Injuries: As mentioned above, Tottenham’s Harry Kane would appear to be unlikely to be available to start the match but could be healthy enough to contribute on the pitch coming off the bench.

For Liverpool, midfielder Naby Keita is questionable for the match as he recovers from a groin injury but could be available off the bench as well. Having a break of almost three weeks in between their last EPL match and the CL final should help the overall fitness of both squads after a long season.

Keys to the Match:  In a word, depth.  While in the CL final last year, Liverpool lost Salah early in the match through injury with Firmino ineffective as his replacement in a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid.  With a current front line of Firmino, Salah and and Sadio Mane, this is a stronger and deeper Reds team than last year. Should any of this trio need to be substituted, striker Divock Origi has proven to be effective off the bench.  Additionally, after the suspect goalkeeping from Loris Karius, his Brazilian replacement Alisson has been a breath of fresh air.

While Tottenham has a solid team overall, they were the only team in the EPL not to participate in the transfer window, supposedly to allocate any excess funds towards their new stadium.  As a result, manager Pochettino was unable to infuse his squad with new players to improve the team. He was also unable to purchase players to provide quality substitutes for his starters, which resulted in a dip in their results and allowed Chelsea to finish in 3rd place in the EPL.

Who Will Win: Manager Pocchettino has done an admirable job getting Spurs to the final match of the CL, but it is hard to see how they can beat Liverpool without a fully-fit Harry Kane. Additionally, the aging back line of Tottenham will have a hard time neutralizing the speed of the front line of the Reds.  While the Tottenham has credited the universe for rewarding his team’s play, it will not be enough to overcome the sheer talent of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.  Liverpool will be hoisting the European Cup at the end of the game with a 3-1 win.

Some things are unavoidable on your wedding day like the weather and which horrific story the best man will tell. However, many risks you can mitigate before the big day arrives. Here are some handy hints…

Don’t…

…Blow the budget on the dress; If you have £1000 set aside for your bridal look, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can buy a £1000 gown. If you’re not buying off the rack, you could get charged for shipping and you’ll likely need alterations too. Consider your undergarments, shoes, veil, hair accessories and jewellery when budgeting as well.

…Send save the dates too early; It may be tempting to tell everyone about your wedding date as soon as possible, but don’t send those save-the-date cards until you’ve finalized the guest list

. Friends could turn into mere acquaintances by the time you tie the knot. You also might be glad if some people can’t make it if you’re struggling with numbers. Send save-the-dates out no more than six to eight months before your wedding date, and send them only to guests you’re positive will be invited.

…Choose your guests too early; Your wedding party should be made up of your closest friends and/or family members. Don’t choose too early as you’ll never know who will be emigrating and which family members you will fall out with.

…Give too little time to make-up time; Ideally you want to be the last one to get your hair and makeup done on the wedding day, so your makeup is fresh. This means you’re going to have to schedule enough time for all of your bridesmaids (if they’re having hair and makeup done too) as well as you. When you go for your hair trials, time how long it takes your hairstylist.

…Take too little time for photos; Squeezing photos into the first half hour of your cocktail hour will make you anything but at ease. If you don’t want to do a first look, take pictures separately beforehand so the only shots left to take after the ceremony include both of you.

…Gett Trashed the Night Before the Wedding; Whether your friends have mistakenly planned the stag/hen parties for the night before the wedding (a couple weeks before is ideal timing) or the ‘couple as a freeman’ drinks that escalate the night before… avoid at all costs.

…Lose Perspective; Don’t forget to keep your eye on what’s really important to you. Don’t get bogged down in so many small details that you don’t spend enough time on what’s important. If something goes wrong, try your best to take deep breaths and think about the big picture. Above all, keep your sense of humour.

…Give the best man a free-ticket; The best man’s speech. Cringe worthy speeches about ex-girlfriends and stories that should well and truly only stay between close friends, should not go anywhere near that best man’s speech. 

They should also not go on for days on end. Five minutes is more than long enough.

…Bring uninvited guests; Bringing someone who was not invited, failing to RSVP but turning up, arriving late or changes tables. All of this fits under this category. Never bring someone who does not have an invitation. A lot of time goes into planning a wedding and numbers would have been counted/food and drinks would have been pre paid, so to simply turn up with a plus one just isn’t on.

…Forget to put your phone on silent/turn it off; DOH! This is the last thing people want to hear when such an important event is about to take place. Do this before you arrive at the location so there are no awkward moments.

To help you find the ideal mask, here’s a science-backed guide to mask shopping.

Why are face coverings mandatory?

Face masks are designed to prevent large and small aerosol particles and droplets from spreading by capturing them when you sneeze, cough, or talk. A good quality face mask can act as an effective barrier, preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Therefore, skipping out on a face mask while in public isn’t an option to ensure your safety.

Which mask should you choose?

Wading through the mountains of mask options in the market today can be difficult and overwhelming. To ease the process, here are some factors to consider when shopping for masks.

1. Disposable vs reusable

When it comes to disposable and reusable masks, both can be equally effective and safe, depending on the material and quality. Generally, disposable masks perform well in blocking respiratory droplets and breathability. But, since you’re supposed to wear them once, they become less effective with each wear.

Due to their single-use, disposable face masks adversely affect the environment, with thousands washing up on shorelines.

Unlike disposable face masks, reusable face masks are more sustainable and eco-friendly because they’re washable. They’re also cost-effective and breathable, ensuring your comfort throughout the day.

2. Face mask fabric

There are numerous factors to consider when selecting the ideal face mask material, from breathability to effectiveness in blocking droplets from passing through. Generally, higher-quality fabrics have a thicker thread and tighter weave, creating a barrier against aerosol droplets.

Some popular face mask fabric options include cotton, silk, polyester, and polypropylene. Despite having some individual shortcomings, all these materials are good at filtering particles. Cotton and polyester, for instance, need multiple layers to increase effectiveness. Ideally, manufacturers combine different fabrics to create a reliable face mask.

3. Face mask features

Face mask features can significantly improve your mask experience, especially if you have to wear one throughout the day. Some of the features to look for when mask shopping include:

Filters and filter pockets

To add an extra layer of protection, buy face masks with a pocket where you can slip in a replaceable filter. You can purchase these filters separately or use a coffee filter or kitchen paper. The downside with filters is they make it harder to breathe, and they aren’t sustainable as you have to dispose of your filters often.

Multiple layers

According to studies, you’re better off with a mask that has at least two layers. WHO recommends masks with three layers; an innermost layer of hydrophilic, a middle hydrophobic, and an outermost layer made out of polyester or polypropylene.

Nose wire

Always buy face masks with a built-in metal wire across the bridge of your nose as they help mould the mask to your face. The nose wire also prevents your glasses from steaming up and closes up gaps where air can leak out.

Ear loops

For many, wearing a face mask for long periods can be uncomfortable and cause irritation. Luckily, you can avoid this by choosing masks with comfortable straps and a snug fit. If you’re worried about tightness, look for adjustable ear loops to maximize your comfort.

Alternatively, buy masks that go around your head instead of sitting behind your ears, but ensure they fit closely to your face.

Although many say any face mask is better than no face mask, it’s your responsibility to find one that’s breathable, reliable, and effective.

A Perfect Way to Your Perfect Day

If you’re anything like me, you will have been planning your dream wedding since you were very young. Enchanted by the magic of the day – the singing, the dancing, the food, the company – you might want nothing more than to hear those wedding bells ringing in your honour.

Who could blame us? It’s known across the world that your wedding day is the happiest day of your life, and it’s one thing that everyone can universally look forward to. From picking out the invitations and the cake, to deciding on the perfect wedding dress (or suit!), the excitement of your wedding day is just waiting to be unravelled. 

Now, some of us have it easy. High school sweethearts, who have overcome all odds to unite in a spectacular ceremony! Two unlikely colleagues, bound and brought together as if by fate itself! Some of us, however, have not been blessed with that kind of luck.

Those of us who have stood at the bylines, supporting our families and friends on their big day, smiling through charismatic speeches and laughing along as someone else catches the bouquet might experience a sense of missing out. 

After all, we’ve been eagerly counting down the days until you can we can say those two magical words ourselves – so when is our big day going to happen?

Well, if you’ve not had the most success looking for the love of your life, maybe it’s time to look in to online dating. There is an incredible range of online dating platforms, perfect for any group or niche that will really allow you to find ‘the one,’ so what’s stopping you?

Online Dating

It may be seen as an unconventional method to find love, but it certainly works – and it comes with a lot of perks, too!

What scares people away from online dating is a sense of unfamiliarity pressed by media companies and TV shows. We’ve all heard the tropes: “what if they’re a catfish?” or “what if he’s a murderer?” but it’s time to let these old-fashioned and outdated stereotypes disappear.

When you sign up for any online dating site, you’re joining a group of interesting and likeminded people who are all looking for the same thing: love.