تنتظر الجماهير المصرية بشغف خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الحالي الخاص بشهر سبتمبر، حسم التأهل إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، للابتعاد عن الدخول في الحسابات.
منتخب مصر، يرغب تحت قيادة حسام حسن، في التأهل إلى كأس العالم المقبل، لتكون المرة الرابعة في تاريخ الفراعنة.
منتخب مصر، يتواجد في المجموعة الأولي من تصفيات كأس العالم، بجانب منتخبات إثيوبيا وبوركينا فاسو وسيراليون وجيبوتي وغينيا بيساو.
ويتصدر منتخب مصر، ترتيب المجموعة الأولى، برصيد 16 نقطة من 6 مباريات خاضها حتى الآن، فاز في 5 وتعادل في لقاء.
طالع | موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة مصر وإثيوبيا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.. والمعلق ترتيب مجموعة مصر في تصفيات كأس العالم
1- مصر – 16 نقطة.
2- بوركينا فاسو – 11 نقطة.
3- سيراليون – 9 نقاط.
4- غينيا بيساو – 7 نقاط.
5- إثيوبيا – 6 نقاط.
6- جيبوتي – نقطة.
وبالنظر إلى ترتيب المجموعة، نجد المنافسة على التأهل إلى كأس العالم تنحصر بين منتخبي مصر وبوركينا فاسو، ويلعب المنتخبان ضد بعضهما في الجولة الثامنة من التوقف الحالي.
ولكن قبل المواجهة بينهما، سيخوض منتخب مصر مباراة ضد إثيوبيا في الجولة السابعة على ملعب استاد القاهرة، مساء اليوم الجمعة، بينما يلعب منتخب بوركينا فاسو مباراة ضد جيبوتي في إطار نفس الجولة. ماذا يحتاج منتخب مصر للتأهل إلى كأس العالم
1- فوز منتخب مصر على إثيوبيا وبوركينا فاسو في الجولتين السابعة الثامنة في التوقف الحالي، يعني تأهل الفراعنة مباشرة إلي كأس العالم دون النظر إلى نتائج المباراتين القادميتن في شهر أكتوبر بالجولة التاسعة والعاشرة.
في هذه الحالة، يرتفع منتخب مصر، إلي النقطة 22، فيما يبقى منتخب بوركينا فاسو عند النقطة 14 إذا اعتبرنا فوزه على جيبوتي في الجولة السابعة وخسارته من مصر في الجولة الثامنة.
2- فوز منتخب مصر على إثيوبيا وتعثر بوركينا أمام جيبوتي يؤهل الفراعنة إلى المونديال دون النظر أيضًا إلى نتيجة مواجهة المنتخبين في الجولة الثامنة والجولتين القادميتن.
لان في هذه الحالة، منتخب مصر سيكون رصيد 19 نقطة، ومنتخب بوركينا يقف رصيده عند النقطة 11.
3- فوز منتخب مصر على إثيوبيا والتعادل أمام بوركينا فاسو، يعني تأجيل حسم التأهل إلى التوقف المقبل، ويكفي منتخب مصر الحصول على نقطة من مواجهتي غينيا بيساو وجيبوتي في الجولة التاسعة والعاشرة بتوقف شهر أكتوبر للتأهل.
في تلك الحالة، منتخب مصر سيكون رصيده 20 نقطة من الفوز على إثيوبيا، والتعادل مع بوركينا.
4- فوز منتخب مصر على إثيوبيا والخسارة من بوركينا، يحتاج منتخب مصر الفوز في مباراتي الجولتين القادمتين في شهر أكتوبر أمام غينيا بيساو وجيبوتي.
منتخب مصر سيكون لديه 19 نقطة، وبوركينا سيكون رصيد بالفوز على جيبوتي ومصر، 17 نقطة وفارق نقطتين لصالح الفراعنة.
5- التعادل مع إثيوبيا وبوركينا فاسو، فإن منتخب مصر، سيكون في يديه التأهل بالفوز في الجولتين القادمتين أمام غينيا بيساو وجيبوتي.
وفي هذه الحالة بعد توقف سبتمبر، منتخب مصر سيكون رصيده 18 نقطة، بينما منتخب بوركينا من الفوز على جيبوتي والتعادل مع مصر سيكون رصيد 15 نقطة.
6- التعثر أمام إثيوبيا وبوركينا فاسو، هذا الاحتمال القاسي جدًا للفراعنة، سيفقد منتخب مصر الصدارة لصالح بوركينا وهذا ما يدخله في حسابات برما.
حيث سيكون منتخب مصر بعد مباراتي اثيوبيا وبوركينا، رصيد 16 نقطة، بينما إذا افترضنا فوز بوركينا على جيبوتي ومصر، يصل منتخب الخيول إلي النقطة 17 نقطة.
O Palmeiras está de olho no mercado em busca de, pelo menos, um volante. Esse trabalho, que já vinha sendo feito desde a saída de Danilo para o futebol inglês, em janeiro, foi intensificado com a lesão de Atuesta, que rompeu o ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito durante a última semana e ficará, pelo menos, seis meses afastado dos gramados. Porém, enquanto o reforço para a posição não chega, o técnico Abel Ferreira não tem cruzado braços e buscado alternativas com o que tem no elenco.
Desde o início da temporada, o treinador vem trabalhando o zagueiro Luan como alternativa para primeiro volante, mas desde a perda de Atuesta um novo atleta tem a sua versatilidade desenvolvida: Bruno Tabata. Meio-campista com característica de jogar mais próximo da área, o camisa 11, que foi contratado para ser o substituto de Gustavo Scarpa, tem sido desafiado a jogar como segundo volante.
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No segundo tempo do empate sem gols do Verdão com o Guarani, no último domingo (5), Abel promoveu a entrada de Tabata aos 34 minutos do segundo tempo, no lugar de Gabriel Menino. Com três jogadores fazendo a saída de bola (Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez e Murilo), Fabinho como primeiro homem do meio-campo, liberando um pouco Jaílson, Tabata atuou mais centralizado, por trás de Raphael Veiga, que fechava o setor central.
– Tivemos essa semana para reverter (ausência de Atuesta), puxei o Mayke para fazer a posição de sete, o Tabata para fazer a posição de 10 ou segundo volante, o Fabinho, apostar nele na posição de cinco. Olhar para dentro e perceber os recursos que temos e fazer o melhor com os recursos que temos, e temos bons recursos e vamos olhar para dentro, perceber o que temos. Todos temos que estar imbuídos no espírito muito forte e continuar com o espírito de seja quem jogar, contra quem for, dar o melhor para ganhar e continuar – disse Abel em entrevista coletiva após a partida.
O garoto Pedro Lima, destaque palmeirense no bicampeonato da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, conquistado em janeiro, é outro atleta que, aos poucos, pode ser aproveitado por Abel. Ele treinou com o elenco profissional durante toda semana e agrada a comissão técnica. Porém, como já é política de Abel Ferreira, o processo de inserção nos jogos será gradual para que etapas não sejam queimadas.
Na última semana, a direção palmeirense fez uma proposta de 9 milhões de euros (R$ 49,8 mi, na cotação atual) para o Atlético-MG para ter o volante Allan. O Galo nem quis ouvir a oferta. Porém, o Verdão conversa com um intermediário, que tenta fazer o negócio dar certo. Existe chance dos palmeirenses encaminharem uma oferta ainda maior pelo jogador nos próximos dias. O atleta atleticano agrada muito Abel Ferreira.
Allan é o terceiro volante que o Palmeiras tenta no mercado. Após a saída de Danilo, os palmeirenses conversaram com Matheus Henrique, do Sassuolo (ITA), João Lucas, do Monaco (FRA), e Wallace, da Udinese (ITA). Em todas as ocasiões, o valor máximo colocado pelo Verdão foi 6 milhões de euros (R$ 33,2 mi, na cotação atual).
A investigação em torno do incêndio do Ninho do Urubu teve novos desdobramentos jurídicos. A Justiça do Rio de Janeiro decidiu na última quarta-feira (29), por unanimidade, que o ex-diretor das categorias de base do Flamengo Carlos Noval (e atual gerente de transição do clube) e o engenheiro Luiz Felipe Pondé não são culpados pelo incêndio que causou a morte de dez jovens atletas rubro-negros em fevereiro de 2019. A informação foi divulgada inicialmente pelo “Blog do Ancelmo”, em “O Globo”, e posteriormente confirmada pelo “Blog da Gabriela Moreira”, no “GE”.
Segundo a interpretaçãoda 5ª Câmara Criminal, a denúncia feita pelo Ministério Público contra eles não foi sustentada pelas provas colhidas pela Polícia Civil. Com isso, Noval e Pondé estão excluídos do processo.
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Esta decisão também foi tomada anteriormente pelo juiz Marcos Augusto Ramos Peixoto, da 36ª Vara Criminal, que rejeitou a denúncia do Ministério Público em maio de 2021. À época, o MP recorreu e reverteu a rejeição após análise da 3ª Câmara Criminal, por dois votos a um.
Ambas as defesas, então, recorreram e os argumentos foram analisados novamente por um colegiado de cinco desembargadores da 5ª Câmara. No ponto de vista deste colegiado, as investigações não conseguiram provar que Carlos Noval e Luiz Felipe Pondé tiveram responsabilidade na tragédia.
Em tese, o MP ainda tem possibilidade de recorrer ao Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ). Porém, como decisão foi tomada por falta de provas, é pouco provável que um possível recurso tenha aceitação.
Uma das maiores surpresas na lista de relacionados do São Paulo para o empate sem gols contra o Ituano, na noite desta terça-feira (11), no duelo de ida da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, foi o volante Luan.
O camisa 8 ficou de fora do jogo por decisão do técnico Rogério Ceni. E nos vestiários após o jogo, o treinador apontou que tomou a decisão por conta própria, devido às dificuldades encontradas pelo clube para prorrogar o contrato do jogador, que acaba no final do ano.
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– Com relação ao Luan, tem outros que não foram convocados hoje, mas é uma questão da minha parte, do que eu vejo. A gente gostaria que ele renovasse com o São Paulo. Ele ficou muito tempo machucado, voltou devagarinho, teve bastante oportunidade durante o Paulista. Eu penso em preservar. Não é ordem da direção, é melhor definir essa situação. Quer ficar, vai ficar, vai ter as oportunidades.
Entre os motivos apontados por Ceni para tomar a atitude foi a de poupar a agremiação. E citou como exemplos dois casos recentes que ainda causam repercussão interna no Tricolor: o meia Igor Gomes e o zagueiro Luizão. Ambos saíram do clube de forma gratuita no final do ano passado, após decidirem não renovarem seus vínculos.
– Para mim é mais fácil essa decisão porque preserva o São Paulo. Ano passado, nós tivemos caso do Igor Gomes e vocês falaram ‘poxa, jogou até o final’. Acho que a gente pode refletir e evoluir. Talvez tenha sido errado. Então vamos esperar, a hora que ele decidir e as coisas se acertarem, quem sabe eles consigam entrar num acordo e ele possa ser utilizado. É uma decisão minha, não é da diretoria.
– Eu já conversei várias vezes sobre o Luan, sobre várias coisas. Acho que ele pode ajudar bastante o clube. Gostaria só que esse caso fosse resolvido. O clube está fazendo um esforço para mantê-lo. Eu acho que é melhor resolver a situação porque no ano passado tivemos casos de jogadores que jogaram até o fim do contrato e deixaram o clube. O ideal seria resolver essa situação o mais rápido possível, é importante para o clube – completou o treinador.
Cortado dos relacionados, Luan foi ao Morumbi acompanhar a partida ao lado de outros atletas que não puderam jogar, como Moreira e Gabriel Neves (contundidos), além de Raí Ramos, impossibilitado de defender o Tricolor por já ter atuado na competição pelo próprio Ituano.
Luan poderá assinar pré-contrato com qualquer clube a partir de junho. E segundo Carlos Belmonte, diretor de futebol são-paulino, um acordo entre as partes parece longe de acontecer.
– Fizemos de três a quatro propostas de renovação ao Luan e no momento, estamos em negociação para a renovação que não é algo simples pelos anseios do jogador – disse o dirigente à ‘Rádio Transamérica‘.
– O atleta tem os anseios dele, são as aspirações de valores que ele pretende e nós temos nossos limites e tetos de gastos. Ainda estamos em fase de negociações – completou Belmonte.
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The pitch looks even greener than the one at Hagley Oval, but rain could play spoilsport
Andrew Fidel Fernando16-Mar-2023
New Zealand will back themselves to win the series but there will be more respect for the Sri Lanka seamers•Getty Images
Big picture: Last Test of New Zealand summerAt a venue they had previously been decked in, in Christchurch, this Sri Lanka team pushed New Zealand close. Heading into the Wellington Test, there is likely to be some confidence in Sri Lanka’s seam attack, in particular. Kasun Rajitha delivered some excellent new-ball spells, Lahiru Kumara hurried batters up with his pace, and Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s best bowler on the match-defining fifth day.New Zealand will still back themselves, of course, with Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell in outstanding form, and others in the top order frequently contributing. But there will perhaps be more respect for the Sri Lanka attack among them, than when the series started.Often Sri Lanka bowlers are easier to hit off their lengths, and do not move the ball for as long or as prodigiously as New Zealand seamers. In Christchurch, all three frontliners created both catching and lbw chances.Related
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Compared to Hagley Oval, Wellington is a venue at which Sri Lanka have been frequently competitive. Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis batted out an entire day and a session to save a Test in 2018. Way back in 2006, Sri Lanka even won here.For New Zealand, this is the last Test of their summer, and they have none on the horizon until December. A 2-0 series victory here would help salvage some pride, if little else, from what has been a disappointing World Test Championship cycle for them as defending champions.Form guideNew Zealand WWLDD (last five Tests, most recent first) Sri Lanka LWLWLIn the spotlight: Henry Nicholls and Asitha FernandoIt’s been over a year since Henry Nicholls last crossed 50 in this format. He has played 15 innings since. There doesn’t seem to be a serious technical flaw there – more just a string of lapses in judgement, and the loss of confidence that accompanies such spells. Having started out lower down the order, Nicholls is now batting at No. 4 position, which New Zealand have had trouble making stable since the retirement of Ross Taylor.Asitha Fernando almost bowled Sri Lanka to victory in Christchurch•Getty Images
For a bowler who was playing his eighth Test, and just his second in non-Asian conditions, Asitha Fernando put together a surprisingly high-quality spell on the fifth evening in Christchurch. He is not a bowler with a lot of height, nor is he especially quick. But he does have a mean yorker, and a decent bouncer, both of which can unsettle even set batters. He has played mostly in unhelpful conditions, but so far averages 23.66, with 27 wickets to his name.Pitch and conditions: Rain could play spoilsportOn the eve of the Test, Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne said the surface for this match was looking even greener than the one at Hagley Oval, and that pitch had been almost indistinguishable from the outfield. There is some serious rain predicted for Wellington over the next few days, however, with Friday, Monday and Tuesday looking especially wet.Usually, Basin Reserve pitches start off very seamer-friendly, before flattening out substantially as the Test goes on.Team news: Will Sri Lanka field a four-man seam attack?New Zealand will likely just swap Doug Bracewell for the injured Neil Wagner. This will be Doug’s first Test since 2016.New Zealand (probable): 1 Tom Latham, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Henry Nicholls, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Doug Bracewell, 9 Tim Southee (capt), 10 Matt Henry, 11 Blair TicknerSri Lanka seem to be seriously considering going in with a four-man seam attack, which would mean that left-armer Vishwa Fernando comes into the side, likely at the expense of left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. This will leave Dhananjaya de Silva as the primary spinner in the XI.There is also a chance that wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella will be omitted for Nishan Madushka, who would debut. Madushka is in the squad after having struck a century and a double-century against England A at home. He didn’t keep during that series, however, and had opened the batting. If he plays in Wellington, he will take the gloves and likely bat in the lower middle order.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Oshada Fernando, 2 Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Angelo Mathew, 5 Dinesh Chandimal, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Nishan Madushka (wk), 8 Kasun Rajitha, 9 Vishwa Fernando/Prabath Jayasuriya, 10 Asitha Fernando, 11 Lahiru KumaraStats and trivia After 17 innings at No. 4, Nicholls averages 21.62. At No. 5 – the position he has most often occupied for New Zealand – he averages 39.76. If Sri Lanka win in Wellington, they will finish fourth on the WTC table, behind finalists Australia and India, and South Africa. If New Zealand win, they climb to sixth from their current eighth, and Sri Lanka slip to fifth. So far in his career, Asitha has not gone wicketless in any innings in which he’s bowled more than six overs. Quotes”They’re a quality side and we saw that over the five days in Christchurch. A number of those guys have had a number of tours to New Zealand now and have that experience. We’re seeing the benefit of that. They’ve had a great two-year period in the World Test Championship cycle, and would like to finish strong.” “We challenged the Kiwi top order with our bowling. Even some of their players came up to me and said they hadn’t expected that kind of pressure from the Sri Lanka bowlers. I’ve toured New Zealand a few times, but this is the first time I’ve seen the Kiwis struggling like this against our fast bowlers.”
Both teams have struggled with player availability and are yet to figure out their best combinations
Hemant Brar10-Apr-2023
Rohit Sharma has called on Mumbai’s senior players to step up, ‘starting with me’•BCCI
Big picture – who will break the duck first?The fortunes of Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have mirrored each other so far in IPL 2023. Both teams are yet to open their accounts – Capitals have lost three out of three and Mumbai two out of two. Through a combination of injuries and personal reasons, both have struggled with player availability. They have neither figured out their best XIs (or XIIs) nor have readymade solutions in sight.Capitals’ biggest worry is probably their opening pair. David Warner has scored two half-centuries in three games but his runs have come at a pedestrian strike rate of 117.03. Prithvi Shaw, on the other hand, has lasted just 17 balls in three outings. If Shaw gets going, he could not only mask Warner’s struggles but also set a platform for the middle order.Mumbai’s primary headache is their bowling attack. In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, they were heavily dependent on Jofra Archer. But he too experienced discomfort in his right elbow and missed their previous game, against Chennai Super Kings. That has robbed their bowling unit of invaluable experience.After Capitals’ latest defeat, their head coach Ricky Ponting called for “soul-searching”. Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma said, “The senior guys need to step up, starting with me.” The silver lining is at least one of them will open their account on Tuesday.Team news – question mark over Archer’s fitnessThere has been no official update about the extent of Archer’s discomfort. Given it’s the right elbow, which had kept him out in the past as well, Mumbai are unlikely to rush him back.For Capitals, Khaleel Ahmed has a niggle and may not be available for this game. They will also be without Mitchell Marsh, who has gone back to Australia for his wedding and had also missed their last game.Impact Player strategyDelhi CapitalsIf Khaleel is not fully fit, Capitals could bring in Chetan Sakariya. If they bat first, Shaw features in the first XI. In the second innings, Mukesh Kumar could come in as Impact Player and replace him. Vice-versa if they bowl first.Probable bat-first XI: 1 David Warner (capt), 2 Prithvi Shaw, 3 Manish Pandey, 4 Rilee Rossouw, 5 Rovman Powell, 6 Lalit Yadav, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Abishek Porel (wk), 9 Chetan Sakariya, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Anrich NortjeProbable bowl-first XI: 1 David Warner (capt), 2 Manish Pandey, 3 Rilee Rossouw, 4 Lalit Yadav, 5 Rovman Powell, 6 Axar Patel, 7 Abishek Porel (wk), 8 Chetan Sakariya, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Mukesh KumarPrithvi Shaw has scored only 19 runs in three innings so far this season•BCCI
Mumbai IndiansWith Arshad Khan conceding 14 runs per over across two games, Mumbai could consider leaving him out for Sandeep Warrier. For their Impact Player, they can use Tilak Varma and Kumar Kartikeya.Probable bat-first XI: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Cameron Green, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Tim David, 8 Hrithik Shokeen, 9 Piyush Chawla, 10 Jason Behrendorff, 11 Sandeep WarrierProbable bowl-first XI: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Cameron Green, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Tim David, 7 Piyush Chawla, 8 Hrithik Shokeen, 9 Kumar Kartikeya, 10 Jason Behrendorff, 11 Sandeep WarrierStats that matter – Rohit’s struggles The last time Rohit hit a half-century in the IPL was 24 innings ago. During this period, he has scored 470 runs at an average of 19.58 and a strike rate of 120.20. Axar Patel has kept Rohit quiet in T20 cricket, conceding only 41 runs off 49 balls, with two dismissals. Since the start of 2022, five batters have hit 100 or more sixes in T20s. Four of them – Tim David (124), Rilee Rossouw (123), Rovman Powell (101) and Suryakumar Yadav (101) – will be in action on Tuesday. The fifth player on that list is Rahmanullah Gurbaz (101).Pitch and conditions – win the toss and bowlSince the start of 2019, the Arun Jaitley Stadium has hosted 31 T20s. Out of them, chasing teams have won 23, lost six and tied two. When Capitals played Gujarat Titans here last week, there was ample help for fast bowlers. It’s not easy to say whether Capitals or Mumbai will have the upper hand if the same happens again.
Sri Lanka have recalled Lahiru Kumara and included uncapped offspinner Nishan Peiris for the two-match series
Madushka Balasuriya19-Mar-2024
Wanindu Hasaranga last featured in a Test in 2021•AFP via Getty Images
Wanindu Hasaranga has come out of Test retirement and been named in Sri Lanka’s 17-man squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting Friday. Sri Lanka have also recalled seamer Lahiru Kumara and included uncapped offspinner Nishan Peiris in the contingent.Making way are seamers Milan Rathnayake and Asitha Fernando, the latter still recovering from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the ODI leg of the tour.Hasaranga had announced his Test retirement in August 2023 to focus on white-ball cricket. In four Tests so far, he has four wickets at an average of 100.75. He last played a Test in April 2021, against Bangladesh at home.Given the series ends on April 3, Hasaranga will be unavailable for the first three games for his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad.Kumara’s recall, meanwhile, likely would not have occurred if not for Asitha’s injury, but it does come on the back of an impressive four wicket-haul in the third ODI against Bangladesh. Kumara hasn’t played a Test in a year. As for Peiris, he was last named in a Test squad in 2018 without making his way into the playing XI. He has taken 24 wickets in his last four first-class matches. Overall, he has picked up 153 wickets in 37 games at an average of 24.79.The rest of the squad is unchanged from the one named for the one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier this year, with Dhananjaya de Silva set to lead. Uncapped opener Lahiru Udara is still with the team, though chances of him dislodging one of Dimuth Karunaratne or Nishan Madushka at the top of the order seem slim at the moment. The rest of the batting will almost certainly include Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and de Silva, with Sadeera Samarawickrama likely taking the gloves.The remaining four spots in the XI will depend on the spin-to-seam ratio Sri Lanka opt for. Prabath Jayasuriya has been a mainstay in the Test side since his debut, though he has primarily plied his trade at home since then. Peiris and Ramesh Mendis also offer spin-bowling options, though Jayasuriya and Hasaranga are likely to be their first choice.If, as expected, Sri Lanka opt for two seamers, that would leave Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando and Chamika Gunasekara competing for the remaining two slots.The first Test begins on Friday in Sylhet.SL squad for Bangladesh TestsDhananjaya de Silva (capt), Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Peiris, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Chamika Gunasekara
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Vithushan Ehantharajah and Matt Roller30-Apr-2024Chris Jordan has been recalled to England’s white-ball set-up as part of their provisional T20 World Cup squad, at the expense of Chris Woakes, while Jofra Archer is also included as he prepares to return to competitive cricket after almost a year on the sidelines.Jordan, whose last international appearance came in September 2023 against New Zealand – the last of his 88 T20I caps – is part of a 15-man group that includes Archer and uncapped Lancashire left arm spinner Tom Hartley. Archer has been passed fit after recovering from a right elbow injury that has kept him out of competitive action since May 2023. Hartley, who shot to prominence earlier this year with 22 wickets against India in his maiden Test series, has been handed the second frontline spinner’s berth ahead of Rehan Ahmed.Related
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The inclusion of Jordan and subsequent omission of Woakes are the only surprises in Jos Buttler’s squad, charged with defending England’s 2022 title. With Jamie Overton ruled out through a back injury, Jordan’s capacity to score lower down the order – he has averaged 30.05 and struck at 160.53 in all T20 cricket since the start of the 2023 Vitality Blast – has seen him emerge as an alternative, despite missing the T20I series against West Indies in December, which England lost 3-2. He remains an exceptional fielder and a viable option as a death bowler.”We’ve watched CJ for a while now and his bowling has always been a serious factor for us,” Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, said of Jordan’s recall. “The fact that he can bowl at the death has always been something we look for, but his batting seems to have kicked on a bit this time. Having power is a big thing out in the Caribbean, so that’s why CJ has comfortably got in there.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd
On Archer, Key acknowledged that England were still keeping their “fingers crossed” given the extent of his injury setbacks in recent years, which included a stress fracture of the back alongside his long-standing elbow problems. But given the prospect of him playing in front of his friends and family in Barbados, Key was optimistic that the four-match T20I series against Pakistan in May would enable him to hit the ground running.”Jofra’s that bowler that’s just so special, you do everything you can to try to get him back playing,” he said. “We’ve taken the longer road this time. But as always with Jofra, it’s fingers crossed until he’s out there playing. You’re waiting for something really good to happen – you don’t quite believe it until he’s there. But he’s tracking well at the moment.”Hopefully the next step is when he gets into that Pakistan series, it’s going to be full-match intensity, and how he keeps going through there. But at the moment we’re doing everything we can, and he’s in a good spot. And playing in Barbados, as you can imagine, is something Jofra is desperate to do as well.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Woakes has been an ever-present in England’s limited-overs set-up, particularly with the new ball in both their 2019 ODI and 2022 T20I World Cup successes. In many ways, his omission, along with Ben Stokes’ decision to make himself unavailable for selection, marks the end of an era. Woakes is yet to feature for Punjab Kings at the IPL this season.Though Key insisted that the door was not closed on Woakes’ white-ball career, he made it clear that, in the wake of his Compton-Miller medal-winning exploits in the Ashes last summer, this year’s Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka would be his likelier focus.”He had an outstanding summer in the Ashes last year so we see him as someone who is going to feature in Test cricket, especially given his ability with the bat in Test cricket where that power is not as important,” Key said. “In Test cricket you’re going to want a varied attack and he’s someone who offers that along with Jimmy Anderson, Matt Potts… he’s in that bracket. Chris is very much in our thoughts going forward.”England’s batting line-up effectively picks itself in Stokes’ absence, with the in-form trio of Jos Buttler, Phil Salt and Will Jacks set to fill the top three berths, with Jonny Bairstow confirmed by Key at No. 4 in the wake of his remarkable 41-ball century for Punjab Kings in their record 262-run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders last week.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
All four of those players, plus Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran and Reece Topley, will miss the end of the IPL, with the selectors stating that the players must fly home on May18-19, ahead of the play-offs, and report for England duty in time for the first T20I against Pakistan at Headingley on May 22. The group will then fly to the Caribbean on May 31, ahead of their opening group match against Scotland in Barbados on June 4.Key confirmed that the players had known for some time that this was likely to be the case, but that Buttler – who was already due to miss Rajasthan Royals’ anticipated play-off campaign due to paternity leave – had been especially keen to get the squad together at the earliest opportunity.”There are a few newer players coming into this side, so it’s important it gets together,” Key said. “The likes of Phil Salt, Will Jacks have been around a little bit, but this is now very much their opportunity, with a few others. So you just want them to get together and spend a bit of time and build up to it.”England T20 World Cup squad: Jos Buttler (captain), Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali (vice-captain), Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Tom Hartley, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Reece Topley
Results remain inconsistent, yet Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system is starting to come to fruition at Manchester United, with the Red Devils heading into the international break in buoyant mood after convincing wins of Real Sociedad and Leicester City.
Even in Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, there were further signs of encouragement, albeit with Amorim himself admitting that his side “need to be better” in the final third.
That narrow defeat saw United fire off 23 shots without getting on the scoresheet, with the fact remaining that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored just six Premier League goals between them this season.
Such a return from the Red Devils’ only senior options at centre-forward simply isn’t good enough, with the wait still on at Old Trafford for a proven and consistent number nine to lead the line.
As showcased below, not since Robin van Persie’s debut campaign has a player reached 20 league goals in a season for the club. Elsewhere in Manchester, by contrast, Erling Haaland has reached that milestone in each of his three seasons at the Etihad to date.
Man Utd’s top PL scorer by season
Season
Player
Goals
2024/25*
Bruno Fernandes
8
2023/24
Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund
10
2022/23
Marcus Rashford
17
2021/22
Cristiano Ronaldo
18
2020/21
Bruno Fernandes
18
2019/20
Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial
17
2018/19
Paul Pogba
13
2017/18
Romelu Lukaku
16
2016/17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
17
2015/16
Anthony Martial
11
2014/15
Wayne Rooney
12
2013/14
Wayne Rooney
17
2012/13
Robin van Persie
26
Stats via Transfermarkt
Having actually only scored 37 goals in 30 top-flight games as a collective in 2024/25, it’s evident where the problem lies, with it seemingly no surprise that work is already being done on potentially trying to solve those goal-scoring woes.
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In each of the last two summers, United have forked out for a ‘striker’ in the form of Hojlund and Zirkzee, with the pair costing just over £100m combined following their respective arrivals from Serie A.
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As alluded to above, however, that extensive investment has not solved the Red Devils’ woes at the top end of the pitch, with the club almost back to square one in that regard, heading into the upcoming summer window.
Recent reports in Germany have named the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres among a raft of targets that INEOS are believed to be considering, with the latter man having scored 66 goals in just 68 games under Amorim’s watch at Sporting CP.
According to the latest claims, however, the Old Trafford side could look closer to home to find a new number nine, with the Daily Mail reporting that the club are stepping up their interest in Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.
As per the report, United have held internal talks regarding a move for the in-demand striker, with as many as five clubs seemingly battling for his signature.
Liam Delap against Manchester United for Ipswich Town.
The suggestion is that the presence of technical director Jason Wilcox – who knows the 22-year-old from their time at Manchester City’s academy – could have given Amorim and co an ‘advantage’ in that race, with the Englishman set to be available for around £40m, amid Ipswich’s looming relegation.
Such a move would be the first time United have plucked a new senior striker from within the top-flight since landing Romelu Lukaku back in 2017.
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Let’s face it, Lukaku’s time in Manchester is likely not looked upon favourably by all parties, with the Belgian star departing after just two years at the club, having been criticised by journalist Samuel Luckhurst for his “woeful and costly” finishing during Jose Mourinho’s final days in charge.
Romelu Lukaku
There were also criticisms made due to the fact that the now-Napoli man had “bulked up too much” ahead of his second season at Old Trafford, as Luckhurst noted, with those woes culminating in a swift £74m exit to Inter in the summer of 2019.
The one-time Chelsea man may not have delivered quite what was expected upon his £75m move from Everton in 2017, yet his goal return has aged impressively, when considering the woes of Hojlund et al.
Indeed, Lukaku – who was just 23 when he made the switch from Goodison Park – finished off with a respectable total of 42 goals in 96 games. Hojlund, by contrast, has scored just 24 times in 83 outings in all competitions.
Lukaku arrived with a fearsome reputation amid his tally of 87 in 166 for the Toffees, with the same perhaps true of young Delap, with the Man City youth product having scored ten times in his first full season in the top-flight for the Tractor Boys.
That return – which betters every United player in the league in 2024/25 – has seen the England U21 star described as a “problem for every Premier League defence” by data analyst Ben Mattinson.
Also described as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports reporter, Lewis Jones, Delap mirrors Lukaku in being able to offer that physical focal point in attack, having seemingly relished the battle with Harry Maguire in the meeting between the two sides at Old Trafford.
What has been particularly evident this season is the Ipswich star’s ability to drive his side forward, as he ranks in the top 18% of European strikers for progressive carries, and in the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Lukaku in his pomp at Everton was also that kind of bull-dozing centre-forward – as illustrated in his catalogue of goals below – with it having been understandable as to why Mourinho and co were so keen to land his services.
There may be a risk of Delap enduring similar woes to Belgium’s all-time record scorer, not least considering he is far less experienced in top-flight football, yet he does mirror a young Lukaku in being a high potential centre-forward who has showcased what he can do up against Premier League backlines.
He is a handful, no doubt about that.
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Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over local rivals Everton last night, moving themselves one step closer to claiming the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first campaign.
Diogo Jota’s second-half strike claimed all three points for the Reds, handing them a 12-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal with just eight games remaining.
Controversy struck in the first half with James Tarkowski only receiving a yellow card for an awful tackle on Alexis Mac Allister which was described as a “leg breaker” by Gary Neville.
It wasn’t a vintage display from Slot’s men, but ultimately, it was what was needed after the previous Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park back in February.
However, that being said, numerous players failed to deliver against the Toffees, potentially putting their starting role at risk ahead of the weekend’s clash.
Liverpool’s poor performers against Everton
Virgil van Dijk has been pivotal in Liverpool’s success over the last few months but struggled against the club’s local rivals last night in one of his worst displays of the campaign.
The Dutchman made a mistake in the first half which allowed opposition forward Beto to get one-on-one, with the post bailing the centre-back from an embarrassing mistake.
As for the reliable Mohamed Salah, the winger endured a very quiet night compared to his other outings this season, often with the Egyptian unable to provide the magic he has so often this season.
Liverpool EvertonPlayer ratings courtesy of Sofascore.
He lost 11 duels during the encounter – the most of any player in the match – whilst also missing a big chance in front of goal and failing to complete a single dribble of the five he attempted.
However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other starter failed to deliver, with the manager needing to take action before Sunday’s trip to Fulham.
The Liverpool player who needs to be dropped by Slot
This Premier League season has undoubtedly been a successful one for Liverpool, with the transition phase under Slot being seamless – enabling them to achieve their success.
The Dutchman and his side have excelled beyond all imagination, but that doesn’t mean that numerous players have failed to deliver in recent matches.
Dominik Szoboszlai is one player who’s hit the heights in recent months, notching 12 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25 to date.
However, his showing last night was certainly one to forget, unable to reach the expectations he’s set for himself given his showings under Slot at Anfield.
The Hungarian international featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to win two of the seven duels he entered – often being dominated at the heart of the side.
He managed a total of 67 touches, losing the ball 12 times, and giving the ball away once every five times he had possession – highlighting his wasteful nature when having the opportunity to impress.
Szoboslai’s stats for Liverpool against Everton
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
90
Touches
67
Possession lost
12x
Duels won
2/7
Shots taken
1
Crosses completed
0/2
Dribbles completed
0
Stats via SofaScore
Szoboszlai also only managed one effort on goal and failed to complete any of the crosses he attempted, showcasing the lack of impact he had in the final third.
As a result of his showing on Merseyside, the midfielder was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by The Express’ Alex Turk – further showcasing how poor he was against the Toffees.
Given his display, Slot must drop him from his starting eleven, handing another player the opportunity to showcase their talents in the first-team.
The Reds will look to move one step closer to title glory at the weekend, but if they are to claim another victory, the manager will have a brutal call to make with his selection.
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