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Fakhar, all-round Afridi lead Pakistan into Super Four

by csb10.top Uncategorized

On a day of remarkable drama in the Asia Cup, Pakistan did just about enough to keep their focus and secure the win that guarantees them safe passage to the Super Four. But they had to weather a spirited bowling performance from UAE who gave them a mini-scare. However, an all-round performance from Shaheen Shah Afridi and a team effort from the Pakistan bowlers ultimately sealed a 41-run victory.After the game started an hour late as the PCB threatened brinksmanship over the status of match referee Andy Pycroft, Pakistan appeared to have left all their fire and fury off the field. They scratched and poked timidly in the first four overs, limping to 17 for 2, and it wouldn’t get much better for most of the innings. Junaid Siddique took wickets at top and tail while Simranjeet Singh punctured Pakistan with three in the middle. It was only Fakhar Zaman who was left holding the innings together, but even his 36-ball 50 barely got Pakistan’s run rate above a run a ball.Related

  • The arrival of Shaheen Afridi, lower-order basher

  • The Pakcroft drama: everything, everywhere, all at once

  • PCB clears Pakistan to play UAE; says Pycroft apologised

Afridi’s unbeaten 29 off 14 balls at the end gave his side some breathing room, but after a third successive below-par game with the bat, it was Pakistan’s bowlers left to bail them out. Afridi enjoyed his best bowling display of the tournament, crucially breaking through with Alishan Sharafu’s wicket, while Haris Rauf, playing his first match of the Asia Cup, took the wicket of Dhruv Parashar to break a 48-run fourth wicket stand whose menace had slowly been increasing.Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub were operating in conditions conducive to their skillset, and they kept their end of the deal, their eight overs combining for 3 for 31 as the UAE’s innings ran out of steam. With six overs to go – they needed 62 runs with six wickets in the bag – the game still in the balance. However, as the pressure piled on, the Associates would crumple in a heap, the last seven wickets falling for 20 runs in 23 balls.

Junaid Siddique doubles up

In a tournament dominated by spin bowling, UAE fast bowler Junaid Siddique has become the top wicket-taker. Not for nothing has he amassed 105 T20I wickets, four of which came in a masterful spell of bowling against Pakistan on Wednesday.Following on from his 4 for 23 against Oman earlier in the tournament, Siddique drew Saim Ayub into a lash outside off for his third successive duck of the tournament. Varying his pace and lengths beautifully, he went the other way for Sahibzada Farhan, denying him room to induce a feeble chip into the infield.It meant Pakistan started off painfully – they were 9 for 2 in the third over – and Waseem squirelled away Siddique’s remaining two overs for the death. There, Siddique delivered like a charm once more, Pakistan’s lower-middle order finding him as difficult to put away as well. He struck once more in each of his two overs, outfoxing Mohammad Haris as he tried to paddle him, before signing off with a slower delivery that had Mohammad Nawaz holing out to leave Pakistan eight down.1:49

Jaffer: Junaid Siddique was ‘spot on’ in a must-win game

Shaheen injects batting momentum

It was fast bowler Afridi whose last-gasp cameo with the bat against India established some competitiveness to Pakistan’s total, and he came to the rescue in similar circumstances against UAE. With Pakistan 110 for 7 in the 17th over, Afridi almost single-handedly got Pakistan up to and beyond par. He found a way to fetch a pair of boundaries off Siddique, but the bulk of the runs came in a thrilling final over.Freeing his arms to get that windmill of a swing going, he began by slapping Muhammad Rohid over mid-off for six before whipping him over square leg for six more. Eighteen would come off that over, and of the 28 that came off the final two, with Afridi scoring 27 in 10 deliveries. It pushed Pakistan up to 146, placing a level of scoreboard pressure on the hosts that ultimately weighed them down throughout the chase.

When the moment slipped away

The game was going perfectly to plan for UAE. A superb bowling performance was being followed by a brisk start with the bat. Alishan Sharafu caressed the first ball of the innings from Afridi for four, and the first two overs produced 19 for 0.But there were signs that Afridi would back up his batting cameo with the ball when he coaxed Sharafu into dragging on. UAE’s captain Waseem then tried to keep the innings going. Five wides from Haris Rauf helped the run rate, and Waseem thwacked him for a boundary in the same over. By the end of the fourth, UAE were 35 for 1.The final two overs of the powerplay, though, damaged their chase. Salman Agha turned to Abrar whose carrom ball deceived Waseem. Mohammad Nawaz threw in a dive to take a stunning low catch to deal a hammer blow to their chances of an upset. In the next over, Saim Ayub cleaned up Muhammad Zohaib to leave UAE tottering at 38 for 3. As the asking rate rose into the ether, it took UAE’s hopes with it.

Pink-ball blues put India on the brink

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

On day two, just as on day one, Australia bossed the twilight zone in Adelaide

Alagappan Muthu07-Dec-2024Rohit Sharma looked like the most lonesome person in the world as he trekked back to the dressing room. It’s a good thing they’re square of the wicket in Adelaide. Shorter walk.Australia picked up five wickets in the night session. Were it not for Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland overstepping, they could have got them earlier and built on them further. Sometime in the lead-up to Travis Head’s century, it felt like they might be trying something like this. Bowling with the new pink ball in twilight. It’s almost the be-all-end-all of this format.Related

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India found themselves in a similar situation on day one when they found themselves with a seven-over-old pink ball at sunset. They were able to take only one wicket.”Yeah, I think for me if I can just rewind the clock to the first Test match, I thought our lines and lengths were exceptional and I think that was sort of the blueprint for us going into this series,” bowling coach Morne Morkel said, “We wanted to bring the stumps into play as much as possible and I felt last night with the ball moving around a little bit we missed that.”In their day-night practice match in Canberra, India discovered that the pink ball responded more when you hit the pitch on a good length. So that’s what they did when they got the new ball under lights last night. According to ESPNcricinfo ball-by-ball data, 104 of their first 198 deliveries landed exactly where they wanted it to. But only around 15% of those good-length balls ended up in line with the stumps. Many of the rest behaved a little more erratically than they were prepared for, and by the time they could recalibrate, Australia had seen off the toughest of the conditions to bat in.”Thirty overs seems to be about the mark at Adelaide Oval that for my whole career, that’s the sort of, red ball, pink ball, that’s the time where you sort of have to put in and invest and then it feels like the wicket gets slightly easier to bat on.” Travis Head, an Adelaide native, said.1:07

Where did India’s bowlers go wrong in Adelaide?

India’s second innings began with them 157 runs behind. They were under siege by an amped-up crowd and in the crosshairs of a revved-up bowling unit. Pat Cummins picked up the first wicket and the team-mates he didn’t high-five were probably the luckiest people on earth. Those he did might be sneaking ice-packs into their hotel rooms.Australia also targeted the good-length area. It accounted for 78 of 144 deliveries, and 24% of them posed a threat to the stumps because, ironically enough, in their hands the ball wasn’t moving as much. In their hands, it did just enough to beat the middle of the bat, leaving both edges and the stumps in play.One of them was the ball that had Rohit’s name on it, leaving him with two single-digit scores in his first outing after leading India to a 3-0 defeat at home. He moved down to No. 6 so as not to disrupt the opening combination that had won them the first Test. It also offered him a chance – if everything went well – to come in against the old ball, which sounds like the kind of leg up a batter who hasn’t had as much time to acclimatise to the conditions might find useful. It could be argued that Rohit dropping down the order was as much a concession as it was strategic. And it still didn’t work. He was adjudged lbw off what turned out to be a no-ball on 0, though there was a suggestion of an inside edge and an immediate gesture to review, and bowled neck and crop on 6.A few days ago Mohammed Siraj spoke about how the pink ball, when it was pitched up, didn’t really do a lot. Australia saw virtue in that. They ran the risk of being driven and flicked for four, which Shubman Gill did quite well, but given the vagaries of the pink ball, the magic of the night session and a first-innings lead, they could afford to take those hits. They could gamble in search of what happened in the 18th over when Gill was clean bowled. Starc got that ball to swing in late, seam in further, and beat the closed face of the bat to crash into the stumps.India had to spend a lot of time to home in on the line and length that accounted for the seam and swing. Eighty of their first 198 deliveries were left alone. Australia could settle in a lot quicker. They only allowed India to leave the pink ball 29 times in the window when it tends to do the most damage. This, as much as anything else, has led to the game being where it is. The night session of a day-night Test, it’s influence is irresistible.

Short outlines clear pathway to next T20 World Cup

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Matt Short wants to make the T20 World Cup side for Australia next year and knows a role in the middle order is his best hope

AAP06-Nov-2025

Matthew Short made 26* off 15•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Australia allrounder Matt Short prefers opening the batting, but has revealed his best chance of playing at next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka is in the middle and lower order.The 29-year-old toured the West Indies for Australia’s underwhelming 2024 World Cup showing as a reserve player outside of the 15-man squad and did not play.The current T20 series against India, which concludes in Queensland with matches on the Gold Coast and at the Gabba, has a lot riding on it for Short.Related

Power-packed, but not bulletproof: where Australia stand ahead of T20 World Cup

Unbeatable series lead on the line in rare Gold Coast fixture

Head leaves T20I squad for red-ball Ashes preparation

His best innings for Australia, including a dynamic 66 off 30 deliveries against South Africa in 2023, have come as an opener. However, Short, who played his first two matches of the current series at No.7, has been given a clear picture of his path to T20 World Cup inclusion by the side’s brains trust.”Personally I think I am suited to the top of the order, but having conversations with selectors and coaching staff, I think, looking forward to that T20 World Cup, I know that our top four or five is going to be pretty locked in,” Short said.”If I was to make the XI in the World Cup, I think my best chances are in the middle or lower order. We are probably using this series to see guys in different positions and looking ahead to that World Cup.”[To play at the World Cup] would be massive. I missed out on the one in the West Indies where I was a travelling reserve, but I love playing cricket for Australia no matter if it’s in the World Cup or a series like this. I am happy taking what I am getting, whether that is in the top order or through the middle.”The Adelaide Strikers captain confirmed himself as a cricketer of absolute class when he was player of the tournament in BBL 12 and BBL 13, where his powerful batting and crafty offspin stole the show.That high level of consistency was the stepping stone for Short to gain selection in both the Australian T20 and ODI sides, where he debuted in 2023.Short enjoys the ball coming onto the bat, but has set himself a goal of upping the ante when facing spinners.”There’s always ways to improve,” he said. “Looking at the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, it is probably my game against spin that probably needs a little bit of work.”Especially when you look at our squad and the power hitters we have got through the middle like Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis … guys that have had that experience in India before and have that real power game against spin.”It is obviously a challenge, and playing for Australia is not easy, so we will have to wait and see.”

Another hint at Phil Foden's wedding plans as partner Rebecca Cooke appears to show off huge diamond engagement ring

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Phil Foden and Rebecca Cooke have dropped another hint that wedding bells will soon be ringing, with the Manchester City star’s partner flashing a huge diamond engagement ring. The childhood sweethearts have three children together and would appear to be drawing up plans for a tying of the knot. There has been no official word that they are preparing to get married.

Is Foden getting married? Engagement speculation

Speculation has, however, been rife for several months. Eldest son Ronnie has helped to fuel those rumours. He has shared a video on his Instagram account – which now boasts 4.2 million followers – that features his mum and dad.

In that, which sees the Fodens getting into the Christmas spirit, Cooke can be seen sporting a dazzling piece of jewellery on her left ring finger. She has been making no attempt to hide that sparkler across a series of images and videos that have been posted online.

AdvertisementRing shopping: No official word on wedding

Foden and Cooke sparked engagement gossip when they were spotted ring shopping in Wilmslow, Cheshire. They were seen heading into a local jewellers after arriving in a £400,000 Mercedes G-Wagon.

Back in February, Cooke was seen sporting a ring on her left hand. It was reported at the time that Foden had popped the question during a romantic break in Paris – with the England international apparently getting down on one knee as the new year was welcomed in.

The happy couple – who both hail from Stockport – have been together since they were teenagers, with City playmaker Foden now 25 years of age. A source has told : “The pair of them have been together since they were young and their family and friends have been expecting them to get engaged for a while.

“The time seemed right for Phil to pop the question. He took her away to Paris for New Year's Eve and when they came back Rebecca had a sparkling diamond ring on her engagement finger.”

The insider added: “The ring is absolutely huge. It's a massive diamond. She loves it and she's very proud of wearing it although she hasn't announced anything about it. But all the wags know and all the players know in Manchester about the ring and everybody is looking forward to maybe an announcement soon that something has happened, maybe an engagement.

“It would certainly be a massive wedding full of footballers and celebrities and WAGs. Rebecca loves a party and has hosted some amazing baby showers.”

Star-studded ceremony: Foden & Cooke are parents of three

A Foden-Cooke wedding would certainly be a star-studded affair, with several international footballers likely to be in attendance. Extended family would also be invited along, with Foden having remained close to his roots since bursting onto the senior stage. A source has previously told the Daily Mail: “Phil is very close to his family, particularly his parents.”

Foden and Cooke became parents for the first time in 2019, when Ronnie was welcomed into the world. The Manchester City and England star said of that experience: “I was there for the birth. I walked out of the room, gave it a little tear and then went back in like nothing happened.”

The couple's daughter, True, was born in 2021. Cooke gave birth to a second son in June 2024, with Foden being released from European Championship duty with England in order to be at his partner’s side in the delivery room.

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Getty Images Sport2026 World Cup dream: Foden hoping to make England squad

He is hoping to grace another major tournament next summer, with the Three Lions having secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. They will discover their group stage opponents for that event when said draw takes place on Friday.

Foden has not always been called upon by Thomas Tuchel, with the German tactician making it clear that there are no guaranteed selections in his ranks, but a welcome return to form has been enjoyed with club and country. The classy midfielder has registered four goals across his last two Premier League appearances for City – against Leeds and Fulham.

The changing game: bowlers rise, batters fall, Tests get faster and shorter

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The format of the WTC discourages defensive cricket, and that has made Test matches look and feel very different to what they were – the story in numbers

Sampath Bandarupalli07-Jun-2025In November 2015, South Africa lost an away Test series for the first time in nearly a decade when they went 2-0 down after three of the four Tests in India.In the final Test, a dead rubber in Delhi, South Africa focused solely on playing for a draw instead of trying to get a consolation win when set a target of 481 in five full sessions. To achieve that, they scored 143 runs in 143.1 overs. They were on track for the longest time, but then lost their last five wickets in just 31 balls after tea on the final day. Morne Morkel was the fastest scorer with a strike rate of 33.33.No team in the 152-year history of Test cricket has gone that long while scoring as slowly.Fast forward ten years, and teams have a solid reason to do what South Africa tried to do in Delhi. You get four crucial points to help your cause on the World Test Championship (WTC) table, after all, and prevent the opposition from claiming the full 12 points.Except, no one seems to be thinking that. There were only four draws in the WTC cycle which will have it’s winner at Lord’s in just over a week’s time.

Faster Tests, shorter Tests

The introduction of the WTC in 2019 significantly changed the game. Teams actively work to avoid draws, and the pitches now favour bowlers more than ever before. In the six years leading up to the WTC’s arrival (from 2013 to the end of the 2018-19 season), the average number of balls bowled per Test was 1946.64, with an average of 32.06 runs per wicket.From 2019 to 2024-25, the average length of a Test has been 1785.87 balls, while the average runs per wicket fell to 30.31. Consequently, the number of balls taken per wicket declined from 59.52 to 54.72. The run rate, though, experienced a marginal increase – from 3.23 to 3.32.

The first two WTC cycles, 2019-21 and 2021-23, exhibited similar overall statistics. The average runs per wicket was 30.63 and 30.47, respectively, and wickets fell at a similar rate, 58.45 and 57 balls per wicket. Matches during those cycles lasted an average of 1855 balls.The WTC 2023-25 cycle has been very different. Wickets have fallen every 47.81 balls, with only 1638.09 balls bowled per Test. At the same time, the average runs per wicket came down by only a run (29.11), as the scoring rate increased to 3.65 runs per over. Notably, 50 out of the 69 Tests in this cycle produced a result by the fourth day. Test cricket is now quicker both in terms of the scoring and wickets falling, resulting in shorter matches.

Only four Tests in this cycle ended in a draw – and all of them were affected by rain, preventing 300 overs of play.However, these shifts didn’t necessarily begin with the WTC. In the three years leading up to the first edition of the WTC, from 2016 to 2018-19, the draw percentage had dropped to 12.08%. Nearly half the Tests concluded within four days. The average number of balls bowled per Test was 1897.36, almost 19 overs fewer than the previous period – from 2013 to 2015-16 – when the average was 2009.39 balls. The average runs per wicket decreased by three, going from 33.99 (from 2013 to 2015-16) to 30.58 (from 2016 to 2018-19).This trend remained consistent in the first three years of the WTC, from 2019 to 2021-22, with matches averaging 1878.38 balls, and runs scored per wicket averaging 30.09 – only slightly lower than the figures from 2016 to 2018-19.

The big change came in the latest cycle. Over the past three years, the average number of balls bowled per match has been just 1701.07, or about 283 overs. Out of the 120 Tests played during this period, 15 were completed in fewer than 200 overs, and 31 did not last beyond three days.Of the 120 Tests played between 2022 and 2024-25, including Tests that were not a part of the WTC, 81 concluded with a win/loss by the fourth day. This means that only one in every three Tests has gone to the fifth day. In contrast, from 2013 to 2015-16, only 45 of the 117 Tests ended in four or fewer days.Between 2022 and 2024-25, just 11 out of 120 Tests ended in draws. Because of the weather, fewer than 300 overs were bowled in five of them, and two others had fewer than 400 overs. In contrast, from 2013 to 2015-16, 26 matches ended in draws. In 17 of those 26 drawn Tests, at least 400 overs were bowled, and only six had fewer than 300 overs.

Fall of the fortresses

Many teams now prefer to chase wins on pitches that support bowlers, but that seems to be backfiring. Between 2013 and 2018-19, home teams won twice as many matches as they lost; however, that win-loss ratio has decreased to 1.488 since 2019 (until 2024-25).The decline of home dominance in Tests is evident in the matches played during the three WTC cycles. Teams are looking to secure the full 12 points while playing at home by dishing out favourable pitches, but are instead conceding points to visiting teams.

In the first two WTC cycles, home teams had a win-loss ratio of 1.888 and 2.000, which dropped significantly to 1.166 in the third cycle. During this latest cycle, home teams won only 11 series while losing ten, compared to the first two cycles, where they won 15 series and lost just 11.India were clean swept at home for the first time in a series of three or more Tests when New Zealand beat them 3-0. That ended India’s record streak of 18 consecutive Test series wins at home. New Zealand themselves suffered twin series losses at home, having not lost a series there in nearly seven years. Bangladesh also took down Pakistan while touring, winning both Tests in a two-match series.

No easy conditions

Bowlers have had a bigger say on the first day of matches. Between 2022 and 2024-25, the average runs per wicket was 33.7, with a wicket falling every 56.77 balls. The corresponding figures from 2013 to 2015-16 were more than 40 and 78.Although the average dropped to 37.8 in the three-year periods from 2016 to 2018-19 and 2019 to 2021-22, wickets were harder to come by. The average balls per wicket in those were 70.79 and 75.19, respectively.

A similar trend is observed when classifying the first-day averages across WTC cycles. The latest cycle shows an average of 32.28 runs per wicket, five below the previous two. The average balls per wicket slid to 54.28, nearly 15 balls fewer than in earlier periods.

Bowlers’ rise, batters’ decline

Another trend shaping modern Test cricket is the decline in batting, which some attribute to the rise of white-ball cricket and the dominance of bowlers in the longest format. The basic numbers of individuals do back that claim.

In the six years leading up to the 2019 season, 37 batters scored over 2000 runs, with nine players averaging 50. Among them, two batters maintained an average above 60. Since 2019, none of the 29 batters who have scored over 2000 runs have an average over 60, and only four have an average of 50 or more.Bowlers, however, have significantly improved their averages and strike rates.Over six years leading up to 2019, 48 bowlers took more than 50 wickets, but only 12 had an average below 25.

In contrast, since 2019, that number has risen to 19 out of 48. Bowling strike rates have also improved; half of the 48 bowlers have struck every 50 balls since 2019, whereas only eight bowlers did that in the six years before the WTC.

Conway joins Tilak as retired-out batters in IPL 2025

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The CSK batter scored 69 in a failed chase, much like Tilak’s struggles against LSG

Omkar Mankame05-Apr-2025 • Updated on 08-Apr-2025R Ashwin 28 (23)RR vs LSG, Wankhede, 2022With murmurs growing louder around the tactical use of retired out in T20 cricket, Ashwin took the conversation from theory to practice. Promoted to No. 6 in the tenth over to shield Riyan Parag for a more favourable entry point later, Ashwin compiled 28 off 23 balls. But with just ten balls left in the innings and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on 135 for 4, he chose to retire out, making way for Parag. RR added 30 runs in the remaining deliveries and later edged home by three runs.Atharva Taide 55 (42)PBKS vs DC, Dharamsala, 2023Punjab Kings were lagging in their 214-run chase, and opener Taide’s strike rate of 131 after facing the equivalent of seven overs wasn’t helping. With five overs to go and the required rate climbing, PBKS made a tactical call of retiring out Taide to bring in Jitesh Sharma, with Shahrukh Khan and Sam Curran next to come. At that point, Kings were 128 for 3, needing 86 to win off 30 balls. The move didn’t quite tilt the game their way, as they eventually fell short by 15 runs.Sai Sudharsan 43 (31)GT vs MI, Qualifier 2, Ahmedabad, 2023It was the Shubman Gill show in Ahmedabad, the opener lighting up Qualifier 2 with a breathtaking 129 off 60 balls. Sudharsan held one end up while Gill did the heavy lifting, but in the slog overs, Gujarat Titans’ momentum dipped – the 18th and 19th overs produced just 16 runs. With one over left, GT retired out Sudharsan. In walked Rashid Khan, who hit his first ball for four. GT finished on 233 for 3 – more than enough to book a spot in their second straight IPL final.Tilak Varma 23 (25)MI vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025Suryakumar’s scintillating 67 off 42 kept Mumbai Indians in the mix during their 204-run chase in Lucknow. But Impact Player Tilak, brought in at No. 5, struggled to shift gears. With MI needing 52 off the last 23 balls. Tilak managed to score eight off his last five balls at the crease – four of them coming via an edged boundary – before he went off as MI grew increasingly desperate. Tilak was retired out when MI needed 24 off seven balls. The move didn’t pay off, as LSG held their nerve to close out a 12-run win.Devon Conway 69(49)PBKS vs CSK, Mullanpur, 2025It was Conway’s second match of the season and he scored a steady fifty after opening the batting alongside Rachin Ravindra. His 89-run partnership with Shivam Dube off just 51 balls kept CSK’s hopes alive. But after Dube fell with CSK needing 69 off 25, Conway could make only 19 off 12 balls after his fifty. In the 18th over, with 49 needed off 13 balls, CSK decided to retire him out with MS Dhoni in the middle, sending in Ravindra Jadeja. CSK eventually went down by 18 runs to suffer four losses in five matches.

Maresca handed Vlahovic boost amid renewed stance with Chelsea "offered" January deal

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been handed a fresh boost over Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, with the player now ready to take one drastic action to leave Turin.

While summer signing Liam Delap is now ready and available once again after weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, the Englishman’s absence somewhat exposed Chelsea’s lack of striker options.

Chelsea'sLiamDelapreacts after sustaining an injury

BlueCo were forced to cut short Marc Guiu’s loan spell at Sunderland and bring the Spaniard back to Stamford Bridge as cover for Delap, with Joao Pedro, an arguably more natural number 10, also handed the task of playing up front by Maresca.

Guiu was handed his first Premier League start of the season for Chelsea in their 2-1 loss to the Black Cats last weekend, but failed to make the desired impact, despite scoring against Ajax a few days prior.

While Chelsea forked out nearly £300 million in the summer transfer window, placing them among England’s most lavish spenders, Maresca still finds himself short in key areas.

Rank

Club

Gross Spend

Sales

Net Spend

20.

Bournemouth

£136.7m

£202.5m

+£65.8m

19.

Brighton

£67.7m

£127.5m

+£59.8m

18.

Brentford

£92.8m

£152m

+£59.2m

17.

Wolves

£105.6m

£126.5m

+£20.9m

16.

Chelsea

£296.5m

£314.4m

+£17.9m

Find the rest here…

This is particularly the case at centre-back, and reports suggest that Chelsea are set to prioritise a new defender in January as a result.

The likes of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, who could reportedly re-join his former club on a cut-price deal in the winter, and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano have both been discussed as options by Chelsea in that regard (Graeme Bailey).

Further forward, Chelsea are believed to be considering a new striker as well, as journalist Simon Phillips has reported, but any deal would be in the ‘cheaper’ bracket.

Phillips mentions Vlahovic as one option, and this is backed up by other media sources.

It is believed that Chelsea have already held talks with the Serbia international’s agents given his contract expires at the end of this season, and there’s now been another update.

Chelsea given fresh Dusan Vlahovic boost amid fresh stance

Speaking to The Chelsea Chronicle, reporter Graeme Bailey says that Maresca’s side have been offered the chance to do a deal in January.

Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up

Vlahovic, who apparently earns a staggering £370,000-per-week at Juve, is also ready to take a pay cut after renewing his stance in that regard — coming as a boost for Chelsea.

Ever since his breakout campaign in 2020/2021, Vlahovic has managed at least 14 goals per season, often far more.

The ex-Fiorentina “superstar” has also scored in big Champions League games against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Man City in the last two campaigns, so the prospect of signing him for below £20 million is a pretty enticing one.

If Chelsea do make a move, Vlahovic’s potential wage cut will be key, as Chelsea’s current highest earning first-team player is Reece James on £250,000-per-week.

This doesn’t include ‘bomb squad’ member Raheem Sterling, who takes home roughly £325,000-per-week.

Sterling is among Chelsea's highest earners Weekly wages: Chelsea FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

Here’s how much Todd Boehly is playing his players at Stamford Bridge…

ByCharlie Smith Sep 23, 2025

Real Madrid player ratings vs Celta Vigo: Los Blancos lose their heads! Xabi Alonso's side end humiliating home defeat with NINE men after two red cards as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vini Jr all go missing

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Real Madrid were humbled by bottom-of-the-table Celta Vigo, finished the match with nine men and failed to close the four point gap on league leaders Barcelona following a shock 2-0 defeat at the Bernabeu. Xabi Alonso’s side went behind midway through the second half courtesy of a stunning finish from Williot Swedberg, Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras were both shown red cards before Swedberg scored another in time added on to a chorus of boos as the match ended in chaotic scenes.

Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior all delivered diabolical performances on a night when they were needed at their best in a defeat which could have huge ramifications in the title race. The Bernabeu was stunned into silence after Real went behind to a stunning finish from 21-year-old Sweden international Swedberg. Real’s defence was caught napping as Swedberg dropped off inside the box and found a yard of space to fire home with an audacious flick of his right boot which found the bottom corner of the net. 

And there was worse to come for Los Blancos as Fran Garcia was sent off following two yellow cards in the space of a couple of second-half minutes for two impetuous fouls. Real were rocked and the crowd responded, reminding their players what was at stake and the need for three points to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona. 

But the embarrassment was completed in the closing stages when Alvaro Carreras was handed his marching orders after receiving two yellow cards and in a final act, Swedberg walked the ball around the shocked Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to seal the victory and end an awful night for Alonso's side. 

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Bernabeu…

  • Getty Images Sport

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

    Started off as a relatively quiet evening for him, and could do nothing about the two goals. Will be sorely disappointed about his defence. 

    Raul Asencio (4/10):

    Was left red-faced after a slip early in the first-half opened the door for Celta to attack, would have been relieved the visitors failed to capitalise. 

    Eder Militao (6/10):

    Lasted just 20 minutes after pulling up with what looked like a nasty hamstring injury, replaced by Rudiger. Really bad news for Alonso as Militao has been in excellent form for Los Blancos. 

    Alvaro Carreras (2/10):

    Shambles of an evening. Two quick-fire yellow cards for playground-level incidents and was shown a straight red card. 

    Fran Garcia (3/10):

    Ridiculous behaviour in two mad minutes in the second-half, picking up two yellow cards for wholly unnecessary challenges to leave his team down to ten men. Referee had no option on either and was right to show the red card. 

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  • Getty Images Sport

    Midfield

    Aurelien Tchouameni (4/10):

    Endured a poor evening, which was summed up by his effort from 20 yards out which sailed miles over the bar to a chorus of boos from the home crowd. 

    Arda Guler (5/10):

    Squandered a wonderful opportunity to open the scoring in the 40th minute, but fired wide from just a few yards out.

    Federico Valverde (5/10):

    Was a busy running all evening, but like his team-mates, failed to create a moment of quality worth mentioning. 

  • Getty Images Sport

    Attack

    Jude Bellingham (3/10):

    Took a hefty whack to his right eye in the second-half, which left blood pouring from a small cut. In truth it was a terrible night for Bellingham who failed to create anything in front of goal after an early headed chance was saved. 

    Kylian Mbappe (3/10):

    Thought his moment had come in the 74th minute but his delightful control and chip over the on-rushing goalkeeper landed just over the cross bar on the roof of the net. Below par in every department on a woeful night for the France superstar. 

    Vinicius Junior (3/10):

    Made all the recent talk of big money moves seem a little premature after putting in a performance that was high in effort, but low in quality. Now hasn't scored in 11 games for Real. 

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    Subs & Manager

    Antonio Rudiger (5/10):

    Brought on in the 24th minute, replacing the injured Militao. Had plenty of covering to do as Real Madrid pushed up searching for an equaliser and did well to out-muscle Swedberg in the final moments. 

    Gonzalo Garcia (4/10):

    Replaced Guler in the 75th minute, plenty of running but not enough time on the pitch to influence the match

    Xabi Alonso (3/10):

    Thoroughly frustrating evening for the boss who deployed his star players and watched them all flop against the league's bottom side. His evening summed up by being shown a yellow card after complaining too vociferously to the referee. Has plenty to ponder after a terrible night for his team's title hopes. 

Gracia 2.0: 49ers set to explore hiring 3-4-2-1 Farke replacement at Leeds

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is facing a potentially defining week in his career at the club ahead of Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool at Elland Road.

The Guardian reported on Monday that Farke’s job may be on the line in these next two matches, because senior figures at the club believe that two losses could lead to his dismissal.

It added that his position in West Yorkshire could be ‘untenable’ if he does not pick up at least one point, as the report states that his job hangs ‘in the balance’.

The Guardian, though, also revealed that some sources have expressed sympathy for the German manager because the results have not been as positive as the performances have been.

Leeds exploring move for English head coach

Whilst a final decision has not been made on the former Norwich City head coach’s future at the club, a fresh report has named one of the managers already in the frame to take his place.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

According to Football Insider, Leeds United are exploring the possibility of a move to appoint former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil as Farke’s replacement at Elland Road.

The report claims that the English tactician is ‘firmly’ in the running to be the next Whites manager if they decide to part ways with the German this week.

It adds that Farke will be in the dugout for the clash with Chelsea on Wednesday night, as the earlier report from The Guardian backs up, but his future beyond these next two games remains in doubt.

However, the 49ers should change their mind and avoid a deal to appoint O’Neil as their next manager if they opt to move on from Farke, because he could be a Javi Gracia repeat for the club.

Why Gary O'Neil could be a Javi Gracia repeat for Leeds

The Whites appointed Gracia to replace Jesse Marsch in February 2022 in an attempt to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and it seemed to be a shrewd move on paper.

Prior to joining Leeds, the Spaniard had finished 14th and 11th in the Premier League with Watford in his first two seasons with the Hornets, per Transfermarkt, before losing his job after three defeats in four games at the start of his third campaign.

He, therefore, arrived as a ‘proven’ Premier League manager, but that did not stop him from losing six of his 11 games in charge before being sacked by the Whites, who then brought in Sam Allardyce.

O’Neil would arrive at Elland Road with a similar reputation because he finished 15th and 14th with Bournemouth and Wolves in his first two seasons in the division, before being sacked after a run of 11 losses in 16 games in his third top-flight campaign, per Transfermarkt.

The English boss, who typically deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation, per Transfermarkt, lost his job with the Old Gold for a run of form that was even worse than Farke’s current performance at Leeds.

Premier League

Farke – 25/26

O’Neil – 24/25

Games managed

13

16

Wins

3

2

Draws

2

3

Losses

8

11

Points

11

9

Points per game

0.85

0.56

League position

18th

19th

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Farke would still have a better record than O’Neil did last season if he loses these next two games against Chelsea and Liverpool.

These statistics suggest that there is no guarantee that the ex-Wolves manager would be an upgrade on the German in the dugout, as Gracia wasn’t, despite his Premier League experience, when they sacked Marsch in 2022.

With this in mind, the 49ers should avoid moving for the out-of-work head coach if they decide to sack Farke, because it could be a repeat of the mistake that former sporting director Victor Orta once made with Gracia.

Instead, they should look to appoint a manager who is a clear upgrade on the German boss, whether they have Premier League experience or not, to help them in their battle against relegation.

Leeds lining up January spending spree for "phenomenal" Farke replacement

Daniel Farke will reportedly be sacked if Leeds lose their next two matches.

By
Ben Goodwin

Dec 1, 2025

Of course, it would be remiss of us to ignore the possibility that Farke can turn things around in these next two games to save his job, which would alleviate any need for the board to step in and make a decision on a replacement for him in the coming weeks.

Rohl must bin Chermiti for Rangers star who was the SPFL's "best player"

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Eight matches into his Rangers tenure, is Danny Röhl any closer to figuring out which players he can trust and who he cannot?

On Thursday night, the Gers were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man Braga at Ibrox, despite taking the lead through James Tavernier’s spot-kick in first half stoppage time; the fact that only 38,014 spectators were in attendance encapsulates the mood.

So, with just one point on the board after five games, a frankly pitiful effort, unless they somehow manage to beat Ferencváros, Ludogorets Razgrad and then Porto, which seems unlikely if we’re being honest, the Gers’ Europa League adventure will be coming to a premature end in January, having got all the way to last season’s quarter-finals.

This will allow them to concentrate on domestic matters, which may be a good thing, given that they’ve slipped down to fifth in the Premiership table, despite having won all four league matches since Röhl’s arrival in Glasgow.

So, ahead of a visit from Falkirk, who would actually leapfrog their hosts with a shock victory at Ibrox on Sunday, what changes should the German head coach make?

Youssef Chermiti's uninspiring form

Back on Monday, it was announced that both chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell had been sacked, after overseeing a chaotic summer of recruitment, with the £8m, potentially rising to £10m, paid to sign Youssef Chermiti among the more egregious and baffling of their decisions.

So far, he has scored just one goal for the club, on target against Kilmarnock last month, already surpassing his tally of zero goals during two seasons at Everton, also brought to Merseyside by Thelwell for £14m when he was working at Goodison.

Aside from his lack of goals, the striker simply isn’t offering enough, often allowing matches to pass him by and putting in anonymous performances.

Following this week’s draw with Braga, Mark Atkinson of the Scotsman asserted that he is driving supporters ‘demented’, adding that he ‘spurned a couple of presentable’ opportunities and is so far proving to be a mere baffling expensive purchase.

So, ahead of a sequence of three Premiership matches in seven days, facing Falkirk, Dundee United and then Kilmarnock, Chermiti should be stood down and Röhl must instead deploy the “best player in the league” up front.

Rangers' superior Chermiti alternative

Of the 13 players Rangers signed in the summer, many are young and inexperienced, hoping to grow and improve in the coming years, but Bojan Miovski was supposed to be a ready-made starter, brought in to produce right away.

The 26-year-old, returning to Scottish football after a season at Girona, is a proven goalscorer at both club and international level, bagging his ninth goal for North Macedonia against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium earlier this month.

Meantime, at club level, prior to his season in Catalonia, he had been outstanding during two years at Aberdeen, as the table below documents.

Appearances

98

Goals

44

European goals

4

Goals vs Rangers

4

Goals vs Celtic

3

Shots on target per 90

1.1

Big chances missed

31

Average rating

6.9

As the table makes clear, Miovski was an elite-level finisher during his time at Pittodrie, scoring 32 Premiership goals, while his strike rate in Europe as well as against the two Glasgow giants underlines his quality.

Then-teammate Nicky Devlin asserted that Miovski was “the best player in the league in his position”, firing the Dons to a third place finish in 2022/23, before being sold for £6.8m, the Dons’ record outgoing transfer.

However, we are yet to see very much of that from Miovski in a Rangers jersey, scoring his first goal for the club against Hibs in the League Cup, while his only Premiership goal came at Falkirk Stadium in October, the day Russell Martin was sacked.

Since the appointment of Röhl, the North Macedonian has featured in all eight matches but has started just once, this coming at Dens Park before the international break, substituted at half time with the Light Blues leading Dundee 2-0.

So, for whatever reason, the German head coach appears to favour Chermiti and Danilo, despite the fact that Miovski is a proven goalscorer at both Premiership and European level, something this team desperately needs given that, 26 matches into this campaign, Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama are the only squad members who have four or more goals to their name.

Thus, when Falkirk visit Ibrox this weekend, surely Röhl has to bring Miovski back into his XI, ditching the ineffective Chermiti, with the former looking to net as he did against the Bairns once again, just as he did in Stirlingshire just last month.

Not just Djiga: Thelwell flop who lost ball 17x looks finished at Rangers

Rangers’ wait for a first Europa League victory goes on, held to a 1-1 draw by Braga at Ibrox, and a summer signing was just as bad as Nasser Djiga.

ByBen Gray Nov 28, 2025

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