Home Blog Page 330

Premier League new boys: Assessing the chances of Norwich City, Watford and Brentford

As the 2020-21 Premier League season draws close, Norwich City, Watford and Brentford are gearing up to fight for their survival. With most of the attention focused on the Premier League 2021/2022 winner odds, it’s always hard to know what to expect from the promoted sides with every new season.

Of course, for Norwich and Watford, it’s a chance to put right what went wrong in the 2019/20 campaign. Both sides were relegated at the end of that campaign, with neither able to show the quality needed to survive. By contrast, Brentford are tasting the giddy delights of the English top flight for the first time since the 1940s, and their goal will be to make the most of their return to the big time. Let’s have a look at each individual team’s chances.

Norwich City

Whilst Norwich played some beautiful football in their last spell in the Premier League, the reality was that they simply did not have enough quality to survive, particularly in defensive areas. Having stuck with Daniel Farke as the man in charge, it’ll be interesting to see how the German coach approaches this latest attempt at Premier League survival.

They’ve been dealt a blow this summer with the departure of midfielder Emiliano Buendía, but they have re-invested the money made from the sale by bringing in Pierre Lees Meloufrom Nice and Billy Gilmour on loan from Chelsea. Other acquisitions include winger Milot Rashica, centre-back Ben Gibson, left-back Dimitrios Giannoulis and goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

It’s hard to know how Norwich will fare, but their experiences from two years ago should stand them in better stead to deliver a solid attempt at survival. Just as in the 2019/20 campaign, they start their season against Liverpool, and that will be a good litmus test for their survival hopes.

Watford

Having spent five successive seasons in the Premier League, Watford’s relegation saw the club’s tendency towards managerial upheaval finally catch up with them. Nonetheless, they dusted themselves down last season under Xisco, and worked their way back into the top flight by winning automatic promotion from the Championship.

It’ll be interesting to see how long Xisco lasts, as the club’s hierarchy do not tolerate poor results, and Watford may be up against it in terms of their survival hopes — if the football betting tips are anything to go by. They’ve made a few decent signings this summer, including left-back Danny Rose from Tottenham on a free transfer, which could prove to be a shrewd bit of business.

Brentford

After agonisingly losing out in the play-off final at the hands of Fulham in the 2019/20 season, Brentford put things right by winning last season’s Wembley showpiece against Swansea City. Now, they have a maiden Premier League campaign to look forward to, with their brand-new stadium set to welcome a full crowd for the first time.

For Brentford, keeping their squad together has been the main aim, and they have largely done that. It will be interesting to see if striker Ivan Toney can continue his meteoric rise and hit the same goalscoring heights in the Premier League as he did in the Championship. Coach Thomas Frank will be relishing the chance to prove himself at the highest level, so don’t be surprised if Brentford pull up a few trees this season.

 

Rachael Blackmore, the Irish Horse Racing Prodigy!

Ireland is the most famous country in Europe for horse racing. The country has many racetracks.Some horse races are real events, and last between 3 days and a whole week! It’s customary to go celebrate the holidays by attending a horse race!

Betting on Horse Racing, a Trend in Ireland

In Ireland, a horse race is an opportunity to experience great moments! Pretty dresses, big hats, distinguished attire, and of course fervour and excitement are on the program of these races. The events are then numerous: obstacle course, flat race. Everything is good for having fun and admiring the prowess of Irish jockeys. If you are by nature a gamer, you should know that betting is possible at any racetrack in Ireland. One way to spice up the game a bit and make yourself happy. Sports Betting and horse racing betting (referred to as turf about the grass on which horses run) are increasingly popular.

The Most Popular Racetracks in Ireland

Some races have also become real institutions, like the one in Ballybrit, not far from Galway, where more than 150,000 people flock to the racetrack to fill up on adrenaline! Among the racetracks to see is the site of Layton in County Louth, where wonderful horse races are held on the county’s beaches. The beauty of the place and the surrounding effervescence make it an extraordinary and exceptional place. There is also Listowel in County Kerry. This racecourse is one of Ireland’s oldest horse racing venues, and the Irish love to race there. Atmosphere and strong emotions guaranteed.

Rachael Blackmore, First Irish Woman Jockey on the Prize List

Rachael Blackmore is an Irish jockey. In 2021, she became the first female jockey to win the prestigious English Grand National horse racing prize. This obstacle course has been the toughest horse show since 1927. No jockey and very few coaches imagined that a woman could ever win it. The obstacle gallop world awaited him with curiosity on May 23 at Auteuil, for the Grand Steeplechase de Paris. As a child, she wanted to be a veterinarian, used to her father’s farm in the heart of Irish County Tipperary, caring for animals and especially horses. Like all the Irish children in the countryside, she rode a pony. It is true that Rachael Blackmore had such a good disposition that she won all the local races as a teenager. What to forge a sacred mind and a solid confidence in his abilities. However, she did not lose sight of her vocation, encouraged by her teacher mother, delighted at the prospect of her daughter remaining in the rural world while escaping the hard constraints of farming life. Given her excellent skills in leading horses to victory, her university entourage began to push her to become a professional jockey. Without giving up her studies, she tried her luck as an amateur and won her first race at 20. Very quickly, the Irish woman impressed the male world of horse racing in Ireland. To the point of posting 320 victories to date in six years of racing, including the most prestigious of the obstacle courses on Sunday 10 April: The Grand National of Liverpool, a steeplechase. “It’s an achievement, it is impossible,” said coach Guillaume Macaire. A few weeks earlier, the young rider had won, under the colours of her head trainer, the Irish Henry de Bromhead, the Champion hurdle, aka the most prestigious British hurdle race, flagship race of the Cheltenham Festival considered by the profession as a kind of sector Olympics. Here too, a first for women, especially as she won four other races at this very high-level meeting.

Olympic Diving: Watson flips into semi-final

Team Ireland’s second diver was in action this morning as Tanya Watson took to the Tokyo Aquatic centre for the preliminary round

This was Watson’s debut at an Olympics Games at the age of 19. She finished seventh in the European Senior Championships so came with hopes of qualifying for the semi-final.

She took part in the women’s 10m platform dive preliminary rounds. The top 18 scoring athletes after five dives would make the next round tomorrow.

Earlier this week, Ireland’s Oliver Dingley took to the diving pool, Watson will want to improve on his disappointing finish.

To read more about Ireland in the Tokyo diving competition, click here.

Women’s 10m Platform – Preliminary Round

Watson was the third woman to take the platform. She began her set with a Back two and a half somersault, one and a half twist. She slightly over rotated which gave her a slightly bigger splash on entry than she would have wanted.

With a difficulty of 3.2 it was a tough first dive but paid off with her scoring 62.40, putting her joint 13th.

Next up she went for one of her easier dives, a Forward three and a half somersault. Other than the slightly big splash, she performed the 3.0 difficulty dive very well.

After round two the added score of 57.00, she was now in 14th.

Her next dive was a difficulty 2.9, Back two and half somersault. Holding a good pike position she only scored a 52.20, now she was placing 16th.

With two dives left, she attempted an Inward two and a half somersault. A clean tuck and good entry, she scored a well needed 60.20.

With just a single round left, Watson gave herself a great chance of qualifying still in 16th with 15 points to spare.

Watson finished with an Inward three and a half somersault with a 3.2 difficulty degree. Although the dive was not perfect, a score of 57.60 was enough to see the Irish woman through in 16th place with a total of 289.40 points.

The preliminary round has showed that this competition is going to be contested between China’s Hongchan Quan and Yuxi Chen,  and USA’s Delaney Schnell who blitzed the scoreboard.

The semi-final will take place at 02:00 tomorrow morning with the top 12 divers qualifying for the final.

GAA.ie Football Team Of The Week 3/8/2021

The GAA.ie Football Team of the Week for the Ulster and Leinster Senior Football Championship finals has been revealed.

Five players from the provincial champions, Dublin and Tyrone, make an appearance in the latest team of the week.

Three spots are awarded to Leinster runners-up Kildare who had some individual gems against Dublin on Sunday in Croke Park.

The final two spots are filled by Monaghan players after their spirited second-half display put Tyrone to the sword.

Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan is one-half of his county’s representatives and earned his spot in the team after a magnificent display in the Ulster final.

The sweeper-keeper offered a different option to Tyrone counterpart Niall Morgan’s high press on kick-outs.

The Scotstown star was the 15th outfield player for his side in their first Ulster final since 2015 as he pushed up the pitch and offered himself as an extra man high up the pitch.

His work rate was evident in the fantastic steal he pulled off on Tyrone full-forward Conor McKenna, who was charging down on a Beggan-less net.

His ability to commit to this role so well and the impact it had on Monaghan makes him deserving of a spot in the team.

Padraig Hampsey is in at right corner-back after he shut down Monaghan danger man Conor McManus on the big stage.

The Tyrone skipper was up to the task and restricted McManus to just one point from play.

His leadership to organise the defence in the closing stages were also evident once again – Tyrone’s backs have formed the standout defence of this year’s Championship.

Kildare’s Kevin Flynn and Daniel Flynn appear in the left wing-back and centre full-forward spots respectively.

The pair were integral in Kildare’s competitive nature for much of the game.

Kevin Flynn’s high work rate imposed his authority on the Dubs while Daniel Flynn’s scoring ability and his fantastic goal was worthy of selection.

Dublin duo Ciarán Kilkenny and Niall Scully scored important points in the pivotal third quarter of the Leinster final to put the game beyond doubt.

Some of their work in defence was of a high standard too.

GAA.ie Football Team Of The Week – 3/8/2021

  1. Rory Beggan (Monaghan)
  2. Padraig Hampsey (Tyrone)
  3. Mark Dempsey (Kildare)
  4. Conor Boyle (Monaghan)
  5. Brian Howard (Dublin)
  6. Kieran McGeary (Tyrone)
  7. Kevin Flynn (Kildare)
  8. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
  9. Conor Meyler (Tyrone)
  10. Cormac Costello (Dublin)
  11. Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
  12. Niall Scully (Dublin)
  13. Darren McCurry (Tyrone)
  14. Daniel Flynn (Kildare)
  15. Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)

Olympic Golf: Maguire & Meadows Preview, Tee Times & Odds

The women’s Olympic golf tournament will begin on Wednesday night and will include two Team Ireland athletes – Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow.

The tournament follows the men’s tournament, which saw Team Ireland narrowly miss out on a medal.

Leona Maguire will begin the tournament off the back of some top form in the LPGA Tour this year.

Stephanie Meadows, on the other hand, will be looking for a change in her fortunes in 2021 with seven cuts to her name this season – two of them at majors.

Both golfers will return to the Olympic scene, having represented Team Ireland at Rio 2016.

Maguire’s most recent round of golf was one that is tied for the lowest-ever score at a major from both male and female golfers.

The 26-year-old’s incredible final round at The Amundi Evian Championship shot her up the leaderboard into her best-ever final position at a major, tied-sixth.

This round of golf showcased what she is capable of and also continued her great vein of form.

After missing the cut twice in the space of a month, the Cavan native has completed five tournaments since June with her lowest final position being tied-15th.

Maguire will not have a cut to avoid this weekend as the women’s tournament does not have one this year and, if she continues her form, she could find herself chasing a medal on the final day.

However, she is only seen as 12th-favourite by the bookmakers, with Team USA’s Nelly Korda having the best odds at 7/1.

The former world number one amateur golfer will tee-off at 11:52 pm in a group with Bianca Pagdanganan of the Philippines and Finnish player Matilda Castren.

Stephanie Meadow will make her second appearance at an Olympic tournament in the early hours of Thursday morning as she goes out onto the course in search of a medal once again.

Meadow has had a poor 2021 season and will be hoping for some good luck throughout her weekend.

Her seven cuts in the season include five in the last two months and a span of four cuts in a row.

The 29-year-old will get her second Olympics campaign started at approximately 2:47 am and will be in a group with Taiwanese golfer Min Lee, competing under Chinese Taipei, and French professional Perrine Delacour.

Meadow will have the earlier tee time of the Team Ireland golfers in round two, teeing-off at 0:52 with Maguire doing so almost an hour later at 1:47 am.

Team Ireland Golf Tee Times

Round One

Leona Maguire – 11:52 pm

Stephanie Meadow – 2:47 am

Round Two

Stephanie Meadow – 0:52 am

Leona Maguire – 1:47 am

Odds

Leona Maguire – 20/1

Stephanie Meadow – 400/1

Olympic Equestrian: Three perfect runs sends Ireland to final

Team Ireland had three more riders and horses competing in the Jumping Individual Qualifiers in Tokyo this morning

These Irish athletes had high hopes of achieving good scores coming into this event. Darragh Kenny riding Cartello was first for Ireland, next was Bertram Allen on Pacino Amiro and lastly Cian O’Connor on Kilkenny. Shane Sweetnam riding Karlin

These three were competing against 70 other riders and horses at 19:00 in the Equestrian Park in Tokyo.

Ireland had some of the highest ranking riders in the competition and with the best 30 athletes qualifying for the final, we were right to be optimistic.

First up for Team Ireland was Kenny as the eighth athlete. The man from Offaly along with his horse, Cartello, were ranked eighth in the world.

As he completed the course, it was clear why he was so highly ranked. He finished his run with zero penalties in the fastest, at the time, of 82.01 seconds. It was great to see how he rode with speed, style and tenacity to leave his mark on the opening round.

Eventually, Kenny had his position cemented as the second fastest going into the final.

Next up was Ireland’s youngest showjumper, Allen rode in 16th. He Enniscorthy man, riding Pacino Amiro was ranked in 29th in the world in early July.

He continued Ireland’s stellar form as he made another perfect run. He finished with zero penalties and only three seconds slower than Kenny to make him the second faster rider so far.

This was a major task for the young man and it was important for him perform strongly on his Olympic debut. His place in the final was quickly confirmed  and he may even be in with a shout for a medal finishing as sixth fastest today.

Lastly for the Irish was O’Connor riding in 25th on horse, Kilkenny. Many will remember the Meath man for his comeback bronze medal in London 2012, making Ireland’s only equestrian medallist at this Games.

He took a slightly more cautious approached than his teammates but managed to complete Ireland clean sheet for the opening session. He finished the course in a time of 88.66 seconds leaving him in good standing to reach the final.

O’Connor had to wait until late in the competition until his place was secured but he made it as one of those with zero penalty points.

The three Irish riders had an agonising wait as almost 50 more riders had their turn before their positions were confirmed.

Team GB’s Ben Maher riding Explosion W finished as the fastest qualifier while Israel’s Ashlee Bond on Donatello 141 was third behind Kenny.

The final will take place in the Equestrian Park tomorrow morning, Wednesday 4th August. This will start at 11:00 Irish time.

Team Ireland Sprinter Leon Reid Bows Out At Semi-Finals

Team Ireland sprinter Leon Reid has finished his Tokyo 2020 Olympic campaign after a seventh-place run in the semi-finals of the Men’s 200m event on Tuesday afternoon.

Reid was in a heat with Canadian speedster and Men’s 100m bronze medalist Andre De Grasse as well as Team USA’s Kenneth Bednarek and Eswatini native Sibusiso Matsenjwa, who got a second chance in the heats after a false start.

The Team Ireland athlete crossed the line in a time of 20.54 – just outside of the season-best he set in the heats on Tuesday morning.

Speaking to RTÉ after the race, Reid spoke of his disappointment at not being able to reach the final.

“It wasn’t enough,” the English-born Irish sprinter said. “I felt good but, I don’t know, that must be where I am right now.”

His almost-identical time to his run in the final heat was not enough to qualify for a place in the Men’s 200m final.

De Grasse on the heat with a time of 19.73 with Bednarek crossing the line in second after 19.83 seconds.

Jereem Richards rounded out the top three in the heat with a time of 20.10 – almost half a second faster than Reid.

The Menapians athlete backed up the season-best that he had set earlier on Tuesday but lamented that he wanted to go faster.

“I just wanted to go a little bit quicker, even if it was 20.4, it’s quite frustrating to be honest.”

He started the race strong once again but fell away after the bend in a race where the cream rose to the top.

“I didn’t have that kick and rhythm that I usually have [off the bend], so I just couldn’t turn over and go again.”

Reid will return home following his exit from the only event he had qualified and he will now focus on what lies ahead and the next Olympics, Paris 2024.

South Africa Side For Third Lions Test Announced

South Africa has announced the side that will face the Lions in the third and final test of the series this weekend.

The squad includes two changes to personnel and a positional switch in his starting XV for the final test.

2019 World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph Du Toit and scrum-half Faf De Klerk are both out of the series decider through injury.

Franco Mostert moves to flanker to cover for Du Toit while Montpellier scrum-half Cobus Reinack comes into the side in place of De Klerk, who has been ruled out due to a muscle strain in his leg.

Lock Lood de Jager is drafted into the starting XV to take Mostert’s original position.

Inside centre Damian de Allende will become the third Springbok in the Castle Lager Lions Series to reach the career milestone of 50 Test caps when he starts in Saturday’s decider in Cape Town.

De Allende will be paired with Lukhanyo Am and the duo in midfield.

Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe will play on the wings once again with Willie Le Roux offering support for them at full-back.

Jasper Wiese wears the number eight shirt for the second week running in the series and South Africa captain Siya Kolisi and Mostert will combine with him to form the back row.

De Jager will be joined by Eben Etzebeth in the second row while the front row will consist of Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe.

Head coach Jacques Nienaber opted to name three backs on the bench, with fly-half Morné Steyn joining Herschel Jantjies and Damian Willemse in the matchday 23.

It is the second time in the series that the coach has gone for a 5:3 split on the bench.

Springbok Squad v British & Irish Lions Third Test
15 – Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 64 caps
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse) – 16 caps
13 – Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks) – 17 caps
12 – Damian de Allende (Munster) – 49 caps
11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks) – 16 caps
10 – Handré Pollard (vice-captain, Montpellier) – 51 caps
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 15 caps
8 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 2 caps
7 – Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 42 caps
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 53 caps
5 – Lood de Jager (Sale Sharks) – 47 caps
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Toulon) – 88 caps
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 41 caps
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (DHL Stormers) – 39 caps
1 – Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers) – 50 caps

Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 36 caps
17 – Trevor Nyakane (Vodacom Bulls) – 45 caps
18 – Vincent Koch (Saracens) – 22 caps
19 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps
20 – Kwagga Smith (Yamaha Júbilo) – 9 caps
21 – Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers) – 13 caps
22 – Morné Steyn (Vodacom Bulls) – 66 caps
23 – Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 9 caps

Bundee Aki Set For Lions Test Debut As Squad Announced

The British and Irish Lions squad for the third and final test against South Africa has been announced with six changes to the side that lost 27-9.

Connacht centre Bundee Aki is handed a Lions test debut at inside centre with Henshaw occupying the number 13 shirt.

Munster scrum-half is dropped to the bench as Scotland’s Ali Price comes back into the team.

Wyn Jones returns to the starting XV after recovering from injury and makes his test debut for the side.

His Wales teammate Ken Owens also joins him in the side at hooker, coming in for England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie.

Liam Williams steps in for full-back Stuart Hogg and is joined in the back three by Wales winger Josh Adams, who earns his Lions test debut in place of Anthony Watson, and Duhan Van Der Merwe.

Dan Biggar stays at fly-half and will play alongside the aforementioned Ali Price.

The back five of the pack is unchanged with Jack Conan, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes, Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje all keeping their spots in the side.

Jones will earn his 12th consecutive test start for the British and Irish Lions and the player moves up to joint-third on the all-time appearances list, joining Irishman Mike Gibson and Welsh prop Graham Price.

Tadhg Furlong will make his sixth successive test start for the Lions at tighthead to round out the front row.

Adam Beard, Finn Russell and Sam Simmonds will feature in the matchday 23 for a Lions test for the first time.

Owen Farrell is out of a Lions test 23 for the first time since 2013 and Tadhg Beirne also misses out on a spot in the squad.

British and Irish Lions Squad v South Africa – Third Test

L Williams (Wales); J Adams (Wales), R Henshaw (Ireland), B Aki (Ireland), D van der Merwe (Scotland); D Biggar (Wales), A Price (Scotland); W Jones (Wales), K Owens (Wales), T Furlong (Ireland); M Itoje (England), A W Jones – captain (Wales); C Lawes (England), T Curry (England), J Conan (Ireland).

Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie (England), M Vunipola (England), K Sinckler (England) – subject to the outcome of his disciplinary hearing, A Beard (Wales), S Simmonds (England), C Murray (Ireland), F Russell (Scotland), E Daly (England).

Why should we bet online with W88?

W88 is one of the biggest online betting sites on the web. Playing W88 online has plenty of advantages for bettors.

Why W88?

Betting has been considered to be one of the oldest and most traditional ways of earning quick money. Putting your luck on the test and you can win millions in a day. Today, with the advancement of technology, it is possible and easy for bettors to bet online. With W88, no matter where you are from, you can simply register with W88 and play online betting on the website from your home. Betting online with W88 is super simple and convenient. It also doesn’t require you to have any special technical knowledge. That’s why the online betting website has become popular all around the world.

W88 is a trustworthy betting websites

Betting online is one of the best ways to earn a huge amount of money and might change your life. However, it is really important to do online research before selecting a trustworthy betting site. As online betting is very popular, you can find many websites with exciting betting offers. But you need to be aware that a lot of things on the internet are fake. So it can be risky for you to put sensitive information such as your credit card details or any other personal banking information. You may end up losing a huge amount of money from your bank account or credit card.

When it comes to choosing the best online betting platforms, W88 is the best choice for you. It offers a simple approach to create some quite good sum of money via the net. With a variety of internet casino games, sports betting,…and its reputation, W88 will not disappoint its customers.

What should you know when betting with W88?

As a player, you will be allowed to play the slot. The characteristics are broadly described so you will quickly become knowledgeable about them. Also, you can observe the way sport is played so you can be more confident with the forthcoming games. If you are looking forward to playing the best casino games, the website provides reviews on the internet casino games so you can take a look at it. 

When it comes to Poker in Cryptologic, you can wager only a single coin per game instead of using five coins as others. A lot of players are really interested in playing the slots because they are provided a pretty good payout for only a couple of spins. If you’re a newcomer, you should choose Lucky Bombers-a slot sport that is user-friendly and simple to navigate. Other slot sports that are ideal for beginners and not too difficult to navigate is Cherry Bomb or Fortune Dice. 

In W88, everyone will be given the opportunity to go through the slot games, even if you are not a member. When you get to know the slot game, you will quickly be attracted to it. To play a slot, you just need to click on the twist button or the significant game. If you want to increase your online gaming experience, you can try Big Small which is just another lucrative game for those who are into high-class live casino online gaming. 

It is fun to bet online with W88

Additionally, there are a lot of options when it comes to online casino games or sports betting. You will have fun no matter which game you choose to play. All you need to do is to pick the event that you wish to place a wager on the amount of money you don’t mind losing. Apart from football, which is the most popular sport in the world, there are other sports you can bet on such as basketball, volleyball, baseball, rugby, cricket… However, keep in mind that betting on cricket isn’t simple. You will be using Bitcoin so any profit you get will depend on the value of Bitcoin. Also, you need to pay attention when it comes to betting on horses. For example, when you bet on a horse that you believe it can be a winner, you need to search for its value.

With W88, nothing is impossible. Register and have fun with one of the most trustworthy online betting sites.

 

1...329330331...609Page 330 of 609

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie