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AFL tips Round 22 2022

AFL tips Round 22 2022

Need a hand with your AFL tips for the upcoming weekend?

The Fox Footy experts are here to help with their winners for every game in Round 22.

Check out all our expert tips and the final verdict below!

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FOX FOOTY AFL ROUND 21 TIPS AND LEADERBOARD

1. BRAD JOHNSON — 134 (Last week: 6)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Port Adelaide

2. MAX LAUGHTON (2019, 2020, 2021 champion) – 130 (Last week: 4)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Essendon

3. BEN COTTON—124 (Last week: 4)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Essendon

=4. NICK DAL SANTO — 123 (Last week: 5)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Gold Coast Suns

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Port Adelaide

=4. DAVID ZITA — 123 (Last week: 5)

st kilda

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Port Adelaide

=6. CATHERINE HEALEY—122 (Last week: 5)

TBC

=6. CAMERON MOONEY—122 (Last week: 5)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Essendon

8. LEIGH MONTAGNA—120 (Last week: 3)

Brisbane

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney

Essendon

=9. BEN WATERWORTH—119 (Last week: 4)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Port Adelaide

=9. ANTHONY HUDSON—119 (Last week: 6)

Brisbane Lions

GWS Giants

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Essendon

11. DREW JONES — 114 (Last week: 4)

TBC

=12. CATH DURKIN—113 (Last week: 5)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Essendon

=12. KATH LOUGHNAN—113 (Last week: 6)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Port Adelaide

=14. JORDAN LEWIS—111 (Last week: 5)

st kilda

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

hawthorn

sydney swans

Essendon

=14. BEN DIXON—111 (Last week: 6)

st kilda

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

sydney swans

Essendon

16. CHLOE MOLLOY—103 (Last week: 6)

Brisbane Lions

Western Bulldogs

adelaide crows

Geelong Cats

melbourne

Fremantle

Richmond

Collingwood

Port Adelaide

FINAL VERDICT (14 of 16 tipsters)

Brisbane Lions 11 — St Kilda 3

Western Bulldogs 13 — GWS Giants 1

Adelaide Crows 14 — North Melbourne 0

Gold Coast Suns 1 — Geelong Cats 13

Melbourne 14—Carlton 0

Fremantle 14 — West Coast Eagles 0

Richmond 13—Hawthorn 1

Sydney Swans 13—Collingwood 1

Essendon 9 — Port Adelaide 5

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Marilyn Manson steps out in rare outing with wife Lindsay Usich

Marilyn Manson steps out in rare outing with wife Lindsay Usich

Marilyn Manson has been spotted during a rare outing in Hollywood with his much younger wife.

The 53-year-old heavy metal singer, whose real name is Brian Warner, stepped out with his long-term partner Lindsay Usich, 37, for dinner in the Californian city.

It’s understood the pair began dating in 2012, before tying the knot in 2020.

Manson, who is reportedly two years sober, cut a vastly different figure for the couple’s date night, where he was photographed sans his signature gothic make-up.

He wore an all-black casual outfit, while Usich wore an emerald green dress with a black jacket.

Manson has rarely been spotted publicly amid multiple sexual abuse allegations leveled against him over the past year, all of which he has denied.

It comes after Manson’s damning texts to Johnny Depp were exposed in documents seen by Daily Beast, which contained pages of evidence excluded from Depp’s trial against ex-wife Amber Heard.

In a 2016 text, Manson allegedly wrote of his wife, “I got an amber 2.0” and also “Lindsay just puled an amber on me… please delete.”

Depp responds, “I been reading A LOT of material on that and sociopathic behavior… it is f***ing real my brother!! My ex-c**t is goddamn TEXTBOOK!!!” according to the document.

Then Manson, in an apparent reference to an incident where the police were called to Depp and Heard’s shared Los Angeles apartment in 2016, wrote, “I got a serious police amber type scenarios with L’s family.

“I’m f***ing stressed. I don’t know if you are back but I need asylum somewhere because I think the cops might be headed my way,” the filing states.

Manson’s former partner, US actress Evan Rachel Wood, has led claims against the goth rocker, including that he forced her to have sex with him while filming one of his music videos.

Wood named Manson as her alleged abuser for the first time in February 2021. They began dating in 2006, when she was 18 and he was 37.

The couple dated for four years, with Wood bringing to light allegations of sexual and emotional abuse years later, though it was only recently that she named Manson as her alleged abuser.

“He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years,” Wood wrote on Instagram in February last year.

“I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander or blackmail.

“I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives.

“I stand with the many victims who will no longer be silent.”

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Brandon Smith’s sledge at Cameron Munster, Melbourne Storm beat Penrith Panthers, video, highlights

Brandon Smith's sledge at Cameron Munster, Melbourne Storm beat Penrith Panthers, video, highlights

Cameron Munster put on another masterclass at fullback on Thursday night in a 16-0 win over Penrith and earned plenty of praise, along with a cheeky dig, from teammate Brandon Smith.

speaking to Triple Mpost-game, Smith was at his hilarious best in what James Graham described as a “refreshing” interview from the Melbourne Storm forward.

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“He’s [Munster] as thick as pig s***,” Smith laughed.

“He’s the dumbest bloke in the world but when he gets on the field, he’s a genius. It’s outstanding. I’m glad I’m playing with him and not against him. He’s the most annoying bloke on planet earth but he’s one of my good mates so you’ve got to love him.”

As impressive as Munster was, Smith himself was key to the win, helping Melbourne dominate up front and allowing its playmakers to work their magic in the red zone.

Smith said that it was all part of the plan for the Storm, who had a relatively simple strategy for Thursday’s night game.

“Our whole game plan was to stay in the fight and let our superstars go and put the points on,” Smith said.

The Storm were able to put 16 on the board in the first half, although they could not breach the Panthers’ line in the second, restricted to just 37 per cent of the ball.

Storm sizzle poor Panthers | 02:01

The fact Melbourne was able to hold Penrith (55 tackles in opposition 20) scoreless would have certainly pleased coach Craig Bellamy though.

“I know he’ll be super happy with the zero on the Panthers’ board but still a lot of things we have to work on in attack,” Smith said.

“We had Nick Meaney and Cooper Johns partnering together I think for the first time with Munster at fullback.

“Munster and Justin Olam and Marion Seve, the two centers, deserve massive raps they were outstanding.”

Remembering Paul Green’s amazing career | 08:32

Smith was not just at his cheeky best post-game, also getting under Panthers front rower Spencer Leniu’s skin in the latter stages of the second half as the two sides briefly came together.

“I didn’t say anything,” Smith said of his exchange with Leniu.

“I just pushed him to let him know that… I think it was an accident but still, he hit me in the head and I wasn’t happy.”

“It still bought about 30 seconds off the clock,” he added, laughing, “that was pretty handy.”

“It was a tough game out there tonight. I don’t think I’ve come off the field with these many bumps and bruises.”

Brandon Smith scuffles with Spencer Leniu. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

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Steve Martin says he will no longer ‘seek’ acting work, suggests retirement

Steve Martin says he will no longer 'seek' acting work, suggests retirement

Hollywood veteran Steve Martin has said he’s “not going to seek” any more acting work, adding, “This is, weirdly, it.”

The 76-year-old US actor, who has been a mainstay in film and television for more than five decades, said retirement is on the cards after he wraps filming on the upcoming third season of his breakout Hulu series, Only Murders In The Building, co-starring Martin Short and Selena Gomez.

In an interview with The Hollywood ReporterMartin suggested it was becoming difficult to stay in the game at the back-end of his career.

“There’s a time in your career when people are dying to see you… Now is the time in my career when I’m the one who’s got to show up,” he said.

Martin added: “When this television show [Only Murders In The Building] is done, I’m not going to seek others. I’m not going to seek other movies. I don’t want to do cameos. This is, weirdly, it.”

Martin, who is nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor (Comedy) at this year’s awards for his work on the series, made his name in showbiz in the ’60s for his writing work on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hourbefore becoming a host on Saturday night Live.

After retiring from stand-up comedy, Martin successfully transitioned to the big screen in the ’80s, going on to star in hit films including Three Amigos, Planes, Trains And Automobiles, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, LA Story, Father Of The Bride, Pink Panther and Cheaper By The Dozen.

Over the years he’s won five Grammys, an Emmy, and was awarded the Honorary Academy Award in 2013, meaning he only needs to win a Tony to achieve coveted EGOT status (where you have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony).

Martin retreated from the public eye throughout the 2010s, in which he occasionally featured in various projects, before his resurgence in 2020 in Father Of The Bride, Part 3(ish) and 2021’s only murdererswhich he created alongside John Hoffman.

On the personal front, Martin became a father for the first time at the age of 67, welcoming a daughter, Mary, with his wife of 15 years, Anne Stringfield.

While he did suggest he’d reached the end of his career, Martin also didn’t close the door completely.

“My wife keeps saying, ‘You always say you’re going to retire and then you always come up with something’ … I’m really not interested in retiring. I’m not. But I would just work a little less. Maybe,” he added.

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Entertainment

Steve Martin says he will no longer ‘seek’ acting work, suggests retirement

Steve Martin says he will no longer 'seek' acting work, suggests retirement

Hollywood veteran Steve Martin has said he’s “not going to seek” any more acting work, adding, “This is, weirdly, it.”

The 76-year-old US actor, who has been a mainstay in film and television for more than five decades, said retirement is on the cards after he wraps filming on the upcoming third season of his breakout Hulu series, Only Murders In The Building, co-starring Martin Short and Selena Gomez.

In an interview with The Hollywood ReporterMartin suggested it was becoming difficult to stay in the game at the back-end of his career.

“There’s a time in your career when people are dying to see you… Now is the time in my career when I’m the one who’s got to show up,” he said.

Martin added: “When this television show [Only Murders In The Building] is done, I’m not going to seek others. I’m not going to seek other movies. I don’t want to do cameos. This is, weirdly, it.”

Martin, who is nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor (Comedy) at this year’s awards for his work on the series, made his name in showbiz in the ’60s for his writing work on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hourbefore becoming a host on Saturday night Live.

After retiring from stand-up comedy, Martin successfully transitioned to the big screen in the ’80s, going on to star in hit films including Three Amigos, Planes, Trains And Automobiles, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, LA Story, Father Of The Bride, Pink Panther and Cheaper By The Dozen.

Over the years he’s won five Grammys, an Emmy, and was awarded the Honorary Academy Award in 2013, meaning he only needs to win a Tony to achieve coveted EGOT status (where you have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony).

Martin retreated from the public eye throughout the 2010s, in which he occasionally featured in various projects, before his resurgence in 2020 in Father Of The Bride, Part 3(ish) and 2021’s only murdererswhich he created alongside John Hoffman.

On the personal front, Martin became a father for the first time at the age of 67, welcoming a daughter, Mary, with his wife of 15 years, Anne Stringfield.

While he did suggest he’d reached the end of his career, Martin also didn’t close the door completely.

“My wife keeps saying, ‘You always say you’re going to retire and then you always come up with something’ … I’m really not interested in retiring. I’m not. But I would just work a little less. Maybe,” he added.

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Jason Day leads Australian charge at $21m St Jude Classic

Jason Day leads Australian charge at $21m St Jude Classic

Former world no.1 Jason Day decided to ditch the “anxiety” that comes with worrying about outcomes and pushed himself into contention at the opening event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs where winning isn’t the only goal.

World No.2 Cameron Smith kept his cool amid a growing storm about his potential defection to Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed LIV Golf and declared he was ready to “cop some heat” for pre-tournament denials after his own solid opening round a the St JudeClassic.

In a sign interpreted by some as strengthening Smith’s reported $140 million LIV defection, the Australian was point-blank after his opening round of 67 about the continued questioning.

“I’m ready to cop some heat. I understand that’s what I’ve said,” Smith told Sky Sports having declared any news on a move would come from him.

“I’m here to win the FedEx Cup playoffs, that’s my number one goal. Whatever happens after that will come from me.”

But while Smith remains in focus Day, who withdrew from last week’s PGA Tour event with illness, carded a bogey-free round of 65 to sit just off the pace in a share of fifth late in the opening round at the $21m St Jude Classic , three shots behind the leaders.

Only the top 70 finishers will progress to the next event and remain in the hunt for the biggest payday in golf, outside of signing a LIV deal.

Day, who hasn’t won since 2018 and has slipped to 147th on the world rankings, said he wasn’t getting lost in thinking too far ahead.

“You’re always just trying like to just blend everything together and hopefully it will click,” Day said.

“I’m not getting too excited about anything right now, just got to stay patient as much as I can because the more and more I start thinking about outcomes and being able to get into next week, it just does nothing for me, or at least anything positive for me.

“It actually gives you more anxiety and a lot of other stuff that comes along with it.

“I feel pretty good about the opening round and looking forward to the rest of the week.”

Adam Scott was the next best Aussie at four-under, a score that could have been better if not for a double-bogey five on the par three 14th hole when his tee shot found the water.

Smith, who could assume the world No.1 ranking with a victory in Memphis, depending on where current world No.1 Scottie Scheffler finishes, carded an up-and-down opening round 67, which included an eagle and two bogeys, to be five off the lead.

Scheffler opening with a one-over par 71.

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Tennis news 2022: Nick Kyrgios defeats compatriot Alex de Minaur in straight sets

Tennis news 2022: Nick Kyrgios defeats compatriot Alex de Minaur in straight sets

Nick Kyrgios’ stunning purple patch has continued, with the Wimbledon runner-up comprehensively defeating compatriot Alex de Minaur in the Montreal Masters on Friday morning (AEST).

The Australian, currently sitting at No. 37 on the ATP rankings, topped his Davis Cup teammate in straight sets 6-2 6-3, securing victory in just 62 minutes.

Kyrgios was at his absolute best during the entertaining round of 16 contest, registering 22 winners and only nine unforced errors in front of a packed-out stadium.

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However, he carried on with constant backchat towards his players box, giving almost a running commentary of his state of mind on the court in a display that seems second nature to him.

Minaur’s World No. 21 hardly won a point in the opening four games, fighting back in the second set by breaking Kyrgios twice, but struggling to hold serve himself.

It was the first time Kyrgios and de Minaur had met in an ATP event.

“After yesterday’s big high, today was really hard mentally for me to go out and play Alex,” Kyrgios said.

“We’re such good friends, he’s been having such a good career and carrying the Australian flag for so long. It was just tough mentally, it’s never easy to play a friend like that especially if they’re an Australian so I just got out here and got the job done.

“I played the way I had to play — he’s a hell of a player. If you play to his strengths he’s one of the best players from the back (of the court) in the game and he’s so fast, he’s going to have a hell of a career.

Kyrgios will next face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals. The pair faced off two months ago on grass, with Hurkacz the victor on that occasion.

This Montreal Masters campaign will give Kyrgios an important rankings boost ahead of the US Open, which gets underway on Monday August 29.

He is expected to climb 10 spots in the ATP rankings, and could crack the top 15 if he wins the Canadian tournament.

Fresh from winning the Citi Open title in Washington, Kyrgios came back from a set down to top world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev 6-7 6-4 6-2 on Thursday.

It’s the second time in his career he’s beaten a world No. 1 and he now boasts a 3-1 head-to-head record against Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion.

Since landing in the United States for the American hard court swing a couple of weeks ago, Kyrgios is 16-0 across singles and doubles.

He has now won 15 of his past 16 singles matches, stretching back to his run into the Wimbledon final, which he lost to 21-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic.

“It’s rewarding to beat the world No. 1,” Kyrgios told The Tennis Channel after the victory over Medvedev.

“It’s a reflection of all the hard work I’ve done in Sydney.

“After Washington I could easily come here and be content with what I did last week, but I wanted to empty the tank these two weeks.

“Obviously my ranking’s not where I want it to be, not getting those points at Wimbledon, but I’ve got to capitalize on this little window.”

Read related topics:Nick Kyrgios

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Nick Kyrgios smashes Alex de Minaur, Canadian Open round of 16, score, highlights, US Open

Nick Kyrgios smashes Alex de Minaur, Canadian Open round of 16, score, highlights, US Open

If there was any doubt about Nick Kyrgios’ US Open hopes, there is not now.

Fresh from his three-set victory over world No.1 Daniil Medvedev, Kyrgios demolished his Australian compatriot Alex de Minaur in straight sets (6-2, 6-3).

His clinic in Canada, which sees him move into the quarter-finals, didn’t see the volatile Australian turning on his box at times.

As late as the penultimate game, Kyrgios was blowing up at his team for their “lack of support” as he was broken.

But just as quickly he responded, winning in style a game late to progress through to the final eight.

“(Today was) incredibly tough,” he said.

“After yesterday’s big high, after playing Daniil and the crowd was amazing, it’s a day I’ll probably never forget.

“Today was really hard mentally for me to go out and play Alex, we’re such good friends and he’s been having such a good career so far and carrying the Australian flag for so long, it was tough mentally to play a friend, especially if they’re Australian.

“I just got out here and got the job done. I played the way I had to play. He’s a helluva player, if he plays to his strengths from him, he’s one of the best players from the back of the court and he’s so fast.

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Nick Kyrgios is through to the quarter-finals. Photo: Getty Images
Nick Kyrgios is through to the quarter-finals. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: AFP

The win means more than meets the eye because it sees him move back inside the world top 30 in the ATP rankings and crucially a seeding at the US Open, which gets underway on August 29.

With his round of 16 win Kyrgios is now the new world No.27. A win in the quarter-final over Hubert Hurkacz will see him climb as high as No.21.

“It was a goal, more so that I don’t get one of the big titans or gods the first-round, I can actually work my way through the draw, if the draw is kind,” he said on court.

“I always feel as if my game is right there. I feel like no matter who I play, today I felt amazing, and let’s keep it going.”

Indeed, de Minaur appeared “shell shocked” as a “mature” Kyrgios ran riot in the opening set, where the Wimbledon runner-up claimed the opening four games.

De Minaur eventually got on the scoreboard in the fifth game as he managed to hold serve for the first time in the match.

But with his fourth ace of the opening set, Kyrgios moved to a 5-1 lead and soon after claimed the first set 6-2 in just 23 minutes

“As flawless as sets come,” it was said in commentary. “A quite ridiculous level from Nick Kyrgios.”

Alex de Minaur lost in straight sets against Nick Kyrgios. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: AFP

After being on his best behavior during the first set, Kyrgios starting firing up early in the second set.

He actions were described as “pure venting” as he turned on his box in the opening games of the second set.

Nonetheless, Kyrgios took an early break in the second set and never looked back.

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Barcelona signings, news, debt, how did Barcelona sign players? Spotify sponsorship, Frenkie de Jong latest

Barcelona signings, news, debt, how did Barcelona sign players? Spotify sponsorship, Frenkie de Jong latest

Barcelona’s attempts to establish themselves once again as a force in La Liga and the Champions League this season have seen the heavily-indebted Catalans gamble with their future to enable a striking summer spending spree.

A year after being forced to let Lionel Messi go as eye-watering reported debts of 1.35 billion euros (A$1.96 billion) crippled the club, Barcelona have spent 153 million euros (A$222m) on transfer fees alone to strengthen their squad, with Robert Lewandowski the most notable new arrival.

“This is a really exciting season. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to make all the fans happy,” coach Xavi Hernandez said before last weekend’s 6-0 friendly win over Mexican side Pumas UNAM.

“That means winning trophies. That is our main objective.”

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Mat Ryan joins FC Copenhagen | 02:10

After three years of struggles, on and off the field, the summer has seen hope return to the Camp Nou, with president Joan Laporta talking of an exciting “new era” when the club unveiled Lewandowski as a Barcelona player.

“Euphoria” was the headline on the cover of local daily Sport the same day. Even partisan Madrid-based sports daily Marca admitted that Barca were “frightening” in the wake of their drubbing of Pumas UNAM last weekend, when Lewandowski scored his first goal since his arrival from Bayern Munich.

Yet how Barcelona have gone about raising the funds to sign Lewandowski, as well as centre-backs Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, and Leeds United’s Brazilian winger Raphinha have raised eyebrows.

Faced with severe limits on spending in order to comply with La Liga’s financial controls, Barcelona knew they needed to raise money quickly to be able to invest in any signings and, crucially, to register any new players.

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– PULLING ‘LEVERS’ –

They quickly set about selling off assets to bring in money by activating a series of what have been called economic “levers”.

The club sold 25 per cent of their domestic television rights for the next quarter of a century to US investment firm Sixth Street for some 400 million euros.

Barcelona sold 24.5 per cent of Barca Studios, which manages the club’s digital business and audiovisual productions, to Socios.com for 100 million euros on August 1, and then another 25 per cent to US investment firm GDA Luma for 100 million euros more.

In the space of a few weeks, 600 million euros had been brought in to fill the coffers.

The aim was to clean up the club’s finances, make it possible to increase the salary limit set by La Liga and allow the new signings to all be registered for the start of the season.

On top of that, Barca signed the biggest sponsorship deal in their history with Spotify, bringing in a reported 435 million euros for the music streaming giant to feature on the club’s shirts and to have naming rights to the Camp Nou.

All up, that series of deals totals 1 billion euros – so Barcelona look well placed to become serious title contenders again as they prepare to host Rayo Vallecano this weekend.

Only time will tell if mortgaging part of the club’s assets in exchange for an immediate influx of cash will bear fruit.

Chelsea sell Werner back to RB Leipzig | 01:19

– DE JONG TO LEAVE? –

Yet, Barcelona are still waiting for La Liga to allow them to register their five new signings, although they hope to be able to do so in time for the season starting this weekend.

They are also hoping to further ease their financial problems by reducing their wage bill.

The Catalans have been trying to persuade Frenkie de Jong to leave, with suggestions even made that a contract he signed in 2020 was not legal. The Dutch midfielder says he wants to stay.

FULL STORY: Barca threaten legal action over contract drama — Rumor Mill

Martin Braithwaite, Samuel Umtiti and Memphis Depay are also candidates to depart the Camp Nou, with the latter reportedly a target for Juventus.

On top of that, efforts have been made to persuade certain players, including Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets, to accept wage reductions.

Barca’s “economic miracle”, as the press have called it, still has to be transformed into a footballing miracle.

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Oscar Piastri future; showdown with Alpine, Daniel Ricciardo McLaren, Lewis Hamilton turned down role in Top Gun

Oscar Piastri future; showdown with Alpine, Daniel Ricciardo McLaren, Lewis Hamilton turned down role in Top Gun

Alpine is reportedly set for a legal showdown with Oscar Piastri amid reports the Australian driver will join McLaren next season.

The 21-year-old was announced last week as Fernando Alonso’s replacement at Alpine only for Piastri to take to social media to declare he would not be driving for the team.

It came amid reports that McLaren had told Daniel Ricciardo he would not have a seat in 2023.

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Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer said they could seek compensation, expected to be in the millions.

“Going to the High Court is over 90 per cent certain that’s what we’ll do,” he told Reuters.

“If the [board] says ‘your license is only valid at Alpine’ and then he [Piastri] says ‘that’s great but I’m never driving for them, I’ll just sit out a year,’ then you’ve got to go to the High Court for compensation.”

Szafnauer said Alpine would assess how much money they have invested in Piastri’s development.

This figure would include the costs associated with independent tests as well as thousands of kilometers in the team’s 2021 car.

According to Reuters, one power unit costs as much as $2.55 million (AUD)

“We haven’t sat down with the accountants to figure out everything we’ve spent,” said Szafnauer.

“We will have to do that if we go to the High Court.”

According to TheRace.com, the fact Alpine believe the matter will head to the court implies that the team is resigned to losing Piastri to McLaren with their focus now on compensation rather than holding onto its rising star.

Oscar Piastri has said he will not drive for Alpine in 2023.
Oscar Piastri has said he will not drive for Alpine in 2023.Source: Getty Images

HAMILTON’S REVEALS BIG HOLLYWOOD BLOW

Lewis Hamilton has sensationally revealed he had to turn down a role as a fighter pilot in Top Gun: Maverick, describing it as “the most upsetting call” he’s ever made.

The seven-time world champion counts himself as a good friend of actor Tom Cruise, who played the lead role in the 1986 original and the recent Hollywood blockbuster that has grossed a whopping $AUD1.8 billion.

Hamilton recalls being invited to the set of one of Cruise’s movies as the starting point of their friendship.

“One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” Hamilton told Vanity Fair.

“He invited me to his set years ago when he was doing Edge of Tomorrow, and then we just built a friendship over time.”

Once Hamilton caught wind a Top Gun sequel was in the works, he was desperate to be involved given his love of the film as a child.

“So when I heard the second one was coming out, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I have to ask him,’” Hamilton said.

Tom Cruise bumps fists with Lewis Hamilton before the British GP at Silverstone. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

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“I said, ‘I don’t care what role it is. I’ll even sweep something, be a cleaner in the back.’”

Cruise obliged, but he wasn’t going to give Hamilton a cameo appearance.

Instead, the megastar wanted the Mercedes driver to be one of the fighter pilots.

There was just one catch: filming was set to take place during the back-end of the 2021 F1 season when Hamilton was locked in a tense battle with Max Verstappen for the world championship.

Knowing he had to turn down the chance of a lifetime, Hamilton was devastated when he made the call.

“I’m a perfectionist,” Hamilton said.

“The most upsetting call that I think I’ve ever had.”

F1 TRACK SET TO MAKE APPEARANCE IN … CALL OF DUTY?

Christmas has come early for the cross section of F1 and Call of Duty fans.

Infinity Ward, the developers of the video game, released a trailer that confirmed the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore will be a playable map in the latest edition of the famous franchise.

In an official statement, Infinity Ward confirmed the map would be playable in the Modern Warfare II Beta for fans to get a taste of what’s to come.

“The Modern Warfare II Beta is set to feature a robust multiplayer experience going beyond the Core 6v6 experience with a variety of meticulously designed maps of various sizes, and an equally impressive set of Modes, Progression experiences, and other aspects that will be more thoroughly revealed at Call of Duty: Next,” the statement read.

“In addition, we revealed a fly-through of Marina Bay Grand Prix, where combat occurs within the main infield of an urban race circuit, one of the 6v6 Multiplayer maps confirmed for the Beta.”

The pit lane in Singapore will look a little different in this year’s Call of Duty. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

There does not look to be any official F1 branding or names of the drivers, suggesting it is not an official partnership between them and Call of Duty.

Funnily enough, the worlds of F1 and Call of Duty have intertwined previously, as Lewis Hamilton was a non-playable character in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, released in 2016.

LONG LIVE VEGAS! F1’S FIRST DATE IN SIN CITY LEAKED

What happens in Vegas might very well have great implications in the title race as the date for the Las Vegas GP has been leaked.

A Letter of Intent for the race between Liberty Media and the Convention Bureau was posted on Twitter and eagle-eyed fans noted the date.

The Las Vegas GP is slated to take place on November 18 and it would remain on that date until 2027 when the contract expires.

Based on the current F1 calendar, it would mean the race in Sin City would be the penultimate race of the season as the Abu Dhabi GP will take place on November 20 this year.

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