Jane Njoku, Author at Matchplug Blog

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.

liverpool find asking price of johan bakayoko

Liverpool find asking price of PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko?

PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko may be available for around €25m (£21.6m) in January amid interest from Liverpool, according to a report.

Bakayoko enjoyed a breakthrough season in PSV’s first-team in 2022-2023, scoring nine goals and registering six assists in 39 games across all competitions as the Dutch side finished second in the Eredivisie to qualify for the Champions League.

Since then, the Winger has contributed with one goal and six assists in 15 appearances this term, helping PSV win all of their opening eight Eredivisie matches to advance to the top of the table.

The former Anderlecht and Club Brugge youngster has lifted two KNVB Beker trophies and two Dutch Super Cups since joining PSV in 2019 and is now ranked as a key player under coach Peter Bosz.

Bakayoko recently worked his way into the Belgium national team squad and has gotten five senior caps since including his debut in March, and Johan has been called up again for this month’s international break.

Johan still has three years left on his contract with PSV, but the winger has been tipped to seek new opportunities in recent months amid interests from other European teams.

English Premier League club, Liverpool reportedly has an interest in the the winger, while Brentford allegedly failed to make a summer bid for him.

While PSV would prefer to keep Bakayoko in their ranks, Fichajes reports that the outfit might accept offers of €25m (£21.6m) during the January transfer window.

The report adds that Liverpool wanting to sign the young star is their ‘new objective’ ahead of the New Year and they will want to take advantage of his affordable asking price.

Jurgen Klopp’s team could speed up getting Bakayoko if Mohammed Salah decides to leave Anfield amid offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Salah was the subject of a £150m bid from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad late in the summer transfer window, but Liverpool is not interested in selling the Egyptian player and would have had little time to find a worthy replacement.

Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo claimed last month that Middle Eastern clubs still hold an interest in Salah, while the league’s marketing chief Hafez Al-Medlej has stated that teams in the region “must start working” on the signing of Salah.

Liverpool-linked Bakayoko could follow in the footsteps of Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, who swapped PSV for Anfield in January this year after nearly five years with the Eredivisie club.

The likes of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto are also believed to be on Liverpool’s radar ahead of 2024.

NFL PREDICTIONS: Cincinnati Bengals VS Seattle Seahawks betting Tips

Cincinnati Bengals will host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday when they meet in the Bengals VS Seahawks interconference showdown. Seattle is off a bye week and enters this game 3-1, trailing just the red-hot 49ers in the NFC West Division. Cincinnati is 2-3 on the season but is fresh off what is debatably their most impressive performance in a road victory over the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday.

Keep reading to find out the NFL predictions, picks, odds, and analysis for the Bengals VS Seahawks matchup, as delivered by MatchPlug. We provide accurate Sports betting predictions for NFL previews so that you can make good betting choices.

Predictions And Betting Preview For Cincinnati Bengals VS Seattle Seahawks NFL Regular Season

Venue: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio.
When: Sunday, October 15th, 2023.
Time: 18:00.
Teams to play: Bengals and Seahawks.
NFL Expert Picks: SPREAD -2.5

Odds provided by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On The Cincinnati Bengals

1XBet Spread: -2.5
1XBet Over/Under: Over 45.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.69
BetMGM Spread: -3
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 45
BetMGM Moneyline: 1.65

Cincinnati Bengals are ranked only 31st in total offense through five matches. They are 30th rushing the football but they have committed to running the football, handing it off 30 times on Sunday. They have advanced to 25th in passing, a number that’ll keep rising as Joe Burrow gets healthier.

The Bengals are a solid 9th in turnover differential this season with one of the NLF’s more opportunistic defenses. They have also not harmed themselves with penalties. Cincinnati is third in penalties per game so far.

Betting On The Seattle Seahawks

1XBet Spread: +2.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 45.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.179
BetMGM Spread: +3
BetMGM Over/Under: Over 45
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.30

The Seattle Seahawks entered this game at 3-1 and improved their health after a bye week. They presently rank 19th in total offense in the NFL. Seattle is 17th rushing the football and has advanced to 17th passing the football. The Seahawks are 14th in the NFL in converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns. Defensively, they are ranked 24th in total defense.

Seattle’s defense has been opportunistic this season. They rank 3rd in the league in turnover differential through their first four games. But, they struggled with mental mistakes. The Seahawks are only 31st in the NFL in penalties per game.

MatchPlug Prediction For Cincinnati Bengals VS Seattle Seahawks

For this matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals will get the chance to subdue the Seattle Seahawks and their passing attack. Cincinnati is 9th against the pass this season and has the 8th-best sack percentage in the NFL. Exploit this cupcake line and back a Bengals that may be ready to dominate on Sunday.

Final Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals Spread.

Related NFL Preview:

NFL PREDICTIONS: New Orleans Saints VS Houston Texans betting Tips.

NFL PREDICTIONS: New Orleans Saints VS Houston Texans betting Tips

New Orleans Saints (3-2) will try for their second successive win if they play the Houston Texans (2-3) on Sunday afternoon. The Saints VS Texans game will hold at NRG Stadium and it is scheduled to start at NRG Stadium and it is scheduled to start at 1 PM ET. New Orleans is fresh off a 34-0 win over New England as two-point underdogs. Houston is off a 21-19 loss to Atlanta as 2.5-point underdogs. The Saints are 3-2 in five games against Houston.

Our preview covers the NFL predictions for Saints VS Broncos, plus the picks, odds, and analysis for which team will win this game. Don’t forget to check MatchPlug for more NFL previews. We are the Best Prediction site for everything American Football.

Predictions And Betting Preview For New Orleans Saints VS Houston Texans 2023 NFL Regular Season

Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas.
When: Sunday, October 15th, 2023.
Time: 14:30.
Teams to play: Saints and Texans.
NFL Expert Picks: SPREAD

Odds provided by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On The New Orleans Saints

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 42.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.75
BetMGM Spread: -1.5
BetMGM Over/Under: Over 42.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 1.80

New Orleans Saints ended their two-game losing streak with a victory over the New England Patriots in their last match, handing them their worst defeat in the Bill Belichick era. They will maintain this momentum with a win over Houston, giving them their second consecutive win and fourth win in their last six games.

The Saints are averaging 19.2 points per game, throwing for 191.8 yards and rushing for 97.2 yards per game. They’ve done well defensively, conceding 15.2 points per game. They didn’t concede a point in their last match and will need a similar effort if they intend to win on Sunday.

Betting On The Houston Texans

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Over 42.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.1
BetMGM Spread: +1.5
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 42.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.05

The Houston Texans had a two-game winning streak that was ended by the Atlanta Falcons in their last match. They will want to make a comeback from this loss by winning the Saints on Sunday. This should give them their third win in their last four games.

Houston is averaging 23 points per game. They are throwing for 274.8 yards and rushing for 82.6 yards per game. The Texans have played well defensively, conceding 20 points per game. They gave up 21 points in their last match and will need the same effort to win Sunday’s game.

MatchPlug Prediction For New Orleans Saints VS Houston Texans

New Orleans has a stingy defense that does not concede many yards on the ground or through the air. They put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and are averaging more than two sacks per match. The Saints also forced a lot of turnovers and held four of their five opponents under 20 points, so they should keep the Houston Texans’ defence in check. Back New Orleans to cover the spread.

Final Prediction: New Orleans Saints Spread.

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NFL PREDICTIONS: Cincinnati Bengals VS Seattle Seahawks betting Tips.

Betting On The NBA – 7 Ways You Can Keep Your Emotions Out Of Your Bets

ways to keep emotions out of your nba bets

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The electric atmosphere, the unparalleled athleticism, the sheer unpredictability – the NBA is a rollercoaster of excitement. It’s no wonder so many fans choose to amplify the thrill by wagering on games. However, those high stakes combined with high emotion can lead to hasty decisions. By focusing on logic rather than sentiment, you can dramatically improve your NBA wagering outcomes. Here are seven ways to ensure your emotions don’t get the best of you.

Information is Power

Before placing a stake, arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. Delve deep into team statistics, recent performances, injuries, and even off-court events. For instance, when considering the Phoenix Suns odds, it’s essential to look at their current roster’s health, recent matchups, and any coaching changes. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll be in your decisions. And confidence, founded on solid information, often equates to emotion-free choices.

Develop a Strategy and Stick to It

Determine your wagering strategy in advance. Whether it’s focusing on underdogs, over/under, or any other method, stick to your plan. If you hop from one strategy to another based on a whim or a hunch, you’re letting emotions steer the ship.

Set a Budget

Nothing evokes emotion quite like money. By setting a strict budget for your NBA wagers, you neutralize one of the biggest emotional triggers. Knowing there’s a cap to your spending makes it easier to avoid impulsive, emotion-driven stakes.

Avoid Home Team Bias

It’s natural to have a soft spot for your home team, but this sentiment can cloud judgment. While it’s okay to back your team, ensure you’re doing so based on facts and figures, not just loyalty.

Take a Breather

If you’ve had a series of losses, it’s easy to become frustrated and make reckless decisions to try and “win it all back.” Instead, take a step back. Maybe even take a break for a week or two. Returning with a fresh mindset often leads to clearer, emotion-free decisions.

Engage in Peer Discussions

Joining a community of fellow NBA enthusiasts can be beneficial. Sharing thoughts and strategies allows you to see different perspectives and might highlight any emotional biases in your own thinking. However, be wary of “following the crowd.” Use the discussions as a way to gain insights, but always trust your research.

Log and Review

Keep a record of your wagers: both the wins and the losses. Periodically review this log to identify patterns. Are there specific triggers that lead to emotional decisions? Recognizing these can help you avoid the same pitfalls in the future.

In Conclusion

Wagering on the NBA can be an exhilarating experience, amplifying the thrills of an already electrifying sport. But to navigate this thrilling landscape successfully, one must strike a balance between the heart and the head. By sidelining emotions and fostering an analytical mindset, you not only enhance your chances of a favorable outcome but also your appreciation of the beautiful nuances of the game. Remember, the most successful punters are those who combine their passion for the sport with a disciplined approach to staking. So, the next time you’re ready to lay down a wager on an NBA game, pause, breathe, and let logic be your guide.

juventus takes legal action against pogba

Juventus to take legal action against Pogba

Juventus have issued Paul Pogba a formal letter after his failed doping test was confirmed. Juve informed Pogba that his salary will be slashed to €2,000 a week as they await a hearing regarding the length of his suspension, Tuttosport says.

For further decisions, Juventus will wait for the player and his team, with the first being identified on Friday; by then, Pogba would have decided if he wants to ask the anti-doping prosecutor to be heard or file his defense briefs.

Justice will then be served, with the possibility of reaching the TAS of Lausanne. Then Juventus will decide what to do. Tuttosport says it cannot be ruled out, that the club will sue Paul for technical damages.

Chelsea defender Chalobah hoping on Bayern Munich

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is still hoping to hear from Bayern Munich in January. Chalobah was linked with Bayern at the end of the summer market but stayed with Chelsea.

Recently, there have been reports that the defender is expected to leave when the transfer window reopens in January.

Now, Sky Sports Germany is reporting that Chalobah is still on Bayern Munich’s list of potential signings. The Bundesliga club wants to present a loan with a purchase option, but for now, the negotiations have not been set in stone yet. However, the defender is enthusiastic about moving to Bayern.

More Bundesliga News:

Former Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet says Harry Kane won’t regret his move to Bayern Munich.

Villa to make another attempt for Sevilla defender Acuna

Aston Villa will try again to get full-back Macros Acuna from Sevilla. The defender who did well in the Europa League last season, was linked to the Premier League club in the summer.

But, Unai Emery could not get his signature and instead used Lucas Digne in the position to good effect. According to Grad3, Villa has not forgotten about Acuna, and the player is eager for the move too.

Villa will make another offer to try and secure the Sevilla player in the winter if he is available for a reasonable price. Acuna only has 18 months left on his contract with the Spanish La Liga giants.

More From La Liga:

Capello and Del Piero stunned by Real Madrid’s ‘complete player’ Bellingham.

Jane Njoku