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Both teams are neck and neck in several key metrics like death-overs strike rate and spin strength

Alagappan Muthu04-May-20235:53

Zampa can play if Holder isn’t being used as allrounder – Deep Dasgupta

Big picture: Some yellove for the TitansHas anybody else watched Gujarat Titans and got major CSK vibes? They have a captain who thrives under pressure. A coach who backs him no matter what. A fast bowler who is a powerplay phenom. A spinner who is very hard to hit (CSK used to have that with R Ashwin). And players who look like they have plenty of job security.Take Vijay Shankar for example. He made 17 runs in 35 balls last season. Titans knew he was better than that. They have trusted him with a spot in the middle order in seven of nine games so far and the result of that trust is, currently, he has the highest strike rate (290) of all batters who have faced at least 24 deliveries in the death overs. People on the outside say players who go to CSK blossom. What will they say of a team which has made a former CSK player who couldn’t blossom at CSK blossom with them?Rajasthan Royals have built themselves a T20 powerhouse team. Proven performers at the two most crucial positions in a T20 batting line-up – the top and the death – and wonderful variety in their bowling attack. Which is why it will sting that they have lost (4) almost as many matches as they’ve won (5), including their last game where Yashasvi Jaiswal seemed to have single-handedly secured victory. Doing the double over the defending champions might be just the thing to help them get their bounce back.Team news: Little set to leaveJosh Little has been outstanding in his first IPL season, picking up five wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 8.5 while operating primarily in the powerplay and the death. Titans will be able to use him against Royals, but he leaves India after this game to play for Ireland in an ODI series against Bangladesh that is crucial to their chances of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.Form guideRajasthan Royals: LWLLW
Gujarat Titans: LWWWL3:59

Moody: Jaiswal has jumped the queue for India call-up

Impact Player strategyKuldeep Sen didn’t have the best time in the last game, but there’s a little more real estate in Jaipur, where this match will be played, than there was in Mumbai. So he might still get a second go as an Impact Player. If not, Royals might go back to left-armer Kuldip Yadav, who did well on IPL debut last week, picking up 1 for 18 in three overs.Royals Probable XII: 1 Jos Buttler, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 4 Devdutt Padikkal, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, , 7 Jason Holder, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Sandeep Sharma, 11 Trent Boult, Wriddhiman Saha is averaging 16 from nine games, but he’s Titans’ wicketkeeper, so it’s unlikely they’ll fiddle with his spot. Besides, they like giving their players time to get better. His opening partner Shubman Gill is likely to Impact Sub in or out with fast bowler Mohit SharmaTitans Probable XII: 1 Shubman Gill, 2 Wriddhiman Saha, 3 Hardik Pandya (capt), 4 Vijay Shankar, 5 David Miller, 6 Abhinav Manohar, 7 Rahul Tewatia, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Noor Ahmad, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Josh Little, The big questionStats and Trivia: Best vs Best Royals have been the quickest scoring team (run rate of 9.6) in the powerplay this IPL but that’s alright. Titans have the most economical bowling unit (7.3 run rate) in the powerplay this IPL. Both these teams have been best in class in other key metrics as well like scoring rate at the death: Titans on top (12) followed by Royals (11.7) and spin strength: Titans on top (15.5 balls per wicket) followed by Royals (16.2) Jaiswal is yet to be dismissed by a spinner in this season. He has faced 93 balls and hit 139 runs, including seven of his 18 sixes. But don’t hit him with pace just for the sake of it because he hits them right back. His balls per boundary ratio against the quicks is 3.1. If he is able to score a minimum of 25 in his next innings, he will become the third-quickest Indian to 1000 IPL runs behind Sachin Tendulkar (31) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (31) Shivam Mavi has knocked Sanju Samson over five times in 25 deliveries for 34 runs in T20 cricket. Could Titans consider using him as a super specialist, like how Sunrisers Hyderabad brought in Bipul Sharma against a right-hander-heavy RCB and he took out AB de Villiers to help them win the IPL final in 2016? Titans and Royals had a thrilling finish the last time they met•AFP/Getty Images Because if Samson is able to get off to a start, he poses the single biggest threat to Titans’ best bowler Rashid Khan. The Royals captain won this head-to-head handsomely in the previous game, hitting 28 runs in just nine balls. That’s part of an overall head-to-head in the IPL which reads 109 runs in 92 balls for one dismissal. Hardik Pandya is one of the best spin-hitters in the world, but his record against Yuzvendra Chahal does not reflect it: 48 runs in 55 balls including three dismissals. David Miller might be able to help his skipper out there though. His record against Chahal is excellent: 96 runs off 52 balls for three dismissals. If he spends a long time in the middle, he could neutralise one of Royals’ key wicket-takers. Jos Buttler started the tournament well, scoring 204 runs in his first four matches at a strike rate of 170. But in five matches since then, he’s managed only 85 runs at less than run-a-ball. Offspin isn’t supposed to work against right-handers but try telling Ashwin that. He’s taken out nine of them and is the league’s joint fourth-best dismisser of RHBsPitch and conditionsSince IPL 2018, the average first-innings score at Sawai Man Singh Stadium is 164. Over the same time period, fast bowlers have taken more wickets than spinners (97 vs 64) but spinners have been more economical (7.4 vs 8.6). The weather is set fair for the game after some showers in Jaipur this week.The pitch for Friday night’s game had a substantial covering of live grass on Thursday evening as the teams trained, with some drier patches just full of a good length. The strip is just off-centre, so one square boundary will be marginally shorter than the other.Quotes”Whether runs are coming or not, it’s really important for me to stick to what I know… the end column [on the scorecard] if I do that will look after itself. I started the tournament really well doing that and I haven’t scored the runs I would have liked in the last few games, but it’s much more important to me to stay true to myself and just play in the fashion that I know.”
“Every game in the IPL is a difficult game so you can’t take teams for granted and too lightly. I just think that we need to be on it every single game… in a period of 14 games you are going to slip up every now and again and that happens with every other team.”

The January transfer window officially slammed shut at the start of this month and it was a fairly busy month for Manchester United, with ins and outs at Old Trafford.

It was Ruben Amorim’s first chance to shape the squad in his vision, after he came in to replace Erik ten Hag, and he added two new players to his squad.

Patrick Dorgu came in on a permanent deal from Lecce to bolster the manager’s options in the wing-back positions, whilst 18-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven joined from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The bulk of Manchester United’s business was, however, centred around outgoings as they were able to move on a number of players during the winter window.

Youngsters Dan Gore and Ethan Wheatley both secured loan exits for the second half of the season, whilst Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia, and Antony were also sent away on loan after failing to convince Amorim that they were ready to be important to the team.

The Red Devils, though, already have one eye on the summer transfer window at the end of the campaign, as they have reportedly identified a target to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

Manchester United plotting bid for new striker

Manchester United have struggled to get goals out of their strikers in the Premier League this season. Rasmus Holjund and Joshua Zirkzee have combined for five goals in the top-flight so far.

This shows that Amorim is not getting enough out of his two senior centre-forwards at this moment in time, which may be why the club are now looking to bring in another player in that position.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester United are eyeing up Napoli number nine Victor Osimhen ahead of a summer swoop for the Nigeria international.

The report claims that they are set to make a summer bid for the impressive marskman, who is currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, as they would like to improve their options in the striker position.

It adds that the United board are planning to hold talks over a possible deal for the former Lille centre-forward, as it has been ‘made clear’ that he does not have a future at Napoli beyond the end of his loan spell in Turkey.

GIVEMESPORT adds that the club are also set to make a decision on whether or not to keep hold of Holjund and Zirkzee in the summer window, which suggests that there is still a chance that one, or both, of them could move on ahead of next season.

Transfer Focus

The outlet reveals that Osimhen’s release clause at Napoli is set to drop to £63m in the summer, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Red Devils are prepared to bid at that price or if they will look to negotiate a cheaper deal.

Amorim should, though, push for the club to secure a deal for the striker because he could come in as the perfect addition for Amad Diallo next term.

Amad Diallo's form for Manchester United this season

The Ivory Coast international has finally emerged as a regular starter at Old Trafford and has carried the team on his back at times this season with his brilliance at the top end of the pitch.

Amad, who previously spent time on loan at Glasgow Rangers and Sunderland, has racked up nine goals and seven assists in all competitions from a right wing or right wing-back position.

The 22-year-old star has been utilised in a wing-back role by Amorim at times this season and his attacking output in that position has been exceptional, as shown in the chart below.

Amad has proven that he has the quality to provide a big threat in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals, with six goals and six assists in 17 starts in the Premier League so far this season.

The former Atalanta starlet is a striker’s dream because he takes up great positions to be passed to in the final third, whilst also being able to create high-quality chances for his teammates, as shown by his assist tally.

Why Victor Osimhen would be perfect for Amad Diallo

Manchester United could find the perfect centre-forward for Amad by paying £63m to sign Osimhen on a permanent deal from Napoli in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old striker is a proven goalscorer, who can also assist his teammates, and he has showcased his quality in a major European league in Italy, with 15 goals in the Serie A in the 2023/24 campaign and 26 league goals in the previous season.

Osimhen, once dubbed a “monster” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, found the back of the net on a regular basis for Napoli in the Italian top-flight, which suggests that he has the quality to make the most of Amad’s creativity at Old Trafford.

That has been backed up by his impressive form for Galatasaray on loan in Turkey during the 2024/25 campaign, as he has continued to shine as an exceptional goalscoring force and as a creative presence in the number nine position.

As you can see in the table above, Osimhen has racked up an eye-catching 17 goals and 11 ‘big chances’ created in 22 appearances for the Turkish giants.

He is perfect for Amad because he can finish the chances that the winger creates whilst also being able to assist the Ivorian star with his own creativity, as also evidenced by his relationship with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at Napoli.

The former Napoli duo were both directly involved in the same goal 15 times in 50 matches in the Serie A, which shows that Osimhen can create a fantastic relationship with a winger who can also score and assist goals at an impressive rate.

Therefore, the Nigerian marksman could come in as the perfect signing for Amad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which is why United must splash the cash to land his signature in the summer transfer window.

Amorim must sell Man Utd flop who Mourinho labelled as their "best player"

Ruben Amorim must be brutal by offloading one Manchester United player in the coming months.

By
Ethan Lamb

Feb 14, 2025

Danny Rohl has provided a new worrying injury update regarding a “really good” Sheffield Wednesday player, acting as a blow ahead of an important game against Sunderland on Friday.

Latest Sheffield Wednesday news

It’s fair to say that the Owls’ playoff push has hit the skids in recent weeks, with a number of disappointing results seeing their promotion hopes dented, acting as a reality check at the same time.

Last Friday, Wednesday lost 4-0 away to a Burnley side chasing automatic promotion – one who haven’t conceded in the league since before Christmas – while before that, they suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Coventry City, following a disastrous late error by goalkeeper James Beadle.

These back-to-back losses mean that Rohl’s Owls side sit 12th in the Championship table and now six points adrift of the playoff places, highlighting the need for a huge upturn in form as soon as possible.

On Friday night, Wednesday welcome fourth-place Sunderland to Hillsborough, with further dropped points possibly acting as a nail in the coffin. In fairness, injuries haven’t helped in recent times, not least to the influential Barry Bannan, and now a new update has emerged.

Sheffield Wednesday suffer new injury blow

Speaking to The Star, Rohl confirmed that Sheffield Wednesday winger Anthony Musaba has suffered an injury setback, meaning he will miss the Sunderland game: “At first it looked good, he trained on Sunday (after the Coventry game) but he got a small reaction, now he has had two rejections.

“I hope it is this week, then next week and then before Plymouth he is back. Sometimes at first an issue starts in one part of the body and then maybe with some different movements it goes into another part.

“It is a shame but he is positive and I think he will be available for the end of the season, maybe the last eight or nine games. We are working on it, he is still positive. It is harder of course to have him out of the squad.”

This is undoubted blow for the Owls ahead of what feels like a must-win game, with Musaba capable of causing problems with his pace and trickery.

While not necessarily always the most consistent player, the 24-year-old can be a match-winner on his day, scoring twice and registering five assists in the league this season, as well as being hailed by Mark Robins back in 2023: “They’ve got some quality. Musaba is a really good player and he’s shown that of late, he’s starting to add goals to his game, he’s quick, he’s powerful, he’s strong and he has got an eye for goal. Cadamarteri up front works his socks off, he never stops running.”

Related Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

Posts ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

It now has to be a case of other attacking players standing tall against Sunderland in Musaba’s absence, with anything other than victory not feeling like enough. Hopefully, he will be back in the fold sooner rather than later.

Arsenal may have already struck a deal to sign an “exceptional” £70m striker in the summer, after missing out in the winter transfer window, according to a report.

No new arrivals at the Emirates this winter

The Gunners have taken a gamble in the Premier League title race by opting not to bring in any reinforcements during the January transfer window, despite widespread demand for a new striker.

Mikel Arteta’s side were ruthless in front of goal in the 5-1 victory against Manchester City on Sunday, but Thierry Henry expressed concern that the manner of the victory may indicate a new striker is not necessary.

The club legend said: “There’s one thing I wanted to mention as an Arsenal man. Always, Arsenal fans say to me, we need a nine. Nobody is going to ask for a nine after this game. Yeah, they should still ask. It’s not because you won 5-1 that you don’t need a nine.”

Arsenal have struck gold on "special" star who's a bigger talent than Tel

Arsenal have hit the jackpot on a certain teenager who is shining this season

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By
Ross Kilvington

Feb 4, 2025

The north Londoners had a number of options in mind this winter, submitting a bid in the region of £45m for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who was desperate to complete a deadline day move to north London.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who is valued at £70m by some reports, has also been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for quite some time, and there has not been an exciting new update involving the striker.

According to a report from Football London, the Gunners have continued to watch Sesko closely after their failed pursuit last summer, retaining an interest in getting a deal done.

Despite the 21-year-old agreeing a new contract with the German club last year, there is a feeling he could move on in the summer, and it is even possible Arsenal have already struck a deal, such is expected to be the case with midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Doubt over Kai Havertz continues

After the emphatic 5-1 victory against Manchester City, the Gunners are six points behind Liverpool, but their failure to bring in a top striker could cost them in the race for the Premier League title.

Despite scoring against City, Kai Havertz was subjected to criticism from Jamie Carragher after squandering a good chance, with the Sky Sports pundit saying: “That has to be the game, he [Havertz] has to score that. That’s a lack of confidence but also a lack of quality,

“Almost every centre forward in the Premier League would look at a situation like that and fancy themselves to score.”

As such, Arteta may be disappointed Sesko was unavailable this winter, given that the Slovenian has been lauded for his finishing by freelance scout Ben Mattinson.

However, there will also be hope that Havertz’s goal at the weekend gives the German renewed confidence after going through a tricky spell.

Mic'd up: Moreno talked Kylian Mbappe, El Clasico and why the Copa del Rey final could be a Barcelona beatdown

Alejandro Moreno knows a thing or two about scoring goals – he won an MLS Golden Boot, after all. He also knows a thing or two about analyzing those who do it – he has been a fixture of the soccer punditry world for more than 10 years.

It's an interesting mix for the ESPN FC's analyst, who spends most of his weekends – and plenty of days in between – breaking down European football in the United States. This season, La Liga, and the ever-dramatic soap opera of Real Madrid, is the focus. Los Blancos made waves by signing Kylian Mbappe on a bumper deal last summer. But it hasn't quite worked out. The French forward is bagging goals, but has he made Madrid markedly better? Moreno is skeptical.

"He's not making them better." he tells GOAL. "I can say that. And that goes beyond what our expectations may have been. Maybe those were unrealistic. But if you take the fact that this team won the league, won the Champions League without Kylian Mbappe, he comes in and the dynamic of the team changes, of course there's gonna be a lot of attention on Kylian Mbappe and his productivity."

It's a bit of a mess up front, the former MLS striker says. It is near-impossible to fit Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham into the same team. Carlo Ancelotti is the man used to figuring these kinds of things out, and Moreno is surprised that he hasn't been able to work his magic.

"But they are as vulnerable now as they were at the beginning of the season, and that's the part that's disappointing," he says. "It's hard to believe that Carlo Ancelotti himself hasn't been able to figure out what to do to give this team structure, balance and organization."

Poor timing, too, as Madrid look towards the Copa del Rey Final against Barcelona, which kicks off Saturday, at 4 p.m. ET, live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes, from Estadio Olympic de la Cartuja in Sevilla, Spain. These games usually exist on a knife's edge. For the first time in recent memory, Barca are clear favorites. Moreno, in fact, expects a Barca win.

"It's impossible to ignore what we have seen when Real Madrid and Barcelona have played this season," he says. "It has been so difficult for Real Madrid to defend Barcelona through the midfield and once they get out in transition. There are too many vulnerabilities for Real Madrid."

And he might just be right. Moreno talked all things El Clasico in the latest edition of Mic’d Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL US taps into the perspective of broadcasters, analysts, and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.

Getty Images SportON REAL MADRID

GOAL: Has Carlo Ancelotti gotten it wrong this year? Is Madrid's regression his fault?

MORENO: Well, he's certainly part of it. Carlo Ancelotti has been an outstanding manager, not only with Real Madrid but also essentially just about everywhere he has been. And for the most part, when he has gotten a big job, he has been able to figure out the right combinations, the right answers in order to get his teams playing at a high level and winning the trophies that a club like Real Madrid expects to win. What has been surprising about this season is that we're so late into this season, and we still don't get a clear idea as to what Carlo Ancelotti wants to see from his team, and how he's able to find balance with Real Madrid.

At the beginning of the season when the team was lacking balance and being vulnerable defensively, or allowing goals, or weren't being as consistent as they should be, we were saying "Look, he's trying to find the pieces and figure out what the role of Mbappe is within this team, and how to shift everybody over to make sure the team has the shape that he wants." That's what we thought they would become, that he would find a shape, that he would find the answers, that the team would not be as vulnerable. But they are as vulnerable now as they were at the beginning of the season, and that's the part that's disappointing. It's hard to believe that Carlo Ancelotti himself hasn't been able to figure out what to do to give this team structure, balance and organization.

GOAL: That's strange for Real Madrid, right? We're used to maybe slow starts or early season slip ups, but you always think by February, March or even April, that they'll be this dominant force?

MORENO: Usually what we see from Real Madrid is, as the year turns, they get hot, and they get consistent. They are machine-like in their momentum towards the end of the season. So when it comes to the latter stages of the Champions League, latter stages of La Liga, they are close to their best. That's not what we are seeing this season. Specifically to Carlo Ancelotti, he has said over the last few games that 4-4-2 is the best formation for him and for this team. And for those of us who watch this league as closely as we do, we have been saying all along that "You need more numbers in midfield. You cannot play with Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrygo and Bellingham all at the same time."

Somebody had to be sacrificed, and he's taken too long to make that decision. The obvious player who should be sacrificed is Rodrygo, not because he's done anything particularly wrong, but the reality is, Mbappe is not going to be sacrificed, Vini is not going to be sacrificed, Bellingham will be in the team. And if you want numbers in the midfield, someone has to be sacrificed from the front line. That has to be Rodrygo. Ancelotti hasn't done that consistently. I wonder if he will do that in Copa del Rey final, just because he's trying to get organization and structure behind the attacking talent you already have in place.

AdvertisementGettyON KYLIAN MBAPPE

GOAL: I wanted to talk about Mbappe. There is a lot of discourse that Mbappe has just made Madrid worse? Or is it way more complex than that?

Moreno: He's not making them better. I can say that. And that goes beyond what our expectations may have been. Maybe those were unrealistic. But if you take the fact that this team won the league, won the Champions League without Kylian Mbappe, he comes in and the dynamic of the team changes, of course there's gonna be a lot of attention on Kylian Mbappe and his productivity. While the number of goals he has scored this season for some people would be enough, I don't think it's enough in regards to scoring those goals in the big moments, in the big games, on the big stage. That hasn't been the case with Mbappe this year. Now, it would be inaccurate to say he has been terrible for Real Madrid. I don't think he has been terrible, and I think at times, once he got his legs under him, he started scoring goals, and she started showing signs of the player he could be for Real Madrid. But that hasn't been consistent.

And then you add that to the fact that there has been some poor behavior from Kylian Mbappe. The red card he got a couple weeks ago was horrendous, and it shows a side of a player that we don't want to see. We want Kylian Mbappe to be at his best all the time. It makes it more appealing to all of us, to all of us watching, and all of us analyzing. But he hasn't been able to find his role within this team consistently. It's almost as if he's playing the center forward position saying "I don't really want to play here, my position is out to the left." But out to the left is Vini Jr, so what happens with him? And on the other side is Rodrygo, who is saying "Well hold on a second, I like playing on the left hand side, too, but I guess I'll play on the right because that's what I've been told to do."

And now Bellingham, who last year was so successful supporting the attack from behind, now he is running into the presence of Kylian Mbappe in front of him, inside the 18-yard box. And so there is no space for the two of them. If you watch the movement of Kylian Mbappe in and around the 18-yard-box, it is not the natural movement of a striker. You rarely see Kylian Mbappe scoring tap ins for Real Madrid the way you see Robert Lewandowski score tap ins for Barcelona. And you'll say "Well that's just a tap in." You have to be there, recognize where the space is, and where the goal should be. Kylian Mbappe's goals at Real Madrid are around the 18-yard-box, but not the center forward sort of goal.

Getty Images SportON LAMINE YAMAL

GOAL: Lamine Yamal has been incredible. What can we take away from his performances this year? The Messi comparison seems so unfair because he's his own player, but how good do you think he can be?

MORENO: When I talk about Lamine Yamal, I talk about Lamine Yamal by himself – not in the context of Lionel Messi. What I see from Lamine Yamal is currently, in my estimation, the best player in the world – at 17 years old. He is performing consistently at a high level in key moments for Barcelona. He plays with a freedom and creativity and with dynamic movements. He is excellent in 1v1 situations, vision, pass delivery, the ability to see a pass. When you see him play, you think this guy has been around for 10 years – that's the maturity with which he plays. And the decisions he makes when he's on the field showcase that same maturity. And he's doing it as if he were doing it in the backyard with you and I. It's that sort of ease and freedom.

There is no burden to his game. There is no tension, there is no pressure. Lamine Yamal may have all of those expectations around him, but he doesn't seem to be feeling any of them. And the way we know that is because when he plays, he is playing with a smile, with confidence, with freedom. He is in a great place right now. The only thing that can slow this guy down is injuries, and certainly we hope that's not the case in the future, because he's got everything you can have as a player. In terms of what my expectations are of him as he continues to grow, evolve and mature? The one thing I would want to see is that he never loses the joy with which he plays the game.

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AFPON ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

GOAL: It seemed like Robert Lewandowski was maybe coming to an end last year. This year, things have changed, he's scoring goals again. Why has he been so good?

MORENO: Well it helps to have Lamine Yamal playing alongside you! It also helps to have Raphinha. What happens is those three complement each other very well. Raphinha is the one willing to run in behind, so that stretches the backline. And that then opens up the space underneath, and in and around the 18-yard box. You need to watch the little movements that Robert Lewandowski makes, the little diagonal runs to get himself free. So while people are paying attention – and rightfully so – and people are paying attention to the runs in behind of Raphinha, Lewandowski is floating.

The moment he sees the opportunity to make a little diagonal movement one way or the other, and he gets in the blind spot of a defender, and there's your tap in. They're going to miss him in the Copa del Rey final because of a hamstring injury. Ferran Torres brings a different type of skill set, more activiity in terms of the legs, being able to go and chase people down and press the ball a little bit better than Lewandowski does at this stage in his career – but doesn't quite bring the same sort of instinct in front of goal.

حقق الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة فوزًا مهمًا بهدفين على حساب نظيره اسبانيول في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء الخميس، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

بهذا الفوز، توج برشلونة بطلًا للدوري الإسباني للمرة الـ 28 في تاريخه ليحقق الثلاثية المحلية بعد فوزه ببطولتي السوبر وكأس الملك على حساب ريال مدريد.

اقرأ أيضًا | 3 لاعبين مهددون بالغياب عن برشلونة أمام فياريال في الدوري الإسباني

وسجل هدف المباراة الأول لامين يامال، في الدقيقة 53 بعد كرة رائعة بينه وبين داني اولمو ليستلم لامين الكرة من الزاوية اليمنى ويسدد الكرة ببراعة أقصى الزاوية اليمنى لحارس اسبانيول. 

وشهد اللقاء حالة طرد للاعب اسبانيول لياندرو كابريرا في الدقيقة 82 بعد تدخله العنيف على لامين يامال.

وأضاف فيرمين لوبيز هدف برشلونة الثاني في الدقيقة 95 بعد صناعة رائعة من لامين يامال الذي يواصل تألقه المعهود هذا الموسم.

ويتصدر برشلونة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 85 نقطة، ويحل ريال مدريد وصيفًا برصيد 78 نقطة، بينما يتواجد اسبانيول في المركز الـ 16 برصيد 39 نقطة. أهداف مباراة برشلونة أمام اسبانيول (2-0) في الدوري الإسباني

Hampshire remained the sole side to boast maximum points in this year’s Royal London Cup, fighting back through maiden one-day fifties from locally-raised 20-year olds Fletcha Middleton and Toby Albert to beat Derbyshire by two wickets at the County Ground, Derby.Despite 82 from Brooke Guest earlier, Hampshire were left a target of 247. But the tall Ben Aitchison made superb use of a hybrid pitch with bounce for the new ball by claiming four wickets for the first time in his white-ball career in his opening 25 deliveries as Hampshire sunk to 36 for four by the reply’s ninth over.The sixth wicket had added 104, however, before Middleton went for 64, leaving Albert, like John Arlott a product of Basingstoke, to reach an unbeaten 84, his best in all cricket, and usher Hampshire home.Already winners of the Vitality Blast, they are in the hunt for their second limited-overs trophy of the season, and they are still pressing Surrey for the Championship with four matches remaining in September.It’s nice to get an opportunity for once to get in to the side after Hampshire’s great run in all competitions this year and to have the chance to win a game for the team,” Albert said. “There’s no real secret to our success this year, it’s just that we’re all together, we never feel we’re out of a game, and we just want to keep the run going in all competitions.”Related

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Derbyshire had themselves started poorly when put in earlier until recovery came from the Australia-raised Guest who found 101 in 20 overs for the fifth wicket with Anuj Dal until Dal was run out for 42 attempting an ambitious single. But when Guest fell, 20 minutes later, Derbyshire, finishing nine down, mustered only 44 more from the last 41 balls.Aitchison soon had Aneurin Donald and Tom Prest both held at second slip, the latter without score after making 51 and 181 in his previous two innings over the last five days. With a magnificent full inswinger he next bowled Nick Gubbins, breaking the off-stump, for 18 before having Ben Brown caught behind as the visitors made an even worse start than Derbyshire.A modest revival ended when Felix Organ whipped a long hop to long leg, going for seven with 179 more needed at 5.37 per over when Albert joined Middleton. With Mattie Potts proving expensive, however, the requirement soon fell and if the spinners were initially tight they could not sustain pressure.For players with only seven 50-over appearances between them hitherto, it was an impressively calm, well calculated performance from the youngsters who resisted seven bowlers until Middleton pulled a Mattie McKiernan long hop to mid wicket and the target became 75 from 15. Keith Barker and Scott Currie came and went after handy support but John Turner, dropped on nought, accompanied Albert home.Soon after the official government declaration of a drought had been made in the morning, the home side, in apparent sympathy, had themselves lost a quartet of batters in 40 grim balls as runs dried up to a trickle. From a promising 49-run opening stand they slumped to 58 for four in the 18th over, Barker bowling through and claiming two for 34.Though Harry Came reached 33, his opening partner Luis Reece endured such an unproductive first ten overs that he doubled his score when finally walking out to belt Barker over mid-wicket for six. He and Shan Masood, for nought, went in four balls of Barker’s next over, however, before Tom Wood edged to slip and Came drove to cover.Latterly, Alex Hughes, in his first 50-over appearance for exactly a year, partially regained momentum but fell for 31 in a final over from Jack Campbell that allowed only one run off the bat. In the late scramble, McKiernan became a second casualty of fine fielding from Currie, who ran him out for 17.

Over the previous few weeks, it looked as though Glasgow Rangers had rediscovered their mojo.

This was undone on Boxing Day, however, as the Ibrox side suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat to St Mirren in the Premiership which means they now trail Celtic by 12 points in the league table.

The pressure may have alleviated on Philippe Clement in recent weeks, but this loss certainly ends any hopes of the Light Blues winning the league title. With a clash against Celtic to come next week, a loss could see Clement lose his job.

Several players underperformed against the Buddies, including Nedim Bajrami, who was poor during his time on the pitch.

Nedim Bajrami’s game in numbers vs St Mirren

The Albanian was deployed in his preferred position as a number 10 against St Mirren, but he failed to offer anything meaningful going forward.

The game was crying out for a player of his quality to provide a cutting edge, yet Bajrami managed to make just 11 passes while taking 21 touches of the ball.

Bajrami also failed to win a single duel against the Paisley side, lost possession ten times, failed with his only dribble and didn’t even register a single shot before he was subbed at halftime after a lethargic performance.

Bajrami has often been used on the left flank to good effect since arriving at Ibrox in the summer, but if he wishes to play as an attacking midfielder, he will have to offer much more than what he did against St Mirren.

It wasn’t just the former Sassuolo man who was disappointing, as Hamza Igamane delivered yet another poor performance.

Hamza Igamane's display vs St Mirren

The Moroccan striker has been a breath of fresh air recently, offering something different to Clement’s attack, which has seen him score against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Nice in Europe.

Clement unleashed him against St Mirren, but he couldn’t replicate his recent performances as the striker lost 11 of his 13 contested duels, lost the ball 12 times and even missed a big chance.

Igamane did register three shots and attempted four dribbles, yet he could only find the target once, while succeeding with just one dribble, showing a lack of composure in the final third.

Of course, he is still maturing and the more games he plays, the better Igamane will get. It is all fine and well performing in Europe, but trips to Paisley, for example, are where league titles can be lost.

This was the case on Boxing Day, as the defeat to Stephen Robinson’s men made winning the league title an almost impossible task, with Igamane perhaps among those who should make way next time out.

A clash against Motherwell on Sunday represents a chance for the Light Blues to bounce back to winning ways. Another loss, just four days before an Old Firm tie, could signal the end of Clement’s reign at Ibrox.

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Arsenal are increasingly keen on the signing of a Barcelona star in the January transfer window, and his agent has travelled to England this week, as the representative fields interest from N5 and across the Premier League.

Arsenal scouring market for new forward after Bukayo Saka injury

Credible media sources have shared that Arsenal are scouring the market for a Bukayo Saka alternative, after the £195,000-per-week star winger was ruled out of action for weeks with a hamstring injury.

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There are also fears within Arsenal that Saka could be sidelined until March (The Daily Mail), which would be a hammer blow for manager Mikel Arteta, as he desperately looks to remain in this year’s Premier League title race and end the club’s 21-year wait for a domestic crown.

Raheem Sterling would be useful as cover for Saka, but sadly, Arteta won’t be able to call upon the 30-year-old as he’s also out with a knee injury.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Brighton (away)

January 4

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

It is looking more and more imperative that Arsenal bring another winger in once the January window commences, which is set to open in a few days time, but the Gunners do possess options in that regard.

Reports have claimed that PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani could be offered to Arsenal on loan, with the France international star struggling to establish himself under Luis Enrique at the Parc des Princes since his move there from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that Barca attacker Dani Olmo – who only joined the La Liga giants for around £50 million in the summer – is attracting serious interest from north London, as interim sporting director Jason Ayto looks to Europe in search of more wide options.

The former RB Leipzig sensation could leave Catalonia “free of any contract” next month (Sacha Tavolieri), with Barca struggling to pay his wages for the second half of 2024/2025 as they tackle registration issues.

This has put a host of sides on red alert, including Arsenal, who sense an opportunity to seize the 41-cap Spain international who’s bagged six goals and an assist over his 15 appearances for the Camp Nou side this term.

Agent travels to England as Arsenal eye January move for Dani Olmo

Sky Sports have reported that Arsenal are in “positive contacts” with Olmo’s representatives ahead of a potential move, and The Daily Mail have backed Arteta’s interest in the 26-year-old with a fresh update of their own.

The Mail shares that Olmo’s chief agent, Andy Bara, has travelled to England this week, and he was in attendance to watch Man City’s 1-1 draw with Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.

While Bara claims that he was there merely for a holiday, as he’s quoted as saying by the report, he is actively exploring transfer options for his client – and Arsenal are named by The Mail as a potential destination for him.

Arsenal have apparently taken a “keen interest” in signing Olmo this January, and are eager to ascertain whether the forward will be available next month, alongside fellow Premier League giants Man United and Man City.

Liverpool, despite sitting top of the Premier League, top of the Champions League and advancing into the final four of the Carabao Cup, are still awaiting some much-needed news on the contract front.

Liverpool transfer news

Barring one slip-up against Nottingham Forest, Arne Slot’s Liverpool side have been unstoppable so far this season and look on course for what they hope to be the first of many historic campaigns under the Dutchman. The quality within their squad and even outside of their strongest side was on full show once again against Southampton, as a much-changed Liverpool side sent the Saints packing in the Carabao Cup.

Amid such a successful season so far, however, a darkening contract cloud has continuously threatened to rain down on the Reds’ campaign and disrupt what would be the ultimate first season without club legend Jurgen Klopp.

As things stand, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to leave as free agents at the end of the campaign. And whilst reports have been more positive regarding Salah and Van Dijk’s Anfield futures, those in Merseyside are still facing a nervous wait for good news on all three.

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According to Caught Offside, FSG and Liverpool have now offered Alexander-Arnold a contract worth £7.1m more per year than his current Anfield deal, which is worth a reported £9.4m-a-year.

As per Caught Offside, the talented right-back has been offered a deal worth €20m-a-year (£16.5m-a-year) in the hope that he will finally put pen to paper and end any concerns over his future.

Even after such an offer, however, Liverpool are still reportedly unsure whether he will be tempted into joining European giants Real Madrid, who are planning a January meeting with the right-back to discuss a potential summer move.

Liverpool must end Alexander-Arnold uncertainty

In the middle of a title race and in their first season of what they will hope to be an era full of success under Slot, Liverpool need to get their answers from Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah before their contract talks dominate the headlines and distract away from their pursuit of glory. The last thing any dressing room needs is an unanswered question on the future of a star player, let alone three.

The case of Alexander-Arnold seems particularly uncertain, but he too must come to a decision sooner rather than later. Either he stays put at Liverpool and becomes one of the highest-earners at the club before cementing his legacy as a true Anfield great, or he chooses the life of a Galactico and the chance to create undeniable history. It’s quite the choice, to say the least.

As for Liverpool, they must at least plan for the worst. The likes of Jeremie Frimpong have already been mentioned in recent weeks and the Reds must be prepared to make their move for the Bayer Leverkusen man or, indeed, an alternative option to replace Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season.