Tag: English

  • Europa League: Will all three English teams make it 2023?

    Europa League: Will all three English teams make it 2023?

    Three points in match week five would ensure that West Ham, Brighton, and Liverpool all advance to the knockout stages of the Europa League. All three of these teams are currently in the running for the tournament and have a good chance of making it.

    Europa League
    Europa League

    In the evening of Thursday, we evaluate their chances of coming out on top.

    This could be the final blow that the hammers deliver before knockouts

    Tomorrow evening, if West Ham is successful in defeating TSC Bačka Topola or if Olympiacos is unsuccessful in defeating Freiburg, they will guarantee their position in the top two of their group.

    Following their thrilling victory over Burnley in the final minutes of the match on Saturday, West Ham will be looking to continue their good fortune. Due to the fact that their star player, Jarrod Bowen, is still out with an injury and did not travel with the team, Mohammed Kudus will most likely have another opportunity to demonstrate his skills. Kudus, who hails from Ghana, has already scored a header in this rematch, which the Hammers won 3-1.

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    As a result of the fact that Kudus’ header was assisted by yet another one of James Ward-Prowse’s fantastic set pieces, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this pair work together once more tomorrow evening. To score first in the game that will take place tomorrow night, Kudus is a 9/2 favourite, and James Ward-Prowse is a 2/1 favourite to assist on a goal.

    Will the Seagulls be able to make it to the round of 16?

    Should Brighton triumph over AEK Athens in Greece tomorrow, they will be assured of a spot in the top two of the standings.

    Despite the fact that AEK Athens emerged victorious in the rematch, Brighton’s nerves were on edge as they prepared for their first game in Europe. The Seagulls have not suffered a defeat in Europe since that time, while AEK Athens have not been victorious.

    It is true that Brighton is currently ranked eighth in the Premier League, despite the fact that their defensive record has not been particularly impressive. In every single one of Brighton’s Premier League matches (13/13), players from both teams have found the back of the net. In the match, the outcome is expected to be Brighton, and the odds are 12/5 for both teams to score.

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    Throughout the course of this season, Evan Ferguson has continued to impress with his cool finishing in front of goal. He scored in Brighton’s most recent five-goal thriller against Nottingham Forest. In the game that will take place tomorrow, the enhanced price for Evan Ferguson to have more than two shots on target is 5/1.

    The line is almost crossed for Liverpool in Europa League

    By avoiding a loss to LASK or by ensuring that Union SG does not defeat Toulouse, Liverpool will be assured of a spot in the top two of the standings. If Liverpool is victorious and Toulouse is not, then Liverpool will be the group winners and will be able to advance to the round of sixteen.

    The Reds should have regained their confidence after suffering a defeat to Toulouse in Europe, following their scoreless draw with Manchester City the previous weekend, and their convincing victory over Brentford, who could be considered a potential banana skin.

    This season, Jurgen Klopp’s team has not been lacking in goals, and Liverpool should play with some degree of freedom due to the lack of pressure on this fixture, so it is reasonable to anticipate that goals will be scored. This game presents Cody Gakpo with the possibility of increasing the number of goals he has scored so far this season. We are offering an enhanced price of 13/2 for Gakpo to score and Liverpool to win by a score of 2-0, 2-1, or 3-1.

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    Caoimhin Kelleher, the third-choice custodian for Liverpool, is expected to play in place of Alisson Becker, who is expected to miss out due to a suspected hamstring injury sustained in the previous match. Kelleher is expected to play in substitute for Becker. The roster for the Reds’ participation in the group stage of the Europa League does not include Adrian there. In order to fill in for Kelleher, it is anticipated that a goalie who is just starting out, such as Vitezslav Jaros, Fabian Mrozek, or Marcelo Pitaluga, will be on the bench.

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    The post Europa League: Will all three English teams make it 2023? appeared first on Gambling App.

  • Tom Brady joins a growing cast of American A-listers to invest in English football with his minority stake in Championship side Birmingham City – but who are the other stars bringing their millions to these shores?

    Tom Brady joins a growing cast of American A-listers to invest in English football with his minority stake in Championship side Birmingham City – but who are the other stars bringing their millions to these shores?

    The A-list American takeover of English football continued apace on Thursday with the shock announcement of NFL legend Tom Brady’s minority ownership of Championship side Birmingham City. 

    The seven-time Super Bowl champion has become the chairman of an advisory board working with Blues chiefs and promised to bring his winning ethos to St Andrew’s. 

    The 46-year-old’s move makes him the latest personality from across the pond to invest in English football following the San Francisco 49ers led takeover of Leeds last month. 

    Add in the likes of Hollywood actor Michael B Jordan buying a stake in Bournemouth, LeBron James’ stake in Liverpool and the famous north Wales double act of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, British football investment is in vogue. 

    Mail Sport takes a look at some of the most prominent US stars to dip their toes into football inside and out of this country. 

    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney 

    Not long ago Reynolds was just one of Canada’s most popular movie actors and McElhenney was simply known for creating a cult hit of a sitcom in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

    But now the pair’s purchase of Wrexham – which they acquired from fans for a ‘peppercorn’ before investing £2million – and subsequent promotion back to the Football League for the first time in 15 years has made them some of the most astute – and popular – sports owners on the planet. 

    And it has proved to be a model many of their peers in North America have sought to emulate. 

    Rob McElhenney (left) and Ryan Reynolds guided Wrexham to a league title last season

    Rob McElhenney (left) and Ryan Reynolds guided Wrexham to a league title last season

    Since their 2021 purchase, Reynolds and McElhenney have produced an Emmy-nominated documentary series chronicling the epic transformation at Racecourse Ground. 

    They’ve secured a lucrative shirt sponsorship with United Airlines, drafted in big name players such as former Man United goalkeeper Ben Foster and have considerably raised the profile of the side to the point where the National League champions were part of a pre-season US tour alongside United and Chelsea this summer.

    The two actors have been an overwhelming success in Wales and are now gunning to reach the Premier League. 

    Tom Brady 

    From the most famous example to the most recent. 

    Brady retired from the NFL for the second time in February but clearly cannot help but be around football – whether it’s of the North American or English variety. 

    Thursday’s news will raise supporters’ spirits ahead of the new Championship campaign which begins with a trip to Swansea City on Saturday. 

    ‘Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me,’ the seven-time winning Superbowl quarterback said in a video confirming the news. 

    NFL icon Tom Brady has become a minority owner of Birmingham City Football Club

    NFL icon Tom Brady has become a minority owner of Birmingham City Football Club

    ‘BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none.

    ‘I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.’ 

    The exact nature of his stake and his involvement is not totally clear and no doubt he will be far less hands on compared to McElhenney and Reynolds – who have their own WhatsApp groups with Wrexham’s players! 

    Nonetheless, St Andrew’s is guaranteed to be abuzz for the club’s first home game of the season against Leeds next Sunday and his first visit to the club will represent the start of a new era after years of ownership woe. 

    The 46-year-old has been building his business empire since retiring from the NFL in 2023

    The 46-year-old has been building his business empire since retiring from the NFL in 2023

    JJ Watt 

    In the first example of the ‘Wrexham effect’, NFL hero JJ Watt and his wife – former United States international Kealia – invested in newly-promoted Burnley after being inspired by Reynolds and McElhenney’s work in North Wales. 

    Vincent Kompany’s side have the National League champions to thank for their new minority owners, who were taken in by Wrexham’s behind-the-scenes documentary. 

    ‘We watched the documentary on and it was so cool to see what they’ve done,’ Kealia admitted when the pair annoced their investment in May. 

    ‘That’s kind of what we are modelling this after. Wrexham is such a fun team and we have followed that.’

    JJ Watt and his wife Kealia have invested in Burnley ahead of their Premier League return

    JJ Watt and his wife Kealia have invested in Burnley ahead of their Premier League return

    During Burnley’s title celebrations after making a storming return to the top-flight, the duo took part in a pub crawl, soaking up the atmosphere in the Lancashire town as fans rejoiced at Burnley’s achievement. 

    Watt retired from the NFL last year after 12 seasons. 

    He is a three-time defensive player of the year and widely tipped as a future hall-of-famer. In 2021, Forbes ranked his estimated wealth at £27m. 

    His wife Kealia played three times for the United States women’s team and has underlined her desire to elevate the growth of the women’s team at Burnley.

    LeBron James

    LeBron James was quick to invest in Liverpool following the club’s takeover by US multinational conglomerate Fenway Sports Group in 2010. 

    The NBA’s all-time leading scorer purchased a two per cent stake in Liverpool for just £4.7m in 2011 and it’s fair to say he got in a right time. 

    Since then the club have enjoyed a period of sustained success and soaring commercial value which has seen James’ stake balloon to an estimated £35m last year. 

    The four-time NBA champion converted his stake in Liverpool to a one per cent share in FSG’s global empire in March 2021 following the club’s 2019 Champions League triumph and Premier League title win a year later.

    Back in February Liverpool revealed an LFC X LeBron collection, featuring both a fashion and footwear range which the club says ’embodies a long-standing connection between two global sporting icons, celebrating our shared values and illustrious histories’. 

    He may not be running the show but given the LA Lakers’ stars business accumen and global reach, having him on board is not to be dismissed. 

    LeBron James is seen attending a Liverpool game during his days with the Miami Heat

    LeBron James is seen attending a Liverpool game during his days with the Miami Heat

    Michael B Jordan

    Actor Michael B. Jordan is a minority stakeholder in Bournemouth under the ownership of Bill Foley. 

    The 36-year-old actor, who has played a leading role in blockbuster films like ‘Creed’, ‘Black Panther’, is new to the world of sports ownership. 

    Foley meanwhile, is not new to the sports world, as he’s been the owner of the expansion hockey team Las Vegas Golden Knights since 2016.

    The NHL required a £394m expansion fee to be paid by Foley, far more than the £145m it took to purchase a club in the world’s biggest soccer league.

    The 78-year-old has made his money as the chairman of Fidelity National Financial, one of the largest insurance companies in the US, and his net worth is £947m.

    Foley also served as chairman of Black Knight, a software and data provider for the mortgage industry.

    Michael B. Jordan was part of the ownership group that took over Bournemouth last year

    Michael B. Jordan was part of the ownership group that took over Bournemouth last year

    San Francisco 49ers and Michael Phelps

    Leeds United’s takeover by 49ers Enterprises was finally been approved by the EFL last month more than five weeks after announcing Andrea Radrizzani had agreed a deal to sell his majority share to the Americans. 

    It was only then that fans at Elland Road were treated to the cast of esteemed figures who would be forming part of their ownership group. 

    it emerged that the most successful Olympian of all time, American swimmer Phelps, will have a stake in Daniel Farke’s Championship side, along with golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas and other stars from American football, basketball and ice hockey. 

    Paraag Marathe, the new Leeds chairman and 49ers Enterprises president, said: ‘This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work.

    ‘This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the club. We have already appointed a highly-respected manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season.

    Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian ever, will be among the club's minority owners

    Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian ever, will be among the club’s minority owners

  • Aaron Ramsey returns to English football as he completes move to boyhood club

    Aaron Ramsey returns to English football as he completes move to boyhood club

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    Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has completed a emotional return to Cardiff City on a two-year deal.

    This transfer comes after French club NIce and the player mutually terminated the contract making him a free agent.

    The 32-year-old had a successful medical on Thursday and was officially announced on Saturday night.

    As a Cardiff City fan, Ramsey expressed his desire to help the club reach new heights and return to the top. He acknowledged the club’s highs and lows over the years and aims to contribute to its success.

    Expressing his joy upon joining his boyhood club, Ramsey said (via BBC):

    “It feels unbelievable to finally be back here. I always thought one day I’d come back, and now it’s the perfect time to do that.”

    “To be back with my family and around familiar faces is just brilliant, so I’m delighted to be back here now. I’ve missed that a lot in the last year or so, so it was important for me to be back around them.

    “Obviously I’m a Cardiff City fan, and watching them over the years since I’ve been away, we’ve had some low points but some big highs as well, being in the Premier League and representing Cardiff on the big stage.

    “That’s a target of mine – to try and help my team-mates and this club to get back to the top.

    “I’ve said it many times in the past – I owe so much to Cardiff, to the fans, to everybody who has been at the club when I was here as a young boy coming through.

    “For me now to come full circle, to be part of this team now, and hopefully achieve the goals we want, there’s no better feeling than that.”

    What perhaps make the day even special for Ramsey is that he signs the same day his son signed for their academy.

    Ramsey enjoyed his best time at Arsenal where he made more than 350 appearances and won the FA Cup thrice.  He left the club in 2019 and moved to Juventus on a free but struggled to regain his best form.

    He was subsequently loaned out to Rangers and later signed for OGC Nice before completing his full-circle return to Cardiff City.

    The post Aaron Ramsey returns to English football as he completes move to boyhood club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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  • No alcohol in Qatar, the crazy reaction of an English international

    No alcohol in Qatar, the crazy reaction of an English international

    Eric Dier, the England central defender, reacted with humor to the decision taken by FIFA to ban the sale of alcohol around the stadiums of the 2022 World Cup.

    Eric Dier, England

    “You can have fun without drinking alcohol”

    This is an announcement that does not fail to react. On Friday, FIFA announced that the sale of alcohol will not be allowed around the various stadiums that will host the matches of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting this Sunday during the opening match between Qatar and the Ecuador. After this decision, a World player gave his feelings. At a press conference, England central defender Eric Dier (28) did not feel shocked. The regular Tottenham player thinks fans will be able to celebrate even without consuming.

    “First of all, I like to think you can have fun without drinking alcohol. It’s important to say that. And as Aaron Ramsdale said, it’s up to us on the pitch to bring joy, to entertain. I felt that in all the matches I played, the atmosphere depends on the style of play that is offered. So it’s up to us and all the teams in the tournament to play exciting football. This is what will generate beautiful atmospheres in the stadiums. Football is the most important thing to create that. Players and fans feed off each other and we have to be the ones to initiate that with good football. Let’s hope for us that many goals are scored and not conceded. Football is the fundamental element to create this environment.”

    Unlucky finalists of the last European championship, against Italy, the Three Lions of Gareth Southgate will meet in group B Iran (Monday November 21), the United States (Friday November 25) and Wales (Tuesday November 29).