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      in Boxing

      Thor Bjornsson vs Steven Ward LIVE RESULT: Thor vows to K.O rival Eddie Hall after debut boxing draw – latest reaction

      by

      GAME OF THRONES star Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson battled Irishman Steven Ward in a lively boxing debut.
      Thor weighed a whopping 10stone heavier than his opponent, and got three solid rounds in the bank ahead of his massive heavyweight showdown against rival Eddie Hall this September.

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      ‘BIG HEART’
      Thor was full of praise for cruiserweight Ward after the lively draw: “Steven is unbelievable. I doubt many people would want to step into a ring with someone my size.
      “Stevie has a big heart. To come here and do this exhibition with me means a lot. I needed that experience.
      “Steven is the same height as my opponent in September, and this was great.”

      BOXING CLEVER
      Thor’s team will be very pleased with his mobility and ring awareness showed in that tune up, his first boxing match.
      The big man says he plans to fight a few more times as his preparations continue for September’s fight against strongman rival Eddie Hall.

      FIGHT REPLAY
      Thor has uploaded the full video of his bout against Steven Ward to his YouTube channel.
      Relive ALL of the action here…
      [embedded content]

      ‘SHOOK ME TO MY BOOTS’
      Steven Ward says one of Hafthor Bjornsson’s punches shook him to his boots.
      He commented: “I’ve never seen a big man like that move so well. He hit me one shot. It shook me to my boots.
      “So, I started running. It was great being back, though. Thanks to everyone who came out.”

      ‘K.O EDDIE HALL’
      Thor has vowed to knock out Eddie Hall after making his boxing debut in the exhibition draw vs Steven Ward.
      The heavyweight pair do battle in Las Vegas later this year in September.
      He said: “I have huge respect for this sport, this is just the beginning.
      “I will be in the best shape of my life in September this year and I will knock Eddie Hall out.

      FULL FIGHT REPLAY
      Catch the full replay of the fight right here on Thor’s very own YouTube page.
      A lively draw capped a solid boxing debut for the big man as he continues his training for Eddie Hall.

      THOR VS WARD FIGHT REPORT
      From Wally Downes Jr
      Brave Steven Ward survived his crazy fight with man-mountain Hafthor Bjornsson.
      The 6ft 9in Iceland strongman and Game of Thrones star needed a warm-up bout before fighting fellow giant Eddie Hall in the heaviest fight in boxing history in September and picked the Irish cruiserweight.
      Bjornsson weighed a giant 24st for the three-round Dubai exhibition and towered over 13-1 full-time boxer Ward who was 15st.
      Southpaw Bjornsson, who shed a massive 8st of bulk for the Middle East showdown, held the centre of the ring and let Belfast boxer Ward dance around him in front of a full-house at the Conrad hotel.

      THOR SPEAKS
      Thor has spoken on Instagram after his first boxing fight.
      The Mountain will fight again soon as his preparations for his HUGE boxing fight vs Eddie Hall continue.
      He posted after the fight: “This was great! Thank you all for the positive feedback! I’ll be doing more exhibition matches in my preparation for my main fight in September. Who should I fight next?”

      THOR-T CRIME
      Eddie Hall can hardly wait to get in the ring with Hafthor Bjornsson, who he accused of “smearing him with lies” by labelling him a cheat after his World’s Strongest Man victory.
      Ahead of Bjornsson’s fight with Steven Ward, Hall said: “When I achieved my dream of winning World’s Strongest Man three years ago, I couldn’t get wait to get back to Britain to thank everyone and share the title.
      “Before I even got home to my friends and family to tell them the news, one man took bad sportsmanship to a whole new level and it was plastered all over the world’s media.
      “This is a quote from Hafthor Bjornsson: ‘I was robbed.’
      “For the last three years, instead of answering questions about how I defeated some of the greatest strongmen to ever live, Hafthor included, instead I had people questioning whether I really won it or not.
      “Hafthor Bjornsson and his entourage have been smearing my title and the referee Colin Bryce’s reputation for the last three years.
      “Because he was the Mountain from Game of Thrones, a huge TV star, people listened and people believed him.”

      HALL OF FAME
      Hafthor Bjornsson has promised to knock out World’s Strongest Man rival Eddie Hall in September.
      Following his boxing debut last night, he said: “I have huge respect for this sport, this is just the beginning.
      “I will be in the best shape of my life in September this year and I will knock Eddie Hall out.”

      ‘SHOOK ME TO MY BOOTS’
      Steven Ward says one of Hafthor Bjornsson’s punches shook him to his boots.
      He commented: “I’ve never seen a big man like that move so well. He hit me one shot. It shook me to my boots.
      “So, I started running. It was great being back, though. Thanks to everyone who came out.”

      FIT THOR ACTION
      Steven Ward praised opponent Hafthor Bjornsson’s fitness after the pair battled to a draw.
      The Game of Thrones star weighed in nine stone heavier than Ward.
      But Irishman Ward said: “What a night. The exhibition is over and big Thor hits like a horse.
      “But it was great. It was quite exciting, it was a great set-up and it was class having a crowd finally back watching boxing. I never expected Thor to be that fit.”

      HIGHLIGHTS
      Hafthor Bjornsson has uploaded the full video of his bout against Steven Ward to his YouTube channel.
      Relive all the action here…
      [embedded content]

      THOR’S HAMMER
      Hafthor Bjornsson gave a good solid showing on his boxing debut in a lively exhibition draw vs Irish cruiserweight Steven Ward in Dubai.
      2018 word’s strongest man Thor was fighting in preparation for his HUGE boxing bout vs strongman rival Eddie Hall later this year in September.
      Game of Thrones star Thor, 32, dropped Ward with a big right which skimmed Ward’s shoulder in the second round.
      Ward recovered and finished the three-round fight strongly, but says being hit by Thor was like being hit by a horse!
      Ward said after the fight: “What a night. The exhibition is over and big Thor hits like a horse.
      “But it was great. It was quite exciting, it was a great set-up and it was class having a crowd finally back watching boxing. I never expected Thor to be that fit.”
      Thor will fight again soon in preparation for his bout vs Hall, and has vowed to KNOCK Hall out.
      He said: “I have huge respect for this sport, this is just the beginning.
      “I will be in the best shape of my life in September this year and I will knock Eddie Hall out.”

      ‘K.O EDDIE HALL’
      Thor has vowed to knock out Eddie Hall after making his boxing debut in the exhibition draw vs Steven Ward.
      The heavyweight pair do battle in Las Vegas later this year in September.
      He said: “I have huge respect for this sport, this is just the beginning.
      “I will be in the best shape of my life in September this year and I will knock Eddie Hall out.

      HITS LIKE A HORSE
      Steven Ward said after the fight: “What a night. The exhibition is over and big Thor hits like a horse.
      “But it was great. It was quite exciting, it was a great set-up and it was class having a crowd finally back watching boxing. I never expected Thor to be that fit.”

      THOR SPEAKS
      Thor has spoken on Instagram after his first boxing fight.
      The Mountain will fight again soon as his preparations for his HUGE boxing fight vs Eddie Hall continue.
      He posted after the fight: “This was great! Thank you all for the positive feedback! I’ll be doing more exhibition matches in my preparation for my main fight in September. Who should I fight next? 

      THOR VS WARD
      The lively draw was fought at a good pace throughout, even right down to the final few minutes.
      Tons of positives for Thor to take home with him ahead of the massive Eddie Hall fight this year.

      THOR VS WARD
      Thor was full of praise for crusierweight Ward after the draw: “Steven is unbelievable. I doubt many people would want to step into a ring with someone my size.
      “Stevie has a big heart. To come here and do this exhibition with me means a lot. I needed that experience.
      “Steven is the same height as my opponent in September, and this was great.”

      FULL FIGHT REPLAY
      Catch the full replay of the fight right here on Thor’s very own YouTube page.
      A lively draw capped a solid boxing debut for the big man as he continues his training for Eddie Hall.

      THOR VS WARD
      Thor’s team will be chuffed with that performance in his first ever boxing bout.
      The first step in some great preparations for the HUGE Eddie Hall fight later this year.

      THOR VS WARD
      Steven Ward says he was “shook to his boots” after receiving a punch from Thor during their entertaining three-round draw in Dubai.
      Ward said: “I’ve never seen a big man like that move so well.
      “He hit me one shot and it shook me to the boots.”

      THOR VS WARD

      Ward finished the stronger in the final round after being dropped in the second

      THOR VS WARD

      The whopping size difference between the fighters

      THOR VS WARD
      The big man ended the fight with blood trickling down from his nose after a string of Ward jabs.

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    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool vs Man Utd LIVE: Stream, TV channel, team news as Pogba and Shaqiri START – Premier League latest updates

      by

      LIVERPOOL and Manchester United go head-to-head at Anfield in what could prove a pivotal game in the title race.
      The Red Devils arrive top of the table and have made three changes from their win at Burnley, while Jurgen Klopp brings Xherdan Shaqiri into his starting lineup.
      Start time: 4.30pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League/NOW TV
      Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Fabinho, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Thiago, Shaqiri, Mane, Salah, Firmino.
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Pogba, Fred, McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Martial, Rashford.

      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      Liverpool vs Man Utd: Back a penalty for either team at HUGE 40/1 price

      RED BIRDS REELING?
      A dominant machine over the past two seasons, are cracks starting to show within Jurgen Klopp’s injury hit squad?
      Liverpool are winless in their previous three Premier League games (D2 L1), failing to score in their last two.
      It’s four years since they last went four games without, while they’ve not gone three consecutive league games without a goal since March 2005.

      KLOPP’S THOUGHTS
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has spoken ahead of kick-off and has explained his team selection, while revealing what his players need to do in order to prevail.

      We have to play brave football. We need to be cheeky at moments. We have to be well-organised but not hide behind defensive organisation.
      Jurgen Klopp

      🗣️ “He has been good in training and is getting his rhythm”Jurgen Klopp explains the selection of Xherdan Shaqiri and how his defence will shape up📺 Watch Liverpool v Man Utd on Super Sunday pic.twitter.com/ZkRdUrAI0e
      — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 17, 2021

      UNITED PERCHED PRETTY
      For the first time in eight years, Manchester United will today kick-off a Premier League game against Liverpool as the club top of the table.
      On the last occasion, under Sir Alex Ferguson’s stewardship in January 2013, the Red Devils were 2-1 victors at Old Trafford courtesy of goals from Robin van Persie and Nemanja Vidic. They would go on to lift the title at the end of the campaign.

      LAST TIME OUT
      Manchester United went top of the Premier League at this stage of a season for the first time since 2013 on Tuesday evening with a 1-0 success at Burnley.
      They had Paul Pogba’s deflected second half volley to thank in an incident-packed game that saw Harry Maguire have a goal chalked off, and Luke Shaw lucky to avoid a red card.
      Liverpool, meanwhile, haven’t tasted league action in almost two weeks, but eventually eased past the children of Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup nine days ago.
      The Reds suffered defeat in their last Premier League outing – a 1-0 loss at Southampton – when they succumbed to a second minute goal from their former striker, Danny Ings.

      Southampton’s Danny Ings scores against his former club in Liverpool’s last league game.

      MANCHESTER UNITED SUBSTITUTES
      26 Henderson, 3 Bailly, 7 Cavani, 8 Mata, 11 Greenwood, 27 Telles, 31 Matic, 34 Van de Beek, 38 Tuanzebe

      MANCHESTER UNITED XI
      Paul Pogba plays again after an impressive match-winning performance at Burnley in midweek, but the Frenchman moves into a more advanced position. That accommodates the return of Scott McTominay and Fred as the holding midfielders in United’s usual 4-2-3-1 shape. Elsewhere, Victor Lindelof takes the place of Eric Bailly, who drops to the bench with Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani. Anthony Martial leads the line.
      1 De Gea; 29 Wan-Bissaka, 2 Lindelof, 5 Maguire, 23 Shaw; 39 McTominay, 17 Fred; 10 Rashford, 18 Fernandes, 6 Pogba; 9 Martial

      A huge game at Anfield awaits – and here’s your United starting XI 💪🔴 #MUFC#️⃣ #LIVMUN🏆 #PL
      — Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2021

      LIVERPOOL SUBSTITUTES
      62 Kelleher, 7 Milner, 15 Oxlade-Chamberlain, 17 Jones, 18 Minamino, 27 Origi, 46 R. Williams, 47 Phillips, 76 N. Williams

      LIVERPOOL XI
      The big news is that Joel Matip has lost his battle for fitness and so Liverpool start with two makeshift central defenders in Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. Xherdan Shaqiri starts for Jurgen Klopp’s team, who have shifted slightly to match United’s 4-2-3-1. Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Thiago and Roberto Firmino also return after being rested for the FA Cup tie with Aston Villa.
      1 Alisson; 66 Alexander-Arnold, 14 Henderson, 3 Fabinho, 26 Robertson; 6 Thiago, 5 Wijnhaldum; 11 Salah, 23 Shaqiri, 10 Mane; 9 Firmino

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!

      RASHFORD MAKING HIS MARC
      Liverpool may have had the upper hand in recent seasons, but Marcus Rashford has fared impressively well when it comes to facing the Anfield club.
      The Manchester United forward has scored three goals in his last four Premier League games against the Red Birds, with these goals being worth four points to his side.
      The England international is in good company too. Only Wayne Rooney (6), Andrew Cole (4) and Ryan Giggs (4) have scored more Premier League goals for the Red Devils against their old rivals.

      Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring against Liverpool.

      PREVIOUS MEETING
      It’s almost exactly one year since these old rivals last faced off against each other, and so much has changed in the world since then.
      Last January, in front of nearly 53,000 at Anfield, Virgil van Dijk headed the home side in front early on before Mo Salah sealed a 2-0 victory in stoppage time.
      The result moved Liverpool 16 points clear at the top of the table in what would prove to be the successful pursuit of their first title in 30 years.
      A whopping 30 points behind Liverpool were Manchester United in fifth place, but the Red Devils would rally to finish the season third.

      Mo Salah scores for Liverpool in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United a year ago.

      LIVERPOOL’S KLOPP MAN
      Jurgen Klopp today takes charge of Liverpool in the Premier League for the 200th time since his appointment in October 2015.
      The German boss has won 127 of 199 league games so far – including two against Manchester United – with only Jose Mourinho victorious in more matches during his first 200 as a manager in the competition’s history (137)
      Klopp also becomes the tenth manager to reach 200 top-flight games for Liverpool, winning more of his first 200 than any of his predecessors.

      Jurgen Klopp takes charge of his 200th league game as Liverpool boss.

      THIS IS ANFIELD
      Welcome to our live coverage of the Premier League game of the season so far. It’s the Champions versus the Challengers. It’s English football’s two most successful clubs. It’s Liverpool versus Manchester United.
      Potentially season-defining, this meeting between these fierce rivals will be like none other before it with no supporters in attendance.
      However, a lack of fans hasn’t stopped Liverpool from maintaining their fortress. They are unbeaten in 67 league matches at home, an astonishing run stretching all the way back to April 2017.
      Jurgen Klopp has overseen the Reds’ resurgence, and this afternoon will mark a 200th Premier League game in charge for the German coach.
      He will be hoping to have Joel Matip available to boost his injury hit defence as his side look to end a run of three league games without victory – by putting the old enemy back firmly in their place.
      Manchester United have exceeded expectations this season to reach the top, but this contest is a true test of their title credentials.
      As daunting as their opponents’ home form is, the Red Devils have been excellent on the road since their last trip here a year ago. They arrive unbeaten in 15 away matches.
      It was another successful away trip – at Burnley on Tuesday – that took United to the summit, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must now deal with the fallout.
      Anthony Martial and Nemanja Matic hobbled to a conclusion at Turf Moor, and the United boss is sweating on whether the pair have made timely recoveries.
      We’ll have confirmation of today’s teams shortly with the action underway at Anfield at 4.30pm.

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    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Thor Bjornsson vs Steven Ward LIVE RESULT: Thor vows to KNOCKOUT Eddie Hall after making boxing debut – latest reaction

      by

      GAME OF THRONES star Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson battled in a lively boxing debut against Irishman Steven Ward.
      Thor weighed a whopping 10stone heavier than his opponent, and got three solid rounds in the bank ahead of his massive heavyweight showdown vs rival Eddie Hall this September.

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      ‘K.O EDDIE HALL’
      Thor has vowed to knock out Eddie Hall after making his boxing debut in the exhibition draw vs Steven Ward.
      The heavyweight pair do battle in Las Vegas later this year in September.
      He said: “I have huge respect for this sport, this is just the beginning.
      “I will be in the best shape of my life in September this year and I will knock Eddie Hall out.

      HITS LIKE A HORSE
      Steven Ward said after the fight: “What a night. The exhibition is over and big Thor hits like a horse.
      “But it was great. It was quite exciting, it was a great set-up and it was class having a crowd finally back watching boxing. I never expected Thor to be that fit.”

      THOR SPEAKS
      Thor has spoken on Instagram after his first boxing fight.
      The Mountain will fight again soon as his preparations for his HUGE boxing fight vs Eddie Hall continue.
      He posted after the fight: “This was great! Thank you all for the positive feedback! I’ll be doing more exhibition matches in my preparation for my main fight in September. Who should I fight next? 

      THOR VS WARD
      The lively draw was fought at a good pace throughout, even right down to the final few minutes.
      Tons of positives for Thor to take home with him ahead of the massive Eddie Hall fight this year.

      THOR VS WARD
      Thor was full of praise for crusierweight Ward after the draw: “Steven is unbelievable. I doubt many people would want to step into a ring with someone my size.
      “Stevie has a big heart. To come here and do this exhibition with me means a lot. I needed that experience.
      “Steven is the same height as my opponent in September, and this was great.”

      FULL FIGHT REPLAY
      Catch the full replay of the fight right here on Thor’s very own YouTube page.
      A lively draw capped a solid boxing debut for the big man as he continues his training for Eddie Hall.

      THOR VS WARD
      Thor’s team will be chuffed with that performance in his first ever boxing bout.
      The first step in some great preparations for the HUGE Eddie Hall fight later this year.

      THOR VS WARD
      Steven Ward says he was “shook to his boots” after receiving a punch from Thor during their entertaining three-round draw in Dubai.
      Ward said: “I’ve never seen a big man like that move so well.
      “He hit me one shot and it shook me to the boots.”

      THOR VS WARD

      Ward finished the stronger in the final round after being dropped in the second

      THOR VS WARD

      The whopping size difference between the fighters

      THOR VS WARD
      The big man ended the fight with blood trickling down from his nose after a string of Ward jabs.

      THOR VS WARD
      Thor says he’ll have more fights before the big Eddie Hall clash in September as his boxing training continues.

      THOR VS WARD FIGHT REPORT
      From Wally Downes Jr
      Brave Steven Ward survived his crazy fight with man-mountain Hafthor Bjornsson.
      The 6ft 9in Iceland strongman and Game of Thrones star needed a warm-up bout before fighting fellow giant Eddie Hall in the heaviest fight in boxing history in September and picked the Irish cruiserweight.
      Bjornsson weighed a giant 24st for the three-round Dubai exhibition and towered over 13-1 full-time boxer Ward who was 15st.
      Southpaw Bjornsson, who shed a massive 8st of bulk for the Middle East showdown, held the centre of the ring and let Belfast boxer Ward dance around him in front of a full-house at the Conrad hotel.

      THOR VS WARD
      Thor said: “I have huge respect for this sport. This is just the beginning.
      “I will be in the best shape of my life in September this year…and I will knock Eddie Hall OUT.”

      THOR VS WARD
      Ward said after the draw: “What a night. The exhibition is over and big Thor hits like a horse.
      “But it was great. It was quite exciting. It was a great set-up and it was class having a crowd finally back watching boxing.
      “I never expected Thor to be that fit.”

      THOR VS WARD – FIGHT ENDS IN DRAW
      No winners but no losers in Dubai.
      Three solid rounds in the bank there for Thor ahead of the big one this year…

      THOR VS WARD – ROUND THREE
      Ward connects with a great bodyshot after countering a right.
      He catches Thor with a THIRD big right of the round.
      Ward finishing the stronger…and the fight is OVER!
      Not a bad showing in any way there for Thor on his boxing debut. His team will be pleased with that ahead of the huge bout this September vs Eddie Hall…

      THOR VS WARD – ROUND THREE
      Blood now trickling down from Thor’s nose after Ward catching with another job.
      Both fighters still moving at good pace.

      THOR VS WARD – ROUND 2
      Thor moving well again in the second stanza.
      He clips Ward with a right which skims the shoulder blade and Ward is down!
      Ward replies with a cracking straight right but Thor takes it.
      Heating up very nicely ahead of the third and final round!

      THOR VS WARD – ROUND 1
      The size difference between 15st cruiserweight Ward and 24st Thor looks absolutely massive!
      Thor showing some of his boxing training with a high guard and he looks more agile than expected too.
      Ward stepping back with the big man making a strong start in Dubai!

      THOR VS WARD
      Ring walks over!
      3x3min rounds up NOW!

      THOR VS WARD
      And now comes the big man!
      6ft 9 and weighing 24stone!
      The Pride Of Iceland is here…

      THOR VS WARD
      And the fighters make their entrance in Dubai!
      Ward up first……

      THOR VS WARD
      “I have one goal. And that’s the knockout a guy in September. I’m training for that.”
      Watch out Eddie Hall!
      Thor talking in his pre-fight interview.

      THOR VS WARD
      “Always take the chance to put yourself in the spotlight. Opportunities like this are scarce.”
      Frampton full of praise of countryman Ward with the fight just minutes away.

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    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham vs Chelsea LIVE: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick off time for Premier League derby clash TONIGHT

      by

      FULHAM welcome West London rivals Chelsea TODAY looking for three huge points in their battle against the drop.
      The Blues have been in torrid form since early December, winning just once in their last six games, but they have the chance to put things right against relegation candidates Fulham.

      Chelsea lost 3-1 to Man City in their last Premier League gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      What time does Fulham vs Chelsea kick-off?
      Fulham vs Chelsea takes place TODAY, with kick-off at 5.30pm GMT.
      The match was scheduled to take place on Friday night at 8pm but was put back a day to make room for Fulham’s rescheduled match at Spurs.
      The game will take place at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.
      There will be no fans in attendance for the game because of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Chelsea’s visit down the road to Fulham will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
      The game is available for live streaming from the Sky Go or NOW TV app, both of which can be downloaded onto a mobile or tablet device.
      You can also catch the action from a Smart TV, so long as it carries the NOW TV app.

      Team news

      Chelsea will be without N’Golo Kante, who is suspended.
      He picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

      Here’s one way the Blues could start the match against Fulham
      But James returned to training this week after recovering from a hamstring issue.
      The four-cap England international is expected to start the match at right-back.

      Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma and Ben Chilwell are expected to make up the rest of the back four.
      Frank Lampard has a fully fit squad to chose from for the trip to Craven Cottage.
      Odds
      Fulham win – 24/5
      Draw – 3/1
      Chelsea – 4/7
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.

      PRE-MATCH STATS
      Fulham have won just one of their 28 Premier League matches against Chelsea (D10 L17), winning 1-0 in March 2006 under Chris Coleman at Craven Cottage.
      Although Chelsea have lost four of their last six Premier League games (W1 D1), as many as they had in their previous 23 in the competition (W14 D5).

      PARKER PONDERS
      Fulham boss Scott Parker had this to say about Chelsea’s threat up front in his pre-match press conference:
      “I think they can change their game as you look in the front half of the pitch in a Giroud who is a seasoned Premier League player.
      “He scores goals, he’s very different to a Tammy Abraham who again is young in his ages, but dynamic and he’s a different outlet.
      “I think they have a group of players that can bring all different varieties to their game really and they can cause you problems.
      “So that’s what we’ll be prepared for at the weekend.”

      Scott’s expecting a dynamic Chelsea team. 👔Who’s excited for #FULCHE?
      — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 16, 2021

      GOOD AFTERNOON 
      Welcome to our live blog of Fulham against Chelsea. 
      Fulham host West London neighbours Chelsea at Craven Cottage this afternoon with the Whites looking to make it six games unbeaten in the Premier League. 
      The Blues meanwhile are in stuttering form, winning just one of their last six league games. 
      Scott Parker’s side come into the game full of confidence after grabbing a point against Spurs in midweek. 
      Chelsea though have slumped to tenth in the table as things stand after an initial bright start to the season, with the Blues losing just once in the league until December 12. 
      Since then they have lost four Premier League games.
      This game was initially scheduled to be played yesterday but was pushed back to this evening after the Whites were called into action at short notice to play Spurs on Wednesday. 
      In team news the Blues will be without N’Golo Kante for this evening’s game, but apart from that Frank Lampard has a fully fit squad at his disposal. 
      Reece James is expected to return after recovering from a hamstring injury. 
      Fulham will be without club captain Tom Cairney, and Mario Lemina is also set to miss out. 
      Kick off is at 5.30pm at team news is coming up in half an hour. 

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    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Porto vs Benfica LIVE RESULT: Grimaldo puts Eagles ahead as Marega equalises – Sporting keep up four point lead in table

      by

      PORTO and Benfica battle it out in a Primeira Liga grudge match under the lights this evening. TV channel: FreeSports – Freeview 64, Sky 422 or Virgin Media 533. Stream: LiveScore App – Google Play and App Store. Porto team: Marchesin, Nanu, Mbemba, Pepe, Zaidu, Luis Diaz, Sergio Oliveira, Uribe, Tecatito, Marega, Taremi. Benfica team: Vlachodimos, […] More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal 0 Crystal Palace 0 LIVE REACTION: Stalemate at Emirates as uninspiring Gunners lack cutting edge

      by

      ARSENAL did NOT impress fans as they struggled to a 0-0 draw at home to a Crystal Palace side who should have grabbed all three points.
      Mikel Arteta admitted his side were not at the races but clearly missed Kieran Tierney, who was a late withdrawal.

      Stay up to date with our live blog for all the team news and updates…

      THAT’S A WRAP
      Thanks for joining us this evening, don’t forget to check out our match report courtesy of Mark Irwin.

      ON TIERNEY’S ABSENCE
      Arteta spoke of how much his side are missing Kieran Tierney, he added: “He’s a real threat and the way we are playing and attacking on the left- he’s a really important player- but he’s injured, so we have to find a solution.
      “He’s having an MRI tomorrow and then we’ll see how bad it is.”

      ARTETA SPEAKS
      The Arsenal boss said: “We were missing some freshness and quality in the final third.
      “We lacked the last pass, or the timing, or the last shot today – we have to generate more to win the game.
      “I would like to have seen us win today and score a few goals- there were moments where fatigue played a factor, where we gave balls away and allowed them to counter.
      “I can’t fault them with the effort they put in- they tried until the last minute- but it just wasn’t enough today.”

      HODGSON ON POINTS
      On getting a point on the road and a clean sheet, he added: “I think we’re getting back to where we want to be and it’s nice to go into the next phase of the season with 23 points.
      “We haven’t given up hope of getting points at Manchester City, but it’s nice to have points between us and the teams really fighting at the bottom.
      “If we played like we did today, there are points in the bag for us going forward.”

      BOSS SPEAKS
      Roy Hodgson said: ” I’m more than satisfied with everything- I thought or defending was good throughout.
      “I thought there was a particularly good spell in the first-half where we created some good opportunities.
      “In the second half, I feel we wasted several opportunities with the final pass, after getting ourselves in a position with a pass that could have hurt them.
      “But throughout, it was an excellent defensive performance and a fantastic piece of discipline and hard work from the players.
      “I’m really proud with the way they went around their work today.”

      EBERECHI EZE SPEAKS
      Speaking about gaining a point away from home, Eberechi Eze said: “We’ll take it, we put in a good performance and worked hard, we showed our quality on the ball as well, so it’s a good point to take.
      “These type of games you need a chance to go in and it’s difficult because you can go long spells without the ball, but we did put on a great performance.
      “They’re a great team and have loads of quality- with the type of players they have, you have to be alert and keep working hard – I think we did that today.”

      HOW’S STAT
      That’s the first time Arsenal have failed to score at home against Palace ever!
      Arsenal now find themselves in 11th, while Palace are just one point behind them in 13th.

      0 – Arsenal have kept their first home clean sheet in the @premierleague since July (12 games), whilst Crystal Palace have recorded their first on the road since June (13 games), with this the first goalless draw in the top-flight between the sides since Oct 1997. Predicted. pic.twitter.com/fUpcPK4kgJ
      — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 14, 2021

      FT: ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      92. Palace break quickly and Ayew finds himself with the ball on the left of the box.
      He finds space between three red shirts, but takes too long on the ball and his left-footed effort is weak and straight at Bellerin.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      91. Arsenal are inching their way closer to goal thanks to several late tackles courtesy of Palace.
      Saka takes the freekick and bends a lovely ball around the Palace wall, but no forward can get through the gap.
      Great defending again from the visitors.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      90. There have been 79 matches at the Emirates since the last goalless draw.
      Looks as though we’re heading for one this evening.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      90. Four additional minutes at the Emirates.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      89. Substitution for Palace as their captain Milivojevic is replaced by McCarthy.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      88. Arteta tries to hype his team up, they certainly need it!
      Saka whips the freekick in to the centre of the box, but Guaita punches it clear.
      The loose ball falls to Pepe but he sends it flying over the bar.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      86. Townsend gives away a freekick, about 30 yards out on the left.
      He appeared to trip Nketiah up as the pair were both racing towards the ball.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      85. Are we heading for stalemate?
      We’ve got four minutes, plus extra time, to find out..

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      84. Zaha goes over in the area, after tussling with Holding.
      But Zaha appeared to have overstretched himself, under pressure from Holding, and was already toppling forward before any contact was made.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      Here’s the Luiz and Zaha incident..

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      81. Arsenal’s corner doesn’t beat the first man.
      Arsenal recover and play the ball around the edge of the area.
      Smith-Rowe strikes it from the top of the box, but the low shot can’t make it through the crowd.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      80. Substitutions for both sides; Lacazette is replaced by Nketiah and Ayew replaces Benteke.
      If Nketiah is to have any influence, Arsenal need to actually get the ball up his end of the pitch- it didn’t happen for Laca this evening.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      79. Mitchell’s cross into the box is destined for Townsend, but Saka is goalside of the Palace man.
      Although, he does appear to be a little too calm on the ball as Townsend applies pressure before Saka whacks it away.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      Considering it’s been all Xhaka v Zaha, this was not a sight we expected to see.
      Zaha squared up to Luiz after the Arsenal defender took him out and then clipped his face while he was on the ground.
      In fairness to Luiz, the catching of the face looked accidental.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      76. Ayew is waiting in the wing to come on, but it’s all on hold until they know the severity of Eze’s injury.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      75. Eze is down and looks as though he may needs treatment.
      It appears as though he clashed knees with Partey as the Arsenal man tried to stop his run.

      ARSENAL 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
      73. Just like the first half, Arsenal came firing out of the blocks but got a little complacent and have allowed Palace to find their feet.
      Palace have had plenty of opportunities and look the more threatening side.

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham 1 Fulham 1 LIVE REACTION: Cavaleiro heads home superb equaliser after Kane opener for Spurs

      by

      HARRY KANE has given Spurs the lead in their Premier League clash with Fulham – thanks to a sensational cross from Sergio Reguilon.
      But Fulham pegged them back in the second half with a resurgent performance as Ivan Cavaleiro nodded in super-sub Ademola Lookman’s cross.

      Stay up to date with all the action from Tottenham Stadium with our live blog below…

      GOODNIGHT FROM NORTH LONDON
      It was a game we knew nothing of two days ago, but Tottenham and Fulham served up a thrilling contest at short notice this evening and ended up sharing the spoils.
      Harry Kane expertly headed Spurs in front midway through the first half, but the visitors grew in strength and belief after the break, and eventually got their equaliser through a fine header of their own – scored by Ivan Cavaleiro.
      Jose Mourinho demanded an apology from Scott Parker before kick-off, but perhaps he should be issuing one of his own after his team sat back on another lead, and were once again caught out.
      Spurs have now dropped ten points from winning positions this season, and are beginning to fall behind the pacesetters at the top; a win would have moved them third but instead they trail behind the likes of Manchester City, Everton and Leicester.
      At the other end of the table, the draw wasn’t enough to lift Fulham out of the bottom three, but they carry a confidence and ability that wasn’t evident two months ago.
      Now tough to beat, the Cottagers have drawn five in a row in the league, and finally ended their London derby hoodoo of 13 consecutive defeats with this deserved point.
      They have another on Saturday against near-neighbours Chelsea, and a similar performance of this calibre will have them troubling Frank Lampard’s team.
      Spurs, meanwhile, go to Sheffield United at their weekend, with their players and manager alike determined to show that they are able capable of dealing with teams marooned in the dropzone.
      Until then, thanks for reading, and goodnight.

      PROUD PARKER
      Fulham boss Scott Parker thought the decision to arrange this fixture two days ago was scandalous but he’s a delighted man this evening after his team fought their way to a deserved draw.

      I thought we were outstanding tonight from start to finish. Nobody really knows what we’ve been through the past couple of weeks. We had players out there who have had one day’s training. I’m very proud of them.
      Scott Parker

      A GOOD POINT
      After a fifth draw in succession, the Fulham players hope their critics are finally getting the message.

      MOURINHO REACTION
      Jose Mourinho was in a relaxed and jovial mood ahead of kick-off, but he’s not smiling now. The Tottenham boss believes his team should have won tonight, but failed to kill the game off.

      We were not good enough, but we were good enough to win. We were good enough to create four or five big chances, and good enough to give Hugo [Lloris] a quiet evening.
      Jose Mourinho

      SPURS STUTTER AGAIN
      Tottenham have now dropped ten points from wining positions this season, four of those in the past three weeks.

      Tottenham have now dropped four points from winning positions in the Premier League since Christmas, no side have dropped more in that timeframeIt’s happened again. pic.twitter.com/wmt4hFDDIq
      — Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 13, 2021

      COTTAGERS REVIVAL CONTINUES
      If Scott Parker can find a way for his side to turn some of these draws into wins, Fulham may not be heading for the immediate return to the Championship that most were expecting.

      Fulham are now five games unbeaten in the Premier League, only Man Utd (11) and Man City (8) are currently on a longer streak in the competition.Who would have thought it. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CLCEvA6J9C
      — Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 13, 2021

      FT: TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      The spoils are shared in North London after Ivan Cavaleiro’s header cancelled out Harry Kane’s first half opener. Both sides could have won in late on in what was a really entertaining contest.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      90+4. …and Areola gets up to claim.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      90+3. Fulham flood the Spurs box for a corner, but Sanchez is first to it to head clear and launch one last attack for the home side.
      Reguilon gets down the flank and delivers into the box…

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      90+1. A former Spurs youngster, Josh Onomah, is on for Fulham in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
      There will be a minimum of four minutes stoppage time to be played

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      90. Reguilon has the ball in the back of the net! But the linesman’s flag is up for offside!
      It’s the correct decision too with both Son, who crossed the ball, and the full back who scored ahead of Fulham’s backline when the pass was played.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      88. Chances for Fulham on the break. Lookman has a shot blocked, and then Kamara fails to picks out the same player when completely free.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      86. Reguilon picks out Son in the area with another clever cross, but the South Korean fails to position his body correctly in order to angle his header on target.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      85. Fulham are readying Aboubakar Kamara, who often finds a way to shoot his team in the foot. Stay tuned for an entertaining cameo.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      83. Cavaleiro’s confidence is up after his goal, and he demonstrates skill and strength to hold off two Tottenham defenders outside the box.
      Tottenham may be pushing for a winner, but Fulham fancy one of their own.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      80. Tottenham win a disputed corner as Anguissa challenges Kane.
      Jose Mourinho wants to make a change before it’s delivered, however, and sends for Carlos Vinicius to replace Tanguy Ndombele.
      The Benfica loanee hit a hat-trick at Marine at the weekend. What a time this would be to open his Premier League account.
      He won’t do it from this set-piece though as Adarabioyo heads clear.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      78. Fulham come so close to turning the game on its head!
      Lookman has been a revelation since his introduction and the sub is causing Spurs all kind of problems.
      Running between five opponents, the forward slips a pass behind Tottenham’s defence for Loftus-Cheek, but Lloris gets out quickly to block the subsequent shot.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      75. Jose Mourinho responds to the Fulham goal by making a first change. The Tottenham boss sends Erik Lamela on for Harry Winks.

      TOTTENHAM 1-1 FULHAM
      74. Moments after Son had hit the post at one end, Fulham have the equaliser they deserve at the other!
      It’s another excellent header as Ivan Cavaleiro climbs high to plant Ademola Lookman’s left-wing cross past Hugo Lloris.
      With just over quarter of an hour to play, can either side find a winner?

      GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLL!!IVAN CAVALEIRO EQUALISES!!

      TOTTENHAM 1-0 FULHAM
      71. Son! Off the post! The Spurs forward is sent clear and looks destined to make it 2-0.
      Son doesn’t get his shot away cleanly as he angles across Areola, but it looks as though it’s creeping in until it bounces back off the woodwork.

      TOTTENHAM 1-0 FULHAM
      70. Scott Parker’s team work the ball from right to left via some impressive pirouettes from Decordova-Reid.
      Lookman takes charge, shows some skill, but is blocked off by attentive defending from Sanchez.

      TOTTENHAM 1-0 FULHAM
      67. Anguissa pulls out some tricks by the corner flag before Ndombele gets the better of the Fulham man. It’s some match up.

      Anguissa vs. Ndombele is a battle I could watch all day. Just pure, joyful, hold-the-ball-at-all-costs, tekkers.
      — Jack J Collins (@jackjcollins) January 13, 2021

      TOTTENHAM 1-0 FULHAM
      66. Is this the attacking instinct Fulham have lacked? Ademola Lookman is off the bench and on in place of Kenny Tete as Scott Parker makes his first change.

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    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG 2 Marseille 1 LIVE REACTION: Pochettino wins first trophy as a manager as Neymar penalty sees off late OM fightback

      by

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has won his first trophy as a manager as Paris Saint-Germain have clinched the Trophee des Champions.
      Neymar and Mauro Icardi did the business for PSG as they won the Coupe de France in Lens. Dimitri Payet bagged a late consolation for OM but it was too little too late.

      Follow every kick with our live blog below…

      THANKS FOR JOINING US
      That’s all from us tonight as PSG wrapped up a record tenth Trophee des Champions triumph.
      Neymar marked his return from injury with a goal, in the first time the two sides faced off since FIVE men were sent off in Marseille’s 1-0 win in September.
      Next up for PSG is a trip to Angers on Saturday as they bid to go top of the Ligue One table.
      They’re currently a point behind table toppers Lyon.
      Marseille meanwhile host bottom of the table Nimes, looking to close the gap on the leaders.
      They’re eight points off the top in sixth place, but have two games in hand on all five teams above them.
      That’s all for now though.
      Thanks for joining us, it’s been a pleasure.

      ALL SMILES
      Could this be the start of something special at PSG?
      It’s the Champions League trophy that they really crave in Paris after losing out in the final last year, and if Mauricio Pochettino can manage his superstars well, PSG could become a force to be reckoned with.

      PS-GLEE
      So PSG win their eighth consecutive Trophee des Champions, and with it earn Mauricio Pochettino his first piece of silverware as a manager in just his third game in charge.
      Mauro Icardi netted in the first half to put PSG ahead, before a Neymar penalty seven minutes from time seemingly wrapped things up.
      Dimitri Payet pulled one back though for Marseille in the 89th minute to set up a grandstand finish, but in the end PSG saw the game out comfortably.
      CLICK HERE TO READ OUT MATCH REPORT

      GROUP SHOT
      The PSG players pose for a pic with the Trophee des Champions.

      Credit: AFP or licensors

      Credit: AFP or licensors

      HAVE A LOOK
      Neymar inspects his winners medal.
      He was brilliant when he came off the bench, and looked dangerous every time he picked up the ball.

      Credit: Reuters

      TROPHY LIFT
      Alessandro Florenzi gets his hands on the trophy.

      Credit: AFP or licensors

      Credit: AFP or licensors

      WINNERS
      The PSG players collect their medals and assemble themselves around the trophy.
      Skipper Marquinhos is the last man onto the stage, he picks up the trophy and carries it over to his teammates, before lifting it high into the sky as the confetti flies around them.
      PSG are Trophee des Champions winners for an eighth consecutive year!

      FIRST OF MANY?
      A first piece of silverware for Mauricio Pochettino, who will hope that he can go on to do great things with this PSG side.
      It’s only his third game at the helm!

      RUNNERS-UP
      The Marseille players collect their medals from the podium after a guard of honour from the PSG squad.

      NEYMAR BAGS
      Neymar celebrates after making it 2-0 from the penalty spot.

      Credit: AP:Associated Press

      WINNERS
      Mauricio Pochettino collects his first piece of silverware as a manager in just his third game in charge of PSG.
      He’ll hope that it’s the first of many to come.

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      So PSG win the Trophee des Champions for an eighth successive year.
      Icardi put Les Parisiens in front in the first half, before Neymar scored from the spot to make it 2-0.
      Dimitri Payet scored with two minutes left of the ninety to make things interesting, but PSG comfortably played out injury time and take the trophy back to Paris.

      PEEEEP! THAT’S FULL TIME!
      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE!
      PSG WIN THE TROPHEE DES CHAMPIONS!

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      95. CHANCE!
      Payet delivers a low cross from the left onto the foot of Thauvin on the edge of the box.
      It’s on his stronger left foot, but he blazes over, and that may well be that.

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      95. Marseille win a throw in on the right wing, which will be launched long into the box.
      It fails to beat the first man though and PSG clear.

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      94. PSG yellow card.
      Mbappe is into the book for throwing the ball away.
      He thought Neymar was fouled but nothing was given and he threw the ball away in disgust.

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      93. PSG have the ball in the Marseille corner, exactly where they want it.

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      91. Sakai fancies his chances from the edge of the box.
      He tries to whip the ball into the top corner, but it’s closer to going out of the ground in all honesty.
      That’s a real waste.

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      90. FIVE minutes of added time are signalled by the fourth official.
      We could be in for a grandstand finish.

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      90. PSG substitution.
      Sarabia is replacing Herrera as PSG try to wind down the clock.

      PSG 2-1 MARSEILLE
      89. They couldn’t, could they?
      Thauvin, who has been lively all night, drills a low cross along the six yard box towards Payet.
      Payet gets in front of Marquinhos at the near post and pokes it past Navas.
      Game on!

      GOOOOAAAAAALLLL!
      MARSEILLE HAVE PULLED ONE BACK!

      PSG 2-0 MARSEILLE
      87. PSG substitutions.
      Pereira is coming on for Paredes, and Kean is replacing Icardi.

      PSG 2-0 MARSEILLE
      86. Neymar runs over and celebrates with Mauricio Pochettino on his way back to the halfway line.
      If Pochettino can get the best out of him, PSG could go one better than last season and finally win the Champions League.

      GOOOOAAAAAALLLL!
      NEYMAR SENDS PEPE THE WRONG WAY AND THAT SHOULD BE GAME OVER!
      PSG 2-0 MARSEILLE!

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