Etitilke

Ekitike the potential perfect Nunez replacement

Liverpool are gearing up to defend their Premier League crown when the 2025/26 campaign kicks off in just over a month. With Arne Slot now fully settled in the dugout, the Reds are entering a new era, blending continuity with key reinforcements. While fans have waved goodbye to Trent Alexander-Arnold, they’ve welcomed marquee signings like Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Florian Wirtz. The latter, in particular, signals a bold statement of intent from the club’s hierarchy. Liverpool’s board are backing Slot’s vision For a club at the top, strengthening while ahead is crucial. Too often, teams become complacent, only investing once form begins to drop. Liverpool’s board, however, have stayed proactive. Despite occasional fan criticism, the ownership group continues to invest at key moments. Slot initially took a cautious approach, choosing to work with the squad he inherited. That decision paid off with a dominant title-winning season. Now, with the Dutchman more entrenched, Liverpool are targeting elite-level additions to push for sustained success across all competitions. Room must be made for new arrivals Naturally, squad evolution requires tough decisions. To make way for new signings, departures are inevitable. One potential exit that continues to make headlines is Darwin Nunez. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Uruguayan striker has struggled with consistency, often frustrating fans and coaches alike with his decision-making and finishing. If the right offer arrives, Liverpool may be tempted to move on. Ekitike fits the bill Enter Hugo Ekitike. The 23-year-old French striker, currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, has emerged as a prime candidate to fill the gap should Nunez depart. Ekitike combines pace, technique, and positional intelligence. Having previously been linked with PSG and Newcastle, Ekitike’s potential has never been in question. What’s changed is his maturity and finishing consistency. Last season, he netted 18 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt and registered 7 assists, showing significant improvement in his all-round play. Why he’s the right profile Ekitike doesn’t just offer goals. His movement off the ball, willingness to press, and ability to combine in tight spaces make him a modern forward. Unlike Nunez, whose style sometimes feels chaotic, Ekitike plays with more composure, fitting Slot’s structured system better. He also plays as a central striker or wide forward. That could be crucial in a Liverpool front line that includes the likes of Wirtz, Diaz, Jota, and Salah. The right time for change If Liverpool are serious about maintaining their dominance, refreshing the squad with players who align better with the manager’s style is essential. Ekitike might not be a household name just yet, but his profile suggests he could be the ideal long-term solution. With preseason approaching and key decisions looming, all eyes will be on Anfield to see whether the Reds cash in on Nunez, and whether Ekitike steps through the door as the next striker to lead the line.

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Stefano Piolo

Stefano Pioli returns as Fiorentina manager on three-year deal

Stefano Pioli has been named the new head coach of Fiorentina, marking a return to the club on a three-year contract. The 58-year-old replaces Raffaele Palladino, who unexpectedly left the role just three weeks after signing an extension in May. Pioli arrives after a short stint with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, which he departed last month. His return to Florence comes with deep personal and professional ties. “I am very happy that Stefano Pioli is the new coach of Fiorentina’s first team,” said club president Rocco Commisso.“From the very first moment I spoke to him, I found a coach with great human values who is ready to do everything he can for this club and this city, which he knows very well and has a close bond with.” After leaving Fiorentina in 2019, Pioli enjoyed a successful tenure at AC Milan, where he won the Serie A title in the 2021–22 season.  Fiorentina finished sixth in the league last season, securing a spot in Europe’s third-tier competition. Their appointment of Pioli follows a broader shake-up in Serie A, with managerial changes at several top clubs including Inter Milan, AC Milan, AS Roma, Atalanta and Lazio.

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Newcastle prepare reported £36m bid for Gallagher

Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a £36 million bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to Mundo Deportiv. The 25-year-old England international only joined Atletico from Chelsea last summer but could be set for a swift return to the Premier League. Gallagher began the 2024–25 season strongly in Spain, scoring twice in his first five appearances under Diego Simeone. However, his form tailed off later in the campaign, and he ended the season with just 19 La Liga starts. Atletico are believed to value Gallagher at roughly £36 million. With limited game time and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the former Chelsea academy graduate is said to be seeking more regular minutes. Newcastle view Gallagher as a player who fits their high-energy system and Premier League experience profile.

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Maresca confirms Madueke set to complete Arsenal move

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is “happy” to see Noni Madueke leave the club after agreeing a £52 million deal with Premier League rivals Arsenal. The 23-year-old is set to become the latest player to swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates with the deal set to be announced shortly. Madueke has been given permission to leave Chelsea’s squad as they prepare for the Club World Cup final with PSG and undergo his Arsenal medical in London. Speaking ahead of the game against the European champions on Sunday, Maresca revealed it was the player’s decision to leave Chelsea. “Noni is in contact with the new club,” he told a press conference. “I guess he is going to be (announced) in the next hours.” “I said in the one of the last press conferences, if players want to leave then it is difficult for the club and the manager. Noni decided to leave, nobody told Noni he had to leave. If he is happy, we are happy.”

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Van Gaal

Van Gaal no longer suffering from cancer

Veteran coach Louis van Gaal has confirmed he is no longer battling cancer and is considering a return to high-level football. The 73-year-old revealed in 2021 that he was being treated for prostate cancer. However, speaking on a Dutch television talk show, Van Gaal said: “I’m no longer bothered by cancer.” Van Gaal last worked as head coach of the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has not managed since. “Two years ago, I had a few operations. It was all bad then. But it all worked out in the end. I have check-ups every few months, and that’s going well. I’m getting fitter and fitter,” he explained. The former manager of Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United ruled out a return to club football but admitted the right international opportunity could tempt him back. He currently serves as a special advisor at Ajax.

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Ferdinand Believes Wrexham Rise Has Boosted Football’s Popularity in the U.S.

Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand says Wrexham‘s rise under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has helped increase awareness and interest in English lower-league football in the United States. Ferdinand, 40, now a club ambassador for West Ham, told AFP that the club’s journey has “opened people’s eyes across the pond on such a great league.” Wrexham have enjoyed a dramatic rise since the 2021 takeover, when Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the Wales-based club for around £2 million ($2.7 million). They have since earned three consecutive promotions. Ferdinand praised the effect of the story: “It’s helped lift the bonnet on lower-league English football.” He’s followed football in the U.S. since West Ham played in the 2008 MLS All-Star Game against a team featuring David Beckham, and he sees the growing U.S. interest as a long-term development. He also pointed to CBS Sports’ four-year deal to show 250 EFL and League Cup matches each season until 2028 as proof of Wrexham’s influence.

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MLB Predictions Today: Seattle Mariners vs Detroit Tigers

The Seattle Mariners visit Comerica Park on Sunday afternoon for a key matchup against the red-hot Detroit Tigers. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 PM ET, and we’ve got your Mariners vs Tigers prediction ready. This is the final game of the series, and the Tigers lead the head-to-head this season after taking two of three in April. They’ve also won seven of the last 10 meetings between both teams, with seven of those ten games finishing under the total. Betting Preview for Seattle Mariners vs Detroit Tigers Betting on the Seattle Mariners Seattle is coming off a disappointing sweep at the hands of the Yankees, and they’ve gone 5-5 in their last 10 games. Offense was a problem in 2024, but they’ve bounced back in 2025, averaging 5.2 runs per game on the road, one of the best marks in the league. Logan Gilbert gets the start on Sunday. While he owns a solid 3.88 ERA and 1.02 WHIP overall, his road numbers have been shaky — a 6.64 ERA in four road starts this season. The Mariners will need more consistency from him if they want to avoid another series loss. Betting on the Detroit Tigers The Tigers enter this matchup with momentum after winning two of three from Tampa Bay. Jack Flaherty gets the call on the mound, and he’s been dependable at home this year with a 3.72 ERA and 1.13 WHIP at Comerica Park. Detroit is 6-4 in their last 10 games and currently hold the best record in the MLB. Their 2024 postseason run showed they were ready to compete, and 2025 is proving they’re no fluke. MatchPlug Prediction for Seattle Mariners vs Detroit Tigers The Mariners are struggling, especially on the road, and Gilbert has yet to find his form away from home. On the flip side, the Tigers are in rhythm both offensively and on the mound, with Flaherty pitching well in Detroit. Given the trends and pitching matchup, Detroit holds the edge at home and should continue their strong form. Final Prediction: Detroit Tigers Moneyline

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MLB Predictions Today: Nationals vs Brewers

The Washington Nationals will face the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday at American Family Field in the final game before the All-Star break. Read our preview for the Nationals vs Brewers game. With both teams heading in different directions, our Nationals vs. Brewers prediction gives you everything you need to make smart MLB picks. Betting Preview for Nationals vs Brewers Betting on Washington Nationals Washington has been better at the plate than on the mound this season. They rank 16th in runs (411) and batting average (.245). However, their pitching is a major issue, sitting 28th in ERA (5.19) and 27th in WHIP (1.40). Jake Irvin leads the team in wins but has been inconsistent, and he’ll face a solid Milwaukee lineup without key offensive weapons like Dylan Crews and Keibert Ruiz. The Nationals are also thin in the bullpen, which could be a concern late in the game. Betting on Milwaukee Brewers Milwaukee continues to play solid baseball on both sides. Their offense is 8th in runs scored (443) and 12th in OBP (.322). Led by Christian Yelich (19 HR, 65 RBI) and Jackson Chourio (15 HR, 58 RBI), this lineup can take advantage of weaker pitching. On the mound, Peralta has been sharp all season and currently leads Milwaukee in wins, strikeouts, and ERA among starters. The Brewers are also 6th in BAA (.234) and 10th in ERA (3.67), giving them a clear edge on the mound. MatchPlug Prediction for Nationals vs Brewers The Nationals are slumping badly, especially on the mound, and their injury list doesn’t help. Milwaukee has the better offense, the sharper pitching, and home-field advantage. With Washington struggling to contain runs and the Brewers looking to enter the break on a high note, this feels like another solid win for the home side. Final Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers Moneyline (ML)

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MLB Predictions Today: Rangers vs Astros

The Texas Rangers will travel to Daikin Park to face the Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon in a key AL West matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 PM ET, and both teams come into this one in solid form. Here’s our Rangers vs Astros prediction and MLB betting preview. Betting Preview for Rangers vs Astros Betting on Texas Rangers The Rangers have found their groove offensively, scoring runs in bunches and winning six of their last ten games. Eovaldi will take the mound on Sunday with elite numbers this season, especially on the road where he boasts a 1.27 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in eight starts. Texas split their last series with the Angels and remains in the hunt for the AL West title, thanks in large part to improved pitching and timely hitting. With Eovaldi’s form and the lineup clicking, the Rangers pose a serious threat in this one. Betting on Houston Astros The Astros will counter with Hunter Brown, who’s been one of their best arms in 2025. Despite giving up six runs in his last start, Brown has been dominant at home with a 1.95 ERA and 0.85 WHIP across eight outings in Houston. Houston has weathered injury storms better than most, and their rotation has continued to perform well under pressure. As defending division champs, they know how to win key games at this point in the season. MatchPlug Prediction for Rangers vs Astros Both pitchers have been phenomenal, especially on the road (Eovaldi) and at home (Brown), which could lead to another low-scoring battle. That said, Nathan Eovaldi’s current form and dominance away from home gives Texas the edge here.  Final Prediction: Texas Rangers Moneyline (ML)

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MLS Predictions Today: Minnesota United vs San Jose Earthquakes

Allianz Field will be buzzing this Sunday as Minnesota United take on San Jose Earthquakes in a key MLS Western Conference clash. Here’s our preview for the Minnesota United vs San Jose Earthquakes. With both sides fighting for playoff positions, this is a must-watch encounter. Need winning MLS predictions? MatchPlug gives you accurate previews for your bets. Betting Preview for Minnesota United vs San Jose Earthquakes Betting On Minnesota United Minnesota United sit third in the Western Conference with 37 points, just one behind San Diego at the top. Their 3-1 win over Chicago Fire in the US Open Cup highlighted their momentum, with three wins and a draw in their last four competitive matches. At home, the Loons are tough to beat, winning five of their last seven league games at Allianz Field. Their recent form and position in the table suggest they’re serious contenders and will aim to capitalize on San Jose’s inconsistency. Betting On San Jose Earthquakes The Earthquakes are currently seventh in the West with 28 points. They suffered a penalty shootout loss to Austin in the US Open Cup and have just one win in their last five competitive games, alongside three draws and a loss. Although San Jose have proven difficult to beat, with just one league loss in their last 11 games, too many draws have slowed their progress. Their record against Minnesota is also underwhelming, and they face a real test on the road. MatchPlug Prediction for Minnesota United vs San Jose Earthquakes Minnesota United are in strong form and could take advantage of recent slip-ups from San Diego and Vancouver to move closer to the top spot. San Jose’s steady but unspectacular run of draws may not be enough to stop the Loons’ home momentum. Final Prediction: Minnesota United Moneyline

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