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Español'Evolution, not revolution' required before 'season-defining' Chelsea game
Aston Villa have only won two of their past seven games. This is not the form of a team looking to secure Champions League football, nor one sitting third in the league for several months.
The team are looking sluggish, lacking in creativity and struggling to keep a clean sheet. Performances have been underwhelming, which has perhaps been more of a concern than the dwindling points tally.
The fixture against Chelsea at Villa Park on Wednesday is season-defining. A Champions League 'six-pointer' in which Villa could build a nine-point gap on the visitors, or the deficit between fourth and sixth could shrink to three points.
How can Unai Emery turn things around in a period of decline? It's time for something different - a fresh approach that will inject energy into a weary side creaking under the pressure.
The boss will never rip up his tactics sheet and start afresh, particularly in the final run-in of the season. But his team needs an evolution, not a revolution.
The easiest way for Villa to evolve is a change in starting personnel. Tammy Abraham has looked lively since his arrival, but has struggled to seize the shirt from Ollie Watkins. As Villa's record Premier League goalscorer struggles to net, the ex-Chelsea forward should be eyeing a start against his former club as an opportunity to stake his claim.
Meanwhile, youngster Alysson, who has had a stop-start beginning to his journey in claret and blue, has shown promise in his brief cameos so far. An energetic and physical attacker looking to impose himself on the Premier League feels exactly the type of player to fire Villa's frontline.
As the team look to spark the atmosphere at Villa Park, a refreshed performance will be the thing that really reignites belief and excitement among fans, who are longing to see the tide turn in a lengthy history of Villa falling at the final hurdle.
Find more from Hannah Gowen at UTV
Copa Betano do Brasil: two third-round places up for grabs Tuesday
CRB is in the race for a spot in the third phase of the 2026 Copa Betano do BrasilCredits: Francisco Cedrim/CRB
The 2026 Copa Betano do Brasil will have two spots for its third phase decided on the night of this Tuesday (3rd). At 8:00 p.m. (Brasília time), CRB-AL faces Porto-BA at Rei Pelé Stadium in Maceió. Then, at 9:30 p.m., Azuriz-PR visits Figueirense at Orlando Scarpelli Stadium in Florianópolis.
In total, 26 clubs have already advanced to the next phase: Ceará, Porto Velho-RO, Goiás, Portuguesa-SP, Anápolis-GO, Ypiranga-RS, Castanhal-PA, Jacuipense-BA, Mixto-MT, Novorizontino-SP, Maranhão, São Bernardo-SP, Operário-MS, Tombense-MG, Guarany de Bagé-RS, Atlético-GO, Uberlândia-MG, Madureira-RJ, Águia de Marabá-PA, Londrina-PR, Capital-DF, Amazonas, Maringá-PR, Joinville-SC, América-RN, and Fortaleza.
This week, the country’s most inclusive competition will see 18 more teams secure their spots in the next stage of the tournament, in which Paysandu (champion of the Copa Verde), Confiança-SE (who inherited the spot from the Copa do Nordeste champion, Bahia, who will enter in the fifth phase for participating in Série A), Ponte Preta-SP (champion of Série C), and Barra-SC (champion of Série D) will join.
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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
Chelsea boss gives update on Cole Palmer fitness ahead of Aston Villa clash
Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Cole Palmer hasn’t suffered another groin injury and said the Chelsea midfielder is ‘absolutely fine’ to face Aston Villa.
Palmer was substituted during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, with concerns that he has sustained another issue.
The 23-year-old has endured an injury-interrupted campaign, starting just 15 Premier League games due to toe and groin issues.
Chelsea take on Aston Villa in a clash with huge implications for the top-five race on Wednesday and Rosenior has confirmed Palmer is fit to feature. He also provided an update on Marc Cucurella, who is nearing a return to first-team action.
“It wasn’t that (another groin issue). He took a knock but he is absolutely fine,” Rosenior said on Palmer on Monday.
“He is looking really good and I think you can see the way we’ve managed him over the past six weeks. He played 83 minutes [against Arsenal], that was tactical. He is absolutely fine to start the game on Wednesday.
“Marc [Cucurella] is getting closer and looking really good. Hopefully we can get him back involved soon, if not for Wednesday then Saturday for sure.
“Estevao is back on the pitch and running which is great. Jamie Gittens is doing really well and it has been great to see Romeo Lavia get his first minutes in a long time as well. Reece [James] is also absolutely fine.”
Read – Every Chelsea player sent off this season as total reaches nine
See more – Chelsea ‘serious contenders’ to sign former Liverpool forward
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Makai Lemon lists 3 NFL quarterbacks he would want to play with
In a pre-combine interview, USC's Makai Lemon was asked what three NFL quarterbacks he would love to catch passes from.
Here is my ranking of the three quarterbacks he listed, my favorite pick for a quarterback he would dominate with, and my actual prediction for which quarterback he will catch passes from:
1. Caleb Williams
In 2023, Caleb Williams and Makai Lemon were both at USC, but it was not the special connection it would be if the 2 were on the same team again in the NFL. Having that connection prior to teaming up does create an advantage and a better sense of trust. Caleb Williams is a big anticipation thrower, and if he trusts you, that ball is going to come out before you even finish the route. I think that with Lemon's ability to get open and what he can do after the catch, he would be a dangerous weapon with Caleb Williams. Everybody in Chicago would be mad if the Bears took another offensive player, but if Lemon ended up in Chicago, I think he would be their best receiver.
2. Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels has so far had a great connection with Terry McLaurin, a smaller but effective receiver. Lemon fits that bill, and he is cut with the same cloth. I think Lemon could be just like scary Terry with an even higher ceiling. The Commanders' offense is at its best with guys that can make things happen after the catch, and guys that can take the top off of a defense. Makai Lemon would be an 1000 yard reciver year in and year out with Jayden Daniels.
3. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers would be even more fun if he wasn't currently 42 years old. Lemon has those traits of the former great Packers receivers. Rodgers is accurate as it gets from the quarterback position, and he puts his receivers in great position to succeed. I think had he been in his prime in Green Bay, Lemon would have lit it up with Aaron Rodgers.
My favorite pick - Matthew Stafford
The two best receiver seasons in NFL history have been achieved with Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Matthew Stafford, still at the back end of his career, has helped receivers put up career years. Even if it is for his first 2 seasons in his career, I think Makai Lemon would be the most productive with Matthew Stafford. Mix in the fact that Sean McVay would also be putting him in a great position to be successful. Yeh Makai Lemon would have his best shot at rookie of the year with the Rams.
My actual prediction - Lamar Jackson
The Ravens just hired offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, and he is cut from the same cloth as Ben Johnson. It would make sense that he wants to take the Ravens offense to new heights. Why not bring in a guy who is an Amon-Ra St. Brown clone? Makai Lemon and Lamar Jackson would be must see tv. Lamar has yet to have that super reliable and always open weapon at the receiver position. Zay Flowers is a great recover but he comes with some major flaws. I think Lemon would be just what the doctor ordered for Lamar Jackson, and both guys would dominate this upcoming season in Baltimore.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Makai Lemon names 3 preferred NFL QBs he would want to play with
'Enough pampering': PCB to fine Pakistan players PKR 50 lakhs each after T20 World Cup exit?
Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup has led to financial penalties for the players, with the PCB deciding to impose fines after the team failed to reach the semifinals.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan were knocked out at the Super 8 stage of the tournament. They could not restrict Sri Lanka below 147 in a chase of 213, which meant they were unable to move ahead of New Zealand on net run rate and missed out on a semifinal spot. It was the fourth straight ICC tournament in which Pakistan did not reach the last four.
Instead of announcing structural or administrative changes, the PCB has fined each player PKR 50 lakhs. According to a report in the Pakistan-based news outlet Express Tribune, the decision followed Pakistan’s exit from the tournament, though the move to impose fines was taken after their loss to India in the group stage match on February 15.
The report, quoting sources, said the board has adopted a strict stance on financial incentives and that future monetary benefits will depend on performance. The team played the entire tournament in Sri Lanka, where conditions were considered suitable for them.
"Officials have clearly told the players that enough pampering has been done — from now on, financial benefits will only come with performance," the report says.
There has been no official statement from the PCB on the matter.
Pakistan reached the Super 8 stage after beating Namibia in the group phase. Their first Super 8 match against New Zealand was washed out. A defeat to England then left their semifinal hopes dependent on other results. England’s win over New Zealand kept Pakistan in contention, but their narrow victory against Sri Lanka did not improve their net run rate enough. New Zealand progressed to the semifinals, ending Pakistan’s campaign.
Former captain Babar Azam, current skipper Salman Ali Agha, and senior players Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz have faced criticism. Agha is expected to step down as captain after returning home.