Fulham have initiated talks with Manchester City to sign Oscar Bobb on a permanent deal, with a reported proposal worth around £35 million currently under negotiation, according to Fabrizio Romano. Borussia Dortmund, who have maintained interest in Bobb since December, are also expected to decide soon on formalizing their pursuit, adding urgency to Fulham's efforts and highlighting the player's high valuation across Europe. Fulham's early and direct approach, including setting a clear financial offer, signals assertive intent and confidence in the club's recruitment strategy and trajectory, marking a significant shift from their previous market positioning. For supporters, securing a talent like Bobb—especially in competition with a club like Dortmund—represents ambition and flair, suggesting Fulham are engaging in European-level conversations rather than shopping in the margins. Fans also trust that Fulham can offer Bobb regular playing time and a focal role in an attack-oriented team, contrasting with a potential rotation role at Manchester City, making the move appealing despite the inherent risks of a major transfer. While the £35 million investment carries risk, it is viewed as a calculated leap that, if successful, would demonstrate tangible progress and send a strong message about Fulham's growing ambitions in the league.

Flamengo's interest in signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta persists, but recent progress has stalled. According to Sky Sports, there has been no contact between the clubs since last week, despite Flamengo's continued pursuit. Paqueta's desire to return to Brazil for personal reasons is a key factor in the potential transfer. His absence from West Ham's recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur raised questions, but it has been attributed to a minor injury. There is no immediate time pressure on a deal, as the Brazilian transfer window remains open until March. Flamengo's domestic season begins later this month, with their first league match scheduled for January 29, allowing time for negotiations to potentially restart. The situation creates a mix of understanding and anxiety among West Ham supporters. While fans sympathize with Paqueta's personal reasons for wanting a move, there is concern about losing another key player mid-season. His recent absence highlighted how quickly transfer speculation can affect the team environment. Many fans would accept his departure if it is managed efficiently and leads to significant reinvestment in the squad. The greater fear is a prolonged period of uncertainty that could disrupt the team, especially with the extended Brazilian transfer window potentially prolonging the saga. Ultimately, supporters want the club to balance ambition with realism. If Paqueta is determined to leave, the focus for West Ham must be on securing a deal that strengthens the team for the future, rather than simply reacting to circumstances.

Manchester United secured a significant 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City in interim manager Michael Carrick's first match in charge, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim after 14 months. The win marked a dramatic shift in mood at Old Trafford, with United delivering a comprehensive performance that could have been more emphatic if not for multiple offside calls disallowing further goals. Defensively, United restricted City to just 0.47 expected goals, City's lowest such figure in a Premier League game since February 2021. Amorim's tenure, which concluded with a record of 24 wins from 63 matches (38.1%), was characterized by turbulent periods and several notable but often fortuitous results, such as a 2-1 win at Liverpool earlier in the season. However, the team's form had shown improvement this season compared to their 15th-place finish in 2024-25, with a clear uptick in results during the late autumn, as illustrated by a 10-game rolling average for points per game. This period of improved form, which included a seven-game run with four wins, two draws, and one defeat, earned Amorim the Premier League Manager of the Month award for October. Results declined again afterward, but mitigating factors were present, such as key injuries and player absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations, which forced tactical adaptations like using wing-back Patrick Dorgu as an inside forward in Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Harry Maguire's prospects for England's World Cup squad under manager Thomas Tuchel appear uncertain, as he has seemingly fallen out of international consideration despite his experience. At 32 and with his Manchester United contract expiring this summer, his career with both club and country may be winding down, yet his recent strong performance in the Manchester derby highlights why he still merits discussion for selection. Maguire brings valuable attributes that could benefit Tuchel's short-term World Cup preparations, including extensive tournament experience and a rare profile as a left-sided central defender—a position where England lacks depth. Tuchel has previously deployed right-footed players like Marc Guéhi on the left, indicating a potential need for Maguire's natural fit and balance in defense. Despite his on-field contributions, Maguire has faced persistent criticism and an unfair public perception, often blamed for Manchester United's defensive issues since his record-breaking transfer. He has also endured abuse from some fans, including those of his former club Leicester City, despite his transfer fee having aided their subsequent success. Maguire has a history of performing well in major tournaments for England, playing key roles in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2020. However, injuries and a lack of recent call-ups since September 2024 have hindered his chances. His future under Tuchel may depend on whether he can maintain strong form under Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick, potentially reviving his international prospects.

This content introduces RotoWire's Premier League fantasy football rankings for Gameweek 23, specifically tailored for the Fantrax and Sleeper platforms. The rankings are based on the site's predicted player lineups, providing users with current information to evaluate the top fantasy options in all positions before the matches begin. The article directs readers to a separate "Cheat Sheet" for more detailed statistics and betting odds related to Gameweek 23. It also promotes RotoWire's premium fantasy sports tools for team management and mentions the availability of the site's 2025 NFL fantasy football rankings.

The 2026 NBA All-Star starters were officially announced on Monday. The selections include ten players, with five starters named from each the Eastern and Western Conferences. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo were highlighted as leading figures among the announced starters. The 75th NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 15 at the Inuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The Eastern Conference starters are Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), and Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers). The Western Conference starters are Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs). It was noted that Wembanyama secured his starting position by winning a tiebreaker against Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. The starters were determined by a combination of votes from three groups: fans (50%), NBA players (25%), and a media panel (25%). Complete voting results were made available via an official link.

With the 2026 NBA trade deadline approaching, teams are evaluating potential moves. Based on rumors, performance, and future outlook, bold predictions are made for all 30 teams. The Atlanta Hawks, after trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, are rumored to be considering a deal for Anthony Davis. However, due to Davis's recent hand ligament injury, potential surgery, age-related durability concerns, declining scoring efficiency, and desire for a massive contract extension, the Hawks are predicted to deem him too risky and avoid the trade. The Boston Celtics, despite offseason cost-cutting moves, are now unlikely to make further salary-dumping trades before the deadline. Key factors include the difficulty of shedding significant salary mid-season, the valuable performance of potential trade candidate Anfernee Simons, and the team's strong contention status led by Jaylen Brown's All-NBA play. With Jayson Tatum expected back for the playoffs, the Celtics are focused on championship contention rather than financial relief. Michael Porter Jr. is performing at an All-Star level for the Brooklyn Nets, making him a potential trade target for contenders offering young talent or draft picks. Despite the Nets being within reach of a play-in spot, trading Porter is predicted as a possibility. The rationale is that chasing a low playoff seed could jeopardize their valuable 2026 first-round pick in a draft rich with potential franchise players. While keeping Porter remains an option, his impact on worsening the team's draft lottery odds may ultimately lead to a trade.

According to NBA reporter Steve Popper, the New York Knicks have engaged in trade discussions involving Karl-Anthony Towns with three teams: the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets. These talks follow earlier offseason discussions between the Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks regarding a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, in which Towns' name was mentioned. The Knicks acquired Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to last season, and he helped the team reach the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games. Following that playoff run, head coach Tom Thibodeau was fired, with sources indicating Towns played a significant role in the dismissal by complaining about Thibodeau during his exit meeting with owner James Dolan. The two had a strained relationship dating back to their time together with the Timberwolves. After firing Thibodeau, the Knicks hired former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown, but sources note that Brown and Towns also do not have the best relationship. Currently, the Knicks hold a 25-18 record this season. With the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, 2026, Towns, who does not possess a no-trade clause in his contract, could be moved as the team explores its options.

The NBA has announced the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game, which will feature a new three-team format pitting a World team against two U.S. teams. The likely World team starters include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama. The likely U.S. team starters are Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. The starters were selected through a weighted voting system: 50% fan vote, 25% media panel, and 25% player vote. Luka Doncic received the most fan votes with approximately 3.4 million. Victor Wembanyama secured the final Western Conference starter spot over Anthony Edwards based on a fan vote tiebreaker. The All-Star Game will be a round-robin tournament on February 15th, featuring three 12-minute mini-games. Team A plays Team B, the winner plays Team C, and the loser of the first game also plays Team C. The two teams with the best records will advance to a 12-minute championship game, with point differential serving as a tiebreaker if needed. This marks the debut of the U.S. vs. World format, a concept discussed for years. The new structure was designed to renew interest in the event. With three teams of at least eight players each, at least 15 players will technically "start" in the tournament, meaning some players not announced as starters will begin games on February 15th. The league will still name 14 reserves selected by coaches. The fate of LeBron James's record All-Star selection streak will now be determined by coaches or possibly Commissioner Adam Silver.

The NBA has announced the schedule for the 2026 NBA Finals, which will feature several notable changes from recent years. The best-of-seven series will begin on Wednesday, June 3, a shift from the 2025 Finals which started on a Thursday. All games are scheduled for 8:30 PM ET on ABC. A significant departure is that no games in the 2026 Finals are scheduled for a Sunday, marking the first time since 1970. Traditionally, Game 2 and a potential Game 7 (often aligned with Father's Day) have been played on Sundays. In 2026, a potential Game 7 is set for Friday, June 19. The schedule adjustments are partly attributed to avoiding conflict with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19 in North America. For instance, Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, instead of the typical Friday slot (June 12), as the U.S. Men's National Team has its World Cup opener on that Friday. Furthermore, the 2026 Finals will have only one day of rest between Games 1 and 2 (with Game 2 on Friday, June 5), unlike the two-day break in 2025. The schedule maintains the standard two-day breaks for travel required after Game 2 and, if necessary, after Games 4, 5, and 6.

Charles Tiu has confirmed he will not leave his position at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde despite being appointed as the new head coach of the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA. However, the specific capacity in which he will continue with the Benilde Blazers program remains undetermined, as discussions on what is permitted are still pending. Tiu's new role with Phoenix involves taking over from former coach Willy Wilson, who departed after just one conference. A conflict arises because PBA and NCAA regulations prohibit coaches from holding simultaneous head coaching positions in both leagues, casting uncertainty on his ongoing role with Benilde. Despite the regulatory challenge, Tiu emphasized his commitment to the Blazers, noting that the team is his and he will remain in charge. Under his leadership, Benilde has achieved five consecutive Final Four appearances starting from NCAA Season 98.

The San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G are set to face each other in the best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup Finals, starting Wednesday. This is a rematch from last season's All-Filipino conference finals, where San Miguel defeated TNT to win the title and crush TNT's Grand Slam hopes. San Miguel is aiming for a record-extending 12th Philippine Cup championship, while TNT seeks its seventh title in the conference and its first since 2021. In the semifinals, the San Miguel Beermen defeated Barangay Ginebra 4-2 to advance. After finishing the elimination round with a 9-2 record and a twice-to-beat advantage, they first beat NLEX in the quarterfinals. The semifinal series against Barangay Ginebra saw San Miguel lose Game 1 and Game 4 but win the other four games, including a decisive Game 6 victory. Key performers for San Miguel in the semifinals were CJ Perez (averaging 21.83 points per game), Don Trollano (15.67 ppg), and June Mar Fajardo (14.67 ppg and 19.0 rebounds per game).

The San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G are facing off in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals, marking a rematch of the previous season's All-Filipino championship series. The opening game of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Wednesday, with both teams aiming to gain early momentum and establish the tone for the finals. Viewers are directed to the Pilipinas Live app or website to watch this and other sporting events.

Cjay Perez has been named the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for January 14-16 following a historic performance in Game 6 of the semifinals, propelling San Miguel Beer into the Philippine Cup Finals. His standout moment came in the first quarter of the closeout victory over Barangay Ginebra, where he scored 30 of his 41 points. Perez was a perfect 12-of-12 from the field in that quarter, tying Bong Alvarez for the second-most points scored in a single quarter in PBA history. This record-setting performance, part of a series where he averaged 30.5 points on 64% shooting, was the unanimous choice for the weekly award, edging out competitors like his teammate Don Trollano and TNT's Jordan Heading. Perez credited his confidence to his hot start and the visible trust from his coaches on the bench. He now aims to win his fourth PBA championship as San Miguel Beer prepares for a Finals rematch against TNT, a best-of-seven series beginning Wednesday, January 21.

Charles Tiu has been appointed as the new head coach of the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA. He emphasized that he will not be leaving his current position as head coach of the College of St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA and intends to coach both teams simultaneously, dismissing the relevance of specific titles or positions. Tiu accepted the offer from Phoenix team governor Raymond Zorilla on January 19, with the management of St. Benilde granting their approval for the move. He has been highly successful with Benilde, leading the team to four consecutive playoff appearances and two runner-up finishes in recent seasons. Prior to this head coaching role, Tiu served as an assistant coach for the Converge FiberXers and has been the head coach of Strong Group Athletics in international competitions. He plans to meet the Phoenix team later this week and will work with assistant coaches TY Tang, Paolo Layug, Jon Jacinto, and Paolo Dizon. In his initial assessment, Tiu noted that while the team has size in the forward positions, it lacks a traditional center, but he is committed to maximizing the current roster and improving the team collectively.

Two-time WNBA all-star Angel Reese has been cast in a co-starring role for the second season of the Netflix drama series "The Hunting Wives." She will portray a character named Trainer Barbie. The series, which premiered in July 2025 and stars Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman, follows Sophie (Snow) as she joins an elite Texas social circle led by Margo (Akerman), a group hiding dangerous secrets. The Season 2 logline indicates Sophie and Margo will be forced to reunite against new threats, questioning whether they are the hunters or the hunted. Reese's character name is a reference to her basketball nicknames, Bayou Barbie and Chi Barbie. A standout player who led LSU to a national championship, she was drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2024 and is a two-time WNBA all-star. Season 2, currently in production, also features new cast members John Stamos, Kim Matula, Alex FitzAlan, Dale Dickey, and Cam Gigandet, alongside returning stars. The series is based on May Cobb's novel and is produced by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment for Netflix.

During the January 19 episode of the "Show Me Something" podcast, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham made a bold declaration that momentarily stunned her co-host West Wilson, stating, "I have herpes!" She explained that she believed she contracted it by using someone else's ChapStick, adding, "I don't care!" while showing a cold sore on her upper lip to the webcam. Cunningham later clarified her comment, attributing the cold sore primarily to dry air from changing climates, though she also mentioned sharing drinks and ChapStick. She emphasized that she had not kissed anyone. The podcast was recorded remotely from Houston, Texas, following a busy travel schedule for the holidays and training. The moment sparked mixed reactions from fans and viewers. Some praised her authenticity and honesty, with comments like "more athletes should be this real!" Others questioned the need to share such personal information publicly, asking, "Shouldn't this be a private matter?!" Medical context suggests Cunningham was likely referring to HSV-1, a common strain of the Herpes Simplex Virus that causes oral cold sores. The World Health Organization reports that approximately 64% of the global population under 50 has HSV-1. Some fans mistakenly assumed she meant HSV-2, which is associated with genital herpes and is less common. Factors like travel and stress, common in Cunningham's life, can trigger HSV-1 reactivation.

The Dallas Wings are reportedly interested in UConn guard Azzi Fudd, who is considered a potential candidate for the number one overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Joining the Wings would reunite her with her former UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers. Fudd is using her final collegiate season at UConn to showcase her skills and strengthen her case to be the top draft pick. While teammate Sarah Strong is the Huskies' leading scorer, Fudd serves as a strong secondary option for the undefeated team. Her current scoring average of 17.3 points per game is a career high, and she is shooting an impressive 45.5% from three-point range. The competition for the first overall pick is not clear-cut this year. Fudd is in direct contention with UCLA center Lauren Betts and Spanish forward Awa Fam. Her exceptional three-point shooting is highlighted as a key factor that could ultimately lead the Dallas Wings to select her over the other top prospects.

Paige Bueckers delivered a dominant performance for Breeze BC in the Unrivaled league, scoring a career-high 37 points on 14-of-19 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range, while adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Her efforts led her team to an 83-64 victory over Mist BC, snapping a two-game losing streak. Bueckers also excelled at the free-throw line, maintaining a perfect 13-for-13 record for the season. This performance earned her the league's inaugural Free Throw Challenge title and a $50,000 prize, awarded to the player with the highest free-throw percentage after their team's first five games, provided they met minimum appearance and attempt requirements. While other players, such as Tiffany Hayes, also had perfect free-throw records, Bueckers secured the win due to her higher volume of successful attempts, combining both precision and quantity to claim the award.

WNBA star Angel Reese has joined the cast of the Netflix series "The Hunting Wives" for its upcoming second season. She will take on a co-starring role described as "Trainer Barbie." The series, starring Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman, became a breakout hit for Netflix this summer. Production for the second season is currently underway in the United States. After Netflix acquired the series from Starz prior to its first season, the eight-episode second season will be released exclusively as a Netflix series in nearly all countries where Netflix is available, though a specific premiere date has not yet been announced. Reese joins other newly announced cast members including John Stamos, Kim Matula, Alex FitzAlan, Dale Dickey, and Cam Gigandet. Known as "Bayou Barbie," Reese rose to fame after leading the LSU Tigers to the 2023 NCAA women's basketball championship. She currently plays for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, where she is a two-time all-star and made the league's All-Rookie Team in 2024. The series also features returning cast members Jaime Ray Newman, Dermot Mulroney, Evan Jonigkeit, George Ferrier, Karen Rodriguez, Hunter Emery, and Branton Box. "The Hunting Wives" is created by Rebecca Cutter and is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by May Cobb. The show, produced by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment, moved to Netflix after initially being developed for Starz. It follows a group of upper-class Texan women who enjoy shooting guns, drinking, and partying—and who are involved in killings. The series was the most-viewed streaming show in the U.S. one month after its release on July 21. The first season concluded with a major cliffhanger: Sophie (played by Brittany Snow), while drinking and driving, crashed her car into Margo's (played by Malin Akerman) brother. This incident potentially adds another fatal drunken driving accident to her record and severely threatens both her family's future and her passionate affair with Margo.

Courtney Schwan delivered a standout double-double performance for the Creamline Cool Smashers in their match against the Petro Gazz Angels during the PVL Reinforced Conference, showcasing her skills in both offense and defense. She scored 27 points, including 24 attacks and 3 blocks, and added 16 excellent receptions, which played a key role in leading her team to victory. The Creamline Cool Smashers, as defending champions, secured their first win of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference by defeating the Petro Gazz Angels in four sets with scores of 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, and 25-20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, October 14.

ZUS Coffee achieved a commanding straight-set victory over Galeries with scores of 25-22, 25-16, and 25-16 in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, boosting their record to 2-0 in Pool B while Galeries fell to 0-2. In the third set, ZUS built an early 12-6 lead with a quick kill from middle blocker Thea Gagate, but Galeries fought back with setter Julia Coronel contributing three points in a 5-0 run to narrow the gap to 12-11. ZUS maintained their composure, with AC Miner serving an ace for an 18-14 cushion and capitalizing on a Galeries miscommunication to extend the lead to 21-15. Kate Santiago and Thea Gagate then added crucial points, pushing the advantage to 23-16, before Mycah Go sealed the match with an ace as Galeries' import Jelena Cvijovic missed her final attack wide. Anna DeBeer led ZUS with 18 points, including 15 attacks, 2 aces, 1 block, and 5 receptions, while AC Miner supported with 10 points. For Galeries, Jelena Cvijovic was the sole player to reach double-digit scoring with 11 points, as the team continued their winless streak in the tournament.

AC Miner is strengthening her connection with the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles as the team maintains a strong 2-0 start in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, contributing significantly to their early success. In their recent match on Tuesday, October 14, Miner was named Player of the Game after leading the Thunderbelles to a straight-sets victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers with scores of 25-22, 25-16, and 25-16, where she scored 10 points with a 54% attacking efficiency, marking her second consecutive double-digit performance. During the post-game press conference, Miner attributed the team's steady progress to the time and effort invested in building trust and chemistry, noting improved connections with the setter after over three months with the team, and emphasized Coach Jerry Yee's focus on continuing to enhance connections with everyone throughout the conference and practices. The Thunderbelles have become more cohesive with Miner and other off-season additions, and with high expectations fueled by players like American spiker Anna DeBeer, Miner believes the team is just beginning to improve and aims to build on their chemistry and establish a winning tradition as advised by the staff.

The stage is set for a thrilling volleyball showdown between Creamline and Petro Gazz in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum, as part of a triple-header schedule that includes Chery Tiggo versus Akari at 1:30 p.m. and ZUS against Galeries at 4 p.m., leading up to the main event at 6:30 p.m. Creamline, the defending champions, are aiming to bounce back from a grueling five-set defeat to Akari, but showed promise with the return of three-time Most Valuable Player Tots Carlos, who contributed 12 points, while American import Courtney Schwan led with 26 points. Carlos expressed positivity about the team's effort and emphasized the need to focus on the next game, highlighting the limited preparation time and feedback from coaches as she returns from a six-month knee injury recovery. On the other hand, Petro Gazz is riding high after a straight-set victory over Galeries, with Brooke Van Sickle leading the charge by scoring 14 points, slightly ahead of American import Lindsey Vander Weide's 13 points. Gary Van Sickle, Brooke's father and the new head coach, views the timing of the match against Creamline as advantageous, noting that the win provides momentum and plans for tough practice sessions to prepare for what he considers a rival team, aiming to extend their winning streak.

Akari secured a dramatic five-set victory over Creamline in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, with final scores of 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12. The match took place at Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite and marked a significant end to Akari's nine-game losing streak. American outside hitter Annie Mitchem was instrumental in the win, delivering an impressive performance with 33 points and 14 excellent receptions. Her efforts were complemented by teammates Eli Soyud, who contributed 14 points, and middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo, who added 13 and 12 points respectively. Akari coach Tina Salak expressed happiness with the result, highlighting the long-awaited victory against Creamline and praising the team effort and coaching decisions. Mitchem also shared her pride in the team's resilience, noting the difficulty of the match and their ability to come back from significant point deficits in a game that lasted three hours and 16 minutes. On the opposing side, Courtney Schwan led Creamline with 26 points, including 21 attacks and five blocks, along with 15 excellent digs and nine receptions. Alyssa Valdez contributed 18 points in the absence of Jema Galanza, while Diana Mae Carlos added 12 points to the team's effort. Looking ahead, Akari is scheduled to face Chery Tiggo, and Creamline will meet Petro Gazz in their next matches at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The UEFA Champions League Matchday 7 features crucial fixtures as teams compete in the final league phase. Fantasy managers are preparing their lineups for the Tuesday and Wednesday matches. The forward line consists of Kylian Mbappé as captain, Harry Kane, and Marcus Rashford. Mbappé, the tournament's top scorer, has a favorable home match. Kane is expected to perform well in a strong Bayern Munich side, while Rashford's recent form at Barcelona makes him a threat. The midfield selections focus on versatile point-scorers: Michael Olise for his creative play, the undervalued Antony Gordon for his goal contributions, Jeremy Doku for his pace in Manchester City's attack, and Vitinha for his controlling role and ball recoveries at PSG. The defense includes Pedro Porro, who offers clean sheet potential and attacking threat for Tottenham, and Jurrien Timber, who is valued for his defensive work rate and ball-winning ability even in a difficult away fixture for Arsenal.

Arsenal faces Inter Milan in a Champions League league phase match at the San Siro. Arsenal enters the game top of the table with a perfect winning record and is already guaranteed a top-eight finish following Manchester City's recent defeat. Inter Milan begins the night in sixth place, positioning themselves well to potentially join Arsenal in advancing to the last 16 of the competition. The pre-match atmosphere is intense, with Arsenal's team announcement being met by boos from the home crowd, countered by chants from the traveling Arsenal supporters. While Arsenal can secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages with at least a point, the focus is on whether they can maintain their 100% record. Inter presents a significant defensive challenge, having remained unbeaten in 90 minutes since their last Champions League match, with key threats expected from left wing-back Federico Dimarco and the strike partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

Slavia Prague is preparing for a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Barcelona after over a month without professional football. For Barcelona, this is a must-win game to keep their slim hopes of reaching the top eight alive, a fact well understood by their players, including Alejandro Balde. Slavia Prague defender Tomas Vlcek expressed admiration for Barcelona, calling them the best club in the world and a team he admired since childhood for their player quality and style of play. He highlighted the excitement of facing such a prestigious opponent, acknowledging the immense challenge but noting that home support could be an advantage. Despite concerns about match readiness due to the long break, Vlcek believes the enthusiastic home crowd will boost the team and potentially overwhelm Barcelona. He emphasized that Slavia is counting on strong fan backing at their home stadium for this significant encounter.

The Liverpool squad traveled to Marseille on Tuesday afternoon for their upcoming Champions League match on Wednesday. The team departed from John Lennon Airport ahead of their penultimate fixture in the competition's league phase. A gallery of photos from their departure and arrival is available, captured by photographer Nikki Dyer.

The article focuses on finalizing the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Fantasy Scout Picks for Matchday 7, emphasizing the need for a strong 15-player squad due to manual substitution rules. For goalkeepers on Tuesday, Vanja Milinković-Savić (€4.1m) of Napoli is recommended as a budget option with strong clean-sheet form against Copenhagen. For Wednesday, Marco Carnesecchi (€4.8m) of Atalanta is suggested as a top pick given his recent clean sheets and a favorable home match. In defense, several options are highlighted: Alejandro Grimaldo (€6.1m) for his attacking returns; Pierre Kalulu (€4.5m) for Juventus' improved defense against Benfica; Malick Thiaw (€4.8m) for Newcastle's solid home form and set-piece threat; budget pick Joel Ordonez (€4.0m) for Club Brugge's clean sheet potential; and Dean Huijsen (€4.4m) as a cost-effective route into Real Madrid's defense against Monaco.

Drex Delos Reyes has signed a two-year contract with the Abra Weavers, ending speculation about his next move and marking a clear step toward his professional career. A source familiar with the agreement confirmed the deal secures Delos Reyes for the next two MPBL seasons, demonstrating the defending champion's confidence in his long-term role with the team. Delos Reyes joins the MPBL after a collegiate career that included stints at NU, Letran, and most recently Mapua, where he built a reputation as a developing big man known for his size, rebounding, and improving offensive skills. From Abra's perspective, the two-year commitment indicates a long-term plan rather than a short-term experiment. The Weavers favor physical, high-energy players who can run the floor and compete inside, a profile Delos Reyes fits, especially following Geo Chiu's departure to the PBA. His age also aligns with the MPBL's increasing focus on developing younger talent within the league, as opposed to relying on veteran stopgap players. This signing reflects a broader trend in Philippine basketball, where more players are viewing the MPBL as a viable alternative to prolonged collegiate careers. For Delos Reyes, this move provides immediate exposure to a professional environment, regular competition against seasoned players, and the opportunity to build stability with one organization over multiple seasons.

Francesco Camarda scored his first Serie A goal, netting a crucial 2-2 equalizer for Lecce in their match against Bologna. The goal came in the 94th minute, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Camarda was sent on loan to Lecce by Milan for the current season, following a promising pre-season where he scored multiple goals. However, he faced challenges in the initial league games, leading to mounting expectations for the 17-year-old striker. In this game, Camarda started on the bench and was substituted in during the 67th minute. He demonstrated smart movement to evade his defender in the box and expertly met a cross to score, marking a significant milestone in his career. This achievement raises hopes for his future, with potential for more starts under coach Eusebio Di Francesco, as it could be the beginning of a productive spell for the young talent.

Christian Comotto, who is on loan from AC Milan to Spezia in Serie B for the season, has been impressing at his current level. This week, AC Milan secured a expected victory against Lecce, advancing to the Round of 16 with a clean sheet, which pleased coach Massimiliano Allegri. In a separate development, Spezia played their Round of 32 Coppa Italia match against Serie A side Parma. Although Spezia lost the game, AC Milan had reason to be satisfied because it provided further evidence of Comotto's quality. Comotto received his first start of the season from head coach Luca D'Angelo and played the full ninety minutes, delivering a solid performance. During the match, Comotto assisted the equalizing goal for Gianluca Lapadula, a former AC Milan player. This assist demonstrated his capability to compete against Serie A opposition and suggested that he deserves more starting opportunities with Spezia. Allegri had already shown interest in Comotto during the summer, and based on this performance, if Comotto continues to receive chances, he could be considered for a role in AC Milan's first team upon his return from loan.

Napoli defender Alessandro Buongiorno suffered an injury during the 3-2 win over Pisa, diagnosed as a low-grade lesion to the long adductor in his left thigh. The injury is expected to rule him out of the upcoming Serie A match against Milan and the Champions League encounter with Sporting CP. This comes as Napoli navigates a packed fixture list, contrasting with last season when the team had a lighter schedule, focusing solely on Serie A and winning the title. Napoli vice president Edoardo De Laurentiis criticized the Lega Serie A and StatSports, blaming them for Buongiorno's injury. He stated that the failure to provide essential data prevents clubs from developing algorithms to preserve player health and performance, calling it unacceptable and holding the league and its data partner responsible. The Lega Serie A collaborates with StatSports to supply official player statistics, such as distance traveled and average speed. However, the league withholds data it believes could benefit certain clubs in player selection, as highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. Buongiorno had a similar adductor injury in his right leg last season, which forced him to miss eight games.