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Leeds United are back in action in the Premier League this weekend for the last time before the last international break of 2025 as they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Whites were beaten 3-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion on their travels last time out in the top-flight, in what was the latest in a string of dismal away performances.

Leeds United’s Premier League away form (25/26)

Stat

Leeds

Matches

5

Wins

1

Draws

0

Losses

4

Goals scored

3

Goals conceded

12

Points

3

League rank

17th

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Daniel Farke’s side have struggled badly on the road in the Premier League so far this season, with three points from five matches.

Their only win away from Elland Road came against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have no wins, two draws, and eight defeats in their ten matches home and away this term.

Leeds will, therefore, need to step up and improve on the majority of their performances away from home in the division if they want to pick up any points against the Tricky Trees on Sunday.

Nottingham Forest, who are currently managed by Sean Dyche, have plenty of talented players who could cause the Whites problems if they are not at their best.

The Forest players Leeds have to be wary of

The Europa League outfit have a plethora of expensive attacking players who could test Lucas Perri in the Leeds goal if they get past the likes of Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol.

Dan Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Elliot Anderson, the list goes on. Dyche has so many talented players at his disposal.

Hutchinson cost £37.5m, Anderson cost £35m, and Ndoye cost £34m. That is just a taste of the kind of spending power that they have been able to flex in recent seasons to build an exciting squad.

Nottingham Forest’s most productive attackers (all competitions)

Goals

Assists

Igor Jesus – 5

Morgan Gibbs-White – 3

Chris Wood – 3

Dan Ndoye – 1

Morgan Gibbs-White – 2

Ryan Yates – 1

Dan Ndoye – 2

Elliot Anderson – 1

Callum Hudson-Odoi – 1

Douglas Luiz – 1

Neco Williams – 1

Omari Hutchinson – 1

Nicolo Savona – 1

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Leeds will need to be wary of Jesus and Gibbs-White, in particular, whilst former Whites centre-forward Chris Wood is currently out through injury.

Gibbs-White has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Tricky Trees in all competitions this season, after a return of seven goals and eight assists in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore.

The England international did, however, miss a penalty in Forest’s 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday night, which could knock his confidence ahead of their clash with Leeds on Sunday.

Whilst the Championship champions need to be wary of the former Wolves star, Farke could unleash his own version of Gibbs-White by dropping Ao Tanaka from the starting line-up.

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The Japan international started the 3-0 defeat to Brighton last time out and should be dropped to allow German central midfielder Anton Stach to return to the side, to provide a threat at the top end of the pitch.

Why Leeds should drop Ao Tanaka for Anton Stach

Per Sofascore, the Japanese midfielder did not register a single shot, key pass, or ‘big chance’ created against Brighton, which shows that he did not have any positive impact in the final third.

On top of his failure to provide quality in possession, Tanaka also failed to win a single tackle and only won one duel in 61 minutes on the pitch for the Whites, as he offered little to the side as a defensive or physical presence.

The former Fortuna Düsseldorf star has no goals, no assists, and no ‘big chances’ created in eight appearances and four starts in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which does not suggest that he is likely to cause Forest too many problems on Sunday.

Stach, on the other hand, has shown that he can provide moments of quality at the top end of the pitch that can win points for his side, when he is at his best.

In fact, the summer signing from Hoffenheim scored in the club’s only away win in the Premier League this season, with a stunning free-kick against Wolves in the Midlands.

Stach also came off the bench against Brighton and won four of his four duels and completed both of his attempted dribbles, per Sofascore, in just 30 minutes on the pitch, which suggests that he may be ready to come back into the starting line-up after such a bright cameo.

The towering central midfielder may not be a diminutive style of playmaker like Gibbs-White, but their respective performances this season suggest that he can be Leeds United’s own version of the Forest star.

25/26 Premier League

Anton Stach

Morgan Gibbs-White

Appearances

9

10

xG

0.88

1.90

Goals

1

1

Big chances missed

1

2

Key passes per game

1.6

1.1

Big chances created

2

2

Assists

1

1

Dribbles completed per game

0.7

0.6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Whites star has been even more creative than Gibbs-White, with 0.5 more key passes per game, whilst scoring as many goals from less xG in the Premier League.

Stach, who was once hailed as “underrated” by writer Bence Bocsák, and Gibbs-White are both midfield players who can make an impact in the final third as scorers and creators, which is why they are difference-makers for their respective teams.

Tanaka, unfortunately, has yet to prove that he can be a difference-maker at Premier League level, with no goal contributions this season, which is why he should be the man to drop out of the XI to bring the German back into the side to face Forest this weekend.

Related Farke can get DCL firing by ditching Aaronson for "unstoppable" Leeds star

Daniel Farke can finally get Dominic Calvert-Lewin firing at Leeds United by unleashing this speedy winger.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Nov 6, 2025

Hopefully, if Stach returns to the team, he can shine and outperform Gibbs-White to help the Whites to their second win on the road in the division this term.

MatériaMais Notícias

Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, Série A Calcio, Copa do Rei e a Copa da Inglaterra são os principais destaques deste sábado (6) de futebol. Confira onde assistir ao vivo e os horários das partidas.

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➡️ Confira tudo sobre a maior competição de base do Brasil
➡️ Clique aqui e veja a classificação do Campeonato Italiano

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Onde assistir

أشاد مساعد مدرب نادي برشلونة السابق، بقدرات الأسطورة رونالدينيو، موضحًا أنه أمضى مع النجم البرازيلي السابق أفضل فترات مسيرته كمدرب.

رونالدينيو وقع مع برشلونة خلال صيف عام 2003، قادمًا من صفوف باريس سان جيرمان مقابل حوالي 32 مليون يورو.

وصنع رونالدينيو التاريخ مع برشلونة وحقق العديد من الألقاب من بينها الحصول على لقب الدوري الإسباني مرتين، وكذلك دوري أبطال أوروبا مرة.

واعترف تين كاتي، مساعد مدرب برشلونة السابق، فرانك ريكارد، أنه استمتع بالعمل مع رونالدينيو، موضحًا أنه أقنع صانع الألعاب السابق بالحفاظ على لياقته البدنية.

وقال كاتي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو: “أستمتع حقًا بالحياة خارج الرياضة، لكن السنوات الثلاث التي قضيتها مع رونالدينيو كانت من أفضل السنوات التي قضيتها في مسيرتي”.

أقرأ أيضًا .. “فليك شعر بالخطر”.. لاعب برشلونة رفض المشاركة أمام إنتر ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وأضاف: “تحدثت معه كثيرًا للتأكد من أنه في أفضل حالاته البدنية، كنت أقول له، حسنًا، تعال بعد الظهر، ثم كنت أذهب معه بمفردي، وكان يأتي للتدرب معي”.

كما تذكر كاتي فوز برشلونة على ريال مدريد عام 2005، 3-0 في ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، حيث قامت جماهير الفريق الملكي بالتصفيق لرونالدينيو بعد عرضه الرائع في تلك الليلة.

واستطاع رونالدينيو تسجيل هدفين في تلك المواجهة وتقديم عرض لا ينسى، مما جعل جماهير ريال مدريد تصفق له في نهاية المطاف.

وأوضح: “كان الأمر مميزًا، فعندما تفوز في مدريد عادةً ما يهتفون عليك، لكن مع رونالدينيو صفقوا له، لأن الجماهير كانت ترى شيئًا ما في عيونه، لم أرى لاعبًا يلعب بمثل هذا السحر، كان يمتلك موهبة تمكنه من امتلاك الكرة والسيطرة عليها”.

وعن لامين يامال، نجم برشلونة الحالي، اختتم كاتي: ”لامين جيد للغاية الآن، تمامًا كما كان ميسي طوال المواسم العديدة التي كان فيها الأفضل”.

Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from ODI cricket and returns to both ODI and T20I squads

Firdose Moonda22-Sep-2025

Temba Bavuma needs six to eight weeks of recovery•ICC via Getty Images

South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of South Africa’s first assignment of their World Test Championship title defence, against Pakistan, with a calf strain. Bavuma sustained the injury on the recent white-ball tour of England and is expected to need six to eight weeks of recovery. Aiden Markram will captain the side in his absence.The squad also includes a recall for offspinner Simon Harmer, who has not played a Test since March 2023. He joins Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen in the spin department. First-choice spinner Keshav Maharaj is only available for the second Test after suffering a groin strain in England.In other major news, wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from ODI cricket and returns to both ODI and T20I squads against Pakistan. De Kock last played for South Africa at the T20 World Cup final in Barbados last June.Related

De Kock is back on his own with 'no strings attached'

De Kock reverses ODI retirement

Concern for South Africa as Bavuma suffers calf strain

South Africa opted to rest all their all-format players, except Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis, for the white-ball leg of the Pakistan tour. David Miller will captain the T20I squad while Matthew Breetzke will lead the ODI squad.South Africa also play a T20I in Namibia, to inaugurate their new stadium in Windhoek, the day before the first Test against Pakistan, and will have a makeshift squad for that match. Allrounder Donovan Ferreira will captain that side, which includes de Kock, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Rivaldo Moonsamy, who earned a maiden call-up.Simon Harmer last played a Test in March 2023•AFP/Getty Images

Ferreria has also been named in the ODI squad to face Pakistan, alongside Burger, Coetzee and de Kock, while left-arm spinners George Linde and Bjorn Fortuin have been recalled. Legspinner Nqaba Peter completes a strong spin contingent but Tabraiz Shamsi, who opted out of a national contract, is not in any of the squads. Neither is seamer Anrich Nortje, who has also not agreed to a national contract.The Test squad retains the core that won the WTC mace against Australia in June. Brevis, Subrayen and Zubayr Hamza are new to the group with no room for Dane Paterson or Lungi Ngidi, who is part of the white-ball squads. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder make up the pace contingent.”Temba’s calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November,” head coach Shukri Conrad said. “Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available. He has been such an important leader and batter for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed.”At the same time, the majority of the Test squad have experience of playing in the subcontinent and understand the demands that come with it, so I’m confident they will embrace the challenge. Pakistan is one of the tougher places to tour, and with spin-friendly conditions expected and Keshav only available from the second game, it was important to have an experienced campaigner like Simon in the squad to provide extra depth in the spin department.”Speaking about the choice of stand-in captains, with Markram resting from the white-ball series, Conrad explained that Breetzke’s experience at domestic level and Ferreira’s growth have resulted in their temporary appointments. “Matthew has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has led SA A and the Warriors in this format before, and I have no doubt he’ll captain the ODI side with that same character and composure which he brings to his game. During the T20I series against England, I was impressed by Donovan’s maturity, his understanding of the game, and the way he connects with the younger players in the squad. His appointment as captain for the T20I against Namibia presents an exciting challenge, one that I believe will only enhance his development as a cricketer.”Asked about the bowling combination South Africa expect to play, Conrad said it would come down to conditions in Pakistan, with “extreme spin” expected as has been the case in recent Tests there involving England and West Indies.”We’ve got to look at how we structure our line-up in terms of balance,” Conrad said. “We expect extreme spin in Pakistan. It’s about whether we go with two quicks – KG [Rabada] and Wiaan, KG and Marco, and then how many batters, how many spinners. We’ve got three spinners available for the first Test. Wiaan has made the No. 3 spot his own but it could change based on what we see in Pakistan. Its comes down to the balance of our bowling attack and which seamers there are. I can’t tell you who will be No.3, 4 and 5 in the line-up but it will be similar to what we had in Bangladesh.”Quinton de Kock has reversed his ODI retirement•ICC via Getty Images

On Ngidi’s absence from the Test squad in Pakistan, Conrad felt his skillset wasn’t quite suited to the conditions expected. “We don’t think Lungi will be as effective in Tests in Pakistan. Hence, not including him.”Bavuma’s injury is particularly concerning for South Africa given that it occurred soon after he had missed their most recent Test series – two Tests in Zimbabwe – with a hamstring strain that he suffered during the WTC final. An injury to the left elbow – a joint that has troubled him multiple times since a fracture in 2022 – had put him out of action for two months before the WTC final.”Very concerned about Temba,” Conrad said. “Every series has been an injury and it is not for want of him of trying. He is doing everything in his powers to make sure he remains injury free. His form is definitely good enough and he is definitely worth managing. Age is not on his side so it is a concern but I am confident in the medical staff and Temba’s desire to get him fit.”On Shamsi’s absence from the white-ball squads, Conrad said the left-arm wristspinner still had a future with South Africa, but for now they were looking to give the younger spinners a run in the side.”Shammo and I chatted during that Zim series,” Conrad said. “He was fully understanding about what I explained to him. We wanted to see more of the spinners. We know what we’ve got in Shammo. I told him to keep playing in the leagues so we can monitor his form and fitness. Post-Pakistan, we’ve got the India series and if Shammo’s name pops up, we will discuss him. Shammo remains in the conversation. We haven’t ruled him out.”South Africa play two Tests, three T20Is and three ODIs in Pakistan before two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is in India, which will make up the bulk of their preparation for the T20 World Cup. They have no home Tests in the 2025-26 season but host West Indies for the five T20Is before the T20 World Cup.South Africa squad for Pakistan Tests Aiden Markram (capt), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle VerreynneSouth Africa’s squad for Pakistan T20IsDavid Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad WilliamsSouth Africa’s squad for Pakistan ODIsMatthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba QeshileSouth Africa’s squad for Namibia T20IDonovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams

For a long time, one of Arsenal’s most significant problems was finding a proper backup for Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon is undoubtedly Mikel Arteta’s best player, and his time on the sidelines last season showed just how much the team were in desperate need of someone who could cover and compete with him on the right.

Fortunately, the North Londoners signed Noni Madueke in the summer, and while his arrival wasn’t met with universal excitement, his performances over the first five Premier League games suggested he may well be the player the club have needed for so long.

Therefore, supporters should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to an international ace who has been compared to both Saka and Madueke.

Arsenal target Saka & Madueke hybrid

It’s not even December, but Arsenal are already being linked with a host of exciting players across Europe and beyond.

Transfer Focus

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

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For example, Levante’s Etta Eyong, who has already racked up nine goal involvements, has been touted for a move to the Emirates, as has Nottingham Forest’s incredible Elliot Anderson.

However, as talented as they are, neither of them could be described as being a hybrid of Saka and Madueke, unlike Karim Adeyemi.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are one of a few top sides interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund star.

More than that, the report has revealed that while the German international’s representatives have spoken to Manchester United, he would favour a move to the Gunners.

A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from Germany claim that Dortmund value their attacker at around £70m.

It could be a complicated and costly deal to get over the line, but given Adeyemi’s ability and potential, one worth pursuing, especially as he’s been compared to both Saka and Madueke.

How Adeyemi compares to Saka & Madueke

Even though it feels like it has been around for some time now, Adeyemi is still just 23 years old.

The Munich-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been a key player for Dortmund for a few years, ending last season with an excellent tally of 12 goals and 11 assists in just 41 appearances.

He appears on track to match that tally this year as well, as in 14 appearances, totalling just 817 minutes, he has already racked up six goal involvements.

However, while his output is seriously impressive, the comparisons to Saka and Madueke primarily come from elsewhere, from FBref.

They have compared him to every attacking midfielder and winger across Europe’s top five leagues and have determined that the Hale Enders is the second most similar, and the former Chelsea star is the fourth.

You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the German dynamo has ranked closely to the two internationals.

In the case of the Gunners’ talisman, these metrics include expected goals plus assists, progressive passes, shot-creating actions, shots on target, and more, all per 90.

Adeyemi & Saka

Statistics per 90

Adeyemi

Saka

Expected Goals + Assists

0.57

0.58

Progressive Passes

2.14

2.24

Shots on Target

0.89

0.93

Passing Accuracy

71.4%

72.4%

Shot-Creating Actions

4.47

4.23

Fouls Drawn

2.68

2.50

All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League season

Then, for the former Blues star, the underlying numbers include metrics such as goal-creating actions, expected assists, and most interestingly, carries, also all per 90.

In other words, the former RB Salzburg gem seems to possess some of the creativity and goal threat of the North Londoners’ number seven, as well as the carrying ability of their summer signing, which helps explain why Mattinson called him a “serious transitional threat.”

Adeyemi & Madueke

Statistics per 90

Adeyemi

Madueke

Expected Assists

0.29

0.24

Goal-Creating Actions

0.54

0.59

Carries

28.2

25.9

Successful Take-On %

43.3%

41.2%

Ball Recoveries

2.86

2.94

All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League season

Ultimately, it would be a costly and challenging transfer to get over the line, but given Adeyemi’s skillset, positional versatility and output, it is one Arsenal should pursue.

Related Trossard upgrade: Arsenal plot £65m move for "best winger in the country"

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 18, 2025

In search of a consistent goalscorer, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly preparing a £40m+ offer to sign Georges Mikautadze from Villarreal in 2026.

The great weakness in Thomas Frank’s side this season has been their goalscoring struggles. With Dominic Solanke yet to return to full fitness, the likes of Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani have struggled to truly take hold of the starting role – handing the Lilywhites a frustrating problem.

Kolo Muani has particularly struggled since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain and is still searching for his first Tottenham goal. With the North London derby against Arsenal up next, however, the forward has been passed fit and has the perfect opportunity to find the back of the net for the first time in the Premier League.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Arsenal game, Frank revealed early team news which included an update on Kolo Muani’s unexpected return to action after suffering a jaw injury before the break.

If the PSG loanee continues his run without a goal, then many around North London will be asking big questions. Tottenham chiefs are already reportedly searching for a striker and the Frenchman’s struggles could accelerate their plan to welcome La Liga star Mikautadze in 2026.

Tottenham readying Mikautadze offer

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now preparing a €50m (£44m) offer to sign Mikautadze from Villarreal in 2026. A player who’s been compared to the great Diego Forlan by Spanish media, the 25-year-old has shown glimpses of his best form so far this season – scoring five goals in 14 games – and has entered Spurs’ radar as a result.

Related Tottenham's eye-watering 'initial offer' for Rodrygo after contacting Florentino Perez

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 21, 2025

After becoming a transfer flop at Ajax, the Georgian striker reinvented himself at FC Metz, before starring at Lyon to earn a summer switch to Villarreal. Now, he could be about to make the biggest move of his career courtesy of Tottenham.

Dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, Mikautadze has only kicked on since then to attract the interest of the Premier League. As Tottenham’s forwards continue to struggle, the 25-year-old should be seen as a serious option to consider next year.

Tottenham eyeing 'dream' move for striker likened to Diego Costa after Frank request

MatériaMais Notícias

A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) suspendeu o Brasileirão até o dia 27 de maio. No entanto, a Copa do Brasil não será paralisada, com exceção dos confrontos que envolvem os clubes do Rio Grande do Sul.

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➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Os confrontos de volta da 3ª fase da competição mais democrática do país serão realizados entre os dias 21 e 23 de maio. Os classificados conquistarão uma vaga nas oitavas de final do torneio e irão garantir R$ 3,465 milhões.

O jogo de ida entre Internacional e Juventude já havia sido adiado, uma vez que não havia condições de realizar uma partida no Rio Grande do Sul. Já Grêmio e Ypiranga realizaram os confrontos de ida contra Operário e Athletico-PR, respectivamente, mas não serão disputados na próxima semana.

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CONFIRA OS CONFRONTOS DA COPA DO BRASIL:

RB Bragantino x Sousa – 21/05 – 19h30 (de Brasília)
Vasco x Fortaleza – 21/05 – 21h30 (de Brasília)
Atlético-GO x Brusque – 22/05 – 19h (de Brasília)
Fluminense x Sampaio Corrêa – 22/05 – 19h (de Brasília)
Sport x Atlético-MG – 22/05 – 19h (de Brasília)
Vitória x Botafogo – 22/05 – 19h (de Brasília)
Corinthians x América-RN – 22/05 – 20h (de Brasília)
Amazonas x Flamengo – 22/05 – 21h30 (de Brasília)
Criciúma x Bahia – 23/05 – 19h (de Brasília)
Botafogo-SP x Palmeiras – 23/05 – 19h (de Brasília)
Cuiabá x Goiás – 23/05 – 19h30 (de Brasília)
São Paulo x Águia de Marabá – 23/05 – 21h30 (de Brasília)
Ceará x CRB- 23/05 – 21h30 (de Brasília)

Tudo sobre

Copa do Brasil

Australia’s selectors have still not locked in a consistent opening duo since David Warner’s retirement

Andrew McGlashan14-Oct-2025

Sam Konstas had a lean return in the first Sheffield Shield game of the season•Getty Images

David Warner has urged Australia’s selectors to stick with Sam Konstas for the first Ashes in Perth believing he has the game to take on England’s fast bowlers.Australia have been through a revolving door of partners for Usman Khawaja since Warner’s retirement in early 2024. Konstas, who is the incumbent but made just 50 runs in six innings against West Indies earlier this year, is one of five options used across the last 15 Tests.The selection race will resume this week with the second round of the Sheffield Shield, where Konstas will feature for New South Wales against Victoria at Junction Oval, facing an attack including Scott Boland and Fergus O’Neill.Related

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Who will be the spear to Usman Khawaja's shield for Australia?

Konstas endured a difficult first outing of the domestic season with scores of 4 and 14 against Western Australia in Perth on what Nathan Lyon termed a “naughty” WACA pitch while NSW coach Greg Shipperd also urged context around Konstas’ returns.Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne peeled off 160 for Queensland, which came between two one-day hundreds as he makes a compelling case for a recall and looms as another opening option.”I’d like them to try and probably stick with Sam and give him a crack,” Warner said at Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket launch in Sydney. “He scored that hundred in the Australian A series [in India last month]. He batted outstanding there.”I don’t think we’ve seen exactly what we know Sam Konstas can do. Last year… he probably got overwhelmed by the occasion and we saw some very highlighted cricket. But I’ve seen him build innings, I’ve seen him play some fantastic innings and I’d like to see him go back to just doing that.” When Konstas made his debut at the MCG against India he was picked with the specific role of disrupting Jasprit Bumrah, who had dominated Australia’s top order. He was an immediate success in that role with 60 off 65 balls and then produced two cameos at the SCG. However, he was left out in Sri Lanka, when Travis Head opened in a conditions-specific selection, before being tasked with taking on difficult batting conditions in the Caribbean.Warner believes his early salvos in Test cricket left him uncertain about the tempo needed for sustained success but, while acknowledging England have a stock of fast bowlers, does not see their attack needing such a left-field approach.”They don’t have a Jasprit Bumrah so he doesn’t have to worry about that,” Warner said. “They’ve got some fast bowlers but he can tackle that.”Last year, I felt like he just got caught up in the occasions. He got caught up in thinking it was the only way to play that way against Bumrah and then did it to the other players.Marnus Labuschagne brought up a century in his first Shield innings of the season•Getty Images

“I don’t think he needed to change his game to the other bowlers. He could have just stayed there and played the normal way. There was one guy that was getting a lot of people out and… [Konstas] just didn’t want to get out to him because he was bringing the ball back in.”He countered that and he could have went back in and just batted normally. So I think if he can work out that and identify those periods, I think he’ll go a long way.”Warner added that Labuschagne had probably already done enough to return to the line-up but was less convinced about him opening. “I think when you’ve got a lot of Test cricket under your belt, you know what he’s capable of and know what he can do,” he said. “If someone’s averaging 50 in Test cricket, you’ve probably got to go back to that. Does he open? I wouldn’t like to see him open. I’d like him to shuffle back down to three.”If Labuschagne did return at No. 3, it would mean pushing Cameron Green down the order and would leave Beau Webster struggling to retain his place. Webster has been forced to sit out the opening two rounds of the Shield with an ankle injury but, barring a major form slump on his return, is expected to be part of the squad for Perth.

حقق الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بيراميدز، فوزًا هامًا على نظيره باور ديناموز، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بهدف نظيف.

وحل بيراميدز، ضيفًا على باور ديناموز في الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

طالع.. ترتيب مجموعة بيراميدز في دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد الفوز على باور ديناموز

ويقع فريق بيراميدز في المجموعة الأولى رفقة أندية نهضة بركان المغربي وريفرز يونايتد النيجيري وباور ديناموز الزامبي.

ونجح محمد رضا بوبو لاعب فريق بيراميدز من تسجيل الهدف الأول لصالح السماوي في مرمى فريق باور ديناموز الزامبي، في الدقيقة 52 من عمر الشوط الثاني والمباراة.

ورفع بيراميدز رصيده إلى 6 نقاط، متساويًا مع نهضة بركان المغربي، في المركزين الأول والثاني. هدف بيراميدز اليوم أمام باور ديناموز

Thomas Frank needs consistency at Tottenham Hotspur, having blown hot and cold in the months since replacing Ange Postecoglou in the dugout.

Postecoglou won the Europa League last season, but he was dismissed from his duties – some would call it Daniel Levy’s final act – and a new era has been ushered in, with Frank making a series of signings and reworking the Spurs set-up.

Room for one more? The Londoners’ attacking efforts have left something to be desired this season, and with so much on the line this term, ENIC Group have a dream of signing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth during the January transfer window.

The latest on Spurs' interest in Semenyo

Bournemouth supposedly rejected an offer from Tottenham for Semenyo’s signature during the off-season. But the Lilywhites are back in the running, ready to contest Liverpool and Manchester City for the Ghana winger’s services, with his £65m release clause going live in January.

It’s going to be difficult, luring the 25-year-old to north London next month. While all the pointers suggest Semenyo will leave the Vitality Stadium, he has a range of elite outfits to pick from, and Liverpool and City often get their way in the transfer market.

But Tottenham do need a talismanic force on the left flank. After all, Heung-min Son left for Los Angeles after lifting the Europa League trophy, and his presence and influence have been keenly missed.

Patience, though, is so often a virtue in football, and while Spurs don’t have a frontline firing on all cylinders right now, Frank leads a number of players who could become real stars down the line.

And there’s one in particular who has fired himself into form over the past week, with his market value a reflection of just how talented he is.

The Spurs star who's overtaken Semenyo

This summer, Tottenham completed a series of signings, and when we look back on that window, we might view Xavi Simons as being the pick of the bunch. The Netherlands star, 21 years old, moved from RB Leipzig for about £51m in August, having been pursued by Chelsea.

He hadn’t hit the ground running this season – far from it – but Simons is starting to grow into his skin, and his silky, combative style of play suggests he could have been perfect for the Mauricio Pochettino era.

Yes, Simons’ natural playmaking qualities make him a tailor-made fit for that thrilling chapter of the previous decade. He has been flagged for a lack of physicality amid early-season struggles, but Simons is beginning to put those to rest, settling into life in London.

This is a show-stopper of a midfielder, boasting something special, something different to his teammates. When Frank gets his squad playing to his tune from a creative vantage, you can bet that Simons will be smack-bang in the middle of the success.

Already he ranks among the top 8% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for passes attempted and ball recoveries, as well as the top 3% for ball recoveries per 90 (data via FBref).

And he’s beginning to showcase an aptitude for the defensive side of the game, working hard in recovery and getting stuck in when against the ball.

Xavi Simons’ Past Two Games for Spurs

Match Stats

vs Brentford

vs Slavia Prague

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

1

1

Assists

1

0

Touches

60

70

Shots (on target)

4 (2)

3 (1)

Accurate passes

36/43 (84%)

35/41 (85%)

Chances created

1

0

Dribbles

0/0

1/4

Recoveries

7

2

Tackles won

0/1

1/2

Ground duels won

4/7

6/16

Data via Sofascore

Hailed by statistician Statman Dave for his ability to create “magic” on the ball, Simons suffered a tough start to his Tottenham career, but he has shown flashes of elite quality throughout the campaign, and now, with two goals from as many games, there’s a sense that the Dutchman could be about to kick on.

Could we be set to return to the halycon days of Poch’s reign? Tottenham didn’t win a trophy then, but the football was good, envied, and Simons looks like he could be an architect of such a revival of creativity and sharpness in the final third.

He has just started to earn some recognition, having already proven himself on the financial front, with CIES Football Observatory suggesting his value has already skyrocketed to £95m since his summer move, above Semenyo’s maximum market value of £67m.

Semenyo would be a terrific addition, and there’s no question that offensive signings will be made in 2026, but Tottenham fans must remember that their club have signed one of the most exciting playmakers in the business, and after seeing his market value skyrocket, he’s only going to keep getting better.

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