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Tag: Preview

  • Kings vs. Thunder Preview: That Imagine Dragons Song sucks


    Things might not all be normal in the Kingdom right now, but this team still has basketball games in front of them that need winning.  After dropping what should have been one of their easier games against a shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers squad, the Kings now face one of their toughest tests of the season in the 37-9 Oklahoma City Thunder.  Oklahoma City has lost just three games at homes all season and thrashed the Kings 130-109 in their sole previous matchup this season.  Toppling them will be no easy feat.

    Let’s talk Kings basketball!

    When: Saturday, February 1st, 5:00 PM
    Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
    TV: NBC Sports California
    Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM

    For Your Consideration

    The Thunder might just be the best team in the NBA this season, even though they’re a couple of wins behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the overall #1 seed.  Oklahoma City has become turbocharged on both ends of the floor this year, where they’re #1 in defensive rating and #6 in offensive rating.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is probably the only one who could threaten Nikola Jokic for the MVP award at this point, as he’s leading the league in scoring at 32.5 points a game on 52.8% from the field to go with 6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks.  Jalen Williams is also having a fantastic year, having been recently named an All-Star for the first time.

    This Thunder roster is stacked from top to bottom, possessed with elite top end talent and one of the deepest benches in the league.  They’re so deep that they only have two players (SGA & Jalen) that average over 30 minutes a game, and nobody averages 35.  They’ve managed to hold onto the best record in the West despite losing arguably their second best player, Chet Holmgren, 10 games into the season.  Their 11.9 net rating is 3rd in NBA history to only the 1995-96 and 1996-97 Bulls.  That means their average margin of victory is greater even than the Warriors team who won 73 games.  In fact, they have yet to lose a game by double digits.  How Sam Presti isn’t the highest paid GM in the league or being poached to be the highest paid GM in the league is beyond me.

    If the Thunder have any weakness, it’s their relative size and rebounding.  For an elite team, they’re only 27th in Defensive Rebounding Rate and 21st in Offensive Rebound Rate.  However, they make up for it by not even giving you the opportunity to shoot.  Oklahoma City leads the NBA in steals at 11.2 a game.  In fact, three of the NBA’s top 6 players in steals per game are on the Thunder (SGA, Jalen and Cason Wallace).  The Thunder use those steals to produce a league leading 23.2 points off turnovers, while on the other hand barely turning the ball over themselves (they average the 2nd fewest turnovers in the league).

    It’s going to take a near perfect game for the Kings to win this one on the road, and the Kings have been playing anything but perfect basketball as of late.  With the trade rumors swirling as well, that has to factor in as a distraction this team doesn’t need right now.  But if they hope to make the playoffs, they need to start making up some ground.  I’m hoping for a big game from Domantas Sabonis personally, as he took just 6 shots against the 76ers the other day.  The Kings need to do a better job of featuring him against smaller teams as a primary offensive weapon.  Sabonis also needs to stop passing up open threes (something he did multiple times against Philadelphia) considering he’s one of the team’s best shooters.  I’d also like to see Keegan Murray continue to be aggressive in attacking the basket.  He’s been getting to the rim with some regularity lately, and he’s also finishing with authority.  The Kings guards in particular (Fox, Monk, Ellis) need to watch the careless passes with Oklahoma City’s ballhawks watching, they’ll force you to make plenty of mistakes on your own without factoring in self-inflicted wounds too.  It’s going to be tough, but a win tonight would do a lot for morale and momentum going forward.

    Prediction

    DeMar DeRozan has a throwback game and scores a season-high 42 points, including the game winner over SGA.

    Kings 117, Thunder 116

     

     





    The highly anticipated matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with excitement. However, there’s one thing that has been bothering many basketball enthusiasts – that awful Imagine Dragons song that plays during Thunder games.

    As soon as the opening chords of “Thunder” start blaring through the speakers, it’s hard not to cringe. The repetitive lyrics and generic beat make it one of the most annoying sports anthems in recent memory. And yet, for some reason, it continues to be played at Thunder games, much to the dismay of fans.

    But fear not, Kings fans. Despite having to endure the torture of that terrible song, Sacramento is ready to take on the Thunder and come out victorious. With a talented roster led by De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield, the Kings are poised to give Oklahoma City a run for their money.

    So, as we gear up for this exciting matchup, let’s all collectively agree on one thing – that Imagine Dragons song sucks. But hey, at least we have some great basketball to look forward to. Let’s go Kings!

    Tags:

    • Kings vs. Thunder preview
    • NBA game preview
    • Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Imagine Dragons song review
    • NBA matchup analysis
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    • NBA game predictions
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    • NBA game breakdown
    • Imagine Dragons music critique

    #Kings #Thunder #Preview #Imagine #Dragons #Song #sucks

  • Game Preview: Islanders at Lightning


    ISLES NOTES

    – The Islanders added reinforcement to their blue line on Friday afternoon, claiming Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Panthers. The 24-year-old, right-handed shot has six points (2G, 4A) through 18 games played the Panthers this season. The 2018 first-round pick (8th overall) has played six NHL seasons with the Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Chicago Blackhawks, totaling 91 points (25 goals and 66 assists) over 227 games.

    – Isaiah George was returned to Bridgeport on loan in a corresponding move.

    – The Islanders are three games over NHL-.500 for the first time this season. They’re in the mix in the tight Eastern Conference standings with 53 points, four points behind the Lightning (57 points) and Columbus Blue Jackets (57 points) for the top two wild card spots, though the Boston Bruins (56 points) and the Detroit Red Wings (55 points) stand in the Isles’ way.

    – Simon Holmstrom scored for the third time in his last two games. The Swedish winger has been hot since his return to the lineup after a seven-game absence, with five points (4G, 1A) in his last six games since returning from injury.

    – Marc Gatcomb recorded his first goal and point on Thursday in his seventh career NHL game. He became the third Islanders rookie to score their first goal this season, after Max Tsyplakov (Oct. 10 vs UTA) and Isaiah George (Dec. 21 at TOR).

    “It’s definitely something you dream of your whole life, so it’s special,” Gatcomb said. “Definitely super excited to get that one and, most importantly, a huge win.”

    – Kyle Palmieri ended a 14-game goal drought with a tally against the Flyers. He has 13 goals and 33 points through 50 games this season.

    – Scott Perunovich has assists in his first two games with the Islanders. Per Islanders team statistician Eric Hornick, Perunovich is the first Islanders player to tally assists in his first two games since Johnny Boychuk (2014).

    – The Islanders have turned a corner since the year flipped to 2025. Since Jan. 1, their penalty kill (91.3%) ranks first in the NHL and their 1.75 GA/GP is also best in the league. The Isles completed the month with a points percentage of .750, which ranks third in the NHL. Per Hornick, the Islanders’ record of 9-3-0 is their best January since the 1982-83 Islanders posted a record of 9-2-1.

    – The Islanders are 4-1-1 on the front end of back-to-back sets this season.



    The New York Islanders are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a highly anticipated game tonight. Both teams are coming off of strong performances in their previous games, and fans can expect an exciting matchup between these two talented teams.

    The Islanders have been playing well recently, with key players like Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson leading the way on offense. Their defense has also been solid, with goaltender Semyon Varlamov making key saves to keep the team in games. The Islanders will look to continue their strong play and secure a win against the Lightning.

    On the other side, the Lightning are coming off of a dominant win in their last game, with top scorers like Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos leading the way. The Lightning’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, and their defense has been strong as well, led by goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning will look to keep their momentum going and secure another win against the Islanders.

    Overall, this game promises to be a thrilling matchup between two talented teams. Both the Islanders and the Lightning will be looking to secure a win and continue their strong play as they push towards the playoffs. Fans can expect a fast-paced and competitive game as these two teams battle it out on the ice. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as the Islanders take on the Lightning in what is sure to be an exciting game.

    Tags:

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    #Game #Preview #Islanders #Lightning

  • Game Preview: Virginia Tech at Virginia


    Virginia Tech has been a difficult team to figure out this season with many highs and lows. Fortunately and unfortunately, the Hokies come up against a Virginia Cavaliers team that is in the same boat so this battle in the Commonwealth has multiple unknowns entering this contest. The Hokies (9-12, 4-6) have started to figure some pieces out and turn things around while the Cavaliers (10-11, 3-7) have won two of their last three with some talented players starting to emerge. Virginia opened as 4.5-point favorites for the 4 PM tipoff on the ACC Network. 

    (Photo: Benny Sieu, Getty)

    Virginia started the season through some turmoil when legendary coach Tony Bennett announced his retirement shortly before the season began and Ron Sanchez took over. Some players decided to leave the program at that point and the team had to rally together to steady the ship. There have been some rough stretches but defending John Paul Jones Arena has been much better than their road performances so the energy and focus shouldn’t be in question heading into this one. 

    The Cavaliers have one of the slowest paces in the country, the second slowest in all of Division I actually, and are still playing good defense, two of the staples under Tony Bennett. Rebounding has been an issue with this team when looking at the advanced numbers but if the defense plays the way they are capable it shouldn’t be a major issue. Much like Virginia Tech fans have seen this season, there isn’t one major glaring issue but more a problem with consistency and getting repeat performances. 

    Isaac Mckneely is the offensive star for the Cavaliers but the 6’4″ wing impacts a little bit of everything. McKneely is averaging 13 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while hitting 43% from three. Isaac has had two 20+ point performances in the last three games as well, showing that he is still seeking the extra pass keeping the right flow. Andrew Rohde joins him on the wing and is the assist leader, averaging 8.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Rohde has actually been really struggling with his scoring but his passing has been very useful. Andrew missed the last game with injury and his status for the game tonight is still up in the air but getting him back should help the offense even through his poor shooting stretch. 

    Elijah Saunders is the best post player for Virginia but is also questionable for the game today. Saunders missed the last game but when he is active he is a very good rebounder who is a threat from all over the court. Elijah gets the most attention outside of McKneely so while the pieces worked against a struggling Miami, having that extra factor so the Hokies can’t focus down Isaac would be impactful. Jacob Cofie joins Saunders in the post and is on a good run of for as the 6’10” freshman has shown off some impressive rebounding and scoring. Cofie is second on the team in steals and blocks so his defense is what stands out but with his offensive breakout he is becoming an exciting player for the Cavaliers. 

    Dai Dai Ames, Blake Buchanan, and Taine Murray are the other three to highlight. Dai Dai is the point guard and while his assist numbers aren’t the best he has been solid running the offense. Ames doesn’t always like to attack from the perimeter but has been very good when deciding to shoot it, hitting 39.5% from three this season. Buchanan is the prototypical post who can attack the glass and the basket. Blake is coming off a 16 point, 9 rebound performance against the Hurricanes and is one of the better players getting to the line on the roster. Buchanan is very good defensively and is the blocks leader for the Cavaliers with 24 blocks so far this season with the entire Virginia Tech team logging just 33. Murray has explosive attributes but inconsistency is a big issue. The 6’5″ wing is coming off a 20-point game and can be a very good three point shooter but is averaging just 4.5 points this season. Virginia Tech has struggled with perimeter defense at times this season and will have to put a special focus on guarding guys like Murray and McKneely to keep the game close, especially if Saunders and Rohde miss another game. 

    Other players like Ishan Sharma, TJ Power, and Anthony Robinson will get minutes but haven’t shown any sort of statistical breakout in any category to nail them down. Sharma would be the most likely as the lone guard of this trio and a good three point shooter but chipping away and staying as a role player is the most likely expectation. The Cavaliers have been shooting the ball well so if they can keep knocking down perimeter shots with their playmaking ability it should be a good game.

    (Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck, USA TODAY Sports)

    Mike Young just earned his 400th career win and it came in an upset bid over Florida State on the road. That game was also the perfect highlight of the consistency issues the Hokies have shown throughout the season. An incredible first half performance saw the Virginia Tech defense hold Florida State to just 15 points and take a 20-point lead into halftime. The second half saw the Seminoles rally and start asking some real questions about whether or not they could storm all the way back to steal it before some clutch plays ended that and the Hokies held on. With offensive droughts already an issue, coming up against a defense like Virginia further emphasizes how important it will be to limit turnovers and dead possessions because earning baskets will be a hard enough challenge without the simple mistakes. 

    Tobi Lawal is where the focus has to start for the Hokies and he has had an incredible conference slate. The electric Lawal has been great on the glass which has led to finishes on the block. Tobi has added a perimeter shot this season and his floor spacing has been an important part of the Hokies offense lately. If Saunders does miss this game it could give Tobi an enhanced opportunity to try and take over. Mylyjael Poteat is his primary partner and the big, bruising center is a solid rebounder and paint scorer who is hard to move on both ends. The Hokies biggest weakness is shot blocking so the size of the Cavaliers on both ends could prove to be an issue for the 6’8″ Poteat, but Virginia Tech is a better team when playing through the post so getting these two involved early will be a priority. 

    Three point shooting hasn’t been the best attribute throughout the season but the team has started to find their range more and that starts with Jaden Schutt. There was a rough stretch of play for Schutt and he dropped out of the starting lineup but since that point he aggressively seeks his shot and pushes the offense forward. Ben Burnham is a forward who can attack the rim or stretch the court and his size could bring an advantage if Rohde is missing. Then there is someone like Jaydon Young who has breakout potential and can light it up from the perimeter. Consistency has been an issue for all three players but all three can easily break out and it wouldn’t be a surprise for any of them to finish the game scoring in the mid-teens. 

    Ben Hammond is the point guard for the Hokies and he brings contagious energy to the court. Hammond’s shot is inconsistent at best but he does a good job setting the offense up and getting open looks for his teammates. Turnovers can be an issue but after returning from injury he has done well limiting his silly turnovers and freshman mistakes. Brandon Rechsteiner and Rodney Brown split time behind him both as point guards and wings. Rechsteiner is a great shooter from midrange and the perimeter. Brandon really struggled with turnovers as a point guard which is why he switched to play off the ball more and it has found some success. Brown is in a similar boat as a good shooter, especially from the perimeter, but a player who can turn it over frequently. Rodney has really stepped up from the beginning of the season and his breakout helped launch the team forward after the beginning of conference play looked like it could be bleak for the Hokies. 

    The final player to really highlight is Tyler Johnson. Already one of the best players on the team as a true freshman, Johnson is one of the best rebounders on the team and has been guarding the primary scorer over the last month. While Tyler has been matched up with more forwards because of his strength, he could see time against McKneely this afternoon to make sure he doesn’t break out. Johnson is best attacking the rim offensively but has started showing a perimeter touch to highlight his well-rounded game and why the coaching staff is so high on his potential. 

    Prediction

    There is more context to add throughout the article but the inconsistency of both teams makes it difficult to properly state. If Virginia Tech shows up and rebounds well they could take this game very comfortably. If Virginia comes out and forces dead possessions, even only a couple, it ruins the Hokies rhythm and once it is gone they have shown it can be very difficult to get back. Charlottesville has been a difficult place for Virginia Tech to travel but the uncertainty around the two injured Cavaliers takes some of the nerves away as it seems like at least one will not suit up. 

    I think this is a game where the Hokies match up well and if they can knock down a couple perimeter shots it will really open things up for Lawal to go to work. The defense of the Cavaliers is not elite this year but it is still noteworthy enough to give pause, especially about what the big men can do. If Saunders does make it back I expect it to be a true last possession type of game. No outcome should be a shock with the injury questions and Hokies perimeter shooting stepping up I am giving the slight edge to Mike Young’s squad. 

    Final: Virginia Tech 68 Virginia 60



    Game Preview: Virginia Tech at Virginia

    The Virginia Tech Hokies will face off against the Virginia Cavaliers in a highly anticipated matchup this weekend. Both teams are coming off strong performances and will look to secure a key win in this ACC showdown.

    The Hokies have been led by their dynamic offense, which is averaging over 30 points per game. Quarterback Braxton Burmeister has been a key playmaker, throwing for over 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Running back Raheem Blackshear has also been a force on the ground, rushing for over 500 yards and five touchdowns.

    On the defensive side of the ball, Virginia Tech has been strong, allowing just under 20 points per game. Linebacker Dax Hollifield has been a standout player, leading the team in tackles and providing a strong presence in the middle of the field.

    The Cavaliers, on the other hand, have been led by their balanced attack on offense. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong has been impressive, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Running back Wayne Taulapapa has also been a key contributor, rushing for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns.

    Defensively, Virginia has been solid, allowing just over 25 points per game. Linebacker Nick Jackson has been a standout player, leading the team in tackles and providing a strong presence in the middle of the field.

    This matchup between Virginia Tech and Virginia promises to be a thrilling game, with both teams looking to secure a key win in ACC play. Be sure to tune in to see which team comes out on top in this exciting showdown.

    Tags:

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    #Game #Preview #Virginia #Tech #Virginia

  • New York Rangers Vs. Boston Bruins Preview, Projected Lineup


    The New York Rangers are all set for their matchup against the Boston Bruins tonight at 3:30 PM EST.

    Here’s everything you need to know from a Rangers perspective.

    Projected Lineup:

    Forwards:

    Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Alexis Lafrenière

    Will Cuylle-J.T. Miller-Reilly Smith

    Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Jonny Brodzinski

    Adam Edström-Sam Carrick-Matt Rempe

    Defensemen:

    Ryan Lindgren-Adam Fox

    Will Borgen-K’Andre Miller

    Urho Vaakanainen-Braden Schneider

    Goaltenders:

    Igor Shesterkin

    Jonathan Quick

    Notable Storylines:

    • The Rangers are coming off of a 4-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

    • On Friday night, the Rangers traded for J.T. Miller in a deal that included Filip Chytil and Victor Mancini.

    • J.T. Miller will make his Rangers debut today.

    • Igor Shesterkin is set to start for the Rangers.

    • The Rangers currently hold a 24-22-2 record.

    • The Bruins are coming off of a 6-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets.



    The New York Rangers are set to face off against the Boston Bruins in an exciting matchup. Both teams are looking to secure a crucial win as they battle for playoff positioning in the tough East Division. Let’s take a look at the projected lineup for both teams heading into the game.

    New York Rangers Projected Lineup:
    Forwards:
    1. Chris Kreider
    2. Mika Zibanejad
    3. Pavel Buchnevich
    4. Alexis Lafreniere
    5. Ryan Strome
    6. Kaapo Kakko

    Defense:
    1. Adam Fox
    2. Ryan Lindgren
    3. K’Andre Miller
    4. Jacob Trouba

    Goalie:
    1. Igor Shesterkin

    Boston Bruins Projected Lineup:
    Forwards:
    1. Brad Marchand
    2. Patrice Bergeron
    3. David Pastrnak
    4. Taylor Hall
    5. David Krejci
    6. Craig Smith

    Defense:
    1. Charlie McAvoy
    2. Matt Grzelcyk
    3. Mike Reilly
    4. Brandon Carlo

    Goalie:
    1. Tuukka Rask

    This matchup promises to be a thrilling battle between two talented teams. Be sure to tune in to see which team comes out on top in this must-watch game. Let us know in the comments who you think will emerge victorious in this showdown between the Rangers and Bruins.

    Tags:

    New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, NHL, hockey, preview, matchup, projected lineup, key players, game analysis, team comparison, rivalry, Madison Square Garden, TD Garden, Eastern Conference, Original Six

    #York #Rangers #Boston #Bruins #Preview #Projected #Lineup

  • Wisconsin basketball Northwestern game preview, odds, prediction


    This story was updated to add new information.

    Wisconsin basketball (16-5, 6-4 Big Ten) continues its stretch of important road games with a matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats (12-9, 3-7 Big Ten) on Saturday.

    The game will be Wisconsin’s fourth road game in its last five contests. The team is 2-2 to start that tough schedule stretch, with wins over USC and Nebraska and narrow losses to UCLA and Maryland. A win against Northwestern is necessary, with upcoming trips to Iowa and Purdue set to make it six road games in eight overall matchups.

    Related: Wisconsin coach Greg Gard discusses how Badgers can avoid recent February struggles

    The Badgers are just 2-4 in true road games this season: wins over USC and Rutgers, plus losses to Illinois, Marquette, UCLA and Maryland. The team changing that rate through February and the rest of the regular season could prove the difference in its quest for a top seed in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament.

    Wisconsin must begin that work with a win over the Wildcats on Saturday. For more on the matchup, here are the latest betting odds and a full preview of how the two teams match up:

    Wisconsin vs. Northwestern Betting Odds

    Odds courtesy of BetMGM

    Point spread: Wisconsin minus-2 1/2, Northwestern plus-2 1/2

    Money line: Wisconsin minus-145, Northwestern plus-118

    Over-under: 142 1/2

    Statistical Preview

    KenPom:

    • Wisconsin: No. 17 overall (No. 9 offensive efficiency, No. 46 defensive efficiency)
    • Northwestern: No. 51 overall (No. 75 offense, No. 42 defense)

    ESPN BPI:

    • Wisconsin: No. 22 overall (15.4) — No. 5 in the Big Ten
    • Northwestern: No. 47 overall (11.2) — No. 10 in the Big Ten

    2024-25 Averages:

    • Wisconsin: 81.8 points per game (46.7% shooting, 36.1% from 3), 70.6 points allowed per game (41.5% shooting allowed, 32.2% from 3)
    • Northwestern: 74.1 points per game (44.3% shooting, 33.1% from 3), 69.4 points allowed per game (43.5% shooting allowed, 33.5% from 3)

    ESPN Matchup Predictor:

    • Wisconsin 54.5% chance to win, Northwestern 45.5%

    Wisconsin Key Players

    • G John Blackwell (16.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists on 48.5% shooting)
    • G Max Klesmit (10.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists on 33.3% shooting)
    • Wing John Tonje (18.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists on 47.1% shooting)
    • C Steven Crowl (10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists on 55.2% shooting)
    • F Nolan Winter (10.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists on 59.7% shooting)

    Northwestern Key Players

    • F Nick Martinelli (19.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists on 48.6% shooting)
    • G Brooks Barnhizer (17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists on 41.4% shooting)
    • G Jalen Leach (14.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists on 45.1% shooting)
    • G Ty Berry (8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist on 37.4% shooting)
    • C Matthew Nicholson (4.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists on 60% shooting)

    Wisconsin vs. Northwestern prediction, pick

    Saturday’s game could swing momentum for either team. Both enter on losing streaks — Wisconsin with two losses in three games and Northwestern with six in eight. While Wisconsin is the better team on paper, Northwestern has a few factors that could swing the contest. First, the team is 10-2 at home this season compared to 0-6 on the road. Wisconsin enters with a 2-4 mark in true road games. Those trends point to a close contest.

    The Wildcats are also one of the few Big Ten teams with a player that can match Wisconsin wing John Tonje’s production — forward Nick Martinelli enters averaging 19.6 points on 48.6% shooting. He has the ability to flip the scales in Northwestern’s favor if Wisconsin doesn’t have an answer on defense.

    The Badgers defense on Martinelli and team rebounding will be key to a road upset. They also need to shoot the ball much better than they did against Maryland (33.3% from three-point range) for the result to flip favorably.

    That all said, I think Wisconsin has too much offensive firepower for Northwestern to keep up. The Badgers should win, barring a combined 50-point effort from Martinelli and Barnhizer.

    Prediction: Wisconsin 78, Northwestern 71

    Wisconsin vs Northwestern channel, start time, streaming:

    Wisconsin vs. Northwestern starts at 2 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. CT and can be seen on Fox Sports 1, plus streaming on Fox Sports.

    Watch Wisconsin vs Northwestern live on Fubo (free trial)

    Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

    Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion

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    Wisconsin Basketball vs. Northwestern: Game Preview, Odds, Prediction

    The Wisconsin Badgers are set to take on the Northwestern Wildcats in a Big Ten showdown on Thursday night. Both teams have had their fair share of struggles this season, but will be looking to come out on top in this crucial matchup.

    The Badgers are currently sitting at 16-9 overall and 10-8 in conference play, while the Wildcats are 14-14 overall and 5-12 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin is coming off a tough loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes, while Northwestern is looking to bounce back from a loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

    In terms of odds, Wisconsin is favored to win this game with a spread of -5.5 points. The over/under is set at 130 points.

    Prediction: Wisconsin has the edge in this matchup, as they have a more experienced and talented roster. Look for the Badgers to come out strong and secure a comfortable victory over the Wildcats. Final score prediction: Wisconsin 72, Northwestern 60.

    Tags:

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  • Tiger Tip-Off Preview: Mississippi State


    Missouri bounced back from a road loss at Texas by defeating Ole Miss at home last weekend, 83-75. Now, the team will head back out, looking to build on their resume away from Mizzou Arena.

    That’ll be much easier said than done, as the Tigers’ trip takes them to Mississippi State. MU is 1-9 all-time in Starkville, the only win coming during the black and gold’s first year in the SEC on Feb. 13, 2013. The last eight meetings at Humphrey Coliseum have all been decided by double digits and Missouri has scored more than 62 points just once.

    The Bulldogs have, for the most part, beaten the teams you’d expect them to beat and lost to the teams you’d expect them to lose to this year. Their victories include Utah, SMU, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and South Carolina (twice). Their losses include Butler, Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee and Alabama, who edged the team out on Wednesday, 88-84. Mizzou will get the chance to show which group it belongs with on Saturday.

    With MSU looking to protect its homecourt, the Tigers expect an uphill battle.

    “Chris Jans does an amazing job, and he has been his entire career,” head coach Dennis Gates said. “Mississippi State is a tremendous team, well-balanced defensively. We know what they bring to the table, their grit, their toughness. That’s something that is an identity of their program. Always has and always will be.”

    (Photo: © Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

    TIP TIME INFORMATION

    Who: No. 20 Missouri (16-4, 5-2 SEC) at No. 14 Mississippi State (16-5, 4-4)

    When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 12 p.m. CT

    Where: Humphrey Coliseum, Starkville, Mississippi

    TV: SEC Network

    Series: Mississippi State leads, 14-6

    KenPom Prediction: Mississippi State 78, Missouri 72

    SEC AVAILABILITY REPORT

    Mizzou

    Trent Burns – Out

    Mississippi State

    Kanye Clary – Out

    PROJECTED STARTERS

    Missouri Tigers

    Mississippi State Bulldogs

    BY THE NUMBERS

    Mizzou

    Category

    Mississippi State

    83.2

    PPG

    80.8

    69.0

    Opponent PPG

    70.4

    48.2

    FG%

    46.0

    37.3

    3PT%

    32.1

    71.9

    FT%

    69.6

    2.0

    Rebounding Margin

    3.6

    1.2

    AST/TO Ratio

    1.5

    27

    NET Rank

    24

    30

    KenPom Rank

    25

    23

    Offensive Efficiency Rank

    18

    56

    Defensive Efficiency Rank

    44

    173

    Tempo Rank

    188

    KEYS TO THE GAME

    1) Contain Josh Hubbard. The sophomore guard erupted in the Bulldogs’ loss to Alabama, dropping a career-high 38 points on 14-28 shooting. Despite possessing a 5-foot-11 frame, Hubbard has been one of the toughest players to defend in the SEC since stepping into the league as a true freshman last season, averaging 17.2 points per game for his career. He started this year on a hot streak from deep but has since cooled off, only making 31.6% of his 3-pointers in conference play. One key to defending Hubbard might be forcing him to settle for shots from outside — Mississippi State is 4-5 when he takes at least 10 triples in a game. Gates mentioned denying him catch-and-shoot looks by deflecting incoming passes could help as well.

    “He’s one of the best scorers in our conference,” Gates said. “I think you just gotta get a hand up, ultimately. And in those situations, you can’t foul. He’s drawing a lot of fouls from behind the arc as well. He does a little side twist, and sometimes defenders clip his legs. And we have to give them space while also being vertical and contesting the right way, without following his lower body. So we gotta do a great job of that.”

    2) Get after the offensive glass. MSU’s been an average team on the defensive boards this season, ranking 201st with a defensive rebounding rate of 30.3%. That mark, understandably, has climbed to 33.6% in SEC play, which still puts the team in the middle of the pack in the conference. However, over the Bulldogs’ last two games, South Carolina and Bama both pulled down at least 50% of available offensive rebounds. Mizzou’s been an average team going after its misses in league play, but had a major advantage over Ole Miss in that category in its last game, 11-5. Mississippi State boasts a big front line in 6-foot-7 RJ Melendez, 6-foot-7 Cam Matthews, 6-foot-10 Michael Nwoko and 6-foot-10 junior forward KeShawn Murphy. But if the Tigers can rack up second-chance points, it could pose a serious problem for the Bulldogs.

    “(They) are one of the teams that I feel like can match our physicality in the SEC,” graduate senior center Josh Gray said. “So it’s just going to be a game of punches and counter punches. So we just gotta stay in it.”

    3) Fire away from distance. Mississippi State has struggled to slow down 3-point shooters this year, allowing opponents to make 35.2% of their treys, which ranks 257th in the country according to KenPom. Triples have accounted for 37.9 of points scored against the Bulldogs in SEC play, the second-highest amount in the conference. The Crimson Tide went 15-31 from long range in their four-point win over MSU on Wednesday — opponents have made at least 10 threes and shot at least 35.7% from deep in each of the team’s five losses this year. Missouri, led by graduate senior guard Caleb Grill, has been the second-best 3-point shooting team in the conference to this point, connecting on 38.6% of their looks from beyond the arc and treys accounting for 45.1% of their field goal attempts. If MU has even an average day from outside, it could make it tough for the Bulldogs to keep up.

    PREDICTION

    This game feels like a coin flip to me. On paper, it seems like Mizzou is strong in some spots where Mississippi State is weak, but the black and gold’s track record in Starkville is tough to ignore. I’ll take the Tigers edging out the Bulldogs in a narrow 80-78 victory.

    For a limited time, you can join PowerMizzou on the 247Sports Network at a huge discount! You can save 30% on your first year of an annual subscription, which comes out to a savings of more than $30 on your first year. Click here to take advantage of this offer.



    The Mississippi State Bulldogs are gearing up for their upcoming game against the Tigers, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Here’s a preview of what to expect in this highly anticipated Tiger Tip-Off:

    1. Strong Defense: Mississippi State is known for its tough defense, and they will likely bring their A-game against the Tigers. With a solid defensive strategy and strong rebounding, the Bulldogs will make it difficult for the Tigers to score.

    2. Offensive Firepower: The Bulldogs also have some impressive offensive weapons, including sharpshooters and skilled ball handlers. Look for Mississippi State to push the pace and put up some big numbers on the scoreboard.

    3. Player to Watch: Keep an eye on senior guard Iverson Molinar, who leads the Bulldogs in scoring and has the ability to take over a game. His quickness and scoring ability will be a challenge for the Tigers to contain.

    4. Home Court Advantage: Mississippi State will have the home court advantage in this matchup, which could give them an extra edge. The Bulldogs will be looking to feed off the energy of their fans and secure a crucial win.

    Overall, the Tiger Tip-Off between Mississippi State and the Tigers promises to be an exciting and competitive game. Both teams will be looking to make a statement and come out on top. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as these two teams battle it out on the court.

    Tags:

    1. Tiger Tip-Off Preview
    2. Mississippi State basketball
    3. SEC basketball
    4. Mississippi State Bulldogs
    5. College basketball preview
    6. Mississippi State game preview
    7. NCAA basketball preview
    8. Mississippi State vs. [opponent] preview
    9. Mississippi State Tigers
    10. Mississippi State basketball game preview

    #Tiger #TipOff #Preview #Mississippi #State

  • Preview: Al Ittihad vs. Al Kholood – prediction, team news, lineups


    Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Saudi Pro League clash between Al Ittihad and Al Kholood, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

    Al Ittihad will aim to bounce back from their disappointing loss on Monday when they welcome Al Kholood for gameweek 18 of Saudi Pro League.

    The People’s Club are coming off a 2-1 defeat on their trip to Damac, though that setback had no effect on their position in the standings.

    Match preview

    Moussa Diaby of Al Ittihad celebrates after scoring on January 14, 2025© Imago

    Despite a frustrating night at Al Mahala Stadium, Al Ittihad can take solace in the fact that fellow title contender Al Hilal also stumbled, suffering a shock defeat to Al Quadisiya, as both teams remain tied on 43 points, with Laurent Blanc‘s side still trailing the league leaders on goal difference.

    After falling behind to a 17th-minute opener from Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, the People’s Club would have felt they were in a position to push for all three points when Karim Benzema restored parity on the brink of halftime, only to be dealt a crushing blow as the former completed his brace in the 94th, securing victory for Damac.

    That defeat ended Nadi Al Watan’s 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, with their last loss coming over four months ago against Al Hilal – the first of just two in 17 league matches..

    Nadi Al Shaab will be particularly confident of returning to winning ways against this weekend’s visitors, having edged them 1-0 in the reverse fixture – their only previous meeting in the top flight – courtesy of Houssem Aouar‘s dramatic 94th-minute winner in a fiercely contested encounter.

    The hosts have been unstoppable on their own turf this season, winning all nine league matches, making them the best home side in the division.

    Meanwhile, Al Kholood have enjoyed an upturn in form recently, securing their fourth win in six matches following a 2-1 comeback victory at home against Al Raed last weekend.

    Fakhr Ar Rass fought back from a goal down after Amir Sayoud‘s 25th-minute opener, with Mohammed Sawaan equalising in the 61st before Aliou Dieng sealed a hard-fought victory that lifted them to 11th place with 19 points, five clear of the relegation zone.

    Manager Noureddine Zekri will be delighted with his team’s resurgence, especially considering they had managed just one win in their previous 11 league matches and 12 across all competitions.

    Al Kholood have shown clear improvement on the road as well, winning two of their last three away fixtures after just one victory in their previous six.

    Al Ittihad Saudi Pro League form:

    Al Ittihad form (all competitions):

    Al Kholood Saudi Pro League form:

    Team News

    Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad in action on August 7, 2024© Imago

    Al Ittihad welcomed back Moussa Diaby, who made his first appearance in over two months, coming off the bench for a 27-minute cameo last time out.

    However, the hosts remain without Ahmed Sharahili (cruciate ligament), Abdulaziz Al Bishi (hamstring) and Abdulelah Al Amri (torn muscle fibre), all sidelined through injury.

    Benzema, having scored in each of his last three outings, now sits on 13 goals in the top flight — one behind leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo — and will be eager to extend his run as he chases the Golden Boot.

    Al Kholood travel to Jeddah with a fully fit squad and no fresh injury concerns or suspensions, giving manager Zekri a wealth of options to choose from.

    The 60-year-old gaffer could name an unchanged starting XI, with Sawaan expected to lead the line once again following his impressive performance against Al Raed, where he netted the equaliser.

    Dieng, who also scored in that game, will take his place in midfield, while the club’s top scorer in the Pro League, Myziane Maolida, will look to rediscover his touch in front of goal after going three games without scoring

    Al Ittihad possible starting lineup:
    Rajkovic; Al Shanqeeti, Al Mousa, Pereira, Kadesh; Kante, Fabinho; Al Obod, Aouar, Bergwijn; Benzema

    Al Kholood possible starting lineup:
    Grohe; Al Hawsawi, Troost-Ekong, Gyomber, Al Shamrani; Alex Collado, N’Doram, Dieng; Al Hammami, Samili, Maolida

    SM words green background

    We say: Al Ittihad 4-1 Al Kholood

    Despite Al Kholood’s resurgence, Al Ittihad remain favourites due to their strong form this season, with their recent defeat seen as a mere blip, and we expect them to return to winning ways this weekend.

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

    ID:564343:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10929:

    Previews by email

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



    Al Ittihad will face off against Al Kholood in what is expected to be an exciting match-up. Both teams have been in good form recently and will be eager to secure a victory.

    Prediction:
    This match is expected to be a closely contested one, with both teams having strong attacking capabilities. However, Al Ittihad might have a slight edge due to their solid defensive record. We predict a 2-1 win for Al Ittihad.

    Team News:
    Al Ittihad will be without their key midfielder who is serving a suspension, but they have a strong squad to cover for his absence. Al Kholood, on the other hand, will have a full squad to choose from and will be looking to capitalize on their attacking strengths.

    Lineups:
    Al Ittihad:
    Goalkeeper: Ahmed
    Defenders: Khalid, Mohammed, Abdullah, Youssef
    Midfielders: Saleh, Ahmed, Yassin
    Forwards: Ahmed, Fahad, Abdulrahman

    Al Kholood:
    Goalkeeper: Omar
    Defenders: Ali, Hassan, Khaled, Ibrahim
    Midfielders: Abdullah, Youssef, Majed
    Forwards: Mohammed, Saad, Ahmed

    Both teams have strong lineups and it will be interesting to see how they match up against each other on the field. Stay tuned for the match to see how it all unfolds!

    Tags:

    Al Ittihad vs. Al Kholood, soccer prediction, match preview, team news, starting lineups, Saudi Arabia football, upcoming game, player analysis, key matchups, sports update

    #Preview #Ittihad #Kholood #prediction #team #news #lineups

  • DFS College Basketball: Saturday Preview and Picks



    This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.

    Prizes remain on the rise Saturday at DraftKings with $5,000 for first place and $15,000 overall on the main slate’s biggest tournament. 10 games are featured tipping off between 12 and 2:00 p.m. EST.

    Only three players in five-figures, led by elite forwards Johni Broome ($10,600) and Ryan Kalkbrenner ($10,400) who are almost always worth paying up for.  Auburn-Ole Miss (149.5) and Missouri-Mississippi State (149.5) project the highest implied totals, yet it’s Iowa State (80) with the highest single-team number (80) in what’s predicted as a blowout of Kansas State.

    Rotations are tightening as we begin February, and it’s making value plays far harder to come by. And that suggests a more balanced lineup will work on Saturday.

    Top Players

    Coleman Hawkins, G/F, Kansas State ($9,500)

    I loathe this salary point as I’d simply just shell out more for Broome. The matchup is terrible with Iowa State ranking sixth defensively, per KenPom, but Hawkins is essentially all Kansas State has. Over his last five games, he carries a 25.1 percent usage rate averaging 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals while taking 11.3 shots. Hawkins is foul-prone and doesn’t hit his free throws well, so there will be missed opportunities. But the volume and diverse stat potential gives him a ceiling north of 40 fantasy points out of necessity.

    Zuby Ejiofor, F, St. John’s ($8,000)

    If we’re building for balance, Ejiofor could be a nice overlooked option. He erupted for 55.25 DKP on Dec. 7 against Kansas State, though has only produced two games coming close to 40 DKP, so the ceiling isn’t really there. But the floor absolutely is having averaged 15.2 points and 8.8 rebounds over the last 12 outings, including a 19-point, 10-rebound performance against a Providence side that doesn’t have enough talented bigs to contend with him.

    Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest ($7,900)

    Sallis has been as high as $9,600 this season, so we’ve immediately got a nice discount to target. And that lower salary suggests he doesn’t need much more than 30 fantasy points for a fair return. Sallis faced Pitt three times last year and averaged 35.0 DKP. It’s an anticipated close matchup, and he won’t leave the floor if that happens. Prior to their blowout loss to Louisville, Sallis averaged 37.9 minutes and a 27.8 percent usage rate across nine appearances. That should provide an elite floor at minimum.

    Middle Tier

    Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee ($6,900)

    Slipping just below the 7k mark, Lanier feels like an obvious play. You aren’t often going to get the minutes and volume shots at this value, even if he can’t throw it in the ocean of late having shot 31.3 percent from his last seven games. Tennessee only scored 43 points in an earlier meeting with Florida, and Lanier was worth 23.75 DKP despite going 3-for-16. If that’s his floor, we’ll take it as that’s a 3.4x return. The upside quickly comes with a better offensive gameplan and a few extra shots falling in the rematch.

    Jaemyn Brakefield, F, Ole Miss ($5,900)

    As inconsistent as Brakefield has been throughout the year as the games have tightened, he appears to be stabilizing as an offensive focal point for the Rebels averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals with a 27.6 percent usage rate over the last six. Prior to that, he’d posted no more than four points in three of four. Brakefield is coming off a 32.75 DKP effort, and the salary only increased by $100. If Ole Miss are to be competitive against Auburn, he has to be a factor.

    Efton Reid, F, Wake Forest ($5,700)

    Staking Reid and Sallis may not make sense for a team with an implied total of 70 points, yet I like this matchup for Reid. Fouls are always a concern, though Pitt is a guard-dominant lineup that shouldn’t challenge him on the block unless he’s cheating over on slashers. Reid surprisingly just claimed his first double-double of the season, but has averaged 30.5 minutes across his last six. Never an offensive focal point that limits hits floor, but Pitt gives up offensive rebounds at a 30.6 percent clip so block opportunities should be available. 

    Arizona’s Tobe Awaka ($5,100) is averaging 12 rebounds during his last four appearances. He’s an obvious option, though the scoring and minutes are sporadic.

    Bargain Options

    Ty Berry, G, Northwestern ($4,800)

    Berry was removed from the starting lineup five games ago and has since thrived by averaging 31.6 minutes as a reserve while posting 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 assists and earning at least 22.75 DKP in four of those outings. Wisconsin checks in at 155th in tempo, and that’s not a terrific setting for Berry. But that’s up from 304th a year ago, so they aren’t a matchup to immediately avoid. 15.0 fantasy points is the bare minimum we need, and Berry could offer that from scoring alone.

    Riley Kugel, G, Mississippi State ($4,600)

    The Bulldogs’ higher end options should draw plenty of eyes Saturday given their high implied total, so perhaps we can get bigger production from a bargain in Kugel. Since a one-game absence, he’s averaged 28.0 minutes from the last four while providing 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.0 steals along with an 18.25 DKP floor. This is only the fourth road game this season for Missouri, and they’ve allowed 83 or more points in two of those. A seemingly nice spot for Kugel to again see extended court time and provide across-the-board.

    Shawn Phillips, F, Arizona State ($4,400)

    The Sun Devils are one spot where injuries could open us up for some bargains, as both BJ Freeman and Jayden Quaintance aren’t certain to be available. Phillips becomes an option only if that manifests as he drew his first start of the season last time out and responded with 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while doubling his minutes. Joson Sanon ($4,200) fits the bill as well as he was elite in non-conference play before dealing with an ankle injury and not being fully unleashed since returning. Unfortunately, it’s something you’ll have to track pre-game. But if either are plugged into a utility spot, there are ample pivots with the curious early start out West. And these two teams rank 27th and 32nd in tempo to offer a nice pace boost.

    The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it’s possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Chris Bennett plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: k30kittles, DraftKings: k30kittles.



    It’s another exciting Saturday of college basketball action, and we’ve got a full slate of games to dive into. With so many matchups to choose from, it can be tough to narrow down your DFS picks. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our Saturday preview and picks.

    One game to keep an eye on is the showdown between two top-ranked teams, as Duke takes on North Carolina. This rivalry game is always intense and could provide plenty of fantasy points. Players like Duke’s Paolo Banchero and North Carolina’s Caleb Love are sure to be popular picks in DFS contests.

    Another game worth watching is the matchup between Kentucky and Tennessee. Both teams are coming off impressive wins and will be looking to continue their momentum. Look for players like Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe and Tennessee’s Kennedy Chandler to have big games and potentially lead your DFS lineup to victory.

    In terms of value picks, keep an eye on teams like Iowa State and UCLA. Both squads have favorable matchups and could provide solid production at a lower cost. Players like Iowa State’s Izaiah Brockington and UCLA’s Johnny Juzang could be sneaky plays that pay off big in DFS contests.

    As always, be sure to check for any last-minute lineup changes or injury updates before finalizing your DFS picks. Good luck and happy gaming!

    Tags:

    1. DFS College Basketball
    2. Saturday Preview
    3. Picks
    4. College Basketball DFS
    5. Saturday College Basketball
    6. DFS Picks
    7. College Basketball Preview
    8. Saturday Basketball Picks
    9. Daily Fantasy Sports
    10. NCAA Basketball DFS

    #DFS #College #Basketball #Saturday #Preview #Picks

  • Preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Aston Villa – prediction, team news, lineups


    Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Premier League clash between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

    Top-four hopefuls Aston Villa make the short journey to Molineux to lock horns with relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s Premier League West Midlands derby.

    The two teams meet for the first time since the end of September last year when Unai Emery‘s men claimed a 3-1 victory at Villa Park.

    Match preview

    Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Vitor Pereira in December 2024.© Imago

    Since beating Manchester United 2-0 at Molineux on Boxing Day last year, Wolves have picked up just one point across their last five Premier League games, with a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur followed by four straight defeats by an aggregate score of 10-1.

    It is worth noting that the Old Gold were beaten by Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Arsenal during this run, losing 1-0 at home to the latter last weekend in a contest that saw a player from both teams sent off – Joao Gomes was dismissed just four minutes before Riccardo Calafiori scored the decisive goal.

    Vitor Pereira felt that his team “lost a big chance to win” against a Gunners side down to 10 men for the entire second half, and Wolves – who have now lost 15 Premier League matches this term – have slipped back into the relegation zone following Leicester City’s surprise win at Tottenham, albeit only one point adrift of safety with 15 games still remaining to avoid the drop.

    The Old Gold have already lost five successive Premier League games this season under former boss Gary O’Neil and they will endeavour to avoid another five-match losing streak when they play host to Aston Villa this weekend; the only PL team to ever lose five times in a row on multiple occasions under different managers and still avoid relegation are West Ham United in 2006-07 (Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley).

    Wolves head into Saturday’s contest having lost just one of their last five home meetings with Aston Villa (W3 D1), but they must improve defensively if they wish to claim another positive result this time around, as only basement club Southampton (53) have conceded more goals than the Old Gold (52); their average of 2.26 goals against per game is their worst average in a league season since 1932-33 (96 in 42 games, 2.29).

    Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers celebrates scoring the opener against Celtic on January 29, 2025© Imago

    Taking a seat at Europe’s top table this season for the first time in 41 years, Aston Villa have secured automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League after beating Celtic 4-2 at Villa Park on Wednesday night.

    Morgan Rogers inspired the Lions to victory with his first career hat-trick, including two goals in the opening five minutes, and although Celtic fought back with a brace from Adam Idah, the Premier League side prevailed to seal a top-eight finish in the 36-team standings.

    Unai Emery hailed a “fantastic” night under the lights at Villa Park, and while he was keen to praise the club’s supporters and performance of his team, the Spaniard faced multiple post-match questions over the future of forwards Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins; the former is set to join Al-Nassr while the latter has been linked with Arsenal.

    Aston Villa will now shift their attention back to the Premier League, where they currently sit eighth in the table but only four points behind the top four. After winning the reverse fixture at home against Wolves, Villa are bidding to complete their first league double over the Old Gold since 2003-04.

    The Lions have impressively won 22 of the first 25 PL matches in which they have led at half time under Emery, but they have only gone on to win four of their last nine (D4 L1), including a 1-1 draw with West Ham last weekend. Nevertheless, Villa are yet to lose a top-flight fixture under Emery against a team starting the day in the relegation zone (W13 D5).

    Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form:

    Wolverhampton Wanderers form (all competitions):

    Aston Villa Premier League form:

    Aston Villa form (all competitions):

    Team News

    Wolverhampton Wanderers' Joao Gomes is sent off by referee Michael Oliver on January 25, 2025© Imago

    Wolves quintet Sasa Kalajdzic, Boubacar Traore, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera and Carlos Forbs are all sidelined with knee injuries, and Mario Lemina remains away from the first-team fold amidst uncertainty over his future, while Joao Gomes is suspended after being sent off against Arsenal.

    Having now recovered from injury, Toti Gomes could be recalled to start in defence alongside Santiago Bueno and Emmanuel Agbadou, while the absence of Joao Gomes will likely see Tommy Doyle deputise in centre-midfield alongside Andre.

    Jorgen Strand Larsen has emerged as a doubt after being forced off with a muscle injury against Arsenal. Either Hwang Hee-chan or Matheus Cunha – who has been linked with a transfer away from Wolves – could be tasked with leading the line if Strand Larsen is not deemed fit to start.

    As for Aston Villa, Matty Cash is seemingly facing a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a calf injury against Celtic, while Tyrone Mings (knee), Pau Torres (foot), Amadou Onana (hamstring) and Ross Barkley (calf) are also in the treatment room.

    Emery was unable to call upon Donyell Malen in midweek, but the January signing from Borussia Dortmund is in contention to start in attack. However, Duran is not expected to be involved, while Watkins should continue up front despite ongoing speculation about his future.

    Ian Maatsen or Lamare Bogarde could be handed a start at right-back should Cash miss out, while Boubacar Kamara is poised to retain his spot in central defence next to Ezri Konsa, as Lucas Digne operates at left-back.

    Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
    Sa; Agbadou, Bueno, Toti; Semedo, Andre, Doyle, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Hwang; Cunha

    Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
    Martinez; Maatsen, Konsa, Kamara, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Bailey, Rogers, Malen; Watkins

    SM words green background

    We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Aston Villa

    In desperate need of a morale-boosting win to strengthen their survival hopes, Wolves will hope to take advantage of an Aston Villa side potentially lacking energy after their midweek heroics in Europe.

    Emery’s weakened backline could be exploited by Wolves, but the hosts have their own issues in defence and we expect the top-four chasing visitors to outscore their opponents en route to claiming all three points.

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

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    The Midlands derby between Wolverhamjson Wanderers and Aston Villa is set to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to secure vital points in the Premier League. Here is a preview of the upcoming match including predictions, team news, and possible lineups.

    Prediction:
    Both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa have had mixed fortunes so far this season, with Wolves currently sitting in 12th place and Villa in 11th place in the Premier League table. However, Villa have been in better form recently and have the attacking firepower to cause problems for Wolves. I predict a closely contested match with a final score of 2-1 in favor of Aston Villa.

    Team News:
    Wolverhampton Wanderers will be without the services of Pedro Neto and Jonny Castro, who are both sidelined with long-term injuries. However, they will welcome back Raul Jimenez who has recently returned to action after a lengthy absence.

    Aston Villa, on the other hand, will be without the injured duo of Leon Bailey and Morgan Sanson. However, they will have the likes of Ollie Watkins and Matt Targett available for selection.

    Possible Lineups:
    Wolverhampton Wanderers: Patricio; Semedo, Coady, Saiss, Ait-Nouri; Neves, Moutinho; Traore, Podence, Gibbs-White; Jimenez.

    Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Buendia, Coutinho, Traore; Watkins.

    This Midlands derby promises to be an exciting clash between two evenly matched teams. Stay tuned for what is sure to be a thrilling encounter between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

    Tags:

    1. Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Aston Villa
    2. Premier League match preview
    3. Prediction for Wolverhampton vs. Aston Villa
    4. Team news for Wolverhampton vs. Aston Villa
    5. Probable lineups for Wolverhampton vs. Aston Villa
    6. Wolverhampton Wanderers latest updates
    7. Aston Villa match analysis
    8. English Premier League fixture preview
    9. Wolverhampton vs. Aston Villa match prediction
    10. Key players for Wolverhampton vs. Aston Villa

    #Preview #Wolverhampton #Wanderers #Aston #Villa #prediction #team #news #lineups

  • Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head


  • Having lost three of their first four Premier League home games against Aston Villa (D1), Wolves have now lost just one of their last five against them at Molineux (W3 D1).

  • Aston Villa won the reverse fixture 3-1 at Villa Park – they’ve not done the league double over Wolves since the 2003-04 campaign.

  • Wolves picked up seven points in their first three Premier League games under Vitor Pereira (W2 D1) but have since lost four in a row. They’ve already lost five consecutively once this season, under previous manager Gary O’Neil – the only team to have separate runs of 5+ defeats in a row under different managers in a season and survive relegation was West Ham in 2006-07 (Alan Pardew & Alan Curbishley).

  • Aston Villa are yet to lose a Premier League match under Unai Emery against a side starting the day in the drop zone (W13 D5), while overall Emery has lost just one out of 29 games against sides in 18th, 19th or 20th, losing 3-2 to Southampton with Arsenal in December 2018.

  • Wolves have shipped 19 set piece goals (excl. pens) this season, the most of any Premier League side. The earliest a side has conceded 20 set piece goals in a single campaign is 25 games (Tottenham in 2007-08).

  • In 23 Premier League games this season, Wolves have conceded 52 goals. At 2.26 goals against per game, this is their worst average in a league season since 1932-33 (96 in 42 games, 2.29).

  • Aston Villa won 22 of the first 25 Premier League games in which they led at half-time under Unai Emery (D1 L2) but have gone on to win just four of their last nine (D4 L1), including a 1-1 draw last time out against West Ham.

  • Wolves have conceded 303 fouls in the Premier League this season, with only Bournemouth committing more (309). The 20 fouls they conceded against Arsenal was their most in a top-flight game since May 2023 against Aston Villa (also 20).

  • Only Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke (237) has made more runs into the opposition penalty area in the Premier League this season than Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen (210), with 80 of Strand Larsen’s runs targeted by a pass, the most of any player.

  • Ollie Watkins has been involved in 15+ Premier League goals in each of his last three seasons (21 in 2022-23, 32 in 2023-24, 15 in 2024-25), with 10 goals and five assists in the current campaign. He’s one of three Aston Villa players to achieve that in three consecutive seasons, after Dwight Yorke (1995-96 to 1997-98) and Gabriel Agbonlahor (2007-08 to 2009-10).



The highly anticipated clash between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa is set to take place this weekend in the Premier League. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial three points as they aim to climb up the table and establish themselves as contenders this season.

Team news:

Wolves will be without key midfielder Ruben Neves, who is sidelined with a foot injury. However, they will be boosted by the return of striker Raul Jimenez, who has recovered from a head injury and is available for selection.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, will be without the services of midfielder Ross Barkley, who is nursing a hamstring injury. However, they will welcome back defender Tyrone Mings, who is fit and ready to feature in the starting lineup.

Stats:

Wolves have had a mixed start to the season, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their first six matches. They have scored 7 goals and conceded 6 in the process.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, have been in impressive form, winning four out of their six matches and sitting in the top half of the table. They have scored 12 goals and conceded 5 so far this season.

Head-to-head:

Wolves and Aston Villa have a long-standing rivalry, with both teams hailing from the Midlands. In their last meeting, Wolves emerged victorious with a 1-0 win at Villa Park. However, Aston Villa will be eager to get their revenge and secure a win at Molineux this time around.

With both teams boasting attacking firepower and solid defensive units, this match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair. Be sure to tune in to see who comes out on top in this Saturday’s clash between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

Tags:

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Premier League, preview, team news, stats, head-to-head, match analysis, key players, match preview, match prediction, top scorers, team form, tactical analysis, match history, rivalry, Midlands derby.

#Wolverhampton #Wanderers #Aston #Villa #Premier #League #preview #team #news #stats #headtohead

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