Tag: Preview

  • Preview: Valencia vs. Celta Vigo – prediction, team news, lineups


    Sports Mole previews Sunday’s La Liga clash between Valencia and Celta Vigo, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

    Valencia will be aiming to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Barcelona when they continue their La Liga campaign with a clash against Celta Vigo at Mestalla on Sunday afternoon.

    Los Che are 19th in the La Liga table, boasting only 16 points their opening 21 matches of the campaign, while Celta sit 13th, and the visitors will bring a four-game winless run into this weekend’s contest.


    Match preview

    Valencia manager Carlos Corberan on January 7, 2025© Imago

    Valencia were stunned by Barcelona last weekend, conceding five times in the first half to the Catalan giants, and it eventually finished 7-1, as Los Che suffered a defeat which will have been incredibly damaging to their morale at a vital stage of the season.

    Carlos Corberan‘s side are 19th in the table, boasting just 16 points from their 21 league matches this season, and they are five points behind 17th-placed Alaves ahead of the next set of fixtures in Spain’s top flight.

    There is more than enough talent in the Valencia squad to move out of trouble in the coming weeks, though, and there had been signs of real progress before the heavy loss to Hansi Flick‘s side.

    Los Che have picked up 12 points from their 10 home league matches this season, and they will be welcoming a Celta outfit that have only managed to triumph in one of their 10 La Liga games on their travels during the 2024-25 campaign.

    Valencia are currently on a three-game winless run against Celta, including a 0-0 draw in the corresponding match last season, while Celta recorded a 3-1 victory when the pair locked horns for the reverse fixture back in August 2024.

    Celta Vigo head coach Claudio Giraldez on January 10, 2025© Imago

    Celta opened 2025 with a 3-2 win over Racing de Santander in the Copa del Rey, but they have since exited the competition to Real Madrid, while their league form since the turn of the year has been disappointing.

    Indeed, Claudio Giraldez‘s side have only picked up one point from their three league fixtures in 2025, losing to Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao before drawing 1-1 with Alaves last time out.

    The Sky Blues have won seven, drawn four and lost 10 of their 21 league matches this season to collect 25 points, which has left them in 13th spot in the table, five points above the relegation zone.

    Celta are only three points off eighth-placed Girona and just five from Mallorca in sixth, meanwhile, so a charge for Europe would become a possibility if they were able to find a degree of consistency.

    The Sky Blues actually lost five straight league games against Valencia between February 2021 and May 2023, but they have had the better of the recent match-ups and will be aiming to make it a La Liga double over Valencia this term.

    Valencia La Liga form:

    Valencia form (all competitions):

    Celta Vigo La Liga form:

    Celta Vigo form (all competitions):


    Team News

    Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera on January 11, 2025© Imago

    Valencia will welcome Cristhian Mosquera back into their squad for this match, with the Spaniard serving a suspension against Barcelona, but Thierry Correia, Rafa Mir and Enzo Barrenechea could all again miss out.

    Los Che will also need to make a check on the fitness of leading goalscorer Hugo Duro, who has a slight hamstring issue, but the club are hopeful that the striker will be cleared to feature this weekend.

    Head coach Corberan will resist the temptation to shuffle his pack, but Mosquera will return at the back, while there could also be a start down the right for Fran Perez.

    As for Celta, Marcos Alonso, Hugo Alvarez and Oscar Mingueza will all miss the match through suspension, while Alfon Gonzalez and Iago Aspas will be absent due to injury problems.

    Javi Rodriguez is expected to be introduced into the back three due to the absence of Alonso, but it might otherwise be the same side that took to the field for the first whistle against Alaves last time out.

    Pablo Duran is set to continue down the left for the Sky Blues, while it will be Borja Iglesias, who has scored five times in Spain’s top flight during the 2024-25 campaign, through the middle.

    Valencia possible starting lineup:
    Mamardashvili; Foulqiuier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; F Perez, Pepelu, Guerra, Rioja; Duro, Almeida

    Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:
    Guaita; Lago, Starfelt, J Rodriguez; Carreira, Beltran, Moriba, Ristic; Cervi, Iglesias, Duran


    SM words green background

    We say: Valencia 2-1 Celta Vigo

    This is a really important match for Valencia, as there has to be a response from the defeat at Barcelona, and we are expecting Los Che to record a narrow victory against a Celta outfit that will be missing a number of important players.

    For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




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    Valencia will face off against Celta Vigo in a highly anticipated La Liga match this weekend. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win as they aim to climb up the league table.

    Prediction:
    Valencia have been in inconsistent form this season, while Celta Vigo have been performing relatively well. However, Valencia will have the home advantage and will be eager to get back to winning ways. I predict a close match, with Valencia edging out Celta Vigo with a 2-1 victory.

    Team News:
    Valencia will be without the services of midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, who is sidelined with an injury. However, they will have their key players like Rodrigo and Dani Parejo available for selection.

    Celta Vigo, on the other hand, will be without the suspended midfielder Stanislav Lobotka. However, they will have striker Iago Aspas leading the attack, alongside the likes of Denis Suarez and Santi Mina.

    Lineups:
    Valencia: Domenech; Wass, Garay, Gabriel, Gaya; Torres, Coquelin, Parejo, Soler; Rodrigo, Gomez

    Celta Vigo: Blanco; Mallo, Aidoo, Murillo, Olaza; Suarez, Yokuslu, Beltran, Mendez; Aspas, Mina

    Both teams will be eager to secure all three points in this crucial match. It promises to be an exciting encounter with plenty of goals and drama. Stay tuned for the match and see which team comes out on top.

    Tags:

    Valencia vs. Celta Vigo, La Liga preview, match prediction, team news, starting lineups, Valencia vs. Celta Vigo prediction, Valencia vs. Celta Vigo preview, Valencia vs. Celta Vigo team news, Valencia vs. Celta Vigo lineups

    #Preview #Valencia #Celta #Vigo #prediction #team #news #lineups

  • Aston Villa vs. Chelsea, Women’s Super League: Preview, team news, how to watch


    Two landmark signings in the final days of January, Naomi Girma and Keira Walsh have demanded most of our attention.

    But Chelsea do have a game this weekend and it’s one that we should be winning just as impressively as we have won this transfer window, keeping our now 20-match unbeaten run going under Sonia Bompastor.

    Date / Time: Sunday, February 2, 2025, 14:30 GMT; 9:30am EST
    Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, UK
    Referee: Lisa Benn
    Forecast: Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze

    On TV: BBC Two (UK); none (USA); elsewhere
    Streaming: BBC iPlayer (UK); ESPN+ (USA)

    Aston Villa Women Training Session

    Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images

    Aston Villa team news: It’s been an underwhelming season for Villa after finishing seventh in the Women’s Super League last season, which itself was underwhelming compared to their fifth-place finish the season prior. They currently sit ninth in the table, with just two wins and ten points from their first twelve games.

    Unsurprisingly, manager Robert de Pauw got his marching orders less than six months into the job, with former Real Sociedad Femenino head coach Natalia Arroyo now appointed after a month of interim management under Shaun Goater. Goater lost just one of his five matches in charge and nearly doubled Villa’s points total in just three league games, so the tide may be turning for them a bit.

    For her first match in charge, Arroyo won’t be able to count on defender Rachel Corsie and midfielders Lucy Staniforth and Missy Bo Kearns due to injuries. Veteran striker Rachel Daly remains a dangerous goalscorer for them, with 9 in all competitions thus far.

    Chelsea Women Training Session

    Photo by Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

    Chelsea team news: Despite the unbeaten run, it hasn’t always been pretty or easy for the Blues, with last weekend’s 1-0 win over Arsenal a prime example of gritting out a most important victory. But that’s what champions do!

    The additions of Girma and Walsh should help alleviate those concerns and elevate our play to truly world class levels — both domestically and in Europe. Unfortunately, neither will be available for this one just yet: Girma’s dealing with a minor calf knock and Walsh could not be registered in time (the transfer itself barely beat FIFA deadlines).

    Other absences include Kadeisha Buchanan, Sophie Ingle, Mia Fishel and Sam Kerr due to long-term injuries. Meanwhile Mayra Ramírez and Sandy Baltimore are doubtful with fitness problems that will be assessed prior to kick-off at Villa Park.

    Previously: Six goals from six different players in a showcase of squad depth at Bescot Stadium.



    Aston Villa vs. Chelsea, Women’s Super League: Preview, team news, how to watch

    Two top teams in the Women’s Super League are set to face off as Aston Villa takes on Chelsea in what promises to be an exciting match-up. Here is a preview of the game, team news, and how you can watch it live.

    Preview:
    Aston Villa will be looking to bounce back from a recent defeat and climb up the league table, while Chelsea will be aiming to maintain their strong position at the top. Both teams have talented players and have shown great form so far this season, making this game a must-watch for fans of women’s football.

    Team news:
    Aston Villa will be without their captain, Marissa Ewers, who is sidelined with an injury. However, they still have a strong squad with players like Mana Iwabuchi and Shania Hayles who can make an impact in the game. Chelsea, on the other hand, will be missing their key player, Fran Kirby, who is also out with an injury. But with stars like Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder in their team, they will be a tough opponent for Aston Villa.

    How to watch:
    The match between Aston Villa and Chelsea will be televised live on BT Sport in the UK. Fans from other countries can also stream the game online through various platforms such as NBC Sports in the US or DAZN in Canada. Make sure to check your local listings for more information on how to watch the game in your region.

    Don’t miss out on this exciting clash between Aston Villa and Chelsea in the Women’s Super League. Tune in to see some top-quality football action and cheer on your favorite team to victory!

    Tags:

    Aston Villa vs. Chelsea, Women’s Super League, match preview, team news, live stream, watch online, player updates, game analysis

    #Aston #Villa #Chelsea #Womens #Super #League #Preview #team #news #watch

  • Notebook: Updates on Harris and Adams, Kansas’ leadership, Baylor preview


    Bill Self met with the media on Thursday to discuss Kansas’ win over UCF. He updated the media on Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams, discussed where Kansas gets its leadership, previewed the Jayhawks’ upcoming road test against Baylor, and said Kansas needs to return to its defensive mindset.

    Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams should practice this week

    Self said Adams was sore following his first game action in a couple of weeks. He was supposed to be limited but practicing on Thursday.

    Adams was sidelined with a shoulder separation, but he played 26 minutes against UCF. He scored 12 points on 3/6 shooting and got a lot of work done at the free-throw line.

    “He made the free throws and he missed three or four of those little short floaters too,” Self said. “I think because he was rusty, but I thought KJ did great.”

    Harris missed his first game in over four years after he tweaked his ankle in practice. Self said he hoped Harris would practice on Thursday, and the Jayhawks missed him a lot against the Knights.

    Kansas’ leadership comes from a lot of different places, and it can improve

    The Jayhawks have the oldest roster in the country with an average of 3.6 years played at the Division One level. Bill Self said the leadership of this team is similar to that of 2008, with everyone doing it collectively. However, the returnees of Dajuan Harris, KJ Adams, and Hunter Dickinson are counted on for a lot of that authority.

    “Juan more so than anybody gives us stability,” Self said. “KJ to me gives us energy more so than anybody else. And then Hunt would give us more of a presence, but I think everybody’s done okay.”

    Self also said that it’s an area that Kansas can get better at. Outside of that trio, other players can provide authority. Self mentioned Diggy Coit as a guy who “personality-wise has the most potential to be a good leader.”

    Coit had a solid performance against UCF, making 4/8 threes. Self thinks Coit has a chance to use that performance to assert himself as a leader.

    “No matter where you are in a new situation and how much experience you had, there’s still some things that have to happen to validate your performance as a leader, and that would probably be performance related,” Self said. “Maybe he [Coit] can have more of a role in that regard. Because there’s still something to being able to take over and get others to follow you is – been there, done it, they’ve seen you do it. And some of them just haven’t been seen yet.”

    Baylor’s season has played out somewhat similarly to Kansas’

    The Bears have underperformed their preseason expectations, currently sitting in seventh place in the Big 12. Baylor has been inconsistent this season, and a lot of their issues have been due to injury.

    “Obviously, they’ve been nicked up,” Self said. “I talked to Scott [Drew] probably two or three weeks ago, and he told me that their top eight players have been together eight times the whole year for a practice. For practice, not even games.”

    However, Baylor still has a very talented team. Freshman VJ Edgecombe is expected to be a top five-pick, and his counterpart Robert Wright III has impressed as well. The Bears also have one of the most successful transfer portal gets in former Miami Hurricane Norchad Omier.

    Self likes their talent and thinks Baylor’s lack of consistency can mirror his own squad’s in some ways.

    “To me, they’re a lot like us,” Self said. “When we’ve been good this year, we’ve been really good. When we haven’t been good, there’s been too big a drop off. I’m sure Scott would probably say the same thing about them from a consistency standpoint.”

    Kansas has to get back to guarding

    When the Jayhawks won three straight conference games in early January, it looked like a strong defensive intensity was emerging as the team’s identity, however, in recent games, that hasn’t been the case.

    “I would say we need to get back to guarding how we guarded three weeks ago,” Self said. “We’re not guarding the same way. That was very evident the other night against UCF.”

    Kansas currently ranks fifth in KenPom’s defensive efficiency. The Jayhawks have an elite rim protector in Flory Bidunga and a couple of strong on-ball, perimeter defenders. Self thinks it has a chance to be one of his better defensive teams.

    “We’ve shown that we can guard, we just don’t do it as consistently well,” Self said. “That’s got to be something that’s continued to be emphasized every day. But it could be one of our better defensive teams.”



    Notebook: Updates on Harris and Adams, Kansas’ leadership, Baylor preview

    In this notebook, we’ll be covering some of the latest updates on key players in the college basketball world, as well as discussing the leadership situation at the University of Kansas and previewing an upcoming matchup against Baylor.

    First up, let’s talk about the latest news on Jalen Harris and Devon Adams. Harris, a standout guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks, recently suffered a minor ankle injury during practice. While the injury isn’t expected to keep him out for an extended period of time, it’s still something to keep an eye on as the team prepares for their upcoming games.

    Meanwhile, Adams, a forward for the Texas Longhorns, has been dealing with a nagging shoulder issue that has limited his playing time in recent weeks. The team is hopeful that he’ll be back to full strength soon, as they’ll need his scoring and rebounding abilities to compete in the tough Big 12 conference.

    Shifting gears to the University of Kansas, there have been some rumblings about the leadership situation within the program. With head coach Bill Self facing scrutiny over alleged recruiting violations, some players and staff members have expressed concerns about the direction of the team. It remains to be seen how this will impact the Jayhawks moving forward, but it’s certainly a situation worth monitoring.

    Finally, looking ahead to the upcoming matchup between Kansas and Baylor, both teams are coming off impressive wins and will be looking to continue their momentum. Baylor, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, boasts a strong defense and a balanced scoring attack led by guard Jared Butler. Kansas, on the other hand, will rely on the scoring prowess of guard Ochai Agbaji and the inside presence of forward David McCormack.

    This game has all the makings of a classic Big 12 showdown, and it will be interesting to see which team comes out on top. Be sure to tune in to see all the action unfold.

    Tags:

    1. Notebook updates
    2. Harris and Adams news
    3. Kansas leadership
    4. Baylor preview
    5. College basketball updates
    6. NCAA news
    7. Big 12 conference updates
    8. Sports journalism
    9. March Madness
    10. College basketball analysis.

    #Notebook #Updates #Harris #Adams #Kansas #leadership #Baylor #preview

  • Brentford have won just one of their seven Premier League meetings with Tottenham (D3 L3), with all three at the Gtech Community Stadium ending in a draw.

  • Tottenham are looking to complete the league double over Brentford for the first time, following their 3-1 win against them at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September.

  • The team scoring first has won none of the last five Premier League meetings between Brentford and Tottenham, with Spurs coming back to win twice, Brentford once, and two draws.

  • Brentford are the Premier League’s leading scorers on home soil this season (29) but are winless in their last four at the Gtech Community Stadium (D1 L3). The Bees have gone 13 without a clean sheet at home, last having a longer run in the league between November 2003 and April 2004 (14).

  • Brentford and Tottenham are two of three teams, along with Wolves, whose games have seen 80+ goals in the Premier League this season (83 for Spurs, 82 for Brentford). The Bees have faced the most shots (429) while only four teams have had more shots than Spurs (333).

  • Tottenham have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches (D1), with no side picking up fewer points since the start of this run on 22 December (1). Spurs haven’t lost five games in a row since a run of six in October/November 2004, which came under Jacques Santini and Martin Jol losing three each. The last Spurs manager to lose five on the bounce was Osvaldo Ardilles in 1994 (seven consecutively).

  • Tottenham Hotspur have taken more goal kicks that end in their own penalty area than any other side in the Premier League this season (137), with only one of their 169 goal kicks ending in the attacking third of the pitch; Spurs have the highest goal kick success percentage in 2024-25 (96.4%).

  • There has been average of 3.57 goals per game in Ange Postecoglou’s 61 Premier League games as Spurs boss, the highest ratio of any manager with 50+ games managed (120 for, 98 against). The fewest numbers of games for a manager to both score and concede 100+ goals is 65 by Roberto De Zerbi, with Postecoglou only two goals away from conceding 100 with Spurs.

  • Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been involved in 17 Premier League goals this season (14 goals, 3 assists), with only four players involved in more. The only Bees player with more goals and assists in a Premier League campaign was Ivan Toney in 2022-23 (20 goals, 4 assists).

  • No player has created more chances in open play in the Premier League this season than Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski (51). His average of 2.5 open play chances created per 90 minutes in 2024-25 is bettered by only two Spurs players in a season on record (min. 900 minutes played): Christian Eriksen in 2015-16 (2.6 per 90) and Aaron Lennon in 2010-11 (2.51 per 90).



Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League Preview

In what promises to be an exciting match-up, Brentford will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend. Both teams will be looking to secure three points and continue their climb up the table.

Team News:
Brentford will be without the services of midfielder Josh Dasilva, who is sidelined with a hip injury. However, they will be boosted by the return of striker Ivan Toney, who has recovered from a minor knock.

Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, will be missing winger Lucas Moura due to a muscle injury. However, they will have key players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min available for selection.

Stats:
– Brentford have won three of their last five Premier League matches, including a 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
– Tottenham Hotspur are unbeaten in their last five league games, with three wins and two draws.
– Brentford have scored 12 goals in their last five matches, while Tottenham have scored 11.

Head-to-Head:
In their last meeting earlier this season, Tottenham Hotspur emerged as 2-0 winners against Brentford. Historically, Tottenham have a strong record against Brentford, winning seven out of their 10 meetings in all competitions.

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams in good form. Will Brentford be able to upset the odds and secure a victory, or will Tottenham Hotspur continue their winning streak? Tune in to find out!

Tags:

Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League preview, team news, stats, head-to-head, match analysis, key players, latest updates

#Brentford #Tottenham #Hotspur #Premier #League #preview #team #news #stats #headtohead

  • Preview: Arsenal v Man City | Pre-Match Report | News


    The big games just keep coming as we once again put the only unbeaten home record in the Premier League on the line against Manchester City on Sunday (4.30pm UK).

    Having battled hard with Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side for the past couple of seasons, we find ourselves six points ahead of them and with the upper hand in the recent meetings, having remained unbeaten in our last four clashes.

    That form will have to be maintained if we’re to keep up our title push, especially now City’s winter of woe seems to have thawed. They’ve registered some important wins to return to something like the force they have been for the past few seasons, so it seems that once again, this fixture could have a huge say in the destiny of the Premier League title.

    City’s confidence returning?

    Having been unbeaten in their first nine league games, City were looking odds-on to win a fifth league title in a row, but suddenly their form and confidence plummeted. Cup defeats to Tottenham and Sporting Lisbon were then followed by league losses to Bournemouth, Brighton and Spurs again, this time by a 4-0 scoreline to condemn Pep Guardiola to five straight losses for the first time in his glittering managerial career.

    A 3-0 lead against Feyenoord was then squandered before a loss against Liverpool followed, and despite beating Nottingham Forest, they were beaten by Juventus and endured two draws and two defeats over Christmas, incredibly leaving them with one win from 13 matches.

    But things have begun to return to normal. They’re now unbeaten in six Premier League games, and only Newcastle have won more points since Christmas than City’s 14. A 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain last week left their hopes of remaining in the Champions League on the brink, but after a 3-1 home win against Chelsea they overcame Club Brugge by the same scoreline on Wednesday to set up a play-off clash against Real Madrid.

    What the managers say

    Arteta: “[A win] would be a big boost for us. Winning big matches is always something special. Every time we play a big match against one of our big rivals it brings something extra – the confidence, the emotion, the fact that they are there and continue to win – for that we want to achieve.

    “The business is to be better than them. That’s it. The only thing I review is what happened during that match, how competitive it gets is normal when two big teams want to win the game. Nothing else from that side.”

    Guardiola: “We started [this run of games] in Paris, then afterwards Chelsea, so we are already there in terms of difficult games. The schedule is what it is.

    “It always happens in the Premier League, always they put the toughest [fixtures] – always they are so kind with the calendar. For many years it happens that way. We had amazing success dealing with this calendar. It’s always been like that, we accept it, I’m not complaining because we won the treble.”

    Team news

    David Raya missed the midweek Champions League win in Girona with a muscular injury with Neto deputising, and the Brazilian is on standby again if our number one isn’t available, but one player who is is Myles Lewis-Skelly after his red card against Wolves was rescinded.

    England duo Ben White and Bukayo Saka remain out after knee and hamstring surgery, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and former City man Gabriel Jesus are also missing with their own knee injuries.

    Rodri’s ACL injury picked up in the reverse fixture has hampered City all season but he could be back before the end of the season. Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake have sat out recent games and Guardiola admitted they won’t be fit in time for this game.

    Oscar Bobb is back in training following a leg fracture, while January arrivals Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis can all feature again after being ineligible in the Champions League. Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on loan earlier this week.

    Talking tactics

    Adrian Clarke, writing in the official matchday programme: City have shifted between a 4-1-4-1 and a 4-2-3-1, with the use of Kevin de Bruyne crucial to which set-up Guardiola prefers. If he is leaning towards a possession-based attacking approach, the Belgian will usually play as a No. 10 but if not, he becomes a box-to-box midfielder in a gameplan more suited to breaking at speed on fast transitions.

    Averaging a league-high 61% of possession, City want to monopolise the ball. Bypassing our press by going long to Erling Haaland is an obvious ploy if he is left 1v1 with a marker, but roving left-back Josko Gvardiol also likes to make dangerous runs beyond the defensive line. He can be expertly picked out by keeper Ederson, or a central defender.

    City have had more shots than any other team, and have netted a division-high nine times from outside the box. Egyptian star Omar Marmoush has been added to their ranks this month who scored 15 goals in 17 starts for Eintracht Frankfurt prior to the move, so his finishing prowess has to be respected.

    However Rodri’s absence means City have also been more susceptible to counter-attacks through the middle, and only three Premier League sides have faced more shots from fast break, and their unusually porous defending has limited them to just five clean sheets in 23 matches.

    Facts and stats

    We are unbeaten in 13 Premier League matches and have won the most points of any side from MD11 onwards (29). We have never had a longer unbeaten run under Mikel Arteta, last going 14 without defeat between August and December 2018.

    City have lost just one of their last 40 league matches played from January until the end of the season (W33 D6). They are unbeaten in their last 23 of these games across the last two campaigns.

    We have scored the most goals via set pieces (12, excl. pens) in the Premier League this season, while City have conceded the joint-fewest of these goals (2, level with Brentford). One of those though was Gabriel’s goal in the 2-2 draw in September, and five of the last 10 goals we have netted against City have come via corners.

    39.6% of the minutes played by Manchester City players in the Premier League this season
    have been given to players aged 30 or older.

    Phil Foden has scored in four consecutive Premier League games for the very first time, while he’s scored more Premier League goals so far in 2025 than any other player (6).

    Kevin De Bruyne has 12 goal involvements in 14 Premier League starts against us, while his eight goals are more than he’s managed against any other side in the competition.

    City are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games in London, since their loss at Emirates Stadium in October 2023.

    Manchester City have won more points from losing positions than any other side in the Premier League this season (17), with five of their 12 wins coming after conceding the first goal.

    Match officials

    Peter Bankes will be the man in the middle, the third time he’s been handed one of our games this term following our New Year’s Day win at Brentford, and the League Cup success at Preston North End. We’ve lost just twice in 10 games under his watch, which both came at Southampton in 2021 and 2022.

    He’s handled two Manchester City matches this season, the last of which saw them lose 2-1 to Aston Villa in December. While he has never booked more than two players or awarded a penalty in any Gunners game, he has pointed to the spot five times in 14 Premier League games this term.

    Referee: Peter Bankes
    Assistants: Eddie Smart, Nick Greenhalgh
    Fourth official: Anthony Taylor
    VAR: Paul Tierney
    Assistant VAR: Craig Taylor

    Recent visits from City

    Last season saw us end a 12-game losing streak home and away against City courtesy of a 1-0 win in October 2023, sealed by an 86th-minute strike by Gabriel Martinelli. That means we could win consecutive home league games against City for the first time since 2009.

    The previous February saw City leapfrog us at the top of the table courtesy of a 3-1 victory, with Kevin De Bruyne opening the scoring before Saka levelled from the penalty spot. However second-half strikes from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland won the game.

    Guardiola’s team had previously pitched up in N5 on New Year’s Day 2022, when a last-minute Rodri goal snatched victory for the visitors. Saka had given us the lead, but a Riyad Mahrez penalty and a red card for Gabriel changed the game.

    Live coverage

    Get pumped for the big game by tuning into Arsenal.com and the official app an hour before kick-off, where Nicole Holliday and Timbsy will be in our new-look Live from N5 studio!

    Former Gunner Anders Limpar will join them, who’ll participate in a round of our squad number Higher or Lower game, dedicated to our previous Swedish stars, while Bridgerton actor Martins Imhangbe and DJ AG also drop by the studio.

    Leandro Trossard and Jorginho answer our Question of the Day before Frimmy goes out and about around Emirates Stadium chatting to supporters, with live commentary coming from Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke once the action gets underway.

    You can also find out which broadcasters are showing the action live wherever you are in the world.

    Copyright 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.



    The highly anticipated match between Arsenal and Manchester City is set to take place this weekend, and fans are already buzzing with excitement. Both teams are coming off strong performances in their previous matches, making this showdown even more intriguing.

    Arsenal will be looking to continue their winning streak and maintain their spot near the top of the table. With players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka in top form, the Gunners will be a formidable opponent for City.

    On the other hand, Manchester City will be eager to bounce back from their recent loss and secure a crucial victory. With a star-studded lineup including Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, City will be looking to assert their dominance on the pitch.

    This match promises to be a thrilling and intense battle between two of the Premier League’s top teams. Stay tuned for our pre-match report for all the latest news and updates on this exciting fixture.

    Tags:

    • Arsenal vs Man City
    • Premier League
    • Match preview
    • Pre-match report
    • News update
    • Football rivalry
    • Team analysis
    • Player insights
    • Key match-ups
    • Tactical analysis

    #Preview #Arsenal #Man #City #PreMatch #Report #News

  • Preview: Juventus vs. Empoli – prediction, team news, lineups


    Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Serie A clash between Juventus and Empoli, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

    After back-to-back defeats, Juventus will seek an end to their three-game winless streak on Sunday, when they welcome Serie A strugglers Empoli to Turin.

    The Bianconeri recently followed their first league loss of the season with another setback in Europe, while their ailing visitors have slumped to the foot of the form table.


    Match preview

    Juventus head coach Thiago Motta on September 21, 2024© Imago

    With playoff places on the line, two former European Cup winners met on Wednesday, as Juventus hosted Benfica in the Champions League’s chaotic league-phase finale.

    Juve had already confirmed a place in the knockout rounds, and they were just one point shy of the top eight; however, a chastening 2-0 defeat saw them slip down to 20th in the final standings.

    After winning their first two fixtures, the Bianconeri managed just a single success from the next six, so a potentially hazardous route through the next phase now awaits.

    On the domestic scene, Thiago Motta‘s men have won only eight of their 22 league matches this season, following last week’s 2-1 loss to league leaders Napoli, now coached by Juve legend Antonio Conte.

    Despite a debut goal from new signing Randal Kolo Muani – who had completed his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain just a few days earlier – they suffered a defeat that left them fifth in the table.

    Motta’s side have now let some 17 points slip through their fingers, leaving the ex-Bologna boss with the third-lowest win percentage of any permanent manager in Juve’s club history.

    Indeed, the last time Juventus recorded so few victories at this stage of a Serie A season was back in 1988, so Motta is coming under pressure to turn things around – starting this weekend.

    Still the only team unbeaten at home in the Italian top flight this season, they have won 80% of their league games against Empoli in Turin, so nothing other than three points will do.

    Lorenzo Colombo pictured in action for Empoli on October 30, 2024© Imago

    Sunday’s visitors will have other ideas, though, as both of Empoli’s last two meetings with Juventus have ended all square, including a goalless stalemate in September’s reverse fixture.

    In fact, the Tuscan side have lost just one of the clubs’ last four league contests, having been beaten in 10 of the previous 11.

    Last week, the Azzurri held Bologna to a 1-1 draw at Stadio Castellani, with Lorenzo Colombo‘s opening strike being cancelled out just before half time.

    In isolation, that represents a good result for a team fighting for survival, but Empoli are now winless in seven Serie A matches, averaging just 0.3 points per game during that spell, compared to 1.3 across their first 15 fixtures.

    At the Castellani, they have posted just one win and eight points so far, and such dismal home form leaves them dangerously close to the drop zone.

    Davide Nicola‘s men fare much better on the road, though, so they might still fancy their chances of toppling Juventus.

    Juventus Serie A form:

    Juventus form (all competitions):

    Empoli Serie A form:


    Team News

    Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso pictured on January 14, 2025© Imago

    Subject of much speculation around a winter switch to the Premier League, Andrea Cambiaso should be back in the Juventus squad after missing their midweek defeat with an ongoing ankle problem.

    However, first-choice centre-back Pierre Kalulu has been sidelined by a muscular injury, so either new signing Renato Veiga or midfielder Manuel Locatelli could deputise in the hosts’ back four.

    After scoring against Napoli, Randal Kolo Muani was ineligible to play Benfica, but he could now become the first man to find the net in his first two league games for Juve since Carlos Tevez in 2013; top scorer Dusan Vlahovic may be dropped to the bench.

    Meanwhile, Empoli’s chief threat comes from Sebastiano Esposito, who has scored in each of his last four away appearances.

    Once again, Ola Solbakken joins long-term absentees Pietro Pellegri, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov and Tyronne Ebuehi on the Azzurri’s injury list.

    Furthermore, Davide Nicola must do without suspended pair Alberto Grassi and Giuseppe Pezzella, while key defender Mattia Viti is struggling with an adductor issue.

    Juventus possible starting lineup:
    Perin; Savona, Gatti, Veiga, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani

    Empoli possible starting lineup:
    Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, De Sciglio; Gyasi, Henderson, Anjorin, Cacace; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo


    SM words green background

    We say: Juventus 2-1 Empoli

    While Empoli can consider this Sunday lunchtime clash a free hit, Juventus are burdened by the need to reverse their recent downturn.

    New additions have freshened up the hosts’ squad, so they can edge past an away side that knows how to grind out results on the road.

    For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


    ID:564473:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect13242:

    Previews by email

    Click here to get Sports Mole‘s daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!




    In this highly anticipated Serie A matchup, Juventus will face off against Empoli at the Allianz Stadium. Both teams will be looking to secure three points and continue their strong start to the season.

    Prediction:
    Juventus, the reigning Serie A champions, are the clear favorites in this match. With a star-studded lineup including Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, and Matthijs de Ligt, they have the firepower to dominate their opponents. Empoli, on the other hand, will have to put in a solid defensive performance and capitalize on any chances they get to have a shot at causing an upset. However, we predict Juventus will come out on top with a comfortable 3-0 win.

    Team News:
    Juventus will be without midfielder Arthur Melo and forward Federico Bernardeschi due to injuries. However, they still have a strong squad to choose from, and manager Massimiliano Allegri will likely stick with a similar lineup to their recent matches.

    Empoli will be missing defender Antonino La Gumina and midfielder Petko Hristov due to injuries as well. Manager Alessio Dionisi will have to rely on his remaining players to step up and put in a solid performance against the reigning champions.

    Lineups:
    Juventus: Szczesny, Danilo, De Ligt, Chiellini, Sandro, Bentancur, Locatelli, Cuadrado, Dybala, Chiesa, Ronaldo

    Empoli: Vicario, Stojanovic, Ismajli, Tonelli, Parisi, Zurkowski, Ricci, Fiamozzi, Asllani, Bajrami, Mancuso

    It promises to be an exciting match between these two teams, and fans can expect to see some top-class football on display. Stay tuned for the match and see if our predictions come true!

    Tags:

    1. Juventus vs Empoli prediction
    2. Juventus vs Empoli team news
    3. Juventus vs Empoli lineups
    4. Serie A match preview
    5. Italian football predictions
    6. Juventus latest news
    7. Empoli match analysis
    8. Cristiano Ronaldo update
    9. Serie A top teams
    10. Italian soccer match preview

    #Preview #Juventus #Empoli #prediction #team #news #lineups

  • 2025 MLS Western Conference Preview & Standings Prediction


    The 2025 MLS
    season is barely three weeks away! Ahead of the league’s 30th year, we’re moving full steam ahead into prediction season. Starting with the Western Conference today and the Eastern Conference, GIVEMESPORT‘s Ben Wright makes his predictions for the final standings.

    Note: these predictions are as of January 31, 2025. With the transfer window still in full swing, a lot can change before the first ball is kicked.

    15

    FC Dallas

    2024 finish: 11th

    FC Dallas forward Logan Farrington

    FC Dallas
    have essentially gutted their roster. Gone are Jesús Ferreira
    , Paul Arriola
    , Alan Velasco
    and Nkosi Tafari
    . They’ve made a few signings, but overall haven’t come close to replacing the exodus of key players from last year. It looks set to be a long season in Eric Quill’s first season in charge.

    14

    San Diego FC

    2024 finish: N/A

    Mikey Varas San Diego FC 2024 Stadium
    Credit: San Diego FC

    It’s typically hard to judge expansion teams before they’ve ever played a match. San Diego FC
    are no different. Some of their moves have been intriguing, like the additions of DP wingers Hirving Lozano
    and Anders Dreyer
    . There are still plenty of question marks, though, like how Mikey Varas will fare in his first season as a senior head coach. At the end of the day, it’s just really hard to be good as an expansion team.

    13

    Portland Timbers

    2024 finish: 9th

    Evander Neville

    The Portland Timbers
    have a ton of questions heading into the season. For starters, will Evander
    be back? The 2024 Best XI midfielder ended last season publicly frustrated at the club, and seems like a prime candidate for the league’s new Cash Trade rule. If Evander leaves, Portland’s ceiling falls into the basement.

    12

    Sporting Kansas City

    2024 finish: 13th

    Peter Vermes - Sporting KC

    Sporting Kansas City
    are another team who’ve had a major exodus of players this winter. Johnny Russell, Tim Melia
    , Alan Pulido
    and Fontàs
    may have been past their primes, but they were all key players for Sporting, and haven’t been replaced so far this winter… sike! Signing Dejan Joveljic
    from the Los Angeles Galaxy
    as the first cash trade in league history is a huge move that brings them one of the best goal-scorers in MLS, and immediately raises their ceiling.

    11

    Vancouver Whitecaps

    2024 finish: 8th

    Vancouver Whitecaps forward Brian White reacts during the Canadian Championship final
    Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

    The Vancouver Whitecaps
    are another team with major question marks. Are you sensing the trend here? Vanni Sartini was fired after the 2024 season. The club was put up for sale. Fafà Picault
    left in free agency, and Stuart Armstrong
    has been sold to Sheffield Wednesday
    . There are more questions than answers this point, and while the ‘Caps have been on the bubble of being a contender for the last several seasons, 2025 feels like it has the potential to sour quickly.

    10

    San Jose Earthquakes

    2024 finish: 14th

    Bruce Arena looks on during the game at Gillette Stadium on June 10, 2023 when he was manager of the New England Revolution

    How quickly can Bruce Arena turn around one of the worst teams in MLS history? That’s the big question for the San Jose Earthquakes
    , and honestly one of the biggest questions of the 2025 season. The ‘Quakes were awful in 2024, finishing last in the Supporters’ Shield standings, losing a record 25 matches, and conceding a record 78 goals. They’ve been wildly active in the transfer market, signing Josef Martínez
    and Cristian Arango
    , as well as bolstering several other areas. Arena has a history of getting production quickly, but will it be enough to get them into the playoffs?

    9

    Austin FC

    2024 finish: 10th

    Brandon Vazquez - Austin FC

    Austin FC have overhauled their Designated Players, signing their three current DPs ( Osman Bukari
    , Brandon Vázquez
    and Myrto Uzuni
    ) in the last two windows. Sebastián Driussi
    is gone, transferred out as Nico Estévez comes in to manage a new-look roster. They don’t have much depth at any position, though, and there are real questions about who is going to create the chances for Vázquez and Uzuni to finish.

    8

    Houston Dynamo

    2024 finish: 5th

    Houston Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen

    Hector Herrera and Adalberto Carrasquilla
    are gone. Can Houston Dynamo
    still play Ben Olsen’s possession-based style without them? The Dynamo led MLS with 59.3 percent possession last year but scored the seventh-fewest goals. They need to figure out who is going to control the game for them while also hoping Ezequiel Ponce
    takes a big step forward in year two. Don’t be surprised if they take a step back in 2025.

    7

    Real Salt Lake

    2024 finish: 3th

    Diego Luna playing for Real Salt Lake
    Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

    It’s Diego Luna
    ‘s team now. With Chicho Arango traded, Real Salt Lake
    have moved on to a new chapter. Diogo Gonçalves
    wears the number 10, but I suspect Luna will carry the weight of chance creation for an RSL side that should be in the playoffs, but will have trouble challenging at the top of the table.

    6

    Colorado Rapids

    2024 finish: 7th

    Chris Armas Colorado Rapids 2024
    Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

    The Colorado Rapids
    might not have the highest ceiling in the West, but under Chris Armas they’ve proved to have a very high floor, especially if Djordje Mihailović
    is able to stay healthy for a full season. Chidozie Awaziem
    was savvy pickup from Cincinnati, and he should improve a defense that was decent-if-suspect last year.

    5

    St. Louis City SC

    2024 finish: 12th

    St. Louis CITY SC midfielder Eduard Lowen (10) and Marcel Hartel (17) celebrate after a goal against Club America in the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit- Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
    Mandatory Credit- Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

    St. Louis CITY SC
    have had a quiet winter window, but that’s because they did most of their business in the summer. Marcel Hartel
    and Cedric Teuchert
    look like stars, and Timo Baumgartl
    should be a fantastic addition at the back. They’re one to watch, and one of my two dark horse picks in the West this year.

    4

    LA Galaxy

    2024 finish: 2nd

    PaintsilPecJov

    Remember that MLS Cup
    -winning roster? Yeah… it’s dismantled. Aside from the fact that Riqui Puig
    will miss most of the 2025 season, Gastón Brugman
    , Jalen Neal
    , Marky Delgado
    and now Dejan Joveljic
    are gone. With the Galaxy up against cap constraints, they haven’t really been able to reload, although Joveljic’s sale should give them a bit of wiggle room. They should be able to make a couple of additions, but having them in fourth feels like a risk.

    3

    Minnesota United

    2024 finish: 6th

    Minnesota United forward Kelvin Yeboah celebrates a goal
     Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

    Minnesota United
    maybe shouldn’t count as a dark horse, but I’m calling them one. Kelvin Yeboah
    looked like a Golden Boot-caliber No. 9 in his half season, Robin Lod
    remains one of the best and most overlooked playmakers in the league, and Eric Ramsey has built a solid system to maximize his players’ potential. Count on the Loons finishing towards the top of the Western Conference table.

    2

    Seattle Sounders

    2024 finish: 4th

    JordanMorrishero

    The Seattle Sounders
    quietly had one of the best winter windows in MLS. Re-signing Albert Rusnák
    and João Paulo
    was excellent business, Paul Arriola
    will raise their level in multiple positions, and Jesús Ferreira
    is a proven MLS goal-scorer who hasn’t even reached his prime. Pair that with an all-time elite defense and you have a winning formula. The Sounders were just minutes away from making MLS Cup in 2024, and no one should be shocked if they make it all the way in 2025.

    1

    LAFC

    2024 finish: 1st

    Olivier Giroud LAFC 2024 Leagues Cup Final
    Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

    Los Angeles FC
    are another side that have made tons of changes this winter. Their midfield, in particular, has been completely gutted, with Timothy Tillman the only returning midfielder from 2024. Normally, this would be a massive red flag. But John Thorrington has build up a lot of credit with six seasons of exceptional roster building, endlessly able to replace players at a high level and always good for one massive summer move. Even with the changes, they still have loads of talent in this squad, an MVP-caliber attacker in Denis Bouanga
    , and the ability to go out and add a game-changing DP in the summer. It’s the blueprint they’ve followed for years, and it always seems to work.

    Related


    Transfer Needs For All 30 MLS Teams Before Opening Day

    The 2025 MLS Regular Season is only weeks away; here’s what every club needs to round out their rosters ahead of Opening Day.



    As we look ahead to the 2025 MLS season, the Western Conference is shaping up to be as competitive as ever. With talented teams and star-studded rosters, fans can expect an exciting race for the playoffs.

    Here is a preview of the top teams in the Western Conference and my prediction for the final standings:

    1. LA Galaxy: With a strong core of players and a proven track record of success, the Galaxy are poised to finish at the top of the conference. Led by key players like Chicharito and Jonathan dos Santos, they have the talent and experience to make a deep playoff run.

    2. Seattle Sounders: The Sounders have consistently been a powerhouse in the Western Conference and I expect them to be right in the mix again in 2025. With a balanced roster and strong coaching, they will be a tough team to beat.

    3. Portland Timbers: The Timbers have a solid roster and a passionate fan base that always gives them a boost at home. With key players like Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco leading the way, they should be in contention for a playoff spot.

    4. FC Dallas: Dallas has a young and talented roster that has been steadily improving in recent years. With a focus on developing their own talent through their academy, they have the potential to surprise some of the more established teams in the conference.

    5. LAFC: After a disappointing season in 2024, LAFC will be looking to bounce back and regain their status as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. With Carlos Vela leading the way, they have the firepower to compete with anyone in the league.

    6. Real Salt Lake: RSL may be flying under the radar, but they have a solid core of players and a strong team culture that could propel them into playoff contention. With a well-rounded roster and a hard-working mentality, they could be a dark horse in the conference.

    7. Vancouver Whitecaps: The Whitecaps have made some key additions to their roster in the offseason and should be a team to watch in 2025. With exciting young players like Ryan Gauld and Lucas Cavallini, they have the potential to surprise some of the more established teams in the conference.

    8. San Jose Earthquakes: The Earthquakes have struggled in recent years, but they have made some key acquisitions in the offseason that could help them improve in 2025. With a revamped roster and a new coaching staff, they will be looking to make a statement in the Western Conference.

    Overall, the Western Conference is shaping up to be highly competitive in 2025, with several teams vying for playoff spots. While the Galaxy may be the favorites to finish at the top, there are plenty of talented teams that will be looking to challenge them for supremacy. It’s sure to be an exciting season ahead for MLS fans.

    Tags:

    1. 2025 MLS Western Conference Preview
    2. MLS Western Conference Standings Prediction 2025
    3. Western Conference Teams Analysis 2025
    4. MLS 2025 Western Conference Season Preview
    5. Predictions for 2025 MLS West Conference Standings
    6. Key Matchups in the 2025 MLS Western Conference
    7. Top Contenders in the 2025 MLS West Conference
    8. MLS Western Conference Standings Forecast 2025
    9. Expert Predictions for the 2025 Western Conference
    10. 2025 MLS Western Conference Season Preview & Analysis

    #MLS #Western #Conference #Preview #Standings #Prediction

  • Update On WWE Planning For EVOLVE Return, Preview For Royal Rumble Go-Home Episode Of WWE SmackDown


    – WWE SmackDown returns with the Royal Rumble 2025 go-home show tonight. On tap for the final three-hour show before Saturday’s premium live event are the following matches:

    * Chelsea Green (c) vs. Michin (WWE Women’s U.S. Title)
    * DIY & Pretty Deadly vs. Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza
    * Naomi vs. Liv Morgan
    * Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes

    Make sure to join us here tonight at 8/7c for live WWE SmackDown results coverage.

    – An update on the rumors of EVOLVE Wrestling returning within WWE, who now owns the company, has surfaced. On Thursday, January 30, WWE filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to trademark “EVOLVE.” The official description reads as follows:

    Entertainment services, a show about sports, entertainment and general interest; entertainment services, namely, the production and exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered live and through broadcast media; entertainment services, namely on-going reality based programs; providing entertainment and sports news and information via a global computer network or commercial online service; entertainment services, namely, provision of information and news about sports, entertainment and general interest; providing a website in the field of sports, entertainment and general interest; production of multimedia programs; providing online photos and videos featuring sports and entertainment.



    The world of professional wrestling is abuzz with excitement as WWE continues to make plans for the return of EVOLVE, one of its most beloved brands. After a hiatus due to the global pandemic, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite EVOLVE stars back in action soon.

    In addition to the EVOLVE return, WWE is gearing up for the Royal Rumble, one of the most anticipated events of the year. The go-home episode of WWE SmackDown promises to be a thrilling preview of what’s to come at the Royal Rumble.

    With so much on the horizon, wrestling fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates on EVOLVE’s return and all the latest on WWE’s road to the Royal Rumble.

    Tags:

    1. WWE EVOLVE return
    2. Royal Rumble preview
    3. WWE SmackDown
    4. WWE planning
    5. Royal Rumble go-home episode
    6. Wrestling news
    7. WWE updates
    8. Pro wrestling
    9. Sports entertainment
    10. WWE events

    #Update #WWE #Planning #EVOLVE #Return #Preview #Royal #Rumble #GoHome #Episode #WWE #SmackDown

  • Brooklyn Nets vs. Houston Rockets preview: Is Houston a model for Brooklyn?


    Well that was impressive. The Brooklyn Nets were on the road Wednesday night to face the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets didn’t put up a fight and the Nets cruised to a 21 point victory. Not much more to it then that.

    The opponent tonight has been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season. The Houston Rockets have been magnificent this season and have a great chance of securing homecourt advantage in the first round. They went down to the wire against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night, but fell one point short.

    Where to follow the game

    YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Tip after 8 PM.

    Injuries

    No Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, De’Anthony Melton, Maxwell Lewis, Bogan Bogdanovic, or Noah Clowney. Dariq Whitehead is back with Long Island.

    Jabari Smith is out with a left metacarpal fracture. Alperen Sengun is questionable with a left calf contusion.

    The game

    Are the Rockets ahead of schedule? Coming into the season, Ime Udoka’s guys weren’t expected to be major players. However, they’ve been better than even the most optimistic Rocket fan could have predicted. Houston has a bright, bright future and they have the room to do just about anything they set their minds to as we head into the trade deadline and beyond.

    Someone who’s a big part of that vision is Amen Thompson. He’s been on a great roll in recent weeks, and he’s been a multiplying force for his teammates. Over at The Dream Shake, Nick Stevenson made note of Thompson vis a vis the injured Jabari Smith and said:

    The biggest argument against Amen becoming as permanent starter is his lack of 3-point shooting, however the Rockets are shooting nearly 40 percent from the three-point line since Amen has become a starter in Smith Jr.’s absence. His defense leads to fast break points, his penetration into the paint has created open shot opportunities for his teammates when he’s not finishing in the paint at a very high clip.

    For as good as he’s been, the super sophomore still has some more miles to go. Udoka talked about that after Thursday’s final possession

    Live and learn.

    If the Nets want to pull off the upset, they’re going to need a big game out of Nic Claxton. The Rockets are the best rebounding team in the NBA this season and assuming Sengun is back for this game, we’ll be seeing a top ten rebounder in the league this season.

    Player to watch: Jalen Green

    Is this the year Jalen Green finally puts it all together? We’ve been waiting for a good while for the former number two pick in the 2021 Draft to live up to his potential. He’s still got some ways to go, but he’s coming off of the best month of his young career. In January, Green averaged close to 26 points per game on 47/44/89 shooting splits.

    Green keeps showing what he can do. The only question has been can he do it on a consistent basis. Of late that question is being answered in the affirmative and with him, Thompson and Sengun all still only 22 years old, Houston is a problem.

    Going forward, the Nets can hopefully do what the Rockets have done, make smart trades for picks, build organically, hire a smart young coach and overall make the right decisions at the right time. The Rockets are way further along on that track.

    From the Vault

    Live from Indianapolis later this evening, it will be the ROYAL RUMBLE! Indianapolis will be hosting the biggest wrestling event of the winter as 30 men and 30 women vie for a chance to main event Wrestlemania. In honor of that, let’s take some trips down memory lane!

    More reading: The Dream Shake and SB Nation NBA





    The Brooklyn Nets are set to face off against the Houston Rockets in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams. As the Nets continue to build their roster around their superstar duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, many are looking to the Rockets as a potential model for success.

    Houston has shown that a small-ball lineup can be effective in today’s NBA, with their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play. The Nets, with their own collection of offensive firepower, may look to emulate the Rockets’ success by pushing the tempo and spreading the floor.

    Both teams have faced their fair share of challenges this season, with injuries and roster changes impacting their performances. However, with the playoffs looming, both the Nets and Rockets will be looking to make a statement with a strong showing in this matchup.

    Will Houston’s small-ball approach prove to be a winning formula against the Nets? Or will Brooklyn’s star power and offensive versatility be too much for the Rockets to handle? Tune in to find out in what is sure to be a thrilling game between two teams with their sights set on playoff success.

    Tags:

    Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, NBA preview, basketball matchup, game analysis, team comparison, Brooklyn Nets vs Houston Rockets, NBA rivalry, Houston Rockets strategy, Brooklyn Nets performance, basketball preview, NBA game preview, Houston Rockets vs Brooklyn Nets.

    #Brooklyn #Nets #Houston #Rockets #preview #Houston #model #Brooklyn

  • Game Preview #49 – Timberwolves vs. Wizards


    Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Washington Wizards
    Date: February 1st, 2025
    Time: 7:00 PM CST
    Location: Target Center
    Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
    Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

    The Timberwolves Are Rolling—Now They Need to Keep It Going

    Well, well, well… look who finally decided to play like a team with actual championship aspirations.

    For the first time all season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have that thing—momentum. They’re riding a five-game winning streak, their longest of the season, and suddenly look like a team that knows exactly who they are. Gone are the nights where you’d watch 36 minutes of solid basketball only for everything to go sideways during one backbreaking scoring drought. Gone are the “they just don’t have it tonight” games where the offense goes ice-cold and the defense decides to take the night off.

    Now? The Wolves are playing winning basketball. The proof is right there in the results—January was their best month of the season (10-6 record), and they’ve now won 10 of their last 14. And the best part? The wins have come against real opponents. The Mavericks. The Nuggets. The Suns. All teams they’re going to have to go through if they want to make real noise in the West this spring.

    Now, as the calendar flips to February, they get a golden opportunity to keep this thing going. Up first? The very beatable Washington Wizards, losers of 16 straight. If there was ever a “handle your business” game, this is it.

    But before we look ahead, let’s talk about why things are finally starting to click for the Wolves.

    What Changed? Why the Wolves Are Finally Looking Like a Contender

    For months, we kept hearing that the Wolves were still figuring things out after the Karl-Anthony Towns shocker that sent him to the Knicks just before the season. And sure, that was a real factor. Losing a franchise cornerstone and bringing in new pieces like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo doesn’t just magically work overnight.

    But here’s the thing—it wasn’t just an adjustment issue. For most of the season, the Wolves played like a team that couldn’t get out of its own way. The starting five—Conley, Edwards, McDaniels, Randle, and Gobert—had talent, but they were prone to slow starts, offensive stagnation, and long scoring droughts that killed momentum. The defense would show up some nights, then disappear when they needed it most. It was frustrating.

    That’s why the past two games against Phoenix and Utah felt different.

    The biggest change? Chris Finch finally expanded the rotation.

    Look, I get it. Most coaches like to keep their rotations tight—especially when they’re trying to figure things out mid-season. Finch had been rolling with a mostly eight-man lineup for months, giving meaningful minutes to only Naz Reid, DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker off the bench. That’s a playoff rotation, not a regular-season one.

    But with injuries forcing his hand, Finch finally gave some of the young guys extended minutes. And guess what? It worked.

    Rob Dillingham played his best minutes of the season and was the team’s second leading scorer. Jaylen Clark took his opportunity to play some lock-down defense that perfectly complimented Edwards and McDaniels. Luka Garza—who has been regulated to towel waiving and garbage time, dropped 16 points. Suddenly, the Wolves had energy.

    This has been the biggest revelation of the past week—mixing in the young guys has injected some much-needed life into this team.

    Dillingham is a sparkplug who opens up the offense as a facilitator and a scoring threat himself. Clark brings scrappy, high-energy defense. Garza provides size and effort in the paint. It’s a different kind of lineup dynamic. Instead of relying entirely on Ant and Randle to generate offense, the ball is moving. Guys are flying around. The defensive intensity goes up.

    And guess what? The Wolves don’t resemble the lifeless, miserable, stuck-in-the-mud team that squandered so many winnable games. They’ve been able to weather the storm, stay competitive, and let their stars close the deal when it matters.

    It’s a small tweak, but it’s made a huge difference.

    A Crucial February: The Wolves Have an Opportunity to Make a Move

    So here we are—27-21, sitting at the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, just half a game behind the Clippers for the 6-seed and only 1.5 games behind Denver for the No. 4 seed (aka home-court advantage in the first round).

    The Wolves need this win against Washington because what comes next is a huge opportunity.

    This five-game homestand is their longest of the season. After the Wizards, they get:

    • Sacramento (Always a battle, but winnable)
    • Chicago (Should be a win)
    • Houston (A showdown with the surging Rockets)
    • Portland (Can’t lose this one)

    If the Wolves handle their business and go 4-1 or 5-0 during this stretch, they’ll be riding a double-digit win streak into their brutal end-of-February schedule.

    That’s why this Wizards game is crucial—not because it’s a must-win on its own, but because it sets the tone.

    If they come out sloppy and let Washington hang around, that’s a bad omen for the rest of the homestand. If they handle their business—come out strong, jump on Washington early, and put them away—it keeps the momentum rolling.

    Keys to the Game: Don’t Mess Around

    The Wizards are… well, they’re bad. Really bad. This is a team that hasn’t won since New Year’s Day. They have a league basement defense, struggle to generate consistent offense, and don’t have the firepower to keep up with a locked-in Wolves team.

    That being said, the last time these two teams met in D.C., it was way closer than it should’ve been. The Wolves messed around for three quarters before finally pulling away late.

    Can’t let that happen again.

    1. Start Fast – No slow starts. No messing around. Come out with energy, build an early lead, and take control.
    2. Defensive Pressure – The Wolves’ perimeter defense has been elite lately, with Ant, Alexander-Walker, McDaniels, and now Clark hounding opposing guards. Keep that up, and the Wizards won’t have a chance.
    3. Win the Glass – Rudy Gobert is dominating the boards lately. Keep that up, limit Washington’s second-chance points, and don’t give them any extra life.
    4. Keep the Ball Moving – The Wolves have been sharing the ball better over the past week. Don’t let the offense get stagnant.
    5. No Letdowns – This is a team that must be beaten. Don’t let them think they have a chance.

    Final Thoughts: Keep This Thing Rolling

    The Wolves are finally playing with consistency. They’ve fixed their rotations, expanded their bench, and started closing out games like a real contender.

    Now, they need to keep it going.

    This five-game homestand is a gift. They must take advantage of it.

    With the West being so tight, the difference between going 4-1 or 5-0 over the next five games versus going 2-3 could be the difference between hosting a first-round series and playing in the Play-In Tournament.

    Everything is right there for the taking. They just need to stay locked in, keep the defensive intensity high, and keep playing team basketball.

    No letdowns. No excuses. Just win the games you’re supposed to win.

    It starts with Washington. Let’s see if they’re up for the challenge.



    The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to take on the Washington Wizards in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Both teams are hungry for a win and will be looking to come out on top in this game.

    The Timberwolves have been showing signs of improvement recently, with young stars like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way. They will be looking to continue their momentum and secure a win against the Wizards.

    On the other hand, the Wizards have been struggling as of late and will be looking to turn things around in this game. With Bradley Beal leading the charge, they will be looking to get back on track and secure a much-needed win.

    Both teams have the talent to come out on top in this matchup, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Tune in to see all the action unfold as the Timberwolves take on the Wizards in this exciting game.

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