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South African George Coetzee wins 2020 Portugal Masters

George Coetzee won his fifth European Tour title – and his first on European soil – after holding off the chasing pack to win the 2020 Portugal Masters by two strokes.

The South African did not put a foot wrong on Sunday afternoon, posting a bogey-free round of 66 to triumph for the second week in a row, after winning at his home club, Pretoria Country Club, on the Sunshine Tour last week.

Coetzee began the final day with a one shot lead but was knocked off the top of the leaderboard early on in the round after parring his opening six holes in a patient start to his final round.

The 34-year-old ignited his round at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course with gains on the seventh, eighth and 11th, before holing birdie putts at the 16th and 17th holes to move to 16 under par and give himself a two shot advantage heading to the 18th tee.

“That was the next step for me really (winning on European soil). I have always had a list of things I wanted to achieve in my career as a golfer and originally I never thought I would get as far as winning on the European Tour, so ticking that box a while back was really nice. Then I started to realise that I was a bit comfortable playing back home and I needed to go to the next step and win away from home.

“Some of the events I target are the Qatar Masters and the Portugal Masters because I tend to play really well in those countries and the golf courses really suit me. I was very nervous playing this course and knowing that there are booby traps around the corner every now and then, so stepping on to 18 and hitting the best drive I hit all week, I was shocked! I told my caddie, I can’t believe I just did that, and my preparation mentally kind of paid off as well.”

Englishman Laurie Canter finished second on 14 under par after he also made five birdies in his round of 66, while his countryman and World Number 16 Tommy Fleetwood was another stroke back in a tie for third with Swede Joakim Lagergren.

Round Four Scores

268 G COETZEE (RSA) 66 70 66 66,
270 L CANTER (ENG) 64 72 68 66,
271 J LAGERGREN (SWE) 69 69 68 65, T FLEETWOOD (ENG) 68 71 68 64,
273 M KAWAMURA (JPN) 67 71 65 70,
274 N LEMKE (SWE) 70 69 65 70, S GARCIA RODRIGUEZ (ESP) 70 68 67 69,
275 J GUERRIER (FRA) 62 66 75 72, J CATLIN (USA) 72 69 65 69, S VINCENT (ZIM) 70 65 72 68, J SCRIVENER (AUS) 69 68 70 68, J VEERMAN (USA) 69 68 70 68, J CAMPILLO (ESP) 68 71 70 66,
276 L JOHNSTON (SCO) 61 74 70 71, B STONE (RSA) 67 70 70 69, W NIENABER (RSA) 70 65 73 68, G FORREST (SCO) 72 67 69 68, B EVANS (ENG) 69 71 68 68, W BESSELING (NED) 70 70 68 68, G FDEZ-CASTA?O (ESP) 71 69 68 68, M JORDAN (ENG) 66 69 74 67, R KARLBERG (SWE) 72 67 70 67, J SENIOR (ENG) 69 71 72 64,
277 D WHITNELL (ENG) 67 74 66 70, M SIMONSEN (DEN) 68 67 73 69, A BJORK (SWE) 70 70 68 69,
278 S KIM (USA) 67 66 72 73, L BJERREGAARD (DEN) 67 71 68 72, B STOW (ENG) 72 69 67 70, R BLAND (ENG) 67 70 73 68, S SODERBERG (SWE) 66 75 73 64,
279 P WARING (ENG) 67 69 71 72, A SADDIER (FRA) 67 68 73 71, R FOX (NZL) 67 69 75 68, A CA?IZARES (ESP) 70 71 70 68,
280 A MERONK (POL) 69 66 72 73, A ROZNER (FRA) 68 67 73 72, T GANDY (IMN) 69 68 72 71, T PULKKANEN (FIN) 70 70 70 70, T TREE (ENG) 73 67 70 70, R GOUVEIA (POR) 69 72 69 70, J SMITH (ENG) 73 67 71 69, G MIGLIOZZI (ITA) 67 71 74 68,
281 G PORTEOUS (ENG) 70 69 69 73, A QUIROS (ESP) 73 68 68 72, J DONALDSON (WAL) 69 67 74 71, S SHARMA (IND) 73 67 70 71, R ENOCH (WAL) 69 71 71 70, M SCHNEIDER (GER) 69 72 71 69,
282 M ARMITAGE (ENG) 68 67 73 74, B EASTON (RSA) 68 72 68 74, F LAPORTA (ITA) 67 70 72 73, N BERTASIO (ITA) 67 69 74 72, J SURI (USA) 69 71 71 71, A ROMERO (ARG) 71 70 70 71, J CALDWELL (NIR) 65 72 75 70, R SANTOS (POR) 69 71 72 70,
283 M SCHMITT (GER) 70 71 68 74, T OLESEN (DEN) 66 71 73 73, D LAW (SCO) 69 71 70 73, L VAN MEIJEL (NED) 71 70 71 71, S GALLACHER (SCO) 76 65 71 71, P LARRAZABAL (ESP) 69 71 73 70,
285 S BROWN (ENG) 68 70 74 73, T BESSA (POR) 68 70 75 72, M SOUTHGATE (ENG) 69 72 74 70,
286 D COUPLAND (ENG) 72 68 71 75, C PIGEM (ESP) 72 69 75 70,
287 E CUARTERO BLANCO (ESP) 70 71 71 75,
292 D DRYSDALE (SCO) 70 68 77 77,

Magical beats Ghaiyyath in Longines Irish Champion Stakes

Magical (9/2) beat the world’s number one-ranked horse Gaiyyath to claim back-to-back wins in the Group 1 Longines Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Séamie Heffernan-ridden mare achieved her seventh Group 1 success in the process as the daughter of Galileo defeated the 8/13 favourite in the 10-furlong contest.

Ghaiyyath, who took up his customary front running role under William Buick, found the Ballydoyle mare close by throughout as the son of Dubawi never held a strong advantage over the Aidan O’Brien-trained five-year-old.

Heading into the straight, the Godolphin favourite led from Magical on his outside and her stable companion, Japan and Ryan Moore, on his inside. The mare took the lead with a furlong to run, but try as he did to get Ghaiyyath to pass her, William Buick and the Charlie Appleyby-trained runner had to settle for second as Magical ran out a three-quarters-of-a-length winner. The result overturned the pair’s most recent meeting when Ghaiyyath got the better of the Coolmore partners-owned mare in the Group 1 Juddmonte International at York.

Magical and Séamie Heffernan return after another Group 1 success for the 5-year-old mare. Credit: Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

Japan, who had briefly challenged with intent early in the home straight faded disappointingly again as another O’Brien runner, Armory (66/1), ran on well to finish a further one-and-a-quarter lengths behind Ghaiyyth in third.

Aidan O’Brien greeted his 9th winner of the Irish Champion Stakes by explaining:

“We were going to go with him today and sit 3/4 [of a length] off him for a solid even match. She eyeballed him all the way and when you do that, there’s always a chance that the ones coming from behind will get you but we took a chance and let him and her match up all the way. There are no excuses here at this track and she’s incredibly tough and genuine with speed and determination – she has everything and Séamie gave her a brilliant ride.”

Winning rider, Séamie Heffernan, who also guided the mare to success in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh earlier this season, said of the race:

“I felt that the favourite knew we were there at the start and we were with him every step of the way today – he knew we meant business.”

Heffernan, winning his third Longines Irish Champion Stakes after the victories of Cape Blanco and So You Think, was full of praise for his willing partner Magical, stating:

“Some horses can disappoint you when they seem like champions in the morning, but she has probably never given everything and still won seven Group 1s. She’s very sound and up for it every day. She’s a big and honest mare and to win a third one is massive for me – I work for a great team.”

Magical wins back-to-back Longines Irish Champion Stakes. Credit: Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

Aidan O’Brien wasn’t willing to commit his star mare for the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, suggesting the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera at the same track was also an option:

“Magical has the choice of the Arc or the fillies’ race [the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera] on the same day. It will depend on what the lads want to do with Love. The Breeders’ Cup could also suit her really well. We think she gets a mile and a quarter real strong and at a mile and a half you probably have to ride more of a race on her.”

Magical, who was winning the 10th race of her 13 starts in Ireland, was due to be retired last season after wins in the Group 1 Longines Irish Champions Stakes, the Group 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot and the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (which she also won this year). She was to be covered by Coolmore stallion No Nay Never, but a change of mind by the owners meant she is still racing this season.

Corofin cruise to semi-final spot

Corofin 1-18 v Salthill 0-09

Corofin cruised past the challenge of Salthill-Knocknacarra to book their spot in the last four of the Claregalway Hotel Galway Senior Football championship.

Despite playing into the wind at Pearse stadium in the first half, they held a slender 0-06 v 0-05 lead at interval. An early Robert Finnerty free had got the hosts off to a good start. However, Salthill were wasteful with the wind at their backs as a tally of five first half wides drained their confidence somewhat. Corofin were far more economical with their chances. Their patient probing passing suited playing into the wind.

A brace of points from both Jason Leonard and Gary Sice, along with points from Kieran Molloy and Conor Cunningham kept the scoreboard ticking over during the opening half. Salthill were overly reliant on the accuracy of Robert Finnerty from placed balls. Three frees and a mark from the son of their manager Anthony Finnerty were Salthill’s only scores during the first half until Tomo Culhane added a point from play in first-half stoppage time.

Half-Time: Corofin 0-6 Salthill 0-5

Kevin O’Brien’s side upped the intensity after the break and began to pull away from the Seasiders.

On the restart Corofin extended their lead with a point from play and a Gary Sice free. Further scores from Liam & Darragh Silke (2) and Michael Lundy, as well as a fine effort from Jason Leonard were only interrupted by a solitary Robert Finnerty free in reply. A goal from substitute Dathai Burke ten minutes from time sealed the win. The Dual player squeezed the ball past Ruairi Lavelle in the Salthill net after a beautiful reverse pass from Gary Sice. Further late points from Gary Sice and Ciaran McGrath added to the final tally of 1-18 to 0-9.

Full time: Corofin 1-18 Salthill Knocknacarra 0-09

Daithi Burke slots past Ruairi Lavelle.

Cáit Devane’s amazing hurley change

Is this the fastest hurley change ever? In the Tipperary senior camogie championship semi-final. Cáit Devane of Clonoulty-Rossmore can be seen spinning out of a group of players and away from her Burgess-Duharra opponents.

The Premier County ace races down the wing. She then drops her hurley to the ground. Then in the blink of an eye, she grabs one thrown in by a selector and takes a shot. It’s a scarcely believable passage of play.  The video clip was captured by Sports Focus Photography. The clip has gone viral on Social Media. Sit back and admire the most audacious piece of skill you will see this year.

Devance was an All-Star nominee in 2019. Tipperary’s attacking star notched another impressive total of 0-37 this year which earned her a second consecutive All-Stars nomination.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE GAA SCORES

“I’m completely blown away by the coverage it’s gotten,” said Devane.

“But I suppose the fact that it got onto social media, that people are hanging to see anything to do with sport . . . They just want to see sport, any kind of sport.

“It’s fantastic, I find it funny because it was just an instinctive thing on my part.”

In another amazing twist, it was reavailed that Cait’s brother John had passed her the hurl.

“When I broke the hurley I had, I saw him and beckoned him on. Then I went into the ruck and got the ball.

“I turned out, away from the ruck, and he said, ‘I have it, but I don’t know what to do with it’, and I said, ‘throw it’.

“We had a conversation out there. A very quick conversation.”

As a result, opposition defenses will be on high alert from now on.

Certainly, one this brother and sister act practiced at home!

Galway Senior Football Championship quarter-final previews.

All-Ireland champions put their county title on the line.

All-Ireland champions Corofin’s incredible undefeated streak in the Galway senior football championship now stretches back over 50 games. They put their record on the line against a Salthill-Knocknacarra side that blends youth with experience.

Last years finalists Tuam Stars are up against surprise package CLG Bhearna, while 2018 finalists Mountbellew-Moylough play Killannin. The final tie sees Moycullen face the Mervue based St.James GAA.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE GAA SCORES

Claregalway Hotel Senior Football Championship quarter-finals

Corofin v Salthill-Knocknacarra: Saturday 12th, Pearse Stadium @2:30pm

Corofin set down a marker in their opening group game with a 27 point hammering of last years Intermediate All-Ireland winners Oughterard. They followed that up with comfortable wins over Monevia-Abbey and An Cheathrú Rua. The depth of Kevin O’Brien’s squad was also well illustrated as former All-Stars Dathai Burke and Ian Burke both made cameos off the bench. Few county teams, nevermind club sides can boast such depth of quality in their squad.

Kevin O’Brien has incredible strength in depth at his disposal in his Corofin squad. Squad info thanks to GalwayGaa.ie

Salthill were less convincing as they plotted their way out of their group. A win, defeat and draw in that order saw them claim second spot in their pool behind group winners Bearna. An apparent score-keeping error in their favour in their final group game against An Spidéal saw the game finish 0-16 v 1-13 rather than a one-point defeat. Salthill have a largely youthful team mixed with club stalwarts like Finian Hanley and Sean Armstrong. When they click, as they did in their opening-round win over St.Michaels (3-13 v 0-10), they can be formidable opponents. Robert Finnerty, son of their current manager and former Mayo star Anthony, is top scorer for the club with 1-14 so far. Tomo and Paddy Culhane have also chipped in on the scoring stakes.

The sides met at the semi-final stage last year. On that occasion, Corofin won an entertaining game by 1-16 to 2-09. However, on the evidence of what we have seen from both sides thus far in this campaign, Salthill have been too inconsistent and it would take an incredible performance for them to dethrone the holders.

Tuam Stars v CLG Bhearna: Saturday 12th, Pearse Stadium @5:30pm

Tuam Stars
Tuam Stars came within moments of a surprise county final win last year. Photo credit: Shane Tighe

The Stars came within seconds of clinching a surprise win in last years drawn county final. A superb display saw them two points up against the Corofin as the clock ticked into the red. Two late Gary Sice frees salvaged a draw for Kevin O’Brien’s side who went on to win the County final replay. They then powered on all the way to Croke Park to lift a third successive Andy Merrigan cup.

Tommy Carton’s side looked to have a hangover from that replay defeat as they slumped to a surprise two-point loss in their opening group game against Caherlistrane. Tuam bounced back with wins over Killannin (0-14 v 1-09) and Claregalway (1-18 v 1-12) to reach the knock-out stages again this year.

Bearna have proved to be the surprise package of this year’s championship in Galway. Starting the campaign as one of the favourites for the drop to Intermediate, they caused a big shock with an opening-round win over Salthill-Knocknacarra. Sean Conlon’s side then backed that performance up with further wins over St.Michael’s (0-13 v0-11) and An Spidéal (2-07 v 0-10) to top their group.

Free taker Donal Ó Cualáin leads the way in the scoring stakes with 2-14 (1 pen, 10f), while Tom Curran and Oisin Gormally have also chipped in.

 

Squad news with thanks to GalwayGaa.ie

Mountbellew-Moylough v Killannin: Sunday 12th, Pearse Stadium @2:30pm

Mountbellew-Moylough won their opening two rounds of group games to nail down a quarter-final spot. Annaghdown were defeated by 1-07 v 0-08 before Mícheál Breathnach’s were accounted for on a scoreline of 0-22 v 2-07. Val Daly’s side took their foot off the gas somewhat in their final group game as Moycullen cruised to a 4-14 v 1-09 win over the men in black and amber.

The retirement of club stalwart Joe Bergin, along with injury ruling John Daly out until the new year, was a blow to one of the few clubs capable of presenting a stiff challenge to Corofin. However, there is still plenty of quality in this squad. Barry McHugh has notched up 16 points so far, while Michael Daly, Patrick Kelly and Eoin Finnerty have also helped keep the scoreboard ticking over.

It’s twenty years since Killannin have reached a county final. Frank Noone’s charges have reached this stage thanks to wins in rounds 1 & 3. A narrow 0-11 v 0-10 win over Claregalway was followed up with a two-point defeat against last years finalists Tuam Stars (1-09 v 0-14). A 1-13 to 2-07 win over Carherlistrane in their final pool game clinched second spot in their pool behind Tuam. County stars Johnny Heaney and Patrick Sweeney are their main scoring threats to date.

Mountbellew overcame Killannin by four points when the sides met in last years’ championship. They look to have the stronger side to repeat that feat again this year.

Squad news with thanks to GalwayGaa.ie

Moycullen v St.James: Sunday 12th, Pearse Stadium @5:30pm

Moycullen (Maigh Cuilinn) will be looking to secure a semi-final spot for a second year running. They lost out to Tuam Stars at the penultimate stage last year and Don Connellan’s side will be looking to get another bite at reaching a county final for the first time since the 1970’s. Standing in their way are St.James’.

Moycullen have racked up big scores en-route to the quarter-final. They have found the net 11 times in their three matches. Mícheal Breathnach’s (3-12 v 1-06), Annaghdown (4-09 v 2-14) and Mountbellew-Moylough (4-14 v 1-09) were all defeated on their way to top of group 2. Dessie Conneely has racked up an impressive 3-16 and Conor Bohan has notched 4-03.

One crucial battle could be Johnny Duane against Dessie Conneely as St. James look to nullify Moycullen main attacking threat. This may somewhat stifle Duane’s own attacking instincts that have see him chip in with 1-01 from wing-back.

St. James, captained by Eoin Concannon, have shown great form so far this campaign. Last year saw them in a battle to stave off relegation. This year wins over Milltown (3-20 v 2-16) and Oughterard (3-16 v 1-14) were enough to clinch a quarter-final spot after an opening round defeat to Cararoe (0-15 v 1-10).

County star Paul Conroy has led the way with 20 points (14f), while Concannon (1-09) and Aaron Connolly 2-04 have also contributed handsomely.

Squad news with thanks to GalwayGaa.ie

LiveScores Now Available at VRscores.com

Guinness PRO14 Final – Team News

Team News is in for tomorrow’s Guinness PRO14 Final!

Ross Byrne in for Johnny Sexton for Leinster and Alby Mathewson in for John Cooney for Ulster are the two main talking points ahead of tomorrow’s PRO14 final. More to follow….

TV Rights for 8 Nations Cup go to Amazon

Amazon has successfully bought the primary TV rights for this year’s 8 Nations Cup.

There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks about whether the streaming giant was bidding or not. Ultimately, they were and they fought off the likes of Sky and BT to secure the deal.

Amazon Prime Video announced this morning that they would be showing 14 out of the 16 games from the 8 nations tournament. The competition opens on the weekend of the 13th/14th/15th of November. Each team will play four games over four consecutive weekends. Meaning, the final round of games will be played on the 5th and 6th of December.

https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1304343977949265920

Irish fans won’t suffer

The news is not all bad for Irish fans however. Ireland’s three pool stage matches will be available to watch on RTE and Channel 4. The Irish host Wales in the Aviva at 7pm on the 13th of November for the opening game. The two free-to-air channels are both showing this game.

Next, Ireland’s trip to Twickenham on the 21st of November will be on Amazon Prime. It is the only Irish from the pool stages to not be on RTÉ. Yet, Channel 4 has struck a deal to co-broadcast it. Thirdly, Ireland’s final group game against Georgia, again listed for the Aviva, is also on RTÉ.

The only Irish game from the 8 nations tournament that will be exclusively on Amazon is the final round. In this, Ireland will be play one of France, Scotland, Italy, or Fiji. The rankings of each team in their pool will determine their final game. For example, if Ireland finish second in Pool A, they will play the second-place team from Pool B. As a result, Ireland’s opening two games against Wales and England are perhaps the most important.

https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/1304352004731547648

Amazon’s coverage will be led by Gabby Logan and Bryan Habana. Other big rugby names joining them are yet to be confirmed.

Venues for the games are subject to change among reviews to Covid-19 restrictions. But it seems certain that rugby fans have a big winter schedule to look forward to. Beginning on the 24th of October, the Six Nations resumes with Ireland vs Italy. Simultaneously, other Six Nations teams will play a friendly match among each other to warm up for competitive fixtures. Then, on the 31st of October, the final round of the Six Nations takes place. This will be nine months after the competitions opening round.

http://34.245.76.62/rugby/rugby-media-rights-getting-out-of-control/

http://34.245.76.62/rugby/rugby-media-rights-getting-out-of-control/

Preview of Dublin Football Championship Semi-Finals

The semi-finals of the Dublin Championship arrive this weekend. After four scintillating quarter-finals, the semis consist of the four group winners.

Holders Ballyboden St. Enda’s had to dig deep to get past a tough Raheny challenge. Their reward for doing so is a tie against St. Jude’s.

This semi-final features the highest scorers against the team to concede the least this year. Ballyboden have accumulated an impressive tally of15-69 so far. By contrast, Jude’s have only given away 1-34 in their four matches. If St. Jude’s can neutralise Ballyboden’s scoring threat, they can pull off an upset here. Dubs TV are bringing this game to fans. It throws-in at 5.30 on Saturday.

https://twitter.com/DubGAAOfficial/status/1303752799424000014

Next, Ballymun Kickhams and Kilmacud Crokes complete the semi-finals.

Kickhams have been greatly boosted in the Championship this year by having their six county panelists well-rested. They were five points down at half-time in the quarter-final. That’s when Dean Rock, James McCarthy, John Small, Paddy Small, and Philly McMahon stepped up. Likewise, having Evan Comerford in goal is a luxury not many teams have. The young shot-stopper is a worthy successor to Stephen Cluxton.

2018 winners Kilmacud Crokes will not be a pushover though. They netted four goals against St. Vincent’s in the last round. Kickhams have to give Paul Mannion special attention. His precision in front of goal will need to be shut down.

TG4 are covering this tie on Sunday at 4.30.

Furthermore, the finals for the Dublin Championship have been rescheduled for the weekend of the 26th/27th of September.

Senior 2 Dublin Championship

The second tier of the football championship continues this weekend also. Firstly, Naomh Mearnóg and St. Brigid’s is on Saturday at 3.00. Secondly, Cuala and Templeogue Synge Street compete for a place in the final on Sunday. That tie throws-in at 2.00. Thankfully, Dubs TV is again on hand to bring coverage.

http://34.245.76.62/gaa/kilkenny-shc-semifinals-preview/

http://34.245.76.62/gaa/kilkenny-shc-semifinals-preview/

Galway Club Football Championship Preview

The Galway Football Club Championship returns this weekend. After the conclusion of the group stages, the qualifiers had a week to recover and prepare.

All-Ireland holders Corofin begin the action on Saturday. They continue to go from strength to strength. They scored 7-17 and 4-18 in two of their three matches so far this year. Salthill-Knocknacarra will be the latest to take on club football’s equivalent of Dublin. Their draw with an Spidéal was enough to send them through Group A. Throw-in is at 2.30 on Saturday.

Next, Tuam Stars and CLG Bhearna take the stage. No team defeated CLG Bhearna in group 1. In contrast, Tuam Stars have already tasted defeat in the championship. Caherlistrane won by two points in their opening game. However, since then Tuam Stars have been on the rise. This tie is on Saturday evening at 5.30.

Then, the quarter-finals continue on Sunday. Mountbellew/Moylough vs Killannin opens the action at 2.30. Both of these have just one defeat on their record so far. Specifically, Mountbellew/Moylough fell to group 2 winners Maigh Cuilinn. Likewise, Killannin lost by just a point to Tuam Stars. Both of these teams will fancy their chances of getting to the semi-final.

Finally, Maigh Cuilinn vs St. James’ completes the round. Maigh Cuilinn scored 11 goals in their three games to this point. Additionally, they are unbeaten. Similarly, St. James’ scored 3-16 in their last outing. If recent form is anything to go on, this game could be a cracker. It begins at 5.30.

Galway GAA’s streaming service is showing all four games from the Senior Club Championship. €20 is the price for access to every game.

Intermediate Galway Football Championship

The intermediate championship is being played parallel to the senior this weekend.

For example, the four quarter-finals are on at 1 pm and 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Here are the full fixtures.

Saturday 12th September: Cortoon Shamrocks vs Kilconly (1.00), Oranmore-Maree vs Killeririn (4.00).

Sunday 13th September: Kilkerrin-Clonberne vs CLG Oileáin Árann (1.00), Dunmore MacHales vs Headford (4.00).

Galway GAA’s streaming service is again offering to show all the games.

https://twitter.com/Galway_GAA/status/1303744731751612417

 

Fulham vs Arsenal Preview, Predicted Teams, Where to watch

Fulham vs Arsenal is the opening fixture of the new Premier League season.

Kicking-off at 12:30 on Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s team travel to newly-promoted Fulham. Scott Parker steered the south London club back to the top flight after just one season in the Championship.

Fulham defeated Brentford in extra-time of the promotion play-off. In the meantime, Parker has strengthened his team in the transfer window. Most recently, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has joined from PSG on a season-long loan.

Last season, Sheffield United proved it was possible for teams to do more than just survive in their first season in the Premier League. Parker will be hoping to replicate their success this season. A good start will go a long way.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s revolution at Arsenal continues. Despite finishing 8th, Arsenal qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup. In addition, Arsenal got this season off on a good foot by winning the Community Shield against Liverpool.

New signings William Saliba and Willian could make debuts in Craven Cottage. On the other hand, defender Gabriel has just begun full training. Also, Dani Ceballos is back for another season-long loan. He could go straight into the team.

Perhaps the most interesting selection in the Arsenal team is the goalkeeper. Bernd Leno missed most of the restart with injury. In spite of this, Emiliano Martinez made a huge impression. His presence between the sticks makes him more than just a deputy to Leno.

Fulham hope to kick-off their Premier League campaign with a flourish. However, the Gunners must finally challenge for the Champions League again. Therefore, this game will likely bring the best out in them.

Predicted Line-ups.

Fulham: Areola, Christie, Hector, Ream, Bryan, Cavaleiro, Reed, Knockaert, Cairney, Lemina, Mitrovic (4-2-3-1)

Arsenal: Leno, Saliba, Holding, Tierney, Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang (3-4-3)

Betting: Fulham 5/1, Draw 10/3, Arsenal 1/2

Halftime/Fulltime: Draw/Arsenal 16/5 (Paddy Power)

Fulham vs Arsenal, Saturday 12th September 12:30 (BT Sport) 

https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1304019309115641856

http://34.245.76.62/soccer/tottenham-vs-everton-preview-predicted-teams-where-to-watch-betting/

http://34.245.76.62/soccer/tottenham-vs-everton-preview-predicted-teams-where-to-watch-betting/

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