Month: May 2023

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore insists his side are completely focused on preparations ahead of their Sky Bet League One play-off final against Barnsley.

Wednesday reached the final in extraordinary circumstances after pulling off a stunning comeback against Peterborough in the second leg of their semi-final clash.

Moore’s side rallied to win 5-3 on penalties after overturning a four-goal first-leg deficit to win 5-1 after extra time, but the Wednesday boss insists their attention is now firmly on Monday’s final.

“(It’s been) a normal day’s training, normal day’s work as it’s been throughout the week and that’s been that really,” Moore told a pre-match press conference.

“It was a good night for everyone connected to the football club but once we got back into training, it really was that game is over and finished with now and it’s focusing on training, getting ourselves right and getting mentally and physically right for the game on Monday.

“Let’s not beat about the bush, we don’t even talk about the comeback because the comeback’s gone. That was then, it’s gone.

“When we got back in training we just focused on the next game up, which is the final.

“The comeback, talking about that is down to the media world doing that because of the interest that it created, but we can’t do anything about that.

“The only plan we had was to work hard in the game, we went in with a game plan and it was nice to come out the other end and see that game plan come through.

“Afterwards, I leave the talking to you guys, but internally within the football club that’s gone and we’re just focusing on the final and our preparations have been about that.”

There are no fresh injuries for Wednesday, with Marvin Johnson and Dominic Iorfa both available to play, but Moore also hinted that George Byers, who has been sidelined since March, could potentially feature at Wembley.

“George is doing really well, I suppose the supporters will have to see if he is involved on Monday, but I wouldn’t want to say anything too much now,” Moore said.

Lee Gregory is also ready to go for the final after a club appeal to find his protective face mask was answered on Sunday.

The striker lost the specially fitted mask during celebrations at Hillsborough after the second leg, but it was retrieved following a social-media shout-out and Moore thanked the fan who returned it.

“Thank you to the supporter for bringing it back for us!” Moore said.

“That’s very kind because it just meant Lee could train all week, which he has done, whereas before, without it, we would’ve had to have had another one made and he might missed a few days of training.

“The mere fact he’s been able to train all week has been really good, so thank you to the supporter for answering that rallying cry and bringing it back.”

Rory McKenzie aims to make the most of the adrenaline rush of Kilmarnock’s survival battle.

Killie maintained 10th place in the cinch Premiership with a 3-0 win at Dundee United on Wednesday but they still need a result against Ross County to avoid a relegation play-off.

McKenzie has made more than 350 appearances for Killie but he still experiences nerves ahead of occasions like Sunday’s Rugby Park clash.

The 29-year-old said: “I have tried to put a spin on it that one day I am not going to be playing football, I will have a normal job, and in a few years I won’t have this feeling.

“In a few years’ time there won’t be the adrenaline rush that I have for the next three days so I am trying to spin it that way and enjoy it the best I can.

“The worst part is now. I was quite nervous leading up to the Dundee United game and the best I felt was when I was walking out. That’s when you know you are in control of it.

“Waiting about for the game for three days, you just wish the game was tomorrow, you want to get it out the way, you want to play the game.”

Manager Derek McInnes has been clear that avoiding relegation has been the aim this season as Killie look to consolidate their Championship title win.

McKenzie said: “That’s always been the goal this season, nothing else. The fact that comes down to Sunday against a team that are fighting for the exact same thing is quite exciting. Two years in a row, it’s not good for anyone’s heart.

“I probably found it mentally tougher last year, with going to win. I felt there was more pressure and I had never experienced that before. Usually it’s been about staying in the league and last year was about trying to win the league, and that was different for me.

“Don’t get me wrong, this is just as big, probably bigger but I do believe we have got what it takes.

“Against Arbroath, there was an expectation on us to win the league and I struggled with that at times.”

A draw will do Killie while County need to win.

McKenzie said: “It’s a game we just have to treat like any other and go out and try and win because we are not very good at trying to see out draws.

“We have good home form, we are good on the front foot, there will be a lot of people here, and that’s our aim, to go and win the game, not sit and wait for a draw.”

McInnes expects Kyle Vassell to play through the pain after taking a knock to an ongoing knee injury after scoring twice at Tannadice.

“We have got everybody fit from the game the other day,” the manager said.

“The only doubt is Vassell but we think he will be OK in terms of getting him out there.

“He took another knock on the injury but we are hoping he will be fine as he has been doing for the last while, not doing very much training and just getting him out there.

“Then hopefully with a positive result on Sunday we can give him a proper rest, because that’s all he needs.

“His goals have been vital but he has a charisma and confidence about him, he leads the line well, he has a bullishness about him and that rubs off. Psychologically it’s important that he is out there on Sunday.

“Joe Wright, Ryan Alebiosu and Alan Power have a chance as well.”

Andy Pilley has stepped down as chairman and director of Fleetwood as discussions continue surrounding a change of ownership and control at the Sky Bet League One club.

Pilley will be sentenced next month after being convicted on four counts of fraud.

The 52-year-old was found guilty last week of two counts of fraudulent trading, fraud by false representation and being involved in the acquisition, retention, use or control of the proceeds of fraudulently mis-sold energy contracts.

Pilley was remanded in custody and he will be sentenced on July 3.

Also chairman of BES Utilities, Pilley had been involved in High Court litigation with Cheshire West and Chester Council, but lost a civil court fight over investigating allegations of mis-selling.

Pilley had been the chairman and owner of Fleetwood for 20 years and overseen the club’s rise from non-league status to the English Football League.

In announcing the boardroom changes, Fleetwood, who finished 13th last season, said it would be “business as usual” while working through the transition of ownership.

A statement on Friday afternoon read: “Fleetwood Town can confirm Andy Pilley has stepped down as chairman and director of the club.

“Steve Curwood, who has been the club’s CEO for 15 years, will be appointed interim chairman with current vice chairman Phil Brown to join the board as a director.

“The club have this week entered discussions with the EFL in relation to requirements surrounding a change of ownership and control.

“The club would also like to clarify there will be no other changes to the board before the planned change of ownership.

“In the meantime, the club will continue to operate business as usual and will make a further announcement in due course.”

– Both teams have scored in each of Leeds’ last 12 league games 
– Both teams have scored in 10 of Tottenham’s last 11 league games 
– Recommended bet: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals

Sam Allardyce’s appointment as Leeds manager on a short-term basis has not gone to plan and with one game to go United are in need of a minor miracle if they are to avoid Premier League relegation.

Leeds will be faced with the dreaded drop if they fail to win at Tottenham, or if either Everton or Leicester earn victories at the expense of Bournemouth or West Ham.

Although performance levels may have improved, Leeds have still taken only one point from their three games under Allardyce’s charge, which has extended their winless run in the league to eight.

Like Leeds, Tottenham will also be on the hunt for a new manager in the summer, and they will also be determined to record a victory as they bid to leapfrog Aston Villa into seventh.

But Spurs have won only two of their last 10 and have failed to win on their Premier League travels since grinding out a 1-0 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage in January.

Team news

Leeds expect to have top scorer Rodrigo available despite him injuring his foot in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

Patrick Bamford also limped off in the first half of that loss in London and must be assessed but Tyler Adams, Stuart Dallas and Luis Sinisterra are confirmed absentees.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has been ruled out, alongside Eric Dier who has undergone groin surgery.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has returned to full training and is expected to return but Hugl Lloris, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ryan Sessegnon remain out.

The stats

Leeds appear to be on the verge of relegation and only have themselves to blame having won just three of their last 24 league games.

The hosts have taken only two points from their last eight league matches but they have been one of the Premier League’s great entertainers this season.

Both teams have scored in each of their last 12 league fixtures but, with 74 goals conceded in 37 games, they hold the worst defensive record in the top flight.

Spurs have also seen both teams score in 10 of their last 11, so it promises to be a match full of entertainment at Elland Road.

Tottenham, under the care of interim manager Ryan Mason, have lost their last two league games to Aston Villa and Brentford.

The north London outfit have struggled on their travels and have failed to win any of their last seven away games.

But Spurs have won the last three Premier League meetings between the pair and they edged a seven-goal thriller on home soil in the reverse fixture in November.

Prediction

Both teams need the victory for very different reasons, with Tottenham hoping to capitalise if Aston Villa falter and clinch seventh spot, while Leeds must prevail to have any chance of Premier League survival.

That should lead to an open contest full of goals, especially given both sides’ defensive flaws.

Leeds inherit the worst backline in the Premier League and are now without a clean sheet in 14 and recently things haven’t been much better at Spurs, who have looked vulnerable with Romero and Dier injured. The visitors have recorded one shutout in 12.

Spurs prevailed 4-3 in a thriller in the reverse fixture and everything looks in place for another high-scoring contest.

Leeds have seen both teams score in their last 12 Premier League matches while the net has bulged at both ends in 10 of Tottenham’s last 11.

Back both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 4/6 with LiveScore Bet.

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Recommended bets:

– Back over 3.5 goals in Aston Villa vs Brighton

– Back BTTS & over 2.5 goals in Brentford vs Manchester City

– Back Bournemouth to win or draw against Everton

– Back Harry Kane to score two or more goals in Leeds vs Tottenham

– Back BTTS & over 2.5 goals in Leicester vs West Ham

– Back Liverpool to win & over 3.5 goals against Southampton

The Premier League season finishes on Sunday, with two of the three relegation positions still to be decided.

Here are our top selections for the biggest final-day games.

Aston Villa vs Brighton (Sunday, 4.30pm)

Aston Villa have scored at least twice in four of their last five home games — and their need for a win to guarantee European qualification means they will not take a backward step here.

Opponents Brighton have seen over 3.5 goals land in five of their last eight games, with the only exceptions coming against the Premier League’s top three.

Only Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham games average more goals than the Seagulls’ this term.

Back over 3.5 goals at 5/4 with LiveScore Bet

Brentford vs Manchester City (Sunday, 4.30pm)

Manchester City have scored in their last 25 matches, netting more than once in 18 of them.

They travel to Brentford, who have found the net in their last 12 league home games.

The Bees have scored five goals in their last two matches without Ivan Toney and can take advantage of what is likely to be a rotated City team.

Back BTTS & over 2.5 goals at 17/20 with LiveScore Bet

Everton vs Bournemouth (Sunday, 4.30pm)

Everton have won just one of their last 10 matches, dropping points in all four of their games against bottom-half teams on that run.

Other results could dictate that a point is good enough for the Toffees to secure survival, too, so it is worth siding with Bournemouth to take something from this game.

The Cherries have won three of their last four away matches and have beaten Sunday’s opponents 4-1 and 3-0 already this season.

Back Bournemouth to win or draw at 17/10 with LiveScore Bet

Leeds vs Tottenham (Sunday, 4.30pm)

Leeds need to win this game, perhaps by a few goals, so it could open up into a very high-scoring game.

That is bound to suit Harry Kane, who could be playing his last match for Tottenham and already has an incredible final-day record.

The England captain has scored in six of Spurs’ last eight end-of-season affairs, including a brace and a hat-trick. He’s also netted in 11 of his last 13 outings this term.

Back Harry Kane to score two or more goals at 17/4 with LiveScore Bet 

Leicester vs West Ham (Sunday, 4.30pm)

Leicester also need a win to stand a chance of survival, which should lend itself to even more final-day goals.

This bet has landed in seven of the last 10 matches at the King Power Stadium, where Leicester haven’t kept a Premier League clean sheet since October.

West Ham have scored in six of their last eight away matches, only failing to do so at Man City and when they made multiple changes against Brentford.

Back BTTS & over 2.5 goals with LiveScore Bet

Southampton vs Liverpool (Sunday, 4.30pm)

Southampton have lost nine of their last 11 matches, with the only exceptions the 3-3 draws with Tottenham and Arsenal.

Ruben Selles’ side have conceded at least three goals in four of their last six outings and could be well beaten by Liverpool on Sunday.

The visitors had won seven straight matches prior to the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last week, scoring three or more goals in four of them.

Back Liverpool to win & over 3.5 goals with LiveScore Bet

Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal the competition will be even tougher if they hope to mount another Premier League title challenge next season.

Wolves visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday for a fixture that at one stage looked like it would mark Arsenal’s coronation as champions for the first time in 19 years.

Instead they go into their final game eight points adrift of champions Manchester City, the same margin that Arteta’s side led by in early April, with their courageous title tilt having finally been ended by defeat to Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

Arsenal’s challenge has wilted since they threw away a 2-0 lead against Liverpool at Anfield on Easter Sunday, followed by successive draws against West Ham and Southampton before City finally took control of the race with a thumping 4-1 win against the Gunners at the Etihad.

Arteta called for his players to end a nevertheless memorable season on a high against Wolves, but pointed to what is likely to be an even more intense struggle next campaign if the club are to finally end a two-decade wait to be champions.

“The competition is going to be even harder next season,” said Arteta. “In my opinion it’s been the hardest this season in 22 years that I’ve been in this league.

“In order to (compete) we have a really promising plan, we have to reflect a little bit, take a step back, make sure this is the right one and go again with more determination and hunger in the tummies to do even better.

“Now is about finishing the season in style and providing a great performance and a victory in front of our people to show our gratitude.

“(We) received a lot of incredible energy they have given us throughout the season, and (we will) start to build for next season. We have to wrap it up in the best possible way. It’s been some journey, full of emotions.

“Looking with a bit of perspective, there’s a lot of things not only on the field that have happened at the club that deserve a lot of credit for a lot of people.

“We have to nail everything that we do, we have to seek excellence in everything that we touch and we participate in that’s going to have a big impact at the club.”

Arsenal’s late collapse was in part precipitated by the loss of defender William Saliba to injury in March, with the deputising Rob Holding criticised for failing to match the 22-year-old’s imperious form across the season.

Arteta remained hopeful that the back injury the defender picked up during the team’s Europa League exit to Sporting Lisbon will not stretch into next season and that he will be ready to resume training after the summer.

There is also optimism that Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has played only 21 times in the league due to injury, will be fit to take part in pre-season.

Arteta said of Saliba: “He’s evolving the right way, the last few weeks have been much more positive than the previous two months.

“We wanted to protect him, it’s an injury that needed some care and attention. We’ve been pretty conservative to give him the best possible chance to have a good pre-season and to go again next season.

“Tomiyasu will be (back) around pre-season like Willy, they’ll be in a good place. They’ve been working so hard the boys, it’s been a really difficult year for (Tomiyasu) with some issues that he’s had.

“He’s a tremendous person, a top professional, we just want him to be available because when he is he’s really helpful for the team.”

Pep Guardiola is convinced his Manchester City players will be ready to make the most of their “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to win the Treble.

Having wrapped up the Premier League title last weekend, City are now focusing on next month’s FA Cup and Champions League finals, in which they will face Manchester United and Inter Milan respectively.

First, City need to finish off their Premier League campaign, which they will do at Brentford on Sunday, before the players have two days off.

They will then return to training next week and give the two glamour ties full attention.

City manager Guardiola said: “Everybody knows what position we are in. It comes once in a lifetime, twice in a lifetime?

“Being champions in the Premier League three games before the end and to play two finals – that doesn’t come every season.

“Once we are there, first of all you have to relax and enjoy and do your best, but no-one can be sure we will be in that position again.

“They are ready. I see many details – how they come up on days off to make treatments, how many hours they stay to make the treatments, how players are individually concerned maybe they cannot play the FA Cup final and Champions League final.

“When you see that you don’t have to tell anything and do anything.

“We prepare for the finals like we prepare every single game. We are not going to change any routine.”

City have a number of fitness doubts ahead of the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium and Guardiola may be unwilling to take unnecessary risks given the magnitude of the games that follow.

Defender Nathan Ake is the chief concern with the hamstring injury that has kept him out of the last five games but John Stones and Phil Foden suffered knocks at Brighton in midweek.

They were both substituted as a precaution and will be assessed, as will the likes of Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji, who were left out altogether.

“It’s getting better,” Guardiola said. “They’re training Saturday afternoon and we’ll decide how they are for the last game because we need to keep our rhythm as much as possible before the long weeks to prepare for the finals.

“No-one (is ruled out) but some of them are half-half. We will see.”

Guardiola, speaking at a press conference, stressed the importance of relaxing during the days off next week before the hard work begins.

He said: “In my experience the best way to play important finals is to be disconnected as much as possible.

“When I started, it was ‘I have to prepare the final. I have to make a lot of videos’. Now it’s completely the opposite.

“We need to disconnect. Even our physios and doctors and cooks, they work incredibly hard in this period. They don’t have time off. They need to disconnect.

“Go with your families. If the sun is shining, play golf, do whatever you want and (have) quality (rest) to prepare for the finals. Arrive in the best conditions for the finals.”

Guardiola is a keen golfer himself but says his time off will be about “family time, good restaurants”.

“My back doesn’t allow me,” he said when asked if he will be hitting the fairways.

Ryan Mason insists the Tottenham job remains an attractive proposition despite another protracted search for the head coach role.

Spurs saw another contender to permanently replace Antonio Conte exit the running this week after Feyenoord boss Arne Slot committed his long-term future to the Eredivisie club before he signed a new deal on Friday.

Tottenham held an interest in Slot but no direct discussions with the 44-year-old took place, the PA news agency understands.

Other managers linked with the vacancy, such as Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso and Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, have also pledged their immediate futures to their current clubs, but acting head coach Mason is under no illusions the top job at Spurs remains desirable.

Asked if the Tottenham job was still an attractive proposition, Mason replied: “Absolutely, yes.

“It is Tottenham Hotspur, it is a big club. Not just for managers or coaches, but for staff members, for players.

“Anyone here should feel the privilege and honour to represent the badge. If they don’t, then they shouldn’t be here. It is as simple as that.”

When Conte left his position on March 26, Tottenham were firmly in the race for Champions League qualification but they travel to relegation-threatened Leeds on Sunday with only a faint chance of securing a place in the Europa Conference League.

Mason insisted that, while European football for next season is crucial, the most important task for the club is to put a plan in place.

“Obviously it has its implications and it’s not where the football club wants to be. We definitely want to be competing in Europe,” Spurs’ acting head coach stated.

“Any European competition is important for a club this size but at the same time the most important thing, regardless of whether we’re in or out of Europe, is that there is a plan and there is commitment from everyone to that going forward.”

During the last few weeks, Mason has repeatedly referenced the need for commitment at the club without going into specifics.

Even before Conte departed two months ago, the future of the Italian was uncertain with his deal set to expire this summer anyway.

Mason again refused to be drawn on whether any coaches, players or staff had lacked commitment this season, but admitted the squad had been affected by the turmoil off the pitch.

He added: “The results before he (Conte) left weren’t amazing. I don’t think results have dipped a huge amount.

“Obviously we were in a different position but I think you could feel it, you could feel it the weeks leading up to it there was uncertainty and it’s never great to have that uncertainty.

“We’ve probably been in that situation for the last eight weeks where there’s been a lot of uncertainty.

“That is why one of my main things when me and my team of people came in, I wanted to create a togetherness and make us feel part of something towards the end of the season.”

Pep Guardiola has said he is “not optimistic” the Vinicius Jr racism row that has erupted in Spain will drive a change of attitude in the country.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius was racially abused by fans during his side’s game at Valencia in LaLiga last week.

The affair has sparked a wave of criticism of Spanish football and the way it deals with such matters.

It is thought to be at least the 10th time Brazil international Vinicius has been racially abused this season alone.

Manchester City manager Guardiola, the former Barcelona boss, believes the Spanish game can learn from English football on the issue.

“They should,” he said. “Here they are so strict. They know what they have to do.

“Of course racism is a problem everywhere, not just in one specific place. Everywhere we have (people) thinking we are better than our neighbours, we are better than the other ones, for all generations everywhere.

“Our ancestors come from migrants, come from wars, come from dictatorships, you have to move from other countries, build families there and come back to where you’re born.

“The problem is that there is racism everywhere. Not just for gender but for colour, for attitudes. We believe that our language is better than the other one, our country is better than the other one.

“As much as you travel in other countries, you realise we are the same, with the same fears, with the same good things.

“We need to accept the diversity as a strength, like a human being – and still right now, we are far away from that.

“Hopefully it can be one step to getting better in Spain but I’m not optimistic. I know a little bit the country and I’m not really optimistic.

“There are a lot of black people stepping forward to defend what they should not (have to) defend. Hopefully justice can help to do it but in the same time is it going to change anything in Spain?”

Ange Postecoglou claims the demands that come with being Celtic manager will ensure there is no time when the motivation dips.

Postecoglou has been installed as the favourite to take over as Tottenham manager with most bookmakers – alongside former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers – after reported Spurs target Arne Slot pledged his future to Feyenoord.

Reports in England claim the former Australia head coach has become a primary target for the Premier League club but the situation is not new to Postecoglou after a season of speculation.

Speaking ahead of getting the cinch Premiership trophy after Saturday’s game against Aberdeen, Postecoglou said of the reports: “I’m aware of it because everyone keeps asking me about it.

“It’s happened in the past, I have been pretty clear it’s just not the way I think and work.

“My priority right now is just making sure we have a special day on Saturday and we have a cup final coming up in a week’s time.

“I’m not going to sit there and get distracted by things that are kind of fascinating for other people rather than myself.

“That’s where my focus is and where it will continue to be. We have had a fantastic season and we have an opportunity to make it a really special one.”

Celtic will win the treble if they beat Inverness in the Scottish Cup final but Postecoglou will quickly move on to the next challenge rather than thinking he has done it all.

“That doesn’t really change,” he said. “There is always stuff to achieve. As a football club we have the responsibility to deliver success and play football a certain way.

“Just because we won the double last year doesn’t mean we came into this year thinking, okay, we don’t have to be as strong. We had to be stronger.

“The challenge is always there, irrespective of what we have achieved so far.

“And if ever you kind of lose that focus then you probably find yourself out of a job because that’s the demands this football club places on the people who represent it.

“We have a chance to win a cup final and make it a special year and next year we all start on zero again and the opportunity is there to try and improve and be stronger for what’s ahead.”

Celtic have only taken one point from three games since clinching the title and Postecoglou is keen to ensure they put on a show before lifting silverware.

“It’s a special day, it makes it all real when you get that trophy and get the chance to lift it, you’re champions,” he said.

“We want to make it a great day in terms of enjoying every aspect of it including the game itself.

“The boys are determined to put on a good performance and hopefully make it a great afternoon.

“We have had a couple of poor performances and results and whilst there have been reasons for that, me being the person responsible for it by changing the team, it doesn’t mean the players aren’t disappointed that they haven’t been able to perform to the levels they want.

“Saturday is the last opportunity we get to do it in the league so we are going in there to play with the same sort of intensity and tempo that we usually do.”

Right-back Alistair Johnston is set for a comeback from injury but Aaron Mooy and Sead Haksabanovic will miss out.

On Johnston, who suffered a leg knock in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers, Postecoglou said: “He is good to go. He will play on Saturday and if he gets through that then we will see for the cup final.

“Aaron Mooy is still struggling with a back complaint so he will miss out and is probably a doubt for cup the final.

“Sead, who came off the other night, is not as bad as we thought. He will miss Saturday but we think he has a good chance for the cup final which is good for him and good for the group.”