Jane Njoku, Author at Matchplug Blog

Soccer Predictions Today: Nashville SC VS New England Revolution Sure Tips

Nashville VS New England will feature in another round of matches by the MLS this weekend as Nashville clashes with an impressive New England Revolution squad at Geodis Park today.

You can find the Soccer Predictions for Nashville VS New England on MatchPlug. We are a reliable Prediction Site for Major League Soccer predictions and previews.

Predictions and Betting Preview For Nashville SC VS New England Revolution 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs

Venue: Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee.
When: Sunday, October 15th, 2023.
Time: 01:30
Teams to play: Nashville and New England.
MLS Picks: MONEYLINE 1.76

Odds by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On Nashville SC

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.76
BetMGM Spread: –
BetMGM Over/Under: Over 2.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 1.75

Nashville SC is presently in 7th position in the MLS Eastern Conference standings and has not been on its best form so far this season. The home team played out a 0-0 stalemate against Philadelphia Union last week and will need to take things up a notch in this game.

Nashville has won just one of their last 11 matches in the regular season of the MLS and has lost all of their last four matches in the contest.

Betting On The New England Revolution

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 4.245
BetMGM Spread: –
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 2.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 4.20

Meanwhile, the New England Revolution is in fifth position in the league table at the moment and has just been fairly impressive this season. They fell to a 3-2 loss at the hands of Orlando City in their last match and will need to bounce back for this game.

The Revolution are winless in their last 12 matches on the road in all competitions but have lost just one of these games by a margin of multiple goals.

MatchPlug Prediction For Nashville SC VS New England Revolution

Nashville SC is presently in the middle of a slump and desperately needs some resurgence. New England Revolution is in better shape at the moment and should be able to pull off a win tonight.

Final Prediction: Nashville SC Moneyline.

Soccer Predictions Today: Los Angeles Galaxy VS Real Salt Lake Sure Tips

Galaxy VS Salt Lake is another of the 3 MLS matches happening this weekend as Real Salt Lake tussles with Los Angeles Galaxy in a crucial clash at the Dignity Health Sports Park tonight.

MatchPlug presents the Soccer Predictions today for Galaxy VS Salt Lake, we are a Sure Prediction Site where you can get previews and picks for all MLS matches.

Predictions and Betting Preview For Los Angeles Galaxy VS Real Salt Lake 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs

Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California.
When: Sunday, July 23rd, 2023
Time: 3:30
Teams: Galaxy and Salt Lake.
MLS Picks: MONEYLINE 2.43

Odds as provided by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On The Los Angeles Galaxy

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Over 3.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.43
BetMGM Spread: –
BetMGM Over/Under: Over 3.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.40

Los Angeles Galaxy are presently in 13th position in the MLS Western Conference standings and have struggled so far this season. The hosts fell to a destabilising 5-2 defeat at the hands of Minnesota United in their last game and need to pick up the pace tonight.

Galaxy lost its previous game by a 5-2 scoreline – the third time they gave up at least three goals in an MLS match in their last six matches in the competition.

Betting On Real Salt Lake

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 3.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.61
BetMGM Spread: –
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 3.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.60

Real Salt Lake are in sixth position in the league table at the moment and has been inconsistent this season. Salt Lake took a 3-2 defeat against Sporting Kansas City this week and has a strong point to prove entering this game.

Salt Lake won their last away game by a 1-0 scoreline against Los Angeles FC and have now attained a club-record seven wins away from home in the MLS this season.

MatchPlug Prediction For Los Angeles Galaxy VS Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake can pack a punch on a good day and have been remarkable on the road over the course of their campaign. They are the better club presently and should be able to win this match against Los Angeles Galaxy.

Final Prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy Moneyline.

Broncos release Frank Clark after no trade materializes

NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Friday that the Denver Broncos are letting edge rusher Frank Clark go after they could not find a trade partner, per sources aware of the situation.

As was the case with Randy Gregory last week, a trade partner may still materialize until Clark’s release becomes official.

The next step for Clark’s future became apparent when he returned $1.679 million on his base salary this week to facilitate a departure.

He signed a one-year $5.45 million contract during the offseason to boost the pass rush on Vance Joseph’s defense. It was an ill-fitted contract from the beginning.

Clark played 25 snaps in Week 1, collecting two tackles and zero QB pressures. He missed three weeks with a hip injury. In his Week 5 return, he played only 11 snaps and did not record a stat. He was inactive for Thursday night’s defeat in Kansas City, due to an illness.

Just like Gregory, Frank Clark did not fit into the picture of the Denver Broncos’ future as they went with Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper as the top edge rushers.

In his first eight seasons, Clark gathered 58.5 sacks with the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs. With three Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl rings, he will enter the market with the aim of helping boost a contender.

A reunion in Kansas City could be a reasonable landing place for Clark after he spent the last four seasons with the Chiefs.

Related NFL News:

Former NFL player Sergio Brown arrested on first-degree murder charge in mother’s death.

Adidas sneaker contract with Damian Lillard uncertain

Damian Lillard penned a contract extension with Adidas in 2014, and his days under this sneaker seem to coming to an end after their basketball Fall/Winter 2024 priorities deck release, which snubbed the new Milwaukee Bucks guard.

Lillard and Derrick Rose are two athletes who will no longer be with Adidas moving forward, according to Instagram user yuanchengxin1. The new basketball sneaker line will focus on Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.

The Dame 8 EXTPLY was the most recent release of Lillard with Adidas, although the former iteration of his signature shoe, the Dame 8, was released in December of 2021.

There is no reported contract extension in sight or any known project in the works for a new sneaker, and the usual industry standard maximum of two years between launches has passed.

Damian Lillard shared an Instagram post six weeks ago to promote the release of the “Advantage Dame’’ (Tennis Ball neon) and “Out Of This World’’ (black/orange/lavender blue) colourways for his Dame 8 EXTPLY.

However, on the Adidas Basketball IG page, they shared pictures of Lillard’s arrival in Milwaukee, so there is a chance that there is still loyalty between the two parties.

Lillard might be working on a contract extension behind the scenes or is ready to become a free agent in the sneaker world as he will also be entering the upcoming NBA season on a brand new team.

Related NBA News:

LeBron James says Bronny James’ athleticism matches his NBA rookie season.

Scherzer says: ‘I’m ready to go’ for Rangers in ALCS

Max Scherzer announced that he only does pitchers’ fielding practice just twice a year: once in Spring Training, and once before the start of postseason.

On Friday, two days ahead of the Texas Rangers’ American League Championship Series match with the Houston Astros, Scherzer did PFPs at Globe Life Field, to signal his possible return to the mound. Now he will wait to hear what his next steps are.

Scherzer has been sidelined since September 13th with a low-grade strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder. He threw live batting practice Wednesday of about 65 pitches before following with a bullpen session and PFPs on Friday. If he was making the calls, Scherzer said he would be ready to go.

“I recovered,” Scherzer told reporters Friday. “I checked all the boxes I possibly can. I’m ready to go. I respect what Houston can do. They’re obviously a great team. I’ve got to bring my A-game.”

Bought from the New York Mets at the Trade Deadline, Scherzer posted a 3.20 ERA across eight starts before ending up on the injured list.

He continued his throwing program throughout the time he was on the IL, with hopes of returning if Texas made a deep run in the postseason.

“We’ve been talking through this whole process with the doctors as well, about where we thought this should trend, what we should be feeling,” Scherzer said. “We all have a hand in this, and we’re all trying to make the best decision possible.”

Rangers’ Manager Bruce Bochy did not address the media on Friday. But pitching coach Mike Maddux confirmed that Scherzer is indeed progressing in the right direction.

“We’re very encouraged,” Maddux said. “He threw I think 68 [pitches] against hitters and maintained his stuff. He didn’t skip a beat from one to 68. That was the encouraging part. He needs to sharpen up a little bit. But overall [it was] very encouraging, and the fact that he bounced back and played a good game of catch yesterday. We’re looking all thumbs up for today.”

If he is activated, Scherzer would probably be in a slot behind Game 1 starter Jordan Montogomery and Nathan Eovaldi in the rotation. The Rangers piggybacked Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning to begin Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the Orioles after Montgomery and Eovaldi started the two matches in the Wild Card Series over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Related MLB News:

MLB takes responsibility for revoking Jim McIngvale’s first pitch opportunity.

Maple Leaf’s Reaves: ‘If you want to fight, just ask me’

Toronto Maple Leaf’s Ryan Reaves wants a rematch with Arber Xhekaj.

“Yeah. I don’t like getting jumped,” the Toronto Maple Leafs winger said Friday.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever really jumped anybody. If you want to fight, just ask me. I’m always around. You know where to find me.”

In Wednesday’s 6-5 wild opening-night victory over the Montreal Canadiens, Reaves slammed Kaiden Guhle into the boards on a hard forecheck.

Xhekaj took offense and pounced on Reaves, grabbing him behind the goal line and starting a brawl that ended when the Habs defenceman pushed Reaves into the Montreal net, knocking everything over.

“The guy obviously threw a couple big hits, and I wanted to stick up for my teammates there. Definitely proud of how I carried myself,” Xhekaj told Montreal reporters on Thursday.

“If it needs to be done, I’ll be there.”

Xhekaj got an extra two minutes for starting a fight, plus a 10-minute misconduct and 67.6 per cent of HockeyFights.com’s users ruled in favour of the Canadien.

The fight between Xhekaj and Reaves

Reaves (six-foot-two, 226 pounds) was clear on wanting to square off one-on-one with Xhekaj (six-foot-four, 240 pounds).

“I don’t know if he (pushed me into the net) on purpose to end it or what. I don’t know. Once I kinda stood up and he ended up grabbing me, he just kind of tried pushing me for the rest of the way,” Reaves said.

“So, I felt like it was on purpose. But we got (the Canadiens) two more times. I’m sure something might happen. I don’t want to go out like that.”

Xhekaj dropped the gloves nine times last winter in his rookie season and will not back down from a challenge.

The undrafted NHL sophomore said he and Reaves did not exchange words after their fight, which was more of a “more of a wrestling match.” It marked the Montreal player’s first fight since he injured his shoulder, and he was pleased with how his throwing arm responded.

While Reaves did not best his challenger, the veteran still waved his arm in celebration after the tussle. He is a showman with a mission to bring some “swagger” (coach Sheldon Keefe’s word) into Maple Leafs culture.

“I’ve always done that. I like to bring energy, whether it’s in the locker room, on the bench, into the crowd. That’s kind of my job here. So, a little bit of a sleepy start. Try and get some in the body, get the crowd into a little bit — that’s what I was brought here to do,” Reaves explained.

“I don’t know if it makes a difference or not. But if it gets the crowd up a little bit, sure.”

Related NHL News:

Maple Leafs trade Lafferty to Canucks for 5th-round pick in 2024 NHL Draft.

Ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere to become MLS Manager

Injuries ended Wilshere’s career, as the former Arsenal star player and cult hero was forced to prematurely retire from professional football at the age of 30. Now, Jack Wilshere is starting his career as a manager, being in charge of Arsenal’s Under 18 team, making an impressive impression as he led his squad to an FA Youth Cup final last season.

Jack Wilshere is poised for a first senior managerial job 🔴⚪️

➡️ https://t.co/d8dfvkKhFI #afc
— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) October 13, 2023

Now, the former English international is set to take his first team at a major coaching role, as an MLS team is interested in presenting him with an opportunity to prove himself at a higher level, according to recent reports.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, MLS club Colorado Rapids is willing to bring on Jack Wilshere to become their next manager, as the team has already made an official approach to Arsenal to speak with him. It is important to note that both sides are owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

Colorado Rapids will open talks with Jack Wilshere over their head coach role, per @David_Ornstein pic.twitter.com/NcjfEBsfTY
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 12, 2023

Colorado ended things with former manager Robin Fraser after they missed the MLS playoffs last season, finishing bottom of the Western Conference with only 26 points, 9 less than the second-worst team in the conference, the LA Galaxy, which ended the season with 35 points.

Jack Wilshere, who is still just 31 years old, was seen as a wonder kid since the beginning of his career, as he made his senior debut in the Premier League at 16 years and 256 days old, becoming Arsenal’s youngest player ever.

Wilshere played 197 games with the Gunners in all competitions from 2008 to 2018, scoring 14 goals. During his career with Arsenal, he was loaned to AFC Bournemouth and the Bolton Wanderers.

Prior to his retirement, Jack also played for West Ham United between 2018 and 2012; ending his career with the Danish club AGF in 2022.

Desailly ‘amazed’ by Newcastle after PSG victory

PSG’s Marcel Desailly has heaped praises on Newcastle United.

The legendary French World Cup winning centre back was very impressed with Newcastle after they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League group stages.

Playing against a “group of death” in the competition, Newcastle has proven that it can compete against the biggest teams in Europe.

“Everybody will laugh at me if I say Tottenham will make the top four, so I’ll put them aside,” Desailly told Gambling Zone on the Premier League top four.

“I’ll say the same names most are saying.

“I think Liverpool will be up there, but the inconsistency of Man United will cost them. There’s just too much pain there when it comes to the administration level and the players.

“The management of Erik ten Hag is also too strong for the players they have. He doesn’t have the players in his hands – you can tell.

“You can feel that very strongly. That’s why I believe the best management we have today is at Arsenal. Arteta had a very bad season two years ago and almost got sacked a couple of times.

“However, he managed to build up a really nice philosophy and built belief with both the owners and the players. Arteta got the player he wanted this summer and he almost made it last year – but the talent of City was just too strong.

“He’s rebuilt the belief this season, and you could see that in the last twenty minutes of the game against City yesterday. Arsenal were unbelievable!

“They had all the possession and City weren’t able to lift their level and match Arsenal’s intensity. I’ll mention Arsenal, City, and Liverpool. All of those teams operate like diesel – slow, steady power.”

When speaking on Newcastle United, Desailly added: “I have no idea who else will finish in the top-four, but I’m waiting for a surprise. Newcastle were magnificent against PSG, but if you look at the match deeply, you realize that PSG allowed them to express themselves on the highest possible level.

“Luis Enrique made the mistake of going to St James’ Park with four offensive players, none of whom understood the intensity Newcastle planned.

“Howe is a typical English coach with a strong fighting spirit. Nobody was expecting Newcastle to play like that. However, it’s a 38-game season, and I’m not sure how Newcastle can maintain that whilst balancing Premier League and Champions League games.

“They haven’t been in the Champions League for two decades, and suddenly they’re here! I’m not sure about Newcastle, but I was so happy to see them play like they did against PSG.

“That wasn’t supposed to happen, as quality players can play through high presses and opposition teams can’t sustain ninety minutes of pressuring defenses. Despite the result, Newcastle had 29% of the ball. It was an amazing result.”

Related Ligue 1 News:

PSG bounce back from Newcastle disgrace with Rennes win.

Flamengo employ former Brazil national team coach Tite

Ex-Brazil coach Tite took over the running of Flamengo on Monday, penning a contract that will run until the end of 2024.

The Rio de Janeiro team announced on their social media channels that Tite’s staff would include the assistant coaches who worked with him during the six years he was heading Brazil.

Tite, who has not been working since Brazil was eliminated by Croatia in December in the World Cup quarterfinal, will take charge of his first match for Flamengo when they play Cruzeiro in a Brazilian championship game on October 19th.

Flamengo let Jorge Sampaoli go on September 28th after the Argentine could not win a trophy for the club. He took over in April from Portuguese Vitor Pereira, who spent just three months in the gig.

The club were knocked out by Paraguay’s Olimpia in the round of 16 at the Copa Libertadores, lost the Brazilian Cup final to Sao Paulo and is presently fifth in the Brazilian championship with 44 points from 26 matches, 11 behind leaders Botafogo.

Tite took Corinthians to a maiden Copa Libertadores title and a Club World Cup crown against Chelsea in 2012.

Real Madrid interested in FC Porto’s Diogo Costa

Real Madrid is interested in entering a contract with FC Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa, per a report by Gol Digital.

According to reports, Real Madrid has not been convinced that Kepa Arrizabalaga’s performance is good enough to replace Thibaut Courtois. It is possible that the Spanish goalkeeper will leave the team after the end of his loan term. Furthermore, Ukranian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin may leave next summer too as his contract with Real Madrid expires soon.

Real Madrid knows that signing Porto’s Costa requires a significant investment. Diogo Costa advanced through the ranks at the modest club “Povoa’’ and joined Porto in 2011. He progressed through the youth ranks and has been part of Porto’s squad for many years.

It should be noted that Thibaut Courtois suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his left knee in August. He may miss the whole season due to his injury. Courtois signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid in August 2018 with an annual salary of €7 million.

When he was at Real Madrid, he won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and lots more.

Jane Njoku