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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has lavished praise on a few members of his squad ahead of their Carabao Cup tie at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Tottenham prepare for Newcastle tie after 3-0 win at Everton

After his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy at the back end of 2024/2025, Frank will undoubtedly be judged on his charge for major silverware.

Spurs are currently third in the Premier League table and back to winning ways after victory against Everton on Sunday, and much like their north London rivals Arsenal, they’ve been excelling at set pieces.

The Lilywhites have scored from a dead ball situation on five different occasions this term in the league, the same number as Bournemouth, with it being no coincidence that the Cherries and Frank’s side occupy a place in the top three behind Arsenal.

While concerns have surrounded Tottenham’s lack of creativity from open play, with summer signing Xavi Simons off to a slow start after being signed as their new star playmaker, Frank has undoubtedly embraced this new ‘set piece revolution’ happening up and down the Premier League.

Spurs travel to St. James’ Park for their next clash as Frank looks to inspire a cup run, but they face a tricky test against the current Carabao champions who have won five out of their last seven matches in all competitions.

Tottenham also have nine players unavailable for the clash, including star defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, with Kevin Danso set to partner Micky van de Ven at the heart of Frank’s defence once again after impressing against Everton.

Tottenham absentee list to face Newcastle	Problem	Estimated return date
Dejan Kulusevski	Knee	22/11/2025
James Maddison	ACL	01/06/2026
Radu Dragusin	Knee	22/11/2025
Ben Davies	Thigh	23/11/2025
Yves Bissouma	Ankle/Foot	08/11/2025
Kota Takai	Ankle/Foot	08/11/2025
Cristian Romero	Groin	01/11/2025
Destiny Udogie	Knee	08/11/2025
Dominic Solanke	Ankle	08/11/2025
via Premier Injuries

Frank has piled praise on Danso for his excellent form since coming to replace Romero, but the Austrian has been somewhat overshadowed by van de Ven.

The latter has proved magnificent since Frank took over from Postecoglou, with reports suggesting that Tottenham are prepared to double van de Ven’s salary in a bid to keep him out of Real Madrid’s clutches.

The Dutchman’s brace against Everton condemned the Merseysiders to their first ever defeat at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Frank lavishing his star centre-back in the build up to Wednesday.

Thomas Frank says Micky van de Ven is becoming a new leader at Tottenham

Van de Ven was named as part of Spurs’ leadership group earlier this season, alongside Ben Davies, Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison and Romero, with Frank explaining how he’s since repaid the faith.

Commenting further in his pre-match press conference before Newcastle, Frank also explained how he’s gone up another level behind-the-scenes.

While van de Ven is tied down until 2029, if the 24-year-old continues in this fine form, Spurs must surely be worried about the prospect of Real swooping in to tempt him amid their hunt for new centre-backs.

That being said, the defender will command a premium, so the pending availability of free agents like Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi could sway them elsewhere.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs that are tracking Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

Having qualified for European football in three seasons under Emery, who has overseen a revolution at Villa Park, the Villans endured a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign. Villa, who did not score in any competition until mid-September, only picked up their first Premier League win on the 28th September.

Just days earlier, Villa beat Bologna 1-0 in the Europa League, a victory that kicked off a five-game win streak across all competitions. The club have since beaten Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park, before falling to a 2-0 loss at Anfield against defending champions Liverpool.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Villa have been linked with a number of players. Having had well-documented troubles with PSR rules in recent months, it is clear that Villa’s first-team needs something of a revival through new additions, which they could get if they sign this particular forward.

Villa interested in Samu Aghehowa

As per Football Insider, Villa are interested in acquiring the services of Samu Aghehowa. Since joining Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024, the forward has blossomed into one of Europe’s most-promising number nines and as such, has garnered interest from multiple clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on the Spaniard and as per Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Villa and Arsenal are also eyeing a move, while Newcastle may drop out of the race having signed Nick Woltemade.

Aghehowa would not be cheap. Understandably, Porto are keen to hold onto their star striker, who has an £88 million release clause in his contract. A lethal goalscorer, Aghehowa has been described as a “powerhouse” for his displays in Portugal.

Appearances

57

Goals

36

Assists

4

Yellow Cards (Red Cards)

7 (1)

Minutes Played

4,147′

In September, Roberto Olabe joined Villa as their President of Football Operations, replacing Monchi who had filled a similar role. January will mark Olabe’s first window with the Villans and Aghehowa would certainly be a statement first signing for the Spaniard.

Having lost Jhon Duran in January 2025, it could be argued that Villa are yet to replace the striker. Evann Guessand signed in the summer, but the former Nice forward has predominantly been used out wide by Emery.

Aghehowa, contrastingly, would be an out-and-out number nine were he to sign for Villa, offering England international Ollie Watkins a viable level of competition. The Spaniard would be a sensational addition, though whether Villa can agree a deal for him remains to be seen.

Villa scouts 'blown away' by hat-trick hero

Chelsea cruised to an emphatic 6-0 win over Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday. An own goal set the Blues on their way to victory before Johanna Rytting Kaneryd teed up Wieke Kaptein and added a goal of her own to put the hosts in control at the break. Substitutes Sjoeke Nusken and Maika Hamano extended Chelsea's lead in the second half before Lucy Bronze wrapped up the win in some style late on.

Roma started the game in positive fashion, but went behind in unfortunate circumstances when Sandy Baltimore fired in a cross from the left which beat Sam Kerr but not defender Valentina Bergamaschi, who thumped a header past her own goalkeeper with only 13 minutes on the clock.

Chelsea promptly took control and added a second through Kaptein. A well-worked move saw Keira Walsh ping a glorious diagonal ball through to Rytting Kaneryd to head back across goal for Kaptein to drill home for 2-0.

Rytting Kaneryd was involved again just before half-time as Chelsea put the game out of Roma’s reach. Veerle Burman got the Blues going with an incisive pass through to Niamh Charles to run onto and deliver into the box. Kerr saw her shot from close range parried only as far as Rytting Kaneryd, who fired high into the net at the far post.

With Chelsea 3-0 up at the break, manager Sonia Bompastor made three changes by sending on Lexi Potter, Nusken, and Hamano and saw the Blues win a penalty in the opening minutes of the second period. Substitute Nusken won the kick and promptly despatched the penalty to extend Chelsea's lead and make it 4-0.

Yet Chelsea remained hungry for goals and simply kept on attacking. Hamano added Chelsea's fifth after good work from fellow substitute Guro Reiten before Bronze sealed the victory with an outrageous effort in the dying minutes.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Livia Peng (7/10):

  Didn't have much to do in truth, but did put in a crucial challenge to deny Pandini in the first half and made a late block to preserve her clean sheet.

  Lucy Bronze (8/10):

  Showed her experience up against Pandini and Pilgrim, who got very little out of the right-back. Grabbed Chelsea's sixth of the night with a brilliant effort that may well have been a cross but certainly thrilled the home fans.

  Millie Bright (7/10):

  Solid at the back and played some dangerous balls forward.

  Veerle Burman (8/10):

  A really impressive showing. Very strong defensively and played a brilliant pass through to Charles to send Chelsea away for the third goal.

  Niamh Charles (8/10):

  Another player who enjoyed herself against Roma. Had a fine battle with former team-mate Babajide and grabbed an assist for the third.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Catarina Macario (6/10):

  Lost a few balls early on but also produced some incisive passes and put in a great cross in for Kerr who somehow managed to miss from close range. One of three changes at half-time with Chelsea already 3-0 up.

  Keira Walsh (7/10):

  Set up the second goal with a wonderful diagonal ball that opened Roma up. Another player given a breather with the game won at the break.

  Wieke Kaptein (8/10):

  Fired home Chelsea's second of the night with fine finish and might have scored a second but put an effort just over the bar.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (8/10):

  Teed up Chelsea's second goal in fine style with a header back across goal. Also bagged the third with an emphatic finish from close range.

  Sam Kerr (7/10):

  Missed a couple of good chances but was heavily involved in everything. Lovely dummy to allow Kaptein to score Chelsea's second. 

  Sandy Baltimore (7/10):

  Great ball in from the left which Bergamaschi headed home to gift Chelsea the lead. Caused problems down the left throughout the first half before being replaced at the break.

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• Subs & Manager

  Lexi Potter (7/10):

  A really positive showing after coming on in the second half. Could have scored but was denied a first Chelsea goal by goalkeeper Lukasova.

  Sjoeke Nusken (8/10):

  Came on at the start of the second half and made a real impact. Won a penalty with her first involvement and made no mistake from the spot. Might have had a second but blazed over.

  Maika Hamano(7/10):

  Finished off Roma with a easy finish after good work from Reiten.

  Oriane Jean-François (7/10):

  Had a shot blocked with her first touch and put in some good challenges. 

  Guro Reiten (7/10):

  Replaced Kerr for the final stages and unselfishly set up Hermano for Chelsea's fifth.

  Sonia Bompastor (8/10):

  A fairly perfect evening for the Chelsea boss, who saw her team completely outclass Roma. Was able to rest players with her team already 3-0 up at the break and saw her substitutes impress in the second half. Will also be pleased to see Kerr get 70 minutes under the belt.

An “elite” midfielder has now risen to the top of Ruben Amorim’s shortlist, with Manchester United very keen to strengthen in the engine room.

Man Utd eyeing new midfielder amid Mainoo's lack of minutes

Kobbie Mainoo has played just 171 minutes across nine Premier League matches this season, most recently being brought on in stoppage time to help Man United close out a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.

Falling down the pecking order is far from ideal for the Englishman, who will have ambitions of going to the World Cup next summer, having played a vital role in the Three Lions reaching the final of Euro 2024.

The Devils’ Advocate co-host Joe McGrath has now claimed United should sanction a loan move this winter, saying: “We had a player worth – and is still worth – £80m or £90m. A young England international. He’s so good. We can’t let his standards drop and we need to let him go on loan.

Should that happen, the Red Devils will need to bring in a replacement, and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has now emerged as Amorim’s top target, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing the 23-year-old is their ‘clear favourite’.

There are a number of other options on the shortlist namely Adam Wharton, Joao Gomes, Conor Gallagher and Morten Hjulmand, with United clearly determined to bring in a midfielder.

Signing Anderson is now Amorim’s priority, however, even though it could take a huge bid to get a deal over the line, with the Tricky Trees planning to hold out for around £100m.

"Elite" Anderson would be statement signing for Man Utd

A number of top Premier League clubs are now queuing up to sign the England international, including Manchester City and Liverpool, so Man United would be making a real statement if they were able to win the race for his signature.

Man Utd copying Chelsea model as INEOS line up double new signing

INEOS have taken a page out of BlueCo’s book…

ByBen Goodwin Dec 2, 2025

It is no surprise so many teams are eager to sign the Forest star, given the impression he’s made for both club and country, with Thomas Tuchel recently lauding the central midfielder as “elite”.

The former Newcastle United man has also been in top form in the Premier League, completing a total of 736 short passes, the fifth-highest number of any player.

It is the correct decision to pinpoint Anderson as the top target, but United’s ability to compete for his signature will likely depend on whether they qualify for Europe, amid rival interest from some top clubs.

MatériaMais Notícias

Danubio e Atletico-PR se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (24), pela 3ª rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana. A bola rola às 19h (de Brasília), no Estádio Centenário, em Montevideo, com transmissão da ESPN e no Star+.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCorinthians perde para o Argentinos Juniors e deixa liderança do grupo na Sul-AmericanaCorinthians23/04/2024NotíciasCombinada dos brazucas! Aposte R$100 e fature R$248 para vitórias de Athletico e Bragantino na Sul-AmericanaNotícias24/04/2024Fora de CampoAdversário do Internacional na Sul-Americana anuncia venda de ingressos com funk de Bibi Fogosa e web viralizaFora de Campo23/04/2024

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Com o Athletico invicto na Sul-Americana, o técnico Cuca não relacionou diversos titulares, e a expectativa é de um jogo equilibrado no Uruguai. As odds disponiveis no Lance! Betting mostram isso de forma clara, apontando 3.73 para um triunfo do Danubio, 3.28 no empate e 2.05 para uma vitória do Furacão.

➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor

Confira abaixo todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Danubio e Athletico-PR pela Sul-Americana (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

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✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Danubio x Athletico-PR
3ª rodada – Fase de grupos Copa Sul-Americana

Data e horário: quarta-feira, 24 de abril de 2024, às 19h (de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Centenário, em Montevideo, Uruguai
Onde assistir: ESPN e Star+
Árbitro: Kevin Ortega (PER)
VAR: Augusto Menendez (PER)
Assistentes: Stephen Atoche (PER) e Enrique Pinto (PER)

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

DANUBIO (Técnico: Mario Saralegui)
oicoechea, Ancheta, Lucas Ferreira, Fracchia e Saravia; Santiago Romer, Kevin Lewis, Rossi e Sanseviero; Sebastián Fernández e Leyes

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ATHLETICO-PR (Técnico: Cuca)
Bento; Madson, Kaique Rocha (Marcos André), Gamarra e Fernando; Felipinho, Alex Santana, Christian (Cuello) e Zapelli (Julimar); Canobbio e Mastriani

Tudo sobre

Athletico-PRSul-Americana

He took three of the remaining four India wickets that India had when they arrived on Friday morning on 204 for 6

Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Aug-2025

Gus Atkinson finished with a five-for•PA Photos/Getty Images

Gus Atkinson’s fourth five-wicket haul helped England make light work of what remained of India’s first innings of the fifth Test, dismissing them for 224.Atkinson’s 5 for 33 upon his return to the XI after two months out was all the more important after news this morning that Chris Woakes would play no further part in the match after a suspected dislocated shoulder sustained in the field last evening. And the Surrey quick, on his home ground, took three of the remaining four wickets that India had up their sleeve when they arrived on Friday morning on 204 for 6.It was Josh Tongue who made the first key incision, albeit with a choatic approach that would get any surgeon struck off. His first over, opening from the Vauxhall End, went for nine, but he was able to remove Karun Nair for 57 in his second. A sharp delivery that nipped into the stumps – Nair no doubt expected something short and wide either side of them – pinned the right-hander on the back leg. Plumb in front, Nair took one of India’s three reviews with him.Washington Sundar should have assumed the responsibility at that point as an elongated tail became exposed, but he fell five deliveries later, waltzing into a short ball trap, heaving Atkinson to deep square leg, where Jamie Overton sprinted in to take a smart catch.Atkinson would then skittle Mohammed Siraj before Prasidh Krishna felt for a delivery outside off, completing a collapse of four for six in 18 balls. This is now the lowest first innings total of the series. The previous lowest was India’s 358 at Manchester.Atkinson now boasts an average of 21, the fourth best for an England seamer with fifty or more dismissals, and the second best strike rate, ever, at 34.9, for those who have taken 60 wickets.

Glenn Phillips has been given more time to build match fitness but Daryl Mitchell is available after injury

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2025

Kane Williamson will return to New Zealand’s Test side•Getty Images

Kane Williamson has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the first Test against West Indies in Christchurch and pace bowler Blair Tickner handed a recall for the first time since 2023 with Kyle Jamieson held back as he continues a carefully controlled return to red-ball cricketFellow seamers Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, who took nine wickets on debut against Zimbabwe, are also part of the 14-player squad, but Jamieson wasn’t considered for the start of the series as a cautious approach is maintained in increasing his workloads after a back injury.Glenn Phillips, who played in the opening round of the Plunket Shield, also hasn’t been included as he works his way back to full match fitness after a groin injury. Daryl Mitchell has recovered from injury to take his place in the squad.Williamson, who is among the group of players to hold a casual contract, missed New Zealand’s most recent Test series in Zimbabwe earlier this year to play the Hundred. Having announced his T20I retirement, he played the first two ODIs against England before picking up a groin injury.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group,” head coach Rob Walter said. “He’s had a bit of time off to get himself ready for red-ball cricket, and I know he’s looking forward to playing for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunket Shield in the lead-up to the first Test.”Tickner, meanwhile, played the most recent of his three Tests against Sri Lanka in early 2023. On his return to the ODI side against England he claimed eight wickets in two matches.”Both Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level,” Walter said. “They’ve impressed in their white-ball opportunities so far this summer and we back them to do so in the Test arena if called upon.”Zak couldn’t have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. That, along with his recent form across the white-ball tours, has rightfully earned him selection.”Matt Fisher (shin), Will O’Rourke (back) and Ben Sears (hamstring) were not considered for selection due to injury.The West Indies series marks New Zealand’s first matches of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycleNew Zealand squad for 1st Test vs West IndiesTom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

تحدثت صحيفة ذا إندبندنت اليوم الأحد عن تطورات وضع محمد صلاح مع ليفربول، والتصريحات النارية التي أدلى بها الدولي المصري تجاه النادي الإنجليزي.

محمد صلاح تواجد في آخر ثلاث مباريات لعبها ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ولم يشارك في أي دقيقة خلال لقاء الريدز مع ليدز يونايتد بالدوري أمس السبت، حيث تعادل ليفربول 3-3.

وخرج محمد صلاح عن صمته بعد نهاية المباراة، وأكد أنه محبط من وضعه الحالي في ليفربول، مشيرًا إلى أن علاقته مع المدرب آرني سلوت قد تدمرت وأنه لا يشعر بالتقدير من قبل إدارة الريدز.

وذكرت الصحيفة، أن ليفربول من المتوقع أن يكون له رد فعل تجاه ما قاله محمد صلاح، حيث لن تمر هذه التصريحات مرور الكرام على النادي الإنجليزي.

وأضافت أن محمد صلاح قد تفاجأ كثيرًا بما حدث معه حيث اهتز كبرياؤه وأدلى بتصريحات لم يكن للاعب بهذه المكانة أن يدلي بها في إنجلترا، منذ أسطورة مانشستر يونايتد وريال مدريد، كريستيانو رونالدو.

وأوضحت أن مستوى محمد صلاح هبط بشدة خصوصًا على الصعيد البدني، حيث لم يسجل هذا الموسم سوى خمسة أهداف في 19 مباراة بكافة المسابقات.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جيمس بيرس مهاجمًا محمد صلاح: ليفربول يلعب أفضل بدونه.. وتصرفه غير محترم

وأردفت أن محمد صلاح ليس هو اللاعب الوحيد في ليفربول الذي تم إجلاسه كبديل، وإنما هناك فلوريان فيرتز، على الرغم من سعره الكبير البالغ 116 مليون جنيه إسترليني، والذي ضمه الريدز قادمًا من باير ليفركوزن.

لكن فيرتز بات في آخر فترة بديلًا مع ليفربول حيث لم يقدم المستوى المطلوب، قبل أن يعود للعب أساسيًا في آخر مباراتين للريدز.

وأكدت أن محمد صلاح محق في عدم تحميله للمسئولية في كل مباراة يخسر فيها ليفربول هذا الموسم، لكن الدولي المصري بحسب الصحيفة لم يكن محقًا في التصريح عن ضمانه باللعب بشكل أساسي مع الريدز باستمرار.

وأوضحت أن المباراة التي جعلت سلوت يبقي محمد صلاح على دكة بدلاء ليفربول كانت أمام بي إس في آيندهوفن في دوري أبطال أوروبا، والتي خسرها ليفربول 4-1.

وأكملت أن آينهدوفن سجل في مباراة ليفربول من جهة محمد صلاح في الجانب الأيمن، حيث لا يقدم الدولي المصري الدعم الدفاعي كثيرًا، مما جعل سلوت يفكر في التعويل على دومينيك سوبوسلاي في مركز الجناح الأيمن بدلًا من الملك المصري.

وألقت الصحيفة باللوم على سلوت، في ظل تبريره في المقابل لسوء مستوى بعض لاعبي ليفربول، وعلى رأسهم كوناتي وجاكبو.

وواصلت الصحيفة قولها، أن إدارة ليفربول بقيادة ريتشارد هيوز، المدير الرياضي، والرئيس التنفيذي، مايكل إدواردز، قد كسروا سياسة التمهل في التجديد للاعبين كبار السن وجددوا عقد محمد صلاح العام الماضي لمدة سنتين.

وواصلت أن إدارة ليفربول رفضت بيع محمد صلاح إلى الدوري السعودي قبل عامين، حيث رغب اتجاد حدة في ضم اللاعب مقابل 150 مليون جنيه إسترليني، وهو مبلغ يصعب على الريدز الحصول عليه حاليًا إذا أراد بيع الدولي المصري.

واختتمت ذا إندبدنت قولها، أن ليفربول من الممكن أن يقوم بيع محمد صلاح، حيث اقترب عهد الفرعون المصري في آنفيلد من نهايته.

ONE MORE MONTH UNTIL PLAYOFF BASEBALL!

There is a ton at stake over the final four weeks of the regular season in MLB, and we’re here at SI Betting to analyze the latest playoff odds in both the American and National Leagues.

There are three division races — the AL East, AL West and NL West — where the first and second place teams are separated by three or fewer games, leaving a lot up in the air in the wild card picture to close the regular season.

In the American League, a seven-game winning streak helped propel the New York Yankees into first in the wild card and just three games back of Toronto in the AL East entering September.

Meanwhile, the National League wild card appears to be pretty settled, as the Cincinnati Reds (the first team out) have fallen four games back of the final wild card spot.

Is there any value in betting on a team to make the playoffs that isn’t currently in the postseason picture? 

Let’s take a look at the latest odds and a few teams that could have some value — whether it’s to make the playoffs or steal the division — as the final month of regular season baseball gets underway. 

American League Playoff OddsDivision LeadersToronto Blue Jays: N/ADetroit Tigers: N/AHouston Astros: -700

It’s interesting to see a division leader with worse odds to make the playoffs than multiple wild card teams, but that’s the case with Houston.

The Astros are just two games up on the Seattle Mariners in the AL West, and they have worse records than the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox this season. If Houston slips in the coming weeks, it could be fighting for its playoff life down the stretch. 

Oddsmakers don’t feel the same about the Blue Jays, even though they’ve seen their lead dwindle in the AL East.  

Wild Card RaceNew York Yankees: -10000Boston Red Sox: -1400Seattle Mariners: -575Texas Rangers: +290Kansas City Royals: +500:Cleveland Guardians: +1100Tampa Bay Rays: +2000

Texas has moved past the Kansas City Royals for the fourth spot in the wild card race, as it has won five games in a row and eight of its last 10. Not only are the Rangers just 2.5 games out of the third wild card, but they are just 4.5 games back in the AL West.

So, there are multiple paths for Texas to take to get into the postseason. At +290, the Rangers could be worth a sprinkle if you’re not sold on Houston or Seattle running away with the division in the final few weeks. 

The one thing working against the Rangers is that they have the fifth-hardest remaining schedule – per Tankathon – in MLB. 

National League Playoff OddsDivision LeadersPhiladelphia Phillies: N/ALos Angeles Dodgers: N/AMilwaukee Brewers: N/A

While the NL West is still up for grabs, oddsmakers believe the the Phillies, Dodgers, Brewers, Cubs and Padres will all make the postseason, as they’ve all seen their playoff odds come off the board.

The Reds – the closest chasing team in the wild card race – are seven games back of San Diego and nine games back of Chicago entering September. 

Wild Card RaceSan Diego Padres: N/AChicago Cubs: N/ANew York Mets: -600Cincinnati Reds: +700San Francisco Giants: +1200Arizona Diamondbacks: +2500St. Louis Cardinals: +3000

While the NL wild card may already be set, there has been a ton of odds movement for the Mets (the No. 3 wild card) and the chasing pack:

Mets: -350 to -600Reds: +310 to +700Giants: +2000 to +1200Diamondbacks: +3000 to +2500

New York has a four-game cushion on the Reds and at least a five-game cushion on every other team in the chase. Barring an epic collapse from a team, the six NL playoff teams appear to be pretty secure entering the final month of the regular season.

Derbyshire four-down at the close with an uphill battle awaiting them

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay31-Jul-2025

Rob Keogh made a fine century in a 208-run stand for the seventh wicket•Getty Images

Derbyshire 377 (Andersson 105, Chahal 6-118) and 52 for 4 trail Northamptonshire 550 for 9 dec (Broad 171, Keogh 125*) by 121 runsAllrounder Justin Broad hit a brilliant 171, his second score in excess of 150 this month amid a Northamptonshire run-fest against Derbyshire at Wantage Road as the hosts racked up a mammoth 550 for nine declared.Returning from a wrist injury, Broad struck 18 fours and a six, following his maiden first-class ton, 157 not out at Canterbury at the beginning of July. On a day of records, his 171 was the highest score ever made by a number seven from any team against Derbyshire.With Rob Keogh also striking an excellent unbeaten 125, the pair put on 208, the highest seventh-wicket partnership for Northamptonshire against Derbyshire as the visitors’ attack wilted in the afternoon sunshine.Luis Reece was the pick of Derbyshire’s bowlers, finishing with figures of three for 114.Northamptonshire declared 173 ahead and reduced Derbyshire to 52 for four at stumps, Indian legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal picking up two wickets in two balls. It leaves the visitors with a mountain to climb on a pitch offering turn and bounce, still trailing by 121 at the end of day three of this Rothesay County Championship fixture.Earlier, resuming on 265 for five, Broad and George Bartlett extended their sixth-wicket partnership to 127, also the highest for Northamptonshire against Derbyshire. But after posting 66, his highest score this season, Bartlett was trapped lbw by a Ben Aitchison delivery which nipped back and kept low.Broad and Keogh though looked relatively untroubled by a lacklustre Derbyshire bowling display throughout the morning as they focused on building a partnership and taking a first innings lead, picking up a handful of boundaries along the way. Broad, 64 overnight, deployed the pull against Zak Chappell and on drove handsomely, while Keogh swept and reverse swept against Joe Hawkins’ spin.Broad lunched nervously on 99, but despite flashing outside off stump against Martin Andersson after the break, he took a single off Hawkins to celebrate his first century at home.With the scoring rate accelerating, Keogh drove Andersson sweetly through midwicket to reach his second successive half-century off 112 balls and crunched Andersson through extra cover to bring up the 100 partnership and put Northamptonshire ahead. Broad then punched Blair Tickner down the ground for another boundary.Derbyshire plugged away, trying several short-term experiments to try to force a breakthrough. Andersson bowled consistently wide outside off-stump to Broad, while Aitchison reverted to bowling spin. Then for Chappell, three fielders were stationed in the area between mid-on and short midwicket.But Northamptonshire’s batters continued unabated, Keogh cutting Tickner to backward point to bring up the 150-partnership before passing the previous highest seventh-wicket stand (163) by Josh Cobb and David Willey at Derby in 2015.Frequent Northamptonshire milestones continued to keep the public address announcer busy, Keogh turning Andersson away for two to bring up his century, Broad taking a single next ball off Hawkins to reach his 150.In a scrappy passage of play before tea, Derbyshire’s tired fielders shelled three catches, but picked up one vital wicket in between. First, Keogh, on 101, swept Hawkins firmly to short midwicket where Madsen put down a straightforward chance. Then after Broad smashed Reece through extra cover, Caleb Jewell dropped one at backward point off an attempted reverse sweep.Undeterred, Broad and Keogh celebrated their 200 partnership, Broad swinging Reece for six into the sightscreen as Northamptonshire accelerated further. Broad’s 273-ball knock finally ended though when he hit Reece down the ground again but was caught just inside the ropes.George Scrimshaw won an immediate reprieve when Aitchinson failed to hold a one-handed grab at first slip off Reece. But his intentions were evident as he quickly went on the offensive against Hawkins.Tickner struck after tea castling Scrimshaw with a full and straight delivery, but Keogh found good support from Liam Guthrie (22), Northamptonshire declaring when Hawkins had the Australian caught hitting down the ground.Derbyshire’s reply started ominously when Jewell flashed outside off, Ricardo Vasconcelos snatching the ball at first slip.Promoted to opener Zak Chappell made 22 before Chahal’s double strike. First Chappell reverse swept straight to backward point, then Harry Came was lbw playing back to a slider. Finally skipper Wayne Madsen edged Keogh to Broad at first slip to further compound Derbyshire’s woes.