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Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has shrugged off criticism from his club boss Mikel Arteta following the Gunners’ recent stumbles in their Premier League title bid.
The North London side has seen their lead at the top of the table cut to four points after back-to-back 2-2 draws against Liverpool and West Ham.
Both games saw the Gunners give away a two-goal lead, leading to Arteta asking questions about the “mindset” of his players.
After the game, the Spaniard said: “When the game is there for the killing, you have to do it. When you don’t have that ruthless mindset in the Premier League, at some stage, the momentum will turn around.”
However, midfielder Xhaka insists mental strength is not an issue at the club: “This is not about our mentality, and I am certain everyone will see a reaction against Southampton on Friday. Everything is still in our own hands if we win our remaining games, so nothing has changed on that front. We go into our next matches with the same objective. We’re not looking at what Manchester City are doing.
“Sunday’s game was similar to the match at Liverpool last week where we started very well, scored two goals but couldn’t get the win. We need to analyse why this happened twice in a row. But if anyone thinks that we’d get to this point of this season by smashing all our opponents without dropping points, I think they’re not in the right position. We are disappointed, and when things are not going well, it’s easy to show the finger to someone else. But now is the time for everyone to be together. We have taken on a challenge which no one was thinking about before this season started, and now we have seven games to go, so let’s carry on.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal had the opportunity to go 3-1 up in the game but failed to take their chance when Bukayo Saka missed from the penalty spot.
But Xhaka is backing the Englishman to take a spot-kick again if needed. “The reason we didn’t win the last two games is because we gave away too many easy goals, and nobody is blaming Bukayo for the penalty miss,” he added.
“The guy is so strong mentally, so we’re not worried about him. It’s not as though we’re saying, ‘If he scores, the game is finished’ because there were another ten players on the pitch. He needs our support more, but he will bounce back and show a reaction in our next game. If we get another penalty against Southampton, I will push him to take it.”
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher will decide on his future at Stamford Bridge when he meets the new permanent Chelsea manager.
According to reports, Gallagher wants to know what the next Chelsea manager and the club, in general, have in mind for him before committing to a new deal or seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge.
The England international, who will enter the final two years of his contract this summer, has been a regular for Chelsea this season. However, he has struggled to hold down a permanent starting spot, making just twelve out of 28 Premier League outings as a starter.
Interim manager Frank Lampard fancies the 23-year-old. But the ex-Chelsea man will not be at the club beyond the summer, so Gallagher cannot be guaranteed what will happen to him beyond June.
The signing of Enzo Fernandez in January and Chelsea still hunting for a new midfielder has left Gallagher questioning his future at the club. However, several Premier League clubs have established their interest in signing the Blues academy graduate Gallagher if he becomes available.
Liverpool are in front of the race, while Tottenham, Newcastle, Leicester City, and Crystal Palace, with whom Gallager enjoyed a successful loan spell, are all watching Gallagher as he approaches what could be a crossroads in his career.
Chelsea are unwilling to let any players enter the final two years of their contracts, so Gallagher may have to decide in the coming weeks.
Bayern Munich reportedly wants to sell Sadio Mane this summer after he punched teammate Leroy Sane during a furious confrontation last week.
The Bavarians signed the Senegal international just last summer from Liverpool but are already ready to sell him a year after due to his discipline record.
The ex-Liverpool star punched his teammate Leroy Sane after Bayern’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last week, with the altercation leading to the German winger suffering a cut on his lower lip.
Bayern suspended Mane for one game and handed him an undisclosed fine for indiscipline. However, according to new reports by Bayern expert Florian Plettenberg via Sky Germany, the fine is the highest fine in their history.
“Our information is that it is an amount that goes far beyond €300,000 (£260,000), so it’s a very, very sensitive fine for Mane,’ the journalist said.
Bayern earns close to £17million a year at Bayern, so that sum is almost equivalent to a week’s wage. While that is just a little scratch for Mane, whose charity works in Senegal is huge, the talk of Bayern terminating his contract at Allianz Arena could unsettle him.
After leaving Liverpool for a new challenge, returning to the transfer crossroads less than 12 months after committing to a new adventure is not something anyone would love.
According to Plettenberg, Bayern are ready to sell him already, just a few months after he arrived as their marquee summer signing.
“From what I’m hearing, Bayern will try everything to offload Sadio Mane in the summer,” he said.
“From a sporting point of view, Thomas Tuchel has no plans with Mane as he doesn’t fit his system. This is my information. The player is seen very critically internally.”
Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku will reportedly return to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell at the San Siro stadium, despite his desire to remain in Italy beyond the summer.
The Belgian striker, who joined Chelsea from Inter in the summer of 2021 for £98m, returned to the Serie A side on loan at the start of the season after a lack of form and absence from the squad at Stamford Bridge.
However, his loan move to Milan has not gone to plan, as the 29-year-old finds himself at the team’s periphery due to a lack of consistency and fitness. He has scored just seven goals in 24 games and missed significant periods of the season through injury.
And, now Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport via Sportsmail are reporting that Lukaku will return to Chelsea this summer ‘against his will’ due to Inter being unable to afford another move’s potential cost.
As per the report, Inter are under financial pressure, having recorded losses of €784m (£694m) over the last ten years, and they have an annual operating loss of about €150m (£133m).
As a result, the Italian outfit will have to make savings this summer and given Lukaku’s lack of meaningful contribution after signing him back for an €8m (£6.9m) loan fee, plus covering a significant portion of his wages; the club want to cut their losses.
The report says that Lukaku would like to stay at the club where he scored 64 goals in 95 games between 2019-2021 and is willing to take a pay cut. But Inter are already preparing for a future without him.
Lukaku has scored crucial goals in recent times, including the decisive effort in their 1-0 aggregate victory over Porto in the Champions League last-16, while he also netted in their 2-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of the quarter-final last week.
Are you a fan of the English Premier League (EPL) and looking to add an extra bit of excitement to your viewing experience? If so, betting on EPL matches in Minnesota could be just what you’re looking for. In this article, we will discuss Minnesota sports betting and provide some tips that can help make sure your bets are successful. So if you’re ready to start taking part in the fun, let’s dive right into it.
How to Choose a Betting Platform
Choosing the right betting platform is crucial to your overall betting experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a platform to bet on EPL matches:
a. Reputation and Security: Ensure that the betting site has a strong reputation and utilizes encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information.
b. User Interface: Look for a platform with an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and place bets.
c. Betting Markets: Choose a site that offers a wide range of EPL betting markets, giving you more options and flexibility in your wagers.
d. Odds and Payouts: Compare the odds and payouts offered by different platforms to ensure you’re getting the best value for your bets.
f. Customer Support: Opt for a betting site with responsive and helpful customer support, available through multiple channels such as live chat, email, and phone.
Types of EPL Bets
Once you’ve selected a betting platform, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the various types of EPL bets. Here are some of the most common EPL betting options:
a. Moneyline: A simple bet on which team will win a specific match.
b. Point Spread: A bet on whether a team will win by a specific number of goals or more or lose by a specific number of goals or less.
c. Totals (Over/Under): A wager on whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a predetermined number.
d. Props (Proposition Bets): Bets on specific events or occurrences within a match, such as the first team to score, the number of yellow cards, or whether a specific player will score a goal.
e. Futures: Bets on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the EPL title or which player will be the league’s top scorer.
Tips for Successful EPL Betting
Betting on EPL matches can be both exciting and profitable if done correctly. Follow these tips to improve your chances of success:
a. Research: Thoroughly research the teams, players, and recent performance trends before placing a bet. This will help you make informed decisions and identify potential value bets.
b. Bankroll Management: Set a budget for your EPL betting adventures and stick to it. This will help you avoid chasing losses and ensure you have a sustainable betting strategy.
c. Look for Value: Focus on finding bets that offer value rather than simply betting on your favorite team or the most popular option. Value bets are those where the potential payout outweighs the risk involved.
d. Diversify Your Bets: Instead of focusing solely on one type of bet, consider exploring various betting markets to spread your risk and increase your chances of success.
e. Keep Records: Track your bets, winnings, and losses to analyze your betting performance over time. This will help you identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your strategy.
Responsible Gambling
While betting on EPL matches can be an enjoyable pastime, it’s essential to approach it responsibly. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure a positive and healthy betting experience:
a. Set Limits: Establish limits for your betting activity, such as a maximum amount you’re willing to wager per week or per month.
b. Don’t Chase Losses: If you experience a losing streak, resist the temptation to make larger or riskier bets to recoup your losses.
This can lead to further losses and financial strain.
c. Seek Help if Needed: If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, don’t hesitate to seek help from a support group or professional counseling service.
Conclusion
Betting on the English Premier League (EPL) can be both exciting and potentially profitable. With a little research, practice, and responsible gambling habits, you’ll have a better chance of making successful wagers. As more people get involved in EPL betting every year, it’s important to stay up-to-date with current trends so that you can make informed decisions about your bets.
By following the tips outlined above and staying abreast of changes in the market, you should be able to maximize your chances of success when placing wagers on EPL matches.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has apologised to supporters for missing a crucial penalty in his side’s 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday.
The England international had the chance to put the Gunners 3-1 up against the Hammers from the penalty spot early in the second half of the game at the London Stadium. But he completely fluffed his lines and sent the penalty well wide of the post.
David Moyes’ West Ham side took advantage of that miss and grabbed an equaliser almost immediately, forcing the Gunners to settle for a point. The result gives title rivals Manchester City fresh impetus in the race for the trophy as Arsenal now sits just four points ahead, with a game more.
After the contest, Saka took to Instagram to apologise to Arsenal fans.
“Regardless of the outcome, I’ll always accept my responsibility. Apologies, Gunners, I’ll do everything I can to make it right,” he said on Instagram.
The latest result was the second game in a row the Gunners have let 2-0 leads slip, having also been held by Liverpool in a thrilling game at Anfield last week.
On Friday, they are back in action against struggling Southampton before they take on Manchester City in a must-win top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday next week.
Bayern Munich are reportedly reluctant to sell Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch this summer.
The Reds want to bring Gravenberch to Anfield this summer after giving up their chase for number one midfield target Jude Bellingham. Jurgen Klopp’s side had made Bellingham their priority signing this summer as they begin their squad overhaul.
But they have had to back down from the race because of the amount of money needed to finance the deal. Borussia Dortmund want in excess of 130 million Euros to sell Bellingham, and Liverpool do not want to spend that sum for just a single player when they can use that amount to acquire three or four signings in other areas of the pitch where they have needs.
The Red have turned their attention to former Ajax midfielder Graevenberch, who is also drawing interest from other Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United.
According to BILD’s football chief Christian Falk, Liverpool has already held a round of talks with the Dutchman’s agents. According to the report, Jurgen Klopp really wants the midfielder at Anfield this summer.
However, Bayern, for the moment, insists they do not want to lose the 20-year-old, who they only signed last year from Ajax.
But Bayern’s primary motivation in keeping Gravenberch is to have him as cover for incoming midfielder Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig. That situation could force Gravenberch to push for a move away to Anfield, where he could be guaranteed more game time.
Apart from Gravenberch, Liverpool are also monitoring the situation of Chelsea duo Connor Gallagher and Mason Mount. At the same time, Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo is also high on their midfield wishlist this summer.
Chicago Fire VS Philadelphia Union will see Fire wanting to stretch their undefeated streak to five matches when they host Union today.
Philadelphia on the other hand is looking for their first MLS victory in over a month to redeem themselves for what was a bad start to the 2023 season.
MatchPlug has all the information and analysis for Fire and Union. There are also our other previews for Best Betting Tips Today and MLS Predictions.
Chicago Fire fought off Minnesota United in a challenging 2-1 win at the Soldier Field Stadium last Saturday when the teams met.
Kei Kamara pulled a double that put Chicago in the driver’s seat at halftime before Kervin Arriaga pulled one back at the beginning of the second half.
Due to this, Fire is in 6th position in the Eastern Conference standings, a wide 8 points from the spot, even with a game in hand. Their upcoming match is against a team that has won only twice in the last 15 editions of this game over the last 5 years.
They are undefeated in all of them except their nine home matches since the beginning of the year. This Saturday they’ll want to get a good result in front of their fans.
Philadelphia Union secured a safe pass into the last four of the CONCACAF Champions League courtesy of a 2-2 draw against Mexican club Atlas on Thursday.
They went 1-0 and 2-1 down to strikes from Julian Quinones and Julio Furch but maintained a drawing level in the two matches through Julian Carranza.
Before that, Philadelphia was in a narrow 1-0 defeat against division leaders FC Cincinnatiand is in 10th position in the Eastern Conference, which is two points from the last playoff place.
The Union are without a win in the last 9 outings on the road, which is why they’ll want to change their fate as soon as humanly possible.
Charlotte FC VS Colorado Rapids is another thrilling game happening for MLS Matchday 8, as the battle for supremacy continues between clubs.
A little research will reveal that Charlotte scored less than 2.5 goals in 8 of the last 9 MLS home games. They also scored lower than 2.5 goals in all their last 9 MLS games.
MatchPlug has a detailed match preview for Charlotte VS Colorado including the Best Betting Tips Today and accurate MLS Picks.
Charlotte is in 26th position after playing 7 matches that ended in 1 win, 2 draws, and 4 losses. There is a promise that this team won’t settle for this.
They forfeit on average 2 goals per game this season, mostly in the first half of a game, while upsetting their opponents with goals scored once with the greatest success in the first half.
Unarguably, having a modest performance, Charlotte FC still can’t boast of any notable achievements, but the good thing is that the players stay focused and keep progressing through matches.
Colorado Rapids will start the next round at the 23rd position. After 7 games, they have 6 points in their piggy bank.
The Rapids hit the opponent’s goals during the period from 46-60, scoring 4 goals. However, they must be careful in the 2 forty-five minutes, because their defence makes more mistakes.
In terms of field factor, on the home, Colorado forfeits on average stats .1 goals against home value goals per match, while scoring 0.5 times per game.
Both Charlotte and Colorado have no intentions of giving up points to the opposing side. And this setup will excite fans. Mostly because these types of matches are intriguing and the outcomes unpredictable. This should make the match more interesting to watch.
In CF Montreal VS DC United, expect Montreal to try and get back to its winning ways when they face DC at Saputo Stadium in the upcoming MLS Match. After suffering two embarrassing losses, they’ll want to leverage home-field advantage to improve their standings on the points table.
Montreal is presently in the last position in the Eastern Conference with just 1 win out of 6 games. In the last match, they faced a 0-4 defeat against New England.
DC United hasn’t had a good season too. They are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with 1 win, 4 losses and 3 draws. In the last matchup, they won 0-2 against Columbus Crew. DC will have to put their best foot forward when they visit Montreal today.
For an accurate betting preview of Montreal and DC, visit MatchPlug. We also have the Best Betting Tips Today, MLS Predictions, picks, and odds for similar MLS matches.
CF Montreal won 3 of their last 5 home matches, they scored 10 goals and forfeited 7. Two of those 5 matches ended in clean sheets. This season, they hosted just one game; they won Philadelphia 3-2 in this matchup.
During home games, Montreal usually scores early. The average time for their first goals is the 44th minute in the last 5 home games. They played with an average of 0.50 goals per match in the present season. At home, their current average is 3 goals per match.
CF Montreal for shot conversions, maintained a rate of just 6% so far. Overall XG is 104, at Home 1.33.
Striker, Romell Quioto heads the attack for this club. He scored 2 goals this season, with an average of 0.8 shots on target per match. Quioto’s goal conversion rate is 17%, and his key passing average is presently at 1 per match. Nnamdi Chinonso Offor is another key striker in Montreal’s ranks; Offor’s conversion rate is 14%, and he created one big chance for the club too. His passing accuracy is 68%.
This season, Montreal conceded 2.67 goals per game. They forfeited 7 goals in the last 5 home matches. 4 of them were in the second half. Jonathan Sirois the goalkeeper has an average of 3.5 saves per game with a success rate of 60%.
Defense-wise, key defenders are Joel Waterman and Gabriel Corbo. Waterman has an average of 3.3 clearances per game with 100% success. He won 58% of ground duels too; maintaining an average of 1 interception per game with a 100% success rate in ground duels.
Possible Lineup (3-4-1-2): Jonathan Sirois, Joel Waterman, Nnamdi Chinonso Offor, Romell Quioto, Camacho, Corbo, Herrera, Duke, Wanyama, Iliadies.
Betting On DC United
1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.52
In recent road matches DC United has struggled. Out of the last 5 matches away from home, they lost 4, and mustered 1 draw only. Their goal aggregate is 2-9. Only 1 of their 5 games ended in a clean sheet.
DC played 3 road games this season; they lost 2 and drew 1. They’ve performed poorly in scoring in away matches. They scored just 1 of the last 5 away matches; their first goal was in the 46th minute.
Wayne Rooney’s club played with an average of 1.00 goals per game till now. In the road fixture, the average dips to 0.67 goals per match. Their shot conversion rate this season is 9% and overall XG is 1.49, at away is 1.35.
The leading attacker for DC United is Christian Benteke. He added 3 goals to his name in the current season. Benteke played with 1.1 shots on target per match on average. His goal conversion rate is 14% with an average of 1.3 key passes per game. Taxiarchis Fountas is another key piece in the club’s forward panel. Although Fountas hasn’t scored this season, he maintained an average of 2.3 shots on target per match. His dribbling success rate is 70%,
DC United’s goal-conceding average is 1.71 per match. In the away games, their average is 1.67 goals per game. Out of the past 7 goals conceded in the last 5 away matches, 4 were scored in the first half. Goalkeeper Tyler Miller has been decent, he saved 2.6 goals per match with a 60% success rate.
The lead defenders for DC are Donovan Pines and Steve Birnbaum. Pines played this season with an average of 4 clearances per game. His success rate in aerial duels is 84%.
Possible Lineup: (4-4-2): Tyler Miller, Donovan Pines, Steve Birnbaum, Taxiarchis Fountas, Christian Benteke, Ruan, Jeahze, Santos, Canouse, Morrison, Klich.
MatchPlug Prediction
Montreal will pick up on the hint to make a strong comeback at home after two disappointing results. They are off a good home record.
DC United on the other hand are gearing up for the heavy challenge of avoiding another loss when they play Montreal in a road duel. Sportsbooks favour Montreal to win this match. The scoreline is in favour of Montreal.
