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England 2-1 Denmark Euro 2020 Player Ratings

England Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford – 6

Pickford had a mixed game here, throughout the tournament he was ever so reliable, not conceding a goal before this game. He was beaten by Damsgaard’s stunning free-kick, he probably should have got a hand to it at second glance, he made some decent saves but his kicking game and passing looked off.

Kyle Walker – 7

Ran like a mad man throughout the game, giving it his all for the cause and showcased his greatest attribute, his speed. Solid down his flank defensively, but didn’t offer much going forward as Denmark were rigid in their structure.

Harry Maguire – 8

The much-maligned £80 million centre-back has been the butt of jokes since he signed for Man United in 2019. However, he has been nothing short of phenomenal at the back for England this tournament. His ball progression was great, he played as an experienced international should play in a game like this. He carried the ball out from the back with confidence, although his pace was questioned at times, his positioning and heading were picture perfect.

John Stones – 6

Never really putting his stamp of approval on the game, he didn’t really make any mistakes bar one mistimed clearance that led to nothing. Other than that, he was the pace to help out Maguire.

Luke Shaw – 7

Although he did give away the free-kick that led to Denmark’s goal, he played as well as he could down his flank. Making good runs all throughout the game, his ball delivery still needs some work but that could be down to Denmark being stubborn in their defence.

Declan Rice – 8

A real leader in the midfield two, Rice’s partnership with Phillips has been nothing short of consistent. He acted with aggression in his tackling and had a much better second-half than his opening 45 minutes.

Kalvin Phillips – 8

The longer the game went, Phillips got better and better, like Rice he struggled in the first half due to Denmark controlling the middle of the park. Once England went a goal down, he grew in confidence, stifling the Danes to very little goal scoring opportunities.

Mason Mount – 6

Started with intent in the first few minutes, but faded in and out throughout the game and struggled to make an impact. His dribbling and control were still positive and he shielded the ball well to let his teammates get forward, he looked off the pace.

Bukayo Saka – 8

Saka was a standout in the forward line for Gareth Southgate’s side. He looked eager to get on the ball and when he got on the ball he was hard to stop. Running at the Danish defence numerous times trying to make things happen. He was getting outmuscled by Vestergaard at times but his tricky and pace gave him an edge.

Raheem Sterling – 7

England’s player of the tournament so far had a controversial night, to say the least. Missing a guilt edge chance that was saved by Schmeichel just after they went a goal down. Before getting in the right position to make Kjaer score his own goal.

His night was topped off with the controversial penalty awarded during extra-time. It looked like he played for the penalty, with minimal contact.

Harry Kane – 7

From his earlier performances, Kane was invisible throughout the group stage before coming to life against Germany, Ukraine and now Denmark, scoring 4 goals and getting the winner from the penalty spot to send England through to their first major tournament final since 1966.

His passing game is truly at a world-class level for a striker and was involved throughout. Testing Schmeichel numerous times. He scuffed his penalty but luckily the rebound was there to be finished.

SUBS

Jack Grealish – 6

The debates around Jack Grealish will never be settled, but what cannot be denied is his impact off the bench. He brought a sudden surge of energy after he came on during a time when the game slowed down. He created a chance for Kane during the final seconds of the 90 minutes, before being subbed off again to see out the game in extra time.

Phil Foden – 5

Didn’t do much when he replaced Mason Mount. Struggled to get on the ball as much.

Jordan Henderson – 6

Brought in late during extra time. He was just what England needed to see out the rest of the game.

Kieran Trippier – 6

Brought in for the final 15 minutes of extra-time, he gave fresh legs and saw out the game perfectly.

 

Denmark Player Ratings

Kasper Schmeichel – 9

Easily Denmark’s best player this tournament, he made some crucial saves throughout the full 120 minutes. He made himself big enough to deny Sterling from close range twice and parried away shots from Mount, before making a fingertip save from Maguire from a header.

Saved Kane’s penalty but was unlucky with the rebound.

Jannick Vestergaard – 8

Commanding as ever at the heart of the Danish defence. He neutralised Saka for most of the first half but tired as the game went on. He won his battle with Kane, winning nearly every ball in the air and stopped him from creating much.

Simon Kjaer – 7

The Danish captain was unlucky with his own goal but looked nervous as soon as the game started with a terrible backpass. As the game carried on he looked comfortable and limited England’s set-piece opportunities.

Andreas Christensen – 7

The Chelsea man has had a great tournament, but looked tired in this game and ended up coming off with what looks like another hamstring injury after an excellent interception where he stretched to deny England from breaking.

Joakim Maehle – 5

Not a memorable night for the full-back, beaten for pace numerous times and run ragged by Sterling, he never looked comfortable. His tackling was off as shown by having to drag down Saka in the first half.

Was at fault for the penalty, even though the contact was minimal and Sterling was already going down, but he should have been aware to not get into that position.

Thomas Delaney – 6

Was a strong performer in the midfield, won most of his battle with Phillips before being substituted in the 88th minute.

Jens Stryger Larsen – 6

Passing was on point, providing pinpoint accurate passes to start attacks out wide. Done well against pacey wingers when marking out the flanks.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 8

The Tottenham man played a blinder in this game. Tackling was exceptional and was often in the right place at the right time to break the play with his interceptions.

Kasper Dolberg – 6 

One of the standouts in this tournament, scoring three important goals leading into this game. Other than that he was rarely seen throughout the 90 minutes. Making a few nice short passes but never threatening.

Mikell Damsgaard – 9

Scoring a world-class free-kick to give Denmark the lead, his running in behind the English back-line was a point of concern almost immediately.

He should have done better after Pickford’s terrible pass but other than that, he played with no fear.

Martin Braithwaite – 7

Came deep often to try and make something happen when Denmark’s attacking threat dried up. Had some good moments of movement, making space for balls in behind that troubled the English defence before almost scoring an equaliser in extra time.

SUBS

Yussuf Poulsen – 5

His hold-up play was causing England issues when he came on for Damsgaard close to 70 minutes. Gave Stones another thing to think about but was ultimately ineffective. Picked up a yellow after blatantly bringing down Maguire.

Daniel Wass – 4

The only thing of note was his booking straight after coming on close to 70 minutes.

Christian Norgaard – 5

Was lucky not to give away a penalty on Harry Kane for an earlier foul. Done nothing off note.

Joachim Andersen – 5

Replaced the injured Andreas Christensen for the remainder of the game. Had very little impact.

Mathias Jensen – 4

Forced off due to injury in extra time, but caused problems for his own team, leaving space for Sterling to get in behind and his positioning was lacking.

Jonas Wind – 3

Played very little to make an impact.

Lions To Play Sharks Again On Saturday

The British and Irish Lions are expected to play the Cell C Sharks for the second time this week on Saturday at 5 pm Irish time.

The two sides lined up against each other on Wednesday night in a one-sided affair that saw Warren Gatland’s touring side run out 54-7 winners in Ellis Park.

SA Rugby and the Lions have agreed to replace the Vodacom Bulls with the Cell C Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (kick-off 18h00 SAT, 17h00 BST), after the former was ruled out because of COVID-19 infections.

The Lions beat the Cell C Sharks 54-7 at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Wednesday in the second match of the Castle Lager Lions Series. The tourists had opened their account at the same venue with a 56-14 victory over the Sigma Lions on Saturday.

“The choice of the Cell C Sharks was dictated by the fact that they have been in a bubble, have returned negative tests throughout and were prepared to take on the fixture,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

“No other team in the country could meet those conditions right now – without going into a five-day lockdown. It is not an ideal situation, but COVID-19 has made sure that we do not live in an ideal world.”

The change has meant that the Cell C Sharks’ match against the Sigma Lions in the Carling Currie Cup on Saturday has been cancelled with a decision on the points allocation to be confirmed.

“We’re very grateful to the Sharks for agreeing to play us again this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld,” said Lions managing director Ben Calveley.

“We have further COVID-19 testing scheduled for today and tomorrow. The results of those tests will determine whether we will be able fulfil this fixture, but, as it stands, we are optimistic.

“We remain committed to the Tour in South Africa and determined to rise to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The possibility of the second game against the Sharks going ahead is subject to PCR test results from the squads.

The Lions, who put eight tries past the Sharks in their recent game, will undergo testing today and tomorrow but expect to be able to play at the weekend.

The story of the Lions’ tour to South Africa has been big wins and positive cases so far, with the South African national team having to cancel their second test against Georgia because of cases in both camps.

Their first match ended in a convincing 40-9 win after the Springboks snuck into the lead at the end of a tight first half.

South Africa is currently scheduled to field an ‘A’ side against the Lions on Wednesday, July 14th.

It remains to be seen how strong a team the South Africans will be able to field in that fixture.

The Lions will look to another fixture against the Sharks this weekend and are expected to play against the ‘A’ side, as mentioned above, and the DHL Stormers before playing the first test against the Springboks.

With cases in multiple camps and the test only two weeks away, the thought of a three-game test series between the two sides that would be unaffected by COVID-19 gets less convincing by the day.

To see the Lions’ fixture list for the tour, click here.

Interview with Olympic swimmer Finn McGeever

“It was a nice reward for all the training you’re doing to be able to say that you went to the Europeans Juniors and the same goes for if I make it to the Olympics. It’s the best reward one can get from their sport.”

Finn McGeever is a 20-year-old University of Limerick student. He is in his second year of studying Maths and Physics and he has now qualified for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.

Finn has been part of the National Transition swimming squad in Limerick for a few years, reaching the European Junior Championships in 2018 in Helsinki, Sweden. Now, he is weeks away from being part of Irelands Olympic team as part of the 4x200m relay in freestyle swimming.

With the help of his coaches Mickey McCarthy and John Suranic, Finn, along with his squad in Limerick, trains nine times a week, mornings, and evenings.

“It’s you and your three friends and you’re lining up in a call room. And there’s all these other countries from around the world, four from every country … you’ve got your three guys to trust and everyone else is the enemy.”

All the hard work has paid off

It has been a hard road for Finn to reach this level of swimming, less than two years ago he broke his left arm, and a bad run of form before the pandemic made him think that he was “nearly ready to hang up the hat and goggles.”

When the lockdown was enforced on the country, swimmers could not train so Finn was able to get a break from the constant sport.

By practicing from home with a punching bag and Zoom classes with his teammates and coaches, as well as swimming in the Lough Derg with his mother, Roisin, Finn was able to find his form and his speed.

“Before when I was swimming bad, swimming was just my entire life. I was in college and I wasn’t going out much because of swimming and I just think it was the wrong decision. A happy swimmer is a fast swimmer, so I learned to enjoy myself.”

What is it like on a relay team?

To make the Irish relay team, Finn had to stay in the top four freestyle swimmers in the country. The Irish team qualified for the Olympics after receiving an invitation for two athletes from FINA.

Although the four men who make this team all train in different parts of the country, they will be expected to get to know each other and work together by Tokyo in August.

“I want to place top four but at the same time I want top four to be really fast … It will be a transition from seeing each other as opponents to seeing each other as teammates at the Olympics.”

What will the Olympics hold for the young swimmer?

There were concerns about how this Olympics would go ahead during the pandemic, if events would be downsized to lower the numbers there.

Finn is choosing to block out these thoughts. In Japan, he will focus on fixing his sleep schedule and keeping his swimming form.

Finn’s mindset towards swimming has changed, he understands that he has earned the recognition he has gotten.

“Duncan Scott, I could end up swimming against him or swimming beside him … that’s cool, I think maybe a year ago that would have been scary, but I’ve just changed my way of thinking. I have earned the right to be here, I could embrace the challenge and see how close I can get to him.”

The young swimmer’s personal best speed for the 200m freestyle in just over 1m 49secs, about seven seconds shy of the world record by Paul Biedermann.

Growing up Finn didn’t follow swimming and took inspiration from watching the older swimmers in his club at training.

“It’s all good and well saying Michael Phelps, this crazy superhuman motivated me but the main people who motivated me were the older swimmers who I trained with because they were there every day, moving me on.”

He has an even brighter future after the Olympics

The future seems bright for the young swimmer. Experts say that swimmers reach their peak between 24 and 28 so Finn has a lot of time to keep improving.

“I’m just hopeful anyway for the future of my swimming just because things are kind of going well and when this is happening, sport almost feels like you can’t be stopped. It just feels great.”

“Next year, when the season starts in September, I think it could be an opportunity for some exciting things to be done, in terms of different strokes and maybe trying to get a record under my belt.”

Last month Finn shocked himself by breaking the 400m Irish freestyle record, to read more about it click here

Ireland Name Squad To Face USA

Ireland have named the matchday 23 that will take on the USA on Saturday, July 10th at 7:15 pm in Dublin.

The side is less experienced than the one that played Japan last week.

Eight uncapped players make the squad with four of them starting – all four uncapped starters are Ulster players.

Dave Kilcoyne and Ronan Kelleher start once again with Ulster prop Tom O’Toole earning his first cap alongside them at tighthead prop.

James Ryan will captain the side once again with Leinster teammate Ryan Baird beside him in the second row.

Caelan Doris is the most experienced player in the Ireland back row with eight caps to his name.

Nick Timoney will make his Ireland debut at openside flanker while Gavin Coombes makes will also make his first start for the boys in green.

Munster’s Craig Casey is also set to make his first start for Ireland at scrum-half with Joey Carbery beside him in the number 10 role.

Carbery is starting his second consecutive game for Ireland since being out of the squad for two years.

Veteran Stuart McCloskey will partner with Ulsterman James Hume for the first time at the international level.

Andrew Conway returns to the Irish starting lineup and is part of a back three, including Hugo Keenan and debutant winger Robert Baloucoune.

The bench includes four uncapped players and the eight players have a collective total of 29 caps between them, with tighthead Finlay Bealham having a personal tally of 15.

The game will be televised live on RTÉ 2.

Ireland Team V USA

Backs

15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster) 12 caps
14. Robert Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster) uncapped
13. James Hume (Banbridge/Ulster) uncapped
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster) 5 caps
11. Andrew Conway (Garryowen/Munster) 24 caps
10. Joey Carbery (Clontarf/Munster) 23 caps
9. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster) 2 caps

Forwards
1. Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 44 caps
2. Ronan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster) 12 caps
3. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster) uncapped
4. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster) 4 caps
5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster) 36 caps captain
6. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster) 8 caps
7. Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster) uncapped
8. Gavin Coombes (Young Munster/Munster) 1 cap
Replacements
16. Dave Heffernan (Buccaneers/Connacht) 5 caps
17. Ed Byrne (UCD/Leinster) 5 caps
18. Finlay Bealham (Buccaneers/Connacht) 15 caps
19. Fineen Wycherley (Young Munster/Munster) uncapped
20. Paul Boyle (Buccaneers/Connacht) uncapped
21. Caolin Blade (Galwegians/Connacht) uncapped
22. Harry Byrne (Lansdowne/Leinster) uncapped
23. Will Addison (Enniskillen/Ulster) 4 caps

Japan call state of emergency weeks before opening of Tokyo 2020

Japan’s prime minister, Yoshihide Suga has declared a state of emergency in Tokyo that will be enforced during the Olympics

The host city for the postponed Olympic Games is struggling to cope with a quick rise in Covid19 cases again.

This response from Japan’s leader will probably lead to there being no spectators at any sporting events. They had already announced weeks ago that there would be 10,000 or 50 percent capacity at every venue but they will likely have to backtrack on this decision.

They had also already decided months ago, in the interest of safety, that no overseas spectators would be allowed at the events.

The state of emergency was announced after Tokyo reported 912 new Covid19 infections, their highest total since the 13th of May.

This will be Tokyo’s fourth state of emergency over the course of the pandemic. It will begin on Monday, just 11 days from the start of the Olympics.

Mr. Suga said at the announcement today:

“Taking into consideration the effect of coronavirus variants and the need to prevent infections from spreading to the rest of the nation again. We need to strengthen our countermeasures.

“Given the situation, we will issue a state of emergency for Tokyo.”

The Japanese people are not happy with how Mr. Suga and his political party have dealt with the pandemic. They performed badly at the latest metropolitan assembly elections last weekend.

The Olympic Committee and the Japanese Organisation Committee would still want the Games to take place. The country has already put a lot of money into the tournament, including a new $1.4 billion national stadium.

Only 15 percent of Japan’s population is currently vaccinated.

The athletes traveling to the games are left unsure if this will be safe or if it will fully go ahead.

To find out who is on Team Ireland for Tokyo 2020, click here

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How Do Premises Liability Injury Cases Work?

Premises liability refers to the potential legal responsibility of a property operator or owner for injuries resulting from unsafe conditions on the property. Premises liability cases may exist in nearly all types of structures or spaces, and accidents may involve swimming pools, falling equipment, inadequate security, fires, slips and falls, and construction sites. 

Simply getting injured on another person’s property does not automatically make the property owner liable, nor does property being in an unsafe condition. How then do you know whether you have a valid premise liability claim? Here is a guide on how such cases work.

What to Prove in a Premises Liability Case

Elements of premises liability laws vary in various states; therefore, it is essential to confirm your jurisdiction’s laws. However, there are general factors that my plaintiff will have to prove:

  • The defendant leased, occupied, or owned the property
  • Negligence of the defendant
  • You got harmed
  • The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in the event that caused the harm

Relationship of the Defendant and Property 

To set a proper premises liability case, it should be clear that the occupier, lessee, or owner had a duty to inspect their property, and ensure that it’s in a reasonably safe and sound condition-based on the intended use of the property. The first aspect is proving the defendant’s relationship with the property gave rise to such a responsibility. 

Negligence of the Defendant in Their Use of the Property    

Civil courts use the legal concept of negligence to hold people accountable for the unintentional harm caused to others. When considering a premise liability case, think about whether the person at fault failed to achieve the standard of care that the particular situation required.

A defendant must warn you of any latent and known dangers you are unaware of and could not possibly discover them yourself. The duty extends to all risks that the defendants should have known of, had they exercised a reasonable amount of care to their premises.

You Suffered an Injury

Whether it was a slip and fall or any other kind of injury, you must show that you got injured for the liability to be worth a claim. You can prove injury by your testimony along with the testimony of any other treating doctors. Once you get a personal injury lawyer, they will present to the court the extent of your medical treatment, its expenses, and how the injuries and ongoing treatment will affect the various aspects of your life.

The Defendant’s Negligence as a Substantial Element in the Causation of Your Injury

Even with all other factors constant, a premise liability case would be incomplete without the relation of your injury to the defendant’s negligence. The harm you suffered should be reasonably foreseeable in light of the action that the defendant did or failed to do. Ideally, the defendant’s negligence must not be the only cause of injury, but it has to have materially contributed to your injury. 

Many people tend to give up on their claim when the defendant’s negligence was just a contributing factor in the confusion of whether they are liable. Before concluding, seek the services of a lawyer and explain your circumstances to them.

Seek Settlement for Your Premise Liability Case

Premise liability cases are vast and could range from snow and ice accidents, defective conditions in a premise, dog bites, fires, toxic fumes or chemicals, water leaks, flooding, inadequate maintenance, and elevator accidents. When you find yourself injured, take down everything that occurred, leading to your accident and after. Next, seek the advice of a personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement from the premise owner. Your lawyer will walk you through the options.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

UFC 264 – Poirier vs. McGregor 3 – Preview, Predictions, Betting, TV Coverage

Dustin Poirier will face off against the Notorious Conor McGregor in the highly-anticipated trilogy set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas this Saturday.

After McGregor was shockingly dispatched by the Diamond in the second round of their rematch back in January, the Irishman has a lot to prove coming into this fight, which is one of the biggest trilogy match-ups in UFC history.

In the Welterweight Division, Stephen ”Wonderboy” Thompson will face off against number four ranked Gilbert Burns.

While Bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley will try to continue his form with a win over newcomer Kris Moutinho.

Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor

Back in January, Mcgregors return to the octagon was meant to be a monumental occasion for the Irishman. Signed to a fight with a man he already humiliated back in 2014, most assumed he would repeat his feat and stop Dustin in the first round, dust himself off and set up the rematch with Khabib.

Wrong! Not only was Conor stopped, but he looked void of ideas, respect and one-dimensional in his approach. From the start of the first round, McGregor was neutralised with Poirier’s debilitating calf kicks, limiting his mobility and from doing so, took away McGregor’s power and fluidity that he is synonymous with.

This is the first time since his iconic 2016 fighting season since McGregor has competed more than once. Logging a mere 40 seconds in 40 months prior to his second bout with Poirier.

With his second fight in one year coming up, and with the same opponent. Should a fully re-focused and re-energised McGregor appear, Poirier will be in trouble.

Dustin on the other hand is a great spot coming into this fight, confident, knowing what he did to McGregor last time will be an advantage. He was able to withstand that left hand that knocked him out in 2014, but that was at Featherweight and neither man is the same fighter they were 7 years ago.

Since his defeat to McGregor all those years ago, Dustin has been on an incredible run of the Lightweight Division, boasting a 7-1 record, only losing to Khabib. He is by far the best Lightweight on the planet as it stands.

Many questions about both fighters will be answered come Sunday morning but with everything on the line for McGregor, if he loses two fights in a row for the first time in his career, his time as an elite fighter will be over.

Last 5 Fights:

Dustin Poirier: WWLWW

Conor McGregor: LWLWW

Prediction: Dustin Poirier by 3rd Round TKO

Betting: 

McGregor: EVS

Poirier: 4/5

Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson

Two of the best Welterweight contenders will meet in the octagon on Saturday night to lay claim to the next title shot. With the fight being labelled ”Jiu-Jitsu vs Karate”.

Burns is coming into this fight after getting his first title shot in February against champion Kamaru Usman. The teammates turned rivals had a competitive bout before ”The Nigerian Nightmare” composed himself and showed why he is the pound for pound best fighter in the world, stopping Burns in the thrid-round.

He faces a veteran in Stephen Thompson, who is also hoping to get that shot at gold. Wonderboy came close on two occasions during his duology with former champion Tyron Woodley in 2016 and 2017 but came away empty-handed.

His form after them two brawls saw the riddle that is Wonderboy saw him outclass Jorge Masvidal before losing to Darren Till by decision and then being knocked out cold by Anthony Pettis.

The 38-year-old looked as if his time was up, but has come back with wins over Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal to re-establish himself as a main contender in the stacked 170-pound division.

Wonderboy is the only man in the top 5 who has not challenged Usman yet, a win over Burns will earn him a spot closer to what would surely be his last chance at capturing UFC gold.

A win for either man will earn them a shot, and with contenders coming and going at Welterweight. This fight could set up a Hollywood finish for the end of the year.

Last 5 Fights:

Gilbert Burns: LWWWW

Stephen Thompson: WWLLW

Prediction: Stephen Thompson by Decision

Betting:

Burns: 6/5

Thompson: 4/6

Tai Tuivasa vs. Greg Hardy

The Heavyweight Divison in the UFC is returning to its former glory as of late and with Australian brawler, Tai Tuivasa returning after his TKO win over Harry Hunsucker back in March. He will face the American footballer turned mixed martial artist to boost his way up the rankings.

Tuivasa started off his UFC career with a 100% record, before hitting a purple patch of three defeats by finish, decision and submission. Coming back after a year on the sidelines and winning his next two fights.

Hardy on the other hand looks out of his depth at times. Losing his last fight by TKO to Marcin Tybura in a mediocre affair. A win over Tuivasa will grant him higher opposition in the future.

Last 5 Fights

Tai Tuivasa: WWLLL

Greg Hardy: LWWLNC

Prediction: Tai Tuivasa by First Round KO

Betting:

Tuivasa: 8/11

Hardy: 11/10

Irene Aldana vs. Yana Kunitskaya

Top 10 Bantamweight challengers Irene Aldana will face off against Russian wrestler Yana Kunitskaya to skyrocket up the rankings.

Number 6 ranked Aldana will hope to get back to winning ways after being outmuscled by former champion Holly Holm back in October of last year.

The Mexican came into the fight winning 5 of her 6 bouts, mostly by decision and with a rare KO.

Russian Kunitskaya is on a two-fight win streak, both by decision. She looked unstoppable in both of those wins. Deservedly rising up the rankings and a win over Aldana should put her in the top 5.

Last 5 Fights:

Irene Aldana: LWWLW

Yana Kunitskaya: WWLWW

Prediction: Yana Kunitskaya by Decision

Betting:

Aldana: 4/5

Kunitskaya: EVS

Sean O’Malley vs. Kris Moutinho

The hype around ”Sugar” Sean O’Malley since his appearance on season 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series was almost McGregor like at times.

After redeeming his first-ever career loss in August 2020 against Marlon Vera due to his own issues, he rebounded nicely against Thomas Almeida with a stunning KO finish in March.

The 26-year-old has obtained four bonus’s in his last four fights, he could be the next big thing.

Kris Moutinho is an unknown fighter, boasting a 9-4 record, and winning his last 2 fights by stoppage.

This is a fight where O’Malley should come out with the victory in stunning fashion, except for a walk-off finish.

Last 5 Fights:

Sean O’Malley: WLWWW

Kris Moutinho: WWLLW

Prediction: Sean O’Malley by First Round KO

Betting:

O’Malley: 1/9

Moutinho: 11/2

Carlos Condit vs. Max Griffin

Former Welterweight contender Carlos Condit is seen as the dark horse of the division. Competing in the George St.Pierre era and now in the present day, he is a withered veteran who has seen his fair share of defeats.

The 37-year-old ”Natural Born Killer” is coming off a two-fight win streak, after losing his prior five fights, three of those losses by submission. He is on the way out and should consider retirement if he loses his next fight.

Similar to Condit, Max Griffin is on a two-fight win streak, with his last fight in March, winning by KO in the first round.

Last 5 Fights:

Carlos Condit: WWLLL

Max Griffin: WWLLW

Prediction: Max Griffin by 3rd Round TKO

Betting:

Condit: 6/4

Griffin: 8/15

Niko Price vs. Michel Pereira

This could be one of the main contenders for Fight of the Night with both fighters known for their ruthless and brawl to the wall approach to their fighting styles.

Price is coming off a controversial No Contest result vs Donald Cerrone back in September off last year. Never gaining a consistent run of wins since 2016.

Pereira is coming off a two-fight win streak against average opposition. He is more entertaining with his theatrics in the octagon rather than his actual fighting skill, with cartwheels, flips and handstands implemented into his game.

While Price has earned a Performance of the Night bonus in four of his last five victories.

Whatever the result is, it should be an extremely entertaining fight to watch.

Last 5 Fights:

Niko Price: NCLWLW

Michel Pereira: WWLLW

Prediction: Michel Pereira by Unanimous Decision

Betting:

Price: 5/4

Pereira: 8/13

Trevin Giles vs. Dricus Du Plessis

Middleweight challengers Trevin Giles and Dricus Du Plessis will square off in the octagon after their original bout was cancelled back in March due to visa issues.

After making his UFC debut in 2017, Giles has a 5-2 record with the company and is currently on a 3-fight win streak. He is an athletic specimen with great power and is well-developed in all disciplines.

Du Plessis on the other hand is coming off a victory in his UFC victory over Markus Perez by a first-round KO.

Where this fight could be won is experience. Giles has gone the full three rounds of each of his last nine bouts, while the 27-year-old Du Plessis is yet to go the distance in his career as of yet.

Last 5 Fights:

Trevin Giles: WWWLL

Dricus Du Plessis: WWWLW

Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis by 2nd Round Stoppage

Betting:

Giles: 10/11

Du Plessis: 5/6

Ryan Hall vs. Ilia Topuria

Virginia native Ryan Hall will return to the octagon after over two years out of the octagon. He will go into this fight on an incredible eight-fight win streak after his debut professional loss all the way back in 2006.

Extended absences in the octagon usually mean’s a defeat is imminent, but with Hall’s intense wrestling game he could prevail here.

However, he faces off against a rising star in the 145-pound division in llia Topuria who hold a 9-0 professional record. Winning his last two fights under the UFC umbrella.

Last 5 Fights:

Ryan Hall: WWWWW

Illia Topuria: WWWWW

Prediction: llia Topuria by First Round Submission

Betting:

Hall: 15/8

Topuria: 2/5

Jennifer Maia vs. Jessica Eye

Both fighters are former Flyweight title challengers for current champion Valentina Shevchenko’s, losing both title fights in dominating fashion.

The two fighters have done well to stay in contention after their most recent defeats. Although Maia did submit challenger Joanne Calderwood prior to her loss to Shevchenko.

Jessica Eye’s last fight was back in January at UFC 257 where she was outclassed by Calderwood and before that lost on the judge’s scorecards to Cynthia Calvillo.

This matchup is between two Top 10 Flyweights in a division that had talent but has been overshadowed by Shevchenko’s dominance.

Last 5 Fights:

Jennifer Maia: LWLWW

Jessica Eye: LLWLW

Prediction: Jennifer Maia by 3rd Round TKO

Betting:

Maia: 1/2

Eye: 13/8

Omari Akhmedov vs. Brad Tavares

Veteran Middleweight’s Omari Akhmedov and Brad Tavares will go head-to-head on Saturday.

Akhmedov has been on a good run of form before his six-fight unbeaten streak was halted by a decision loss to Chris Weidman. The 33-year-old Russian brute defeated British fighter Tom Breese in his last bout.

Tavares has been seen as one of the many gate-keepers of the Middleweight division. Losing to current champion Israel Adesanya and a devastating KO loss to Edmen Shahbazyan in 2019.

He took two years off and returned with a unanimous decision at UFC 257 in January but looks the shell off the fighter he once was.

Last 5 Fights:

Omari Akhmedov: WLWWW

Brad Tavares: WLLWW

Prediction: Omari Akhmedov by Split Decision

Betting:

Akhmedov: 5/4

Tavares: 4/7

Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs. Jerome Rivera

Flyweights are set to face-off against one another as Kazakhstan’s Zhalgas Zhumagulov will meet American Jerome Rivera.

After coming off four impressive victories outside of the UFC he signed with the company, since then he has gone 0-2 by decision. He fought hard in both encounters and was unlucky to not get the nod on both occasions.

Rivera came into the UFC with a unanimous decision victory over Luis Rodriguez during the 2020 Contender Series. Since then, he has lost his last 3.

The fight is too close to call, but the closer the fight, the better it is.

Last 5 Fights:

Zhalgas Zhumagulov: LLWWW

Jerome Rivera: LLLWW

Prediction: Jerome Rivera by 2nd Round Stoppage

Betting:

Zhumagulov: 2/7

Rivera: 5/2

Hu Yaozong vs. Alen Amedovski

Saturday’s highly anticipated card will kick off with the Middleweight clash between Hu Yaozong vs Alen Amedovski on the Preliminary Card on ESPN+.

Both fighters are coming into this fight still looking for their first victory in the UFC, coming off losing efforts in their last bouts.

Yaozong is only 3-2 as a professional, and at the age of 26 he still has a lot to improve on, however, he has not been able to get his feet off the ground in the promotion.

33-year-old Macedonian Alen Amedovski started his career with an impressive 8-0 record, since signing with the UFC, Amedovski has lost his last two but did enjoy 8 knockouts in a row.

Whoever loses, will get their marching orders and be cut from the company, so it is a winner take all fight.

Last 5 Fights: 

Hu Yaozong: LLWWW

Alen Amedovski: LLWWW

Prediction: Alen Amedovski by First Round KO

Betting:

Yaozong: 11/10

Amedovski: 8/11

Munster Football Preview: Cork v Limerick – Live Scores, Starting Team News, Betting

Here is all the information you need for Saturdays Munster Football semi-final clash between Cork and Limerick

The match will be streamed on GAAGO at 15:00 from the LIT Gaelic Grounds on Saturday, 10th July.

This game will also be played in front of up to 3,500 spectators in Limerick. Referee Brendan Cawley will be in charge of the tie.

Cork had a mixed league campaign, managing two wins in Roinn 2 South with Clare, Kildare and Laois. They were put into the Munster semi-final automatically so Limerick will have an extra game played to prepare.

Cathal O’Mahony as one of Cork’s free takers will be a vital part of their scoring this weekend.

The Treaty County did have a decent run in the league, beating teams like Tipperary and Wicklow before being knocked out to Derry.

Limerick got to the semi-final after thrashing a poor Waterford team 4-18 to 0-12. This will be nothing like the contest they will have in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday.

Iain Corbett will be Limerick’s shining light. The All-Star nominee proved important in their successes in the League and championship so far.

These two teams have not faced each other in recent years, with new young players this could be an entertaining matchup. Cork might still be looking to get their revenge for their hurling counterparts who lost to Limerick last weekend.

Predicted Starting 15

Cork

Martin (GK); D. O’Mahony, S. Meehan, K. Flahive; P. Walsh, S. Powter, M. Taylor; I. Maguire, K. O’Driscoll; B.Hartnett, S. White, R. Deane; J. O’Rourke, B. Hurley, C. O’Mahony

Limerick

O’Sullivan (GK); S. O’Dea, B. Fanning, M. Donovan; R. Childs, I. Corbett, G. Brown; D. Treacy, D. Childs; C. Sheehan, C. Fahy, A. Enright; D. Neville, R. Bourke, H. Bourke.

https://twitter.com/OfficialCorkGAA/status/1406723379093180419

Betting

Cork are the big favorites with odds of 1/10 to win.

A Draw has odds of 16/1.

Limerick could give a great payout if they get a shock win at odds of 13/2.

 

Score Prediction

Bar the mixed run of form, Cork are on paper, the stronger side and should beat Limerick by a comfortable score but it is not that easy.

Cork will come out on top, but it will go down to the last few minutes, only a few points will separate the sides. The Rebels should progress to face either Tipperary or Kerry in the Munster Football final.

Munster Football Preview: Tipperary v Kerry – Live Scores, Starting Team News, Betting

Here is everything you need to know for Saturday’s Munster Football semi-final game between Cork and Limerick

The match will be televised on Sky Sports at 19:00 from the Semple Stadium on Saturday, 10th July.

Tipperary had a historic year last season becoming the Munster champions after beating Cork in the final. That form has not replicated itself this year with very disappointing results in the league.

After losing to Limerick, Offaly, and Longford they were relegated from Roinn 3. Their only hope is that Michael Quinlivan and Conor Sweeney can find their form in front of the goal.

On the other hand, Kerry has been in immaculate form especially after easing past Clare in the Munster quarter-final. In the league, they were the only team that could compete with reigning champions Dublin as they shared the title.

David Clifford will be one of the biggest presences on the pitch this weekend, they are a reason why he is still the favorite to win player of the year.

The last meeting of these two teams was in the 2016 Munster final which Kerry comfortably won.

Predicted Starting 15

Tipperary

E Comerford (GK); S O’Connell, A Campbell, C O’Shaughnessy; P Looram, K Fahey, D Brennan; S O’Brien, P Feehan; C Bowe, J Kennedy, E Maloney; M Quinlivan, C Sweeney, P Ryan.

Kerry

Fitzgibbon (GK); B. Ó Beaglaoich, J. Foley, T. O’Sullivan; M. Breen, G. Crowley, G. White; D. Moran, D. O’Connor, S. O’Brien; S. O’Shea, P. Geaney; D. Clifford, D. Moynihan, P. Clifford.

Betting

Tipperary have been given little to no chance by the bookies with odds of 16/1 to win

A Draw is even less likely with odds of 33/1.

Kerry is certain to win in the bookmakers’ eyes with odds of 1/100.

 

Score Prediction

No matter how much the romantic in me wants to see Tipperary shock the Munster football championship once again, it is hard not to look at the facts.

This Kerry team and tactically and physically a better side by a long way and that will probably show in the score line. Expect this game to end with a similar score line to the 2016 final with Kerry sauntering their way to a victory.