Author: WTX Sports Team

The Sports Team is responsible for delivering your Sports Brief. Weekly roundup to cover all things Football, Cricket, Tennis Formula 1, Boxing and Olympics and more.

Cliff Notes – Real Madrid can still win LaLiga despite Valencia defeat Carlo Ancelotti Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic about Real Madrid’s LaLiga title chances despite a 2-1 defeat to Valencia, leaving them three points behind leaders Barcelona. The loss marked Valencia’s first victory at the Bernabéu in 17 years, with Hugo Duro scoring a last-minute winner after Vinícius Júnior had equalised. Ancelotti confirmed that injured goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin could return for upcoming…

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Cliff Notes – Thomas Müller to leave Bayern Munich at end of season Thomas Müller to leave Bayern Munich at end of season Thomas Müller will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season, bringing an end to a 25-year career with the club, after not being offered a new contract. In a statement, Müller, 35, who started as a youth player and won a record 12 league titles with Bayern — the most…

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Cliff Notes – Arsenal’s Real Madrid distraction costs them win at Everton Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Everton significantly hampers their Premier League title hopes, leaving them 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool with eight matches remaining. Manager Mikel Arteta’s focus on the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid led to key players being rested, which contributed to a lacklustre performance against Everton. Despite dominating possession and chances, Arsenal struggled to recover after conceding…

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Bearman and Komatsu taken aback by top-10 qualifying at F1 Japanese GP F1

Oliver Bearman Impresses with Top-10 Qualifying at F1 Japanese Grand Prix Oliver Bearman put in a stunning performance to secure a spot in the top-10 at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, leaving both him and his team principal, Ayao Komatsu, pleasantly surprised by the achievement. Bearman, driving for Haas, managed to qualify 10th on the grid despite a challenging session filled with interruptions and red flags. The 18-year-old rookie’s unexpected progression to Q3 marks…

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Cliff Notes – Arteta leaves out Arsenal’s Saka, Ødegaard for Everton trip Arsenal’s impressive record of being unbeaten in their last 60 Premier League matches when leading at half-time highlights their resilience and tactical discipline under pressure. The absence of key players Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard for the trip to Everton raises questions about squad depth and the team’s ability to maintain form without their star performers. This decision by manager Mikel Arteta may…

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Ruben Amorim said he would be “crazy” to think Manchester United can win the Premier League next season. United are languishing 13th in the table and will kick off against neighbours Manchester City on Sunday 36 points behind leaders Liverpool. Amorim has been charged with bringing the title back to Old Trafford after a 12-year drought. But ahead of the meeting with City — champions in six of the last seven seasons — he admits…

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Cliff Notes – Transfer rumors news Gyökeres could be available for £55m Viktor Gyökeres is reportedly available for a transfer this summer, with Manchester United and Arsenal emerging as the leading contenders for the Swedish forward, who could be sold for £55 million to £70 million. Real Madrid is considering extending Antonio Rüdiger’s contract, with the defender expressing a desire to remain at the club until at least 2028, despite interest from Saudi Pro League…

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Formula 1: Return to V10 engines to be discussed next week – sources F1

Discussion on Potential Return of V10 Engines Scheduled for Next Week Formula 1’s engine manufacturers are set to convene next week, ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, to deliberate on the possibility of reintroducing V10 engines to the sport. Sources have confirmed that the meeting will explore the level of support and opposition to this initiative, sparked by comments from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding a potential simplification of the current engine regulations. Background…

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Cliff Notes – Women’s World Cup 2031 USSF chief backs expansion to 48 teams U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson expressed strong support for expanding the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams in 2031, highlighting its potential to grow the women’s game globally. The United States is the sole bidder for the 2031 tournament, with plans to co-host alongside other Concacaf nations, contingent on the number of participating teams. Both Batson and NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman…

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Cliff Notes – Ben Stokes unlikely to play for Durham ahead of Test summer England Test captain Ben Stokes is sidelined from Durham’s County Championship campaign as he continues rehabilitation from hamstring surgery. Head coach Ryan Campbell is optimistic Stokes will be fit for England’s Test series against Zimbabwe starting May 22, despite his absence from early matches. Ben Stokes unlikely to play for Durham ahead of Test summer England Test captain Ben Stokes will…

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Cliff Notes – Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta defiant after Gabriel injury: We can cope Mikel Arteta expressed confidence in Arsenal’s ability to manage Gabriel’s season-ending injury, citing available resources and potential returns of Ben White and Jurriën Timber. Gabriel’s absence is significant as he forms a crucial defensive partnership with William Saliba, impacting the team’s preparations for upcoming matches against Everton and Real Madrid. Arteta acknowledged the emotional toll of losing Gabriel but emphasised the team’s…

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Cliff Notes – South Australia still soaking in ‘unreal’ Sheffield Shield scenes South Australia celebrated their first Sheffield Shield title in 29 years, with coach Ryan Harris and captain Nathan McSweeney reflecting on the significance of the achievement and the emotional crowd invasion at Karen Rolton Oval. Players, including McSweeney and Jason Sangha, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the South Australian cricket Association, highlighting the personal and team growth experienced during the season.…

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Cliff Notes – Kevin De Bruyne one of Premier League’s greatest Pep Guardiola Pep Guardiola described Kevin De Bruyne as "one of the greatest Premier League players ever," highlighting his significant impact on Manchester City’s success over the past decade. De Bruyne announced his departure from City at the end of the season after a decade with the club, during which he won 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League. Guardiola…

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Why both Racing Bulls were ahead of Verstappen on Friday in Japan F1

Racing Bulls Shine in Suzuka Practice as Verstappen Vows to Overcome Struggles Max Verstappen’s assertion that his former teammate Liam Lawson would excel in the newly minted Racing Bulls car gathered momentum during Friday’s practice sessions at the Japanese Grand Prix. Both Isack Hadjar and Lawson outperformed the reigning world champion, securing impressive positions that raised eyebrows in the paddock. Racing Bulls Outshine Red Bull: A Surprising Turn of Events In a striking display of…

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Cliff Notes – Ange Postecoglou falling out of love with football over VAR Ange Postecoglou expressed his disillusionment with football, citing the impact of VAR and the lengthy delays it causes during matches as a significant factor in his frustration. Following a disallowed goal celebration that drew criticism from fans, Postecoglou acknowledged his mistake and indicated he would refrain from celebrating goals in the future due to the uncertainty surrounding VAR decisions. The Tottenham manager…

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Cliff Notes – Olly Stone ruled out for 14 weeks after undergoing knee surgery Olly Stone will miss England’s Test matches against Zimbabwe and India this summer due to a right knee injury requiring 14 weeks of rehabilitation after surgery. The injury adds to England’s pace bowling concerns, with Mark Wood also sidelined for four months and Ben Stokes recovering from hamstring surgery. Olly Stone ruled out for 14 weeks after undergoing knee surgery Olly…

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Cliff Notes – James Tarkowski Everton condemn social media death threats Everton manager David Moyes has labelled the online abuse directed at defender James Tarkowski as "unacceptable" following the Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool. The PGMOL acknowledged that Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister warranted a review for serious foul play, but Moyes emphasised that this does not justify the threats received by Tarkowski and his family. Everton Football Club has condemned the threats made…

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Cliff Notes – Mitchell Marsh re-signs for three years with Perth Scorchers in BBL Mitchell Marsh has committed to a three-year contract with the Perth Scorchers, aiming to become a one-club player in the BBL. Despite speculation about his future after losing his Test spot, Marsh expressed pride in re-signing with a team he has been with since childhood. The Scorchers’ management highlighted Marsh’s leadership and experience as vital assets for the team’s success moving…

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Cliff Notes – Premier League injury news Arsenal Man United Liverpool predicted XIs Several key players are ruled out or doubtful for the upcoming fixtures, including Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, both sidelined due to injury or suspension. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber are among those in a race against time to prove their fitness ahead of their matches. Fantasy team managers should consider the expected lineups and player availability updates,…

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Formula 1: Doohan escapes bad injury after crash F1

Jack Doohan Escapes Injury in Frightening Crash at Japanese GP Practice Alpine rookie Jack Doohan is fortunate to have emerged unscathed after a dramatic crash during practice for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The Australian driver lost control of his car in the second practice session, resulting in a high-speed spin that caused significant damage to his vehicle but thankfully left him with no major injuries. Doohan’s Crash Details Five laps into Friday’s second…

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