Tottenham have reportedly been looking at signing a "dominant" Champions League player for manager Ange Postecoglou.
Injuries ravage Spurs squad
In the last three weeks, it's safe to say injuries have seriously taken their toll on Spurs' squad – putting a real dampener on their otherwise electric start to the Premier League season.
Lange could move for "massive" £60m defender after Spurs meeting this week
There’s been internal discussions ahead of January.
ByEmilio Galantini Nov 24, 2023
The north Londoners have suffered defeats in two of their last encounters without the likes of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie to choose from in their starting eleven.
Udogie, in a rare boost for Postecoglou, is set to return to the fold when Spurs take on Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow – but the Australian has been dealt two new problems.
Concerns surround the fitness of Pape Matar Sarr, as per Postecoglou's latest press conference, while highly-rated young defender Ashley Phillips is set to be out for around a month after picking up an injury on international duty.
Phillips joins some of the aforementioned, Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon and Richarlison on the treatment table at Spurs, prompting them to look at the January market for solutions.
Where Tottenham could strengthen in January
The Lilywhites are reportedly chasing a left-sided centre-back as cover for van de Ven, leading to Spurs' interest in signing Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth among others.
Uruguay defender Sebastian Caceres, Everton's Ben Godfrey, Chelsea ace Trevoh Chalobah, Genoa star Radu Dragusin, Union Saint-Gilloise's Koki Machida, Benfica starlet Morato, Englishman Jarrad Branthwaite and Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio stand out as other defenders linked with a move to Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou is apparently keen on signing a winger to bolster that area of the squad, coming amid injuries to Solomon, Perisic and Richarlison.
Spurs have been tipped with interest in Al-Ittihad winger Jota and Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior as a result, but according to Sky Sports, a new name has entered the frame.
Spurs look at signing Johan Bakayoko
According to the broadcast giant, and journalist Lyall Thomas, Tottenham are interested in signing Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven.
The Dutchman is also a target for Brentford, and while there is little else added other than Spurs' fondness for the player, it is clear to see why sporting director Johan Lange has his eyes on Bakayoko.
PSV Eindhoven forwardJohan Bakayoko.
He's dazzled in the Champions League for PSV so far this season, as relayed by Sky as well – scoring against RC Lens and adding another assist over four group games.
The 20-year-old appears to have a bright future, having racked up six assists in the Eredivisie already as well, with former PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy calling him a "dominant" forward (ESPN via livefootballontv).
Johan Bakayoko's style of play (via WhoScored)
Likes to cut inside
Likes to do layoffs
Indirect set pieces
Likes to play short passes
“He is so dominant, sometimes you forget that he is eighteen," said van Nistelrooy two years ago.
“He’s a boy who, if he continues to invest in what he’s doing now, hopefully at the end of the season can make a nice step towards first. He’s worked hard on multiple facets of his game, and that’s showing through now. Maintaining this level in the longer term is his goal.”
Heavy overnight rain and a wet outfield forced the abandonment of the third T20I between Ireland and Afghanistan in Bready, without a ball being bowled. The match referee called off the game at 15.45 local time, 15 minutes after the scheduled toss time.With Afghanistan already having sealed the series 2-0, Ireland were going into the game looking to salvage pride and end their seven-match losing streak in T20Is against the visitors. Afghanistan’s spin attack bowled them to victory in the first two games, building on Hazratullah Zazai’s solid batting displays on both occasions. Zazai was named Player of the Series for his two half-centuries.The action now heads to Stormont, which hosts the three-match ODI series between the two teams next week.
حسم نادي برشلونة المنافس في بطولة الدوري الإسباني موقف الثلاثي الدولي، لامين يامال، فيران توريس وبيدري من السفر إلى جولة الولايات المتحدة الامريكية.
ويسافر برشلونة خلال الأيام القليلة المقبلة إلى أمريكا لاستكمال فترة الإعداد للموسم الجديد 2024/2025 تحت قيادة المدير الفني، هانز فليك.
ولكن الثلاثي الدولي قد أنهى للتو مشاركته في بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا، يورو 2024، وساهموا بقوة في فوز منتخب إسبانيا باللقب.
وبعد تحليل الأمر من قبل الإدارة الرياضية بالاتفاق مع المدرب، هانز فليك، تقرر عدم سفر الثلاثي إلى أمريكا خاصة بيدري الذي يتعافى من الإصابة.
اقرأ أيضًا.. لابورتا عن التعاقد مع نيكو ويليامز: علينا احترام أتلتيك بلباو
بجانب أن فيران توريس ولامين يامال يشعران بالإجهاد الكبير بعد موسم طويل مع برشلونة ثم المشاركة مع إسبانيا في يورو 2024 الذي انتهى يوم، الأحد.
يرغب برشلونة في منح الثلاثي الدولي راحة حتى 7 أو 8 أغسطس بعد عودة الفريق من الولايات المتحدة الامريكية رغم دراسة إمكانية سفرهم من جانب تسويقي بعد فوزهم باللقب القاري.
وذلك على عكس ما سيحدث مع الظهير الأيمن، جول كوندي، الذي خرج مع فرنسا من الدور نصف النهائي أمام إسبانيا وربما نجده مسافرًا مع البعثة إلى أمريكا.
ولكن عليه أولًا أن يخضع لفحوصات طبية شاملة كما فعل جميع اللاعبين والتدريب لبضعة أيام منفردًا لاستعادة لياقته البدنية بعد الراحة الصيفية.
The idea that people would be drawn to day-night Championship cricket hasn’t come to pass – at least at The Oval
Daniel Norcross at Kia Oval20-Aug-2018 ScorecardThere is a strong possibility, verging on likelihood, that The Oval is currently hosting the last ever day-night County Championship match.Surrey and Lancashire are the last two counties to endure the ordeal this season, and if reports from across the country are anything to go by, feedback on this experiment, which is into its second year, range from “what’s the point?” at the positive end of the spectrum to “this absurd farrago debases the integrity of the competition and drives away fans.”The final piece of the jigsaw was tested at The Oval today. Situated in the middle of the largest city in Europe, within 75 seconds gentle ambling distance of a tube station through which over 35,000 passengers a day pass between the hours of 5pm and 7pm, Surrey made entrance to their ground free after 6pm. Around two hours and 40 minutes play could be enjoyed in the atmospheric surroundings of this historic stadium without spending so much as a penny.Many a commuter, on their way to stations in South West London had the opportunity to watch that rarest of beasts; County Championship cricket on a work day, and to enjoy a short hop home after it was all done.The figures, though, don’t make great reading: 356 people turned up between 6pm and 7pm. Meanwhile, around 500 people left. Thereafter the crowd thinned out dramatically. The overall attendance of around 3,000 was pretty much par for a weekday.If there is no notable upside in attendance and large numbers of fans drift off hours before the close of play, for whose benefit is this experiment taking place? If it doesn’t work at The Oval, the most accessible ground in the country, it really can’t work anywhere else.Josh Bohannon, a 21-year-old Boltonian, making his debut for Lancashire may be the only person in favour of its continuation. With his side precariously placed overnight on 132 for 6, still 79 runs behind the league leaders, he batted for two and half hours and 108 balls to secure a maiden first-class half century. Conditions were at their best for batting, as the Kookaburra ball offers no assistance to bowlers during daylight and when it’s more than 20 overs old, but despite the lack of Jade Dernbach, who was absent owing to an injury sustained on day one, Surrey still possess in an attack of considerable potency.Bohannon was compact, assured and tidy, seldom offering a false shot. He took Lancashire into the lead. Surrey were beginning to get frustrated, but eventually Amar Virdi spun one back into his pads from round the wicket and Graham Onions fell shortly after. Nonetheless, a lead of 36 looked unlikely at the start of play.Surrey had wisely rushed through 34 overs in the morning session which ensured they would have fewer overs to face in the darkness. On the first day play finished at 9.20pm. Today it was, mercifully, all done and dusted by 8.46pm.The new pink ball poses exaggerated problems and Tom Bailey was a particular handful. For the most part though, Surrey’s top order negotiated it skilfully. Aaron Finch launched a brutal attack on the legspinner Matt Parkinson, twice hitting him into the second tier of the OCS stand before being undone by Onions for 32. Onions should have had the country’s leading scorer, Rory Burns, caught at slip for 44, but Steven Croft shelled the simple chance. Predictably his next ball was hammered for four.Into the evening, Joe Mennie’s hands were failing to make light work of Surrey but Burns would find himself raging, raging against the dying of the light when Bohannon was introduced into the attack as the crepuscular hour descended. Groping in the gloaming his off stump was plucked out of the ground to give the impressive youngster his maiden first-class wicket to go with that fifty earlier in the day.This left an awkward eight overs to get through before the close of play with the match on a knife-edge, but Sam Curran was more than equal to the task, stroking an elegant 27 off 27 balls while Ben Foakes stood firm at the other end.Closing on 197 for 4, Surrey have a lead of 161 with the promise of excellent batting conditions against a manky and unresponsive ball on the third afternoon and the chance to get at Lancashire in the evening session. It could be the last session under lights any of us get to see. If you’re one of those 35,000 people passing through Oval station tomorrow, it has to be worth it, if only to say “I was there.”
Once the match was reduced to nine overs a side, the hosts defended their total of 64 with Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka picking up five wickets
ESPNcricinfo staff20-May-2018ICC/Getty
South Africa continued their 16-day domination at home by whitewashing Bangladesh 3-0 with a 23-run win in a rain-curtailed T20I in Bloemfontein. After the match was reduced to nine overs a side (three overs of Powerplay), South Africa defended their total of 64 with key contributions from fast bowlers Marizanne Kapp (2 for 8) and Ayabonga Khaka (3-10).Put in to bat, Tazmin Brits, South Africa’s new 27-year-old opener, top-scored with a 22-ball 29. Only one other player – Dane van Niekerk – scored in double digits as Brits took them to the eighth over, in which South Africa lost two wickets. Captain and offspinner Salma Khatun picked up 2 for 18 from her two overs.In the chase, Bangladesh were strangled from the start. Shabnim Ismail began proceedings with a maiden, which was followed by Kapp and Khaka striking in consecutive overs. Khaka struck again, twice actually, in three balls in the sixth over, and reduced the visitors to 26 for 4. The result was a formality thereafter. Only opener Shamima Sultana (12) and No. 6 Fahima Khatun (10) faced more than 10 balls each.South Africa had also beaten Bangladesh 5-0 in the ODI series.
Leeds United took another step towards automatic promotion to the Premier League on Monday night with a fantastic 2-1 win over Sunderland at Elland Road.
A brilliant first-half goal from Wilson Isidor put the Black Cats ahead at the break, after he rolled Ethan Ampadu with ease and planted a strike into the far bottom corner.
However, substitute Pascal Struijk came on in the second half to score headers in the 78th and 95th minute to turn the game around and secure all three points for the Whites.
This result has left the West Yorkshire outfit seven points clear of third place with 13 matches left to play in the second tier, whilst they are also two points ahead of Sheffield United in second place.
It is getting to the point where Leeds supporters can already begin to think about a possible promotion to the Premier League and all that comes with that, including the summer transfer window.
Chalkboard
The Whites will need to bolster their squad to give themselves the best chance of survival if they do go up, and they have reportedly already been looking around to identify potential targets.
Latest Leeds transfer news
It was recently reported that Leeds are showing an interest in experienced Premier League full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, whose contract at Southampton is due to expire in the summer.
He has started 23 matches in the top-flight for the Saints this season and has the versatility to be deployed as a left-back or a right-back, which would provide Daniel Farke’s side with depth on both flanks.
Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters
The Whites are also planning to hold talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a potential deal to sign Manor Solomon on a permanent deal, at the end of his current loan spell.
Starts
17
xG
5.12
Goals
7
Big chances created
11
Assists
7
As you can see in the table above, the Israel international has provided a big threat at the top end of the pitch with a steady stream of goals and assists from the left flank, cutting in on his right foot to make things happen on a consistent basis.
Leeds are also reportedly looking at bringing in a new striker for a potential Premier League campaign. OnTheMinute recently claimed that the club have identified Manchester United centre-forward Rasmus Holjund as a target, amid uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.
The outlet reported that West Ham United and Juventus are also interested in the Denmark international, who could be available for a fee of £40m in the summer transfer window.
It is interesting that the Whites are looking to possibly bring in an expensive number nine to bolster their squad ahead of a Premier League season when they currently have one of the top scorers in the Championship.
Joel Piroe's goalscoring exploits
Joel Piroe started the 2024/25 campaign as the second-choice number nine behind Mateo Joseph but eventually worked his way into the XI and has been the go-to option for Farke in recent months.
Only Norwich City’s Borja Sainz (15) has scored more goals than the Dutchman (14) in the Championship, and they are the only two players in the division with more than 12 goals – Isidor taking his tally to 12 with his strike against Leeds on Monday.
The left-footed marksman, who was signed from Swansea in the summer of 2023, has provided an efficient presence in the final third with a return of 14 goals from 10.58 xG.
Non-penalty goals
0.59
Top 10%
Non-penalty xG
0.44
Top 13%
Non-penalty xG + xAG
0.57
Top 10%
Shot on target percentage
39.4%
Top 50%
Non-penalty xG per shot
0.14
Bottom 46%
Average shot distance
15.6 yards
Bottom 22%
As you can see in the table above, Piroe ranks highly among his positional peers for non-penalty xG and non-penalty goals, which shows that his teammates are creating a lot of chances for him, and he is finishing them efficiently.
However, despite his strong form in front of goal, there is a concern that he may not have the physical attributes to make the step up to to the Premier League.
Why Joel Piroe may be on borrowed time
The former Swansea striker may be on borrowed time as a starter under Farke as Leeds eye promotion to the Premier League, as his physical data this season suggests that he may not be suited to the top-flight.
Liam Delap is a trending, and brilliant, example of the kind of centre-forward whose game translates well from the Championship to the Premier League. He is a willing runner and someone who thrives off getting into duels with defenders to create opportunities for himself.
The English forward, who has scored ten goals in 24 Premier League games for Ipswich Town, has won 43% of his aerial battles and won 4.5 duels per match.
Delap completed 1.6 dribbles per game and won 3.9 duels per match, winning 38% of his aerial duels, in the Championship with Hull City last season, which suggested that he had the physical attributes to make the step up – and that has proven to be the case.
Pass accuracy
77%
Dribbles completed per game
0.3
Tackles + interceptions per game
0.5
Duels won per game
1.3
Duel success rate
27%
Aerial duel success rate
21%
As you can see in the table above, Piroe does not excel at the physical side of the game, as he has lost a whopping 73% of his duels with opposition defenders in the second tier.
Leeds, if they secure promotion, will be fighting to avoid relegation and will need a centre-forward who can duel with centre-backs and carry the ball up the pitch when needed to alleviate pressure.
Piroe’s statistics in the second tier suggest that he will not be able to do this, as Premier League defenders would be able to dominate him with ease, as he does not have the physicality or pace to cause them many problems in a counter-attacking side.
Therefore, the Dutch lightweight may now be on borrowed time under Farke as Leeds inch closer to promotion, as he does not appear to have the potential to be an effective starting striker for the German boss in the top-flight.
Leeds now keen on signing "infectious" player in summer transfer window
Leeds and Farke already have their eyes on one or two players they would like to sign if they reach the Premier League.
Aston Villa have been a team inspired by the arrival of Unai Emery, with the Spaniard installing a new level of aspiration to the squad at Villa Park.
The former Arsenal manager took the reins from Steven Gerrard in October 2022, transforming the outlook in the Midlands by guiding the club from 16th to 7th in less than a year in charge.
The squad, the staff and the fans seem to have adapted as well as possible to the four-time Europa League winners’ style, with only Pep Guardiola as of the end of August winning more points in the Premier League this year than Emery.
Along with making vast improvements on the pitch, the Spaniard orchestrated a successful summer transfer window, securing the signatures of five new faces welcomed in order to bolster the squad.
Emery, joined by his former Sevilla colleague Monchi, broke the club’s transfer record fee to obtain Moussa Diaby, confirming the signing of their number one target in a deal worth £51.9m.
This summer, Villa were able to deliver their primary target, however, this hasn’t always been the case, with one of Dean Smith’s wanted men failing to make the move to Villa Park as hoped.
Aston Villa summer arrivals
Club
Fee (via Sky Sports)
Moussa Diaby
Bayer Leverkusen
£51.9m
Pau Torres
Villarreal
£33m
Nicolo Zaniolo
Galatasaray
Loan
Youri Tielemans
Leicester City
Free
Clement Lenglet
Barcelona
Loan
Looking back, the signing of Emile Smith Rowe could have been an integral addition to the squad as it is today, but Smith learned the hard way that things aren’t always possible in the transfer market.
Did Aston Villa nearly sign Emile Smith Rowe?
Rewind to the summer of 2021, and Arsenal starlet Smith-Rowe was the playmaker wanted at Villa Park when the team was led by Dean Smith.
It was reported at the time that the Midlands side had two bids rejected for the midfielder, who was a 20-year-old at the time, with the highest offer being in the region of £30m.
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
This summer, it was deja vu at Villa Park, with Emery speculated to be eyeing a reunion with SmithRowe, as talkSPORT claimed that Villa were back on the Englishman’s tail.
Why didn’t Aston Villa sign Smith Rowe?
As well as Villa, Chelsea were linked to the 23-year-old, however, the outcome has remained the same as it did in 2021, with the Hale End graduate remaining in north London.
Arsenal were adamant on both occasions that their number 10 was not for sale, with him being a favoured member of the squad having been at the club since the age of just 10 years old.
It wasn’t a case of the Gunners wanting more funds, but more the case that the attacker was not permitted to leave the club due to how highly he is regarded in north London.
What is Smith-Rowe doing now?
It was understandable why Smith was eyeing the Arsenal youngster in 2021, as the midfielder contributed to 14 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring seven and assisting seven.
The interest in the Englishman seemed to inspire his place in the squad at the Emirates, as the season after, he became a regular squad member for his boyhood club.
In 33 Premier League appearances, the Londoner scored ten league goals, as well as registering two assists to showcase just the level he could operate at if given the chance.
The 2021/22 campaign marked a high point in his career, and unfortunately, the youngster has been unable to reach such levels since then due to a lack of game time and opportunity in the squad.
While it’s celebrated for those associated with Arsenal that Mikel Arteta has discovered his best XI, Smith Rowe is an outsider to the favoured line-up, having made just 15 appearances since his impressive 2021/22 season.
This term so far, the 23-year-old has been an unused substitute in all five of the Gunners’ Premier League games, making his unavailability in the transfer window all the more frustrating.
What is Smith-Rowe’s market value?
Villa bid £30m for the midfielder in 2021, which was a fair offer considering that the England U21 star had an expected transfer value (xTV) of €21m (£18m) and was in the process of signing a contract extension with his club, via Football Transfers.
Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal
The academy graduate’s value hit a high the following summer, as it soared to €39.8m (£34m), however with his game time restricted due to competition in the current squad, his expected value has decreased dramatically.
At present, Smith-Rowe is valued at just €13.6m (£11.7m), telling of how disused his services are in north London of late.
What are Emile Smith Rowe's best qualities?
The summer that Smith was pushing to sign Smith-Rowe, Villa replenished their creative talents and the loss of Jack Grealish with Emiliano Buendia instead, who posed as an alternative to the Englishman positionally.
While it was evident that Villa would’ve preferred to have equipped both players to their squad, the Argentine was the only player out of the two to be delivered to the Midlands, making the £38m move from Norwich.
Former Norwich attacker Emi Buendia.
In hindsight, signing the Englishman may have been the better choice with the knowledge of how the former Canaries ace’s Villa career has gone so far, with Smith Rowe having the capability to thrive to a higher level in the top-flight.
The season after the interest, Smith-Rowe had a hand in 12 goals for Arsenal, while Buendia contributed towards ten for Villa, scoring four to the Gunners star’s ten that campaign.
Away from goal contributions, the England U21 international put in some more assured performances on the pitch compared to Buendia, as highlighted by his averages that campaign.
As per FBref, Smith-Rowe registered a pass completion rate of 82.9% per 90 as well as recording an average of 3.05 progressive carries per 90 for his boyhood club, showcasing his strengths in ball carrying and distribution.
Such traits saw him lauded and notably compared to a former Villan. Indeed, talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino said in 2021 that the Gunners starlet has "got that Jack Grealish about him."
Buendia happened to fall short in both decimals during his debut season at Villa Park, maintaining a pass completion rate of only 78.8% and making an average of 1.90 progressive carries per 90; hardly a talent worthy of replacing Grealish.
Lauded as “incredibly prolific” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his scoring rate of 0.47 non-penalty goals per 90 in the 2021/22 campaign, Smith Rowe showed Villa just what they were missing, with the Villans’ new arrival averaging just 0.19 per 90.
Following his four goals in his debut season, Buendia has only added five more to his tally in the Premier League, with his level of performance in the Championship not yet translated to the top flight.
Smith was unfortunate not to have obtained Smith Rowe, who was simply not for sale at the time of his interest, however, with hindsight in mind, the Midlands side will look back wishing that the situation had been different at the time.
Scorchers went top after winning their sixth-straight game at the WACA, this time against third-placed Hurricanes – and Jofra Archer was exciting IPL observers once more
The Report by Geoff Lemon20-Jan-2018 Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsOnce again, it was the Hobart Hurricanes in third position taking on the team in second. Once again, the team from Hobart couldn’t quite get over the line. Once again, their opponent went top of the table, and now all of Hurricanes’ hopes are pinned on winning their last game of the season against the Melbourne Stars.Perth Scorchers, meanwhile, have the chance of yet another home final after running down Hurricanes’ 167 with four balls to spare. Both sides stuttered at the halfway mark before finding a strong finish and ending up five wickets down. The Hurricanes total was built on the back of a fightback half-century from Simon Milenko, but Scorchers found a couple of fifties of their own from Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner to seal a close finish.Wade up your optionsIt hasn’t been the greatest season for Matthew Wade, dumped as wicketkeeper for Australia’s Test and ODI teams, struggling for Tasmania, and failing to set the BBL alight. But a new challenge arose because of Alex Doolan’s recent concussion, with Wade sent up to open the innings with D’Arcy Short.It wasn’t easy, with Mitchell Johnson fast and fiery from the get-go. Wade was nearly knocked over keeping out a yorker, while short balls trampolined to the keeper. Johnson conceded just three runs from the bat in his first over. But Wade did the damage against Joel Paris, slamming four balls to the fence and one over it for 22 from the second set of six.Paris got his man in the fourth over, but 31 from 16 was the fast start Hurricanes required. Short, the talk of the tournament, had only 6.Are you Agar jelly?What T20 side wouldn’t be jealous of having Ashton Agar? He’s a lock for the Australian T20 team, with national selectors bound to further raid Scorchers’ bowling stocks just before the Big Bash final. His economy rate of 5.51 per over puts him among Big Bash royalty.Agar kicked things off by catching Short at mid on before bowling the 7th over. His first eight deliveries were all to George Bailey, and cost one run. Four balls to Ben McDermott cost another single.Starting Agar’s third over, McDermott decided it had to go. Only problem was he missed the ball, giving up a stumping as it dropped shorter and spun past the edge. Then Agar came wide on the crease and angled in to bowl Dan Christian. Three overs, two wickets for five runs, and the Hurricanes were 4 for 69 from 11 overs.Gotta be made of MilenkoNo one could hit Agar, but Milenko got him in the 13th. No one could hit Johnson, but Milenko got him in the 15th. First a sweep, then a hook that went 100 metres, then a couple of sixes off Tim Bresnan. Bailey fell, Jofra Archer came to the crease, but Milenko kept going, pumping Johnson for a straight six that raised his fifty from 29 balls. The all-rounder finished unbeaten with 66 off 37, having masterminded 101 off the last 10 overs. Johnson’s 0 for 35 was his worst return in the BBL, and Hurricanes’ sub-par total had become 167, the exact average winning score when batting first in BBL07.Archer on target againAgainst the Strikers, Archer kept hitting the stumps, either with yorkers or run-out throws. This time he was zeroing in with the short ball to end the fifth over, a nasty bouncer that hit Michael Klinger’s grille and bounced back onto his stumps.Later, in the 16th, Archer produced a frankly absurd piece of fielding, charging around at long-on, picking up cleanly, and throwing down the stumps at the striker’s end of the pitch with a direct hit as Adam Voges tried to complete a second run. Bullseye.Bancroft Turner OverdriveIt wasn’t quite enough, though. With Sam Whiteman superbly caught Short in the first over, and Christian bowling Hilton Cartwright in the 10th, it was 2 for 76, advantage Hurricanes. But Bancroft and Turner put on 38 together before Australia’s new Test opener was caught behind for 54 in the 14th over. At that stage the run rate was 8.31, the required rate 8.59. It was set up beautifully for Turner, one of the more destructive batsmen in the competition.Hobart stayed in it until there were eight balls to go. Christian had bowled a suffocating line and length, aiming at the batsmen’s heels and giving up only singles, but eventually Turner was able to dig him out, first for a four that hit the long-on gap, then for a six. Archer bowled the last, but with only five runs to defend, the ask was too much even for the man with the golden arm.
كشف تركي آل الشيخ رئيس هيئة الترفية بالمملكة العربية السعودية، حقيقة تقدم المملكة العربية السعودية، بطلب إلى الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم كاف لاستضافة بطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي بين قطبي الكرة المصرية الأهلي والزمالك.
ومن المقرر أن يلعب الأهلي “بطل دوري أبطال إفريقيا” مع الزمالك المتوج بـ “كأس الكونفدرالية” في بطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي.
الأهلي كان قد حصد لقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا على حساب الترجي التونسي، بالفوز عليه بهدف دون رد، ليتوج باللقب الـ 12 في تاريخه.
طالع | الأهلي يحسم الجدل حول مكافأة دوري أبطال إفريقيا والحصول على 50 مليون إسترليني بسبب كأس العالم للأندية
والزمالك كان قد توج ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية على حساب نهضة بركان المغربي، ليحصد اللقب الثاني له بالبطولة القارية.
وقال آل الشيخ عبر صفحته على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك: “غير صحيح، اشاعة التقدم بطلب الحصول على بطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي ولا نية لنا لذلك”.
يذكر أن بطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي العام الماضي الذي جمع بين الأهلي واتحاد العاصمة الجزائري أقيمت في السعودية.
The Premier League makes its triumphant return to action this weekend, with a host of mouth-watering fixtures sure to capture the imagination.
Fans the world over have been patiently awaiting such a date, as a turbulent summer of transfer rumours draws to a close. Now they will finally get to see whether these additions will prove beneficial, with the biggest and best division the perfect stage for such stellar acquisitions.
One such game that has been omitted from the television schedule, and likely written off as a snooze-fest, is the clash between Everton and Fulham on Saturday 12th August.
Set to kick off at 3pm, it is easy to understand the thought process behind the broadcasters leaving this one out. However, precedent exists to suggest that goals will flow, with only one 0-0 draw between the sides since 2010, and just five in the history of the fixture.
With a raucous Goodison Park set to welcome back their relegation survivors and will them onto better things, and a travelling Cottagers side hoping to condemn the former employers of Marco Silva to another campaign of misery, the ingredients are in place for a true spectacle to occur on Merseyside.
Everton vs Fulham: Who has the better head-to-head record?
Everton vs Fulham
It seems that the Toffees boast a slender advantage over their opening-day opponents, having won nine more matches against Fulham across the two clubs' history.
Their continued presence in the top-flight has likely offered them a slight advantage over Fulham, which they clearly have utilised well to attain this advantage.
However, since earning their most recent promotion, it now seems like it is the west London club that boasts the brighter future under the stewardship of Everton’s former manager.
Everton wins: 31
Draws: 14
Fulham wins: 22
Everton vs Fulham: Who has more wins at Goodison Park?
Goodison Park
The home advantage clearly favours Everton when supported by the Goodison Park crowd, as Fulham have only managed four wins on Merseyside.
As one of the most famous grounds in the history of English football, and the first-ever purpose-built for the beautiful game in the country, with their new stadium on the horizon, there is only expected to be a few more years of Goodison Park greatness.
Whilst the shiny new waterfront arena will help boost the club tenfold, it will struggle to live up to the immense, intense, exceptional atmosphere that the Old Lady has generated throughout its time as the home of the Toffees.
Everton wins: 24
Draws: 6
Fulham wins: 4
Everton vs Fulham: Who has more wins at Craven Cottage?
Craven Cottage
A trip to Craven Cottage often favours the home side, though Everton have had some joy on their more recent journeys to west London.
Indeed, four of their seven wins at Fulham have come since 2009, with their last success coming in a 3-2 victory during the 2020/21 campaign.
Having been the home of Fulham since 1896, the original Cottage was built in 1780 nearby the current Johnny Haynes Stand. This part of the ground is named after the club's greatest-ever player, for whom a statue is also built outside.
There have been some famous European nights held at this fine arena, as they defeated the likes of Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg in the knockout stages during their run to the Europa League final. More recently, however, it has been more accustomed to Championship clashes.
Fulham wins: 18
Draws: 8
Everton wins: 7
Everton vs Fulham: Who has the better cup record?
FA Cup
Neither side has been particularly prolific in the cup competitions of late, but Fulham have surprisingly triumphed more often when the two have clashed in the League and FA Cup.
Everton have never won the former, but boast five FA Cups within their illustrious trophy cabinet, which has not been bolstered since 1995.
Fulham, meanwhile, have failed to win either competition, having reached the FA Cup final in 1975. They did claim the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002, just eight years before Atletico Madrid would crush their European dreams in the 2010 Europa League final.
Everton wins: 1
Draws: 3
Fulham wins: 5
Everton vs Fulham: What were the last 5 meetings?
Dan James
15th April 2023 – Everton 1-3 Fulham: As the Toffees sought to secure survival, sitting precariously at the wrong end of the table, Silva made his first return to Merseyside since his 2019 sacking to send an arrow into Everton hearts.
Despite Dwight McNeil’s stunner cancelling out Harrison Reed’s opener, the home side self-destructed and surrendered the win. Harry Wilson and Daniel James scored to secure the three points.
29th October 2022 – Fulham 0-0 Everton: In a game where little was a stake, the west London outfit peppered the travelling Toffees from start to finish. Registering 24 shots, Jordan Pickford was in inspired form to keep what was their fourth clean sheet of the season.
The game was marred by a nasty challenge from Aleksandar Mitrovic on Idrissa Gana Gueye, for which Frank Lampard thought he should have seen red.
14th February 2021 – Everton 0-2 Fulham: Behind closed doors, Josh Maja enjoyed a dream full debut as his brace consigned Carlo Ancelotti’s men to defeat. It was another torrid showing for the Blues, who despite striking the woodwork, were largely kept quiet.
However, they remained in seventh after the result, positive that European football might still be snatched late in the season. That did not come to fruition, and their Italian manager would depart for Real Madrid the following summer.
22nd November 2020 – Fulham 2-3 Everton: As part of the exceptional start to Ancelotti’s first full year in the Goodison Park dugout, Everton bounced back from their three straight losses to claim an impressive victory on the road.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin would bag a brace before Abdoulaye Doucoure’s third proved decisive, and despite a late barrage from Scott Parker’s side, the Toffees held firm.
Ivan Cavaleiro’s missed penalty marked a turning point in the game to compound further misery of the hosts.
13th April 2019 – Fulham 2-0 Everton: Goals from Tom Cairney and Ryan Babel were enough to end Fulham’s nine-game losing streak and give Scott Parker his first win as caretaker manager.
Funnily enough, it was Silva in the away dugout this time, with his lacklustre team struggling on the road once again. The hosts dominated and deservedly ran out winners, providing a stumbling block for Everton in their late push for a Europa League spot.
In the end, Parker would be relegated with his side, and Silva would be sacked the season following having missed out on Europe by three points.
Who has played for Everton and Fulham?
Louis Saha
Antonee Robinson (Everton 2008-2019; Fulham 2020-present): This experienced young defender had been at Everton since the age of 11, but a lack of opportunities led the 25-year-old to seek greener pastures.
He would leave for free, and upon joining Wigan Athletic, quickly established himself as one of the Championship’s best left-backs. His 6.94 average rating in his final season at that level (as per Sofascore) emphasised this, and AC Milan even came close to signing the USA international before his move to west London.
He has since made 107 appearances for the Craven Cottage outfit, as well as racking up 33 caps for his country.
Ademola Lookman (Everton 2017-2019; Fulham 2020-2021): Joining the Toffees as a youngster from Charlton Athletic, Ronald Koeman spent big to acquire the 19-year-old wonderkid. So, when he fired home the fourth in a demolition job against Manchester City, big things were expected.
However, that would prove to be one of just four goals in royal blue before leaving for RB Leipzig on a permanent deal. Fulham would then earn his services for a season, and his eight goal contributions in the Premier League noted a solid showing.
His time will likely be best remembered for his failed Panenka penalty in the dying minutes of their loss to West Ham United, though. He has since been shining in Atalanta, most recently scoring 13 and assisting eight in Serie A.
Andy Johnson (Everton 2006-2008; Fulham 2008-2012): Everton preyed on a Crystal Palace side that failed to earn promotion from the Championship and broke their transfer record to bring Johnson to Goodison Park.
His record of 22 goals in 74 games, including a brilliant brace in the Merseyside derby, will leave him well-remembered on Merseyside.
The 5 foot 7 finisher would then help fire Fulham into the UEFA Europa League, despite missing out on the bulk of their run in the competition due to various injury complications.
Louis Saha (Fulham 2000-2004; Everton 2008-2012): Taking a punt on an unknown Frenchman, Fulham enjoyed great success with Saha before Manchester United eventually came calling.
The allure of Sir Alex Ferguson proved too much to keep the man who notched 63 goals in just four years, but injuries stunted a promising career.
Gary Neville would even admit: “Louis was a brilliant, brilliant player. He gave me absolute nightmares when I used to play against him when he played for Fulham – him and Luis Boa Morte.”
Everton still took a punt on the silky front-man, with the pinnacle of his time at Goodison Park arguably coming as his strike after 25 seconds fired them in front in the 2009 FA Cup final – the second-fastest goal at this stage. They would still go on to lose, with goals from Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba elongating their trophy drought.
Everton vs Fulham: Key match stats
Marco Silva
Everton will start this campaign with a fifth new manager in as many seasons, as Sean Dyche kicks off his first full year in charge of the Toffees.
Silva led Fulham to their best Premier League finish since 2012 last season, while Everton recorded their worst since 2004.
In the entire history of the Everton vs Fulham fixture, there has been a total of 179 goals scored.
Everton vs Fulham: Classic meetings
Steve Sidwell
3rd November 2012: Fulham 2-2 Everton (Premier League): Despite Everton’s domination, they were held under a floodlit Craven Cottage. With Tim Howard’s blunder gifting the hosts an opener, a brace from Marouane Fellaini had David Moyes’ men marching towards a deserved victory.
However, Steven Sidwell would poke home a late equaliser, meaning the points were shared. Martin Jol would even admit following its conclusion that his side was lucky to avoid defeat, but fans didn’t care.
3rd May 2003: Fulham 2-0 Everton (Premier League): Going into this clash, Everton were vying for a spot in the UEFA Cup whilst Fulham sought to secure survival. It was expected to be one-way traffic in favour of the visitors, but few could have predicted the comedy of errors that was to come.
Alan Stubbs was the first to contribute, as the ball deflected off him to give the hosts the lead. Goalkeeper Richard Wright would then compound this misery by allowing Steed Malbranque’s whipped free kick to slip through his grasp. The two own goals saw the game finish 2-0, and Chris Coleman secured survival for his side.