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Sheffield United are reportedly favourites to land an “intelligent” new striker on loan this month to help boost their chances of an immediate return to the Premier League.

Sheffield United news and updates

Sheffield United are currently enduring a difficult spell, with Chris Wilder’s side having won just one of their last five games in all competitions. Losses to promotion rivals Sunderland and Burnley in the Championship have put a dent in their automatic promotion chances, while most recently, a defeat to struggling Cardiff City in the FA Cup saw them dumped out in the tournament’s third round.

A solitary goal from Bluebirds striker Cian Ashford was enough to beat United, who just two seasons ago made it to the semifinals.

Sheffield United and Wilder in advanced talks to sign Arblaster replacement

A loan move is on the cards.

ByCharlie Smith Jan 8, 2025

Speaking to the press after his side’s exit from the FA Cup, Wilder said he was “disappointed with some of the boys because they should have been better”.

“There was an opportunity for those that haven’t played a lot of football to impress, but it is where we are at the moment,” he explained: “I’d have liked it to look a lot better from those who have had the opportunity, we gave the ball away in poor areas, but we were chucking a team together and expecting it to flow, they arguably did the same and did better than us to progress.”

Blades now in pole position to sign Brereton Diaz

To try and get their season back on track, United are reportedly favourites to re-sign Ben Brereton Diaz on-loan from Southampton in January due to the player’s preference. Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan at Bramall Lane, scoring six goals in 16 games before completing a permanent move to St. Mary’s in the summer.

The Chile international, however, has since struggled for minutes with the Saints, starting just four Premier League games.

According to Sky Sports News, Southampton are now keen to offload Diaz, and although Sunderland and Blackburn have both made approaches for him, the 25-year-old would only consider a return to United.

Sky report that Diaz’s partner is due to give birth to their baby soon, so he will only consider a move that is suitable for his family. If he can’t return to United, the striker is “happy to stay at St Mary’s and fight for his place”.

Ben Brereton Diaz Sheffield United Stats (2023/24)

Games

16

Goals

6

Assists

1

Bookings

3

Minutes

1,191

Minutes-per-goal

198.5

(Transfermarkt)

The former Blackburn sensation has been capped 35 times by Chile, scoring seven times. In 2022, he was named the Chilean Footballer of the Year. Speaking about the striker about a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in June of that year, former Chile boss Eduardo Berizzo said: “Brereton is very intelligent in his movement and found himself behind rival defenders several times.

“He was not given the goal, but he is a footballer with many qualities, he did a great performance despite the fact that his league in England stopped a long time ago. He is a player of interesting movements. He will be an important reference for us.”

Chelsea are now willing to make a huge bid to win the race for a “world-class” striker who’s also wanted by Arsenal, according to a report.

Chelsea want a striker despite Jackson success

The Blues have set their sights on a new striker in the January transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani becoming the latest target, having made contact with the Ligue 1 champions to discuss a deal. Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez is also on the shortlist, with Enzo Maresca willing to send Mykhailo Mudryk plus cash in the opposite direction, indicating how highly the Argentine is thought of at Stamford Bridge.

Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is another attractive option for Chelsea, after a fantastic start to life at Portman Road in the first half of the Premier League season, scoring six goals in 17 games.

Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Ipswich Town (a)

December 30th

Crystal Palace (a)

January 4th

AFC Bournemouth (h)

January 14th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)

January 20th

Manchester City (a)

January 25th

Although Delap is off to a flyer in an Ipswich shirt, Maresca may be keen to bring in a more proven striker this January, as he looks to get his side’s potential title push back on track, and there is now an option of that calibre in the frame. According to reports from Spain, Chelsea are now fighting Arsenal for the signing of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, following on from his impressive performances for the Italian side so far this season.

Juventus’ desire to balance the books means they could sanction the striker’s departure, and the player himself could be willing to listen to offers from elsewhere, amid interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.

The report states the Blues would be “willing” to invest a significant amount into the signing of the Serbian, indicating they could make a huge bid to get a deal done.

The next Jackson: Chelsea make contact over "ice-cold" £202k-p/w star

The Chelsea target is similar to Jackson

1 ByJoe Nuttall Dec 28, 2024 Vlahovic can take Chelsea to another level

Vlahovic has been one of the best strikers in the Serie A for a number of years now, most impressively scoring 21 goals in 37 games for Fiorentina during the 2020-21 campaign. Such is the Serbia international’s ability, he has been lauded as one of the best strikers in the world by journalist Siavoush Fallahi.

Nicolas Jackson has upped his game significantly this season, scoring nine Premier League goals, but there are still concerns over his finishing, which could hold Chelsea’s rebuild back.

If Maresca’s side are to kick on and compete for the Premier League title, it is likely they will need a top-level striker, and Vlahovic could fit the bill in that regard, so it is exciting news that Chelsea are willing to spend big to win the race for his signature.

Liverpool had only dropped points in two Premier League fixtures in an incredible start to life under Arne Slot, but St. James’ Park is a temperamental beast and propelled Newcastle United back into the ascendency.

Perhaps not. Newcastle haven’t been good enough recently, with chequered results inhibiting Eddie Howe’s side. But this was a performance befitting such a talented squad, blessed with high-class parts that have showcased their talents on the biggest stage.

Though Mohamed Salah continued his indomitable start to the campaign, United overwhelmed the visitors for large portions of the fiercely contested clash. The Toon were immense; Tyneside responded, thunderous and crackling with life and noise and energy.

Newcastle are tenth in the Premier League standings and could fall lower still before the weekend – with teams still to play on Thursday evening. But Howe’s side proved that they can throw down the with the best of them.

Alexander Isak certainly proved himself the best centre-forward on the field, outclassing and outpunching Darwin Nunez and the some.

Alexander Isak's performance vs Liverpool

Some strike. There’s no denying that some segments of the Newcastle fanbase were growing concerned after Isak’s slow start to the season, for he had been on Arsenal’s radar in the summer and might have harboured distractions.

How the doubts have been released through this brilliant purple patch, with Liverpool now added to the collection of high-stakes matches that the Swede has succeeded in etching his name onto the board.

His name lit up as it does so often at this stadium, but he’s bagged few more striking, more emphatic, than the rifled shot that beat Caoimhin Kelleher with ease, pressing into the net from afar.

Match Stats: Darwin Nunez vs Alexander Isak
Match Stats	Nunez	Isak
Minutes played	90′	90′
Goals	0	1
Assists	0	1
Touches	25	48
Shots (on target)	3 (0)	2 (1)
Big chances missed	2	0
Accurate passes	8/12 (67%)	19/25 (76%)
Key passes	0	5
Dribbles (completed)	2 (0)	9 (5)
Total duels (won)	13 (5)	16 (6)
Stats via Sofascore

It’s, erm, difficult to see how anyone could stake a claim for Nunez, the more expensive man, being the triumphant performer on Wednesday evening. Isak is leaps and bounds above his divisional rival, whose energy and tenacity make for box-office viewing, but bring infrequent results.

Isak, conversely, is an elite marksman, sniping at the opponent’s net and breaching it. That’s five goals in six matches for the 25-year-old, who proved to everyone that he was the star striker on the St. James’ Park pitch.

He wasn’t the only one to have shown Liverpool what’s up. Anthony Gordon was visibly elated when he made it 2-1 after the break, and for good reason too.

Anthony Gordon reminds Liverpool of his quality

It could have been very different. This summer, Newcastle were throttled by Premier League profit and sustainability rules and the ramifications of a non ‘big six’ side showing ambition. It wasn’t the dream window, but the Magpies chiefs deserve some credit for keeping hold of their prized assets, Gordon among them.

Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Season hasn’t been at his best across the past several months, but he rose to the occasion against Liverpool, scoring against the Reds at St. James’ Park for the second season running and doing so with a performance to match that of Isak.

His dribbling is something to be admired, but so too is the combativeness that makes Gordon much more than simply a ball-carrying winger.

As per Sofascore, he completed three key passes and three dribbles apiece, but the 23-year-old also won nine duels in an excellent showing that advertised his multi-faceted style.

The Chronicle Live awarded him with an 8/10 match rating, even acknowledging that his lively showing could have bred more goals. But alas.

The England international’s initiative and roundedness make for a distinctive weapon, and he’s now being statistically likened to one of Europe’s superlative wingers.

Newcastle's £100m star in the making

That’s three goals and an assist across 13 Premier League matches for Gordon this season. Not the heftiest return, to be sure, but the dynamo is also averaging 2.2 key passes, 1.2 dribbles and 5.4 successful duels per game, the latter of which he is winning a respectable 54% of total battles.

Potency might have taken a step down, but Gordon is still leaving a trail of underlying data in his wake that bespeaks his elite-level faculties, and when looking at his FBref statistical breakdown, this becomes even clearer.

According to the stats-led site, he and Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia share some striking similarities, with both creative, crisp and technically proficient.

Hailed as a “phenomenon” by Italian football pundit Mina Rzouki, Kvaratskhelia, one of Europe’s most exciting wingers, is also 23 years old, and though he’s posted five goals and three assists across 13 Serie A matches for his Scudetto-chasing side this year, he’s also averaged only 1.1 dribbles, 1.7 key passes and 3.8 duels per game.

A wanted man, the Georgian has been on Arsenal and Liverpool’s radar this year and is valued at a whopping £100m. Given that Gordon is technically outperforming the Napoli man this season, it’s feasible that he might too reach such a high-priced figure, having already garnered plenty of intrigue this summer.

To be honest, though, most Magpies fans likely wouldn’t make a switch between the two. Gordon’s blood flows black and white, and he proved once more against Liverpool that he’s one of the finest up-and-coming wingers out there.

Newcastle now considering £66m move to sign Lloyd Kelly upgrade in January

It would be a massive signing that could help Howe’s side get back on track.

1

By
Ben Browning

Dec 3, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

O Ceará apresentou nesta sexta-feira o volante Rodrigo Lindoso, que estava no Internacional e fica por empréstimo no Vozão.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE A DO BRASILEIRÃO

Na coletiva de imprensa, o meio-campista explicou a sua posição no Inter e como surgiu o convite para defender o Alvinegro.

‘Aconteceram coisas no meu antigo clube, onde teve uma mudança de comissão técnica, e não tivemos um ano muito bom, porque criaram expectativas de algumas coisas que acabaram não acontecendo. Eu senti que no início do ano eu estava meio separado, não estava integrado com o elenco e surgiu a oportunidade no Ceará. Depois que tive certeza de que o que eu imaginava estava acontecendo, então eu não perdi muito tempo e optei pelo lado das pessoas que tinham interesse em contar comigo. Ouvi coisas boas de outros companheiros e a escolha foi tranquila’, afirmou.

No Ceará, Rodrigo Lindoso vai incorporar o elenco para a disputa da Copa do Nordeste, Copa do Brasil, Sul-Americana e Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Liverpool are flying. Of course, they were held to a draw against Newcastle United on Wednesday evening, dropping points in the Premier League after seven victories on the trot in all competitions, but the incredible start to the season remains intact.

It’s foolish to think that Arne Slot’s Reds will win every game they play, though it’s frustrating that Fabian Schar was able to restore parity late on.

Defensively, Liverpool have been solid this season, making improvements on last year’s efforts. The Anfield side top the Premier League and Champions League tables so far, but in order to achieve illustrious heights across many years under Slot’s wing, some areas do need some work.

The areas where Liverpool need to improve

Liverpool flattered to deceive in defence at St. James’ Park, lacking the robust and steely quality that Ibrahima Konate brings to the table, fusing his athletic skillset with Virgil van Dijk’s cultured style.

Of course, Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both out of contract at the end of the season, and though FSG are hoping to tie down both stalwarts to fresh deals, it’s gravely concerning all the same.

Losing two core parts of an imperious backline would be to Slot’s detriment, for both stars transcend their so-called defensive roles and operate at world-renowned levels.

Liverpool could also add an extra element to the thriving midfield. Ryan Gravenberch has been in fine fettle this season but looked tired against Newcastle and needs some competition at number six. Martin Zubimendi, who is still believed to be of interest to Liverpool, could be the missing component there.

Elsewhere, though, there are one or two mainstays who could actually find themselves dislodged from their starting position. While he’s been an integral part over the years, Andy Robertson may be one of them.

Why Liverpool should replace Andy Robertson

Liverpool signed Robertson from Hull City in 2017, completing a £10m transfer that was met with derision from many pockets of the Premier League.

This young and relatively unknown Scotsman was surely not the kind of player that Jurgen Klopp’s project needed to propel themselves to new heights. Liverpool, it seemed, were content with mediocrity, settling back into the familiarity of passableness.

How the detractors were silenced. Robertson is one of the greatest left-backs in Premier League history, conqueror of the biggest prizes and only trumped in creativity by his prodigious partner Alexander-Arnold.

Top Assists in Premier League History (Defenders)

Rank

Player

Assists

1.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

61

2.

Andy Robertson

59

3.

Leighton Baines

53

4.

Graeme Le Saux

44

5.

Antonio Valencia

39

Stats via Premier League

The thing is though, Robertson’s creeping toward his 31st year and has served tirelessly within Liverpool’s highly-charged system for many years, completing 316 appearances.

Described as a “Duracell Bunny” by Liverpool writer Leanne Prescott, Robertson has operated at full throttle for many years and indeed is starting to look like a lesser version of the superstar who was hailed as “the best left-back in the world” by Klopp about three years ago.

There’s still a lot to like about the veteran, who ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 2% for progressive passes and the top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

But then he’s found himself jockeying with Kostas Tsimikas for that first-choice spot this season, Slot seemingly unsatisfied with the £160k-per-week Robertson in phases.

Though he’s regarded as one of Alexander-Arnold’s “closest friends” – as revealed below – the Tartan Army skipper cannot keep his place in the side over the coming years if it is going to hamper Slot’s system from hitting its apex.

Liverpool need to be ruthless, and though tying Alexander-Arnold down to a lucrative new contract is crucial, so too is the good of the collective team.

Former scout Mick Brown, recently speaking to Football Insider, believes that the Reds are getting ready to focus on strengthening the left-back position in 2025, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Antonee Robinson – who has been recently hailed as “one of the best left-backs in the world” by journalist Dougie Critchley for his exploits at Fulham – at the very top of the shopping list.

Compared to Robertson, it’s perhaps fair to say that both carry greater athletic and rounded qualities at present and that Liverpool might be wise to make the bold move.

Select Premier League Left-backs (2024/25)

Match Stats*

Robertson

Robinson

Kerkez

Matches (starts)

13 (12)

14 (14)

14 (14)

Goals

0

0

1

Assists

0

4

2

Touches*

68.5

72.1

51.3

Pass completion

88%

82%

83%

Key passes*

1.5

0.9

1.0

Dribbles completed*

0.2 (33%)

1.4 (67%)

0.5 (70%)

Ball recoveries*

4.0

3.8

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

4.6

2.5

Ground duels (won)*

1.7 (51%)

4.6 (59%)

3.0 (65%)

All stats via Sofascore (* = per game)

This isn’t to say that Liverpool’s long-time servant needs to be sold, but a reduced role might be on the cards over the coming campaigns and this would only prove to elevate Slot’s exciting system higher.

Ultimately, Liverpool still have a reliable left-back in their mix, with elite ball-playing skills and a wealth of experience besides. The Redmen need to evolve over the coming years though, and Robertson might need to be axed at some point soon.

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is unconvinced by a “complete” player in his squad, but those above the Italian actually hold the ace in very high regard.

Chelsea players who could leave the club in January

Maresca and the Chelsea hierarchy appear to be in agreement over a few other squad members, in regard to their futures at Stamford Bridge, with certain players widely tipped to depart Cobham at the turn of the year.

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2 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 19, 2024

Left-back Ben Chilwell looked likely to leave in the summer, but Maresca’s side couldn’t find a suitor for the £200,000-per-week defender, who is now stuck in limbo at the club.

Chilwell’s played just 45 minutes in all competitions this season – a brief cameo against English minnows Barrow in the Carabao Cup – and it is believed that Chelsea are actively encouraging suitors to come forward in the winter.

Leicester City (home)

November 23

Aston Villa (home)

December 1

Southampton (away)

December 4

Tottenham (home)

December 8

Brentford (home)

December 15

Chelsea have already spoken to numerous clubs over selling Chilwell, according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips at the start of last month, with the former Leicester City star attracting interest from England, Italy and Spain.

Chelsea are also prepared to sell Carney Chukwuemeka, who’s on the transfer list ahead of January, amid interest from La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Reports out of Italy this week, specifically Milan Live, report that a Chelsea exit for Cesare Casadei is “inevitable” for January as well, so it appears BlueCo are ready to swing the axe in an attempt to reduce the club’s wage bill and garner funds.

Defender Benoit Badiashile, who has struggled for consistent Premier League minutes under Maresca, has been linked with an exit too – but this possibility is also refuted by reliable media sources.

These same sources claim that Badiashile is highly regarded at Chelsea, and club chiefs apparently view the Frenchman as a more-than capable back-up option.

However, this isn’t the view of Maresca.

Enzo Maresca left unconvinced by Benoit Badiashile at Chelsea

As per TEAMtalk, Maresca is apparently unconvinced by Badiashile, as Chelsea also scour the market for a new central defender – leading to their interest in Bournemouth star Ilia Zabarnyi.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him, as it is unclear whether the 23-year-old will even want to remain on the bench for much longer, regardless of how Chelsea officials feel about his ability.

“He is going to one of the world’s biggest clubs and a defender there needs certain qualities,” said former AS Monaco assistant coach Joao Tralhao to Sky Sports on Badiashile.

“But Badiashile is excellent. He is very strong in the air and in the duels. He can read the game because he is intelligent. He is a very good defender on the floor and in the air. I do not have any doubts that he will succeed in the Premier League.

“He is the complete defender.”

فاز فريق بتروجيت على نظيره سموحة، بهدفين مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس عاصمة مصر (كأس الرابطة المصرية) للموسم الحالي 2025

وتواجه فريقا سموحة وبتروجيت على ملعب برج العرب بالإسكندرية، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثانية من مرحلة المجموعات لبطولة كأس رابطة الأندية.

طالع | صور – رابطة الأندية تعلن عن تغيير اسم بطولة كأس الرابطة

وسجل هدف بتروجيت الأول، خالد أبو زيادة في الدقيقة 30 من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة، بتسديدة قوية من على حدود منطقة الجزاء سكنت مرمى الفريق السكندري.

طالع | بسبب الأهلي.. لاعب بتروجيت يرفض تجديد عقده

وأضاف الهدف الثاني، إسماعيل بامبا في الدقيقة 45+2 من الدقائق الأخيرة للشوط الأول، برأسية من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

وسجل هدف تقليص الفارق لـ سموحة، اللاعب محمد مصطفى ميدو في الدقيقة 53، بعدما تلقى تمريرة رائعة داخل منطقة الجزاء وضعها في الشباك. أهداف مباراة بتروجيت وسموحة في كأس الرابطة المصرية 2-1

ويتواجد فريقا سموحة وبتروجيت في المجموعة الأولى من بطولة كأس الرابطة مع أندية الزمالك والجونة وموردن سبورت.

وبذلك يتصدر فريق بتروجيت ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من كأس الرابطة المصرية، برصيد 6 نقاط، ويأتي فريق الجونة في المركز الثاني برصيد 3 نقاط، ويتواجد في المراكز من الثالث حتي الخامس، الزمالك ومودرن سبورت وسموحة على الترتيب بدون نقاط.

وتقام بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية للمرة الرابعة، بعد أن أقيمت 3 نسخ من قبل، توج بها فيوتشر في المرة الأولى وسيراميكا كليوباترا حصل عليها مرتين.

وتلعب البطولة بنظام المجموعات في الدور الأول، على أن تكون مرحلة الإقصاء بدءًا من الدور ‏ربع النهائي وتختتم المسابقة يوم 10 يونيو.

وتعد بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية مؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس السوبر المصري بنظامه الجديد الذي يشارك فيه 4 أندية (بطل الدوري وبطل كأس مصر وبطل كأس الرابطة والفريق الذي يحصل على الكارت الذهبي من اللجنة المنظمة).

Bangladesh head coach expects Mahedi Hasan, Afif Hossain and Nurul Hasan to become key players for the team

Mohammad Isam23-Oct-2021

Russell Domingo believes Bangladesh’s “spinners will come very much into the competition”•ICC via Getty

Russell Domingo, the Bangladesh head coach, expects his side to bank on their familiarity of the opponents as well as the conditions when they take on Sri Lanka in their first T20 World Cup Super 12s match in Sharjah.The two sides have already played a Test and an ODI series this year, and Bangladesh are aware of Sri Lanka’s white-ball capabilities despite having won the ODI series 2-1 at home. The game is in Sharjah, where the pitches might be similar to the ones Bangladesh played on in Dhaka in August and September.Related

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Stats: Shakib emulates Dwayne Bravo and equals Shahid Afridi

“I think we have played against Sri Lanka a bit over the last couple of months,” Domingo pointed out. “We have had some good contests against them in ODIs and Tests. We have a well-balanced side with skilful bowlers and some dangerous batters. We have a world-class allrounder in Shakib [Al Hasan].”These type of conditions can suit us. Sharjah is similar to the wickets in Dhaka. Hopefully that can assist us in tomorrow’s game. We are happy with the 2pm starts – it suits us big time. It takes dew out of the equation. I think our spinners will come very much into the competition. We know a lot of the other teams are focused on the dew.”Both teams have very little experience of playing in Sharjah, with Sri Lanka having played their first T20I at this venue against Netherlands on Friday. Shakib, though, did play three games in Sharjah for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL recently. Domingo agreed that “scores have come down considerably since the new wickets have been laid” in Sharjah, and expected a certain kind of bowler to make a mark.”Tall bowlers who hit the wicket have always been in the game,” he said. “I came here with South Africa [eight] years ago. I remember Morne Morkel was very effective [with] the sort of hard length that he bowled. The ball skids through. If you bowl wicket to wicket, spin has opportunity here. LBWs and bowleds come into the game. We are not known as a power-hitting side, so the [shorter boundary] could favour us.”Bangladesh have been reaping rewards of contributions from the relatively unknown trio of Mahedi Hasan, Afif Hossain and Nurul Hasan, who have recently produced crucial, if not massive, performances.Although Mahedi has bowled well with his variations in flight and speeds, he still hasn’t found enough room to have an impactful innings with the bat, failing at his only opportunity at No. 3. But, according to Domingo, he can expect another bump up the batting order at some stage.”I am a big fan of Mahedi. I think the most important thing is his character,” he said. “He is always up to fulfill any role in the team. It is not easy batting up the order, [and then] down the order. He never complains. He is focused on what the team needs. He is versatile with the ball – he can bowl in the middle, at the death and up front.”He is definitely a three-in-one cricketer for us. The big thing about his preparation is that he is happy to be doing any role. He sees them as a big challenge, and takes them on 100%. I am happy with how his campaign has gone so far.”Domingo on Nurul Hasan: “His keeping [has] been magnificent, he probably saved us 10-12 runs behind the stumps”•ICC/Getty Images

Afif, meanwhile, has been coming into his own in an attacking role in the middle order, even though he hasn’t had a lot of time in the middle, while Nurul has been sharp behind the wickets, although he is yet to answer the call with the bat.”I think Afif and Sohan [Nurul] will be seriously good players for Bangladesh in this format,” Domingo said. “Sohan is our one big-hitter at the back-end of the innings. Afif got 20 off 13 balls the other day [21 off 14 against PNG]. He is playing well. I hope he can kick on in this phase. They are big players for us.”Sohan’s keeping [has] been magnificent. He probably saved us 10-12 runs behind the stumps. It is often the difference in these matches. I have been pleased with both their performances. Runs may not be massive at the moment, but what they provide to the team is of immense value.”But it all might come down to how well Bangladesh manage to control their emotions in the Super 12s phase. There has already been considerable backlash from many quarters, including BCB president Nazmul Hassan, who criticised the senior players and the side’s overall attitude following their defeat to Scotland early in the first round.”When you are playing for Bangladesh, there’s always going to be criticism when things don’t go well – it is part of international sport,” he said. “A big part of coaching is for the team to focus on what they can control. There’s nothing we can do about what people are writing and saying. We can focus on our performances – we can evaluate our performances.”As soon as we worry about those types of things, it takes your focus away from what we need to focus on. We have talked long and hard on what we need to focus on. And it’s cricket.”

Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni will both be keen to get two shots at a place in the IPL final

Alagappan Muthu03-Oct-20216:11

Polite Enquiries: Will Dhoni retain himself for CSK next year?

Big pictureThere isn’t a great deal of jeopardy in the contest. Both Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals have qualified for the playoffs but there is the small matter of confirming a place in the top two, which offers an extra shot at a place in the IPL final.A scrappy victory over the defending champions, led by their former captain, may well be just the kind of tonic the Capitals need as they move into the final stretch of the IPL. Mumbai Indians were in full-on fightback mode on Saturday but Shreyas Iyer weathered the blows like a grizzled old pro who knew just when to go for the KO. This team already has a great pair of openers and a phenomenal bowling attack. Now they’ve found their middle-order marshal.Watch IPL on ESPN+ (US only)

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Super Kings also learned a valuable lesson, albeit in a loss to Rajasthan Royals. After going down in that high-scoring game, they will be better informed about what to do and what not to when batters come at them as hard as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube did.In the newsMarcus Stoinis has spent three games on the sidelines as a result of injury. It is as yet unclear if he has recovered well enough to take part in tomorrow’s match.1:52

Has R Ashwin underperformed this IPL?

Likely XIsChennai Super Kings: 1 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Moeen Ali, 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Shardul Thakur, 10 Deepak Chahar, 11 Josh Hazlewood/Sam CurranDelhi Capitals: 1 Prithvi Shaw, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk) 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Axar Patel, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Avesh KhanStrategy punt Prithvi Shaw is a destructive batter, when the ball comes down perfectly straight. Bowlers capable of moving the new ball have troubled him in the past. So he might want to be off strike when Deepak Chahar has the ball. The head-to-head reads 55 runs off 50 balls and five dismissals. South Africa may not want him in their T20 side anymore but Faf du Plessis is among the first names down on the Super Kings team sheet. He sets the tone for their entire innings, so taking him out assumes top priority. Enter R Ashwin (45 runs off 45 balls, three dismissals) and Kagiso Rabada (31 off 28, three dismissals). Capitals will do well to open the bowling with this pair. Stats that matter Super Kings have been the best six-hitting team in the IPL. They have cleared the ropes 96 times with Ruturaj Gaikwad topping the list of players (20) with the most maximums this season. Shikhar Dhawan appeared invulnerable in the India leg of the tournament, averaging 54 and striking at 134. But after four matches in the UAE, those figures have gone down to 20.5 and 114.The Delhi franchise is one shy of 100 wins in the IPL.

Big picture

England could, conceivably, have taken the nine wickets they needed to seal an unlikely victory had the weather not intervened most critically on the final day at Trent Bridge. India should have overhauled the remaining 157 runs they needed in that time to claim a deserved 1-0 lead in the series, despite requiring a record successful run-chase. And England would have, without doubt, been in a far better position had someone other than Joe Root done something with the bat. For all the beautiful scenarios that cricket – or sport for that matter – tends to throw up, here we are again with the series on a level footing after the drawn opener, but with both sides in possession of greater knowledge than they had a week ago, not to mention a few selection conundrums.England had rammed home what was more than an inkling during their series defeat to New Zealand that their batting line-up is out of touch, and in the absence of Ben Stokes, far too reliant on one man, Root. But England also learned that they can fight even after being considerably underdone after a lack of red-ball games. Just how sustainable that is as a strategy rather than as a fall-back in a crisis will be found out soon enough if their batters continue to fail.First-innings dismissals to excellent deliveries for Rory Burns and Jonny Bairstow aside, England’s batting left so much to be desired. No one besides Root even threatened the high-30s and Dom Sibley’s blockades of 18 off 70 and 28 off 133 bolstered his indomitable captain without providing any spark. Wholesale changes loom, some forced by injury, others by a pressing need to put runs on the board.Ollie Pope has had an extra week to recover from a quadriceps tear but may have to wait to make his return after a shake-up for the team’s balance, thanks to Stuart Broad’s calf muscle injury, a late niggle to James Anderson and the recall of an in-form Moeen Ali – England’s first sighting of spin this summer.India’s bowling attack, without R Ashwin, answered many questions; their pace attack was a highlight, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s nine wickets for the match. Ravindra Jadeja held his own with the bat, scoring fifty in the first innings while it was the middle order who struggled. Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane all failed to crack double figures but none of that senior trio is likely to make way at this stage.At Lord’s the weather is set fair, meaning what began as an enthralling contest between these sides offers a similarly gripping second chapter.Saqib Mahmood could earn a maiden Test cap at Lord’s•PA Photos/Getty Images

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)England DLDLL
India DLWWW

In the spotlight

It is 356 days since Zak Crawley’s double-century against Pakistan in Southampton. His only innings of note in the 14 he has played since has been 53, albeit in incredibly challenging batting conditions during the day-night Test against India at Ahmedabad in February. There is a sense that Crawley showed he has what it takes to make it during his knock at the Ageas Bowl nearly a year ago, and that he is a player worth persisting with for the future. However, England’s need to strengthen their batting is pressing. Dan Lawrence will make way as Jos Buttler moves up to No.6 to accommodate Ali, most likely at No. 7, but Crawley isn’t safe either. Haseeb Hameed has impressed in the nets, not to mention with his hundred against the Indians in a warm-up for this series, which hasn’t gone unnoticed given the current line-up’s struggles to support Root. Should Hameed make his first Test appearance since touring India in 2016-17, it could be at the expense of Crawley or Sibley. Crawley needs a strong showing, his time isn’t already up.Cheteshwar Pujara has gone nine Test innings without reaching fifty. His score of just 4 first-up in Nottingham didn’t help, although being 12 not out in the second innings buys time in the sense of what might have been had India had the chance to pursue their target on the fifth day. With KL Rahul finding some touch as opener, having been initially included in the touring party as a middle-order option, Pujara could be on unstable ground should Rahul drop down at any point to make way for the regular openers.

Team news

Broad faces a wait to play his 150th Test after his injury, with Mark Wood set to replace him for his first Test of the summer. Saqib Mahmood, drafted into the squad as cover, could yet make a surprise debut after Anderson missed training due to his tight quad. He impressed in the white-ball series against Pakistan, and looks set to compete with Craig Overton for the final place in the XI. Ali should slot straight in for his first home Test in two years after his impressive form in the Hundred and is likely to bat at No. 7 with England retaining Sam Curran at No. 8 in a four-man pace attack.England (possible): 1 Rory Burns, 2 Dom Sibley, 3 Zak Crawley/Haseeb Hameed, 4 Joe Root (capt.), 5 Jonny Bairstow, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Sam Curran, 9 Ollie Robinson, 10 Mark Wood, 11 Craig Overton/Saqib MahmoodWith Shardul Thakur sidelined with a left hamstring injury, Ashwin looks like an automatic selection, especially in warm (by this English summer’s standards) and dry conditions. However, with some cloud cover expected, India could seek to exploit their reverse-swing options in Ishant Sharma and/or Umesh Yadav. Mohammed Siraj is expected to play, so it will likely come down to a choice between Ashwin, if India opt for two spinners, or Sharma if they want a four-pronged pace attack. Mayank Agarwal, a late withdrawal after he was concussed by a Siraj bouncer two days before the first Test, has recovered and batted in the nets this week but Rahul has snatched the opening position for the moment with 84 and 26 at Trent Bridge.India (possible): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Cheteshwar Pujuara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Rishabh Pant (wk), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 R Ashwin/Ishant Sharma, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed Siraj

Pitch and conditions

What they say about death and taxes also applies to rain playing a part in England home series, as we saw in the first Test. But the good news is the elusive summer of 2021 appears to be emerging with warmer, drier weather expected for the duration at Lord’s but with some cloud. The pitch looked set to be a typical bat-first proposition on match eve.

Stats and trivia

• For only the second time this century, England have failed to register a win in their first three matches of a home season – their first win of the 2014 home season came in their fifth game.
• Joe Root is 14 runs away from going past Graham Gooch’s 8900 Test runs and moving to second among the highest run-getters in Test cricket for England. He is also 113 runs short of reaching 9000 Test runs.
• If neither Broad nor Anderson play, this will be only England’s second home Test to feature neither bowler since 2007 (after the 2012 Test against West Indies in Birmingham)

Quotes

“They’ve got 1000 wickets between them, so it’s going to be potentially a bit of a loss, but with that comes opportunity for other people. We’ve seen previously in the summer, look at the Pakistan series, the opportunity arose for other people coming in to rise to those challenges”
“The good thing is Jadeja has got runs in the first game already, so he will go into the second game confident. That already makes our batting a bit deeper, the lower order contributed with the bat as well”