The Tigers' slide heading into the end of the regular season has made manager A.J. Hinch's job a bit tricky.
They snapped an eight-game skid Thursday with a win over the Guardians in their series finale in Cleveland where the AL Central lead officially changed hands. With the 4-2 win Thursday, the Tigers evened things back up in the division with Cleveland, although the Guardians hold the tiebreaker.
Detroit's final regular-season series began Friday against the Red Sox against Fenway Park. They can clinch a playoff berth with a win and an Astros loss, but there's a chance that the Tigers can go into Sunday's finale still looking to get into the playoffs. If that comes to fruition, the good news for Detroit is their ace Tarik Skubal is scheduled to pitch Sunday following his most recent start Tuesday in Cleveland.
If Detroit's season is on the line, there's certainly nobody else they'd rather have on the bump. However, if they are able to clinch before Sunday, Hinch can save Skubal for Game 1 of their three-game wild-card series. On Friday, Hinch left nothing up for debate on the plan for Skubal. He'll pitch Sunday if needed. If not, he'll be on the shelf for the playoffs.
"It’s pretty clear," the Tigers manager said Friday via 's Cody Stavenhagen. "If we need to get into the playoffs, we’re going to pitch Tarik. If we’ve clinched a playoff berth, then we won’t pitch him."
Hinch and the Tigers did schedule gymnastics last year during their magical run to the postseason to ensure they could have their ace available for critical moments while on optimal rest. Last year, Skubal won the AL Cy Young Award with an 18-4 record and a 2.39 ERA while striking out a league-high 228 batters. This season, he's the Cy Young Award frontrunner with a 13-6 record, 2.21 ERA and 241 punchouts.
It's not a surprising move to play Skubal's Sunday start by ear, but opponents can be certain they'll see the dominant lefthander when it matters most.
After missing out on an extra forward in the summer, BlueCo have now reportedly made their first approach to sign a Bundesliga attacker for Chelsea in 2026.
Maresca reveals Marc Guiu warning
Following a strong start on the transfer front in the summer, Liam Delap’s injury threw Chelsea’s final week into chaos. Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich was off then back on again, Marc Guiu was recalled from his Sunderland loan before he could truly get going and a number of rumours emerged. Ultimately, however, Enzo Maresca was forced to settle for his current attacking options.
Guiu’s recall caused particular debate. From a likely starter at Sunderland, the young striker has since found himself forced to watch on from the bench at Chelsea in frustrating fashion. What’s more, it’s only in recent weeks that he’s had the chance to impress for the Blues again.
Having his say, Maresca revealed earlier this week that the forward simply was not training well enough to earn the game time that he desires at Stamford Bridge.
There have been rumours that Sunderland could yet return for Guiu in January, but that may depend on Chelsea’s own movements. Ahead of the winter window, a number of names have already been linked with a move to West London.
That includes both Guela Doue and Porto’s Samu Omorodion, who would certainly add more firepower to Maresca’s side. Whether BlueCo will be willing to spend big or look to hijack Barcelona’s move to sign a Bundesliga alternative is the big question ahead of 2026.
Chelsea launch approach to sign Asllani
According to reports in Spain, BlueCo have now launched their first approach to sign Fisnik Asllani for Chelsea in 2026. The deal would see them beat Barcelona to one of the most in-form forwards that the Bundesliga has to offer.
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In a formal move, the Blues have turned their focus towards the Kosovo international in an attempt to add further depth to their frontline behind one of their most expensive signings, Joao Pedro. After scoring five goals in eight games in all competitions for Hoffenheim so far this season, there’s little doubt that the 23-year-old has the quality to seal a big move.
Dubbed “clinical” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Asllani is certainly one to watch. Whilst his name is not as well-known as Omorodion, his numbers speak for themselves and Chelsea have the chance to get one over on Barcelona by securing his signature. Whether they choose to do so as soon as January remains to be seen, however.
Newcastle United dropped more points in the Premier League on Tuesday night, drawing 2-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur in a chaotic game.
Eddie Howe’s side were the dominant team at St. James’ Park, but could not prevent Spurs’ only two shots on target from going in the back of the net.
After a goalless first half, it took until the 71st minute for the deadlock to be broken. It was Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimaraes who opened the scoring. He strolled onto Nick Woltemade’s layoff and fired home to give his side the lead, after good play by Anthony Gordon.
Just six minutes later, Spurs had their equaliser. Cristian Romero got in front of Dan Burn to score a clever diving header at the near post.
However, it did not take long for the home side to get back in front. They won a contentious penalty, which Gordon emphatically scored, his first Premier League strike since January.
Just as it looked like the Magpies might hold on, Spurs equalised, five minutes into added time. It was their captain, Romero, again, whose acrobatic overhead kick somehow found its way through a mass of Newcastle shirts and into the back of the net.
It was a disappointing result for the Magpies in a game they dominated. Indeed, their attack left a little to be desired.
Newcastle’s misfiring attack vs. Spurs
After scoring four goals at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Everton last weekend, the Magpies might have expected to continue that sort of form.
However, they could only turn their 19 shots, and seven on target, into two goals, which proved to be too few.
One man who struggled to get into the game was Woltemade.
Although he grabbed the assist for Guimaraes’ goal, a neat lay-off into the Brazilian’s path, it was a tough night against the physicality of Romero and Mickey van de Ven.
The summer signing only had 36 touches of the ball and lost possession 12 times, as per Sofascore. He could only muster two shots and was often left fairly isolated against the Spurs centre-backs.
Another attacker who struggled for the Magpies was Jacob Murphy. The winger was unusually sloppy in the final third, completing just three out of ten attempted crosses.
Jordan Cronin, journalist for Newcastle World, said he ‘lacked conviction and concentration’ during the game.
However, it was not just Woltemade and Murphy who struggled against the Lilywhites.
Newcastle’s most disappointing player vs. Spurs
For all their domination, the Magpies struggled to get a real grip on the game. Indeed, Joelinton was another player who looked off the pace and did not have the sort of impact going forward that Howe might have wanted from him.
It was notable just how poorly the Brazilian performed on Tuesday night. Cronin was one of the people who criticised him, giving him a 5/10 for his efforts and explaining that he ‘needlessly gave the ball away’ too many times.
His fellow journalist, Charlie Bennett, also noted that Joelinton was “very sloppy” on the ball. The stats back that theory up, with Newcastle’s number seven losing the ball 11 times out of 49 touches, and having a pass accuracy of just 83%.
Joelinton vs. Spurs
Stat
Record
Touches
49
Pass accuracy
83%
Possession lost
11
Ground duels won
3/10
Number of times dribbled past
3
Key passes
1
Stats from Sofascore
It feels like Howe has an interesting selection call to make ahead of Newcastle’s next game, at home against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
It is a game you can expect the Magpies to dominate, so perhaps their manager will want midfielders who look after the ball better.
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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
There are options, too. It seems almost certain that Guimaraes will slot back into the side after he only played 45 minutes on Tuesday, replacing Sandro Tonali.
Lewis Miley would deserve to keep his place in the starting lineup, and Jacob Ramsey is another player who could come into the fold.
Joelinton’s poor showing against Spurs may well have cost him his place in the side. Howe has other players at his disposal, all of whom may offer him extra quality on the ball.
It would certainly not be a surprise if Joelinton was rotated out of the side against the Clarets.
Fewer passes than Ramsdale: Howe must drop 6/10 Newcastle star after Spurs
Newcastle United were denied another Premier League win by Tottenham Hotspur last night.
The Yankees faced elimination and advanced, knocking off their biggest rivals and putting them atop the World Series odds alongside the team that beat them in the World Series last year.
The Yankees went from +700 to +410 in the World Series odds at FanDuel after dispatching the Red Sox in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card last night. That is tied for the shortest odds on the board with the Dodgers.
The Yankees face another division rival in the ALDS, taking on the Toronto Blue Jays in a five-game series starting on Saturday. Toronto is +800 at FD to win the World Series.
The Blue Jays held off a furious late-season rally from the Bronx Bombers to win the AL East and secure home field advantage in the series. However, they’re +132 to win the ALDS at FD, underdogs to the Yankees, who are -156.
Similarly in the NL, the Phillies have home field against the Dodgers, but are set as underdogs to win their NLDS series. Philly is +106 while the Dodgers are -124. The Phillies have the third-shortest odds to win the World Series at +500 on FD.
The Brewers won the most games in baseball this year and are +700 at FD to win the World Series. They are small -116 favorites in their series against the division-rival Cubs, who are even-money +100 to advance. Chicago is +750 to win the World Series.
The Tigers, who at one point had the best record in baseball, have the longest odds to win the World Series. They’re +1300 at FD.
Detroit faces the Marines in the other ALCS. Seattle is the biggest betting favorite in the division series odds, sitting at -172 to advance against +146 for Detroit. The Mariners are +550 to win the World Series.
The Dodgers beat the Yankees in the World Series last year. The difference is Los Angeles was a big favorite to win it all even at this point in the postseason. Oddsmakers aren’t quite as sold on them this year.
The odds showcase this year’s playoffs are as wide open as any in recent memory. There’s no clear-cut favorite, even with two big-name franchises sitting atop the odds.
Here are the odds at FanDuel for each team to win the World Series.
World Series OddsNew York Yankees +410Los Angeles Dodgers +410Philadelphia Phillies +500Seattle Mariners +550Milwaukee Brewers +700Chicago Cubs +750Toronto Blue Jays +800Detroit Tigers +1300
Kyle Schwarber had a monster night at the plate on Monday as he crushed his 39th and 40th home runs of the season, with the latter being a grand slam hit at Citizens Bank Park.
Schwarber's first homer of the night made him the HR leader in the National League, so Phillies fans were prepared when he came up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning when the bases were loaded. The baseball park erupted in "MVP" chants for Schwarber, and he answered their cheers by providing an electric grand slam.
A video was posted by MLB on Monday night highlighting the sounds at Citizens Bank as Schwarber was up at the plate, and then it showed how loud the stadium became once the 390-foot homer soared in the air.
Chills.
Schwarber currently has the third-best odds in the NL for winning the MVP award this season. Shohei Ohtani is leading the race to win his third-straight MVP title (-700) with Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong in second with +900 odds, via ESPN. Schwarber follows them with 10-1 odds.
Monday night's game definitely helped Schwarber's MVP case, that's for sure.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is once again forced into playing without a natural striking option following Viktor Gyokeres’ injury, and while the early signs have been fairly positive that it’s nothing too serious, supporters could have reason to be slightly worried.
Gyokeres is currently undergoing scans on the problem as the north Londoners await results of more definitive testing.
The Sweden international, who was left out of Graham Potter’s national team squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia this month, missed Arsenal’s 3-0 win away to Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday after being hauled off against Burnley last weekend.
Mikel Merino, who has scored 11 goals in all competitions this calendar year, deputised as a makeshift number nine once again to great effect as the Spaniard’s brace helped to clinch all three points in the Czech Republic.
However, Arteta won’t want to rely on Merino for an overly extensive period as he did last season, despite the midfielder’s excellent performances up top, as Arsenal’s manager has been adamant that Gyokeres makes his side even more unpredictable.
This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Gyokeres personally, as the £55 million summer signing was just hitting a good run of form with three goals in his last three games — just after the centre-forward went seven matches without scoring in all competitions.
Viktor Gyokeres’ best games for Arsenal in the Premier League
Match Rating
Arsenal 5-0 Leeds United
8.84
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
7.97
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
7.68
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
6.69
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
6.68
via WhoScored
The former Sporting CP star, according to insider Hand of Arsenal and other reliable sources this week, is expected back in time for Arsenal’s crunch North London derby clash against Tottenham near the end of this month — which will come as music to the ears of fans.
Journalist explains why he's worried for Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal
That being said, Arteta has still admitted that he’s quite concerned, potentially suggesting the aforementioned timeframe isn’t set in stone as Gyokeres awaits further test results.
Taking this into account, journalist Charles Watts has told Sports Mole that he’s still “worried” about Gyokeres’ condition and Arsenal face a “massive blow” if it is indeed hamstring-related.
Once Gyokeres does return to full fitness, which Arteta hopes will be in time for Tottenham, it is also imperative that the striker isn’t rushed back unnecessarily.
His readiness to be thrust straight back into action will be key and Arsenal won’t be keen on taking any chances, especially after their plethora of attacking injuries lately.
It's been a rough season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who haven't been able to capitalize on Paul Skenes's lights-out pitching and jumped out to a 32-50 start. But over the course of their last four games they have suddenly flipped the switch and turned into a wagon. On Monday night they crushed the St. Louis Cardinals, 7-0, as Andrew Heaney flirted with a no-hitter.
It was the fourth consecutive contest that the Bucs have won by at least seven runs, an accomplishment the franchise has not enjoyed since the 1925 club got hot. The Pirates began their hot play by cruising past the New York Mets by scores of 9-1, 9-2 and 12-1.
The exceptional play has improved their run differential from -70 to -35 and been a major bright spot in a season that hasn't seen many on display.
For some context on just how rare it is for a team to dominate like this, even for a short period, the only two teams in baseball history to win four straight by 7-plus runs while allowing two or fewer runs in each victory are the 1911 Pirates and 1882 White Stockings. And any time you're harkening back to the time of Chester A. Arthur, you're doing something pretty special.
Manchester United look to be on an upward trajectory under INEOS and could now submit a sizeable bid for one of the world’s best attackers in January.
Man Utd summer signings deliver again in win over Brighton
Ruben Amorim has endured his fair share of criticism since arriving at Old Trafford. However, he will now feel vindicated in his decision not to change his complex 3-4-3 system after stringing together three consecutive Premier League victories.
Brighton & Hove Albion played some fine football at times at Old Trafford on Saturday. Nevertheless, this sometimes worked to their own detriment, and the Red Devils duly capitalised on a day where Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo were unrelenting.
False dawns have been a frustration in recent years, though this time feels different. There is a togetherness that seems to have been forged after a £225 million transfer spend at the club, and Gary Neville believes Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo’s previous experience of top-flight football has helped drastically amid both making an instant impact since arriving in Manchester.
He told Sky Sports: “With Cunha and Mbeumo, the risk of those signings was removed because in the sense they had played in the Premier League before and they had the hunger to deliver at a different level.
“Mbeumo looks like he belongs. He looks hungry and that he wants to score goals. Manchester United have something to build on. Cunha and Mbeumo will win a lot of matches for Manchester United.”
While the summer arrivals take a lot of the credit, January will be just as important if Manchester United want to make a fist of continental qualification.
Amorim could raid his old club Sporting to sign Ousmane Diomande, though he may also have designs on making a headline signing at the other end of the field.
Man Utd preparing bid for Rafael Leao
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are preparing a bid in excess of £87 million to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan, while Liverpool and Manchester City are also lurking in the background, hoping to make their move.
Talks have been initiated with his camp, and the Serie A giants are unlikely to sell for any less than what the Red Devils are keen to put forward, and the final decision will be left with him to determine whether a transfer to the Premier League would be a smart move at this stage in his career.
Tammy Abraham with Rafael Leao at AC Milan.
Starting the campaign in fine form, Leao has scored four times in his opening five appearances across all competitions. Veteran AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric described him as a “truly fantastic” asset to the Rossoneri earlier this week, and it is easy to see why when you delve into his underlying numbers.
Fotmob shows that he has placed five of his nine shots on target in Serie A this season, providing evidence that his record in front of the target stems from acute awareness of his surroundings.
Ultimately, Leao is someone who could lift Manchester United into another dimension, though it remains to be seen whether they have the financial clarity to pull off such a move in mid-season.
Amorim considering Man Utd move for £25m star who's a "joy to work with"
The Red Devils are looking to improve their squad after an upturn in fortunes.
Atual campeão da Copa do Brasil, o São Paulo venceu o Águia de Marabá por 2 a 0, no Morumbis, e garantiu vaga nas oitavas de final. Os gols da partida foram marcados por Lucas Moura, em cobrança de pênalti, e Erick.
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A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!
A classificação rendeu R$ 3,465 milhões aos cofres do clube paulista. Agora, a equipe comandada por Luis Zubeldía aguarda o sorteio para conhecer seu próximo adversário.
💰 Premiação da Copa do Brasil 2024:
Primeira fase: R$ 1,47 milhão (Série A) R$ 1,312,5 milhão (Série B) e R$ 787,5 mil (demais clubes) Segunda fase: R$ 1,785 milhão (Série A), R$ 1,47 milhão (Série B) e R$ 945 mil (demais clubes) Terceira fase: R$ 2,205 milhões Oitavas de final: R$ 3,465 milhões Quartas de final: R$ 4,515 milhões Semifinais: R$ 9,45 milhões Vice-campeão: R$ 31,5 milhões Campeão: R$ 73,5 milhões
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✅ FICHA TÉCNICA SÃO PAULO 2 X 0 ÁGUIA DE MARABÁ COPA DO BRASIL – 3ª FASE – JOGO DE VOLTA 🗓️ Data e horário: quinta-feira, 23 de maio de 2024, às 21h30 (de Brasília) 📍 Local: Morumbis, em São Paulo (SP) 🟨 Árbitro: Marcelo de Lima Henrique 🚩 Assistentes: Nailton Oliveira e Fernanda Kruger 🖥️ VAR: Paulo da Silva Coelho
Enfim a Seleção Brasileira está completa para a disputa da Copa América. Na tarde desta quarta-feira (5), Vini Jr, Rodrygo e Éder Militão se apresentaram após a conquista do título da Champions League, com o Real Madrid.
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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
Vini Jr, autor do segundo gol do Real Madrid na final, que garantiu o título da Champions, apareceu com um visual novo. Agora, o atacante está usando tranças no cabelo.
Nas suas primeiras palavras após chegar em Orlando, nos Estados Unidos, Vini Jr projetou o título da Copa América com a Seleção. Além disso, o atacante do Real Madrid externou toda a felicidade ao se juntar ao grupo.
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Não fui campeão ainda, não tenho nenhum título pela Seleção, espero que seja agora
afirmou Vini Jr
– Nós estamos nos preparando muito bem para esse momento. A geração vem muito forte para ganhar grandes coisas com a Seleção – emendou o atacante do Real Madrid.
– Estou muito feliz de chegar aqui em Orlando e me juntar com todo o elenco, com toda a comissão técnica. A gente tem que fazer de tudo para ter uma boa preparação e logo em seguida uma ótima Copa América.
O trio Vini Jr, Rodrygo e Éder Militão perdeu os cinco primeiros treinos comandados por Dorival Jr. A partir desta quarta-feira, o técnico terá a possibilidade de esboçar a equipe que vai enfrentar o México no sábado (8).
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De todos os convocados, o zagueiro Gabriel Magalhães é dúvida. O jogador sofreu uma lesão no ombro direito e ainda não voltou a fazer exercícios de mais impacto com o grupo.
🗒️ CONVOCADOS POR DORIVAL JR: Goleiros: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico-PR) e Rafael (São Paulo); Laterais: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG) e Wendell (Porto); Zagueiros: Beraldo (PSG), Bremer (Juventus), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) e Marquinhos (PSG); Meias: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Éderson (Atalanta), João Gomes (Wolverhampton) e Lucas Paquetá (West Ham); Atacantes: Endrick (Palmeiras), Evanilson (Porto), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Pepê (Porto), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona) e Vini Jr (Real Madrid).
*Ederson, goleiro do Manchester City foi cortado, e Rafael, do São Paulo, entrou no lugar. Bremer (Juventus), Ederson (Atalanta) e Pepê (Porto) foram convocados depois da Conmebol ampliar a lista de 23 para 26 jogadores.
Tudo sobre
Éder MilitãoFutebol NacionalRodrygoSeleção BrasileiraVini Jr