Connect with us

SportsNews

EPL: Liverpool’s Van Dijk predicts Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Published

on

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has predicted that Arsenal will defeat Crystal Palace when both sides meet in the Premier League on Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium.

The Netherlands defender also stated that Liverpool must secure victory against Tottenham Hotspur to seal the Premier League title this season.

Speaking to The Times, Van Dijk said winning the Premier League title this week without kicking a ball would be a pleasant outcome.

However, the 33-year-old expects Mikel Arteta’s side to triumph in their home fixture against Crystal Palace.

“I expect Arsenal to win at home but, yeah, if it doesn’t happen, then I think it would be nice to be together,” Van Dijk said.

“So, however that may look, we will discuss in the next couple of days. But if Arsenal just win that game, as they probably expect they will do against a very good Crystal Palace, then we have to do our job at the weekend.”

Liverpool will be crowned champions on Wednesday night if Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace.

Arne Slot’s men are currently 13 points ahead of Arsenal and can secure the title on Sunday by defeating Tottenham, should the Gunners win during the week.

SportsNews

Kano Pillars appoint new management for youth teams

Published

on

Kano Pillars have constituted a new management team for the Junior Pillars as well as its U-19, U-15 and U-13 teams.

Ibrahim Musa has been appointed as the technical adviser of Junior Pillars, while Saleh Garzali will take charge as head coach.

The U-19 side will be managed by Usman Ikramatu and Ahmed Mustapha, while Habu Kamara assumes the role of team manager.

Suleiman Ibrahim Yakasai (Lajin) has been tasked with overseeing the U-15 team, bringing his wealth of experience to guide the young talents.

At the U-13 level, Coach Nura Platini and Tasiu Pele will lead the technical team, ensuring the earliest stages of player development receive the highest standard of coaching and mentorship.

The restructuring is aimed at aligning the club’s youth development philosophy with global best practices.

Ekwutosblog recalls that Kano Pillars U-19 team took part in the inaugural edition of the National Youth League Super Cup tournament in Lagos.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

Ballon d’Or: Capello names three players who can win award

Published

on

Former Real Madrid manager, Fabio Capello has named three Los Blancos players who can win the Ballon d’Or in the future.

The Italian claimed that Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham could potentially lift the coveted Golden Ball.

The three players have been impressive since joining Real Madrid and have also been in the running for the top-individual prize in the past few seasons.

Last year, Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappe finished in the top six Ballon d’Or final power rankings.

This year they are also expected to be among contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport (via AS h/t Madrid Universal), Capello said: “Vinicius, Mbappe, and Bellingham are three potential Ballon d’Or winners.”

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in September and the likes of Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, Raphinha and Mohamed Salah are expected to compete with the Real Madrid stars for the prestigious top-individual award.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

Transfer: Barcelona cannot register Nico Williams – LaLiga warns

Published

on

LaLiga President, Javier Tebas, has warned that Barcelona cannot register Nico Williams.

Barca are trying to trigger the release clause of Williams, who plays for their rivals Athletic Bilbao, this summer.

But Tebas has claimed they are not in a financial position to register the Spain winger.

Barcelona are already in a constant back-and-forth with LaLiga over the registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.

However, Tebas has made it clear that the Catalans are yet to reach the 1:1 rule.

Speaking at the Spanish football federation’s (RFEF) event on Tuesday, he said: “As of today, Barca would not be able to register Nico Williams.

“The registration period for players started today, and right now I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

Continue Reading

Trending