The 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is almost here and the promotions for the cash-rich Twenty20 league are in full swing.While match-ups between superstar India cricketers, including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant was used as the narrative for a promotional video, the makers have now released another video featuring kids playing gully cricket.India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli makes an appearance in the promotional video, released on Monday.Kohli can be seen telling a kid wearing RCB jersey to stop worrying about assuming cricketers names and rather make a name for himself. In the video, a group of kids, wearing the shirts of various IPL franchises, are assuming the names of big superstars from the respective teams.Nonetheless, one of them stands out and says he isn’t Kohli despite wearing an RCB jersey.Kohli-led RCB, who are still searching the elusive title, will begin their IPL 2019 campaign in Chennai in the big-ticket season opener against Chennai Super Kings. MS Dhoni, who is being seen as a vital cog of Team India for the 2019 World Cup, will lead CSK’s title defence in the upcoming season, starting March 23.Kohli will be leading India in the fifth and final ODI of the ongoing series against Australia which will also be the team’s last international assignment ahead of 2019 World Cup.Australia levelled the series in Mohali on Sunday with a four-wicket win in the fourth ODI. The visitors completed their highest-ever successful chase as the likes of Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Ashton Turner helped them gun down a 359-run target.advertisementKohli had arrived in Delhi, his hometown, on Monday. The India captain posed with his pet dog and posted a photograph on social media.Kohli will be keen on leading the team from the front with the bat in front of his home crowd on Wednesday. The 30-year-old smashed back-to-back centuries in the second and third ODI but failed in Mohali after coming in to bat at No. 4.Also Read | Unfair to compare Rishabh Pant with MS Dhoni: Dhawan after Mohali defeat to AustraliaAlso Read | India fail to defend 350-plus score for the 1st time in their ODI historyAlso Read | Pakistan Cricket Board writes to ICC for action against India for wearing camouflage capsAlso See:
ODORS CONTINUE TO FORCE SOUTH SIOUX CITY RESIDENTS OUT OF THEIR…
Two months after being forced out of their homes by a sewer gas odor, several South Sioux City residents are still waiting to return to their homes and facing spending Christmas in a hotel.The odor came into their homes from backflow into the city’s sewer system from Big Ox Energy and possible other sources.Those residents vented their frustrations at Monday night’s South Sioux City council meeting.Jonathan Goodier and his wife and two sons have been out of their home since October 24th.Audio Playerhttp://kscj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/SSC.mp300:0000:0000:00Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.OC………..MY LIFE AND MY TIME. :20Chris Cornell was told by the city last week to go back to his home.He tried to, but found unsafe chemical emissions were still inside his residence:Audio Playerhttp://kscj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/SSC2.mp300:0000:0000:00Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.OC………..answers we need. ;06City Administrator Lance Hedquist said he did tell Cornell to go back home, but that was after inspectors had told him the house was safe:Audio Playerhttp://kscj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/SSC3.mp300:0000:0000:00Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.OC……..who had been in there. :15The residents asked the city to bring in other experts from out of town because they’re upset that the odor issue still can’t be resolved locally.
NEW TRIAL DATE SET FOR DOUBLE MURDER SUSPECT
A new trial date has been set for a Sioux City man accused of stabbing two people to death in January.18-year-old Tran Walker’s trial is now set for October 16th.Walker is charged with two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of his former girlfriend, 17-year-old Paiten Sullivan and a mutual friend, 18-year-old Felipe Negron Jr. on January 28th in Morningside.Court documents state that Walker was in a car with the other two when he began to stab Sullivan because he was upset that she had broken up with him.When Negron tried to intervene, Walker also stabbed him.Walker remains held on one million dollars bond in the Woodbury County Jail.
U.S. HOUSE APPROVES FLOOD AID FOR MIDWEST
The U.S. House has passed legislation that contains funding for communities throughout the Midwest that have been affected by severe flooding.The legislation passed the House Friday on a vote of 257-150.Iowa Congressman Steve King voted in favor of the measure and spoke about the need for the help on the house floor:Audio Playerhttp://kscj.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KING-AID.mp300:0000:0000:00Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.OC…….SIDE OF THE RIVER. :22Nebraska congressman Adrian Smith voted in favor of the measure and says he is happy the measure covers losses of stored grain:Audio Playerhttp://kscj.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SMITH1.mp300:0000:0000:00Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.OC…….need this relief. ;13Smith says he realizes the bill is not perfect.King says he encourages the Senate to work just as quickly to produce a final bill that the President will not hesitate to sign into law.Updated 4:55pm 5/10/19
BIDEN TO SPEAK IN SIOUX CITY TUESDAY (Update)
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN WILL BRING HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN TO SIOUX CITY AND LE MARS ON TUESDAY.BIDEN’S CAMPAIGN SAYS HE WILL HOLD A RURAL HEALTH CARE FORUM AT FLOYD VALLEY HEALTHCARE IN LE MARS AT 3PM.FOLLOWING THAT, BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT THE COUNTRY CELEBRATIONS EVENTS CENTER IN SIOUX CITY AT A COMMUNITY EVENT SET TO BEGIN AT 6PM.THE DOORS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 5:30PM AT 5606 HAMILTON BOULEVARD.THE FORMER VICE PRESIDENT WILL ALSO SPEAK IN COUNCIL BLUFFS ON WEDNESDAY AT 11AM.
Majority Of OSU Fans Believe a 7-2 Record Wins The Big 12
I wanted to gauge everyone’s optimism on OSU winning the Big 12 in a different way this week: By gauging what record everyone thinks will win the Big 12. For the past five years, it has been 8-1 every year. Here’s a look at all five of those final standings.
Like I noted last week, OSU has played on the final weekend of the season three times in the last five years to win the Big 12 title. That’s astonishing. Could this year be 2013 all over again where you lost a game you shouldn’t have on the road and still end up playing for all the conference marbles on December 3? Most of you think OSU could even lose another game and still have a chance.The issue for me here is I’m having a hard time coming up with two losses for OU. Their record is not great, but UH and Ohio State are great which is precisely why the 2-2 exists. They do have defensive issues, but who doesn’t? I’ve gone back and forth between 7-2 and 8-1 a lot, but I guess I’ll go with the majority here and say 7-2 which means OSU really could be playing again for the Big 12 title in the last game of the season.Your thoughts and comments below.Tuesday poll question … What will the conference record of the Big 12 winner be?— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) October 4, 2016Mark: I say 7-2. The conference stinks in relation to other conferences, but there is significant parity within the conference. It’s a shame to see the Big 12 devolve like it has, but it does make for some nail-biting football.Jerry: Possible 8-1, realistically 7-2. And hope not 6-3. My gut is if our O-line keeps improving with the defense putting in more time tweaking loose spots a little more. We can win out.Brad: I think OU is going to win the league at 8-1 (9-3). There defense may have issues but that offense is going to be a nightmare.Tre: I think OU will drop one to either Baylor or West Virginia. We can win out. I say we end up having another de facto championship Bedlam game. Good for both state schools and shows yet again the strength of the league is in the state of Oklahoma where it should be.If you’re looking for the comments section, it has moved to our forum, The Chamber. You can go there to comment and holler about these articles, specifically in these threads. You can register for a free account right here and will need one to comment. If you’re wondering why we decided to do this, we wrote about that here. Thank you and cheers!
Barca refused to pay €200m Coutinho asking price
Transfers Liverpool demanded €200m for Coutinho, claims Barcelona director Jamie Smith Last updated 2 years ago 18:45 9/2/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(84) 
Transfers Barcelona Philippe Coutinho Liverpool Primera División Premier League The La Liga giants identified the Brazilian playmaker as a top target following the departure of Neymar, but they were unable to get a deal done Liverpool demanded €200 million for Philippe Coutinho when Barcelona made a deadline day bid to sign the Brazil forward, according to director Albert Soler.Barca had made Coutinho one of their top targets after Paris Saint-Germain triggered Neymar’s €222m release clause to prise the forward away from the Catalan giants.Barca 13/2 to be Kings of Europe Article continues below Editors’ Picks Brazil, beware! Messi and Argentina out for revenge after Copa controversy Best player in MLS? Zlatan wasn’t even the best player in LA! ‘I’m getting better’ – Can Man Utd flop Fred save his Old Trafford career? Why Barcelona god Messi will never be worshipped in the same way in Argentina But Liverpool rejected a series of bids despite Coutinho reportedly making a transfer request in order to force through a move to Camp Nou.Coutinho has not played for Liverpool all season due to injury and illness, but he came off the bench and scored in Brazil’s World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador on Thursday.Soler: “After weeks of offers, yesterday Liverpool wanted €200 million for one player. We won’t put the club at risk” pic.twitter.com/69mvzmlS9r — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 2, 2017 Barcelona subsequently made a late attempt to sign the 25-year-old before the transfer window closed only for Liverpool to request a whopping €200m.”After weeks of negotiations, yesterday Liverpool asked us for €200m for the player,” Soler told a news conference on Saturday. “We will not put the club at risk.”We have always worked with the mission not to put at risk the heritage and the viability of the club which is owned by the members.”The fact that PSG came up with €222m [for Neymar] caused everyone to know that the club had money. When you go to the market and clubs know that you have a lot of money, the requests were exorbitant.”Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez claimed Coutinho made a “big effort” to try to engineer a switch to Camp Nou.”Liverpool were asking for €200m so logically we didn’t accept that,” he said.”We thank the player, he made a big effort to come here and showed that he wanted to play for us, but the situation ended the way it did and there was nothing else we could do.”Barcelona were able to land France international Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in an initial €105m deal, but Paulinho and Nelson Semedo were the only other major arrivals in an underwhelming transfer window for Ernesto Valverde’s side.A reported last-minute move for Argentina star Angel Di Maria failed but Fernandez denied the club is disappointed with their business overall, although he accepted the winger’s PSG team-mate Marco Verratti was a target.”Barcelona have an excellent team and the signings are going to contribute a lot,” Fernandez said. “We have been planning the transfers for a long time. We have chosen high level players that will help us. We have a very good team, the team will help us compete.”Last night we worked on the possibility of doing some deals and it was not possible. We have to work and look for solutions. We have to think about the future.”I personally talked to [PSG head coach Unai] Emery and he knows very well that Verratti is the player we wanted.”
Mourinho expects Ibra to return in 2017
Premier League Mourinho expects Ibrahimovic to return in 2017 Stephen Crawford Last updated 2 years ago 21:52 10/20/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Premier League Manchester United Huddersfield Town v Manchester United Zlatan Ibrahimović The Swede has been sidelined with a knee injury that many expected to end his career, but his boss feels that he could return before 2018 Jose Mourinho says that he thinks Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to first-team action for Manchester United before the end of the year, though admits it’s “just a feeling”.The 36-year-old bagged a fine haul of 28 goals in 46 appearances for the Red Devils last season before suffering a knee injury, with fans across the world fearing that the Swede’s career might be over.That is not to be the case, however, if everything stays on track, with Mourinho backing up former striker Andy Cole’s assertion that Ibra could return before 2018. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player “Zlatan is here, under our control, working as I would expect, so, so hard, but he’s not back in a week or a couple of weeks,” the Man Utd boss told a press conference on Friday.“Let’s let him take his time and be back in the right moment. Do I think he will be back in 2017? Yes I do, but it’s just a feeling.”Ibrahimovic isn’t the Portuguese boss’ only injury concern, however, with Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and, more recently, Marcus Rashford all having spent time on the sidelines.Mourinho delivered some good news in confirming that Rashford is fit and ready to face Huddersfield on Saturday, but admits he does not know when his other stars will be available for selection.”We have the same players as we had for the Benfica match,” he continued.“Everybody knows every manager wants to have all the players available it’s just then a question of the way you position yourself in relation to that, the best way you think to do it.“For some it’s better to remember the team is not in its full strength, it’s better to remember ‘play A or B’ and ‘C or D is still important for the team’. The way we try to do it is always to speak about opportunities for others.“Paul Pogba is not here, I don’t know when he’ll be back. When he is available. I don’t know.” Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
Neville on how Man Utd can beat City without Pogba
Manchester United Neville reveals how Man Utd can beat Man City without Pogba Goal Last updated 1 year ago 19:20 12/4/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(12) 
Getty Manchester United Manchester United v Manchester City Arsenal v Manchester United Arsenal Manchester City Premier League Paul Pogba The France midfielder will be out of the crucial clash with Pep Guardiola’s team, but the former defender believes the Red Devils still have a chance Gary Neville believes Manchester United should opt for a five-man defence and stick with Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial up front to cover for Paul Pogba’s absence in the Manchester derby.Jose Mourinho’s side are looking to narrow the eight-point gap between them and Premier League leaders Manchester City when they meet at Old Trafford on Sunday.The hosts will be without star midfielder Pogba after he was shown a red card for a stamp on Hector Bellerin in their 3-1 win over Arsenal, meaning he is suspended for their next three domestic matches. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Pogba has been in good form since his return from injury and set up two goals against the Gunners but Neville saw enough in that game to suggest Mourinho’s side will have a chance against City.”I was excited by what I was watching in the first 20 minutes against Arsenal, the counter-attacking was fantastic,” he told Sky Sports.”[Jesse] Lingard, [Anthony] Martial and [Romelu] Lukaku were brilliant, and you could see a little bit how [Nicolas] Otamendi or [Vincent] Kompany could get caught. You could see how that tactic could work in the Manchester derby.”Pogba makes a big, big difference. So when they went to Anfield, they couldn’t connect the deep defence to the midfield and into attack. He connects that, he links it, with those runs forward and his composure on the ball.”It [Pogba’s red card at Arsenal] was a cloud over a very good day for United because he is such an important player in the connection between the front and the back.
“The composure he shows travelling with the ball, you see West Ham when they were deep with 20 minutes to go, they didn’t have anybody that could travel with the ball, past [Kevin] De Bruyne and [David] Silva.”You think about Pogba, he would beat Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva with the ball at his feet and break that line. Once you break that line you’re onto the weakness, you’re onto those two centre-backs with Lukaku and Martial.”City is a big game to not have Pogba. The person who can break the line is gone, but Jose Mourinho will be looking at how he can do it differently.”I was trying to think myself what Jose will be thinking. Do you play split strikers with Martial and Lukaku? City bring their full-backs in narrow while two centre-backs push up the pitch, [so United could] just leave two strikers stretched wide and you play three central midfielders and five at the back, and say to City that’s what we’ll do, trust that the front two will get into those areas.”
Wenger ready to unleash ‘exciting’ youngsters
Arsenal Wenger ready to unleash ‘exciting’ youngsters in Carabao Cup quest Tom Webber Last updated 1 year ago 18:15 12/19/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Images Arsenal League Cup Arsenal v West Ham United West Ham United Arsène Wenger West Ham will likely face a much-changed side on Tuesday, with the Gunners prepared to put their faith in youth while chasing down another trophy Arsene Wenger is keen to keep handing opportunities to Arsenal’s youngsters as he prepares to ring the changes for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against West Ham.Arsenal entertain the Hammers at Emirates Stadium just six days after the sides played out a goalless Premier League draw in Stratford.The Gunners have just passed the halfway point in a month in which they will play nine matches, and Wenger confessed fatigue is an issue in his squad. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player “Some players are a little bit on the edge,” said the Arsenal boss.”I think as well that we have so many quality players who did not start on Saturday, so you cannot say that you prefer to play a player who has played three games in six days to a guy who is at the same level and is completely fresh.”The players who will start are basically all international players, so that’s why I think [squad rotation] makes sense. You have to show the trust and the confidence that we have in the players.”Getting prepared for #AFCvWHU pic.twitter.com/gIADg62xb4— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 18, 2017Wenger has used the Carabao Cup and Europa League to hand opportunities to the likes of Matt Macey, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah, that latter scoring a double to see them past Norwich City after extra time in the previous round.The trio are among a number of Arsenal youth products to sign new contracts in recent months and the Frenchman hopes to continue aiding their development.”It’s a very exciting bunch of young players,” Wenger said. “I made the decision a few months ago to try and keep them at the club because I believe they all have futures at the club.”I am convinced as well, but it is very important for Arsenal to continue giving chances to young players we educate here.”For example, on Saturday, we had four players who have been developed in our academy – Alex Iwobi, Jack Wilshere, Hector Bellerin and Ainsley [Maitland-Niles].”That shows you that our level you have not many teams who can show up with that. That’s a positive sign. We have some good young players coming through as well, behind them.”
Neville backs Mourinho’s decision to drop Mkhitaryan
Manchester United ‘He’s lucky he plays for Man Utd!’ – Neville backs Mourinho’s decision to drop Mkhitaryan Harry Sherlock Last updated 1 year ago 20:55 12/20/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Manchester United Premier League José Mourinho The Armenia international has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford but the former defender believes his manager has been right to leave him out Jose Mourinho’s decision to leave out Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been backed by former Manchester United defender Phil Neville.Mkhitaryan has fallen out of favour under the United boss, and has not been in the squad for any of the club’s last five Premier League games.The Armenia international was signed for £26.3 million in 2016, but has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, and Neville believes he should be grateful whenever he is selected. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player “Yes, they’ve spent a lot on players but maybe there are fewer and fewer players of that mentality available. You need to have them in the spine of your team,” he told Sky Sports.”There’s a lot of criticism of Jose’s treatment of Henrikh Mkhitaryan but he ultimately didn’t deliver when he’s played. He’s not unlucky, he’s lucky he gets to play for United.”Under Sir Alex [Ferguson], if I didn’t perform I wasn’t in the team. People need to stop sugar-coating it. If you don’t perform then you don’t get in the team or a new contract, it’s not Jose being personal, it’s business.”
Elsewhere in the team, Romelu Lukaku has come in for criticism for his performances in big games, despite scoring 10 goals in 18 Premier League games thus far this season.The Belgium international has refused to celebrate his last two goals, and Neville believes that his lack of emotion is a signal that he is sick of his critics.”I feel for Lukaku because whenever he scores he gets criticised and he could score 25 goals this season and barely receives any praise for doing what the manager brought him in for,” he added.”I think his lack of celebration definitely indicates his anger at the criticism. I could understand it against Bournemouth but there’s no better feeling in the world that scoring a goal so I’d like to see him start enjoying it again.”Goalscoring, for a centre-forward under pressure, is so important so show your team-mates and supporters that you are happy to be contributing.” Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
Doug Ellis, former Aston Villa chairman, dies aged 94
Share on Messenger Aston Villa Sir Doug Ellis, the former Aston Villa chairman, has died at the age of 94, the club has announced.Ellis was chairman and major shareholder of the Midlands club over two separate spells, firstly from 1968 to 1975. Having lost his seat on Villa’s board in 1979, the millionaire entrepreneur, who made his fortune in package holidays, returned to the post of chairman in 1982 when the club were European Cup holders, having been Football League champions for the 1980-81 season.His second spell ended in 2006 when he was bought out by American billionaire Randy Lerner. The manager at that time, Martin O’Neill, was the 15th that had served under Ellis with Graham Taylor serving two tenures. During Ellis’s long stewardship, Villa won two League Cups, in 1994 and 1996, and were runners-up in the inaugural season of the Premier League in 1992-93. He was knighted in the 2012 New Year’s honours list for his charity work, and in 1994 the Witton Lane stand of Villa Park was renamed in his honour to celebrate his 70th birthday. Following his £63m sale to Lerner, Ellis became life president of Villa. A club statement read: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former chairman Sir Doug Ellis. Our president emeritus passed away this morning. There’s no question that Sir Doug dedicated his life to Aston Villa. Our condolences go out to family and friends at this very sad time.” Villa players will wear black armbands and a minute’s silence will be observed before the club’s next home match with Swansea a week on Saturday. Share via Email Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest
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Paul Scholes should turn fire to those behind Manchester United’s demise
Facebook Anyone can see the glitches on the surface. How much more worthwhile, how much more illuminating if Scholes could turn his fire on the structures behind the disposable faces. Where is the criticism of the club hierarchy? Where is the anger towards the owners, who continue to use one of the nation’s great sporting institutions as a cash-sluicer, and who have overseen this period of piecemeal, self-interested stasis?Plus, of course, there are the wider inanities of modern football, the billionaire-ball short-termism, the shrill tides of contrary opinion and vested interest. It is easy to goggle at the fallout from this process. But at some point you also have to decide which side of it you want to be on. Share on Messenger Share on WhatsApp Read more Share on Facebook Pinterest Paul Scholes has been very critical of José Mourinho but has failed to pour scorn on the owners and directors of Manchester United. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA Read more Topics Share via Email The Fiver: sign up and get our daily football email. I remember having a discussion at least a decade ago about things you just couldn’t say in a football press box, the kind of stuff that could get you excommunicated from polite society. The opening suggestion was something along the lines of: “So, Paul Scholes. Not that great is he?”Even now I can hear the snorts of rage and the sound of newspapers hurled to the floor. And rightly so. Under current UK law criticism of Scholes is still punishable by anything from a lifetime ban to being stabbed through the ear with a skewer by the Queen while weeping, reproachful children stick pins into the back of your hands. Paul Scholes Manchester United comment Sportblog Share on Twitter It is all great television. I’m already hoping Scholes is up for Huddersfield versus Liverpool this Saturday so he can pronounce on United’s early kick-off at Chelsea. But there are a couple of things worth saying about all this. First, for all his first-hand experience, his brutal eloquence, maybe Scholes isn’t actually the best person to talk about things being dysfunctional at Manchester United.Scholes speaks from a position of immense privilege. He was an astonishingly talented player who spent his whole career surrounded by other astonishingly talented players under the greatest manager of the age. United were the richest club in England for most of that time. When the first billionaires began to turn up conditions were perfect. The bigger question back then was: what would it have taken for United to fail? If Scholes sounds genuinely baffled at bad choices, teams that turn sour, irresolvable structural problems, then perhaps he is.Whereas in the current era nothing makes much sense. The defining quality is frantic, misdirected energy. United have a £90m midfielder. Great news. But is he actually any good? And how much does he hate the manager? United have spent hundreds of millions on bolt-on parts. Why aren’t they better? Maybe because a club built on aristocratic continuity has spent hundreds of millions on bolt-on parts, an operation overseen by successive mismatched managers and a puzzled-looking banker in a baggy suit. Paul Pogba’s agent swipes at Scholes and adds to Manchester United chaos This sanctity is well-earned. First because Scholes was such a fine player, both very English in his bearing and his manner, and also exotic in the range of his craft, the way he could drive and unpick a game.Part of the joy of Scholes was the way he just so clearly loved kicking the ball, which seems an odd thing to say until you remember how much he loved it: backspin, fade, drift, those vicious little pinged crossfield nudges and volleys and spanks, the way the ball just seemed to come alive with some other kind of intelligence at his feet. Leave him alone on a Pacific island with only a ball for company and within the year he’d have it following him around, hunting for squirrels, building an irrigation system, lovingly trimming his beard.Plus Scholes had that patina of authenticity. He played for only one club, albeit the most famous and wealthy and successful one, but you get the idea. He refused to preen and prance, to such an extent he would occasionally draw attention to the fact he didn’t preen and prance; so humble that his humility just isn’t something he likes to talk about except when he’s talking about it. This is also very English. In retirement Scholes has become a devastatingly good misery-pundit on BT Sport, a brilliantly salty and astringent presence, as English as winter rain, with special responsibility for the struggles of Manchester United. His ability to twang the most painful exposed nerve ends is compelling. In this sense he is a very good pundit. He frames the debate. He has become a part of it. Mourinho’s career is like the plague. Has he run out of people to kill? Twitter Share on Pinterest But there is a problem here too, bound up in the enduring weight of his own status. Scholes is right. There do seem to be quite a few problems at Manchester United. But it is hard not to feel that this sense of unhappy voices-off and star names constantly sniping might just be one of them.Unexpectedly, Scholes the no-bullshit team-man has become the single largest public irritant for every manager that has followed Alex Ferguson. “He’s killed me there” was David Moyes’s response as he stood with the players watching Scholes pick his United team apart after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in March 2014. Moyes chose the wrong moment to be right. A month later he was gone.Louis van Gaal was also routinely eviscerated towards the end. Right now it’s both barrels for José Mourinho, a manager Scholes clearly doesn’t like and about whom he will say anything he fancies. This week there was the suggestion even Lionel Messi would be unable to function in this current team, and that Romelu Lukaku is also a part of the problem. Really? And Pogba? And Mourinho too? Are we dealing in certainties here, or throwing out lines, trying to be right, trying to win the narrative? Share on LinkedIn Reuse this content
Salah named as Goal’s Arab Player of the Year
Mohamed Salah Salah named as Goal’s Arab Player of the Year Goal Last updated 1 year ago 03:00 2/3/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(1) 
Mohamed Salah Liverpool Premier League Egypt The forward has been in spectacular form for Liverpool and Egypt, building on from his remarkable 2016/17 season at Roma Mohamed Salah has been named as the Best Arab Player of 2017 by Goal Arabic edition’s journalists. More than 30 editors and correspondents of Goal Arabia accross the region casted their votes and ranked the best players of Arab world.The Liverpool attacker, who has scored 19 goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season, struck 15 times for Roma last season while claiming 11 assists. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Salah also led Egypt to the finals of the 2017 African Cup of Nations and the 2018 World Cup for the first time in 28 years, while receiving an award for the Best African Player by the BBC and CAF.The 25-year-old was voted in first place by 19 of 20 of Goal Arabia editors, giving him 299 points out of a possible 300 in the results. Omar Al Somah of Al Ahli and the Syria national team ranked second in the voting, having led Al Ahli to 2nd place in the Saudi League.The striker was also named as the league’s top scorer with 24 goals, and helped Syria to a World Cup play-off spot before losing to Australia.National team-mate Syria Omar Khribin, who plays his domestic football for Al Hilal – rounded off the top three.
From the voting, 12 players currently play for European teams, including Riyad Mahrez of Leicester (fourth), Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam (fifth), and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny (12th).Best 25 Arab Players of 2017 Subscribe to Goal’s Liverpool Correspondent Neil Jones’ weekly email bringing you the best Liverpool FC writing from around the web
Levante vs Real Madrid: Team news & TV guide
Primera División Levante vs Real Madrid: TV channel, stream, kick-off time, odds & match preview Ryan Kelly 22:44 2/3/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Primera División Real Madrid Levante v Real Madrid Levante Zinedine Zidane has weathered an early storm in 2018 and he remains defiant about his side’s La Liga hopes Real Madrid will be aiming for another win in Valencia as they prepare to take on Levante in La Liga on Saturday.Victory will move Zinedine Zidane’s faltering side up to third in the table ahead of Valencia, who they beat 4-1 last week, and it will provide a welcome boost as they aim to put a disappointing January behind them.Levante are on a five-game winless streak – including four defeats – but they will take some confidence from the fact that they already claimed a point from Los Blancos when they met at the Santiago Bernabeu in September. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player However, despite having home advantage this time, they will be wary of the fact that Madrid have been much more successful on the road this season. Game Levante vs Real Madrid Date Saturday, February 3 Time 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET Stream (US only) fuboTV (7-day free trial) TV CHANNEL & LIVE STREAM In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial).New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser. US TV channel Online stream beIN fuboTV In the United Kingdom (UK), the game can be watched live on TV on Sky Sports Football and it can be streamed live online using Sky Go. UK TV channel Online stream Sky Sports Football Sky Go SQUADS & TEAM NEWS Position Levante players Goalkeepers Oier, Koke Defenders Rober, Coke, Postigo, Cabaco, Pedro Lopez, Luna Midfielders Doukoure, Lerma, Bardhi, A. J. Morales, Lukic Forwards Roger, Ivi, Pazzini, Boateng, Jason Juan Muniz has named an 18-man squad for the game against Real Madrid. Chema and Campana are both suspended for the game, while Tono is out with a hamstring issue.Ivan Lopez and Alex Alegria are both long-term absentees as they recover from knee injuries.Potential Levante starting XI: Oier; Coke, Luna, Postigo, Rober; Doukoure, Bardhi, Morales, Lerma, Jason; Ivi. Position Real Madrid players Goalkeepers Navas, Casilla, Moha Defenders Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Theo Midfielders Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, Asensio, Isco, Kovacic Forwards Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale, Vazquez Zinedine Zidane has confirmed a 19-man panel for the game, which features Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, both of whom had been doubts.Dani Ceballos and Jesus Vallejo are both injured and unavailable for the match.Potential Real Madrid starting XI: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Casemiro; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale.BETTING & MATCH ODDS 
Real Madrid are, unsurprisingly, favourites to win, with dabblebet offering odds of 1/5 on Zidane’s men. Levante, meanwhile are priced at 12/1 and a draw is a 6/1 bet.Click here to see all of dabblebet’s offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more.GAME PREVIEW 
Following their emphatic win over Valencia last week, Real Madrid have the chance to move into third place in the Primera Division when they face Levante.Nevertheless, they remain well off the pace as they currently sit eight points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and a massive 19 behind Barcelona.Madrid’s inconsistency this season has seen them eliminated from the Copa del Rey and the Liga is well out of reach, meaning that their only hope of salvaging something from the campaign lies in the Champions League.However, under-fire boss Zidane remains defiant, insisting that his stars will “keep plugging away” in order to finish as high as possible in the league.”You are sitting here acting like La Liga is done for, but I don’t think that is the case. We will keep plugging away, trying to win those games,” the French coach told reporters.”In the European Cup, we feel excited, raring to go, Real Madrid have won plenty of those cups already, and we’re going into the next Champions League game looking to win as always.”Zidane continued: “We know that we have games to come before that, we must recover our confidence and continue in this manner. We have played two league games and we have scored 11 goals.”If you do things well you have many chances to win matches. We have to finish La Liga as best we can and think that it is not said and done yet.”
Sporting KC 2018 season preview
MLS Sporting Kansas City 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more Ben Valentine Last updated 1 year ago 05:25 2/20/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Denny Medley MLS Sporting KC Behind a rock-solid defense, Peter Vermes’ side will aim to put together a quality attack in 2018 to try to finally get past the knockout round For the fourth straight season, Sporting Kansas City ran into the knockout round wall.Since winning MLS Cup in 2013, the team has made the postseason four times and each run was one and done, with last year’s loss coming in extra time at the hands of the Houston Dynamo. The team did pick up some silverware, however, winning the U.S. Open Cup in September. AdChoices广告There’s been some change to Peter Vermes’ roster since the summer, as Dom Dwyer was traded midseason and Benny Feilhaber was sent out in the offseason. Felipe Gutierrez and Yohan Croizet were brought in to spice up the attack in the hope that more creative players can help one of the worst scoring teams in the league last year. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player But the good news for Sporting KC is that a top-notch defense returns in full, ensuing that the club will have a solid base to build from. Finding an attack that is even average could be key in helping SKC past that knockout round barrier.How did Sporting KC perform in 2017?
2017 finish: Fifth in Western Conference (12-9-13), lost in knockout roundSporting KC boasted the best defense in the league last season, allowing just 29 goals. In fact, SKC was the only team in the league to allow less than a goal a game. Not surprisingly, the club saw Tim Melia win MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and Ike Opara named the Defender of the Year.The attack, however, was substandard, scoring the fifth-fewest goals in the league. The team did deal U.S. international Dwyer midseason, but even he only had five goals in 15 games before the deal.Sporting KC key offseason losses
Benny Feilhaber is gone, reunited with his old national team boss Bob Bradley with Los Angeles FC. Latif Blessing also is with the new side, lost in the expansion draft after showing promise last season.Another promising player, U.S. youth international Erik Palmer-Brown, signed with Manchester City. While that’s a loss for the future, he did not feature much for the team in his time there. Saad Abdul-Salaam was traded to New York City FC, having lost his right back spot to Graham Zusi.Sporting KC key offseason additions
Sporting KC brought in two new designated players this winter, landing midfielders Yohan Croizet and Felipe Gutierrez. Khiry Shelton was acquired in the Abdul-Salaam trade but may have been relegated to a backup role after the team signed winger Johnny Russell from Derby County.Emiliano Amor was brought in on loan, but as a center back figures to be largely relegated to a backup role. Forward Zach Wright and defender Matt Lewis were homegrown signings while the club landed defender Graham Smith and goalkeeper Eric Dick in the SuperDraft.Full Sporting KC roster entering 2018 season
Goalkeepers: Eric Dick, Tim Melia, Adrian ZendejasDefenders: Emiliano Amor, Matt Besler, Amer Didic, Kevin Ellis, Matt Lewis, Jaylin Lindsey, Jimmy Medranda, James Musa, Ike Opara, Seth Sinovic, Graham Smith, Colton Storm, Graham ZusiMidfielders: Yohan Croizet, Roger Espinoza, Felipe Gutierrez, Cristian Lobato, Illie SanchezForwards: Kharlton Belmar, Gianluca Busio, Gerso Fernandes, Diego Rubio, Johnny Russell, Daniel Salloi, Khiry Shelton, Zach WrightSporting KC projected starting lineup
Melia will be between the sticks for Sporting KC and Opara will occupy one center back spot, with Besler manning the other. Zusi will be the right back and Lobato seems to be set on the left.The midfield features Sanchez and Espinoza. There’s no Feilhaber this season, with designated player and Chile international Gutierrez slotting in there.The forward line has plenty of options. Croizet, as a designated player, should take up one spot. Russell, in from Derby County of the English Championship, should fill the other. Rubio had his best stretch for the team after coming into the lineup following Dwyer’s midseason trade, but Salloi has gotten some run in the preseason.Shelton seemed to be in the running for a spot until Russell’s acquisition, but should get some opportunity this season. Medranda could see time at numerous positions from attack to defense. Sporting KC national TV coverage
Sporting KC vs. New York City FC – Sunday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1LA Galaxy vs. Sporting KC – Sunday, April 8, at 9 p.m. ET on FS1Sporting KC vs. Seattle Sounders – Sunday, April 15, 4 p.m. ET on ESPNSporting KC vs. Columbus Crew – Sunday, May 27, at 6 p.m. ET on FS1Sporting KC vs. Minnesota United – Sunday, June 3, at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1Philadelphia Union vs. Sporting KC – Sunday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. ET on ESPNSporting KC vs. Real Salt Lake – Sunday, Sept. 30, at 5 p.m. ET on FS1
Guardiola makes Man City promise to Silva
Manchester City Man City to move Bernardo Silva on? Guardiola makes promise to £43.5m signing Chris Burton 19:17 2/19/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(4) 
Getty Images Manchester City Premier League Guardiola The Portugal international playmaker is yet to make the expected impact at the Etihad Stadium, but he will be given time in which to prove his worth Pep Guardiola has vowed to keep Bernardo Silva at Manchester City for as long as he is manager, with the £43.5 million addition set to be given time in which to prove his worth.Questions have been asked of the 23-year-old following a big-money arrival at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2017.AdChoices广告He was snapped up after shining for Monaco during their Ligue 1 title-winning campaign, while also impressing on an international stage with Portugal. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Premier League leaders City are yet to see the best of him, but that is due to fierce competition for places and he has still appeared in 39 of 41 fixtures this season – more than anybody else.Guardiola retains full belief in Silva and has moved to rule out any chance of a talented playmaker being moved on, telling reporters: “When he played he’s played top.“He’s a young guy, he’s a guy in the locker room who we are so happy to have here.“He’ll stay a long time, while I’m here he will not move on, he will stay with me.“I haven’t seen him sad, even for one day – always in a good mood, and you cannot imagine how important that is.“When he didn’t play too much, you cannot imagine how important he is in the locker room and he’s this kind of guy, his mood is always in the right place.”While Silva has been unable to make the same kind of impact as the likes of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling this season, he has contributed five goals and five assists across all competitions.With many of his appearances having come from off the bench, that return suggests there is more to come once a proven performer is fully settled in new surroundings.
CSL transfer window worries Simeone
Transfers Torres and Carrasco talk leaves Simeone ‘uncomfortable’ during Chinese Super League transfer window Ryan Benson 22:17 2/24/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Transfers Atlético Madrid Sevilla v Atlético Madrid Sevilla Dalian Yifang Primera División CSL Atletico Madrid could yet lose two players to the CSL before February 28 transfer deadline, making the man in charge at Wanda Metropolitano nervous. Diego Simeone has acknowledged the threat of financially powerful Chinese Super League clubs buying his players has made him feel “uncomfortable”, as Yannick Carrasco nears a move to Dalian Yifang.Carrasco joined Atletico in 2015 and looked promising in his first two seasons, but the Belgium international has been more of a peripheral figure this term.The 24-year-old has started just eight of Atletico’s 24 La Liga games this season and scored three goals, with the club’s impressive array of attacking talent counting against him. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Yifang emerged as a potential destination in recent days and Simeone has previously suggested the transfer is entirely down to Carrasco, who could also be joined at the Super League club by Fernando Torres.Although the 33-year-old’s potential exit is not as far along as Carrasco’s, Simeone accepts he is “worried” about the financial lure of Chinese football and suggests there should be a single transfer deadline for all, with the Super League’s transfer window not due to end until February 28.Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sevilla, Simeone said: “I am worried because with all the money that goes around, aside from the decision of the players, for the coaches it’s uncomfortable because you think about what can happen.”It’s not the player, the representative, the negotiations [that cause you to worry] – it’s the amount of time, because it [the CSL transfer window] ends on February 28.”It is two months in which the heads of the players can be turned. It would be better to put a deadline for everyone, so that clubs, coaches and players are calmer.”I cannot say much about Carrasco because he is negotiating his situation. Fernando’s position I do not have any news of. We all train well and when the market is over, we will evaluate what might happen.”I never get into people’s choices. Whenever I grow, I see it as a good thing. If it is economic growth it is a personal choice. In football I’m never surprised.”
Inter close in on Malcom deal
Transfers Inter close in on Bordeaux star Malcom Renato Maisani 17:43 6/6/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Images Transfers Internazionale Bordeaux Serie A Ligue 1 The 21-year-old – who has previously been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and Bayern Munich – has agreed a deal to join the Serie A outfit Inter are closing in on a deal to sign Bordeaux forward Malcom having agreed terms with the Brazilian.Goal understands the 21-year-old – who was previously a target for Arsenal and Tottenham – is keen to complete a move to San Siro, though the two clubs are yet to agree on a price.Inter have offered €40 million (£35m/$47m) to secure his services, but Bordeaux are holding out for closer to €50m (£43.8m/$58.7m). Article continues below Editors’ Picks Goalkeeper crisis! Walker to the rescue but City sweating on Ederson injury ahead of Liverpool clash Out of his depth! Emery on borrowed time after another abysmal Arsenal display Diving, tactical fouls & the emerging war of words between Guardiola & Klopp Sorry, Cristiano! Pjanic is Juventus’ most important player right now Malcom has become one of Europe’s hottest properties having scored 12 goals and laid on a further seven assists for Bordeaux during the 2017-18 Ligue 1 campaign.Arsenal looked to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in January as a potential replacement for the departing Alexis Sanchez while Tottenham have long been credited with interest.Bayern Munich have also been heavily linked with his signature while the player himself has previously spoken of his dream to play for Paris Saint-Germain.Inter, though, have now moved into pole position in the race for the former Corinthians starlet as they prepare for their return to Champions League football.The Nerazzuri will play in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2011-12 having finished fourth in Serie A, and have already begun bolstering their squad by agreeing a deal for Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij.They reportedly face a battle to keep hold of Serie A top scorer Mauro Icardi, however, with Juventus having been heavily linked with the Argentina forward.
NSW UNDER 14 & 16 REGIONAL CHAMPS
The NSW Under 14 and Under 16 Regional Championships were held over the weekend at the Penrith Touch Fields in St Mary’s. With teams competing from all NSW permits, the Southern Suns, Hunter-Western Hornets, Sydney Rebels, Sydney Scorpions, Sydney Mets and Northern Eagles, it was a weekend of top class competition and promises much for the future of Touch in NSW and Australia. Under 16 girls: The Under 16 girls division saw the Hunter-Western Hornets end the Southern Suns run 5-2 in their semi final, while the Northern Eagles held on over the Sydney Mets 5-4 in a close semi final. The Northern Eagles had several players backing up from recent Under 20’s duty at the NTL and look like they will be a force for many years to come at both Under 18’s and Under 20’s level, after they took the Under 16’s title 5-2 over the Hornets. Under 16 boys: The Sydney Mets looked odds on favourites after a 15-1 walloping of the Sydney Scorpions in their semi final. However, the Hornets came out to play, their 6-3 win over the Suns in the semi a warm up for the grand final. In the end it was a 7-5 win to the Mets, although the Hornets showed they could certainly match it with the Sydney boys. Under 14 girls: In the Under 14 girls the Northern Eagles looked to continue the good form of the Eagles girls, a 7-0 semi final win over the Mets carrying them through to the grand final. The Southern Suns also qualified for the grand final, after a tight 3-2 win over the Sydney Rebels. In a low scoring affair, the Southern Suns held on for a 1-0 win over the Eagles, promising tight competition in NSW for the years to come. Under 14 boys: The Sydney Mets and Sydney Scorpions made it an all Sydney affair in 2005, when they each won their semi final, 4-0 and 3-1 respectively over the Hunter-Western Hornets and Northern Eagles. When it came to the grand final it was the Sydney Mets who made it two from two in the boys divisions, with a 5-4 win over the Scorpions. By Rachel Moyle