Joe Montemurro welcomes ‘season-defining’ tie with Manchester City

In a season of ups, downs, postponements and wild differences in the number of matches played, it can be hard to pick out the games that will define this Women’s Super League campaign.

However, when Arsenal and Manchester City kick off in Borehamwood on Sunday, it is hard to believe there will be a bigger week for either team. Separated by four points (with Manchester City third and Arsenal fourth with a game in hand), for either side to keep title aspirations alive they will need to win and, counterintuitively, cheer for their opponent later in the week: Arsenal play the leaders, Chelsea, on Wednesday and City host second-placed Manchester United on Friday.

“The WSL is set up for that [season-defining games],�…

Italy and France sight 2010 World Cup finals

Reigning champions Italy and 2006 runners-up France can train their thoughts firmly on reaching the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa if successful in qualifiers in the next few days.

France have a double-header against Lithuania on Saturday, away, and then on Wednesday in Paris, while Italy travel to Montenegro before a top-of-the-table clash against Republic of Ireland in Bari.

Coach Raymond Domenech, whose performance is still under the microscope from a demanding French media, leads his side in Kaunas on Saturday with the aim of shoring up their weakness in defence facing freekicks.

Central defender Philippe Mexes has battled back after his disastrous showing in the 3-1 defeat to Austria in September last year, when at fault in all three goals, and when …

Premier League 2019-20: Klopp, Guardiola and the art of going again

We go again.

The phrase has become an omnipresent, short-hand rallying call in modern football, which is somewhat surprising given what followed its most famous use.

Steven Gerrard insisted it was what he and his Liverpool team-mates must do just that after a rousing 3-2 victory over Manchester City at Anfield in April 2014. A first Premier League title in 24 years was within reach.

This does not slip! Gerrard hollered. Only, of course, he did and City won the title.

Five years on, Liverpool again found City in their way. There were no slips during the run-in this time, nor much suggestion of a misplaced step. In the final reckoning, 98 points pipped 97. The third-highest points total in Premier League history was only good enough for second place.

Suarez: Bielsa has ´divided´ Uruguay national team with tactics and approach

Luis Suarez feels Marcelo Bielsa s coaching style has divided Uruguay s national team, as he revealed the negative atmosphere within the camp during the Copa America.

Suarez retired from international duty last month as Uruguay s leading scorer with 69 goals, while his tally of 143 caps is only bettered by Diego Godin (161).

The veteran forward was part of the side that finished third at the Copa America in July; La Celeste s best performance at the tournament since lifting the trophy in 2011.

However, he revealed it was not a happy camp in the United States, where Bielsa s tactics and approach caused friction among the players.

Suarez said some were contemplating their international futures, while he was critical of the treatment of midfielder Agustin Ca…

17-04-2010 Tottenham Hotspur Vs Chelsea

Another Critical game in the run in of this years Premierleague sees a Tottenham team brimming with confidence after their defeat of arch local Rivals Arsenal, take on a fabulous Chelsea team who seem to be steam rollering their way to the title.

Harry Redknapp will be absolutely delighted that his team have skipped their first hurdle in what is a tough final leg to win champions league football. They still have Chelsea and Manchester United to play, but if they hit the heights of the Arsenal match who is to say this it couldn t happen. The Tottenham players will be full of confidence and their opportunity is ripe with Manchester City playing a tough game against Man United. Tottenham are just one point behind their rivals Man City and they know that if City are to slip up then…

Kane: Euro 2020 final ´still hurts´ but can motivate England in Qatar

Harry Kane is focused on leading England to World Cup glory later this year, with more fire in the belly following their Euro 2020 final heartbreak.

The Three Lions, whose only major international honour came when they won the 1966 World Cup, were within touching distance of ending 55 years of hurt last July.

However, they were beaten by Italy on penalties at Wembley in the final of the delayed tournament.

Gareth Southgate s side, who also reached the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup, are looking to go the extra step and get their hands on silverware in Qatar in December, having come through qualification for the finals unbeaten.

England step up their preparations with back-to-back friendlies over the next week against Switzerland (March 26) and the I…

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid: How do Atleti compare to the heroes of 2013-14?

On May 17, 2014, Atletico Madrid completed their unforgettable LaLiga title triumph when Diego Godin s goal secured a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou – enough to seal glory at Barcelona s expense.

Ahead of Sunday s latest return visit, Diego Simeone was keen to underline just how remarkable Atleti s achievement was in this period of dominance by the Clasico clubs.

It s impossible to win LaLiga if you look at the statistics, the celebrated head coach observed.

In the past 14 years, LaLiga was for Real Madrid or Barcelona and only Villarreal made it one season to be second. So you can say it’s impossible and we made the impossible possible because we won it one year.

But maybe it is a little more possible than Simeone is letting on. Atletico s stunning run of e…

49ers vs Bears Week 8 Picks and Predictions: Even With Injuries, Give Niners the Edge

The Bears come into this game 3-3 with their new franchise QB, Justin Fields, under center. He’s had a mixed start and will be up against the 49ers defense here, who have struggled with injuries again.

Injuries have been a continued part of the 49ers story over the past two seasons, but those excuses aren’t good enough — they’re five wins off the top spot in the NFC West and need to start winning soon. Don’t miss our NFL picks and predictions for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears on Sunday, October 31.

Bills vs Rams Thursday Night Football Picks and Predictions: Opening Night Theatrics Dull Offenses

We welcome back NFL betting with a bang — and a potential Super Bowl preview — when the Buffalo Bills visit the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 1.

The Bills have high hopes for 2022, climbing to the top of the Super Bowl odds this offseason while also winning over early-bird bettors, who have moved Buffalo from a +1 underdog to a 2.5-point favorite on the road in SoFi Stadium.

The Rams are rare underdogs — especially for a defending champ at home in the season opener — and finished 3-0 ATS as pups last season, owning an all-time 11-8 ATS count as underdogs under Sean McVay. 

The NFL’s food chain gets figured out when these apex predators collide in a non-conference clash. He…

Colts vs Eagles Preseason Picks and Predictions: Expect Intensity to Be Dialed up in Final Tune Up

The Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles will kick off their final preseason game of 2023 on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. 

The Colts will be looking to see some final positive signs from Anthony Richardson and the starters before they get a new era started in Indianapolis. The Eagles have several position battles they will be looking to solve with this game. 

I analyze the NFL odds and give my best NFL picks and predictions for Colts vs. Eagles on Thursday, August 24 below. 

Colts vs Eagles odds

Colts vs Eagles predictions

There is no lack of storylines nor bad blood between these two teams recently. Last season, following the Eagles’ victor…