Heavy is the head that wears Wally, and Caleb Durbin has taken that on, bouncing back from a rough start to help the Red Sox get back into contention. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Boston Red Sox hired Craig Breslow to be their Chief Baseball Officer on October 25, 2023. He took the reigns from Chaim Bloom who had been let go at seasons end. Breslow, a former pitcher and Yale graduate, supposedly brought baseball know-how and a players mentality to the front office. It has not worked out that way. One of the repeated gripes about Breslow is that he does not communicate well with his players. But that would not be an issue if he could put a winning team on the field.That most certainly was not the case through nearly the first half of the season. After 78 games, Boston was 32-46, had two of their best players on the IL (Garrett Crochet since late April and Roman Anthony since early May), and had already fired essentially the whole coaching staff, including beloved manager Alex Cora.Interim manager Chad Tracy, brought up from Triple-A Worcester, had the unenviable task of trying to right the ship while learning on the fly. By all accounts he kept a steady hand, trusted the process, and allowed the team to evolve and mature. And then lightning struck.After losing to the woeful Rockies 8-6 in Denver, the Red Sox came home and mopped* the hated Yankees, including a walk-off win in the 10th inning of the final game of the series. They then swept the Nationals to finish the homestand. Heading west, they took three straight from the Angels, won all three against the White Sox, and went into the All-Star break with a sweep of the Mets in Flushing. They came out of the break taking mopping the Rays, and then the first two against the Orioles. After 15 consecutive wins, the Red Sox found themselves four games above .500. Baltimore snapped the streak with a win in the second game of a double header, but Boston came back with another win against Toronto. They are now in the second wild card spot in the American League.There are many reasons for the this turnaround, but one can be found on the left side of the diamond, extremely close to the fans lucky enough to sit in those box seats.Prior the season, much was made of Bostons failure to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, who brought a steady glove at third, a steady right-handed bat in the middle of the order, and a steadying presence in the clubhouse. While it is difficult to quantify his impact in the Cubs locker room, on the field this year Bregman is slashing just .237/.333/.355, with 10 home runs. His replacement in the Back Bay was Caleb Durbin, acquired from the Brewers. Durbin got off to a horrific start, making Red Sox fans question the failure to sign Bregman even more. But over the past 31 games, Durbin is slashing .318/.390/.555, with twelve extra base hits. With his hot streak for the season his stats are roughly the same as Bregmans. Except Durbin is making less than $800,000, and Bregman makes that amount every three and half games.Alex Bregman signed a $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, but has not lived up to his salary so far. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Cubs signed Bregman for five years, which will take him through his age-36 season, at $35 million per. He has been a consistent hitter and fielder for most of his career, so this year could simply be an aberration. Or it could be the beginning of a slow descent. The offer from the Red Sox that Bregman turned down was for five years and $165 million (with deferments). Durbin, on the other hand, is in his second season, came in third in Rookie of the Year voting last year, and is under team control through 2031. The Red Sox can pay him what they want (at or above league minimum, which is still TBD as they negotiate the new CBA) for the next two years. If nothing else, Boston will be paying approximately $32 million per year less for their everyday third baseman for the next two seasons. And even assuming arbitration numbers equivalent to what similar players have been paid*, Durbin will still be a massive value and discount.*In their first year of arbitration, these players settled as follows: Brendan Donovan: $2.85 million; Nico Hoerner: $2.5 million; Tommy Edman: $4.2 million. The latter two signed extensions before going to arbitration a second time, while Donovan signed for $5.8 million.It may be that the Red Sox dont make the playoffs and that Bregman turns his season around and comes up huge for the Cubs in October. It may that the Fenway Faithful are not done wringing their hands over the lack of right-handed thump in the lineup and Bregmans tutelage with the young core. But Breslow did not hide who he was when John Henry hired him. He had the same view of the game as Billy Beane when Henry tried to hire him in 2003; and the same view as Theo Epstein, who Henry hired when Beane passed. In fact, the only head of baseball operations the Red Sox have had this century who didnt hue to value over headlines was Dave Dombrowski. He did his job, built a winner, and then was shown the door. Said differently, there is no one right way in Boston. Breslow is sticking with his plan, and ownership seems to be on board, even if the fans may not always be. That said, having the longest winning streak since the days of Ted Williams, and winning 22 of 26, may win over some doubters. Lets see what Breslow does at the trade deadline.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The Crew had little time to dwell on their 2-1 loss to New York City FC from July 22, as their focus quickly shifted to the first Hell is Real matchup of 2026.Even before FC Cincinnati officially joined MLS in 2018, the two Ohio-based clubs had begun building a heated rivalry. The Crew were defeated 1-0 in their first meeting during the 2017 U.S. Open Cup, despite Cincinnati being a USL team.The Crew have built a 9-5-6 record against Cincinnati since 2019, but their most recent matchup in the first round of the 2025 MLS Cup resulted in a season-ending 2-1 loss for Columbus."Every time, it's an intense game," Crew midfielder Dylan Chambost said. "Our fans are waiting for this game, and of course, we know that they beat us in the playoffs last season, and we didn't forget."Going into the first of two Hell is Real games scheduled for the regular season, the Crew are the underdog, sitting with a 4-8-4 record and already undergoing a coaching change from Henrik Rydstrom to Laurent Courtois in May. Cincinnati is led by Pat Noonan, who is in his sixth season as head coach, and is 6-5-5."I know it's a pretty big deal," Courtois said. "You don't want to get overwhelmed by the emotions and fall into a game that disrupts your goals and objectives. But at the same time, you have to match the intensity."More: How Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati's Hell is Real rivalry got its nameThe Crew have scored just 22 goals this season, while Cincinnati has recorded 40, 10 coming from All-Star midfielder Evander Da Silva Ferreira.This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Coming up: Columbus Crew face FC Cincinnati in first Hell is Real of 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed their defensive line in a major way over the past several years, and one of the newest faces Derrick Harmon could be looking for a Year 2 breakout.From now until the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Harmon and what could be in store for his 2026 season.At a glanceHeight: 6-foot-4Weight: 313 poundsAge: 22NFL experience: 2Career with the Steelers Harmon, who was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, dealt with a knee injury early in his rookie season. Despite missing five games, Harmon quickly made an impact and ultimately earned the Joe Greene Great Performance Award for his strong debut season.Appearing in 12 games, including eight starts, Harmon finished the season with 27 combined tackles, five quarterback hits and three sacks. But there's reason to believe Harmon is in for even bigger things in 2026.What's next in 2026?Harmon is playing alongside one of the greatest defensive rosters Pittsburgh has had in a long while. Couple that with a competent, defensive-minded coach in DC Patrick Graham and another year of NFL experience under his belt, and Harmon should take a massive Year 2 leap. At only 22 years old, Harmon is aiming to become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's defense for many seasons to come and that starts in 2026.For up-to-dateSteelerscoverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X@TheSteelersWireand give ourFacebook pagea like.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers roster spotlight: Is Derrick Harmon primed for Year 2 breakout?

On this day 49 years ago, Brian Downing went deep to complete a stirring comeback against the Red Sox. | (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)1954In the first game of a twin bill at Boston, White Sox pitcherJack Harshmanset the franchise record by striking out 16 Red Sox.Harshman, a converted first baseman, was taught a slip pitch (a variation of a palm ball) by managerPaul Richards.Harshman got the win, 5-2. At the time, Harshmans 16 Ks were two shy of the major league record. Thirteen of his strikeouts were swinging on the day.The White Sox ended up sweeping the doubleheader by taking the second game, 4-2.It would be 69 years before a White Sox pitcher tied Harshmans record, as Lance Lynn whiffed 16 at Seattle in 2023.1955White Sox pitcher Ted Lyons and teammate Ray Schalk entered the Hall of Fame.Lyonsspent his entire 21-year career with the White Sox, winning a total of 260 games. He won at least 10 games in a season 17 times, and in three of those years he won more than 20. He had a staggering 356 complete games, and saved 25 as well!Schalk retired having caught more games than anyone in history, and as the best defensive catcher in baseball in the early part of the 20th Century he led the league in fielding, putouts, assists and chances in various years. He caught four no-hitters, including Charlie Robertsons perfect game.The two were teammates on the South Side from 1923-29.1959Marathon game No. 2 of the 1959 season took place (again) against the Orioles (and again) at Comiskey Park. This one was another 17-inning affair that saw the White Sox tie the game in the ninth, and later win it thanks toHarry Suitcase Simpsonssingle, scoringSammy Esposito. The final was 3-2.Bob Shawstarted and went 11 innings, andTurk Lownthen went the last six innings and got the win.1961In the bottom of the fourth inning of a doubleheader opener at Yankee Stadium, Roger Maris tied Mickey Mantle for the MLB home run lead with his 37th homer of the season to bring in two runs. The tie lasted just one batter, however, as Mantle went back-to-back with Maris for his 38th homer of the year, helping the Bombers to a 5-1 win over the White Sox.However, Maris would not be denied, adding a second homer in the eighth inning to re-tie Mantle, then clubbing two more in the 12-0 nightcap whitewash to end the day with 40 homers.It wouldnt be the last tie between the sluggers, although Maris prevailed in the end, hitting a record 61st homer on the final day of the season.1967Only one time in franchise history have the White Sox had two walk-off home runs on the same day. It was a twi-night doubleheader at Comiskey Park hosting Cleveland, with both won in dramatic fashion.In the first game the Sox rallied from down a run in the eighth inning then got the game winner whenJ.C. Martinslugged a two-run shot off of Sudden Sam McDowell scoringTommie Agee ahead of him to win the game, 3-1.The nightcap went into the 16thinning after the Sox again rallied with two runs in the eighth inning. They then trailed in the 16th, 5-4, beforeKen Berrybelted a two-run blast offof Steve Bailey, scoringKen Boyerahead of him to win it, 6-5.Only other time (2010) since have the White Sox won back-to-back games with sayonara homers.1977 A magical season continued, as Brian Downing hit a ninth-inning home run at Boston that would defeat the Red Sox, 8-7. It was Downings only at-bat of the game, entering in the seventh after starter Jim Essian was removed for a pinch-hitter.The White Sox scored seven runs in the final three innings, having fallen behind at Fenway Park, 6-1. Jim Spencers three-run homer with two outs in the top of the eighth had brought the White Sox all the way back to tie the game, 7-7.2002The White Sox traded second baseman Ray Durham to Oakland for pitcher Jon Adkins.While not exactly a White Flag move, the White Sox were just three games under .500 and six games out of first place. At the time of the trade, Durham sported a team-best 3.4 WAR in 96 games, while primary replacement Willie Harris would log -0.2 WAR in Durhams stead the rest of the season. Durham would have four more full, productive seasons after the trade.Durhams 21.4 WAR places him 22nd in White Sox history among all hitters, and third among second basemen behind only Eddie Collins and Nellie Fox.Adkins would pitch in 59 games over three seasons for the White Sox, accumulating 0.1 WAR.2014Jos Abreu became the 26th rookie in MLB history to hit 30 home runs in a season. The 30th long ball came in his 89th game of the season, which was the third-fastest pace behind Rudy York (79 games) and Mark McGwire (84).2020Some afternoons, you just cant miss. Such was the case, in this game, for White Sox utility playerLeury Garca. Against the Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field,Leuryhomered from both sides of the plate in a 10-3 pasting of Minnesota. His first home run came hitting left-handed, off of Zach Littell. The other long ball came hitting right-handed off of Devin Smeltzer. On the day, Garca went 3-for-4 with two runs and four RBIs. He became the eighth White Sox player to have switch-hit homers in a game.

Jul 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Robert Gasser (54) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesYesterday, the Brewers had a lot more hard-hit baseballs than the Rockies did, but they ultimately had nothing to show for it as Colorado won, 5-2, with the Brewers only two runs coming on solo homers by Christian Yelich and Brice Turang. Today, Milwaukee will look to even the series behind the series behind the pitching of Robert Gasser. Hell face off with the Rockies Ryan Feltner.Gasser has had mixed results his last couple of times out. On Sunday against Miami, Gasser was quite goodfive innings, one run, and five strikeouts to zero walks in a 3-1 victory. But the time before, just before the All-Star break in Pittsburgh, was one of the worst starts in his big-league career in which he gave up seven runs in three innings. Lets maybe chalk that one up to pre-break doldrums; if you remove that one start from Gassers season total, his ERA drops a full run, from 4.91 to 3.91.Feltner, a 29-year-old right-hander in his sixth season, has been a below average pitcher for his career and has a career ERA of 5.24, but hes always managed to pitch well against the Brewers. In six starts between 2022 and 2026, hes got an ERA of 2.67 in 33 2/3 innings, and the Rockies are 3-3 in games that hes started against the Brewers, despite an overall record of 273-480 in that time. Overall this season, Feltner is 3-4 with a 5.48 ERA (91 ERA+, thanks Coors Field) and 5.68 FIP in 14 starts. Feltner should be hittable, but as we can see, that doesnt always translate to actually being hittable.After Joey Ortiz started at shortstop (and struggledhe can only hit when playing third!) yesterday, hell cede the position back to Cooper Pratt and start on the bench today. David Hamilton is in the lineup for his second straight start at third base after getting activated from the injured list yesterday, and the rest of the infield is Turang and Jake Bauers. Christian Yelich is the DH and William Contreras does the catching while Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Luis Lara man the outfield.First pitch today is at 6:10 p.m. on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network. Have a good Saturday!Gasser takes the mound: https://t.co/eycfmE2vgm: WTMJ https://t.co/mvGXoRMTFSpic.twitter.com/yhEg4eF8Xj Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 25, 2026Back for Game 2 pic.twitter.com/30ZQekPnoL Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 25, 2026

The Chicago Cubs (58-45) opened a seven-game road trip against National League Central rivals with a win on Friday night over the Pittsburgh Pirates (53-51) and look to clinch the three-game series as the teams run it back on Saturday night at PNC Park.Jul 24, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jared Triolo (19) beats the throw to Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) for an infield single during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesHow to Watch Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh PiratesDate: Saturday, July 25, 2026Time: 6:30 PM ETChannel: Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet PittsburghStream: Fubo (TRY FOR FREE)Dansby Swanson singled home the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th, and Seiya Suzuki pushed home a score with a bases-loaded walk as Chicago opened the series with a 3-2 victory on Friday night. Pete Crow-Armstrong tied the game with a solo shot in the sixth and Matthew Boyd turned in a strong outing in a no-decision, allowing a run on seven hits over seven innings.The Pirates closed the deficit to 3-2 in the 12th when Nick Gonzales drove in a run with a groundout before Bryan Reynolds lined out to end the game. Jared Jones turned in a gem, allowing a run on two hits over six innings, and Henry Davis gave Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead in the fifth, reaching on an infield single with the bases loaded.Reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes (9-8) gets the start for Pittsburgh, entering play with a 3.43 ERA and 1.040 WHIP while striking out 138 in 115.1 innings over 21 starts. Left-hander Shota Imanaga (6-8) takes the ball for Chicago with a 3.91 ERA and 1.113 WHIP in 20 starts and 115 innings.Live stream Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates on Fubo: Start your free trial now!With Fubo, you can watch live television without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet. Fubo carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, Comedy Central, and much more. The best part is you can try it out today for free.Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

When does Luke Littler play at the 2026 World Matchplay of Darts? Schedule, opponents and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Luke Littler headlines the group of 32 players heading to Blackpool for the 2026 World Matchplay of Darts.He was the winner of the event last summer, and in his attempt to win every major on the 2026 PDC calendar, he'll look to defend his title in Blackpool to continue that historic streak.It's one of the hardest tournaments to win, though, so let's take a look at what a route to the title looks like for him.When does Luke Littler play at the 2026 World Matchplay of Darts? Schedule, opponents and moreHere is what to expect with Littler's schedule and potential opponents.Route to titleRoundOpponentDate: Time (local)First roundNiko SpringerSat. July 18Second roundNathan AspinallTues. July 21: 9:15 p.m.QuarterfinalsJosh RockThurs. July 23: 9:30 p.m.SemifinalsDirk van DuijvenbodeSat. July 25: 9:40 p.m.FinalGerwyn PriceSun. July 26: 8:10p.m.First roundLittler plays an unseeded Niko Springer, who is making his Matchplay debut, in the first round on Saturday.The two players have only faced off in the PDC once before, with Littler winning a PC event 6-5 last year. Both players averaged over 102 in that match, and combined for 10 180s.MORE:2026 World Matchplay of Darts first round predictions and previews: 6 seeds heading home early?Second roundLuke Littler and Nathan Aspinall both had impressive 105+ averages in their first-round matches.They're now set to clash in the second round for a spot in the quarterfinal.Despite Aspinall being the lowest-number seed in the event, he's playing far from that label, and we could be in for an entertaining contest between them.QuarterfinalsLittler is coming off one of the best games of his career, and will face Josh Rock in the quarterfinals.This is the second straight year the two will play in Blackpool, as one of the two will return to the semifinals for the second straight year as well.SemifinalLuke Littler is in a second straight Matchplay semifinal, and will take on Dirk van Duijvenbode, the only unseeded player remaining.FinalLittler is in yet another major final, and he'll resume his rivalry with Gerwyn Price, whom he's already beaten in multiple matches at major events in 2026.*Visit The Sporting News' Darts page to stay updated on all news from the 2026 World Matchplay. This article will be updated if and when Littler advances throughout the eventMore Darts articles:2026 World Matchplay of Darts: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explainedLuke Littler contract details: Teenage phenom signs richest endorsement deal in darts history2026 World Matchplay Darts qualifiersBig names set to miss the 2026 World Matchplay of DartsWatch: Luke Littler hits nine-darter in one of the greatest legs of all time against Josh Rock

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 14: New England Patriots players huddle during the first half of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesComing off a berth in Super Bowl LX, the New England Patriots are in the process of retooling their roster. They made some moves in free agency to improve the foundation, and added some youth in the NFL Draft and rookie free agency.In order not to get lost amid all the movement, here is our handy up-to-date Patriots roster and depth chart.Patriots updated roster: 92 players^denotes roster exemption | denotes active/PUP/NFI designationQuarterback (3):Drake Maye (10), Tommy DeVito (16), Behren Morton (15)Running back (7):Rhamondre Stevenson (38), TreVeyon Henderson (32), Reggie Gilliam (44 | FB), Terrell Jennings (26), Lan Larison (34), Jam Miller (30), Myles Montgomery (39)Wide receiver (12): A.J. Brown (1),Romeo Doubs (87), Kayshon Boutte (9), Mack Hollins (13), Kyle Williams (18), DeMario Douglas (3), Efton Chism III (86), Jeremiah Webb (29), Kyle Dixon (83), Nick DeGennaro (23), Cameron Dorner (88), Kobe Prentice ()Tight end (7):Hunter Henry (85), Jack Westover (37), Eli Raridon (82), C.J. Dippre (81), Tanner Arkin (84), Mitch Van Vooren (46), Jeremiah Franklin (80)Offensive tackle (7):Will Campbell (66 | LT), Morgan Moses (76 | RT), Caleb Lomu (74), James Hudson III (51), Marcus Bryant (52), Lorenz Metz^ (72), Dametrious Crownover (68)Interior offensive line (9):Alijah Vera-Tucker (75 | LG), Jared Wilson (55 | C), Mike Onwenu (71 | RG), Ben Brown (77), Caedan Wallace (70), Andrew Rupcich (67), Mehki Butler (63), Jacob Rizy (64), JonDarius Morgan (69)Interior defensive line (9):Milton Williams (97), Christian Barmore (90), Cory Durden (94), Joshua Farmer (92), Leonard Taylor III (93), Eric Gregory (95), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98), David Blay Jr. (96), Isaiah Iton (62)Defensive edge (8):Harold Landry III (2), DreMont Jones (5), Elijah Ponder (91), Bradyn Swinson (43), Jesse Luketa (42), Quintayvious Hutchins (45), Xavier Holmes (58)Linebacker (9):Robert Spillane (14), Christian Elliss (53), K.J. Britt (35), Chad Muma (49), Otis Reese (54), Amari Gainer (99), Namdi Obiazor (48), Khalil Jacobs (59), Riley Wilson (51)Cornerback (11):Christian Gonzalez (0), Carlton Davis III (7), Marcus Jones (25 | PR), Charles Woods (22), Kindle Vildor (28), Kobee Minor (19), Marcellas Dial Jr. (27), Brandon Crossley (39), Karon Prunty (21), Channing Canada (29), Kenneth Harris (36)Safety (7):Kevin Byard (31), Craig Woodson (4), Dell Pettus (24), Mike Brown (33), Brenden Schooler (41), John Saunders Jr. (23), Peter Manuma (34)Kicker (1):Andy Borregales (36)Punter (1): Bryce Baringer (17 | H)Long snapper (1): Julian Ashby (47)Patriots reserve lists: 3 players*denotes unsigned draft pickDid not report (1): ED Gabe Jacas* (50)Injured reserve (2): TE Julian Hill (80), WR Jimmy Kibble (19)

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 20: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesChicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, July 12, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ETThe Pittsburgh Pirates are in the second matchup of a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.The Pirates are handing the ball to Paul Skenes, who has been on a bit of a hot streak as of late. Skenes has won each of his last three starts, including his most recent against the Cleveland Guardians on July 19. Skenes pitched seven innings, marking the fourth time hes gone that far in a game this season. He gave up seven hits and one run in the teams victory at Progressive Field.The Cubs will trot out Shota Imanaga, who is 6-8 with a 3.91 ERA so far this season. The 32-year-old is in his third season with the Cubs but is not pitching at the level he was at when he was an All-Star back in his rookie year in 2024. Despite that, Imanaga still has the stuff that can lead the Cubs to victory. He did so in his last start on July 19 against the Minnesota Twins, pitching seven innings, giving up six hits with no earned runs in a 10-1 rout at Wrigley Field.Now, the Pirates are tasked with hitting off of Imanaga, which didnt work out well for them in April when he faced them. Imanaga pitched six hitless innings, but the Pirates rallied late for a 2-0 victory.Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PABroadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet PittsburghPitching Matchup: Shota Imanaga (6-8, 3.91 ERA) vs. Paul Skenes (9-8, 3.43 ERA)BD community, chime off in the comments section below.

Andoni Iraolas first 5 Liverpool games analysed how many points will the Reds pick up?Andoni Iraola is now just over a month away from his first official game as Liverpool head coach, and its from then that his reign at Anfield will begin to be judged in earnest.The 44-year-old will have a few pre-season fixtures in which to implement his ideas and try out various combinations of players without the competitive pressure for victory, and that period could prove vital in setting the tone for the campaign aheadAs the start of the 2026/27 Premier League inches ever closer, punters will be checking thesports betting Ireland odds for each game in which LFC are involved lets have a look at who the Reds will face in their first five matches, and how many points theyre likely to yield from those games.Liverpools first five Premier League games of 2026/27Newcastle (A), 23 AugustEddie Howes side may have lost Sandro Tonali to Spurs, and Bruno Guimaraes could end up at Arsenal in the coming weeks, but an opening weekend trip to St James Park is likely to be fraught with danger for Liverpool.This was a spicy fixture last summer amid the Alexander Isak transfer saga, and if the Swede is on the pitch for the Reds in a months time, the reception hell get from the natives wont be pleasant.Iraolas side will obviously target all three points on Tyneside, but coming away with one mightnt be the worst platform on which to build.Nottingham Forest (H), 29 AugustRemarkably, Forest will be seeking a third consecutive win at Anfield when they visit towards the end of next month in whatll be Iraolas first offical game at Liverpools iconic home ground.The Garibaldis new boss Oliver Glasner also has a good record at this venue and has overseen a few wins over the Reds in his time at Crystal Palace, but anything other than victory for the Merseysiders here would be bitterly disappointing, especially if theyve already dropped points at Newcastle.Ipswich (A), 4 SeptemberFriday night under the lights at Portman Road has banana skin written all over it, and Ipswich may still be buoyant after their promotion back to the Premier League, with Gary ONeil having replaced the revered Kieran McKenna in the dugout.This has all the makings of one of those games where Liverpool may have to suffer for a while and withstand periods of pressure from the home side, but if the Reds are serious about getting back into a position to challenge for the title, its one that we simply must win, even if it isnt pretty.Fulham (H), 12 SeptemberAlvaro Arbeloa will return to Anfield as the Cottagers new head coach, and his team have made a habit of taking points off Liverpool in recent campaigns.Again, though, this is a fixture that the Reds will fully expect to win, and hopefully therell also be a commanding performance to go with it whichd send a message to the world that Iraolas LFC mean business in the new season.Bournemouth (A), 20 SeptemberThe pre-game narrative will be dominated by Iraola returning to the club where his global reputation soared, and he oversaw a 3-2 victory against Liverpool on their previous visit in January.The Cherries will go into this fixture off the back of their first-ever European match three or four days beforehand, a situation that the Reds will be hoping to use to their advantage against a team who their new head coach knows inside out.A draw at the Vitality Stadium would seem respectable, provided that LFC have a double-digit points tally at this stage of the campaign and Bournemouth pick up where they left off at the end of 2025/26.