indiana pacers vs detroit pistons match prediction

NBA Expert Picks: Indiana Pacers VS Detroit Pistons Predictions Tonight

Indiana Pacers VS Detroit Pistons is another thrilling NBA matchup happening today. While both Eastern Conference clubs are no longer in the race for the playoffs, they still want to end the regular season in the best way. This rematch happens after their last showdown on March 13, when Detroit won with a final score of 17-97. Without wasting any more time, MatchPlug brings you all the information you’ll need for backing your preferred team for Pacers VS Pistons. We have the NBA Predictions Tonight, picks, and odds.  Check back on our Prediction Site for more betting previews that cover the wrap-up for the regular season and playoffs. Related: NBA Expert Picks: Sacramento Kings VS Golden State Warriors Predictions Tonight Predictions and Betting Preview for Indiana Pacers VS Detroit Pistons Regular Season Game  Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana When: Friday, April 7, 2023 Time: 16:00 GMT Teams to play: Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons NBA Expert Picks: SPREAD -6.5 Odds by BetMGM and 1XBet. See: NBA Expert Picks: Washington Wizards VS Miami Heat Predictions Tonight Betting On The Indiana Pacers Regular Season Record: 34-45 1XBet Spread: -6.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.42 1XBet Over/Under: Over 231.5 BetMGM Spread: -6.5 BetMGM Moneyline: Under 230.5 BetMGM Over/Under: 1.36 The Indiana Pacers’ heartbreaking defeat by the Cleveland Cavaliers last Sunday dashed their playoff hopes, leaving them no opportunity to advance to the postseason. Today’s game will be their last home match for the season. Unluckily for them, they haven’t played well on the home court, with a record of 20 wins and 19 losses. One main reason why the Pacers’ defense performed poorly this season was that their defense, which became the second-worst in the NBA, allowed 119.0 points per game. Indiana also conceded the third-highest average of rebounds to opponents, forfeiting 45.2 boards per game. It is left to be seen if Tyrese Haliburton will be present for today’s game, as he had been battling with ankle discomfort. Betting On The Detroit Pistons Regular Season Record: 16-63 1XBet Spread: +6.5 1XBet Moneyline: 3.64 1XBet Over/Under: Under 231.5 BetMGM Spread: +6.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 3.20 BetMGM Over/Under: Over 230.5 The Detroit Pistons are having a challenging season and are going back on the road after losing their final home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Besides that match, the Pistons lost 10 times in a row, and in four of those games, they conceded at least 120 points. For road games, they have the second-worst record in the NBA, with seven victories and 32 defeats. To add to this, they are the second-worst offensive team, with an average of 110.6 points per game, and third-worst in efficiency, with a point differential of -8.2. Jaden Ivey is one of Detroit’s young and upcoming players; he’s played 71 games this season. Ivey is gaining experience and scored 30 points on Tuesday against Miami Heat. MatchPlug Prediction Pacers VS Pistons will witness two eliminated teams with less-popular players play against each other. Both sides lack defensive power and this match may be a high-scoring one. Indiana may have been knocked out a few days ago, but they’ve proven to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Now, they’ll face a team with the worst record, making experts believe that they’ll emerge victorious. Final Prediction: Indiana Pacers Spread. More NBA Previews: NBA Expert Picks: Charlotte Hornets VS Houston Rockets Predictions Tonight

Read More »
washington wizards vs miami heat match preview

NBA Expert Picks: Washington Wizards VS Miami Heat Predictions Tonight

In Washington Wizards VS Miami Heat, the team from Miami will want to continue its three-game winning streak when they visit Washington tonight.  The Heat is fresh off what is one of their best games this season, securing a 129-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. On the other hand, the Wizards have been eliminated from the race for playoffs and are nursing wounds from a four-game losing streak. As always, MatchPlug has the best NBA Prediction Tonight for the Wizards and Heat. Ensure that you stick around for our analysis, picks, and odds for what promises to be a thrilling Friday match. Related: NBA Expert Picks: Sacramento Kings VS Golden State Warriors Predictions Tonight Predictions and Betting Preview for Washington Wizards VS Miami Heat NBA Regular Season Game  Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington DC. When: Friday, April 7, 2023 Time: 16:00 GMT Teams to play: Washington Wizards and Miami Heat NBA Expert Picks: SPREAD -6.5 Odds by BetMGM and 1XBet. See: NBA Expert Picks: Indiana Pacers VS Detroit Pistons Predictions Tonight Betting On The Washington Wizards Regular Season Record: 34-46 1XBet Spread: +6.5 1XBet Moneyline: 3.32 1XBet Over/Under: Over 217.5 BetMGM Spread: +6.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 3.00 BetMGM Over/Under: Under 217.5 The Washington Wizards from the end of December to the end of January, won 12 out of 17 matches, to get within two games of the .500 mark. They were at that point on March 2nd but lost 14 of their 18 games since then. Washington is riding a four-game losing streak entering today’s matchup, with four of those losses coming by seven points. They lost to the Atlanta Hawks by 18 points in a road game on Wednesday, and couldn’t cover the spread as a 13-point underdog. Daniel Gafford the Center posted a double-double with a team-high 25 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 8 of 10 from the floor. Shooting guard Johnny Davis finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The Wizards rank No.22 in the league in scoring, averaging 113.2 points per game. Three of their top scorers Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, and Kristpas Porzingis are absent due to injuries. Having been eliminated from the playoffs race, the teams chose to rest those players. Washington will be rounding up the regular season after hosting Houston Rockets on Sunday afternoon. Betting On The Miami Heat Regular Season Record: 43-37 1XBet Spread: -6.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.43 1XBet Over/Under: Under 217.5 BetMGM Spread: -6.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 1.40 BetMGM Over/Under: Over 217.5 The Miami Heat have been inconsistent throughout the regular season, but lately, they started trending in the right direction. They won seven out of 10 games from the beginning of March to March 22nd, they are now riding a three-game winning streak entering this game. Miami’s first two wins were against the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons before defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in a deafening blowout on Thursday night. They took a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter and didn’t look back, winning 28 points in a match they almost led wire-to-wire.  Jimmy Butler the small forward scored 24 points and delivered 6 assists, shooting 9 of 12 from the floor. Point guard Tyler Herro had 24 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, knocking down 5 of 8 from 3-point range. Miami has a slim chance of avoiding the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, due to them needing to win their final two matches and have Brooklyn Nets lost two of their games this weekend. Thursday’s win gave them the Southeast Division title, but that will no longer determine the top seeds in the playoffs. Kyle Lowry was questionable due to knee soreness, but he scored 11 points in 22 minutes. He has not played for more than 30 minutes in a game since scoring 36 points against Orlando Magic on March 11. The Miami Heat rank last place in the NBA in scoring (109.1) and is facing a Washington defense that is No.17 in points allowed per game (114.5). MatchPlug Prediction  The Miami Heat still have an outside shot at avoiding the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, which was enough to justify them playing all their key players on Thursday. They entered what is considered to be their most impressive wins of the season, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers as 2-point underdogs.  Miami should have no problems with motivation today, after they kept hope alive on Thursday, particularly as they’re riding the momentum wave presently. The Washington Wizards are tanking down the stretch, they’re resting all their key players and avoiding competitive games.  The Heat is 36-21 as a favourite this campaign and experts expect them to secure another win tonight in Wizards VS Heat. Final Prediction: Miami Heat Spread. Related Preview: NBA Expert Picks: Charlotte Hornets VS Houston Rockets Predictions Tonight

Read More »
sacramento kings vs golden state warriors match preview

NBA Expert Picks: Sacramento Kings VS Golden State Warriors Predictions Tonight

Sacramento Kings VS Golden State Warriors has the Warriors as 2-1 this season against the Kings. But, DeAaron Fox and his squad won the most recent match. Who will win today? Keep reading for more MatchPlug analysis of the Kings VS Warriors matchup, including the NBA Prediction Tonight, odds, and picks for who will win. You can check out similar previews we’ve done for other NBA matches happening today. See: NBA Expert Picks: Washington Wizards VS Miami Heat Predictions Tonight Predictions and Betting Preview for Sacramento Kings VS Golden State Warriors NBA Regular Season Game  Venue: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California When: Friday, April 7, 2023 Time: 19:00 GMT Teams to play: Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors NBA Expert Picks: MONEYLINE 1.34 Odds by 1XBet and BetMGM. See also: NBA Expert Picks: Indiana Pacers VS Detroit Pistons Predictions Tonight Betting On The Sacramento Kings Regular Season Record: 48-32 1XBet Spread: +8 1XBet Moneyline: 4 1XBet Over/Under: Over 235 BetMGM Spread: -8 BetMGM Moneyline: 3.80 BetMGM Over/Under: Under 235.5 The Sacramento Kings have been inconsistent lately, losing two of their last three outings. They are off a 123-119 road loss on Wednesday to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, which was after a 121-103 win against the New Orleans Pelicans last Tuesday. However, the Kings are still an offensive force. Matter of fact, they have the best-scoring offense in the league, generating 121.3 points per game. De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk are providing rich scoring contributions to Sacramento’s offense which is also second in the league overall this season with a 49.6 FG%. Sacramento will hope to take advantage of the Warriors’ struggles when they play on the road. Golden State has only 9-30 in road games this campaign. Betting On The Golden State Warriors Regular Season Record: 42-38 1XBet Spread: -8 1XBet Moneyline: 1.34 1XBet Over/Under: Under 235 BetMGM Spread: -9.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 1.27 BetMGM Over/Under: Over 235.5 If the Golden State Warriors can secure a position amongst the top 6 in the Western Conference standings, they will need to win this game against Sacramento.  The Warriors are off a 136-125 victory at home over the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Stephen Curry blew up for 34 points, while Jordan Poole added 30 points in a sport start caused by Klay Thompson being a late scratch. Thompson is expected to return to duty for today’s matchup with the Kings. Regardless of his presence, the Warriors will want to exploit Sacramento’s suspect defense that allows 118.2 points per game on a defensive 56.2 eFG%, 26 and 27th in the league, respectively. MatchPlug Prediction  While the Golden State Warriors need to win this game, it’s still difficult to have faith in them when they play on the road. NBA Expert Picks choose the Sacramento Kings to win this game. Final Prediction: Golden State Warriors Moneyline. More From The NBA: NBA Expert Picks: Charlotte Hornets VS Houston Rockets Predictions Tonight

Read More »
chicago cubs vs texas rangers match preview

MLB BEST BETS TODAY; Chicago Cubs VS Texas Rangers Expert Picks

Chicago Cubs VS Texas Rangers feature two teams at the start of an interleague series on the diamond, who open a weekend North side of the Windy City.  The Texas Rangers are on the road as they play the opening match of a three-game set with the Chicago Cubs Friday afternoon. Texas leveraged the finale of their three-game home set with the Baltimore Orioles as they secured a 5-2 victory on Wednesday afternoon.  On Wednesday Chicago Cubs were rained out in Cincinnati playing against the Cincinnati Reds so they were left with a split of a rain-shortened two-game set. The Cubs triumphed 12-5 in their most current contest on Tuesday. In the recent series between the two sides, the Rangers took 2 out of 3 games at home from March 28-31, 2019. MatchPlug is ready with MLB Predictions Today for the Cubs and Rangers game. Related: MLB BEST BETS TODAY; New York Mets VS Miami Marlins Expert Picks Predictions and Betting Preview For Chicago Cubs VS Texas Rangers Regular Season Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois When: Friday, April 7th, 2023 Time: 11:20 GMT Teams to play: Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers. MLB Expert Picks: MONEYLINE 1.868 Odds by 1XBet and BetMGM. See MLB BEST BETS TODAY; Tampa Bay Rays VS Oakland Athletics Expert Picks Betting On The Chicago Cubs 1XBet Spread: -1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.868 1XBet Over/Under: Over 6.5 BetMGM Spread: -1.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 1.80 BetMGM Over/Under: Under 7 The Chicago Cubs earned a split of the rain-shortened series with the Cincinnati Reds by winning Tuesday night. The finale that took place on Wednesday afternoon was rained out, giving them two days off between games. On Thursday, the Cubs entered 2-3 on the year, standing 4th in the NL Central, 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Against the Reds Tuesday night, they got 3 hits each from Nico Hoerner (3 runs), Ian Happ (two runs, RBI), Cody Bellinger (run, RBI) and Patrick Wisdom (2 runs, 3 RB) in the game. Chicago finished the game 10 for 21 with runners in scoring position.  Hayden Wesneski didn’t consider the decision as he threw 4.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Adbert Alzolay (1-0) earned the win in relief as he threw 2.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 2 hits with no walks and 5 strikeouts. Marcus Stroman was scheduled to begin Wednesday before the rainout, he gets the ball for his second start of the year for the Cubs. He is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, 3 walks and 8 strikeouts in a year. Stroman got the win in his season debut, which was last Thursday at home against Milwaukee. He threw 6 shutout frames and allowed 3 hits with 3 walks and 8 strikeouts in a game the Cubs won 4-0. Stroman will make his 5th career start against the Rangers this contest. He is 1-3 with a 7.71 ERA, a 1.571 WHIP, 8 walks and 17 strikeouts over 21 innings of work. Marcus is 4-5 with a 4.73 ERA, a 1294 WHIP, 25 walks and 71 strikeouts over 70.1 innings in 13 career starts at Wrigley Field. Betting On The Texas Rangers 1XBet Spread: +1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 2.085 1XBet Over/Under: Under 6.5 BetMGM Spread: +1.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 2.05 BetMGM Over/Under: Over 7 The Texas Rangers played their 6 games at home, earning the win in the finale against the Baltimore Orioles Thursday, avoiding a defeat at the hands of Baltimore. They came into Thursday 4-2 on the season and shared the top spot in the AL West with the Los Angeles Angels. Wednesday afternoon against the Orioles, Texas got two hits each from Adolis Garcia (two runs, RBI) and Josh Jung (run, 3 RBI) to pace a nine-hit attack. Jung hit his second home this campaign, a two-run shot, in the 6th inning to break a 2-2 tie and send his team to victory. Jacob deGrom (1-0) secured a win when he threw 6 innings, allowing two runs (1 earned) on two hits with 2 walks and 11 strikeouts. Jose LeClerc worked a 1-2-2 ninth, striking out one, for his first save of the year. Texas has Nathan Eovaldi on the mound, as he makes his second start of the season. Eovaldi is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA, a 1.60 WHIP, two walks and six strikeouts on the year. He got the win during his season debut, which was on Saturday at home against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Nathan threw 5 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts in a game the Rangers won 16-3. Eovaldi will be making his third career start against the Cubs this campaign. He enters with 0-1 with a 3.95 ERA, a 1.098 WHIP, one walk and 10 strikeouts over 13.2 innings of work against them. The Texan Ranger didn’t consider the decision in his lone career start at Wrigley Field, which was with the Miami Marlins on June 6, 2014. He threw 7.2 innings, allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on five hits with 1 walk and 8 strikeouts in a game the Marlins dropped 5-3 in 13 innings. MatchPlug Prediction Cubs VS Rangers should be an entertaining game because the starting pitchers don’t have a lot of experience with facing the opposition this campaign. Eovaldi pitched against Chicago only twice while Stroman pitched against Texas just four times despite spending most of his career in the American League. Nathan secured the win in his first start but wasn’t very good as he relied on a big offensive outburst from the Rangers in that match. Stroman shut down Milwaukee during the opener and has pitched better since the second half of last season.  Texas hasn’t been seen on the road this season and experts want to see how they’ll perform in away matches before backing them. Stroman and the Cubs may salvage the conditions to win this matchup. For more accurate MLB Expert Picks for Cubs VS Rangers, check the sportsbook odds we listed.

Read More »
new york mets vs miami marlins prediction

MLB BEST BETS TODAY; New York Mets VS Miami Marlins Expert Picks

New York Mets VS Miami Marlins takes place at Citi Field today in New York’s home opener. The first pitch from Queens, NY, is at 1:10 p.m. ET. The Mets are a -170 moneyline favourite and the game total is 8 runs. On Wednesday, the Miami Marlins (3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS) wrapped up its series with the Minnesota Twins with a 5-2. The Marlins won 2 out of 3 games against the Twins. The New York Mets  (3-4 SU and 4-3 ATS) lost its series finale to the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6 on Wednesday. They lost by 19-0 in the first two games. Edward Cabrera (0-0, 4.50 ERA and 2.00 WHIP) of the Marlins will be sent to the mound and Tyler Megill from the Mets will counter with (1-0, 3.60 ERA, and 1.60 WHIP). MatchPlug has given the MLB best bets today for the New York Mets and Miami Marlins game. Related: MLB BEST BETS TODAY; Chicago Cubs VS Texas Rangers Expert Picks Predictions and Betting Preview For New York Mets VS Miami Marlins MLB Regular Season Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens New York City When: Friday, April 7, 2023 Time: 10:05 GMT Teams to play: Mets VS Marlins. MLB Expert Picks: SPREAD -1.5 Odds by 1XBet and BetMGM. See MLB BEST BETS TODAY; Tampa Bay Rays VS Oakland Athletics Expert Picks Betting On The New York Mets 1XBet Spread: -1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.598 1XBet Over/Under: Over 7.5 BetMGM Spread: -1.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 1.55 BetMGM Over/Under: Under 7.5 The New York Mets will be glad to return home after a disappointing series of games at the American Family Field. They lost to the Brewers in the first two games, winning 10-0 and 9-0. In the game that happened last Tuesday, Milwaukee hit three successive home runs off of Max Scherzer in the sixth inning, and hit back-to-back long balls off of Brooks Raley the reliever in the seventh. This was difficult for the Mets backers to digest, as they were 0-5 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on the base. In one game of the Milwaukee series, 9 runners were stranded (0-for-5 with RISP). Milwaukee picked up a series sweep on Wednesday with a walk-off home run in the ninth inning. The Mets’ bats finally picked up, with Francisco Lindor knocking in two runs and Pete Alonso smacking two long balls. But, it wasn’t enough because the Brewers scored seven more runs against NY pitching, outscoring the Mets 26-6 in the series. New York scored 2.83 runs per game (28th) with a .207 batting average (27th) and .608 OPS (27th). They’ve gone yard three times (28th) and stolen four bases (11th). The Mets average 6.17 strikeouts per nine innings (2nd). The pitching staff has a 4.76 ERA (17th) and 1.43 WHIP (20th) with one quality start (12th). Megill will take the bump today for NY in the home opener. He made a strong debut vs. Miami: 5 innings, two deserved runs, seven strikeouts, and two walks. He depends on his slider and curveball, searching for consistency with a four-seam fastball. After forfeiting a two-run homer to Nick Fortes on a 94-MPH fastball in the second inning, although he settled in. Tyler will want to ride on the effect of that start for a great matchup today. Betting On The Miami Marlins 1XBet Spread: +1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 2.568 1XBet Over/Under: Under 7.5 BetMGM Spread: +1.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 2.50 BetMGM Over/Under: Over 7.5 On Tuesday, Sandy Alcantara gave the Miami Marlins a boost, as the current Cy Young winner pitched the first complete game this season. Alcantara gave up 3 hits and no runs, striking out five in an hour and 57 minutes. Avisaíl García homered in the second inning, the only run Sandy needed to lead Miami to victory. Miami benefitted from another solid outing from Jesús Luzardo in Wednesday’s series finale. Luzardo fanned 10 Twins in six-plus innings. Bryan De La Cruz hit a go-ahead single in the 8th and Jorge Soler homered twice for the Marlins. The Marlins scored 1.67 runs per game (30th) with a 2.33 average (23rd) and .674 OPS (23rd). It’s hit five home runs (19th) and stolen one base (21st). They strike out 10.67 times per nine innings (29th). The pitching staff has a 4.50 ERA (14th) and 1.22 WHIP (8th) with one quality start (10th).  Edward Cabrera will take the mound today. In his season debut against the Mets on April 1, he had four innings and forfeited two runs on two hits and 6 walks. Cabrera threw only 40 of his 85 pitches for strikes. He is 1-1 with a 6.63 ERA in five career starts VS the Mets. He gave up a homer in four outings and passed the fourth inning only once. Cabrera’s pitch is unusual from most starters. Last season he used his fastball less (20.2%) than in 2021(38.6%), adding a sinker and using his changeup (11%) and curve (3%) more. His four-seam fastball and changeup were more effective, but he still has a problem with his walk rate (4.1 BB/9). MatchPlug Prediction The New York Mets will use Megill in the home opener and cause Cabrera to leave the game early, he will struggle with command again. New York will exploit its opportunities with runners on base, pushing some home runs in the first 3 innings. Its bullpen will sigh in relief, dispatching the dugout with relative ease. For MLB Expert Picks you can trust regarding the Mets and Marlins, refer to the sportsbooks odds we listed in this preview. Final Prediction: New York Mets Spread. More From MLB: MLB BEST BETS TODAY; Los Angeles Angels VS Toronto Blue Jays Expert Picks

Read More »

Man United make decision of Marcel Sabitzer 

Manchester United have reportedly decided to make Marcel Sabitzer’s loan move from Bayern Munich permanent in the summer. According to a report by 90min, Erik ten Hag is a fan of the Austrian midfielder and wants United to sign him permanently when his loan deal at the club expires this June.  Sabitzer joined United on loan from Bayern on deadline day in January and has made eleven appearances in all competitions. He has enjoyed his time at Old Trafford since Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were sidelined due to injury and suspension.  Ten Hag is keen to boost the quality of United’s midfield ahead of next season, and the club considers Sabitzer a potential bargain to do so on a permanent deal. Read more: PSG concede defeat in the quest to extend Lionel Messi’s contract  It remains to be seen if Bayern Munich, under new coach Thomas Tuchl will want to sell the player. Sabitzer had been out of favour at Bayern under former boss Julian Nagelsmann.  But as per the report, the situation has stayed the same under new coach Tuchel, and Bayern will not stand in the player’s way of a permanent exit. They are prepared to sell for a sum similar to what they initially paid RB Leipzig in August 2021 – around €16m (£13.7m). Apart from Man United, other European sides are interested in Sabitzer. But he is understood to be happy at United, having settled well since arriving. So United are the player’s first choice.

Read More »

Cody Gakpo admits to confusion over his Liverpool role

Liverpool January signing Cody Gakpo has admitted that he doesn’t know Jurgen Klopp’s long-term plan amid uncertainty over his current role in the Liverpool tactical set-up. The Netherlands international joined Liverpool in January for a reported £35.4m and has proven to be an intelligent addition. This comes after struggling in his first few games. The forward has scored four goals since his move to Anfield, including two against Manchester United, a record 7-0 win. But despite his improved form, Liverpool have struggled to win games in recent weeks and are now on a run of four games without a win.  Read more: Robert Lewandowski reveals he wanted to join Man Utd Speaking to the press, Gakpo has discussed his side’s poor run of form and their upcoming game against league leaders Arsenal. Although the forward admitted that things are not going how Liverpool wants, he insisted on looking at the positives of the recent performances. “I think if you see this game [against Chelsea], we got a point here, and it is a small step in the right direction, and for me, it is something for the club to get some momentum again and start winning games again,” he said. “Obviously, when you don’t have support from the home crowd, it’s slightly different, but I don’t know. We just have to be better in the away games. We wanted to win here, but in the end, we made a step in the right direction if you compare it to the last game, so we have to keep building on that and improve.” Gakpo also spoke about the uncertainty around his best position in the team. The 23-year-old has recently played as a number nine but admitted that he’s tactically unsure where his future lies. “I have played almost every game in that central position, and for me, it is just about getting used to that position. I don’t know the long-term plan. You will have to ask the manager,” he added. “For sure [Firmino has helped], Bobby is an amazing player and person. He tries to help me where I can, and I really appreciate that. I like to be here and having a good time.”

Read More »

Lampard to become new Chelsea boss

Chelsea are reportedly close to hiring former player Frank Lampard as caretaker manager until the end of the season. According to a report by Italian football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via 90mjn, the Blues are close to reaching an agreement with the Chelsea legend, with the final details currently being finalised. Lampard has previously managed and played for the club, making 648 appearances and scoring 211 goals during his career at Stamford Bridge. Read more: PSG concede defeat in the quest to extend Lionel Messi’s contract  But he didn’t enjoy so much success as a first team manager of the London side. During his previous short tenure Lampard won 52.4% of his games and was eventually sacked after a run of poor results. However, he is set to return to the Chelsea dugout, albeit temporarily, following the sacking of Graham Potter. According to Romano,  Lampard and Chelsea have an agreement in place, and only the finer details of the deal are still left to be decided. According to reports, the decision to search for a new temporary coach has come from Bruno Saltor’s unwillingness to continue in the role.  Bruno is keen to stay loyal to Potter – the man who gave him a start as a coach when he retired as a player in 2019. Despite Lampard accepting an interim role, he still fancies himself as good enough for Chelsea and would be keen to find a permanent post. Meanwhile, Chelsea have opened talks with former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique, who we reported had flown into England with his agents for talks with the Blues regarding a permanent managerial role.

Read More »

Robert Lewandowski reveals he wanted to join Man Utd

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed he was eager to join Manchester United earlier in his career when he was still playing for Borussia Dortmund. The Polish international was among the most sought-after rising stars in 2011 when he received a direct phone call from legendary Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to join the Premier League. But Borussia Dortmund and Jurgen Klopp blocked a potential move. Read more: Graham Potter TURNS DOWN Leicester’s approach  Lewandowski began his career in the Polish lower leagues at age 16 before landing with top-flight Lech Poznan in 2008. He scored 41 times in 82 appearances across all competitions for the club before earning a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2010. He was a regular in Klopp’s side that won the 2010/11 Bundesliga title.  However, he wasn’t a prolific goalscorer at that stage of his career. Nevertheless, it appears that Man United and Alex Ferguson quickly saw his enormous potential and wanted to sign him around July 2011. United needed a fresh injection up front and would sign Robin van Persie to spearhead their next Premier League title charge the following year, but they also spoke to Lewandowski. “I remember the moment exactly,” Lewandowski has now recalled in an interview with Sport Bild. “We had a friendly with Dortmund in preparation, I think, against Bochum. I was subbed at half-time. I looked at my mobile phone in the dressing room. There was a text message with the sender +44. Ferguson had tried to call me and then sent me a message. He wanted to talk to me. “I was still in the dressing room. I took a shower and called him back in a quiet corner. My English wasn’t as good as it is today. He has a strong Scottish accent. I was so focused on understanding what he meant! Alex Ferguson tried to be considerate and spoke slowly. “I was 22 years old. It was a special moment. I spoke to Aki Watzke and Jurgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man United! But they said: ‘No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay.” Lewandowski stayed back and went on to score 30 goals in all competitions the next season for the first time in his career as Dortmund retained their title. He took the club to the Champions League final against Bayern Munich a year later before a free transfer to the Bavarian side in 2014. He seemed to get even better at Allianz Arena and netted 344 times in 375 games.

Read More »

PSG concede defeat in the quest to extend Lionel Messi’s contract 

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly accepted that Lionel Messi is unlikely to extend his contract in the French capital. The Argentina international is out of contract at Parc des Princes this summer and had opened contract discussions with the club after the World Cup. However, Messi and PSG have failed to reach an agreement since then, and there is now a big chance that the 35-year-old will not renew his contract.   Read more: Wolves ready to make a huge offer for Dani Ceballos According to reports making the rounds in the UK, PSG have now accepted that it is unlikely that the 35-year-old will stay at Parc des Princes beyond this season. That further opens the door to a return to Messi’s former club Barcelona, who have sent representatives to discuss a deal that will bring Messi back.  Last week Barca vice-president Rafa Yuste admitted that the club is ‘in contact’ with Messi and his representatives about a return two years after his exit. “Leo and his family know my affection for them,” he told reporters.  “I participated in the negotiations that unfortunately did not lead to success. “I’m gutted that Leo could not continue at our club. Of course, if you talk about La Masia, you talk about Messi. But, of course, I would love to see him come back for what it could represent at a sporting, social and economic level.  “And I think the fans, too, because beautiful stories in life have to have a happy ending. And we are in love with Messi, and I think Messi is in love with Barça and the city of Barcelona. So we are in contact with them, yes.” Messi’s father, Jorge, will reportedly fly to Barcelona within the next week to resume discussing a transfer back to Camp Nou. 

Read More »