Struggling Crystal Palace will look to end a terrible run of form this Saturday when they welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park in the 27th Round of the 2022/23 PL season.
The Eagles have been in free fall in 2023 and come into this tie without a league win this year. Their last outing was a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa and extended their winless run n all competitions to ten games (D5, L5). The goalless outing also means that Patrick Vieira’s side have not had a shot and target in over three hours of competitive action.
Although they remain in 12th position, they are gradually sliding towards the relegation zone, with just five points now separating them from 18th-placed Everton. However, Palace boss Patrick Vieira was defiant in the build-up to this clash, stating, “we know we can compete against teams like Manchester City.”
With two clean sheets in their last three head-to-heads with City (W1, D1, L1), Palace will fancy their chances of recording a positive result against City. However, Pep GUardiola’s side are a formidable side in attack after scoring six goals across their last three competitive games.
The visitors kept up the pace with league leaders Arsenal with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United last time, with five points the difference between both teams. However, with Mikel Arteta’s men playing on Sunday, Guardiola’s charges can crank up the pressure by provisionally cutting the gap to two points.
But this game will not be a walk in the park for the Cityzens as each of their last nine goals against Palace have arrived after halftime. Also, the fact that the Eagles have won the lion’s share of their points (14/23) after conceding the opening goal (W4, D2, L8) means that another long evening is on the cards for City.
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Serie A high flyers Napoli will look to get back to winning ways when they welcome top-four hopefuls Atalanta to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday.
The hosts suffered a rare loss last weekend when they went down 1-0 to Lazio at home. The loss ended a run of seven consecutive wins for Luciano Spaletti’s side, who maintained a healthy double-digit lead at the top of the table regardless of the result.
They will fancy their chances of winning here, given that they have yet to lose consecutive matches this Serie A season. However, an upcoming Champions League round of 16-second leg after this clash against Atalanta, who defeated them 3-2 in their last Serie A home head-to-head, adds to the intrigue.
The visitors are among the only two teams to have beaten Napoli this season. Yet they are losing steam in the top-four race with only two wins from their last seven league games (D2, L3). Moreover, they have suffered indifferent results in their previous nine league games away from home (W3, D3, L3), threatening their Champions League qualification for next season.
They have failed to score in three successive league games for the first time since October 2018 after firing blanks against Milan (2-0) and Udinese (0-0). But this trip may help them avert that prospect as the visitors have scored in the last nine Serie A H2Hs, their longest run against Napoli.
Given the history of this tie, we can expect both teams to score here. So a BTTS/GG bet is the best prediction for this game.
Bayern Munich will look to keep their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table when they welcome Augsburg to Allianz Arena on Saturday.
The hosts booked their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League last Wednesday thanks to a 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. The win was their third in a row and their fourth consecutive game, where they scored 2+ goals.
The Bavarians sit joint-top at the Bundesliga table, alongside fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund. Ahead of this Bavarian derby, Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann will hope to continue his impressive personal record against Augbsurg.
The Bayern coach has beaten these opponents more than any other (W12), although he lost out to them 1-0 earlier in the season – the only occasion Bayern have failed to score in their last 104 top-flight contests.
Augsburg will likely suffer to win here, given that Bayern are unbeaten in their last 18 Bundesliga games at home (W12, D6). But the visitors will make the 40-mile trip to Allianz Arena boosted by triumph in their previous league outing.
Augsburg beat Werder Bremen 2-1 last weekend to lift themselves eight points above the dropzone ahead of the Round. That’s the most significant cushion they’ve enjoyed over the relegation spots all season. However, there is one glaring problem ahead of this contest; their travel sickness. The Fuggerstädter have won all four of their top-flight home contests to start the year but lost all four of their away outings, marking the biggest contrast between home and away points of any Bundesliga side in 2023 (12), which perhaps makes what would be a surprise victory even more unlikely.
As the MLS picks up pace, it keeps getting better. Philadelphia Union VS Chicago Fire is one of the interesting matches to come out of this progress. It holds on matchday 3 between two old soccer acquaintances in the United States.
Philadelphia started on the right foot by scoring a home win in their first game of the 2023 season but fumbled this win by losing to Inter Miami. Chicago Fire on the other hand has a draw and intends to impress in their second match.
Without wasting any more time, MatchPlug brings the Best Betting Tips Today and MLS Predictions for the Union and Fire match. We have analysis and other important information about the match too.
Predictions and Betting Preview for Philadelphia Union VS Chicago Fire
Venue: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
When: Saturday, March 11th, 2023
Time: 16:30 GMT
Teams to play: Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire
Coached by Jim Curtin, the Philadelphia Union won fans over on the first MLS day with a 4-1 victory over Columbus Crew. But, in their last match with Inter Miami, they lost by a score of 2-0.
In spite of the result, the match was even, there were certain yellow cards, and Corentin Jean scored a goal first.
This game with Chicago Fire is a chance for the Union to win its second game at home and start building on a season par with the last one, where it finished in first place in the Eastern Conference.
Possible Lineup (4-4-2): Andre Blake; Olivier Mbaizo, Jakob Glesnes, Jack Elliot, Kai Wagner; Alejandro Bedoya, José Martínez, Leon Flach, Daniel Gazdag; Mikael Uhre, Julián Carranza.
Betting On Chicago Fire
1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 6.35
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 2.5
Bet MGM Moneyline: 6.25
The visiting team enters Philadelphia Union VS Chicago Fire, after a low-key start to the 2023 season. In their first match against New York City Football Club, Chicago drew 1-1 at home.
They opened the scoring because of defensive errors on Gabriel Pereira’s accuracy. Later, Fabian Herbes scored from outside the box to tie the score. However, the team still couldn’t get on top of the scoreboard.
This new opportunity is essential for the actualization of Ezra Hendrickson’s plan which incorporates a two-year process with almost the same group of players, thereby developing chemistry and an effective play style.
Possible Lineup (4-5-1): Spencer Richey, Arnaud Souquet, Carlos Terán, Rafael Czichos, Miguel Navarro; Ían Torres, Federico Navarro, Brian Gutiérrez, Xherdan Shaqiri, Chris Mueller; Kacper Przybylko.
MatchPlug Prediction
For the match between Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire, Philadelphia will collect all the points.
They’ve had a good start home, where they left a warm feeling. They lost to Inter Miami but showed they had what it takes to have a great MLS season. Chicago often plays well and is strong at home.
Chicago still needs to find their rhythm and didn’t inspire confidence in their debut against New York City.
Final Prediction: Philadelphia Union wins by 2 goals.
Toronto FC comes into matchday 3 hoping for their first win of the year. They lost 3-2 in the opening-day match against DC United, where they gave up two goals in stoppage time. Additionally, they drew 1-1 in their visit to Atlanta United on the last matchday after blowing their leverage.
This is Toronto’s first home game of the season, a setup where they haven’t done very well lately, winning only two of their last 9 MLS appearances and most of their recent matches against Columbus Crew.
If Toronto should have a positive outcome tomorrow it will be thanks to Federico Bernardeschi who scored in the first two games, twice after the break.
Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sean Johnson; Richie Laryea, Matt Hedges, Sigurd Rosted, Raoul Pedretta; Michael Bradley, Mark-Anthony Kaye; Brandon Servania, Federico Bernardeschi, Jonathan Osorio; Adama Diomande.
Betting On Columbus Crew
1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.36
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 2.5
Bet MGM Moneyline: 3.30
Columbus Crew on the other hand came back from a 4-1 loss to Philadelphia Union on Matchday 1, by winning 2-0 over DC United in their last game, thanks to Lucas Zelarayan’s first-half brace.
Besides the three points, the victory would have been satisfying for Wilfried Nancy’s defense, which broke a losing streak where they lost seven consecutive games, giving up goals. But, Crew’s offense has brought the team succour, as this was their 8th game in a row with a goal.
They will now have a harder time securing a series of victories, which they haven’t done since the end of the 2021 campaign and the start of the 2022 season. To pull this off, they will have to break the jinx of losing their last eight home games.
Possible Lineup (3-4-2-1): Eloy Room; Steven Moreira, Milos Degenek, Philip Quinton; Mohammed Farsi, Darlington Nagbe, Aidan Morris, Yaw Yeboah, Alexandru Matan, Cucho Hernandez; Lucas Zelarayan.
MatchPlug Prediction
Toronto FC showed promise in their early matches, with a good offense headed by Bernardeschi; but their poor defense is their Achilles Heel. This is a problem that Columbus Crew who also gave up goals, suffers from too.
Four of the past 5 league meetings between these clubs scored three points. Taking account of the defensive shortcomings of Toronto and Columbus, and their good offensive play, fans can expect a high-scoring match, as the trend will continue. Final Prediction: Toronto Moneyline and Over.
Major League Soccer is growing into one of the world’s most popular soccer leagues, and the DC United VS Orlando City game assures to be a highlight of a season that just kicked off. The match happens on Saturday, March 11, 2023, and fans anticipate it.
A game between DC and Orlando has always been interesting to watch, and tomorrow’s one will be the same way. Due to this, we’ve found some picks and predictions for the match and analyzed some elements that may influence the game’s outcome.
In this preview, we answer which team will win the game and progress to the finals. The analysis and selections we’ve mentioned reveal who experts and sportsbooks think the winner will be.
MatchPlug has the Best Betting Tips Today and MLS Predictions for DC United and Orlando City. Including odds for and other information for this matchup.
DC United’s start to this season left no clear indication as to how their performance will be. However, they played only two rounds; they won one game and lost the other. Due to this, they got three points and are in 8th position in the Eastern Conference, tying with Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew.
For goals, DC has scored three goals and gave up four, giving them a total goal difference of -1.
In matches played, United’s victory ended with a 3-2 home win over Toronto FC. Christian Benteke, Mateusz Klich, and Theodore Ku-Dipietro scored the goals; the last one was in the 90th minute. Their second game was a 2-0 loss to Columbus Crew as the visiting team.
Possible Lineup (3-5-2): Tyler Miller; Andy Miller; Andy Najar, Victor Pálsson, Steve Birnbaum, Mohanad Jeahze, Christopher Durkin, Mateusz Klich, Russell Canouse, Pedro Santos; Christian Benteke, Nigel Robertha.
Betting On Orlando FC
1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.2
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 2.5
Bet MGM Moneyline: 3.20
Orlando City SC is currently in sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings and has four points on a win and draw. They scored one goal and conceded nothing, so they have 1 in goal difference.
The clubs they’ve played against are 1-0 VS New York Red Bulls at home, Facundo Torres scored the goal, then FC Cincinnati at home again. If Orlando wins this game, they can advance in the standings, a far leap that may happen at this early stage of the season.
Possible Lineup (4-3-3): Pedro Gallese; Kyle Smith, Rodrigo Schlegel, Michael Halliday, Mauricio Pereyra; Wilder Cartagena, Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, Facundo Torres; Abdi Salim, Ercan Kara, Gastón González.
MatchPlug Prediction
The match between DC United and Orlando City will be thrilling because of the results the teams have so far.
But, DC scored more in the two rounds it has played with Orlando and is more likely to win because of this. Final Prediction: DC United Wins by 2 goals.
Atlanta Hawks VS Washington Wizards is another important game in the Eastern Conference play-in battle coming up. This matchup will be the second time these two teams meet this week after playing against each other two days ago.
The Hawks avenged a home loss in February and got away with a 122-120 win on Wednesday night. They had a big late comeback, but the game saw them win the final quarter 32-26.
MatchPlug has some vital information for the Hawks and Wizards. We have the best NBA Prediction Tonight for this game. You can also find the surest Basketball Predictions and odds for similar NBA games.
Predictions and Betting Preview for Atlanta Hawks VS Washington Wizards NBA Regular Season Game
Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
When: Thursday, March 10th, 2023
Time: 16:00 GMT
Teams to play: Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards
The Atlanta Hawks are aware that they delivered a huge win in their last game, and thanks to Miami Heat’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they have now advanced within 1.5 games of the seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
Trae Young led the Hawk’s comeback in their last game against the Wizards, recording a big double-double of 28 points and 10 assists while being one of six players in the team to up to 13 points.
However, in spite of their recent success, Atlanta has had a hard time on the road this season, experiencing 15 wins and 20 losses. They also have an alarming defensive record, allowing an average of 119.1 points per game.
Betting On The Washington Wizards
Regular Season Record: 31-35
1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.18
1XBet Over/Under: Over 238.5
BetMGM Spread: +1.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.00
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 237.5
Washington Wizards enter today’s match with the intent to prevent a second consecutive defeat and fourth loss in a row in the presence of their supporters. They still grace 10th place in the Eastern Conference, but they might want to sit up, as they are just 1.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls, who are their closest competitor.
For the Wizards to get back in form, they must restore their strength playing at home. This is important because they have won only one of their last five home games. Although they’ve lost four closely-contested games, they know they can improve on their record.
To do that, they’ll depend on their key 3 players – Kristaps Porzingis who scored 43 points, then Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal who added 25 and 24 points, respectively, last week Wednesday.
MatchPlug Prediction
Atlanta’s defense problems were apparent on Wednesday, whereas their offense was impressive, headed by one of the NBA’s best players, averaging 117.2 points in a road game.
But, while Washington is not great in offense, it has three players in its ranks that are in excellent shape and have exploited the Hawks’ shortcomings on their side of the court in the last two occasions this campaign.
22 out of the Hawks’ 35 games on the road this year, have covered the Over. Taking into account how well the Wizards and Hawks have done in defense, fans should expect another close, high-scoring matchup. Final Prediction: Atlanta Hawks Moneyline.
Finally, the World Baseball Classic returns to screens in 2023 after a two-year, pandemic-induced hiatus, with its largest field and debatably the greatest gathering of players so far. After two qualifying events last September, the Classic will be happening across the globe.
These are the answers to frequently asked questions about the World Baseball Classica and how it works.
What is the World Baseball Classic?
The Baseball Classic is like the World Cup event, but for baseball, where different talents across the globe are showcased.
It is authorized by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in partnership with MLB. The Classic is the only baseball tournament by the WBSC that confers the title of “World Champion.’’
How can you watch and listen to the game?
Games from the event will be broadcasted live on Fox, FS1, FS2, Tubi and Fox Deportes.
Live audio coverage of all matches will be shown on SiriusXM, TuneIn, MLB.com and in the MLB App.
Who is the defending champion of the World Baseball Champion?
Team USA won the tournament in 2017 for the first time.
How many Classic tournaments have there been?
The World Baseball Classic tournament has happened four times. It started in 2006. Held again in 2009 (Japan), 2013 (Dominican Republic), and 2017. This year’s own is the fifth time.
How many teams play in the tournament?
In 2023, the total number of teams playing is 20, an increase from 16.
What teams are there and how do they rank?
In the first round, teams are assigned, and ranked in pools, based on:
First, the team representing each pool’s host country/ territory.
Second, the team(s) that played in the final four of the 2017 Classic will be assigned next as the top teams for each pool.
The remaining teams will be assigned based on December 31, 2021, WBSC rankings to ensure competitive balance.
Pool play is a round-robin, double-elimination tournament. From there, the two top teams in every pool progress to, an eight-team, single-elimination bracket.
Each team’s final, 30-man roster must include at least 14 pitchers and at least two catchers.
What is the designated pitcher pool?
Every team can identify a designated pool of 10 pitchers who qualify to participate in one or more consecutive rounds. The list of pitchers was submitted when the provisional and final rosters were due. A team who wants to use the pitcher pool must have one or two pitchers from the pool on its final roster.
If they can’t list a pitcher from the pool on its submitted roster, they will be barred from using the designated pitcher pool for the rest of the event.
When a pool pitcher is listed on a tournament roster and removed before the next round, he can no longer participate.
After every round, a pitcher from an advancing team’s designated pitcher pool may be replaced on the final roster with another pitcher from the pool, as long as no member of the pool is added back to his federation final roster once he has been replaced.
How is player eligibility for a team determined?
A player is eligible if they meet these criteria:
The player appeared on a team’s final roster in the past, at the beginning of a World Baseball Classic qualifier or tournament round; or
The player is a citizen of the team’s country or territory, as indicated by a valid passport the player holds as of three months to the start of the tournament; or
The player is currently a permanent legal resident of the team’s country or territory; or
The player was born in the team’s country or territory, as shown by a birth certificate or its equivalent; or
The player has at least one parent who is (or, if deceased, was), a citizen of the team’s country or territory; or
The player has at least one parent who was born in the team’s country or territory; or
The player presents documentary evidence that he would be granted citizenship or a passport in due course under the laws of the team’s country or territory if he were to apply for such citizenship or passport.
Is there a cap on how many players can participate from a single MLB club?
Yes. The maximum number is 15 players from any team or 10 from an active Major League roster or injured list as of August 31, 2023.
How does World Baseball Classic handle injuries?
An injured player on a team’s roster is replaced by another player who is on their available player list. Only a pitcher can replace a pitcher and only a catcher can stand in for a catcher.
The replaced player is then ineligible to return to the event.
If a player who is not a catcher is injured in the first round of the tournament, they cannot be replaced and can play until the beginning of the next round. If they are injured during the semifinals, no replacement will be permitted.
What are the rules for the tournament?
The 2022 Official Baseball Rules are what the World Baseball Classic will abide by, with these stipulations:
The automatic runner on second base will be used in extra innings.
The three-batter minimum for pitchers will be enforced.
There will NOT be a limit on mound visits.
The designated hitter will be used for all games.
Replay review will be utilized and will follow MLB’s replay rules
The new MLB rules for 2023 — the pitch timer, bigger bases and restrictions on infield shifts — will NOT be used.
There are limits on pitcher use.
What are the use limits for pitchers?
To reduce injury risk in this crucial period ahead of the MLB season, a pitcher must:
Not pitch until a minimum of four days have passed since he last pitched, if he threw 50 or more pitches when he last pitched;
Not pitch until a minimum of one day has passed since he last pitched, if he threw 30 or more pitches when he last pitched;
Not pitch until a minimum of one day has passed since any second consecutive day on which the pitcher pitched;
Throw no more than 65 pitches per game in the first round, 80 pitches per game in the quarterfinal round and 95 pitches per game in the championship round of the tournament, unless the pitcher needs more to complete a batter’s plate appearance.
The aggregate number of pitches thrown in two successive games over two days will not be used to determine pitcher rest restrictions.
When a pitcher reaches the maximum limit of pitches in a game in a batter’s plate appearance, they may continue the game, until the plate appearance or the inning ends, whichever comes first.
Is there a run rule?
Yes. In the first round, victory is given if a team is ahead by 10 or more runs after any complete inning, starting with the completion of the seventh inning.
Or if a team is ahead by 15 or more runs after any complete inning, beginning with the fifth inning.
How does World Baseball Classic determine home/visitor designations?
Home/visitor designations are based on pool rankings. In every pool, Team No.1 gets three home games and one away game, and Team No.2 will receive two home games and two away games.
Team No.3 will get two home games and two away games, Team No.4 gets two home games and two away games and Team No.5 receives one home game and three away games.
For every quarterfinal game, the home team designation will be given to each of the Round 1 pool winners. Every Round 1 pool runner-up will be designated as the visiting team.
In a championship round game, which includes the semi-finals and the final game, the team with the higher winning percentage of games in the tournament will be the home team.
If the teams competing in the championship game have identical winning percentages in the tournament, then WBCI will conduct a coin flip to determine the home team.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has asked his former side to prioritise the signing of PSG star Kylian Mbappe over signing Tottenham hit-man Harry Kane.
The French striker’s future has become a subject of speculation after his side’s-latest UCL campaign ended Wednesday night after a last-16 defeat to Bayern Munich. After another poor season in Europe, PSG marquee players, including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mbappe, are now being linked to moves away from the club.
Mbappe snubbed a move to Real Madrid to sign a new contract at Parc des Princes last summer, but that hasn’t stopped the rumours of his departure from PSG this summer. One of those who has asked him to take on a new challenge is United legend Ferdinand, who would like to see the Frenchman arrive at Old Trafford in the summer.
Real Madrid have been tipped to make a fresh approach for Mbappe, but the former defender thinks the Premier League is the best place for Mbappe’s talent to grow further.
“He’s the most devastating player to watch on the planet right now. I love watching him. I think to go to the next level; he needs to go to a more competitive league. I think as much as he’s been great for PSG, and they’ve been great for him, he’s won the World Cup, and now he’ll want to win the Champions League, and I don’t see that happening there,” The former United defender told BT Sport.
“[He should move to] Man United! The Premier League is the best, most entertaining league in the world, the most competitive league in the world 100%. I’d love to see him come here – but nowhere else but Man United if he comes to England!”
When asked to pick between Mbappe and Tottenham striker Harry Kane for a potential United switch, Ferdinand said:
“Oh, 100% Mbappe. I think even Kane would say Mbappe as well. He’s young; he’s beginning to get towards his peak years. He’s not even there yet, and he’s already scored more than 200 goals for PSG, won a World Cup and been the top scorer at a World Cup.”
La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly hoping to complete the signing of Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham this summer.
According to a new report by The Independent, the Spanish giants want to reinvent their squad this summer and want the team to be built around Bellingham and Haaland. However, Los Blancos already feel confident about signing the Borussia Dortmund star after several meetings with his representatives.
And now, they have turned their attention to bringing Haaland to Santiago Bernabeu as a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema. According to the Independent, Real Madrid are hoping to pry him away from Manchester City at the end of the season, and they have the funds to do that.
Haaland and Bellingham have an existing relationship, having spent a season and a half together at Borussia Dortmund before the latter’s move to Man City last summer. Madrid want to build a new-look lineup in the summer, with attacking reinforcements the priority now, given that their key striker Benzema is 35 years.
Los Blancos have already signed Brazilian teenage star Endrick from Palmeiras. Still, the young man won’t be in Madrid until 2024, and Haaland would be the ideal solution to their immediate lack of depth at centre-forward.
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