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Manchester United have opened talks with Brighton to sign 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer. Baleba is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the Premier League and the Red Devils are plotting an ambitious move to sign him, despite inching closer to sealing a big-money deal for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.

Man Utd eye move for BalebaOpen talks with BrightonSeagulls unlikely to sell young midfielderFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to journalist , the Red Devils have shown strong interest in signing Cameroon international Baleba from Brighton and have contacted their Premier League rivals. The report adds that the Seagulls have agreed to open initial talks, but the 21-year-old is likely to cost around €100 million (£87m/$116m).

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, on the other hand, claims that it is unlikely that Brighton will agree to sell Baleba, whose current deal runs until 2028 with an option to extend by a year. The move could also be unrealistic for the Red Devils, who are close to finalising a big-money move for RB Leipzig's star forward Sesko. Unless the English giants can sell a host of unwanted stars like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony soon, they won't be able to afford another costly incoming transfer.

DID YOU KNOW?

United do need new signings to bolster their midfield and Baleba remains a key target for them, but for now an agreement seems unlikely. They currently have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer in the central midfield, while captain Bruno Fernandes can also drop in.

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WHAT BRIGHTON SAID

Brighton CEO Paul Barber addressed Baleba's situation while speaking at a fans' event, as he said: "There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me. Speculation is speculation. Carlos is a fantastic talent. We hope he will be hear for years to come, but it is subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn't always predictable."

It was a night of raw emotion as Mats Hummels made his final appearance as a footballer, receiving a perfect farewell from Borussia Dortmund and fans.

Hummels played his final match for DortmundDefender received guard of honour and standing ovationWill now be a Champions League punditFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Hummels played his final match for Borussia Dortmund in a friendly against Juventus, receiving a rapturous send-off from the home crowd. The star defender, who captained the team, was substituted in the 19th minute for Niklas Sule to a guard of honour from both sets of players at a packed Signal Iduna Park. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for Dortmund, with Andrea Cambiaso's brace securing the win for Juventus before Maximilian Beier scored a late consolation. 

Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel revealed Hummels was “incredibly emotional” before the game, noting his professionalism and leadership throughout his career. Coach Niko Kovac, who previously worked with Hummels at Bayern Munich, said it was “only natural” to hand him the armband for his farewell appearance.

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The friendly served as a fitting tribute to Hummels, who announced his retirement earlier this year after a brief stint with AS Roma. The veteran centre-back enjoyed a decorated career with Dortmund across two spells, winning two Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokals. He reflected on his farewell, stating "It was perfect. I couldn't have imagined it being any better." His departure marks the end of an era for the German club, where he is the second-highest appearance maker with 508 games.

WHAT THEY SAID

Dortmund goalkeeper Kobel told : "He was definitely more nervous today. I noticed that before the game. He was incredibly emotional. I think you could tell at the beginning that he still had to settle in a bit – the first three or four minutes. But then he did a truly outstanding job.

"He always wanted to be successful. That's how I got to know him. When I first came here, he helped me a lot when I was a new player. He welcomed the players, helped, supported, and always wanted to be successful. So, he's a great guy who had a great career, and I'm a little sad for him that it's over now. But I'm glad he had another chance to say goodbye here, because he deserved it."

Dortmund coach Kovac said: "I had him in Munich and know the merits he has here at BVB. Ultimately, it was only natural that he should play as captain here, that he should once again get what he deserves because of the great things he has achieved here."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HUMMELS?

While his playing career is over, Hummels is set to transition into a new role as a TV pundit for Amazon Prime Video, covering the Champions League. He has also expressed a desire for more private life and family time. Hummels hinted that his connection to the club will continue, joking that he will make an "incognito visit to the stands, 100 percent."

Xavi Simons has rejected Bayern Munich and Manchester City's interest as the Dutch midfielder only has his eyes on a move to Chelsea this summer. Bayern considered Simons as a perfect replacement for Kingsley Coman, who has joined Al-Nassr, while Manchester City are looking for attacking cover in case Savinho joins Tottenham. The Netherlands international, however, has informed RB Leipzig that he only wants to join Chelsea..

Simons rejects Bayern and City interestOnly wants Chelsea move Blues looking to offload NkunkuFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , the Blues are preparing a bid worth £60 million ($81m) to sign Simons from RB Leipzig this transfer window. The Netherlands international has already made up his mind that he only wants a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, despite strong interest from Bayern and City.    

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Bayern were looking to sign Simons as a replacement for Coman, who signed for Al-Nassr in this window, but claims that he has already rejected the German champions' interest. City, on the other hand, are more focused on signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid, if Savinho's move to Tottenham materialises.   

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The Blues' pursuit of Simons now completely depends on Christopher Nkunku's exit from the club, as they need to raise money to match RB Leipzig's asking price for Simons.  

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After a goalless draw against Crystal Palace in their season opener on Sunday, Enzo Maresca's side will next face West Ham in the Premier League on August 22. 

Legendary English forward Jamie Vardy’s next chapter may unfold in Italy as Cremonese pursue the 39-year-old after his Leicester City departure.

Cremonese in talks with Vardy after his Leicester exitClub optimistic following initial negotiationsStriker open to challenge abroad after 12 years at LeicesterFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Leicester legend is in negotiations over a surprise move to newly-promoted Serie A club Cremonese. According to a report from , initial talks between the parties have been fruitful and there is cautious optimism that a deal can be completed for the 39-year-old free agent.

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Vardy is searching for a final career challenge after his 12-year spell with Leicester, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup, came to an end. Cremonese, who marked their return to the Italian top flight with a shock 2-1 victory over AC Milan on the opening day, are looking to add an experienced goalscorer to their attack. The Lombardy club are already set to sign Faris Moumbagna from Marseille and can call upon Federico Bonazzoli and Antonio Sanabria, meaning Vardy would complete a potent forward line.

Despite his age, Vardy remained productive in his final season in the Premier League, contributing 10 goals and six assists in 36 appearances for Leicester. The striker was also the division's top scorer at the end of the 2019-20 season.

DID YOU KNOW?

He leaves the Foxes with a legacy that includes 230 goals, 90 assists, a Premier League title in 2016, and a Golden Boot in 2019-20. Moreover, Vardy has never played outside England in his professional career. A move to Serie A would represent his first venture abroad at senior level.

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If talks continue positively, Vardy could become Cremonese’s marquee signing before the transfer window closes. The club will next face Sassuolo in Serie A, while Vardy weighs up whether to extend his career with a final challenge in Italy.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad as the international break looms

The European seasons are only just getting started, but we're already staring down an international break. The U.S. men's national team's 23-man squad has been summoned for upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan but, before that, there's one more round of weekend matches.

Looking through a USMNT lens, players who were left out of Mauricio Pochettino's squad might be the ones to watch this weekend, even more than those selected. 

There's no shortage of storylines heading into this weekend's games, many of which center around the USMN's latest roster. How will the players involved perform before heading to U.S.camp? How will those excluded respond? Who can build momentum, not just for their country, but for their club in these early-season games?

GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.

AFPWeah, Marseille face test vs Tessmann's Lyon

Last week was good for Tim Weah and Marseille. After losing their opener, and setting off another chain reaction of chaos, Weah and Marseille crushed Paris FC, 5-2, to bring some energy to the season. Next up, though, is another big test, one that comes against another one of French soccer's heavy hitters.

Weah and Marseille will face Tanner Tessmann and Lyon this weekend in the Choc des Olympiques. While it may not be France's fiercest rivalry, it is traditionally one of the country's most competitive. These are two very good teams, and both will have a point to prove.

So, too, will their Americans. Weah is set to rejoin the USMNT next week, but is still looking to show his skill with his new club. Tessmann will not be heading on international duty, so this will seem like an opportunity to message Pochettino.

This season's Choc des Olympiques will have uniquely American feel – and an important one.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow will McKennie respond?

Weston McKennie's absence was one of the big storylines of the USMNT roster drop. There were plenty of exclusions, yes, but McKennie's was among the most glaring. There was no big transfer or big injury to explain it. Pochettino said it was a chance to look at the new instead of the familiar, particularly after a unusual summer with the Club World Cup on McKennie's plate.

Now getting going in Serie A, McKennie is once again looking to prove himself as a starter at Juventus. That continues this week against Genoa.

McKennie didn't start the club's opening win against Parma, coming off the bench late to see out the game. It's clear that, once again, McKennie isn't quite a locked-in starter. Instead, he's a guy who will need to earn that place. Again.

The same appears to be true with the USMNT as, even with Pochettino's reasoning, McKennie will surely sense the need to fight for a spot in an ever-expanding USMNT midfield.

AFPMcKenzie, Toulouse take on PSG

There aren't many more difficult games in the world than those against PSG. They're monsters. It's how they won the Champions League last season, and how they came so close to winning the Club World Cup fresh off the heels of that.

Good luck to Mark McKenzie and Toulouse, then, as they face the Parisians this weekend. Toulouse dropped all six points to PSG last season, as most teams do. They fell, 3-0, in Paris in November before putting up a real fight in the return fixture, losing 1-0 at home. Maybe that second result will give them some confidence, but it's hard to ever really be confident when you're in Ligue 1 team facing the league's boogeyman team.

McKenzie and Toulouse, though, will be feeling good. They're actually ahead of PSG at the moment on goal difference, fresh off a 1-0 win over Nice and  2-0 win over Brest. This, of course, is a whole different game. If McKenzie and co. can keep another clean sheet, that would be one hell of a statement.

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Getty ImagesBig game for Gladbach boys?

Neither Joe Scally nor Gio Reyna made it onto the USMNT roster. There's a chance we see both play for Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend, though.

All eyes will, of course, be on Reyna as he looks to make his debut for his new club after the long-anticipated move away from Dortmund. It could come on Saturday, away from home against Stuttgart. Reyna began training with the team this week and seems to be adjusting well to life with his new club. The only question is his fitness level, having played so little not just in preseason, but throughout the last year or so.

Scally, meanwhile, will have more eyes on him than usual, too, and not just because of Reyna. A mainstay with Gladbach, Scally, like Reyna, was left out of the USMNT squad after also missing out on the Gold Cup this summer. It was a surprising decision, especially given Scally's consistency and versatility. It'll likely light a fire under him, too.

Gladbach have suddenly became one of the teams to watch for American soccer fans, especially this weekend.

Ex-winger Stewart Downing joined Liverpool as a global talent scout earlier this year and expects Marc Guehi to arrive by January at the latest.

Downing weighs in on Guehi sagaBilled as long-term successor Van DijkTransfer could also prompt Konate exitFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Downing, who is involved in identifying and recommending players rather than negotiations, suggested that Guehi would be a short-term boost alongside Van Dijk and then eventually take over the skipper's mantle. It could even pave the way for Ibrahima Konate to leave sooner rather than later, with the Frenchman out of contract next summer and showing little interest in signing a new one.

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With time in the transfer window running out, Liverpool were reported on Saturday evening to have presented an offer to Crystal Palace for Guehi worth a flat £35 million ($47m). That will test Palace's resolve and their ability to move quickly and source a replacement. Like Konate, Guehi is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave as a free agent if he isn't sold.

WHAT DOWNING SAID

"I think Guehi would be coming in as the cover and I can say in a couple of years time he will probably be Van Dijk's successor, I can see that yeah," Downing told who offer the latest sports betting apps.

"I thought they were going to get him last summer actually when they were linked with him quite a bit. Konate's situation is going to be difficult because if he keeps turning down contracts, Liverpool are going to have to get to a point where they're selling him. He's going to have to go now or in January. We could see a surprise departure this summer for him, you never know. Right at the end of the window they'll just go, actually he's not going to sign, let's just get rid of him after signing Guehi, or maybe signing Guehi puts the pressure on Konate?

"Does he really want to leave or is he using this situation as leverage to get a better deal? I've got a sneaky feeling that Konate might leave and Guehi’s a very good replacement, isn't he? He's not a bad player and I think they'll get him for a decent price. I think it'll definitely happen. If it's not now, I think it'll be January."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Time is very much of the essence. The transfer deadline for Premier League clubs to sign players falls at 7pm (BST) on Monday evening, rather than late at night like it has been in previous years. Even just a matter of hours could make a huge amount of difference to whether deals get done. Palace have shown interest in getting Joe Gomez as part of any Guehi transfer, but Liverpool are reluctant to let that happen.

New Test captain delivers series-sealing knock to restore feelgood factor to South Africa

Firdose Moonda11-Mar-2023The Temba Bavuma who returned home from Australia at the start of the summer, after South Africa’s exit from the T20I World Cup at the hands of the Netherlands, was so distraught he could not even look up. Not directly at the people who were present at one of the first live press conferences of the post-Covid era. And nor at the Zoom screen either, where several squares stared at him, waiting for answers to a question no-one could answer: how had South Africa slipped that far?If you had said to that Bavuma that, four months and one chastening series loss to Australia later, he himself would be orchestrating a feel-good series win against West Indies – both as Test captain and as Player of the Match in the series decider – he may have praised your imagination. But that is exactly the kind of magic turnaround cricket sometimes provides.This time, Bavuma could look every fan in the eye in the Wanderers crowd – admittedly there weren’t many of them, given that the Test started mid-week and ended midway through Saturday – and with a smile after his series-defining century in his first rubber as captain. It turned out that four months is a long time in cricket, long enough for a complete turnaround for a player and a team that had been spiralling.”What happened in Australia took place a long time ago,” Bavuma said after his side’s 284-run victory. “What happened in the T20 World Cup, it’s in the past now. It’s happened and I’ve moved on from it. I’m here now and my mind is in a different space now.”Bavuma had to return to Australia after that defeat, for a Test series in which South Africa had been lucky to lose just 2-0, and in which they had extended their stretch of sub-200 to seven successive innings. He was at least South Africa’s leading run-scorer in that series, with 185 runs at 37.00 with a solitary fifty, but finished below three Australian batters.The series was chastening for a team that had previously won three successive series in Australia but Bavuma took it as a teachable moment and wanted to come back better. “It was tough in Australia and as players, we were all under pressure,” he said. “There were things that I learned in Australia and when I returned from the tour, I sat down and thought through them. I looked at where I needed to improve my game and I hope the results were there for everyone to see.”Related

Bavuma's 171* puts South Africa in commanding position

Temba Bavuma ends seven-year wait with a high-pressure hundred

West Indies search for balance between Tests and T20 league for their players

Maharaj in danger of missing ODI World Cup with Achilles injury

Rabada, Coetzee, Harmer wrap up 2-0 series win for South Africa

A key criticism of Bavuma over time had been his strike rate. In T20Is, it is considered too low for him to even make the team, and he has since been dropped after standing down as captain; and in Tests it was also sluggish enough for it to be cited as one of the reasons he had only scored one century in 54 appearances prior to this series. Despite that, South Africa’s new Test coach, Shukri Conrad, saw something in Bavuma that he liked and decided he was the man to captain the Test side – a factor in his relinquishing of the T20I reins to concentrate on the formats he is strongest at.Bavuma is now the face of a new South African Test outfit – albeit one that will not play again until December against India – and has the support of his dressing room. They’ve had to work through the sacking of Dean Elgar, who continues to open the batting and has been re-contracted for the 2023-24 summer. Conrad conceded that Elgar’s demotion was an issue that would require sensitive handling, but insisted that South Africa have moved on.”It’s no secret where the side has come from. Australia was really dark,” Conrad said. “We spoke honestly and candidly about Dean [Elgar] no longer being the captain. That’s the only way one moves on. Dean also appreciated that. For Temba to step up the way he has … we’ve also got key guys in that changeroom who perform leadership roles without being at the forefront of team conversations. The fundamentals and the cornerstones are there for this team to grow from a culture point of view.”Bavuma’s impact on the Test team was seen everywhere, from the way Wiaan Mulder celebrated his century on the third afternoon – leaping and fist-bumping as though he had brought up the hundred himself – to the way the support staff continue to back Bavuma. “Thankfully the cameras weren’t in the coaches’ room because there were some other wild scenes,” Conrad said. “But all the guys lauded him. With all the stick he gets, that was a hell of a knock.”Never one to expect too much praise, Bavuma swiftly deflected attention to the player of the series, Aiden Markram, who returned to the Test side to score a century at SuperSport Park and fell four short of doubling up at the Wanderers. “A guy like Aiden coming back into the team and leading the way” Bavuma said. “He was the difference between the batters in this series.”In the end, Bavuma’s 172 was the difference in the second Test and signalled a second coming for a batter and a leader who has always been under pressure because he is the first of his kind. Bavuma is South Africa’s first black African batter and captain and he has now established himself as the person to take the Test game forward.”As a leader you want to lead from the front,” he said. “Me being a batter, it’s at the top of my mind that I want to score runs. And I want to be able to speak with good authority in the dressing-room. This Test, things went my way. It’s unfortunate that we are only playing our next game in December. We need to make sure we keep ourselves in check and make sure our cricket is going in the direction we want it to go.”

The Liga Expansión clubs are demanding the return of promotion and relegation next season.

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Promotion and relegation was eliminated in 2020The clubs claim they have received no response from Liga MX authoritiesThe last team to be relegated was Jaguares de Chiapas in 2017Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱@AtlanteWHAT HAPPENED?

Ten teams from the Liga de Expansión have filed a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Liga MX, demanding the reinstatement of promotion and relegation starting next season.

According to , the lawsuit was filed by attorney Eduardo Carlezzo and his firm, Carlezzo Advogados, who are representing the dissatisfied clubs. The legal action follows the FMF’s lack of response to two formal requests made on March 24 and April 7, in which the clubs asked for the promotion and relegation system to be reinstated for the 2025–2026 season.

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The clubs involved in the lawsuit are: Atlante, Atlético La Paz, Cancún FC, Atlético Morelia, Alebrijes de Oaxaca, Mineros de Zacatecas, Venados de Mérida, Leones Negros of UDG, Jaiba Brava of Tampico Madero, and Cimarrones de Sonora. It's worth noting that Cimarrones did not participate in the most recent tournament due to financial issues, but they still joined the legal action. According to the source, a spokesperson stated that the original plan was for promotion and relegation to return in the 2025–2026 season, not the upcoming one. It was also mentioned that the matter could be discussed at the next owners' assembly, scheduled after the Clausura 2025 final.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that there is currently no formal commitment from the FMF to reinstate the promotion system, raising concerns among Liga de Expansión clubs. These concerns are heightened by the perception that the federation is dominated by first division clubs, who would benefit from maintaining a system without relegation.

Getty Images SportWHAT MEXICAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION SAID

In addition, the Mexican Football Federation itself has stated that, “according to the information published by , it has not received any official notice of legal proceedings against it.” Should it receive formal notification, the FMF has assured it will present its position to the appropriate authorities.

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In 2020, due to the global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexican football executives decided to temporarily suspend the promotion and relegation system in Liga MX. This decision was made to support franchise owners in the first division and strengthen Liga Expansión, with the idea that, years later, the system would return with a stronger second division. However, it seemed that this reform would remain permanent.

This decision mainly affected the teams in the second division. Teams like Atlante, Leones Negros de la UDG, Venados de Mérida, and Atlético Morelia are among those that have expressed their dissatisfaction in recent years with the suspension of promotion and relegation. But, according to Liga MX, these teams do not meet the necessary requirements to be First Division clubs. It's a stance that has been heavily criticized by executives from the mentioned teams, who have even taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Chelsea are pushing ahead with talks to sign highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax, with their summer of spending set to continue.

Chelsea accelerating Hato dealKeen to strengthen defence Good relationship with AjaxFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea have already splashed the cash on Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap this summer, but now their attention has turned to strengthening Enzo Maresca's defence. The Blues have opened talks with Ajax over a move for Hato, one of the brightest defensive talents in Europe.

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The Premier League side's excellent relationship with the Dutch giants is said to be key to the deal, with a number of clubs interested in the 19-year-old. Hato is also reportedly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.

WHAT HATO'S AGENT SAID

Hato's agent has also seemingly confirmed Chelsea's interest, ramping up speculation that he could join the club. Speaking to Telegraaf, he said: "Yes, it’s true Chelsea have contacted Ajax. The only thing I can say is that Jorrel is now in talks with Chelsea."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Liverpool are also interested in the Dutchman, but have fallen way behind in the race to sign his signature, with Chelsea set to act quickly to get a deal over the line.

RCB haven’t beaten CSK in Chennai since IPL 2008. Will that streak continue or end on Friday?

Deivarayan Muthu21-Mar-2024Match detailsChennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Chennai, 20:00 IST (1430 GMT)Big picture: Can RCB break the Chennai jinx?It was only last month that Faf du Plessis played a blinder to put Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 playoffs. And four months from now, he will be wearing yellow again for Texas Super Kings and teaming up with coach Stephen Fleming. Their history goes back to 2011, when Chennai Super Kings first signed du Plessis even before he had played international cricket for South Africa.But right now, for the duration of this IPL, du Plessis has shed his yellow second skin for the red and blue of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Once a crowd favourite at Chepauk, he will play his first game as RCB captain in Chennai on Friday. However, his counterpart will not be the man du Plessis would have expected to go up against.On the eve of the IPL 2024 season opener, du Plessis’ former opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad was announced as CSK’s captain, replacing MS Dhoni, just hours before the teams arrived for training.Gaikwad has a proud record to defend because the odds are stacked against RCB in Chennai. The last time they beat CSK at Chepauk was back in the first IPL season, in 2008, when Fleming was still a player. RCB have lost seven on the trot since. In their most recent fixture there in 2019, they were spun out for 70 in 17.1 overs. That RCB made CSK work until the 18th over of the chase for victory was down to Yuzvendra Chahal and Moeen Ali.Chahal is now with Rajasthan Royals while Moeen could line up against RCB on Friday along with three other spinners – Maheesh Theekshana, Ravindra Jadeja and part-timer Rachin Ravindra – on what could be another slow pitch. In contrast, RCB don’t have a world-class spinner in their ranks: their options are Mayank Dagar (left-arm fingerspin), Himanshu Sharma (mystery spin), Karn Sharma (legspin) and Swapnil Singh (left-arm fingerspin). It seems like RCB have put all their eggs in the batting basket for both their home and away games this season.Virat Kohli marked his T20I comeback earlier this year with an aggressive cameo against Afghanistan•BCCITeam news: Dhoni and Kohli returnDhoni, 42, is set to return to action after nearly a year, having undergone knee surgery following the previous IPL season. CSK’s designated spin-hitter Shivam Dube is also fit after missing the Ranji Trophy knockouts with injury. However, they will be without their death-overs specialist, the Sri Lankan slinger Matheesha Pathirana, who will miss the initial stages of IPL 2024 with a hamstring injury.For RCB, Virat Kohli will also return to competitive cricket after a two-month break. He has played only two T20 games – against Afghanistan in January – since the previous IPL and this season will act as his runway to the 2024 T20 World Cup in June. Kohli displayed an uncharacteristically aggressive approach early in those two innings against Afghanistan; will he bat the same way for RCB?Toss and Impact Player strategyChennai Super Kings
Considering Dube is working his way back from injury, CSK might play him as a batter alone and pick one of Mukesh Choudhary or Tushar Deshpande, last season’s highest wicket-taker for them, while bowling.Possible bat-first XI: 1 Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), 2 Rachin Ravindra, 3 Ajinkya Rahane, 4 Moeen Ali, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 MS Dhoni (wk), 9 Shardul Thakur, 10 Deepak Chahar, 11 Maheesh TheekshanaPossible bowl-first XI: 1 Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), 2 Rachin Ravindra, 3 Ajinkya Rahane, 4 Moeen Ali, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 MS Dhoni (wk), 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Mukesh Choudhary/Tushar DeshpandeRoyal Challengers Bengaluru
One of Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror or Suyash Prabhudessai might be picked to lengthen RCB’s batting if they bat first, to be replaced by a spinner – Himanshu or Karn – in the second innings. Or vice versa.Possible bat-first XI: 1 Faf du Plessis (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rajat Patidar, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Cameron Green, 6 Anuj Rawat/Mahipal Lomror/Suyash Prabhudessai, 7 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 8 Alzarri Joseph, 9 Mayank Dagar, 10 Akash Deep/Vyshak Vijaykumar, 11 Mohammed SirajPossible bowl-first XI: 1 Faf du Plessis (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rajat Patidar, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Cameron Green, 6 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7 Alzarri Joseph, 8 Mayank Dagar, 9 Akash Deep/Vyshak Vijaykumar, 10 Himanshu Sharma/Karn Sharma, 11 Mohammed SirajStats that matter Jadeja aces his match-up against Glenn Maxwell. The left-arm fingerspinner has dismissed Maxwell six times in 51 balls while giving away 70 runs in the IPL. No other bowler has dismissed Maxwell more times in the league. Gaikwad has a favourable record against both Alzarri Joseph (47 off 25 balls, one dismissal) and Lockie Ferguson (56 off 29 balls, no dismissals) in the IPL. Kohli (985) is 73 runs away from surpassing Shikhar Dhawan (1057) as the top run-getter against CSK in the IPL. Kohli’s record against spin in Chennai in the powerplay, though, isn’t impressive: 15 runs off 23 balls with two dismissals. RCB’s spinners Dagar and Himanshu have a combined one wicket in four matches in the IPL.Pitch and conditionsThe IPL 2024 opener will be played on the centre wicket at Chepauk, which traditionally is a spin-friendly one. It is different from the sharp turner that was used for the Ranji Trophy fixture between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka last month.The big questionQuotes”I had the pleasure of working with Rachin of the New Zealand side last year in the UK. And watching him operate then, I had no doubt that he would fit in well. He’s very eager to learn. He’s very early in his international career. But with each hurdle, he’s clambered over pretty well.”

“He’s a proven international performer and a proven IPL performer. He has pace and bounce at a good release height. There’s a lot to like there and the same is true for our other overseas quicks. Faf knows Alzarri well [having worked with him at the CPL with Andy Flower]. So, that’s why he was a key target for us at the auction.”