Sports

How will relegated trio Burnley, West Ham & Wolves fare in the Championship?

Published

45 minutes ago

August 12, 2026

What will be key to their success?

Recruitment. The Clarets have seen 12 departures so far this summer and will need to rebuild their squad with a team that fits Hayen’s style of play.

The Belgian likes to play high-possession football and wants to be direct once in a position to attack, so players who are good on the ball and able to intercept will be high on his wishlist.

New signing Ugo Raghouber fits that profile perfectly – he’s a defensive midfielder who is known for breaking up attacks and he’s good in the air.

The only other outfield player the Clarets have purchased this summer, forward Lluc Castell, fits the club’s preference for the stars of tomorrow since ALK Capital completed their takeover in 2020.

Of the 20 new players they brought to the club ahead of their promotion-winning Championship campaign in 2024-25, 12 were aged 25 or under.

The following season in the Premier League, the Clarets stuck to this model, with seven of their 15 arrivals being 25 or under. Three were over 30, including veteran defender and former England international Kyle Walker.

Castell shows plenty of promise but, at just 19, is still very much in development.

While a younger squad may have struggled to compete at the top level, it’s been effective in the second tier – and Walker will be wanting to add a Championship trophy to the overflowing cabinet filled with accolades from his years at Manchester City.

Are they likely contenders?

Burnley know how to run a promotion campaign.

They do not tend to linger in the second tier too long and both previous managers that were appointed by owner Alan Pace – Kompany and Parker – won promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

But yo-yoing between the first and second tiers suggests they have an unsustainable model – and this year could be their most perilous yet.

Sports

Ospreys say Welsh Rugby Union plan of cutting professional team is wrong

Published

1 minute ago

August 12, 2026

qasimgillani

Ospreys are currently preparing to play at the revamped St Helen’s ground in Swansea which they hope will be ready for the United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture against Dragons on 24 October.

“There is real momentum around the club,” said Ospreys director Roger Blyth.

“St Helen’s is taking shape, supporters have backed us in significant numbers, we have strengthened the playing squad and there is growing confidence across the business.

“The last year has tested everyone connected with the Ospreys, but the response from our supporters, players, staff and partners has been exceptional and galvanised the organisation, establishing stronger foundations for our future.”

Ospreys say the funding is back by Swansea Council’s £5.1m investment and a further £2.5m from owners Y11 Sports & Media, whose negotiations with the WRU to buy Cardiff fell through in April.

Ospreys now say they are backed by continued investment from the ownership group and head into the new campaign with a strengthened squad and “one of the most significant stadium redevelopments in Welsh rugby under way”.

Foundations for the new 3G playing surface now laid and work is continuing across the wider site.

The Ospreys say phased redevelopment will include a new South Stand, a redeveloped West Stand and terrace, a designated fan zone, hospitality facilities and significant improvements for players, staff and supporters.

“Following one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history, both on and off the field, the commitment shown by supporters, players, staff, sponsors, partners and the wider community has helped the Ospreys move forward and establish stronger foundations for the future,” said Blyth.

“There is still a great deal of work ahead, but we are excited about where the Ospreys are going and determined to build a successful and sustainable future.”

Sports

How to watch Astros vs. Giants: TV channel and streaming options for August 12

Published

8 minutes ago

August 12, 2026

qasimgillani

Aug. 12, 2026 8:13 am EDT Updated

The Houston Astros visit the San Francisco Giants at 3:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, with both teams hoping to win the series. The Astros are 61-60 this season, first in the AL West. The Giants are 50-70, fourth in the NL West. Neither team has named a starter.

How to watch Houston Astros vs. San Francisco Giants

Astros vs. Giants odds

Favorite Moneyline: Astros -200
Underdog Moneyline: Giants +165
Total: 8
Total Over Odds: -110
Total Under Odds: -110

Injury reports

Astros

Brice Matthews: 10 Day IL (Knee), Mike Burrows: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Carlos Correa: 60 Day IL (Ankle), Brandon Walter: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Jose Altuve: day-to-day (Foot)

Giants

Harrison Bader: 10 Day IL (Plantar fasciitis), Matt Chapman: 10 Day IL (Leg), Casey Schmitt: 10 Day IL (Leg), Daniel Susac: 10 Day IL (Knee), Jesus Rodriguez: 10 Day IL (Elbow), Marcelo Mayer: 10 Day IL (Forearm), Trevor McDonald: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Rowan Wick: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Jose Butto: 60 Day IL (Arm), Matt Gage: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Joel Peguero: 60 Day IL (Hamstring), Randy Rodriguez: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Hayden Birdsong: 60 Day IL (Forearm)

Stats to know

Houston’s Yordan Alvarez has hit 35 home runs this season, which ranks 1st in MLB. He has also tallied 87 RBIs (2nd in MLB) and has scored 80 runs. In 526 plate appearances, he has recorded a .322 BA, .435 OBP and .623 SLG with a 15.8% walk rate and a 17.1% strikeout rate.
In 484 plate appearances, Isaac Paredes is hitting .256/.349/.419 with a .768 OPS. He has hit 15 long balls, driven in 62 runs and scored 45 times.
San Francisco’s Jung Hoo Lee is slashing .297/.332/.443 this season with nine home runs, 46 RBIs and an OPS of .774. He has a 10.3% strikeout rate and a 4% walk rate in 446 plate appearances, and he has scored 57 total runs. Lee has recorded eight steals on nine attempts.
In 507 plate appearances, Rafael Devers has hit 24 long balls (20th in MLB), tallied 64 RBIs and scored 62 runs. He is batting .246/.321/.470 and has posted a 26.6% strikeout rate and a 10.1% walk rate.

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

Photo: Jamie Squire, Ishika Samant, Scott Taetsch, Alika Jenner / Getty Images

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Aug 12, 2026

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Sports

How to watch Rockies vs. Diamondbacks: TV channel and streaming options for August 12

Published

15 minutes ago

August 12, 2026

qasimgillani

The Arizona Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies at 3:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday, with both teams hoping to win the series. Merrill Kelly (8-9, 4.88 ERA) will start for the Diamondbacks, who are 64-57 this season and second in the NL West. Ryan Feltner (4-6, 5.71 ERA) is starting for the Rockies, who are 47-73 and fifth in the NL West.

How to watch Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Rockies vs. Diamondbacks odds

Favorite Moneyline: Diamondbacks -179
Underdog Moneyline: Rockies +145
Total: 9.5
Total Over Odds: +100
Total Under Odds: -120

Injury reports

Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar: 10 Day IL (Hamstring), Lourdes Gurriel Jr.: 10 Day IL (Adductor), Tommy Troy: 10 Day IL (Shoulder), Ryan Thompson: 15 Day IL (Back), Drey Jameson: 15 Day IL (Hip), A.J. Puk: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Cristian Mena: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Blake Walston: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Ryne Nelson: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Zac Gallen: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Corbin Burnes: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Andrew Saalfrank: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Justin Martinez: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Geraldo Perdomo: day-to-day (Knee), Merrill Kelly: day-to-day (Leg)

Rockies

Tyler Freeman: 10 Day IL (Lumbar), Jeff Criswell: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), Jaden Hill: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), Sean Sullivan: 15 Day IL (Undisclosed), Chase Dollander: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Kris Bryant: 60 Day IL (Back), José Quintana: 60 Day IL (Elbow), McCade Brown: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), RJ Petit: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Welinton Herrera: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Pierson Ohl: 60 Day IL (Elbow)

Stats to know

Arizona’s Ketel Marte is slashing .249/.310/.448 this season with 21 home runs, 66 RBIs and an OPS of .758. He has a 15.1% strikeout rate and a 7.5% walk rate in 509 plate appearances, and he has scored 63 total runs.
In 507 plate appearances, Corbin Carroll has hit 17 long balls, tallied 56 RBIs and scored 73 runs (16th in MLB). He is batting .241/.335/.470 and has posted a 22.3% strikeout rate and an 11.2% walk rate. Carroll has recorded 16 steals on 18 attempts.
Colorado’s Jake McCarthy is slashing .303/.340/.511 this season with 13 home runs, 67 RBIs and an OPS of .851 (17th in MLB). He has a 17% strikeout rate and a 4.7% walk rate in 407 plate appearances, and he has scored 56 total runs. McCarthy has recorded 19 steals on 22 attempts.
In 469 plate appearances, TJ Rumfield has hit 13 long balls, tallied 59 RBIs and scored 50 runs. He is batting .294/.371/.455 and has posted a 14.3% strikeout rate and a 9.6% walk rate.

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

Photo: Jamie Squire, Ishika Samant, Scott Taetsch, Alika Jenner / Getty Images