Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces pressure after a poor performance in December, winning only one league game. Tensions between Maresca and Chelsea's leadership have emerged following his comments criticizing the club's hierarchy. Chelsea is currently in the middle of a challenging period in the league, but the goal remains to qualify for the Champions League.
Key Facts
Chelsea had only one league win in December.
Manager Enzo Maresca’s relationship with Chelsea's leadership is strained due to his comments.
Chelsea aims to qualify for the Champions League, currently sitting fifth in the league.
Maresca was appointed from Leicester City for a reported fee and was expected to focus on coaching.
Chelsea’s strategy is to build a young team by signing top young talent.
Maresca has publicly expressed frustration over perceived inadequate support and unfulfilled promises like not signing a defender.
Key midfielder Moises Caicedo will miss Chelsea's next match against Manchester City.
The club conducts performance reviews at the end of the season to decide on managerial changes.
The New York Knicks will face the San Antonio Spurs on December 31, 2025, as part of the NBA season. The Knicks have won their last three games, while the Spurs have lost their previous two. Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama are notable players for their respective teams.
Key Facts
The Knicks beat the New Orleans Pelicans 130-125 in a recent game, with Jalen Brunson scoring 28 points.
Jalen Brunson averages 29.4 points and 6.6 assists per game for the Knicks.
The Spurs lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-101, with Victor Wembanyama scoring 26 points.
Victor Wembanyama averages 24.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game for the Spurs.
The game between the Knicks and Spurs is on December 31, 2025.
The game will air on FanDuel Sports Network Southwest and MSG, with streaming available on Fubo.
The Knicks have a season record of 23-9, matching the Spurs' record.
Streaming services like Fubo offer a free trial and include major sports channels.
The article promotes a sports betting opportunity using the Bet365 bonus code "WEEK365" for the College Football Playoff games, including the Miami vs. Ohio State game. It explains how new users can choose between a $150 bonus bet or a $1,000 first bet refund offer.
Key Facts
Bet365 offers a bonus code "WEEK365" for College Football Playoff games.
Users can choose between a $150 bonus bet from a $5 wager or a $1,000 first bet refund.
The Miami vs. Ohio State game kicks off the quarterfinals, with Ohio State as the No. 2 seed.
Other matchups include Oregon vs. Texas Tech, Alabama vs. Indiana, and Ole Miss vs. Georgia.
Bet365 provides various bet boosts, enhancing potential returns on specific bets.
Before games begin, odds for national championship winners are available.
Users must register using the code and deposit funds to activate the offer.
The article discusses the upcoming College Football Playoff quarterfinal games and the betting odds for these matches. Ohio State is considered a strong favorite, with other teams like Indiana and Georgia also seen as potential winners. The games will take place on December 31 and January 1, available for viewing on ESPN.
Key Facts
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals feature teams such as Ohio State, Miami, Oregon, and Alabama.
Ohio State is favored to win the national title, with betting odds reflecting this.
Four quarterfinal games will air on ESPN over two days: December 31 and January 1.
The matches include Miami versus Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl and Ole Miss versus Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
Odds vary slightly between different betting platforms, like FanDuel and DraftKings.
Miami's previous game involved a strong defensive performance but an overall low-scoring match.
Ohio State features a strong defense with highly-ranked NFL Draft prospects on their team.
The article discusses a promotion by theScore Bet, offering a $100 bonus for newly signed-up users who place a $10 bet on college football games. It highlights specific games such as the Miami-Ohio State playoff, various bowl games, and offers guidance on how to make eligible bets through theScore Bet app.
Key Facts
theScore Bet offers a $100 bonus for new users who place a $10 bet on specific college football games.
The offer is valid for games on New Year's Eve, including the Miami-Ohio State playoff and four bowl games.
Additional games available the next day include Oregon-Texas Tech, Alabama-Indiana, and Ole Miss-Georgia.
To qualify, users must sign up, make a deposit, and place their initial $10 bet.
Suggested betting options and special betting markets on theScore Bet app include alternate spreads and total points predictions.
The promotion includes potential combinations for winning bets in college football playoff games.
Users must use their bonus bets within seven days if they win.
The promotion code to use is "NEWSWEEK," and Newsweek may earn a commission for sign-ups via article links.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) had a challenging start to the college football bowl season, winning only two out of six games. While SEC teams performed well in the College Football Playoff (CFP), they struggled in other bowl games.
Key Facts
The SEC was well represented in the College Football Playoff with multiple teams competing.
Alabama and Ole Miss advanced in the CFP, while Oklahoma and Texas A&M were eliminated in the first round.
Outside the CFP, SEC teams lost several bowl games, including Vanderbilt's loss to Iowa and Missouri's loss to Virginia.
LSU, another SEC team, was defeated by Houston in the Texas Bowl.
Tennessee was beaten by Illinois in the Music City Bowl.
Fans on social media criticized the SEC's overall bowl performance.
Ole Miss is set to play against Georgia in an upcoming playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl.
The United States will face Sweden in a Group A match at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Both teams are undefeated and the game will take place on December 31, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. The match will be broadcasted on the NHL Network and available for live streaming on Fubo.
Key Facts
The United States and Sweden will play in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship on December 31, 2025.
The game is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM ET.
It will be shown on the NHL Network.
Viewers can watch a live stream on Fubo, a service that offers streaming of TV channels.
The United States team is undefeated with a 3-0 record in the tournament so far.
Sweden also enters the game undefeated, having shown strong offensive performances.
The match will take place in the Twin Cities, on home ice for Team USA.
The winner will have an advantage in the tournament's knockout round.
The article talks about a promo code for new users of the Sleeper app which offers fantasy sports betting. It highlights the code NEWSWEEKXL that provides bonuses for bet placements on college football bowl games and NBA games on New Year’s Eve.
Key Facts
Sleeper app offers a promo code, NEWSWEEKXL, for new users.
The promo includes up to $120 in bonuses for sports betting.
It applies to college football and NBA games on New Year’s Eve.
College football games mentioned include Miami-Ohio State and others.
NBA games featured include matchups like Knicks-Spurs and Warriors-Raptors.
Users can choose a $20 bonus immediately or a deposit match for up to $100.
The Sleeper app allows users to make over/under predictions in the games.
There are different payout options: max entry (all picks correct) or flex entry (some picks correct).
BetMGM offers new customers a bonus code for New Year's Eve betting on NBA and college football games. The bonus includes a $1,500 safety net offer or a $150 bonus, depending on your location. Users can wager on various games and future College Football Playoff outcomes.
Key Facts
BetMGM provides a bonus code for new bettors on New Year's Eve games.
The $1,500 safety net offer allows risk-free betting; you get your money back if you lose.
In specific states (MI, NJ, PA, WV), users get a $150 bonus with a $10 winning bet.
There are nine NBA games available for betting, including Suns-Cavaliers and Knicks-Spurs.
College football games such as Arizona State-Duke and Miami-Ohio State are also available.
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals start on New Year's Eve.
Users can also place futures bets on which team might win the College Football Playoff.
Available odds for winning the playoff include Ohio State at +185 and Alabama at +1600.
The ESPN BET promo code NEWSWEEK offers a chance to get $100 in bonus bets for college football games. To qualify, users need to place and win a $10 bet. The offer is available through the rebranded ESPN BET app, now known as theScore Bet.
Key Facts
Users can get $100 in bonus bets by using the promo code NEWSWEEK.
To get the bonus, you must first place and win a $10 bet.
The app offering this promotion is theScore Bet, previously called ESPN BET.
Different college football games are listed, like Iowa vs. Vanderbilt and Miami vs. Ohio State.
Suggestions for bets include options like Texas moneyline and Oregon +9.5 alternate spread.
Bonus bets must be used within seven days.
Newsweek may earn commissions through sign-ups from this offer.
Additional restrictions and terms may apply as outlined by the sportsbook operator.
Diego Pavia, a college football quarterback for Vanderbilt, played his last game for the team in the ReliaQuest Bowl. After the game, he announced his intention to join the NFL. Pavia addressed concerns about his height and playing style but aims to enter the NFL Draft.
Key Facts
Diego Pavia played for Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa.
Vanderbilt lost the game with a close score of 34-27.
Pavia had nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns during the game.
He announced his plan to move to the NFL after the game.
There were rumors about Pavia seeking another year in college football, but he clarified his move to the NFL.
Pavia's height has been questioned, possibly affecting his transition to the NFL.
He helped Vanderbilt achieve a 10-win season, making them strong contenders.
The Dallas Cowboys released cornerback Trevon Diggs just before Week 18 of the NFL season. The Green Bay Packers signed Diggs, but he won't play with Micah Parsons because Parsons is injured.
Key Facts
The Dallas Cowboys released Trevon Diggs, a former All-Pro cornerback.
Diggs had a season filled with injuries and has been a subject of ongoing availability questions.
The Cowboys' decision was financially sensible as they had already paid Diggs' guaranteed money.
The Green Bay Packers will cover Diggs' Week 18 salary and additional payment if he plays.
Diggs' former teammate, Micah Parsons, who is now with the Packers, reacted to the news on social media.
Parsons will not play in Week 18 due to a torn ACL suffered earlier in the season.
Trevon Diggs has only played 21 games over the past two seasons due to knee injuries.
Diggs brings experience to the Packers despite questions about his physical condition.
Questions have been raised about why Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy was not included in the King's New Year Honours list despite his significant achievements in golf, including completing a career Grand Slam. McIlroy had previously received an MBE in 2012 and there was public support for him to be knighted. The honours list, announced recently, recognized more than 50 people from Northern Ireland.
Key Facts
Rory McIlroy did not appear on the King's New Year Honours list despite expectations.
McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in April.
He led Team Europe to victory in the Ryder Cup against the U.S. hosts.
The Ulster Unionist Party leader publicly supported his knighthood.
McIlroy was awarded an MBE in 2012 for his early career accomplishments.
The honours list named more than 50 people from Northern Ireland this year.
Questions about the omission were directed to the Cabinet Office, which did not comment on individual cases.
The honours are awarded for significant public achievements and contributions.
Everton did not receive a penalty during their match against Arsenal, which a review panel later said should have been given. In another match, the panel agreed that a penalty call against Newcastle in their game with Chelsea was correct, while also supporting decisions in a game between Tottenham and Liverpool.
Key Facts
A panel reviewed a match incident where Everton’s Thierno Barry was not awarded a penalty in their game against Arsenal, disagreeing with the referee's decision.
The clash happened when Arsenal's William Saliba kicked Barry's boot inside the penalty area.
The review panel, made up of five members including former players and coaches, voted 3:2 that the penalty should have been awarded.
Everton manager David Moyes questioned the decision, noting inconsistency with similar situations.
In the Chelsea vs. Newcastle match, the panel agreed with the referee not awarding a penalty, although there was debate about the contact involved.
In the Tottenham vs. Liverpool game, the panel supported a red card given to Tottenham's Xavi Simons and a goal by Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike.
All decisions discussed were related to the Premier League matches on December 20th.
The panel includes representatives from both the Premier League and a referees' organization.
In a recent podcast, ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit discussed how the expansion of college football bowl games might be affecting their value. He mentioned that too many bowl games mean fewer high-quality competitions and suggested there should be stricter requirements for teams to qualify. Herbstreit pointed out that teams with lower records are now getting into bowl games, which didn't happen in the past.
Key Facts
ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit talked about the number of college football bowl games in a podcast.
He suggested there are too many bowl games, which might reduce their specialness.
Herbstreit proposed having stricter rules for teams to qualify for bowl games.
He mentioned that in the past, only teams with better records, like 8-4, made it to bowl games.
The College Football Playoff is expanding to 12 teams.
Herbstreit's comments were considered controversial and did not align with ESPN's practices.
This season, some teams entered bowl games with losing records, like 5-7.
Alabama's football team is preparing to play against Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Alabama's quarterback, Ty Simpson, faces a tough challenge because Indiana has one of the best defenses in the country. Alabama has strong players to support Simpson, but concerns remain about Indiana's ability to score.
Key Facts
Alabama beat top teams including Georgia, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee in the College Football Playoff.
They will face Indiana in the Rose Bowl on January 1.
Indiana ranks fourth in total defense, allowing 257.2 yards per game.
Indiana ranks second in scoring defense, allowing only 10.8 points per game.
Alabama’s quarterback, Ty Simpson, has thrown for 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns this season.
In a previous game against Oklahoma, Simpson had 232 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban expressed concerns about Indiana's strong defense.
Saban mentioned the talent of Indiana’s players, including quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The article discusses a promotion where new users of the Underdog app can receive a $75 bonus when they make a $5 play on NBA, College Football Playoff, or other games. The article provides details on how to participate in the promotion and highlights some key upcoming sports events and matchups. Users can also take advantage of additional features and promotions within the app.
Key Facts
New users can receive a $75 bonus for a $5 play by using the Underdog promo code NEWSWEEK.
The offer covers NBA, College Football Playoff, and other sports games.
Upcoming NBA games include matchups like Knicks-Spurs and Suns-Cavaliers.
College Football Playoff games, including Miami-Ohio State, are also highlighted.
Users make picks for players to perform above or below set lines for certain stats.
The "Snowball Boost" promo gives a 10% profit boost on initial plays, increasing with each play.
Users need to provide personal information and make a deposit to claim the offer.
Newsweek may earn a commission if readers sign up through their links.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, at age 42, is contemplating whether to continue his NFL career after this season. He has one year left on his contract and remains focused on the upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens, which is crucial for the Steelers' playoff chances.
Key Facts
Aaron Rodgers is currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers will play against the Baltimore Ravens for a spot in the AFC Playoffs.
Rodgers is 42 years old and nearing the end of his one-year contract.
He mentioned he would become a free agent after the season, providing options if he chooses to continue playing.
Rodgers has been in the NFL since 2005 and previously won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.
He is ranked fifth in all-time NFL passing yards.
Rodgers has won four NFL MVP awards during his career.
The article discusses a promotion where people can receive a $10 bonus from Kalshi for making predictions on college football and NBA games. Users need to create a new account and make $100 worth of trades to qualify for the bonus. Kalshi allows for predictions on various games, including the college football playoffs.
Key Facts
The Kalshi promo offers a $10 bonus for predictions on sports games.
New users must create an account and use the promo code NEWSWEEK.
A $100 in-game predictions is needed to unlock the $10 bonus.
Sports predictions include college football bowl games and NBA matches.
Key college football games mentioned are Miami-Ohio State, Oregon-Texas Tech, Alabama-Indiana, and Ole Miss-Georgia.
Users can also make predictions on other topics like politics and weather.
The process involves trading contracts that can be sold if predictions are on track.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through the links provided.
Indiana's head football coach, Curt Cignetti, expressed concerns about his team's practice performance as they prepare to face Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Due to a different travel schedule, the team experienced disruptions in their usual practice routine. Cignetti emphasized the need for urgent preparation before their important game on Thursday.
Key Facts
Curt Cignetti is Indiana's head football coach.
Indiana will play Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl.
The team traveled earlier than usual to Southern California.
Cignetti warned his players to improve their practice performance.
He highlighted that the practice format was more like a bowl game than a regular playoff game.
Alabama's head coach, Kalen DeBoer, also mentioned the unusual travel schedule.
Cignetti suggested that the CFP should consider changing the travel rules.
The winner of the Indiana vs. Alabama game will play in the Peach Bowl CFP semifinal on January 9.
