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Arsenal have the chance to return to the top of the Premier League table this evening as they take on Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium before Manchester City play on Wednesday night.

Mikel Arteta's side are one point behind their rivals in the division after losing 4-1 to Pep Guardiola's men in their last outing, thanks to brilliance from Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.

They now come up against a Chelsea team that has gone eight games without a win in all competitions with a chance to return to winning ways.

The Gunners will be without William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Mohamed Elneny, who all remain out with injuries, but the head coach still has plenty of options to rotate his side with.

How will Arsenal line up against Chelsea?

Arteta could make as many as three alterations to his starting XI following the defeat to City, with Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney, and Leandro Trossard coming in.

Firstly, the Spaniard could ditch Rob Holding after conceding 13 goals during his six-start stint in the team following on from Saliba's injury.

The poor defensive record since the Englishman's run of starts is a huge concern and that could allow Kiwior to come in for his first start in the Premier League alongside Gabriel.

At left-back, Oleksandr Zinchenko could be given a rest after being dribbled past four times and failing to record a Sofascore rating higher than 6.5 in his last three league matches.

Arteta could opt to bring Kieran Tierney in to replace the Ukraine international as the £25m "machine" – as dubbed by journalist Simon Collings – has been dribbled past once and achieved a Sofascore rating higher than 6.5 four times in his last five Premier League outings, proving to be more reliable at this moment in time.

They both go into a back four, also containing Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White, both of whom continue to shield Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks.

A midfield trio of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard should resume their usual duties, as should Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the flanks.

Finally, Gabriel Jesus could drop out of the side after blanking in his last two appearances. The skillful Brazilian is coming off the back of a long-term knee injury and Arteta could manage his fitness by ditching him in favour of Leandro Trossard, who picked up an assist off the bench against Manchester City, tonight.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

ScorecardScott Borthwick made his 13th first-class hundred•Getty Images

To die wondering might actually be rather pleasant, though it is not something that either Jack Burnham or Neil Wagner is likely to experience.Drifting away while contemplating pleasant paths, albeit that they have not been walked, may, at most rates, be preferable to mulling over one’s earthly demise and pondering what, if anything, is next on one’s dance card. However, as Wagner and Burnham went at it hammer and tongs in the first major duel of this game, it was most apparent that their labours were unsparing and that conserving energy had no place in them.The pair began their battle in the second hour of the morning. By that time both Keaton Jennings and Mark Stoneman had been dismissed, the Durham openers nicking catches off the excellent Tom Bailey; and towards the close, home supporters at a sun-embraced Riverside were applauding Scott Borthwick’s high-class 134 and Paul Collingwood’s 85 not out, fine innings which had given Lancashire’s attack one of its first pick, shovel and prop days at cricket’s coalface this season.Yet it was 19-year-old Burnham who helped take the battle to Lancashire’s bowlers, cover-driving Wagner easefully to the boundary in the 25th over and then attempting a rather wilder repeat off the next delivery, only to edge the ball over a leaping Liam Livingstone’s outstretched fingers at first slip. In response Wagner sent down a couple of precisely targeted bouncers, although he is not a bowler for whom that over-used tactic is a default position. The second bumper whacked Burnham somewhere in the vicinity of his helmet and it was followed by a discussion between the pair in which Wagner seemed to take the leading role.He is a curious fellow, Wagner. Off the field he is affable, peaceful, serene. Although he admitted a few weeks ago that he might have to “eliminate” Stuart Broad, he did so with the courteous regret of a James Bond villain. Out in the middle, mind, Wagner spits vengeance and bowls some of the most unsparingly aggressive spells one might see. The history of fast bowling has thrown up similar examples, of course, but rarely is the contrast between the Quaker and the Visigoth as sharp as it is with Mr. Wagner and “Waggy”, his on-field persona. Robert Louis Stevenson knew a thing or two.All the same, Burnham won their battle. At lunch he was 35 not out and had helped Borthwick revive Durham’s innings after their early losses. Wagner’s seven wicketless overs had cost 32 runs. For his part, Borthwick was batting with gentle ease and his glide though gully off Procter was as well-timed and graceful as anything we saw all day. Neither a cut nor a drive, it seems something of a signature shot for Borthwick and few batsmen play it as well. It will be a stroke for us to play once more when May is a memory.Having established himself at the wicket and properly gauged the pace of a pitch from which Bailey extracted most bounce, Borthwick unfurled an even greater variety of shots in the afternoon session. There was the precise cover drive which took him to his fifty off 81 balls and the calculated sweep off Simon Kerrigan, which took him into the nineties.Between those strokes, however, Borthwick lost Burnham, who was caught at slip by Livingstone off Bailey for 44, and Richardson, who edged Kyle Jarvis to the same fielder seven overs later. Both these dismissals bolstered the view that while this is a good batting wicket, it is also a pitch on which seamers can bowl with the hope that their efforts will receive recompense. Certainly home supporters seem likely to rue the absence of Chris Rushworth, whose hip injury prevented his playing in this match.Richardson was replaced by Collingwood, whose 123-run fifth-wicket stand with Borthwick was clearly the home side’s best period of the day. Durham’s skipper was confident and assertive against Wagner from the outset, cover-driving his fifth ball to the Lumley Castle boundary and swivel-pulling his next to square leg. A few overs later Collingwood came down the pitch to Kerrigan and hit him sweetly and straight for six, as if confirming home ascendancy. Borthwick responded with similarly assured strokeplay and reached his century off 158 balls with a cover drive off Wagner. Durham took tea on 213 for 4, emboldened in their belief that the next session would belong to them.So it more or less proved, despite Lancashire’s attack sticking to its disciplines and taking two wickets. Borthwick and Collingwood took the score to 274 before Borthwick, in one of his rare miscalculations, tried to hit Kerrigan over long-on but only found Alviro Petersen five yards inside the boundary. Ryan Pringle then batted well enough for his 25 before giving Bailey his fourth wicket when he gloved a pull to Livingstone who dived forward from slip to take the catch.But by then one’s attention was taken by Collingwood, who was batting with ever more circumspection as close of play approached. James Weighell whacked Wagner’s last ball of the day over square leg for six but Durham’s skipper ended play by patting back a maiden from Kerrigan. His forward defensive shots were as resolute and brimming with resistance as his boundaries had been. Late Collingwood: a cricketer phrased like a vintage.

Pakistan have added batsman Sharjeel Khan and fast bowler Mohammad Sami to their squads for the Asia Cup and World T20, following injuries to batsman Babar Azam and Rumman Raees

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Feb-2016Pakistan have added batsman Sharjeel Khan and fast bowler Mohammad Sami to their squads for the Asia Cup and World T20, following injuries to Babar Azam and Rumman Raees. The selectors also made another change to the World T20 squad, bringing in batsman Khalid Latif in place of Iftikhar Ahmed.Azam has been ruled out for 3-4 weeks after suffering a fracture on his left forearm during a practice session in the ongoing Pakistan Super League. Raees has a Grade-1 hamstring strain and is “operating at 60% of his fitness currently”, the PCB stated in a release.Pakistan’s selection committee chairman Haroon Rashid said that PSL performances played a part in the selection. Sharjeel, Sami and Latif are with Islamabad United, who will face Quetta Gladiators in the final of the inaugural edition of the league on Tuesday.Sharjeel has hit the only century of the league till date, with his 62-ball 117 against Peshawar Zalmi booking Islamabad United’s place in the final. He is the third-highest run-scorer, with 287 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 151.05. Sami has picked up 11 wickets in six matches, including a haul of 5 for 8 against Karachi Kings. Latif was included on the basis of his power-hitting, according to Rashid, who clarified that the batsman could not join the Asia Cup squad due to technical reasons. Latif has scored 190 runs in six innings, at a strike rate of 114.45.”After having looked at the performance of the players in the PSL competition, the selection committee along with Captain Shahid Afridi and Head Coach Waqar Younis have come to the conclusion that keeping in view the outstanding performances of Sharjeel Khan and Mohammad Sami in PSL matches, they should be included as replacements for injured Babar Azam and Ruman Raees respectively for both Asia Cup and World Cup,” Rashid said.”Since we have the option available to bring in changes in our World Cup squad before the support period starting from March 8, 2016, it has also been decided to use this option and decided to include Khalid Latif, who showed tremendous display of power hitting in the PSL matches, which paved the way for his inclusion in the World Cup squad in place of Iftikhar Ahmed.”Sharjeel’s previous T20 international appearance was in December 2013, while Sami made his comeback into the Pakistan side after nearly three years during the home series against Zimbabwe in May 2015. Latif last played an international match for Pakistan in June 2012.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is reluctant to sell Harry Kane over the summer and is keen to make the England captain the face of their project.

Who wants to sign Harry Kane?

The future of the 29-year-old does seem to be one of the major questions going into the summer transfer window with the striker only having one more year on his deal in north London.

There have been strong reports suggesting the likes of Manchester United are looking to make a strong push with Erik ten Hag keen on the player.

And it is also believed Kane will have options from further afield with the Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, still showing an interest in him.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has insisted the Lilywhites are determined to keep Kane and make him the main man with a new manager expected to be in place for the summer:

"What I heard is that, at the moment, on Tottenham's side, no matter what happens with the coach situation, they want to extend the contract of Harry Kane.

"So they will offer him a new contract, they will insist to keep the player, they will insist to make Harry Kane the face of the project also, for the future of Tottenham, and so they have no intention at this moment to let him go."

What is left at Spurs for Kane?

There will certainly be some question marks surrounding the notion of Kane remaining at Spurs when he has been with the club for his entire career and is still yet to lift any silverware.

However, the market for the striker may not be as big as some may expect given the huge transfer fee which could be slapped on him if he is to push for an exit.

The soon-to-be 30-year-old England captain is unlikely to leave for Chelsea, Arsenal is naturally off the cards, Liverpool have already invested heavily in their attack and Manchester City have Erling Haaland.

With this in mind, it only really leaves United as a feasible option.

Kane has previously spoken about not being keen on the idea of playing abroad so that could well eliminate the possibility of leaving for Germany – unless he has since changed his mind.

A move to Old Trafford could provide the striker with an increased chance of winning a trophy, but it is by no means a certainty.

And the Red Devils are also still well within the race to secure their spot in the top four with only two points separating them and Tottenham.

Kane is clearly settled at Spurs in terms of churning out consistent goal returns in the Premier League and at the age of 29, he may not be entirely convinced on the idea of moving to a different part of the country.

Everton are in the middle of a huge club takeover saga, and reliable journalist David Ornstein has revealed a significant development at Goodison Park.

Is the Everton takeover happening?

Farhad Moshiri made his first investment in the club back in 2016, but having faced lots of criticism from supporters, some of which held protests during games last season, fans were calling for him and the board to step down from their positions, as per BBC Sport.

The Toffees owner had reportedly been in talks with 777 Partners ever since the news broke that New York group MSP Sports Capital had ended it’s exclusivity agreement, and last week, Sean Dyche’s side finally announced what everyone had been patiently waiting to hear.

On Friday 15th September, it was made public that the Miami-based investment firm had agreed a deal to buy Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in the club following lengthy negotiations. In their multi-club portfolio, the group are in charge of the likes of Sevilla, Genoa, Hertha Berlin and Standard Liege, and if the following update is to be believed, they appear deadly serious about adding the Merseyside outfit to that list in what would be their first ever business venture in the Premier League.

What's the latest takeover update?

Taking to X, The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed that Everton have been presented with a huge loan from 777 Partners to help supply funds for the problems that need addressing in the here and now. He wrote:

“Everton receive sizeable loan from prospective owners 777. Payment worth tens of millions for working capital + stadium build. US firm to provide EFC multi-club model expertise & join board in observer role during approvals process.”

In the Premier League, Everton have had a massively disappointing start to the new season where they find themselves in the relegation zone after suffering four defeats and securing just one draw from their opening five matches, meaning they have only a single point on the board, but whilst things aren’t looking positive on the pitch, this could be the start of an exciting new era off it.

Following the lack of success and achievements in recent years, it’s about time that the hierarchy started building towards the future, especially with their new stadium, Bramley-Moore Dock, edging ever closer to completion having been in progress for the last two years, and this is a project that is expected to be wrapped up in the closing stages of 2024.

Alongside the ground, Dyche is likely to be backed a lot more when it comes to securing his transfer targets as a result of sufficient funds being available which would allow his side to be seriously competitive in the market rather than having to pursue players on loan or free agents all the time, so there's no doubt that everyone associated with the club will be hoping that everything goes through smoothly.

Antony and Jadon Sancho make up a Manchester United squad that was "the most expensive ever assembled" in football, according to a new UEFA report.

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Antony and Sancho signed for big feesUEFA reveals most expensive squad everDoesn't account for 2023-24 windowWHAT HAPPENED?

The report, taken by the European Club Finances and Investment Landscape, revealed Erik ten Hag's side to be worth £1.21bn ($1.52bn) by the end of the 2023 financial year. This beats the record in place since 2020 set by Real Madrid, whose illustrious team were worth an estimated £1.13bn ($1.42m) combined.

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The signings of Antony and Sancho contributed heavily to that final 2023 sum. The Brazilian is yet to fully take off since signing for £82m ($103m) in 2022, while the England winger was recently loaned back to Borussia Dortmund after failing to live up to his £73m ($92m) price tag. Other noteworthy costs include £80m ($100m)-man Harry Maguire, signed back in 2019, as well as veteran Casemiro, for whom United splashed out £70m ($88m) in 2022. Indeed, the figures are damning when lined up with United's fortunes on the pitch, with the Red Devils still a long way off being able to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.

DID YOU KNOW?

However, that report does not take into account United's spending after the 2023 financial year, meaning £72m ($90m) Rasmus Hojlund, £55m ($69m) Mason Mount and £47m ($59m) Andre Onana are all omitted from that staggering total.

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UEFA's report adds that United's eye-watering sum is joined by Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea, as well as European giants Real Madrid, who all topped £1bn ($1.26bn) in squad values for 2023. Todd Boehly's Blues were recently told they could spend up to another £350m ($439m) in the coming window, if the right player sales are sanctioned.

Only 65.1 overs were possible on another rain-affected day on which Tasmania’s third-wicket pair put on an unbroken partnership of 160

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Feb-2018Getty ImagesPersistent batting from the Tasmanian pair of Beau Webster and Jake Doran and persistent rain have combined to frustrate New South Wales at the SCG.After much of day two was lost to rain, further weather delays meant only 65.1 overs were bowled on day three.The Blues made an early breakthrough with Steve O’Keefe deceiving George Bailey seven balls into the start of play to leave Tasmania two down and trailing the home side’s first-innings total by 369. But that was the only joy for New South Wales as Webster and Doran put together an unbroken stand of 160 in 64 overs.Webster reached his fourth first-class hundred in the penultimate over of the day, having faced 253 balls to get there. Doran remained not out on 86 at close. The two sides will face a challenge on the final day trying to manufacture a result.

Al-Nassr players surprised Cristiano Ronaldo with a 'GOAT' cake after the Portuguese superstar won three prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards.

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Al-Nassr players surprised Ronaldo with 'GOAT' cake Did the 'Siuuu' chant to cheer for Ronaldo Ronaldo won three prizes at Globe Soccer Awards WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo bagged three prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards earlier this week. He won the Best Middle East Player prize, the Maradona Award for the best goalscorer in 2023, and the Fans' Favourite Player of the Year award.

To mark his triumph in Dubai, Al-Nassr players surprised the 38-year-old with a special cake that had the words "Awards keep following the GOAT" written on it. They also did the 'Siuuu' chant to cheer for Ronaldo in reference to his trademark celebration.

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The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star had an eventful 2023 as he scored 54 goals for club and country and became the highest-scoring male footballer in the world. In the ongoing season, he has 24 goals to his name in 25 appearances across all competitions for Al-Nassr and has also provided 11 assists.

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The Saudi Pro League is currently on pause due to the 2023 AFCON and Asian Cup. Al-Nassr are set to play several friendly matches in the next couple of weeks, including a friendly encounter in the Riyadh Cup against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on February 1. They will return to competitive action on February 14 against Al-Feiha in the AFC Champions League.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has a 'real interest' in free agent Spain international Adama Traore as he looks to expand his options in the final third, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Adama Traore a free agent?

Traore left Wolverhampton Wanderers upon the expiration of his contract at the end of last campaign alongside veteran pair Diego Costa and Joao Moutinho to seek a new challenge, as per BBC Sport.

Valued at €10 million (£8.6 million) by Transfermarkt's market value estimate, the eight-time Spain cap has yet to find a new home despite the new Premier League campaign drawing close to getting underway.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are believed to be 'plotting' a move to sign Traore as a free agent to inject some further pace and power on the right flank.

The report states that Traore has been placed on a shortlist of potential offensive targets for Aston Villa and he also has a contract offer 'on the table' from Wolves; however, the proposal is less financially rewarding than the deal that was put forward to him two years ago at Molineux.

Last term, Traore, who has been hailed as "ferocious", made 40 appearances in all competitions for Wolves, registering three goals and two assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As per Gianluca Di Marzio via The Daily Mail, AC Milan have also been in contact with Traore's agent, Jorge Mendes, to see if a deal to bring the 27-year-old to the San Siro is a possibility this summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Galetti has confirmed that Aston Villa are keen on Traore and signified that they are 'exploring' the chance to bring him to Villa Park.

Galetti stated: "Aston Villa are following some players and are waiting for the right opportunity to make some moves. They have real interest in the former Wolves winger Traore, who is now a free-agent and is still looking for a new club. Villa are exploring the opportunity to sign him."

Who else could Aston Villa look to bring in this window and who could leave?

Aston Villa manager Emery has already acted to bring in Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans this window and more incomings as well as some outgoings will be expected at the club between now and the close of play in the market.

According to The Daily Mail, Aston Villa have asked about Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams and would be willing to activate his £25 million release clause.

Reports in Spain via TEAMtalk claim that Sevilla full-back Gonzalo Montiel has emerged as a target in the West Midlands amid rumours that he is far from happy at his current employers and would welcome an exit.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Philippe Coutinho could be set to leave Aston Villa this summer on Twitter X, stating: "Understand one club from Qatar has now asked for conditions of Philippe Coutinho deal. Coutinho could leave Aston Villa in case he receives good proposal; Saudi clubs also approached him in July."

Villans youngster Aaron Ramsey may also be on his way out and is in talks with Middlesbrough over a move that would net Emery in the region of £12 million and could include a buyback clause, as per The Express & Star.

The opening partnership, Babar Azam’s form, the middle-order positions and balance of the attack: Mickey Arthur has admitted he has a lengthy list of issues to resolve

Osman Samiuddin09-Oct-2017Before this series began, Pakistan were faced with a few questions. Some were familiar ones, like who should open. Others were new – who replaces Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan in the middle order, and how does that impact the order?Nine days into the series, 1-0 down to a side one place below in the Test rankings, and faced with the very real prospect of losing a long-standing unbeaten home record, coach Mickey Arthur admitted their answers to these questions were wrong.Arthur: It’s a bit of a worry. It is a worry. I’ve got a lot of faith in Babar because I think he is a very good player. But his white-ball form needs to start transforming into Test form. He’s had a very slow start to his Test career, for a player of his ability. I’m still confident that he will come through and that he will be a very good player for Pakistan going forward. We’ve just got to guide him through as best we can.”Arthur: It’s kept me awake at night to be honest. It’s tough. I thought we had it nailed I’ve got to be honest. I was comfortable that we had the right combinations. I was comfortable we had enough left-hand, right-hand combinations. I thought we had the next best batsmen available in Pakistan playing for us. I’ll be honest I’m not 100% sure now.And before we tour again, we’ve got a long break now before we go to England, we’re going to have to sit down and really apply our minds and have a look again as to what we think is our best top six going forward.Arthur: It’s still too early to say. I would’ve loved Asad to be playing the innings he is from No. 4 because that just solves the problem for us. With him going down to five, it throws up another conundrum for us because he’s playing so well at five, is that his right position? I’m not so sure. We’re going to have to really apply our minds going forward with what our right top six is.Arthur: In terms of rationale one of the things always pointed out about Pakistan cricket is that there hasn’t been any continuity. We’ve tried to get continuity with our players, albeit the right decision or the wrong decision. We’ve tried to create continuity – Pakistan cricket is synonymous with dropping players, bringing them back, dropping them again, bringing them back again. We want to give guys an opportunity and then we can make a proper decision on it.Has our opening partnership worked for us in this series? It probably hasn’t but that is something we’ll discuss going forward. The easy option would be Azhar going back up and that then opens another position at no. 3. At the moment we’ve got a lot of soul searching to do to figure out what our best top six is.Arthur: We just thought it was our best possible attack, whether that was right or wrong, it’s something I need to get my head around. I’ve come from and coached in places where pace dominates and wins games. I’ve got to get my thinking round these totally different conditions.Whether we like it or not though our attack has done a job. We should’ve chased down 136 in Abu Dhabi. Without a doubt. And then we would’ve said the attack has done its job.The other thing is, no disrespect to the spinners we’ve got because they’re young, but if it’s Yasir Shah and Saeed Ajmal, it’s a no-brainer. But we don’t have Saeed Ajmal as the second spinner. We’re working with a set of young spinners. Bilal Asif and Mohammad Asghar have worked the house down. Asghar will be good. When we give him that opportunity is something we need to look at. And perhaps the opportunity was here. Maybe tactically I messed up on that.Strategically when we set about looking at how we’d go about this, we asked for wickets that did a little bit more than they have done. We asked for a little bit more grass because that would nullify Sri Lanka’s spinners and give our quick bowlers an opportunity. Whether that can happen in the UAE, I’m not sure. Maybe that was a pipe dream as far as I was concerned. But that was our strategy going into the series.