I Dig Sports
Spanish LaLiga injury and suspension news, predicted lineups, fantasy updates
Find out who is missing through injury, who's in a race against time to prove their fitness and who has been ruled out through suspension for the next round of LaLiga fixtures.
And as you plan your fantasy team for the next gameweek, check out the predicted XIs for all 20 clubs.
Positions: Goalkeeper (GK), Defender (D), Left-back (LB), Right-back (RB), Centre-back (CB), Midfielder (M), Defensive midfield (DM), Central midfield (CM), Left midfield (LM), Right midfield (RM), Attacking midfield (AM), Left winger (LW), Right winger (RW), Forward (F), Left forward (FWL), Right forward (FWR), Striker (ST)
(All predicted XIs and injury news powered by Rotowire and subject to updates.)
Girona v Real Valladolid
Municipal de Montilivi, Girona
Friday, 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET
Latest Girona team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Paulo Gazzaniga
CB Daley Blind | CB Ladislav Krejcí | CB David López
LM Miguel Gutiérrez | CM Iván Martín | CM Donny van de Beek | RM Arnau Martínez
AM Bryan Gil | AM Yáser Asprilla
ST Abel Ruiz
Injury/suspension updates:
Jastin García, F/M, shoulder, DOUBT
Yangel Herrera, M, calf, DOUBT
Bojan Miovski, F, sprain, OUT, estimated return Jan. 26
Oriol Romeu, M, suspension, due back Jan. 11
Viktor Tsygankov, M, undisclosed, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Latest Real Valladolid team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Karl Hein
LB Lucas Rosa | CB Juma Bah | CB Javi Sánchez | RB Luis Pérez
DM Stanko Juric | DM Mario Martín
LW Raúl Moro | AM Anuar | RW Iván Sánchez
ST Marcos André
Injury/suspension updates:
Selim Amallah, M, groin, DOUBT
Juanmi, F, suspension, due back Jan. 19
Raúl Moro, F/M, strain, DOUBT
Enrique Perez, M, suspension, due back Jan. 11
Iván Sánchez, M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Mamadou Diallo, F, undisclosed, OUT, estimated return Jan. 26
Getafe v Mallorca
Estadio Coliseum, Getafe
Saturday, 1 p.m. GMT / 8 a.m. ET
Latest Getafe team news
Expected Lineup:
GK David Soria
LB Diego Rico | CB Omar Alderete | CB Djené | RB Juan Iglesias
LM Coba da Costa | CM Mauro Arambarri | CM Luis Milla | RM Allan Nyom
ST Álvaro Rodríguez | ST Christantus Uche
Injury/suspension updates:
Omar Alderete, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Carles Aleñá, M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Borja Mayoral, F, strain, DOUBT
Latest Mallorca team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Dominik Greif
LB Johan Mojica | CB Antonio Raíllo | CB Martin Valjent | RB Pablo Maffeo
CM Omar Mascarell | CM Antonio Sanchez Navarro
LW Dani Rodríguez | AM Sergi Darder | RW Robert Navarro
ST Cyle Larin
Injury/suspension updates:
Samú Costa, M, calf, OUT, estimated return Jan. 19
Iván Cuéllar, G, undisclosed, DOUBT
Toni Lato, M/D, undisclosed, OUT, estimated return Jan. 20
Manu Morlanes, M, suspension, due back Jan. 19
Vedat Muriqi, F, suspension, due back Jan. 20
Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad
Estadio Abanca-Balaídos, Vigo
Saturday, 3:15 p.m. GMT / 10:15 a.m. ET
Latest Celta Vigo team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Vicente Guaita
CB Javi Rodríguez | CB Carl Starfelt | CB Marcos Alonso
LM Hugo Álvarez | CM Fran Beltrán | CM Ilaix Moriba | RM Óscar Mingueza
FWL Alfonso González | ST Borja Iglesias | FWR Iago Aspas
Injury/suspension updates:
Sergio Carreira, D, ankle, DOUBT
Fer Lopez, F/M, ankle, OUT, estimated return Jan. 10
Javier Manquillo, D, ankle, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Jailson, M, groin, OUT, estimated return Jan. 10
Mihailo Ristic, D, thigh, OUT, estimated return Jan. 10
Damián Rodríguez, M, personal, DOUBT
Latest Real Sociedad team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Álex Remiro
LB Aihen Muñoz | CB Nayef Aguerd | CB Igor Zubeldia | RB Jon Aramburu
DM Martín Zubimendi
LM Sergio Gómez | CM Brais Méndez | CM Luka Sucic | RM Takefusa Kubo
ST Mikel Oyarzabal
Injury/suspension updates:
Aritz Elustondo, D, sprain, OUT, estimated return Jan. 13
Aihen Muñoz, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Jon Pacheco Dozagarat, D, groin, DOUBT
Hamari Traoré, D, knee, OUT, estimated return May. 4
Arsen Zakharyan, M, ankle, OUT, estimated return Jan. 13
Osasuna v Athletic Club
El Sadar, Pamplona
Saturday, 5:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET
Latest Osasuna team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Sergio Herrera
LB Juan Cruz | CB Flavien-Enzo Boyomo | CB Jorge Herrando | RB Jesús Areso
CM Jon Moncayola | CM Lucas Torró
LW Abel Bretones | AM Aimar Oroz | RW Rubén García
ST Ante Budimir
Injury/suspension updates:
José Arnaiz, F, hamstring, DOUBT
Alejandro Catena, D, suspension, due back Jan. 12
Moi Gómez, F/M, calf, DOUBT
Bryan Zaragoza, M, foot, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Latest Athletic Club team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Unai Simón
LB Yuri Berchiche | CB Yeray | CB Dani Vivian | RB Óscar de Marcos
DM Mikel Jauregizar | DM Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta
LW Nico Williams | AM Oihan Sancet | RW Iñaki Williams
ST Gorka Guruzeta
Injury/suspension updates:
Ander Herrera, M, hamstring, DOUBT
Barcelona v Atlético Madrid
Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
Saturday, 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET
Latest Barcelona team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Iñaki Peña
LB Alejandro Balde | CB Iñigo Martínez | CB Pau Cubarsí | RB Jules Koundé
DM Marc Casadó | DM Pedri
LW Raphinha | AM Dani Olmo | RW Ferran Torres
ST Robert Lewandowski
Injury/suspension updates:
Marc Bernal, M/D, knee, OUT, estimated return Sep. 1
Andreas Christensen, D, achilles, OUT, estimated return Jan. 19
Ansu Fati, F, hamstring, DOUBT
Marc-André ter Stegen, G, knee, OUT, estimated return Apr. 6
Lamine Yamal, F, ankle, OUT, estimated return Jan. 19
Latest Atlético Madrid team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Jan Oblak
LB Javi Galán | CB José María Giménez | CB Clément Lenglet | RB Marcos Llorente
LM Conor Gallagher | CM Pablo Barrios | CM Rodrigo De Paul | RM Giuliano Simeone
ST Julián Álvarez | ST Antoine Griezmann
Injury/suspension updates:
None reported
Valencia v Alavés
Mestalla, Valencia
Sunday, 1 p.m. GMT / 8 a.m. ET
Latest Valencia team news
Confirmed Lineup:
CB Cristhian Mosquera
DM Pepelu | DM Javi Guerra
LW Luis Rioja | AM Domingos Andre Ribeiro Almeida | RW Diego López
ST Hugo Duro
Injury/suspension updates:
Thierry Correia, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Jul. 1
Mouctar Diakhaby, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 3
José Gayà, D, hamstring, DOUBT
Giorgi Mamardashvili, G, leg, DOUBT
Rafa Mir, F, quadriceps, OUT, estimated return Jan. 3
Latest Alavés team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Antonio Sivera
LB Moussa Diarra | CB Abdel Abqar | CB Santiago Mouriño | RB Hugo Novoa
DM Antonio Blanco | DM Joan Jordán
LW Carlos Martín | AM Jon Guridi | RW Carlos Vicente
ST Enrique García
Injury/suspension updates:
Carlos Benavídez, M, groin, DOUBT
Nahuel Tenaglia, D, suspension, due back Jan. 11
Real Madrid v Sevilla
Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
Sunday, 3:15 p.m. GMT / 10:15 a.m. ET
Latest Real Madrid team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Thibaut Courtois
LB Fran García | CB Antonio Rüdiger | CB Aurélien Tchouaméni | RB Lucas Vázquez
DM Eduardo Camavinga
CM Jude Bellingham | CM Federico Valverde
FWL Kylian Mbappé | ST Rodrygo | FWR Arda Güler
Injury/suspension updates:
David Alaba, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 19
Dani Carvajal, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Aug. 1
Vinícius Jr., F, suspension, due back Jan. 3
Ferland Mendy, D, strain, OUT, estimated return Jan. 3
Éder Militão, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Aug. 1
Latest Sevilla team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Álvaro Fernández
LB Enrique Salas | CB Loïc Badé | CB Nemanja Gudelj | RB José Ángel Carmona
DM Lucien Agoumé
CM Saúl Ñíguez | CM Juanlu Sanchez
FWL Peque | ST Isaac Romero | FWR Dodi Lukebakio
Injury/suspension updates:
Chidera Ejuke, F, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Jan. 26
Tanguy Nianzou, D, thigh, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Adrià Pedrosa, D, groin, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Djibril Sow, M, thigh, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Las Palmas v Espanyol
Estadio Gran Canaria, Las Palmas
Sunday, 5:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET
Latest Las Palmas team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Jasper Cillessen
LB Mika Mármol | CB Juan Herzog | CB Scott McKenna | RB Álex Suárez
DM Dário Essugo | DM Kirian Rodríguez
LW Alberto Moleiro | AM José Campaña | RW Sandro
ST Fábio Silva
Injury/suspension updates:
Adnan Januzaj, F/M, ankle, DOUBT
Viti, M/D, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 12
Latest Espanyol team news
Confirmed Lineup:
CM Alex Král
ST Irvin Cardona | ST Javier Puado
Injury/suspension updates:
Edu Expósito, M, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
José Gragera, M, illness, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Leganés v Villarreal
Butarque, Leganés, Madrid
Sunday, 5:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET
Latest Leganés team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Marko Dmitrovic
LB Javi Hernández | CB Sergio González | CB Jorge | RB Adrià Altimira
DM Renato Tapia
LM Óscar Rodríguez | CM Seydouba Cissé | CM Yvan Neyou | RM Munir El Haddadi
ST Miguel De la Fuente
Injury/suspension updates:
Enric Franquesa, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Sep. 1
Latest Villarreal team news
Confirmed Lineup:
CB Raúl Albiol
CM Santi Comesaña
ST Thierno Barry
Injury/suspension updates:
Ilias Akhomach, F, knee, OUT, estimated return Jul. 1
Diego Conde, G, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Willy Kambwala, D, suspension, due back Jan. 13
Alfonso Pedraza, D, ankle, OUT, estimated return Jan. 13
Nicolas Pépé, F/M, thigh, DOUBT
Ramón Terrats, M, achilles, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Real Betis v Rayo Vallecano
Benito Villamarín, Sevilla
Sunday, 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET
Latest Real Betis team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Francisco Barbosa Vieites
LB Romain Perraud | CB Marc Bartra | CB Diego Llorente | RB Youssouf Sabaly
DM Sergi Altimira | DM Johnny Cardoso
LW Abde Ezzalzouli | AM Giovani Lo Celso | RW Aitor Ruibal
ST Vitor Roque
Injury/suspension updates:
Chimy Ávila, F, suspension, due back Jan. 11
Héctor Bellerín, D, bruise, DOUBT
William Carvalho, M, achilles, OUT, estimated return May. 4
Pablo Fornals, F/M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Marc Roca, M, ankle, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Rui Silva, G, undisclosed, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Latest Rayo Vallecano team news
Confirmed Lineup:
CB Aridane Hernández
CM Pathé Ciss
LW Álvaro García | AM Isi Palazón | RW Jorge de Frutos
ST Randy Nteka
Injury/suspension updates:
Raul de Tomas, F, illness, DOUBT
Premier League injury and suspension news, predicted lineups, fantasy updates
Find out who is missing through injury, who's in a race against time to prove their fitness and who has been ruled out through suspension for the next round of Premier League fixtures.
And as you plan your fantasy team for the next gameweek, check out the Expected XIs for all 20 clubs.
Positions: Goalkeeper (GK), Defender (D), Left-back (LB), Right-back (RB), Centre-back (CB), Midfielder (M), Defensive midfield (DM), Central midfield (CM), Left midfield (LM), Right midfield (RM), Attacking midfield (AM), Left winger (LW), Right winger (RW), Forward (F), Left forward (FWL), Right forward (FWR), Striker (ST)
(All Expected XIs and injury news powered by Rotowire, subject to updates.)
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Villa Park
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. GMT / 7:30 a.m. ET
Latest Aston Villa team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Emiliano Martínez
LB Lucas Digne | CB Diego Carlos | CB Pau Torres | RB Ezri Konsa
DM Youri Tielemans | DM Boubacar Kamara
LW John McGinn | AM Morgan Rogers | RW Matty Cash
ST Ollie Watkins
Injury/suspension updates:
Leon Bailey, F/M, hamstring, DOUBT
Tyrone Mings, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Jacob Ramsey, M, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Dec. 26
Latest Manchester City team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Ederson
LB Rico Lewis | CB Rúben Dias | CB Josko Gvardiol | RB Kyle Walker
DM Ilkay Gündogan
LM Phil Foden | CM Kevin De Bruyne | CM Jack Grealish | RM Bernardo Silva
ST Erling Haaland
Injury/suspension updates:
Manuel Akanji, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Nathan Aké, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Dec. 26
Oscar Bobb, F/M, leg, OUT, estimated return Jan. 14
Rodri, M, knee, OUT, estimated return Jul. 1
Brentford v Nottingham Forest
Gtech Community Stadium
Saturday, 3 p.m. GMT / 10 a.m. ET
Latest Brentford team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Mark Flekken
LB Keane Lewis-Potter | CB Nathan Collins | CB Ben Mee | RB Kristoffer Ajer
DM Vitaly Janelt | DM Christian Nørgaard
LW Kevin Schade | AM Mikkel Damsgaard | RW Bryan Mbeumo
ST Yoane Wissa
Injury/suspension updates:
Josh Dasilva, M, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 14
Rico Henry, M/D, knee, OUT, estimated return Dec. 27
Aaron Hickey, M/D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return May. 18
Mathias Jensen, M, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Jan. 1
Igor Thiago, F, infection, OUT, estimated return Dec. 27
Gustavo Nunes, F/M, back, OUT, estimated return Dec. 27
Ethan Pinnock, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Sepp van den Berg, D, groin, DOUBT
Latest Nottingham Forest team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Matz Sels
LB Neco Williams | CB Murillo | CB Nikola Milenkovic | RB Ola Aina
DM Elliot Anderson | DM Ryan Yates
LW Callum Hudson-Odoi | AM Morgan Gibbs-White | RW Nicolás Domínguez
ST Chris Wood
Injury/suspension updates:
Murillo, D, ankle, DOUBT
Danilo Oliveira, M, ankle, OUT, estimated return Jan. 6
Ibrahim Sangaré, M, thigh, OUT, estimated return Jan. 25
Ryan Yates, M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Ipswich Town v Newcastle United
Portman Road
Saturday, 3 p.m. GMT / 10 a.m. ET
Latest Ipswich Town team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Aro Muric
LB Leif Davis | CB Cameron Burgess | CB Dara O'Shea | RB Ben Johnson
DM Jens Cajuste | DM Sam Morsy
LW Sammie Szmodics | AM Conor Chaplin | RW Omari Hutchinson
ST Ali Ibrahim Al-Hamadi
Injury/suspension updates:
Liam Delap, F, suspension, due back Dec. 27
George Hirst, F, knee, OUT, estimated return Dec. 27
Chiedozie Ogbene, F/M, achilles, OUT, estimated return May. 3
Sammie Szmodics, F/M, illness, DOUBT
Axel Tuanzebe, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Feb. 1
Latest Newcastle United team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Martin Dúbravka
LB Lewis Hall | CB Dan Burn | CB Fabian Schär | RB Valentino Livramento
CM Bruno Guimaraes | CM Sandro Tonali | CM Joe Willock
FWL Anthony Gordon | ST Alexander Isak | FWR Jacob Murphy
Injury/suspension updates:
Sven Botman, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Dec. 26
Joelinton, F/M, suspension, due back Dec. 26
Emil Krafth, D, collarbone, OUT, estimated return Jan. 4
Jamaal Lascelles, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 15
Nick Pope, G, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 12
Callum Wilson, F, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Feb. 1
West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion
London Stadium
Saturday, 3 p.m. GMT / 10 a.m. ET
Latest West Ham United team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Lukasz Fabianski
LB Aaron Wan-Bissaka | CB Max Kilman | CB Konstantinos Mavropanos | RB Vladimír Coufal
DM Edson Álvarez | DM Tomás Soucek
LW Mohammed Kudus | AM Lucas Paquetá | RW Crysencio Summerville
ST Jarrod Bowen
Injury/suspension updates:
Michail Antonio, F, leg, OUT, estimated return Dec. 1
Carlos Soler, M, suspension, due back Dec. 26
Latest Brighton & Hove Albion team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Bart Verbruggen
LB Pervis Estupiñán | CB Lewis Dunk | CB Jan Paul van Hecke | RB Joël Veltman
DM Yasin Ayari | DM Carlos Baleba
LW Kaoru Mitoma | AM Georginio Rutter | RW Yankuba Minteh
ST João Pedro
Injury/suspension updates:
Jack Hinshelwood, M/D, knee, DOUBT
Ferdi Kadioglu, M/D, toe, DOUBT
Solly March, F/M, knee, OUT, estimated return Dec. 27
James Milner, M/D, hamstring, DOUBT
Matt O'Riley, M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Joël Veltman, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Adam Webster, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Dec. 27
Danny Welbeck, F, ankle, DOUBT
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Selhurst Park
Saturday, 5:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET
Latest Crystal Palace team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Dean Henderson
CB Trevoh Chalobah | CB Marc Guéhi | CB Maxence Lacroix
LM Tyrick Mitchell | CM Will Hughes | CM Jefferson Lerma | RM Nathaniel Clyne
AM Eberechi Eze | AM Ismaïla Sarr
ST Jean-Philippe Mateta
Injury/suspension updates:
Matheus França, F/M, groin, OUT, estimated return Jan. 12
Daniel Muñoz, M/D, suspension, due back Dec. 26
Chadi Riad, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Dec. 21
Joel Ward, D, calf, OUT, estimated return Dec. 21
Adam Wharton, M, groin, OUT, estimated return Jan. 4
Latest Arsenal team news
Expected Lineup:
GK David Raya
LB Myles Lewis-Skelly | CB Gabriel Magalhães | CB William Saliba | RB Jurriën Timber
CM Martin Ødegaard | CM Declan Rice | CM Thomas Partey
FWL Gabriel Martinelli | ST Kai Havertz | FWR Bukayo Saka
Injury/suspension updates:
Riccardo Calafiori, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Declan Rice, M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Takehiro Tomiyasu, D, knee, DOUBT
Ben White, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 15
Oleksandr Zinchenko, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Everton v Chelsea
Goodison Park
Sunday, 2 p.m. GMT / 9 a.m. ET
Latest Everton team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Jordan Pickford
LB Vitaliy Mykolenko | CB Jarrad Branthwaite | CB James Tarkowski | RB Ashley Young
CM Abdoulaye Doucouré | CM Idrissa Gueye | CM Orel Mangala
FWL Dwight McNeil | ST Dominic Calvert-Lewin | FWR Iliman Ndiaye
Injury/suspension updates:
James Garner, M, back, OUT, estimated return Jan. 9
Tim Iroegbunam, M, foot, OUT, estimated return Jan. 9
Dwight McNeil, F/M, knee, DOUBT
Youssef Chermiti, F, foot, OUT, estimated return Dec. 26
Latest Chelsea team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Robert Sánchez
LB Renato Veiga | CB Tosin Adarabioyo | CB Levi Colwill | RB Malo Gusto
DM Moisés Caicedo | DM Enzo Fernández
LW Jadon Sancho | AM Cole Palmer | RW Pedro Neto
ST Nicolas Jackson
Injury/suspension updates:
Benoît Badiashile, D, undisclosed, OUT, estimated return Jan. 4
Marc Cucurella, D, suspension, due back Dec. 26
João Félix, F/M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Wesley Fofana, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Dec. 30
Reece James, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Jan. 4
Romeo Lavia, M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Mykhailo Mudryk, F/M, illness, DOUBT
Fulham v Southampton
Craven Cottage
Sunday, 2 p.m. GMT / 9 a.m. ET
Latest Fulham team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Bernd Leno
LB Antonee Robinson | CB Calvin Bassey | CB Issa Diop | RB Kenny Tete
DM Sander Berge | DM Sasa Lukic
LW Harry Wilson | AM Emile Smith Rowe | RW Alex Iwobi
ST Raúl Jiménez
Injury/suspension updates:
Joachim Andersen, D, calf, DOUBT
Reiss Nelson, F/M, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Feb. 20
Andreas Pereira, M, suspension, due back Dec. 26
Harrison Reed, M, knee, OUT, estimated return Dec. 29
Kenny Tete, D, lower leg, DOUBT
Latest Southampton team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Alex McCarthy
CB Jan Bednarek | CB Taylor Harwood-Bellis | CB Nathan Wood
LM Ryan Manning | CM Flynn Downes | CM Mateus Fernandes | RM Kyle Walker-Peters
AM Adam Armstrong | AM Tyler Dibling
ST Cameron Archer
Injury/suspension updates:
Gavin Bazunu, G, achilles, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
James Bree, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Aaron Ramsdale, G, finger, DOUBT
William Smallbone, M, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Dec. 29
Jack Stephens, D, suspension, due back Dec. 26
Ross Stewart, F, calf, OUT, estimated return Dec. 29
Kyle Walker-Peters, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Leicester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
King Power Stadium
Sunday, 2 p.m. GMT / 9 a.m. ET
Latest Leicester City team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Danny Ward
LB Victor Kristiansen | CB Conor Coady | CB Jannik Vestergaard | RB James Justin
DM Oliver Skipp | DM Boubakary Soumaré
LW Bilal El Khannouss | AM Facundo Buonanotte | RW Kasey McAteer
ST Jamie Vardy
Injury/suspension updates:
Odsonne Édouard, F, undisclosed, OUT, estimated return Dec. 26
Fatawu Issahaku, F, knee, OUT, estimated return Aug. 25
Mads Hermansen, G, groin, DOUBT
Wilfred Ndidi, M, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Jan. 4
Ricardo Pereira, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Mar. 15
Harry Winks, M, groin, DOUBT
Latest Wolverhampton Wanderers team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Sam Johnstone
CB Santiago Bueno | CB Craig Dawson | CB Toti Gomes
LM Matt Doherty | CM João Gomes | CM Mario Lemina | RM Nélson Semedo
AM Matheus Cunha
ST Jørgen Strand Larsen | ST Goncalo Guedes
Injury/suspension updates:
Rayan Aït-Nouri, M/D, suspension, due back Dec. 26
Enso Gonzalez, F/M, knee, OUT, estimated return May. 3
Sasa Kalajdzic, F, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 15
Yerson Mosquera, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Aug. 15
José Sá, G, shoulder, DOUBT
Pablo Sarabia, F/M, undisclosed, DOUBT
Boubacar Traoré, M, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 15
Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth
Old Trafford
Sunday, 2 p.m. GMT / 9 a.m. ET
Latest Manchester United team news
Expected Lineup:
GK André Onana
CB Matthijs de Ligt | CB Harry Maguire | CB Lisandro Martínez
LM Diogo Dalot | CM Kobbie Mainoo | CM Manuel Ugarte | RM Noussair Mazraoui
AM Amad Diallo | AM Bruno Fernandes
ST Rasmus Højlund
Injury/suspension updates:
Matthijs de Ligt, D, illness, DOUBT
Jonny Evans, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Victor Lindelöf, D, concussion, DOUBT
Noussair Mazraoui, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Mason Mount, F/M, strain, OUT, estimated return Jan. 5
Luke Shaw, D, calf, OUT, estimated return Jan. 5
Latest AFC Bournemouth team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Kepa Arrizabalaga
LB Milos Kerkez | CB Dean Huijsen | CB Illia Zabarnyi | RB Adam Smith
DM Ryan Christie | DM Lewis Cook
LW Dango Ouattara | AM Justin Kluivert | RW Antoine Semenyo
ST Evanilson
Injury/suspension updates:
Julián Araujo, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Feb. 25
Alex Scott, M, knee, OUT, estimated return Jan. 11
Marcos Senesi, D, quadriceps, OUT, estimated return Mar. 15
Luis Sinisterra, F/M, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Dec. 26
Marcus Tavernier, F/M, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Jan. 25
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Sunday, 4:30 p.m. GMT / 11:30 a.m. ET
Latest Tottenham Hotspur team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Fraser Forster
LB Djed Spence | CB Radu Dragusin | CB Archie Gray | RB Pedro Porro
DM Yves Bissouma | DM Pape Matar Sarr
LW Son Heung-Min | AM James Maddison | RW Dejan Kulusevski
ST Dominic Solanke
Injury/suspension updates:
Rodrigo Bentancur, M, suspension, due back Dec. 26
Ben Davies, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Dec. 29
Richarlison, F, hamstring, DOUBT
Destiny Udogie, D, quadriceps, DOUBT
Mikey Moore, F/M, illness, OUT, estimated return Dec. 29
Wilson Odobert, F/M, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Feb. 15
Cristian Romero, D, quadriceps, OUT, estimated return Jan. 12
Micky van de Ven, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Jan. 12
Guglielmo Vicario, G, ankle, OUT, estimated return Feb. 25
Latest Liverpool team news
Expected Lineup:
GK Alisson Becker
LB Andrew Robertson | CB Joe Gomez | CB Virgil van Dijk | RB Trent Alexander-Arnold
DM Ryan Gravenberch | DM Alexis Mac Allister
LW Cody Gakpo | AM Dominik Szoboszlai | RW Mohamed Salah
ST Luis Díaz
Injury/suspension updates:
Conor Bradley, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return Dec. 29
Ibrahima Konaté, D, foot, OUT, estimated return Dec. 29
Kostas Tsimikas, D, ankle, DOUBT
Key criteria for the award included their record in the Men's One-Day competition, being a top performer at international level and being a player who is synonymous with the 50-over format.
Jones, who passed away aged 59 in September 2020, scored 2122 runs at 50.52 in 55 domestic one-day matches for Victoria and led them to the 1994-95 title while at international level, where he was trailblazer in the 50-over game, he scored 6068 runs at 44.81 including seven centuries and was part of the side which won the 1987 ODI World Cup. In all List A cricket, Jones made 10,936 runs at 46.93.
"When the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame selection committee assessed the players for this honour, one player's performance, record, standing, contribution and impact stood out clearly for it to be a unanimous decision," Peter King, the hall of fame chair, said
"Dean Jones revolutionised the one-day game and stamped it on the minds of all Australians, it is deserved recognition for someone whose contribution was so vast."
Jones' daughter, Phoebe, said: "On behalf of the Jones family we are very grateful for this recognition of our Dad, who we miss dearly. It makes it extra special knowing its fan voted and will be unveiled today at what he nicknamed 'his office' at the MCG.
"Dad would be extremely proud to receive this acknowledgement. He loved representing Victoria in this competition and winning the 50-over World Cup for Australia in 1987 was what he described as the greatest cricketing day of his life."
Alongside the naming of the trophy, the Player of the Final will now be awarded the Michael Bevan Medal.
The Dean Jones Trophy and Michael Bevan Medal will be presented for the first time at this season's final on March 1.
Jaker Ali, bowlers combine to give Bangladesh 3-0 sweep over West Indies
Bangladesh 189 for 7 (Jaker 72*, Parvez 39, Shepherd 2-30) beat West Indies 109 (Shepherd 33, Rishad 3-21, Mahedi 2-13) by 80 runs
Bangladesh completed their demolition of West Indies with an 80-run win in the third T20I at the Arnos Vale Ground. It resulted in their first 3-0 win in a T20I series in nearly two years as they capped off a tough West Indies tour with a trophy. After posting 189 for 7, they bowled West Indies out for 109, their lowest total against Bangladesh, with the margin of victory being Bangladesh's second-biggest in terms of runs.
Jaker had walked off the ground when he was on 18 after a mix-up with Shamim Hossain. But the TV umpire Zahid Bassarath instead adjudged Shamim as the one dismissed, as he had placed his bat inside the crease after Jaker. It sparked a dramatic turnaround, as Jaker struck six sixes and three fours in his 41-ball knock.
Parvez sparks rapid start
Parvez continued to go after the fast bowlers, blasting Joseph for his second six over long-on. Next ball, though, Justin Greaves caught Parvez at the square-leg boundary after juggling a couple of times. Parvez made 39 off 21 balls, giving Bangladesh their best powerplay (54 runs) of the series.
Jaker's dramatic re-entry
Bangladesh were 102 for 4 at the start of the14th over when Jaker struck Gudakesh Motie towards deep midwicket. Spotting Obed McCoy getting injured trying to take the catch, Jaker signalled to Shamim not to take the third run as the ball had spilled away from McCoy.
In the next over, Jaker and Shamim had a communication breakdown, with both batters ending up at the striker's end, while Roston Chase broke the stumps at the bowler's. Jaker, who ran through the striker's end, was irate with Shamim. He walked off fuming while the third umpire spotted that he had actually reached the crease before Shamim.
The fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite hauled Jaker, who had taken off his gears inside the dressing room, out to the middle to continue his innings. The distance between Jaker and Shamim, not looking at each other, as they crossed each other near the boundary was immense.
Jaker takes full advantage
As if one dramatic run-out was not enough, Mahedi Hasan was also run-out in the same over. Jaker, however, regrouped quickly in the following over, hitting Joseph straight down the ground for his second six. McCoy then conceded 20 runs in the 18th over when Jaker and Tanzim Hasan Sakib struck a six each; Jaker blasted him with a slog sweep, and Tanzim swung him over long-on.
Joseph then went for 25 in the last over, with Jaker hitting him for three sixes in the last four balls of the innings. It turned out to be Bangladesh's best-ever 20th over in a T20I.
West Indies in tailspin
For the third game in a row, West Indies lost half their side before reaching 50. After Taskin Ahmed removed Brandon King early, like in the previous two matches, Greaves was caught at long-on off Mahedi. Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran struck a cluster of boundaries before Pooran fell to Mahedi for the third time in the series, bowled off an inside edge for 15. West Indies finished the powerplay on 45 for 3.
Rishad sends 'em packing
As if Pooran's fall was not enough, Charles then seemed slow in reaching the crease while completing the single; Rishad's throw caught him short. This was two balls after Hasan Mahmud had dismissed Roston Chase for a duck.
Rishad further got into the act, with three wickets. The legspinner had Rovman Powell caught behind in the tenth over with a dipping delivery, leaving West Indies on 60 for 6. In his last over, the 15th of the innings, Rishad had Motie caught straight down the ground while Joseph gave a simple catch to Hasan at extra cover. Tanzim and Taskin removed the last two wickets to spark the celebration in the Bangladesh camp.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
Konstas handed Boxing Day Test call-up as changes loom for Australia
"First and foremost, [want to] acknowledge that it's a tough call on Nathan, particularly after three Tests," Bailey told reporters. "We are constantly getting new information as you guys are... It's clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for both teams. Think Sam's method, his style, is different to Nathan's, different again to Beau's and Josh's, as the other batting options within that team, and we think they provide the options of a different look and a different make-up for the XI come Boxing Day."
Bailey delivered the news to both McSweeney and Konstas personally. "[It was a] really hard decision for Nathan and one that we spent a lot of time deliberating over," he said. "Particularly after a small sample size of three Tests That's never a great phone call, is it? Nathan was disappointed and really the message to him was much the same as at the start of the series, that we believe he has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level. But just given the way the series has played out, we just want the option of throwing something different at India for this next Test."
Konstas hits form at the right time
He also made a composed 73 not out in the second innings against India A at the MCG in early November, shortly before McSweeney was announced as having won the selection race for the first Test.
However, McSweeney has not been alone in his struggles with Usman Khawaja averaging 12.60 in the series and Marnus Labuschagne 16.40 despite a half-century in Adelaide.
"In the lead-up to the series, he was performing incredibly well," Bailey said. "Think the key around that was the way he plays, we believe [that] doesn't change too much wherever he's coming in in the order. It hasn't quite worked out as you'd like it to at the start, but it's still very much the start of his career.
"You can say the way our top three are playing has been reasonably similar and we'd like the ability to throw something different at India off the back of that. If you look more broadly, I don't necessarily think the top six [were] as quite functioned to the level that we need in this series as a whole."
After the Brisbane Test, captain Pat Cummins, who isn't on the selection panel, praised the role McSweeney had played but acknowledged the lack of output from the top order.
"I've been really impressed with the way he's gone about it," he said. "Even today, someone starting out his career still being selfless enough to go out there and try to play shots rather than try and preserve and get a score. Obviously, they [the top three] would be hoping to score more runs, we'd like them to score more runs, but I think they have made some important contributions that others have benefited from."
Richardson ends long wait for recall
While the Konstas-McSweeney swap will take much of the attention, the recall for Richardson is also significant after his run of injuries. He has been limited to just three Test matches since debuting against Sri Lanka in January 2019, with the last being a pink-ball game in Adelaide in 2021 when he took his maiden Test five-wicket haul against England.
Brendan Doggett, who was called in as cover when Hazlewood was first injured in Perth, does not make this squad but Sean Abbott is retained.
The call to drop McSweeney comes just a few days after former Australia coach Darren Lehmann said he believes Bailey is too close to the players and unable to make tough decisions, something Cummins strongly hit back at.
"I don't know how that [criticism] can be true," Cummins said. "There is so much more to picking a side than just looking at the internet. Going on with really strong philosophies, working with players.
"The most important thing is you do stay objective and I think the selection panel are amazing at that. They've made some really bold calls over the past couple of years in all formats. Probably bolder than I have seen other selectors make in previous years. They've never shied away from a tough decision."
Australia squad for Melbourne and Sydney Tests vs India
Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
Andrew McGlashan is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo
Rinku Singh to captain UP in Vijay Hazare Trophy
It's the first time that Rinku will captain a state team at the senior level. Earlier this year, he led Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 League title, scoring 210 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 161.54 largely as a finisher.
"It was a big opportunity for me to lead Meerut Mavericks in the UPT20 League, and I am happy that I could deliver," Rinku said ahead of their Vijay Hazare Trophy opener. "I really enjoyed captaincy as it allowed me to learn many things.
"I did try my hand at bowling [offspin] too at the UPT20 league. Present-day cricket demands a full package - a cricketer who can bat, bowl and field. Now I am focusing on my bowling too. As captain of Uttar Pradesh, I have got a bigger role to play, and I'm ready for this."
Rinku's promotion in the UP team comes at a time when Kolkata Knight Riders, his IPL franchise, are mulling their captaincy options ahead of IPL 2025. He has been part of the KKR setup since 2018, and was retained ahead of the mega auction in November, along with Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Varun Chakravarthy and Ramandeep Singh.
"I am not thinking too much about the captaincy of KKR in the new IPL season," Rinku said. "I am focused on my plans for Uttar Pradesh, as I want my team to regain the trophy we had won for the first time in 2015-16."
The Vijay Hazare Trophy will help give the national selectors insight on players when they pick India's ODI squad for the Champions Trophy in February. While Rinku has become a regular for India in T20Is, he has so far played just two ODIs, having made his debut a year ago in South Africa.
Rinku's overall List A numbers are impressive. He has scored 1899 runs in 52 innings at an average of 48.69, and has a strike rate of 94.8, with one hundred and 17 half-centuries. Rinku, though, isn't looking at the Vijay Hazare Trophy as an India audition.
"I believe in God," he said. "I didn't even think of being part of team India when I struck five consecutive sixes in the IPL last year. That turned out to be the biggest game changer in my life. Even now I feel that if God has decided something for me, I will get that surely. But at the same time, I also need to work hard on my job."
UP begin their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on December 21, and then have games against Mizoram (December 23), Tamil Nadu (December 26), Chhattisgarh (December 28), Chandigarh (December 31) and Vidarbha (January 3).
Shashank Kishore is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
Source: Lions eye playoff return for Montgomery
DETROIT -- The Lions held off on placing running back David Montgomery on the injured reserve list after he received a third medical opinion following an MCL injury in Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills.
A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Montgomery "might have avoided season-ending surgery" and there is "optimism [for a potential return] in the playoffs."
"It's about rehabbing and going from there," the source said.
Initially, Montgomery was feared to be out for the season before receiving additional testing. Earlier in the week, Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledged that the team was leaning on doctors while in a "waiting mode" about his injury status.
"It is one of these injuries that's unique because you need to know is it stable? OK, is it fixed, or will it scar? And then be certainly stable for now and for later and then you've got to rely on him, like, 'Hey man, I'm good. I can do this,'" Campbell said on Wednesday. "So, it's a combination certainly the doctors then him as well, where he thinks he can go with it and can he protect himself and play at a high level. So, we're in a holding pattern, which as of right now is a positive."
Detroit has been bitten by the injury bug with a league-high 21 players currently on the injured reserve list, including 16 defensive players, which is also the most in the NFL this season.
Montgomery is Detroit's second-leading rusher with 775 yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns behind Jahmyr Gibbs, who has 1,047 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Although Gibbs is disappointed by the injury, he has no worries picking up the slack in his teammate's absence. Montgomery has encouraged Gibbs to "keep hooping," while Campbell and the coaching staff remain confident in his ability as "our lead horse."
For Gibbs, his on-field mindset isn't changing without Montgomery.
"Basically, the same, it's nothing different," Gibbs said. "I've been doing this my whole life, so I don't look at it any differently."
Sources: Georgia preparing for CFP without Beck
Georgia is preparing to play the College Football Playoff without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who is exploring surgery options to repair an injury to his elbow on his throwing arm, sources told ESPN on Thursday.
Beck, who was considered a potential first-round pick in next year's NFL draft, is seeking medical opinions. He hasn't practiced with the Bulldogs since he was hurt on the final play of the first half in Georgia's 22-19 overtime victory against Texas in the SEC championship game on Dec. 7, sources told ESPN.
Beck's return this season is unlikely, according to sources, and sophomore Gunner Stockton is expected to make his first college start in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year's Day (8:45 p.m. ET/ESPN, ESPN+).
The Bulldogs received a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed in the CFP and will play the winner of Friday's game between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 10 Indiana in South Bend, Indiana (8 p.m. ET/ABC, ESPN, ESPN+).
Stockton came off the bench to rally Georgia from a 6-3 halftime deficit in the SEC title game, completing 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards with one interception.
Beck had an inconsistent campaign this past season, throwing for 3,485 yards with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was hampered by dropped passes by Georgia's receivers and inconsistent play on the offensive line.
Beck tossed three interceptions in each of three games -- against Alabama, Texas and Florida. He threw nine interceptions in a four-game stretch from mid-October to early November.
Beck, a senior from Jacksonville, Florida, has a season of college eligibility remaining, meaning he could possibly return to Georgia, transfer to another school or enter the NFL draft.
Beck was ranked the No. 4 quarterback prospect eligible for next year's NFL draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., behind Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Miami's Cam Ward and Alabama's Jalen Milroe.
Stockton, from Tiger, Georgia, has completed 25 of 32 passes for 206 yards in three games this season. He was ranked the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback prospect in the country in the class of 2022 by ESPN Recruiting, after throwing for 13,652 yards with 177 touchdowns and running for 4,372 yards with 77 scores in his four-year career at Rabun County High School.
"Well, I think his strengths are somewhat different than Carson's, obviously," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said on Dec. 11. "But we've known that. There's not a game we don't go into that we don't have a plan for Gunner if he were to have to play. I mean, when he's your backup quarterback he's got to be ready to play."
ESPN's Pete Thamel contributed to this report.
Bolts' Dicker makes 1st fair catch kick in 48 years
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Cameron Dicker made the longest fair catch free kick in NFL history at the end of the second quarter of the Los Angeles Chargers' 34-27 win over the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.
Dicker made the 57-yarder on the seldom-used play, which allows a team that has just made a fair catch to attempt a field goal without the opponent trying to block it. The kick shortened the Broncos' lead to 21-13 at the half and proved to be a spark for the Chargers, who outscored Denver 21-6 over the next two quarters.
The longest previous fair catch free kick was a 52-yarder by Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers in 1962.
The Chargers looked as if they'd go into halftime down 11 points after quarterback Justin Herbert was intercepted by cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine late in the first half. But a quick three-and-out by the Broncos' offense and a fair catch interference penalty on Denver cornerback Tremon Smith gave L.A. an untimed down to end the half.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh chose to take the fair catch free kick, which by rule is attempted from where a fair catch was called or has been awarded as the result of a penalty. Typically, teams signal for fair catches well out of field goal range, so the strategy is not commonplace.
Dicker lauded special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken postgame, telling reporters that he prepares the team weekly for such a scenario. Dicker said he didn't know the rule until he met Ficken in 2022.
The last fair catch kick attempt was by Carolina's Joey Slye in 2019 against the Buccaneers. He missed the 60-yard attempt.
Each Friday, Dicker said the specialists watch Slye's kick. Still, Dicker admitted he never thought he would attempt one in a game.
"It was awesome," Dicker said. "It was funny to be in that scenario and just be like, 'Huh, there's no lineup there. This looks a little weird,' but it was really cool."
Harbaugh said the free kick is his favorite football rule and that he had been waiting for the chance to try one all season.
This isn't the first time Harbaugh has had his team attempt such a kick. In 2013, as coach of the San Francisco 49ers, he had Phil Dawson try a 71-yard fair catch kick, but he missed.
"This is our chance; this is our moment," Harbaugh said of his thought process.
"I wanted to try it from 65 [yards]."
On the sideline, Chargers players shared collective confusion. Herbert thought he would attempt a Hail Mary, and others realized that they didn't know as much about football as they thought.
"Everybody was trying to figure out what was going on," outside linebacker Bud Dupree said. "We knew he could make it. We just didn't understand. Was it going to be a two-point or three-point, or did we get the ball on the 1? We didn't know."
Added running back Gus Edwards: "Man, I don't know whose idea it was to kick that, but they know ball. I was confused as s---. I ain't ever seen that before."
There have been at least 29 fair catch free kicks recorded during the regular season, according to quirkyresearch.com. The last known player to make a fair catch free kick was Ray Wersching of the San Diego Chargers in 1976.
Broncos coach Sean Payton said his team prepares for such scenarios in practice and that Smith's penalty "wasn't smart."
With the win, the Chargers swept the season series with the Broncos for the first time since 2010. They can clinch a playoff berth with a loss or tie by the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts this weekend.
"Get some rest, recovery, but then we've got to attack," Harbaugh said. "We still have games to win."
The Chargers close the regular season with trips to the New England Patriots (3-11) and the Las Vegas Raiders (2-12).
Chargers rise in second half against Broncos, move closer to playoff berth
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- In a game that saw something that hadn't happened in the NFL in 48 years, the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers ended Thursday night's game in the same place they started -- on the verge of making the playoffs.
The Chargers overcame an 11-point second-half deficit to beat the Broncos 34-27 at SoFi Stadium, delaying Denver's playoff return for at least another week while clinching the head-to-head tiebreaker in case the teams have the same record at the end of the season.
Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 284 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Chargers, whose defense gave up three first-half touchdowns but stiffened in the second half. Meanwhile, the Broncos were plagued by ill-timed penalties and are still waiting to clinch their first playoff berth since 2015.
Here are the most important things to know from Thursday night for both teams:
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
The cliché of a "must-win game" used by football aficionados felt fitting for the Chargers on Thursday. Not only had they lost two straight games, but they were falling out of the playoff race, sliding down to the seventh and final playoff spot.
The night began with the Chargers looking like they would experience another letdown in front of a prime-time audience, something their fan base has grown accustomed to over the years, as the Broncos got out to a 21-7 lead. But Herbert and the Chargers had other plans. L.A., which has been one of the worst second-half teams in the NFL this season, outscored the Broncos 21-6 in the final two quarters.
Thursday's win is perhaps the most significant of the Jim Harbaugh era in L.A. After only five wins last season, the victory moves the Chargers to sixth in the AFC and in pole position to be back in the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
QB breakdown: It's been an inconsistent season for Herbert. Injuries have kept him from getting in a rhythm, but he has had stretches where he looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Thursday saw both sides of the quarterback, as Herbert threw an uncharacteristic interception deep in Broncos territory late in the first half before making innumerable tough throws in the second, including a highlight-worthy throw rolling left with a defender draped on his body to Derius Davis to give the Chargers their first lead at 27-24 in the fourth quarter.
Herbert finished 23-of-30 with 284 yards, two touchdown passes and an interception. It was a reminder of Herbert's talent and the version of him the Chargers hope to get moving forward.
Troubling trend: The Chargers were considered one of the NFL's best defenses for much of this season, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers put 40 points on them in a Week 15 pasting. The struggles continued Thursday night, as the Broncos scored on their first three drives, but the Chargers' defense tightened up, allowing just six points for the remainder of the game.
Surprising performance: Running back Gus Edwards had far and away his best game as a Charger, finishing with 11 carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Edwards' 43-yard run in the fourth quarter effectively ended the game, setting up Herbert's game-clinching touchdown pass to Hassan Haskins. The 43-yarder was tied for the second-longest run of Edwards' career. -- Kris Rhim
Next game: at New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 28)
Denver Broncos (9-6)
In the be-careful-what-you-wish-for department, the Broncos gave the enthusiastic thumbs-up to being the first team flexed into a Thursday night game and the first team to play two Thursday night road games in a season.
They did it because coach Sean Payton liked the idea that the Cincinnati Bengals -- the Broncos' next opponent -- would be flexed out of the slot and the Broncos would have a longer week to prepare for next week's game. But the Broncos didn't handle the business right in front of them.
With Denver having a chance to clinch its first playoff spot since the franchise's Super Bowl 50 win, the Chargers rallied to get the win and sweep the Broncos. That loss moves the Broncos down to the No. 7 and final playoff spot in the AFC behind the Chargers. The Broncos have next Saturday's game in Cincinnati and the regular-season finale at home to the Kansas City Chiefs in front of them.
The Broncos had leads of 21-10 and 24-13, but a smattering of defensive penalties in the second half -- including an unnecessary roughness penalty on linebacker Justin Strnad for a hit on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert on what turned out to be the Chargers' go-ahead drive -- were costly. The offense also slumped in the second half, delaying Denver's playoff return by at least a few more days.
Describe the game in two words: Didn't listen. Payton had written on his call sheet: "Run It!'' And despite the Broncos' early success on the ground -- they ran the ball on seven of 10 plays to score a touchdown on their opening possession, they ran it just 14 times the remainder of the game. Payton continues to struggle to find a rhythm in the run game even as he continues to say how important it will be for the Broncos.
Troubling trend: Week after week, Payton has lamented the impact of untimely Broncos penalties. That was an issue again Thursday night, as the Chargers got nine points directly as a result of penalties. Cornerback Tremon Smith was flagged for fair catch interference on what would have been the last play of the first half. Instead, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made a 57-yard fair catch free kick to end the half.
Linebacker Justin Strnad was flagged for unnecessary roughness for a late hit on Herbert on what was a stop on a third-and-13 deep in Broncos territory. Instead of settling for a field goal attempt, the Chargers scored a touchdown on the next play. Then edge rusher Jonathon Cooper was flagged for a horse-collar tackle early in the fourth quarter that kept a Chargers drive going -- the Broncos also had two offside penalties on the same drive -- when Denver desperately needed the ball back.
QB breakdown: Bo Nix came into Thursday having thrown five interceptions in the previous two games. He had a close call in the third quarter, as running back Javonte Williams hung on to the ball just long enough before Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. wrestled it away from him on the ground.
But while the end result wasn't what he wanted, as the Broncos' offense sputtered in the second half, Nix had zero turnovers on 29-of-40 passing for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Nix led Denver to three touchdown drives to open the game, one of which was set up by a 53-yard catch-and-run completion to Marvin Mims Jr., the team's second completion of more than 50 yards this season. -- Jeff Legwold
Next game: at Cincinnati Bengals (4:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 28)
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