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So close has the series been that India could well have been 2-0 up. But they’ll want that closeness to show up in the scoreline

Karthik Krishnaswamy09-Dec-20224:18

What’s Axar Patel’s role for India? What’s ailing Bangladesh’s top order?

Big picture

What more can you ask for from a three-match series, eh? A one-wicket win in the first match, a last-ball result with only one wicket remaining in the second, and every possible twist and turn on the way to those two finishes. It’s a pity that the same team won both games, and that the series finale will be a dead rubber, but do not rule out more excitement.For Bangladesh, this series has been more proof of how good an ODI side they are at home, and how good they have been for a number of years now. Since the start of 2015, they have a win-loss ratio of 3.30 against Full Members at home, which is bettered only by Pakistan who, of course, haven’t played all that much at home in this period, and New Zealand.Related

• McDermott: 'Beating India 3-0 a massive goal for us'

• Bowler to all-round match-winner – Mehidy Hasan Miraz comes of age

• Rohit, Chahar and Sen ruled out of third ODI with injuries

You might argue that Zimbabwe, West Indies, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have been Bangladesh’s most frequent opponents in this period, but you can only beat who is in front of you. That Bangladesh have beaten India four times in five games in the same period – they’ve also pulled off series wins over Pakistan and South Africa – suggests they might do just as well against other high-profile teams that haven’t visited that often in recent years.If they win again on Saturday, Bangladesh will reinforce this idea emphatically.So close has this series been, of course, that India could well have been 2-0 up themselves. But they’ll want that closeness to show up somewhere in the scoreline. To make that happen, they might have to play their best game of the series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, where they will be without their regular captain Rohit Sharma among numerous other injured absentees.It will be a test of their resource depth – they came into this series without first-choice reserves such as Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson – and this test will come against a hungry home side who are high on morale. The result won’t impact where the series trophy goes, but it could have other, potentially far-reaching ramifications.

Form guide

Bangladesh WWWLW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
India LLLWW

In the spotlight

Virat Kohli has a highest score of 18 in his last seven ODI innings. It’s hard to call it a run of form, because he has played these seven ODIs over a span of ten months, and he’s looked in excellent rhythm in other formats during this time. Even so, in Rohit Sharma’s absence, India will hope their best batter can get back among the runs as they push for a consolation win.Virat Kohli has an average of 18.90 in ten ODIs this year•AFP/Getty Images

Mustafizur Rahman has taken only one wicket in this series, but India have struggled to get him away. He conceded 14 runs in the final over of the second ODI, but despite that, he has only gone at 3.64 across his 17 overs so far. Can India break his stranglehold in potentially flatter conditions in Chattogram?

Team news

Bangladesh are unlikely to make a major change unless there is an injury concern.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Litton Das (capt), 2 Anamul Haque, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Nasum Ahmed, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Ebadot HossainIndia are in a genuine injury crisis; their squad page for this series now has as many as seven withdrawn players. In place of the absent Rohit, India will need to choose between Ishan Kishan and the uncapped pair of Rahul Tripathi and Rajat Patidar. Only three fast bowlers remain in the squad, so expect India to play a spin-heavy attack, with either Kuldeep Yadav – who was added to the squad on the eve of the match – or Shahbaz Ahmed joining Washington Sundar and Axar Patel.India (probable): 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Ishan Kishan, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 KL Rahul (capt & wk), 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Shahbaz Ahmed/Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Umran Malik

Pitch and conditions

Where Mirpur always has something in it for the bowlers, Chattogram has tended to be a batting-friendly venue in ODIs. In the last five years, ODIs here have produced the best batting average of the three ODI venues in Bangladesh – 37.49, a significant jump from Mirpur’s 25.91. Expect a flat pitch, therefore. The weather on Saturday is expected to be clear and sunny, with a maximum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.

Stats and trivia

• Bangladesh have won 13 of their last 14 bilateral ODI series at home. England were the last visiting side to win a series here, beating the hosts 2-1 in October 2016.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz averages 81.75 with the bat and 26.13 with the ball in ODIs in 2022. That average difference of 55.61 is the best of any allrounder who has scored least 100 runs and taken ten wickets this year, ahead of Cameron Green’s 40.43 and Gerhard Erasmus’ 28.56.
• Mohammed Siraj – 15 wickets at an average of 16.26 – is the highest wicket-taker in the first ten overs of ODIs in 2022. Among bowlers from Full-Member teams, Trent Boult and Matt Henry (ten each) are a distant joint second.

Quotes

“We have a much better chance with him not playing. He is such a high-calibre player. I was a bit surprised that he didn’t come to bat earlier [in the second game]. He may have fallen a ball short.”
“To be honest, Bangladesh is a high-quality side, especially at home. Their record says so, because I think they’ve only lost one series [in recent years], against England. They’ve been very, very successful at home. We knew what to expect from them before we came here. Definitely, especially in the subcontinent, Bangladesh is a very, very good side. Even in the T20 World Cup they had a good run this year. They’ve been doing really well in the last few years, and I’m sure even they will fancy a good tournament going into the World Cup.”

Italy legend Andrea Pirlo praised Weston McKennie after the American established himself as a regular for the Serie A side

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• Andrea Pirlo insisted that Weston McKennie has become an important player at Juve
• American has made 33 appearances this season
• Serie A exploring possibility of hosting games in the United States

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Juventus and Italy legend Andrea Pirlo admitted that McKennie has established himself as an important piece of Juve's side this season, after struggling to fit in across his first few seasons in Turin. McKennie was named vice-captain by new manager Thiago Motta, and has tallied eight goal contributions while playing in six different positions over the course of the campaign.

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  WHAT ANDREA PIRLO SAID

  Pirlo highlighted McKennie's importance at a Serie A event in New York: "He is growing a lot. I've seen him not only grow on the pitch but also inside the locker room, which is an important step for him."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The event also included remarks from Commerical and Marketing Director Michele Ciccarese, who insisted that Serie A is looking into hosting a regular season game in the United States:

  "There are a lot of things happening that make it a possibility…everybody would like to [see] a live game. If I could take you all tomorrow to a San Siro experience or to an Olympic experience, you would love it," He said. "So the only way is to bring the club closer to the fans. We are working on potentially doing it. But there are barriers that we need to overcome with the right strategy in place and with the support of the clubs, without forgetting that players are players, and they have a lot of competitions."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Serie A also announced record viewership over the course of the 2024-25 season, with a cumulative live audience up over 50 percent compared to last year's numbers.

With the January transfer window now fast approaching, Tottenham Hotspur are being linked with a number of possible targets. Among those rumoured to be interesting the Lilywhites are Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson, Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu, and Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler has also been recently linked with a move to North London. The 19-year-old playmaker enjoyed a fine breakthrough season at the Santiago Bernabeu last year, scoring six goals in just 12 games, before going on to star for Turkey at the summer’s European Championships, helping them to an unlikely quarter-final run.

Guler has found minutes for Madrid hard to come by, however, since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe in the summer, and it is now believed Tottenham are prepared to offer the player a way out in January by way of a loan move. TNT Sports Commentator Ian Darke thinks Guler would be a “fantastic” signing for Ange Postecoglou.

“He’s a very good young player. He just can’t get in the Real Madrid side because they’ve got Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe.”

Reijnders next up on Spurs shopping list

Of all the players reportedly on the Spurs’ radar, perhaps the most exciting is AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutchman has been one of Milan’s most outstanding players since moving to the San Siro from AZ Alkmaar last summer. Most recently, he put in a Man of the Match display as Milan thumped Real Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League, scoring his side’s third and final goal.

As a result of his good form, Reijnders has caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real and Spurs.

Bid made: Liverpool considering "crazy" deal to sign "complete" midfielder

A Reds player could head in the opposite direction.

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 5, 2024

Understandably, however, Milan are keen to hold on to the 26-year-old, and, according to Calcio Mercato, are already working on preventative measures to keep him at the club. The publication reported this week that Milan are working on offering Reijnders a contract renewal that would double his annual wages from €1.7 million to €3.5 million until 2030, amid interest from Spurs and others.

Calcio Mercato claim that Milan have already started talking with Tijjani’s father, who is also his agent, and are confident that the deal will soon be finalised.

Rijkaard praise shows why the world is chasing Reijnders

After Reijnders’ goalscoring display against Madrid, Milan and Netherlands legend Frank Rijkaard was full of praise for the midfielder.

“I hope Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world, I truly believe he’s on the right path. I really like his way of playing. He’s becoming more and more important for Milan as time goes by.

“He can cover all the roles in the middle of the pitch and he’s really generous too. He never stops running for the team and always gives everything his all. With the quality he has, he is really good at creating dangerous chances for his teammates and always starts the move well.”

The visitors say Ish Sodhi is tracking well after ankle injury but haven’t taken a call on his inclusion yet

Alagappan Muthu20-Jan-20233:38

Jaffer: Coming in around 30th over will suit Suryakumar Yadav

Big picture: India vs NZ is a battle of titans

It finally feels like a World Cup year, doesn’t it? In an age of content saturation – organisers trying to horn in as many big events as possible and writers doing much the same to make you care about their own work – something pure happened on Wednesday night in Hyderabad. A game that needed no bigging up. A game that stood on its own. A game that will not soon be forgotten…And already, it’s time to top it, which is exactly why it feels amazing. Because this series – for all the spin put into it – was going to be just another notch in the bilateral cricket calendar. Instead, it’s become something that actually matters. it’s become something fun. There’s a buzz. There’s an expectation. There’s a thrill. As if we haven’t seen anything yet because imagine even half of what happened two days ago happening at the World Cup.Shubman Gill was so good. Like eerie good. Like, there’s over the top and then there’s this. A 23-year-old scoring a double-century in the 49th over of an ODI while single-handedly propping up the rest of his team – and we haven’t even mentioned the opposition. Somewhere in Nakatomi Plaza, John McClane is rolled up in a ball crying because he’s not the gold standard in doing the impossible anymore. Kids half his age are pulling his shtick.

LIVE in the UK and USA

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

But John, listen. It’s okay. It happens. This sport that you’ve probably never even heard of does this kinda thing all the time. Like, just about an hour later, with New Zealand at 131 for 6 in a chase of 350, this guy called Michael Bracewell was about to shatter everything we thought was sacred. The coming of age of a golden boy of Indian cricket almost always includes the humbling of the opposition. Sunil Gavaskar took down Garry Sobers. Sachin Tendulkar took down Adbul Qadir. Virat Kohli took down Lasith Malinga. Gill took down Lockie Ferguson. After that, he was supposed to ride all the way off into the sunset but he was made to wait. He was made to sweat.So here we are, still feeling the tremors of that game, and an excitement for what’s to come. Because India vs New Zealand is a battle of titans and equals.

Form guide

India WWWWW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
New Zealand LWWLW

In the spotlight: Hardik Pandya and Glenn Phillips

Once upon a time, Hardik Pandya would walk into a cricket field and start hitting boundaries. He’d come to press conferences, stop just short of Marlon Samuelsing it, and say with a perfectly straight face that “I could hit a six anytime I wanted to.” Now, five years later, a father and a future leader, some of that fire has been tempered. Two of his four slowest ODI innings (min 30 balls faced) have come in the last week. Both on tough pitches and in winning causes. India will hope their point of difference allrounder is adding to his game, and not necessarily compromising it because the Hardik of old used to put fear in the opposition – which is awesome enough – but he’d also one-up it by feeding off that fear until nothing seemed beyond his reach.Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell are two big hitters in the New Zealand side•Associated Press

We’ve all noticed there’s a bit of Steven Smith about Glenn Phillips, right? In his stance. In his backlift. In the way he refuses a run. There’s a chance that he’s copied one of the most un-outable batters of our times just to maximise the one thing he has that Smith doesn’t. Pure, beautiful power. The guy claims to do 800 press-ups a day in order to sustain the thing sets him apart. Six-hitting. West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have all seen just how destructive he can be – even from dire situations. At some point in this series, India could to see it too.

Team news: Will India try Malik? Is Sodhi back to fitness?

The middle overs didn’t go India’s way with the ball in Hyderabad. Would that tempt them to bring in Umran Malik? The upside is his pace. The downside is their batting depth takes a big hit if he comes in for Shardul Thakur.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Ishan Kishan (wk), 5 Suryakumar Yadav, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Mohammed SirajIsh Sodhi, currently out with an ankle injury, is tracking well according to New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi. A call on his inclusion will be made later.New Zealand (probable): 1 Finn Allen, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Henry Nicholls, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (capt & wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ish Sodhi/Henry Shipley, 10 Doug Bracewell, 11 Lockie Ferguson

Pitch and conditions: Raipur’s first ever ODI

A sellout crowd of over 50,000 is expected in Raipur to mark the occasion of its first ever ODI. The city is also in the running to host Women’s IPL matches in March. Seems good things happen to not just to people who wait but stadiums as well. No one’s really sure how the pitch will behave, although Mitchell Santner suspects it has more bounce than Hyderabad. Dew will once again play a role on a day where the temperature will go up to 31C in the afternoon and then down to 21C in the evening. No rain is expected.

Stats and trivia

• Bracewell has an ODI strike rate of 122.22. With a minimum of 10 innings played, only three others, from Full Member countries, can say they score their runs quicker. Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone.
• It’s basic. But it bears saying. India have a batting line-up that now includes not one, not two, but three ODI double-centurions. What the actual…

Liverpool fans will be longing for the return of Premier League football after the international break, with Arne Slot’s Reds currently top of the pile in the tough division by five points.

It should be a relatively straightforward transition back to the bread and butter of the top flight too, as a trip to St. Mary’s to take on basement club Southampton awaits.

Of course, nothing can be taken for granted, but it’s very much a winnable fixture on paper for Slot and Co.

Away from the return to league action, the international break has been kind to a certain Ben Doak, with the promising Reds youngster terrorising Croatia again for Scotland.

Doak's electric international break

Doak will be banging down the door for more opportunities on Merseyside when his Middlesbrough loan deal has expired, based on his continued electric showings on the international stage for his nation.

The 19-year-old would again give Josko Gvardiol a constant headache in his attempts to keep him under control, with the slick Scotsman more than playing his part in Steve Clarke’s men picking up an impressive 1-0 win in the Nations League.

Looking at the table above, Doak excelled against the Croats when darting forward with pace and energy with two successful dribbles managed coming up against the might of Gvardiol, in what was another fearless showing from the teenager.

His enthralling performance would see The Herald dish out an 8/10 match rating to him after the contest, with journalist Ewan Paton simply stating that Doak is going to be ‘some player.’

Unfortunately, football doesn’t always play out like that, with this once highly praised winger – who played with the same level of flair and trickery as Doak – going on to be known as a huge transfer misfire at Anfield.

Liverpool's original Ben Doak

Away from the scrutinising pressure of Reds fans who will instantly want you to be a star in the top-flight, thankfully for the Reds winger, he has been given time away from the club to grow and develop with Middlesbrough this season.

Lazar Markovic is the poor soul, who unfortunately had that pressure on his back from minute one when arriving in England. He cost a substantial £20m to pick up from Benfica as a 20-year-old, with European football writer Andy Brassell stating at the time that the Serbian had “enormous” potential.

Known as an explosive and unpredictable winger playing in his native Serbia for Partizan – just like Doak is now – Markovic registered seven strikes and seven assists during the final season of his first stint at the club.

Then moving to Portugal, it was in Lisbon where Markovic took to his new surroundings well with a further seven strikes and five assists, yet the gigantic leap up to the Premier League proved too much for the expensive purchase to handle.

Speaking of his wild aspirations to win the top flight upon his arrival in 2014, Markovic would get nowhere near as his paltry return of three goals and one assist from 34 contests in all competitions saw his new employers finish in an unsatisfactory sixth position, leading to Jurgen Klopp’s appointment after the campaign was up.

After this poor first year, the Serbian was routinely loaned out time after time to the likes of Hull City and Anderlecht to name a few, before Fulham snapped him up on a free transfer in 2019.

In truth, it was a risky buy that never paid off for the Reds, with many perhaps surprised that Liverpool went out to get Doak in from Celtic when they did.

But, unlike this whole saga with Markovic, that looks to be an ingenious decision rather than a haphazard one, with the Scottish attacker tipped for big things at Anfield as his career goes on.

It's not Doak: Liverpool could unearth their own Bale in "special" star

Ben Doak is thriving, but Liverpool might actually have another star who’d be their own Gareth Bale.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 16, 2024

Rio Ferdinand has explained why Manchester United should not chase Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres in the summer.

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• Ferdinand warns Man Utd against signing Gyokeres
• Swedish forward deemed wrong fit for Premier League
• Man Utd looking to sign new forward in the summer

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gyokeres has established himself as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Europe, as he has scored 82 goals in 90 appearances for Sporting across all competitions in the last two years. His proficiency in front of the goal has caught the attention of several top European teams, including Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Red Devils are reportedly looking to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025-26 season and have accordingly prepared a shortlist of forwards they can sign. However, United legend Ferdinand believes that Gyokeres isn't the ideal profile that would fit into the system that Ruben Amorim has implemented at Old Trafford. He also cast doubts over the Swedish forward's "physicality", which could make him a misfit in the Premier League.

• WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

  Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: "I don’t think he’s the guy. I’ve not watched him loads, but I’ve probably watched him three times really, really closely. Three times I’ve watched him, and I’ve gone, he ain’t getting those opportunities in the Premier League. When I see him physically matched, I don’t see it. What else is there?

  "That’s the question I’m asking. Is there enough after he’s physically matched to get a goal? Physicality is a massive thing in the game today. A Ruben Amorim team needs physicality and runners, but there’s no real physicality in this squad. It just isn’t there."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VIKTOR GYOKERES?

  For now, the 26-year-old remains focused on winning the Liga Portugal title with Sporting CP, who have a three-point lead over Benfica at the top of the table. The forward will be next seen in action on Sunday as his club faces Famalicao.

Karim Benzema starred with a goal as reigning champions Al-Ittihad reached the quarter-final of the Saudi King's Cup of Champions after edging out Pro League leaders Al-Nassr 2-1 on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Joao Felix had a night to forget as they failed to deliver in front of the goal despite dominating proceedings for the majority of the game with an extra player on the pitch.

• Benzema shines as Ronaldo crashes out of cup

  Al-Nassr started the game on top and dominated possession, but somewhat against the run of play, it was Al-Ittihad who broke the deadlock. From a quick counter-attack, Moussa Diaby exchanged a one-two with Benzema near the centre circle before making a dart towards the right flank. Diaby soon found Benzema with an inch-perfect cross as the ex-Real Madrid star entered the box from the left side and scored past Bento to break the deadlock.

  Ronaldo was well marked and remained until the half-hour mark when the Al-Nassr star received a through ball from Angelo Gabriel. Ronaldo entered the box from the left side before a cross in the middle, which was deflected by an Al-Ittihad defender and fell in front of Gabriel. The former Chelsea player took a first-time shot which went past the goalkeeper. 

  On the stroke of half-time, Al-Ittihad restored their lead as Houssem Aouar followed a through ball and entered the box before wiggling past his marker and finding the back of the net with a brilliant strike. 

  Ronaldo and Co went all guns blazing right from the kick off in the second half as Jorge Jesus' side looked desperate for an equaliser. Al-Ittihad dealt a major blow at the start of the game after the break as they were reduced to 10 men following Ahmed Al Julaydan's sending off for a poor challenge on Aiman Yahya. 

  Al-Nassr further increased their intensity as the game reached its climax, however, a strong defensive performance from the visitors denied them from scoring the much-needed equaliser. Jesus' side will be back in action in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday as they take on Al Feiha at home. 

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  The MVP

  Veteran French forward Benzema stole the limelight with a clinical finish early in the game from Diaby's assist. The former Ballon d'Or winner showed he has still got it as it him who had initiated the move on his own half and fed Diaby with a starting pass. 

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  The big loser

  The star-studded Al-Nassr attack had a rare off day as they produced a subdued and were toothless for most of the match. Despite starting the game in an aggressive mode, the Ronaldo-led attack failed to capitalise on the chances they created.

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  Match rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Crystal Palace have now entered the race to hijack a move for a “fabulous” midfielder, who appeared to be set to join another Premier League club.

Glasner insists his players need to "stay humble"

Ahead of this evening’s trip to Fredrikstad in the second leg of Palace’s Europa Conference League play-off match, Oliver Glasner has been keen to make sure his side do not get too carried away.

Glasner said: “It would be arrogant to think when you play a competition for the first time to talk about winning it. It’s the first time Palace plays outside England a competitive game, so it’s important to stay humble and this is what we are doing as a team. We are going step by step.”

Should the Eagles secure qualification against the Norwegian side, Selhurst Park should remain an attractive destination for new signings in the final days of the summer transfer window, with a deal for Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino seemingly edging towards completion.

Pino is said to have been targeted as a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, but another versatile attacker could join alongside the Spaniard, with Crystal Palace one of the clubs to “enter the scene” to sign Getafe’s Christantus Uche.

That is according to reporter Eduardo Burgos on X, who states Uche’s move to Wolverhampton Wanderers has now “stalled”, which could allow Palace to swoop in, although there is set to be competition for his signature.

AC Milan, OGC Nice and Leeds United are all “evaluating the situation”, with the Nigerian’s agents currently “blocking the move” to Molineux.

Crystal Palace now make contact to sign "incredible" £20m Guehi replacement

The Eagles have made an approach over a deal for a new defender.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 27, 2025

"Fabulous" Uche could be exciting addition for Palace

The Getafe star has gotten off to a fantastic start to the new La Liga campaign, picking up two goal contributions in his first two games, and he was almost as prolific as Pino during the 2024-25 season.

Not only that, but there are signs the Nigeria international could be more of a like-for-like replacement for Eze, having often featured in the number 10 role throughout his career to date, although he is also capable of playing at striker and in a more defensive role.

Manager Jose Bordalas clearly holds the 22-year-old in high regard too, with the Spaniard also suggesting he could develop even further, saying: “He’s a fabulous kid, a boy who has a huge commitment. We have great affection for him.”

“I have a special affection for him. He was a risky bet, and we’re very happy. We think he has room for improvement; he’s very young.”

As such, Uche could be an exciting addition to Glasner’s squad, and a deal would not break the bank at around £17m.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has ignited pre-Clasico controversy by claiming Real Madrid “steal” during a cheeky exchange on Twitch. The 18-year-old made the remark while chatting with streamer Ibai Llanos, comparing Madrid to a Kings League team known for benefiting from refereeing decisions. The comment comes just days before El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

• Yamal stirs controversy ahead of El Clasico

  Barca sensation Yamal has sparked uproar in Spain after boldly accusing Madrid of benefiting from refereeing decisions, describing them as a team that “steals and complains.” The Barcelona prodigy made the explosive remark during a broadcast on Kings League, just days before Clasico against Los Blancos.

  When asked by Ibai Llanos, owner of Kings League side Porcinos FC, whether his team reminded him of Real Madrid, Yamal didn’t hesitate. “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…” he said, prompting laughter and disbelief from those on the stream. Llanos, a well-known Madrid supporter, immediately pushed back, asking, “Real Madrid steals?” To which Yamal doubled down, laughing nervously before reaffirming, “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”

  The comment has since gone viral across Spanish media and social platforms. The timing, however, could not be more controversial, just days before Barca travel to the Bernabeu in a high-powered La Liga clash.

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  Inside Yamal’s cheeky exchange with Ibai Llanos

  The exchange came as part of a lighthearted discussion between Yamal, Llanos, and Gerard Pique, the former Barca defender who co-founded the Kings League. Yamal, who co-owns the Kings League club La Capital FC, was discussing his upcoming fixture against Ibai’s team, Porcinos, when the topic of Real Madrid naturally arose.

  Pique jokingly stoked the rivalry, while Yamal’s response carried a sting. “They steal, they complain, and they do things…” said the Barcelona winger, alluding to what many Barca fans have long believed, that Real Madrid receives favourable treatment from referees.

  Despite his youthful tone and playful delivery, Yamal’s remarks have added extra spice to an already heated build-up to Clasico. His comments follow a long line of pre-Clasico mind games.

• Focus on Clasico showdown at the Bernabeu

  Barca will face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu this Sunday in a match that could decide early leadership of La Liga. Hansi Flick’s side currently trail Xabi Alonso’s men by two points, and a victory would see the Catalans leapfrog their rivals into first place.

  Yamal’s comment, while made in jest, could add pressure ahead of one of the most-watched games in world football. The 18-year-old is expected to start on the right wing after producing a string of impressive performances this season, including eight direct goal contributions in just seven La Liga appearances.

  Yamal’s self-assurance underlines his growing importance in Flick’s system, where his creativity, pace, and composure have made him one of the defining faces of Barcelona’s new era.

  Madrid, meanwhile, have remained silent publicly, focusing on preparation under Alonso after a tough-win in the Champions League game against Juventus. The club’s fans, however, are expected to make their feelings known when Yamal steps onto the Bernabeu turf this weekend.

  With tensions high, form stakes tight, and personal rivalries simmering, Clasico once again promises to deliver football, theatre, and controversy in equal measure, and Yamal finds himself right at the heart of it all.

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  Mbappe vs Yamal – the new Clasico duel

  This weekend’s encounter will also renew the rivalry between two of football’s biggest generational stars, French superstar Kylian Mbappe and Yamal. The pair have already faced off eight times across club and international competitions, with Yamal holding an extraordinary record of seven wins to Mbappe’s single victory.

  While Mbappe has outscored the Barcaa youngster in those meetings, eight goals to six, Yamal’s teams have consistently come out on top, including a memorable 5-2 Supercopa de Espana victory and a 3-2 Copa del Rey triumph. The French forward, now spearheading Madrid’s attack, will be eager to rewrite that record in front of home fans.

  Yamal’s form heading into the Clasico has been impressive despite Barcelona’s mixed start to the campaign. With three goals and eight assists already this season, he continues to showcase the balance between flair and maturity that has made him Europe’s most exciting teenager. His performances have not only drawn praise from Flick but also earned him a runner-up finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or at just 18 years old.

Leeds United's automatic promotion hopes were hit with another blow as they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Whites are competing to secure an instant return to the Premier League, having been relegated at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, but missed out on the chance to return to the top two at the weekend.

Sammie Szmodics' second half goal was enough to land all three points for the away side, which has left the Yorkshire-based outfit in third place – behind Leicester City and Ipswich Town, who also both failed to win.

Daniel Farke's side still have time, with three matches left, to work their way back into the top two places, or else they will have to go through the lottery of the play-offs to earn promotion.

Despite not knowing what division they will be playing in next season, Leeds are reportedly already looking at targets to potentially sign in the upcoming summer transfer window – including one current Championship star.

Leeds' interest in striker from rival club

A recent report from TEAMtalk earlier this month named the Whites as one of the teams interested in a swoop to land Southampton centre-forward Che Adams.

The Saints, who can move level with Leeds on points if they win their two games in hand, are competing with Farke's men to earn promotion back to the Premier League, but could lose one of their key attackers in the summer.

His current contract at St. Mary's is due to expire at the end of the season and the report claimed that no extension has been agreed between the two parties as of yet.

The outlet named Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers as the other team keen on a deal to sign the soon-to-be free agent, as they have been long-term admirers of the Scotland international.

It also stated that European clubs have been made aware of his potential availability, but no names outside of Leeds and Wolves have been provided.

TEAMtalk claimed that Leeds want to improve their attacking options for the 2024/25 campaign, and believe that Adams would be a valuable addition to their team whether they are in the Premier League or the Championship.

However, it still remains to be seen whether or not the former Birmingham City marksman will put pen to paper on an extension with the Saints before the end of the current season.

If he is available for £0 in the summer, Farke could snap him up as a bargain signing to be an upgrade on Leeds number nine Patrick Bamford.

Patrick Bamford's struggles this season

The former England international has struggled throughout the campaign, barring a run of form at the start of 2024, and has let the side down with his wasteful finishing at times.

Bamford started the season on the bench behind Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe and failed to score a single goal during the first half of the term in 2023.

He then produced eight goals and two assists in his first 13 appearances of 2024 in all competitions, which suggested that the former Chelse prospect was on course to finding his best form at the top end of the pitch as Leeds chase promotion back to the top-flight.

Instead, the goals have dried up for the 30-year-old dud. He is currently on a run of six Championship games without a goal for the Whites, and the team have only won two of those matches, as Bamford has missed a staggering five 'big chances' in that period.

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds number nine has been one of the most wasteful players in the squad with the chances that have come his way.

He has only found the back of the net seven times from an xG of 10.2, and his recent missed 'big chances' have clearly had an impact on results – with two wins in six during the business end of the season for the club.

Why Che Adams could be an upgrade on Patrick Bamford

Farke could land a dream upgrade on Bamford by securing a deal to sign Adams, who has proven himself to be a useful player in the Premier League and the Championship.

Last season, the Scottish marksman scored five goals from 6.63 xG across 28 appearances in the Premier League for Southampton, just underperforming his xG overall. Whereas, the Leeds forward only scored four goals from 8.61 xG in 28 matches in the top-flight.

This immediately suggests that the Saints star could be more reliable, albeit not prolific, in front of goal in the Premier League if the Whites win promotion this term.

Their respective form in the Championship this season also indicates that Adams, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions, has the edge over Bamford, both in and out of possession.

As you can see in the table above, the 27-year-old marksman, whose streaky scoring was once described as a "ketchup bottle phenomenon" by former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, has scored more goals, provided more assists, and overperformed his xG in comparison to the Leeds man.

Bamford has also lost 60% of his duels against opposition defenders in the Championship, which shows that players have found it too easy to get the better of him in physical contests.

Whereas, Adams has won 52% of his duels in the division for Southampton and this indicates that the Scottish ace would provide more of a physical presence to hold off centre-backs to bring his teammates into play in the number nine position, to go along with his superior play in the penalty box.

Same agent as Bamford: Club will now accept bids from Leeds for £15m star

The Whites would “love” to get a deal done, claims the report.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 15, 2024

Therefore, Farke could improve his attack by signing the Saints star for £0 this summer as his statistics suggest that he is a better finisher, creator, and battler than Bamford at Championship level, which is why the impressive dynamo could be a fantastic signing for the club.