Expert Sports News & Commentary

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid have issued an official apology on behalf of centre-back Dean Huijsen after the 19-year-old defender reposted an image on Instagram that Chinese users condemned as racist toward Asians. The now-deleted screenshot showed an Asian individual accompanied by two mocking comments about eye shape, including the line “You could blindfold him with dental floss.” The post, circulated at a moment when global anti-racism discourse is especially acute, drew swift backlash across Chinese social networks. In response, the club published a statement on Huijsen’s behalf via their verified Weibo account, the country’s dominant social-media platform. “I sincerely apologise to my Chinese friends,” the statement read. “I previously reposted, unintentionally, content that included offensive messages. It was completely unintentional and I regret the discomfort caused.” While Real Madrid’s rapid reaction has been noted, a segment of Chinese supporters argue the apology should also appear on international channels to reach the player’s broader follower base. The episode revives memories of a 2024 incident in which a Madrid fan was filmed singing a derogatory song targeting Chinese people, placing the Spanish giants once again at the centre of an anti-Asian racism row. The timing is awkward for a club that has positioned itself at the forefront of football’s fight against discrimination, most prominently through campaigns supporting forward Vinicius Jr. With the club repeatedly pledging zero tolerance for racism, scrutiny will intensify over how thoroughly they police the conduct of both fans and players. Real Madrid have yet to announce any disciplinary measures regarding Huijsen, but the club’s immediate public apology underscores the reputational stakes involved. Keywords:

Barcelona — After Sunday’s 3-0 dismissal of Levante that lifted FC Barcelona back to the summit of La Liga on matchday 25, João Cancelo strode off the Camp Nou pitch with the satisfied air of a man who had influenced both the scoreboard and the mood inside the dressing room. The Portuguese full-back, introduced as a substitute, supplied the assist for the hosts’ decisive second goal, but it was his post-match declaration that resonated loudest. “This is the best locker room I’ve ever had in my career,” Cancelo told reporters. “It was already like this in 2023. That’s also partly why I came back.” The sentiment carries extra weight given the 29-year-old’s recent spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, a sojourn that ended with a winter return to Catalonia and a conspicuous spring in his step. Hansi Flick has deployed Cancelo sparingly in the league—only two starts prior to the weekend—but the player’s cameo against Levante underlined why the German coach values his versatility and attacking thrust. Barça now sit one point clear of second-placed Real Madrid with thirteen fixtures remaining, and the squad harmony extolled by Cancelo could prove as pivotal as any tactical tweak down the stretch.

Springfield Stadium, Jersey – A 78th-minute strike from Rai Dos Santos settled a tight contest and lifted Jersey Bulls to within a point of the Isthmian League South East play-off places, cementing a 1-0 victory over fellow contenders Faversham Town on Saturday. The result keeps Elliot Powell’s side in sixth but level on points with fourth-placed Faversham and fifth-placed Sittingbourne, while third-placed Whyteleafe are only one point ahead despite having two or three games in hand. With the campaign entering its decisive phase, the Bulls have now taken seven points from a daunting sequence that included a 0-0 draw at Whyteleafe and a statement 6-1 rout of second-placed AFC Croydon Athletic. “I’m really happy with the last couple of weeks,” Powell told BBC Radio Jersey. “Three teams all in the top four and we’ve come away with seven points – I think that’s excellent and it sets us up nicely now for a really big run-in. All we wanted to be was in the race and we’ve firmly put ourselves in that now.” The island club, competing in the eighth tier for the first time after promotion from the Combined Counties League, have stretched their unbeaten streak to eight matches. Powell praised his squad’s tactical maturity, noting a shift from last season’s possession-heavy dominance to a more adaptable, pragmatic approach. “It’s different to last year; we’re not on the front foot as much, we’re not dominating the ball, and that’s proving successful at the moment so there’s no need to change things,” he explained. “We’re going to have to adapt game by game. That’s what’s most pleasing – they’re adapting to any challenge.” Dos Santos’ late winner, slammed home from close range after persistent pressure, rewarded a disciplined performance that nullified Faversham’s attacking threats and ensured the Bulls remain firmly in the promotion conversation with the season’s climax approaching.

St. Lucia, June 2025 — India’s T20 World Cup title defence took a double hit on Thursday night: a bruising 76-run defeat to South Africa and a mid-pitch flare-up that briefly stole the spotlight from the scoreboard. The flashpoint arrived in the 14th over of the Proteas innings, moments after Tristan Stubbs nudged a single to leg. David Miller, sprinting back for the second, was accused by Washington Sundar of leaving the non-striker’s crease prematurely. Sundar immediately appealed to umpire Chris Gaffaney; Miller, unbeaten on 63 off 35, wheeled around to confront the Indian all-rounder. Words were exchanged, bodies squared up, and Gaffaney had to step between the two before the situation escalated. South Africa captain Aiden Markram intervened at the drinks break, guiding Miller away and restoring calm. The precise trigger—whether a warning, a threat of a mankad, or simply a heat-of-the-moment accusation—was never clarified, and the tension dissolved as quickly as it had erupted. Miller’s innings ended two balls later, holing out in the deep, but the damage had been done: South Africa finished on 187 for 7, a total that proved mountainous on a two-paced surface. India’s reply never left the runway. Ishan Kishan, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, was bowled first ball and the chase unravelled at 111 all out. The result leaves Rohit Sharma’s side scrambling to stay alive in the Super 8, their net run-rate dented and their composure—like Miller’s—momentarily lost. SEO keywords:

Old Trafford has grown accustomed to turbulence, but amid the managerial churn and a 15th-placed finish that plumbed new depths, one constant has continued to sparkle: Bruno Fernandes. At 32, the Portuguese playmaker is enjoying the sharpest form of his United career, freed from the tactical shackles that had threatened to blunt his influence and restored to the role in which he can dismantle opponents. The numbers are staggering. In 315 appearances since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, Fernandes has contributed 104 goals and 96 assists, reaching 200 combined goal involvements 25 games faster than Cristiano Ronaldo and well ahead of club legends Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham. This season alone he has crafted 78 chances—27 more than any other Premier League player and 46 clear of United’s next-most creative team-mate, Amad Diallo. With 12 assists already and 14 league fixtures remaining, Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s joint-record of 20 is in his sights. Yet those figures only tell half the story. For the opening months of the campaign, Ruben Amorim’s dogged commitment to a back-three system forced Fernandes to operate in a deeper, more restrained midfield berth. The tactical experiment dulled United’s most potent weapon: instead of threading passes between the lines or timing late bursts into the box, Fernandes was tasked with screening space and tracking runners. The result was a 3-0 derby humiliation by Manchester City in September, a game in which he was isolated from the areas where he can inflict damage. Michael Carrick’s interim appointment in January corrected the course. Fernandes was immediately reinstated as the central No. 10, liberated from extensive defensive duties and encouraged to roam. The transformation was instant: in Carrick’s first match in charge, a 2-0 victory over City, Fernandes created the opener after earlier having a goal and assist chalked off for offside. Gary Neville hailed the display as “Cantona-esque,” noting that United’s resurgence hinged on getting their talismanic midfielder on the ball in advanced positions. Since that tactical tweak, Fernandes has supplied six assists in eight matches across all competitions and created 27 of his 78 chances in the last six league games alone. The team’s attacking fluency has returned, and with it a renewed belief that the club’s identity—built around a dynamic, creative No. 10—can still thrive in the modern era. Off the pitch, Fernandes’ commitment remains unwavering. In November he revealed that United had been open to his departure to Saudi Arabia, a suggestion that stung the midfielder who chose to remain for footballing and family reasons. “I genuinely like the club,” he explained, a sentiment supporters have reciprocated with renewed adulation as he continues to carry the side through another transitional campaign. Consistency has been Fernandes’ hallmark through six different managerial reigns and countless crises. He has hit double figures for both goals and assists in every full season at the club, and the current campaign threatens to be his most influential yet. If he maintains this trajectory, Henry and De Bruyne’s assist benchmark could fall, and Manchester United might just rediscover the attacking swagger that once defined them. Bruno Fernandes is back where he belongs—between the lines, at the heart of everything—and English football is on notice.

Barcelona halted a two-match slide and reclaimed sole possession of the La Liga summit on Sunday night, easing past Levante 3-0 at Spotify Camp Nou in a result that did as much for the table as it did for the dressing-room mood. The victory, built on three midfield strikes, lifted Hansi Flick’s side to 61 points from 25 fixtures—one clear of Real Madrid, who had briefly taken the lead after Saturday’s shock loss to Osasuna. 1. Midfielders take centre stage While the attacking trident of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha started together, none found the scoresheet. Instead, the engine room provided every goal. Marc Bernal opened the account inside the opening minutes, timing his run to convert Eric Garcia’s low cross for his second of the campaign. Captain Frenkie de Jong doubled the advantage late in the first half, arriving late to steer Joao Cancelo’s inviting delivery beyond Matthew Ryan. The rout was sealed nine minutes from time when Fermin Lopez unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive from distance that kissed the frame of the goal before nestling in. All three finishes underlined Barcelona’s capacity to threaten from multiple areas rather than relying solely on the forward line. 2. Joao Cancelo re-announces himself The Portuguese full-back arrived in January yet had struggled to impose himself in his first five appearances. Against Levante he looked reborn, tormenting the visitors with relentless overlaps and a stream of venomous crosses. Cancelo recorded 105 touches, completed 91 percent of his passes, supplied three key passes and created two big chances—one of which became de Jong’s goal. He struck the woodwork himself and was unfortunate not to add an assist or two more. Defensively he contributed five actions and won four duels, evidence of a rounded display that could push Alejandro Balde further down the pecking order. 3. League leadership restored Barcelona’s mini-crisis—back-to-back defeats that handed Madrid a two-point edge—lasted just a week. The comprehensive win over Levante, coupled with Madrid’s stumble at Osasuna, flips the pressure back onto the Bernabeu side. For a squad that arrived at Camp Nou enveloped in gloom, returning to the summit offers timely momentum ahead of a pivotal run that includes a Copa del Rey remontada attempt against Atletico Madrid. The performance was dominant if not entirely clinical—Barcelona could have doubled the margin with sharper finishing—but the clean sheet and three-goal cushion provided the reset Flick demanded. With the midfield firing and Cancelo rediscovering top gear, the Catalans head into the season’s decisive stretch back on top and buoyed by belief.

Arsenal are facing a potential setback ahead of a pivotal stage of the season after Monday’s newspapers highlighted an injury concern surrounding Bukayo Saka. The winger, who has been a constant presence for the Gunners in recent campaigns, was the subject of back-page attention that will prompt Mikel Arteta’s medical staff to provide an urgent update on his availability. No details of the nature or severity of the issue were disclosed in the print round-ups, but the mere mention of Saka’s name alongside the word “injury” is enough to quicken pulses among supporters who view the England international as indispensable to the club’s attacking rhythm. Arsenal have leaned heavily on the 22-year-old’s creativity and durability; any enforced lay-off would force a tactical rethink at a time when fixtures are arriving in rapid succession. The story surfaced amid a raft of Monday-morning headlines dominated by off-pitch developments elsewhere: Edwin van der Sar confirmed he held two rounds of discussions with former Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward about returning to Old Trafford in an advisory capacity, while Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola slipped away to Italy to take in a Serie C match immediately after his side’s victory over Newcastle. Yet it is the whispers over Saka’s fitness that will resonate loudest in north London, where every point is being fought for in the race to return to the Champions League. Arsenal have yet to issue an official bulletin, and the club’s social channels offered no clarity when contacted overnight. Until Arteta steps in front of the cameras, speculation will intensify, particularly with a derby atmosphere looming and the memory of last season’s run-in—when fatigue and knocks derailed momentum—still fresh. For now, supporters are left scanning the medical report, hopeful that the mere mention in the papers proves more precautionary than portentous.

Goodison Park’s corridors are buzzing on matchday morning as Everton prepare to host Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the chatter extends well beyond the teamsheet. While fans digest the latest opposition analysis and Manchester United’s confirmed line-up, the Blues’ wider agenda is filling column inches of its own. Transfer whispers continue to link striker Liam Delap with a move to Merseyside. TEAMtalk reports that Everton remain keen on the 21-year-old, whose powerful running and eye for goal have reportedly impressed the club’s recruitment staff. No fee or personal terms have been disclosed, but the story is gathering momentum as the summer window approaches. Manager David Moyes, meanwhile, has offered encouragement to academy prodigy Tyler Dibling. “We think we have got a really talented player on our hands,” Moyes told Liverpool World. “He’s beginning to learn a lot more about us, he will get more game time between now and the end of the season.” The endorsement underlines Everton’s desire to blood homegrown talent during a congested run-in. Off the pitch, Andrew Middleton, newly appointed President of Business Operations, has outlined his strategic vision for the club. Speaking via the club’s official channels, Middleton discussed commercial growth plans designed to boost revenue streams “this season and beyond”, hinting at fresh partnerships and fan-engagement initiatives designed to maximise Everton’s global appeal. With Premier League survival still at the forefront of supporters’ minds, today’s clash against Manchester United carries obvious importance. Yet the confluence of transfer speculation, emerging youngsters and boardroom ambition illustrates that Everton’s narrative stretches far beyond the 90 minutes ahead. Keywords:

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has barred former women’s national selector Monjurul Islam from any involvement in Bangladeshi cricket after an internal inquiry concluded that he breached the board’s harassment and misconduct regulations. The action follows a formal complaint lodged by former Bangladesh Women’s National Team captain Jahanara Alam, who alleged inappropriate behaviour during the 2022 Women’s World Cup. An independent committee, constituted by the BCB, examined four separate claims. While two could not be substantiated, the panel found “initial proof of inappropriate behaviour” in the remaining two and ruled that Monjurul’s conduct constituted harassment under BCB guidelines. In a statement released after the board meeting, the BCB said: “Based on the findings of the Independent Inquiry Committee formed by the BCB to examine the complaint lodged by former Bangladesh Women's National Team Captain Jahanara Alam, the Board has decided to impose a ban on former national cricketer Monjurul Islam from all forms of direct or indirect employment and/or cricket-related activities under the jurisdiction of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.” Although Monjurul’s contract with the board expired in June 2025, the BCB emphasised that his behaviour had fallen short of the professional standards expected of national selectors. The board added that it is still reviewing the committee’s full report and “will take any additional measures deemed necessary.” The same meeting saw the BCB unveil the calendar slot for the inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League, set to run from 4 to 14 April 2026 in Dhaka and Chattogram. Directors also approved a one-month extension for chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain to allow time for the recruitment of his successor and a reorganisation of the national selection panel.

Ibrox erupted in stoppage-time controversy as Rangers were left convinced they should have been awarded a penalty in their clash with Livingston, igniting fierce debate among pundits and supporters alike. The flashpoint arrived deep into added time when Cammy Kerr appeared to foul Mikey Moore inside the box, prompting vociferous appeals from the home players and bench. Refereeing officials waved play on, leaving the Light Blues to rue a potential match-defining decision that never materialised. While the full-time whistle confirmed a second red card for the visitors – a sanction that drew broad agreement from analysts – the late penalty shout dominated post-match discourse. Television replays offered little clarity, yet former professionals in the studio were split on whether Kerr’s challenge merited punishment, ensuring the incident will linger in midweek headlines. Rangers now await the governing body’s review of the incident, knowing the outcome could yet influence the complexion of the Premiership table.

Manchester United have been urged to consider a move for Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato after the 19-year-old’s £37 million switch from Ajax has so far failed to ignite. Rene Meulensteen, who spent six years on the Old Trafford coaching staff, believes the Dutch prodigy could thrive under a fresh challenge should Stamford Bridge opportunities remain scarce. Hato arrived in west London last summer as one of Europe’s most coveted teenagers, with Chelsea beating Arsenal to his signature. The defender had already etched his name into Ajax folklore by becoming the youngest captain in the club’s history in November 2023, a testament to the composure and leadership that persuaded Chelsea to invest heavily. Yet the Premier League has offered a sobering lesson. Twelve league outings, only five of them lasting beyond the interval, illustrate how peripheral the teenager has become in a squad stocked with established names such as Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana. Cup competitions have provided occasional respite, but the regular rhythm he enjoyed in Amsterdam has evaporated. Meulensteen, now a respected pundit, questions whether the transfer ever suited either party. Speaking to Metro, he said: “It is a disappointing move for Jorrel Hato because he was absolutely outstanding for Ajax at the time. He was very, very young and was the captain, which says a lot about the trust the manager put in him in terms of his personality and his leadership qualities. “Then a club like Chelsea comes in because they want to pick up all the best players here, there, and everywhere. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they fit in with the way the team wants to play. He’s been one of the guys who hasn’t really settled.” The former United coach stressed that development must trump short-term financial reward for elite youngsters. “Yes, he can get a big paycheck and a lot of money in the bank, but young players should be playing. Nobody can guarantee success for players wherever they go, but you want to get a sense of the manager’s plan and what he has planned for you.” Meulensteen believes Old Trafford could provide the platform Hato needs. “It doesn’t help his career, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he is looking for a loan move or another challenge elsewhere. If I were any Premier League team, including Manchester United, and he were available or became available, I would definitely be looking at him because he is still very young, and there is a lot of potential to unlock.” United’s interest is easy to understand. Erik ten Hag’s squad craves left-footed balance in build-up play, and Hato’s versatility—equally adept at left-back, centre-back or as a number six—offers tactical flexibility. Comfortable receiving under pressure and technically refined, the teenager profiles as a long-term solution rather than an expensive stop-gap. Chelsea, for their part, have shown little inclination to cash in on a player signed barely a year ago, let alone strengthen a direct rival. Yet football’s landscape can shift quickly. Should Hato remain on the margins, United may sense an opportunity to rescue a talent whose London chapter has stalled and offer him the stage Ajax once provided.

Charlestown, Nevis – The Nevis Cricket Association’s 40-overs competition rolled into another dramatic weekend on Sunday, February 22, producing two decisive results and one shattered windscreen that will be remembered long after the scorecards are filed. At VOJN Grounds, Brown Hill stamped themselves as genuine contenders with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Empire. Electing to field first, Brown Hill never allowed Empire to settle; the innings closed at 142 all out, Jevon Manners’ 59 the lone beacon. Off-spinner Ajari Cornelius applied the chokehold, his four-wicket burst ensuring the target stayed well within range. The chase was clinical. Shelton Forbes flicked eight boundaries in a 55-run cameo, while Rajani Didder’s unbeaten 54 anchored the reply, guiding Brown Hill to 146 for 2 with more than ten overs to spare. Across the island at Elquemedo Willett Park, All Stars underlined their title credentials with a comprehensive 64-run victory over Highlights. Inserted to bat, All Stars grafted their way to 188 for 9, brothers Sharma and Hero each contributing 31 to set a competitive platform. Highlights’ reply never found momentum. Adrian Williams top-scored with 34, but regular strikes from Pemberton and Sharma—who shared six wickets between them—derailed the chase. The innings ended at 124 all out, handing All Stars maximum points. Yet the moment that ignited the crowd occurred in the 27th over of the second innings. Williams, attempting to clear the long-on boundary, launched a Jaden Carmichael delivery high into the afternoon sky. The ball sailed over the rope and crashed into the windscreen of a pickup truck belonging to well-known supporter Mr. Clinton Swanston, sending shards of glass across the pavilion area. Umpires halted play briefly while ground staff assessed the damage, and spectators spent the remaining overs debating liability: batsman, bowler, the NCA, or the vehicle owner? By stumps, the consensus remained as fractured as the glass itself. With the tournament table beginning to take shape, both All Stars and Brown Hill sent a clear message to their rivals: wins are paramount, but a touch of theatre never hurts.

Old Trafford corridors have grown used to exit talk in recent seasons, yet one name now edging toward an extended stay is prompting measured optimism rather than dismay: Harry Maguire. The 32-year-old defender, whose £80 million arrival from Leicester in August 2019 has produced 261 appearances and 17 goals, is approaching the final months of his present terms, and multiple sources close to the negotiations expect a compromise that keeps the centre-back in M16 for at least another campaign. The prospect looked improbable only weeks ago. A thigh complaint sidelined Maguire for nine matches, and when the squad bus pulled into Turf Moor on 7 January for the first fixture of the post-Amorim era, his presence among the travelling party startled onlookers. Interim boss Darren Fletcher had no intention of risking a player who had scarcely trained; Maguire’s inclusion was emergency cover at best. Four days later the England international managed 11 minutes against Brighton in an FA Cup defeat, his first competitive action in almost three months. That brief cameo, however, re-ignited the defender’s appetite. By the time Michael Carrick took temporary charge for the visit of Manchester City on 17 January, Maguire was lobbying to start despite only two or three training sessions in the previous eight weeks. Carrick later labelled the selection “a calculated gamble,” but praised the commitment behind it. “We can take for granted sometimes what players do,” he reflected, underlining the intangible value of a professional willing to place team necessity above personal comfort. That attitude is precisely why United should resist allowing Maguire to walk away for free. With Casemiro’s vast experience set to depart this summer, the club cannot afford to shed another dressing-room leader. Maguire’s communication is relentless, his standards uncompromising; team-mates who switch off are quickly reminded of the expectations. On the pitch he has marshalled a back line shorn of Matthijs de Ligt, sidelined indefinitely by a back problem, and has formed a quietly effective partnership with Lisandro Martínez. Though the pair have started only 16 times together in a conventional two-man central defence, United have won 11 of the subsequent 14 fixtures, hinting at the platform they provide for a Champions League push. Contract discussions are delicate. Maguire ranks among the club’s top earners, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to trim the wage bill. A reduction in salary and a shorter deal appear likely, yet the player’s camp and the club both recognise the mutual benefit of continuity. Maguire, settled with his family in the north-west, recently told reporters: “It’s an amazing club to play for and you’d be silly if you wanted to jump out of it as soon as you could.” England manager Thomas Tuchel, watching from afar, has already pencilled Maguire’s name back into the international frame—“back in the picture,” he noted during the Nations League draw—proof that strong club form can reignite wider ambitions. For United fans fatigued by perpetual transition, retaining a home-grown leader who understands the club’s pressures, embraces its standards and needs no adaptation period is no minor detail. It is a pragmatic step toward stability, and one supporters should greet with relief rather than resignation.

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light has been a fortress for much of the 2025/26 campaign, but the past seven days have delivered two sobering reminders that momentum can evaporate faster than a North-East drizzle. Seven days after Florian Wirtz and reigning champions Liverpool ended the Lads’ unbeaten home record in dramatic fashion, Raul Jiménez and Alex Iwobi administered an even more painful dose of reality as Fulham left Wearside with a 3-1 victory that felt both comprehensive and cruelly avoidable. Where the Liverpool defeat could be filed under “creditable against elite opposition,” Sunday’s reverse was harder to rationalise. Fulham, described in the dressing room as “efficient if hardly world-beating,” were gifted two soft first-half goals: Jiménez glided between static centre-backs to nod home the opener, while Iwobi added a third late on after Enzo Le Fée’s penalty had briefly teased a comeback. In between, Eliezer Mayenda hit the bar and Jewison Bennette forced a smart save, but the overriding impression was of a Sunderland side gripped by anxiety, their passing moves fragmenting under the weight of misplaced touches and hurried decisions. Manager Régis Le Bris cut an increasingly agitated figure on the touchline, his arms windmilling in frustration as passes went astray and defensive clearances found only white shirts. Injuries to Nordi Mukiele and surprise inclusion Jocelin Ta Bi inside the opening half-hour did little to help the hosts’ rhythm, yet the head coach refused to hide behind misfortune. “We were below the level we demand of ourselves,” he admitted. “You cannot concede goals like that at this stage of the season and expect to win games.” The result marks three consecutive league defeats and propels the club into the sort of introspection that can derail a promotion push. With visits to Bournemouth and Leeds United looming, Sunderland now face the very real prospect of sliding out of the automatic-promotion picture unless the slide is arrested quickly. Le Bris acknowledged that selection headaches are mounting: Brian Brobbey’s second-half knock may hand Wilson Isidor a starting opportunity, while Chemsdine Talbi’s cameo energy has pushed him firmly into contention. Granit Xhaka’s imminent return from a thigh strain will add ballast to a midfield that looked ragged against Fulham’s press, but the Swiss veteran alone cannot fix what currently ails the side. One player under particular scrutiny is 21-year-old winger Chris Rigg, linked with a January exit that never materialised. Rigg spurned a gilt-edged chance to level at 2-1, dragging wide with the goal gaping, and later became the target of racist abuse on social media—an episode the club condemned as “a stain on football.” Le Bris defended the youngster, insisting collective failings, not one missed opportunity, shaped the outcome. “He is 21, learning, and he will be stronger for this,” the head coach said. Off the pitch, the atmosphere turned mutinous long before the final whistle. Thousands headed for the exits after Iwobi’s 79th-minute strike, leaving swathes of red seats gleaming under the floodlights. The early exodus reopened a decades-old debate on Wearside: why do Sunderland supporters vote with their feet when results sour, and does the phenomenon damage the players left chasing lost causes? Le Bris stopped short of criticising the fan base, but noted: “We want every supporter staying until the end; the team needs that energy.” For a club whose motto is ‘Til The End, the symbolism was impossible to ignore. The head coach now has six days to restore belief before the long trip to the south coast, aware that another flat performance will intensify questions about his own position—speculation he branded “ridiculously premature.” Whether the squad can rediscover the cohesion and aggression that carried them to the top of the table earlier in the season may determine whether this campaign ends in celebration or familiar heartbreak. Sunderland, simply put, need to get smarter, harder, faster and nastier. Otherwise, the season’s promise risks fizzling out in a spring of regret. SEO keywords:

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes Ferrari and Mercedes have established a clear early-season advantage after the final 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test, warning that his own squad will start the campaign on the back foot at next week’s Australian Grand Prix. Speaking after six days of running in Bahrain, Stella pointed to Charles Leclerc’s headline-grabbing lap on the ultimate afternoon – the Monegasque finishing eight-tenths clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris – and strong long-run data from both Ferrari and Mercedes as evidence that the two traditional powerhouses have stolen an early march. “Ferrari and Mercedes are a step ahead,” Stella told Sky Sports F1. “Very difficult to say exactly where everyone is, but when you look at the race simulations and the relative performance, they appear to have found something extra.” McLaren, by contrast, left the desert having completed every item on its test checklist yet still searching for outright pace. Stella conceded that while the gap to the very front is “not far”, it is real. The Italian highlighted the difficulty of reading too much into single-lap times, noting that track evolution in the final hours of testing – when Norris delivered his most encouraging stint – can flatter a car’s true speed. Instead, he placed greater stock in the race-simulation data, citing a Thursday run that saw Oscar Piastri shadow Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over a long distance with near-identical pace. “Often the race simulation is where you can more accurately see what the genuine performance of cars is,” Stella explained. “Depending on the time of day, though, the picture can change quite a lot.” Red Bull, he believes, are “very similar” to McLaren in overall trim, setting up a four-way fight at the front that could swing from circuit to circuit. One key variable will be the new-for-2026 energy-management rules: cars harvest electrical energy under braking and deploy it when the driver returns to full throttle. Tracks with fewer heavy braking zones – such as Melbourne’s Albert Park – will punish inefficient systems more severely. “Bahrain gives you enough braking to harvest almost everything without special techniques,” Stella noted. “Australia will be trickier; drivers will be busier modulating lift-and-coast to keep the battery in its sweet spot. That will influence who can attack and defend in the race.” McLaren’s status as a Mercedes customer team adds another layer of complexity. While Stella praised the “really strong collaboration” with Mercedes HPP, he admitted that integration between power-unit and chassis departments is inherently tighter for a works outfit. “There’s still quite a lot to learn about engine control and exploitation,” he said, pointing to new driver-switchable modes that must deliver both lap-time and raceability. With the season-opening Australian Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 from 6-8 March, Stella expects the competitive order to remain fluid as teams discover which circuits expose their energy-system strengths or weaknesses. One thing is already clear in his mind: Ferrari and Mercedes arrive in Melbourne with the early edge, and McLaren has work to do to bridge the gap.

Paris Saint-Germain have accelerated their pursuit of teenage Croatian centre-back Luka Vuskovic and are ready to outmuscle Manchester City and Liverpool in what could become one of next summer’s most hotly-contested transfer battles, Spanish outlet Fichajes reports. The 18-year-old, contracted to Tottenham but currently developing with Hamburg in Germany, has emerged as the Parisians’ preferred solution to inject “vigour and projection” into Luis Enrique’s back line. Scouts from the Parc des Princes have filed glowing reports on the defender’s aerial dominance and anticipatory reading of the game—qualities PSG’s sporting direction deem “determining factors” for their system. Vuskovic’s rapid adaptation to senior football has not gone unnoticed across Europe. Real Madrid and Barcelona maintain regular monitoring of his progress, drawn by his technical profile, while Manchester City and Liverpool have gone a step further, dispatching emissaries to Hamburg to assess how the 1.93 m teenager handles diverse tactical demands. Paris, however, believe their financial muscle and the promise of a youthful rebuild can give them the edge. The club’s hierarchy is conscious that the next window may represent their best chance to land a generational talent before valuations spiral further. Despite his defensive brief, Vuskovic has already weighed in with four goals in 19 appearances this season, frequently punishing opponents with late runs on set pieces. That dual threat has only heightened Luis Enrique’s desire to secure a player who could offer both security at the back and an unexpected weapon in the final third. Negotiations, if they materialise, will be fraught. Tottenham inserted Vuskovic into their long-term blueprint the moment he signed from Hajduk Split, tying him to a deal that runs until 2030. Spurs insiders regard the youngster as “non-negotiable” and would demand an opening bid of between €60 million and €70 million—well above his current market value of €40 million, a figure that rises with every Bundesliga round. PSG are undeterred. Aware that elite centre-backs of Vuskovic’s age and profile are a scarce commodity, the French champions intend to maintain constant pressure in the hope that a stratospheric offer will force Tottenham’s hand. Paris, Manchester, Merseyside and the Spanish capitals now wait to see whether the Croatia prodigy will become the marquee defensive arrival of the 2025 market—or whether Tottenham can fend off Europe’s heavyweights and retain the towering teenager around whom they plan to build.

Manchester City enter the summer-2026 market determined to reinforce a squad that has clawed back from a wobble in 2024/25 and is once again neck-and-neck with Arsenal in the Premier League title run-in. After January’s coup for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, sporting director Txiki Begiristain and manager Pep Guardiola are ready for another aggressive window. Here are the ten names topping the Etihad shortlist: 1. Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid’s right-back has struggled with injuries since leaving Liverpool, and while a return to England remains a long shot, City believe a record-setting offer could tempt the playmaker to abandon the Bernabéu and slot into Guardiola’s inverted-full-back scheme. 2. Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest’s 21-year-old box-to-box star is averaging four tackles-plus-interceptions, 3.6 combined dribbles-plus-fouls-drawn and 1.5 key passes per match. City view the Geordie as Kovacic’s long-term successor. 3. Bruno Guimarães Newcastle’s captain remains a blue-chip target. A Rodri-Bruno double pivot would give City arguably the most complete midfield base in Europe and further widen the gap on Arsenal’s Rice-Zubimendi pairing. 4. Yan Diomande RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old left winger has tormented Bundesliga defenses with Cruyff-turn showreels and end-product: five goals in his last seven starts. Guardiola wants another chaos-creator to balance a right-heavy attack. 5. Rodrygo Goes The Brazilian has grown restless in Vinicius Junior’s shadow at Madrid. City would convert the ex-Champions-League hero into a left-sided, Grealish-style link man, confident his tight-space dribbling and curled finishes fit Pep’s template. 6. Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern’s 21-year-old No. 6 has displaced Leon Goretzka, completing 95% of 70 passes per Bundesliga game. City see the German as Rodri’s apprentice and insurance policy. 7. Said El Mala Köln’s teenage left winger/striker has eight goals and three assists in 23 appearances. A buy-and-loan swoop could beat Bayern to another Bundesliga gem. 8. Tino Livramento Newcastle’s hamstring-hampered full-back offers two-footed versatility and progressive passing. City rate the 22-year-old as the final piece in an otherwise complete back line. 9. Alex Scott Bournemouth’s ball-winning midfielder has flown under the radar while Wharton and Anderson soak up column inches. Guardiola wants another home-grown option should Kalvin-Phillips-type risks scare off bigger gambles. 10. Adam Wharton Crystal Palace value the 22-year-old holding star north of €100m. His 3.3 tackles-plus-interceptions, driving ball carries and English passport make him the premium solution in a position City helped redefine. Expect at least two of these deals to be pushed over the line as City look to turn domestic dominance into a seventh Champions League crown.

Perth: Kunja cricketer Mikayla Hinkley has etched her name into the Western Australian Premier Cricket record books, blasting an unbeaten double century in a partnership that rewrote the competition’s milestones. The innings, played under the state’s Saturday sun, vaulted the right-hander into rare territory and powered her side to a commanding total. Hinkley’s knock was chanceless and relentless, featuring clean ball-striking to all corners of the ground. The double-ton came at better than a run-a-ball, underscoring her dominance against a flagging attack that had no answer to her aggressive mindset. The milestone partnership—details of which are still being tallied by statisticians—surpassed any previous stand in WA Premier Cricket history, according to officials at the ground. Teammates hailed the effort as proof of the 25-year-old’s maturation at the crease, while opponents could only watch as the total spiralled beyond reach. The innings continues a sharp upward curve for Hinkley, who has represented Western Australia at higher levels and is now forcing national selectors to take notice. With the record books rewritten and the season hitting its pointy end, Hinkley’s innings will be remembered as the day a Kunja product turned a routine fixture into a highlight-reel classic.

Tottenham Hotspur arrived at kick-off against Arsenal on Sunday hoping a new voice might scramble the script. Instead, Igor Tudor’s first afternoon in interim charge turned into a brutal audit of the club’s deeper malaise as Arsenal swaggered to a 4-1 derby win that felt every bit as chastening as the scoreline suggests. Appointed only five days earlier after the sacking of Thomas Frank, the Croatian coach discovered quickly that optimism has a short shelf-life in N17. Dominic Solanke, the club’s record signing, spent the week battling a sore throat; several first-team regulars remained in the treatment room; and league-leading Arsenal arrived wounded after dropping points at Wolves. The circumstances were forbidding, yet for 45 minutes Spurs hinted at a pulse. Randal Kolo Muani, reunited with the coach who revived him at Juventus, levelled within two minutes of Eberechi Eze’s opener and tormented Gabriel with raw pace. The crowd, energised by Paul Coyte’s pre-match rallying cry and a South-Stand tifo proclaiming Spurs “north London originals”, roared its approval when Micky van de Ven hammered an early clearance into the stands. The stadium, toxic for months, briefly felt like a 12th man. The reprieve did not last. A disallowed Kolo Muani goal, which Tudor appeared to deem soft, prevented Spurs from turning territorial pressure into a second-half lead. Within minutes the match, and perhaps the season, unravelled. Eze, who rejected Tottenham last summer, ghosted through midfield to punish Yves Bissouma’s lapse and set Viktor Gyokeres free to torment Radu Dragusin. Bukayo Saka embarrassed Djed Spence and Van de Ven down the right; Spence’s late attempt to dribble out of trouble ended with possession lost and Gyokeres sealing his brace. Xavi Simons, so influential in recent weeks, was muted, as were Conor Gallagher and Pape Matar Sarr. Deployed in a 5-3-2 without the ball, Spurs looked anything but secure, surviving only because Dragusin blocked a Gyokeres header bound for the corner in the third minute. The 4-1 defeat is the second time this season Tottenham have shipped four to their neighbours, a statistic many supporters will deem unforgivable. More importantly, it leaves them four points above West Ham in the final relegation berth and only two clear of Nottingham Forest in 17th. Fortunate results elsewhere offered brief respite, but the table does not lie: Spurs have won just twice at home in 14 league attempts this campaign and have not recorded a league victory since late 2025. Tudor, a serial short-term fixer at Lazio, Juventus and Udinese, admitted the chasm between the sides was “very evident” and questioned the mentality of his squad. “I’m very sad and very angry,” he said. “The medicine is you look in the mirror. Each of us must change habits. Working hard is the only way.” With 11 fixtures remaining, beginning at Fulham on Sunday, the 46-year-old must somehow conjure cohesion from a fragmented squad and reconnect with a fanbase that has endured months of disappointment. Sunday’s brief flurry of togetherness proved Tottenham can still stir the blood, but the subsequent collapse underlined the scale of reconstruction required. Tudor’s honeymoon never left the runway; instead, his maiden voyage revealed a club in genuine danger of slipping toward the Championship. Unless the interim boss can translate urgency into points, and quickly, Spurs’ season risks sliding from crisis to catastrophe. SEO keywords:

Torquay, England – A 247-mile schlep from Eastbourne to Devon is grim enough after a 4-2 defeat to the side second-from-bottom in the National League South. Torquay United supporters discovered it can get worse: the comfortable coach that ferried them east on Saturday morning was reassigned to the players for the return journey, leaving fans to cram into a replacement vehicle. Social-media fury followed. A post cataloguing the swap has been viewed more than 800,000 times since Saturday night, with many insisting the squad had demanded more leg-room and the club acquiesced at the fans’ expense. “Sadly we are on our way home after a terrible trip, shocking performance and now have had to swap coaches,” the independent Torquay United Travel Club wrote on Facebook. “So POOR on Torquay Utd, do hope club & players enjoy our COACH!!!” Commenters called the move “absolutely disgusting” and accused players of entitlement after a limp display. Even when Torquay’s women’s side beat Gloucester the next day, supporters trolled the club’s updates; when Connie Pengelly completed a hat-trick, one fan quipped, “She didn’t need extra legroom.” On Sunday the club issued a statement blaming the operator, Roselyn Coaches, for the mix-up. Officials said the team’s original coach broke down twice en route to Sussex on Friday, forcing Roselyn to dispatch a replacement. That replacement was the same vehicle later used by supporters travelling to Eastbourne. After the match, Roselyn—citing “operational reasons”—reallocated the larger coach to the squad and returned the fans to the alternative vehicle. Torquay stressed that neither players nor staff requested the swap and that the Travel Club is an independent body whose contract is with Roselyn, not the club. Roselyn, contacted for comment, did not respond. Co-chairman Michael Westcott apologised “for any disruption and confusion” while praising fans for “incredible support”. The Travel Club has yet to say whether it will pursue compensation, but the episode has already become another cautionary tale of how quickly football optics can turn a logistical headache into a public-relations migraine. SEO keywords:

Buenos Aires, June 2026 — Four years after the drama of Lusail, Argentina open their World Cup defence against an as-yet-unconfirmed Group-stage opponent in the United States. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s task is to balance continuity with evolution: keep the heartbeat of 2022, but blood the next wave. Essential Football projects the XI most likely to walk out on opening night. Between the posts, Aston Villa’s Emi Martínez remains undisputed. The 33-year-old’s sprawling denial of Kylian Mbappé in the last final still flickers in rival forwards’ minds, and no Argentine keeper has wrestled the gloves from him since. At right-back, Nahuel Molina keeps his slot despite a subdued La Liga campaign with Atlético Madrid. Scaloni values the 27-year-old’s understanding of the national-team structure, and with only 16 league appearances and one assist this season, the coach is betting on the player’s big-tournament nerve rather than club form. Cristian Romero continues as the defensive anchor. The Tottenham man divides opinion in North London, yet his front-foot aggression remains central to Argentina’s high line. Alongside him, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi has vaulted into the XI. The left-footed 28-year-old marries rugged duels with measured distribution, giving Romero a stabilising foil. The left-back position has become a headache. Nicolás Tagliafico, 33, is injured and nearing international retirement, so Scaloni turns to 21-year-old Valentin Barco. The Strasbourg full-back arrives with 19 Ligue 1 appearances, one goal and four assists in 2025-26, offering pace and an attacking outlet down the flank. Midfield pivots through two Premier League operators. Enzo Fernández, fresh from an eight-goal, two-assist season at Chelsea, will sit slightly deeper to dictate tempo. Alongside him, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister roams forward, carrying the ball into the final third. The pair’s defensive limitations are acknowledged, yet their combined energy and technique are expected to overwhelm opponents before gaps appear. The forward line blends legend and prodigy. Lionel Messi, 38, captains the side for a record sixth World Cup. While no longer the globe’s supreme talent, his presence alone shapes match-day strategy. He will start on the right of a front three, drifting centrally when provoked. Opposite him, 21-year-old Nico Paz earns the left-sided berth after nine goals and six assists for promoted Como this season, edging out Roma’s Paulo Dybala on current form. Through the middle, Inter skipper Lautaro Martínez supplies the cold-blooded finishing: 10-plus Serie A goals in seven consecutive campaigns make him the automatic No. 9. Completing the quartet is Julian Álvarez, the tournament’s most versatile attacker. Manchester City’s sale of the 26-year-old has proved costly for the English club; Álvarez slots in as a second striker, interchanging with Messi and Martínez to stretch defences vertically and laterally. Projected Argentina XI (4-3-3): Emi Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi, Valentin Barco; Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Álvarez, Nico Paz; Lautaro Martínez. Scaloni’s side may concede chances, yet few back lines relish facing a front four that combines Messi’s genius, Martínez’s movement, Álvarez’s industry and Paz’s fearless youth. If the defence holds, La Albiceleste believe another trophy procession is possible.

Barcelona’s teenage midfielder Marc Bernal underlined his growing influence on Sunday, breaking the deadlock in a La Liga victory over Osasuna that lifted Hansi Flick’s side back to the summit of the table. The 17-year-old’s second goal of the campaign arrived after a bright start from the visitors, and it proved the catalyst for a composed performance that secured all three points at Camp Nou. Speaking after the match, Bernal was quick to play down suggestions that he is following in the footsteps of club icon Sergio Busquets. “Comparisons with Busquets? It’s way too early,” he said. “I want to carve my own path and he’s a reference, an idol. Being compared to him means you’re doing things right.” Bernal’s strike came inside the opening exchanges, settling any early nerves after Osasuna had threatened inside the first minute. “My goal helped us gain composure and confidence,” he acknowledged. “We’ve been talking these past few weeks. They would be playing deep, and we had to offer second-line runs. I think we managed to control their marking well, and it went very well for us.” The midfielder dedicated his finish to two key figures in his rehabilitation from injury. “I thought a lot about my dad and my physio during the celebration. He told me I would score and has helped me a lot in this process.” Bernal, who only recently returned to full fitness, is embracing the competition for places in Flick’s squad. “Scoring at the Camp Nou is special. This is Barça, and the competition here is very high. Everyone has to find their best form. That’s how it’s going to be.” With a rare free week ahead, Barcelona will now prepare for next weekend’s home encounter against Villarreal, buoyed by a return to the top of the standings and another promising display from their emerging midfield talent.

St Helens Stadium, Sunday evening – Liverpool Women booked a place in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton, yet the triumph was tempered by an early injury to match-winner Mia Enderby and a nervy finale that saw the Reds concede an unfortunate own goal. Enderby struck the opener inside the opening quarter-hour, only to be stretchered off moments later with what manager Gareth Taylor later described as a possible kneecap dislocation. The setback forced a reshuffle, with Beata moved to an unfamiliar right-sided role, but Liverpool still reached the interval two goals to the good. Everton’s reply came courtesy of goalkeeper Jennifer Falk’s second-half own goal, setting up a tense conclusion that tested the hosts’ resolve. Speaking after the final whistle, Taylor did not gloss over the imperfections. “I didn’t think we were great first half if I’m being honest. We were happy to be 2-0 at half-time, I’ll be honest,” he admitted. “But I was just really pleased with the second-half performance and the way we fought, showed some quality at times.” The manager praised his squad’s attitude amid a campaign already littered with off-field challenges. “The group give a lot, they’re really humble, honest and open to learning,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of tough moments this season, things that have gone against us on and off the pitch, but you can see now we’re starting to come into a little bit more confidence, a little bit more fight and endeavour.” Taylor confirmed Enderby had returned to the dressing room on crutches and initial fears of a serious ligament injury appear to have eased. “Hopefully she seems to be OK,” he said, while acknowledging the forward’s absence further limits attacking options with Alice Bergstrom also unavailable. Attention now turns to Monday’s draw, which will pair Liverpool with one of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City or the winners of London City Lionesses v Tottenham Hotspur. The quarter-final ties are scheduled for the weekend of 5 April. “An easier one would be nice!” Taylor joked, before underlining the importance of securing a home tie at St Helens, where the crowd once again played its part. “It’s great because we have the fans behind us.” For now, the Reds can savour derby delight and a place among the last eight. As Taylor succinctly put it: “I think it was about getting the job done today.”

Philadelphia’s 2026 first-round selection could hinge on a familiar philosophy—fortifying the offensive line—but that comfort-zone approach may collide with more urgent roster holes once the new league year settles, a longtime draft analyst warned this week. Speaking on a media conference call, NFL Draft veteran Daniel Jeremiah said he “likes big guys early” for the Eagles at pick No. 23, singling out Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane as the ideal, albeit unlikely, prize. If Ioane is gone, Jeremiah sees a cluster of comparable prospects—Monroe Freeling, Blake Miller, and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor—offering Philadelphia immediate depth and long-term insurance at tackle. The logic tracks with general manager Howie Roseman’s draft history: prioritize the trenches before luxury items. Yet the coming season presents complications. All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson confirmed he will play on, but will do so without revered line coach Jeff Stoutland for the first time. Left guard Landon Dickerson’s future beyond 2026 is also unresolved, amplifying the need for reinforcements. Still, an early lineman may not crack the starting five in 2026, raising the stakes of the choice. Free-agency departures—safety Reed Blankenship, tight end Dallas Goedert and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips among them—leave clear voids on both sides of the ball. If the Eagles fail to secure a starting-caliber corner opposite Darius Slay, replace Goedert’s reliable middle-of-field production, or add pass-rush help, selecting a developmental blocker could look like a missed opportunity in a win-now campaign. Jeremiah’s forecast underscores the balancing act Roseman faces: stick with a trusted blueprint or deviate to patch rosters spots that could derail a Super Bowl push as soon as next January. SEO keywords:

Arsenal answered Manchester City’s latest statement in the title race with a ruthless north-London derby performance, crushing Tottenham 4-1 to complete a league double over their neighbours this season. The emphatic victory keeps the Gunners firmly in the championship conversation and underlines their attacking firepower when it matters most. The result marks the second time this campaign that Mikel Arteta’s side have dismantled Spurs by the same scoreline, sending a clear message that they will not yield top spot without a fight. With City having ratcheted up the pressure through their own recent wins, Arsenal’s derby demolition ensures the battle at the summit remains delicately poised heading into the run-in. Beyond the raw numbers, the manner of the triumph will hearten supporters: a composed dismantling of a rival away from home, a testament to squad depth and tactical discipline. As the season edges toward its climax, this latest show of strength suggests the title race could yet go down to the wire.

The Athletic’s daily brain-teaser, Connections: Sports Edition, returned for puzzle No. 518 on Feb. 23 with a quartet of themes that ranged from playful to perplexing. Players were asked to sort 16 clues into four color-coded groups, progressing from the most straightforward yellow category to the notoriously tricky purple set. The yellow grouping centered on the theme “heckle,” uniting the verbs boo, hiss, hoot and jeer—common sounds from any stadium’s cheapest seats. The green category paid homage to cinema, specifically the Looney Tunes-NBA crossover “Space Jam,” with Bugs, Jordan, Lola and Tweety forming the correct quartet. Collegiate Florida took the spotlight in the blue tier, where Bulls, Gators, Owls and Seminoles represented the state’s well-known NCAA programs. Finally, the purple tier demanded lateral thinking: each entry was an NFL franchise whose first letter had been swapped. The solutions—bolts (Colts), crowns (Browns), hackers (Packers) and paints (Saints)—proved the day’s toughest test. Connections: Sports Edition is produced by The Athletic, the subscription sports outlet owned by The New York Times. While the puzzle does not appear inside the NYT Games app, it is playable within The Athletic’s own app or free of charge on the web.

Manchester United will arrive at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night with revenge on their minds and a Champions League place in their sights. When the sides last met in November, United slumped to a 1-0 defeat despite Everton playing with ten men for more than 75 minutes; interim boss Michael Carrick knows anything less than redemption on Merseyside could dent his team’s surging top-five push. The visitors have benefited from an unexpected fortnight of rest after an early FA Cup exit, while Everton have been idle since their 1-0 loss at Bournemouth on 10 February. That same evening United laboured to a 1-1 draw with West Ham, but Carrick’s subsequent overhaul has lifted the Red Devils up the table and into realistic contention for Europe’s premier club competition. A top-five finish, UEFA’s revised qualification route suggests, will almost certainly be enough. David Moyes, managing against his former club, still harbours continental ambitions of his own. Seventh-placed Everton are targeting either Europa League or Conference League football, yet a run of six winless home matches has undermined their credentials. Monday’s clash, therefore, carries added weight: three points for either side could prove decisive in the scramble for European places. Team news tilts the balance further toward the visitors. Everton will be without on-loan winger Jack Grealish for the rest of the season after the Manchester City man suffered a foot fracture, while right-back Jake O’Brien sits out through suspension after his red card on the south coast. Veteran skipper Séamus Coleman returns to contention and is expected to slot straight into the back line. Moyes is likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1: Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Dominic Barry leading the attack. United’s infirmary remains busy but stable. Mason Mount continues to nurse his latest setback, Matthijs de Ligt’s comeback from an ankle problem is on hold, and Patrick Dorgu is still recovering from the injury he sustained at the Emirates. Carrick reported no new concerns after the West Ham stalemate and is set to keep faith with a fluid 4-2-3-1: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; with in-form Bryan Mbeumo spearheading the line. Form and firepower point to an away victory. Everton’s scoring woes at home—one goal in their last six league fixtures at the Hill Dickinson Stadium—play into the hands of a United side discovering chemistry between Bruno Fernandes, Cunha and Mbeumo. Expect a cagey affair rather than a free-flowing thriller, but Carrick’s rejuvenated outfit should have enough guile and energy to collect three vital points in the race for Europe. Global viewers can follow the action live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD and Sky GO in the UK; USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO and UNIVERSO NOW in the United States; and via DAZN Canada and fuboTV Canada. Prediction: Everton 0-2 Manchester United Keywords:

Nottingham – Liverpool berhasil membawa pulang tiga poin penting dari City Ground setelah menekuk tuan rumah Nottingham Forest 1-0 pada injury time lewat gol Alexis Mac Allister. Namun di tengah euforia kemenangan itu, sorotan justru tertuju pada Mohamed Salah yang kembali menutup laga tanpa mencetak gol. Gagal menjebol gawang Nottingham Forest memperpanjang puasa gol Salah menjadi sembilan pertandingan beruntun di Liga Inggris. Rentetan ini dimulai sejak laga kontra Manchester City pada November lalu dan menjadi kali pertama dalam kariernya di Merseyside menjalani paceklik gol sepanjang itu. Penyerang asal Mesir itu memang absen sementara karena memperkuat negaranya di Piala Afrika, namun setelah kembali ke Anfield ketajamannya belum juga muncul. Dalam lima pertandingan terakhir ia hanya mampu memberikan tiga assist, sebuah angka yang menunjukkan kontribusinya tetap ada meski belum berbuah gol. Musim ini Salah baru mencatatkan empat gol dari 19 penampilan di kompetisi domestik. Jumlah tersebut jauh melorot dibandingkan torehan musim-musim sebelumnya, memperlihatkan betapa ia tengah berada di masa sulit. Meski demikian, kehadirannya tetap menjadi ancaman yang diwaspadai lawan, sekaligus harapan bagi Liverpool untuk segera bangkit dari keterpurukan individu sang bintang.

Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Levante at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday was notable for more than just the scoreline: it marked the long-awaited re-emergence of Joao Cancelo. The Portugal full-back, on loan from Al Hilal, collected La Liga’s official MVP award after a performance that underlined why the club pushed to bring him back to Catalonia. Yet the afternoon was only his third start since re-joining in January, a scarcity of minutes that had prompted questions about manager Hansi Flick’s faith in the 29-year-old. Speaking after the match, Cancelo offered a straightforward explanation: he simply arrived short of the physical standard demanded by the squad. “I wasn’t in my best shape when I joined Barça, I was not at the same physical level as my teammates,” he told MD. “I’m returning to my level now, step by step. Flick is very demanding, the club as well… I love that.” The Levante display, in which Cancelo bombed forward from left-back while remaining solid defensively, felt like a corner turned. He admitted it was “for sure my best performance since returning,” adding that diligent training had readied him for the chance. “When you train well, things just flow well on the pitch.” With Alejandro Balde’s recent form patchy, the Portuguese international senses an opening to secure a regular starting role. He struck an optimistic tone when surveying the weeks ahead, insisting the victory over Levante can act as a springboard. “Football always gives you a second chance,” he said. “After two bad games we played very well against a team with very good players despite where they are in the table. In La Liga it’s hard to win every game.” If Sunday’s showing is any indication, Cancelo’s second chapter at Barcelona may finally be shifting from promising subplot to central storyline.

Scottsboro High School’s football slate will look different this fall after the Alabama High School Athletic Association granted the program’s appeal to drop from Class 5A to Class 4A. The reclassification not only moves Scottsboro down a rung but also places the Wildcats back in the same region as longtime neighbor Guntersville, reigniting a local rivalry that had been interrupted by previous alignment cycles. The AHSAA’s decision finalizes the region pairings for the upcoming season, ensuring the two Marshall County schools will meet on the field with playoff implications on the line.