Sport

Barkley, Trezeguet & Wesley - Aston Villa injury news for Man City clash

Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive brings the injury news ahead of the Premier League game against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening

2020-09-08T09:47:06Z

Ashley blunder: Bruce may rue Newcastle missing out on “fantastic” £15.5m-rated target – opinion

Steve Bruce rue Mike Ashley failing to forge a successful swoop for Newcastle to sign Fikayo Tomori on loan as the Chelsea defender nears a move to AC Milan.

2021-01-20T09:20:20Z

Mario Mandzukic relishing strike partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The 34-year-old has joined on a free transfer after leaving Qatari side Al-Duhail last July and will add even more experience to an already-stacked frontline in a bid to help secure the Serie A title.

2021-01-20T08:57:21Z

Tokyo Olympic bosses adamant Games will go ahead but no guarantee over spectators

Olympic bosses in Tokyo are adamant the year-delayed Games will go ahead as planned but have admitted it could yet take place without spectators. After London 2012 chief Sir Keith Mills yesterday said the Olympics were now likely to be cancelled, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto hit back. He told AFP: “We are not discussing cancellation. Holding the Games is our unwavering policy and, at this point in time, we’re not discussing anything other than...

2021-01-20T07:33:51Z

Rick Astley at the top of the charts, McDiarmid Park still a farmer's field – when Hibs' opponents St Johnstone last won a match at Hampden

St Johnstone’s recent history might have included European campaigns and a first-ever major trophy triumph, but the Perth side have still not recorded a win at the national stadium since 1987.

2021-01-20T00:20:09Z

Australian Open: Two more players test positive for Covid-19 ahead of tournament

The number of positive Covid-19 cases linked to the Australian Open has risen to 10 with officials revealing that two further players tested positive on Wednesday. There were three new cases in all, with another Covid-19 case concerning a support person - but it is thought that one of those positives will be reclassified as a historical case. One of the players in question had already been in a hard 14-day quarantine in their hotel room and...

2021-01-20T09:33:52Z

Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier 2: Of all the possible opponents at UFC 257, why ‘The Diamond’?

One minute and 46 seconds. That's how long Dustin Poirier survived the last time he shared the Octagon with Conor McGregor. That's how long it took before referee Herb Dean was forced to intervene, with McGregor gleefully pummelling Poirier with punches and hammer fists on the canvas at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. So why – over six years on from that three-round bout at UFC 178 – is the Louisianan stepping foot in the ring with 'Notorious'...

2020-11-27T12:23:08Z

Klopp could refresh Salah by axing £99m-rated LFC gem for “confident” academy beast - opinion

Mohamed Salah has endured a poor run of form in recent fixtures but selecting Neco Williams ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold could the catalyst for a turnaround.

2021-01-20T08:50:18Z

Why Manchester United would be wrong to worry about Bruno Fernandes’ Anfield performance

It took him nearly an entire year but finally, it happened: Bruno Fernandes played poorly in a Manchester United shirt. In fact, it was not the first time, but other underwhelming displays have been masked by a goal, assist or telling contribution which has then sent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on their way to victory. And even when that has not been the case, his all-action style and unrelenting drive to play on the front foot has shielded him...

2021-01-20T07:21:35Z

'Big mistake' - Chelsea sent Aston Villa transfer demand after Leicester City loss

Latest Aston Villa transfer news from BirminghamLive as Chelsea fans discuss the decision from Frank Lampard to loan out Ross Barkley to Villa Park in the last window

2021-01-20T08:32:46Z

Paul Pogba tactical change paying off for Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The French midfielder has benefited from the tactical platform that Solskjaer has presented him with in recent weeks with the Manchester United boss using him in a number of midfield roles

2021-01-20T08:07:58Z

Phil Neville is about to discover that Inter Miami will be no beach holiday

On Monday morning, Inter Miami announced that Phil Neville would step down from his role as manager of the England women’s team to take the helm at the MLS club. The club, co-owned by Neville’s former teammate David Beckham, played their first season in MLS amid the tumultuous backdrop of 2020, and will look to Neville to turn the team into a force to be reckoned with in the seemingly ever-expanding league. In his first statement as Miami...

2021-01-20T09:02:29Z

Celtic's summer signings rated as Shane Duffy's Parkhead dream turns into a nightmare

The champions are 21 points adrift and recruitment has come under the microscope.

2021-01-20T09:32:17Z

Holtby 2.0: Levy must dodge Spurs swoop for £90k-p/w misfit, Jose's dubbed him "magic" - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur would be repeating a familiar January transfer mistake by signing Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard.

2021-01-20T09:35:20Z

Villa must unleash "exceptional" 27 y/o tonight, he can be Dean Smith's "match-winner" - opinion

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must start Ross Barkley in his side's Premier League clash against Manchester City.

2021-01-20T09:50:16Z

Zion needs to 'get in shape' to reach potential, warns Karl Malone

Karl Malone thinks Zion Williamson should be playing more minutes in the NBA and could benefit from slimming down his physique.

2021-01-20T08:58:07Z

Erling Haaland could hand Liverpool chance to evolve with Roberto Firmino missing key element

In this week's View From the Kop, Liverpool writer Joanna Durkan gives us her views on Manchester United, Takumi Minamino, Man City and much more

2021-01-20T07:00:24Z

Scott Brown ponders end of days at Celtic, his rage against retirement and title concession

There is an old adage that contends all political careers end in failure.

2021-01-19T20:34:49Z

Lewis Hamilton contract: Mercedes payrise plans 'shattered' by George Russell

Lewis Hamilton is yet to sign an extension with Mercedes ahead of the upcoming season.

2021-01-20T07:46:21Z

Transfer news LIVE! Ings to Tottenham; Lampard latest; Arsenal eye Eriksen swap; Man Utd, Chelsea gossip today

January transfer window - LIVE! After an unsurprisingly slow start largely down to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the rumour mill is really beginning to hit overdrive as we head into the latter stages of the New Year window. Tottenham are said to be monitoring England striker Danny Ings, who is reported to have put contract talks at Southampton on hold as he targets a return to a Champions League club. Christian Eriksen has also been linked with...

2021-01-20T07:01:16Z

McIlroy hoping for 'close to normal' Ryder Cup

McIlroy hoping for 'close to normal' Ryder Cup

2021-01-20T06:50:52Z

Locked down players should get preferential treatment: Vallverdu

Locked down players should get preferential treatment: Vallverdu

2021-01-20T07:41:05Z

Mauricio Pochettino reveals failed Lionel Messi loan as PSG transfer talk intensifies

Messi's future is up in the air at Barcelona with his contract due to expire in the summer, as PSG prepare to swoop in if he decides to start a new chapter elsewhere

2021-01-20T09:22:56Z

Tiger Woods undergoes fifth back surgery but vows to return to PGA Tour in 2021

Tiger Woods has undergone back surgery for a fifth time but has pledged to return to the PGA Tour in 2021. Woods’ career has been beset by issues with his back from which he recovered to win his 15h Major title at the 2019 Masters. A statement on his social media said: “Tiger has recently undergone a microdiscectomy procedure to remove a pressurised disc fragment that was pinching his nerve after experiencing discomfort following the PNC...

2021-01-20T07:18:50Z

Sarah Thomas to make NFL history as first woman to officiate in the Super Bowl

Sarah Thomas will become the first woman to officiate in a Super Bowl, the NFL has announced. Thomas has been named as the down judge for the match on February 7 in a historic first for the sport four years after she became the league’s first full-time female official. Carl Cheffers, in what is his 21st season as an NFL official, has been given the role of refereeing his second Super Bowl having also performed the role back in 2017. In a...

2021-01-20T09:33:54Z

Saints fans react to update on Mohammed Salisu's injury woes

A number of Southampton fans have been reacting to the latest update from Ralph Hasenhuttl on the injury problems facing Mohammed Salisu at the moment. The Ghanaian arrived at St Mary’s in the summer for a fee of £10.9m off the back of a very strong season with Real Valladolid in La Liga, where he averaged five clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in his 31 league appearances (Sofascore). That suggests the 21-year-old has...

2021-01-20T07:16:37Z

West Ham could find their new Hugill by swooping for 16-goal ace with "explosive pace" - opinion

West Ham could find their new Jordan Hugill if they swoop for Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong.

2021-01-19T12:17:36Z

Rugby morning headlines as Wales star rejects French interest and Wayne Pivac names Six Nations squad today

These are your rugby headlines from Wales and the wider world on the day Wayne Pivac unveils his 2021 Six Nations squad

2021-01-20T08:27:16Z

Roma's Fonseca unaware of substitutions mix-up in Coppa Italia exit

Roma's Fonseca unaware of substitutions mix-up in Coppa Italia exit

2021-01-20T09:06:05Z

Ghosts of Chelsea past leave Frank Lampard searching for answers with time running out

“I feel my work was betrayed.” A Chelsea manager had lost at Leicester, reached the point of no return and decided to go down all guns blazing. In 2015, Jose Mourinho aped Tony Montana at the top of the staircase, trying to take everyone else out with him. Five seasons on, Frank Lampard did not copy the mentor he has become estranged from. He was too diplomatic, too reasonable. Perhaps his plight, despite a fifth defeat in eight, despite the...

2021-01-20T08:31:07Z

Debunking Michael Owen's "extreme selfishness" accusation aimed at Mohamed Salah

Salah has come in for criticism along with his fellow forwards Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in recent matches, with Owen singling out the Egyptian for self-centred behaviour

2021-01-20T08:37:53Z

Paul Merson makes Jurgen Klopp comparison as Brendan Rodgers' Leicester go top

Brendan Rodgers has done a fine job at Leicester and former Arsenal striker Paul Merson has lauded the Northern Irishman

2021-01-20T08:07:59Z

India celebrates Rahane's 'fearless' men after incredible win in Australia

India celebrates Rahane's 'fearless' men after incredible win in Australia

2021-01-20T08:21:09Z

West Ham Player Ratings: West Brom (H)

West Ham made it four consecutive wins in all competitions on Tuesday evening as they defeated West Brom 2-1 at the London Stadium. Another three points see David Moyes’ side continue their upward trajectory in the Premier League and they now sit just two points outside of the top four, albeit with teams around them having played fewer matches. The Irons took the lead on the stroke of half-time after what was an even contest, Jarrod Bowen...

2021-01-20T08:47:35Z

EXC: Paolo Odogwu set for first England call-up coming in the 6N

EXCLUSIVE BY CHRIS FOY: Wasps flier Paolo Odogwu is set to earn a dramatic England call-up for the Six Nations, as reward for his scorching club form this season.

2021-01-20T09:42:30Z

Alcoyano v Real Madrid: all set for Copa bow

Zidane's charges travel to El Collao for the one-legged round-of-32 encounter (9pm CET).

2021-01-20T08:44:47Z

Steve Bruce can't find a way to make this Newcastle team work – but maybe there isn't one

Newcastle United look tactically bereft, and don't seem to have the right squad to find one to lift them out of their slump

2021-01-20T09:29:04Z

Rio Ferdinand responds to question over returning to Man Utd

Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has given his stance on returning to his former club in a coaching role after another former team-mate, Darren Fletcher, joined Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's staff

2021-01-20T09:07:46Z

Sevilla name their price for Youssef En-Nesyri

West Ham have found out just how much a deal for Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri could set them back – and the touted figure is not pretty reading for the Hammers. According to Marca, Sevilla are seeking a figure in the region of €40m for the 23-year-old Moroccan international. In a further sting to David Moyes’ side, Sevilla are not open to any sort of instalment payment structure or bonuses to be included in that fee. That means the Irons would be...

2021-01-20T07:16:37Z

Rumour Has It: Pochettino wants Kane reunion at PSG, Alaba waiting for Barca?

Harry Kane could reportedly reunite with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino in Paris.

2021-01-20T07:02:49Z

2021 Team Preview: Movistar Team Women

Annemiek van Vleuten brings world-class experience to exciting new roster in 2021

2021-01-20T09:20:52Z

Dietmar Hamann claims Thiago might not be a good fit for Liverpool

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has claimed that summer signing Thiago may not be the ideal fit for Jurgen Klopp’s side. In an interview on talkSPORT Breakfast Show on Tuesday, Hamann – who played for the Reds as well as Thiago’s former club Bayern Munich – claimed the Spaniard “slows things down”, adding that some of his “less skilful” team-mates are more adept at a quick passing game which Hamann feels serves Liverpool well....

2021-01-20T07:16:36Z

Forget Devine: "Record-breaking" Spurs teen should be next academy gem in Jose's squad - opinion

Dane Scarlett is producing some superb performances in the Spurs academy which suggest that he could overtake Troy Parrott as the one to watch at THFC.

2021-01-20T08:20:18Z

Everton enquire about Real Sociedad's Modibo Sagnan

Everton have made enquiries as to the availability of 21-year-old Real Sociedad defender Modibo Sagnan. The French-born centre-back, who has been called up to the Mali national team in the past, has emerged as a breakout star for the Basque side in La Liga. He has appeared 10 times in the division following a loan spell lower down the Spanish football ladder, just under a third of which were as part of the starting XI. Having started in four of...

2021-01-20T07:16:44Z

Gini Wijnaldum likely to leave Liverpool this summer, claims journalist

Gini Wijnaldum is likely to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, according to the Times‘ Paul Joyce. The 30-year-old’s Reds future has been up in the air for months now, as he mulls over his next career decision. Wijnaldum’s Liverpool contract expires this summer and a move to Barcelona has been constantly reported. Now, Joyce claims the ‘likelihood’ is that the Dutchman will move when the season reaches its conclusion, bringing an end to...

2021-01-20T08:46:35Z

Villa fans go wild after Ross Barkley is pictured in training

Aston Villa shared a picture on Twitter of Ross Barkley training with the first team ahead of tonight’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City and many fans were understandably very excited. The 27-year-old has been out for two months with a hamstring injury, but his return finally appears to be on the horizon. Barkley’s last appearance for Villa came in November’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Just five minutes into the game, he...

2021-01-20T07:16:37Z

Is Man City vs Aston Villa on TV tonight? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture

The form of Manchester City will be pitted against the fitness of Aston Villa in an intriguing Premier League clash on Wednesday. Man City can go top with a win - which would be their sixth in a row after they beat Crystal Palace in convincing fashion on Sunday night. For Villa, though, it’s a first game since 1 January, when they lost 2-1 to Manchester United. Since then coronavirus concerns have forced a series of match postponements and the...

2021-01-20T07:21:35Z

Lampard accepts Chelsea 'not ready to compete' for Premier League title

After defeat to Leicester City, Frank Lampard acknowledged a title challenge is beyond Chelsea this season.

2021-01-20T09:45:53Z

Gary Neville backs Steve Bruce to stick with 4-4-2 for Aston Villa showdown

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes that Newcastle manager Steve Bruce will stick with the 4-4-2 setup for the Magpies’ trip to Aston Villa on Saturday and has backed them to start scoring goals again with that approach. Bruce’s reaction to the mounting pressure on his shoulders ahead of the game against Arsenal on Monday was to insist that the ‘gloves are off’ and that the Magpies would be braver and more adventurous in their attacking...

2021-01-20T07:16:37Z

Egos bruised, beaten Australia ponder next step

Egos bruised, beaten Australia ponder next step

2021-01-20T07:35:53Z