Pujara returns with half-century after ‘stiff neck’
Fresh and well rested after a stiff neck forced him to retire hurt on 30, Cheteshwar Pujara returned to bat on the second day in Rajkot to make a half-century in Saurashtra’s first-innings total of 475 against Chhattisgarh. Pujara returned to bat after the fall of the fifth wicket and added a 65-run partnership with Sheldon Jackson who top scored with 147. Chhattisgarh were solid: 88 without loss in response with two days remaining.R Ashwin with a bagful of wickets
After toiling hard to pick up just one wicket in 21 overs on the first day in Dindigul, R Ashwin was rewarded for his persistence. He picked up three wickets on the second day to finish with figures of 4 for 85 as Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 393 after being handily placed at 359 for 4 at one stage. In all, Ashwin sent down 38.4 overs, with five maidens. Ashwin was complemented by fast bowler M Mohammed, who picked up a hat-trick to trigger MP’s collapse. At stumps, M Vijay had faced six deliveries and was yet to get off the mark.

Sheffield Wednesday have suffered a fresh injury blow to a player who now faces "months" on the sidelines, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Sheffield Wednesday injury updates

The Owls may have brought in Danny Rohl as an exciting young managerial appointment, replacing Xisco Munoz in the process, but it continues to be an extremely tough season at Hillsborough in the Championship.

After the joy of earning promotion from League One last time around, following dramatic playoff victories over Peterborough United and Barnsley, it has been a sobering return to the second tier, with Wednesday bottom of the table and picking up just six points from their opening 17 league matches.

While performances and results simply haven't been good enough for the Owls, injuries have also hurt them, with both Xisco and Rohl having to make do without key players at different points in the campaign.

Barry Bannan arguably remains Wednesday's best player, but he was out through injury earlier in the season, and the same applied to George Byers, who was another influential midfielder last term. Meanwhile, summer signing Juan Delgado is a long-term absentee, and these are just a few of the issues that have faced the Owls.

Related Sheff Wednesday: Owls had a mare by selling 'rapid powerhouse'

The attacker has thrived since leaving Hillsborough ahead of the 2014/15 campaign.

Posts ByDan Emery Oct 16, 2023 Major injury setback for youth star Fusire

Taking to X on Monday, Crann claimed that Sheffield Wednesday Under-21s captain Sean Fusire now faces "months" on the sidelines after having a hernia operation, acting is yet another blow for the club.

"Understand SWFC's U21 captain, Sean Fusire, has had to undergo a hernia operation and will now face months on the sidelines as he recovers. There is hope that he’ll be able to get back playing before the season ends. Sad end to a productive 2023 for him.

While Fusire has only made two senior appearances for Wednesday to date, given the fact that he is just 18 years of age, this has to act as another blow, at a time when they desperately need to keep as many players fit as possible, and Rohl could be looking to the youngsters to spark some life into his senior squad.

The Englishman's only Owls appearance this season came in the EFL Cup, but given his stature as Under-21s skipper, he more than likely would have broken through as the campaign wore on.

A right-sided player who is capable of thriving as both a defender and a midfielder, Fusire has been at Hillsborough since back in 2014 as a young boy, and the hope is that his return isn't too far away in the new year.

Sheff Wed's Championship goalscorers this season

Total

Michael Smith

3

Anthony Musaba

2

George Byers

1

Tyreeq Bakinson

1

Juan Delgado

1

Lee Gregory

1

Barry Bannan

1

As for the first team, Rohl will now be preparing for Wednesday's daunting home clash with a Leicester City side who top the table currently, winning 14 of their 17 league games in 2023/24 so far.

It is clear that the Foxes go into the game as the overriding favourites to pick up all three points, and while the Owls may see this match as something of a free hit, it is imperative that wins start happening soon, or they will simply find themselves too far adrift.

Tottenham are reportedly after a £70 million-rated attacker who's even been likened to star winger Son Heung-min.

Johan Lange arrives at Spurs

The north Londoners are said to be identifying transfer targets ahead of the looming January window. New sporting director Johan Lange, who will now step into the shoes of Fabio Paratici after his arrival from Aston Villa, is tasked with strengthening Ange Postecoglou's squad. The Spurs boss has even admitted to already talking with Lange, but refuses to get drawn in to speculation at this stage.

"I've caught up with Johan, nothing too formal," said Postecoglou on Lange and his appointment at N17.

"I don't have the attention span for long meetings mate so it tends to be just casual chats with people. It's the best way to get my point across if I need to say anything. The good thing is he is in the building now so he's interacting with all the right people. The bit with me is the easy bit, it's about setting up the procedures and the structures to make sure he gets the department working the way he wants to get the right outcomes.

"As you said, Rob joining will help that. It is important they come in now. The January window, like for every club, is an important one."

The impact of Spurs' new transfer chief will be very interesting to follow, with reports suggesting that the club are already mapping out plans for the winter.

Tottenham identifying transfer targets

Since Lange's arrival, reports have suggested that the Lilywhites are prioritising the addition of a new centre-back. Tottenham's interest in Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth has been reported before, but their fondness has apparently remained after Lange. Indeed, Spurs are still targeting Kelly for January, with Tottenham interested in Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah also. As well as defensive reinforcements, new attacking options have been mooted too.

The likes of Al-Ittihad winger Jota and another Celtic's Matt O'Riley are thought to have admirers at Spurs, while there have been reports that Postecoglou is keen on Kerem Akturkoglu from Galatasaray. January could be an opportunity for Tottenham to invest and provide more fire to a possible title challenge, with one report now sharing news on a pretty ambitious new target.

Spurs eyeing Florian Wirtz move

According to information gathered by Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Spurs are eyeing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen as a potential option. The 20-year-old is attracting interest from north London and all over Europe, and it is believed he'll command a price tag of around £70 million-£87 million.

Wirtz has been called "similar" to Son in playing style (Football Transfers), and he's starred under Xabi Alonso for Leverkusen so far this season. The club's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has also branded the German an "extraordinary" player.

“Extraordinary player,” said Rolfes on Wirtz to Stats Perform.

Florian Wirtz strengths
Dribbling
Key passes
Through balls
Ball retention

“I saw him the first time when he was 13 and followed him all the time. Spoke with him before he moved to us, with the parents a lot of times and tried to convince them that it was the right step to come to us and accelerate his development. I and the whole club are very happy that he is with us."

Aston Villa were linked with a move for Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna over the summer, and a fresh report has revealed a promising update in their pursuit ahead of January.

Marcos Acuna profiled

Acuna is a left-back who has plied his trade at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium for the past three years having first joined from Sporting CP back in 2020. He’s since gone on to make a total of 133 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Acuna stats).

The Argentina international still has just under two years remaining on his deal (Sevilla contracts), but that didn’t stop him from being highlighted as a target during the previous transfer window by NSWE, Monchi and Unai Emery.

The Midlands outfit were confirmed to be working on a deal for the 32-year-old, with Football Insider reporting that he had even agreed personal terms to join, but a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline on September 1st.

The La Liga outfit were claimed to have had late second thoughts about letting the veteran depart, but with him having made just six league starts this season (WhoScored – Acuna stats), they appear to have had another change of heart regarding his future in Spain having dropped down the pecking order, with reports last month claiming Aston Villa are close to agreeing a January deal for the player.

Sevilla looking to receive bid for Acuna

According to Vamos Mi Sevilla (via Sport Witness), Sevilla want to receive an offer for Acuna in January in what is a boost for Emery. Diego Alonso’s side are hoping that Aston Villa and other potential suitors are “willing to bet on him” because Adria Pedrosa has solidified the first-choice spot meaning that the experienced star is surplus to requirements.

Aston Villa could land "top defender" in Acuna

Being a left-back, Acuna’s main priority is to help his backline which he has been doing when handed the rare opportunity to play this season, averaging 1.7 tackles and 1.1 aerial wins per game in La Liga, but he’s also capable of having a positive impact in the final third.

The Zapala native has racked up 98 contributions (64 assists and 34 goals) since the start of his career, showing that he loves to use his pace to burst down the flank, dribble past his marker and create as many chances as possible for himself and his fellow teammates in the opposition’s penalty area.

Likes to play long balls

Likes to cross

Plays the ball off the ground often

The £48k-per-week earner (Sevilla salaries), even knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured seven trophies for both club and country over the course of his career, so he will possess the winning mentality required to succeed at Villa Park.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola previously heaped praise on Acuna, labelling him an all-round “top defender”, so should he put pen to paper, there’s a chance that he could soon be facing him the next time he takes on Emery’s side in the Premier League.

MatériaMais Notícias

Apesar do Flamengo almejar a liderança do Brasileirão e o Fortaleza precisar de pontos para afastar-se da zona de rebaixamento, os times protagonizaram um jogo de raras emoções e, principalmente, de desempenhos ruins neste sábado, no Castelão. Assim, com direito a um pênalti perdido por Pedro, a partida pela 27ª rodada terminou em 0 a 0, resultado que não agradou a nenhum dos lados.

Com o resultado, o Flamengo chegou aos 49 pontos, igualando o Atlético-MG, que agora é o vice-líder. O time de Rogério Ceni volta a campo no dia 6 de janeiro, contra o Fluminense, no Maracanã. O Fortaleza, por sua vez, alcançou os 31 pontos, está a três do Vasco, primeiro time na zona de rebaixamento, e que ainda joga nesta rodada.

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RelacionadasAtlético MineiroGalo vence o Coritiba em casa e segue na luta pelo título BrasileiroAtlético Mineiro26/12/2020

PEDRO ESCORREGA EM PRIMEIRO TEMPO SONOLENTO
​
A expectativa para o jogo passava pelo reencontro de Rogério Ceni com o ex-clube. Antes da bola rolar, muitos abraços entre o técnico e os ex-comandados. A partir do apito inicial, muito respeito e conhecimento mútuo, o que resultou em um primeiro tempo travado no meio de campo e de raras emoções. Menos intenso que o habitual, o Flamengo não transformou a posse em chances reais.

Neste ponto, méritos para o time de Marcelo Chamusca, que posicionou-se com duas linhas de quatro em frente à área e travou o jogo rubro-negro. Por outro lado, a ideia do Fortaleza de encaixar contra-ataques não teve sucesso. Arrascaeta e Everton Ribeiro foram bem marcados e a bola mal chegou a Pedro.

Na chance que teve, o camisa 21 foi bem: domínio, lençol no zagueiro e pênalti sofrido. Contudo, o centroavante escorregou na hora da cobrança, tocou com os dois pés na bola e o tiro livre indireto para o Fortaleza foi marcado. Houve invasão por parte dos jogadores do Fortaleza também, a qual não foi marcada pelo árbitro. Assim, Hugo e Felipe Alves foram para o intervalo sem trabalhar.

RARAS EMOÇÕES E NADA DE GOL
​
Apenas com João Lucas no lugar de Isla, pendurado, o Flamengo voltou da mesma forma. A posse de bola seguiu improdutiva. As atuações individuais, em termos técnicos, contribuíram para isso. O Fortaleza também seguiu com a mesma postura e a mesma dificuldade em contra-atacar, mas Marcelo Chamusca foi o primeiro a fazer alterações mais ousadas: Osvaldo e Wellington Paulista entraram nos lugares de João Paulo e David, que não foram bem.

A chance do Flamengo abrir o placar novamente coube a Pedro. Desta vez, o centroavante recebeu frente a frente com Felipe Alves após erros de Ronald e Paulão, mas o goleiro fez grande defesa. No rebote, Gabriel Dias evitou o gol de BH27. Na sequência, aos 26, Vitinho e Diego foram acionados por Rogério Ceni.

Foram mais quatro mudanças até o fim de jogo – três do Fortaleza e uma do Flamengo -, mas o panorama continuou o mesmo. Já na base do “tudo ou nada”, sem muita organização e efetividade, os times apostaram na bola aérea: sem sucesso. O placar sem gols refletiu bem as atuações das duas equipes.

FICHA TÉCNICA
FORTALEZA 0 X 0 FLAMENGO

Estádio: Castelão, em Fortaleza (CE)
Data e hora: 26 de dezembro de 2020, às 19h
Árbitro: Rafael Traci (Fifa/SC)
Assistentes: Kleber Lucio Gil (Fifa/SC) e Thiaggo Americano Labes (SC)
Árbitro de vídeo: Caio Max Augusto Vieira (RN)

Gols: Não houve.

Cartão amarelo: Jackson, Ronald, Carlinhos (FOR); Isla, Renê e Vitinho (FLA)
Cartão vermelho: Não houve.

FORTALEZA (Técnico: Marcelo Chamusca)

Felipe Alves; Gabriel Dias (Mariano Vázquez, 31’/2ºT), Jackson, Paulão e Carlinhos; Felipe, Ronald (Derley, 39’/2ºT), Tinga e João Paulo (Osvaldo, 16’/2ºT); Romarinho (Bergson, 39’/2ºT) e David (Wellington Paulista, 16’/2ºT).

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Rogério Ceni)

Hugo Souza; Isla, Rodrigo Caio, Natan e Renê; Willian Arão (Diego, 26’/2ºT), Gérson, Everton Ribeiro (Vitinho, 26’/2ºT) e Arrascaeta (Pepê, 42’/2ºT); Bruno Henrique e Pedro

Manchester City will have to pay Lucas Paqueta's £85 million ($105m) release clause if they want to sign the West Ham playmaker this summer.

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• City eyeing deal to sign Paqueta
• Personal terms reportedly agreed
• Midfielder has huge release clause

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City are eyeing a deal to sign Paqueta this summer as they plan a shake-up ahead of next season. Reports have suggested that the Brazil international has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League champions, but extricating him from the London Stadium may prove difficult, as Fabrizio Romano has revealed that he has an £85m release clause in his contract.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City have paid such a fee before, spending £100m to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021, and paying £78m to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig last summer. It remains to be seen if they will be willing to pay such a figure for Paqueta, but they have tracked him for some time, having been interested last summer. His possible punishment for alleged betting offences put paid to any deal, however.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  West Ham paid a club-record £51m to sign Paqueta from Lyon in 2022 and he has gone on to make 78 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals and registering 14 assists. He also won the Europa Conference League with the Hammers last season.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Paqueta will next be in action against Fulham in the Premier League this weekend. However, he will be absent from next week's Europa League quarter-final second leg against Bayer Leverkusen after picking up a yellow card in the first leg, so he is suspended.

Paul Mullin popped the champagne while Rob McElhenney was left speechless as Wrexham gained automatic promotion to League One.

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Mullin celebrated by popping champagne McElhenney left speechlessWrexham thrashed Forest Green RoversWHAT HAPPENED?

Mullin netted a brace as Wrexham sealed a memorable 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers in League Two on Saturday. With MK Dons going down against Mansfield Town on the same day, the Red Dragons are now guaranteed a top-three finish and promotion to League One. Mullin and the Wrexham players were on cloud nine after securing promotion to the third division as they sprayed champagne and celebrated after the game.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT ROB MCELHENNEY SAID

Hollywood star and Wrexham co-owner McElhenney was left speechless after his team secured yet another promotion as he quoted a club's X post and wrote: "No Words".

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GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Mullin, who played an important role in the club heading back to the English Football League last season, has once again been their star performer as the Welsh side secured a second consecutive promotion in just a year. The 29-year-old has once enjoyed a rich vein of form having scored 25 goals across all competitions in 41 matches and has provided seven assists.

Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the Premier League's success stories so far this season, but recent weeks have stained the exciting start under new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Of course, extenuating factors have formed the base of the recent malady, slumping to successive defeats against Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers to fall from top spot, but Spurs are still in the top four after 12 matches, just two points behind table-toppers Manchester City.

While the backline requires the most attention, Postecoglou will be eager to increase the overall dynamism of his resurgent squad and exciting young wideman Samuel Iling-Junior could be signed in January.

Tottenham's January transfer targets

Iling-Junior has risen to senior action in Italy with Juventus after being released from Chelsea's academy in 2020, and Spurs have taken note, with Tuttomercatoweb revealing that a January departure is likely and Tottenham are eager to snap him up.

Aston Villa and Everton were both credited with interest over the summer, and given that he is only contracted in Turin until 2025, the upcoming transfer windows might prove the perfect time for Postecoglou's side to swoop.

Previously valued at €25m (£21m) by the Old Lady, it would certainly be an affordable mid-season acquisition, though whether Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is willing to invest such a sum in one of little senior experience remains to be seen at this stage.

Samuel Iling-Junior's style of play

An electric and direct winger, Iling-Junior is comfortable when fielded across both offensive flanks, while also doing a job from deep, having often played as a left-sided wing-back for Juventus, and such versatility would only increase the appeal factor for Postecoglou at Tottenham.

Extolled for his "flamboyant" style by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 20-year-old has only made 22 senior appearances for Juventus but has chipped in with a goal and three assists as he continues his development.

Also praised for his "high energy and work volume as well as dreamy ball skills" by journalist Antonio Mango, Iling-Junior would be an exceptional addition to strengthen the depth in Postecoglou's squad while not upsetting the equilibrium established through the feats of Hueng-min Son, Dejan Kuliusevski and co.

Given that Destiny Udogie is listed as one of the most comparable full-backs by FBref, his suitability to the team is underscored further, with Iling-Junior ranking among the top 5% for goals, the top 17% for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive carries, the top 13% for successful take-ons and the top 10% for tackles per 90.

While he has been utilised from deep, Iling-Junior sees himself as an offensive outlet, having likened his craft to that of Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane's.

Why Leroy Sane is so impressive

Sane has been immense for Bayern Munich this season, posting nine goals and seven assists from 18 appearances for his rampant outfit.

Described as a "world-class" forward by Kulig, Sane is blessed with natural speed and jaw-dropping technical ability, ranking among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers for goals, the top 7% for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

One of the most creative forces around, Sane could be the prototype from which Iling-Junior can sculpt his craft from, with the young Englishman having been described as an "assist machine" by journalist Michele Neri.

Sane's career across German and English football has been one of great success, and the 57-cap Germany international rightfully deserves a place in the conversation for the best in the business at present.

Iling-Junior has much work ahead to reach that level, but by making the move to Tottenham, he could unlock his potential and rise to the fore.

Newcastle United have had an excellent few days. After a disappointing defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week which was succeeded by a 2-2 draw with Wolves, the Magpies bounced back emphatically.

A memorable 3-0 win in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford to knock the holders out of the competition was followed up by a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday evening to put Eddie Howe’s side seven points behind leaders Manchester City.

However, it’s not all been rosy in the garden as key defender Dan Burn sustained a nasty back injury against the Gunners which may be set to keep him out of action for a while.

Dan Burn injury latest

Burn landed awkwardly on his back during the first half and struggled until the interval before swiftly being replaced during the break by £40m summer signing Tino Livramento. Howe admitted that the injury “looks worrying” and now the 31-year-old is a doubt for Newcastle’s crucial European bout away at Dortmund on Tuesday.

Losing the £13m man will be a huge blow for the Magpies with some key games on the horizon after having a “ridiculous impact” at St. James’ Park, according to former Celtic frontman Frank McAvennie.

Burn is the second left-back to pick up an injury at Newcastle United over the past week after Matt Target pulled his hamstring two minutes into the side’s midweek game at the Theatre of Dreams and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, there is another option that Howe can explore in order to ensure the Newcastle defence keeps their solidity in Burn’s absence.

How Newcastle can soften the injury blow

Kieran Trippier has had yet another tremendous season in the North East, having featured 15 times for the Magpies and registering seven assists in all competitions, including six in the Premier League. Only Wolves star Pedro Neto has earned more across the entire division.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man has played at right-back in every single game under Howe in the 2023/24 campaign, according to Transfermarkt. Nonetheless, with Burn likely to be out with a back problem, the head coach could look to use his £120k-per-week defender on the opposite flank for once.

Right back

381

9

70

Right midfield

50

1

13

Left back

1

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Trippier has previously had experience at left-back. While the right side is his preferred area of dominance, heavy competition from the likes of Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold has compelled England manager Gareth Southgate to put Trippier on the left during certain games.

Trippier’s most infamous game at left-back came during the Three Lions’ win over Croatia in EURO 2020 two years ago. The fullback’s impressive display led Southgate to call him a “warrior” and even a “defensive animal”.

During that 1-0 victory against Croatia, Trippier ended the game with an 85% passing accuracy, having completed 14 balls into the final third and was dispossessed just once during proceedings. Furthermore, the former La Liga champion won 50% of his ground and aerial duels, completed five ball recoveries and had one interception, as per FotMob.

In an unfamiliar environment, Trippier thrived and could be the glaring solution to Newcastle United’s left-back crisis, with Livramento, who won the Man of the Match award in midweek against Manchester United, coming in on the right for the time being.

يستعد فريق ليفربول لخوض مباراة ودية جديدة، في إطار الاستعدادات تحت قيادة المدرب الجديد آرني سلوت، قبل الموسم الجديد.

ويلتقي ليفربول مع نظيره مانشستر يونايتد، في الساعات الأولى من صباح يوم الأحد 4 أغسطس، على ملعب “ويليامز بريس” في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وخاض ليفربول 3 مباريات ودية حتى الآن، حيث خسر الأولى أمام بريستون بهدف دون رد خلف الأبواب المغلقة، قبل الفوز بنفس النتيجة على ريال بيتيس، ثم انتصار صعب ضد آرسنال بهدفين لهدف.

في حين أن مانشستر يونايتد خاض 4 مباريات ودية، حيث خسر الأولى أمام روزنبورج بهدف دون رد، وفاز على رينجرز بثنائية نظيفة، وانتصر على آرسنال بركلات الترجيح، قبل اجتيازه ريال بيتيس بنتيجة 4-3.

ويبدأ ليفربول مشواره في الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2024/25، بمواجهة إبسويتش تاون الصاعد حديثًا، وذلك يوم 17 أغسطس الجاري.

بينما يلتقي مانشستر يونايتد مع فولهام، في افتتاحية الدوري الإنجليزي يوم 16 من الشهر نفسه، مع العلم إنه سيخوض مباراة قبلها في كأس الدرع الخيرية ضد مانشستر سيتي يوم 10.

(محدث) مباشر بالفيديو.. مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد وديًا موعد مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد الودية اليوم

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 2:45 فجر الأحد، 4 أغسطس 2024، بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد الودية اليوم

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة إم بي سي مصر 2 الحاصلة على حقوق بث مباريات مانشستر يونايتد في معسكرها الودي في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، كما تُذاع عبر LFCTV.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا