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Chelsea v Crystal Palace – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Chelsea will host Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in a London derby on the opening weekend of the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

This game will mark the return of Premier League football for both Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Chelsea is coming into the game, having already been crowned the Super Cup champions after defeating Europa League winners Villarreal 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw AET.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace is entering a fresh new start under recently appointed Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

Vieira was appointed in the summer after the departure of Roy Hodgson after four years in the Selhurst Park dugout.

His first task will be up against one of the title favourites.

Chelsea Retrospective

Thomas Tuchel has transformed Chelsea since his arrival in January after the sacking of head coach Frank Lampard.

Reaching the FA Cup final and then becoming only the second manager in the club’s history to guide them to a Champions League victory after defeating Manchester City 1-0.

Building a blues squad that ”nobody wants to play against”. Transforming Chelsea’s defensive woes into one of the most solid defences in Europe in the span of five months.

In recent weeks, they have searched for that world-class goalscoring striker and have just signed ex-striker Romelu Lukaku in a club-record fee of £97.5 million that will make them strong contenders in all competitions.

Crystal Palace Retrospective

Coming into this season, Crystal Palace is in a year of transition after parting ways with Roy Hodgson.

Appointing Patrick Vieira to turn them from mid-table mediocrity to European challengers in the coming years.

Since his arrival, Palace has bought acute acquisitions for the upcoming season. Signing centre-backs Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen for a combined £36 million, while bringing in attacking midfielder Michael Olise from Reading for £10 million and Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher on a season-long loan to reinforce their squad.

Date, kick-off time and venue

This London Derby between Chelsea and Crystal Palace will kick off at 3 pm BST (British Summer Time) on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Stamford Bridge.

Where to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

As the Premier League returns to its original 3 pm scheduling format with the return of fans to stadiums, this match will not be televised live in the UK.

However, live commentary from talkSPORT will be available.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace team news

During Chelsea’s Super Cup victory on Wednesday, goalscorer Hakim Ziyech suffered what looked like a shoulder injury in the first half.

Manager Thomas Tuchel reacted to the incident stating, “If you take a player out during the first half, it is serious. It was unfortunate because he has been a very decisive player in the last games.”

New signing Romelu Lukaku is unavailable for the opening game due to a late registration so he will have to wait for next weeks clash against Arsenal.

Palace will be sweating on the fitness of recent signing Michael Olise, who has picked up an injury ahead of Saturday’s meeting.

While Eberechi Eze remains a major doubt after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained during training in May.

Loanee signing Conor Gallagher will also miss out due to facing his parent club.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace prediction

If Chelsea is to put in a title challenge, they will have to make an early-season marker.

They have enjoyed a successful pre-season, capturing the Super Cup and with the recent signing of Romelu Lukaku, they look like a phenomenal side with a world-class manager.

On the contrary, Crystal Palace is coming into the new season losing numerous experienced players. Andros Townsend, Mamadou Sahko and Patrick Van Aanholt have left a gaping hole from the previous regime.

Patrick Vieira has been backed in the transfer market but will need time and patience to execute his style and ideology in what is a transitional period for the club.

But, they face a confident Chelsea side who have been tipped to win the league by many.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0

Predicted Line-Up

Chelsea Predicted XI – (3-4-2-1)

E. Mendy, C.Azpilicueta, T.Silva, A.Rudiger, B.Chilwell, N.Kante, Jorginho, R.James, M.Mount, K.Havertz, T.Werner.

Crystal Palace Predicted XI – (4-4-2)

V.Guaita, N. Clyne, C. Kouyate, M. Guehi, T. Mitchell, J. Schlupp, J. Riedewald, J.McArthur, W.Zaha, J. Philippe Mateta, C.Benteke.

Betting Odds

Chelsea To Win: 1/4

Draw: 9/2

Crystal Palace to Win: 12/1

 

Newcastle United v West Ham United – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Newcastle will host David Moyes West Ham United at St.James Park at the opening weekend of the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

This game will mark the return of Premier League football for both Newcastle United and West Hame United

Newcastle United is coming into the game with a lot to prove after another mid-table finish, finishing on a whimper with 45 points, losing 17 games, more than they won (12).

On the other hand, West Ham United overachieved last season, finishing 6th and gaining a Europa League spot for the upcoming season. They will hope to go one step further this term.

Newcastle United Retrospective

Under Steve Bruce, Newcastle has been nothing short of awful to watch. While they did pull off the double over West Ham during last season. The Magpies were miles behind West Ham.

This season, Newcastle’s transfer business has been non-existent, and with the ongoing issue with the potential takeover still a negative cloud over the club.

Reports coming from the UK has reported that Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock will return to the club on a permanent basis after a successful loan last season for a fee in the region of £22-25 million.

Steve Bruce will need a good opening day performance and result to please the vocal Newcastle fans on their return to St.James’ Park.

West Ham United Retrospective

The Hammers enjoyed a surprisingly successful 2020/2021 season, finishing sixth, only missing out on Champions League football by 2 points.

David Moyes has turned a lot of people’s heads, turning West Ham from relegation favourites into European contenders.

Europa League qualification will mean Moyes and co will have to strengthen and keep their prized assists for the upcoming season.

They will hope to keep Declan Rice away from both Chelsea and Manchester United after it was reported he had turned down two contract offers.

Date, kick-off time and venue

This meeting between Newcastle United and West Hame United will kick off at 2 pm BST (British Summer Time) on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at St.James’ Park.

Where to watch Newcastle United vs West Ham United

TV Channel: This match will be televised live in the UK via Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with coverage starting at 1:00 pm.

Newcastle United vs West Ham United team news

For Newcastle, Steve Bruce will be without some key players for their opening game on Sunday.

Numerous players such as Martin Dubravka (ankle), Paul Dummett (calf) are doubts but could play, while Karl Darlow and Elliott Anderson are out due to groin issues.

Meanwhile, for West Ham, David Moyes will be without Angelo Ogbonna (thigh) and is currently being assessed. Arthur Masuaku (knee) is out while Manuel Lanzini is a doubt from a knock.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is also in contention to make his West Ham and Premier League debut.

Newcastle United vs West Ham United prediction

It has not been a successful summer transfer window for either side, with little money spent at the time being.

However, West Ham will be confident heading into this game with a better overall squad and less negativity surrounding the group of players and management.

Jesse Lingard is going to be a major loss for The Hammers, they should have enough going forward to beat The Magpies.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1

Predicted Line-Up

Newcastle United Predicted XI – (3-5-2)

K.Darlwo, F.Fernandez, C.Clark, E.Krafth, J.Shelvey, M.Ritchie, J.Murphy, M.Almiron, I.Hayden, A.Saint-Maximin, C.Wilson.

West Ham United Predicted XI – (4-2-3-1)

L.Fabianski, V.Coufal, I.Diop, C.Dawson, A.Cresswell, D.Rice, T.Soucek, S.Benrahma, A.Yarmolenko, P.Fornlas, M.Antonio

 

Betting Odds

Newcastle To Win: 11/5

Draw: 12/5

West Ham To Win: 23/20

 

Tuchel worried about league opener after Super League extra time

Chelsea lifted their first piece of silverware of the season after beating Villareal in the Super Cup after extra time

Blues’ manager Thomas Tuchel has told the press that extra time was the worst thing physically going into their first game of the season. Just three days after the final, Chelsea will face Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener.

The Super Cup finished 1-1 after 90 minutes with Hakim Ziyech and Gerard Moreno scoring. Extra time was a stalemate and the game was decided on penalties, where substitute Kepa Arrizabalaga made the winning save.

Tuchel has also said that winning the cup was the perfect message for the squad “mentally and psychologically.”

Speaking after the game, the Chelsea manager said:

“Physically this was the worst thing that could happen to us, playing extra time.

“Mentally, it was the best thing to happen. First, because there was no delay or playing it in four weeks. It was the moment we needed to start and that is why we choose the line-up.”

Tuchel’s lineup for his next game may include a few changes to the one that played the Super Cup final. Goalscorer Ziyech was forced off before halftime with a shoulder injury and is likely to be out for a few weeks.

Players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mateo Kovacic, and Trevoh Chalobah were also given rare starts in the final. There is a good chance that they will be left out for Tuchel’s preferred choices, Reece James, Jorginho, and Thiago Silva.

With Romelu Lukaku yet to confirm his return to Chelsea, it is unlikely that he will make an appearance on the pitch at the weekend.

Chelsea will mount their Premier League title charge on Saturday 14th at 15:00 in Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace.

 

Leicester Injury Update Ahead Of Season Opener

Leicester City FC manager Brendan Rodgers has given the media an injury update ahead of their first game of the season against Wolves on Saturday.

The Leicester boss discussed wing-back Timothy Castagne and centre-halves Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana.

Castagne will be assessed by the club’s medical team later this week.

Castagne suffered an eye injury while playing for Belgium at UEFA Euro 2020 this summer but is recovering well and may play a role for the Foxes before the first international break.

“We’re just going to make a final decision on Timothy tomorrow (Friday),” Rodgers said at LCFC Training Ground. “He’s trained well this week. He’s obviously been doing physical preparation work without joining in with the squad and then, this week, he’s joined in.

“He’s got his mask now that he feels comfortable in and he’s virtually done everything that he would want and we would want to see to participate in the game, so we’ll have a chat tomorrow after training, just to see how he feels, and then we’ll take from there.”

Evans is also expected to be close to returning after the first international break of 2021/22 after injuring his foot in the FA Cup final against Chelsea in May.

Rodgers noted that the plan for Evans’ return was always after the international break and that his fellow Northern Irishman is on course for that.

“The plan for him was always after the international break. He’s out doing multidirectional work and we’re just assessing the pain of that. The timeline for him is after the international break.”

Fofana is said to be recovering well after fracturing his right fibula this month in a pre-season friendly.

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

“He’s doing very well,” the 48-year-old said. “He’s back home, or coming back home, and he’s in great spirits. It’s hugely disappointing for him and for us. He’s had the operation and it’s gone very well. Now it’s all about his recovery, but he’s in good spirits and we’ll look forward to seeing him when he can come in.

“I think these injuries can be between four to seven or eight months, so we have to wait and see on that. With his ligaments, what we’re seeing there is that it’ll probably be a little longer [than first thought], but it’s still very early.”

Leicester City host Wolves at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, August 14th at 3 pm.

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.

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