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DALLAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia and ROME, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AleAnna, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “AleAnna” or the “Company”), an emerging leader in Italy’s energy landscape, announced the completion of the previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) between Swiftmerge Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: IVCP) (“Swiftmerge”), a special purpose acquisition company, and AleAnna Energy, LLC (“AleAnna Energy”). Concurrent with the completion of the Business Combination, Swiftmerge has changed its name to AleAnna, Inc. Commencing at the open of trading on December 16, 2024, the Class A shares of common stock and warrants of AleAnna are expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbols “ANNA” and “ANNAW”, respectively. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Swiftmerge and was approved at an extraordinary general meeting (the “Shareholders Meeting”) of Swiftmerge’s shareholders on December 12, 2024. Former equity holders of AleAnna Energy rolled 100% of their equity interests into the combined company. Prior to the execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 6, 2024, AleAnna Energy's equity holders contributed over $60 million in cash, bringing the company's total cumulative investment to nearly $175 million. This infusion of capital enabled the completion of the Longanesi Field tie-in and the acquisition of initial renewable natural gas (“RNG”) assets, both finalized in Q3 2024. Additionally, the investment covered expenses related to the business combination and provided funding for general corporate liquidity. As of the transaction close, AleAnna had approximately $28 million in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet and no debt. This disciplined approach to financial management has empowered AleAnna to allocate significant capital to innovative exploration and development projects while preserving financial flexibility. Long History In Developing Resources in Italy AleAnna has a distinguished history in Italy, having been a leader in energy exploration and development for over a decade. Since its founding in 2007, the company has been dedicated to unlocking the significant potential of Italy’s natural gas reserves through the application of cutting-edge seismic imaging and environmentally responsible practices. AleAnna holds one of the largest portfolios of exploration permits and production concessions in Italy, spanning over 2.3 million acres. By combining advanced technology with a deep respect for Italy’s cultural and environmental heritage, AleAnna is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s energy independence and economic growth, earning its reputation as a trusted partner in Italy’s energy future. Positioning itself as a leader in both onshore conventional natural gas and renewable natural gas (RNG) production, AleAnna is at the forefront of building a secure and reliable domestic energy supply for Italy and the broader European market. The company stands on the cusp of a major milestone, with the first phase of natural gas production from the Longanesi Field projected to commence in Q1 2025. Alongside this, additional gas discoveries at Gradizza and Trava, 13 development prospects in various permitting stages, and leases covering approximately 2.3 million net acres underscore AleAnna’s commitment to future exploration and development. AleAnna is also helping drive the European Union's clean energy transition through its innovative approach to RNG. Leveraging the strategic overlap between its conventional and renewable assets in the Po Valley, AleAnna is transforming agricultural waste into renewable energy. With three RNG facilities operational and over 100 additional opportunities identified, AleAnna is poised for significant expansion in this sector. Guided by a commitment to corporate responsibility and a vision for a sustainable future, AleAnna integrates conventional and renewable energy solutions to reduce Europe’s carbon footprint and advance its clean energy objectives. By delivering innovative energy solutions, AleAnna continues to shape Italy’s energy landscape and support the EU’s transition toward a greener future. Experienced Management And Board Of Directors The combined company will be led by William Dirks as Executive Director and Marco Brun as Chief Executive Officer, supported by a seasoned and highly skilled executive team. AleAnna’s leadership team brings extensive expertise gained from top-tier energy companies, including Shell, Eni, and Exxon. This seasoned group combines in-depth knowledge of energy technology, operations, and business development with well-established regulatory and industry networks in Italy. Their collective experience equips AleAnna to effectively navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving energy landscape. The Board of Directors, which will include Graham van’t Hoff, William Dirks, Marco Brun, Duncan Palmer, and Curtis Hébert, collectively brings a wealth of experience spanning global energy markets, technical and operational expertise, European energy development, financial management, governance, and regulatory policy. This diverse set of skills and perspectives ensures comprehensive strategic oversight and positions AleAnna for sustained growth and success. With over 15 years of investment and operational experience in Italy, AleAnna has a competitive advantage in securing critical permits and approvals, positioning it ahead of its peers. The company’s approach integrates cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading practices with strategic capital allocation to maximize the value of its conventional and renewable natural gas (RNG) assets. AleAnna is dedicated to sustainable, low-cost growth while maintaining strict capital discipline. By prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and long-term shareholder value, AleAnna is well-positioned to lead the next phase of Italy’s energy transformation. Management Commentary Bill Dirks, Executive Director of AleAnna, commented, “Our investment in state-of-the-art subsurface technology has been a game-changer for AleAnna. By leveraging advanced seismic imaging and cutting-edge data analysis, we have achieved unparalleled accuracy in identifying and developing Italy’s natural gas resources. This technology not only enhances our operational efficiency but also ensures that our exploration and development activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.” Marco Brun, AleAnna’s Chief Executive Officer, added, “We stand at a pivotal moment in AleAnna's journey. As we gear up for production at Longanesi and scale our renewable natural gas (RNG) operations, we are proud to be at the forefront of driving a sustainable energy future. This strategy not only delivers value to AleAnna shareholders but also plays a key role in reshaping the energy landscape for generations to come.” About AleAnna, Inc. AleAnna is an innovative energy company dedicated to unlocking Italy's extensive natural gas reserves and advancing renewable energy solutions to address the country's energy needs and support Europe's sustainability and energy security goals. With a vast portfolio encompassing over 2.3 million acres of potential resources and state-of-the-art technologies, AleAnna is poised to lead Italy's energy transition. Guided by a commitment to environmental responsibility and operational excellence, AleAnna is shaping a sustainable and secure energy future. The company operates regional headquarters in Dallas, TX, and Rome, Italy, serving as strategic hubs for its global and local initiatives. Forward-Looking Statements The information included herein contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Business Combination, the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, AleAnna’s future financial performance following the Business Combination, as well as AleAnna’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any statements made in connection herewith, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on AleAnna management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events. They are based on current information about the outcome and timing of future events. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, AleAnna disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. AleAnna cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of AleAnna. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination and any transactions contemplated thereby, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of AleAnna to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its management and key employees; AleAnna’s need for additional capital to execute its business plan and support its anticipated growth; costs related to the Business Combination; the risks associated with the growth of AleAnna’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; AleAnna’s ability to identify, develop and operate new projects; the reduction or elimination of government economic incentives to the natural gas market; delays in acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects; decline in public acceptance and support of renewable energy development and projects; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory and governmental permits and approvals; uncertainty regarding the EU’s clean energy transition, including existing regulations and changes to regulations and policies that affect AleAnna’s operations; the ability to maintain the listing of AleAnna’s securities on a national securities exchange; and the effects of competition on AleAnna’s future business. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any statements made in connection in addition to these occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that AleAnna does not know or that AleAnna currently believes are immaterial that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact AleAnna’s expectations and projections can be found in filings it makes with the SEC, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Swiftmerge and AleAnna Energy with the SEC on November 21, 2024, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by AleAnna. SEC filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Investor Relations Contact For AleAnna, Inc.: Bill Dirks wkdirks@aleannagroup.comC ricketer (England, 18 years old) By Steve James A couple of years ago Martin Speight, once a fine cricketer himself but now probably better known as Harry Brook’s coach and mentor, mentioned to me a young left-arm bowler at his school, Sedbergh (he is now at Repton). “She is unbelievably good,” he said. And “two-metre Mahika” as they call her, certainly is good. She is rare in the women’s game too, a tall left-arm swing bowler (she is 6ft 4in), who, as England men’s bowling coach James Anderson says, has “a really nice action and swings the ball back in from that height, which makes it very difficult to play”. Injury and school A-levels scuppered her 2024 season but, now with an England central contract,
On Friday’s broadcast of HBO’s “Real Time,” former DNC Chair and ABC News Contributor Donna Brazile stated that while most people agree with Democrats on policy, “they want someone to help them make ends meet. We kept talking about jobs, jobs, jobs, 16 million jobs created, and everybody kept saying, yeah, I’m working two jobs and I still can’t afford the basic essentials of life.” Brazile said, [relevant remarks begin around 29:05] “I also think that Democrats have to continue to talk about our values, our values that bring Americans together. Most Americans agree with us on the issues. They agree with us on these policy positions. But they want someone to help them make ends meet. We kept talking about jobs, jobs, jobs, 16 million jobs created, and everybody kept saying, yeah, I’m working two jobs and I still can’t afford the basic essentials of life. So, look, we made mistakes but there [are] lessons to be learned, Bill, and let me just tell you, two years from now, we’ll have a different conversation.” Later, Brazile said that legislation passed by Biden will continue to create jobs and that people bought inaccurate arguments from Trump and that Harris was a good candidate. She also stated that incumbents around the world have lost due to inflation and the Biden-Harris administration made good progress on costs. Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett
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Tyler Bertuzzi has been an enigma this season. The biggest signing of the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2024 free agency was in a murky middle of knowing that he wasn’t producing enough, but also knowing that would probably not last. After all, there have been talks and jokes all season long about Bertuzzi being notorious for slow starts. Even last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he didn’t start to find his footing until January. It looks like the tides are turning earlier, as the Blackhawks are in December, and Bertuzzi is heating up. He has three goals in his last two games, his best goal-scoring stretch of the season. He is also a plus-2 in that span. (13 points in 29 games this season) When Bertuzzi and even general manager Kyle Davidson spoke after the signing, they alluded to Bertuzzi’s competitive streak that he could bring to the locker room. It seemed to come in spurts this season, but he has never gone more than four games this season without producing a point. Last night’s game against the New York Islanders, I thought, was the perfect example of what Bertuzzi excels at as a player. There was a point in the third period with less than two minutes left, where he laid a hit on Islanders’ defenseman Scott Mayfield behind the net, which caused Mayfield to turn the puck over to Tayor Hall, who then got the puck to Bertuzzi for a goal in front. It made the score 5-3. Then, a minute later, he netted another goal by deflecting Alex Vlasic’s shot in front of the net. Notice a pattern? He is always scrapping in front of the net. Frankly, I think Bertuzzi’s net-front presence makes him one of the most important players on the team right now. It comes up hugely in the power play and for those greasy goals. Unfortunately, his two goals weren’t enough for the Blackhawks to overcome their 5-1 deficit in Long Island, but it shows that a team struggling to find a rhythm on offense needs more of the net-front presence. It reminds me of Andrew Shaw’s role during the dynasty years. He excelled at parking in front, screening the goalie, and scrapping for goals, similar to Bertuzzi, although he has more offensive firepower than Shaw. He seems to have found a successful second-line pairing with Ryan Donato and Taylor Hall, Hall especially. It seems like Bertuzzi and Hall’s previous familiarity from their Boston Bruins days is paying off, as they’re positively influencing each other. Hall has three points in his last two games, too. They’re both finally finding their stride, which was much needed for the team’s veterans. After the Blackhawks beat the New York Rangers, 2-1 (in which Bertuzzi scored), head coach Anders Sorensen said about him , “I really liked his intensity and the way he competed. Right? I thought that line was really good. I thought Donny’s [Ryan Donato] line there with Taylor Hall was really good. They drove, I thought they drove the pace for us early in the game, and it was really fun to watch.” When asked about Sorensen’s new system seemingly fitting his style of play better after their 5-4 loss to the Islanders, Bertuzzi replied , “Yeah, like I said, it just helps us get on the forecheck, try to create turnovers. You know, our D are down keeping pucks alive, and it showed obviously in New York, and you know, for half of the game tonight.” That competitive drive that he, Davidson, and now Sorensen mentioned is coming alive, and it makes the team better. As Sorensen said, it drives the pace of the game. It causes a good domino effect. Now, he will play alongside Frank Nazar, who was recently recalled from the Rockford IceHogs , and he and Hall could be a great complement to Nazar due to their vet presence and game styles. The Blackhawks are finally getting the player they signed for in Bertuzzi, which is very encouraging. This article first appeared on Chicago Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.
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The release on parole of convicts in the rice scandal case one after another has sparked speculation about the prospective return of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who fled the country to avoid imprisonment in the same case. Previously, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, formerly a convict on parole, had said his sister could return before the Songkran festival. The discreet release of Boonsong Teriyapirom, former commerce minister in the Yingluck cabinet, from prison for "health reasons" has aroused public suspicion that the process to facilitate Yingluck's return is underway. The former PM was sentenced to five years imprisonment for dereliction of duty concerning burgeoning corruption in the rice-pledging scheme that cost the country enormous economic losses. She fled the day the court issued the ruling. On the same day, Boonsong was handed 48 years in prison for his role in the scheme. Before his release early this month, he had spent only seven years and three months behind bars. With several royal pardons, he was supposed to be in jail until April 2028. But, due to old age and poor health, he could walk out, albeit with an electronic ankle monitoring (EM) bracelet, under an imprisonment suspension programme. As Boonsong's discharge hit the headlines, the public was shocked by reports that two other convicts, former deputy commerce minister Poom Sarapol and Apichart "Sia Piang" Chansakulporn, former top executive of rice exporting firm Siam Indica, had discreetly been released from prison under the same programme. It's an embarrassment for the Department of Corrections. As the agency later confirmed the reports, the way it has handled the cases has drawn heavy criticism. Like Boonsong, Sia Piang was handed 48 years, but according to the Department of Corrections, he was well-behaved and considered an outstanding inmate, and he got five pardons altogether. After serving 12 years and one month, he had 22 more years in prison but was eligible for probation because of his old age and multiple health conditions, including chronic kidney failure. The reduction of hefty jail terms for Boonsong, Apichart and Poom, imposed by the court for such severe corruption cases, raises doubt about the correctional system in Thailand. The public is also curious if it will all set a bad precedent and if the practice compromises the rule of law. Unscrupulous officials could observe it and take note, thinking they could easily get away with such acts, giving more encouragement for them to break the law. Now that the preparation of a new regulation involving detentions outside prison is in its final stages -- it may be in effect by the first quarter of next year -- it's enough to imagine Yingluck coming home before this Songkran, as her brother mentioned. Taking a look at the regulation and its criteria, it seems Yingluck is well qualified, ie she's a first-time convict, has a short sentence time, and has a low possibility of repeating the crime. The government is trying to explain that the regulation, which they say is aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding, has nothing to do with Yingluck's privilege, saying it's the work of the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration. That would sound convincing unless we realise that Somsak Thepsutin, then justice minister, pushed for this regulation. Mr Somsak and Suriya Jungrungreangkit left Palang Pracharath. They returned to Pheu Thai shortly before Gen Prayut dissolved parliament amid speculation that their old boss, Thaksin, was about to return to Thailand. It's believed that Mr Somsak's role in the new regulation earned him a cabinet position as deputy PM and health minister in the Pheu Thai-led coalition. To put it bluntly, it's a political bonus from Thaksin, who influences Pheu Thai. This is also the most convenient time for Yingluck as her niece, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is in office. Therefore, it's no exaggeration to say that Yingluck will probably enjoy the same prison privileges as her brother, who did not stay a single day behind bars but remained on the 14th floor of the police hospital for six months after returning to Thailand in August last year. It could be said that this coming Songkran will be a happy time for the Shinawatras, with a family reunion. But does not bode well for the country and the rule of law? Definitely not. It will impose a heavy cost on the country's justice system. Chairith Yonpiam is an assistant news editor at Bangkok Post.ASX stocks have been strong performers in 2024. The good news is that Bell Potter still sees opportunities at this side of the market for investors in 2025. The broker notes that it has a "positive or constructive view on the outlook for the technology and gaming sector." This is due to "the generally strong or above average forecast revenue and/or earnings growth" and "the easing interest rate environment which is expected to commence in Australia next year." But given that large cap tech stocks have rallied this year, the broker suspects that the cuts "could have a more positive impact on small to mid cap tech and gaming stocks." With that in mind, let's look at three mid cap ASX tech stocks that are its best buys for the year ahead: ( ) This location technology company's shares are a best buy according to Bell Potter. It likes the ASX tech stock due to its huge growth opportunity, which is being underpinned by the monetisation of its massive user base. It explains: The [Life360] app is used globally by over 75 million people and, of these, there are around 7 million paying subscribers. The penetration rate, therefore, is around 10% and the company has a stated long term target of 30% so there is the potential for the paying subscriber base to triple from here. Life360 is also adding new verticals – like advertising, pet and elderly tracking – which provide additional areas of growth. The next potential catalysts are when Life360 releases its Q4/2024 result in February – we expect a strong result towards the upper end of the guidance ranges – and the S&P/ASX index rebalance in March where we see a good chance Life360 will be added to the Top 100. Bell Potter has a buy rating and $26.75 price target on its shares. ( ) Another ASX tech stock that gets the thumbs up from the broker is gaming technology company Light & Wonder. Bell Potter believes that recent weakness has created an opportunity for investors to buy into a high quality company. It said: Light & Wonder is a leading cross-platform games company that develops and manufactures slot machines, creates free-to-play social casino games for mobile platforms, and produces online real-money gaming content for online casinos. [...] We anticipate 8-11% annual EBITDA growth rates over CY24-26, driven by further R&D investment that enhances game performance and results in market share gains across the North American premium leased market, global outright game sales markets, and online gaming markets. Additionally, we view the recent turmoil surrounding the Dragon Train preliminary injunction as an attractive entry point. Bell Potter has a buy rating and $180.00 price target on its shares. ( ) A final ASX tech stock that makes the list is Gentrack. It provides billing, CRM, and utilities software. An example of its software that many readers will have seen is the arrivals/departures board at Sydney Airport. The broker believes that the company is well-positioned to deliver strong earnings growth in the coming years. It said: Gentrack develops, provisions, and integrates its billing/CRM platform into energy and water utilities, generating up-front project revenue (from deployments/integrations) that transitions into SaaS-type recurring revenue and embeds GTK within utility tech stacks long-term due to high switching costs. Demand for modern-day utilities billing solutions is growing rapidly due to dual tailwinds in (1) an evolving energy grid generating significant amounts of data and complexity in billing and customer management, and (2) legacy tech debt incurred from historical underinvestment in the utility billing stack. GTK has a track record of upgrading and beating guidance, with the interim result in May likely to be the next catalyst potentially from lumpy, large contract wins in Southeast Asia. GTK appears expensive at ~90x/~56x FY25e/26e P/E however the valuation reflects high earnings leverage emerging, noting PEG ratios of ~1.2x and ~0.9x respectively. Bell Potter has a buy rating and $13.90 price target on its sharesWho are the main injury doubts? Who is in form? And how do OUR experts see the big games going? Read Mail Sport's Ultimate Weekend Guide ahead of the Premier League matches Manchester United take the short trip to the Etihad to face City on Sunday Ruben Amorim is seeking his second win over Guardiola in as many months LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Mason Mount? Marcus Rashford? Joshua Zirkzee? Who should Manchester United sell to raise funds? By MAIL SPORT EXPERTS Published: 22:30 GMT, 13 December 2024 | Updated: 22:34 GMT, 13 December 2024 e-mail View comments Perhaps the strangest Manchester derby awaits on Sunday evening as an out-of-sorts United travel to the Etihad to take on an even more out-of-sorts City. The respective league positions of the two sides belies the magnitude of a fixture that has produced so many showstopping moments in recent years. But after a week of unwanted off field headlines at Old Trafford and the dramatic loss of form at City, Sunday's clash is incredibly difficult to call. Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Liverpool will be looking to capitalise on the slip-up of rivals Arsenal last week, who only managed to draw against the opponents they welcome to Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Arne Slot was unhappy with his side's performance in their midweek win over Girona and he will be acutely aware of the threat Fulham can cause on their day. The Gunners, meanwhile take on the side the Reds should have faced last weekend, but for the intervention of Storm Darragh. Everton will not be expected to further derail Arsenal's title aspirations but Sean Dyche will certainly do his best to try and upset the Premier League establishment. Further down the table there's another crunch match for Gary O'Neil and Wolves , who welcome Ipswich to Molineux. Here, we tell you everything you need to know about the weekend's action, including the latest injury updates and team news, the players you need to look out for and something all of our experts are looking forward to at the games they will be reporting from. Manchester City welcome Manchester United to the Etihad on Sunday in drastically different form to their meeting last term Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim (left) is seeking his second win over Pep Guardiola in as many months Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a late winner for Liverpool against Fulham at Anfield last term SATURDAY 3pm: ARSENAL v EVERTON Emirates Stadium. Referee : Craig Pawson TV/radio: Live on talkSPORT 2. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: The league’s two best set-piece teams go head-to-head - quite literally - at the ground where there is now a mural to Arsenal’s innovator-in-chief, Nicolas Jover. The hosts’ rotating cast of defenders (nine different back fours in 15 league games) could welcome Gabriel back on Saturday, which will be a boost in both penalty boxes. GEORGE BOND Players to watch : Arsenal – Bukayo Saka . Quieter than usual in midweek against Monaco, and still ended up with two goals and an assist. Should have ample opportunity to add to his league-leading 10 assists here. Everton – Iliman Ndiaye. Wingers, especially those on the right flank, have been able to get at Arsenal this season - 24-year-old Ndiaye is a real threat and offers speed on the break. Arsenal injury news: Out – B White, T Tomiyasu (both knee). Doubt – Gabriel, O Zinchenko (both muscle), R Calafiori (groin). Everton injury news: Out – J Garner (back), T Iroegbunam (foot). Doubt – Y Chermiti (foot). Mail Sport prediction: Arsenal win 3pm: LIVERPOOL v FULHAM Anfield. Referee : Tony Harrington TV/radio : Live on BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: In terms of entertainment, this fixture was one of my favourites last season — Liverpool winning 4-3 despite trailing in the 88th minute — and Marco Silva produced what would have been dubbed a tactical masterclass for 90 per cent of the game. LEWIS STEELE Players to watch: Liverpool – Luis Diaz: Should get the nod at No 9, and after having started the season well he has not chipped in with enough goals in the last six weeks. Fulham – Alex Iwobi: The former Everton man is a class act and will cause problems for Liverpool, I am sure. Liverpool injury news: Out – K Tsmikas (ankle), I Konate (knee), C Bradley (hamstring), A Mac Allister (suspended). Doubt – F Chiesa (fitness), D Jota (chest). Fulham injury news: Out – H Reed (knee), J Andersen (calf), R Nelson (hamstring), C Bassey, T Cairney (both suspended). Mail Sport prediction: Liverpool win 3pm: NEWCASTLE v LEICESTER St James’s Park. Referee: Tom Bramall TV/radio: Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: It’s been a difficult few days for Eddie Howe on the back of a 4-2 defeat at Brentford and big injuries to key players such as Nick Pope and Callum Wilson. But when Newcastle have needed to respond to adversity this season, they have – and they certainly need a response here to kick off a pivotal week. CRAIG HOPE Players to watch: Newcastle – Sandro Tonali: He was left out at Brentford on grounds of fatigue but will return and needs a big performance following a week in which he was linked with a move back to Italy. Leicester – Jamie Vardy: He once got a standing ovation from the home crowd at St James’ and his type is appreciated on Tyneside. Newcastle injury news: Out – E Krafth (shoulder), J Lascelles, S Botman (both knee), C Wilson (hamstring), E Krafth (shoulder). Doubt - J Willock (hamstring), N Pope (knee). Leicester injury news: Out – A Fatawu (knee), R Pereira (muscle), W Ndidi (hamstring), B Soumare (suspended), J Stolarczyk (ankle). Doubt – H Winks (groin). Mail Sport prediction: Newcastle win 3pm: WOLVES v IPSWICH TOWN Molineux. Referee : Simon Hooper TV/radio : Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: Two teams level on points but one manager, Gary O'Neil of Wolves, under all sorts of pressure and the other Kieran McKenna exempt because of consecutive promotions. Does added tension work as a motivator or energy-sapper in a relegation six-pointer? We're about to find out. JOE BERNSTEIN Players to watc h: Wolves – Matheus Cunha: Goals have dried up after explosive sequence but the Brazilian hasn't gone four games without scoring this season and won't want to start now. Ipswich – Sam Morsy . Captain will need to be at his combative best in midfield so the visitors have a chance to express themselves further forward. Wolves injury news : Out – Y Mosquera, S Kalajdzic, B Traore, E Gonzalez (all knee), J Gomes (suspended), J Sa (shoulder), P Sarabia (calf). Ipswich injury news : Out – C Ogbene (achilles), G Hirst (knee), A Tuanzebe (hamstring). Doubt – K Phillips, B Johnson (both knocks). Mail Sport prediction: Draw 5.30pm: NOTTINGHAM FOREST v ASTON VILLA Molineux. Referee : Sam Barrott TV/radio : Live on Sky Sports and BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: Ever since they were promoted in 2022, Forest have looked at Villa as the example to follow. Not even the most optimistic supporter could have expected they would be above them in the table in December, especially given the performances of both clubs in 2023-24. But this won’t be easy for Villa at a vibrant City Ground. TOM COLLOMOSSE Players to watch: Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood: Fourteen goals in as many games for club and country in the last three months, capped by the crucial third goal at Old Trafford last weekend. Aston Villa – Matty Cash: Ever since Villa signed Cash from Forest in 2020, it feels like they have been trying to find an upgrade. Yet not only is Cash still there, he is still part of Unai Emery’s first-choice XI, and was singled out for praise by the Villa boss for his display in the 3-2 win over Leipzig in the Champions League. He’ll be determined to keep it up against his old club. Nottingham Forest injury news: Out – Danilo (ankle), I Sangare (hamstring), A Moreno (ineligible) Aston Villa injury news: Out – J Ramsey (hamstring). Doubt – L Bailey (hamstring), O Watkins (undisclosed). Mail Sport prediction: Draw SUNDAY 2pm: BRIGHTON v CRYSTAL PALACE Amex Stadium. Referee : Michael Oliver TV/radio : Live on Sky Sports and BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day 2, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: Incredibly, the overall head-to-head record in the A23 derby is almost deadlocked. 141 matches, 51 wins for Crystal Palace, 50 wins for Brighton. You would expect Brighton to even that up on Sunday, especially given their excellent recent record at home. But this Crystal Palace side has the quality to spring a surprise, especially if Eberechi Eze is at the races. HENRY CLARK Players to watch: Brighton – Danny Welbeck: The 34-year-old has aged like fine wine and is now only one goal away from equaling his haul from last season. Crystal Palace – Dean Henderson: They say you’ve got to be a bit mad to be a goalkeeper and Henderson is one who proves that theory – he will use any part of his body, including his face, to stop the ball going in his net. Brighton injury news: Out – J Milner (hamstring). Doubt – J Veltman (undisclosed), F Kadioglu (toe), J Hinshelwood, S March (both knee), A Webster (hamstring). Crystal Palace injury news : Out – M Franca, A Wharton (both groin), R Holding (unknown). Doubt – J Ward (calf), C Riad (knee). Mail Sport prediction: Brighton win 4.30pm: MANCHESTER CITY v MANCHESTER UNITED Etihad Stadium. Referee : Anthony Taylor TV/radio: Live on Sky Sports and BBC 5 Live. Highlights on Match of the Day 2, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: Is it possible for both teams to lose? This is going to be a tense, nervy affair and – let’s be honest – you’d expect mistakes (plural) to settle it. It’ll be interesting to see whether Kevin De Bruyne plays again after doing a full 90 minutes in midweek. It doesn’t feel like Pep Guardiola’s got any other choice really. And how City go about approaching this with only three fit defenders. JACK GAUGHAN Players to watch: Man City – Matheus Nunes: An unfamiliar role at right back is likely due to the injury crisis in defence. He does not have a high bar to clear after Kyle Walker’s recent displays there. Man Utd – Andre Onana: A howler against Forest last week, then Viktoria Plzen manager Miroslav Koubek said they deliberately targeted the Cameroonian on Thursday, when his fluffed pass let in the opening goal. Erling Haaland is his next assignment. Man City injury news: Out – Rodri (knee), O Bobb (leg), N Ake (thigh), R Lewis (suspended), J Stones (foot). Doubt – M Akanji (pelvis). Man Utd injury news: Out – L Shaw (undisclosed). Mail Sport prediction: Draw 7pm: CHELSEA v BRENTFORD Stamford Bridge. Referee : Peter Bankes TV/radio: Live on talkSPORT and Highlights on Match of the Day 2, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: I’m looking forward to goals! It’s the Premier League’s top scorers versus the second-top at Stamford Bridge so we can only hope we’re in for a Sunday night of chaotic scoring. It’s amusing to think how Chelsea seriously considered hiring Thomas Frank in the summer as he got down to their final-four shortlist. You suspect they do not regret going with Enzo Maresca now amid their surprise title push. KIERAN GILL Players to watch: Chelsea – Noni Madueke: Madueke needs to work his way back into Maresca’s A-team by playing much better than he has been and here’s his chance with Pedro Neto suspended. Brentford – Kevin Schade . Schade is going through a rebirth and he could harm Chelsea from the wing if Marc Cucurella inverts into midfield to leave a large gap. Chelsea injury news: Out – R James, O Kellyman, W Fofana (all hamstring), P Neto (suspended). Doubt – M Mudryk (illness), R Lavia (muscle), J Felix (knock).. Brentford injury news : Out – J Dasilva, R Henry (both knee), A Hickey (hamstring), M Jensen (hamstring). Mail Sport prediction: Chelsea win 7pm: SOUTHAMPTON v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR St Mary’s Stadium. Referee : Darren England TV/radio: Live on TNT Sports. Highlights on Match of the Day 2, BBC One 10.30pm Our expert’s view: All eyes on Tottenham’s response to the gauntlet thrown down by Ange Postecoglou. It is rare these days for a manager to employ those tactics. And fascinating to see which way it goes. Will he start with Werner after his ‘unacceptable’ performance at Rangers? Or cast him aside. Will his captain Son Heung-min and vice-captain Jams Maddison step up? Neither have been in great form recently and Postecoglou has made it clear he needs them. MATT BARLOW Players to watch: Southampton – Adam Armstrong: Spurs give you chances and if Saints are clinical enough to take them they can put pressure on the visitors. Armstrong was prolific in the Championship last season and up and finding his range again with three in his last seven games. Tottenham – Dejan Kulusevski: Everything Spurs are doing well at present seems to revolve around Kulusevski. He only played the second half at Rangers with Postecoglou desperately trying not to burn him out. Creating goals and scoring them and the man most likely to turn this poor spell of form around. Southampton injury news: Out – W Smallbone, A Lallana, R Stewart (all hamstring), A Ramsdale (finger), G Bazunu (achilles), J Stephens (suspended). Tottenham injury news: Out – R Bentancur, Y Bissouma (both suspended), G Vicario (ankle), W Odobert, Richarlison, M Van de Ven (all hamstring), C Romero (thigh). Doubt – B Davies (hamstring). Mail Sport prediction: Tottenham win MONDAY 7pm: BOURNEMOUTH v WEST HAM UNITED Vitality Stadium. Referee : Chris Kavanagh TV/radio: Live on Sky Sports and talkSPORT Our expert’s view: West Ham’s win at home to Wolves was not just a fine tribute to team-mate Michail Antonio, watching on from his hospital bed following his car crash, but also a huge victory in the future of Julen Lopetegui. The big question is whether they can sustain it or, once again, it’ll be a case of one step forward and two back for the under-pressure manager. Going in their favour is that West Ham have won nine of their last 10 league games on a Monday night. The downside is that every league win this season has been followed by a defeat for the Hammers while Bournemouth are excellent at home under Andoni Iraola, with wins already there over Tottenham, Man City and Arsenal. JAMES SHARPE Players to watch: Bournemouth – Justin Kluivert : His side’s leading goal scorer this season with five while also setting a record as the first player in PL history to score a hat-trick of penalties in one game. West Ham – Jarrod Bowen: Boring, perhaps, but there really is only one consistent avenue of excitement, threat and quality in attack for the Hammers. Bournemouth injury news: Out – A Scott (knee), M Tavernier, L Sinisterra, J Araujo (all hamstring), M Senesi (thigh). West Ham injury news: Out – Emerson (suspended), M Antonio (leg). Mail Sport prediction: Bournemouth win Share or comment on this article: Who are the main injury doubts? Who is in form? And how do OUR experts see the big games going? Read Mail Sport's Ultimate Weekend Guide ahead of the Premier League matches e-mail Add comment
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War is often less seen than heard, and as a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel came into effect on Wednesday morning, Ibrahim Najdi marveled at the absence of one particular sound: the buzz of Israeli drones that had been a near-constant presence in Beirut over the last few months. "You can't hear them, can you? They're gone," he said. He gave a small smile, then picked his way through the mounds of rubble separating him from the remains of his two warehouses. Najdi, a 42-year-old home-supplies merchant, was one of tens of thousands of people Wednesday swarming the Hezbollah-dominated suburbs south of Beirut. He came to take stock of the damage wrought by 70 days of ferocious Israeli bombardment . Though his two warehouses were destroyed in an airstrike two weeks ago, his shop was in a nearby building survived. The blast wave nevertheless tossed all of his stock into a jumble of shower handles and hoses, boxes of masking tape and home repair tools — all covered in fine, metallic-gray dust. "I don't know if I can save any of it," Najdi said. Similar scenes were playing out across the country, as people began the journey to their towns and villages in Lebanon's devastated south. Shortly after the start of the ceasefire at 4 a.m., thousands of cars — many stacked on top with mattresses, suitcases and bags of vegetables — deluged the main highway leading out of Beirut in a reverse exodus that echoed their escape from the south only a few months before. Shelters in the southern city of Saida, a refuge for thousands of displaced, emptied by around 80%, Lebanese authorities say. "I know my house is bombed, but I don't care. We're all going back," said Haidar, 33, who was picking up shawarma sandwiches for his family at a roadside restaurant. Haidar, who did not want to give his full name, was from the village of Khirbet Selm, some 9 miles north of the Lebanese-Israeli border. He had already been hours on the road with his wife and two children in his rugged-looking SUV, but was intent on going on — even though he didn't know where the family would sleep. "We'll figure it out. Allah's earth can fit us all," he said. The ceasefire agreement , which came after intense mediation by the U.S. and France, was approved by Lebanon's government on Wednesday morning. It stipulates that Israeli troops conduct a phased withdrawal from south Lebanon over the next 60 days, while Hezbollah pulls back its fighters to north of the Litani River, a natural boundary that lies some 20 miles north of the border. According to the plan, around 5,000 Lebanese soldiers will take their place, Lebanese officials say. The Lebanese army said in a statement on Wednesday that it had begun "to reinforce its deployment" south of the Litani and would "extend state authority" in coordination with U.N. peacekeeping forces. (The Lebanese army remained neutral in the fight between Israel and Hezbollah.) Despite the calm on Wednesday, there were moments that highlighted the fragility of the truce. Israeli troops fired warning shots at people trying to approach their positions in southern villages from which they had yet to withdraw, the Israeli military said. Later, it imposed a nighttime curfew over much of south Lebanon and warned civilians not to return to their homes before being instructed to do so. Despite those reminders that the war is not fully resolved, many Lebanese were jubilant. Motorists driving through Beirut suburbs honked their horns as they drove in impromptu motorcades, while others waved flags and fired celebratory shots into the air. Many walked the streets, shaking their heads in amazement as they raised their smartphones to film the destruction. The war between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese armed group began last year after Palestinian militant faction Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people. The next day, Hezbollah began launching rockets into northern Israel, saying it was acting in support of Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza Strip. Israel and Hezbollah continued trading fire over the last year in an escalating tit-for-tat conflict that saw tens of thousands of people evacuated from both sides of the border. In September, Israel intensified its attacks on Hezbollah. It launched a punishing airstrike campaign on Lebanon's south, east and parts of the capital where Hezbollah holds sway, and invaded areas of Lebanon's south in what it said was a bid to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure. Since last October, more than 3,800 people have been killed in Lebanon, a quarter of them women and children, according to Lebanese health authorities; almost 16,000 have been injured. Israeli authorities say 45 civilians have been killed in Hezbollah attacks, and at least 73 soldiers killed in combat in south Lebanon, the occupied Golan Heights and northern Israel. Najdi, the merchant, was happy that the ceasefire was holding, but it was also bittersweet as he contemplated the difficult months ahead. "I was making something, building something. At 45 I thought I would slow down, take it easy," he said. He added that he had experienced five wars in his lifetime, the first — in 1982 — when he was still in diapers. "And now this one. I have to start again from nothing." More than a million people displaced in the fighting over the last year share his fate, with the World Bank estimating in November that nearly 100,000 housing units have been partially or completely destroyed, while the total cost of damage amounts to roughly $8.5 billion. It remains unclear how Lebanon — which before the war was suffering a multiyear financial crisis that had eviscerated the economy and left most of its population under the poverty line — intends to go about the reconstruction. International aid groups have urged governments to help, said Juan Gabriel Wells, Lebanon country director for the International Rescue Committee aid group. "It is vital that the international community now also invest in Lebanon's recovery," he said in a statement on Wednesday. "These efforts are not only about rebuilding infrastructure; they are also critical to restoring dignity and hope to families who have lost everything." The Lebanese government has yet to formulate concrete plans, officials said. "You know we were so busy, all of us, with the ceasefire," said Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib at a conference in Rome on Tuesday, a few hours before the truce. "Did we think very much about the day after? No." ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.