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Anthony Joshua set to fight Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Anthony Joshua is on the verge of signing a deal to fight WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk later this year in September at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed.

According to Joshua’s promoter and Matchroom head Eddie Hearn, Joshua will defend his WBA, IBF and WBO titles against Usyk. Joshua was originally scheduled to face off against WBC champion Tyson Fury to see who will be crowned the first Undisputed Heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis all the way back in 2000, but due to Deontay Wilder winning his arbitration case. Fury will now face Wilder for the third time scheduled for July 24th. Leaving AJ searching for a new challenger

Eddie Hearn says Joshua vs. Fury have agreed on site deal ⋆ Boxing News 24

Hearn revealed the news on the DAZN Boxing Show, “This week that fight will be signed. We are looking at September in London. Just finalising the details. It is a great fight, a dangerous fight, it is not the one we necessarily wanted or expected. But it is a high-level heavyweight fight. It’s a unified heavyweight champion against the undisputed cruiserweight champion, and on we go with that fight – it’s a big event.”

Usyk, after moving up a weight division from Cruiserweight became the WBO mandatory challenger after defeating Chazz Witherspoon and veteran Derek Chisora both in October of last year has been clamouring for the Joshua fight.

Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk spoke about the potential bout weeks ago admitting his fighter was keen on the fight.

‘’We are waiting for King AJ’s decision whether he is brave enough to be get dethroned’’.

This potential matchup has been touted as Joshua’s most difficult stylistic match-up to date. With Joshua ringside for Usyk’s victory over Derek Chisora, AJ will know what is on the line and what could be next if he were to win.

An announcement should be made in the next week!

Fantasy Football: Top 10 Priciest Players In Euro 2020 Fantasy Football

To conclude our Euro 2020 fantasy football guide, we will discuss the most valuable players in the game.

To read the previous instalment, click here. 

The most valuable players in Euro 2020 fantasy football are seen as the best in the tournament.

We will rank the the top 10 most valuable players.

10) Eden Hazard – Belgium – €10m

Eden Hazard has endured a tough time at Real Madrid over the last two seasons.

There is still a magnificent player in there.

However, injuries have hampered his progress over in Spain.

The 2020 UEFA European Championship provides an opportunity for Hazard to get back on track.

9) Memphis Depay – Netherlands – €10m

Depay will move from Lyon this summer to a big club.

Euro 2020 gives the Dutch star a chance to show the fans of his future club what he can do.

He has looked lazy at times for Lyon but he will not lose focus for the Netherlands when there is silverware to be won.

8) Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium – €10.5m

Kevin De Bruyne is hot off the heels of another PFA Player of the Year winning season.

To add to this, he also won the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

However, he will be looking to end the summer on a high after his UEFA Champions League final heartbreak.

He has the best shot at glory with Belgium that he has ever had.

7) Bruno Fernandes – Portugal – €10.5m

Bruno Fernandes comes into Euro 2020 following a largely successful individual season.

The Portuguese midfielder managed 27 goals and 16 assists across all competitions for Manchester United this season.

His form tailed off at the end of the season but a new challenge could bring his form back.

6) Romelu Lukaku – Belgium – €11m

Romelu Lukaku looks set to extend his Belgian goalscoring record throughout the European Championships as they go for glory.

The Inter Milan star has had the best year of his career and will want to cap it off with a trophy.

5) Antoine Griezmann – France – €11m

Antoine Griezmann shone in Euro 2016 but his career looks a little less bright this time around.

The Frenchman will be tasked with the number 10 role once again.

An improved 2020/21 season for the Frenchman can get even better.

He can use this tournament to remind everyone of his quality.

4) Harry Kane – England – €11.5m

It is a crime that Harry Kane was not awarded any of the individual accolades for the Premier League this season.

23 goals and 14 assists see him nailed on as England’s number nine for another major tournament.

This is England’s best chance since 2004 to win the competition and Kane will want to take that chance.

3) Robert Lewandowski – Poland – €11.5m

Robert Lewandowski is another striker who had a magnificent individual campaign.

Lewandowski broke Gerd Muller’s long-standing Bundesliga record for most goals in a single season.

The Pole scored 41 in 29 games and assisted seven times.

More goals will come this summer but how important will they be?

2) Kylian Mbappé – France – €12m

Joint-top is Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappé is France’s golden boy and can go two major international competitions without getting knocked out if France manages to go all the way.

Mbappé was an integral piece in France’s 2018 World Cup-winning cog and he will be integral if they are to win Euro 2020.

France’s star will continue to shine even if they are not successful.

1) Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal – €12m

Cristiano Ronaldo joins Kylian Mbappé at the top of the list.

Portugal and Ronaldo will be defending their title at Euro 2020 where they hope to repeat their 2016 feat.

Ronaldo will be vital in that plan and will look to get as many chances to score as he can.

Euro 2020’s fantasy football game praises the best in the tournament.

The high valuations help the excitement for Euro 2020 to grow, and grow it does.

To see the value of the other players in the game, click here.

 

Chelsea set to rival PSG for Inter Milan’s Hakimi

Chelsea have contacted Inter Milan over the potential sale of defender Achraf Hakimi according to many leading Italian news outlets.

The recently crowned European champions are hoping to strengthen an already strong side and according to Di Marzio with Sky in Italy, Hakimi is one of the players who falls under that billing.

The Moroccan has been heavily linked with a move away, this summer to French giants Paris Saint-Germain, and looked like a deal was all but complete, but with Inter demanding over €80 million for his services, and with PSG reportedly only willing to spend around €60 million on the right-wing back, the deal has stalled.

These issues have led Chelsea to contact Hakimi’s agent Alejandro Camano over a potential deal, who recently came out to dismiss any talk of his client joining The Parisians.

“He is the best player in Europe in his position. That is why there are so many rumours about him,”

“Hakimi has four years left in his contract with Inter, and I want to clarify I haven’t talked to any other club.

“We are serene. Hakimi has joined his national team and has a long-term deal with Inter. I want to thank all the Inter fans who send him messages these days.”

The report goes on to say, if any deal were to happen for Chelsea, they would be willing to include third left-back option Emerson Palmieri and even Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen along with €60 million upfront.

With Thomas Tuchel in the market for a striker, midfielder and a right-sided defender to rival Reece James for the upcoming season. Wolves starlet Adama Traore has also emerged as a backup option if any potential deal for Hakimi falls through

Hakimi (22), has been a standout in the Nerazzurri’s rise to the summit of the Serie A last season and would need a hefty fee to prize him away from the Italian champions and with Inter in financial difficulty and in desperate need to sell one or two of their big stars, a deal for the highly-rated defender is not of the tables for both Chelsea and PSG.

 

Fantasy Football: The Best Midfielders For Your Euro 2020 Fantasy Team

We move on to midfielders in our Euro 2020 fantasy football guide.

If you missed the guide on full, backs, click here.

Midfielders make teams tick and are the creative vessels that connect defence and attack.

Some of the tournament’s best-ever players were midfielders, such as Cesc Fabregas.

Therefore, they are the most important part of your fantasy side too.

THIAGO ALCANTARA – SPAIN, €6m

First up, we have Spain’s Thiago Alcantara.

The Spaniard endured a tough start to life in Liverpool but came into his own as the side’s injuries cleared up.

At 30 years of age, he is in his prime and can lead Spain to glory with quarterback-like displays.

His passing is magnificent and opens teams up.

In addition to this, he controls the tempo of the game when he is in possession.

He was one of Spain’s best players in their stalemate against Portugal and will carry that form over to the 2020 UEFA European Championship.

Thiago is priced at €6m.

N’GOLO KANTÉ – FRANCE, €5.5m

Next on the list is N’Golo Kanté.

The Frenchman was superb for Chelsea in their 2021 UEFA Champions League run and he will be just as important for France this summer.

His importance is highlighted by his near-£50m market value, per Transfermarkt.

The five-foot-six midfielder will clean up everything in midfield

In addition, he will also look to get forward.

All that work will give him a large number of points on the game that you can be thankful for.

He is a steal, even at €5.5m.

FANTASY FOOTBALL FIND: PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG – DENMARK, €5.5m

The fantasy football find for midfield is Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Tottenham star was one of the club’s best player this season.

His strength in midfield was important to both Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason throughout the season.

He screened the defence effectively and will do so for the Danes but has only been chosen by one per cent of players.

Expect some big performances from this man.

You can benefit from them for just €5.5m.

These three midfielders will excel both on the pitch and on your fantasy side.

Aston Villa confirm transfer of Emi Buendia

Villa have signed Emi Buendia for a reported £33 million from promoted Norwich

The Argentinian winger is fresh off scoring 15 goals and getting 16 assists in the Championship.

This proved to be an vital part in Norwich winning the second division to return to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has impressed on Norwich’s right wing for the last three seasons and has shown his quality as a playmaker and goal scorer.

Aston Villa have beaten off teams like Arsenal to get the player’s signature.

Do Aston Villa need Buendia?

This is an important move for Villa who are trying to secure a top ten finish in the Premier league with interest surrounding captain Jack Grealish.

Now, there will be more competition for the Claret and Blue between Anwar El Ghazi, Bertrand Traore and Buendia for starting places.

Buendia will  join the Aston Villa squad after he finishes his international duty with Argentina.

Argentina will begin their Copa America title charge on Monday 14th of June against Chile.

Preview: Euro 2020 Group B

Group B at the 2020 UEFA European Championships includes some heavy hitters as well as a new addition to the European stage.

Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Russia will go head-to-head to determine who goes through.

This is Finland’s first-ever major tournament and they face two former winners in Denmark and Russia and a strong Belgian side.

BELGIUM

Belgium has chosen a squad filled with players in their primes.

Their 26-man team entering the tournament is the oldest at an average age of 29.3.

Furthermore, their squad is the most internationally experienced, with over 50 caps per player on average.

Belgium’s world-class individuals will have the world in awe once again this year.

However, an ageing defence may put a roadblock in their chances at glory.

Regardless, a side that includes Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will strike fear into the hearts of the opposition.

The presence of Thibaut Courtois between the sticks will offer safe hands while Timothy Castagne will offer the side an extra man out wide.

The Belgians squad is stacked and they should have minimal problems getting out of Group B.

DENMARK

Denmark will provide the Belgians with their biggest challenge in the group stage with world-class talents of their own lining up for the Danes this summer.

Kasper Schmeichel will act as the impenetrable wall behind the reliable Andreas Christensen.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg will work tirelessly to protect the backline while Christian Eriksen will be the side’s playmaker.

RB Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen and Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite offer options in attack.

All three of their games will be played in Parken Stadium, Copenhagen and the home advantage could help them when they need it most.

FINLAND

Finland was one of the surprise packages in the qualifying phase, beating out Greece and Bosnia & Herzegovina to a place in Euro 2020.

The side boasts a veteran squad filled with talents from foreign leagues.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Lukas Hradecky will offer a safe pair of hands in goal.

In addition to this, Finnish-Irish star Daniel O’Shaugnessy will form part of the side’s three-man defence.

31-year-old Teemu Pukki will lead the line for the Eagle-Owls with Glen Kamara and captain Tim Sparv occupying the midfield.

The side has upset World Cup winners France in the last year and could offer an upset in the group.

RUSSIA

2018 World Cup hosts Russia round off the teams in Group B.

The World Cup quarterfinalists will compete for one of the two automatic spots in the group but will be without some of their core players from the World Cup run.

Goalkeeper Anton Shunin will hope to replicate Igor Akinfeev’s performances on the world stage but with only three selected centre-backs to protect him.

Mário Fernandes will offer Russia the creative outlet and width he has done for years on the right-hand side while the trio of Aleksander Golovin, Aleksey Miranchuk and Denis Cheryshev will look to light up the tournament alongside their captain Artem Dzyuba.

Russia also has a home advantage at Krestovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg for two of their games – Belgium and Finland.

Aside from the Belgians, this group could be one of the more competitive of the tournament.

Group B fixtures: Denmark v Finland, Saturday, 12th June 17:00. Belgium v Russia, Saturday 12th June 20:00. Finland v Russia, Wednesday 16th June 14:00. Denmark v Belgium, Thursday, 17th June 17:00. Russia v Denmark, Monday, 21st June 20:00. Finland v Belgium, Monday 21st June 20:00.

How to Find the Best Online Casino in Ireland

Luckily, online gambling is legal in Ireland. And as long as you are 18 years of age – you’re good to enjoy all sorts of casino entertainment. But unfortunately, that doesn’t prevent scammers and unfair operators from hindering players from successful experiences making bets online. It’s easier than you can imagine to end up on a gambling website that has a license and still get finessed one way or another. To put it in short words – looking for online casinos in Ireland can be like walking on a minefield. And if you don’t already know, searching for one on the web and clicking the first option that looks legit isn’t that great of an idea.

With that said, it’s essential to be discerning and follow criteria when choosing a site to trust your funds with. It’s one thing to lose money on a bet, but it will sting a lot more if you get tricked by unreasonable terms and conditions that hide underneath a gambling license. It’s time to put an end to this issue once and for all by simply learning the process of deciphering between good and bad gambling sites.

What matters most when choosing a gambling site?

Although it’s easy to get distracted by colorful graphics and rich casino libraries, there are a few aspects that weigh heavily when it comes to your gambling experience. Don’t let that overwhelm you; it’s pretty simple.

The first thing you need to do is determine what you are seeking when playing on casinos. That way, you can mesh the following criteria along with your preferences and land a casino that will blow your socks off. Here is how you can better understand your standards and likings when choosing a casino:

1. Figure out the content that excites you most. Whether you’re a fan of modern 3D graphics or simply want games with the highest winning opportunities – research the content before searching for a gambling site. The simplest way to do that is to look at individual software providers, their style of art, layouts, gameplay, in-game features, and genres of titles.

2. If you’re a frequent gambler, graphics and usability will make a great deal of difference, as you’ll have to look at them and navigate through the site in between games. If you are one for simplicity – look for newer casinos. They usually offer a minimalistic interface. If you want to get as close as possible to a real-life casino experience, older casinos may do you just right.

3. If you’re registering on a casino site, chances are you will be gambling with real money. Sort your payment options beforehand, and figure out the methods you will be using deposits and withdrawals with.

Casino expert criteria on finding the best gambling sites in Ireland

A professional opinion often comes in handy – especially if you’re new to the niche. However, even experienced players often stumble on casinos that make their life miserable with unexpected nuances. In this case, the best guidance to turn to is advice from Casinority experts. Aside from informing you of the following steps, you will have a selection of the best online casinos in Ireland that have already been approved and fairly rated. This is what they have to suggest:

1. Although a license won’t necessarily save you from a tricky casino, it will prevent you from getting straight scammed. You can find out whether a gambling site has a license by going on the main page and scrolling down to the bottom of the page. Most times, you will spot a license from Curacao or the Malta Gaming Authority. Both are decent. An absence of one usually means lawlessness and no help when something goes wrong.

2. One unique thing about online casinos that you won’t find in brick-and-mortar facilities is bonuses. That’s something you want to take advantage of. However, not all promotions are as promising as they seem. You will have to check for the following:

-Fair wagering requirements, usually between 20x-40x. Anything higher than that won’t be of many benefits to you. Playthrough demands can lead you to overspend and having your winnings stuck without a way out.

3. Banking matters. You don’t want a casino that will hold on to your money for weeks or even months. Check the withdrawal limits, times, and payment methods before registration. Remember that legit a casino won’t usually charge fees for deposits, and withdrawal times should never be longer than a week (excluding verification).

4. You have to make sure you have someone to turn to when issues surface. Having a customer service system (whether it’s chat, phone support, or email) is crucial because there are quite a few problems that can occur throughout your time in a casino.

5. Player reviews expose things you may not find in terms and conditions of a casino without digging. Take time to read reviews from other online gamblers and see any significant disadvantages that you’re not willing to deal with.

Before you gamble

Online casinos can be an excellent source of entertainment and can fill your pockets in an instant if you get lucky. Keep in mind that it can end poorly – as great as it is to have such an opportunity. Many players are suffering from gambling addictions and spend money that they don’t even have. Be mindful when making bets, and don’t let it become your only hope for extra income.



Chelsea want to swap Abraham plus cash for Haaland

Chelsea are hoping to use Tammy Abraham to help bargain for Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund

All eyes are on the 20-year-old Norwegian this summer as he is expected to make a big move to one of Europe’s wealthiest clubs.

Real Madrid, PSG and both Manchester clubs have shown great interest in the youngster, but Chelsea want to make a splash in the market this year.

Haaland has an estimated market value of €100 million which continues to rise.

 

Do Chelsea need Haaland?

The forward had another stellar season for Borussia Dortmund where he won the Bundesliga Player of the Season award.

He bagged 27 goals and six assists in just 28 matches as well as great form in the Champions league.

Chelsea, instead, struggled in front of goal this year Timo Werner a big source of worry for them.

Werner was preferred over the more Premier league experienced Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham.

The German only managed six goals in 35 league appearances this year with easy misses become a regular occurrence for him.

If Haaland were to come to the European champions, then Werner could find a new role on the wing or as support to the big Norwegian.

 

Abraham exit

Tammy Abraham had a rough 2020/2021 season, fighting for a spot on the bench with Giroud.

Since Thomas Tuchel became Chelsea manager, Abraham has rarely started, still managing to score six goals this season.

The Englishman is still only 23 and a new club could breathe life into his career.

His current market value of €40 million would save the Blues a lot of money in acquiring Haaland.

Dortmund could also give him the chance to meet fellow English youngster Sancho and Bellingham if they haven’t moved by the end of the summer.

This move would benefit both sides but would Haaland like to play on the blue side of London.

Joey Barton in court over post match bust up

The former England midfielder was in court over a push to Daniel Stendel after his old team, Fleetwood loss

A court case in Sheffield Crown Court began Monday morning about an incident between the two managers.

What is Barton accused of

In April 2019, Barton’s Fleetwood side lost a match 4-2 to Stendel’s Barnsley team.

Barton, 38, has been accused of assault to the opposing manager where he pushed him to the ground in the tunnel.

Video footage has been shown in court of Barton running into the tunnel after Stendel and moments later the tunnel shaking.

Further footage showed a bloodied Stendel being helped back to the changing room.

Stendel recieved a serious injury to his mouth with his upper right incisor being moved out of the bone and some nerve damage caused.

 

Prosecutor’s testimony

Prosecutor Ian Goldsack has said in court: “Mr Stendel felt a push from behind and fell forward, hitting his face against that tunnel structure.

“He was knocked to the ground and when he looked up he saw the defendant passing him.

“He believed him to be responsible for what happened.”

The prosecutor also said: “Football is a sport which can arouse great passion.

“Clearly there was some history to this fixture, with some degree of antagonism on the previous occasion.”

 

 

Barton, now Bristol Rover manager, denies one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Today, Stendel will address the court from Germany through a video link.

 

Barcelona wanting Manchester City winger in shock move

Sky Italy reporter Matteo Moretto has reported that Barcelona are considering a move for Raheem Sterling.

Days after signing Sergio Aguero from the Sky Blues, Barcelona might be looking to reunite him with a former teammate.

Newly appointed Barca president, Joan Laporta is trying to impress the fans by locking Lionel Messi down to a new contract and by making big signings.

 

Could it happen?

The 26-year-old Englishman is currently marketed at €103 million but after a below average season that value could be lower.

Sterling fell out of favor with manager Pep Guardiola this year with him only getting ten goals and seven assists.

Laporta understands that it would be hard to lure Sterling away from Manchester to a new country after they won the Premier League.

Another problem is that the financially struggling Barca will likely have to sell on a few of their players to fund a move this big.

 

What for Sterling now?

Although Sterling had a poor season by his standards, he is still part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2020.

The winger will be hoping to rekindle some form that saw this team reach the World Cup semi-finals.

England’s first group game will be against Croatia at 14:00 on Sunday 13th of June.