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يجري الجهاز الطبي لـ منتخب مصر، محاولات من أجل تجهيز أحد لاعبي الفريق للمشاركة في مباراة بوركينا فاسو القادمة، التي تقام ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، مساء الثلاثاء المقبل، في إطار الجولة الثامنة من عمر مواجهات المجموعة الأولي لـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

طالع | إصابة لاعب منتخب مصر وغيابه عن مواجهة بوركينا فاسو

ووفقًا للصفحة الرسمية لاتحاد الكرة المصري، تجرى محاولات لتجهيز مهند لاشين لاعب منتخب مصر للحاق بمباراة بوركينا فاسو، بعد تجدد الإصابة القديمة في الظهر.

وكان اللاعب مهند لاشين، شكي من نفس الإصابة عقب نهاية مباراة إثيوبيا التي أقيمت مساء الجمعة الماضي على ملعب استاد القاهرة، حيث كان شارك منذ الدقيقة 63.

يذكر، أن منتخب مصر، فاز على إثيوبيا، بهدفين دون رد، في المواجهة التي أقيمت ضمن منافسات الجولة السابعة لتصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلي كأس العالم.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر، ترتيب المجموعة الأولي من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 19 نقطة، متقدمًا على منتخبا بوركينا فاسو وسيراليون وإثيوبيا وجيبوتي وغينيا بيساو.

Arsenal are reportedly set to kickstart a significant squad overhaul over the course of this summer transfer window, as Mikel Arteta attempts to build a Premier League-winning team after missing out on this year’s crown to Liverpool.

Andrea Berta set for busy summer at Arsenal

La Liga expert and respected journalist Guillem Balague has already shared what supporters can expect from new sporting director Andrea Berta, with the Italian already hard at work to back Arteta in the transfer market.

£50m star could now reject Arsenal move and sign new deal after talks

He also snubbed an exit last summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 4, 2025

Berta has held extensive talks over a move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, and met with RB Leipzig director Marcel Schafer in London to discuss the prospect of a deal for Benjamin Sesko, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0

Arsenal are working to discover the conditions of deals for Sesko and Gyokeres before deciding which striker to prioritise, according to the BBC, but Berta is believed to have other key items on his agenda this summer as well.

While Martin Zubimendi’s signing is proving more complicated than first thought, with the Spain international now denying he’s set for an imminent Arsenal move, it is also rumoured that the Gunners are actively pursuing a new wide player.

“He’s been described to me by one of the decision makers, one of the ones that decided to bring him in, that he’s experienced, he’s a hard worker, and he’s very brave,” said Balague about Berta to TNT Sports.

“But basically, he’s going to have to be creative as well. Arsenal are not here with the intention of spending £200 or £300 million. They just want to be creative with what they’ve got and what they bring in.

“They’re going to have to create three or four players that go straight into the line-up. I would say a left winger, centre-forward and holding midfielder. Mikel Arteta said it’s the biggest transfer window for a long while and having Berta next to him as a partnership will definitely help.”

Jorginho set for Flamengo medical after leaving Arsenal

A new centre midfielder, which could still be Zubimendi, is especially vital considering Jorginho is leaving the Emirates, with Arsenal announcing his departure today via their retained list.

The Italy international has agreed a pre-contract deal to join Brazilian side Flamengo, and has been in talks to terminate his Arsenal contract earlier than June 30 so he can feature for his new team at the Club World Cup.

That is apparently done and dusted, with GE Globo reporting that Jorginho is set for a medical on Friday ahead of signing a three-year contract at Flamengo.

With the 33-year-old leaving, it makes the arrival of Zubimendi and a potential contract extension for Thomas Partey all the more important, otherwise Arteta risks being left very short in that area.

“I know him a lot, so for me it is nice to play with him, he knows me well,” said Kai Havertz about Jorginho in 2024.

“It makes life easy for me, he is a world-class player.”

Chelsea didn’t blow Everton away last time out in the Premier League but the 1-0 win on home soil was still crucial in the Blues’ bid to pick up a Champions League spot come the end of May.

Enzo Maresca’s men are flimsily holding onto fifth position in the current league standings, with Nottingham Forest only below the West Londoners on goal difference, meaning more wins need to be clinched across their last four clashes to possibly dine at Europe’s elite table.

Sealing a place in the esteemed Champions League would also enable Chelsea to attract some top stars through the door this approaching transfer window, with the Blues still insistent they can get one statement deal over the line to enhance their defensive options.

Chelsea remain in contact for "unbelievable" star

Much of the chatter from a defensive point of view in recent weeks when it comes to Chelsea has concerned Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

Yet, the Blues may not be content with just strengthening the centre of their backline with a new full-back being lined up.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, as per a report journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea remain in constant contact surrounding a deal for Barcelona’s star man at the back in Jules Kounde and would allegedly ‘love’ to sign him this summer.

The report further elaborates that Kounde’s future in Spain is up in the air, meaning Barca could soon cash in on the in-demand defender who has admirers in the form of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Fresh off scoring a late winner for Hansi Flick’s men in the Copa Del Rey final versus Real Madrid, the hope will be that the “unbelievable” 26-year-old – as he’s been described by his manager this season – can be the classiest right-back figure to grace the Stamford Bridge turf since Cesar Azpilicueta’s celebrated stint.

How Kounde could be Chelsea's best right-back in years

It’s clear from Maresca’s last team selection against the Toffees that a new, fresh right-back body is a priority, with Moises Caicedo the preferred option here over his regular midfield duties.

Therefore, everyone at Chelsea will be praying that Kounde’s potential arrival on the scene can be as impactful as Azpilicueta’s was back in 2012 when he left Olympique de Marseille behind for good.

Indeed, the current Atletico Madrid veteran went on to cement himself as a modern day great whilst at the Blues, with two Premier League title triumphs and one Champions League success major highlights of his lengthy 508-game stay.

Away from Chelsea’s trophy cabinet filling up with the 35-year-old a trusted member of the team, the Spaniard would also chip in with 17 goals and 51 assists as a constantly expansive and forward-thinking outlet down the right, with the new Blues target also unafraid to maraud forward for his side, away from completing his routine defensive duties.

Kounde’s La Liga numbers (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*	Kounde
Games played	32
Goals scored	2
Assists	3
Touches*	79
Accurate passes*	50 (89%)
Big chances missed	3
Big chances created	6
Total duels won	4.2
Stats by Sofascore

Since the former club captain left London behind, it’s safe to say Chelsea have struggled to replace him with Malo Gusto exciting but raw and Reece James spending more time on the treatment table than he has on the grass.

As a result, Kounde would be a brilliant asset and one who can provide the goods in both penalty boxes too, having managed to amass a mightily impressive 12 goal contributions as an explosive option, with five of those coming across 32 La Liga clashes as Barca aim to become champions come the close of May.

With that in mind, the £51m-rated France international would be able to offer everything James can when he’s fully fit by offering goals and assists galore from defence.

Before any signings enter the building, however, Chelsea will need to be calm and composed in their hunt for a top-five finish in the Premier League, whilst their coveted target aims to sensationally pick up yet another trophy in the Champions League at Barca.

Better than Madueke: Chelsea now in talks to sign "England's best winger"

Chelsea are looking to sign one of Europe’s most talented young wingers this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 28, 2025

It is remarkable to think that Manchester United’s worst-ever Premier League season could still end in Champions League qualification, with Ruben Amorim having seemingly put all his eggs in the Europa League basket on the evidence of the weekend defeat.

Following on from Thursday’s thriller against Lyon, the Portuguese coach put out a much-changed side for the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers, having handed a first-team debut to 20-year-old, Tyler Fredricson at centre-back.

While the academy star – alongside teenager, Harry Amass – caught the eye as part of a makeshift back five, it was again the attacking unit that came under fire, with Sunday’s 1-0 loss representing the 13th time this season that United have failed to score in a top-flight game.

With the Red Devils in desperate need of a solution to those attacking woes, it does appear that one of the men who lined up against them at Old Trafford could be on his way to Manchester this summer, with Matheus Cunha seemingly the first concrete target to emerge.

Latest on Man Utd's pursuit of Matheus Cunha

It was reported by The Athletic earlier this month that Amorim’s side are keen on bringing the Brazilian to the Theatre of Dreams in order to bolster one of the two number ten berths, with the former Atletico Madrid man having now scored 14 league goals this season for the Old Gold.

That has since been followed by claims from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano which suggest that United are actually leading the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, with negotiations currently ongoing regarding a potential summer move.

Cunha did only sign a new contract in January, amid interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest at the time, albeit having since outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career.

A possible exit from Molineux would appear to be on the cards if any interested party opts to trigger his reported £62.5m release clause, with Wolves having originally forked out around £44m to snap the forward up permanently in the summer of 2023.

A major benefit to United would be that Cunha is reportedly still interested in the move even if Champions League qualification is not secured, although he may not be the only Premier League target under consideration at present.

Man Utd seeking Cunha alternatives

It was reported in recent weeks that United view Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a potential alternative to Cunha, provided they can’t get a deal done for the Brazil star, with the Cameroonian forward having dazzled for the Bees in recent seasons.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Indeed, that has been followed by more recent claims in Spain, which suggest that INEOS still want to sign the 25-year-old this summer, having ‘set their sights’ on the in-form left-footer.

As per the report, it is claimed that ‘discussions could intensify’ over the next few weeks, with Mbeumo seemingly open to taking on a new challenge after spending the past six years in west London.

In terms, of an asking price, the former Troyes ace could potentially be up for grabs for around £50m-£55m, as per prior claims, with the versatile forward set to enter into the final year of his contract next season – albeit with Thomas Frank’s side holding the option of a 12-month extension.

How Mbeumo compares to Cunha

It is worth stating that either Cunha or Mbeumo would likely represent an upgrade on Amorim’s current attacking options, with Bruno Fernandes currently the top scorer in the league this season for United, with just eight league goals.

Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, has scored just five league goals in 2024/25, while Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have netted just six times between them. Mason Mount, for instance, has scored just one goal in total since signing back in 2023.

That emphasises the need for at least one new recruit this summer, although if it is to come down to either one of Cunha and Mbeumo, it could well be argued that the latter man would be the better signing.

Indeed, the France-born speedster can operate centrally or on the flanks – like Cunha – thus making him a perfect option for any of the attacking roles in Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up, with his form this season, in particular, seeing the Bees star emerge as “one of the best players in the Premier League”, according to Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell.

That statement has certainly been justified considering that Mbeumo has even eclipsed Cunha’s return after netting 18 goals in the Premier League in 2024/25 alone. To put that into context, Marcus Rashford has never surpassed 17 top-flight goals in a campaign.

A return of 24 Premier League goal involvements in total follows the winger’s record of 16 and 15 goals and assists across the previous two campaigns, respectively, having now consistently delivered at top-flight level.

As noted in the table below, it is also the Brentford man who appears to provide that greater creative quality, as evidenced by his superior record with regard to big chances created and key passes per game, thus representing a real all-rounder in the forward line.

Cunha vs Mbeumo – 24/25 PL stats

Stat (*per game)

Cunha

Mbeumo

Games (starts)

28 (25)

33 (33)

Goals

14

18

Big chances missed

2

8

Assists

4

6

Big chances created

12

16

Key passes*

1.7

1.9

Pass accuracy*

78%

75%

Balls recovered*

4.1

4.2

Tackles*

1.2

1.2

Interceptions*

0.6

0.4

Stats via Sofascore

While the case of Mount may be something of a concern, it could be argued that United have too often ignored or opted against signing players from within the Premier League, having repeatedly looked to the Eredivisie, for instance, during Erik ten Hag’s time in charge.

Now, under the new INEOS and Amorim regime, things need to be done differently, hence why turning to Mbeumo or Cunha could well be a real masterstroke.

The Wolves star would be a statement signing in his own right, although on current form, might his attacking counterpart be an even better addition?

Related Amorim must axe Man Utd dud who makes them look like they’re playing with 10

Manchester United fell to yet another Premier League defeat against Wolves this afternoon.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 20, 2025

Pakistan’s spinners had Australia struggling at 76 for 7. Enter Mooney

Madushka Balasuriya08-Oct-2025

Playing the ball late was a hallmark of Mooney’s rescue act•AFP/Getty Images

“It’s never going to be everyone’s day on the same day. Quite possibly it might just be one person’s day.”At 76 for 7 in the 22nd over against Pakistan those pre-match words might have been quite far from Ellyse Perry’s mind, but in the end they proved as self-fulfilling as they were prescient, as Australia clawed themselves back into the game to post an eventually match-winning total of 221 for 9.At the forefront of this latest Australian fightback was none other than Beth Mooney, their ever-reliable firefighter. Mooney more than most is accustomed to bailing her sides out of holes; she’s battled through oppressing heat to steer her Brisbane Heat to a BBL title; she’s recovered from a broken jaw to help Australia win the Ashes; and on numerous occasions she’s mitigated collapses to recalibrate an innings.Related

Pakistan's problems mount after letting golden chance slip

Mooney's rescue act for the ages denies Pakistan a historic win

But on a sticky Khettarama surface, one which Australia were batting on for the first time this tournament, Pakistan’s spinners were in total control of proceedings. Enter Mooney, who once again showcased her ability to navigate the most high-pressure situations as if she has ice in her veins. It was this calm that allowed her to adjust her game and keep her head clear when all those around her were losing their wickets.Pakistan to their credit bowled well, and fielded even better. Nashra Sandhu in particular was at her devastating best, perhaps channeling the echoes of Rangana Herath from within the walls of the R. Premadasa, as she spun and slid deliveries past her foes.Australia’s batters, however, weren’t exactly battening down the hatches.”I think we all go out with the same approach, and that’s to be really positive, but also really adaptable and smart to whatever the game’s presenting, whether that’s conditions or the opposition,” Perry had opined pre-game.Here they had the first part down, but that adaptability was sorely letting them down. Healy chipped one to midwicket; Litchfield skied a leading edge; Perry was deceived by some dip and turn charging down the track; Gardner, another chip to midwicket; McGrath sliced one to cover; Wareham popped one back to the bowler.3:25

Review: Mooney masterclass, seamers down Pakistan

The one thing all of these wickets had in common was a desire to be on the attack, take on the bowling on the front foot. But on a surface where the ball was holding up, that proved to be a sure fire recipe for calamity…until Mooney.Mooney’s was not a counter-attacking charge, like that of Gardner’s against New Zealand a week prior. In fact, if there was a bell curve for Mooney’s impact, it would be inversely proportional to its remarkableness.”Certainly there were moments when I thought I could take the ball on, reverse sweep, ramp, get down the ground, that sort of thing,” revealed Mooney after the game. “They’d pop into my mind, albeit very briefly, and I’d have to park it pretty quickly and play the scenario in front of me basically.”Where others sought to take charge, Mooney allowed proceedings to wash over her. The innings was quintessentially low risk, high percentage. She struck 11 boundaries during her 114-ball 109, but six of those came in the final 10 overs, four of which in the final five.4:40

Mooney: ‘Not much of a gulf between top teams and others’

The rest of those boundaries were less release strokes, more gifts to be gratefully accepted. A tickle down fine leg here, a long hop slapped away there. And on the odd occasion, maybe a glimpse of the flair stirring within, as she drove one through a tightly packed offside field. But never would she get carried away; she didn’t hit back-to-back boundaries until the 47th over.In the process Mooney did what many of those around had failed to do – played the ball late. Australia are not a team that relies on the sweep too heavily – though Litchfield does play a mean reverse – instead opting to use their feet liberally. Mooney however prefers using the depth of the crease, and in Colombo that has long been the among the most effective ways to combat conditions.”So my method in the nets was to really commit if I was going to come out and try and hit down the ground as hard as I could, or to sit deep and still hit it as hard as I could. Thankfully that method works tonight. I might have to adjust and adapt that as we go and play for others on the continent.”It just seemed like the ball, when it was a little bit full, wasn’t coming on as nice when the batters were playing out in front of them. So that method doesn’t always work, and perhaps you’ve got to be a little bit agile with that mindset. But I think just being really clinical with the footwork and really clear and concise with that method works.”Alana King and Beth Mooney added 106 off 97 balls for the ninth wicket•ICC/Getty ImagesIn an innings that Mooney herself touted as one of her best, if there was anything she might have done differently it might have been the stage at which they accelerated towards the death. Her conflict was such that she was seen heading off the field during a DRS review to have a chat with those in the dugout.”[The chat in the dugout was about] trying to find out at what point I could start being a little bit more expansive. I think at that point there was maybe 15 overs left. So just the number of overs that I could start playing a few more shots.”I think there’s always going to be games in those scenarios where you sort of think, ‘we scored pretty freely towards the very end’, and I did wonder if we could have done that a little bit earlier.”In the end though Alana King’s momentum-clinching cameo at the death helped Australia crunch 34 runs in the final two overs to boost them to 221. It also meant that it wasn’t solely Mooney’s day with the bat, but just yet more evidence that when it comes to Australia, more often than not, it will be someone’s.

They’ve not been as dominant as the previous Australian teams, but they’ve fought hard and have found a way to win – which is as Australian as it can get

Osman Samiuddin18-Nov-2023In the simple, inarguable fact of Australia making the final of this World Cup, this has been a very Australian campaign. They have been here seven times before after all, and are arriving on the back of an eight-game winning streak. For anyone with even passing interest in this sport, this is familiar territory. Australia? Where else would you expect them to be right now?But it has been a very Australian campaign not in the way of the best-remembered Australian surges. Sure, they have won eight on the trot, but it’s not been with the aura of their dominant, flawless campaigns of 2003 or 2007. No, this run has highlighted that other Australianism, that thing that reminds you of German football teams of the past; the thing for which there absolutely must be a long German word that describes the ingrained refusal to lose a game, to never knowingly be beaten until the last wicket has been taken, ingrained so deep that it turns a loss inside out into a win.Because littered right through this winning streak are periods of extreme vulnerability punctuated by that very thing, by moments that now, in hindsight, gather together to form whatever might become that German word.Related

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Such as when Sri Lanka were cruising along at 125 for no loss in Lucknow just over a month ago. Australia were already 0-2 from their opening games, chastening defeats both, before Pat Cummins brought himself back, knocked over both openers and Sri Lanka lost 10 for 83.Or Marcus Stoinis doing likewise to Pakistan’s openers and throttling what had been an ominous start to a mammoth chase in Bengaluru in the very next game.Or, despite having one less fielder on the boundary in Dharamsala for the last over against New Zealand, conceding five wides and bowling one in the slot and one a thigh-high full toss to Jimmy Neesham, somehow scraping through to a five-run win (and Australia have rarely looked as vulnerable to conceding 19 in a last over to lose as they did in that game).Nobody needs reminding of Glenn Maxwell’s epic 201* and the circumstances from which it was forged, though do recall the moment of his dropping by Mujeeb Ur Rehman. All batters, at least one day, make opponents pay for dropping them, but somehow it never feels as cruel and excruciating as a reprieved Australian batter makes it feel – Mujeeb, Usama Mir in Bengaluru last month, and Herschelle Gibbs last century all deserve a kinder place in our hearts.You might need reminding of Adam Zampa’s last-ditch intervention in Ahmedabad against England. Australia needed to win that game but were rarely in control, until Zampa smashed a 19-ball 29, added 38 with Mitchell Starc. and turned an innings that might have folded for 250 into something 300-ish. They won that by 33.

Cummins doesn’t have the scowl or snarl of past Australian captains and neither does the team. But that only ever supplemented the aura of those great sides, it didn’t create it. That came from how good those players were and all their achievements

And how about that Josh Inglis, fairly anonymous World Cup behind him, turning up to douse the heat of a semi-final no less with an ice-cool and under-celebrated 28? In some ways that was the most Australian thing of this campaign; slightly unheralded player who didn’t start the tournament, becoming a little bit of a hero, proving that all of them are in it together, and any of them are capable of doing this.It speaks both to the strengths and weaknesses of this campaign because take them all out and they have been, as the kids might say, a pretty mid team. A collective batting average that is fourth best, a collective pace-bowling average that is fifth-best; the fifth-best batting average in the powerplay – though, importantly, the second-best strike rate; third-best batting average in the middle overs but fifth-best strike rate; fourth-best bowling average in the middle overs, the sixth-best economy; third-best bowling average at the death, fifth-best economy.In some ways, the unevenness of performance has mirrored the World Cup of their captain. More than anything, Cummins has looked a little spent. Which should not be surprising given the draining assignments he has overseen, and that only one fast bowler – Matt Henry – has bowled more overs than him in international cricket this year.Cummins brings such strong leading-man energy, though, that it’ll never not be odd seeing him come on first change (even after doing it 55 times in his 87 ODIs) and do the grunt work after the powerplay, effectively the economy class of bowling phases. Given what Josh Hazlewood and Starc bring with the new ball, though, it’s difficult to have it any other way. But it adds to the impression that this format hasn’t always brought us the best of Cummins.2:34

Cummins: Have to be brave with variations in India

Instead, like his team he has stepped up in the space of these small, critical moments. The double-strike against Sri Lanka (and the castling of Kusal Perera was a thrilling reminder of his quality), the unbeaten 12 in the chase against Afghanistan, and the catch of Quinton de Kock in the semi-final, part of a fierce Australian fielding performance in the powerplay. If anything, in a strange, understated way these little bits have added to his status as leader.He doesn’t have the scowl or snarl of past Australian captains and neither does the team. But that only ever supplemented the aura of those great sides, it didn’t create it. That came from how good those players were and all their achievements. As well, of course, as that Australianness, however ill-defined it remains. That is true and alive in this squad, seven of whom, remember, have won an ODI World Cup.”Yeah, I think with experience, and fortunately some of that experience is playing in World Cups where we’ve been dominant,” Cummins said. “We’ve won before. We’ve had to fight for every win, but we’ve found a way to win. And different players have stood up at different times. So, I think taking that confidence, knowing that we don’t have to be at our absolute best to challenge any team we can find a way through it.”They stand now on the cusp of something monumental. Defeat India in Ahmedabad on Sunday and it will mean that a chunk of this group will have won two World Cups, a T20 World Cup only two years ago, the World Test Championship, and retained an Ashes series this year.Whichever way you cut that, that’s about as Australian as you can get.

Also, do Lucknow Super Giants have enough back-up for their first XI?

Nagraj Gollapudi and Gaurav Sundararaman18-Mar-2022
Rajasthan Royals: Where does Buttler bat, and who’s at No. 7?
Last IPL, Jos Buttler played only the first half but was his team’s leading scorer (254 runs at a strike rate of 153) before the Covid-19-enfored break. He signed off with 124 against Sunrisers. In six of seven Royals matches in the first half, Buttler opened. But given the addition of Devdutt Padikkal, will Buttler continue at the top?If he opens, Padikkal will possibly play at No. 3 followed by Sanju Samson, Royals’ captain, at No. 4. That will also mean a left-right opening combination instead two left-hand openers in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Padikkal. That said, if Buttler bats at No. 3 or 4, Royals would have a power-packed middle-order that also features Shimron Hetmyer at No. 5.Related

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You would expect R Ashwin, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal and Prasidh Krishna to be Nos. 8-11. That leaves No. 7. For that, Royals would ideally want an allrounder, who is likely to also be the fourth overseas player. Rassie van der Dussen could perhaps swap batting positions with Hetmyer to create batting depth, but then Royals would end up light on bowling. So it is essentially a toss-up between James Neesham and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Coulter-Nile might just be the front-runner considering he is a bowling allrounder who scores at a strike rate of 132 in T20s and can bowl at 140-plus kph.Punjab Kings: Should Bairstow bat at No. 4?
Punjab Kings have an enviable top five in Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Shahrukh Khan. The only question for them is whether Livingstone should bat at one-down and Bairstow at four, a role he performs for England in T20Is when Buttler and Jason Roy open.Will the big-hitting Liam Livingstone deliver for Punjab Kings?•Arjun Singh/BCCILivingstone has played at No. 3 18 times in T20s, scoring 496 runs at an average of 33.06, with a strike rate of 144.18 and five fifties. Both Bairstow and Livingstone have good records against spin in the last two years, scoring off the slow stuff at close to 140. Livingstone has similar a strike rate at Nos. 4 and 5 too, but his average drops to the mid-20s.If Bairstow bats at No. 4, not only will he allow more freedom to the top order, but with his extensive experience, he could also guide the lower-middle order, which is likely to have Shahrukh and Odean Smith.Sunrisers Hyderabad: Where should Pooran bat?
Sunrisers have a lot of depth and flexibility in their squad: many of their batters can bat at different positions and bowl too, while a lot of their bowlers can bat. Their main decision will be where to fit Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram in the line-up.Markram performed well at Nos. 4 and 5 for South Africa in the T20 World Cup. Pooran, who had a disappointing IPL last year as well as a lean World Cup, can slide between Nos. 3 and 5. With Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma likely to open, Pooran can follow Rahul Tripathi (No. 3) – that would provide a good balance, and also create the left-right combination that teams crave. Markram will then be No. 5.Another option could be to have Markram and Abhishek open the innings followed by Williamson and Tripathi, with Pooran playing the finisher. Sunrisers have a happy headache on their hands.Matthew Wade: the hero of Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final•Getty ImagesGujarat Titans: Who opens with Gill?
Jason Roy’s withdrawal left Gujarat Titans with the immediate hurdle of finding Shubman Gill’s opening partner. Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Roy’s replacement, could end up being the reserve opener. Titans’ best option might be Matthew Wade, who provides a left-right combination with Gill, and doubles up as the wicketkeeper. Wade also has an impressive strike rate of 156.14 in all T20s as an opener since 2019 IPL, the fourth best in the world (min. 30 innings).Wade might have played only three matches in the IPL, for Delhi Daredevils in 2011, but he has a lot of experience, can be the aggressor at the top or even at the finish as he has proved, emerging as the hero of Australia’s semi-final win against Pakistan in last year’s T20 World Cup. Playing Wade at the top also gives Titans the additional option of considering Wriddhiman Saha at No. 3, a position which does not have a designated name to it yet. Vijay Shankar is the other option at one-down and don’t be surprised if Hardik Pandya fancies himself in the top order in some matches.Quinton de Kock could prove vital for Lucknow Super Giants at the top, especially early in the tournament when several of his IPL team-mates are yet to arrive•Getty Images Lucknow Super Giants: Do they have enough back-up for each role?
Lucknow Super Giants had a good auction, getting many in-demand Indian IPL players like Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi. However, they picked just seven overseas players and do not seem to have enough depth in case of injuries or unavailability. For at least their first three matches, Super Giants are likely to be without key overseas players Marcus Stoinis and Jason Holder, who are busy with bilateral series. And then there’s the loss of Mark Wood, out with an elbow injury picked up during England’s Tests against West Indies.*There are three main overseas players available from the start in Quinton de Kock, Dushmantha Chameera and Evin Lewis. With the opening slots likely to be taken by KL Rahul and de Kock, Super Giants will find it hard to play Lewis at the top. While their first XI is strong, the lack of like-for-like replacements and squad depth could prove costly.*

علق نور الدين زايد، حارس مرمى منتخب الأردن، على الفوز على منتخب مصر، بثلاثية نظيفة، في الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات ببطولة كأس العرب 2025.

وخسر منتخب مصر أمام الأردن بثلاثة أهداف نظيفة، اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات، ليودع كأس العرب، بينما تصدر النشامى الترتيب بتسع نقاط.

وقال نور الدين زايد في لقاء مع قناة الكأس: “نبارك للأمة الأردنية كاملة، فريق الأردن بمن حضر، اللاعبون البدلاء لم يقصروا وكانوا على قدر المسؤولية، ونعد الجماهير أن البطولة تكون في عمان”.

طالع| فيديو | بهزيمة وتعادلين.. منتخب مصر يودع كأس العرب بالخسارة بثلاثية أمام الأردن

من جانبه، قال أبو زريق شرارة، لاعب الأردن: “مبارك لجماهيرنا الفوز، وهارد لك للمنتخب المصري، نحن بمن حضر داخل الملعب، ولدينا ثقة في أنفسنا، حصدنا في ثلاث مباريات انتصارات بالعلامة الكاملة”.

وتابع: “يجب أن ننسى كل ما مضى ونركز في الدور المقبل، مواجهات صعبة وتحتاج تركيز أكثر، لدينا عناصر كبيرة قادرة على تقديم مستويات جيدة، نعمل على قلب واحد ويد واحدة، ندعم أي لاعب في الميدان”.

واختتم: “نعد الجماهير الأردنية أن نقدم مستويات جيدة ونحقق نتائج إيجابية ونصل لبعيد في هذه البطولة”.

Aston Villa are now very interested in signing a “magnificent” striker, amid a major update on his future ahead of the January transfer window.

Villa eyeing striker as Emery drops Watkins update

Ollie Watkins got off to a slow start to the campaign, scoring just one goal in the Premier League prior to the brace against Brighton, and Unai Emery has now opened up about a potential reason for the dip in form, stating the striker has been struggling injury-wise.

Emery said: ‘He has a small pain in his knee from last year when we started the season in August,’

“Now he is feeling the same pain. He is not feeling 100 per cent and we are trying to manage it with him. We are trying to get to the stage where he is completely without pain – and through this, to feel better again and have the confidence to score.”

The England international may be under pressure to continue performing ahead of January, however, given that the Villans are now lining up a move for a new striker, with it recently being revealed that Emery is a huge fan of Brentford striker Igor Thiago.

There has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Thiago, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are very interested in signing the centre-forward, who is highly likely to leave Brentford during the upcoming transfer window.

There could be competition for the Brazilian’s signature, however, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also particularly keen to snap him up, after scouting him closely.

A deal may not break the bank either, with the interested clubs looking in to getting a deal done for a fee of around €35m – €40m (£31m – £35m).

Aston Villa now make contact to sign "wonderful" midfielder who would cost £0

The Villans have made an approach to sign a highly sought-after central midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 2, 2025

Thiago could be "magnificent" signing for Aston Villa

The 24-year-old continued his fine form as Brentford defeated Burnley 3-1 at the weekend, bagging a brace, and manager Keith Andrews was very impressed with his performance, saying: “[Igor] has been magnificent. He was quiet in the first half. It was down to us too, not giving him enough service, and the opposition was denying him the space and opportunity.”

“But I felt he could impose himself a little more in the game, and he did exactly that in the second half.”

The Brentford star now has 11 goals to his name in the Premier League this season, the second-highest number behind Erling Haaland.

As such, a fee of around £35m could be an absolute steal for Thiago, and Villa should definitely make a January move.

One of Carrington’s most impressive players left media stunned as Manchester United’s U18s thrashed rivals Liverpool 7-0 in the U18 Premier League.

Man Utd's U18s thrash Liverpool

The present-day Man United side may not be firing on all cylinders, but their academy continues to produce some absolute gems. It’s been responsible for Marcus Rashford and, more recently, Kobbie Mainoo in recent years – not to mention Scott McTominay – and could have more young stars on the way.

The Red Devils’ U18s side even got some revenge for their first-team this weekend by thrashing Liverpool U18s 7-0 in ruthless fashion. Goals from Bendito Mantato, Louie Bradbury, Jim Thwaites, Samuel Lusale and a hat-trick from JJ Gabriel saw those at Carrington make a statement on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the success of the academy has always been a priority for those at Old Trafford and Ruben Amorim recently ensured that he extended their record of having a homegrown gem in every matchday squad since 1937.

After handing Jack Fletcher a place on his bench against Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim told reporters: “It’s really important. I think again we are in the moment [where] if we are going to take some corners and succeed right away, it’s the wrong thing.

“There are some things especially in our club that we need to be bulletproof. It’s the way we behave, the way we feel the club and all these small things. We are not going to stop with the Academy players.”

It may not be too long before 15-year-old Gabriel gets the call to the first-team, either. The young forward left media stunned in an incredible display against Liverpool’s U18s.

JJ Gabriel "better than half" the Man Utd first-team, says reporter

Among those blown away by Gabriel was the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, who went as far as claiming that Gabriel “looks better than half their first team” at Man United.

After netting a hat-trick, the teenage sensation has taken his total for the season to seven goals and one assist in nine appearances in the U18 Premier League.

It won’t be long before Gabriel is progressing through the ranks in Man United’s academy and he looks destined to make his mark on the first-team in years to come. If some believe he looks better than some of the current stars now, he may be a world-beater by the time he turns 18.

The best teenagers in world football ranked (2025)

The future of football is in safe hands.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2025

The future is still bright at Old Trafford even if Amorim’s first-team are struggling for consistency. Like it has done so often in the past, Man United’s academy could yet provide the spark that the Red Devils need to return to Europe’s top table.

South American gem now "on his way" to sign for Man Utd as INEOS seal £1m deal