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McSweeney is firmly in the mix and has a chance to make his Test debut, having made an excellent start to Sheffield Shield

Tristan Lavalette30-Oct-20241:00

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Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney says he is confident of fronting up to the new ball and opening the batting in the first Test against India if the selectors go down the route of a non-specialist.The race to partner Usman Khawaja has seemingly come down to back-to-back four-day matches between Australia A and India A. Former Test openers Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris are set to open the batting in the first match in Mackay starting on Thursday, while teenaged prodigy Sam Konstas is also in the squad.Even though he bats at No. 3 for South Australia, McSweeney is firmly in the mix and has a chance to make his Test debut, having made an excellent start to the Sheffield Shield season with scores of 55, 127 not out, 37 and 72.Related

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McSweeney, 25, has built on his form from last season where he scored 762 runs at 40.10, including three centuries, in mostly tough batting conditions. Only three players in the competition scored more runs for the season.He has been touted as a future Test captain underlined by his appointment as Australian A skipper, a role he has fulfilled several times previously. McSweeney has also led the Prime Minister’s XI once, as well as captaining the Brisbane Heat to last season’s BBL title.McSweeney’s form and highly-regarded leadership credentials – his tactical nous has impressed observers in his debut season as South Australia captain – have proved compelling for the national selectors who are left pondering if he can step up into the unfamiliar role of opening.”I think I’m playing probably the best cricket I have, batting No. 3 for South Australia, and pretty much my whole career,” McSweeney told reporters in Mackay.”It’s not too dissimilar to opening. I feel like you can be in there the first over of the game. All my preparation is with the new ball, so I feel like my game’s ready.Nathan McSweeney is coming off scores of 55, 127 not out, 37 and 72•Getty Images”Hopefully I can get an opportunity. If not, I’ll keep trying to get better. What will be, will be.”McSweeney was tight-lipped over his position in Australia A’s batting order, but he will likely stay in his customary role at No. 3.”I’m quite clear where I’m batting for this game. It’s a great honour to play for Australia and I’m happy to bat wherever,” he said. “Hopefully I can take my opportunity batting where I do. I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the next game, so the selectors will pick that.”I think being talked about playing for your country is a great honour….try and embrace the chat. All I can do is prepare as best I can and prepare the other boys.”There are so many guys that are playing well and hopefully we can all take it [the opportunities] and make it really hard for the selectors.”While the national focus has been absorbed with this so-called ‘bat-off’, set to reach almost fanatical levels in Mackay and the MCG, Australia A will be pitted against a talented India A line-up in a contest to be played in the humid conditions of northeast Queensland.India A boasts several Test squad members, including 21-year-old allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, looking to acclimatise to Australian conditions and start the tour strongly.”It will be nice to play those guys. We only see them on TV [in the IPL], for me personally,” McSweeney said. “The wicket looks great, I don’t think it will be too toss dependent. I think with the bat and the ball, they’ve got some great players.”We’ll need to be at our best and hopefully we can put in a good performance and get the win for Australia A.”

أكد حسام غالي، عضو مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي، أن محمد أبو تريكة، زميله السابق في صفوف الفريق ومنتخب مصر السابق، خسر الكثير.

وقال حسام غالي في تصريحات لبودكاست “G.Talks”، إن محمد أبو تريكة، نجم كبير وشخصية محترمة جدًا ومؤدب، ولم ير منه أي شيء سيئ، مضيفا أنه خسر كثيرًا بسبب انتمائه السياسي.

طالع | حسام غالي يحسم موقفه من الترشح لمنصب رئيس النادي الأهلي وأول قرار سيتخذه

وتابع: “حسام حسن كان مثلي الأعلى، وكنت مهاجمًا في الصغر، فكان زملائي في مدينة بيلا بكفر الشيخ، في بعض المناسبات يطلقون علي حسام حسن، وصورته هو وإبراهيم حسن، في غرفتي منذ صغري”.

وأضاف: “البعض يرغبون في تشويه صورتي حتى لا أكون رئيسا للنادي الأهلي، وأن الانطباع السائد أنني لا أصلح لهذا المنصب”.

وكشف: “أحب الشخصية القوية، لكن بشرط ألا تكون فردية، الأهلي نادٍ بني على الجماعية وروح الفريق، وهذه القيم كانت حاضرة بقوة في فترات سابقة وأتمنى استعادتها”.

وعن مانويل جوزيه مدرب الأهلي الأسطوري، اختتم: “قد لا يوصف بالمدرب العبقري، لكنه من أفضل الشخصيات التي يمكن التعامل معها، عصبيته وطموحه وإيمانه إن الفريق هو النجم الأوحد كانت أهم مميزاته، والأجمل إنه كان مقتنع بهذا، وهو من أنجح المدربين في تاريخ الأهلي”.

Still reeling from their failure to qualify for the Champions League, Aston Villa have instantly set their sights on summer upgrades which could reportedly include a defender who has won it all in English football.

Aston Villa may still face PSR consequences

It’s fair to say that Aston Villa went all in on Champions League qualification, knowing that failure would have its consequences – that failure simply couldn’t be an option. So, the reaction when Manchester United sealed a shock victory on the final day after Morgan Rogers’ goal had controversially been disallowed was always going to be strong.

Villa slammed the decision, which they feel cost them their Champions League place, citing that a more experienced referee should have been in charge of such an important game, rather than 35-year-old Thomas Bramall.

Whether the blame truly lies with Bramall or Villa, themselves, for missing out on a place in the top five is not the question those in the Midlands should be answering, however. Instead, they should turn their focus towards how they’re going to navigate their way past increasing profit and sustainability concerns.

Already, the likes of Emiliano Martinez have been linked with moves away from Villa Park in a shock exit which is becoming more and more of a possibility. The Argentine is undoubtedly one of Unai Emery’s key men, but could be shown the door as they look to balance their books this summer.

Perhaps in a defiant attempt to welcome upgrades even in the face of PSR concerns, Aston Villa could still welcome fresh faces in the coming months. The likes of Lucas Chevalier is one name on their reported shortlist to replace Martinez, whilst those in the Midlands have also seemingly set their sights on signing a Premier League champion at a bargain price this summer.

Aston Villa informed about Joe Gomez deal

According to Empire of The Kop, Aston Villa have now been informed about Joe Gomez’s situation at Liverpool and are one of eight Premier League clubs currently keeping an eye on the defender who will be allowed to leave Anfield this summer.

The veteran centre-back, who can also play as a left and right-back, will reportedly cost any potential suitor just €30m (£25m) in the coming months in what is a bargain deal for such an experienced player. After becoming a two-time Premier League winner in recent months too, Gomez himself is reportedly open to an Anfield exit in pursuit of a starting place elsewhere.

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Whilst the 28-year-old has endured his fair share of injury problems, there’s a reason why he’s Liverpool’s longest-serving first-team player and Arne Slot recognised his quality earlier in the season, telling reporters: “Joe is patient in a good way, he always makes sure he is ready whenever the club or his teammates need him, and that is special when it comes to his mentality because not many players can do this for so many years that he has done this.”

If Aston Villa want to get back into the Champions League next season, then to say they could do a lot worse than signing a defender who’s won the competition would be a major understatement.

Celtic are in the process of making some significant moves this summer and look to have reignited their interest in an exciting attacker, according to a report.

Celtic searching for attackers to offer final third variation

Brendan Rodgers opted to operate with Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah as central options during the second half of last campaign, taking a look at the market before deciding to stick rather than twist in January.

However, Celtic are set to conclude a deal for Fulham youngster Callum Osmand after the Wales international turned down the opportunity to sign professional terms at Craven Cottage, offering an alternative threat through the middle.

Nevertheless, Frank McAvennie believes the Bhoys should offer a shock deal to Jamie Vardy amid their efforts to strengthen across the front four positions, with free agent Danny Ings also recommended by the former Scotland international.

The ex-Celtic explained: “Vardy. I would take Vardy. I know they are talking about him going to Rangers, but I would take Vardy at Celtic.

“They (Vardy and Danny Ings) are goal scorers. Two of them are goal scorers. They are just natural predators. Get them up here. Good names.”

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While it feels unlikely that either of the duo mentioned would arrive north of the border, there is an appetite for another striker and winger at a minimum to bolster squad depth.

Marco Tilio’s return from Melbourne City could also intrigue Celtic, but it has always felt likely that the Bhoys will dip into the market to acquire new creative threats.

Speaking of which, Rodgers’ men have now reportedly opened talks with a familiar target as they look to push a deal over the line, per recent developments.

Celtic hold discussions to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha

According to Sacha Tavolieri on X, Celtic have made contact and opened discussions with Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s camp to begin ‘new discussions regarding personal terms’ involving the Royal Antwerp man.

Retaining an interest in the former Belgium Under-21 international since last summer, further updates are expected on his future in the coming days as Rodgers looks to land his man.

Labelled “unpredictable” by Ben Mattinson, Balikwisha is someone the Irishman has personally expressed an interest in signing and his small sample size on the pitch over the campaign has illustrated why.

Despite having injury issues, the 24-year-old registered four goals and three assists in 18 matches across all competitions. Valued at roughly £4.2 million by Transfermarkt, it remains to be seen what the ballpark figure is for Celtic to secure his services.

Tottenham Hotspur have made contact over signing an “outrageous” forward as chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team consider a potential bargain summer deal, with his mooted price tag called “too good to be true”.

Tottenham target new forward amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Ange Postecoglou’s full focus is on their looming Europa League final clash against Man United on May 21 – an encounter which could single-handedly rescue Spurs’ season from the depths of despair.

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He’d be an ideal replacement for Postecoglou.

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Qualification for next season’s Champions League, not to mention Tottenham’s first major trophy in over 17 years, is on the line against United with both sides looking to end their dismal campaigns in the best possible fashion.

Reports claim Postecoglou is highly likely to leave Spurs regardless of whether they win the final in Bilbao (David Ornstein), but the Australian could still etch his name into history by becoming the first Lilywhites boss to win a trophy in nearly two decades.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.05

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.88

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

He could also fulfill his early-season pledge of ‘always’ winning silverware during his second season in charge, so a lot is personally riding on the line for Postecoglou, even if a departure from N17 seems more and more inevitable.

The 59-year-old’s future will have a knock-on effect when it comes to Levy’s transfer plans for the fast-approaching summer window, and it is believed that Tottenham are targeting a new forward among their recruitment priorities.

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa is apparently attracting interest from Spurs, while Man City playmaker James McAtee is another attacker admired by Tottenham. Both players are not expected to break the bank in terms of cost, amid claims Tottenham are set for a ‘sell to buy’ summer (The Telegraph).

However, one very highly-rated forward, and one who could be one of the bargains of 2025, is Lyon star Rayan Cherki.

Tottenham make contact over signing Rayan Cherki this summer

The Frenchman has bagged 12 goals and 18 assists across his total appearances in Ligue 1 and the Europa League this term, marking himself out as a star player for Lyon, but his contract is said to include a tantalising £19 million release clause.

That is according to Le Parisien, who also report that Tottenham have made contact over a move for Cherki, alongside some Premier League rivals.

The 21-year-old falls into Spurs’ recruitment policy perfectly, given he’s young with world-class potential at a very reasonable value. Cherki will surely be a player in very high demand this summer, with journalist Dean Jones previously explaining why clubs need to consider swooping for him.

“Rayan Cherki, who is just absolutely unbelievable,” said Jones on the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast (via TBR). “You see figures around Cherki and there’s like 25 million pounds talked about, which just seems like too good to be true. He’s just different, this player.

“If you haven’t seen Cherki play, then just either stop the pod and go and watch him on YouTube for 10 minutes and then come back or just go watch him while we’re talking right now. Because his skill level is outrageous. He feels like he could become one of the best players in the world.”

Given Cherki’s mooted fee has now dropped below £25m to £19m, it makes Jones’ statement all the more relevant, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him emerge as a top target for Levy.

Before Thursday’s first-leg Europa League clash with Lyon, many of a Manchester United persuasion would have been more than happy to have secured a draw ahead of next week’s return fixture at Old Trafford, with such a result on the road ensuring that Ruben Amorim’s men remain in control of proceedings.

Having ultimately played out a 2-2 stalemate with the Ligue 1 side, however, the overriding feeling is one of deflation, with the hosts snatching a draw right at the death following last-gasp heroics from Rayan Cherki.

The majestic playmaker pounced on Andre Onana’s mistake – not the Cameroonian’s first of the night – to level things up in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with it having initially looked like Joshua Zirkzee’s late header would be enough to seal the win for the Red Devils.

Frustratingly, there is still work to do next week when the two sides meet again, with Amorim left to ponder his selection decisions for that second-leg, as well as for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park.

A raft of changes could well be on the cards, and not just due to rotation.

Man Utd's worst performers against Lyon

The obvious place to start is, of course, with that man Onana, with the 28-year-old ending proceedings as he began the night – dominating the headlines.

After his war of words with former United star, Nemanja Matic, the ex-Inter stopper needed to put in a serene display up against the French outfit to back up his pre-match verbals. Sadly for Amorim and for Onana, he did anything but.

At fault for both of the hosts’ goals on the night, the one-time Ajax hero has now made more errors than any another Premier League goalkeeper in all competitions, since the start of last season, having endured a wretched two-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

Arijanet Muric

5

Robert Sanchez

5

Bart Verbruggen

4

Andre Onana

3

Alphonse Areola

2

Alex McCarthy

2

Nick Pope

2

Ederson

2

Not that Onana was alone in having another off night on Thursday evening, with Rasmus Hojlund fluffing an effort wide and registering just 11 touches in total, before being hooked on the hour mark.

In between the two, Manuel Ugarte once again failed to last the full 90 minutes following a largely frustrating performance, with the Uruguayan – who can at least claim the assist for Leny Yoro’s equaliser – winning just two of his six duels, while being the recipient of a needless yellow card.

There will likely be calls for that trio to be replaced with the likes of Altay Bayindir, Mason Mount and the aforementioned Zirkzee moving forward, while young Alejandro Garnacho is another who could be in the firing line.

The Man Utd man who was outclassed by Cherki

Despite slipping to a draw at the death, United may feel as if they are still well-placed to progress – that is unless Cherki has something to say about it.

Indeed, the 21-year-old Frenchman was a real shining light on the night for the home side, having deservedly stolen the acclaim with his late dink over Onana, after smartly pouncing on the goalkeeper’s errant parry.

Widely touted as the heir to Karim Benzema for both club and country, the fleet-footed forward almost strolled through the game with consummate ease, having notably racked up four key passes in total – more than any other player on the pitch.

Performance in Numbers

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The local hero also successfully completed four of his attempted dribbles amid his desire to provide that attacking spark for his side, with such a performance looking completely at odds with United’s own rising star, Garnacho.

While the Argentine did end the night with a 100% pass accuracy, his showing was summed up by his poor decision-making on the counter late on, having failed to pick out the advancing Zirkzee, before firing in a wayward pass to the stretching Bruno Fernandes.

Minutes played

90

83

Touches

72

32

Pass accuracy

88%

100%

Key passes

4

1

Big chances created

0

0

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

0

Successful dribbles

4/7

0/0

Total duels won

6/12

3/8

Possession lost

17x

8x

Operating on the right of the front three, the 20-year-old – who actually had fewer touches than Onana recorded in the sticks (35) – had little joy in an attacking sense, albeit while picking out Fernandes in the first half with a clever pull-back.

The Spain-born speedster did also have the chance to net himself at the backpost in the second half, following a fine cross from Patrick Dorgu, yet – as has been the norm of late – he simply couldn’t convert the chance.

Still with just two goals to his name under Amorim, Garnacho’s suitability to this 3-4-3 system remains up for debate, with MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst handing him just a 5/10 match rating, while writing that his ‘end product was often lacking’.

Despite just a slight age difference between the pair, there appeared to be a real gulf in quality and class between Garnacho and Cherki, with the latter man looking like the type of figure who would relish the role in one of the two number ten berths.

It is for no reason that teammate and ex-Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles has lauded Cherki as the “best natural talent [he’s] ever seen”, with Garnacho, by contrast, looking as if he’s not even fit to lace the Lyon man’s boots.

Can that all change at Old Trafford next week?

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