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CSK vs MI, IPL 2026: Struggling Mumbai Indians visits fellow reputation-burdened Chennai Super Kings’ den There was a time when this fixture felt less like a league game and more like an annual check on dominance. Two teams turning up to see if the other still remembered how to win.Now, as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings arrive at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the mood is different. The names remain heavy, but the form is light. Five titles each, yes. But reputations do not bat at No. 3 or bowl in the PowerPlay. CSK sits sixth. MI, ninth.Memory vs momentumTheir last meeting this season still lingers. At the Wankhede, CSK beat MI by 103 runs, the latter’s heaviest defeat in the IPL. Akeal Hosein, used shrewdly with two overs in the PowerPlay, went around the wicket to left-handers, disrupting angles and rhythm. In tandem with Noor Ahmad, he reduced MI to a kind of batting paralysis.And yet, MI still leads the IPL head-to-head 21–19. But that number is ageing. It has won only two of the last nine meetings, and just one since the start of 2023.Mumbai’s confusion: roles without clarityMumbai Indians’ decision-making has lacked conviction. Take the handling of 21-year-old Krish Bhagat. Against Gujarat Titans (GT), in a match MI won, his role was clearly defined early: overs four and six, just 10 runs conceded against a strong top order. But that clarity did not carry forward. Against Chennai Super Kings, Bhagat was held back from the PowerPlay entirely and then used at the death, in overs 16 and 20, where he conceded 31. The inconsistency runs deeper. Bhagat didn’t feature at all in the following game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Impact Player Shardul Thakur was substituted in at the seven-over mark of the second innings but didn’t bowl a single delivery. “He’s progressing well and working hard to return. We’re monitoring him daily with the medical team. We’ll see how he trains today and assess how he feels tomorrow before making a decision”Mahela Jayawardene, MI head coach on Rohit SharmaAcross matches, the pattern is less about experimentation and more about indecision, roles changing not by design, but by drift. The churn tells its own story. MI has already used 22 players in eight matches, cycling through all eight overseas options after Will Jacks’s inclusion against Sunrisers Hyderabad. There have been 21 changes to its playing XI across games, a constant search for a winning combination.It extends to a broader bowling identity. It has conceded at 10.83 an over, the worst in the league, and its 37 wickets are among the lowest returns. Even Jasprit Bumrah, typically MI’s metronome, has just two wickets in eight games. The response has been telling. Trent Boult began as the new-ball spearhead, but a lack of PowerPlay wickets has forced a rethink. Bumrah has increasingly been used upfront.CSK’s method: control, but at a cost?If Mumbai’s issue is uncertainty, Chennai’s might be over-calibration. It has used 19 players, rotated six overseas options, and made 10 changes to the XI.Its use of the Impact Player has been instructive, and occasionally questionable. Against GT, after losing two early wickets, they brought in Sarfaraz Khan as batting reinforcement, effectively sacrificing the option of a specialist bowler like Mukesh Choudhary later. On a mixed-soil surface with variable bounce, CSK finished with 158 for 7.This raises a broader question: is CSK reacting too early, rather than trusting its base combination? “ In many ways, this is quite a new team with several new players. We wanted to expose some young talent to game situations. After losing the first three matches, we had to make adjustments. Some changes were self-caused, others were due to injuries, which are beyond our control. Ideally, we’d like to settle on an XI or XII we’re comfortable with and let those players grow into their roles. Hopefully, once we build some momentum and string together wins, we’ll have the confidence to stick with a more consistent lineup”Michael Hussey, CSK batting coach on frequent changes to the XIAt Chepauk, CSK’s template has otherwise been consistent. Bat first, build, and stretch. Before the GT game, it had posted 209, 212 and 192 in three home matches, all batting first.There is, however, a flicker of reassurance. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s return to form against Gujarat Titans, his first fifty in 11 IPL innings, offers CSK a sliver of good news.Match-up to watchMumbai Indians has brought in Keshav Maharaj after Mitchell Santner’s shoulder injury ruled him out of IPL 2026. On paper, it’s a logical swap. Maharaj offers control through the middle overs and, against a Chennai Super Kings top order heavy on right-handers, gives MI a left-arm orthodox option to dictate angles.But the matchup isn’t as straightforward as it seems. If Shivam Dube, the only left-hander in CSK’s top eight, is promoted up the order, MI faces a dilemma: hold Maharaj back or risk exposing him when the game is accelerating. Add Dewald Brevis into that middle order, and CSK still has enough intent to disrupt spin late, forcing MI to rethink how and when it deploys Maharaj.Published on May 01, 2026 #CSK #IPL #Struggling #Mumbai #Indians #visits #fellow #reputationburdened #Chennai #Super #Kings #den

CSK vs MI, IPL 2026: Struggling Mumbai Indians visits fellow reputation-burdened Chennai Super Kings’ den

There was a time when this fixture felt less like a league game and more like an annual check on dominance. Two teams turning up to see if the other still remembered how to win.

Now, as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings arrive at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the mood is different. The names remain heavy, but the form is light. Five titles each, yes. But reputations do not bat at No. 3 or bowl in the PowerPlay. CSK sits sixth. MI, ninth.

Memory vs momentum

Their last meeting this season still lingers. At the Wankhede, CSK beat MI by 103 runs, the latter’s heaviest defeat in the IPL. Akeal Hosein, used shrewdly with two overs in the PowerPlay, went around the wicket to left-handers, disrupting angles and rhythm. In tandem with Noor Ahmad, he reduced MI to a kind of batting paralysis.

And yet, MI still leads the IPL head-to-head 21–19. But that number is ageing. It has won only two of the last nine meetings, and just one since the start of 2023.

Mumbai’s confusion: roles without clarity

Mumbai Indians’ decision-making has lacked conviction. Take the handling of 21-year-old Krish Bhagat. Against Gujarat Titans (GT), in a match MI won, his role was clearly defined early: overs four and six, just 10 runs conceded against a strong top order. But that clarity did not carry forward. Against Chennai Super Kings, Bhagat was held back from the PowerPlay entirely and then used at the death, in overs 16 and 20, where he conceded 31. The inconsistency runs deeper. Bhagat didn’t feature at all in the following game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Impact Player Shardul Thakur was substituted in at the seven-over mark of the second innings but didn’t bowl a single delivery.

“He’s progressing well and working hard to return. We’re monitoring him daily with the medical team. We’ll see how he trains today and assess how he feels tomorrow before making a decision”Mahela Jayawardene, MI head coach on Rohit Sharma

Across matches, the pattern is less about experimentation and more about indecision, roles changing not by design, but by drift. The churn tells its own story. MI has already used 22 players in eight matches, cycling through all eight overseas options after Will Jacks’s inclusion against Sunrisers Hyderabad. There have been 21 changes to its playing XI across games, a constant search for a winning combination.

It extends to a broader bowling identity. It has conceded at 10.83 an over, the worst in the league, and its 37 wickets are among the lowest returns. Even Jasprit Bumrah, typically MI’s metronome, has just two wickets in eight games. The response has been telling. Trent Boult began as the new-ball spearhead, but a lack of PowerPlay wickets has forced a rethink. Bumrah has increasingly been used upfront.

CSK’s method: control, but at a cost?

If Mumbai’s issue is uncertainty, Chennai’s might be over-calibration. It has used 19 players, rotated six overseas options, and made 10 changes to the XI.

Its use of the Impact Player has been instructive, and occasionally questionable. Against GT, after losing two early wickets, they brought in Sarfaraz Khan as batting reinforcement, effectively sacrificing the option of a specialist bowler like Mukesh Choudhary later. On a mixed-soil surface with variable bounce, CSK finished with 158 for 7.

This raises a broader question: is CSK reacting too early, rather than trusting its base combination?

“ In many ways, this is quite a new team with several new players. We wanted to expose some young talent to game situations. After losing the first three matches, we had to make adjustments. Some changes were self-caused, others were due to injuries, which are beyond our control. Ideally, we’d like to settle on an XI or XII we’re comfortable with and let those players grow into their roles. Hopefully, once we build some momentum and string together wins, we’ll have the confidence to stick with a more consistent lineup”Michael Hussey, CSK batting coach on frequent changes to the XI

At Chepauk, CSK’s template has otherwise been consistent. Bat first, build, and stretch. Before the GT game, it had posted 209, 212 and 192 in three home matches, all batting first.

There is, however, a flicker of reassurance. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s return to form against Gujarat Titans, his first fifty in 11 IPL innings, offers CSK a sliver of good news.

Match-up to watch

Mumbai Indians has brought in Keshav Maharaj after Mitchell Santner’s shoulder injury ruled him out of IPL 2026. On paper, it’s a logical swap. Maharaj offers control through the middle overs and, against a Chennai Super Kings top order heavy on right-handers, gives MI a left-arm orthodox option to dictate angles.

But the matchup isn’t as straightforward as it seems. If Shivam Dube, the only left-hander in CSK’s top eight, is promoted up the order, MI faces a dilemma: hold Maharaj back or risk exposing him when the game is accelerating. Add Dewald Brevis into that middle order, and CSK still has enough intent to disrupt spin late, forcing MI to rethink how and when it deploys Maharaj.

Published on May 01, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Struggling #Mumbai #Indians #visits #fellow #reputationburdened #Chennai #Super #Kings #den

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There was a time when this fixture felt less like a league game and more like an annual check on dominance. Two teams turning up to see if the other still remembered how to win.

Now, as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings arrive at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the mood is different. The names remain heavy, but the form is light. Five titles each, yes. But reputations do not bat at No. 3 or bowl in the PowerPlay. CSK sits sixth. MI, ninth.

Memory vs momentum

Their last meeting this season still lingers. At the Wankhede, CSK beat MI by 103 runs, the latter’s heaviest defeat in the IPL. Akeal Hosein, used shrewdly with two overs in the PowerPlay, went around the wicket to left-handers, disrupting angles and rhythm. In tandem with Noor Ahmad, he reduced MI to a kind of batting paralysis.

And yet, MI still leads the IPL head-to-head 21–19. But that number is ageing. It has won only two of the last nine meetings, and just one since the start of 2023.

Mumbai’s confusion: roles without clarity

Mumbai Indians’ decision-making has lacked conviction. Take the handling of 21-year-old Krish Bhagat. Against Gujarat Titans (GT), in a match MI won, his role was clearly defined early: overs four and six, just 10 runs conceded against a strong top order. But that clarity did not carry forward. Against Chennai Super Kings, Bhagat was held back from the PowerPlay entirely and then used at the death, in overs 16 and 20, where he conceded 31. The inconsistency runs deeper. Bhagat didn’t feature at all in the following game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Impact Player Shardul Thakur was substituted in at the seven-over mark of the second innings but didn’t bowl a single delivery.

“He’s progressing well and working hard to return. We’re monitoring him daily with the medical team. We’ll see how he trains today and assess how he feels tomorrow before making a decision”Mahela Jayawardene, MI head coach on Rohit Sharma

Across matches, the pattern is less about experimentation and more about indecision, roles changing not by design, but by drift. The churn tells its own story. MI has already used 22 players in eight matches, cycling through all eight overseas options after Will Jacks’s inclusion against Sunrisers Hyderabad. There have been 21 changes to its playing XI across games, a constant search for a winning combination.

It extends to a broader bowling identity. It has conceded at 10.83 an over, the worst in the league, and its 37 wickets are among the lowest returns. Even Jasprit Bumrah, typically MI’s metronome, has just two wickets in eight games. The response has been telling. Trent Boult began as the new-ball spearhead, but a lack of PowerPlay wickets has forced a rethink. Bumrah has increasingly been used upfront.

CSK’s method: control, but at a cost?

If Mumbai’s issue is uncertainty, Chennai’s might be over-calibration. It has used 19 players, rotated six overseas options, and made 10 changes to the XI.

Its use of the Impact Player has been instructive, and occasionally questionable. Against GT, after losing two early wickets, they brought in Sarfaraz Khan as batting reinforcement, effectively sacrificing the option of a specialist bowler like Mukesh Choudhary later. On a mixed-soil surface with variable bounce, CSK finished with 158 for 7.

This raises a broader question: is CSK reacting too early, rather than trusting its base combination?

“ In many ways, this is quite a new team with several new players. We wanted to expose some young talent to game situations. After losing the first three matches, we had to make adjustments. Some changes were self-caused, others were due to injuries, which are beyond our control. Ideally, we’d like to settle on an XI or XII we’re comfortable with and let those players grow into their roles. Hopefully, once we build some momentum and string together wins, we’ll have the confidence to stick with a more consistent lineup”Michael Hussey, CSK batting coach on frequent changes to the XI

At Chepauk, CSK’s template has otherwise been consistent. Bat first, build, and stretch. Before the GT game, it had posted 209, 212 and 192 in three home matches, all batting first.

There is, however, a flicker of reassurance. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s return to form against Gujarat Titans, his first fifty in 11 IPL innings, offers CSK a sliver of good news.

Match-up to watch

Mumbai Indians has brought in Keshav Maharaj after Mitchell Santner’s shoulder injury ruled him out of IPL 2026. On paper, it’s a logical swap. Maharaj offers control through the middle overs and, against a Chennai Super Kings top order heavy on right-handers, gives MI a left-arm orthodox option to dictate angles.

But the matchup isn’t as straightforward as it seems. If Shivam Dube, the only left-hander in CSK’s top eight, is promoted up the order, MI faces a dilemma: hold Maharaj back or risk exposing him when the game is accelerating. Add Dewald Brevis into that middle order, and CSK still has enough intent to disrupt spin late, forcing MI to rethink how and when it deploys Maharaj.

Published on May 01, 2026

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Deadspin | Cavs hope ‘mental toughness’ leads to series-clinching win at Raptors <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28842665.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28842665.jpg" alt="NBA: Playoffs-Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) drives to the basket beside Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the fourth quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Cleveland Cavaliers feel they passed the toughness test in winning Game 5 at home.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The next step is to show the same grit on the road Friday night in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors and clinch the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Cleveland took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 125-120 comeback win on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“We kind of passed that mental toughness test,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Now the big one is like, ‘Can you go and beat this team on the road? Can we go in there and go take this,’ because we haven’t shown we can yet.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>After convincingly winning the first two games at home, the Cavaliers could not cope with the Raptors’ aggressiveness in Games 3 and 4 at Toronto.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The Raptors carried that momentum into Game 5 and led by 12 in the first quarter. They led again by 12 in the first minute of the third quarter before Cleveland rallied and won with a 25-17 fourth-quarter advantage.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“I thought this was a step for us from a kind of mental toughness point of view,” Atkinson said. “It was not pretty. We go down by 12, the crowd’s nervous, everybody’s nervous, but I thought we showed good poise and resiliency.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>After committing 10 turnovers in the first half, Cleveland limited them to four in the third quarter and one in the fourth.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The ballhandling of guard Dennis Schroder, who scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half, was a factor in the improvement. After playing 4:55 in the first half, Schroder played 16:19 in the second; he was on the court for all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>Cleveland made a total of 40 turnovers in the two games in Toronto.</p> </section> <section id="section-11"> <p>“For us, it’s winning the possession game; it really comes down to that,” Atkinson said. “The two games in Toronto we were minus-21 in the possession game, which statistically it’s really hard to win games. Our mentality going in there is we’ve got to be able to rebound the ball, we’ve got to take care of it. Otherwise, we’ll be back here for Game 7.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Toronto lost forward Brandon Ingram on Wednesday with right heel inflammation after he played only 11:22. He is listed as questionable for Game 6.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Toronto guard Immanuel Quickley is out for the entire series with a hamstring strain, and Scottie Barnes, who had 17 points and 11 assists, was hobbled by a bruised thigh after being bumped on a second-quarter drive.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“Obviously, it had some effect,” Barnes said. “Couldn’t play with the same pace that I was trying to play with, just having a little limp out there.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“I think we should be encouraged with all that happening and we were still in position to win the game,” said RJ Barrett, who had 25 points and 12 rebounds. “That’s a testament to everybody on our team. We’ve always had a next-man-up mentality.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Ingram’s presence is important. He’s averaged 12 points in five playoff games after leading the team with a 21.5 scoring clip in the regular season.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>“The way they guard him, his shot-making ability,” Barnes said. “When he’s out there on the floor, he makes big plays for us. We need him out there.”</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said the Raptors indeed have their “back against the wall.”</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>“We have 48 hours to find a physical and mental way,” Rajakovic said. “They’re going to try to close the series and we’re going to do everything possible, find enough healthy guys, and compete until the last second. I’m hopeful we’re going to have guys available.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-20"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Cavs #hope #mental #toughness #leads #seriesclinching #win #Raptors

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Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.

United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.

Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.

“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.

“Other than that, we are in good shape.”

The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.

“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.

“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”

United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.

“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.

“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”

Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.

ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid

“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.

“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”

Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.

Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.

“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.

“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”

United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race">Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.“Other than that, we are in good shape.”The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.Published on May 01, 2026 #Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race

Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid

“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.

“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”

Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.

Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.

“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.

“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”

United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race">Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.

United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.

Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.

“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.

“Other than that, we are in good shape.”

The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.

“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.

“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”

United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.

“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.

“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”

Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.

ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid

“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.

“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”

Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.

Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.

“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.

“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”

United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race
Deadspin | Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr seeks first homer, wins in series vs. White Sox Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet. But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox. It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career. Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop. However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later. “I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.” Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146. But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts. Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox. Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine. Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single. The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona. “After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.” The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #SoxApr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet.

But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career.

Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop.

However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later.

“I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.”

Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146.


But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts.

Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox.

Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine.

Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single.

The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona.

“After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.”

The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #Sox">Deadspin | Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr seeks first homer, wins in series vs. White Sox Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet. But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox. It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career. Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop. However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later. “I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.” Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146. But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts. Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox. Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine. Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single. The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona. “After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.” The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #Sox

Olympic bronze medallist pole vaulter Alysha Newman has been suspended for 20 months for whereabouts failures in relation to anti-doping testing, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Friday.

“The AIU has banned Alysha Newman (Canada) for 20 months from 3 December 2025 for Whereabouts Failures. DQ results from 23 August 2025,” the anti-doping body posted on social media.

ALSO READ | Thompson-Herah happy to be back in competition after missing Paris 2024 due to injury

The 31-year-old Canadian, who won bronze in the pole vault at the Paris Games, had been provisionally suspended on February 3 for three whereabouts failures over 12 months – on February 27, 2025 and on August 17 and 23 of the same year.

She has not competed since the Diamond League meeting in Rabat last May.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Olympic #bronze #medallist #Alysha #Newman #suspended #missing #doping #tests">Olympic bronze medallist Alysha Newman suspended for missing doping tests Olympic bronze medallist pole vaulter Alysha Newman has been suspended for 20 months for whereabouts failures in relation to anti-doping testing, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Friday.“The AIU has banned Alysha Newman (Canada) for 20 months from 3 December 2025 for Whereabouts Failures. DQ results from 23 August 2025,” the anti-doping body posted on social media.ALSO READ | Thompson-Herah happy to be back in competition after missing Paris 2024 due to injuryThe 31-year-old Canadian, who won bronze in the pole vault at the Paris Games, had been provisionally suspended on February 3 for three whereabouts failures over 12 months – on February 27, 2025 and on August 17 and 23 of the same year.She has not competed since the Diamond League meeting in Rabat last May.Published on May 01, 2026 #Olympic #bronze #medallist #Alysha #Newman #suspended #missing #doping #tests

Thompson-Herah happy to be back in competition after missing Paris 2024 due to injury

The 31-year-old Canadian, who won bronze in the pole vault at the Paris Games, had been provisionally suspended on February 3 for three whereabouts failures over 12 months – on February 27, 2025 and on August 17 and 23 of the same year.

She has not competed since the Diamond League meeting in Rabat last May.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Olympic #bronze #medallist #Alysha #Newman #suspended #missing #doping #tests">Olympic bronze medallist Alysha Newman suspended for missing doping tests

Olympic bronze medallist pole vaulter Alysha Newman has been suspended for 20 months for whereabouts failures in relation to anti-doping testing, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Friday.

“The AIU has banned Alysha Newman (Canada) for 20 months from 3 December 2025 for Whereabouts Failures. DQ results from 23 August 2025,” the anti-doping body posted on social media.

ALSO READ | Thompson-Herah happy to be back in competition after missing Paris 2024 due to injury

The 31-year-old Canadian, who won bronze in the pole vault at the Paris Games, had been provisionally suspended on February 3 for three whereabouts failures over 12 months – on February 27, 2025 and on August 17 and 23 of the same year.

She has not competed since the Diamond League meeting in Rabat last May.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Olympic #bronze #medallist #Alysha #Newman #suspended #missing #doping #tests

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