Donegal vs Tyrone: Preview, TV Channel, Prediction, Betting

We had a preview of Donegal vs Tyrone two weekends ago when the National League resumed. On that occasion, Donegal were convincing four points winners. But, Tyrone bounced back with a big performance in Mayo that makes this the game to look out for in the opening weekend of the Championship.

The League game between these sides predictably saw some rustiness among the Tyrone side. However, Donegal hit the ground running and their 2-17 tally was an impressive one.

As a result, Declan Bonner chose to rest some of his key players such as Michael Murphy, Ryan McHugh, and Neil McGee for the Kerry game last weekend. Their absence was evident as Kerry claimed a fourteen-point victory. The result won’t rest on Bonner’s mind though as he has gotten a good look at his players.

Paddy McBrearty is yet to feature since the restart. Likewise, Odhrán McFadden-Ferry is out with injury. But, the Kerry game saw Michael Langan return and present himself for selection.

Meanwhile, Tyrone responded to their defeat to Donegal by winning an important game in Castlebar to remain in Division 1. They won by a single point and impressively held their nerve against a Mayo fightback.

Most notably, Conor McKenna’s return to the red and white has been an eventful one. After scoring 1-2 against Donegal, he scored a further 2-2 against Mayo. Furthermore, the return of Peter Harte meant another 0-3 on the scoreboard.

In addition to this, Dara Canavan, son of Tyrone legend Peter, played over an hour in McHale Park and left the pitch with 1-1 to his name. Despite Cathal McShane’s absence, the Tyrone forward line seems to be clicking at the right time.

No Second Chances

Last season, these teams met in the Championship at the Provincial semi-final stage. Donegal were victorious that day but Tyrone still made it to Super 8s. In fact, they emerged from their group to the semi-finals unlike Donegal who failed to earn a result in Castlebar.

Despite the recent outcome of the League game between these two, this is going to be a titanic clash in the Championship. The Football Championship is guaranteed to lose a big contender here early on. Whereas, the winner will gather huge momentum which will be needed to get out of Ulster. Otherwise, there are still strong teams that could trump either of these sides.

Paddy Power are predicting another Donegal victory. They’ve priced the O’Donnell County at 8/13 versus Tyrone’s 7/4. A draw is 13/2.

RTÉ Sport are showing the game live on Sunday.

Prediction: Donegal.

Ulster Football Championship Quarter-Final: Donegal vs Tyrone, Sunday, November 1st, 13:30 (Ballybofey).

Conor McKenna showed class and skill for @TyroneGAALive as the Red Hand county were victorious against Mayo in the #AllianzLeagues. Is he your https://t.co/gvXdqgOuf0 Football Player of the Week? Vote now on the GAA Instagram Stories. pic.twitter.com/nVGp6dNrOw

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 27, 2020

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Offaly vs Carlow: Preview, TV Channel, Prediction, Betting

Offaly vs Carlow is an interesting one in the Leinster Championship on Sunday. Offaly stayed safe in Division 3 despite losing to Tipperary and Derry in their last two games. In contrast, Carlow claimed four points from their last two league games. However, they only got one game under their belts as London conceded in round 7.

As a result, it is hard to gauge how the sides match up heading into this one. Last year, Meath defeated both sides in Leinster. Carlow didn’t survive in the qualifies but Offaly claimed a couple of scalps before being eliminated.

But, there is no such second chance this year so these two sides will be up for this one. It is a great chance for both teams to advance provincially. The winner on Sunday earns a shot at Kildare.

After 50 minutes, Offaly only had 1-03 on the scoreboard against Derry. They did creep back towards the end but the damage was done. In the Championship, they won’t be allowed such time to settle in.

Carlow netted twice in their one game against Sligo. Goals win games and Carlow will be looking to attack Offaly in a similar way.

Paddy Power have Offaly the favourites at 4/9 as opposed to Carlow at 9/4. A draw is 15/2.

The game is live on GAA GO.

Prediction: Draw.

Leinster Senior Football Championship Round 1: Offaly vs Carlow, Sunday, November 1st, 13:30 (Bord na Mona, O’Connor Park).

Support Offaly in the Leinster Football Championship next Sunday.
It's behind closed doors but available to watch live for €5 on https://t.co/W2wlUXKb4j pic.twitter.com/LimZKOcqZl

— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) October 27, 2020

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https://twitter.com/Offaly_GAA/status/1321154425130536960

Tipperary vs Limerick: Preview, TV Channel, Prediction, Betting

Last weekend, Limerick opened the Munster Hurling Championship by beating Clare by ten points. The result was a statement of intent from the 2018 All-Ireland winners who now face the holders Tipperary just a week on from their victory. Tipperary vs Limerick is at 4pm on Sunday.

Limerick had eleven different scorers in the game against Clare that doubled as the League final. In the forwards, Tom Morrissey (0-4) and Gearóid Hegarty (0-5) found their performances worthy of a Team of the Week inclusion. Likewise, the defenders got in on the action. Diarmuid Byrnes hit 0-3 and Declan Bannon got a point to justify their selections in the week’s finest fifteen.

Limerick’s second-half performance was what really set them apart from a brave Clare team. This sort of seventy-minute performance will encourage John Kiely who knows his team will need to go the distance on Sunday.

Tipp not phased by being the ones to beat

Tipperary are without the advantage of having a competitive game since the GAA’s resumption. However, the fresh legs could be an advantage in itself as the winter setting will take its toll on teams quickly.

In the run to Tipperary’s All-Ireland victory last year, Limerick were the only team to beat them. This was in the Munster final that saw a twelve-point difference between the sides. Despite eventually winning the Liam McCarthy, there will be an element of revenge on the Tipperary players’ minds.

This year, the Championship again offers a second chance via the qualifiers. However, Tipperary captain Seamus Callanan is planning on taking a more direct route this time around.

“We’re in a Munster semi-final, going through the back door is not going to enter our heads. It’s a situation you can only deal with if you’re put in it,” he said. “We’re going all out to win and not thinking that there’s a crutch to fall back on in case anything else happens.”

Limerick’s outing against Clare made them the favourites for this one with Paddy Power. They are 8/11 to defeat the holders. Meanwhile, Tipperary are 11/8 and a draw is 8/1.

RTÉ Sport are showing the game live.

Prediction: Limerick.

Munster Hurling Championship Semi-Final: Tipperary vs Limerick, Sunday, November 1st, 16:00 (Páirc Uí Chaoimh).

Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Limerick v Clare in the Munster Hurling Championship / Allianz League Hurling Final here on GAANOW!
Full-Time Score:
Limerick: 0-36
Clare: 1-23 pic.twitter.com/rklPQ46rqJ

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 25, 2020

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Louth vs Longford: Preview, TV Channel, Prediction, Betting

In Leinster, it’s Louth vs Longford in the opening round. Recently, Louth were dropped from Division 3 after winning just once in the League. In contrast, Longford remained safely above the dropzone despite conceding their final game with Cork.

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Louth and Longford were both successful at this stage of the competition in 2019. But, initial success was followed by defeats. For Louth, that was as good as it got as they were knocked out in the first qualifying round GAA fixture. Longford went just one round further before being dumped by Tyrone.

In January, these sides met in the first round of the League. On that occasion, Longford were three-point winners.

That set the trend for Louth in the League. However, most recently the beat Down on the final day to gather some much-needed confidence ahead of the Championship. Otherwise, Longford are without as much match practice. Furthermore, the one competitive game they have played since the restart ended in defeat to Derry.

Longford manager Padraic Davis hasn’t had the luxury of using a full club Championship to prime his players. Unfortunately, Longford’s club Championship suffered worse than most and many games were postponed. In fact, the Senior Football Championship has still not been completed. Hence, it is hard to know what to expect from Longford when they are in the heat of knock-out Championship.

Paddy Power still see Longford as 1/2 favourites to advance. Meanwhile, Louth are 2/1 underdogs and a draw is 15/2.

The match is live on GAA GO.

Prediction: Louth.

Leinster Senior Football Championship Round 1: Louth vs Longford, Sunday, November 1st, 13:30 (Mullingar).

Leinster Senior Football Championship Round 1@louthgaa v @OfficialLDGAA, from TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar on Sunday 1st November at 1:30pm.

Game will be live on https://t.co/nnKLeHfPRi #LouthGAA #LeinsterGAA #Championship2020 #GAAGO pic.twitter.com/HqUXqyKGF6

— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) October 28, 2020

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Australia v New Zealand – Preview, starting teams – Kick off 8:10am Irish time

We have the starting teams for the third Bledisloe Cup game between Australia and New Zeland on Saturday 31 October (Kick-off 8:10am Irish time)

With Matt To’omua (groin/adductor) and James O’Connor (knee) both out, the Australians brought in uncapped duo Noah Lolesio and Irae Simone to run the side at flyhalf and inside centre. Jordan Petaia and Allan Alaalatoa were both promoted from the bench into the run-on team for Hunter Paisami and Taniela Tupou respectively, and Dane Haylett-Petty replaces Tom Banks at fullback.

There are two more debutants on the bench as well: Reds teammates Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott both were named for their first Test appearances.

The matchday 23 features the selection of 2020 All Black Hoskins Sotutu at number eight in his first Test start, in for Ardie Savea, while loose forward Dalton Papalii and midfielder Ngani Laumape also make their first appearance of 2020 on the bench.

Sotutu is one of three changes to the starting forward pack for Saturday: Karl Tu’inukuafe comes in at loosehead prop for Joe Moody, who is still going through HIA (head injury assessment) protocols, while Samuel Whitelock returns at starting lock. Tyrel Lomax comes onto the bench for Nepo Laulala. In the
backs, Laumape is in the 22 jersey, while Rieko Ioane is in the 23 jersey.

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said this week’s approach to what would be a massive Test match was simple.

“It’s the third Test of a four Test series and the Bledisloe Cup is on the line. It’s a real chance for us to come into their home patch, a place which they take a lot of pride in playing and for a trophy which means a lot to them, and we need to show them how much it means to us. The chance to go and win a trophy that’s precious to us is exciting.”

On Hoskins Sotutu, Foster said: “He’s had plenty of minutes already in the Bledisloe Cup series and he’s ready to go. He’s excited. It’s a chance to start his first Test so it’s pretty special for him.”

Foster said the All Blacks were also hugely excited by the prospect of winning the Bledisloe Cup on Australian soil, the first time since 2009 that the team had had that challenge.

“None of our players, even our experienced ones, have had to win the trophy in Australia. In the past the deciding game has always been in New Zealand, so I think it’s a great challenge for us.”

Commenting on the Bledisloe Cup series to date, Foster added: “It’s been a two-pronged learning approach for us. Firstly, we’ve been learning about how we can get better ourselves and we’ve been delighted with the way the new players especially have made progress there. Now we just need to cement the growth in our game. Secondly, clearly, we’ve also been learning about the Australians.”

Australia team to play New Zealand in the first Tri-Nations test in Sydney on Saturday.

Team: 15-Dane Haylett-Petty, 14-Filipo Daugunu, 13-Jordan Petaia, 12-Irae Simone, 11-Marika Koroibete, 10-Noah Lolesio, 9-Nic White, 8-Harry Wilson, 7-Michael Hooper (captain), 6-Ned Hanigan, 5-Matt Philip, 4-Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3-Allan Alaalatoa, 2-Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1-James Slipper

Replacements: 16-Jordan Uelese, 17-Scott Sio, 18-Taniela Tupou, 19-Rob Simmons, 20-Fraser McReight, 21-Tate McDermott, 22-Reece Hodge, 23-Hunter Paisami

The matchday 23 is as follows (Test caps in brackets):

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe (14)
2. Dane Coles (71)
3. Ofa Tuungafasi (37)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (32)
5. Samuel Whitelock (118)
6. Shannon Frizell (11)
7. Sam Cane (70) – captain
8. Hoskins Sotutu (2)
9. Aaron Smith (94)
10. Richie Mo’unga (19)
11. Caleb Clarke (2)
12. Jack Goodhue (15)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (45)
14. Jordie Barrett (19)
15. Beauden Barrett (85)
16. Codie Taylor (52)
17. Alex Hodgman (1)
18. Tyrel Lomax (2)
19. Scott Barrett (37)
20. Dalton Papalii (3)
21. TJ Perenara (66)
22. Ngani Laumape (13)
23. Rieko Ioane (31)

Rashford hat trick as Manchester United overcome RB Lepizig

The hat trick hero Marcus Rashford spoke to our reporters after the match. pic.twitter.com/KO8IJYmebO
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 28, 2020

The Red Devils won their second Champions League outing after beating PSG last week

Manchester United came away with a very impressive 5-0 win against German side RB Leipzig tonight. Most people wouldn’t have expected United to have a 100% winning record so far. After all, they did face two sides who reached the semi-final and final of the Champions League last season, respectively. After tonight though, they come away with two wins from two after an embarrassing result for Leipzig.

“Stick to football”

Marcus Rashford has been in the headlines in recent weeks over his campaign to introduce free school meals for children. He has been criticized, rather unfairly, by certain sections of the public for his activism. He has been told by some to “stick to football” as he continues to have his voice heard.

Well, he’s proved his doubters wrong tonight. He came on in the 63^rd minute as United looked to ensure a victory after Mason Greenwood had scored in the first half. It didn’t take him long to get on the scoresheet as he netted his first in the 74^th minute. The goal came as a result of Rashford running in behind the Leipzig defence from the half way line. Initially, the goal was deemed offside but on further review VAR decided that he was behind the half way line as the pass was made, meaning the goal stood. Once he was one on one with the keeper, he made no mistake with his finish.

He earned his brace in the 78^th minute with a fantastic finish low into the corner after good work by Fred in midfield.

Manchester United earned a penalty in the 87^th minute which most expected Rashford would take to complete his hat trick. Instead, though, Rashford decided to give the penalty to Anthony Martial as a gesture. Martial made no mistake from the spot as he made it 4-0.

Rashford still managed to complete his hat trick in the end after some good work from Martial. He lashed the ball into the net from 10 yards to make it 5-0. He departed with the match ball after coming on less than 30 minutes before the whistle.

A class act on and off the pitch.

RASHFORD.

HAT-TRICK. ⚽⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/9aPp95exlA

— B/R Football (@brfootball) OCTOBER 28, 2020

In other news, Mason Greenwood will be happy with his performance tonight as he managed to break the deadlock after 21 minutes. His goal demonstrated his off the ball movement and finishing ability. He struck from a tight angle but managed to squeeze the ball into the bottom right corner. There were questions of offside as VAR decided to take a second look, but the goal stood upon review to the relief of Manchester United. Despite his young age, Greenwood is arguably one of the best finishers in the Premier League at the minute. If he can add to his overall game, there’s no boundaries as to how far he could go. He was eventually replaced by the aforementioned Marcus Rashford in the 63^rd minute but it was an impressive showing by the teenager.

Greenwood’s start tonight will give him a massive boost in what has been a difficult season so far. He has struggled to get into the starting XI of late despite an impressive breakthrough campaign last season. Rumours of ill discipline have added fuel to the fire, although Solsjkaer has firmly denied such talk. He did his talking on the pitch as he produced an impressive performance.

What a finish that is from Mason Greenwood 🔥

Paul Pogba played him through and he didn’t even need to take a look at the goal! pic.twitter.com/IDKGxanChp

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) OCTOBER 28, 2020

Another man who got his chance tonight was Donny Van De Beek. It was just VDB’s second start since joining the club having previously started against Brighton in the EFL Cup. He started instead of Fernandes and he took his chance well as he looked very comfortable in possession without providing too much of an attacking threat. He was subbed off for Fernandes with 67 minutes played.

The match itself was a high energy affair. Both teams pressed high and routinely forced the other into mistakes, especially in the first half. The second half was more one sided as United regularly exposed Leipzig’s high line and got in behind. Nobody would have expected the game to end 5-0 after a fairly even first half.

🔴 Manchester United record their biggest win in the Champions League since 2013 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/jbZ4Lux4zf

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) OCTOBER 28, 2020

Ole will have a selection headache up front as his team prepare to face Arsenal at the weekend. Greenwood hasn’t got much of a look in this season, but his form tonight may persuade Ole to start the teenager come Sunday. Marcus Rashford is also probably nailed on to start based on his performance tonight and this season in general. The other attacking options Ole has to consider are Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Odion Ighalo.

After Arsenal, United travel to Turkey in order to face Istanbul Basaksehir for their 3^rd Champions League group game. Istanbul have lost all their group games so far after losing 2-0 to PSG earlier this evening and to RB Leipzig last week. We would expect United to come out of Turkey with an 100% winning record, but stranger things have happened.

United take on Istanbul at 8 p.m. on Wednesday next week. The match will not be broadcast live for free on Irish TV, but it will be shown on BT Sports. Alternatively, viewers can catch up on the highlights of the match on Virgin Media 2 from 10.15 p.m.

Leinster Rugby – Champions Cup 2020/21 Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times

Leinster Rugby Champions Cup 2020/21 Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times have been announced.

Reigning Guinness PRO14 champions, Leinster Rugby, will have Montpellier and Northampton Saints as their opponents in Pool A when the tournament kicks off again in December.

For the purposes of the draw, the 24 clubs which qualified from the Premiership, the PRO14 and the TOP 14 were classified into four tiers based on their performances in the knockout phases of their respective leagues, and/or on their qualifying positions in their respective league tables.

Each tier contained six clubs with Tier 1 made up of the number one and number two ranked clubs from each league, and Tier 2, the number three and number four ranked clubs from each league, and so on.

Starting with Tier 1, the clubs were either drawn or allocated into either Pool A or Pool B so that each pool contained 12 clubs with no clubs in the same tier from the same league in the same pool.

The key principles regarding the pool stage fixtures are that clubs will only play against opponents in the same pool, and clubs from the same league cannot play against one another.

The Tier 1 and Tier 4 clubs which were drawn in the same pool, but which are not from the same league, will play one another home and away over four rounds. The same principle applies to the Tier 2 and Tier 3 clubs which were drawn in the same pool, but which are not from the same league.

The exact dates of the Heineken Champions Cup pool stage fixtures and the Challenge Cup preliminary stage fixtures, including venues, kick-off times and TV coverage, will be announced as soon as possible following consultation with clubs and EPCR’s partner broadcasters.

The four highest-ranked clubs from each Heineken Champions Cup pool will qualify for the quarter-finals which will be played over two legs, and the clubs ranked from number five to number eight in each pool will qualify for the Round of 16 of the Challenge Cup.

Today’s draw, which mapped out the first steps on the journey to the 2021 Marseille finals weekend, was conducted by EPCR Chief Executive, Vincent Gaillard, and by EPCR Commercial and Brand Manager, Anya Alderslade. The event scrutineer was Lausanne-based solicitor, Jean-Guillaume Amiguet.

2020/21 HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP

POOL A (with opponents in brackets)
Bordeaux-Bègles (Dragons, Northampton Saints)
Leinster Rugby (Montpellier, Northampton Saints)
Wasps (Dragons, Montpellier)
Bath Rugby (La Rochelle, Scarlets)
Edinburgh Rugby (La Rochelle, Sale Sharks)
RC Toulon (Sale Sharks, Scarlets)
La Rochelle (Bath Rugby, Edinburgh Rugby)
Sale Sharks (Edinburgh Rugby, RC Toulon)
Scarlets (Bath Rugby, RC Toulon)
Dragons (Bordeaux-Bègles, Wasps)
Montpellier (Leinster Rugby, Wasps)
Northampton Saints (Bordeaux-Bègles, Leinster Rugby)

POOL B (with opponents in brackets)
Exeter Chiefs (Glasgow Warriors, Toulouse)
Lyon (Glasgow Warriors, Gloucester Rugby)
Ulster Rugby (Gloucester Rugby, Toulouse)
Bristol Bears (ASM Clermont Auvergne, Connacht Rugby)
Munster Rugby (ASM Clermont Auvergne, Harlequins)
Racing 92 (Connacht Rugby, Harlequins)
ASM Clermont Auvergne (Bristol Bears, Munster Rugby)
Connacht Rugby (Bristol Bears, Racing 92)
Harlequins (Munster Rugby, Racing 92)
Glasgow Warriors (Exeter Chiefs, Lyon)
Gloucester Rugby (Lyon, Ulster)
Toulouse (Exeter Chiefs, Ulster Rugby)

2020/21 season weekends
Round 1 – 11/12/13 December 2020
Round 2 – 18/19/20 December 2020
Round 3 – 15/16/17 January 2021
Round 4 – 22/23/24 January 2021
Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, 1st leg – 2/3/4 April 2021
Challenge Cup Round of 16 – 2/3/4 April 2021
Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, 2nd leg – 9/10/11 April 2021
Challenge Cup quarter-finals – 9/10/11 April 2021
Semi-finals – 30 April – 1/2 May 2021

2021 finals – Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Challenge Cup final – Friday 21 May
Heineken Champions Cup final – Saturday 22 May

Champions Cup 2020/21 Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times for Connacht Rugby

2020/21 Champions Cup rugby draw has been made and we have the Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times for Connacht Rugby.

Former Connacht Coach and now Bristol Bears’ Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, will make a return to Galway when the Challenge Cup winners face off against Connacht and Clermont in Pool B.