Sports
Team News And Predicted Lineups for Europa League Clash
Celtic are preparing for a difficult contest as they take on AS Roma in the Europa League on Thursday night. Wilfried Nancy will lead the Bhoys for the second time with the hope of getting back to winning ways after a disappointing start to life at Parkhead.
A 2-1 defeat to table-topping Hearts over the weekend was a bitter blow, but securing a positive result against a European powerhouse in Roma is a surefire way of getting supporters firmly onside.
If they’re to do so, however, Celtic will need to be at the very top of their game.
Celtic Team News
Nancy could be tempted to make changes ahead of a crucial match this weekend when Celtic face St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup. Regardless of what team is selected, it’s expected that the Frenchman will line up in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
In terms of personnel, Marcelo Saracchi will miss out with a hamstring injury. James Forrest will also miss out after just returning to training after injury. Meanwhile, Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand and Cameron Carter-Vickers are longer-term absentees.
Nancy Drops Celtic Team News Hint
Speaking ahead of the match, Nancy said: “I feel good,” Nancy said. “Obviously, for the first game, we only had two days to train the team. I think what I saw was interesting, we had some good moments with and without the ball, but we could have been better.
“I am not pleased with the result, but I am pleased with how we played, the way each player wanted to connect, so it was interesting for our first game.
“This is amazing. My job is to find solutions and prioritise. Don’t forget that we have a good base already, so my job is to add certain things, offensively and defensively.
“If I had more time, we could have been better against Hearts, but I have been really pleased with the session we had this morning.”
Celtic Predicted XI
Celtic Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Yang, McGregor, Engels, McCowan; Nygren, Hatate; Maeda
Celtic Predicted Subs: Tounekti, Kenny, Balikwisha, Sinisalo, Iheanacho, Bernardo, Murray, Ralston
Nancy could make a couple of changes for the clash with Roma, with Tounekti one whose spot is in danger. Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren are likely to start, however, due to being the club’s top scorers in the competition this term.
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Roma Team News
Roma are set to be without striker Artem Dovbyk for the trip to Celtic Park. The Ukrainian striker has been sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury and won’t return in time.
In brighter news, Wesley could return to the fold after a brief lay-off. Gian Piero Gasperini could make changes after back-to-back defeats.
Gasperini Previews Celtic Clash
Speaking ahead of the match, Gasperini said: “Celtic are an excellent team as we saw in their last game, when they played really well despite the bad result. It’s never easy playing away in this wonderful stadium, which oozes tradition and history. I think it will be a great game tomorrow, between two teams trying to secure big points with just a few matches left in the league stage.”
Discussing the Hearts defeat, Gasperini added: “They played well and the [opposition’s] goals were fortuitous, one from a corner. They played well. It just shows that more than the formation it’s the details that make the difference. It’s true that it’s a tactical system that’s become quite widespread in Europe now. Years ago it was a new thing with Atalanta. I don’t know how Celtic are going to play tomorrow but they’re a team I like. They played an attacking, open game and gave me an excellent impression, result aside.”
Roma Predicted XI
Roma Predicted XI: Svilar; Ghilardi, Mancini, Ndicka; Celik, Kone, El Aynaoui, Tsimikas; Soule, Pellegrini; Dybala
Roma Predicted Subs: Rensch, Ferguson, Ziolkowski, Bailey, Vasquez, Pisilli, Arena, El Shaawary, Gollini, Baldanzi, Soule, Cristante
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Former Celtic midfielder Scott Brown discusses new manager Wilfried Nancy’s early challenges and need for time to implement his vision after defeat.
Sports
Liverpool Instantly Reject Transfer Offer For ‘Incredible’ Star
Liverpool have turned down an offer from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones, according to Fabrizio Romano, as talks continue over a possible deal for the midfielder.
It comes as the 25-year-old enters the final year under contract at Anfield, with uncertainty persisting over the possibility of a stay at the club.
Andoni Iraola’s arrival means a new look at how Liverpool will play, with an emphasis placed on energy and intensity with his pressing philosophy.
The forward ranks remain the most important to crank up the tempo for the Merseyside outfit, but the midfield could follow shortly after, as links persist over a deal for Alex Scott.
That also means some outgoings, with Jones among those who could be sacrificed to help raise some funds.
Liverpool Reject Curtis Jones Transfer Offer
As rumours continue over Jones and a possible deal to join Inter Milan, Fabrizio Romano reports that a first offer has been turned down by Liverpool.
He claims that a €25 million (£21.7 million) package was proposed by the Serie A club, but it was instantly rejected by the Reds, with the Nerazzuri needing to consider their position again.
Romano adds that Liverpool value Jones higher than the offer that was made, and unless Inter propose another bid with more money on the table, then a move won’t progress.
It means, as things stand, there is still a waiting game for the Anfield outfit to play, with an exit seemingly on the cards, but not unless they get favourable terms.
While Jones is in the final year of his contract, which will impact his overall valuation, he has been described as “incredible”, and Liverpool will be keen to maximise his value and recoup as much money as possible.
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How Much Is Curtis Jones Worth?
As it stands, it’s unclear what price point Liverpool would be open to a sale for Jones, but an exit is possible due to his current contract situation.
Transfermarkt has the star worth €35 million (£30.4 million), showing the potential gap in valuation between the two sides in negotiations for his signature.
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Liverpool have entered the race to land a midfielder this summer, and will be joined by some rivals in the hunt for his signature.
That could all change, of course, if a new contract is on the table for the midfielder. As it stands, there is no sense that there will be a new deal.
However, if his place in the team changes, there is always a chance of a U-turn. Liverpool appear in no rush to confirm an exit, and will hold out for a bigger fee, which could take the move in a few different directions.
Sports
Alexi Lalas Finally Gets His Revenge on Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Never mind the drama on the pitch, one of the biggest talking points during the opening weeks of the 2026 World Cup has been the on-screen relationship between Alexi Lalas and his fellow FOX Sports pundits Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry.
Lalas, who earned 96 caps for the United States between 1991-1998, has been accused of rubbing Zlatan and Henry up the wrong way during the opening stages of this summer’s showpiece international tournament.
The outspoken Lalas shocked both pundits – along with viewers – on day two of the World Cup by describing British presenter James Corden as a “full kit w***er”.
Days later, Henry was left wide-eyed as Zlatan put Lalas in his place following suggestions France were ‘arrogant’ during the first half of their 3-1 win over Senegal.
And a couple of days after that incident, Ibrahimovic replied “who?” when host Rebecca Lowe announced Lalas couldn’t be with them. The former Barcelona and Manchester United star then said to camera: “America, you are welcome”.
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Lalas Leaves Henry in Stitches With Zlatan Burn
However, the trio were reunited on Sunday ahead of the Group H clash between Spain and Saudi Arabia – and one humorous incident has gone viral on social media.
Zlatan turned to presenter Rebecca Lowe, who was wearing a black dress, and burned Lalas by saying: “Rebecca, you’re dressed up like you’re going to a funeral. Alexi is alive, don’t worry.”
But Lalas came back with a response that left Henry in stitches. The former defender said:
“Easy, big guy. You look like you should be welcoming people to Fantasy Island. Look at you.”
As the joke finally sank in, Henry turned to Zlatan and echoed “Fantasy Island” before clapping his hands and laughing. Lalas then said: “I got him to laugh! There we go.” Watch the viral clip below:
Fantasy Island is an old television series, aired in the USA during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It featured two main characters, Mr. Roarke and Tattoo, wearing white suits.
“Lalas cooked with that reference,” one person wrote on X (Twitter), while another commented: “Damn, Lalas was quick.”
It seems Lalas may have won over some football fans with his quick-witted response to Zlatan.
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World Cup History Quiz
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The pundits watched on as Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, recorded an emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia at the Atlanta Stadium.
They then watched Belgium play out a goalless draw against Iran at the Los Angeles Stadium.
“The first half, I almost fell asleep,” Zlatan said about the Group G fixture, before adding: “Second half, I fell asleep.”
Sports
Leeds Table First Bid For Shea Charles
Leeds United are making their first moves of the summer transfer window, as reports have emerged over a first bid that has been made for a key target in the market.
It comes as the Elland Road outfit have started to put plans into action for possible arrivals, with Harry Wilson and Julian Brandt viewed as potential free agent signings over the next few weeks.
The duo would come as low-cost options around the peak of their career, but there is also a long-term side to the potential deals on the cards for Daniel Farke.
That’s where Leeds‘ move for Shea Charles comes into view.
Leeds Make Shea Charles Offer
Having previously shown interest in the star, Leeds have revived a possible deal to sign Southampton ace Charles over the coming weeks of the transfer window.
According to Daily Mail journalist Simon Jones, the Whites have made an initial offer for the midfielder worth over £20 million to the Saints to try and tempt a deal.
The 22-year-old has impressed in his time on the south coast, featuring 38 times across all competitions, with six goals and two assists to his name.
Charles is entering the final year under contract at Saint Mary’s, having signed a four-year deal when he joined from Manchester City back in 2023.
The Northern Ireland international has shown plenty of signs that he has all the qualities to play at the highest level, with potential to grow even further.
Leeds appear to be banking on that possibility with a high offer for a player who is entering the last 12 months of their contract, coming as a long-term move to keep the club competing in the top tier.
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What Pep Guardiola Said About Charles
Charles came through the academy at Man City, showing plenty of potential before moving on to join Southampton in the Premier League.
The midfielder managed to make his debut for City under Pep Guardiola before moving on, with his single appearance coming in a clash with Brentford.
The manager heaped praise on Charles after his debut, seemingly loving what he saw from the star, despite the eventual defeat to the Bees on the day.
“When you can make your debut, after joining the club at nine years old and grew up to make a debut is the biggest compliment for all the managers he had and the trainers and those that take care of him,” Guardiola said. “I’m pretty sure it’s a big moment for him.
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“We know him, he trains quite regularly with us, he’s so good, so composed. For these guys, the best way to give them the opportunity to play is to surround them with the normal team and protection but it’s not easy.
“Shea Charles against this team with top, top strikers, fast and strong, it’s not the easiest debut.”
While he was ultimately free to leave Man City, it was clear that he had a bright future in the game, one that Leeds will be looking to take advantage of.
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