The side will begin the season as one of the favourites to win the title, with the return of Virgil Van Dijk and other injured first-team players increasing their chances.

The 2019/20 Premier League champions will want to start this season off as they did two years ago – a win over Norwich.

A full crowd of Norwich fans will welcome Jurgen Klopp’s men to the ground as they look to start their season off on a high.

Alisson and his safe hands will give Reds fans confidence throughout the game and they may get more if new signing Ibrahima Konate plays and performs well.

Konate is expected to go into the starting lineup this weekend as first-choice centre-backs Van Dijk and Joe Gomez continue their recovery from season-ending injuries they sustained last year.

Andy Robertson will not be available as he suffered ligament damage in a friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The injury has ruled him out for several weeks, leaving Liverpool without their only mainstay in the Premier League last season.

Robertson played all 38 of Liverpool’s league games last season, failing to finish 90 minutes only twice.

Kostas Tsimikas took Robertson’s place for Liverpool’s final pre-season match against Osasuna on Monday night.

It is expected that the Greek full-back will step in for Robertson in competitive fixtures in his absence.

Tsimikas only made seven appearances for Liverpool in his debut season in England as a result of early-season injury problems and Robertson’s ever-presence in the squad.

However, the 25-year-old has had an impressive pre-season this summer and will look to carry over his form into the new season and get more appearances for the club that signed him last summer.

Curtis Jones will also be unavailable as he must follow concussion protocols but the 20-year-old was not expected to dislodge Fabinho and Thiago in midfield.

Naby Keita or Jordan Henderson are the two most likely to take that third spot in Liverpool’s 4-3-3.

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané will be hungry for goals as they look to terrorise defences once again, having failed to be as fluid as they are known to be last season.

Diogo Jota is expected to provide a threat from the bench and 18-year-old Harvey Elliott could earn a spot after his performances in pre-season.

Norwich City comes into the game with new attacking signings Josh Sargeant and Milot Rashica ready to play after joining from Werder Bremen.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul will return to the Premier League with Max Aarons and captain Grant Hanley in front of him in the back four.

Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour will look to make his mark in his debut for the Canaries and impress his parent club.

Todd Cantwell will have another opportunity to shine in the Premier League after a fantastic season in the EFL Championship.

Teemu Pukki will want to start off the season in the right way once again after scoring a goal in the 4-1 loss to Liverpool on the opening day two years ago.

The home crowd will be behind this newly-promoted Norwich side but Jurgen Klopp’s men may prove too tough a challenge for them.

Predicted Lineups

Norwich City (4-2-3-1): Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Giannoulis; Gilmour, McLean; Rashica, Sargeant, Cantwell; Pukki.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mané.

Betting

Norwich 17/2

Draw 9/2

Liverpool 2/7

Where To Watch

Norwich v Liverpool will kick off at 5:30 pm on Saturday, August 14th. You can watch the game live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.

The post Norwich v Liverpool – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Warren Gatland’s side displayed an impressive second half in the first test to take the lead in the series but the Springboks showcased why they are reigning world champions with a dominant victory in the second test.

Jacques Nienaber’s world-class defensive coaching kept the Lions at bay and frustrated the touring side that was looking to close out the series early.

Both teams need to win this weekend to win the series, and with the gameplan of the Springboks persevering and the momentum firmly swung in their favour, the Lions will have to put up a fantastic team performance to earn the bragging rights.

Gatland has rolled the dice with his changes, one of them seeing the Pro12-winning ex-Connacht centre partnership of Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw play together for the Lions.

Henshaw’s positional flexibility and Aki’s strength could be important factors in a prospective Lions victory.

However, neither are Brian O’Driscoll and the Cape Town showdown may be won via other ways of play.

The Boks’ scrum is the best in the world and the lineout is among the top in its category too.

Whether it be dispersing quickly when out of possession or looking for holes in the South African line with the ball, the set-piece battles will be as important as the first two tests.

Finding even the tiniest of holes in the way these technical aspects of the South African game are set up could prove fatal as the pace of Josh Adams can expose these to great effect.

The Lions will have to improve their aerial abilities too as the Boks have shown that they love to kick in this series.

Henshaw’s ever-presence in the squad throughout the test series is down to several reasons, one of them being his composure under a high ball.

If some more aerial duels went his way and if the backfield can win theirs, the Lions can be a much calmer side in possession.

The Boks are favoured heading into this test but if the Lions play their cards right, they could upset the odds.

Whatever they do, they will want to avoid more heartbreak at the hands of Morné Steyn and the Springboks.

Lineups

British and Irish Lions: L Williams (Wales); J Adams (Wales), R Henshaw (Ireland), B Aki (Ireland), D van der Merwe (Scotland); D Biggar (Wales), A Price (Scotland); W Jones (Wales), K Owens (Wales), T Furlong (Ireland); M Itoje (England), A W Jones – captain (Wales); C Lawes (England), T Curry (England), J Conan (Ireland).

Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie (England), M Vunipola (England), K Sinckler (England), A Beard (Wales), S Simmonds (England), C Murray (Ireland), F Russell (Scotland), E Daly (England).

South Africa: Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse), Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks), Damian de Allende (Munster), Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks), Handré Pollard (vice-captain, Montpellier), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier); Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks), Lood de Jager (Sale Sharks), Eben Etzebeth (Toulon), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (DHL Stormers), Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers)

Replacements:
Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Trevor Nyakane (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Koch (Saracens), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Yamaha Júbilo), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Morné Steyn (Vodacom Bulls), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).

Odds

South Africa 11/10

Draw 22/1

British and Irish Lions 8/5

Where To Watch

The game will be shown live on Sky Sports with kick-off scheduled for 5 pm. Coverage will start on Sky Sports Action at 3:30 pm with Sky Sports Main Event showing it from 4 pm onwards.

The post Can The Lions Win The Series? – Preview, Lineup, Odds, TV Coverage appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The tournament follows the men’s tournament, which saw Team Ireland narrowly miss out on a medal.

Leona Maguire will begin the tournament off the back of some top form in the LPGA Tour this year.

Stephanie Meadows, on the other hand, will be looking for a change in her fortunes in 2021 with seven cuts to her name this season – two of them at majors.

Both golfers will return to the Olympic scene, having represented Team Ireland at Rio 2016.

Maguire’s most recent round of golf was one that is tied for the lowest-ever score at a major from both male and female golfers.

The 26-year-old’s incredible final round at The Amundi Evian Championship shot her up the leaderboard into her best-ever final position at a major, tied-sixth.

This round of golf showcased what she is capable of and also continued her great vein of form.

After missing the cut twice in the space of a month, the Cavan native has completed five tournaments since June with her lowest final position being tied-15th.

Maguire will not have a cut to avoid this weekend as the women’s tournament does not have one this year and, if she continues her form, she could find herself chasing a medal on the final day.

However, she is only seen as 12th-favourite by the bookmakers, with Team USA’s Nelly Korda having the best odds at 7/1.

The former world number one amateur golfer will tee-off at 11:52 pm in a group with Bianca Pagdanganan of the Philippines and Finnish player Matilda Castren.

Stephanie Meadow will make her second appearance at an Olympic tournament in the early hours of Thursday morning as she goes out onto the course in search of a medal once again.

Meadow has had a poor 2021 season and will be hoping for some good luck throughout her weekend.

Her seven cuts in the season include five in the last two months and a span of four cuts in a row.

The 29-year-old will get her second Olympics campaign started at approximately 2:47 am and will be in a group with Taiwanese golfer Min Lee, competing under Chinese Taipei, and French professional Perrine Delacour.

Meadow will have the earlier tee time of the Team Ireland golfers in round two, teeing-off at 0:52 with Maguire doing so almost an hour later at 1:47 am.

Team Ireland Golf Tee Times

Round One

Leona Maguire – 11:52 pm

Stephanie Meadow – 2:47 am

Round Two

Stephanie Meadow – 0:52 am

Leona Maguire – 1:47 am

Odds

Leona Maguire – 20/1

Stephanie Meadow – 400/1

The post Olympic Golf: Maguire & Meadows Preview, Tee Times & Odds appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

After McGregor was shockingly dispatched by the Diamond in the second round of their rematch back in January, the Irishman has a lot to prove coming into this fight, which is one of the biggest trilogy match-ups in UFC history.

In the Welterweight Division, Stephen ”Wonderboy” Thompson will face off against number four ranked Gilbert Burns.

While Bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley will try to continue his form with a win over newcomer Kris Moutinho.

Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor

Back in January, Mcgregors return to the octagon was meant to be a monumental occasion for the Irishman. Signed to a fight with a man he already humiliated back in 2014, most assumed he would repeat his feat and stop Dustin in the first round, dust himself off and set up the rematch with Khabib.

Wrong! Not only was Conor stopped, but he looked void of ideas, respect and one-dimensional in his approach. From the start of the first round, McGregor was neutralised with Poirier’s debilitating calf kicks, limiting his mobility and from doing so, took away McGregor’s power and fluidity that he is synonymous with.

This is the first time since his iconic 2016 fighting season since McGregor has competed more than once. Logging a mere 40 seconds in 40 months prior to his second bout with Poirier.

With his second fight in one year coming up, and with the same opponent. Should a fully re-focused and re-energised McGregor appear, Poirier will be in trouble.

Dustin on the other hand is a great spot coming into this fight, confident, knowing what he did to McGregor last time will be an advantage. He was able to withstand that left hand that knocked him out in 2014, but that was at Featherweight and neither man is the same fighter they were 7 years ago.

Since his defeat to McGregor all those years ago, Dustin has been on an incredible run of the Lightweight Division, boasting a 7-1 record, only losing to Khabib. He is by far the best Lightweight on the planet as it stands.

Many questions about both fighters will be answered come Sunday morning but with everything on the line for McGregor, if he loses two fights in a row for the first time in his career, his time as an elite fighter will be over.

Conor McGregor on Dustin Poirier III: 'He's a dead body that's getting took out on a stretcher'https://t.co/ZkRRo3Xiha pic.twitter.com/sUti5jEPNg

— The Mac Life (@TheMacLife) July 8, 2021

Last 5 Fights:

Dustin Poirier: WWLWW

Conor McGregor: LWLWW

Prediction: Dustin Poirier by 3rd Round TKO

Betting: 

McGregor: EVS

Poirier: 4/5

Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson

Two of the best Welterweight contenders will meet in the octagon on Saturday night to lay claim to the next title shot. With the fight being labelled ”Jiu-Jitsu vs Karate”.

Burns is coming into this fight after getting his first title shot in February against champion Kamaru Usman. The teammates turned rivals had a competitive bout before ”The Nigerian Nightmare” composed himself and showed why he is the pound for pound best fighter in the world, stopping Burns in the thrid-round.

He faces a veteran in Stephen Thompson, who is also hoping to get that shot at gold. Wonderboy came close on two occasions during his duology with former champion Tyron Woodley in 2016 and 2017 but came away empty-handed.

His form after them two brawls saw the riddle that is Wonderboy saw him outclass Jorge Masvidal before losing to Darren Till by decision and then being knocked out cold by Anthony Pettis.

The 38-year-old looked as if his time was up, but has come back with wins over Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal to re-establish himself as a main contender in the stacked 170-pound division.

Wonderboy is the only man in the top 5 who has not challenged Usman yet, a win over Burns will earn him a spot closer to what would surely be his last chance at capturing UFC gold.

A win for either man will earn them a shot, and with contenders coming and going at Welterweight. This fight could set up a Hollywood finish for the end of the year.

Check out #StephenThompson is Happy to Fight Someone Ranked Above Himself | #UFC264 https://t.co/9SeIGL2GXF #UFC pic.twitter.com/zozaXr0ROo

— Azelle MMA (@AzelleMMA) July 7, 2021

Last 5 Fights:

Gilbert Burns: LWWWW

Stephen Thompson: WWLLW

Prediction: Stephen Thompson by Decision

Betting:

Burns: 6/5

Thompson: 4/6

Tai Tuivasa vs. Greg Hardy

The Heavyweight Divison in the UFC is returning to its former glory as of late and with Australian brawler, Tai Tuivasa returning after his TKO win over Harry Hunsucker back in March. He will face the American footballer turned mixed martial artist to boost his way up the rankings.

Tuivasa started off his UFC career with a 100% record, before hitting a purple patch of three defeats by finish, decision and submission. Coming back after a year on the sidelines and winning his next two fights.

Hardy on the other hand looks out of his depth at times. Losing his last fight by TKO to Marcin Tybura in a mediocre affair. A win over Tuivasa will grant him higher opposition in the future.

Last 5 Fights

Tai Tuivasa: WWLLL

Greg Hardy: LWWLNC

Prediction: Tai Tuivasa by First Round KO

Betting:

Tuivasa: 8/11

Hardy: 11/10

Irene Aldana vs. Yana Kunitskaya

Top 10 Bantamweight challengers Irene Aldana will face off against Russian wrestler Yana Kunitskaya to skyrocket up the rankings.

Number 6 ranked Aldana will hope to get back to winning ways after being outmuscled by former champion Holly Holm back in October of last year.

The Mexican came into the fight winning 5 of her 6 bouts, mostly by decision and with a rare KO.

Russian Kunitskaya is on a two-fight win streak, both by decision. She looked unstoppable in both of those wins. Deservedly rising up the rankings and a win over Aldana should put her in the top 5.

Last 5 Fights:

Irene Aldana: LWWLW

Yana Kunitskaya: WWLWW

Prediction: Yana Kunitskaya by Decision

Betting:

Aldana: 4/5

Kunitskaya: EVS

Sean O’Malley vs. Kris Moutinho

The hype around ”Sugar” Sean O’Malley since his appearance on season 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series was almost McGregor like at times.

After redeeming his first-ever career loss in August 2020 against Marlon Vera due to his own issues, he rebounded nicely against Thomas Almeida with a stunning KO finish in March.

The 26-year-old has obtained four bonus’s in his last four fights, he could be the next big thing.

Kris Moutinho is an unknown fighter, boasting a 9-4 record, and winning his last 2 fights by stoppage.

This is a fight where O’Malley should come out with the victory in stunning fashion, except for a walk-off finish.

Last 5 Fights:

Sean O’Malley: WLWWW

Kris Moutinho: WWLLW

Prediction: Sean O’Malley by First Round KO

Betting:

O’Malley: 1/9

Moutinho: 11/2

Carlos Condit vs. Max Griffin

Former Welterweight contender Carlos Condit is seen as the dark horse of the division. Competing in the George St.Pierre era and now in the present day, he is a withered veteran who has seen his fair share of defeats.

The 37-year-old ”Natural Born Killer” is coming off a two-fight win streak, after losing his prior five fights, three of those losses by submission. He is on the way out and should consider retirement if he loses his next fight.

Similar to Condit, Max Griffin is on a two-fight win streak, with his last fight in March, winning by KO in the first round.

Last 5 Fights:

Carlos Condit: WWLLL

Max Griffin: WWLLW

Prediction: Max Griffin by 3rd Round TKO

Betting:

Condit: 6/4

Griffin: 8/15

Niko Price vs. Michel Pereira

This could be one of the main contenders for Fight of the Night with both fighters known for their ruthless and brawl to the wall approach to their fighting styles.

Price is coming off a controversial No Contest result vs Donald Cerrone back in September off last year. Never gaining a consistent run of wins since 2016.

Pereira is coming off a two-fight win streak against average opposition. He is more entertaining with his theatrics in the octagon rather than his actual fighting skill, with cartwheels, flips and handstands implemented into his game.

While Price has earned a Performance of the Night bonus in four of his last five victories.

Whatever the result is, it should be an extremely entertaining fight to watch.

Last 5 Fights:

Niko Price: NCLWLW

Michel Pereira: WWLLW

Prediction: Michel Pereira by Unanimous Decision

Betting:

Price: 5/4

Pereira: 8/13

Trevin Giles vs. Dricus Du Plessis

Middleweight challengers Trevin Giles and Dricus Du Plessis will square off in the octagon after their original bout was cancelled back in March due to visa issues.

After making his UFC debut in 2017, Giles has a 5-2 record with the company and is currently on a 3-fight win streak. He is an athletic specimen with great power and is well-developed in all disciplines.

Du Plessis on the other hand is coming off a victory in his UFC victory over Markus Perez by a first-round KO.

Where this fight could be won is experience. Giles has gone the full three rounds of each of his last nine bouts, while the 27-year-old Du Plessis is yet to go the distance in his career as of yet.

Last 5 Fights:

Trevin Giles: WWWLL

Dricus Du Plessis: WWWLW

Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis by 2nd Round Stoppage

Betting:

Giles: 10/11

Du Plessis: 5/6

Ryan Hall vs. Ilia Topuria

Virginia native Ryan Hall will return to the octagon after over two years out of the octagon. He will go into this fight on an incredible eight-fight win streak after his debut professional loss all the way back in 2006.

Extended absences in the octagon usually mean’s a defeat is imminent, but with Hall’s intense wrestling game he could prevail here.

However, he faces off against a rising star in the 145-pound division in llia Topuria who hold a 9-0 professional record. Winning his last two fights under the UFC umbrella.

Last 5 Fights:

Ryan Hall: WWWWW

Illia Topuria: WWWWW

Prediction: llia Topuria by First Round Submission

Betting:

Hall: 15/8

Topuria: 2/5

Jennifer Maia vs. Jessica Eye

Both fighters are former Flyweight title challengers for current champion Valentina Shevchenko’s, losing both title fights in dominating fashion.

The two fighters have done well to stay in contention after their most recent defeats. Although Maia did submit challenger Joanne Calderwood prior to her loss to Shevchenko.

Jessica Eye’s last fight was back in January at UFC 257 where she was outclassed by Calderwood and before that lost on the judge’s scorecards to Cynthia Calvillo.

This matchup is between two Top 10 Flyweights in a division that had talent but has been overshadowed by Shevchenko’s dominance.

Last 5 Fights:

Jennifer Maia: LWLWW

Jessica Eye: LLWLW

Prediction: Jennifer Maia by 3rd Round TKO

Betting:

Maia: 1/2

Eye: 13/8

Omari Akhmedov vs. Brad Tavares

Veteran Middleweight’s Omari Akhmedov and Brad Tavares will go head-to-head on Saturday.

Akhmedov has been on a good run of form before his six-fight unbeaten streak was halted by a decision loss to Chris Weidman. The 33-year-old Russian brute defeated British fighter Tom Breese in his last bout.

Tavares has been seen as one of the many gate-keepers of the Middleweight division. Losing to current champion Israel Adesanya and a devastating KO loss to Edmen Shahbazyan in 2019.

He took two years off and returned with a unanimous decision at UFC 257 in January but looks the shell off the fighter he once was.

Last 5 Fights:

Omari Akhmedov: WLWWW

Brad Tavares: WLLWW

Prediction: Omari Akhmedov by Split Decision

Betting:

Akhmedov: 5/4

Tavares: 4/7

Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs. Jerome Rivera

Flyweights are set to face-off against one another as Kazakhstan’s Zhalgas Zhumagulov will meet American Jerome Rivera.

After coming off four impressive victories outside of the UFC he signed with the company, since then he has gone 0-2 by decision. He fought hard in both encounters and was unlucky to not get the nod on both occasions.

Rivera came into the UFC with a unanimous decision victory over Luis Rodriguez during the 2020 Contender Series. Since then, he has lost his last 3.

The fight is too close to call, but the closer the fight, the better it is.

Last 5 Fights:

Zhalgas Zhumagulov: LLWWW

Jerome Rivera: LLLWW

Prediction: Jerome Rivera by 2nd Round Stoppage

Betting:

Zhumagulov: 2/7

Rivera: 5/2

Hu Yaozong vs. Alen Amedovski

Saturday’s highly anticipated card will kick off with the Middleweight clash between Hu Yaozong vs Alen Amedovski on the Preliminary Card on ESPN+.

Both fighters are coming into this fight still looking for their first victory in the UFC, coming off losing efforts in their last bouts.

Yaozong is only 3-2 as a professional, and at the age of 26 he still has a lot to improve on, however, he has not been able to get his feet off the ground in the promotion.

33-year-old Macedonian Alen Amedovski started his career with an impressive 8-0 record, since signing with the UFC, Amedovski has lost his last two but did enjoy 8 knockouts in a row.

Whoever loses, will get their marching orders and be cut from the company, so it is a winner take all fight.

Last 5 Fights: 

Hu Yaozong: LLWWW

Alen Amedovski: LLWWW

Prediction: Alen Amedovski by First Round KO

Betting:

Yaozong: 11/10

Amedovski: 8/11

The post UFC 264 – Poirier vs. McGregor 3 – Preview, Predictions, Betting, TV Coverage appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Guinness PRO14, Rainbow Cup, Round 3

Thomond Park, Limerick @6pm, Friday 14th May 2021

Munster continue their decade-long search for silverware in their third inter-provincial derby fixture of the Rainbow Cup. After wins over both Leinster and Ulster, the southern province are the bookie’s favourites to lift the inaugural trophy.  Last week the home side physically bossed Ulster in a 38-10 win. Expect more of the same from Johann van Graan’s men in this encounter. 

Munster already had two tries on the board before Ulster’s Will Addison was red-carded just prior to the interval for making contact with Rory Scannell’s head. Mike Haely’s try after that incident saw Van Graan’s men take a 19-3 lead into the break. The second half saw the homeside outscore the visitors by three tries to one. Mike Haely was particularly impressive in attack. However, for me, the game was won due to Munster’s aggressive work at the breakdown. Gavin Coombes’ display earmarked him as a real option to replace the departing CJ Stander on a permanent basis. 

For Connacht, a heavy home defeat to Leinster came after an impressive start. Andy Friend’s men raced into a 16-0 lead in the opening fifteen minutes. However, after a bright start, their defensive frailties promptly reemerged.  Leinster ran in three tries in an eight-minute spell and had racked up a half-century of points by the final whistle. 

Connacht were dealt another blow during the week when it was announced that Quinn Roux would be departing the province at the end of the season. After seven years at the club, the 30-year-old South African born Irish international has turned down the offer of a new contract with the province. He is unlikely to feature for Connacht again due to a shoulder injury. His last appearance for the westerners came in January’s 10-16 defeat to Munster at the Sportsground.

TEAMS

Johann van Graan has gone for a mix of youth and experience in this week’s team selection. The half-back pairing of Ben Healy and Craig Casey are given an opportunity to impress. Conor Murray is set to make his 150th Munster appearance off the bench. Also, expect Joey Carbery to feature for the last twenty minutes or so. Munster look particularly strong in the back row where the Gavin Coombes relocates to the no.6 slot and CJ Stander comes in at no.8. Peter O’Mahony captains the side from his familiar no.7 slot. 

Andy Friend has made nine changes from the side that started against Leinster last week. There’s a whole new front row of Paddy McAllister, Shane Delahunt and Dominic Robertson McCoy. Ultan Dillane comes back in after missing last week’s game with a knock. Club Captain Jarrad Butler is ruled out after being forced off due to a HIA last week. One feels that Connacht will need to get the best out of Abraham Papali’i to stand any chance against the imposing Munster back row. 

Munster

15. Matt Gallagher; 14.Andrew Conway, 13.Dan Goggin, 12.Damian de Allende, 11.Shane Daly; 10.Ben Healy, 9.Craig Casey; 1.James Cronin, 2.Rhys Marshall, 3.John Ryan; 4.Jean Kleyn, 5.Billy Holland; 6.Gavin Coombes, 7.Peter O’Mahony (C), 8.CJ Stander.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Dave Kilcoyne, Stephen Archer, Tadhg Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Keith Earls.

Connacht

15. John Porch (38),14. Sammy Arnold (13), 13. Sean O’Brien (Acad) (9) ,12. Tom Daly (46) ©, 11. Alex Wootton (19), 10. Conor Fitzgerald (34), 9. Kieran Marmion (184), 1. Paddy McAllister (16), 2. Shane Delahunt (97), 3. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (65), 4. Niall Murray (15), 5. Ultan Dillane (111), 6. Cian Prendergast (7), 7. Conor Oliver (19), 8. Abraham Papali’i (12)

Replacements: 16. Dave Heffernan (142),17. Denis Buckley (198),18. Finlay Bealham (157),19. Eoghan Masterson (109),20. Sean Masterson (11),21. Caolin Blade (129),22. Jack Carty (156),23. Peter Sullivan (14).

BETTING ADVICE

Munster are short-priced favorites for this one. Paddy Power has set the spread at +17 points for this one. Keep an eye on the weather as there are showers forecast for the evening, but if the rain holds off it could suit a high-scoring game.

The post Rainbow Cup: Munster v Connacht appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ireland face England on Thursday in what will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2015. That match ended in a scoreless draw between the two historical rivals. Hopefully there’ll be more entertainment on display this time around.

England will probably fancy their chances against a lowly Ireland. Stephen Kenny is yet to gather a win as Ireland manager, despite showing signs of promise on occasion. Although “just” a friendly, an impressive result for the Ireland manager would ease the concern amongst some Ireland supporters.

England, as much as some may not want to admit, have a far better side on paper than Ireland. The forward areas in particular are an area of concern for the Boys in Green. The retirement of David McGoldrick only weakens the squad further, also. Ireland have Adam Idah, James Collins and Sean Maguire as the only striking options currently available in the Ireland squad. Although Idah is a great prospect, he haven’t established themselves as prolific goalscorers to date. James Collins, on the other hand, is a proven goalscorer. That being said, the Luton striker is yet to be tested at the highest level. He may also lack the mobility up front that Stephen Kenny seems to favour. Sean Maguire and Adam Idah will porbably start up front with that being said.

Compare this to England, who have an abundance of riches in terms of forwards. Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tammy Abraham and Marcus Rashford – although normally deployed as a left winger nowadays – are the striking options available to Gareth Southgate. Kane and Calvert-Lewin in particular have started the season in fine form. The pair have scored 15 Premier League goals between each other already.

Along with their striking options, England have a profusion of in-form players in other positions. Jack Grealish is one name that springs to mind – especially as a former Ireland international. The Aston Villa man has been in incredible form since the start of the season. His performances against Liverpool and more recently Arsenal, were nothing short of breath-taking.

Gareth Southgate doesn’t appear to rate Grealish all that highly, though. The England manager has suggested that he’s moving up the pecking order as his goal contributions are nearing the level of Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling. This is despite Grealish amassing more goal contributions this season than the two aforementioned players. Whether Grealish starts or not come Thursday will be a huge topic of discussion within the British media and public.

Southgate on Grealish:

“When I’ve talked to him about the next level for his game, when he looks at the numbers that Sterling and Rashford as wide players have contributed, he’s now starting to do that…and threaten the goal more. He’s moving further up our list of players.” pic.twitter.com/LD2hwnvcGA

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 6, 2020

The friendly is being played ahead of each country’s final fixtures in the current Nations League campaign. Both teams sit 3^rd in their respective groups, but under very different circumstances.

Ireland will be playing for pride as they sit on a dismal 2 points after 4 games. All they can do now is try to avoid relegation from League B to League C. Bulgaria currently sit 4^th on just 1 point, meaning they’re the relegation candidates as it stands. Both teams will play each other on the 18^th of November in the final game of the campaign. A match which will determine which teams suffers the fate of relegation to League C.

England, on the other hand, are in a more enviable position. They have amassed 7 points from 4 games, sitting just 2 points behind table leaders, Belgium. England will play Belgium in the penultimate game of the group before facing Iceland. The outcome of the Belgium match is particularly important for England as they look to make the Nations League finals. Only the League A group leaders make the finals, meaning anything but a win for England in that game put their qualification hopes in serious doubt.

England may be forced to forfeit their game against Iceland, though. Iceland are set to face Denmark – although it may be called off – where a new strain of the coronavirus has appeared recently. The UK government will not allow the Iceland team to enter the country if they step foot in Denmark, meaning the fixture is in doubt.

Team News

Ireland

Ireland had their struggles with coronavirus related absences during their last string of fixtures. That trend has continued into this international break as Ireland are without Callum Robinson due to the virus. Thankfully though, no close contacts have been identified. All other players tested negative for the virus.

A knee injury has also ruled out Enda Stevens. Ireland have many options at left back, but only one of those options is natural in the position. Recently called up Ryan Manning – although initially a midfielder – has been re-trained as a left back over the last year. However, he won’t be available for the England game. That being said, Kenny could also choose Matt Doherty or Dara O’Shea who have played left back in the past. Additionally, Robbie Brady may also start in that position as he has done for Ireland in the past. Brady being left footed would also be ideal for the position, however his defensive capabilities may be called into question.

Aaron Connolly will also miss out on the 3 upcoming fixtures due to an injury sustained in training on Tuesday. The replacement chosen was Sean Maguire, meaning he’ll link up with the squad ahead of the England game.

In terms of good news, Séamus Coleman returns to the squad after missing out on the previous international break. The Everton right back will bring much needed experience and leadership to the Ireland squad, particularly ahead of the Nations League fixtures.

Suspensions: None

Injuries: Enda Stevens, Callum Robinson, Aaron Connolly

Predicted line-up:

England

The majority of the England squad have been passed fit for the match against Ireland. There are concerns over Marcus Rashford, however. The Manchester United winger has picked up a shoulder injury, but has joined up with the squad regardless.

James Ward-Prowse, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. Joe Gomez came off the worst of the three. Reports have surfaced that the Liverpool defender may have suffered a cruciate ligament injury. If so, he’ll likely be out for the remainder of the season. This would only further Liverpool’s unfortunate luck with defensive injuries this season.

Gareth Southgate has called up 17-year-old Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham in place of James Ward-Prowse. This is a first time inclusion of Bellingham in the England squad.

The young midfielder impressed for Birmingham City in the Championship last season which earned him a move to the German giants. He has featured on 6 occasions for Dortmund so far this season, including a cameo against Bayern Munich at the weekend in which he impressed. Bellingham will be hoping to make an appearance in the coming games, given he is the only uncapped player in the squad.

In terms of suspensions, Harry Maguire and Reece James will not be available for the Iceland fixture. They will, however, be available for selection against Ireland.

Burnley keeper Nick Pope will also start in goals tomorrow, England have confirmed.

Suspensions: None

Injuries: James Ward-Prowse, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marcus Rashford (minor)

Predicted line-up:

Ireland vs. England Prediction

Although there is a considerable gulf in quality between the two squads, Ireland are unlikely to be pushovers. Stephen Kenny will be urging his players to gather a respectable result after a rough few months.

The return of Séamus Coleman will also provide a much-needed boost to the Ireland squad. The Everton and Ireland captain has been in fine form this season and his leadership should invigorate the Irish team.

England will be hard to break down, however. They also have a wealth of attacking talent which may cause Ireland problems, although the defensive area is one of the strong points of the Irish team.

Our prediction for the game is:

England 1 – 0 Ireland

The next stop is @wembleystadium #COYBIG | #ENGIRL pic.twitter.com/3sJITzfj54

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) November 9, 2020

Where?

Wembley Stadium will be the venue for the fixture. The last time Ireland played at Wembley in 2013 the match ended as a 1-1 draw.

When?

The fixture will be played on the 12^th of November. The match will kick off at 8 p.m. Irish standard time.

TV channel?

RTÉ 2 will be providing coverage of the fixture from 7:30 p.m. meaning Irish viewers can watch the match free to air. ITV will also be providing coverage of the fixture from the same time. STV will also be covering the match from Scotland.

Streaming options?

Irish viewers will be able to stream the match through the RTÉ Player. Additionally, viewers with an ITV subscription will be able to stream the match through the ITV Hub.

The post Republic of Ireland vs. England preview – Team news, where to watch and predictions appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Liverpool play Atalanta tonight in what should be an enthralling contest. This is the first ever meeting between the two sides in any competition and it should not disappoint. Both teams play exhilarating, fast paced football so football fans should be in for a treat tonight.

Some fans may expect a straightforward victory for Liverpool tonight, but that almost certainly won’t be the case. Atalanta are one of the fastest rising teams in European football. Over the past couple of years, they’ve established themselves as one of the best teams in Italy. They currently sit 4^th in the Serie A and 2^nd in their Champions League behind the Reds, respectively. They may not be the most decorated side in the competition, but they’re no pushovers, either.

After a slow start, Liverpool appear to have gotten their season up and running. They currently sit 1^st in their Champions League group and will be looking to cement that position with a victory over Atalanta. They also sit 1^st in the Premier League, despite their injury woes and less than impressive performances – which included a 7-2 loss at the hands of Aston Villa.

Here’s all you need to know about tonight’s game:

TEAM NEWS

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are missing a handful of important first team players – namely Virgil Van Dijk, Fabinho and Thiago. In more positive news, Joel Matip and Naby Keita have returned to training following their injuries. However, Klopp is unlikely to start the pair due to fitness concerns.

Nat Phillips made his Premier League debut for Liverpool on the weekend. It has been an incredible few weeks for Phillip, but he won’t be making his Champions League debut tonight. Phillips looked exceptionally assured against West Ham United during the weekend in a performance which earned him man of the match. He is not registered for the Champions League, though, meaning he won’t play a part. It’s harsh, but that’s football sometimes.

Nat Phillps’ absence means Rhys Williams will likely make his third Champions League appearance tonight. Williams replaced Fabinho last week after the Brazilian picked up a knock and looks likely to make his first Champions League start tonight. Joe Gomez will likely partner Williams – or otherwise – as he looks a nailed-on starter.

The likely absence of Keita and Thiago in midfield means another fringe player will likely get an opportunity. Curtis Jones or James Milner are likely to fill the position. Curtis Jones started against West Ham at the weekend, but Klopp may opt for the experience and reliability of James Milner.

Klopp will also have a selection headache up top. The front three of Mane, Firmino and Salah has been a consistent fixture in recent years, but the recent arrival and form of Diogo Jota is hard to ignore. Firmino’s form has been called into question recently, so the Brazilian may have to make way for the in-form Jota.

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 pass from @XS_11official
Lovely finish from @DiogoJota18

A BIG winner against the Hammers pic.twitter.com/1MI0C8vpEQ

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) OCTOBER 31, 2020

ATALANTA

Like Liverpool, Atalanta are also not without their absences. Also like Liverpool, manty of their absences come from within their defensive unit.

Regular starters Mattia Caldara, Marten de Roon and Robin Gosens will all miss tonight’s game due to injury. Recently loaned Cristiano Piccini is also unlikely to feature due to injury.

There is no such problems on the attacking front, however. Liverpool fans should be concerned about Papu Gomez and Duvan Zapata in particular. After stellar campaigns last term, the forwards have started this season in the same fashion. Both have 5 goals so far this season, with a host of assists between them, also. Luis Muriel is another dangerous option up front, having also scored 5 goals in 8 appearances this season.

Josip Ilicic is another man for Liverpool to worry about. The second striker has failed to get going so far this season, but he most definitely displayed his quality last season. The veteran scored 21 goals in all competitions last season in what was a stellar campaign.

Atalanta could cause serious problems for Liverpool if they turn up on the day.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Atalanta

Atalanta take on Liverpool on Tuesday as the #UCL resumes

Who wins? pic.twitter.com/tWDe7OkXpC

— Goal (@goal) NOVEMBER 2, 2020

WHAT TIME IS KICK OFF?

The match will kick off at 20:00 Irish standard time.

MATCH VENUE?

The match is being played in Italy, meaning Liverpool will be the away side on the night. The Gewiss stadium will host the fixture.

WHERE TO WATCH?

RTE 2 will cover the fixture from 19:30 onwards for Irish viewers. Viewers can also catch up on highlights from the game – and the nights other fixtures – from 22:15 on Virgin Media 2.

BT Sport 2 will also be broadcasting the game for viewers with a BT Sport subscription. Viewers in America can also avail of the match through CBS All Access.

The post Liverpool vs. Atalanta preview: Where to watch, time, venue, team news, predictions appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.