All posts by h716a5.icu

It’s safe to say that Leeds United are in a bit of a crisis period at the moment with the number of injured players they have and the fact that the team have lost their three previous league games, conceding 14 goals in the process.

With the January transfer window opening in a matter of days, this could give Leeds a good opportunity to do some business and add some players to their squad that could either fill in for some of their injured players or strengthen the team in general.

In terms of which players Leeds could target to sign next month, the Yorkshire club could look to reignite their interest in one figure that they were chasing during the previous summer transfer window – Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

Taking into account how Leeds have Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton out injured, this has left them somewhat light in midfield and could therefore push the club to do what they couldn’t in the summer and bring O’Brien to Elland Road.

After reportedly making two bids for the 23-year-old in the summer which were ultimately rejected by Huddersfield, O’Brien put pen to paper on a new deal, keeping him at the club until 2025, which could make it harder for Leeds to sign him in January or at least mean they would have to offer a lot more money than they offered in the summer.

Labelled as a “powerful” player with a “great engine” in him by former Huddersfield defender Calum Woods, who played with O’Brien at Bradford City, he could be a magnificent capture.

He has played the full 90 minutes in 20 of the 21 Championship games he’s played in and donned the captain’s armband on four occasions, showing just how much of an engine he has that Woods spoke about and how important he is to the team.

In those league appearances, O’Brien has managed to rack up an average of 2.9 tackles per game in the league, higher than any other Huddersfield player, which is also higher than any Leeds player has managed to get this season, including Phillips, demonstrating how useful he could be for Bielsa’s side to help them stop conceding so many goals.

Looking ahead to January, Leeds should definitely explore the possibility of signing O’Brien again to see if Huddersfield would budge on potentially letting him go to see if he can fix their current issues and help them get out of a potential relegation battle.

In other news: Leeds United rocked by yet another injury issue that’ll surely have fans fuming – opinion

The Surrey seamer, Matt Dunn, claimed figures of 4 for 50, as England Under-19s launched their series against Sri Lanka in fine style by bowling the visitors out for 287 on the first day of the first Test at Northampton

Cricinfo staff21-Jul-2010England U19s 14 for 0 trail Sri Lanka U19s 287 (Dunn 4-50) by 273 runs
ScorecardMatt Dunn claimed four wickets on the first day at Northampton•PA PhotosThe Surrey seamer, Matt Dunn, claimed figures of 4 for 50, as England Under-19s launched their series against Sri Lanka in fine style by bowling the visitors out for 287 on the first day of the first Test at Northampton. By the close, England’s openers, Joe Root and Daniel Bell-Drummond, had added 14 runs for the first wicket in three overs.After winning the toss in bowler-friendly conditions, England’s captain Azeem Rafiq unsurprisingly chose to field first, and he was rewarded with a wicket in the very first over, as Yasoda Lanka fell to Atif Sheikh for a duck.Ramith Rambukwella and Bhanuka Rajapaksa responded in thrilling fashion, adding 74 for the second wicket in 10.3 overs, before Dunn made the first of his four breakthroughs by removing Rambukwella for 34 from 30 balls. Rumesh Buddika and Rajapaksa followed in quick succession to Lewis Gregory, and at 101 for 4, the innings had been transformed.Kithuruwan Vithanage top-scored for Sri Lanka with 52 from 108 balls, and there were useful contributions from the wicketkeeper Denuwan Rajakaruna (44) and the captain Chathura Peiris (46). Dunn, however, cleaned up the innings by bowling Nos. 10 and 11 in consecutive overs, to complete a satisfactory day for England.

Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan has backed Diego Llorente and Robin Koch to start at centre-back together against Burnley this weekend.

The Lowdown: Leeds host Burnley

The Whites get their 2022 action underway on Sunday afternoon, with the Clarets making the trip to Elland Road. It is a crucial game at the bottom of the table as Marcelo Bielsa’s side desperately look to find some form and pull themselves clear of danger.

Leeds have been injury-plagued at centre-back throughout the season but Llorente and Koch are both fit for the weekend showdown, with the pair in contention to start.

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The Latest: Duo backed to start at centre-back

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan backed the duo to face the Clarets on Sunday in the absence of the injured Liam Cooper, saying:

“This is what we bought them for. We bought these players to be our regular centre-halves.

“It’s only due to injuries when they first came into Leeds United. You’ve had Struijk who came into some really good form and started pushing and competing for these places.

“I would love to see the two of them start together. I think a lot of the fans will love to see that partnership try and develop over a space of time, especially when you’ve got Liam Cooper out.

“You can get yourself Luke Ayling back to the right wing-back role, which is fantastic. That’s where he’s got all the energy. Then pop Dallas back into that central midfield area, where we know he loves to play in that position.

“I think you’ve got to look at those two. You’ve got to stop putting round pegs in square holes here and play two quality, international centre-halves together.”

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The Verdict: Form a partnership

Having a settled centre-back pairing is crucial to any team’s success, laying the foundations and allowing two players to build a strong on-pitch relationship.

Llorente and Koch may well be tasked with doing that in the coming months, with Cooper expected to be out until March, and Sunday could be the first test of their credentials.

Both players have suffered injuries of their own this season – they have only started 15 league games between them – but now is the time for them to show their worth, hopefully playing their part in Leeds rising up the table.

In other news, Leeds have suffered another big injury blow. Read more here.

The volcanic ash cloud which continues to close UK and much of European airspace is threatening to have a major impact on the World Twenty20

Andrew McGlashan17-Apr-2010The volcanic ash cloud which continues to close UK and much of European airspace is threatening to have a major impact on the World Twenty20 in West Indies because London is a transit point for many teams through to the Caribbean.Ireland and Zimbabwe are already located in the region, but Afghanistan’s journey has been disrupted and the longer the restrictions are in place the greater the chance of chaos to the travel plans of the other competing nations.Robert Bryan, the tournament director, said he still expected Afghanistan to arrive in the next few days despite the disruption. “We expect that Afghanistan will arrive here, notwithstanding the volcano dust in Europe, over this weekend.”England could be the most severely impacted side. An ECB spokesman told Cricinfo they are monitoring the situation and will make a decision in a few days time as to the arrangements for the team – who are due to leave next weekend – although there seem precious few alternatives with the nearby European airports such as Paris and Frankfurt also closed. The other issue is that a number of players are currently in India at the IPL and won’t be able to return to the UK until the airspace is reopened.India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh are teams who will be likely to travel through London to West Indies next week, but the latest reports suggest the skies won’t clear for at least a couple more days. One option for them could be to fly via the Middle East and then the United States so that they skirt the problem areas in Europe.Australia and New Zealand will probably be able to avoid the problems by flying via the United States if the issue persists, while South Africa may also be able to use the US or fly direct to the Caribbean.The advance team from ICC were forced to change their travel plans to West Indies this weekend, while ICC President David Morgan and ECB chairman Giles Clarke will take part in the board meeting via video conference having been unable to travel to Dubai from London.Tino Best, who has signed as an overseas player with Yorkshire, could have his debut delayed as he is unable to fly from the Caribbean to England. UK airspace is closed until at least 0100BST (0000GMT) on Monday.

A Kingsmead-record 18 wickets went down on a wildly fluctuating second day on which India clawed their way back into contention in the series

The Bulletin by Siddarth Ravindran27-Dec-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Zaheer Khan sparked India’s resurgence in South Africa with an incisive spell on the second day•AFPThe world’s two best batting line-ups faltered with 18 wickets – a Kingsmead record – falling on a wildly fluctuating second day as India clawed their way back into contention in the series. South Africa seemed to have the contest sewn up when their relentless quicks packed off the Indian tail in a hurry, but the returning Zaheer Khan inspired a comeback that resulted in a priceless 74-run lead before poor strokes from some of the much-decorated names in the Indian batting set up a tantalising third day.Smart Stats

Rahul Dravid became the first fielder to take 200 catches in Tests. It was also his 50th catch off the bowling of Harbhajan Singh, only five behind his tally of 55 catches off Anil Kumble. Dravid became the only fielder to take 50 or more catches off two different bowlers in Tests.

Harbhajan’s four-wicket haul was his 11th in away Tests and his best figures in South Africa.

South Africa’s total of 131 is their fourth lowest in home Tests since their readmission in 1992. Their lowest ever total at home also came against India in the previous tour in 2006-07 when they were bowled out for 84 at the Wanderers.

Dale Steyn picked up his 15th five-wicket haul in his 45th Test. It is also his third five-wicket haul against India. Among bowlers to have picked up more than 200 wickets, Steyn’s strike rate of 39.6 is the best.

18 wickets fell for a total of 245 runs on day two of the second Test, equalling the record for most wickets in a day in Durban. The previous occasion that 18 wickets fell in a day at Durban was back in 1950 in the match between Australia and South Africa.

Sachin Tendulkar and Dravid continued their poor run of form at Durban. They average 16.00 and 15.40 from seven and six innings at this ground respectively. VVS Laxman is the best Indian batsman at this venue, with 126 runs at an average of 63.00.

The day promised to be a re-run of Centurion – after India’s batting fails on a damp pitch, the sun comes out on the second day,the pitch eases out and South Africa’s run-machines bat India out of the game. It may well have turned out that way but for the inspired Zaheer, whose relentless hostility when Sreesanth and Ishant Sharma were wasteful with the new ball kept India fighting. There was also a fortuitous Jacques Kallis run-out, an unplayable snorter from Sreesanth that accounted for AB de Villiers, and some outstanding catches – including No. 200 for Rahul Dravid – that combined to hurt South Africa.Many Indian fans associate Durban with the infamous drubbing dished out in 1996, when India were bowled out for 100 and 66 in their two innings, but it hasn’t been the best ground for South Africa either in recent times: they made 138 against Australia in 2008-09, and 133 against England last year, and this time fared even worse, folding for 131.Things were going to plan for South Africa till ten minutes before lunch, by when they had moved to 67 for 2 with their middle-order bulwarks, Hashim Amla and Kallis, building a partnership. Amla punched a ball back towards Ishant, who half-fielded it and unintentionally parried it back onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end, catching Kallis out of his ground. Worse followed for South Africa, when de Villiers was dismissed by a ripper from the hitherto off-colour Sreesanth, bouncing sharply and cutting away to surprise the batsman, who thumbed it to the keeper.Still, there was no need to panic as Amla continued to be in supreme form. His back-foot drives were the stand-out shots in a calming innings, but he missed a straighter one from Harbhajan Singh to be struck in front of middle, for 33. Like most other batsmen in the match, he too failed to convert his start; this was only the seventh time since 1935 that no batsman from either team has made a half-century in the first innings.The last specialist batsman, Ashwell Prince, was troubled by Zaheer’s movement right through his innings. He made an edgy 13 before finally falling to Zaheer, the ball cannoning onto the stumps as he attempted a footwork-free drive.It continued the excellent work Zaheer had done with the new ball. If India were demoralised by their limp batting, Zaheer showed no signs of it. He was accurate, getting the ball to jag around, and frequently mouthing off at the batsmen. He was rewarded with the wicket of Graeme Smith – for the 10th time in 21 international innings – as a leaden-footed prod ended in MS Dhoni’s gloves. Then, a confident Alviro Petersen walked across the stumps, attempting to work the ball to the leg side, but had the misfortune of seeing his bails dislodged as the ball was dragged back from his pads.If Zaheer sparked India to life, the fight was continued by a clutch of spectacular catches, not something always associated with Indian fielding. Dravid flashed across to his left from first slip to pouch a faint edge from Steyn, Cheteshwar Pujara again showed his skill at short leg, stretching to his right to snaffle a prod from Paul Harris, and Harbhajan latched on to a swirler at fine leg to send back Morne Morkel and hasten the end of the South African innings.With the lead in the bag, India’s openers started off positively. Virender Sehwag and M Vijay had put on the match’s biggest partnership – 43 – in the first innings and added 42 in the second, with Sehwag as usual haring away at a run-a-ball. The big threat of Steyn was seen off, and India were effectively 116 for 0 for at that stage.Then came a bunch of bad strokes that allowed South Africa to draw level in the series. First, Sehwag wafted at a wide, length ball to nick to the keeper; then, Dravid went for an on-the-up drive to another wide delivery and gave Boucher his seventh catch of the match. Sachin Tendulkar came out full of aggression, getting off the mark with a punishing slash past point for four, but India’s tormentor Steyn returned to take out Tendulkar who guided the first ball of his spell to third slip. India had lost four wickets for 14, before VVS Laxman and Pujara played out the final hour to ensure there was no more damage.India had lost four wickets early in the morning as well, when Steyn completed his 15th five-wicket haul, and Morkel pitched it up to hassle the tail-enders. South Africa were in total control then, but no one could have foreseen the excitement that followed, which has left the game in balance.

Everton have a number of ageing players in their squad, which has an average age of 28.1, and Rafael Benitez will likely be looking to add new players in the transfer window to build for the future.

There is one player who has been heavily linked with the Toffees who could solve a substantial issue for the manager.

What’s the word?

Rangers youngster Nathan Patterson continues to be linked with a move to Everton, and now former Ibrox defender Alan Hutton has weighed in on the potential signing for the Toffees, telling Football Insider: “We’re talking £10million-plus. He’s not playing, it doesn’t look like Tavernier is going to go anywhere anytime soon.

“I think you’re looking at probably £10million plus add-ons. I know he’s not held down a regular place in the Rangers team but we’ve seen, given the opportunity, he can play at a high level.

“He’s played in European competitions, he’s an international player. Obviously, what he can become in the future, the talent is there for everybody to see.”

The 20-year-old has made 11 appearances for Rangers so far this season across all competitions and has featured in the Scotland national team, scoring his first goal for his country in November against Moldova. He also set up Che Adam’s second goal in the 2-0 win which clinched a place in the World Cup play-offs.

Scotland team-mate Adams showered the defender with praise after the game against Moldova, saying: “Nathan’s an amazing player and a great guy off the pitch so I’m delighted for him.

“He’s a good young prospect coming through for the nation and hopefully he can continue and keep adding goals as well.”

Benitez could solve big issue with Patterson

Everton captain Seamus Coleman is now 33 and will be out of contract in 18 months’ time, so Benitez will be looking for a reliable and consistent right-back who can come into the fold at Goodison Park and take over from the £3.15m-rated Irishman, who has 363 appearances over 13 seasons, with the manager likely to begin phasing the defender out of the starting line-up in the near future.

If Patterson does join in January he would have the perfect opportunity to work with a hugely experienced right-back in Coleman, which could be highly beneficial to his development in succeeding the 33-year-old when he ends his lengthy Merseyside stay.

Signing Patterson would be great for both him and Everton, allowing Benitez to implement a freshness to a crucial area of the pitch, and to replace someone in Coleman who is perhaps turning into a liability given his defensive lapses of late.

In other news: Mykolenko could earn this dizzying sum if he signs

What was at times a fluctuating contest turned into a comfortable victory for England as Alastair Cook finished his first tour in charge with a controlled, unbeaten 109

The Bulletin by Sahil Dutta24-Mar-2010England 496 and 209 for 1 (Cook 109*, Pietersen 74*) beat Bangladesh 419 and 285 (Shakib 96, Tamin 52, Tredwell 4-82) by nine wickets
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsShakib Al Hasan extended Bangladesh’s lead over 200 with a fine 96, but it wasn’t enough•PA PhotosWhat was at times a fluctuating contest turned into a comfortable victory for England as Alastair Cook finished his first tour in charge with a controlled, unbeaten 109 and Kevin Pietersen continued his return to form with a 74 to complete a nine-wicket victory and a clean sweep. England remain the only team to have an unbeaten record against Bangladesh, but have been made to work hard for their success by a home side that showed signs of development but still frustrated with fundamental mistakes.It was particularly satisfying for Cook to guide his side home with his 12th Test hundred, having copped plenty of criticism for some naive captaincy through the tour. It was, as ever, more efficient than spectacular, as he picked off the generous offerings from a tiring Bangladesh attack. His toe-ended cut to bring up three figures and slog-sweep through midwicket to seal the result were both fitting as he proved captaincy would not affect his dogged batting.Before a ball had been bowled on this tour Cook was left out of England’s preliminary Twenty20 squad, but in every match since he’s shown how his game has developed. Adding a touch of adventure to his steely temperament he ended as the leading scorer in the series after making a career-best 173 in the first Test and demonstrated an authority that had been missing during his struggle form form last year.Needing 209 at almost four an over after Shakib Al Hasan’s fighting 96 kept England in the field until after lunch, Bangladesh had a chance to squeeze the visitors, but they couldn’t muster the resolve. Shakib looked exhausted, having made 141 runs and bowled 66 overs in the game. He wondered around the field with his arms folded and, rather than open with himself, allowed Shafiul Islam and Abdul Razzak to gift England an easy start.The openers had strolled to 40 before there was any trouble – albeit through another dubious umpiring decision. Jonathan Trott was given run out by the third umpire when the only replay available showed the stumps broken only after Trott had made the crease. It only added to the catalogue of poor decisions in this game, but unlike the previous ones had no bearing on the match.If anything it only hastened Bangladesh’s demise as Pietersen demonstrated the flair that separates him from the rest of his England team-mates. Using his feet to drive the spinners beautifully and unfurling the occasional switch hit, he appeared to recover the swagger that made him such a force before his Achilles injury. He will face sterner examinations soon, but can head off to the IPL in good spirits.For moments on the final day, like periods throughout the series, Bangladesh offered stubborn resistance, only to crumple when more something substantial could have been built. On his 23rd birthday, Shakib bristled with intent as he tried to carry his side to a position of safety. Needing to both extend the lead and take time out of the game he shunned the cautiousness his opposition favour and took the game to England.Almost from the off he made his intentions clear, chipping down the crease to the quick bowlers and scything cuts and drives through the off side regularly. At the other end Shafiul Islam blended defence with purpose as the pair added 60 in 14 overs. England looked ragged but rather than stick with their captain, Shakib’s team-mates were unable to resist the flighted temptation of James Tredwell with Shafiul and Naeem Islam both gifting their wickets at crucial moments.It meant the momentum Shakib created was wasted and he was marooned with the last-man Rubel Hossain when still 14 short of a deserved hundred. Again Shakib backed aggression to get him through, taking 10 from the first five balls of Tredwell’s opening over after lunch. But, just one shot away and with a field set tantalising tight in on the single, Shakib couldn’t resist running down the wicket and having an enormous swipe. He missed and despite a forlorn dive was stumped to end hopes of a hundred and Bangladesh’s chances of forcing a draw. It was a deflating end that killed off both Shakib and his team’s heart for the fight.

Many Aston Villa fans hailed Morgan Sanson for his substitute performance in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool. 

Villa travelled to Anfield looking to make it four wins from five under their new manager Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard, of course, was returning to the venue where he spent the almost the entirety of his professional career, winning 11 major honours.

The 41-year-old made one change to the team that beat Leicester City 2-1 last time out. Matt Targett came back in at left-back, with Emiliano Buendia benched and Ashley Young moving up to the wing.

Recapping Sanson’s afternoon vs Liverpool

Sanson watched on from the sidelines until the 57th minute, when he replaced Marvelous Nakamba.

He earned a SofaScore rating of 7.0 for his cameo, having excelled on and off the ball.

The Frenchman won six of the eight ground duels he contested and also completed 100 per cent of his dribbles (3/3).

Sanson has now been called upon from the bench in Villa’s last three matches, and will hope to earn his first start of the season against Norwich City in midweek.

These Villa fans applaud Sanson

“Sanson very very good when he come on I think.”

Credit: @jarod3n

“Thought Sanson was class when he came on too. Wasn’t scared to take some touches and play”

Credit: @olliebaxter97

“Wanna see more of Sanson… would like him to start games, believe he can really help us in midfield. I’m sure he possesses the quality.”

Credit: @JAS10SG

“Sanson has to start ahead of young Ramsey for me. He’s got some vavavoom about him.”

Credit: @AVFCSims

“Really gutsy effort today. Battled hard and a little unlucky with the pen. Although I’d like to see Sanson finally start ahead of Ramsey. He’s very classy and would love him to take charge of the midfield.”

Credit: @bluesfor

“Sanson is a class above the rest of our midfielders”

Credit: @euanavfc

In other news, Villa have been offered the chance to make this blockbuster signing.

Vusi Sibanda completed a monumental performance against Kenya with a match-winning 116 to go alongside his first-innings 209

Cricinfo staff10-Oct-2009
Scorecard
Vusi Sibanda takes the plaudits after steering Zimbabwe to victory over Kenya•ESPNcricinfo LtdVusi Sibanda completed a monumental performance against Kenya with a match-winning 116 to go alongside his first-innings 209. After opening first time around he dropped down to No. 4 in the run chase and guide the Zimbabwe XI home by five wickets after a shaky start.Kenya sniffed an opportunity after reducing Zimbabwe to 24 for 2 in the sixth over with the early wickets of new opening pair Friday Kasteni and Shingirai Masakadza. However, Sibanda strode in to once again provide the backbone for the home side.The match was virtually decided by the third wicket stand of 166 that he and Chamu Chibhabha (64) added in 42 overs. There was a mini wobble when Chibhabha was leg before to Hiren Varaiya as three wickets fell for 23, but while Sibanda was at the crease Zimbabwe were in control.Sibanda closed down the chase alongside Forster Mutizwa as Zimbabwe claimed their first victory of the campaign and a full hand of 20 points. Kenya, meanwhile, had nothing to show for their efforts having also conceded a first-innings lead but remain second the table, six points behind Scotland.

Scotland 2 1 00 1 0 29 0.908 664/34860/40 Kenya 3 1 10 1 0 23 1.138 1842/511650/52 Zimbabwe XI 2 1 00 1 0 23 1.131 1386/341225/34 Afghanistan 2 1 00 1 0 23 1.017 954/331109/39 Netherlands 2 0 10 1 0 15 0.850 775/38912/38 Ireland 2 0 00 2 0 12 1.181 1133/37856/33 Canada 3 0 20 1 0 3 0.769 1383/591525/50

Imran Tahir has been added to the South African squad to face Pakistan, putting him in line for a Test comeback at the Wanderers on February 1.

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jan-2013Imran Tahir has been added to the South African squad to face Pakistan, putting him in line for a Test comeback at the Wanderers on February 1.Tahir’s last Test came in Adelaide where he returned the second-worst figures by a South African. Only Nicky Boje’s 0 for 221 in Colombo in 2006 has been more expensive than Tahir’s first innings 0 for 180 in Adelaide.But his recall will depend on the fitness of Robin Peterson, who split the webbing between his third and little finger on his right hand, an injury he is expected to recover from in time.Peterson assumed the selection as first-choice spinner after Tahir was dropped for the Perth Test. Peterson then took 5 wickets at 21.80 in the 2-0 victory against New Zealand.”We are confident that Robbie will be fit to play,” Cricket South Africa selection convener Andrew Hudson said. “But it is prudent to have a cover player for him available to take a full part in the team’s preparation this week.”Tahir will be keen to return against the country of his birth and add to his 11 Tests where he has taken 26 wickets but at a cost of 50.19. He has shown good form in recent Sunfoil Series matches, including 12 wickets against Dolphins with 7 for 64 in the second innings.