#defensive-concerns

#defensive-concerns

Bayern stormed into 2026 with record‑breaking momentum, setting a new benchmark for points at the halfway stage of a Bundesliga season. However, their aura of invincibility dimmed across January, turning a comfortable title cushion into a position that now demands greater vigilance. A surprise 2-1 loss to Augsburg followed by a frustrating 2-2 draw with Hamburger SV cost Bayern five valuable points last month.

Offensively, Finland will have one of the deeper units in the tournament. From the Dallas Stars, Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz will look to translate their ability to score at will and in the biggest moments towards the Olympic stage; the former was able to score a Game 7 hat trick in the first round of the 2025 playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche.

I like Kristian Campbell and want him to succeed. But I am totally convinced that, if he does, it won't be at second base. Is it harsh to say that he was arguably the worst defensive middle infielder I'd ever seen last season? Maybe I'm still haunted by the routine double play that he flubbed against the Yankees, when he broke the wrong way on a ground ball that was hit just a few feet to his left.

"I know [we're under pressure] but you can't say we didn't do everything to win," Frank told BBC Match of the Day. "We just need to keep improving. The only way it can be is calm heads, carry on and keep doing what we think is the right thing. "You see the game today. We do more than enough to win the game, we just need to defend better in two situations. And, of course, score another goal that could make the difference at 1-0."

Liverpool did look edgy. They do look like they're forcing things. They do look like the balance, the chemistry, is not quite there. When you're the centre-half and you're a big player, and last year we were on about who's going to stay and he signs the big contract, and then you're giving up loads of goals, then I'd be looking at him. I'd be looking (and thinking), 'What are you doing?'

Goalkeepers (3) Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Nick Pope Pickford is as nailed down a number one as it is possible to be and is set for his third World Cup between the posts barring any calamity. Henderson is regularly excellent in goal for Palace who continue to impress, and James Trafford's relegation to the Manchester City bench opens up a spot. Nick Pope is a reliable third-choice option uunless Tuchel thinks taking Trafford will be a beneficial experience for tournaments to come.

Galatasaray earned a big win over Liverpool in their Champions League clash last night and it seems they couldn't resist a cheeky jibe at their opponents afterwards. Posting from the English language version of their X account, the Turkish giants mocked the Reds with the message: You'll never walk alone, but sometimes you walk out without points. See below for the post, which has blown up and got over 26k re-posts and 163k likes at the time of writing,

Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 1-2): Dolphins 24, Jets 21 I'm predicting the Dolphins will score three touchdowns for the second consecutive week. I'm unsure whether the Dolphins' front seven, run defense, special teams or deep passing game comes through. But I'm fairly confident the Dolphins will win. However, the Dolphins are 3-11 in prime-time games under McDaniel. A loss certainly will once again stir up calls for coach Mike McDaniel to be fired.

We decided for a tighter, more competitive squad. We didn't use all 23 players. There is no doubt I am a big fan of Trent and Jack Grealish. "Big players and big personalities, always in the mix. I know both are desperate but in this camp we decided for Reece James and [Tino] Livramento in Trent's position, and in Jack's position Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze.