World Cup 2022

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      Supercomputer predicts England XI to start World Cup clash vs Iran including Man Utd and Chelsea stars out of club XIs

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the England line-up for their opening World Cup match against Iran.The Three Lions will kick off their Qatar World Cup campaign on November 21.
      England have been predicted to line up in a 5-2-3 formation
      Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling are tipped to start despite the former not being first-choice at ChelseaCredit: AFP
      Harry Maguire is also expected to startCredit: Getty
      But there may not be many surprises as Gareth Southgate has players he knows and trusts after two successful major tournaments in recent years.
      One dilemma he has is which formation to use, particularly against an Iran side who are likely to sit back and defend against England.
      According to Betfair’s supercomputer, Southgate is likely to line his team up in a 5-2-3 formation with captain Harry Kane flanked by Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling in attack.
      The same front three started England’s first game of Euro 2020 against Croatia with Declan Rice and Mason Mount operating behind them on that occasion.
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      That pair have been tipped to start again but will be the only midfielders picked to start, with five defenders set to play.
      The supercomputer believes Chelsea pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell will feature at wing-back, even though the latter has not been first-choice for the Blues this season.

      Harry Maguire is in the same position having been ousted from the Manchester United team by Erik ten Hag.
      He is expected to start for the Three Lions alongside Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker, who is set to play on the right side of central defence.
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      Southgate could also have a tough decision on who to play in goal although Jordan Pickford is expected to start.
      The Everton shot stopper will miss England’s Nation League games against Italy and Germany through injury, and that will provide Southgate with the perfect opportunity to assess who his no2 will be. More

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      Kieran Trippier forced to delay meeting up with England squad with Newcastle star given extra time for personal reasons

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      ENGLAND star Kieran Trippier is reportedly yet to link up with the squad due to personal reasons ahead of Friday’s clash against Italy.However it has been claimed that the 32-year-old hasn’t pulled out of the squad, and remains in contention to face the Azzurri in the crucial Nations League meeting.
      Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier is yet to link up with the England squadCredit: Getty
      According to BBC reporter Alex Howell, the Newcastle defender isn’t currently at St George’s Park with the rest of his Three Lions team-mates.
      Boss Gareth Southgate has given him time off for personal reasons.
      Though it has been said that the former Tottenham man is expected to be at England’s headquarters in Burton upon Trent later on Tuesday.
      He remains available for selection in the upcoming clashes against Italy in Milan on Friday, and Germany at Wembley next week.
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      Trippier has been ever-present for the Magpies this season having featured in all seven Premier League matches.
      And he showed he is still capable of producing moments of magic as shown by his glorious free-kick in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester City.
      As well as Trippier, his Newcastle team-mate Nick Pope has also been called up by Southgate following his strong start to the campaign.
      It is the first time that Newcastle have had two players in an England squad since Scott Parker and Alan Smith were selected in 2007.

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      One player that was at St George’s Park on Tuesday was Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson.
      Despite missing the last three games with a hamstring injury, the former Sunderland ace was handed a late call-up after Kalvin Phillips was forced to pull out.

      England confirmed the announcement in a statement earlier today, with Henderson now in contention to feature at the San Siro.
      The decision was made to call-up Henderson after he came through a number of workout sessions over the weekend. More

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      Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo pulls in more than £3m per Instagram post blowing fierce rival Lionel Messi out the water

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is the most influential footballer in the world and his social media posts are worth more than £3million.The Portuguese, 37, is the most followed person on Instagram with 480m devotees.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi lead the way in followers and influence
      Ronaldo’s Instagram is a mix of glam and footy picsCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The striker boasts 480m followers on InstagramCredit: Getty
      The Portuguese keeps fans updated with his career for both club and countryCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      That number has risen by a staggering 48 per cent in the last year alone and means he is far more popular than any other footballer – even Lionel Messi.
      Ronaldo’s follower count is tremendously lucrative too – each post has a media value of £3.1m according to analysts Nielsen Gracenote.
      Messi is a distant second but the pair are in a world of their own compared to the rest of the top ten – just as they have been on the pitch over the last 15 years.
      Nielsen Gracenote compiled a list of the most influential footballers who will feature at the World Cup.
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      Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain team-mates Neymar and Kylian Mbappe follow him in third and fourth place respectively.
      That trio, as well as CR7, are the only players in the world who boast a seven-figure value per post.
      Real Madrid Vinicius Jr rounds off the top five but as the youngest player inside the top ten his influence is only likely to increase.
      Los Blancos striker Karim Benzema is ranked next despite having 35m more followers than Vinicius.
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      Two other French players make the list with N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba placed eighth and ninth respectively.
      Kante has won the World Cup, Premier League and Champions League but he is still not as influential on social media as Roma’s Paulo Dybala who ranks seventh.
      Jado Sancho is rated as the most influential Englishman but there is no place for any Three Lions star inside the top ten, which is rounded off with another PSG player – Sergio Ramos. More

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      Jamal Musiala forced to cut Germany training short after being injured by Thomas Muller ahead of England clash

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      JAMAL MUSIALA was forced out of Germany training after he clashed with team-mate Thomas Muller.Pictures show the wonderkid with a cut to the shin and being attended to by medical staff after what appears to be an accidental coming together.
      A long cut above Musiala’s ankle is visible
      Medical staff attended to the teenager
      Thomas Muller appears to be apologetic as Musiala grips his leg
      Muller gives the midfielder a pat on the head after their coming together
      The problem for the 19-year-old comes just days before he could have played against England, the country he was once represented at underage level.
      But reports suggests the issue for Musiala is not serious.
      Pictures show a cut down the German’s shin during training, with Müller appearing to apologise afterwards.
      Müller, who is team-mates with Musiala at Bayern Munich, can then be seen patting the teen’s head as he is attended to by medical staff.
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      There are hopes that the problem for Musiala is only minor.
      Chief sport reporter in Germany Kerry Hau tweeted: “Musiala has to stop the first training session with the DFB team in Frankfurt after a duel with Bayern colleague Müller.
      “First diagnosis: just a small cut on the shin, nothing muscular.”
      If the reports are correct, Musiala could still be in line to face England on Monday as the two face off again in the Nations League after their draw in June.
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      The midfielder was one of the best players on the park in that game and will be hoping for a repeat next week.
      He used to play alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham in England’s underage groups before opting to represent Germany, the country of his birth.
      Musiala had spent much of his childhood in the UK so could have o picked Gareth Southgate’s side.
      At club level, the talented teenager is experiencing an amazing start to the season.
      Even as Bayern wobble, Musiala continues to excel and has four goals and one assist in six games so far. More

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      How England could line up against Italy with Gareth Southgate facing goalkeeper dilemma after Jordan Pickford injury

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to pick his penultimate England team before the World Cup when they face Italy in Milan on Friday.The Three Lions will take on the European champions in the Nations League, before hosting Germany on Monday.
      How SunSport expects England to line up against Italy
      The two matches offer Southgate a final opportunity to look at players before he selects his 26-man squad for Qatar in October.
      And there are still a host of questions for the England boss to answer less than two months out from the start of the tournament.
      The most pressing one for these upcoming Nations League fixtures is who will replace the injured Jordan Pickford in between the sticks.
      Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale and Newcastle shot-stopper Nick Pope are both vying for the spot – with Dean Henderson expected to miss out.
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      Then there is the debate as to whether Southgate goes with a back three or back four.
      If it is a three then expect Tottenham man Eric Dier to return to the fold after two years out of the national side.
      Harry Maguire and John Stones will likely form a trio either side of him, with Chelsea wingbacks Ben Chilwell and Reece James on the flanks.
      Alternatively, he could opt to go with a four and try out the likes of Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori.
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      Another way Southgate could choose to line up against Italy
      Kyle Walker could then come in as a more defensive right-back compared with James and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      Kieran Trippier is also an option at left-back, especially given the poor form of Luke Shaw.
      In midfield, Declan Rice is a certainty.

      But the spot alongside him is up for grabs, particularly given Kalvin Phillips has been ruled out and replaced in the squad by Jordan Henderson.
      The Liverpool man is an option, but you would imagine Jude Bellingham is the favourite to fill that spot ahead of Henderson and James Ward-Prowse.
      Then up front, a 3-4-3 would allow Southgate to play his favoured front three – Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Mason Mount.
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      But a 4-2-3-1 could mean Mount takes up the No10 position either side of the wide men – any two of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish or Jarrod Bowen.
      And there is also a chance Kane may make way for Ivan Toney – who has earned his first England call-up and will be hoping to make a late case for a spot on the plane. More

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      Portugal vs Spain: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for CRUNCHING Nations League tie

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      ALL eyes will be on Portugal and Spain when they go toe-to-toe in the standout Nations League fixture of Group A2 – and it is not to be missed.Cristiano Ronaldo captained his country to the first ever Nations League triumph in 2019.
      Portugal were the very first victors of the Nations League in 2019Credit: Getty
      And the Manchester United legend will be eager to do it once more despite being off the pace this season at club level.
      However, Luis Enrique’s men have unfinished business with this tournament having marginally lost in the 2021 final to France.
      But Spain have to navigate their way past Portugal first which is an encounter that has ended as a draw on the past four occassions.
      What time does Portugal vs Spain kick off?

      Portugal roll out the red carpet for Spain on Tuesday, September 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time – same time locally.
      Estadio Municipal de Braga in Braga, Portugal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host around 30,286 fans.
      Ricardo Horta’s 82nd minute strike ensured Portugal held Spain to a 1-1 draw in June this year.

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      What TV channel is Portugal vs Spain on and can I live stream it?

      Portugal vs Spain will be broadcasted LIVE on Box Nation in the UK which is part of the Premier Sports pack.
      Build up is scheduled to commence from 7:35pm UK time – 10 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of Premier Sports can also stream entire action live through the Premier Sports website or Premier Sports Player app.

      Team news
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected for Portugal despite only scoring one goal in nine matches this season.
      While the Manchester United’s former colleague Sergio Ramos is left out of the Spain side for the second consecutive time.
      Sergio Ramos hasn’t figured for Spain since 2021Credit: Reuters
      Portugal’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Patricio (Roma).
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      Defenders: Danilo Pereira (PSG), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Joao Cancelo (Manchester United), Tiago Djalo (Lille), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund).
      Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Mario (Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolves), Vitinha (PSG), William Carvalho (Real Betis).
      Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafa Silva (Benfica), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).
      Spain’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sánchez (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford)
      Defenders: Pau Torres (Villarreal), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), José Gayà (Valencia), Hugo Guillamón (Valencia), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Eric García (Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
      Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri Hernández (Manchester City), Pedri González (Barcelona), Koke Resurrección (Atlético Madrid), Gavi Páez (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Paris Saint-Germain), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
      Forwards: Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Álvaro Morata (Atlético Madrid), Borja Iglesias (Real Betis), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Ferran Torres (Barcelona) More

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      Netherlands vs Belgium: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Nations League derby

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      NETHERLANDS and Belgium are set to add another chapter to their fierce rivalry this weekend – and its a fixture which promises goals.There hasn’t been a scoreless draw between these two European giants since a 0-0 back in 1987.
      Netherlands ran riot when they met Belgium in the reverse Nations League fixtureCredit: Rex
      And Oranje ensured that the tradition continued by humiliating Belgium in the reverse fixture earlier on this year.
      However, Holland have shockingly failed to beat the Belgians on home soil in their last four attempts.
      But Louis van Gaal will feel a little more confident as the Red Devil’s all-time top goal scorer Romelu Lukaku is unavailable due to an ongoing injury.
      What time does Netherlands vs Belgium kick off?

      Netherlands will host Belgium on Sunday, September 25.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time – 8:45pm local time.
      Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands will be the allocated venue for this match and it has a capacity of 55,865.
      Holland embarrassed Belgium 4-1 in the last fixture between these two nations.

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      What TV channel is Netherlands vs Belgium on and can I live stream it?

      Netherlands vs Belgium will be broadcasted LIVE on Premier Sports 2 in the UK.
      There will only be a short build up which is scheduled to commence from 7:35pm UK time – 10 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of Premier Sports can also stream the entire action via the Premier Sports website or Premier Sports Player app.

      Team news
      Netherlands full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Louis van Gaal has given a strong indication of the Netherlands side he will go with for the World Cup.
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      While Roberto Martinez has been forced to leave talisman Romelu Lukaku out due to a flexor injury.
      Romelu Lukaku will be unavailable for both of Belgium’s Nations League matchesCredit: AP
      Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (NEC Nijmegen), Mark Flekken (Freiburg), Andries Noppert (Heerenveen), Remko Pasveer (Ajax Amsterdam)
      Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax Amsterdam), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Bruno Martins Indi (AZ Alkmaar), Devyne Rensch, Jurrien Timber (both Ajax Amsterdam), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
      Midfielders: Steven Berghuis (Ajax Amsterdam), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Davy Klaassen (Ajax Amsterdam), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax Amsterdam)
      Forwards: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax Amsterdam), Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven), Vincent Janssen (Royal Antwerp), Wout Weghorst (Besiktas)
      Belgium’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge). Matz Sels (Strasbourg), Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg)
      Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Royal Antwerp), Dedryck Boyata (Club Brugge), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), Jason Denayer, Wout Faes (Leicester), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Rennes), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht), Timothy Castagne (Leicester), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund)
      Midfielders: Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa), Amadou Onana (Everton), Youri Tielemans (Leicester), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid)
      Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahçe), Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), Dodi Lukebakio (Hertha Berlin), Dries Mertens (Galatasaray), Loïs Openda (Lens), Leandro Trossard (Brighton) More

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      Scotland vs Rep of Ireland: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for British Nations League clash

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      SCOTLAND will be determined to edge closer in sealing Nations League group qualification when they take on Republic of Ireland THIS SATURDAY.Two wins over Armenia in June saw the Scots overcome the misery of failing to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
      Ireland annihilated Scotland 3-0 when the nations last met in JuneCredit: AFP
      And they’ll be hoping that they can find that form once again to top Group B League 1 come the conclusion of the group stages.
      However, Scotland’s one blip during the last international break was Republic of Ireland who demolished them 3-0 in Dublin.
      But they’ll be eager to get their revenge and claim the bragging rights of Britain.
      What time does Scotland vs Rep of Ireland kick off?

      Scotland are set to entertain Republic of Ireland this Saturday, September 24.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time.
      Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland is the allocated arena for this huge encounter and it can host approximately 51,866 fans.
      The Irish embarrassed Scotland 3-0 when these nations last met.

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      What TV channel is Scotland vs Rep of Ireland on and can I live stream it?

      Scotland vs Republic of Ireland will be broadcasted LIVE on Premier Sports 1 in the UK.
      Pre-match coverage is scheduled to commence from 7:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of Premier Sports also have the option to stream the entire action live via the Premier Sports website or Premier Sports Player app.

      Team news
      Steve Clarke is forced to be without Scottish serial winner Andy Robertson while Stephen Kelly brings Robbie Brady, Andrew Omobamidele and Callum O’Dowda back into the fold.
      Andy Robertson has been left out of the Scotland squad due to injuryCredit: Reuters
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      Scotland’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Liam Kelly, Jonathan McLaughlin
      Defenders: Jack Hendry, Scott Mckenna, Greg Taylor, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Grant Hanley, Ryan Porteous, Nathan Patterson
      Midfielders: Kenneth McLean, Ryan Jack, Stuart Armstrong, Callum McGregor, John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Billy Glimour, Aaron Hickey, Scott MCTominay
      Forwards: Ryan Fraser, David Turnbull, Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Jacob Brown
      Republic of Ireland’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu, Mark Travers, Max O’Leary
      Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Shane Duffy, John Egan, Nathan Collins, Andrew Omobamidele, Dara O’Shea, James McClean, Robert Brady
      Midfielders: Josh Cullen, Jeff Hendrick, Jason Knight, Marcus Browne, Jayson Molumby, Conor Hourihane
      Forwards: Chiedozie Ogbene, Michael Obafemi, Troy Parrott, Scott Hogan, Callum O’Dowda, Callum Robinson
      Latest odds

      Scotland to win 11/10
      Draw 21/10
      Rep of Ireland to win 13/5

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More