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Brendan Rodgers has revealed today that rarely-seen veteran, James Forrest, could yet still have a part to play in the story of this year’s Scottish Premiership campaign. The 32-year-old has been a peripheral figure this season as he has featured less and less in the first-team and even been missing from match-day squads too this time around.
The former Scotland international has been a fantastic servant to Celtic and has now reached that point in his career when the intensity with which he used to play is slowly but surely diminishing. Rodgers was the man who rejuvenated James the last time he was at the Parkhead club, with Forrest looking to be on his way out at that stage with very few of the opinion that things could change for the wide-man.
Now with him at a very different stage in his illustrious career at Celtic Park, Brendan has revealed that he is still the best winger at the club in terms of how accomplished and intelligent he is in the wide forward role, but that his explosive pace and power are waning now which means he can’t perform to that level consistently anymore. “James is available, yeah,” he said. “He’s been training and been an amazing servant to this club. I’m pretty sure over these final remaining games he may well have a part to play in it.
“I think for me, the thing is looking at the team we need to have intensity, we need to have that relentless mentality. But there’s no doubt of his ability, that’s never in question. As a winger, I would say in terms of ability-wise, he’s the best one we have. There’s no question. But how we ask the game to be played, the intensity, the consistent running, as you get older then it becomes a challenge. But there’s no doubt, there will be a point over these next 11 games where he’ll be required. He’s training so well and keeping himself ready. He’s a top professional. He looks after his body and he’s himself every day and if he’s required to play then he will do.”
Our evergreen winger has did it time and time again for the Hoops during the course of a season and you wouldn’t put it past him having a say during the last remaining games in the League and Cup. With his youngster comrades in the flanks failing to produce the goods at a reasonable level this year too, the old head could be required as an impact sub during these remaining cup finals for the manager, supporters and club.
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Qarabag vs Chelsea: Champions League preview, team news, kick-off time
Chelsea return to Champions League action when they face Qarabag on Wednesday night in Azerbaijan. Enzo Maresca's side make the trip to Baku for matchday four in the Champions League, with Chelsea looking to claim a third consecutive victory in the competition. After opening matchday defeat to Bayern Munich, Chelsea have bounced back with wins over Benfica and Ajax to put them in a healthy position heading into Wednesday's clash against Qarabag. Qarabag have also started positively in the Champions League this term. They won their opening two games against Benfica and Copenhagen, before narrowly losing 3-1 to Athletic Bilbao last time out. Chelsea and Qarabag have met previously in the Champions League during the 2017/18 season, which saw the Blues win both home and away group fixtures by an aggregate score of 10-0. Maresca's side will be keen to make it three consecutive wins over Qarabag, which will see Joao Pedro return from suspension after his red card vs Benfica. Following Chelsea's 1-0 win over Spurs in the Premier League, Maresca is likely to ring the changes once again, offering opportunities to the likes of Filip Jorgensen, Jorrel Hato and Tyrique George to likely start. Enzo Fernandez is relishing a return to European action. When previewing Wednesday's clash to Chelsea's in-house media team, he said: "We're ready. We love playing in the Champions League. Last year, we fought hard to get there, and now we have that opportunity, so every match is very important for us." Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Dario Essugo and Cole Palmer remain sidelined. Liam Delap could feature after serving his one-match league suspension against Spurs on Saturday. Here are all of the details ahead of the Champions League clash between Qarabag and Chelsea. Date, time, location of Qarabag vs Chelsea Date: Wednesday 5th November 2025 Kick-off time: 5.45pm UK / 12.45pm ET / 9.45am PT Stadium: Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan Competition: Champions League / Matchday 4 How to watch Qarabag vs Chelsea United Kingdom: TNT Sports 2 United States: Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, Amazon Prime Video, ViX, TUDN USA, UniMás Prediction Qarabag 0-2 Chelsea
Chargers-Jets Linked In Unexpected Last-Minute Trade Deadline Buzz
The New York Jets are expected to be active at the trade deadline this season. They've already moved cornerback Michael Carter II, but they could have two or three more trades come together before Tuesday's trade deadline. The Jets have plenty of trade candidates like Breece Hall, Quincy Williams, and Allen Lazard. But there's also one potential trade candidate on their roster that nobody seems to be talking about. Thomas Martinez of Los Angeles Chargers OnSi recently suggested the Jets could trade backup offensive tackle Max Mitchell to the Los Angeles Chargers after Joe Alt's crushing ankle injury. Backup Jets OT Max Mitchell could be a trade candidate for the Chargers "Disaster struck in the second quarter as former Chargers defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day took and outside rush lane on right tackle Trey Pipkins. Unfortunately, Titans edge rusher Jihad Ward also took a wide outside rush working against left tackle Joe Alt," Martinez wrote. "Both Titans defenders met at the top of the arc as Justin Herbert stepped up in the pocket. Joseph-Day violently crashed into Alt's legs as he was engaged with Ward. Joe Alt was carted off the field with a reaggravation of his injured ankle. "No, not Breece Hall. The Chargers need offensive line help. Chargers assistant general manager Chad Alexander was the Jets director of player personnel for five seasons before joining the Chargers. He was on the staff when the Jets drafted offensive tackle Max Mitchell in the fourth round of 2022. The Jets have a pair of young talented tackles ahead of Mitchell on the depth chart." Mitchell isn't a star, but he could plug a hole and fill a role for the Chargers. They desperately need to find an offensive tackle to replace Alt for the time being and Mitchell would be one of the easiest players to trade for in the league. It would likely cost the Chargers a late round pick swap, if that, to land the offensive lineman. Mitchell could be used as a depth piece for the Chargers when Alt returns, but he would be a crucial piece for the time being. It's an idea that hasn't been mentioned much, but it could certainly work if the Chargers are desperate enough.
Matt LaFleur spills the beans on what the Packers really plan to do ahead of the NFL trade deadline
The Green Bay Packers don't tend to be the most active team ahead of trade deadlines. Since general manager Brian Gutekunst took over in 2018, he's never acquired a player in the week leading up to the deadline — on the other hand, he's sold Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Ty Montgomery, Rasul Douglas, and Preston Smith. However, Gutekunst did consider some trades — most notably, wide receiver Will Fuller back in 2020. Ultimately, the price requested by the Houston Texans wasn't right. This is mostly how the Packers will process things ahead of Tuesday's deadline. The roster is good enough The Packers already made two trades right before the season, acquiring Micah Parsons and Darian Kinnard. Asked about potential moves on Monday, head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned that the team doesn't need to add more players to be competitive, but the front office is making sure to evaluate opportunities. "I don't think so, not necessarily," LaFleur said about the need to add pieces. "I know Gutey and the rest of the guys upstairs are doing a great job of looking for things that could potentially help us, and if the right decision is there, I’ve got full confidence he’ll make it." Gutekunst and LaFleur have a close relationship, and the big roster decisions go through both of them, even though the GM has the final call. "We're in constant communication about everything," LaFleur added. While cornerback and defensive tackle were arguably the biggest needs on the roster, the tight end room also became thin with Tucker Kraft's season-ending knee injury. Right now, the only two TEs on the roster are Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick — Josh Whyle is on the practice squad and could be promoted or elevated. The trade deadline is at 3 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Don't expect big moves from the Packers, but something might happen — and as always, only if the price is right. This article was originally published on A to Z Sports Green Bay, as "Matt LaFleur spills the beans on what the Packers really plan to do ahead of the NFL trade deadline."
Three offseason trade targets for Blue Jays to add an impact bat
The Toronto Blue Jays and their fans are fresh off the most heartbreaking loss in franchise history. Putting the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers on the brink of elimination with two cracks to win the World Series at home, only to lose two nail-biters that each came down to the final out. It’s going to take a long time to get over it, if that’s even possible to do. However, they'll have to turn the page rather quickly because in just three days, the negotiating window for free agents expires, and all are free to sign wherever they so choose. Toronto will be busy in an attempt to retain the likes of star shortstop Bo Bichette and starting pitchers Shane Bieber, Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. At the same time, the front office must be active in improving its roster from the outside, whether that’s via free agency or trade. While there are some intriguing names for the Blue Jays to target on the open market, given their needs, heading down the trade route could make the most sense. Here are three ideal trade targets for the Toronto Blue Jays to add an impactful left-handed bat to their lineup for 2025-26 and beyond: Oneil Cruz | Pittsburgh Pirates Cruz’s name popped up in trade rumors ahead of the deadline in August, and it’s fair to wonder if he still could be available if Pittsburgh gets the right offer. The 27-year-old has all of the tools to be one of the best hitters in baseball, standing at 6-foot-7, 240 pounds with extreme power and bat speed. His numbers last season (20 HRs, 61 RBI), while solid, didn't reflect his talent, but it's understandable given the lack of protection around him on the Pirates. In Toronto, Cruz could slot in behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, immediately becoming the most dangerous left-handed hitter in a right-heavy lineup. Matt Wallner | Minnesota Twins The 39th overall pick back in 2019 may not publicly be on the trade block, but after its sell-off at the deadline, it doesn’t feel like anyone is untouchable in Minnesota. Like Cruz, Wallner, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, has big-time power, and the Blue Jays saw that firsthand when he crushed three HRs and six RBI during their three-game series in Toronto in late August. He does have some swing and miss in his bat (.231 career average), but with how often the top of the Blue Jays lineup gets on base, all it takes is one swing for Wallner to put up a crooked number on the scoreboard. Jarren Duran | Boston Red Sox The 2024 All-Star Game MVP has been in constant trade discussions for over a year now, and it feels inevitable that he gets dealt out of Boston this winter. Duran had more of an up-and-down 2025 campaign, though he's displayed the ability to drive in runs (84 RBI) and has power with even more untapped potential. Combine that with his speed and athleticism, and you can see why so many teams would love to acquire him. Trading within the division is never easy, but the 29-year-old would be a perfect fit in the middle of Toronto's lineup, so it's something they should absolutely look into.
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