In search of extending their current unbeaten run to six games, Everton may have to cope without one of their most in-form players against Southampton this weekend following Sky Sports’ latest update.
Everton transfer news
The Toffees have turned a corner under Sean Dyche in recent weeks just when an eventual place in the Premier League’s bottom three looked inevitable following a disastrous start. Now five games unbeaten, with two wins and three draws in that time, Everton sit five points clear of the dropzone and as many as eight points ahead of bottom side Southampton, who they face this weekend.
In another winnable game, Dyche could see his side move into the comforts of mid-table in a crucial step towards the level that the Toffees will be desperate to return to, especially when The Friedkin Group complete their takeover of the club.
Southampton, meanwhile, will be in a desperate mood of their own after failing to pick up a single victory in any of their opening nine league games. In pursuit of what would be a crucial three points, however, they’ve been handed a major boost courtesy of recent injury news coming out of Merseyside.
Everton star who was sold by Dyche is outperforming Gordon this season
The former Everton star has impressed this season
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According to Sky Sports’ James Savundra, Dwight McNeil is now a doubt to face Southampton after missing Thursday’s training session. The winger was forced to come off through injury against Fulham last time out and is seemingly still struggling to get back to full fitness in time for this weekend’s clash.
Savundra confirmed the news after McNeil was not spotted in Everton training by the on-watching cameras.
If he is to miss the Southampton game in the coming days, then those at Goodison Park will be hoping to see their in-form star return for their trip to face West Ham United next weekend.
"Terrific" McNeil hit form at the perfect time
Just as Everton were struggling in the early stages of the campaign, McNeil hit form at the perfect time before injury seemingly stopped him in his tracks. The Toffees’ talisman, with three goals and three assists in nine Premier League games so far this season, McNeil has become more important than ever under Dyche in Merseyside.
His recent form wouldn’t have come as a surprise to the Everton boss, however, who praised the £25,000-a-week winger at the end of last season. Dyche told reporters as relayed by the Liverpool Echo: “He’s been terrific since I’ve been back with him and I want him to keep enjoying his football but also taking it on. I thought at Brighton he took it on.
“He is a player who is still maturing in my view and he is grasping and grabbing it and taking things forward and making things happen and that is very pleasing for him and pleasing for us.”
Liverpool are preparing to host Brighton in the Premier League this weekend, but one “world-class” player won’t be back in the fold until late November, as shared by reliable journalist David Lynch.
Liverpool injuries ahead of Brighton clash
The Reds progressed in the EFL Cup in midweek, winning 3-2 away to the Seagulls, and they face them again in the league at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Arne Slot’s men trail Manchester City by one point going into the weekend Premier League action, and with the reigning champions heading to Bournemouth at the same time on Saturday, it is another crucial afternoon in the title race.
Mohamed Salah scores for Liverpool
Liverpool are clearly favorites to get the better of Brighton, despite Fabian Hurzeler’s side being a dangerous outfit, but injury problems are threatening to become an issue, even if they aren’t close to as bad as they were at times under Jurgen Klopp.
Alisson and Diogo Jota are both out for the foreseeable future, and the same also applies to Harvey Elliott, who continues to recover from a broken foot. Federico Chiesa’s playing time has also been limited since he completed a summer move from Juventus, while Conor Bradley was out until recently.
Liverpool without "world class" ace until late November
Taking to X, Liverpool will have to make do without Chiesa until after the November international break later this month, as his slow start to life at Anfield continues.
This is such a frustrating situation surrounding the Italian, who admittedly arrived with a reputation for being an injury-prone player, especially having suffered ACL damage earlier in his career.
The 27-year-old has only played 18 minutes of Premier League action this year, and started just once in all competitions, and the fact that he didn’t have much of a pre-season hasn’t helped matters.
Chiesa can be such an asset for Liverpool if he gets fit and hits top gear, though, having starred for Italy en route to winning Euro 2020, standing out as a leading attacking player in the tournament, with Alessandro Pierini saying of him: “He’s world-class.
“He has all the ability and desire of a great player. If he improves then he’ll be even better than his father [Enrico]. I have loads of respect for Enrico and all he has done to help Federico come on as a player until now.”
Thankfully, Chiesa shouldn’t actually miss too many matches, being out of the Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa games in the lead-up to the international break, but then hopefully returning after the domestic action returns.
Liverpool prioritising "incredible" £233k-p/w Alexander-Arnold replacement
He’s been at the top of European football for a number of years…
ByTom Cunningham Oct 31, 2024
It feels like it could be a while until Liverpool see him as a key man featuring regularly, especially with five superb attacking options ahead of him in the pecking order.
كشف برونو فرنانديز قائد مانشستر يونايتد، أنه تلقى عرضًا لمغادرة الفريق في الصيف الماضي، ورد على انتقادات روي كين.
وقاد برونو فرنانديز فريقه مانشستر يونايتد للفوز على ريال سوسيداد بنتيجة 4-1 مساء الخميس في منافسات الدوري الأوروبي، وكان نجم الفريق خلال اللقاء، وسجل هاتريك.
وقال فيرنانديز في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ذا صن” البريطانية: “جلست مع النادي لأنني تلقيت عرضًا للمغادرة، وتحدثنا عن إمكانية مغادرتي للنادي أو بقائي، وقالوا لي ما يريدوه مني”.
وأضاف: “سألتُهم فقط إن كانوا لا يزالون يعتبرونني جزءًا من مستقبل النادي أم لا”.
وتابع البرتغالي: “سمعتُ ما كان لديهم ليخبروني به، ظننتُ أننا قادرون على النجاح”.
وأردف: “للأسف، لم نبدأ الموسم بشكل جيد، كان على إريك تين هاج أن يفقد وظيفته كمدرب للفريق بسبب النتائج والأداء الذي قدمناه، لكن الخطأ كان على الجميع، بما في ذلك المدرب”.
واعترف السير جيم راتكليف، المالك المشارك، بأن مانشستر يونايتد كان سيُفلس بحلول عيد الميلاد، ولم يتردد في انتقاد بعض اللاعبين ووصفهم بأنهم يتقاضون رواتب مبالغ فيها وليسوا جيدين بما يكفي.
وأكد برونو فرنانديز: “علينا أن نثبت جدارتنا كل يوم في التدريب، وكل يوم نخوض فيه مباراة، لا يمكننا التراخي في هذا النادي”.
وشدد: “كما تعلمون، هناك مستوى عالٍ، واهتمام كبير من وسائل الإعلام، من كل مكان”.
اقرأ أيضًا | مباريات دور الـ8 في الدوري الأوروبي
واستطرد: “عليك أن تدرك أنه في بعض الأحيان تحتاج إلى التركيز على أدائك، ومحاولة تحسين نفسك، من الواضح أنه ليس من الجيد سماع بعض الأشياء”.
وأفاد: “لا أعتقد أن أي لاعب يُحب سماع الانتقادات أو الحديث عن أمور مثل عدم الكفاءة أو الأجر المبالغ فيه أو ما شابه”.
واسترسل: “أنا سعيد جدًا في النادي، من الواضح أنني أريد الفوز بالألقاب، لستُ غبيًا، ولن أقول إنني لا أريد الفوز بالألقاب، أريد المشاركة في أكبر المسابقات، أريد التنافس على الألقاب الكبرى، هذا ما قلته للنادي، هذا ما قاله لي النادي إنه يريد القيام به”.
وأوضح: “ثم يتعلق الأمر بدخول اللاعبين إلى الملعب ومحاولة تحقيق ذلك، فالأمر يتعلق بالنادي الذي يستثمر في جلب اللاعبين أو ضمهم أو أي شيء آخر يريده، ليس من اختصاصي تحديد من يستحق التواجد، بل يجب أن يكون المدرب ومجلس الإدارة”.
وأكمل برونو: “عليهم أن يقرروا بأنفسهم، أريد فقط أن أفعل كل ما بوسعي لمساعدة النادي على النجاح”.
كما رد فرنانديز على أسطورة يونايتد روي كين، الذي شنّ هجومًا لاذعًا الشهر الماضي على قائد النادي، ووصفه بأنه يتظاهر بتقييد اللاعبين.
ورد فرنانديز: “كان روي كين قائدًا رائعًا للنادي، من أفضل القادة كما يقول الجميع، لم تتح لي الفرصة لرؤية الكثير منه، فقط في السنوات القليلة الماضية، لكنه كان لاعبًا رائعًا فاز بكل شيء للنادي، يحظى باحترام كبير من الجميع، وأكن له كل الاحترام”.
وأتم: “عليه أن يُبدي رأيه في برنامج، وهذا ما يُفكّر فيه عني، ما أفعله على أرض الملعب هو محاولة لتغيير رأيه، أو محاولة القيام بشيء يراه جيدًا على الأرجح، بالتأكيد، أفعل ذلك بطريقتي الخاصة، لا أريد تقليد أحدًا”.
Spinner claims seven wickets for the match as Essex hold top spot in Division Two
ECB Reporters' Network07-Sep-2021
Simon Harmer took seven wickets for the match•Getty Images
Simon Harmer took his LV= Insurance County Championship wicket tally for the season to 49 as Essex maintained their top spot in Division Two with victory by an innings and three runs over Gloucestershire.Off-spinner Harmer returned 4 for 78 as Essex claimed the five wickets needed on day three before lunch – with Gloucestershire bowled out for 197.Essex have won both their Divisional stage matches by an innings, having previously thrashed Glamorgan.Essex’s initial pursuit of the final five wickets didn’t take long as three wickets fell for no runs.Sam Cook dragged Tom Lace outside off stump and caught an edge to the bucket hands of Harmer at second slip with the 11th ball of the morning. Ten balls later, Cook struck again with a fullish delivery to strike Graeme van Buuren on the pads.In the following over, Chris Dent bravely attempted to leave Harmer – who had been getting significant turn and bounce – only for that delivery to cannon into middle and off.Ryan Higgins and Zafar Khan wobbled Gloucestershire off 134 – with the former finding fluency with four fours and a six. Zafar also found the boundary four times on his way to 24 during a 78-minute partnership with Higgins, worth 54. But Harmer eventually ended the stand when he snared an outside edge off Zafar to Alastair Cook at first slip.Victory was wrapped up at 12:18pm when Higgins was run out attempting a second run by Shane Snater at square leg.
O ano de 2021 foi mágico para o Athletico. O time da Arena da Baixada mostrou a sua evolução no cenário nacional/internacional e chegou as decisões da Copa Sul-Americana e Copa do Brasil.
+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada
O bom desempenho dentro das quatro linhas encheu o bolso do Furacão, que conseguiu um alto faturamento.
Pela conquista da Copa Sul-Americana, o Furacão embolsou US$ 6,8 milhões(R$ 37 milhões). Já o vice da Copa do Brasil colocou R$ 38,1 milhões.
No Brasileirão, torneio onde o Athletico não ficou entre os melhores e fechou na 14ª colocação, a premiação ficou na casa dos R$ 12,8 milhões.
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West Ham United could also sign a £100,000-per-week attacker on deadline day as they race to beat the 11pm cut-off, and it is believed technical director Tim Steidten is a real admirer of the player.
West Ham closing in on nine summer signings
With PSG midfielder Carlos Soler travelling for a medical at West Ham right now, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Hammers are now closing in on a total of nine major signings for the summer window.
West Ham ask Premier League rivals about signing £15m Unai Emery target
The east Londoners could make one more signing on deadline day.
ByEmilio Galantini Aug 30, 2024
Before Soler, who will apparently join on a season-long deal with an option to buy set at around £17 million, Steidten and co sealed moves for centre-back Max Kilman, winger Crysencio Summerville, centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, forward Niclas Fullkrug, Brazilian starlet Luis Guillherme, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, midfielder Guido Rodriguez and back-up goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
West Ham summer signings
From
Fee (Transfermarkt)
Max Kilman
Wolves
€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds United
€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug
Borussia Dortmund
€27m
Luis Guilherme
Palmeiras
€23m
Mohamadou Kante
Paris FC
Undisclosed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Man Utd
€18m
Wes Foderingham
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
Free transfer
Jean-Clair Todibo
Nice
Loan transfer
West Ham summer departures
To
Fee (Transfermarkt)
Flynn Downes
Southampton
€17.85m
Said Benrahma
Lyon
€14.4m
Angelo Ogbonna
Watford
Free transfer
Thilo Kehrer
Monaco
€11m
Nathan Trott
FC Copenhagen
€1.5m
Ben Johnson
Ipswich Town
Free transfer
Joseph Anang
St. Patrick's Athletic
Free transfer
West Ham have spent a total of £120 million, not including the potential buy option for Soler next summer, with a host of players also departing the London Stadium over what has been a busy last few months for the club.
Many supporters would think that the Irons may be done after Soler puts pen to paper on his east London switch, but they could be wrong, as it is also believed that Chelsea attacking midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is on their radar heading into 11pm.
Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.
The £100,000-per-week ace, who can even play on the wing, has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge all summer, with AC Milan among the high-profile clubs to have displayed a rumoured interest in the last few months.
West Ham eyeing late deadline day move for Chukwuemeka
As per The Guardian and reliable journalist Jacob Steinberg, writing via their live blog, West Ham are in the running to sign Chukwuemeka as they eye a late move.
Steinberg also writes that Steidten, who has led West Ham's transfer activity this summer, is a huge fan of the 20-year-old who could also bolster Julen Lopetegui's homegrown ranks.
"While they have agreed a deal in principle to sign Soler on loan with an option to buy, they are also in the running for Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka," claims Steinberg.
Carney Chukwuemeka in action for Chelsea in the Premier League.
"The Chelsea youngster is keen for more playing opportunities and a loan move to West Ham would be hugely beneficial to his development.
"It remains to be seen if West Ham would be willing to sign both Soler and Chukwuemeka, who moved to west London from Aston Villa two years ago. Tim Steidten, the club’s sporting director, is a huge fan of the Chelsea player.
"West Ham are making space for incomings by loaning James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest. Nayef Aguerd has interest from multiple clubs but has turned down Wolves."
For South Africa, no one apart from Quinton de Kock scored more than 20
Firdose Moonda01-Jul-2021West Indies defended 167 in the fourth T20I against South Africa to lock the five-match series at 2-2 and set up a decider for Saturday. Their big names all took responsibility: captain Kieron Pollard top-scored with 51*, Dwayne Bravo claimed career-best figures of 4 for 19, and Chris Gayle taking a wicket with his first ball to go with two catches were the icing on the cake.The home side scored 20 off their first over and 66 in the final four but their innings suffered a lull in between. They managed just 81 runs in the 15 overs from the second to the 17th as South Africa’s spinners put the brakes on. But their efforts were not enough for a batting line-up that lacks a finisher and remains over-reliant on Quinton de Kock.South Africa’s former captain scored a second successive half-century and a sixth T20I half-century in his last 15 matches, but had little support from the other end as no other South Africa batter scored more than 20. They last successfully chased a target above 160 in February 2018 when they beat India, and last won a T20I series in March 2019 against Sri Lanka, but will still have the chance to turn that around in two days’ time.Opening overload… Aiden Markram, South Africa’s sixth bowler, was given the new ball and eyebrows would have been immediately raised over that choice. Lendl Simmons swept Markram’s first ball past short fine-leg for four, cut his third delivery, which was short and wide, for four more, and then took two sixes off the last three balls. The first was a sweep over fine leg and the second an audacious smack straight down the ground. West Indies scored 20 runs off that over, their most in the first over of a T20I and the most by any team batting first in this format. … and then the squeeze But South Africa pulled things back impressively and took six wickets in the 15 overs that followed. As has been the case throughout the series, their spinners controlled the run rate and frustrated the West Indies line-up. George Linde was introduced after the powerplay and put in the most economical performance of his T20I career by conceding just 16 runs in four overs. He also brought up 100 wickets in the format – across both international and domestic matches – when Simmons was given out leg before after missing a sweep and being hit in front of middle and leg. Just before that, Linde had Shimron Hetmyer caught behind off an under-edge as well.Tabraiz Shamsi bowled overs in tandem with Linde initially – the pair gave away only 14 runs in five overs – and then returned for a second spell. Shamsi had Nicholas Pooran caught at deep backward square-leg off a top-edge and Andre Russell caught at short fine-leg after the latter top-edged a sweep. The left-arm wristspinner equalled his most miserly effort in T20Is with figures of 2 for 13, an identical analysis to the last match.Take it on the knee! With West Indies on 101 for 6 after 16 overs and a par score looking distant, Pollard took matters into his own hands. He drilled the first ball of Anrich Nortje’s final over straight back to him and clattered him on the left knee. Nortje went down for several minutes, his face scrunched up in obvious pain. He received some treatment on field, got back up and bowled the remainder of his over before hobbling off for some rest to the applause of his team-mates.Dwayne Bravo finished with career-best figures of 4 for 19•AFP/Getty ImagesSouth Africa’s tight work unraveled in those last four overs, when they conceded 66 runs as Pollard and Fabian Allen took on the specialist quicks. The pair scored six sixes in that period compared to the West Indies’ five in the rest of the innings, and Pollard hit three in three balls off Kagiso Rabada, who bowled his most expensive T20 over. Rabada delivered the penultimate over of the innings, which was also the most expensive at 25 runs, and did not complete a full quota for the first time in T20Is since his debut in 2014. Also, Lungi Ngidi’s two death overs cost 30 runs as Pollard brought up a sixth T20I half-century and his highest score in seven innings.Too cool for (old) school The combined age of West Indies’ opening bowling pair in this match was 80 years, with Fidel Edwards (39) in his second series since his Kolpak comeback and Gayle (41) sharing the new ball, though their youth appeared endless. Edwards gave little away until his last ball, but it was Gayle whose was on full display. He took on bowling duties complete with cap, sunglasses and earpiece on, lured Reeza Hendricks out of the crease, beat him on the drive and had him stumped, before cartwheeling in celebration. Gayle told the commentary team he had been dared to mimic Kevin Sinclair, who showed off some gymnastics moves earlier in the series.Take it on the shoulder now! Nortje was not the only player to suffer an injury in the match. Allen jammed his right shoulder into the ground beyond the square-leg boundary when he tried to cut off a Temba Bavuma sweep. He didn’t save the boundary and his arm was put in a sling as he left the field before he could bowl, with what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder. Allen was the only specialist spinner in the West Indies XI. His overs were made up for by Pollard and Russell, who bowled his entire quota in a T20I for the first time since March last year.Bravo for West Indies Allen’s absence was also mitigated by the performance of Bravo, who has been consistently excellent with the ball in this series and continued in that vein in this match. Bravo’s first spell straddled the powerplay and cost just eight runs before a second at the death was laced with slower balls. He collected 4 for 11 in 12 balls in the closing stages of the match to eventually finish with career-best figures of 4 for 19. Bravo had Linde caught at point off a slower ball, de Kock caught in the same position chasing a wide full toss, Shamsi skying a ball to Gayle at extra cover and Ngidi holing out to square leg, as he took 3 for 1 in the 18th over to shut South Africa out of the contest.
Celtic have taken their time to get going in the summer transfer window but their business appears to be picking up pace with the deadline set to pass at the end of the month.
The Hoops had signed Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo, and Paulo Bernardo on permanent deals to bolster Brendan Rodgers' options, with two new goalkeepers and a central midfielder, who was on loan from Benfica last season.
They have now added to that with a £9.5m deal to bring Adam Idah back to the club on a permanent basis, after he spent the second half of last term on loan from Norwich City.
The Scottish giants have agreed to pay an initial fee of £8.5m to land the Ireland international, with a further £1m in add-ons and a 15% sell-on clause for the Canaries.
He scored eight goals in 15 appearances in the Scottish Premiership last season, and popped up with a 90th-minute winner in the League Cup final against Rangers at Hampden Park, with his performances convincing the club to pursue his services on a long-term basis.
After this swoop for Idah, the reigning league champions are also reportedly looking at a potential addition to their midfield ranks this month.
Celtic eyeing Bundesliga starlet
According to FootballTransfers, the Hoops are interested in a potential deal to sign Augsburg central midfielder Arne Engels before the end of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the 20-year-old starlet has emerged as a priority target for the Scottish giants, who would like to bring him to Glasgow.
It states that Rodgers wants to improve the quality of his options in the middle of the park and has identified the young talent as someone who could come in and provide competition for places.
The outlet adds that Engels is now a top target for Celtic between now and the deadline passing at the end of this month, but it does not say whether or not they have made contact with Augsburg to discuss a transfer.
FootballTransfers does not outline how much the Bundesliga side would want for the midfielder but does place his Expected Transfer Value (xTV), per their own player valuation system, at up to €11.9m (£10m).
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops will be able to get a deal over the line for their priority target before the end of the window. Rodgers could, though, land his next version of Reo Hatate by bringing Engels to Parkhead.
Reo Hatate's midfield excellence
The Japan international is an impressive central midfielder who has the quality to push further up the pitch to make contributions as a scorer and a creator of goals in the final third.
His 2023/24 campaign was riddled with injury issues, missing 40 games for club and country with hamstring and calf problems, but he has made a strong start to the current season.
Hatate has scored one goal and created one 'big chance' for his teammates in two appearances in the Premiership so far this term, as Celtic have won both of their opening games without conceding a goal.
Last season, the 26-year-old maestro racked up three goals and four assists in 12 top-flight starts for Rodgers' side, which means that he averaged a direct goal contribution more than once every other start on average.
His attacking qualities were on full display in the 2022/23 campaign, prior to his injury struggles, as the central midfielder caught the eye with his impressive displays for the Scottish giants.
Reo Hatate
22/23 Premiership
Appearances
32
Goals
6
Assists
8
Big chances created
10
Key passes per game
1.3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Japanese dynamo produced 16 goals and 'big chances' created combined in 32 appearances for the Premiership champions.
These statistics, from the last two seasons and the start to the current term, show that Hatate is a dynamic midfielder who can influence matches by getting forward to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.
Whilst he remains the first-choice in his position and is very much a key player for Celtic, having started both league games so far, Rodgers could secure his future heir by landing Engels.
Why Engels could be the next Hatate
Firstly, the Augsburg midfielder is only due to turn 21 next month and is in the early stages of his career. This means that he is a young talent with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve over the years to come.
Rodgers could bring him in to play a rotation role initially, which would allow him to get game time across all competitions whilst learning from the likes of Hatate, Callum McGregor, and, hopefully, Matt O'Riley, in training and in matches.
However, Engels is not a young player who would come in with no experience and no track record of performing at a high level in a first-team environment, as he played 32 matches in the German top-flight last term, and started 18 times in the 2022/23 campaign.
Last season, the Belgian whiz, who was described as a "revelation" by Bundesliga pundit Ronan Murphy, did not start games regularly but did chip in with moments of quality when called upon.
23/24 Bundesliga
Arne Engels
Appearances
32
Starts
13
Goals
3
Assists
2
Ground duel success rate
52%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the central midfielder was directly involved in five goals in 13 starts and held his own in physical duels on the ground, despite his young age and inexperience.
In the 2022/23 campaign, Engels averaged 1.3 key passes per game and created four 'big chances' in 18 appearances in the Bundesliga, which shows that he can be a creative threat from midfield, just like Hatate.
The £10m-rated Hoops target ranked within the top 19% of midfielders in the division for assists per 90 (0.19) and the top 24% for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.94).
Imagine him & Idah: Celtic eyeing up move for "tricky" 6 ft star
The Hoops are reportedly one of the teams keeping tabs on the England youth international.
By
Dan Emery
Aug 14, 2024
These statistics show that the talented youngster has the potential to be an impactful midfielder who can push forward from a number eight role to make things happen offensively, which is why he could develop into the next Hatate for Rodgers at Parkhead.
After a first Test that had started with a patented Sri Lankan batting collapse that almost anyone who had been watching them play cricket over the past few years could have predicted, here we are somehow entertaining the very real possibility of them securing a first ever Test series win in the Caribbean.Now, of course, for this to actually transpire, it would require Sri Lanka to replicate, and most likely better, their performance from the previous week – certainly no little ask, but one considerably less farfetched than it might have been at the same point last week.Related
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The Lahiru Thirimanne everyone had hoped for
Memories of the past make Sri Lanka's present so much harder to watch
Much of this optimism is down to, as is now almost their trademark, some previously unheralded player from their fractured domestic system beating the odds to spark the team into life.This time it was Pathum Nissanka with a magnificent century on debut. Against South Africa a few years back, while Kusal Perera will always be the highlight, it’s easy to forget the resilience brought to that middle order by debutant Oshada Fernando. And then a couple of years before that, when Sri Lanka famously beat Australia at home, it was none other than the green pairing of Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis who breathed life into the side.But on all those previous occasions, the team failed to build on the exuberance injected by fresh blood. Will Nissanka’s entry into the side be met with similar regression? Well we’ll soon find out.As for the West Indies, after the relative ease with which the visitors had been dispatched in the limited-overs series, the trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen had had in the warm-up game ahead of the first Test, and then that first innings collapse, it might have come as a fair shock when they found themselves having to bat out the last day of the Test just to avoid defeat.But this West Indian side doesn’t cower from adversity all that easily – as underscored so sensationally in Bangladesh earlier this year – and the first Test would have provided them with all the evidence they need to know that they have the tools to hurt this Sri Lanka side.So in many ways, with the match being played at the same venue, this is simply a continuation of proceedings from that first game. And with seemingly not much to separate both sides, once more, victory will depend largely on which side makes the fewer mistakes.
Form guide
Sri Lanka – DLLLLWest Indies – DWWLL
In the spotlight
Pathum Nissanka is not the first – and he certainly won’t be the last – debutant to reignite cricketing interest from an increasingly apathetic Sri Lankan fanbase. But that doesn’t make it any less exciting. Sure, he may not have the flair of a Kusal Mendis, or the explosiveness of an Avishka Fernando, but in a side that has been crying out for a steadying presence, Nissanka’s bloodymindedness and ability to simply occupy the crease – a feat that many around him seemed to struggle with – might as well make him the next coming of Sanath Jayasuriya at this point.But if Nissanka is the proverbial immovable object, then in Kemar Roach the West Indies possess the unstoppable force – well, at least when it comes to cricket played at North Sound in Antigua. With 36 wickets in six matches at an average 15.77, it’s safe to say Roach likes playing here. In the first Test, the Sri Lankan batsmen struggled to get him away; if he gets more support from the sometimes wayward pair of Shannon Gabriel and Alzari Joseph, then it could be another very testing outing for the visitors.
Team news
Sri Lanka may play an extra spinner – Lakshan Sandakan – if they think the track could take decent turn in the second innings. To cover their bases, they may bring seam-bowling allrounder Dasun Shanaka into the side. Dinesh Chandimal, who had only made one fifty in his last three Tests, may make way for Shanaka. Either Vishwa Fernando or Dushmantha Chameera may be displaced by Sandakan.Sri Lanka XI (possible): Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Lasith Enbuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan SandakanThe West Indies will have been quite happy with their overall performance from the first Test, and so will not want to change up too much. Shannon Gabriel was relatively disappointing but he will likely be backed to put forward an improved showing.West Indies XI (possible): Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), John Campbell, Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Rakheem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel
Pitch and conditions
The weather is expected to be clear for the duration of the Test. It is possible that this pitch will turn more than the surface for the first Test, which took very little spin, even on day five.
Stats and trivia
Sri Lanka have failed to win a Test series in the West Indies in four attempts, though the last two series were drawn.
Suranga Lakmal needs six more wickets to climb to fourth in the all-time Test wicket-taker list for Sri Lanka.
Kraigg Brathwaite needs 98 runs to reach 4000 Test runs. He will be the 16th West Indian to reach the milestone.
Niroshan Dickwella now has scored the most fifties (17) without converting to a century. He has scored 2291 Test runs in the process; the most runs scored without a century is 3154 by Shane Warne.
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is working hard to build a side which could get back to securing European qualification next season.
So far, Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme have joined the side, while a deal is reportedly close for Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.
Max Kilman West Ham graphic
Lopetegui is also chasing another centre-forward, with Borussia Dortmund’s Niclas Füllkrug closing in on a move to London after the side agreed a fee of £27m with the German side for the player.
Slowly, but surely, a team which could break back into the European spots during the 2024/25 campaign is being built.
Opponent
Date
Aston Villa (H)
August 17
Crystal Palace (A)
August 24
Manchester City (H)
August 31
Fulham (A)
September 14
Chelsea (H)
September 21
West Ham United closing in on World Cup winner
It isn’t just his attacking options that Lopetegui is looking to bolster, as a move for Argentinian World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez is reportedly close.
That’s according to the Standard, who claim that the Irons are in advanced talks with the former Real Betis midfielder, who is currently a free agent after leaving the La Liga side at the end of his contract.
Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez.
The 30-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to the club, and he would be an ideal signing for Lopetegui, especially on a free transfer.
Could the Spaniard land Rodriguez a perfect midfield partner? As he is chasing a midfielder who has won the Champions League twice…
West Ham United eyeing up move for ex-Barcelona midfielder
According to Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast (via Football Insider), West Ham are considering a move for Sergi Roberto, the former Barcelona midfielder.
Having left the Catalan giants following the expiration of his contract, Lopetegui would be able to sign him for nothing in a move similar to that of Rodriguez. Judging by his experience at the highest level, he could be a worthwhile addition to the squad.
Roberto and Rodriguez may even form a wonderful partnership in the heart of the midfield as West Ham chase a top-eight finish next season.
Sergi Roberto & Guido Rodriguez partnership
Rodriguez typically operates as a defensive midfielder, making 29 appearances in that position for Real Betis last season.
He demonstrated his defensive capabilities in the Spanish top flight last term, winning 4.9 total duels per game – a success rate of 60% – while making 2.2 tackles and recovering 6.5 balls per game throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Rodriguez ranked in the top 13% for interceptions per 90 (1.49) and the top 12% for clearances per 90 (2.05), yet more evidence of his defensive skills.
Roberto, on the other hand, tends to perform slightly further forward than Rodriguez, and he made 24 appearances for Barcelona last term, registering six goal contributions – three goals and three assists – in the process.
During his 14 La Liga appearances, Roberto created one big chance, succeeded with 75% of his dribbles, averaged 0.6 key passes per game and finished the season with a 90% pass success rate, not bad considering he only averaged 62 minutes per game.
Metric
La Liga
Champions League
Goals
3
0
Assists
2
1
Accurate passes per game
40.7
23.8
Total duels won per game
2.6
1.6
Big chances created
1
2
Despite this lack of game time domestically, he still shone when compared to his peers. Indeed, across Europe’s top five leagues, Roberto ranked in the top 2% for non-penalty goals (0.25), the top 5% for assists (0.25) and the top 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.22) per 90, showcasing his attacking talents from the heart of the midfield.
These statistics clearly show that Rodriguez and Roberto could form a solid partnership in the West Ham midfield, offering both defensive and attacking skills to complement each other well.
Not only that, but the Spaniard is also like a current Manchester City star who was the player of the tournament at Euro 2024…
Why Sergi Roberto could be West Ham’s own Rodri
Rodri shone for Spain as they won their first major international tournament since 2012, finishing the tournament with a stunning 93% pass success rate while recovering 6.8 balls per game and winning 5.2 total duels per game.
He was the beating heart of this wonderful Spanish side and if Lopetegui could sign a player who performs like him, then West Ham would be all the better for it.
According to FBref, Rodri is the seventh-most comparable player to Roberto, which means the club could be signing their own version of the City gem should a deal be made for the 32-year-old this summer.
Last season, the pair registered similar domestic statistics with regard to shots per 90 (1.05 vs 1.9), pass success percentage (89% vs 92%), successful take-on percentage (50% vs 65.6%) and goal-creation actions per 90 (0.31 vs 0.71), evidence of their similarities last term.
Although he may not be at his peak anymore, Roberto – who has been described as "extraordinary" by ex-Barca boss, Xavi – would bring a host of big game experience to this West Ham side.
Throughout his career, the Spaniard has won seven La Liga titles plus two Champions League crowns, proving that he has what it takes to shine on the biggest stage of all.
Overall, Roberto made 373 appearances for his boyhood club since making his debut during the 2010/11 campaign, scoring 12 goals while grabbing 34 assists in the process.
It would certainly signal a major statement of intent if they were to bring the former Spain international to London in the next few weeks, showing that Lopetegui means business in the transfer market.
New West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui
If deals can be done to bring him and Rodriguez to the club, then the midfield area will be bolstered significantly heading into the new season.
If the pair hit the ground running, completing both signings without spending a penny could soon be seen as a masterstroke by the former Wolves manager.
Time will tell however, but the signs are looking good for West Ham heading into a new season.
In the race: West Ham want "complete midfielder" who can replace Paqueta