The tactician will need to rework and train his team hard to have a different result in their next game.

The Whites will face Everton next Saturday, 21st of August, at 15:00 in Elland Road.

Match Facts

Man Utd

De Gea (GK), Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka, Fred, McTominay, Pogba, Fernandes, James, Greenwood.

Goalscorers

Fernandes 30′, 54′, 60′

Greenwood 52′

Fred 68′

Leeds Utd

Meslier (GK), Dallas, Cooper, Struijk, Ayling, Koch, Harrison, Klich, Rodrigo, Raphinha, Bamford.

Goals

Ayling 48′

Aubameyang or Lacazette linked with move to Barcelona

Barcelona are still looking to offload some of their dead weight as they try to recoup the money they lost in recent years

The club has already parted ways with Junior Firpo, Carles Alena, and unintentionally Lionel Messi. Now the club wants to be rid of two of their expensive mistakes, Phillipe Coutinho and Martin Braithwaite.

The Brazilian Coutinho was an inspired signing after great seasons for Liverpool as their creative master. Now after an over £105 million transfer sum, it seems like more money down the drain.

Braithwaite was a panic buy two years ago after the injury of former striker Luis Suarez. Two seasons and nine goals later and it was clear this was a mistake.

Reports have circulated that the Barca higher-ups have already made out a shortlist of possible swap deals. Arsenals two veteran goalscorers, Aubameyang and Lacazette have been named as possible replacements.

After both players missed Arsenal’s humiliating opening game with illness and the reports have only grown stronger.

Is this a good deal for Arsenal or Barcelona?

For Arsenal, this could be great. After a terrible season in front of goal for the club, they should be happy to part ways with Aubameyang, especially if that means that Coutinho could come to the club.

The Gabonese striker is three years older than Coutinho who recently won a Champions League while on loan at Bayern Munich.

Braithwaite on the other hand, would not be as promising of a swap deal. Both Lacazette and the Dane are the same age but Braithwaite has never shown any quality that warranted the move to Barcelona.

The Gunners will be looking to get the French forward off their services, with 13 goals in 31 games last year, but only to make way for younger talent.

Arsenal has also got strong links with a move for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine was an important part of their Serie A success last year and after the departure of Romelu Lukaku, do not expect Martinez to go for cheap.

These are worrying times for Arsenal fans and the sooner they can sign new players, the better.

 

Everton v Southampton – Preview, Team News, Betting

Everton will begin another Premier League season at home to Southampton this afternoon. Both sides are looking to start the year off with a bang

This match will kick-off at 15:00 today, 14th August in Goodison Park.

Everton will be playing their first game at home in front of a full stadium of fans in nearly a year and a half. The club had a very tumultuous start to the transfer window, losing their well-respected manager Carlo Ancelotti on short notice to Real Madrid.

Now the club looks ready for another attempt at finishing top 10 with a new head coach Rafael Benitez and new signings, Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Joshua King.

Southampton have had a similar transfer window as they lost their main attacking threat, Danny Ings to Aston Villa.

The signings they have made so far do not seem like great replacements with Chelsea youngsters and Championship stalwarts some of their signings.

Neither of these sides will make a valuable challenge for the European places and in the Saints case, they may be fighting to stay up this year.

Predicted Starting 11

Everton

Formation

4-2-3-1

Starting Team

Pickford (GK), Digne, Keane, Godfrey, Coleman, Doucouré, Allan, Iwobi, Rodriguez, Townsend, Calvert-Lewin

Injuries

Gomes, Branthwaite, Gbamin, Kean

Southampton

Formation

4-4-2

Starting Team

Forster (GK), Perraud, Salisu, Bednarek, Walker-Pieter, Redmond, Romeu, Armstrong, Walcott, Tella, Adams

Injuries

Smallbone

Betting

Everton are favourites with odds of 21/20 to win.

A Draw has odds of 11/5.

Southampton are the underdogs with odds of winning at 11/4.

 

Score Prediction

This is a transition period for Southampton who are starting the league without their talismanic striker, Danny Ings. With 34 goals in his last two seasons, it is hard to see the Saints replacing him with Che Adams and Nathan Tella.

Everton with Benitez will be full of vigor to impress their manager. Expect Everton to win this match 3-0.

Furious fans react to embarrassing Brentford defeat

The story continues, Arsenal lose again but this time to Brentford, in their first game in the top flight in over 70 years

Last season the Gunners had a record low of finishing in ninth place, outside of the European places and without any cup silverware. It was their worst year in the entire history of the Premier League and this season has started off badly.

Yesterday Arsenal travelled to Brentford for the opening game of the season. Before kick-off, they were already on the back foot as captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and striker Alexandre Lacazette were ruled out with illness.

With Eddie Nketiah already injured, Arteta was forced to start young forward Folarin Balogun. Arsenal’s starting team had an average age of 24.

The highlight of the match from Arsenal’s point of view was the return of young English winger Bukayo Saka who was given a standing ovation when he was substituted on.

Brentford was comfortably the better side as they won 2-0. First, there was a smart finish Sergi Canos and then a Christian Norgaard header to seal the tie.

Although the Gunners finished the game with 65 per cent possession and 22 shot, only four needed to be saved. Nicolas Pepe nearly scored in the final few minutes but every other shot landed easily in the keeper’s gloves.

Naturally, former players and fans have shown their frustration towards the side. Arsenal legend Ian Wright released a tweet about the disgust he felt towards the performance.

Many fans have already begun the shouts for manager Mikel Arteta to lose his job. He will have questions to answer in the coming days, and if he cannot improve then he might be given as warm of an exit as his predecessor Unai Emery.

Things do not get much easier for the Gunners as their next two games are against the Premier League winners and the Champions League winners.

Arsenal will next face Chelsea at home at 16:30 on Sunday the 22nd of August.

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