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Euro’s QF’s predictions
The round of 16 is now over in the Euro’s and we are now left with 8 teams who will compete against ne another and try get to the semis and then finals of the tournament. Arsenal is lucky enough to be represented across the board with 6 players in contention to play for their countries in the quarter finals of the competition. With 4 games to play until the semifinals, here’s how I predicted things will go.
First game is Germany vs Spain, where two of our Arsenal players could come up against each other, Havertz and Raya. Havertz has had an impressive campaign so far, scoring two goals for Germany and has bene one of their best players. Raya has only been called upon once against Albania and was able to keep a clean sheet but is unlikely to get another start over Unai Simon. Personally, I think Germany walk away with the win here, Spain have been very good, but home advantage will play a big part and I can’t see Germany losing.
Portugal will then take on France in a clash that should be action packed. William Saliba has been a huge part of this French side in this tournament and after proving himself on the big stage, I can’t see him getting dropped. Saliba hasn’t conceded a goal from open play throughout the tournament and has been one of France’s best players. Portugal obviously has a star-studded squad that won’t be easy to beat, but I think France will come away with it and will then face off against Germany in the semifinals.
Then England will take on Switzerland in what should be a nail-biting clash between the two. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will most likely be starting again and hopefully manage to find a way to beat Switzerland who have been very good this tournament. Ramsdale is obviously also available for selection but unless something happens to Pickford, I don’t see him getting any minutes. Personally, I think England are going to drop the ball, they’ve had a shaky tournament and Switzerland have looked very good. I hope England go through, but I have serious doubts and think Switzerland are just too good.
And lastly a game where we won’t see any Arsenal players is The Netherlands vs Turkey. Turkey have been the dark horse of the tournament and probably the country least expected to make it through to the semi-finals but have played some great football so far. The Netherlands have had good and bad games but are still one of the best teams in the world and I think they will just edge it past Turkey and go onto play Switzerland in the semis.
What’s your thoughts Gooners?
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Newcastle's record bid for Isak replacement rejected as club shifts focus
With Alexander Isak dominating soccer headlines amid growing speculation over a move to Liverpool, Newcastle United is preparing for life without its star striker. It’s been a frustrating summer on Tyneside, as the Magpies have seen several transfer pursuits fall short. Newcastle missed out on goalkeeper James Trafford and forward Hugo Ekitike, with the pair opting to join Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively. That frustration has now extended to the club’s latest target, Benjamin Sesko. According to reports, Newcastle's club-record £70 million bid for the RB Leipzig striker has been rejected, equivalent to approximately $92 million. While it had been previously suggested that such a fee would meet Leipzig’s valuation, the Bundesliga side is reportedly holding out for a higher figure, with Manchester United also in the race for the 22-year-old. Sesko, who scored 21 goals across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, is believed to be open to a move to either Old Trafford or St. James’ Park. The Sun claims Newcastle is weighing up whether to return with an improved offer. However, if Leipzig proves unwilling to sell, Newcastle may look elsewhere. Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos has emerged as a potential alternative. The Portuguese international scored 19 goals in 46 appearances last season but struggled for consistent minutes in Ligue 1, starting just 12 of PSG’s 22 domestic games and averaging under 50 minutes per appearance. A starting role in the Premier League could appeal to the 24-year-old. Still, PSG is reportedly reluctant to let Ramos leave, viewing him as an important depth player for the upcoming campaign following its historic Champions League triumph. Newcastle opens its 2025-26 Premier League season away to Aston Villa on Saturday, Aug. 16, before hosting reigning champion Liverpool. Whether Isak will be lining up against his current club remains to be seen.
Milwaukee Brewers: Nestor Cortes Gone, Standout Rookie 3B Has Emerged as Gem from Would-Be Lose-Lose Trade
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