Manchester City and Arsenal are both being linked to MLS prospect Noel Buck this week.
The New England Revolution midfielder, who previously received interest from Tottenham, is having a fantastic season.
Buck got his breakthrough at the age of 18, playing 24 games and scoring three goals. According to the Athletic, the England Under-19 international may be sold for around £6.6 million.
Given Premier League team finances, this price would put him on the radar of any club in the top flight. What Noel Buck might have to decide is if he wants to move to a big team, or if he wants to join a team where he can play regularly.
Cuiaba VS Cruzeiro conclude Round 26 of the Brasileiro Serie A when they clash at the Arena Pantanal on Saturday. Both clubs are presently separated by two points in the bottom half of the league table and fans can expect an exciting match this weekend,
Cuiaba maintained their impressive run of results in the Copa FMF, picking up a 1-0 victory over Operário-MT last Sunday. With 32 points from 25 matches, they are presently 11th in the league standings, level on points with 12th-placed Internacional.
António Oliveira’s side have gone four straight matches without losing across all competitions, picking up two draws and two wins, plus an excellent 3-0 victory over Fluminense in Serie A on September 30th.
Betting On Cruzeiro
1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.325
BetMGM Spread: –
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 1.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 3.40
Meanwhile, Cruzeiro are still struggling for results as they were held to a 1-1 draw by America Mineiro last time out. They are presently 15th in the Brazilian Serie A standings, level on 30 points with 14th-places Santos.
Zé Ricardo’s squad could not win 10 of their last 11 matches across all compeitions, losing four and picking up six draws since mid-July.
MatchPlug Prediction For Cuiaba VS Cruzeiro
Cuiaba has had a fine run of form in recent weeks and will be facing a Cruzeiro team that has mustered only one win in their last 11 games. Experts predict that this match will be a cagey affair at the Arena Pantanal, with Oliveira’s men extending their dominance in the history of this fixture.
Dallas will secure their spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs for a second successive campaign by winning today at the Toyota Stadium for Dallas VS Colorado. Last weekend, FC Dallas overcame an early deficit, clinching a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes, placing them a point above Sporting Kansas City for the final playoff spot in the West, while the Rapids witnessed a two-match domestic undefeated run end, losing 5-1 to Houston Dynamo.
MatchPlug has the preview of Dallas VS Colorado, showing you the Best soccer bets today, picks, odds, and analysis for this match.
Predictions and Betting Preview For FC Dallas VS Colorado Rapids 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs
FC Dallas has had quite the bumpy ride this season, winning just two of their previous 12 league contests. With only two matches left with two sides in the Western Conference, Dallas could not have asked for a better scenario for their post-season aspirations, as they need just one win of their last two games or have Sporting Kansas City lose their match on Decision Day to enter the playoffs.
Dallas did not win in five MLS contests this year when they drew first blood, which cost them 11 points, plus a loss to the Rapids in July. However, one consistent thing about this club is that they gave up the second-fewest goals in the Western Conference (35), two fewer than they permitted after 34 matches a year ago.
Betting On Colorado Rapids
1XBet Spread:+1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 7.41
BetMGM Spread:
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 2.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 7.25
Colorado Rapids will end the season in disappointment as they keep taking huge steps backwards, already assured of finishing dead last in the Western Conference this season. But, the biggest positive for this group is their consistency in front of a goal. Colorado scored in all of their last matches under Chris Little after not netting in 15 home games this year under Robin Fraser.
The Rapids have lost more MLS road contests than any team in the Western Conference this season (11), but the way they lost some matches was embarrassing, losing four times at least three goals. They have won successive matches against the Toros in MLS but have not claimed three points against them at Toyota Stadium since 2016.
MatchPlug Prediction For FC Dallas VS Colorado Rapids
A well-organized FC Dallas side should have no problems dispelling the Rapids attack who have not done much during the run of play but have conceded many opportunities away from home in the attacking third.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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 🔴⚪️
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 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.
