#can you BRLIVE IT

[garbage-collective-comic]

GARBAGE COLLECTIVE - infer

21/05/24

[jakedotchin]

OKAY WELL UHHHHHHHHH BRB GOTTA GO DIE

[beingallelite]

AEWrestling- "I'm gonna make an example of you......AGAIN!" - @BASTARDPAC

Can Hangman overcome the relentless attacks on PAC? Full Gear broadcasts LIVE from Baltimore and is available on all major providers, @FiteTV @ITVWrestling @brlive

[junker-town]

Sergiño Dest actually picked the USMNT over the Netherlands, and he’s so fun

Federico Guerra Moran/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The 18-year-old defender is a more talented attacker than the actual attackers.

The United States men’s national team pulled off one of its most exciting dual-national captures of all time this week, securing the commitment of Dutch-American Sergiño Dest.

Dest, an 18-year-old fullback at Ajax, has played for the U.S. throughout his youth career and made two appearances in friendlies for the USMNT. After Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman offered him a spot with the Oranje, Dest sat out during the last international break, opting not to play for either team while he weighed his options. But Dest has decided to keep playing for the USMNT, and should be available to manager Gregg Berhalter starting in November.

There aren’t too many prospects like Dest in world soccer, period. He quickly cemented his place in Ajax’s first team less than a year after he was promoted from the youth squad to Ajax’s B team, and it was more for his technical qualities than his defending. Notably, he’s also played both right and left back for the United States and Ajax. Berhalter has experimented heavily with a defense that features one traditional fullback, and one on the other side that cuts inside to help the midfield. Dest is as perfect of a fit for that cut-in role as Berhalter could have ever hoped for.

USMNT general manage Earnie Stewart and others at U.S. Soccer have certainly been aware of Dest’s talent for several years, but he really started catching the eyes of fans at the Under-20 World Cup. The USMNT upset the tournament favorites, France, in the Round of 16, and Dest was one of the best players on the field.

Sergino Dest vs. France (U20 World Cup) Dest was phenomenal as he helped the US upset arguably the best team in the tournament. He was positive on the ball, a rock defensively, and created the 3rd goal. As good of a fullback prospect as you will find. pic.twitter.com/ln6lN337pC

— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) June 6, 2019

Some first team minutes were expected for Dest this season, but upon the start of Ajax’s preseason, he was immediately thrust into the first XI. Dest impressed in those matches, as well as the Johan Cruyff Shield against PSV Eindhoven to start the season, winning a place in the starting lineup. His most important senior performance to date has probably been against APOEL in Champions League qualification, where he was a consistent attacking threat.

Sergino Dest vs. APOEL In his first ever Champions League start, the 18 year-old American was awarded Man of the Match by the home crowd at the Johan Cruyff Arena. And while Ziyech deserved it, that recognition was a testament to his performance. He was superb throughout. pic.twitter.com/ojF5LpvvC4

— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) August 28, 2019

An important aspect of Dest’s game going forward is that he can create shots for his teammates in several different ways. He’s just as good at knocking the ball past his defender and swinging a cross into the back post...

...as he is at cutting inside and delivering a pass to feet.

Dest has passing and dribbling skills, with creativity to go along with them, that American coaches wish their attackers had. His passing via StatsBomb, would be more than satisfactory if he was a central midfielder. Dude can absolutely ball. No other fullback in the Netherlands is matching his attacking output.

However, Eredivisie stats need to be taken with a grain of salt. Ajax is the best team in that division, and the gap from it to the bottom-half sides is vast. When Ajax plays teams with similar talent, in the UEFA Champions League, Dest’s numbers don’t look as impressive. His defensive stats, in particular, have been poor through three Champions League matches. He doesn’t win the ball back nearly as often as he does in the Eredivisie, gets dribbled past much more often, and commits more fouls.

Here are Dest’s Eredivisie and Champions League stats laid over one another, with the Champions League in blue.

This is a tiny sample size, and even horrendous stats are not particularly alarming for an 18-year-old in his first Champions League matches, but it’s also enough reason to not expect Dest to be an elite defender for the USMNT right away. There’s going to be a learning curve.

Dest is still below average at defending one-on-one against wingers who have excellent dribbling skills and run directly at him. You might remember the moment he got nutmegged by Mexican star “Tecatito” Jesus Corona during his first USMNT camp.

Allow us to share our favorite Sergiño Dest moment with the @USMNT! #eltrieng pic.twitter.com/qLyjfge60n https://t.co/iSs1yEgl9x

— FMF State of Mind (@FMFSoM) October 28, 2019

Or perhaps you saw him also get nutmegged by his international teammate, Christian Pulisic.

Christian Pulisic beats Sergiño Dest and cuts it back for Michy Batshuayi to give Chelsea the lead (via @brlive) pic.twitter.com/KuDb6DQ37x

— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) October 23, 2019

Obviously, Dest will need to cut out those mistakes if he’s ever going to become an elite fullback. But he has a higher ceiling than any fullback who’s ever been part of the USMNT, and American fans have every right to be thrilled about securing his commitment to the program.

[therealfanbro]

I can't wait for @allelitewrestling #FightForTheFallen, so I can see dream matches🤗 like @americannightmarecody & @dustinrhodestx VS @mattjackson13 & @nickjacksonyb 🤟🏾!!! And @chrisjerichofozzy with a live 🎤!!! What will he say🤔??? You can watch it free on @brlive tonight👍🏾!!! #CodyRhodes #DustinRhodes #YoungBucks #ChrisJericho #KennyOmega #AdamPage #LuchaBrothers #SCU #BrandiRhodes #Allie #AEW #AllEliteWrestling #BleacherReportLive (at Daily's Place) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz283-WgBsB/?igshid=hzslg74lru26

[sportsleague365]

Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended his goalkeeper David De Gea following his mistake in the UEFA Champions League showdown with Barcelona. A 3-0 win for the Blaugrana over the Red Devils on Tuesday was enough to see them to a 4-0 aggregate win in the quarter-finals. After a brilliant opener from Lionel Messi on the night, he scored again, though his shot squirmed under a hapless De Gea and trickled into the net. Speaking about De Gea after the game, Solskjaer praised the manner in which the Spaniard responded to that gaffe and noted the profligacy some of the attackers showcased early on, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News: “That’s unfortunate with goalkeepers. When you make an error, it can get highlighted, and that’ll be remembered tonight. But he made some fantastic saves as well, which all in all, his contribution to the team is good, but sometimes that happens in football. “You know when you get to this level, you cannot slip up and you cannot make mistakes and you’ve got to take the chances you get yourself. And we didn’t capitalise on our great chance, but then they have their first two shots on target; that’s two goals and game over.” The moment is one De Gea will want to forget, as the second goal effectively ended any chance of United getting back into the contest (U.S. only): Bleacher Report Live @brlive De Gea…yikes https://t.co/xT9uIHAqzq As OptaJose noted, it’s rare to see the Spain international beaten from distance on so many occasions in the same game:OptaJose @OptaJose 3 – David de Gea has conceded three goals from outside box in all competitions for the first time as Manchester United’s keeper. Accomplice https://t.co/C8hmvEZ0hh Previously, De Gea had established himself as the best goalkeeper in the world at United, as he was able to frequently make match-winning stops for his team. However, this season has been his most challenging for United since his debut year.Not only has De Gea’s shot-stopping been less assured, but the former Atletico Madrid man has made errors in his distribution that have proved costly, with errant passes leading to goals conceded against Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United. Throughout his time at United, there has been speculation regarding his future. According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Paris Saint-Germain are interested in a summer move. Delaney added on Twitter that the 28-year-old is unlikely to extend his current contract, which expires at the end of next season: Miguel Delaney @MiguelDelaney There’s now a real fear De Gea won’t sign deal. But, as Spain first exposed to start this bad spell, he’s a keeper more suited to reactive Mourinho football, overtaken by Alisson/Ederson – and now well off best in world. Should it be such a fear any more? https://t.co/c7160Lyb1s Alex Shaw of ESPN thinks the time is right for United to sell:Alex Shaw @AlexShawESPN United would have been hammered anyway but it’s time to cash in on De Gea. He has saved United’s dignity for far too long and now, with this season where he has been really poor by his standards, it’s time to sell. In an ideal world for United fans, De Gea will recover his form and sign a new contract, as he’s proved to be a hugely positive influence for the team since arriving from Madrid in 2011. After eight years at Old Trafford, perhaps a change of surroundings would benefit the stopper and reinvigorate him in what should be the peak years of his career. However, in what is Solskjaer’s first summer in charge, United will surely be reluctant to entertain any offers for him.Source link The post Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Defends David De Gea Following Barcelona Mistake | Bleacher Report appeared first on 10z Soccer. #DavidDeGea #OleGunnarSolskjaer #LionelMessi

[cowboyshit]

can anyone tell me how to purchase aew ppv’s? i’m american if that matters.

hi there! sure! I know if you have like, directv or whatnot you can purchase them through your cable provider, but for me personally I buy them from brlive which I’ve linked!

[unassuming-local-donovan]

Its hard to love yourself when you dont brlive that anybody else could love you and vice versa. I'm a burden on everyone I know because my brain doesn't work right and I'm constantly making it everyone else's problm. I'm not going to be some great cause for good in my life so please just let me die so I can stop wasting everyone's time.

[beingallelite]

AEWrestling- Need to know how to watch the #AEWBuyIn & #AEWAllOut? Check the image below for the times & details. Alternatively, u can check the link provided as well or visit the @BRLIVE page for all the streaming details you need - bit.ly/2Hr9yAG #AEW #AllEliteWrestling @AEWonTNT

[junker-town]

Thiago Alcantara’s gorgeous assist against Tottenham encapsulated his brilliance

Thiago Alcantara is one of the best midfielders in the world, and you only need to see his assist against Tottenham to know it.

When Thiago Alcantara was substituted on for Bayern Munich against Tottenham, I thought of David Alaba, who Thiago replaced. Alaba hadn’t played badly, but sometimes in chaotic games, like Bayern vs. Tottenham before the half, players are sacrificed due to no fault of their own in an effort to gain some control. So off went Alaba and on came Thiago.

Thiago quickly justified the decision. He turned what was an even game, if not leaning in Tottenham’s favor, into a glorified scrimmage that Bayern dominated. Adding an extra man in midfield is sensible to gain control, but Thiago in particular injects a sense of calm. When a midfielder can make any pass across the field, as well as move the ball and keep it away from the opponents, the whole team tends to relax.

Tolisso, who was also in midfield, is a good player, but Tottenham’s first goal came when he was pressured into making a bad pass, a mistake that’s hard to imagine Thiago making. After Thiago came on, the difference between the two was made stark. Tolisso looked like an apprentice mimicking but failing to replicate the full actions of the genius next to him. Tottenham’s pressure was nullified by the fact that Thiago could easily break past defenders with the ball at his feet, or find and exchange passes with an open teammate ahead of him.

Few players in world football are more fun to watch than Thiago. He has all the qualities that make a great midfielder: great intelligence, technical ability, vision, close control and composure. But he also has a sense of style and the spectacular. He doesn’t just make the right decisions, he makes decisions that normal players aren’t able to imagine. And he does it all in a very aesthetically pleasing way. He shows off for himself and the crowd.

Now and again, clips of Thiago doing tricks or exchanging long balls with a teammate without the ball touching the ground pop up on social media. They’re wonderful to watch, as well as a showcase of his elite technical ability. Those videos aren’t exclusive to him, though. Many players are capable of the same tricks in practice. The difference is, other players won’t dare try those tricks in games, where there is a chance that any mistake could have consequences. Thiago takes those risks. He takes them all the time, and it’s routinely breathtaking.

Thiago plays the game as if he never doubts that he can make the no-look pass, bring down a high ball between defenders with a gentle touch, use an elastico to wriggle out of a bad situation, or drop a 60-yard pass onto the feet of a running winger. He has the self-assuredness and imagination of someone who is so gifted that he plays to entertain himself and to test the limits of his own creativity, in a field where his colleagues are struggling to be competent.

This is all a roundabout way to get to the fact that when Thiago came on against Tottenham, after pulling the game to Bayern’s favor, he made this pass to Serge Gnabry for Gnabry’s third goal of the night and it was ridiculously good:

This ball from Thiago tho pic.twitter.com/FhEL6JCihd

— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) October 1, 2019

The pass demanded a great touch and goal from Gnabry. Many times in football, great moments, like this pass, can be lost or dismissed because it ultimately came to nothing. Thankfully, Gnabry made sure that will not be the case.

The game was memorable for the fact that Bayern won 7-2, and for the smaller events within the game, like Gnabry’s four goals, Robert Lewandowski’s spectacular performance, and Tottenham’s collapse in the second half. These events were underlined by Thiago showing why he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. A statement that was punctuated with a gorgeous and difficult pass that he executed as if it was the most routine thing in the world.

[therealfanbro]

That Non-Sanctioned Match between @jonmoxley VS @thebadboyjoeyjanela at@allelitewrestling #FyterFest was crazy😯!!! #JonMoxley is a wild boy🤟🏾!!! You can watch the replay for free on @brlive👍🏾!!! #JoeyJanela #AEW #AllEliteWrestling #BleacherReportLive (at Ocean Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzVgHAmAwzM/?igshid=1ak8mip5vly8r

[therealfanbro]

I can't wait for @allelitewrestling #FyterFest, so I can see @jonmoxley VS @thebadboyjoeyjanela🤟🏾!!! This match will be insane🤙🏾!!! You can watch it free on @brlive tonight👍🏾!!! #JonMoxley #JoeyJanela #AEW #AllEliteWrestling #BleacherReportLive (at Ocean Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTEHXwAJAv/?igshid=17625rbk1295m

[therealfanbro]

I saw a cool 🤙🏾Indy promotion called @suburbanxfight during @allelitewrestling #DoubleOrNothing weekend! They also have an innovative concept! There is no ring😳!!! @darbyallin was a standout🤟🏾at the show!!! You can see #DarbyAllin at #AEW #FyterFest, June 29th on @brlive! #SuburbanFight (at Las Vegas, Nevada) https://www.instagram.com/p/By5dPtkgKWO/?igshid=zciql1si783c

[junker-town]

Even Ajax’s scuffed shots are amazing, and 3 other moments from their win over Juventus

Soccer’s best underdog story keeps on rolling.

Ajax have sealed a place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Italian champions Juventus, knocking Cristiano Ronaldo and company out of the competition.

Tuesday night’s second leg — a 2-1 away win for Ajax in Turin — was one of the best matches of the season anywhere in Europe. Here are the best moments.

First, a round of applause for Wojciech Szczesny

Much like the Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid, no one can call this an upset for Ajax. They were the better side, start to finish. The only reason Juventus looked capable of winning for most of the quarterfinal was the performance of their goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny.

Even though he let in three goals across the 180 minutes, he deserves to be celebrated. Three of his saves from this tie, in particular, were outstanding. First, this one on David Neres from the first leg.

Szczesny Ajax and Juve scoreless through 20 minutes, watch now on #BRLive: https://t.co/HKrFvCvlUH pic.twitter.com/0l0sBXeXBC

— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) April 10, 2019

He denied Hakim Ziyech early in the second half on Tuesday, which at the time, kept his team level.

SZCZESNY. IS. WORKING. Watch the final 30 minutes on #BRLive: https://t.co/fDvHTsJZ1G pic.twitter.com/HPtC2oMvlC

— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) April 16, 2019

And van de Beek could hardly believe that Szczesny denied him on this effort.

Szczesny impresionante 2. pic.twitter.com/20L93I2IlO

— Leo (@LeitoRoman) April 16, 2019

Many Juve fans questioned whether Szczesny was good enough to replace the legendary Gianluigi Buffon. He rose to the occasion against Ajax, but his teammates let him down.

Even Ajax’s scuffed shots came from amazing attacks

Are you really going to try to say that this team was lucky? That their goals against Juventus were a fluke?

I mean this build-up by Ajax is one of the most beautiful things I've seenpic.twitter.com/Toq1ZLcLck

— USMNT Videos (@USMNTvideos) April 16, 2019

They did stuff like this to Juventus (and Real Madrid!) over and over again. Ajax really just is this good.

Donny van de Beek’s runs were key for the whole tie

You’ve probably heard quite a bit about Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong, who are on their way to megaclubs for obscene sums of money this summer. But you’re probably going to start hearing a lot more about Donny van de Beek, who should attract massive offers from Europe’s top clubs as well. His work rate has been essential to Ajax’s progression in Champions League.

Van de Beek’s constant running — both in defensive pressure and in behind defense when Ajax has the ball — has not always been rewarded with opportunities to provide goals or assists. But van de Beek’s effort paid off big with the opening goal on Tuesday.

Ajax immediately answers the Juve goal AGAIN Watch NOW on #BRLive: https://t.co/fDvHTsJZ1G pic.twitter.com/w6fnq7DmYb

— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) April 16, 2019

Perhaps the most impressive part of van de Beek’s progression this year is that he hasn’t always been an all-action attacking midfielder. He came up through the Ajax academy as a deeper-lying player, and a considerably less mobile one at that. He’s had to do a lot of work to transform into an energetic pressing No. 10.

But the man of the match was the Ajax captain — Matthijs de Ligt

How’s this for a game-winning goal? De Ligt rises up above two Juventus defenders and powers a perfect header into the back of the net.

AJAX HAS NO FEAR The Dutch side leads and now Juve needs two Watch the finish on #BRLive: https://t.co/fDvHTsJZ1G pic.twitter.com/KexcgPT9S8

— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) April 16, 2019

But it was de Ligt’s contributions at center back that were the most meaningful part of his performance on the night. He recorded an outrageous 10 clearances, double that of his defensive partner Daley Blind, and won five headers. He hasn’t agreed to sign for a new club yet, but you can bet he’ll be subject to the greatest bidding war ever waged for a teenage central defender.

[flauntpage]

Your Complete Betting Guide and Preview of “The Match: Tiger vs. Phil”

After a full day of football to be thankful for on Thursday, golf will take center stage on Friday with the highly anticipated head-to-head match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas. Naturally, there’s quite a bit of buzz surrounding the match given the immense popularity over the past two-plus decades of these two highly accomplished golfers. Adding to the intrigue of the event are the high stakes wagers the two plan to make throughout the course of the match, and the betting odds available to the general public. Two of the sport’s legends in a one-on-one setting, talking trash and recklessly throwing around thousands of dollars?

Phil Mickelson bet $100k that he’ll birdie the first hole during The Match. Tiger doubled it.

Friday's going to be fun

#CapitalOnesTheMatch pic.twitter.com/61WqqRzaCj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 20, 2018

Sign. Me. Up.

  THE BETS

Note: All information is as of 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.

The Winner

Woods enters as a strong favorite. He is currently -230 to win outright at DraftKings, 888sport and Play SugarHouse. If you’re looking on the best value on Woods, it’s at BetStars NJ and FanDuel where Woods is only -200 to win.

Those looking to back Mickelson should know that there’s more variance on his value. DraftKings, SugarHouse, and 888sport each are offering Mickelson at +175. Given BetStars’ favorable odds on Woods, their conservative +163 offering on Mickelson is understandable. FanDuel checks in with Mickelson at +165.

First Hole

Those looking for some quick action can wager on the result of the first hole at DraftKings, SugarHouse, and 888sport where Woods is +225, Mickelson +275, and a tie is -110.

Front 9

DraftKings, SugarHouse, and 888sport are offering up odds on the first nine holes. Both books list Woods at -121, Mickelson +188, and a tie at +400.

Specials

I was underwhelmed on Monday by the lack of prop and special bets offered, but some fun alternative options have been released since then. Let’s see what’s out there.

DraftKings

DraftKings is going heavy on specific hole props that allow bettors to wager on the winner of the first hole, along with greens and fairway bets on one. There’s a longest tee shot on the third hole, as well as closest to the pin wagers on the fifth and eighth holes. Here’s a look at some other of their other offerings:

  SugarHouse and 888sport

The lines and odds at DraftKings, SugarHouse, and 888sport are each set by the gaming operator Kambi. Why does this matter? Because all three books offer the same odds on available props, but each company has the ability to decide which ones they want to run. In this case, SugarHouse and 888sport are taking bets on Woods’ t-shirt color. As of Tuesday morning, you can only bet “red” at -305. DraftKings, meanwhile, is not offering this option.

Because SugarHouse and 888sport are offering  the same selections at the same prices, if you don’t have one of the apps it would be wise to download it and take advantage of the sign-up bonus (we prefer SugarHouse). If you already have an account at both books, then it just comes down to a matter of personal preference.

BetStars

The props at BetStars go a bit deeper into the sport’s finer details, including wagering options on driving accuracy and one putts. Hardcore golfers will be intrigued by these.

FanDuel

Surprisingly, FanDuel isn’t offering and special plays on the match.

  THEIR LIVE ACTION

One of the elements of this spectacle that makes it an interesting watch is the fact that both men have already said they will be betting against each other within the match. Here is Phil Mickelson talking about what the live in-game action between them might look like:

The Match:

Where Phil Mickelson will be betting Tiger Woods 50k on putts

pic.twitter.com/czz4TmQpje

— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) October 26, 2018

“When we’re mic’d on the course, we’re going to have little challenges, let’s say, that can maybe get in each other’s head,” Mickelson said during a drop-in on an NBA on TNT telecast. “You have a downhill putt. I’ll bet you 50…50Gs that you miss this.”

For his part, Tiger doesn’t seem especially worried about any tests of his courage that Mickelson might throw at him — and he certainly doesn’t think he’s going to lose the psychological war against Mickelson. Now hear this from Eldrick:

.@TigerWoods is ready…

#CapitalOnesTheMatch – November 23 on @BRLive pic.twitter.com/aUK2zqWQ6j

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 16, 2018

“Well, I’ve been in Phil’s head for 20-some-odd years. Just look at the W total,” Tiger told Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith on Thursday night.

What makes these side bets interesting is that, unlike the $9 million purse which will go to the winner, these “challenges” as Mickelson described them are coming out of the players’ own pockets. Woods, and especially Mickelson, are known to love action — they are also both known to hate to lose. So while neither of these men will take any fiscal losses they can’t afford (especially since lost wagers will be donated to charity), they will both want to claim the bragging rights of having lightened the other’s wallet in the side games no matter who wins the match.

  THE MATCH

Phil Mickelson has been compelled to talk up his chances in the run-up to this match because his game hasn’t done much to make the betting public want any piece of him unless they’re getting good odds. Mickelson’s best finish on the PGA Tour last season was his World Golf Championships event win in Mexico in March. After that, things went bad quickly and pretty much stayed that way.

The lowest of the lowlights of last season for Lefty included his bizarre, intentional rules violation at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills (he probably should have been disqualified), his missed cut at the PGA Championship (where Woods finished second) and his awful, terrible, no-good performance at the Ryder Cup. Mickelson’s Official World Golf Ranking is currently 27th, behind such household names as Alex Noren and Patrick Cantlay.

Watching #TheMatch preview on @HBO and Phil’s starting to look like he’s playing because he NEEDS the money. pic.twitter.com/S9tvH6OQn9

— Club Pro Guy (@ClubProGuy) November 14, 2018

Woods is 13th, which is impressive enough in its own right but which is frankly shocking when you see that his World Golf Ranking at the end of 2017 was 656th. On these facts alone, it is understandable that Woods is in that range of a -225 favorite, with Mickelson offering the much better price in the neighborhood of +175. Mickelson claims to be thrilled. “I like it, the payoff on my side is very good, I like it,” Mickelson said recently. Then again…what’s he supposed to say? “I suck right now, and I might get embarrassed.” Probably not.

Mickelson’s chances to prevail are tied to the format. The vast majority of professional golf is played under stroke play rules, i.e., you make a seven or an eight on a hole, that’s pretty much it for your score for that day and possibly for that tournament. In match play, each hole is worth one point, and your score only matters in relation to the score your opponent made on that same hole. This is more likely to help Mickelson who is, as noted above, prone to odd stretches of wildness and poor decision-making. Mickelson could shoot even par in this match and still win if he makes enough birdies.

Woods was first on Tour in 2018 in shots gained approaching the green and seventh in scoring average (69.350.) The lone weakness in Tiger’s game right now continues to be his propensity to spray it off the tee — he was 129th in driving accuracy. It’s hard to make birdie from the trees or the water hazards. Shadow Creek appears to be reasonably forgiving off the tees, which will help both players but will probably help Tiger a little bit more.

Have a question for @PhilMickelson or @TigerWoods to answer before The Match?

Send it here and they'll answer their favorites on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/249rNMevEa

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 19, 2018

If Mickelson is going to win this match, he will need to stay with Tiger to the best of his ability through the green and take advantage of his edge in putting. Even in an off-year in 2018, Mickelson was second on Tour in putts per round (27.88) and second in birdie or better conversions on the greens (36.6%.) That’s a match play stat if ever there was one, because eagles and birdies generally win holes. Woods had a decent year in 2018 with the putter (22nd in putts per round). But he also changed putters on multiple occasions and never seemed as comfortable on the greens as he did in his prime.

As the famous golf instructor Harvey Penick was fond of saying, “a good putter is a match for anyone.” Mickelson needs to come out hot with the putter and let Tiger know early that you only drive for show.

  THE PICKS

Phil: The most clever, and also the meanest, quip I’ve seen about this match was that it will cost $19.99 to watch, which is also the last year it would have been worth that much money to watch them play golf against each other on television. There is a touch of a Mayweather/Pacquiao feel to this. Mickelson’s last major title came in 2013 at The Masters, the only major he has won more than once. Tiger’s last major win was all the way back in 2008 at the U.S. Open. That’s right: Tiger hasn’t won a major in a decade, though he certainly came close at The Open Championship and at the PGA in 2018. Less so for Tiger but true of both is that we have probably already seen their best.

Still, it’s better to celebrate who they are rather than who they aren’t. In late November of 2018, in a sport where nobody is all that interested in watching anyone but Tiger, this match between Mickelson and Woods is the best of what’s around.

As indicated above, match play is an entirely different game than stroke play. At its core, though, at the highest level of competition, it usually comes down to who wants to win more. I have no doubt that Tiger Woods very much wants to beat Phil Mickelson. But as he said, he has been beating Phil’s brain in for the better part of 25 years now. Tiger wants to win…Phil needs to win, if only to have just one thing he can hold over Tiger in what has been less a rivalry than a lopsided comparison over the years.

And don’t forget, there probably won’t be a rematch if Phil doesn’t win or come really close to doing so. As Chris Rock so eloquently put it, the money is in the comeback. Take Phil at +175 or as high as you can get it. Use your deposit bonus at SugarHouse and let it rip.

Bob: Woods has been the superior golfer lately, so there’s a reason he’s such a heavy favorite in this matchup. I’d probably stay off the match winner due to the lack of value, but if I had to, I would back Woods in this spot. Take him at FanDuel.

I don’t think it’s unreasonable that each golfer takes a conservative approach to feel one another out early on, so I’ll probably take the two to be tied after the first hole at -110. And given Mickelson’s aforementioned statistical superior efficiency on the greens, I’ll go to BetStars and take him to have more one-putts.

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[junker-town]

Ousmane Dembélé isn’t the future. He’s the now.

The 21-year-old attacker showed us in Barcelona-PSV that his time is now.

It is hard not to love the Barcelona striker Ousmane Dembélé, with his bending turns, fearless leaps and free-flowing runs, the type of things usually only attempted in Marvel movies or by inebriated twenty-somethings. I have always loved Dembélé, and my love deepened for him when he was jiving with the Afro-French players that dominated this summer’s World Cup. While not as involved on the field as he or I would have like for Les Bleus, he still found a way to make his joy felt. The elation was captured in a recording of Dembélé joyously singing “Seka Seka,” an Afro-trap hit from the Congolese virtuoso DJ Mareshal.

It is unsurprising that the 21-year-old has impressed this year at Barcelona. He is no longer hampered by the injuries that plagued his initial campaign in Spain, and freed up to be the man alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, he has thrived. In a Champion’s League match Tuesday Dembélé lit the pitch ablaze. The highlight was his 74th minute screamer where he married a ballerina’s grace and kickboxer’s might. Receiving the ball on his left foot, between two defenders, he played keep-away, then dragged the ball back between them and sprinted toward the net. The PSV defender facing him pointed, as if maybe there was a man on the pitch coming to help douse this fire. No one came. Dembélé took four steps, then perfectly placed a rocket in the bottom right corner of the goal.

Though it’s fun to celebrate those small, brilliant moments from Dembélé, it is a disservice to the total body of work we’ve seen from this prodigy.

Ousmane Dembélé with the skill and the strike to put Barcelona up 2-0 Watch here ➡️ https://t.co/q1gr6Dfz0A pic.twitter.com/VrIvgigRFh

— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) September 18, 2018

And Barcelona need Dembélé to be consistently brilliant if they are to win La Liga and make another run at a Champions League final this season. If Barcelona are destined for success this year, it will be due to Dembélé’s ability to keep defenses guessing, keep them on the back foot, and take advantage of the space that’s afforded to them while opposing teams are freaking out about Lionel Messi. Luckily for Barcelona, Dembélé’s brilliance comes alive when he totes the rock. His dribbling, flicks and crosses are as important to Barcelona as is Messi’s total dominance.

Barcelona has always thrived when the component parts are all clicking. If Dembélé is playing well, it allows Messi to find space away from him. And if Messi has space, as he did Tuesday against PSV in the Champions League, he will punish you. (He had a hat trick in the match.)

Yet still, watching the match, I kept being drawn to Dembélé.

Dembélé’s sprints through the pitch are electrifying. It is difficult to watch anyone else on Barcelona at times, as I kept myself looking for the dazzling Frenchman we were unable to see shine at the World Cup. How can a man so young be imbued with such talent?

Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

It appears he’s still finding out himself. Yes, he has head-scratching moments, misplayed shots and step-overs attempted through three defenders that have no chance of working, moments that show his youth. Dembélé is far from perfect, but one can already see the brilliance in him.

Playing at a club like Barcelona, next to giants of the game, no one would blame Dembélé if he deferred to names like Messi or Suarez or Coutinho. Don’t lose the ball, pass it to the greats, don’t screw anything up. But Dembélé isn’t interested in that. He wants to go at everyone. He wants to thrive. And thus, the future looks like Dembélé. Barcelona’s continued excellence will rely on them finding those daring players on the wing who won’t settle, who will continue to attack and draw defenders away from the icons of the game.

And for now, Dembélé can provide that. For the casual observer, at least, those fearless runs to the box from Dembélé might result in a foul that can lead to another iconic Messi free kick. But as his goal showed us, soon enough he won’t be setting up or drawing defenders’ attention away from the icons of the game, he will be one of those icons.