Category Uncategorized

WWE star Drew McIntyre branded England manager Gareth Southgate a "bloody idiot" for leaving goalkeeper Jack Butland out of his latest squad.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Drew McIntyre slams Butland England omissionOnly a 'bloody idiot' would leave him out, says WWE starKeeper in fine form for Rangers since summer moveGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The wrestling ace, a Rangers supporter, was aghast at the lack of recognition for the goalkeeper, who has been in fine form as the Gers have laid down a title challenge to Celtic and performed admirably in Europe. Typically, McIntyre was not one to mince his words when asked about Butland, who spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Manchester United.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT DREW MCINTYRE SAID

"Yeah, they're idiots for leaving him out of the squad," McIntyre told That's Football. "He is, along with the captain Tav (James Tavernier) our best player.

"We've tried multiple goalkeepers and had to bring (Alan) McGregor back but finally with Butland – he's the man, he's absolutely on fire. And to leave him out of the squad you're just an idiot, simple as that. You're a bloody idiot, from Drew McIntyre."

THE GOSSIP

Born in Ayrshire, McIntyre is a huge Rangers fan and is regularly pictured in the club's shirt. After Old Firm rivals Celtic swept to two consecutive titles after Ange Postecoglou, this year's title race promises to be a close affair with Butland's form a factor.

However, any hopes of a recall for the goalkeeper last capped in 2018 seemed to have evaporated when he was left out of England's list to face Brazil and Belgium this month.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR GARETH SOUTHGATE?

Southgate may have to prepare for some more choice words from McIntyre when he names his squad for the European Championship in May. The England boss is expected to name his preliminary selection on May 21, with the final squad to be officially submitted to UEFA by June 7.

LSU star Flau'jae Johnson is the second college athlete to sign an NIL deal with the new professional women's 3-on-3 Unrivaled basketball league.

Johnson joins UConn's Paige Bueckers as the second player to receive ownership equity with the historic NIL deal. The Unrivaled league was founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier and will begin on Jan. 17, 2025. Many of the WNBA's biggest stars have signed up to play in its inaugural season, including Johnson's former LSU teammate Angel Reese.

The LSU junior is super excited to watch the history firsthand during Unrivaled's inaugural season, especially because of what it means for the future of professional women's basketball.

“Them being competitors and knowing high level basketball is going to be played there, it’ll be marketed well, their sign is going to be solely on women’s basketball—I think that’s going to be amazing," Johnson told SI.

Johnson says one of her favorite aspects of Unrivaled is that it gives WNBA stars the opportunity to play in the United States during the offseason instead of traveling abroad to make money. She's honored to be a part of a league that pays its players fairly, she says.

Johnson plans to join the WNBA and Unrivaled once her college career is over. Working alongside some of the league's biggest stars in Unrivaled will give her the opportunity to talk to these players about their careers and give her any advice she asks for. Johnson's really looking forward to these one-on-one conversations with some of her basketball idols.

“I’m going to ask questions," Johnson says. "I’m a nerd, kind of, when it comes to that, trying to know what’s going on. I’m definitely going to be asking a lot of questions as much as I can.

“It’s super dope because that’s where I’m going to be in a few [years]," Johnson says. "I’ll be right in their position. So, being able to learn from people that are right in front of me being able to watch them, I love seeing pros being pros."

Unrivaled is also going to incorporate Johnson's music career into her involvement with the league. The 21-year-old rapper is signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation and has recent collaborations with Lil Wayne and NLE Choppa. Johnson doesn't know what all of this partnership will entail when it comes to her music, but she said she is excited to "explore" more music projects with the league.

Johnson is eligible for the WNBA Draft in 2025 but hasn't made an official decision no whether she will declare or not. The WNBA and Unrivaled will be waiting for her until she chooses.

After Thursday night’s Sweet 16 action, we now have half of the Elite Eight matchups set. Among the four clubs in action are the Big East champions, a blueblood program trying to send their Hall-of-Fame coach out with another championship, an SEC power that knocked out the No. 1 overall seed and a red-hot American Athletic Conference squad that is on a six-game winning streak both straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS).

Did you ask for March Madness? Well, we are left with only one No. 1 seed entering Friday and underdogs (58%) lead the way at betting counters around the country.

Now, the question becomes: Does that trend continue in the Elite Eight?

Sweet 16/Elite 8 betting previews: Purdue-Saint Peter’s | Kansas-Providence | UCLA-UNC | Miami-Iowa State | Two Bets for Friday | Houston-Villanova | Arkansas-Duke

In the first round, favorites went 22-10 SU but more importantly for sports bettors, underdogs posted a 17-15 ATS mark.

In the second round, favorites went 11-5 SU and 10-6 ATS in thrilling second round action that witnessed No. 15 St. Peter’s (+325), No. 11 Michigan (+215), No. 10 Miami(+255), No. 11 Iowa State (+170) and No. 8 North Carolina (+195) pull outright upsets that advanced them to the Sweet 16

Favorites are just 1-3 SU and ATS in thus far after only No. 2 Villanova covered as 4.5-point favorites. No. 2 Duke (+108), No. 4 Arkansas (+400) and No. 5 Houston (+107) all won outright and advanced to the Elite Eight.

Thus far in the NCAA tournament, favorites are ahead 34-18 SU while underdogs lead the way at 30-22 ATS.

Historical Trends In Elite Eight:

Last five Tournaments the better/higher seeds:

• SU: 10-10 (50.0%)
• ATS: 8-11-1 (41.1%)

Last two tournaments the better/higher seeds:

• SU: 4-4 SU (50.0%)
• ATS: 3-5 (37.5%)

Let’s dive right into the games!

Plays of the day from the second ODI between Pakistan and West Indies in Sharjah

Nikhil Kalro02-Oct-2016The awful reviewIn the fifth over of Pakistan’s innings, Jason Holder got a full delivery to jag back into Azhar Ali, who played around his front pad and was struck right in front of middle and off stump. The umpire raised the finger almost instantaneously, but Azhar was not convinced. After a chat with opening partner Sharjeel Khan, Azhar used Pakistan’s only review. At that moment, it didn’t seem to matter to him that the new DRS rules give the bowlers a higher margin. Hawk-eye indicated even the previous lbw protocol was sufficient to uphold the umpire’s decision. Sharjeel was as much to blame as Azhar.Traffic holds up playShoaib Malik’s swift footwork to the pitch of Sulieman Benn’s loopy deliveries helped him plunder five sixes. In the 27th over, Malik danced down thrice, got underneath the flight each time and heaved him for three successive sixes, the last of which cleared the ground over the midwicket boundary. The ball ended its journey in the middle of a road outside the stadium. An eager spectator hopped over the walls, crossed the road and was made to wait for a break in an unrelenting flow of cars. Play resumed a few minutes later.Heated exchanges and humidityIn the 27th over of Pakistan’s innings, Shoaib Malik poked a ball back to the bowler Sulieman Benn. As Benn was returning, non-striker Babar Azam lost his composure – presumably for something that was said earlier – and muttered under his breath, but loud enough for the bowler to hear. Benn retorted with words and a shrug of the shoulder, but Azam went back to being like most batsmen: ignoring the bowler. The next three balls were hit for three sixes.Then in the second innings, Mohammad Amir was at the receiving end as umpire Shozab Raza seemed displeased his behaviour. Amir wore a disbelieving expression on his face, and captain Azhar Ali was forced to intervene and mediate between both parties.Reverse-cup woesPakistan’s strengths helped them to the ODI series win, but their weaknesses were in the spotlight too, their catching in particular. Darren Bravo skied a slog-sweep to Azhar at cover in the 21st over. Reverse-cup attempt. Dropped.In the 33rd over, Marlon Samuels heaved Imad Wasim to deep midwicket. Mohammad Rizwan made the ground. Reverse-cup attempt. Dropped and parried for six. Pakistan dropped six catches. “Not acceptable,” said Azhar at the post-match presentation. Fortunately for Pakistan, their batting + bowling > fielding.

A European giant are now in talks to sign one of West Ham’s first-team players this month as they look to raid Graham Potter’s side in the winter window.

Potter's West Ham debut ends in defeat

After taking over from Julen Lopetegui with West Ham sitting down in 14th in the Premier League, Potter’s first game ended in defeat as his side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa.

Despite that, the new Hammers boss saw plenty of positives from that performance. “Our performance gave me a lot of encouragement, the way the players tried to do what we asked them to do. We’re just disappointed now because we’re out and wanted to go through.

“We just try to get the team into a good shape. The talent is there but it’s just about trying to get the team together as a collective. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

West Ham consider signing £40m England international who's told he can go

The Hammers have drawn up a list of targets for Graham Potter.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 11, 2025

However, the defeat is set to have longer-term implications for Potter, with Niclas Füllkrug having been substituted off after just 15 minutes through injury, and reports have claimed that he will miss up to three months after scans confirmed the significance of the issue.

That means that West Ham may well be forced into the transfer market, with Michail Antonio also sidelined indefinitely after a car crash last month, while Jarrod Bowen is still recovering from a broken foot, leaving Danny Ings as the only recognised option to lead the line.

But first, they will have to fight off interest in other members of their first team between now and the end of the January transfer window.

European club table bid for West Ham midfielder

Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, AS Monaco have made an offer to sign Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez on loan this month.

The Ligue 1 side are third in France as things stand, and are looking to bolster their ranks to ensure that they qualify for the Champions League again this season.

To that end, they have made an offer to sign the West Ham man, tabling an initial loan offer for the 27-year-old for the remainder of the campaign.

Unsurprisingly, West Ham have rejected this offer, having signed Alvarez for £35m just 18 months ago and with the Mexican still having three and a half years left to run on his £100,000 a week deal at the London Stadium. He is considered an “important player”, as peer Romano, something that makes a move tricky for the Monegasques.

Handed a start in Potter’s first game in charge, Alvarez has been a regular when fit for the Hammers this season, starting 11 games.

He could continue to figure for the new West Ham boss should he remain at the club. However, in news that may concern Hammers fans, Romano adds that talks continue “as Monaco want Alvarez and can offer UCL football”, while West Ham look on course to miss out on European football altogether barring a major turnaround in the second half of the campaign.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now keen on signing a “unique” player who has scored at Molineux for expected new manager Vitor Pereira, according to a new report.

Wolves set to announce Vitor Pereira

The Old Gold have moved quickly in finding a new manager to replace Gary O’Neil, as they sacked the Englishman over the weekend after their 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town. Out-of-work managers such as David Moyes and Graham Potter were linked with the role before O’Neil was sacked, but the Premier League side have made Vitor Pereira their number one target.

It was reported earlier this week that Pereira had agreed a deal with Wolves to become their new manager. The Portuguese has agreed a one-and-a-half-year deal after agreeing to personal terms, and Wolves have agreed to an £800,000 compensation package with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.

As well as Andre: Pereira must instantly axe "promising" Wolves star

Vitor Pereira will want to leave his mark on the Wolverhampton Wanderers side.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 19, 2024

Al-Shabab have confirmed Pereira’s exit, and the 56-year-old took to social media on Wednesday to bid farewell to his former club. He wrote: “The time has come to say goodbye to Al Shabab; every day here has been a lesson. Every challenge, an opportunity to grow. Even though the passage was short, we achieved important goals and milestones, overcame obstacles, and created memories that will never fade.

“On behalf of myself and my coaching staff, I sincerely thank the players, the staff, the managers, and the fans, who have always supported us unconditionally. I take with me the pride of having been part of this club and the certainty that I gave everything, every day! Special thanks to the president for the friendship, respect, and gratitude he has always shown us throughout this journey.

“This is not only a farewell, but also a reflection on the importance of each step on our path. Now, it’s time to look to the future, always with gratitude for what the past has given me. Thank you, Al Shabab! I WISH the club much success for the rest of the season!”

Wolves now keen on signing "unique" player for Vitor Pereira

As Pereira’s announcement gets ever closer, according to The Sun, Wolves are eyeing up a move to sign Miguel Almiron on loan from Newcastle United in January. The Paraguay international will have been with the Magpies for six years in January, but his time at the club looks to be coming to an end.

Almiron, who was praised for his “unique” style last year by Eddie Howe, has fallen out of favour at St. James’ Park after being a key player under Howe last season. The 30-year-old has played just nine times across all competitions this season, and given Newcastle are keen to balance the books due to FFP rules, Almiron could be allowed to leave in the New Year.

This report states that the Premier League side are keen to offload Almiron in January, with a loan move looking the most likely outcome. Wolves are among the teams interested in signing the midfielder, as are Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

Almiron is looking to leave the North East, as he tries to rediscover the form he showed in the 2022/23 season, where he scored 11 goals in the Premier League. Wolves and Molineux are very familiar with Almiron, as it was there where the midfielder scored his second Premier League goal, in the 1-1 draw against the Midlands side during the 2019/20 campaign.

India’s marks out of ten after they beat West Indies 2-0 on their Caribbean tour

Karthik Krishnaswamy23-Aug-20169R Ashwin (17 wickets at 23.17, 235 runs at 58.75)Only three players had scored two hundreds and taken two five-wicket hauls in the same series before Ashwin, and the last time it happened was in a series that everyone now calls Botham’s Ashes. Ashwin’s West Indies-India Test series doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, but there is no doubting his impact. His bowling, particularly when there was a breeze to aid his drift, was a pleasure to watch, and he showed he is perhaps the best in the world at beating batsmen in the air. He worked hard on his batting in the off-season and he was willing to grind it out for long periods, facing more balls than any other Indian batsman in the series, but it’s still too early to say if he can bat at No. 6 against better bowling sides. His limited footwork got him into a few tangles with swing and seam, but that’s not to say he cannot improve that aspect too.8Mohammed Shami (11 wickets at 25.81)Returning to Test cricket after a year-and-a-half’s gap, Shami showed he wasn’t just back to full fitness but also back to his best rhythm. He was India’s best fast bowler in the first two Tests, bowling with pace, making the batsmen play, and troubling them not just with swing and seam but new-found extra bounce as well. By the end of the series, he had bowled more overs than any of his fast-bowling colleagues, suggesting he had become Virat Kohli’s go-to quick.Wriddhiman Saha (205 runs at 51.25, 9 catches, 2 stumpings)A joy to watch behind the stumps, Saha came into the series with his batting ability under a bit of scrutiny, particularly with India looking to play five bowlers whenever possible. He did the job he was expected to when he scored 40 and 47 in the first two Tests, but the score when he walked in at St Lucia, 126 for 5, demanded more. A maiden Test hundred followed, and during the innings he showed on two separate occasions – late on day one and in the first session of day two – that he could switch instantly from single-minded defence to flurries of boundary-hitting, even on one of the slowest outfields in the world.Ajinkya Rahane (243 runs at 121.50)Rahane faced 522 balls in the series, and was only dismissed twice. With India dominant through most of the series, he ended up becoming something of a declaration specialist. His hundred at Sabina Park set India up perfectly, leaving them 304 runs ahead with just under half the Test match remaining. That they didn’t go on and win had little to do with Rahane’s batting and everything to do with the weather, the pitch, stubborn West Indies batting, and a bowling attack that wasn’t at its best on the final day. The second-innings 78* in St Lucia, full of hard, cheeky running, hurried India to another declaration, and this time, with far less time remaining, they managed to pull off a dramatic win.7Bhuvneshwar Kumar (6 wickets at 9.83)Bhuvneshwar did not play the first two Tests, but delivered exactly what his team wanted from him – accuracy, new-ball swing in both directions, and the smarts to know how to bowl to which batsman – when called upon in St Lucia, and did all this in his first Test since January 2015. He was unlucky not to win the Player-of-the-Match award for his 5 for 33 in St Lucia, which broke West Indies’ batting apart and gave India both the lead and the time they needed to force a win with a day lost to rain, and is perhaps unlucky not to get an extra point in our ratings as well.Virat Kohli (251 runs at 62.75)Arriving at the crease with India moving along at under three an over on the first day of the series, Kohli set the tone with a career-best 200 at a strike rate of over 70. It was the innings of a man in stupendous form, but the remainder of the series only brought him 51 runs in three innings, including scores of 3 and 4 in St Lucia, where he batted at No. 3. It’s too early to say whether he will be as successful in that role as he has been at No. 4, and equally difficult to say how often he will try it. As captain, he was unpredictable with his selections, unafraid to make bold and sometimes unpopular calls, and never dull.KL Rahul (236 runs at 78.66)Rahul gave India a pounding selection headache when he replaced the injured M Vijay in Jamaica and promptly made a career-best 158. It was an innings that showed he had the strokes to punish wayward bowling and get off to a brisk start, as he did on the first evening; that he had the ability to shelve those strokes against disciplined bowling, as he did on the second morning; and that he had the appetite to keep going even after a troublesome bout of cramps. He followed that with a half-century in St Lucia, but it was an innings that showed he can still be a fidgety starter, prone to wafting at balls in the channel. He still has work to do on his catching as well, and put down a couple of chances at third slip in St Lucia.Bhuvneshwar Kumar broke West Indies’ batting in St Lucia, his first Test since January 2015•AFP6Ishant Sharma (8 wickets at 32.12)A typically Ishant-esque series. At times, he attacked the stumps, used the short ball well, and looked like the most dangerous bowler in India’s attack. At other times, he struggled to make batsmen play, his line too wide of off stump to test them. There were some wayward spells too, such as the one he bowled post-lunch on the first day in Kingston, where Marlon Samuels took full toll of his long-hops. In the end, he finished with a typically Ishant-esque average – 32.12 – and strike rate – 63.0 – against an average batting side. With the likelihood that India may only play two seamers – and possibly only one – at most times during the long home season ahead, he may have to do better than that to keep his place.Ravindra Jadeja (3 wickets at 15.66)Like Bhuvneshwar, Jadeja might have finished with a better rating had he played more Tests. He did everything expected of him when he replaced Amit Mishra in St Lucia, getting through his overs in a blink and giving away less than two runs an over. But two of his wickets – Roston Chase in the first innings and Jermaine Blackwood in the second – came about in an unfamiliar manner, with the batsmen reaching out to drive slow, loopy balls outside off stump, suggesting he may have learned new tricks as well.5Shikhar Dhawan (138 runs at 34.50)Started the series brightly, showing plenty of self-control outside off stump while scoring 84 in Antigua, but did little of note in the next two Tests, and was left out in Port of Spain. It looks like he will remain on the bench when India begin their long home season, but as a left-handed opener capable of scoring quickly, he will remain in the team management’s thoughts.Cheteshwar Pujara (62 runs at 31.00)Only batted twice, weathered testing spells in both innings, and got out to soft dismissals after doing all the hard work. India tend not to lose top-order wickets in clusters when Pujara is part of their line-up, and that solidity cannot be underestimated, but he will remain an in-and-out member of the squad unless he makes bigger scores more consistently than he has done in the last two years.Umesh Yadav (5 wickets at 29.80)Five wickets in Antigua, where he swung the ball both ways and looked menacing in short, sharp bursts. None in Jamaica, where his bowling was wayward in both innings, particularly with the second new ball on the final day, which was India’s last chance to get through West Indies’ lower order and force a win. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s accuracy suddenly looked more enticing than Umesh’s pace, and he lost his place in St Lucia. Given the competition for fast-bowling slots and the potential narrowing of the available slots in home conditions, Umesh will need to do more to remain a first-team regular.4Amit Mishra (6 wickets at 38.66)Sometimes, Mishra’s figures don’t reflect how well he has bowled, and there were times during the first Test and in the first innings of the second – when he bowled a classical spell of drift and turn – when this was the case. But on the final day in Kingston, he actually bowled poorly, sending down a regular allotment of full-tosses and half-volleys, and contributed to India’s worst bowling day of the tour. Having begun the series with his captain’s backing to do a more attacking job than Ravindra Jadeja in less spin-friendly conditions, he ended up losing a place in the pecking order.Rohit Sharma (50 runs at 25.00)There is some truth to Kohli’s assertion that Rohit hasn’t got a long-enough run in the Test side to establish himself properly, but there is also truth to the idea that he hasn’t done enough with the chances he’s got. His selection in St Lucia came out of the blue, and caused all manner of reshuffling in India’s line-up. He has only had two chances to bat since then, so it’s a little too early to say whether or not the move has worked.M Vijay (7 runs at 7.00)Batted once, got out to a snorter, hurt his finger in the process, and did not get to bat again. A strange sort of series for India’s best opener over the last three years. Having been left out in St Lucia despite regaining full fitness, Vijay came back in Port of Spain, at Dhawan’s expense. India look likely to start their home season with a Vijay-Rahul combination at the top of the order.

Three days after beating Sri Lanka 3-0, Rohit Sharma’s men are up against their next opponent

Karthik Krishnaswamy17-Jan-20236:11

Jaffer picks Kishan to bat at No. 4 and Suryakumar at No. 5

Big picture: India dominant in ODIs at home too It isn’t spoken about as much as their remarkable home record in Test cricket, but India are perhaps just as dominant in ODIs in their own conditions. Since the start of 2010, they’ve played 25 bilateral home series, and won 22 of them.This record takes on extra significance in 2023, given that India are building towards hosting a World Cup. They’ve begun the year in ominous manner, sealing a 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka with the biggest win in ODI history.They could now be in for a stiffer challenge, though. New Zealand have been among the most competitive ODI sides to visit India of late – their two most recent series here in 2016 and 2017 both went into deciders – and they’re fresh from winning 2-1 in Pakistan.LIVE in the UK and USA

You can watch the first ODI between India and New Zealand LIVE on ESPN Player in the UK and on ESPN+ in the USA.

But with Kane Williamson and Tim Southee rested for this series and with Trent Boult’s international career in freelance limbo, this New Zealand side is light on experience, particularly in Indian conditions. They are in for quite a task, particularly their bowlers who are up against a batting line-up that has posted totals of 373 and 390 the last two times India have batted first.But New Zealand will know India can be beaten, even in subcontinental conditions, and they might look at Bangladesh – who beat India 2-1 at home just over a month ago – for clues as to how to do so. Quality spin that attacks the stumps could be a key ingredient.Either way, win or lose, New Zealand will want to take away as many insights as they can before they return for the World Cup. A strong performance now could put them in just the right space to mount a serious title challenge in October-November.Form guideIndia WWWWL (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
New Zealand WWLWLTom Latham has tormented India with his various sweeps•Associated PressIn the spotlight: Chance for Kishan to make his caseIndia have made it clear that their preferred opening combination leading up to the World Cup is Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. It leaves no room in their first-choice XI for Ishan Kishan, whose last ODI innings was the fastest double-hundred in the format. But he gets an opportunity now with KL Rahul missing the series for personal reasons. If he can grab this chance, he won’t just keep putting pressure on multiple batters in India’s ODI line-up but also make a case to be selected ahead of KS Bharat in the first Test against Australia next month.Related

Latham backs NZ fringe bowlers to fill 'massive hole' in Southee and Boult's absence

Rohit Sharma in favour of early starts at 2023 World Cup

Jamieson-like Henry Shipley ready for the big stage

Michael Bracewell has the World Cup in his sights

India's questions: The Kishan dilemma, Kuldeep vs Chahal

Tom Latham loves India. He averages 65.07 against them across 17 ODI innings, while striking at 98.93, and he’s tormented their spinners for years at home and away with his array of sweeps. His last innings against India was a match-winning, unbeaten 145 off 104 balls in Auckland in November, and he’ll want to carry on from where he left off especially since he’ll have the extra responsibility of captaincy in Williamson’s absence.Team news: Iyer out with back injury Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the series with a back injury, and Rajat Patidar has taken his place in the squad. Iyer’s spot in the XI, however, is likely to go to Suryakumar Yadav, with Kishan taking the keeping gloves and the other middle-order slot from Rahul. Washington Sundar is likely to come in for Axar Patel, who’s also sitting out this series.With Hardik Pandya set to return after being rested for the third ODI against Sri Lanka, India could go two ways with their attack – three specialist quicks plus Hardik, which will leave them having to choose between Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, or three spinners, in which case they can pick both wristspinners.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Ishan Kishan (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Umran Malik.Suryakumar Yadav should get a run in Shreyas Iyer’s absence•Associated PressNew Zealand played a three-spinner attack when they won the last two ODIs on their recent tour of Pakistan, but they won’t be able to stick to that combination in Hyderabad with Ish Sodhi ruled out, having failed to recover in time from an ankle injury he suffered during the third ODI in Karachi. Glenn Phillips, however, has recovered from the virus he suffered on that tour. New Zealand’s main selection decisions are around who fills in for Williamson and Southee.New Zealand (probable): 1 Finn Allen, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Mark Chapman/Henry Nicholls, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (capt & wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 and 10 two out of Henry Shipley, Doug Bracewell and Jacob Duffy, 11 Lockie Ferguson.Pitch and conditions: Hyderabad pitch likely to aid spin In six ODIs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, spinners have averaged 38.70 and conceded 4.96 runs per over, both significantly better than the fast bowlers’ corresponding figures (though it must be noted that they bowl more overs in the difficult phases) of 40.84 and 5.74. In the most recent ODI here, in March 2019, India won by six wickets after their spinners – Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Kedar Jadhav – returned combined figures of 27-0-110-3 to restrict Australia to 236. Expect spin, therefore, to play a significant role on Wednesday. The weather is set to be clear, with a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius.Stats and trivia Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan are the joint-fastest India batters to the 1000-run mark in ODIs. Both took 24 innings to get there. Shubman Gill, who currently has 894 runs from 18 innings, has a chance to claim the record during this series. The last time New Zealand played an ODI in India without Tim Southee or Trent Boult in their line-up was in December 2010. Since the start of 2022, Mohammed Siraj is the leading wicket-taker among bowlers from Full Member teams. He has taken 33 wickets in this period, at an average of 19.87. India will become the No. 1-ranked ODI side if they win the series 3-0. If they also win the T20I series, and then beat Australia by a 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline or better in the Test series in February-March, they will become the No. 1 side across formats.

Manchester United are in need of another refresh in midfield. Despite selling key players in the centre of the park over the past few summers, including Fred in 2023 and Scott McTominay in 2024, it still feels like there is a big job to do in order to rebuild the central areas.

Former manager Erik ten Hag did not exactly leave the club in a good state despite spending £600m, and the current crop of midfielders reflects that. He signed the likes of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte to name two of his additions, and they are either getting on age-wise or the jury is still out on whether they’re good enough.

Under Ruben Amroim, the Red Devils need things to be different. He is believed to be targeting one man who could strengthen in the middle of the park.

Man United target new midfielder

The player in question here is French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The Real Madrid star is not a guaranteed starter at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite his obvious talent. In any case, his future at the club is up in the air, which might open the door for clubs to pounce.

According to one report from Spain, United are believed to be one of the sides who have ‘shown interest’ in signing the Frenchman. Los Blancos are ‘willing to part ways’ with the midfielder and the Red Devils could try and bring him to the Premier League.

However, they will not be the only English top-flight side trying to sign him. Arch-rivals Liverpool and West London outfit Chelsea are also targeting a move for the midfielder. It is not clear how much he would cost, but Los Blancos would only sell him ‘at a price that allows for immediate reinvestment’ in his replacement.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Why Tchouameni would be a good signing

There is no doubt that Tchouameni would be a strong addition to the Red Devils side. He has played a crucial role for the Spanish giants this season, featuring 21 times across all competitions.

The Frenchman has also shown great versatility, in the face of some defensive injuries. Although he is a defensive midfielder by trade, the 24-year-old has featured seven times at centre-back, stepping up when his side truly needs him.

Indeed, he is very highly rated as a defensive midfielder. As analyst Raj Chohan called it, Tchouameni is “one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet”, suggesting his skills as a defensive midfielder are second to none.

That certainly seems like he would be an upgrade on the ageing Casemiro, who will be 33 years of age at the end of the season. After being famously told by Jamie Carragher last season to “leave the football before the football leaves you”, he ended up staying at Old Trafford for 2024/25 but has had little involvement.

He has played 22 times in all competitions, scoring three goals, including a stunning strike against Leicester City. However, the experienced Brazilian has played just 1428 minutes, the equivalent of 15 full 90-minute games. He reportedly seems set to leave the club in 2025.

When looking at the stats via FBref, it is clear to see that the Frenchman is superior to United’s number 18. The Real Madrid star makes far more interceptions per 90 minutes, with 1.69 compared to 0.86 by Casemiro. On the ball, he is also far better, as shown by the 6.9 progressive passes compared to 4.73 from the Brazilian.

Interceptions

1.69

0.86

Aeiral duels won

1.97

1.94

Errors leading to shot

0

0.32

Pass accuracy

92.7%

79.3%

Progressive passes

6.90

4.73

Singing Tchouameni would be a big statement from United if they pull the deal off. Not only would they be upgrading on Casemiro, but they would be beating their rivals to the signing of a highly-rated midfielder.

Although he could cost a lot of money, United might well need to spend big to rebuild their midfield. Signing Tchouameni could be the perfect place to start.

The next Van Persie: Man Utd now looking to sign £354k-p/w "monster"

Man Utd are looking to strengthen up front

ByJoe Nuttall Jan 4, 2025

Ipswich Town’s confidence will now feel battered and bruised after Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United convincingly put the dire Tractor Boys to the sword on Saturday.

Just before this dismal 4-0 defeat, Kieran McKenna’s men had basked in the glory of a last-gasp winner away at Molineux, only to be reminded of the gulf in quality between those near the bottom of the Premier League and the attacking might of teams such as the Magpies back at Portman Road.

It was another shaky showing from wobbly Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who could now find his first-team spot is up for grabs after leaking four goals to gift Newcastle a perfect away day just before Christmas.

Arijanet Muric's woes at Ipswich

Of course, the Kosovan was let down by an extremely porous back four in front of him, but the Tractor Boys ‘keeper never looked convincing in between the sticks across the 90 minutes.

Amazingly, the ex-Manchester City man was fishing the ball out of his net with barely a minute on the clock, as Alexander Isak powered an early effort home despite Muric attempting to parry the shot away.

The in-form Magpies number 14 would go on to score a blistering hat-trick in the one-sided affair, with Isak’s second of the day far too easy for the Swede to convert, who ended up simply stroking the ball past Muric after a horrendous mix-up at the back.

Off the back of such a nightmarish afternoon, McKenna could be tempted to drop his error-prone shot-stopper as games now come thick and fast in December, considering the 26-year-old also has just one paltry clean sheet next to his name from 16 Premier League outings.

Whilst he assesses the other options he has at his disposal in goal, McKenna will also be debating who his starting right-back is moving forward after Harry Clarke’s equally weak display versus Newcastle.

Clarke's performance in numbers

Only making his fourth start in the Premier League since promotion, it feels unlikely that Clarke will be handed more frequent opportunities in the senior mix if his poor showing against Howe’s men is anything to go by.

Chalkboard

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

Unfortunately, the ex-Arsenal youth player has looked somewhat out of his depth when shoved into the first-team picture in the top flight, seen in his two yellow cards versus Brentford back in late October and in this horror show against the rampant Magpies.

Minutes played

90

Touches

50

Accurate passes

28/39 (72%)

Accurate crosses

0/1

Accurate long balls

0/7

Possession lost

13x

Interceptions

1

Tackles

0

Total duels won

1/5

Clarke was regularly turned inside out by the likes of Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon marauding forward for the vibrant visitors, with zero tackles tallied up by the below-par 23-year-old showing his reluctance to get stuck in to try and thwart Newcastle constantly finding an opening.

Moreover, the right-back’s wayward passing – which saw the lacklustre Tractor Boys number two squander possession 13 times – meant no real meaningful attacks could be formed out from the back courtesy of the ropey defender, who also failed to register a single accurate cross all afternoon despite a colossal seven attempts.

This could trigger another change in personnel ahead of Ipswich travelling to Arsenal on the 27th, knowing full well that another shoddy display across the back four might well result in Mikel Arteta’s men hammering the sorry Tractor Boys in North London.

With Axel Tuanzebe out injured, McKenna would have to likely call upon Ben Johnson to replace Clarke, with the ex-West Ham United man arguably an underwhelming summer buy so far, having made just five top-flight starts himself.

Still, the frustrated Ipswich boss will have to make some tough calls now after witnessing such an abject display from his downbeat troops.

He's outscoring Delap: Ipswich make contact over signing £20m monster

The incredible goalscorer would improve Ipswich’s squad.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 19, 2024