It has been a torrid season so far for Everton, and they find themselves in big trouble as a busy festive period rolls around. The Toffees currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League, with 11 points to their name and one point clear of the relegation zone.

They have won just two games this season, beating relegation rivals Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. Aside from those victories, it has not been an easy ride for Toffees fans, who have seen their side draw five and lose six in the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly, that has piled the pressure on manager Sean Dyche, and there have been links with candidates to replace the Englishman.

The manager who could replace Dyche at Everton

There is definitely heat on Dyche at the moment, and the Toffees need to start picking up points or he may well be removed from his post. The Merseysiders have been linked with a couple of candidates in recent months.

One of those is former England manager Gareth Southgate. According to a GiveMeSport report from back in September, the 54-year-old has been spoken about “as an ambitious option to potentially succeed Dyche” if they decide to sack him.

There is no doubting Southgate’s ability to create a good atmosphere within the team, something the Toffees could do with. During England’s Euro 2024 campaign, The Guardian journalist Jonathan Wilson suggested he might be “perhaps rather better at the management side of football management than the football”.

The other man linked with the potentially vacant role at Goodison Park recently is Jose Mourinho. The legendary Portuguese boss is currently working at Fenerbahce, but Football Insider said in October that the former Chelsea boss can’t be ruled out if the job becomes available.

It would certainly be a bold choice from the Everton board, and there is no doubt what Mourinho would bring to the table; experience and charisma.

He has had many unforgettable moments in press conferences and on the touchline and has won it all in the game. It would be an ambitious appointment from the Toffees.

However, Mourinho is not the only Portuguese manager linked with the club should they sack Dyche.

Everton could land biggest coup since Ancelotti

The manager in question here is Sergio Conceicao. According to a report from TeamTalk late last month, the former FC Porto boss is the ‘number one target’ of prospective new owners The Friedkin Group to replace Dyche. The Portuguese manager is currently a free agent.

It would also be a bold move, given his success in the hot seat at Porto. He managed over 350 games for the Dragons, winning an impressive 11 trophies.

His final game in charge was the 2023/24 Taca de Portugal final, which his side won 2-1 against Sporting, then managed by current Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.

Stat

Number

Games

368

Wins

265

Draws

48

Losses

55

Goals for

803

Goals against

317

Trophies

11

The 50-year-old is a manager who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 system, which certainly fits the current Toffees squad nicely. It is the formation that Dyche has tended to favour this season at Goodison Park, and whilst there would need to be tactical tweaks made, there are perhaps not many personnel changes required if they stick to such a system.

One thing that would be refreshing for the Everton supporters is Conceicao’s style of football. Football scout Antonio Mango described Porto’s style of play as “heavy metal”, and it would certainly be a big change for the Toffees, who are used to the more reserved style they currently play.

As per Sofascore, they have the lowest amount of average possession in the entire Premier League currently, with 40.3%.

It certainly feels like this would be the Toffees’ biggest managerial coup since Carlo Ancelotti became head coach. The legendary Italian manager, who is now in his second stint at Real Madrid, made the move to Merseyside in December 2019. He oversaw 67 games during his time at Goodison Park, helping them to a tenth-place finish in 2020/21.

Replacing Dyche with a Mourinho-esque figure like Conceicao would be a bold move from the prospective new Everton owners, almost as big as the appointment of Ancelotti. Not only would they be bringing in a serial winner, but a coach who could completely transform their style of play.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast's Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

After the turbulent years under the likes of Rafa Benitez, Frank Lampard and current boss, Dyche, snapping up Conceicao – who is also a reported target for West Ham United – could represent a real statement capture.

3/10 Everton flop was even worse than Branthwaite & Tarkowski at Man Utd

Everton were dealt a sobering Premier League defeat against Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 1, 2024

تستكمل باقي مباريات الجولة الثانية من المرحلة النهائية لبطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، للموسم الحالي، اليوم الجمعة 11-4-2025، بالإضافة إلى إقامة عدة مواجهات قوية في مختلف البطولات.

ففي الدوري المصري، يلعب زد إف سي ضد الجونة، وغزل المحلة يلتقي مع سموحة.

طالع | ميدو يوضح موقف عبد الله السعيد وحسام عبد المجيد ومحمد السيد من التجديد لـ الزمالك

ونلتقي في الدوري السعودي بـ 3 مواجهات، الهلال ضد الاتقاق والأهلي يلاقي الرائد والأخدود يلعب أمام التعاون.

وفي بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 17 عامًا المقامة في المغرب، تقام مبارتين في دور ربع النهائي، تونس تلاقي مالي وكوت ديفوار أمام السنغال.

وفي الدوري القطري، من المنتظر ظهور الثلاثي المصري محمود حسن تريزيجيه مع فريقه الريان ضد الشمال، أحمد عبد القادر مع نادي قطر ضد الشحانية وحمدي فتحي مع الوكرة ضد الغرافة. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الجمعة 11-4-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري المصري اليوم

زد ضد الجونة، الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 5 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة أون سبورت 1.

غزل المحلة ضد سموحة، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة أون سبورت 1. مواعيد مباريات الدوري السعودي اليوم

الأخدود ضد التعاون، الساعة 5:55 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:55 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة ssc extra 2.

الأهلي ضد الرائد، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 7 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة ssc extra 1.

الهلال ضد الاتفاق، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 9 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة ssc hd1. مواعيد مباريات الدوري القطري اليوم

السد ضد الخور، الساعة 5:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:30 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة الكأس 1.

الدحيل ضد العربي، الساعة 5:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:30 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة الكأس 2.

الوكرة ضد الغرافة، الساعة 5:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:30 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة الكأس 4.

الأهلي ضد أم صلال، الساعة 5:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:30 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة الكأس5.

الريان ضد الشمال، الساعة 5:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:30 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة الكأس 6.

قطر ضد الشحانية، الساعة 5:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:30 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة الكأس 7. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الألماني اليوم

فولفسبورج ضد لايبزيج، الساعة 8:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 9:30 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة بي إن سبورت 5. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الأيطالي اليوم

أودينيزي ضد ميلان، الساعة 8:45 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 9:45 بتوقيت السعودية تنقل على قناة أبو ظبي بريميوم 1. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الفرنسي اليوم

لانس ضد ريمس، الساعة 8:45 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 9:45 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة بي ان سبورت 1. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الأسباني اليوم

فالنسيا ضد اشبيلية، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة بي ان سبورت 3. مواعيد مباريات كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 17 عامًا اليوم

كوت ديفوار ضد السنغال، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 7 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة بي إن سبورت 6.

تونس ضد مالي، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة بي إن سبورت 6. مواعيد مباريات كأس آسيا تحت 17 عامًا اليوم

عمان ضد كوريا الشمالية، الساعة 7:15 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8:15 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة بي إن سبورت 9.

ايران ضد طاجيكستان، الساعة 7:15 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8:15 بتوقيت السعودية، تنقل على قناة بي إن سبورت اكسترا 1.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا

Lionel Messi is still refusing to confirm his 2026 World Cup plans, with the all-time great leaving Argentina and the rest of a global audience guessing on whether he will form part of a global title defence from the reigning champions next summer. The mercurial No.10 remains part of Lionel Scaloni’s squad for now, but says he does not “want to be a burden”.

MLS schedule causes concern for Messi

It is difficult to imagine how the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could ever be anything but a positive presence for his country, but the 38-year-old is aware that plying his trade in MLS may leave him short on match sharpness heading into a summer tournament.

Messi is currently approaching the end of another domestic campaign in the United States, with Golden Boot-winning exploits allowing him to guide Inter Miami into Conference semi-finals of the MLS Cup play-offs.

AdvertisementGettyMessi's Argentina record: Appearances and goals

Ultimate glory there would see Messi end another memorable season on a high, with a new contract being committed to in South Florida. He is now tied to terms with the Herons through 2028. While having plenty of games at club level left in him, questions of Messi’s international future have been asked for some time.

He has taken in a final outing on home soil, having helped Argentina through World Cup qualification, and is expected to bow out after gracing FIFA’s flagship event in 2026. He has already earned 195 caps for his country, while scoring 114 goals.

Is Messi a burden? GOAT keeping Argentina guessing

Messi is yet to reveal whether he will make himself available to Argentina next summer, having helped them to the most prestigious of prizes at Qatar 2022, with MLS seasons getting underway in the spring. Many of those that he is due to come up against in the United States, Canada and Mexico will head to the World Cup on the back of a full domestic campaign.

With that in mind, Messi has told when asked again about his potential involvement. He said when having it put to him that having another World Cup fast approaching is “very exciting”: “Yes, obviously it is. It's a special World Cup. It's special to play with the national team, especially in major official competitions, and even more so considering what a World Cup means, especially after having won it.

“But as I was saying, I don't want to be a burden, so to speak. I want to feel physically fit, to be sure I can help and contribute to the team. Our season is different from the European one. We'll have a pre-season in between, with few matches leading up to the World Cup, and we'll see how things go day by day to see if I really feel physically fit enough to be where I'd like to be and be able to participate.

“But obviously, I'm aware that it's a World Cup, and it's special, and that the World Cup is the biggest competition there is. So, I'm excited, but I'm taking it one day at a time.”

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GettyLife after Messi: Argentina happy with squad depth

Argentina have started to plan for life after Messi, with injury-enforced absences for the veteran forward allowing others to stake a claim for an iconic playmaking post. Scaloni is happy with the depth that his squad now boasts.

He has said of eventually ending up in a position where a talismanic presence can no longer be called upon: “The team is now in a moment where it can play in the same way with Leo or without Leo, which used to be more complex in the past as we had to change some players. But now we don't have this necessity and the team works in the same way, that's good.”

Messi is currently with the Argentina squad as they prepare for a friendly date with Angola. With that camp being held in Alicante, the former Barcelona superstar has taken in a secret visit to Camp Nou – ahead of that stadium being reopened after an elaborate upgrade. He is delighted to have revisited familiar surroundings and admitted that he and his family hope to return to Catalunya on a permanent basis at some stage in the not-too-distant future.

Crystal Palace’s squad has been built really well in the past few years, with a mixture of experienced Premier League players being signed, some astute youngsters being poached for good fees, and even bringing some academy prospects of their own through.

Players like Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze and Dean Henderson were all signed for good fees relative to their potential ability.

Alongside clever additions such as Jefferson Lerma, Daichi Kamada, Daniel Munoz, Will Hughes, Ismaila Sarr, and Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who are more experienced members of the squad.

But it’s their academy that has plenty of promise to add more to this squad in the next year or so, adding to Tyrick Mitchell and Nathaniel Clyne who are the only real starters in the squad to come through the academy.

Crystal Palace's upcoming academy stars

One of the brightest stars in the academy is winger, Asher Agbinone, who has made two sub appearances totalling four minutes for the Eagles this season. Oliver Glasner has used him from the bench, stating he has “a lot of pace” and calling him a “very good talent”.

Justin Devenny is another to have broken through this season, making two senior appearances alongside his eight U21 appearances this campaign. The 21-year-old made a heroic impact just last weekend, scoring his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa, as the sides drew 2-2 at Villa Park.

But one academy product who is currently out on loan, and could return to make a real impact for the Eagles, is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, a player who teammate Marc Guehi praised as a player with “great potential” last season.

Why Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could be the new Zaha

Rak-Sakyi is making waves in the Championship this term, and has impressed of late. Indeed, he notably scored in Sheffield United’s 3-0 victory over Oxford on Tuesday night, also making three key passes in the game.

So far this season, the 22-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Blades, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 884 minutes. Sheffield United currently sit top of the Championship, and Rak-Sakyi has played a big part in that so far this season.

So, how could he fit into the current squad at Selhurst Park?

Goals

0.41

0.27

0.14

Assists

0.20

0.11

0.14

xG

0.36

0.26

0.29

xAG

0.23

0.11

0.27

Progressive Carries

4.51

3.39

3.02

Progressive Passes

1.76

2.95

1.59

Shots Total

2.45

2.65

2.61

Key Passes

1.98

1.46

1.59

Shot-Creating Actions

4.62

3.58

4.29

Successful Take-Ons

2.53

2.17

0.63

When comparing Rak-Sakyi to Wilfried Zaha in his last season at Palace, and new signing Sarr this season, the 22-year-old impressively comes out on top in seven of the ten metrics analysed, providing better output (goals + assists), more progressive carries per 90, and more creative actions such as take-ons, key passes and shot-creating actions.

These are all traits that Palace have been missing since losing Zaha, and also losing Michael Olise in the summer. Rak-Sakyi clearly looks like he could be the man to provide that extra creative edge from wide areas, certainly in comparison to summer signing Sarr who hasn’t had the fastest start to life with the Eagles.

Once the Eagles youngster returns next season, if Sarr fails to impress to a satisfactory level, he could well be given a chance in the first team, enabling him to finally become the Zaha replacement that Palace fans have been craving since his departure.

Their next Olise: Crystal Palace could have a £100m + star in the making

Crystal Palace could have their next Olise with £100m ace in the making

ByConnor Holden Nov 16, 2024

West Indies go down after a 100-run stand for the first wicket to lose their first game of the World Cup so far

Annesha Ghosh12-Mar-2022

India weathered a blistering opening stand between Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews to script a vital 155-run win over West Indies that propelled them to the top of the World Cup table. In the early stages of India’s defence of 317, their highest World Cup total, the result seemed far from obvious, and the centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur somewhat inadequate. Sneh Rana and Meghna Singh, however, decisively turned the tide India’s way at Seddon Park as Dottin’s wicket triggered West Indies’ slump from 100 for no loss to 162 all out.West Indies gave them a good chance of extending their winning streak after galloping to 50 in five overs, 81 in the wicketless powerplay, and 100 in just 12. The dominant hand in their blazing start, and West Indies’ maiden century stand, was Dottin’s, despite her back and legs requiring regular repairwork during her 62-run knock. Dottin carted 11 boundaries in her breathtaking 46-ball innings.India sought respite from the Dottin-Matthews onslaught but received little despite using two quicks and spinners each in the powerplay. It was third-change Rana’s frugal, game-changing opening spell that led to West Indies’ collapse.Dottin top-edged an attempted sweep to Rana’s second ball to Meghna at short fine-leg, and it was Meghna who then took over and dealt West Indies the second blow, Kycia Knight’s pull going to Mandhana at deep square-leg. Meghna followed it up with Stafanie Taylor’s wicket before Rana removed Matthews for 48. In both dismissals, wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh pouched the edges with ease.Sneh Rana dismissed both the West Indies openers after a strong start•ICC via Getty

Earlier, India’s batters, led by Mandhana and Harmanpreet, pulled no punches in a game they needed to win to stay safe in the race to the knockouts following the loss to New Zealand at the same venue. They put on their highest total in ODI World Cups – and the overall highest in this edition – after choosing to bat first.Mandhana hit 123 in 119, and Harmanpreet 109 in 107, and they put on 184 for the fourth wicket, India’s best in ODI World Cups, to lift them from 78 for 3.On a used surface, India almost instantly shook off the hesitancy that stifled them in the powerplay against Pakistan and New Zealand, Yastika Bhatia’s fearless stroke play underpinning their approach early on. Bhatia got off the mark with a four off a mistimed cut that flew over the slips, and next over, she cracked three fours off pulls as Chinelle Henry gave away 15 runs to begin her day.India’s rapid start led West Indies to introduce spin in the sixth over. But it was the change at the other end, in the form of medium-pacer Shakera Selman, that brought the breakthrough when, on 31, Bhatia lobbed a dolly back to Selman off a slower delivery. Another soft dismissal followed, this time Mithali Raj, who became the captain with most appearances on the day, falling to Matthews.Mandhana, meanwhile, steadied the ship at one end, though the two early wickets made her cautious. India got to 62 for 2 in the powerplay, the best in that phase before West Indies bettered it in the chase, and No. 4 Deepti Sharma’s back-to-back fours off Selman promised a lot. That, however, was not to be. Coming on in the 13th over, Anisa Mohammed drew an edge off Deepti’s slog-sweep, which Matthews intercepted with a stunning one-handed grab behind the keeper.Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin gave West Indies a brilliant start with a quick 100-run stand•ICC via Getty Images

With India 100 for 3, 20 overs in, it was down to Mandhana and Harmanpreet to lift them to the 250-run mark, which they hadn’t reached in this World Cup before this game. On 34 off 51 balls, Mandhana struck her first four – a languid flick through the midwicket area – and upped the tempo thereafter. She got to her second fifty in the tournament with another flick, on the 60th ball of her innings, and her next 50 runs came off just 43 balls.With 200 up in the 36th over, Mandhana cracked a 78-metre six off Aaliyah Alleyne as fielding errors came thick and fast. After reaching the 90s with a four, Mandhana got a big slice of luck when, on 94, Alleyne dropped her at deep midwicket. Shamilia Connell tested her with a short ball and even pinged her pad, but Mandhana survived, and a four, courtesy a short-arm pull off Matthews, took her to her second ODI World Cup century, and second against West Indies. Three of her 13 fours on the day came off back-to-back deliveries as Matthews found herself at the receiving end in the 42nd over. India had crossed 250 by then and as Harmanpreet looked to up the ante at her end, Mandhana pulled one straight to deep midwicket to be dismissed.Harmanpreet, too, paced her innings well. A drop by Anisa at short third handed her a reprieve when on 20. She remained boundary-less in her first 20 balls but struck 12, two of them sixes, off her next 87. It was her strike rotation, though, that accounted for the bulk – 57 – of her 109 runs. Harmanpreet, unsurprisingly, relied heavily on the sweep but it was a full-blooded lofted shot that brought up her second straight fifty.She batted close to three hours and faced issues with her wrist as she neared the three-digit milestone. But neither pain nor West Indies could keep her from bringing up her first century in the format since her epochal 171 not out in the semi-final of the 2017 World Cup. A single down the bowler’s right steered her to the mark, and a 15-run over from Anisa soon after lifted India past 300.India’s 317 for 8 eventually proved too much for West Indies as they were rolled over inside 41 overs. On a day of record-breaking feats, Jhulan Goswami added the finishing touch with the wicket of Anisa, and she rose to the top of the wicket-takers’ tally in women’s ODI World Cups. Fittingly, it was Rana who closed out the game, catching Connell off her own bowling.

The last few years have been nothing short of a whirlwind for Arsenal and their fans.

The North Londoners have gone from a team unable to qualify for the Champions League into one vying for the Premier League title for a third year on the bounce, even if the last month or so hasn’t been great.

A huge component of this dramatic change in fortunes has been Mikel Arteta, whose tactical nous and unbridled enthusiasm has changed the club from top to bottom. Still, alongside that, transfers have made a massive difference.

2019/20

56

8th

2020/21

61

8th

2021/22

69

5th

2022/23

84

2nd

2023/24

89

2nd

The likes of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Ben White and even Kai Havertz have been instrumental in the North Londoners’ rise, but while all of them are still key members of the team today, one of the club’s transformative additions in 2022 who seriously impressed his captain, has now totally fallen to the wayside, and must be sold as soon as possible.

Arsenal's signings in summer 2022

Before we get to the player in question, let’s look at a few other players who joined the club during the summer of 2022, starting with the most expensive addition, Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian striker joined Arsenal from soon-to-be title rivals Manchester City for around £45m.

He enjoyed a stellar first few months at the club, in which he produced ten goal involvements in just 16 league appearances and became arguably the first name on the teamsheet.

However, while at the Qatar World Cup that winter, he suffered a severe knee injury that required surgery and kept him out until mid-March, and while he was still effective upon his return, he was noticeably less dynamic and dangerous with the ball at his feet.

Unfortunately for the former City ace, last season saw him eventually lose his place to Kai Havertz and his two-goal involvements in 15 games this season have done little to suggest he should be anywhere near the starting lineup any time soon.

However, while the 27-year-old is still a part of the squad, the same cannot be said of Fabio Vieira, who joined in the same summer from FC Porto for around £34m, and aside from a few glimpses of brilliance here and there, it’s hard to describe his transfer as anything other than a flop.

The Portuguese midfielder made 49 appearances for the team across the last two campaigns but scored just three goals and provided nine assists, which was clearly not enough for the manager, as he sent the 24-year-old back to Porto on a season-long loan in the summer.

Worryingly, the Santa Maria da Feira-born ace is also struggling at his old club.

In ten appearances, he’s provided just a single assist, which suggests he may not have a place in the squad at all once his loan is over.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, Jesus and Viera aren’t the only signings from 2022 who look like they have no future in the first team.

The Arsenal star who must be sold as soon as possible

So, considering the signings we’ve already gone over, it should come as no surprise that the 2022 addition we are talking about is none other than Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Ukranian completed his £32m switch from City just a few weeks after Jesus, much to the excitement of Odegaard, who described the defender as “a really great player,” and early on in his Arsenal career, it was easy to see where the Norwegian was coming from.

He immediately replaced Kieran Tierney as the club’s starting left-back, and his ability to seamlessly invert into midfield when his teammates were in possession made a tremendous difference to the Gunners’ ability to control games and overwhelm opponents.

However, there was one significant issue: his defensive fragility.

Yes, for all of his technical brilliance, the former City ace was often exposed at the back, and this issue was on full display in the club’ must-win game at Anfield in April 2023, when Trent Alexander Arnold nutmegged him for the host’s equalising goal.

Unfortunately, it happened again last season, when he was shown up by Mohamed Salah this time, so much so that Gary Neville described him as a “liability,” and just a few weeks before that, former Gunners icon Tony Adams called him a “complete weakness” in defence following the club’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.

Unsurprisingly, now that Arteta has Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori – when fit – and even Myles Lewis Skelly to pick from, the Radomyshl-born ace is getting much less game time.

Season

22/23

23/24

24/25

Appearances

33

35

5

Starts

28

24

2

Minutes

2411′

2082′

178′

So far this season, the 27-year-old has only made five appearances, totalling 178 minutes, compared to 35 appearances, totalling 2082 minutes last season, and 33 appearances totalling 2411 minutes in his first campaign with the club.

Therefore, if the manager is unwilling to play him, the club should be looking to sell as soon as possible, especially when he’s on a whopping £150k-per-week.

Ultimately, Zinchenko helped to raise the floor when he first joined Arsenal, but a combination of poor defensive ability and the arrival of better full-backs have rendered him an unnecessary expense, one that should be sold.

Arsenal target £100m star who could be their best CF since Aubameyang

The incredible striker would take Arsenal to the next level.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 21, 2024

Yamal set up Raphinha with a ridiculous assist and went on to score a stunner himself during Barcelona's Champions League clash with Benfica

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• Yamal in sensational form against Benfica
• Assisted & scored in the last-16 tie
• Set UCL record with his two goal contributions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Facing Benfica in the second leg of their last-16 clash, Yamal's skill and composure were on full display, leaving defenders struggling to contain his relentless attacking presence. During the first goal on the night, the teenager glided past two defenders effortlessly before setting up Raphinha with a dinked slice, and he simply tapped into an open net.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Moments after setting up Raphinha, Yamal added his own name to the scoresheet in extraordinary fashion. Collecting the ball near the corner flag on the right flank, he showcased remarkable dribbling skills, effortlessly skipping past two Benfica defenders. With space opening up, he unleashed a stunning curling effort from the edge of the box, sending the ball beyond the goalkeeper and into the net.

• WATCH THE VIDEO

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• DID YOU KNOW

  Yamal's goal not only restored Barcelona’s lead at 2-1, but also cemented his place in Champions League history. At just 17 years and 241 days old, he became the youngest player ever to both score and assist in the same match in the competition – an achievement that underscores his immense potential.

Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Ellis are among the pace bowlers included

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Feb-2022Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and David Warner have been rested from the limited-overs leg of Australia’s tour of Pakistan while Matthew Wade has not been included with there only being a single T20I in the schedule.Travis Head has an opportunity to play his first ODI since 2018 while Josh Inglis will be in the mix for a debut after his impressive start in the T20I side against Sri Lanka. With Wade not included, Inglis is likely to take the gloves for the one-off T20. Glenn Maxwell was not available for the tour due to his wedding.In the absence of the big three quicks, Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Ellis are part of the pace attack. Allrounder Cameron Green will also have the chance to resume his white-ball international career which has so far been limited to one ODI.CA contracted players with IPL deals – included those not part of this series – will not be available to take up their contracts until April 6. Of the touring party, Abbott, Ellis, Behrendorff, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis have IPL teams.”We have picked a talented and versatile squad with a number of challenges to juggle, including the tour structure of predominantly 50-over games, management of several multi format players in the medium to long term; and our need to build experience and depth in preparation for two short form World Cups within the next 18 months,” national selector George Bailey said.”There’s no doubt it’s been a pretty intense schedule the last six months and even if you look ahead the next 18 months so it’s about working with those individuals and the squad as a whole that you are trying to meet the needs of everything. This [squad] was a bit of a challenge.”The ODI series will be just Australia’s second in the format in more than a year having only played three matches against West Indies during 2021. They had been due to play home matches against New Zealand but that series was postponed to due quarantine requirements.Squad Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Alex Carey had already left his mark on this tour before today. Unfortunately, it was for falling into the hotel swimming pool which went viral on social media courtesy of his captain recording it and giving millions a good laugh.It would be far too easy to therefore make reference to finding out whether he can sink or swim in Test cricket or whether he had been treading water since his debut at the start of the Ashes. So let’s just leave it to the man himself before getting to the serious business.”I’ve always wanted to have signs in the crowd to have my name on them but probably didn’t expect it would be about falling in a pool,” he said. “I still lay there at night time, can’t really describe happened.”While his slip is unlikely to leave him for a while it was a timely day to also be remembered for what really matters: his performances in the middle. He took Australia into a surely impregnable position only to fall seven runs short of a maiden century in the closing moments when he missed a sweep against the part-timers of Babar Azam.”I’m always disappointed when I get out. So close but unfortunately that’s the way it goes,” he said. “Thought I was pretty disciplined and patient throughout the day. To be honest I saw an opportunity to get one over cow [corner]. My head will probably hit the pillow tonight and have a few other shots go through.”These remain early days in a Test career that began rather hastily in early December (thrown in the deep end, perhaps) following the shock resignation of Tim Paine shortly before the Ashes. The succession planning was well in place, and it was little surprise when Carey assumed the position, but his handful of matches had not been without a few uneasy moments.It has been his glovework that has raised more questions after dropped catches against England and another couple put down in the opening Test in Rawalpindi. That side of his game will get a thorough working over in the next three days on a pitch where the ball is turning and uneven bounce could come into play. With Nathan Lyon joined by Mitchell Swepson there will be a lot of time spent up to the stumps. But he will take the gloves having contributed to the match as he carried Australia’s innings through the final session and beyond 500.He had made a maiden Test fifty against England in Adelaide and his slightly underwhelming batting returns in the Ashes needed a few asterisks by them: he offered to open in place of the injured David Warner for the small chase at the Gabba, only to edge behind with four runs needed, and gave his wicket for the cause in the second innings at the SCG the ball before Pat Cummins declared. However, coupled with only passing fifty once in four games for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield, it had left him a little thin on runs.”Guess it was a little bit of reward for some hard work,” he said. “I have full trust in my ability, the summer was really enjoyable…I went away from there with some learnings and take outs. I feel like over the last couple of years I’ve been pretty consistent in red-ball cricket, the last dozen games in first-class haven’t been my strongest but still feel really good out in the middle.”While Australia were not in trouble when he arrived at the crease, they were certainly at risk of falling short of the type of total they wanted. Sajid Khan had trapped Travis Head lbw then produced a superb delivery to end Usman Khawaja’s marathon innings. At 360 for 6 there was even a chance for Pakistan to keep Australia under 400 which would not have applied the scoreboard pressure Cummins wanted.It was not an overly fluent display from Carey – he never flicked the switch into one-day mode – on a surface where timing has become harder work especially against the older ball. But a few strokes did stand out, notably a straight drive followed by a cover drive against Shaheen Shah Afridi with the third new ball and his brace of straight sixes off Sajid. When he lofts spinners (or quick bowlers) down the ground, he has as smooth a swing of the bat as any player while he also swept well, until his dismissal at least, in what is just the second of potentially nine subcontinental Tests over the next 12 months.”Having the ability to sweep spin is probably going to be handy,” he said. “I do that in Australia on reasonably flat wickets and I’ll continue to do that. I probably looked at Usman’s innings to be honest and the way he played was fantastic. He has one gear, basically, throughout and sticks to that.”I stuck to my patience, my dismissal was probably otherwise, but when I came back into the rooms there were eight other blokes saying they would have played the same shot. I want to keep improving my own game but guess it’s a little step in the right direction.”Unlike the one he took into the swimming pool.

The West Ham United hierarchy have performed a “massive U-turn” over the prospect of appointing one candidate to potentially replace Julen Lopetegui – and it is believed that the manager in question is tempted by a short-term contract.

West Ham considering six-month deal for new manager

Chairman David Sullivan, technical director Tim Steidten and the board are drawing up a managerial shortlist behind the scenes at Rush Green in the event they’re forced to sack under-pressure head coach Lopetegui after their game against Wolves on Monday.

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The consensus is that Lopetegui has been given a chance to save his job against their fellow strugglers, with those inside West Ham viewing the encounter as a “cup final” to determine the future of their manager.

Given Gary O’Neil’s job is also hanging by a thread, the match-up has been called “El Sackico” in the build-up to what will be a hotly contested and tense evening at the London Stadium.

West Ham’s most recent results

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#16

03/12/2024

Leicester City (A)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#15

30/11/2024

Arsenal (H)

Premier League

5-2 loss

#14

26/11/2024

Newcastle United (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

That is according to The Telegraph, which also states that West Ham are talking about offering any new manager a six-month contract to prove their worth. The tactician’s position would then be reviewed at the end of this season, with the potential of a longer-term deal on the table.

According to ExWHUemployee, a very reliable informant with sources inside the club, a number of managers have been turned off by this proposal and talks with them haven’t exactly gone swimmingly.

There is an acknowledgement within West Ham that it could be difficult to lure their most desired targets with such a short-term offer (The Telegraph), but one man who is perhaps more open to it than others is ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

Reports suggest that Potter is in pole position for the West Ham job right now, and while the notion they’re set to appoint him turned out to be wide of the mark (Pete O’Rourke), club insider Claret & Hugh believes that the 49-year-old is opening up to the prospect of a limited-time contract.

Graham Potter receptive to short-term West Ham contract

The board, who previously didn’t rate the ex-Brighton boss, have performed a “massive U-turn” behind the scenes as he’s a major contender to succeed Lopetegui.

C&H adds that Potter is “receptive” to a short-term West Ham deal, which surely puts him above every other candidate in the pecking order, as we’ve heard little of other options being ready to consider a six-month trial.

It is worth noting that the former Ostersunds manager, who led the Swedish outfit from the fourth tier to a place in the Europa League knockout stages in 2018 – famously beating Arsenal at the Emirates in their second leg – likes to implement a brand of attack-minded, possession-based, high-pressing and free-flowing football (football.london), which could appeal to supporters who want to see that style.

Regardless of his less-than-impressive stint at Stamford Bridge, it is important not to sleep on Potter as a top choice, especially considering he falls into the mould of a young and progressive manager.