G'day sports fans,

Classic quote: “I should be a postage stamp. That’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” — Muhammad Ali

In today's edition of Sport Journal:

🎾 US Open previews

⚽️ Premier League preview

🏈 NFL season begins

...and much more!

🇦🇺 AFL

Result: St Kilda 50 (6.14) v West Coast Eagles 65 (9.11): Wounded Eagles lock up finals spot with stunning late show. A brave 15-point victory over St Kilda on Thursday night means Adam Simpson's side cannot be caught in the race for the top eight. (match report)

Today: Geelong Cats (1.75) v Richmond (2.15): Tiger trio dumped, JJ makes way, still no Stanley (Team news)

• Geelong has cover the line in each of their last 6 night matches (-4.5)

• Jayden Short has recorded 21+ disposals in 4 of Richmond's last 5 matches at the Metricon

Weekend Fixtures

AFL 2020: Barry Hall sacked podcast, Sydney Swans, Barry Hall Brent Staker, Barry Hall Triple M comments, anger issues, weight gain | Fox Sports — www.foxsports.com.au

Former AFL forward great Barry Hall has revealed he didn’t enjoy around “80 per cent” of his successful AFL career, lifting the lid on his time in the game and the post-footy identity crisis that saw him blow out to 125 kilos.

🐴 Racing

So good! 🤣

🐴 Run to the Rose - The Sport Journal's Everest Slot share selected ROTHFIRE, as their runner. Rothfire goes tomorrow up against stiff competition, including Farnan. We can't wait to get behind the Thrilla from Chinchilla, in the run up to the Everest!

🏉 NRL

Result: West Tigers 24-26 Rabbitohs: Souths win thriller to roll onto finals as Tigers' hopes go in the bin (match report)

Today: Panthers (1.33) v Eels (3.40): Yeo good to go; Mahoney named to play (match preview)

• The last 9 matches between the two have gone UNDER total points line (36.5)

Saturday: Dragons (3.0) v Raiders (1.37): Debutant named for reshuffled Red V (match preview)

• Nick Cotric (Raiders) has been the 1st Try scorer in his last 4 matches against the Dragons (8.0)

Titans (1.70) v Broncos (2.25): Kelly, Jolliffe out; Glenn returns (match preview)

• Gold Coast have won 4 of their last 5 night matches (1.70)

Roosters (1.08) v Knights (8.0): Friend back; Ponga, Barnett rested (match preview)

• Roosters have won each of their last 13 against Newcastle by 13+ points

You don't need to be a Dragons fan to enjoy this 🙌🏼😢

Sunday: Storm (1.10) v Cowboys (8.0): Papenhuyzen rested as star duo return (match preview)

• Melbourne have covered the line in 7 of their last 8 as favourite (-19.5)

Sharks (1.55) v Warriors (2.45): Johnson to the rescue; loan duo reactivated (match preview)

• Warriors have covered the line in each of their last 7 matches (+4.0)

⚽️ Football

Premier League predictions: Who will finish where in 2020-21? - BBC Sport — www.bbc.co.uk

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty makes his annual predictions for who will finish where in the English top flight.

⚽️ Top Scorer Poll

You may remember we set up a poll for you to tell us who you think will finish the Premier League season with the most balls in the onion bag - The winner by a mile was Arsenal's Aubameyang (29%) of the vote, priced at (7.0). 2nd was Harry Kane (7%).

The most popular total number of goals was 23 & 24 (45% between the two).

⚽️ A-League players have been handed an ultimatum by club bosses - accept pay cuts of up to 30% next season or face being stood down from next week. They have been given until Friday to accept the offer, but are standing firm against the clubs. (TWG)

🏅Congratulations to the Johnny Warren Medallist - Alessandro Diamanti 

🎾 US Open

US Open 2020: Alex de Minaur def by Dominic Thiem — www.foxsports.com.au

Second seed Dominic Thiem bulldozed Australia’s Alex de Minaur in straight sets Wednesday to reach the US Open semi-finals.

US Open women’s semi-finals preview — tennishead.net

The opening rounds of the US Open saw the seeds appear to tumble away but now that the dust has settled we have a stellar final four.

🚴🏼‍♂️ Tour de France

Stage 11: Caleb Ewan wins thrilling sprint in Poitiers

We called it on Monday, Lotto Soudal's Australian rider Caleb Ewan snatched victory on stage 11 of the Tour de France as the sprinters went toe to toe in a thrilling finish.

Seven-time green jersey winner Peter Sagan crossed second but was relegated to last and docked 13 sprint points for muscling past Wout van Aert late on.

Irishman Sam Bennett was promoted into second and leads the points classification by 68 points from Sagan.

Jumbo-Visma's Primoz Roglic remains 21 seconds clear in yellow.

📺 Watch the finish and his interview 

Stage 12: Switzerland’s Marc Hirschi produced a superb solo break to record his first professional win on stage 12 of the Tour de France.

Hirschi, 22, went clear with 28km remaining of the 218km ride from Chauvigny to Sarran.

🏈 NFL Season begins

NFL 2020 preview: Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Cam Newton feature in 101st season - BBC Sport — www.bbc.co.uk

BBC pundits Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell look at the key talking points as the NFL prepares for a season like no other.

🏎 F1

Sebastian Vettel poised to join Aston Martin F1 as Sergio Pérez moves aside

• Pérez will leave Racing Point, who are set to rebrand for 2021

• News may be confirmed before Ferrari’s 1,000th race on Sunday

🏉 Rugby

Super Rugby AU

Reds v Rebels: The Reds are undefeated against the Rebels in Super Rugby AU (W1, D1) and picked up a 19-13 win in their last encounter (Rd 7); they'll be out to clinch back-to-back wins against the Rebels for the first time since winning their first six meetings in the competition from 2011 to 2013.

Super Rugby AU finals teams announced: Rebels regain troops for Reds SF | RUGBY.com.au — www.rugby.com.au

Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels says his side have always been the "underdogs" and they're happy to scrap their way to the final as they take on the Queensland Reds in the preliminary final on Saturday in Brisbane.

Mitre 10 Cup rugby preview — www.nzherald.co.nz

This year's Mitre 10 Cup is shaping up to be one of the most highly-anticipated seasons.

Back on Monday!

📺 Live sport

Today

⚾️ 08:05 - MLB - Washington Nationals v Atlanta Braves (Sky Sports 3)

🎾09:00 - US Open Women's Semi-Final - Jennifer Brady v Naomi Osaka (ESPN 1 or SBS)

🏈 10:20 - NFL - Kansas City Chiefs v Houston Texans (ESPN 2)

🎾 11:00 - US Open Women's Semi-Final - Serena Williams v Victoria Azarenka (ESPN 1 or SBS)

⚾️ 11:40 - MLB - Arizona Diamondbacks v Los Angeles Dodgers (Sky Sports 3)

⚽️ 12:00 - MLS - Seattle Sounders v San Jose Earthquakes (BeIN Sports 1)

⛳️ 12:00 - Asian Tour, Shinhan Donghae Open, Round 2 (Fox Sports)

🏉 17:00 - Mitre 10 Cup - North Harbour v Canterbury Rugby (Fox Sports) 

🏍 17:55 - Italian MotoGP Practice 1, Round 7 (Fox Sports More)

🏉 18:00 - NRL - Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles (Fox League)

🏎 19:00 - Tuscan F1 Grand Prix Practice 1, Round 9 (Fox Sports)

🇦🇺 19:50 - AFL - Geelong Cats v Richmond Tigers (Fox Footy or 7mate)

🏉 19:55 - NRL - Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels (Fox League or Nine)

⛳️ 20:00 - European Tour, Portugal Masters, Round 2 (Fox Sports)

🎾 20:00 - WTA Istanbul Championship, Quarter-Finals, Day 4 (BeIN Sports 3)

🚴🏼‍♂️ 21:30 - Tour de France, Stage 13, 191.5 km (SBS)

🏏 22:00 - ODI Series - England v Australia (Fox Cricket)

🏌🏼‍♀️ 22:00 - Ladies European Tour, Swiss Open, Round 2 (Fox Sports) 

🏎 22:05MotorsportFormula 3 ItalyFormula 3 Italy Qualifying, Round 9 (Fox Sports)

🏍 22:10MotorsportMotoGP of ItalyItalian MotoGP Practice 2, Round 7Fox Sports More 

🏎 23:00MotorsportTuscan F1 GPTuscan F1 Grand Prix Practice 2, Round 9Fox Sports

⛳️ 23:00GolfEuropean TourPortugal Masters, Round 2, Part 2Fox Sports 

Saturday

⚽️ 00:00 - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Southampton (Optus Sport 1) 

⚽️ 00:00 - English Championship - Huddersfield Town v Norwich City (BeIN Sports 2)

⚽️ 00:00 - La Liga - Eibar v Celta Vigo (BeIN Sports 1)

🐴 00:35 - Group 1, English St. Leger Stakes (Sky Racing 1) 

🐴 01:10 - Group 1, Irish Champion Stakes (Sky Racing 1) 

🎾 06:00 - US Open Women's Final (ESPN 1 or SBS)

🚗 06:30 - IndyCar Mid-Ohio 200 Race (Fox Sports)

👊🏻 07:00 - UFC Fight Night Prelims (ESPN 2) 

🏄🏻‍♂️ 07:00 - Specialty Events, Tweed Coast Pro (7mate or Fox Sports More)

⛳️ 08:00 - PGA Tour, Safeway Open, Round 3 (Fox Sports) 

⚾️ 08:37 - MLB - Toronto Blue Jays v New York Mets (Sky Sports 3)

⚽️ 09:00 - MLS - New York City FC v FC Cincinnati (BeIN Sports 3)

⚽️ 09:30 - MLS - Orlando City SC v Inter Miami CF (BeIN Sports 1)

👊🏻 10:00 - UFC Fight Night Main Card - Michelle Waterson v Angela Hill (ESPN 2)

🏀 11:00 (TBC) - NBA Conference Semifinals - Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets (ESPN 1)

⚾️ 11:10 - MLB - San Diego Padres v San Francisco Giants (Sky Sports 3)

⚽️ 11:30 - MLS - Real Salt Lake v Colorado Rapids (BeIN Sports 1)

⛳️12:00 - Asian Tour, Shinhan Donghae Open, Round 4 (Fox Sports)

🏉 12:05 - Mitre 10 Cup - Northland v Manawatu (Fox Sports)

🏉 12:05 - Mitre 10 Cup - Taranaki v Bay of Plenty (Fox Sports)

⛹🏻‍♀️ 13:00 - Super Netball - Sunshine Coast Lightning v Queensland Firebirds (Nine)

🇦🇺 13:05 - AFL - Carlton Blues v Adelaide Crows (Fox Footy) 

⚽️ 14:05 - J1 League - Consadole Sapporo v Urawa Red Diamonds (Optus Sport 1)

🏉 14:35 - Mitre 10 Cup - Southland v Hawke's Bay (Fox Sports)

⛹🏻‍♀️ 15:30 - Super Netball - Adelaide Thunderbirds v Giants Netball (Telstra TV)

🇦🇺 15:35 - AFL - Hawthorn Hawks v Western Bulldogs (Fox Footy)

🏉 16:05 - NRL - Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys (Fox League or Nine)

🏎 18:05 - San Marino MotoE Race, Round 3 (Fox Sports More) 

🇦🇺 18:10 - Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions (Fox Footy or 7mate)

⚽️ 18:30 - K League 1 - FC Seoul v Suwon Samsung Bluewings (Optus Sport 1)

🏉 18:30 - NRL - Cronulla Sharks v Warriors (Fox League)

⚽️ 19:30 - J1 League - Kawasaki Frontale v Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Optus Sport 2)

🏎 19:55 - Formula 2 Italy Race 2 (Fox Sports)

⚽️ 20:00 - J1 League - Yokohama F. Marinos v Cerezo Osaka (Optus Sport 3)

🚴🏼‍♂️ 20:30 - Tour de France, Stage 15, 174.5 km (SBS)

⚽️ 21:00 - France Ligue 1 - Lille OSC v FC Metz (BeIN Sports 1)

⚽️ 21:00 - English League One - Ipswich Town v Wigan Athletic (BeIN Sports 2)

🏉 21:30 - Premiership - Wasps v Bristol Bears (Fox Sports)

🚗 21:30 - DTM Nurburg ring Race 2, Round 5 (BeIN Sports 3)

⚽️ 21:30 - FA Women's Super League - Chelsea Women v Bristol City Women (Optus Sport 4)

🏏 22:00 - ODI Series - England v Australia (Fox Cricket)

🏍 22:00 - Italian MotoGP Race, Round 7 (10 Bold or Fox Sports More)

⛳️ 22:30 - European Tour, Portugal Masters, Round 4 (Fox Sports) 

⚽️ 23:00 - Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City (Optus Sport 1)

🏎 23:10 - Tuscan F1 Grand Prix Race, Round 9 (Fox Sports)

Sunday

⚽️ 00:00 - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Southampton (Optus Sport 1) 

⚽️ 00:00 - English Championship - Huddersfield Town v Norwich City (BeIN Sports 2)

⚽️ 00:00 - La Liga - Eibar v Celta Vigo (BeIN Sports 1) 

🐴 00:35 - Group 1, English St. Leger Stakes (Sky Racing 1) 

00:45 - Formula 2 Italy Race 1, Round 9 (Fox Sports) 

🐴 01:10 - Horse RacingGroup 1 - Irish Champion Stakes (Sky Racing 1) 

🎾 06:00 - US Open Women's Final, Day 13 (ESPN 1 or SBS)

🚗 06:30 - IndyCar Mid-Ohio 200 Race, Round 10 (Fox Sports)

👊🏻 07:00 - UFC Fight Night Prelims (ESPN 2) 

🏄🏻‍♂️ 07:00 - Surfing - Specialty Events - Tweed Coast Pro, Day 1 (7mate or Fox Sports More)

⛳️ 08:00 - PGA Tour, Safeway Open, Round 3 (Fox Sports)

⚾️ 08:37 - MLB - Toronto Blue Jays v New York Mets (Sky Sports 3)

⚽️ 09:00 - MLS - New York City FC v FC Cincinnati (BeIN Sports 3)

⚽️ 09:30 - MLS - Orlando City SC v Inter Miami CF (BeIN Sports 1)

👊🏻 10:00 - UFC Fight Night Main Card - Michelle Waterson v Angela Hill (ESPN 2)

🏀 11:00 (TBC) - NBA Conference Semi finals - Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets (ESPN 1)

⚾️ 11:10 - MLB - San Diego Padres v San Francisco Giants (Sky Sports 3)

⚽️ 11:30 - MLS - Real Salt Lake v Colorado Rapids (BeIN Sports 1)

⛳️ 12:00 - Asian Tour, Shinhan Donghae Open, Round 4 (Fox Sports)

🏉 12:05 - Mitre 10 Cup - Northland v Manawatu (Fox Sports)

🏉 12:05 - Mitre 10 Cup - Taranaki v Bay of Plenty (Fox Sports)

⛹🏻‍♀️ 13:00 - Super Netball - Sunshine Coast Lightning v Queensland Firebirds (Nine)

🇦🇺 13:05 - AFL - Carlton Blues v Adelaide Crows (Fox Footy)

⚽️ 14:05 - J1 League - Consadole Sapporo v Urawa Red Diamonds (Optus Sport 1)

🏉 14:35 - Mitre 10 Cup - Southland v Hawke's Bay (Fox Sports)

⛹🏻‍♀️ 15:30 - Super Netball - Adelaide Thunderbirds v Giants Netball (Telstra TV)

🇦🇺 15:35 - AFL - Hawthorn Hawks v Western Bulldogs (Fox Footy) 

🏉 16:05 - NRL - Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys (Fox League or Nine)

🇦🇺 18:10 - AFL - Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions (Fox Footy or 7mate)

⚽️ 18:30 - K League 1 - FC Seoul v Suwon Samsung Bluewings (Optus Sport 1)

🏉 18:30 - NRL - Cronulla Sharks v Warriors (Fox League)

⚽️ 19:30 - J1 League - Kawasaki Frontale v Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Optus Sport 2)

🏎 19:55 - Formula 2 Italy Race 2, Round 9 (Fox Sports)

⚽️ 20:00 - J1 League - Yokohama F. Marinos v Cerezo Osaka (Optus Sport 3)

🏍 20:20 - Italian Moto2 Race, Round 7 (Fox Sports More)

🚴🏼‍♂️ 20:30 - Tour de France, Stage 15, 174.5 km (SBS)

⚽️ 21:00 - France Ligue 1 - Lille OSC v FC Metz (BeIN Sports 1) 

⚽️ 21:00 - League One - Ipswich Town v Wigan Athletic ( BeIN Sports 2)

🏉 21:30 - Premiership Rugby - Wasps v Bristol Bears (Fox Sports)

⚽️ 21:30 - FA Women's Super League - Chelsea Women v Bristol City Women (Optus Sport 4)

🏏 22:00 - ODI Series - England v Australia (Fox Cricket) 

🏍 22:00 - Italian MotoGP Race, Round 7 (10 Bold or Fox Sports More)

⛳️ 22:30 - European Tour, Portugal Masters, Round 4 (Fox Sports)

⚽️ 23:00 - Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City (Optus Sport 1)

🏎23:10 - F1 Grand Prix Race, Round 9 (Fox Sports)