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Aston Villa fans will be glad the football is back doing the main talking again when it comes to their beloved side.

After a turbulent summer saw PSR-related issues trouble their transfer activity, a slow start out of the blocks in the Premier League further piled on the misery.

Thankfully, after a winless six-game stretch of form in both August and early September, Unai Emery’s men have now bounced back with four straight victories collected in all competitions.

Still, after this season is over and done with, Villa will likely have to come to terms with some disastrous casualties, alongside also getting rid of some personnel that won’t irk fans that much at Villa Park.

How Aston Villa can solve their PSR headache

While they haven’t been at their terrifying best so far this season, it goes without saying that keeping both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers at the West Midlands giants this summer was a big relief to the Villans.

After all, even if they have only accumulated three goal contributions between them this campaign so far, losing both star assets would have been disastrous, with a crazy 42 goal contributions picked up in league action between them across the 2024/25 campaign.

Villa will surely have their resolve tested again in the summer when it comes to their standout duo, with Chelsea once touted to be considering a colossal £100m bid for the services of Rogers, a move that would no doubt ease any existing PSR worries.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have also consistently been tipped to make a statement move for the 29-year-old striker, but in the back end of his prime is unlikely to fetch a similar sum.

Not every potential sale will be seen as a demoralising development, however, with Emiliano Buendia perhaps finally getting the move away he desires.

Recent reports suggest that the rejuvenated South American – who recently scored in the Europa League for Emery’s men against Feyenoord – might well be offloaded still to smooth out PSR-related difficulties.

While the ex-Norwich City attacker has managed to turn his up-and-down Villans career around in recent times, there is one figure in Emery’s camp who is seriously on borrowed time as his contract begins to wind down.

Not just Buendia: Emery signing is on borrowed time at Aston Villa

Buendia has miraculously fought back from some very serious injury issues to return to the Spaniard’s first team picture, having been sidelined for a mammoth 56 games courtesy of a cruciate ligament tear.

Ross Barkley might well have been looking at the Argentine midfielder for some inspiration, having had various injury issues of his own to contend with, but he doesn’t look as if he’s capable of a similar resurrection story to the rejuvenated 28-year-old, as he continues to stare his Villa Park exit in the face.

It’s been a sad decline for the former Everton playmaker, with Barkley actually once cutting a refreshed figure pulling on a Villa strip.

He initially joined on loan five years ago and tallied up three league strikes across his debut season in the West Midlands, which included a fierce effort which helped Villa pick up all three points against Leicester City in 2020.

He eventually return for good in the summer of 2024, with an alleged £5m forked out to obtain his services from Luton Town.

At the Hatters, Barkley rediscovered the swagger and vigour that made him such an exciting commodity back in the day at Everton.

Teammate at the time, Andros Townsend, said he was “outstanding”, while Paul Merson claimed that “Barkley is not far off player of the season” when lighting up Kenilworth Road for one season.

Five goals and seven assists came his way but he has struggled to pin down a starting spot since his return to the claret and blue half of Birmingham, as his exit now looks to be on the horizon.

Worryingly, only six minutes of Premier League action has been handed to the ex-England international in 2025/26, with the decision to leave him out of Villa’s Europa League squad entirely only further reinforcing his precarious status in the camp.

Games played

54

Goals scored

7

Assists

2

Games missed through injury

33

Wage per week

£60k-per-week

Contract expiry date

June 2026

With his contract also expiring next June, and his wage coming in at a high £60k-per-week despite being a reserve presence, it does feel as if it’s a foregone conclusion that Barkley will depart Villa very soon, with his promising first spell at the club now feeling like a lifetime ago.

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ByBen Goodwin Oct 13, 2025

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was certainly backed by the board with new recruits to improve the squad during the summer transfer window.

The Premier League giants swooped to add Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko to their attacking ranks to completely transform their front three.

Mbeumo has produced one goal and one assist in seven appearances in the Premier League, per Sofascore, whilst Cunha is still looking for his first goal contribution for the club.

Meanwhile, Sesko has scored two goals in his last two appearances in the top-flight and has scored two goals in four starts in the division since his move from RB Leipzig in the summer.

The Slovenia international will be hoping to kick on from here and prove that he can be a consistent and lethal goalscorer for the Red Devils for many more years to come.

If he can do that, Sesko could be considered to be Amorim’s new Viktor Gyokeres, as the Arsenal striker was such an integral part of the manager’s success with Sporting.

Why Gyokeres was so important to Amorim at Sporting

Amorim won the Liga Portugal title in the 2023/24 campaign after signing the Swedish striker from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, after finishing fourth and second in the two previous seasons.

Gyokeres was so important to the Portuguese manager in that 2023/24 season because his immense performances at the top end of the pitch led Sporting to glory, winning the league title for the first time in three years.

The towering centre-forward was an absolute monster for Sporting. He scored and created goals at an exceptional rate as their number nine after his move from the second tier in England.

23/24 Liga Portugal	Viktor Gyokeres	Percentile rank vs STs
Shots on target	58	Top 1%
xG	22.71	Top 1%
xG on target	28.33	Top 1%
Goals	29	Top 1%
xA	6.08	Top 1%
Assists	10	Top 1%
Chances created	54	Top 1%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Gyokeres was the best striker in the division. He ranked at the top of the pile in pretty much every key metric as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

These statistics show that the right-footed forward was incredibly consistent for Amorim, given his output, which is why he was such an important player for the manager.

The Manchester United coach has not had a consistent attacker in that vein at Old Trafford, though, as no player managed more than eight goals in the Premier League last season, per WhoScored.

Whilst Amorim will be hoping that Sesko can be his next Gyokeres, there is a central defender who is becoming the manager’s next version of the striker.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt may not be a lethal centre-forward who is going to score 30 or 40 goals in a season for the Red Devils, but his consistent performances at the back could make him the linchpin of Amorim’s team moving forward.

Why Matthijs de Ligt could be Ruben Amorim's new Viktor Gyokeres

The best teams in the world are built around top-quality players who deliver consistently impressive performances over the course of a season.

Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. Erling Haaland at Manchester City. Vitinha at PSG. Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid. Gyokeres during his time at Sporting. The list could go on.

The best teams all have several players who deliver consistently every week, which is what Amorim had with Gyokeres in Portugal, and De Ligt may be starting to show that he can belong in that category of player.

The Netherlands international is a no-nonsense central defender who joined the club from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, but it has taken him a bit of time to adjust to the intensity of the Premier League.

Not every player hits the ground running at a new club. Some players need time to adapt to their environment, and it appears as though de Ligt has finally found his feet in England.

Matthijs de Ligt (Premier League)	24/25	25/26
Appearances	29	7
Sofascore rating	6.91	7.04
Tackles + interceptions per game	2.1	3.2
Clearances per game	3.1	5.1
Ground duels won per game	1.5	2.6
Aerial duels won per game	2.0	3.6
Ground duel success rate	61%	69%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the former Ajax and Juventus star has stepped up at the start of this season after a fairly average first year in the Premier League with the Red Devils.

His improved ground duel success rate, in particular, suggests that he has adapted to the intensity and physicality of the division, as he is anticipating situations and reacting to danger quicker, which means that the centre-back is winning a higher percentage of his duels on the deck.

Former United star and England international centre-back Rio Ferdinand has noticed the improvement in De Ligt this season, praising the defender last month: “Matthijs de Ligt has been magnificent this season, solid in all departments.

“I think he’s put himself in place to be the first name on the sheet if we go by [Leny] Yoro being a sub at the weekend. De Ligt now looks like the number one choice defender in the team form the manager’s point of view.”

De Ligt has started all seven of his appearances in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which backs up Ferdinand’s claim that the Dutchman is the first-choice defender for Amorim at this moment in time.

The 26-year-old star, who still has time left to improve even more, has improved throughout his time at Old Trafford, as evidenced by his aforementioned statistics, and he now looks like a consistent performer who can be relied upon by Amorim.

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1

By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 11, 2025

That is why De Ligt is on his way to becoming the manager’s new Gyokeres, because he could fall into that bracket of players who deliver consistent performances in successful teams, if he can keep up his current level of performance in the Premier League.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Dérbi deste domingo (3), entre Palmeiras e Corinthians, reserva um ingrediente mais do que especial já para o sempre quente clássico entre os dois maiores rivais do estado de São Paulo.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Abel Ferreira encara Luxemburgo pela segunda vez no futebol brasileiro e pela primeira vez com Luxa comandando o Corinthians.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Luxemburgo foi o último técnico a comandar o Verdão antes da chegada do português que vestiria verde para mudar para sempre os rumos da Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.

Apesar dos agradecimentos de Abel, que em 2021 disse que Luxemburgo teria deixado o Palmeiras bem em todas as competições para ele ter conquistado Libertadores e Copa do Brasil, na prática o trabalho de Luxemburgo deixou pouquíssimo legado para o português que fez milagre em tão pouco tempo de clube.

continua após a publicidade

Inclusive para muitos, a culpa pela falta de futebol do Palmeiras em 2020 era mais do elenco ‘acomodado’ do que do péssimo trabalho de Luxemburgo.

+ Acesso negado! Em semana de Dérbi, Palmeiras aumenta abismo para o Corinthians em Libertadores

Luxa dizia que não tinha time pra jogar bonito e se escondia em desculpas esfarrapadas por não conseguir explicar a tamanha bagunça do seu time em campo.

continua após a publicidade

Coube a Andrey Lopes devolver o mínimo de consciência tática para o Verdão. Assim, Abel Ferreira, desde que assumiu, já conseguiu explorar todo o potencial que o bom time alviverde tinha.

Com menos caixa de areia e o trabalho duro de quem não veio ao Brasil para passar férias, Abel recuperou importantes jogadores, mas também utilizou da base deixada por Luxa, principalmente Danilo, que subiu muito por causa do atual técnico alvinegro.

+ Ministério Público de São Paulo pede o adiamento de Corinthians x Palmeiras

Abel Ferreira igualou Luxemburgo neste ano, e com oito taças conquistadas, dividem a vice-liderança dos treinadores com mais títulos na história do Palmeiras.

Um representa o glorioso presente e um positivo futuro de um clube que jamais será o mesmo após a sua chegada, o outro, um passado também glorioso de quem vestiu verde lá em 1993 para tirar o Palmeiras da fila e nos dar o maior título da nossa história.

Tudo sobre

Abel FerreiraCorinthiansLuxemburgoPalmeiras

It’s been a brilliant few days for Arsenal.

On Saturday, they got to sit back and watch Chelsea, Manchester United, and, most crucially, Liverpool lose, while they went on to claim all three points in dramatic fashion away to Newcastle United.

However, there is no time to get distracted, as Mikel Arteta and Co have another game to prepare for against Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

With games coming thick and fast, the manager should be looking to make a host of changes to the starting lineup, including dropping one promising player for a world-beater.

The changes Arteta needs to make to the Arsenal lineup

It was a gruelling game at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, and with another potentially testing match against an improving West Ham United this weekend, Arteta should consider making some changes to the starting lineup to face Olympiacos.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The first of those changes should come between the sticks, with Kepa Arrizabalaga coming in for David Raya, and while the former Chelsea keeper didn’t play in the last UCL game, this one should be a slightly easier affair and a real chance to rest the Gunners’ number one.

At right-back, Ben White deserves a chance to start another game in place of Jurrien White, who was unreal against the Toon. On the other flank, it should be a second start of the season for young Myles Lewis-Skelly, who added some real dynamism when he came off the bench on Sunday.

In the middle of the park, it might be worth keeping Martin Zubimendi at the base of midfield, especially as this game could provide an opportunity for the manager to start Martin Odegaard alongside Eberechi Eze.

The latter is still getting to grips with how the team plays, so keeping him in the lineup makes sense to help him with that, and then when it comes to the latter, he needs to get back his match sharpness as quickly as possible if he’s going to play a significant role over the coming months.

Moreover, playing both of them in midfield should give the side a far more cutting edge and help deal with a stubborn low block, if that’s how the Greek side opts to play.

Finally, up-top Arteta should keep Viktor Gyokeres in the side as he was looking better on Sunday, and the more chances he gets to bolster his goal tally, the more confident and therefore effective he should become.

Gabriel Martinelli should come in off the Swede’s left, and then on the right, Ethan Nwaneri should be handed another start, as Bukayo Saka no longer needs to be run into the ground anymore, especially when the teenager is more than good enough to cover for him.

With all that said, there is one more area of the lineup that needs to be addressed – an area where Arteta should make another bold call.

Arteta should axe one of Arsenal's most exciting players

So, one of the players who should retain their position at centre-back for the game is Gabriel Magalhães, as he will not want to sit out after scoring that goal against Newcastle.

However, alongside him, Arteta should bring William Saliba back into the side.

Yes, that means dropping the incredible Cristhian Mosquera, who has looked so good already this season that one content creator has already branded him the club’s “signing of the summer.”

However, there is really one key reason why he should be dropped, and no, it’s not because he made the mistake that led to the goal on the weekend.

Instead, it’s the fact that he is still relatively young for a defender – 21 years old – and inexperienced at this level, so it might be wise to take him out of the lineup for a game or two and ensure he’s not overplayed.

However, when it really comes down to it, the reason the former Valencia gem should be dropped is so that Saliba can come back into the team.

The “world-class” titan, as dubbed by Fabrizio Romano, came on at half-time at St James’ Park due to minor fitness issues, and that is one of the reasons he should be in from the start against Olympiacos, so he can build up his fitness and match sharpness ahead of the weekend.

Appearances

140

Starts

137

Minutes

12193′

Goals

7

Assists

3

Points per Game

2.06

Moreover, if the manager opts to play several of his young stars, such as Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, and possibly even Max Dowman, it would make sense to ensure the centre-back pairing is as strong as it can possibly be.

Ultimately, while Mosquera is an incredible talent, Saliba should be in from the start to regain his fitness and provide balance for what could be a relatively inexperienced team.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 30, 2025

Five Premier League players – including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey – were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.

Why Nigerian plane was forced into unscheduled pitstop

The Nigeria squad was heading home after playing out a qualification clash in Polokwane, South Africa. They emerged triumphant in that contest, with a 2-1 victory being picked up against Lesotho. A chartered ValueJet Airline – the same carrier that had taken the team to South America – was used for the return journey.

Once it emerged that damage had been suffered to the plane’s windscreen, those on board were left with no choice but to revise their plans. The jet in question had stopped in the Angolan capital of Luanda for refuelling. After being in the air for a further 25 minutes, it emerged that an unscheduled pitstop would need to be taken. The plane returned to Luanda and landed safely.

AdvertisementHow Nigeria were able to resolve the issue

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that a delay had been suffered en route to Uyo, where the Super Eagles are due to face Benin on Tuesday. Government officials, including the president's chief of staff, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Aviation were able to secure permission for another airline to fly out from Lagos and collect the team.

A statement from the NFF read: "The ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda, and fly them to Uyo."

The replacement plane eventually completed the journey on Sunday morning, with almost 12 hours of disruption being brought to a close. Team media officer Promise Efoghe said in a statement issued to the media: "Finally, Super Eagles arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The team touched down at 8.05 am Sunday morning."

Nigeria’s squad includes five players from the Premier League. They are Iwobi, Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze of Fulham, Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and Tolu Arokodare of Wolves. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman are among the other star names in the Super Eagles’ ranks. They currently sit third in their World Cup qualification group, three points behind table-topping Benin and one adrift of South Africa in an ongoing bid to secure a play-off spot.

Similar issues for Newcastle's Brazilian duo

Nigeria are not the first team to endure airplane chaos during the latest international break. Newcastle United duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton suffered similar issues when attempting to link up with the Brazil squad.

Their aircraft was also forced to turn around due to a broken window. They were heading out to Seoul for a friendly date with South Korea. The Selecao are also taking in a meeting with Japan during their time in the Far East. Guimaraes and Joelinton both arrived in time for the first of those fixtures.

They did, however, spend more time in Amsterdam than they had planned before landing in Asia. They are said to have spent around 12 hours in the air after leaving an airport in the Netherlands and returning to it once a problem was identified.

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Getty Images SportQuestions asked of travel in international windows

The Brazilian football authorities scrambled to make alternative arrangements, with direct flights and those with potential connections explored. Said journey was eventually completed, with Guimaraes playing 79 minutes and recording an assist in a 5-0 win over South Korea.

Joelinton saw no game time, meaning that he will be desperate to figure against Japan on Tuesday. Whatever happens, the Magpies duo will have taken in around 10,000 miles of travel before returning to England for a Premier League game with Brighton on October 18 – with more questions being asked of the demands being placed on international performers in 2025 and the windows that are packed into three months early in domestic club campaigns.

Maybe the most frustrating part is the familiarity. Manchester United entered the 2025/26 campaign with such optimism in spite of last season’s struggles, having recruited with ambition over the past few months, having pledged to turn the ship around.

Ruben Amorim did not look like a man in control or a manager instilled with belief, after the Red Devils crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, defeated by League Two’s Grimsby Town on penalties.

A point from the opening two weeks of Premier League action has left plenty to be desired, but the midweek humiliation has unravelled all the tentative work. One step forward, but United have now fallen down the stairs.

If Amorim is the right man to lead this club back toward the glory days, he must enact drastic change with speed. As strange as it sounds, Saturday’s home tie against Burnley in the top flight carries a considerable amount of weight.

The Portuguese manager, without a doubt, needs to raise his win percentage, currently at the lowliest of lows.

Ruben Amorim vs post-Fergie managers

We’ve been here before. This recycling of first-team coaches at the Theatre of Dreams has yet to bring about the fruits of former successes for Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the greatest managers in the history of the game, and his influence – or lack thereof – over the past 12 years has been despairingly clear for a fallen giant who have yet to return to the pinnacle in the intervening years.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith Aug 28, 2025

Amorim arrived with an air of excitement, having crafted a high-octane and exciting outfit in Sporting Lisbon, who are now two-in-a-row Liga Portugal champions.

But it hasn’t translated, not one bit. In fact, Amorim’s 36.4% win percentage across all competitions since leaving his homeland for Manchester has seen him plummet below all the other permanent post-Fergie managers, and given the frustrations and disappointment that come attached with some of those names, this is damning indeed.

Such plain-and-simple evidence plays into the fact that things need to change, and quickly.

Man United boast so much potential; summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both Premier League sensations last year, are a testament to that fact.

Maybe what INEOS need is a figure in the dugout who knows the division and can bring out such forward players’ potential.

Man Utd shortlist Premier League manager

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United have shortlisted Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as they consider axing Amorim from his role in the dugout.

Manager Focus

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Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner has also been considered for the role, with discussions even taking place for the FA Cup-winning manager, but Iraola could be a shrewder appointment.

It is understood that INEOS will act incisively if need be, and if Amorim fails to showcase some optimism and signs of a resurgence in the coming days, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may well be rewriting the script once again.

What Andoni Iraola would bring to Man Utd

Iraola’s Bournemouth play adaptable and attractive football, and that’s something that Manchester United need if they are to replace Amorim, whose obstinacy in sticking to his 3-4-2-1 formation has seemingly uprooted any semblance of positivity or synergy within the ranks.

Iraola, conversely, is willing to operate through different styles. Balance, energy and an impressive collective understanding all make for staples of the Spaniard’s managerial skill set, and his ability to eke out the best level from his forwards, in particular Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo, suggests he could be the perfect manager to ensure Mbeumo’s attacking quality is put to good use in Manchester.

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha hailed Iraola for his “incredibly impressive” start to life in the Premier League, and he has sustained Bournemouth’s form across his two seasons at the helm, not just emulating Eddie Howe’s record ninth-place finish in the top flight for the Cherries, but accruing ten more points (56 in total) too.

Semenyo has been crucial in getting the system up and running, having scored two goals and supplied an assist across Bournemouth’s opening two fixtures this season, notching 17 goal involvements across the 2024/25 campaign.

Iraola is the architect of the forward’s success, and he could certainly repeat the trick with the 26-year-old Mbeumo, who is more accurate, more clinical and more rounded in his attacking play.

Bournemouth’s esteemed coach, after all, has been described as “one of the best in the league” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

24/25 – Semenyo vs Mbeumo

Stats (* per game)

Semenyo

Mbeumo

Matches (starts)

37 (36)

38 (38)

Goals

11

20

Assists

5

7

Shots (on target)*

3.4 (1.1)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

12

9

Pass completion

78%

74%

Big chances created

11

17

Key passes*

1.2

1.8

Dribbles*

1.9

1.4

Ball recoveries*

4.3

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.7

Duels won*

6.1

4.7

Data via Sofascore

Semenyo was linked with a £60m move to Tottenham Hotspur before signing a new contract at the Vitality Stadium this summer, with his exploits on the south coast leading analyst Ben Mattinson to hail him as a “workhorse” and a “duel monster”.

However, Mbeumo has demonstrated an even deadlier attacking sense in the Premier League with Brentford, and the comparable right-sided forwards, both with impressive underlying data, also have prolific touches in front of goal, Mbeumo more so.

If anything, United need stability and signs of progress within a structured system that has been proven within the English game.

Sadly, Amorim’s style is anything but that, and change might be required if Old Trafford wishes to return to the glory days.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 28, 2025

With Burger, Williams and Nortje also injured, SA may need to dig deep into their reserves to fill a fast-bowling position for the Champions Trophy

Firdose Moonda17-Jan-2025 • Updated on 19-Jan-2025

File photo: Gerald Coetzee had been struggling with a groin issue but played in JSK’s last game•AFP/Getty Images

South Africa’s bowling stocks have taken another hit after Gerald Coetzee, who was expected to be named as Anrich Nortje’s replacement in the the Champions Trophy squad, missed Joburg Super Kings’ match against Pretoria Capitals with a hamstring injury on Thursday and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the SA20 on SundayCSA, however, said Coetzee “remains in contention for selection” for the Champions Trophy and that a decision on his inclusion would be made in the first week of February. The deadline for submitting the final squads to the ICC is February 11.Coetzee had played JSK’s previous match against Durban’s Super Giants at Kingsmead, which was his first competitive game since the Test against Sri Lanka in Durban, where he injured his groin. He was ruled out of the rest of the international summer, after he had come back from a hip niggle and a 12-week conditioning block. He did not play any cricket between a game at the MLC in July (his only one in the competition) and a domestic match for the Titans in October. Then, he appeared fitter and faster than before, playing in all four of South Africa’s T20I fixtures against India, and took 4 for 85 in the first Test against Sri Lanka before he was ruled out again.Related

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Back injury rules Nortje out of Champions Trophy

It was confirmed by South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter that Coetzee had been in line for a Champions Trophy place but left out in favour of the more experienced Nortje. With Nortje sidelined with a back problem and Coetzee now injured as well, Walter, who is the sole selector of the team, will have to mine the depths of the reserves.With Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder already in the squad, Walter could look to 18-year old tearaway Kwena Maphaka or South Africa’s most recent ODI cap, Corbin Bosch, if he is looking for pace or may have to move away from that entirely. Death-bowling specialist Ottneil Baartman is another option with almost everyone else in contention currently injured.Nandre Burger will not return to action this summer after suffering a lower-back stress fracture while Lizaad Williams is recovering from knee surgery. Daryn Dupavillon, who was playing for Pretoria Capitals, is also ruled out of the SA20 with a hamstring concern.Dupavillon is the eighth seamer to be injured this summer. The others were Ngidi (groin), Coetzee, Mulder (broken finger), Nortje (broken toe, then back), Williams, Baartman and Burger. Barring Burger, Nortje, Williams and now, Coetzee, the others have returned to action.

Steven Gerrard could become a future star of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, with Bryan Robson claiming that the opportunity to work with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney “would interest” the Liverpool legend. Gerrard has been out of management since severing ties with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January, but is leaving himself open to enticing offers.

Change at Wrexham? Questions of Parkinson

There is no coaching role to be filled at Wrexham for now, with record-setting Phil Parkinson still at the Red Dragons’ helm. Questions are, however, being asked of his future following a testing start to the 2025-26 campaign.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALHollywood co-owners aiming for the Premier League

The ambitious Welsh outfit, who saw Hollywood co-owners help to fund another elaborate spending spree in the summer transfer window, have made no secret of their desire to reach the Premier League as quickly as possible.

Wrex appeal: Gerrard still a big draw

Many have suggested that a bigger name will be appointed in the dugout to help guide the club down that path, with ex-England captain Gerrard still a huge draw around the world. He may be of interest to Reynolds and Co if a vacancy opens up in North Wales.

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Getty/GOALRobson explains why Gerrard may fancy challenge

Another former England skipper, Manchester United legend Robson, has told of Gerrard returning to management in front of documentary cameras: “It's whether Stevie wants to get back into the game. I mean, he's had a good experience now in Saudi but you know a job like that would definitely interest him if he does want to go back into management.

“I think Wrexham at this moment of time should give Phil a bit more time because he has done a great job for them. Well, they've done fantastic to get where they are from where they were to get into the Championship in a short period of time. For me, if they can consolidate in the Championship, even if they finish mid-table, that would be a really good season from where they've come from.

“But yeah, the charisma that the U.S. lads have is fantastic, and the good thing about Wrexham, they've got a good fan base that’ll get right behind them so there’ll always be a good atmosphere within the stadium. Then with the sponsorship Ryan Reynolds has brought in too, that can only hold the club in good stead.”

عزز برشلونة تقدمه على حساب مضيفه ريال أوفييدو بالهدف الثالث، خلال اللقاء الذي يجري حالياً بين الفريقين ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

ويحل برشلونة ضيفاً على ريال أوفييدو في ملعب ” كارلوس تارتيري” ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

وأفتتح رينا التسجيل لريال أوفييدو في الدقيقة 32 بعد استغلال خروج خاطئ وتمريرة خاطئة من خوان جارسيا حارس برشلونة.

وفي الدقيقة 55 تعادل إريك جارسيا لبرشلونة بعد عرضية من أراوخو تابعها فيران توريس بتسديدة لتسقط الكرة من يد حارس أوفييدو ويتابعها إريك جارسيا.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | ليفاندوفسكي يسجل هدف برشلونة الثاني أمام ريال أوفييدو

وفي الدقيقة 69 نجح البديل روبرت ليفاندوفسكي أن يتقدم لبرشلونة بالهدف الثاني برأسية رائعة بعد متابعة عرضية الهولندي فرينكي دي يونج.

وفي الدقيقة 88 ضمن رونالد أراوخو فوز برشلونة والحصول على الثلاث نقاط بالهدف الثالث برأسية رائعة من ضربة ركنية.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 13 نقطة بينما يأتي ريال أوفييدو في المركز ال18 بثلاث نقاط فقط.

Leicestershire trail by 111, four wickets down in second innings as Yuzvendra Chahal strikes again

ECB Reporters Network18-Sep-2024

James Sales made a century for Northamptonshire•Getty Images

James Sales hit an excellent career-best 135 as Northamptonshire piled on the runs on day two of this Vitality County Championship match against Leicestershire at Wantage Road.The Northamptonshire youngster made the most of his recent elevation up the order, stroking 16 boundaries in more than four hours at the crease, facing 197 deliveries in an innings of real maturity.While he was dropped on 86 and 121 off two rare false shots, his innings was notable for his fluency, placement and timing. It stood in contrast to his maiden first-class ton in April, scored against the kookaburra ball on a docile pitch which had offered little for the Middlesex attack.Sales and Rob Keogh (49) extended their overnight partnership to 117, before runs kept flowing during Sales’ stand of 131 off just 134 deliveries with a resourceful Saif Zaib. Stroking a run-a-ball 71, Zaib garnered most of his runs from the sweep and reverse sweep as he put the spinners to the sword, a wayward Rehan Ahmed taking the brunt of his offensive.Leicestershire seamer Ian Holland, who found some inswing with the second new ball to end Sales’ innings, helped wrap up the Northamptonshire tail to finish with figures of four for 53 as the hosts were bowled out for 383 to take a first innings lead of 180.When Leicestershire replied, Northamptonshire tied them down, runs coming at a pedestrian rate with legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal finding plenty of turn. The Indian international claimed two wickets as Leicestershire closed on 69 for four still trailing by 111.Earlier Sales, 21, quickly got into his work, driving Sam Wood through the covers for four and dispatching him down the ground as he reached his half-century off 82 balls. He smashed Rehan over long-on for four, but otherwise manoeuvred the ball into the gaps nicely, driving sweetly and playing a delicate late cut.Despite nursing a bad back, Keogh provided good support, twice pulling Rehan over long-on before he was trapped lbw, struck on the back leg as he went back to a full delivery from the England legspinner.Zaib got off the mark first ball, cutting Ahmed square for four and sweeping Liam Trevaskis effortlessly behind square. Proving an ideal partner for Sales, he ran sharp ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking over and the pressure on the fielders.Sales survived his first false shot when Louis Kimber put him down at short cover off Trevaskis, the fielder injuring his hand in the process.Undeterred, Sales reached his century shortly after lunch by slapping Rehan through the covers for his 13th boundary as he and Zaib plundered 86 off the first 10 overs after the interval.Zaib meanwhile was tucking into some increasingly loose bowling from Rehan, sweeping with ease as he brought up his half-century off 55 deliveries before pulling a half-tracker square for six. At the other end, Sales benefited from another drop in the covers off Trevaskis, responding by smashing the bowler down the ground for four.But both batters departed in quick succession to spark a mini Northamptonshire collapse, four wickets falling for 21 in 6.1 overs. First Zaib was trapped lbw as he played another sweep, to give Sol Budinger his maiden first class wicket. Then, when Leicestershire took the new ball, Holland swung one back in to bowl Sales as he attempted to drive.Justin Broad was next to go when he pushed at one from Holland and was well caught by a diving Rishi Patel at first slip. Next Ben Sanderson was denied the three runs he needed for 1,000 career first-class runs when Holland trapped him lbw without scoring.A counterattacking Lewis McManus extended Northamptonshire’s lead as he took on the new ball clubbing five boundaries in a knock of 27 before becoming the sixth lbw casualty of the innings, Holland claiming his fourth wicket. Wood then wrapped up the innings by demolishing Jack White’s stumps.White struck immediately with the fifth ball of Leicestershire’s reply. Budinger, top scorer in the first innings, fell without scoring when he played inside the line of one which hit the top of off-stump.Patel (35) and Holland (11) found scoring tough going, accumulating at just 1.5 an over. Holland was eventually stumped off Chahal as he advanced down the wicket.With Keogh unable to bowl due to his back injury, Northamptonshire turned to Zaib to bowl his slow left-armers and he soon accounted for Patel when he flicked a half volley on leg stump straight to Sales at short midwicket. Leicestershire quickly lost another when Rehan danced down the wicket to Chahal, missed and was stumped by McManus.