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All-Ireland Football Final – Dublin v Mayo – Preview, TV Channel, Stats, Prediction

For the third time in five years, the All-Ireland Football Final will be decided with Dublin vs Mayo. In addition to this, the sides met in the 2015 and 2019 semi-finals.

As is well-documented, Dublin have prevailed on each of these occasions as they racked up an unprecedented five-in-a-row. Yet, Mayo are undoubtedly the team who have come closest to stopping the sky blue juggernaut. Now, in a year where nothing has gone to script, can the spirited westerners finally find a way to end their 69-year drought?

Old Dogs, New Kicks

Many of the Mayo players became well-known in the last decade as they were ever-present at the business end of the Championship. Furthermore, the likes of Lee Keegan, Colm Boyle, Keith Higgins, Cillian O’Connor, David Clarke and Aidan O’Shea have multiple All-Stars. All six of those are still key players for James Horan but one accolade that has remained elusive is the Sam Maguire.

Those veterans, along with Chris Barrett, Tom Parsons, Kevin McLoughlin, have found a new lease of life in 2020. The injection of youth provided by Oisin Mullin, Eoghan McLoughlin, Ryan O’Donoghue, Tommy Conroy, Mark Moran, and Bryan Walsh has meant that competition is as tough as ever just to make the Mayo team. To illustrate, Tom Parsons made his first appearance off the bench against Tipperary in the semi-final. Likewise, Keith Higgins has made only one appearance off the bench thus far while Colm Boyle has remained in reserve throughout.

While much of the focus has been on the polar ends of Mayo’s squad dynamic, it is the men who are coming of age in the middle-third who have gone greatly unheralded. Stephen Coen, Paddy Durcan, Matthew Ruane, Conor Loftus, and Diarmuid O’Connor have been Horan’s reliable go-to men and have formed a formidable unit to bolster the defence and springboard the attack.

Durcan aside, those players were key members of the 2017 U-21 team who famously won an All-Ireland. As a result, their familiarity with each other has allowed them to play to each other’s strengths. This core have chosen the right time to reach their peak as much of the game on Saturday will be decided in midfield.

Lessons Learned

Mayo have lost to Dublin in the Championship in 2015 (semi-final-replay), ’16 (final-replay), ’17 (final), ’19 (semi-final). The two finals between these teams remain the some of the most exciting games in recent memory. In 2016, Mayo kept Dublin at bay for half an hour. However, two bizarre own goals meant they were still left needing a comeback. On that day, Cillian O’Connor held his nerve to kick an equaliser from 45 yards out in the 76th minute. The same man could come back to haunt Dublin on Saturday. O’Connor broke a Championship record by scoring 4-09 last time out against Tipperary. The Ballintubber man is no stranger to the Dublin defenders and will know that Mayo likely need to find the net at least once if they are put past demons to rest.

In 2017, Dublin vs Mayo was decided by just a point again. Many Mayo people felt that was another one that got away from them. In the 47th minute of that game, John Small saw red for a second bookable offence and Mayo had a free in a scoreable position to level the game. Then, Donal Vaughan levelled the playing field by getting himself sent off for reacting. Equally as important, Mayo lost their free which would have been a vital score they could have kicked on from.

Most recently, Mayo fell to Dublin in last year’s semi-final thanks to a Con O’Callaghan clinic in goal-scoring. One two occasions, he stepped inside Lee Keegan and slid the ball past David Clarke. As a result, Mayo went from being two points up at half-time to eight down by the 47th minute.

There will still be positives for Horan to take from that game though as Mayo put Dublin under serious pressure in the first-half. Once again, a fast start will be crucial.

The Greatest Team of All Time?

In their four outings this year Dublin have outscored their opponents by a combined 69 points. So, they are winning each game by an average of 17.25 points. However, what is just as impressive is their solidity at the back. Stephen Cluxton is yet to concede in this year’s Championship.

Put these attributes together and it’s a formidable formula that no team has found a way to break down since Donegal in the 2014 semi-final. In fact, the Dublin outfit has only gone from strength to strength since the first of their five-in-a-row. Only 10 of the players who featured against Mayo in 2015 will be in the Dublin squad on Saturday, a testament to the embarrassment of riches available to Jim Gavin and now Dessie Farrell.

Back in the 2017 final, a young Con O’Callaghan burst onto the scene by scoring Dublin’s only goal after just 90 seconds. Since then he has been one of the most prolific full-forwards in the country but Farrell has decided to capitalise on his versatility this year. O’Callaghan has been deployed further out the field this year, linking the midfield to the forward line. Meanwhile, Ciarán Kilkenny has adopted a position closer to goal which has been of great success thus far. Whether Farrell sticks with this tactic on Saturday or flips it again to keep Horan guessing remains to be seen. Either way, how Mayo decide to match up against O’Callaghan and Kilkenny could be pivotal in the game’s outcome.

Predicted Match-Ups

Michael Fitzsimons vs Aidan O’Shea

Davy Byrne vs Cillian O’Connor

Eoin Murchan vs Tommy Conroy

Diarmuid O’Connor vs Brian Fenton

Matthew Ruane vs James McCarthy

Paddy Durcan vs Con O’Callaghan

Lee Keegan vs Ciarán Kilkenny

Chris Barrett vs Dean Rock

Oisin Mullin vs Paddy Small

Paths to the Final

Dublin: 0-22 vs 0-11 Westmeath, 2-23 vs 0-7 Laois, 3-21 vs 0-9 Meath, 0-12 vs 1-24 Cavan.

Mayo: 2-15 vs 0-10 Leitrim, 1-16 vs 0-13 Roscommon, 0-14 vs 0-13 Galway, 5-20 vs 3-13 Tipperary.

The game is on RTÉ and Sky Sports Mix on Saturday.

Paddy Power have Dublin at a short 2/9 to complete six-in-a-row. Otherwise, Mayo are 9/2 and a draw is 11/1.

Prediction: Dublin. Mayo possesses the tools to threaten Dublin and there is no doubt that they will have some success. However, they will need to find the net and keep Clarke protected at the other end. Despite their demolition of Tipperary, there were gaps in the Mayo defense highlighted which Dublin will have been sure to make note of. If this is to be another Dublin vs Mayo classic then all of Mayo’s big guns have to bring their A-game. But, even if it goes down to the wire, Dublin’s bench has that extra bit of experience and X-factor that Mayo is shy of.

Diarmuid O’Connor…….2-1
Patrick Durcan…………….0-4
Matthew Ruane……………0-4
LAST TEN CHAMPIONSHIP MEETINGS
2019: Dublin 3-14 Mayo 1-10 (All-Ireland semi-final)
2017: Dublin 1-17 Mayo 1-16 (All-Ireland final)
2016: Dublin 1-15 Mayo 1-14 (All-Ireland final) Replay
2016: Dublin 2-9 Mayo 0-15 (All-Ireland final) Draw
2015: Dublin 3-15 Mayo 1-14 (All-Ireland semi-final) Replay
2015: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-15 (All-Ireland semi-final) Draw
2013: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-14 (All-Ireland final)
2012: Mayo 0-19 Dublin 0-16 (All-Ireland semi-final)
2006: Mayo 0-16 Dublin 1-12 (All-Ireland semi-final)
1985: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-7 (All-Ireland semi-final)Replay
Dublin 6 Mayo 2 Draws 2
Stats
(1) Mayo are seeking their first win over Dublin since the 2012 All-Ireland semi-final. The counties have met 16 times since then, with Dublin winning 13 and drawing three. Dublin’s wins were in the 2013, 2016 and 2017 All-Ireland finals, the 2015 semi-final replay and the 2019 semi-final, the Allianz League in 2013 (twice), 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. The draws were in the 2015 All-Ireland semi-final, the 2016 All -Ireland final and the 2014 League.
(2) Dublin and Mayo meet for the 16th time in the championship, with Dublin having won nine of the previous 15 to Mayo’s two while there were four draws, the most recent coming in the 2016 All-Ireland final.
(3) Dublin and Mayo have met 53 times in League and Championship. Wins stand 32-13 in Dublin’s favour, with eight draws. The most recent clash between the counties was in the second round of the Allianz League last February when Dublin won by 1-11 to 0-8 in Castlebar.
(4)Dublin have yet to concede a goal in this year’s championship, having kept clean sheets against Westmeath, Laois, Meath and Cavan. Mayo kept clean sheets against Leitrim, Roscommon and Galway in the Connacht championship before conceding three goals against Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final.
(5) Dublin is bidding for their 30th All-Ireland title while Mayo’s are chasing their fourth.
(6) David Coldrick (Meath) will take charge of the All-Ireland final for a fourth time, having previously refereed the 2007 (Cork v Kerry), 2010 (Cork v Down) and 2015 (Dublin v Kerry ) deciders.

All-Ireland SFC Final: Dublin vs Mayo, Saturday, 19th December, 17:00 (Croke Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/kilkenny-are-2020-camogie-champions-after-beating-galway/

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https://twitter.com/DubGAAOfficial/status/1338529185292226560

Unbeaten Run – List of teams Dublin Footballers have beaten over last 41 Games

Dublin Footballers have remained unbeaten in the All Ireland Football Championship since losing to Donegal in the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final.
They have played 41 games since then, winning 38 and drawing 3. They have beaten teams from 18 different counties (eight Leinster, five Ulster, three Connacht, two Munster)
………………….Played……….Won………Drew………Lost
Mayo……………..6……………….4……………2……………0
Kerry……………….4……………..3…………….1……………0
Tyrone……………4………………..4……………0……………0
Westmeath……..4……………….4…………….0……………0
Kildare…………….3………………3………………0……………0
Laois………………..3……………..3……………….0…………..0
Meath……………..3………………3………………0…………….0
Longford…………2……………….2……………….0……………..0
Donegal…………..2……………….2…………….0………………0
Roscommon……..2……………….2…………….0……………..0
Fermanagh……..1……………….1……………….0………………0
Carlow…………….1……………….1………………..0…………….0
Monaghan………1……………….1…………………0………………0
Wicklow………….1………………..1…………………0…………….0
Galway…………….1………………..1………………….0…………..0
Louth………………1………………….1…………………0……………0
Cork………………..1………………….1………………….0……………0
Cavan………………1…………………1…………………..0…………..0

Why Patrick Bamford is now even more unlikely to ever answer Ireland’s call

There were more than a few in the football world who were left scratching their heads after Patrick Bamford shunned Mick McCarthy’s advances last season. The 61-year-old, who was the Ireland manager at the time, had asked Bamford to consider his Irish ancestry and turn out for the men from the boys in green. As civil as ever, Bamford politely refused and said he needed time to think, which, naturally, did very little for McCarthy’s usual charitable disposition. 

 

All of this happened at a time when the striker was battling away for promotion to the Premier League with Leeds United. It has to be said that any Championship forward that is offered the chance to play on the international stage is normally quick to take it with both hands. Indeed, there is a lot to gain from playing internationally. Apart from the obvious financial incentive, players are also able to enjoy the honour that comes with being an international player. 

 

Patrick Bamford, however, seems at peace with letting that opportunity slip by, at least for Ireland. The feeling is that Bamford, who is a proud Englishman, would rather give up on the chance of many international appearances for Ireland, in the hope that he can eventually get a cap for England. Now, there will be many who scoff at that but since his club side Leeds returned to the Premier League after getting promoted last season, Bamford has done himself no harm in throwing his name into Gareth Southgate’s England hat.

The 27-year-old is enjoying a 100% strike rate having netted in both of Leeds’ games. The first came in a sensational 4-3 thriller at Anfield after he capitalised on some poor defending from Virgil Van Dijk, by cooly chipping the onrushing Alisson.

 

The second was a clever finish against Fulham in a game that would see Leeds run out 4-3 winners this time around. Of course, many may point to Fulham’s defensive frailties and if you were to look at the Lottoland Sportsbook, you’d see the Cottagers are indeed the favourites to be relegated from the Premier League. This may lead you to think that Bamford’s achievement of scoring against them wasn’t all that impressive, but for the first time in his career, the striker is getting into the right place at the right time.

What’s more, both of his goals have come from his right foot, which was always considered to be his weaker one. All of this suggests that Bamford has addressed some of the problems that were hindering his progress in front of goal. Whether the floodgates open for good and Southgate does actually begin to see Bamford as part of his plans remains to be seen. 

 

But this all points to the fact that there is no almost zero chance that the 27-year-old will ever play for Ireland as his outside odds of being picked for England have increased ever so slightly. That’s probably all the justification that Bamford needs to keep sticking to his decision by giving the Irish national team the cold shoulder. 

 

Late Firmino goal ensures victory for Liverpool in top of the table clash

The match finished 2-1 with goals from Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Heung-Min Son.

Anfield was the setting as Liverpool took on Tottenham Hotspur with both teams battling for top position. A number of Liverpool fans were present as they witnessed their side dominate possession on their way to 3 points. Liverpool are now 3 points clear at the top of the table having been level with Spurs prior to the match.

FIRST HALF

As expected, Liverpool largely controlled possession against a highly defensive Spurs’ set up, particularly in the first half. Their domination eventually paid off in the 26th minute as a Mohamed Salah effort put Liverpool in front. He struck from just inside the box before a deflection looped over Hugo Lloris and into the net.

Liverpool continued to control possession thereafter but as we’ve seen on numerous occasions this season, Tottenham’s patience paid dividend as they scored from a counter attack. Giovanni Lo Celso should be given much credit for the goal, it was his run and pass that allowed Heung-Min Son to finish past Alisson. Tonight’s goal takes Son’s Premier League tally to 11 for the season already. Watch him is as much fun as when you visit this UK casino. 

The first half finished 1-1 with Liverpool dominating proceedings, but failing to create many chances of real quality.

SECOND HALF

After a period limited in action, Steven Bergwijn had a fabulous chance after being played through onto goal. He was in acres of space as he closed down on goal, but his shot rattled off the post before being played out for a corner.

The corner resulted in an equally good opportunity, this time for Harry Kane. He was in acres of space in the box as he connected with the header but the ball bounced off the ground before going harmlessly over the bar.

Both series had a series of half chances after and it looked like the game was heading for a draw as neither converted. That was until the 89th minute as Roberto Firmino scored a crucial goal. He headed the ball in from a corner which Lloris had no chance of reaching.

The match finished 2-1 to Liverpool after Firmino’s late goal. Tottenham may feel slightly hard done by, having fashioned a number of good opportunities during the course of the match.

 

 

England Sees the Reopening of Golf to the Public with COVID Protocols in Place

It’s not just the pros who love all things golf in England; it’s the public who have been forced to stay off the links during the latest round of lockdowns. This is exactly why the re-opening of golf as of December 2nd in England is such a huge and welcome announcement. Of course, it’s not all back to normal, as there will still be COVID protocols in place to ensure the sport can be enjoyed in a safe manner. Regardless of what tier the region is in, golf will be permitted for play in fourballs.

Royalty Free Photo

So, what do the COVID protocols look like, and what can players heading back to the links expect? There are a number of safety measures in place – most that likely won’t come as a surprise.

Fourballs Are Now Permitted in All Tiers

Many golfers will probably remember that back in the first lockdown that took place in England, golf was temporarily shut down, and when it returned, only two-balls were permitted. While many assumed that may be the case this time, the government has in fact given the green light to fourballs.

The Tier System Will Dictate Some Measures

Despite the fact that fourballs will be permitted in all tiers of the alert system, other restrictions will be put in place. In the case of a Tier 3 alert setting, the indoor hospitality services at the course will only be allowed to provide takeaway food. Also, all the clubhouses must be closed. 

Another rule is that face coverings will need to be worn in all the indoor settings. This rule expands across all tiers, making it universal and easy to follow. This means that if the golfer is to walk into the clubhouse or a pro shop, they need to have a proper face covering on.

There is also the ‘rule of six’ which will also apply to any region that is in Tier 1 (medium alert). The ‘rule of six’ means that players cannot socialize outside a group of six people – both outdoors and indoors.

For the Tier 2 regions, the rules get much stricter. Golfers are not allowed to socialize with anyone outside their immediate household, or outside their support bubble in an indoor setting. As for outdoors, the limit is six people.

The government has also stated that golfers in high alert areas (Tier 2 and 3) must not travel to Tier 1 regions to play golf.

Turning to Other Means to Keep Up with the Sport

So, what have the professionals and amateurs alike been doing to keep up with the sport that they love so much? One of the biggest hits have been golf simulators, such as the Edina Golf Simulator. A golf simulator not only gives you the feeling of playing on the real thing, but it helps players to improve their game and prepare to get back on the actual links.

As restrictions start to ease up in England, most notably the fact that football fans will be able to return to some games after 266 days of being closed to fans, the reopening of golf comes as a welcome measure.

Double Swoop for Shamrock Rovers

Hoare and McCann sign for Rovers

Shamrock Rovers have further strengthened their squad ahead of the 2021 season. Sean Hoare has made the switch from Oriel Park to Tallaght Stadium, signing with Rovers on a permanent deal. The defender scored against the Hoops only last week in the FAI Cup Final victory. The moves marks the end of his successful career at Dundalk where he won two league titles and two FAI Cups.

Rovers manager Stephen Bradley expressed his delight with the signing: “He fits our type of profile for a defender and he’s very versatile. He’s a good age as well so he’s one we’ve liked for quite some time.”

Veteran midfielder Chris McCann also joins the league winners. McCann boasts an impressive C.V. having spent time at Burnley, Wigan Athletic and MLS side Atlanta United, where he won the MLS Cup.

Despite interest from England, McCann opted for Dublin and is an acquisition that “can improve us (Rovers) as a team and as a squad and make us better” according to Bradley.

Which Irish players need a move in January?

The transfer window reopens on January 1st, 2021.

The transfer window allows out of favour/young players a chance to secure a move away from their clubs onto greener pastures, whether it be permanently or temporarily. Some Irish players have struggled for game time so far this season. The reopening of the transfer window in January may lead to first team opportunities for those players, dependant on the right move.

Players will have a month to secure a move with the window closing again at the end of the January.

In a window that is sure to see movement between clubs, here are some Irish players which may benefit:

JAYSON MOLUMBY – BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

After his impressive loan spell at Millwall last season, many expected Jayson Molumby to take up a role as squad player at Brighton. So far, that’s not been the case.

The midfielder has received limited first team minutes for his club this season. His appearances have mainly come in cup competitions, with just one appearance off the bench in the Premier League.

At international level, things have been more positive for Molumby. He made his debut in September and has since gone on to earn 5 caps. It will, however, be difficult for him to solidify himself as a starter for Ireland without first team minutes under his belt.

A loan move would be perfect for Molumby at this stage of his development. Another move to the Championship may be beneficial for the Waterford man.

Millwall were rumoured to be interested in taking him for a second loan spell at the beginning of the season however nothing materialized. Perhaps a move to the Lions in January is on the horizon?

RYAN MANNING – SWANSEA

Although Manning only moved to Swansea in October, he may well be vying for a move in January. The left back has only made 3 appearances since joining the Swans having left QPR – where he was a regular starter – over an apparent dispute over wages.

Manning had arguably his best season yet during 2019-20, playing a part in 41 Championship games and registering a number of goal contributions. He was linked with a number of Premier League clubs, but Swansea captured his signature in the end. A move which Manning is likely regretting.

He looks unlikely to displace current starting left back Jake Bidwell as it stands, meaning a move away from the club may be needed.

Swansea are unlikely to let Manning go for less than they paid for him – £2.16 million – meaning suitors may be limited. A loan move could be a possibility; however Swansea may want to keep him at the club as a backup option.

Either way, it’s clear that Manning needs improved playing time.

MICHAEL OBAFEMI – SOUTHAMPTON

Michael Obafemi’s omission from recent Ireland squads have upset certain sections of the Irish support, particularly given the limited striking options.

The Southampton academy graduate had his best season to date last term, netting against both Manchester United and Chelsea. However, this season he’s struggled for playing time in the first team. In fact, he has played just 13 minutes of Premier League football this season.

His minutes aren’t likely to change anytime soon, either. Southampton are in exceedingly good form, meaning Obafemi is unlikely to displace their current starting strikers.

His lack of playing time at club level will do him no favours in terms of making his way into future international squads.

A loan move to a Championship or lower Premier League club may be just what Obafemi needs at this stage. Southampton obviously see a future for the striker so a permanent transfer away seems unlikely.

SHANE LONG – SOUTHAMPTON

Shane Long is another Southampton striker in need of first team opportunities. Once one of Ireland’s best players, Long’s status has dropped over the years due to his decreased playtime.

At 33 years of age, Long is in/approaching the twilight of his career. He has been a great servant to Southampton over the years, but it may be time for a move.

Long hasn’t been included in an Ireland squad since October despite being one of the most experienced players available.

A transfer would be ideal for the Tipperary man. A host of Championship or lower Premier Division clubs should be lining up for the services of long.

Long played for West Brom for 3 years at the start of the decade and there’s every chance they could make a move for the striker in January. His Premier League experience could be just what the club need to avoid relegation.

Top Irish Horse Racing Events

Ireland is the proud home of the Blarney Stone, Leprechauns and Guinness, but can also lay claim to some of the best horse racing in the world. The Irish are staunch supporters of the sport. Nowhere is this clearer than at online bookmakers, where horseracing is the most popular betting sport by far.

 

Gambling on the horses goes back a long way in Ireland, and you can click here for more information about the current situation and laws. What is clear though, is that these days betting is done as much with online sportsbooks as at the bookies. 

 

With a racing season that lasts for most of the year and includes over 350 races, Ireland is a horse racing enthusiast’s dream. We can’t give you information about every race, but here are the top horse racing events in Ireland.

Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival

The Punchestown Festival takes place annually in April. The races start on a Tuesday, and run for five consecutive days. It’s often likened to the Cheltenham Festival in England, as both events have a similar structure.

 

Punchestown features ten championship races including Champion Hurdle, World Series Hurdle and Punchestown Gold Cup. The festival is the pinnacle of the Irish national hunt season and is consistently well-attended. This collaboration of spectacular racing, high fashion, and engaging entertainment for the whole family is a fitting end to the season.

Galway Summer Festival

The Ballybrit racecourse in Galway is home to the annual Galway Summer Festival that takes place at the end of July. It’s one of the longest racing festivals in Ireland, and attracts entrants and spectators from all over the world.

 

If you’re looking for some glamour, don’t miss Ladies Day that takes place on Thursday of festival week. This day is by far the most stylish, with the ladies competing for the coveted Best Dressed Lady, and Most Elegant Hat awards.

 

The racing highlights of the Galway Festival are the Galway Plate, a national hunt chase, and the Galway Hurdle which is a national hunt hurdle race. The popularity of these races contributes to the reasons why the Galway Festival consistently attracts a 100,000 people  each year.

Irish Grand National

The Irish Grand National has produced some memorable moments over the years. This national hunt steeplechase race is one of the headline races at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival. Spectators are on the edge of their seats as the field of 30 horses race around a track dotted with 24 hedges. The whole field rarely finishes the race. In fact, in 1928, only two riders crossed the finish line.

 

The most successful horse at the Irish Grand National was Brown Lad. He’s the only horse to have won the race three times: 1975, 1976 and 1978. The race is traditionally run on Easter Monday, with thousands attending on the day, and hundreds of thousands more tuning in on televisions and mobile devices to watch it live.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival

The Irish Derby Festival is a three-day event taking place at the end of June at the Curragh. This racecourse is in County Kildare, a popular area for horse breeding, and training. 

 

The Irish Derby is an integral part of this event, and with a purse of close to €700,000, it attracts some of the top three-year-old racehorses in the world. The festival appeals to horse lovers, but the blend of fashion, and entertainment draws spectators from all corners of the world. 

FinalThoughts

The Irish embrace horse racing, and its history in the region goes back centuries. For a small country, it packs a big punch on the international stage. Whether you’re planning a trip to the races or placing a bet at an online casino, you might have the luck of the Irish at one of these top Irish horse racing events.  

 

Ireland in Pool B with South Africa & Scotland for RWC 2023

Ireland have drawn reigning Rugby World Cup holders South Africa and Guinness Six Nations rivals Scotland in Pool B for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

It will be first meeting between Ireland and the Springboks in a Pool game of the Rugby World Cup.

In the most recent meeting between Ireland and South Africa, the home side had a 38-3 at the Aviva Stadium in 2017.

Ireland beat Scotland at RWC in Japan and played them in both the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup this year.

At today’s draw in Paris, Asia/Pacific 1 and Europe 2 were also drawn in Pool B.

If Andy Farrell’s side progresses beyond Pool B, they will play a team from Pool A. This pool contains three-time Rugby World Cup winners New Zealand and hosts France.

Rugby World Cup 2023

Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, America 1, Africa 1

Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Asia Pacific, Europe 1

Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Europe 1. Final Qualifier Winner

Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Oceania 1, Americas 2

Quarter Final 1: Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D

Quarter Final 2: Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A

Quarter Final 3: Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C

Quarter Final 4: Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B

Semi-Final 1: Winner QF1 v QF3

Semi-Final 2: Winner QF2 v QF4

Roundup of Sunday’s Premier League action

Viewers were treated to a handful of surprise results.

We’re now nearly a ⅓ of the way through the Premier League season, meaning many of those near the top of the table will be looking to establish themselves as title contenders going into January.

There were a number of captivating matches played today which sprung some surprise results.

Here’s how today’s Premier League games played out:

SOUTHAMPTON vs. SHEFFIELD UNITED

The 12 o’clock kick off featured a jubilant Southampton against a lowly Sheffield United side.

Southampton have started the season very well. Prior to kick off, they collected 20 points from just 11 matches. Sheffield United, on the other hand, could hardly have started the season any worse. They only picked up 1 point in 11 games which is in complete contrast to the start they had last season.

Thing didn’t get much better for The Blades today as they were easily beaten 3-0.

Che Adams opened the scoring in the 34th minute after latching on to a deflection of his teammate Jan Bednarek.

Stuart Armstrong was fortunate to get the 2nd goal of the game as his shot from outside the box trickled into the net from a deflection.

Nathan Redmond completed the rout in the 83rd minute with a placed shot into the bottom corner.

Southampton now sit 4th in the Premier League table after tonight’s result. Sheffield United remain bottom. Although the season is only early yet, Sheffield United will need a miracle to stay up based on their form thus far. They were never prolific goalscorers last season but their defensive structure ensured the team a comfortable survival. This season, they have neither of the above.

CRYSTAL PALACE vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Tottenham faced a difficult trip to Selhurst Park today as they looked to solidify their place as the top of the table.

Both teams have started the season well – particularly Tottenham – and would have been confident going into the match. Crystal Palace had the added boost of fans being on their side for the first time this season.

It was Tottenham who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, though. Harry Kane struck from range and his shot was completely misjudged by Crystal Palace keeper Vicente Guaita before hitting the back of the net. Guaita had produced a number of good saves prior to the goal so for him to concede in that fashion was unfortunate.

Crystal Palace weren’t going to lie down and accept defeat, though. They had a couple of chances to equalize until they got their goal in the 81st minute, and through an unlikely source. Jeffrey Schlupp equalised after confusion in the box from a free kick to score his first goal of the season.

As mentioned before, Vicente Guaita made a succession of good saves before his mistake led to the opening goal. He more than made up for his mistake with a handful of outstanding saves in the dying embers of the game. He made one particular save from a Harry Kane free kick which could be a contender for save of the season. The Spaniard looked beaten as Kane’s free kick was heading to the corner but he showed supreme agility and reflexes to tip the ball over the bar.

The match finished 1-1 to Spurs. They were still top of the table, but Liverpool were to play later and if they collected all 3 points that position would change hands.

FULHAM vs. LIVERPOOL

Fulham have looked good at times this season, but have struggled to pick up points despite their impressive performances.

Both teams needed a win today but for different reasons, Liverpool had the chance of going top of the league while Fulham could have moved comfortably out of the relegation zone.

The match wasn’t as straightforward as Liverpool would have liked, with Fulham creating most of the good, early chances. Fulham had a number of shots but failed to find the back of the net. That is until the 25th minute. Bobby Decordova-Reid was played through on goal and he smashed his shot into the corner, leaving the returning Alisson with no chance.

Fulham could have easily gone 2-0 up not too long afterwards after uncharacteristically poor defending from Andy Robertson afforded Ivan Cavaleiro a chance from close range. His shot, though, was too close to the keeper and Alisson dealt with the chance routinely.

Liverpool had a handful of chances to equalize, but their goal didn’t come until the 79th minute. They had their share of the luck as they were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box. Mohamed Salah then stepped up to take and *just* slotted past the Fulham keeper.

Liverpool now sit on level points with Tottenham having failed to take their opportunity to go top. Fulham currently sit 18th, just inside the relegation zone.

ARSENAL vs. BURNLEY

Both teams have had unremarkable seasons thus far this season. Arsenal, in particular, have been poor and are performing well below expectations.

The first half was predictably uneventful, with chances hard to come by for both teams. The second half, though, produced a series of talking points.

The first of which came in the 58th minute as Granit Xhaka was sent off for a second yellow after unnecessarily handling his opponent by the throat. His dismissal made it even more difficult for Arsenal to get a result, having played with little conviction even beforehand.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ended his goal drought in the 73rd minute. He would have, however, preferred it to go into the other net. The Gabon international scored an own goal as he headed past Bernd Leno from a Burnley corner.

Robbie Brady cleared off the line in the dying embers of injury time to ensure a Burnley victory.

Burnley’s win moves them out of the relegation zone while Arsenal loom dangerously over it. Making matters worse, Arsenal have an unenviable schedule going into the Christmas period including a succession of games against Southampton, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool.

LEICESTER vs. BRIGHTON

Leicester have started this season on a high and, although it’s a long shot, could be potential title contenders with consistency in their performances. Contrastingly, Brighton haven’t made the best start to the season, despite playing good football at times.

Leicester hit the front in the 27th minute through a James Maddison deflected strike. The midfielder was left out of the latest England squad, so he’ll be hoping his performance can impress enough to warrant his inclusion in the next one.

Jamie Vardy scored his 12th goal of the season in the 41st minute to double Leicester’s advantage.

James Maddison completed his brace and the scoring on the night in the 44th minute. What a goal it was as well. He made some space for himself just inside the box using his trickery before curling his shot into the top corner leaving no chance for the keeper.

Leicester’s win tonight leaves them 3rd in the Premier League table, just 1 point behind Spurs and Liverpool. Brighton remain just above the relegation zone with 10 points from 12 games.

 

 

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