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Sports betting – a guide to getting started

Would you like advice on sports betting and are you a total beginner? Then you’ve come to the right place. I will get to the heart of the matter regarding sports betting tips.

If you want to get a list of the best sports betting sites in Ireland directly, you can check online numerous lists of bookmakers.

Betting is quite simple. However, there are two categories of betting: winning and losing bets.

When you start out, it is normal to often fall into the second category, and that is why I am going to reveal some sports betting techniques as well as some tips and rules to get you started. But first of all, you need to understand what betting is and understand the philosophy behind it.

What does it mean to bet online?

Betting simply means to bet, but on what, and when?

The answer to the first question is that you bet on either a football match, tennis, lottery, turf, horse racing or a political event. And the answer to the second is that you can bet before the event, or even during the event before the end of the game, a reference here to football, where you can bet until the last moments of the match when you bet live.

Rules for winning a sports bet

  • A bet is still a bet: You must be aware that when you bet there is always a risk of losing, even if you have analysed the matches perfectly and even if the odds are very low. You can never be 100% sure.
  • The Bankroll: The Bankroll is your online account with your bookmaker, where you are transferred money to be able to bet. You have to know how to manage it well so that you don’t lose big. If you limit the transfers, you guarantee that you won’t lose everything at once.
  • Don’t try exotic matches: Even if some odds are more attractive for the lesser-known championships, you have to be very careful about the surprises they generate.
  • Don’t combine too much: The more you combine, the higher the odds, but, logically, the chances of losing too. Don’t be blinded by greed.
  • Know how to lose: When you lose, you need to know why you lost before you bet again. Don’t want to try again at all costs.
  • Analyze games: Don’t bet impulsively. Before each bet, always analyse the matches with Premierleague.com (teams, previous results, form, home and away…).
  • External factors: Don’t forget the external factors that can be very important (public, climate, date, stadium, condition of the pitch…).
  • Favourite team: Never bet on your favourite team, as your analysis will always be wrong.
  • Choose your bookmaker carefully: Before you start betting on sports, choose your bookmaker carefully. The odds, bonuses and offers are very different depending on the bookmaker. You can visit Betiton.com, the best Irish bookmaker, and have a look at what it offers!

Guide to making money through sports betting

Contrary to what many people think, you can earn enough money by playing sports betting. Indeed, it is easy to make a living by making predictions on sports events. Anyone can use this channel to earn additional income.

However, you will have to get involved and use the best tricks to make your bets succeed. The tips may vary depending on the match in question. Players will have to learn the rules of the game in order to make bets in the best possible conditions.

This article outlines some tips that you can follow to make your sports bets and win the jackpot.

Tips for winning sports betting frequently

Playing sports betting doesn’t require as much effort as it used to; you can place your bets directly on the specialised sites. However, people who want to win on a regular basis will have to adopt good strategies and follow the advice of the bookmakers.

Experts and novices alike can earn enough money by taking advantage of the welcome offers offered by sports betting sites. Even if beginners may feel some difficulties, they will have to give their all to master the workings of the game.

Strategies can be refined as you go along, so that you can win without difficulty. For example, here are some strategies for winning sports betting. In addition, bettors need to be smart about how they place bets and make the right decisions. It is advisable to place several small bets that are likely to accumulate, which will ensure a big win in the end. It is best to create a dedicated sports betting account to be used throughout the season.

FAI and Irish teammates come out in support of James McClean

The Derryman has received continuous abuse on and off the field for a number of years.

James McClean has been the victim of sectarian abuse for several years now. The abuse initially started after he refused to wear a poppy for remembrance day, however other Premier League footballers such as Nemanja Matić have done the same but not received half the amount of abuse that James McClean has been subjected to.

During this time, public support from many of his international teammates has been minimal.

McClean was subject to further abuse yesterday, posting a series of abusive messages he received on Instagram from a particular user.

Within the series of messages the user included personal threats to both McClean and his family among a litany of sectarian/xenophobic abuse.

Current Irish international goalkeeper Darren Randolph and former Irish international David Meyler have today come out in support of their compatriot. Irish boxer Tyrone McKenna and senior Ireland women’s international Leanne Kiernan have also offered their support among others.

David Meyler sent a tweet denouncing the abuse directed at James McClean, also questioning the silence of various media outlets on the issue.

Darren Randolph, opted for a more direct approach, tagging a particular British media outlet and adding “Anybody gonna act or look into this!?”.

The abuse comes just days after McClean posted on Instagram regarding the lack of support he’s received over the years.

“So much coverage this past couple weeks about discrimination and the condemnation of it across media outlets, players, ex players etc. which is great to see because it’s wrong and idiots should be held responsible for their actions and words as nobody should be subjected to that,” he wrote.

“Make no mistake about it or to take anything away from that but just to pose the question really, racism, gender, ethnic.. the list of discrimination that goes on is unacceptable right, my question is here… does being abused for being Irish and anti-Irish abuse acceptable?

“I have highlighted the abuse publicly on social media recently and the silence from everyone is deafening!”

The FAI have also offered support to McClean over the continued abuse.

“The FAI remains committed to safeguarding all of our players against any form of abuse on any social media platform. To abuse or threaten James or any player because of his nationality should not be tolerated by society. Unfortunately, such behaviour is all too common now on social media,” they commented in a statement.

“The latest incident involving James and his family highlights how important this work is and why football needs to take action.

“In recent times many of our players have been victims of social media abuse, hate speech and threats including Jonathan Afolabi, Cyrus Christie and James. It is not acceptable and I will assure James of our full support as he deals with this.”

A number of professional footballers have since offered their support including Robbie Keane, Paul McGrath, Katie McCabe and Conor Hourihane.

Home international fixtures announced for Ireland Men’s cricket team

The 12 white-ball fixtures are to be played across three Irish venues, with Clontarf – Ireland’s fourth international venue – still unavailable in 2021.  

Ireland v South Africa series 

  • 11 July: Ireland v South Africa, 1st ODI (Malahide)*
  • 13 July: Ireland v South Africa, 2nd ODI (Malahide)*
  • 16 July: Ireland v South Africa, 3rd ODI (Malahide)*
  • 20 July: Ireland v South Africa, 1st T20I (Malahide)
  • 22 July: Ireland v South Africa, 2nd T20I (Stormont)
  • 25 July: Ireland v South Africa, 3rd T20I (Stormont)

 

Ireland v Zimbabwe series

 

  • 6 August: Ireland v Zimbabwe, 1st ODI (Stormont)*
  • 8 August: Ireland v Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI (Stormont)*
  • 11 August: Ireland v Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI (Stormont)*
  • 15 August: Ireland v Zimbabwe, 1st T20I (Bready)
  • 17 August: Ireland v Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I (Bready)
  • 20 August: Ireland v Zimbabwe, 3rd T20I (Bready)

 

* Matches form part of the ICC World Cup Super League

 

 

A further two-match T20 International series against Pakistan is still in discussion with the Pakistan Cricket Board and England & Wales Cricket Board, with an announcement to be made in due course.

 

Cricket Ireland will work with Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and the Sport Expert Group to ensure all fixtures comply with the COVID-19 protocols in place as the season rolls out.

 

 

AWAY SERIES CONFIRMED

 

Cricket Ireland can also confirm a three-match men’s ODI series against Netherlands will precede the home calenda. The fixtures will also be part of the World Cup Super League

 

  • 4 June: Netherlands v Ireland, 1st ODI
  • 7 June: Netherlands v Ireland, 2nd ODI
  • 9 June: Netherlands v Ireland, 3rd ODI

 

Venue and match details will be released shortly.

 

 

 

Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said:

 

“The year 2021 is certainly full of optimism, but of course we can’t ignore the great uncertainties still in the world, and our planning is trying to factor that in as much as possible. We need to plan for matches to proceed but with the background knowledge that circumstances might see further postponements. We have some massive targets this year, whether it’s men’s World Cup Super League matches and building towards the T20 World Cup in October, or else the Women’s World Cup Qualifier, and regional qualifying for the next Women’s T20 World Cup. Our international and domestic match planning needs to be tailored to preparing for those major milestones, as well as reacting as quickly as possible to the likely setbacks COVID-19 may present.”

 

“Given the significant changes to the Future Tours Programme due to the postponement of home series’ from 2020 – and all other countries having to reschedule fixtures over the period 2020-2023 – it has truly been a jigsaw puzzle for world cricket administrators to try to make the pieces fit. We look forward to the season ahead and thank our touring opponents for working with us on this restructured season.”

 

“For our senior men, there are six World Cup Super League matches included in the schedule, in which we welcome back South Africa who last played here 14 years ago, while we shall be resuming our competitive clashes with Zimbabwe, who played a great series here in 2019.”

 

“In relation to other international men’s fixtures, we are still in discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board about the timing and location of playing the two T20Is postponed from 2020. As in 2020, we won’t have access to one of our four internationally-accredited grounds with Clontarf still unavailable to host international matches. Given the constraints on the number of fresh pitches available, and needing to cater for at least 12 men’s matches, we are looking into hosting matches in England, as we did with Bangladesh last year. This makes additional sense as the touring side will already be operating in a bio-bubble in England, which would smooth other complications around visas, quarantining and other COVID-related conditions that will arise in moving countries. We will provide an update on that series as soon as possible.”

 

“With regards to venue allocations, we brought a number of proposals and options to our Match Allocation Group (comprising representatives from the Provincial Unions and Cricket Ireland). As part of this we had detailed discussions with the North West Cricket Union about Bready, which included the recommended implementation of an independent pitch assessment outlining necessary work on the outfield to improve drainage, as well as hearing about investments already made by Bready and NWCU to enhance the venue. While as much work as possible has been undertaken over the last year given the pandemic constraints, some further work is required, so the venue will be focusing on hosting the T20 format later in the season to give the works as much time as possible to bed in.”

 

“Fans may also recall that the original FTP included a Test match against Zimbabwe in 2021. Unfortunately, due to the fixture rescheduling of the international cricket calendar, and twin financial constraints brought about by COVID and the fact that we do not have a dedicated cricket stadium yet, we are simply unable to afford a home Test in 2021. Test cricket is still a highly-revered format of our sport that we will be seeking to play more frequently in future years, however, given the reasons stated, and the fact it is a T20 World Cup year, the Board felt our priority should be white-ball cricket this season to give our squad the best chance of success on the world stage.”

 

“For our fans, it’s still unclear at what stage we will be able to invite spectators back into grounds, but we hope that regardless of the conditions in place, fans will still be able to enjoy the international itinerary that features three renowned opponents on TV or livestreamed.”

 

“The next task of the Match Allocation Group is to work with the Provincial Unions in allocating fixtures for our new Men’s Inter-Provincial competition structure and the women’s Super Series – further announcements will be made in due course.”

 

“I want to thank everyone for their support – particularly clubs, venues and spectators – as we try and put some shape on the season with COVID still causing chaos to our lives. It’s likely there will be more bumps in the road in the weeks to come, but we’ll do our best to consult with everyone as early as possible, and we ask for everyone’s ongoing patience as we try to navigate through the uncertainties.”

 

 

WORLD CUP SUPER LEAGUE

 

Matches played as part of the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League (2020-2023) are essentially World Cup Qualifier matches, as the League will serve as part of the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualification process.

 

 

The WCSL features thirteen teams, the twelve Full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Netherlands (who won the 2015–17 ICC World Cricket League Championship to qualify for this competition). Each team will play an ODI series against eight of the twelve opponents, four series at home and four away. Each series will consist of three ODIs. For the World Cup, the hosts (India in 2023), and the top seven-ranked sides thereafter, will qualify automatically. The remaining five teams will play in a qualifying event along with five Associate sides, from which two sides will go through to the final tournament.

Sandown win has punters talking about Native River once again

Amidst the clamour over Al Boum Photo’s successive Gold Cup triumphs, and all the talk over whether Willie Mullins’ horse can become the first since Best Mate to win it three times in a row, the 2018 Gold Cup winner has been somewhat forgotten about. Native River’s eventual absence from last year’s race meant he has not been a name on the lips of many punters, but with a fine win in the Cotswold Chase at Sandown recently, there is talk that the Colin Tizzard-trained horse could be set to make a roaring comeback at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

There was something almost ghostly about Native River’s Sandown success. It was as if watching a resurrection taking place. Suddenly, the hard work and heavy-footedness which defined Native River’s prior outing was gone, and the spirit of the Gold Cup champion was there at the forefront once more. He forged a strong lead in the early stages of the race, and did not surrender it despite the gallant challenges of the chasing pack.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to trainer Colin, was quick to pour the praise on Native River and highlight his qualities following the Sandown success.

“Not in the last few months have I enjoyed a race more than that,” he said. “He was good to watch today. He was a handful to saddle today which is kind of unlike him but he was right on his game.

“There are not many tougher than this horse. All these horses that get to the top end need to be tough, whether they look like it or not they need to be. He has got a cruising speed and he can maintain it for perhaps that extra half mile when other horses can’t. I wouldn’t mind a stable full of him.”

That kind of form will inspire confidence in any horse’s connections, and given Native River’s past achievements you can understand Tizzard’s belief in the horse that produced such a fantastic moment to win the Cheltenham showpiece three years ago. 

It’s no surprise that Al Boum Photo is the favourite in the Gold Cup ante-post odds for this year’s Cheltenham Festival. After all, two wins in the last two Gold Cups means it’s impossible to look beyond him. But with this resurgence from Native River, who has demonstrated bitty form since losing his Gold Cup crown in March 2019, horse racing fans have been forced to sit up and take notice of this great champion once more.  

Indeed, while other Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders have stuttered recently – notably Minella Indo’s drab showing in the Irish Gold Cup – Native River is one that seems to have built up a head of steam. Momentum can have a massive impact when it comes to enjoying success at the Cheltenham Festival, and there’s no doubt that the Tizzards will be doing all they can to get Native River in the best possible shape to win a second Cheltenham Gold Cup. If you end up with some free bets for Cheltenham, then perhaps the 2018 champion could be worth a stab for this year’s race. 

There are plenty of horses who are more fancied to challenge Al Boum Photo come March 19th, but there are few who have the experience of having been there and done it. The Tizzards, jockey Richard Johnson, and Native River himself all know what it takes to get over the line ahead of the pack in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Could there be one last hurrah for the 11-year-old in this year’s Festival showpiece?

A recap of Willie Mullins’ seven winners at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival

Over the course of the last decade, Willie Mullins has become the one to beat at the Cheltenham Festival, and doing so is no easy task. The Irishman has won the Leading Trainer accolade seven times in the last 10 years. His seven victories at Prestbury Park last year were enough to see him take home the trophy again, but there was heartache for Gordon Elliott, who missed out on the award on the basis of Mullins having more placings. 

It was a strange state of affairs in the Cotswolds last March. Elliott looked certain to land his third top trainer award of his career. However, a late comeback from Mullins, which included four wins on the final day, saw the 64-year-old retain his crown. Mullins is heavily expected to win the Leading Trainer award again this year, so why leave searching for the best Cheltenham tips for tomorrow, when you can sort out your selections today! 

Anyway, with the Festival just around the corner, let’s take a look back at Mullins’ seven winners from last year, some of which will be on the hunt for more glory in the Cotswolds this year.

Ferny Hollow – Champion Bumper

It wasn’t until the final race of day two that Mullins landed his first victory at the 2020 Festival, and it’s fair to say that it came from a rather unlikely suitor. The bookies’ favourite was another of Mullins’ horses, Appreciate It, but he was beaten by his stablemate and 11/1 shot Ferny Hollow, who romped over the line two and half lengths clear of the market leader.

Min – Ryanair Chase

Min’s victory in the Ryanair Chase on day three felt like a long time coming. Year after year, the Rich Ricci-owned horse was overshadowed by the legend that is Altior. However, with Min diverted away from the path of the Nicky Henderson-trained horse, who later pulled out of the Queen Mother through injury, in the build-up to the meeting, he finally had his day in the Ryanair Chase. But it wasn’t easy. He had to fight off the challenges of Saint Calvados and in the end, he won by just a neck. Min is the early favourite to defend his Ryanair Chase crown, and here’s hoping he can get another Festival victory under his belt.

Concertista – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Concertista landed Mullins his second victory of day three in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. The seven-year-old was denied of winning the Grade 2 race by a short neck in 2019 as a 66/1 shot, but she bounced back last year. This time at a much shorter 9/2, Concertista won easily, beating her nearest competitor, Dolcita, by some 12 lengths. With two more victories since then, Concertista looks nailed on to take the step up and win the Mares’ Hurdle. 

Burning Victory – Triumph Hurdle

Burning Victory got the ball rolling on a fantastic final day of the Festival for Mullins. Amazingly, the 12/1 shot had only joined Mullins’ yard two months prior to the meeting, and it was just her second outing for the Irish trainer, after winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in February. At the final Hurdle, Burning Victory was around 10 lengths behind the leader, but with favourite Goshen unseating his rider, jockey Paul Townend kicked on and the pair went on to beat Aspire Tower by almost three lengths. 

Saint Roi – County Handicap Hurdle

It was back-to-back victories for Mullins on the day as Saint Roi claimed the Grade 3 County Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old was challenged by Aramon and Embittered at the final hurdle, but once moved up a gear by Barry Geraghty, he left his competition behind and romped home four and a half lengths clear. The Champion Hurdle is on the cards for Saint Roi this year, but fellow JP McManus-owned horse Epatante is much more fancied.

Monkfish – Spa Novices’ Hurdle

The wins just wouldn’t stop for Mullins, and Monkfish made it a hattrick of successive victories in the Spa Novices’ Hurdle. It was an incredibly tight finish with Latest Exhibition, Fury Road, Thyme Hill and Monkfish charging towards home as one, but it was the Mullins-trained horse who narrowly got his neck over the line first. Monkfish is expected to step up to the challenge of the Festival Novices’ Chase this year and is tipped to be a Gold Cup winner in the future.

Al Boum Photo – Gold Cup

After the dramatic finish in the Spa Novices’ Hurdle, Mullins would have been hoping for a much more straight forward affair in the Gold Cup. But that was wishful thinking, as the Festival showpiece went down to the wire. Santini came within a whisker of ending Al Boum Photo’s defence of the Gold Cup, and had the track have been a yard longer, the Henderson-trained horse probably would have won. Instead, Al Boum Photo held on by a neck, and he’s the favourite to win the race again this year in the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting. 

 

Video Highlights – Irish lose to France in the 2021 Six Nations

Watch match highlights of Ireland v France in the second round of the Guinness Six Nations 2021.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell had ‘mixed emotions’ in the wake of his side’s 15-13 Guinness Six Nations defeat to France at the Aviva Stadium.

Despite Leinster duo Ronan Kelleher and Ross Byrne contributing five points apiece from the bench, Farrell’s men suffered a narrow loss at the hands of the in-form les Bleus.

While acknowledging the endeavour of his charges, he was nonetheless frustrated to still be searching for a first win in this year’s Championship.

“At the same time, Test matches are there to be won, especially at home. We rue a few decisions that we made and chances along that way.

“Even though a couple of days ago people were writing us off, we never wrote ourselves off. The game was there to be won and it was a hard-fought contest, but it’s one that slipped away from us in the end.”

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 CJ Stander, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Rhys Ruddock, 5 Iain Henderson (c), 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Andrew Porter, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Cian Healy Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ed Byrne, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Will Connors, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Jordan Larmour

France: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Arthur Vincent, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Bernard le Roux, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Dylan Cretin, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Anthony Bouthier, 23 Teddy Thomas Date: Sunday, February 14 Venue: Aviva Stadium Kick-off: 15:00 GMT Referee: Luke Pearce (England) Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Christophe Ridley (England) TMO: Tom Foley (England)

The Weird & Wonderful Games We’d Love to See in The Olympics

The recent addition of skateboarding, and the anticipation of Esports eventually making its way into the Olympic Games, has left many asking the question, “is anything off limits?”

 

It’s certainly divided sports fans across the globe, moving away from tradition and into a new era. But let one in and it could lead to a flurry of new sports starting to arrive into the Games over the next few decades, which got us thinking…

 

What sports or games would we like to see in the Olympics in the future?

Chess

There’s always been a debate around whether chess is a sport. The International Olympic Committee indeed does consider it a sport, so it is a fair game to be added to the Olympics.

 

The IOC recognised it as a sport way back in 2000, due to it requiring skill and elements of physical exertion, particularly when it comes to the brain. While many might not consider it the most fascinating spectacle, there’s always been drama and tension to the game, which could make it a great watch during a future Games.

Bingo

Probably more of a pipe dream is bingo. The game has really taken off in recent years, particularly online with millions playing on safe bingo sites like www.robinhoodbingo.com. Of course, there’s little skill involved in the game, with it being a game entirely made of luck, but can you imagine hundreds of athletes sat at a table in their official tracksuits desperate for Gold?

 

It would be an incredible watch. ! Even if it’s not for the main games, it should certainly be considered for the Olympic Village entertainment.

Cheese Rolling

Cheese rolling is only popular in Gloucester and the famous Cooper’s Hill, but given the opportunity, we could see rounds of Double Gloucester being pushed down hills across the globe.

 

The annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling contest has become world-renowned, and we think anyone that puts themselves through the competition certainly deserves a medal. Any Olympic Park would look breath-taking with the addition of a giant hill perched next to the velodrome!. So, how’s about it IOC?

Fireball Soccer

Nobody enjoys the football at the Olympic Games, particularly the men’s event anyway, so why not spice it up a bit with the traditional Indonesian sport of fireball soccer?

 

The game is much the same, but the ball is on fire. We’ve do not really have much to add to that.!

Frog Jumping

If you’ve seen Netflix’s We Are the Champions, then you’ll know just how intense frog jumping can be. It takes skill, courage and most importantly, an obedient frog. The aim of the game is to get your frog to jump the furthest in three leaps.

 

We see horses at the Olympic Games, so what about frogs? It would be a superb watch along the running track in the Olympic Stadium. We just hope the frogs would be able to handle the pressure.

Arsenal defeat Leeds in 4-2 thriller

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a hat-trick for the Gunners.

Despite being almost ¾ of the way through the Premier League season, Arsenal still found themselves in the bottom half of the table prior to this evening’s game against Leeds.

They had a horrific start to the season, finding themselves very close to the relegation zone for a prolonged period of time. Their improved form in January seen them climb the table but their February form left a lot to be desired going into the game, losing their previous 2 Premier League games.

They did, however, manage to get back to winning ways today with an impressive victory over a Leeds United side who have surpassed all expectations so far this season.

FIRST HALF

Arsenal started the game off with more intensity than they have done in previous games this season, moving the ball with intent and pressing quickly.

Their pressure paid off in the 13th minute as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted the opener. He received the ball and made space for himself with a few stepovers before accurately directing the ball into the bottom corner.

Aubameyang could have scored his second near the half-hour mark as he found space in the box and shot at goal but he was denied by an outstanding block by Luke Ayling.

Arsenal thought they had the chance to double their advantage in the 33rd minute as Bukayo Saka went down in the box after a brilliant run. Initially, the referee pointed to the spot to award a penalty but after further review from VAR, no penalty was awarded.

Just minutes later, though, Arsenal were awarded yet another penalty. However, this time it would stand. Saka earned the penalty again after pressuring goalkeeper Illan Meslier before being brought down in the box. Aubameyang stepped up to take the penalty and he made no mistake as he got his brace. 2-0 Arsenal.

Hector Bellerin all but finished the game off in the 44th minute as he made it 3-0 after an excellent period of play with Saka at the heart of it yet again.

The first half ended 3-0 to Arsenal in one of their most convincing performances of the season.

SECOND HALF

Arsenal’s goalscoring didn’t stop there.

Just 2 minutes into the second half and they had their fourth. Aubameyang was the goalscorer yet again as he got his hat-trick. Surprisingly enough, it was Aubameyang’s first Premier League hat-trick given the amount of goals he’s scored.

It was another defensive error that led to the goal. Helder Costa tried to play out from the back but was caught in possession and his error eventually led to an Aubameyang back-post header.

The Gabon international has looked a shadow of his former self this season but today’s performance could do him the world of good, particularly given the personal problems he’s had to endure recently.

Leeds showed they still had some fight left in them as they pulled one back in the 58th minute. It was Pascal Struijk who scored, and in doing so netted his first Premier League goal. The Dutch centre-back ventured into the box for a Leeds’ corner before he met the ball with an explosive header to make it 4-1.

Helder Costa was at fault for Arsenal’s fourth goal but he made up for that in the 68th minute as he finished off a fine Leeds’ move with a powerful finish inside the box. 4-2 Arsenal.

Unfortunately for Leeds though, that was about as far as their comeback would go.

The match finished 4-2 to Arsenal after a fantastic first half performance.

Leeds sat 10th and Arsenal sat 11th prior to the match. Now though, given Arsenal’s victory, the teams have switched positions with Arsenal moving into the top half.

David McGoldrick set for Ireland return?

Changes to the striker’s Instagram account have sparked rumours of an international comeback.

David McGoldrick hung up his boots at international level last November but recent changes to the striker’s Instagram account could suggest a potential return to the Ireland fold.

The Sheffield United man changed his profile picture to himself in an Ireland shirt, inserted the FAI’s account in his bio and deleted his retirement post today which left many fans thinking of a possible return with World Cup qualifying games approaching in March.

Nothing is concrete yet, though. In fact, it’s understood that McGoldrick has made no contact with the FAI regarding his international future since.

On the other hand, it seems odd that McGoldrick would make such drastic changes to his account if he wasn’t at least considering a comeback.

One thing’s for sure is that Ireland are in desperate need of striking options, and although McGoldrick hasn’t always been prolific throughout his career, his game is about so much more than just goals.

His link up play and work rate demonstrated for Ireland throughout his short international career left many fans mourning his departure, despite just scoring 1 goal in 14 games for the country.

He has arguably been Sheffield United’s best performer this season also. Despite the side’s substandard league form, McGoldrick has impressed on more than one occasion, with particularly accomplished showings against Manchester United and Tottenham.

Nothing has been confirmed yet. However, McGoldrick reviving his international career would provide a much needed boost to the Ireland squad and fans.

 

Burns and Gibson-Park start for Ireland against France on Sunday

Billy Burns and Jamison Gibson-Park start for Ireland against France on Sunday, Johnny Sexton, James Ryan, and Conor Murray are out through injury. 

The Ireland coaching group have named the side that will face France in round 2 of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations Championship.

There’s a new half-back pairing, a new captain a cap record in the front row and one uncapped player on the bench.

Ulster’s Iain Henderson will captain Ireland for the first time, becoming the 108th player to lead Ireland. He will be partnered in the second row by Tadhg Beirne.

The front row that started against Wales of Cian Healy, Rob Herring and Andrew Porter is retained. Healy will win his 106th cap taking him ahead of John Hayes (105) as Ireland’s most capped prop.

In the backrow Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander are joined by Rhys Ruddock who slots in on the blindside flank.

Conor Murray picked up a hamstring strain in training this week and has been ruled out of this game. Jamison Gibson Park comes in to start at 9 and will partner Billy Burns.

Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose line out in the centre and the back three is unchanged with  Hugo Keenan at fullback flanked by  Keith Earls and James Lowe.

There are four changes in the replacements as Ed Byrne, Ultan Dillane, Ross Byrne and the uncapped Craig Casey come in while Ronan Kelleher, Tadgh Furlong, Will Connors and Jordan Larmour complete the bench for the weekend.

IRELAND Team & Replacements (v France, 2021 Guinness Six Nations Championship, Aviva Stadium, Sunday, February 14, kick-off 3pm):

Player/Club/Province/Caps –

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 7 caps
14. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 89 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 31 caps
12. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 48 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 3 caps
10. Billy Burns (Ulster) 4 caps
9. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 6 caps
1. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 105 caps
2. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 17 caps
3. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 33 caps
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 18 caps
5. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 59 caps CAPTAIN
6. Rhys Ruddock (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 26 caps
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 29 caps
8. CJ Stander (Munster/Shannon) 47 caps

Replacements

16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 7 caps
17. Ed Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 3 caps
18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 45 caps
19. Ultan Dillane (Connacht/Corinthians) 17 caps
20. Will Connors (Leinster/UCD) 6 caps
21. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) uncapped
22. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 11 caps
23. Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 25 caps

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