Manchester United are being urged to "break the bank" on Harry Kane, with the England star capable of being another Eric Cantona at Old Trafford.
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Red Devils still in need of a proven goalscorerTransfer talk building ahead of summer windowAdvised to lure England captain away from BayernFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! đ˘đąWHAT HAPPENED?
Back in the 1990s, Sir Alex Ferguson needed a larger-than-life character to lead by example at the Theatre of Dreams. Enigmatic French forward Cantona was the man charged with the task of adding those qualities to the Red Devils fold alongside the likes of Paul Ince, Roy Keane and Steve Bruce.
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A remarkable era of success was enjoyed, but Ferguson stepped out of the dugout when retiring in 2013. Humbling regression has been endured on the red half of Manchester since then, with United currently sat 13th in the Premier League table under Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim.
DID YOU KNOW?
Questions have been asked of the clubâs recruitment, as more big money has been spent, with a proven No.9 still required. Various options are being mooted in that department ahead of the next transfer window, with Teddy Sheringham offering his take on who would represent shrewd business.
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The 1999 Treble winner told : "If itâs between [Matheus] Cunha or [Viktor] Gyokeres, just for the fact of the experience of the Premier League, I would go for Cunha. Gyokeres might have done it in the Portuguese league and he's scoring goals and he's confident but all he needs to do is come in like Hojlund and not get any service for four games and start getting battered and itâs âwho have we bought?â and then the pressure's on him, and if he doesn't know how to handle that, then that is a problem.
"You need a leader. You need a top player to stick his chest out and go like Cantona and I did when we came to Man United and just say, I was born to play at this place. Not âwill I make it at this place?â There are all different characters in football, and you need someone that's going to get out there and lead the line. Thatâs why you need to go and get a player like Harry Kane. Thatâs what United used to do, they used to go and sign the best players on the market."
After a tiny wobble, half-centuries from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman make short work of the 187-run chase to seal the series 2-0
Danyal Rasool18-Aug-2022An all-round performance from Pakistan ensured there wouldn’t be a repeat of the nervy finish of the first ODI, crushing Netherlands by seven wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Wickets all around for every frontline Pakistan bowler hobbled Netherlands throughout their innings and skittled them out for 186 in 44.1 overs. Only a 109-run partnership between Bas de Leede and Tom Cooper demonstrated any fightback, but aside from that, just one man – and two partnerships – managed to get out of the single digits.The early loss of the openers gave Pakistan a small scare, but half-centuries from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan put them back on course, before a brisk cameo from Agha Salman applied the finishing touch, Pakistan getting home with 16.2 overs to spare.Bas de Leede reprimanded for breaching ICC code of conduct
Netherlands allrounder Bas de Leede has received an official reprimand and a demerit point for breaching the ICC code of conduct during the second ODI against Pakistan in Rotterdam on Thursday.
De Leede was found to have breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the use of an audible obscenity during an international match.
De Leede admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction imposed by Chris Broad, the match referee, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
Winning the toss and batting first on a used pitch, Netherlands found themselves under intense pressure straightaway. None of the inconsistent, lackadaisical bowling performance from the first game was on evidence from Pakistan as Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah emerged flying out of the blocks, reducing the home side to 8 for 3 inside four overs.Vikramjit Singh was the first man to go, Naseem dragging one slightly back of a length that shaped away to take the outside edge. Max O’Dowd miscued a Rauf delivery to Babar at mid-off, before Wesley Barresi found his stumps knocked back for the second game in succession. He did consider playing a shot this time but left too large a gap between bat and pad, and watched his off stump battered once more.For a while, Cooper and de Leede gave Netherlands hope that those early wickets were not much more than a rocky start, setting their side back on course nicely. They didn’t go into their shells, Cooper setting the tone immediately when he hooked Naseem behind the wicket for six in the sixth over, and smashed the final ball of that over through the leg side for another boundary. There was an element of fortune – and a rare sign of sloppiness from the Pakistan bowlers – in the same over, when Naseem had Cooper caught, only for the umpire to find he had overstepped.Cooper then greeted Shadab Khan to the crease with a six in his first over and tonked Mohammad Wasim for three successive boundaries. De Leede was far more circumspect, his first boundary coming as late as his 51st ball, when he took on Mohammad Nawaz and cleared the rope. But with the run rate improving and the partnership ticking past 100, Netherlands appeared to be back on track for the score they might have aimed for at the start.Babar Azam cuts on his way to a brisk half-centuryâ˘KNCB/Gerhard van der LaarseBut Nawaz removed Cooper with the tamest of dismissals as the batter scooped one back to him, and the rot set in once more. Skipper Scott Edwards fell for 5, the first time he hasn’t managed a half-century in five ODI innings, and Pakistan’s bowlers were on top once more, de Leede watching helplessly on as the visitors ran through the other end.With Netherlands nine down, de Leede threw caution to the wind. A six off Wasim indicated the shifting of gears, and another six and four in the following over briefly raised hopes he might actually get to three figures. But, when on 89, Rauf offered him a slower delivery in the slot – ostensibly a gift – he mistimed it to Fakhar Zaman at long-on, and Netherlands fell well short of par.Pakistan’s openers found the going rough early on once more, Aryan Dutt and Vivian Kingma tying Fakhar and Imam-ul Haq down early once more. This time, the home side ensured they removed the pair before any damage could be done, with Kingma’s double-strike in the fourth over putting Pakistan under pressure. The fast bowler got one to rear off a length and grow big on Fakhar, who spooned it back to him, before Imam was caught at point driving on the up.A score similar to the one Netherlands posted in the first ODI might have piled the pressure on, but with just 187 to chase, there was little reason for the experienced Babar and Rizwan to panic. The early fire was seen off cautiously and Pakistan soon began to wrest back total control.Mohammad Yousuf, Pakistan’s batting coach, might have been glad for the middle order to get some much-needed practice, but Babar was determined to break the back of the chase first. While Rizwan, perhaps short of confidence in this format, struggled to get out of the blocks early, Babar eased to yet another half-century, his eighth 50-plus score in nine innings. When his miscue found de Leede at midwicket, it brought Salman to the crease, with the following passage of play likely Pakistan’s most satisfying.In just his second ODI, he understood the value of this opportunity, looking to go on the attack from the outset. Rizwan gained more confidence and upped his scoring rate as the jeopardy of the game ebbed away, but it was Salman who took the lead role. With 12 to win, he struck ten off the first three balls of the 34th over. Needing a six to get to his half-century, he slapped Kingma over long-on for a colossal six to bring it, and Pakistan’s series victory, up in style.
Gilchrist four-for keeps hosts below target, despite fighting fifties from Weatherley, Vince and Fuller
ECB Reporters Network22-Sep-2022Hampshire’s dream of winning the LV= Insurance County Championship title for the first time in 49 years was ended by a 77-run defeat to Kent.Joe Weatherley, James Vince and James Fuller – 56, 73 and 78 not out respectively – had given the south coast county a sniff of successfully chasing an unlikely 378 runs.But Hampshire’s hopes of replicating the 1961 and 1973 champions were dashed to give Surrey the pennant for the second time in five seasons – with Nathan Gilchrist taking 4 for 60, including the winning wicket as Hampshire only reached 300.It was Hampshire’s third defeat of the season, and Kent’s third victory.For Kent, their battle for survival in Division One was given a huge boost. To go with the 19 points they took from this win, closest rivals Warwickshire suffered a shock defeat to rock-bottom Gloucestershire, giving Kent a 14-point buffer ahead of the final round – where they face Somerset at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence.Hampshire’s hopes of winning the game had been trounced after they had been bowled out for 57 – in doing so giving up a 108-run first-innings deficit – and were further diminished when they had lost four wickets in their pursuit of 378 on the second evening.Weatherley had been the shining light of that period with his first score above 25 since April. He had ended the day on 54, having left and defended well, while also finding ways to score.The morning only brought two runs in a six-over stay before a full Gilchrist delivery thudded into his shin. Gilchrist’s following over saw the end of the unbalanced Ben Brown, who clipped a similarly full ball to square leg.Conor McKerr had been sent on loan from Surrey for this fixture, but hadn’t personally helped his parent county with one and a duck with the bat, and no chance to bowl in the first innings. His celebration was perhaps the loudest of the day when he pinned Aneurin Donald in front.Vince wasn’t allowing Kent to ease to victory though, as he demonstrated his trademark mix of dogged determinism to win the game for his team and beautiful shot-making. His first three scoring shots were variations on a cover drive, including the first ball of the day.He moved to his sixth half-century of the season off 81 balls with a dabbed three down to third, to take the required runs down to 169 runs at lunch.But only 27 more runs were knocked off before a turning half-tracker from Jack Leaning lit up Vince’s eyes, and his pull shot fell straight into Tawanda Muyeye’s grasp on the deep midwicket boundary. It ended a 90-run stand with Fuller which had almost made Hampshire surprise favourites.Kyle Abbott was undone by bounce out of the footholds by Leaning to loop to first slip. And despite Fuller racing past a 74-ball fifty and biffing some late runs, Mohammad Abbas had his off stump knocked over by Gilchrist.The defeat is Hampshire’s first at home in the Championship since losing to Somerset last May – a run of 10 victories – and just their second since the start of the 2019 season.
The Chicago bears defensive tackle embraced his new city's soccer culture by posing with a personalized Fire kit alongside Sparky
Jarrett received personalized Fire kit with his nameTwo-time Pro Bowler posed with Fire's mascot Sparky at Soldier Field eventJarrett joined the Chicago Bears in 2025Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Recently signed Chicago Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett demonstrated his support for fellow Chicago sports franchise Chicago Fire FC. The NFL star participated in a photo opportunity with a personalized Fire jersey bearing his name and the number 50. The veteran NFL star, who joined the Bears in March after spending his first 10 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, posed alongside the Fire's mascot Sparky in images that quickly circulated on social media.
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Chicago's professional sports teams have increasingly collaborated on cross-promotional activities in recent years, recognizing the value of introducing fans from one sport to another. The Chicago Fire, competing in a crowded Chicago sports market that includes the iconic Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks, thus benefits significantly from associations with established NFL stars like Jarrett.
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Chicago Fire sits eighth on the Eastern Conference table and is seven points behind conference leaders Charlotte FC. The Fire face Nashville SC on April 26 on the road and then return to Chicago to host Orlando City SC on May 3 at Soldier Field.
This month has been unusually quiet for Leeds United in the transfer window, with Daniel Farke yet to make any signings to help bolster his current playing squad.
When looking at the Championship table, the Whites currently sit top of the pile, but given the additions made by rivals Sheffield United and Sunderland, chiefly bringing in the likes of Ben Brereton-Diaz and Enzo Le Fee, it could force the board into spending.
No drastic additions are needed given the recent form, with only players who are going to provide an upgrade on the starters who are currently at Elland Road.
That coupled with the difficult nature of prising a clubâs key asset away makes the month notoriously tough, as seen, the lack of signings currently made by Farke and Co.
However, at one stage, it looked at one stage as the club had identified one player to move to Yorkshire, allowing for a reunion with the boss and aiming to replicate their previous success together.
Leeds United’s move to sign Emi Buendia
After previously starring under his guidance at Norwich City, it was no surprise to see Aston Villa attacker Emi Buendia linked with a move to Elland Road to rejoin former boss Farke this month.
Back in 2020/21, the Argentine registered 15 goals and 16 assists, securing promotion from Englandâs second tier, before completing a ÂŁ33m move to join the Villans.
However, his move has been a frustrating one, losing his first team place due to a long-term injury layoff, with the 28-year-old available for loan to gain match fitness – subsequently leading to the rumours over a move to the Whites.
Despite the links, it appears as though Farke wonât be able to secure a dream reunion with the forward with journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that he has agreed a move to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on loan with an option to buy.
Given Leedsâ second-tier standing, itâs understandable why the former Norwich ace would want to move to Germanyâs top division champions, having the opportunity to play at the top level of European football in the process.
However, such a move leaves the club still looking for a potential new attacker this month, opening the door to potential new targets or even revisiting former links.
The target who’d be better than Buendia for Leeds
Despite the lack of incomings, Leeds have been linked with a wide variety of forwards during the transfer window, but have been able to push on and secure the deal.
The likes of Louie Barry and Emmanuel Latte Lath were just two of the names most touted with a switch to Elland Road, as Farke looks to improve his frontline, which is already the most potent in the division.
However, after the failure to land Buendia, the German could be tempted to head back in for Manchester City youngster James McAtee over a potential loan switch to the Whites.
Leeds were previously credited with an interest in landing the 22-year-old, facing competition from a whole host of other sides in England and in Europe.
Manchester City'sJamesMcAteecelebrates after the match
Heâs since been given a chance to shine under Pep Guardiola in the first team, taking his opportunity with both hands, scoring four times in his last four outings, including his first Premier League strike against Ipswich Town.
Given his recent form, City may now be against a permanent sale of McAtee, opening the door to a loan move after the arrival of Omar Marmoush, allowing the Englishman to follow in the footsteps of current loanee Manor Solomon after his own temporary move from Spurs.
Whilst it would be an optimistic move, he would add serious quality to the squad, potentially offering a better option than Buendia after missing out on a deal for the Argentine.
McAtee, whoâs been dubbed âincredibleâ by boss Guardiola, has massively outscored Buendia whilst also managing more shots on target per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.
Games played
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12
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4
0
Progressive carries
3.8
2.7
Shots taken
5.2
4.5
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85%
82%
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33%
0%
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1.3
0
Heâs also completed more of the take-ons heâs attempted, whilst also completing more progressive carries, demonstrating how dangerous he can be with the ball at his feet.
Whilst competition will undoubtedly be tough for a player of McAteeâs quality, the added game time he could receive in the Championship could prove to be a key factor.
Manchester City's JamesMcAteeduring the warm up before the match
After missing out on Buendia, the Englishman would be the perfect alternative to help Farke and the club end their two-year exile from the Premier League.
Raphinha repeat: Leeds lining up move for a star who was once worth ÂŁ59m
Leeds are reportedly one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign the midfielder.
The former USMNT star has issued a warning to the USMNT squad that they risk squandering their potential if they fail to make an impact
Gomez emphasizes need to achieve at 2026 World CupPoints to unfulfilled potentialComments come amid growing concernsGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Following the USMNTâs poor performances at the CONCACAF Nations League and Mauricio Pochettinoâs recent comments about 'responsibility and commitment' former U.S. international Herculez Gomez delivered a pointed critique of the current team's potential.
Gomez said the supposed âGolden Generationâ risks becoming the âWasted Generation." He also expressed frustration with the team's performance and believes itâs cause for concern.
âI think heâs saying some players are going to be in trouble,â Gomez said on. âItâs not about talent, you gotta bring in that effort and mentality, which is a massive red flag. We heard it from Tyler Adams not too long ago about how those criticizing the USMNTâs mentality and players who donât care are 100 percent correct, it looks like they donât care. Now we hear the USMNT head coach, manager, saying we need the right characters, and itâs not just about talent, there needs to be investment and fight.
âIf a year out from the World Cup, the bare minimum they are asking is for effort, for mentality, for fight, the US is screwed. The USMNT a year out from the World Cup, this Golden Generation theyâre in danger of becoming the Wasted Generation. Thatâs what theyâre going to be known for, the generation that had everything that couldnât get it done, the Wasted Generation. You say it, and people are going to be like âThatâs what they are right nowâ because they can only beat Mexico. They have nothing of worth if itâs not Mexico. Not one victory of worth, theyâre victory right now is a tie against England.â
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He also warned that merely advancing from the group stage in the 2026 World Cup is not enough because thatâs the bare minimum for a national team.
âMany national teams get out of the group phase of the World Cup. That is nothing to hang your hat on, this team was given everything. [In] 2018, you donât make the World Cup? They gave – they handed out national team appearances to a bunch of kids to give them growth. To give them what they needed, what they felt they needed to be the team at this (2026) World Cup. They were handed opportunities, they didnât earn those, they were handed opportunities,â Gomez said.
âYou used to had to fight like hell for a cap, they were gifted those. Now theyâre in the position right now, of a home World Cup, and it looks like they donât care? And the manager is saying we just need the right characters?â
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The USMNT has experienced mixed results in recent years despite having more players at top European clubs than ever before. Their inconsistent performances in qualifying campaigns and international tournaments have raised questions about whether technical ability is being properly complemented by the competitive mentality required to succeed.
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The next chance that Mauricio Pochettino has to assess his players and for the USMNT to impress fans again will be at the 2025 Gold Cup, which begins from June 14.
Anthony Gordon starred over both legs as Newcastle United, frankly, took Arsenal to the cleaners in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
He’s shaped into one of the best wingers in English football, winning Newcastle’s Player of the Year award in 2023/24, his first full season at the club.
Anthony Gordon
There’s no love lost between Everton and their former starboy, who rose through the Finch Farm ranks before becoming a regular feature for the Blues during the 2021/22 campaign,
Pundit and one-time Tottenham keeper Paul Robinson’s verdict was that the young Toffee was “not enough of a goal threat” and failed to “hit the heights” of his breakout campaign, with Everton struggling and Gordon tempted by mounting interest in his services.
He got his wish and left in acrimonious circumstances. Everton banked a pretty penny for his sale, with Newcastle forking out ÂŁ45m after Gordon’s transfer request, but Everton lost one of their finest youngsters before he could truly hit his stride on Merseyside.
It would be nice if David Moyes could bring another top talent through to the senior squad.
Everton's best current youth prospects
Gordon completed 78 senior appearances for Everton after graduating from Finch Farm but only scratched the surface of his lofty potential, scoring only seven goals.
Anthony Gordon
The fact remains that he is one of the club’s finest prospects over the past decade, however, Moyes will be delighted to note that there is an abundance of quality pushing through to the fore right now.
Within the U21 set-up, right-back Roman Dixon, 20, has already made three senior appearances due to injury issues earlier in the campaign, while 19-year-old midfielder Jack Patterson will be looking to feature under Moyes after making headway over the past few years.
Up top, forward Omari Benjamin, poached from Arsenal’s Hale End, is pushing to make his senior debut before the end of the season, comfortably leading the club’s scoring charts with six goals to his name this term, notably scoring both as Everton beat Liverpool 2-0 before Christmas.
Benjamin was hailed for his ‘explosive finishing ability’ by The Guardian before joining Everton’s youth system and will be confident that he can emerge as the club’s finest prospect since Gordon.
However, that’s easier said than done when he’s competing with Braiden Graham.
Everton's most exciting star since Gordon
Sometimes, an up-and-coming forward emerges with a natural ball-striking ability that bespeaks top-level success. Graham might only be 17 years old but he has that knack for finding the back of the net.
Linfield boss David Healy once hailed Graham as a “deadly finisher” before his Everton transfer and he’s yet to let his former gaffer down in England. Graham scored twice for Linfield’s first team before leaving Northern Ireland and signing for the Toffees last summer.
He’s yet to be promoted to the U21s, but Graham is hardly failing to impress in the U18 Premier League, firing seven goals home across 11 matches, also racking up two assists.
Graham’s positional flexibility further suggests that he could be Moyes’ own version of the above-discussed Gordon, for he has been placed across a variety of roles this term.
Attacking midfield
4
3
1
Centre-forward
3
2
0
Right winger
2
1
0
Left winger
1
1
1
Perhaps more curiously, Graham seems to retain his clinical value wherever Leighton Baines, U18s manager, places him. The Northern Irish prospect is endowed with natural speed and an athletic ability that allows him to confuse defenders and link up with teammates before finding space and rifling well-struck shots into the inside netting.
Such transferrable skills are perfectly evidenced through his goals across every area of the frontline this term, and a larger sample pool would be needed to reach conclusive data.
His grace and balance do suggest that he would be well suited to a permanent role on the flanks or behind the centre-forward, dropping off opponents’ shoulders, bursting away and causing chaos.
Everton manager David Moyes andBetoafter the match
Everton and Moyes like to play with a physical and focal number nine, and while Graham’s finishing ability suggests he could play such a role, the teenager may actually benefit from creating a dynamic partnership with a profile such as Beto or Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
There’s also the matter of Wayne Rooney, who was prodigiously promoted to the Everton senior set-up way back in 2002 by a certain Scottish manager.
Graham obviously won’t be expected to hit the same heights in the maiden stage of his career, but there’s little question that Moyes is the right type of manager to equip him with with confidence needed to earn opportunities among more senior teammates.
Where the Irish talent’s best position lies remains open to question, but with such an exciting and prolific start to life at Everton, there’s every chance that he will emulate Gordon and emerge as a talented and high-value member.
Let’s just hope that this time, the prospect in question won’t seek a future away from Merseyside while still developing their quality.
Moyes is looking to build a dynasty at the outfit for the second time, and if his start to life is anything to go by, he’ll steer Everton away from the dysfunction that has dominated the recent years.
In The Pipeline
It all needs to come together, with academy players like Graham as part of the process.
After Alcaraz signing: Everton can now finally axe Dyche's "shining light"
Everton’s new signing might get a start at the weekend
Nicholas Pooran will hope that CPL form stands his team in good shape as they prepare for the first round of the World Cup
Andrew McGlashan04-Oct-2022Big pictureAustralia are back on home soil and West Indies have, mostly, arrived (Shimron Hetmyer missed his flight), as the teams enter the final stretch of their men’s T20 World Cup preparations. West Indies have to go through the qualifiers to reach the Super 12s, so these two matches are an important opportunity to get into gear.However, it has been a very quick turnaround for the squad, especially those involved in the CPL final, who have had barely 24 hours in Australia. Whichever way you plug Guyana to Gold Coast into Google Flights – the last group came via New York and Dubai – it’s not an easy journey.It is their first time in Australia for more than six years and, remarkably, they have won just one international in any format against Australia in Australia since 1997. That was, at least, in a T20I, back in 2013.Related
King, Narine, du Plessis and Amir in ESPNcricinfo's CPL XI
Hetmyer dropped from West Indies World Cup squad over missed flight
Australia's balance rests on bowling fitness of Marsh and Stoinis
Hetmyer’s travel problems and subsequent axing from the squad has added to what was already a selection that had prompted significant debate amid the absence of Andre Russell and continued non-selection of Sunil Narine. In their favour, however, they are coming off a sustained period of T20 cricket in the CPL and a number in the squad enjoyed an impressive tournament.Australia, meanwhile, are looking to fine-tune their plans after the 2-1 series loss in India, which included some high-quality batting but in conditions that probably won’t have a huge bearing on this World Cup. There are some niggling injuries around the squad, which threaten to become a bit more of an issue than may have first appeared. But with bubbles a thing of the past, Australia know they have the advantage of being hosts and can call up players easily if needed.There are two names at the forefront of everyone’s mind at the moment: Cameron Green and Tim David. Green isn’t part of the World Cup 15 but showed what he was capable of in India, while David looks an ideal fit for the middle order but a tricky selection call could yet await.Recent form(last five matches, most recent first)Australia LLWLW West Indies WLLLLIn the spotlightMitchell Marsh was Player of the Match when Australia won the T20 World Cup title last year, but he has only played two T20Is since then through a combination of being rested and injury. He is coming into this short series after another of the latter, an ankle problem he picked up against Zimbabwe, but is still inked in at No. 3. He has fully earned that right after what he achieved last year, but he’ll want to pick up that sort of form as quickly as possible and, with the looming presence of Green, get back to bowling fitness.Brandon King is one of the West Indians arriving in Australia with excellent form under his belt, having finished top of the run-scoring chart in the CPL where his 83 off 50 balls in the final led Jamaica Tallawahs to the title. He has become a consistent performer at the top of the order this year with half-centuries against England, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand.Tim David should get another chance to cement his middle-order spotâ˘BCCITeam newsWith Marcus Stoinis not part of the squad and Marsh playing as a batter only, Australia will probably need to find room for a fifth bowler, which moves away from their balance of the last World Cup. It may mean a chance for Green in the middle order, or Daniel Sams, who has more experience in that role. The knock-on to that would mean a frontline batter, maybe Steven Smith, sitting out.Australia (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Tim David, 6 Matthew Wade (wk), 7 Daniel Sams/Cameron Green, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodSeven of West Indies’ squad were part of the CPL final and Pooran said they would take a call on the XI on match day based on how the players had pulled up from the journey. But some are going to have to play. Shamarh Brooks, who has replaced Hetmyer, won’t arrive for the Australia matches.West Indies (possible) 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Johnson Charles, 4 Nicholas Pooran (capt & wk), 5 Rovman Powell, 6 Jason Holder, 7 Odean Smith, 8 Akeal Hosein, 9 Yannic Cariah, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Sheldon CottrellPitch and conditions”You’re not really sure what you’ll get until the game starts,” Aaron Finch said of what the drop-in pitch at Metricon can produce. “It looks like it’s hardened up overnight. It was a touch soft yesterday.” The forecast is for an outside chance of a shower.Stats and trivia Nicholas Pooran hit 65 off 26 balls for Melbourne Stars at this ground in 2020 Australia’s men have played one previous T20I at Metricon, a rain-affected match against South Africa in 2018 West Indies’ men have only played three T20Is in AustraliaQuotes”It’s been a pretty hectic six or eight weeks with the ODI series straight into India. But it’s been good fun. I think we’re starting to learn a lot more about the squad and keep developing depth, all with one eye towards the World Cup.” “We understand that we don’t have as much experience in the room. But we have been playing cricket together for the entire year so we do understand each other a little better now.”
After a rough few weeks, Ipswich Town got back to winning ways last weekend.
It may have only been Coventry City in the FA Cup, but Kieran McKenna’s side didn’t just win, they blew the Championship side away, winning 4-1.
It was the sort of performance that should get the team in the right headspace going into this afternoon’s Premier League clash away to Aston Villa.
The Claret and Blue will be a far more formidable challenge, but the Tractor Boys have already shown that they can go toe-to-toe with Unai Emery’s men, and to ensure they have the best chance of getting something from today, McKenna has to unleash his answer to the Villans’ new star, Marcus Rashford.
Ipswich's record against Villa
Since their first meeting all the way back in January 1939, Ipswich have played Villa 62 times across all competitions, winning 20, drawing 16 and losing 26.
However, the bad news for the Tractor Boys is that while their overall record against the Villans isn’t too bad, they have not fared so well across their last ten meetings, losing five games, drawing four and winning just one, which was back in February 2017.
That said, if their last encounter is anything to go by, then the Suffolk side should go into this afternoon’s game confident in their ability to get a result, as when the Claret and Blue came to Portman Road back in September they were held to a 2-2 draw.
Moreover, McKenna’s side were the better team on the day, racking up an expected goals figure of 1.18 to their 0.82, crafting four big chances to their two, having ten corners to when they had none and taking 15 shots to their seven.
However, Emery has made a number of additions to his squad since then, with Rashford the most noteworthy of the lot, although McKenna already has his answer to the 27-year-old.
McKenna's answer to Rashford
Following the win against Coventry last week, McKenna has a number of inform goalscorers he can choose from ahead of this afternoon’s game, but there is only one player who could arguably be described as his answer to Rashford: Liam Delap.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match
Now, before the pitchforks come out, there are a few reasons for this comparison, the first of which being that both players have moved to their new sides this season after it was clear they were not going to get any game time for their respective Manchester clubs.
The second similarity is the fact that they are both English forwards who can operate down the middle of a front three, as while the Villa loanee has historically preferred being on the left, he is more than capable of playing centrally.
Finally, when they are at their best, both players can be devastating in front of goal.
Granted, it’s been a couple of years since the Manchester-born star had his incredible season in which he scored 30 goals and provided 9 assists in 56 games, but the fact he managed to do that once suggests that in the right environment, he could do something similar once again.
Appearances
25
Minutes
1806′
Goals
9
Assists
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.44
Minutes per Goal Involvement
164.18′
In Delap’s case, we are seeing how effective he can be this season, as in just 25 appearances, totalling 1806 minutes, the 22-year-old “one-man battering ram,” as dubbed by Opta Analyst, has scored nine goals and provided two assists.
That means the Winchester-born dynamo is averaging a goal involvement every 2.27 games, or 164.18 minutes.
Ultimately, while it’s going to be an extremely tough test, Ipswich have what it takes to get a result at Villa Park this afternoon, especially with a player as gifted as Delap in their side.
He's outscoring Delap: Ipswich must rue not signing PL star now worth ÂŁ67m
Ipswich must regret not signing this player when they had the chance.
The Cherries stunned the Emirates to secure a famous double over the Gunners, who now travel to Paris licking their wounds after two defeats in a row
Arsenal slumped to a disappointing 2-1 loss to Bournemouth as Evanilson's controversial winning goal ensured the north Londoners would be heading into their Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain without a win in their last three games.
With PSG making 10 changes to their starting XI ahead of Wednesday's semi-final decider, Mikel Arteta did the complete opposite as he opted to name all of his big-guns from the start against Andoni Iraola's Europe-chasing Cherries – a risky move that ultimately didn't pay off.
Indeed, it was one of those star names that made the difference in the first half, with Rice, having earlier skewed two shots wide, ensuring he wasn't going to waste a third opportunity as he rounded Kepa Arrizabalaga following Martin Odegaard's gorgeous through ball to make it 1-0.
Shortly before the goal, Evanilson had headed a massive chance over the bar and the Cherries had a further flurry of opportunities before half-time – Justin Kluivert and Evanilson both going close, with David Raya almost gifting the Brazilian a goal with a loose pass out from the back.
The visitors continued to carry a threat in the second period and they would get their reward. Coming soon after Bukayo Saka had curled a shot narrowly wide, Antoine Semenyo hurled in a long throw that the Gunners failed to deal with, leaving a practically unopposed Dean Huijsen to head home past Raya and into the net.
It soon went from bad to worse for Arsenal as another set-piece proved their undoing – a corner from the left was flicked on into Evanilson's path, with the Bournemouth forward cleverly getting goal-side and deflecting the ball in. A lengthy VAR check for a handball followed but ultimately it went the way of Iraola's men.
From then on, Arsenal never really looked like getting back into it and the Gunners now head to Paris, and one of the biggest nights in the club's history, without the morale-boosting win Arteta had clearly hoped for.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (5/10):
Made the Emirates panic with a number of risky passes out but can't attach any blame to him for either goal.
Ben White (6/10):
More minutes in the tank and had a solid enough game that saw him win almost every header. Would've hoped to have got forward more, though.
William Saliba (7/10):
Thwarted numerous dangerous Bournemouth attacks with his blocks and quick-thinking but he might've taken more responsibility and picked up the giant Huijsen for the equalising goal.
Jakub Kiwior (5/10):
An untimely slip almost allowed Evanilson to head home and probably should've been more alert to the danger on the long throw that led to the equaliser.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (5/10):
A quiet game for the exciting teenager who would've hoped to have had more of an impact higher up the pitch.
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Martin Odegaard (5/10):
Created Rice's goal with a clever through pass but undid his good work somewhat by allowing Evanilson to get the wrong side of him for Bournemouth's winner.
Thomas Partey (5/10):
His mere presence in the team allows Rice more freedom to get forward but was sloppy with his passing and ceded possession on multiple occasions.
Declan Rice (7/10):
Marked his 100th appearance for Arsenal with a typically lung-busting run and goal. His impact faded in the second half, though.
AFPAttack
Bukayo Saka (4/10):
A rare off day. He almost scored with a curling shot that arrowed just wide in the second half but he should've done a lot better with a big headed chance.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
Had Araujo on toast in the first half and set-up two decent chances for Rice but his finishing remains an issue.
Leandro Trossard (4/10):
Buzzed around but indecision and lack of end product spoiled his game and he was anonymous in the second half.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Mikel Merino (5/10):
On for Rice after 74 minutes but couldn't change the outcome.
Ethan Nwaneri (N/A):
Replaced Saka with a few minutes left.
Raheem Sterling (N/A):
Chucked on as part of a triple change as Arsenal chased the game.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (N/A):
Replaced White at the end.
Mikel Arteta (4/10):
Made the bold move not to give any of his big names the evening off as he sought momentum but it backfired, with the Gunners now heading into their biggest game of the season off the back of another loss and without sufficient rest.