English Premier League – Liverpool’s wait over this season?
Although there is still 6+ months of Premier League action remaining in the season, with all kinds of plot twists possible, the way Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-1 recently on November 10, everyone is now sure that there will indeed be a change of guard at the English football’s pinnacle.
Regardless of the fact that Liverpool has a very healthy lead over the defending champions, as well as Chelsea and Leicester City, what’s impressive is that Jurgen Klopp’s men have lost only one game in the League in the last 18 months. The way they beat Man City at Anfield clearly indicated that the Reds’ fans 30 year long wait for a domestic title may be finally coming to an end.
While it’d be safer to bet on Liverpool to go on to win the championship, you might not get excellent odds to make a killing on that sort of bet. On a side note, if you’re really keen on winning something really life-transforming, you can bet on lotteries at Lottoland Ireland and potentially win millions of dollars!
Liverpool were better in every department of the game
It’s important to mention that City didn’t perform very poorly and delivered an entertaining match overall, however, Liverpool were better than their opposition in every department of the game. They were solid at the back, the midfielders were quicker, harder, stronger and more incisive, well-assisted by the fullbacks, and the attack was amazing with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both delivering the goods.
Liverpool emerged European champions after beating good sides like Barcelona, overpowering them physically and scoring consistently with speedy bursts down the flanks. City on the other hand won the last two EPL titles courtesy their mastery of football possession and overall technical brilliance. But it’s pretty clear that Liverpool are maintaining an excellent level of consistency overall. Staying unbeaten and scoring 11 wins from 12 games so far is no mean feat. They went into the Man City encounter with the only question being if they’d be able to cope up with the challenge offered by Guardiola’s City machine.
Well, the conclusion after the high quality football display for 90 minutes proved that Liverpool has no weak spots now. We can’t think of any football team in the world that can enter Anfield with 100% confidence of leaving with a victory.
Englands euro 2020 squad predictions for next summers tournament
Here is betting on the most likely members of Gareth Southgates Euro 2020 Football squad.
| 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/33 | 1/50 | 1/25 | 1/25 | 1/33 | 1/33 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/25 | 1/20 | 1/50 | 1/50 | 1/25 | 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/50 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/20 | 1/20 | 1/25 | 1/25 | 1/20 | 1/25 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/16 | 1/50 | 1/25 | 1/20 | 1/25 | 1/25 | 1/25 | 1/25 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/20 | 1/50 | 1/20 | 1/20 | 1/14 | 1/14 | 1/20 | 1/20 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/20 | 1/10 | 1/14 | 1/12 | 1/12 | 1/12 | 1/14 | 1/20 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/12 | 1/20 | 1/16 | 1/10 | 1/9 | 1/9 | 1/16 | 1/20 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/8 | 1/12 | 1/10 | 1/10 | 1/12 | 1/12 | 1/10 | 1/10 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/10 | 1/5 | 1/20 | 1/12 | 1/10 | 1/10 | 1/20 | 1/50 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/6 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/10 | 1/5 | 1/20 | 1/8 | 2/9 | 2/9 | 1/20 | 1/16 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1/6 | 1/8 | 1/12 | 1/4 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/12 | 1/8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2/7 | 1/5 | 1/4 | 1/6 | 1/9 | 1/9 | 1/4 | 1/6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2/7 | 1/10 | 1/6 | 1/10 | 2/9 | 2/9 | 1/6 | 1/9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 3/10 | 1/10 | 1/4 | 1/4 | 3/10 | 3/10 | 1/4 | 1/5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2/7 | 1/6 | 1/6 | 1/4 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/6 | 1/4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 4/11 | 1/6 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/9 | 1/9 | 1/3 | 1/3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/15 | 8/15 | 1/3 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 1/3 | 1/3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/13 | 1/6 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 4/7 | 4/7 | 1/2 | 2/5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/6 | 5/6 | 1 | 1 | 4/6 | 5/6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/5 | 6/5 | 10/11 | 5/4 | 5/4 | 5/4 | 10/11 | 5/4 |
Look at five major Irish sponsorship deals
Sports is big money, and with big money comes big Irish sponsorship. There are many types of companies, including casino brands that offer sponsorships to help support sport.
As the age old saying goes, money goes where money grows and we decide to take a look at the top five biggest sponsors of Irish sport (Not Irish Athletes).
1. IRFU – “3”/Canterbury – €22 million
The Joe Schmidt era has sparked a renaissance in Irish Rugby as the recent win over England marked Schmidt’s tenth successive victory as coach of the Irish Rugby team. Ireland are enjoying tremendous onfield success but are also reveling off the paddock as their latest sponsorship deal with mobile provider “3” will see the IRFU pocket €22 million over six year. The IRFU signed the deal with “3” and Canterbury after the Union agreed an €11.5 million settlement with Puma after it withdrew its sponsorship early last year. While the deal is short of the €40 million agreed with Puma in 2009. It is still a sizeable agreement within the Irish sporting landscape
2. All Ireland Hurling Championship – Etihad – €5 million
Middle East airline Etihad agreed to sponsor the All-Ireland senior hurling championship in 2012 in a deal thought to be worth about €5m to the GAA. The deal will see Etihad sponsor the competition until 2017 and the Abu Dhabi airline also secured exclusive naming rights to Croke Park’s Skyline rooftop attraction, which provides visitors with a bird’s eye view of the nation’s capital from 17 storeys up.
3 All Ireland Football Championship – AIB – €4.5 million
AIB and the GAA struck a sponsorship deal at the start of this year that will see the bank give €1.5 million a year for an initial three year period to be the primary sponsor of the GAA’s All-Ireland Football championship. AIB has had a long involvement with the GAA, title sponsoring the All-Ireland club championships since 1992.
4. FAI – “3” – €4 million
Three extended their partnership with the FAI pledging support to Irish football until 2016 in a deal worth an additional €4 million. This adds to the current agreement and already committed investment by Three of €7.8 million to the FAI. Three first start sponsoring the Irish national football team in 2010 and extended their sponsorship with the FAI before their deal expired in 2014. Despite Ireland’s disappointing on field performances in recent years, the sport still remains highly popular amongst fans and consumers with the deal still one of the more lucrative sponsorship deals in Irish sport.
5. Dublin GAA – AIG – €4 million
Dublin GAA signed the biggest inter-county sponsorship deal of all time back in 2013 signing with insurance firm AIG in a deal that is believed to be worth in excess of €4m over a five-year period. The deal united Dublin’s football, hurling and camogie teams under the one banner and the deal is more than twice what any other county can come close to and underlines the county’s growth as a force in both football and hurling in recent years.
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Bitcoin Slots Tournaments That You Can Really Get Into
Picture a group of players smashing the buttons on slot machines trying to go as quickly as they can on to the next spin. They are hardly even paying attention to if the bet was won or lost. The scene you are picturing is one of a slot machine tournament in a brick and mortar casino. These tournaments can get very wild as the time starts to tick down for the players to compete.
Every player in that tournament is attempting to win as many points as possible so as to boost their ranking on the leaderboard in the tournament. The better they do on the leaderboard, the more prize money they can take home as a result. This is a big reason why some players get some hurried into playing as many spins as possible.
Some of that same dynamic now exists on Bitcoincasino.us as well. They do offer highly popular slot tournaments for players to join in on and trying to win some Bitcoin into their account. There is a total prize pool of two Bitcoin up for grabs whenever a person enters into one of these tournaments. That might not sound like a lot at first, but you have to consider the value of even a single one of those coins. Here lately they have been trading into the thousands of dollars a piece.
The tournaments pit players against each other to win their share of those two Bitcoins. Interestingly, they are also wagering Bitcoins to get into the tournament in the first place as well.
There are very few online casinos that offer this kind of competition. Most prefer to just give their players straight up casino games that they could find anywhere else. That is not all that much fun when you think about it. There are just too many other casinos that are doing the same thing. Instead, it is for the best to have players have the option to get involved with these tournaments.
Bitcoincasino.us does things so much differently from other casinos. They are always the first in line to offer their players exactly what they want. They understood for example that there was a big demand for the ability to use Bitcoin to gamble with online in the first place. While other casinos still operate with credit cards, Bitcoincasino.us knows that getting money onto gambling sites via credit card is still quite difficult for many US players. Instead, they decided to offer them the Bitcoin options that they have today. Doing so has permitted them to get more involved with the action.
Bitcoin transactions are anonymous. This means there is not as much hassle loading money onto the site or taking it off. That is the real test of how good a gambling site really is. Bitcoincasino.us has stood the test of time on this particular issue.
The slot tournaments are held on a weekly basis. If you are already too late for this week’s tournament, at least you know that there is another one coming just around the corner. That is the kind of thing that can change your attitude in a hurry.
If you do decide to join in one of these tournaments make sure to keep a close eye on the leaderboards. They are updating all the time as new players join in and as people accumulate points. Spotting your name near the top is a rewarding moment when you realize that you will win some prize money if that is how the final rankings pan out.
Breaking Down The Top Quarterbacks In The NFL
Over the years, the NFL has put on some of the most exciting sports competitions on the planet. However, you have to understand that some teams are better than others. When it comes down to it, a team in the NFL isn’t going to satisfy unless they have a good quarterback. Without a good quarterback, a team will not be able to find success. With that being said, the NFL is full of excellent quarterbacks. Within this guide, you’re going to find an in-depth analysis of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Tom Brady
First and foremost, you have Tom Brady. This quarterback wears the number 12 and he plays for the New England Patriots. During his time with the league, he has managed to win numerous titles. He is easily one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Simultaneously, you should know that he has broken numerous records. While Brady is getting older, he has performed exceptionally well this year. Therefore, there is a good chance that he is going to break standards. If you want to see what a good quarterback should look like, you should look no further than Tom Brady. The man is a legend and he will be in the NFL Hall of Fame one day.
Patrick Mahomes
A lot of people have supported Patrick Mahomes and many people he is the best quarterback in the NFL. Nevertheless, he hasn’t managed to prove it yet. He plays with the Kansas City Chiefs and he has helped the team improve significantly. Nevertheless, Mahomes hasn’t managed to find much success in terms of titles. Still, he has plenty of time to change things. With that being said, Mahomes is someone you’ll want to keep an eye on. There is a good chance that he will stun fans in the future. While you wait, you can start playing baccarat online.
Drew Brees
Drew Brees is the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. While he is getting old, Brees is indeed getting better too. There is a good chance that he’ll break his records this year. And, he might lead the Saints to a Super Bowl victory. It is only a matter of time before you find out. Either way, Brees is easily one of the best NFL quarterbacks ever. Drew was injured this season and his replacement took control of the team. However, number 9 has returned now. So, there is a good chance that the Saints will be back to form.
Jared Goff
Finally, you have Jared Goff. Goff is the quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams. Unfortunately, he hasn’t found much success with the Rams. Of course, this says little about the quarterback. The unfortunate truth is that the team cannot keep up with Goff’s abilities. He is one of the finest quarterbacks in the league and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. This season, the Rams have accumulated a record of 5 wins and 3 losses. They’re 3rd in the NFC West and much of that has to do with Goff’s impressive skills at quarterback.
UEFA confirm dates for EURO 2020 games in Dublin
As one of 12 UEFA EURO 2020 successful bidding cities, Dublin will host three group games and one round 16 game at the Aviva Stadium. The UEFA Executive Committee confirmed the dates of the games that will take place in Dublin being Monday, June 15, Friday, June 19, Wednesday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 30.
Commenting on the announcement, Minister Ross said: “I am delighted to welcome today’s announcement of Dublin’s match days for EURO 2020. This tournament is one of the most watched and supported events in world sport after the World Cup and the Olympics. Irish supporters are known for generating a great atmosphere wherever they travel and this tournament gives Irish supporters a chance to extend our unique welcome to up to 160,000 supporters who could travel here in June 2020.”
Minister Griffin added: “EURO 2020 will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that is great about Ireland and Dublin. The Department has been working in partnership with the FAI and DCC preparing for this tournament since 2016. Today’s announcement regarding our match days in EURO 2020 will not only build the anticipation for the event coming to Dublin but will help all the key stakeholders to advance our hosting plans.”
Ardmheara Bhaile Atha Cliath, Micheal Mac Donncha, said: “EURO 2020 promises to be a wonderful event for Dublin. This is a city that is passionate about sport and we are looking forward to welcoming football supporters from all over Europe in June 2020. Dublin will also be hosting the draw for EURO 2020 qualifying groups in December 2018, with delegates from all UEFA member associations and international media attending.”
Owen Keegan, Dublin City Council Chief Executive, said: “Dublin’s preparation for EURO 2020 began in 2016. We are working closely with stakeholders to deliver on our ambition that Dublin emerges the best of the 12 EURO 2020 host cities. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase Dublin on the world stage, with thousands of supporters attending and millions more watching on television.”
FAI CEO John Delaney believes the four games will act as the perfect opportunity to promote Irish football and the country with the world’s media watching on.
“It is great to have the dates confirmed as we continue with our preparations for what will be the biggest international sporting event yet to be staged in Ireland,” said Delaney.
“The Local Organising Committee, made up of key people from the FAI, Dublin City Council, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Failte Ireland, have been working hard with key agencies and partners to UEFA’s guidelines to prepare for the hosting of four matches in our city. We are looking forward to UEFA staging the draw in Dublin on December 2, where every member nation of UEFA will be in attendance along with the world’s media.
“Being able to host four games at EURO 2020 allows us to showcase Irish football, Aviva Stadium, the city of Dublin, and the country as a whole. It is an exciting time and I’m sure that football supporters from all over Europe will be looking forward to visiting Dublin in June 2020.”
The bid to host the televised draw for the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying groups was also successfully won by Dublin and will be held in Dublin’s Convention Centre on December 2, 2018. The event will be attended by delegates from all 55 UEFA member nations and over 350 international media representatives with an estimated TV audience worldwide of 140 million.
The four UEFA EURO 2020 matches being held in Dublin, in addition to the value brought to the economy, represent a unique opportunity to showcase the city and the country on the world stage. The UEFA EUROs is the world’s third biggest sporting event drawing an international TV audience of more than two billion when the 2016 Championships were held in France.
Following the qualification games, which take place in 2019, the draw for the finals itself will be held in December 2019 when match times of the Dublin games will be confirmed.
Weekly FIT Magazine launched by Irish Independent
The Irish Independent is delighted to launch Ireland’s first free dedicated fitness publication, FIT Magazine.
This weekly glossy publication will come with Ireland’s best-selling newspaper every Thursday and is aimed at anyone interested in fitness. Whether it’s running, walking, swimming, cycling, triathlons or bootcamps, FIT will provide superb expert content covering everything from food to fashion to injury prevention and recovery.
FIT Magazine’s regular features include training tips from personal trainer to the stars, Siobhan Byrne, cutting-edge nutrition with Barry Murray and psyching up for mind games by Declan Coyle as well as a round up of sporting and keep fit events happening around the country each week.
Complementing this content will be interviews with high-profile athletes and coaches as well as specific training programmes for enthusiasts of different sports.
Aimed at everyone from fitness fanatics, lycra clad weekend warriors to novices, the content will assist both experienced and those embarking on a mini-marathon or long walk for the first time or those who just want to stay healthy.
The New FIT Magazine is free of charge with the Irish Independent and is published every Thursday.
PJ Cunningham, editor of FIT Magazine, said; “Our new magazine hopes to provide top-class content in catering for those who want to get fit and healthy – whether they are experienced marathon runners or beginners putting their toe into the activity world for the first time.”
“Our columnists are leading experts in their field who will bring a wealth of knowledge and advice to the pages of Fit. We look forward to providing readers with a quality resource for all their fitness needs each week.”
Premier League Darts – Week 12 Preview & Schedule
click for Premier League Darts 2020 – Venues, dates, players and schedule
Premier League Darts visits Cardiff on Thursday, as Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson double up at the Motorpoint Arena in their bids to secure places in the Play-Offs.
With just four league nights remaining before the top four players qualify for the semi-finals and final at The O2 next month, the visit to Wales can see two of the stars secure top-four finishes.
2013 Premier League champion van Gerwen and Dave Chisnall – the current top two – can both ensure their Play-Off spots on Thursday, while Anderson could go close to mathematically securing a semi-final place if he was to win both of his games.
World Champion Anderson opens the night against Stephen Bunting before returning to face world number one van Gerwen in the evening’s final game at a sold-out Motorpoint Arena.
“I’m giving it my best but the standard of players now is phenomenal and it’s getting harder every year, so I can’t think about the Play-Offs yet, I’ve got to concentrate on making the top four first,” said Anderson.
“I still think I need another two to four points to be safe so it’s a big night. I don’t mind playing twice and hopefully I can get a good result.”
Van Gerwen had seen his ten-game unbeaten record ended by Raymond van Barneveld in Aberdeen last week, but plays James Wade and Anderson in Cardiff and knows that he could secure his top four place with at least one win on the night.
“It was disappointing to lose last week but it’s always hard to be at your best for the whole season,” said van Gerwen. “I’m still at the top of the table and this is a new week, and it’s a big night to be playing twice.
“I’ve got two important games and I’ll have to make sure I’m ready for both of them because James and Gary have played really well this season and you can’t afford to give them any chances.”
High-flying Chisnall could also seal a Play-Off place with a win in Cardiff – but he takes on in-form van Barneveld as the reigning Betway Premier League champion looks to pick up a third straight victory to boost his own semi-final hopes.
“Every week’s like a final and I have to keep having good results if I’m going to make the top four,” said van Barneveld. “There’s nothing wrong with my game, the belief is coming back and I’m battling every single week.
“I’ve picked up seven points in the last five weeks when I’ve been playing against Phil, Michael and Gary, so there’s no reason why I can’t get a result against Dave.
“Dave’s having an amazing Premier League so far and he’s fantastic. He’s had some great performances so far, but he’s beatable – Phil beat him last week – and I’ve got to put him under pressure, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The night also sees Stoke rivals Taylor and Adrian Lewis continue their fight to claim a top-four finish as they meet in Cardiff.
Taylor bounced back to form by picking up a win and a draw as he doubled up in Aberdeen last week, and he holds fourth place a point ahead of Lewis and two clear of Wade and van Barneveld going into Week 12.
“I’m working hard and I’m focused on making the Play-Offs, and with it being so close it’s given us all a kick up the backside, which doesn’t do you any harm,” said Taylor.
“The three points last week was really good for me but it’s still interesting and I’m concentrating hard.”
Lewis, meanwhile, is on a three-game winning streak as he travels to Cardiff after reigniting his season with a Judgement Night win over Peter Wright earlier this month.
“I’m in the battle but Phil’s coming back to form at the right time too,” said Lewis. “I was practising with him last week and he’s hitting 180s for fun and I think it’s going to be between me and him to make the top four.
“It’s certainly a big game and I’ll be up for it, but I’ve got to go up there and do a job. I’m feeling really confident with my new darts at the moment and I feel like I can beat anybody.”
Thursday’s visit to Wales is a 4,000 sell-out at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, before the action continues on Thursday April 30 at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham – tickets are still available via 0844 338 8000 or www theticketfactory.com.
Betway Premier League
Night 12, Thursday April 23
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
Stephen Bunting v Gary Anderson
James Wade v Michael van Gerwen
Raymond van Barneveld v Dave Chisnall
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Gary Anderson v Michael van Gerwen
Tickets: Sold Out
This weekends Live GAA Action includes five games live on TG4
UPDATE -1 live game to be shown
TG4 have once come to the rescue of all us GAA followers in Ireland and abroad as they have announced they will televise a whole lot of games this coming weekend. This weekends Live GAA Action
GAA 2020
Saturday, 22nd February, 11:05
GAA action including highlights from the Allianz Hurling Leagues and the Fitzgibbon Cup Final
Sunday, 23rd February, 13:30 – LIVE
Live coverage of the Galway v Tyrone match in Round 4 of the Allianz Football League. Presented by Micheál Ó Domhnaill with commentary by Brian Tyers.
Sunday, 23rd February, 18:45
Highlights of last night’s Allianz League action featuring Dublin v Wexford in hurling and Dublin v Donegal in football.
On Saturday TG4 will show highlights from the Allianz Hurling Leagues and the Fitzgibbon Cup Final
On Sunday the broadcaster has announced they will also show three games. First up will be the Live coverage of the Galway v Tyrone match in Round 4 of the Allianz Football League at Tuam Stadium, throw in for this game is at 2 pm. Then at 6.45 pm, highlights of last night’s Allianz League action featuring Dublin v Wexford in hurling and Dublin v Donegal in football, if you want to catch the game live you can again watch it on the GAA Beo Youtube channel.
Although there is not the number of Live Games as we would like, there is certainly some of my weekend sorted with 1 live game on TV and two live games on the Youtube channel. Enjoy the games wherever you are in world.