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Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell are are set to return for Australia, but there are doubts over whether Steven Smith will be fit

Alex Malcolm06-Nov-2023Big Picture: History no guide with the semis in sightThere was a time when facing Afghanistan in a World Cup held no fears for Australia. The five-time World Champions have been nothing short of ruthless in the two previous ODI World Cup meetings. In 2015, in Perth, Australia piled up 417 for 6 with David Warner cracking 178, on their way to a 275-run win. In 2019, in Bristol, Australia romped home to a seven-wicket win with 91 balls to spare having bowled Afghanistan out for 207 before Warner again made 89 not out.But there is no chance the 2023 Australians are heading to the Wankhede Stadium assuming they will win again at a canter. Afghanistan poses an enormous threat, despite Australia’s five-game winning streak. Afghanistan have won three in a row themselves and have already taken down England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands as they push for a maiden semi-final berth. And they possess the skill to expose Australia’s major weakness, with the spin quartet of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad capable of causing Australia’s batting line-up no end of problems, while their batting throughout the tournament has been excellent. A similar attack almost upset Australia on home soil at the 2022 T20 World Cup, although it was the pace duo of Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi who did all the damage on that occasion.Related

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Rahmat Shah, the odd one out in Afghanistan's band of T20 stars

One thing in Australia’s favour is that Mumbai is a far cry from the spin-friendly conditions in Chennai and Delhi where Afghanistan’s spun out Pakistan and England respectively. Wankhede has been the highest-scoring ground in first innings in the tournament so far and that plays to Australia’s strength. Spin has also had next to no impact in Mumbai in the last 10 ODIs at the venue. And while facing spin has been Australia’s weak point in ODI cricket in recent times, Australia’s batting unit do have very good individual match-up records against Afghanistan’s spinners in T20 cricket.But while history and conditions are on Australia’s side as they look to lock in their spot in the last four there is one other thing to consider. This game, like the one in last year’s T20 World Cup has a slightly different undertone for Afghanistan than it does their opponents. Cricket Australia’s decision to cancel a Test between the two nations in November 2021 and a three-match ODI series in March 2023 for political reasons remains front of mind for some of the Afghanistan players. Afghanistan has been fueled by a desire to prove a point in this World Cup, a point about their standing in global cricket, and some added motivation certainly won’t hinder them.Recent formAfghanistan – WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia – WWWWWIn the spotlight: Rashid Khan and Mitchell MarshSo long the talisman of Afghanistan’s attack Rashid Khan has been below his best in this World Cup so far. He has just seven wickets at 43.85. Only Mujeeb has a worse average of all of Afghanistan’s bowlers while Rashid’s strike rate of 57 is the worst of the group. He has been building pressure though, as he always does, conceding just 4.61 per over with the likes of Nabi and Noor benefitting at the other end at times. But he only has one three-wicket haul, and that was against England. Against Australia, whose batters know him intimately as both team-mates and opponents in the BBL, he does not loom as a major threat. They have seen all his tricks so many times they are unlikely to be beaten by what they know. His wrong ‘un has not been the weapon it once was during this World Cup and his legbreak does not seem to strike any fear. But England’s Adil Rashid was a well-known foe in Australia’s last game and he still had a huge impact taking 2 for 38 from 10 including the wickets of Steven Smith and Josh Inglis, with Smith falling to spin for the fifth time in the tournament. Rashid will need to have an impact for Afghanistan, especially as Australia’s bevy of middle-order right-handers match up well to Mujeeb and Nabi.Mitchell Marsh is back for Australia after going home for personal reasons•Getty ImagesMitchell Marsh’s innings against New Zealand and his absence against England did reveal a quirk of Australia’s batting balance. He looked lost starting against spin in the 20th over. It was his latest entry point in an ODI this year having opened in 11 of his 15 matches and batted three in the other four. The only other time he entered after the 10th over was in Bloemfontein in September, also after a century stand from Warner and Travis Head, and he was out first ball to spin. But against England, the early losses of Head and Warner left Australia without another power-hitter in the powerplay, something they want to take advantage of. But Marsh’s overall record at No. 3 in the last three years has been very poor. He’s averaging just 17.60 there in 10 innings and striking at 73.06 with a highest score of 36 compared to his extraordinary record opening. Australia look more powerful on paper with him in the line-up, but they would like him to get comfortable at No. 3 heading towards the pointy end of the tournament.Team news: Naveen or Noor, Smith or Labuschagne?Afghanistan have been pretty settled and have mainly made changes to the attack depending on conditions. The challenge against Australia is the conditions in Mumbai suggest Naveen should play ahead of Noor Ahmad, and Naveen took 3 for 21 against Australia in the T20 World Cup last year. But Australia’s kryptonite has been spin and playing four of them has to be tempting.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 5 Azmatullah Omarzai, 6 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq/Noor Ahmad, 11 Fazalhaq FarooqiMarsh and Maxwell are expected to return. Marsh bowled and batted and measured his run up too on match eve, and Maxwell batted for a long time against some local spinners. Cameron Green has already conceded he will miss out for one of them. The big question is who is the other player to make way. Logic would suggest it’s Marnus Labuschagne but he was Australia’s top-scorer against England with 71 and has been one of Australia’s best players of offspin, legspin and left-arm wrist spin in the tournament while Steven Smith has had his troubles against offspin and legspin in the tournament, and has also been suffering from vertigo. The other consideration is Marcus Stoinis’ fitness given he has often been rested on short turnarounds between games due to his injury history. The same could be said for the three quicks given they have only had three days to recover.Australia (probable): 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Steven Smith/Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Josh Inglis (wk), 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodPitch and conditionsThe Wankhede has been a batting paradise in the World Cup so far with first innings scores of 399, 382 and 357 posted already in the tournament.Mumbai is set to be very hot with temperatures touching 37 degrees, and the air quality will also be a concern.Stats and trivia The Wankhede has the highest average of sixes per match in the tournament so far. In three matches there has been an average of 18.3 sixes struck per game. Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is the next highest with 17.5. Adam Zampa already has the longest streak of taking three wickets or more in World Cup matches having done it in five consecutive games. One more bag of three or more and he will join Pakistan’s Umar Gul as the only players to have done it in six straight ODIs. David Warner is 45 runs away from 18000 across all forms of international cricket as an opener. Sanath Jayasuriya and Chris Gayle are the only others have to scored 18000 runs as openers in international cricket.

What a week it has been for Manchester United’s number nine, Rasmus Hojlund. You wait so long for a goal, and two come along in quick succession.

The Danish speedster had endured a dismal 21-game goal drought prior to finally getting on the scoresheet again on Sunday evening away at Leicester City, with the struggling striker showcasing remarkable composure to slot home on his weaker right foot against the relegation-threatened Foxes.

Just days on from that long-awaited goal, the 22-year-old leapt off the bench to clinch victory for his country against Portugal on Thursday night, the former Atalanta man condemning Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Cristiano Ronaldo to a 1-0 defeat in their Nations League quarter-final clash.

While a return of nine goals this season for club and country makes for grim reading for the £64m signing, he has helped to lift the pressure on his shoulders this week, not least with 17-year-old sensation, Chido Obi, waiting in the wings for a starting berth back at Old Trafford.

Player

Games

Goals

Assists

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

53

29

10

Romelu Lukaku

96

42

12

Odion Ighalo

23

5

1

Edinson Cavani

59

19

6

Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd spell)

54

27

5

Wout Weghorst

31

2

3

Anthony Martial

317

90

46

Rasmus Hojlund

82

24

4

That youthful pairing are currently vying to be Ruben Amorim’s main man through the middle, with the Portuguese coach still no doubt looking to find his next goalscoring talisman, in the mould of Sporting CP’s, Viktor Gyokeres.

Man Utd's interest in Viktor Gyokeres

There is an argument to be made that Amorim has found his new attacking, Gyokeres-like figurehead in the form of Bruno Fernandes, although for all the playmaker’s brilliance, there is still a need for United to acquire a reliable, prolific presence to lead the line.

Indeed, in 82 games for the Red Devils to date, Hojlund has scored just 24 goals, while young Obi is still waiting to break his first-team duck, albeit while having made just four senior appearances. Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, has scored just six times in his new surroundings.

With that in mind, it is then no surprise that the signing of a new centre-forward appears high on the agenda, with journalist Florian Plettenberg only recently naming the aforementioned Gyokeres among a raft of targets that Amorim and co are looking at.

The Swedish goal machine has been a revelation in Portugal since arriving from Coventry City for just £17m back in 2023, having notably scored 66 goals in just 68 games under Amorim’s watch.

Unsurprisingly, ever since the new United boss made the move to England, there has been talk of a reunion. However, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell reported back in February that while Sporting could cash in for around €70m (£59m), it is ‘unlikely’ that the 26-year-old follows his former boss to Manchester.

As per Whitwell, the one-time Brighton and Hove Albion man is likely to want to join a team competing in the Champions League – something United, currently, won’t be able to offer – while the club themselves may have reservations, amid the pursuit of ‘younger signings’.

While there may be frustration at not handing Amorim the perfect attacking tool in Gyokeres, perhaps the Red Devils are already brewing the next version of the Swede…

Man Utd's own Gyokeres

As two towering, Scandinavian marksmen like Gyokeres, it could be argued that both Hojlund and Obi are primed to evolve into that type of figure for Amorim, provided they are given time to develop.

That said, there could well be another, more suitable option in the equation, in the form of academy star, Ethan Wheatley, with the 19-year-old also a “clinical finisher”, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson.

As per Mattinson, the promising Englishman possesses a lot of the “typical hold-up, link-up and channel running” that Gyokeres has shown at Sporting, while he is also deemed to be a “closer fit” to the former Coventry man than fellow youth star, Gabriele Biancheri.

Currently out on loan at League Two highflyers Walsall – for whom he has actually made just three appearances since arriving in January – Wheatley has previously dazzled in the youth set-up at United, scoring ten times in just 22 U21 outings.

The Stockport native – who, like Gyokeres, stands at 6 foot 2 – was also previously the star of the U18 side, after netting 14 goals in 28 games at that age group.

While it hasn’t worked out so far during Wheatley’s temporary stint away from Old Trafford, he did score for England’s U19 side against Wales in midweek, having also been awarded a new long-term contract with United earlier this month.

That show of faith by the club has indicated how highly regarded the teenager is at Carrington, with the rising star already making four first-team appearances for his parent club, including a late cameo in the 4-2 win over Leicester in the EFL Cup back in October.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

With Amorim having already shown his willingness to utilise the academy in recent weeks, amid the emergence of Obi and Harry Amass, United’s 250th graduate may still have hope of forcing his way into the senior reckoning next season.

Who knows, Wheatley could even prove himself to be the 40-year-old’s next Gyokeres.

Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd plotting move to sign "the new Haaland"

Manchester United are still targeting a striker to hand Ruben Amorim with the firepower he craves.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 20, 2025

Defending champions Adelaide Strikers struggled to find top gear with the bat

Tristan Lavalette27-Oct-2023

Captain Elyse Villani powered Hobart Hurricanes to their first win of the WBBL season with an upset over defending champions Adelaide Strikers in a truncated match at a bleak Allan Border Field.Restricted to an eight overs per side contest, Villani bludgeoned an unbeaten 39 from 24 balls as Hurricanes chased down the target of 75 with an over to spare.It was an impressive bounce back from Hurricanes, who suffered two big losses against Perth Scorchers to start the season.Strikers were left to rue Danielle Gibson dropping Villani with a regulation chance at midwicket on the second ball of the innings. Villani made them pay instantly with a couple of boundaries off legspinner Anesu Mushangwe.It wasn’t long before opener Lizelle Lee found her range with a trio of sixes in the space of four deliveries. Her purple patch ended when Lee was bowled by offspinner Georgia Adams, but Villani was in command as Hurricanes inched closer.They lost Bryony Smith and Heather Graham, but consecutive boundaries off thick outside edges from Ruth Johnston got the Hurricanes over the line.There were fears of a washout with rain persistent throughout the day in Brisbane, but the match finally got underway almost two hours after schedule.Hurricanes elected to bowl in the gloomy conditions and were confronted by an aggressive Katie Mack, who was looking to bludgeon almost every delivery to the boundary.She succeeded in whacking offspinner Molly Strano for successive boundaries in the opening over, but it wasn’t easy with the ball coming off the wicket slowly and the outfield wet.Hurricanes started disastrously when legspinner Amy Smith dropped a return catch when opener Laura Wolvaardt was on six. After a slow start, tied down by Smith’s looping leg breaks, Wolvaardt smashed a six over deep midwicket to ignite Strikers.After struggling to hit boundaries square of the wicket, the openers sought an inventive approach with Wolvaardt clearing her leg to conjure several effective slogs as they plundered 26 runs across the fifth and sixth overs.Just when Strikers had the momentum, they were shackled at the death with quick Shabnim Ismail cleverly changing her pace and bowling into the wicket. A desperate Strikers went for broke with Mack run-out after turning back for an unlikely second run.They finished on a high with a Wolvaardt boundary but the total ultimately was not enough, with the last two overs bringing just 15, as Strikers’ title defence has started with two defeats from their opening four games.

The fans were ecstatic when the goal-scoring icon bought the club in September 2018 but now they can't wait for him to leave

After a dramatic but draining draw with European rivals Inter on Wednesday night, Barcelona return to domestic action this weekend when they take on Real Valladolid on Saturday evening. Victory is imperative for La Liga's leaders, who are starting to feel the effects of playing nearly every four days since the start of the season, as they look to maintain their four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid going into a crucial Clasico at Montjuic on May 11.

However, Barcelona really couldn't have picked a better team to play in the middle of an already-epic Champions League semi-final tie with Inter. Real Valladolid aren't just bad; they're historically bad, having been relegated from the Spanish top flight with a record-breaking five rounds remaining. They're also a club in complete crisis. Indeed, things are going so badly on the field because the situation is so dire off it.

It wasn't meant to be like this, of course, not with a footballing icon for a president. Ronaldo promised to have Valladolid fighting for Champions League qualification by now; instead, they're once again heading back to the second division. Consequently, the calls for the Brazilian to "go home" have only intensified the longer the season has gone on and another mass protest is expected at the Jose Zorrilla on Saturday.

So, how did it come to this? How did one of the game's most beloved characters become such a figure of hate at Valladolid? GOAL explains all below…

• 'Ronaldo puts Valladolid on the map'

  "Today begins a new era for Real Valladolid," then-president Carlos Suarez said on September 3, 2018 – and it certainly felt that way at the time.

  Suarez had just sold his 52 percent stake in the club to Ronaldo, a living legend respected and revered throughout the footballing world for his sensational exploits as a player with the likes of Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid and Brazil.

  So, when he said that the World Cup winner's arrival at the Zorrilla "puts Valladolid on the map", he had a point. Unfortunately for Suarez, his faith in Ronaldo's ability to help "the club take a leap forward in quality" proved sadly misguided.

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• AFP
  

  'Football is a passion for me'

  In fairness to Suarez, Ronaldo talked a good game. He initially appeared fully committed to his new business venture.

  "I assure you that you will find me to be a lover of Castilla-Leon, Valladolid and Real Valladolid," he told reporters immediately after his €30 million (£26m/$34m) takeover.

  "We want to consolidate the club in the top flight and continue building from there. Indeed, [the project] will not stop because we want to grow as much as we can possibly imagine.

  "This new management will be defined by four words: competitiveness, transparency, revolution and social. I have gone through many stages in my training in football to prepare for this, and football is a passion for me."

  Over the past couple of years, though, Ronaldo seems to have lost nearly all interest in Valladolid.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Questions over competency and commitment

  The early signs had been encouraging. Ronaldo met with various local groups and organisations, while he even broke bread with supporter groups.

  The feeling was during those first couple of years that Ronaldo wanted to establish a close connection with not just the club but also the community.

  He wasn't merely relying on his time as a player to get by in the world of football administration either. Ronaldo had studied sports management and sports marketing after bringing the curtain down on his illustrious playing career, while he had already made several other relatively successful forays into entertainment, property, marketing, motorsports and even esports.

  Consequently, he was supremely confident in his ability to turn Valladolid into one of the best teams in Spain.

  “If we can establish ourselves in the Primera Division, restructure the club and make all the investments we’re planning, in five years the normal thing would be for us to be battling for Champions League qualification,” Ronaldo said at the World Football Summit in September 2019. "That might be scary at the moment, but why not think big?"

  However, Valladolid remained a yo-yo club, bobbing between Spain's first and second divisions, and, after they were relegated for a second time in three seasons on Ronaldo's watch, in 2023, legitimate questions were being asked about his business acumen, as well as the competency and commitment of those he had entrusted with the responsibility of running the club.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ronaldo vs The Radicals

  The decision to change the club's crest certainly suggested that Ronaldo and his right-hand men were completely out of touch with the feelings of the fans.

  Ronaldo argued that it was just "a few hundred radicals who were refusing to change, evolution, and a look toward the future" and that "every time they chant to return to the old crest, the vast majority of the stadium boos them."

  "Valladolid's fans are much larger than hundreds of radicals who make a lot of noise," Ronaldo was quoted as saying by in June 2023. "But if you look at the overall situation, we have a 91% approval rating, and I don't see any disaffection with the fans or the city. Every time I come here, I walk through the streets and feel the affection and respect of the city's fans, and this gives me more and more strength.

  "It's true that in today's world there are radicals for all kinds of causes, but we operate by listening to the people, by engaging in dialogue.

  "Also, the same radicals ask us for money to buy flags, to buy things to finance their activities in the stands. And many times when we say no, there's a reaction in the form of criticism. So, it's not because we've changed the crest that they're protesting; it's because they may not have the benefits they had before.

  "But we don't have to think about a group of radicals. We have to think about all the fans."

  However, it really wasn't just the radicals or ultras that were upset; the vast majority of the club's fans were against the move, and losing faith in Ronaldo as a result.

  It was clear from the start that his purchase hadn't been motivated by any deep love for the club – Ronaldo had explored the possibility of buying a team in England or the United States before focusing on Spain because it was the "more affordable option".

  The fans nonetheless felt he didn't put enough people in senior roles that at least had an understanding of Valladolid and La Liga in general, with the former Ballon d'Or winner preferring instead to hire people with whom he had either previously played or worked.

England captain enjoying extended Lightning stint despite scratchy recent form

ECB Reporters Network05-Jun-2023From the bright lights of the IPL to the ‘Kiss Me Quick’ hats of Blackpool, Jos Buttler is set for quite the scenery change on Wednesday when he plays his first home match of the summer for Lancashire in the Vitality Blast against Worcestershire at Stanley Park.England men’s limited-overs captain Buttler is in the early stages of a 10-group game run in Lightning colours. His first was Thursday’s Roses defeat at Headingley, and he will feature in five home games between now and July 2 – the other four at Emirates Old Trafford.Buttler, fresh from two months at the IPL with Rajasthan Royals, has been with Lancashire for the past week and a half, training at Chester Boughton Hall before away matches at Yorkshire, Durham and Notts.”It’s been so nice to go and train at Chester after being in the IPL with all the razzmatazz and pressure, to almost go back to where you started your career,” he said. “Club cricket has been such a big part of my development, it makes you feel quite comfortable and for it to just be about the cricket.Related

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Get Carter! Spinner bounces back to extend Lancashire's losing run

“Being able to take some of our games to outgrounds such as Blackpool, it’s great for the county. It will be a bit different [than the last couple of months at the IPL]. But if it was the same every time, you’d get bored of it maybe. I’m really looking forward it.”After Thursday’s Roses game, in which Buttler scored 1 opening the batting, Yorkshire captain Shan Masood said Lancashire’s team for the Blast “could be an international side”. Buttler is joined in the squad by Colin de Grandhomme, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Daryl Mitchell, Matthew Parkinson, Phil Salt and Luke Wood.It begs the question of how the Red Rose compare to an IPL team?”It’s a tough question,” Buttler said. “There are limitations in terms of county cricket compared to IPL. You get the four overseas players over there, for example. But I certainly think we have a very strong team for this competition.”There’s lots of international experience and some really talented guys who are on the cusp of pushing. We also have some experienced guys from around the franchise world. We have a nice blend of guys, and we should go well in the competition.”It is amazing to think that this coming September it will be 10 years since Buttler signed for Lancashire from home county Somerset in search of greater opportunities. At the time, Craig Kieswetter was preferred behind the stumps at Taunton.”That makes me feel a bit old,” smiled the 32-year-old. “It is a long time, but it feels like it’s gone very fast. You look back at 10 years and my evolution as a player, the constant desire to improve and get better.”There have obviously been different parts of that, trying to make the best of it in red-ball cricket and Test matches. Very much now, I’d say there’s a big focus on white-ball cricket and being captain of the [England] white-ball team.”It’s been a great journey and a development of my game over time. There’s still some very similar bits in there, but hopefully there’s plenty more to come. I came here with ambitions to really push on and kick-start an international career. It’s been a fantastic journey, and the club have been so supportive.”I’ve been in and out and not been around as much, but the support has been fantastic. I’ve had a brilliant time at the club, and I’m really looking forward to playing a nice block of games and be part of a really strong side. Hopefully we can have a good competition.”Given the strength of Lancashire’s team across the two decades of Blast cricket, it is a huge surprise that the county have only won the title once – in 2015, when Buttler was in the team. The likes of Andrew Flintoff have played, Muttiah Muralitharan, the late Andrew Symonds, Stuart Law – the list goes on.Buttler is one of those who can’t really believe that statistic: “No, not really – for the strength of the squads and teams we’ve had and the stature of the club,” he added. “Teams such as Lancashire should be competing and winning. Overall, we’ve won the most T20 games [in England]. But it’s about winning the finals.”We’ve got a good team again this year, and – as I say – I expect us to push hard for that trophy.”

NFL legend Tom Brady is eyeing an ambitious transfer swoop as he bids to see his Birmingham City side promoted to the Premier League.

Birmingham aiming for the Premier LeagueTargeting ambitious signingsHave made unbeaten start to seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Birmingham were promoted to the Championship last season after beating Wrexham to the League One title and are now just one rung below the dreamland of the Premier League. The Blues have now made a move to bring Premier League experience to the club in the shape of former Liverpool and Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to the . The midfielder is currently still with Turkish side Besiktas but is open to a return to English football.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Oxlade-Chamberlain has already been tipped to leave Besiktas this summer on a free transfer as he is not part of the club's plans for the future. Leeds United have also been linked with a move for the 32-year-old, following their return to the Premier League, but Birmingham may also be a tempting choice for the former England international as they bid to return to the top flight.

DID YOU KNOW?

Birmingham have already been busy this summer in the transfer market, bringing in a host of players including Demarai Gray, Kyogo Furuhashi and Marvin Ducksch. 

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BIRMINGHAM?

Birmingham have opened up with four points from six at the start of the Championship season. The Blues are back in action on Saturday against Oxford United.

First and foremost, Newcastle United have no pressing concerns relating to finances and the ever-ominous profit and sustainability rules in the Premier League.

Furthermore, technical director Ross Wilson is now settled into his chair in the St. James’ Park offices, and have formed a good early relationship with Eddie Howe as they look to tackle key areas of the squad.

Now is the time for action. It’s been a wobbly start to the season after a summer of upheaval, but United are beginning to show green shoots in their bid to cement themselves as Champions League contenders and a multi-trophy-winning outfit.

Defensive positions are being examined, but with Joelinton’s form lacking in stages this season, Howe wants a new midfielder.

The question on everyone’s lips: Will it be Elliot Anderson?

Newcastle chasing elite midfielder

Howe spoke at the start of October about his desire to bring Anderson back home. The 23-year-old was sold to Nottingham Forest in 2024 and he has since become a top-class midfielder. It was not a happy sale for the Magpies, whose hand was forced by PSR.

Now, United want him back. The problem? Manchester City and Manchester United are also keen, and the Tricky Trees have priced their gem in excess of £100m.

This is a superstar in the making. Already, he is ranking favourably against the likes of Sandro Tonali in the Newcastle midfield; the Italian is widely regarded as one of the best in the Premier League.

If Newcastle are fruitless in their bid to sign Anderson, they could do worse than fall back on Scott McTominay, who was named the Serie A MVP last season after leading Napoli to the Scudetto.

As per Chronicle Live, McTominay is reportedly unsettled in Naples and is considering a return to the Premier League. Newcastle would be right there, offering the Scotland star a chance to take his career to the next level.

Valued at £70m, McTominay, 28, will not be short of suitors in 2026, but sources close to the player suggest that he would be open to moving to Tyneside and working under Howe’s stewardship.

What McTominay would offer Newcastle

It’s a testament to McTominay’s meteoric rise in Italy that had Newcastle signed him from Manchester United, it would have been a move met with indifference.

But now, he is revered as a hero for both club and country, 18th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings and regarded as a “true superstar of European and world football”, as said by content creator Adam Joseph.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, his former boss at Old Trafford, also hailed him as a “physical monster” once, and this is why McTominay could be such an interesting Anderson alternative.

He is capable of show-stopping moments, but the Tartan Army hero also has the athleticism and defensive attributes to dovetail right into Howe’s engine room.

His high duel success bespeaks his tenacity, and his eye for goal makes him an intriguing option to place just ahead of Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, both elegant and combative players with excellent passing ranges, sure to pick out the Napoli star’s surges into the danger area.

Matches (starts)

37 (33)

34 (33)

Goals

2

12

Assists

6

4

Touches*

54.2

43.1

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

22.7 (85%)

Chances created*

1.0

0.8

Dribbles*

1.0

1.1

Ball recoveries*

5.6

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

2.0

Duels (won)*

6.5

6.1

Anderson has since raised his level, but McTominay has hardly regressed himself, instrumental in a title-defending Napoli team that trail first-placed AC Milan this season by only a single point.

There is a winning mentality about McTominay that Newcastle need to take their project to the next level, and while the 23-year-old Anderson would be a fantastic addition, this would provide Howe with the instant effect he and his team need.

Newcastle need a new midfielder, and that won’t change. Either of these stars would mark stunning acquisitions.

He wants to leave: PIF must sell Newcastle's "poor man's Haaland"

Newcastle United must cash in on this player who reportedly wants to move on from the club in January.

1 ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

It would be fair to say that, thus far, this hasn’t been a great transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur.

While their Premier League rivals have been making impressive signings left, right, and centre, Thomas Frank has been left waiting for the club to make another move after signing Mathys Tel on a permanent deal.

Worse yet, North London rivals Arsenal appear to have awoken from their slumber as well, and are starting to make waves in the market, most notably regarding the potential signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

However, things may soon be about to change, as reports have linked the Lilywhites to a Premier League star who could be Frank’s answer to the Sporting CP star.

Spurs target their own Viktor Gyokeres

Given their truly diabolical form in the competition last season, it makes sense that Spurs would be targeting some of the Premier League’s most exciting talents this summer.

Transfer Focus

However, thus far, the Europa League champions haven’t been able to secure any signatures, with Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo still looking more likely to join Manchester United over them, and Antoine Semenyo putting pen to paper on a new deal at Bournemouth.

Even Eberechi Eze, who was once again linked with the club this year, now looks like he could be joining Arsenal, alongside Gyokeres.

Yet, there is still reason to be optimistic, as the Lilywhites close in on a key target, a Premier League star who could be their answer to the Swede: Mohammed Kudus.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the West Ham United ace.

In fact, the Italian journalist claims the Ghanaian is now a “top target and a crucial target” for Frank and that even though their initial offer of £50m was rejected, they will bid again.

In terms of the final price, it has been reported elsewhere that the Hammers may be holding out for a fee in the region of £65m.

It appears that this would be a complicated and costly transfer to complete this summer, but one Spurs should fight to secure, especially as Kudus could be their Gyokeres.

Why Kudus could be Spurs' Gyokeres

The first thing to say is that, yes, Kudus and Gyokeres are fundamentally different players and occupy very different roles within their respective squads.

However, when we say the former could be Spurs’ answer to Arsenal signing the latter, we are not talking or even thinking about where they play.

Instead, the point is that, in a similar way to how the Swede is likely to transform the Gunners’ attack and potentially their fortunes next season, the Ghanaian star has the ability to do the same for the Lilywhites.

Appearances

48

35

Minutes

3781′

2721′

Goals

18

5

Assists

10

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.25

Minutes per Goal Involvement

135.03′

302.33′

For example, while it’s certainly the case that his return of five goals and four assists in 35 appearances last season was underwhelming, his output the year before was nothing short of superb.

In 48 appearances, totalling 3781 minutes, the “generational talent,” as dubbed by journalist Gary Al-Smith, scored 18 goals and provided ten assists.

In other words, the Accra-born monster averaged a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 135.03 minutes, which is the sort of output that could fire Spurs up the table next season.

Furthermore, in addition to incredible ability in front of goal, the former Ajax gem can play anywhere from right wing to attacking midfield and even centre-forward, in turn giving Frank so many tactical options.

Finally, if you are still unconvinced over his game-changing potential, then you need only look at some of his underlying numbers.

Despite not having the best campaign in terms of output, FBref still ranked the international ace in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for take-ons attempted and successful take-ons, as well as the top 6% for pass completion and goal-creating actions from long shots, among other metrics, all per 90.

Ultimately, Kudus may not have been at his very best last season, but the talent is there, and in the right environment, he could be utterly game-changing, and in a way, Spurs’ answer to Gyokeres moving to the red side of North London.

Shades of Haaland: Spurs submit bid for "one of the best STs in the PL"

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time in handing Thomas Frank the tools for success.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 6, 2025

“We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” says Prabath Jayasuriya

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-2024If you’re a batter, your first Test at one of the most trying venues on the planet tends not to go well for you. Rachin Ravindra, though, is proving across formats, that he’s not your run-of-the-mill batter out of New Zealand.His fourth-innings vanguard, which by the end of day four has brought him 91 not out off 158, and pushed New Zealand into a spot where they still have an outside chance of victory, has been full of bravado.Sri Lanka’s offspinners attacked him outside off stump, figuring that as he likes to play shots out there, there will eventually be an edge that comes off his bat. The edge never materialised but plenty of runs did – 40 of his runs coming in the arc between backward point and cover, Ravindra’s shot-making frequent and consistent even when the pitch was spitting towards the end of the day.Related

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“I’ll be honest, the pitch isn’t easy – but there were periods there when Rachin made it look very easy,” said Ajaz Patel, who partnered Ravindra through the last few overs of the day.”He’s a phenomenal player. I think he’s world class. With his batting out there today, you saw him sticking to a solid plan for long periods, and trusting his skills. He’s got an amazing future in front of him. I’m grateful he’s on our team. He’s a headache to bowl to in first-class cricket.”When Sri Lanka switched to bowling straighter at him, Ravindra was no less proficient through the legside. He was ruthless when the bowlers erred even slightly on length, preferring the pull to the sweep as his main run-scoring option on the legside.In fact, four of his nine fours, and his one six all came through midwicket, with the six coming off a full toss.Opposition left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya had serious praise for Ravindra too.”I mostly tried to bowl into the rough to him and turn it into him. Sometimes he was very good at latching on to the short balls.”There was some little chances that came off him. But he kept his patience and batted nicely. He hit the loose balls away and kept the good ones out. He played like someone who understood his game, and was sticking to a game plan. Sometimes we tried to take his wicket and bowled aggressively, but he turned those into scoring opportunities.”Sri Lanka now need two more wickets to win, while New Zealand need 68 for victory. Ravindra has to score those runs in the company of No. 10 Patel, and No. 11 Will O’Rourke. If he gets through that challenge, it may be the finest moment of his career to date – in Tests, at least.”We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” Jayasuriya said. “We have to take those two wickets.”

The opener hasn’t played a single T20I this year but knows the next two weeks are crucial with the T20 World Cup looming

Shashank Kishore26-Aug-20224:16

KL Rahul: ‘Playing Shaheen Shah Afridi could have helped challenge ourselves ahead of the T20 World Cup’

KL Rahul is yet to feature in a T20I this year because of injuries, and in the time he has been away, India have shifted towards a new approach to the format from a batting perspective. He may not have been an active part of this process, but he’s aware of it, and happy to buy into it as India look to fine-tune preparations leading into the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.On Thursday, Rahul had his first hit with the T20I squad after arriving from Zimbabwe, where he led India to a 3-0 sweep in the ODI series. With scores of 1 and 30 in the two innings he played in Harare, his own batting form was patchy, and Rahul’s focus in the nets was simply on enjoying an extended session.Even as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav brought out their artistry, Rahul seemed intent on bringing back his fluency. VVS Laxman even jokingly stopped him from coming out of the nets twice. Rahul enjoyed three stints in all, over a three-hour session.Related

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He was edgy against pace initially, and was beaten on length on at least three occasions by Arshdeep Singh’s angle away from him. Rahul held his own against Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing, though, getting right behind the line and moving swiftly into position to drive and play straight. His sessions were closely monitored by two cameras – one behind the stumps and another in front of cover, just outside the net.After his first 30-minute session, Rahul cooled off for a bit and went back in for round two against spin. Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin challenged him by pushing him back with a series of quicker ones and sliders. Rahul focused on his back-foot play, and the big shots that weren’t seen in his first session slowly surfaced late into his second as he tonked a straight hit over the sightscreen.In the third session, Rahul was simply focused on meeting the ball with giant forward strides, especially against Arshdeep, who bounded in tirelessly. The left-arm seamer was tossed a new ball that he swung back in from different lines, ranging from fourth stump to middle, just to get Rahul playing straight and ensuring he wasn’t bringing his front pad in the way. For someone who has all the shots in the book, this session was all about the basics.Then, as the last round was called, Rahul had fun, paddling and ramping deliveries before ending with a flat-batted slap to walk off tired and happy. The punch on the bat as he walked off resonated with satisfaction at grinding his way in.KL Rahul last played a T20I in November 2021•BCCIOn Friday, Rahul spoke of India’s new approach and of enjoying the challenge of bringing it to life. At IPL 2022, his most-recent competitive T20 outing, Rahul’s powerplay strike rates barely crossed 100, drawing plenty of chatter from pundits and former players. In the death overs, though, which he seemed intent on building towards, he struck at 198.36. Overall, Rahul ended the season with the second-most runs – 635 in 14 innings at a strike rate of 135.38 – behind Jos Buttler.”This new approach, we’d spoken about it much before when I was part of the team early on in the year as well and just after the [2021 T20] World Cup,” Rahul said. “Last season we had spoken about what we need to improve individually and how as a team we try to be more aggressive, put the bowlers under pressure by going out there and play with a lot of authority, freedom and aggression.”So I was there when that happened. Unfortunately, I have not been able to play too many T20Is since then, but we have played the IPL, and I played with the same approach, tried to see how with that same approach I can be consistent and still contribute to the team. I haven’t played since the last two-three months, and that is a challenge for me, one I am looking forward to.”It’s done really well for us, the new approach. What the team wanted and what the captain needed has been embraced by everybody, every player in the team, which is great to see and that is the biggest step. That big step has already been taken and embraced by the players, so from now on it’s only about building on it and getting stronger and by the time the World Cup comes, everyone knows exactly what to do.”The next two weeks could be another test of Rahul’s work towards returning to being the white-ball destroyer he can be. He isn’t the captain, and he has a middle order that can take apart the best of attacks. From a team point of view, it’s all systems go. Rahul couldn’t ask for a more ideal scenario than this.