List of All Articles with Tag 'al'

In today's Cubs rumors, Chicago loses out on the waiver wire, an ex-closer gets called up, and Javier Baez's magic disappears.

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College football Week 1 picks for Florida State vs. LSU, Utah vs. Florida, UNC vs. South Carolina and every Top 25 game on the schedule.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said it was mission accomplished after his side cruised into the European Conference League group stage with an 8-0 aggregate win against Hibernian. Villa were 5-0 up from a resounding win in Edinburgh last week and completed formalities in the second leg as first-half goals from Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey put them out of sight. Substitute Matty Cash sealed a 3-0 win on the night as Villa hosted European football for the first time since 2010 and they now await Friday’s group-stage draw in Monaco to learn who they will face. Four-time Europa League winner Emery said: “Yes of course (I’m happy). We finished it tonight. “We needed to be in the group stage and we have to be happy and enjoy it with our supporters. “Today it was a full stadium and to finish and qualify was fantastic. I’m really happy because I really enjoy it in Europe and I want to enjoy it now with Aston Villa.” The Spaniard is expecting Villa to complete the loan signing of Clement Lenglet before the transfer window closes on Friday. “He’s not completely signed, but he’s close to signing with us,” Emery said. “He’s a player who can help us. With the injury to Tyrone Mings, he can replace him in the squad.” Emery said it “was possible” that Philippe Coutinho could leave Villa Park on deadline day and added: “I’m very happy with our squad. “The club made a big effort to complete our squad. There’s still one day to go and we’re going to be ready.” Hibs are going through a difficult spell having sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday after a home defeat to Livingston had left them bottom of the cinch Premiership without a point. They were outclassed for large periods in both legs against Villa, but were given a rapturous send-off by their noisy 2,200 travelling fans and caretaker boss David Gray said he was proud of them and his players. Former Hibs defender Gray, appointed caretaker for a third time after Johnson’s departure, said: “I’m proud of the players. “They worked right to the very end in difficult circumstances all round at the football club at the moment, but I can’t fault the effort or commitment from the players. “Playing against this level of opposition, if you switch off for a split second or make a slight mistake, you get punished. They’re a top, top team with fantastic players.” On Hibs’ impressive following, Gray added: “I’ve been at the club nearly 10 years now and they’ve always been fantastic. “You say there was 2,000, I’m sure there was a lot more that came down. Fantastic support as always.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Katie Boulter relieved not to be defaulted after reaching US Open third round LGBT+ England fans may shun Jordan Henderson for ‘turning his back’ on them Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snub

The Cowboys are doing their best to hype up new addition Trey Lance with head coach Mike McCarthy paying him a massive compliment.

Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling was “not particularly happy” after being snubbed for an England recall. The 28-year-old is one of the national team’s most experienced players but has not added to his 82 caps since December’s World Cup quarter-final exit to France. Sterling missed England’s March meet-up through injury and a nagging hamstring issue led to what his camp described as a “mutual decision” to focus on recuperating his body after a rocky first season at Chelsea. But the forward did not receive the recall he hoped for after a strong start to the campaign, with Southgate overlooking him for September’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and friendly in Scotland. “We were really pleased with the group (in June),” the England manager said. “To bring Raheem back in we have to leave someone else out and on the back of three games I didn’t think anybody in this group of attacking players warrants being left out. “It’s really good to see him start the season so well. He looks in good condition, he looks hungry. “He’s obviously an important player for us and has been an important player for us. “But we have in those attacking areas just behind the nine a lot of competition for places. “I think all of those players have started the season well and certainly the group that are with us has done really well for us in the in the recent games.” Put to the England boss that Sterling has missed three squads in a row, he said: “He was not available for the last two and of course that’s given other people the opportunity to play well and to establish themselves in the group. “It’s a difficult call and Raheem is not particularly happy about it, but I understand that because he’s an important player for us. “I’m convinced he’s going to have an excellent season with Chelsea, there’s no doubt about that.” Southgate made a point of calling Sterling about his decision as he was conscious that he has been “a really big player for us” and wanted to acknowledge how well he has been playing. “Raheem is always really respectful with how he responds and deals (with things),” the England boss said. “He will always say ‘look, I respect your decision’ but of course he wants to get back in the group. And I wouldn’t expect that to be any other way.” A statement from the player’s camp reinforced that Southgate’s “decision has been respected”, adding that “Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form”. The forward has started Chelsea’s first three Premier League matches of the season, scoring twice and providing an assist in Friday’s 3-0 win against Luton. While Sterling was overlooked, Southgate kept the faith with England vice-captain Jordan Henderson despite his controversial move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. There was also a place for former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite neither having played a minute of club football this term. Southgate highlighted that “I haven’t always said we just pick on form because clearly that hasn’t been the case in a number of positions”. England’s absentee-hit central defence and lack of single pivot midfield options help explain the involvement of Maguire and Phillips, but they are not guaranteed to keep their places if club issues remain. “I think with Harry, the injuries to (Raphael) Varane and (Luke) Shaw probably mean that there is unlikely to be any change there in terms of a change of clubs,” Southgate said ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline. “So, no, I can’t sit here and say it’s an ideal situation with either. “With the centre-backs, we have got a chance for others to come in (due to absences) and there are others playing in the role. “In midfield it’s more of a concern because of the specifics of the position. “I know I’ve talked about the low numbers of English players playing and people say: ‘What are you moaning about? You’ve got a great squad to pick from’. “But it’s the positional specifics. There is a lack of depth in certain areas – left-back is one and midfield pivot is definitely another.” Southgate largely stuck with the tried and tested for September’s double-header, but there was a place for uncapped Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and, more surprisingly, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. “Two young players who are doing very well, who have done well with our junior teams,” Southgate said. “Levi, of course, had some time with us in the summer anyway. “Eddie is coming in because it’s an area where we’d like to have a look at him. “He’s a young player with a really good pedigree, very good finisher and it’s good for him to have some time with us. “I think he’s record goalscorer with the Under-21s as well. “He’s not had the chance to work with us up to this point but he’s a player that we’re really interested in.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live LGBT+ England fans may shun Jordan Henderson for ‘turning his back’ on them Aston Villa ease into Conference League group stage with win over Hibernian Andy Murray admits grand slam chances may never improve after US Open defeat

In today's Braves rumors, Darius Vines enjoys the limelight, Kyle Wright throws a clunker, and Josh Donaldson re-enters the chat.

Aston Villa booked a place in the Europa Conference League group stage by sweeping aside Hibernian 3-0 on the night and 8-0 on aggregate. Villa, who won the first leg of their qualifying play-off 5-0 last week in Edinburgh, underlined their superiority over managerless Hibs with goals from Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey before the interval. Substitute Matty Cash struck his third goal in two games just after the hour-mark as Villa, hosting a European tie for the first time in 13 years, made it four straight wins in all competitions. Unai Emery’s side will learn who they face in the Europa Conference League group stage on Friday when the draw is made in Monaco. Hibs, who sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday after a home defeat to Livingston left them bottom of the cinch Premiership without a point, were backed throughout by their noisy band of 2,200 travelling supporters. But the visitors were reminded of the gulf in class between the two sides in the 12th minute when Duran opened the scoring. The Colombia forward burst between Hibs’ centre-backs Rocky Bushiri and Paul Hanlon on to Pau Torres’ excellent pass and swept the ball home. Hibs have put former defender David Gray in temporary charge for a third time and they responded through Jordan Obita’s effort, which forced Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen into a flying save. But Villa made it 7-0 on aggregate when teenage debutant Omari Kellyman laid on their second goal in the 34th minute. The 17-year-old skipped past a tackle and slid in Bailey, who cut back on to his left foot on the right edge of the area to fire beyond Hibs goalkeeper David Marshall. Emery, who made six changes from the side which won 3-1 at Burnley last weekend, sent on Cash and captain John McGinn – against his former club – for the start of the second half. Cash, who fired a double at Turf Moor on Sunday, made it 3-0 on the night just after the hour-mark, burying a rebound after Marshall had failed to hold on to Bailey’s fierce free-kick. McGinn was denied a goal after more neat interplay from Villa by a last-ditch block before the home side took their foot off the gas. Hibs, given a rousing send off by their impressive fans at the final whistle, will now focus on Sunday’s league game at Aberdeen, where they will bid to kick-start their domestic season. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Andy Murray admits grand slam chances may never improve after US Open defeat Liverpool agree £35million deal with Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch Jack Draper overcomes injury worries to reach US Open third round

Caleb Williams is going to do more work for Wendy's than Brady Quinn, and quite possibly the late, great Dave Thomas. All the while, many Oklahoma football fans are in absolute shambles over this.