Lionel Messi has played down Argentina's favourite tag as they prepare for their Copa America title defence in the USA.
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Eddie Howe will want his Newcastle United side to click back into gear to respond to recent poor performances in the Premier League against Sunderland, getting vocal dissenters on Tyneside back on side with a comprehensive win in the Tyne-Wear Derby.
It won't be a walk in the park for the Magpies hopping over to enemy soil in Wearside however, Michael Beale's hosts gunning for promotion in the Championship away from the distraction of the FA Cup.
Howe will look to change things up for the prospect of facing off against a buoyed on home side in such a big clash, potentially making four changes to the lineup that lost 4-2 to Liverpool last time out in top-flight action…
GK – Martin Dubravka
Martin Dubravka will remain in-between the sticks for the Tyne-Wear face-off, the Slovakian shot-stopper pulling off a remarkable ten saves at Anfield – as per Sofascore – to ensure Newcastle weren't further embarrassed in the 4-2 loss.
RB – Valentino Livramento
With Eddie Howe stating that Kieran Trippier is touch and go in the buildup to the Sunderland showdown, the Magpies boss will more than likely keep faith in his stand-in right-back Valentino Livramento for tomorrow's Cup tie.
The 21-year-old has competently filled in to date with Tripper sidelined, making three interceptions in total versus Fulham in mid-December to help his team comfortably win 3-0.
CB – Fabian Schar
Worrying Newcastle fans when he limped off in the Fulham win owing to a hamstring issue, the Magpies faithful will have breathed a collective sigh of relief that Schar's injury wasn't a long-term one.
Instead, the Swiss titan has remained in the first team and continues to battle valiantly – accurate with seven of his nine long balls in Newcastle's 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the tail-end of December, wanting to make things constantly happen even with the game getting away from Howe's men.
CB – Jamaal Lascelles
The first change could see Sven Botman rested for the high-pressure occasion of Sunderland away, Botman playing four matches on the trot without a breather after returning from a lengthy injury layover.
Jamaal Lascelles will be trusted to slot back into the side and partner Schar most likely, the 30-year-old centre-back contributing to five Newcastle clean sheets when playing this campaign.
LB – Lewis Hall
Howe could also opt to start Lewis Hall over Dan Burn at the left-back spot, Hall offering Newcastle more exuberance and energy as a youthful option away from a tired and lethargic Burn.
The latter man has also been poor in recent contests for the Toon – only winning six of his 13 duels last match versus the Reds – and so it could be time to give Hall another opportunity.
CM – Lewis Miley
Howe isn't afraid to start his youngsters and push them straight into the deep end whatsoever, with 17-year-old Lewis Miley having to feature regularly for Newcastle in the Premier League owing to injuries piling up at St James' Park.
The teenage midfielder hasn't let any big occasion completely throw him off just yet, creating two big chances when pulling on a Toon strip so far this campaign and even scoring in the Fulham win to the joy of those watching on in Tyneside.
CM – Joelinton
The third change from the Liverpool defeat could see Bruno Guimaraes boldly axed to make way for Joelinton to come back in centrally, the Brazilian number 39 way off the pace against the Reds in a second-rate showing.
Losing possession 19 times in total to routinely hand Liverpool the ball back, Guimaraes' creativity was also stunted in the 4-2 defeat with zero shots on Alisson's goal registered and zero key passes managed.
It could well be the time therefore for the former Lyon man to be dropped to freshen up proceedings, Joelinton the sort of figure too who will be giddy to get one over on Sunderland as a tenacious and lively figure adored by the masses at St James' Park when firing on all cylinders.
CM – Sean Longstaff
The final central midfield spot will be occupied by Sean Longstaff, the 26-year-old a bright spark away at Liverpool where others failed to get going.
Longstaff would get an assist for his efforts come full-time, delivering a corner-kick into the perfect area late on for Botman to power home a header, and will hope he can contribute again versus Sunderland but with Newcastle coming out as victors instead of losers.
RW – Miguel Almiron
The fourth and final switch in personnel could see Miguel Almiron come into the front three for the tantalising game against the Black Cats, with Joelinton moving back to the middle of the park with this potential change.
Almiron has shown flashes this campaign of his immense quality – helping himself to three goals in the league and one assist – but the Paraguayan attacker needs to up his game soon to reach the heights of his previous goalscoring numbers he's managed with the Toon.
At the peak of his powers last season, Almiron managed to bag 11 goals in total with football journalist Josh Bunting labelling the former Atlanta United man as "sensational" when on-song for the Magpies previously.
Newcastle's £60k-per-week man would want nothing more than to endear himself again to the hardened Magpies fanbase with a strike against the Black Cats tomorrow, the nimble forward electric on his day.
ST – Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak will also want to strike fear into the Sunderland defence tomorrow with another gung-ho display slaloming forward, the Swedish sharp-shooter finding the back of the net in the last two games in the Premier League prior to this Cup clash.
Isak scoring three games on the trot would surely silence the home fans packed into the Stadium of Light, helping Howe's Magpies pick up a coveted win in the Tyne-Wear Derby.
Sam Kerr has suffered Olympic heartache, with an ACL injury preventing the Chelsea and Australia superstar from gracing Paris 2024.
Rangers are believed to have made contact with an "excellent" player over a move to Ibrox in the January transfer window, according to a fresh update.
Rangers' left-back search
It looks as though the Gers will look to sign a new left-back this month, with a number of different players linked with coming in and filling the potential void left by Ridvan Yilmaz, should he leave the club.
Hellas Verona defender Josh Doig is one individual who has emerged as an option for Philippe Clement, as he possibly looks to return to the Scottish Premiership, while Liverpool youngster Owen Beck is also seen as an option to come in and provide more quality down the left flank.
Over the weekend, Bristol City's Cameron Pring is another name who has been thrown into the hat, providing competition for the players mentioned above, while Benfica's David Jurasek has also been backed to possibly trade the Portuguese giants for Rangers.
Much may depend on what happens regarding Yilmaz, of course – various links have suggested that he could depart this month – but a significant update has now emerged regarding one of the left-back targets.
Rangers make contact over David Jurasek
According to A Bola [via Ibrox News], Rangers have now been in contact with Benfica over left-back Jurasek and a move to the club this month.
The 23-year-old looks set to be available, assuming Manchester United youngster Alvaro Fernandez heads to Benfica, and he "must now go on loan", according to the report. Ligue 1 pair Marseille and Lens have both also been seen as possible suitors for Jurasek, with the former also thought to be interested in rivalling Rangers for the signing of Doig.
Appearances
6
Starts
2
Tackles per game
1.5
Clearances per game
1.5
Key passes per game
1.2
Pass completion rate
80.4%
The Benfica man appears to stand out as a good option for the Gers in January, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig heaping praise on his overall game, saying:
"Attacking full-back, fast, powerful & athletic, inexhaustible energy, vertical player who’s always looking to push forward at every opportunity. Superb crossing skills, tenacious & committed in duels, high work rate, determination & winning mentality 22 years of age. Excellent left-back we will see in a top league rather sooner than later."
Jurasek is still only 23 years of age, so Rangers would be snapping up someone who could improve a lot in the coming years, and the fact that he is a five-time capped Czech Republic international shows that he has been deemed good enough to get a chance on the biggest stage.
Rangers now weighing up offer to sign "really good athlete"
He could be a replacement for Ridvan Yilmaz.
ByHenry Jackson Jan 14, 2024
This season, the left-back has made three appearances in the Champions League, not to mention registering one assist for his country in Euro 2024 qualifying, so he could bring so much quality to Clement's team in the Scottish Premiership title battle.
أعلن ماتياس يايسله، المدير الفني لفريق الأهلي السعودي، تشكيل الفريق الأساسي لمواجهة العروبة، بعد قليل.
ويلتقي الأهلي مع العروبة على أرضية استاد مدينة الملك عبد الله الرياضية، في مستهل مواجهات الجولة الأولى من بطولة دوري روشن.
طالع.. رسميًا | الخلود يعلن ضم أليو ديانج من الأهلي
ويبحث الأهلي عن الفوز في مباراة اليوم من أجل انطلاقة قوية في مسابقة الدوري.
وأنهى فريق الأهلي بطولة الدوري السعودي للموسم السابق 2023/2024، محتلاً المركز الثالث برصيد 65 نقطة.
على الجانب الآخر يرغب فريق العروبة الصاعد حديثًا لبطولة دوري روشن، الخروج بنتيجة إيجابية أمام الأهلي في أولى مبارياته بالمسابقة. تشكيل الأهلي السعودي اليوم أمام العروبة
حراسة المرمى: إدوارد ميندي.
خط الدفاع: علي مجرشي – روجر إيبانيز – ميريح ديميرال – بسام الحريجي.
خط الوسط: جابري فيجا – فرانك كيسية – زياد الجهني.
خط الهجوم: رياض محرز – روبرت فيرمينو – عبدالكريم دارسي.
Leicester City could be set to lose one of their first-team stars next year, with a reliable journalist revealing that he’s in talks to join an overseas club in the summer.
Over the summer, Enzo Maresca’s side sanctioned the sales of 12 players in total, with nine of those being on a permanent basis, while the remaining three were sent out on loan for the remainder of the season to increase their experience and game time.
The Foxes have Kelechi Iheanacho, Dennis Praet, Jannik Vestergaard, Jamie Vardy, Marc Albrighton, Alex Smithies and Wanya Marcal who will have all reached the expiration of their deals at the end of the current campaign (Leicester contracts), so they could also soon be heading for the Championship exit door.
The King Power Stadium’s defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is another player who will have seen out his terms upon the conclusion of this season, and with potential suitors on alert that he might be available for transfer, the 26-year-old is attracting interest.
The Nigeria international has recently emerged as a target for Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, though if the following update is to be believed, he’s actually opened negotiations with a different admirer in Spain.
Taking to X, journalist Santi Aouna confirmed that Sevilla and Ndidi are in discussions regarding a move that would see him join next summer, but it's believed that the star would rather remain in England should a chance present itself, specifically in the Premier League.
He wrote: “EXCL: #Championship. Sevilla FC are keen on signing Wilfred Ndidi next summer. Talks have already started between his agent and Victor Orta, the sporting director. PL is his priority but Sevilla option remains open for his future.”
Whilst Ndidi, dubbed a “beast” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, is naturally a defensive midfielder, he’s been much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game since the start of this season having posted seven contributions, four assists and three goals, in 15 appearances across all competitions (Transfermarkt – Ndidi statistics).
The Lagos native, who pockets £75k-per-week (Leicester salaries), also currently ranks in the 99th percentile for attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area (FBRef – Ndidi statistics), highlighting his desire to create chances in the final third.
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Wilfred Ndidi's Style Of Play |
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Likes to play short passes |
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Counter attack threat |
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Likes to tackle |
Sponsored by Nike, the talisman is even a versatile operator having been deployed in six various positions over the grass following his arrival on the professional scene, including three roles in the midfield and everywhere across the backline.
According to Kulig, Ndidi is a “wall” in the centre of the park with the physical presence that he provides so even the thought of losing him could be viewed as a real blow, therefore, it’s important that chiefs try and convince him to stay by offering him a new contract over the coming months.
Even as the chaos continues away from The Hawthorns, Carlos Corberan has continued to guide West Bromwich Albion up the Championship standings and on course to secure a place in the all important play-off places. After the Baggies' 1-0 win over Preston North End, they sit as high as third and seven points adrift of Ipswich Town in second, albeit having played a game extra than those above and below them.
Given the lack of investment during the summer transfer window, the job that Corberan is doing is remarkable. It begs the question over just how good West Brom could be if they were handed reinforcements. And that's a question we could get an answer to after the latest takeover update.
West Brom takeover news
The disastrous era of Lai Guochuan finally looks set to come to an end in the coming months, with West Brom's reported takeover edging closer and closer to becoming a reality. The current owner is incredibly fortunate that results have gone his side's way on the pitch after the Baggies failed to spend a single penny in the summer transfer window, welcoming Josh Maja on a free deal, whilst also signing Jeremy Sariemento and Pipa on loan. West Brom's transfer failings could be nearing their end, however.
Reporter shares West Brom takeover update he's heard from The Hawthorns
Good news for the Baggies…
ByTom Cunningham Nov 16, 2023
According to John Percy of The Telegraph, West Brom intend to have their takeover completed by January. Percy posted on X: "On potential WBA takeover: there is definitely progress being made and a sense that something is getting closer. Intention is still to have a deal concluded by January (NB: Derby takeover last year was completed in 17 days)."
If that does turn out to be the case, then Corberan could finally get some reinforcements for his side and that could see the Midlands club seriously cement their place in the race for Championship promotion this season.
Corberan deserves financial backing
The job that Corberan is doing cannot be overstated. The former Huddersfield Town boss has taken West Brom from mid-table into promotion contenders with just three new arrivals all coming in on free deals. If he received similar backing to the likes of Daniel Farke, with Leeds' summer spending reaching €35m (£30m), or Enzo Maresca, who benefitted from Leicester City's spending hitting the €44m (38m), then he may well have a say in the title race right now.
Away from the positive results on the pitch, West Brom have taken out an additional loan with US investment group MSD Holdings. The club released a statement saying: "West Bromwich Albion Group Limited has secured additional funding from MSD UK Holdings Limited. Group borrowed £20million from the American lender in December 2022 and has increased the loan to support the ongoing funding of the football club’s general business operations.
"The supplementary borrowing will provide the club with increased working capital as Chairman Guochuan Lai continues to engage with parties interested in purchasing a majority shareholding in West Bromwich Albion."
The additional loan highlights just how much the Baggies need to get their takeover across the line, even as Corberan continues to guide his side towards promotion contention at The Hawthorns.
Arsenal and sporting director Edu are now said to be targeting a marquee forward who's been compared to Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
Arsenal make transfer plans for January
Mikel Arteta is currently watching his side maintain their unbeaten Premier League start. Winning seven out of their opening 10 matches so far, Arsenal are looking like sure-fire contenders to win a title once again. However, a mid-week loss to West Ham in the EFL Cup and defeats in other competitions like the Champions League perhaps suggest they can still improve in certain areas.
Gabriel Jesus' injury means Eddie Nketiah currently stands out as Arsenal's sole natural striking option. The Englishman bagged a hat-trick against Sheffield United last weekend, but ahead of a long season, they're weighing up a new forward to provide more quality. Arsenal are keen on signing Ivan Toney, and they could add more yet more attackers out wide. Indeed, Wolves winger Pedro Neto is a target for Arteta too, at least according to recent reports.
The Gunners will most likely have to contend for Premier League glory with Man City, Liverpool and potentially north London rivals Tottenham if they carry on their incredible early-season form. Strength in depth is a must for Arteta, with one report now sharing news on a marquee new target at the Emirates Stadium.
Edu eyeing Florian Wirtz move
According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal and Edu are interested in Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, alongside a host of clubs from all over Europe. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, some of the continent's most prestigious sides, are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old. Closer to home, Arteta's side are joined by Spurs and City in their admiration for Wirtz.
However, it won't be easy to prise the German away from Leverkusen, as the report claims they're set to demand around £70 million-£87 million for the forward. That being said, Wirtz seems to be a player of huge potential already.
Wirtz likened to Messi
Former Liverpool star and Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, commenting on the player's pedigree, likened Wirtz to Messi during an interview with German media.
“There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient," said Alonso on Wirtz.
“Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: ‘You’re in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!’ It’s not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That’s why he’s so good.”
The playmaker has also attracted praise from Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, who called Wirtz an "extraordinary player" back in 2021.
“Extraordinary player,” said Rolfes on Wirtz to Stats Perform.
"I saw him the first time when he was 13 and followed him all the time. Spoke with him before he moved to us, with the parents a lot of times and tried to convince them that it was the right step to come to us and accelerate his development. I and the whole club are very happy that he is with us."
England captain Eoin Morgan has a set of unusual dilemmas, and 25-year-old quick Olly Stone just added to them during the 31-run Duckworth-Lewis-Stern victory in Dambulla.Morgan’s are problems of plenty. “Good headaches”, if you will. Having selected Stone, who can operate at around 145kph (90mph), as a like-for-like replacement for Liam Plunkett, who is absent for the first part of the series getting married, Morgan potentially has another good player whom he may have to disappoint when it comes time to pick a World Cup squad.There are other excellent players in England who would make it to most other teams, he said, but whom England simply cannot pick in their XI right now, because the incumbents are just better.”It is unfortunate, but when a side is doing well it tends to be the case that guys are sitting out who would be in any other team,” Morgan said. “Due to the success of the team it’s unfortunate they miss out.”It is too early to suggest just yet that Stone is deserving of a regular place in the England side, or even the squad, but his performance with the new ball in the second ODI seemed to suggest he could become an option at the World Cup. Stone frequently clocked speeds of above 140kph, and had several batsmen in visible distress.His first international wicket, which came off only the seventh ball that he bowled, was pure fast-bowling theatre. He fired in a rapid bouncer at opener Niroshan Dickwella’s throat. All the batsman could do was get his gloves in the way – mostly in self-preservation. The catch ballooned overhead to the wicketkeeper.Morgan felt they may have found a bowler who could not only replace Plunkett if their first-choice quick was injured, but also brought something extra to the mix.Olly Stone struck early on his ODI debut•Getty Images
“To be honest there hasn’t been a huge amount of depth in one position and that’s replacing Liam Plunkett,” Morgan said. “He’s been phenomenal for us for the last few years and he went down in Australia and we found it very difficult to get a bowler with the same attributes – to bowl quick and change the pace of the game at any stage of the 50 overs.”There were signs today suggest Olly could be one of those guys. Even taking the new ball gives him a new string to his bow. Liam doesn’t really do that. I don’t think you can disregard Olly from the World Cup based on today.”That Stone was able to settle into a good spell was partly down to the expert England had operating at the other end. Chris Woakes had already taken a wicket off the first over of the innings, and would claim two more before the Powerplay was out. Having missed the one-dayers during the England summer due to injury, it was a welcome return for the team’s seam-bowling spearhead, who took 3 for 26 in his five overs.”Woakes has been doing quite a lot, and goes overlooked a lot of the time,” Morgan said. “He really set the tone, he made a relaxing impression early on for Olly to come in and do exactly what he does. Olly bowled exactly like he has in the nets and warm-up and that’s a really good sign. He had pace, got the ball moving. It was all done with a calm head.”
تسبب لاعب فريق تشيلسي ومنتخب الأرجنتين، إنزو فرنانديز، في إثارة حالة من الغضب بين زملائه في النادي اللندني بسبب تصرفه بعد التتويج ببطولة كوبا أمريكا.
وتوج منتخب الأرجنتين ببطولة كوبا أمريكا 2024، في الساعات الأولى من صباح يوم الإثنين الماضي، عقب الفوز على كولومبيا بهدف دون رد.
وشهدت أجواء ما بعد المباراة أزمة بعدما قام إنزو فرنانديز ببث مباشر عبر حسابه الشخصي بموقع إنستجرام، خلال احتفالاتهم في الحافلة بعد التتويج.
وشهد البث إطلاق هتافات عنصرية ومسيئة ضد لاعبي منتخب فرنسا وأصولهم، وهي نفسها التي انتشرت بعد مونديال قطر 2022 وتتويج الأرجنتين عقب الفوز على الديوك.
وأكد الاتحاد الفرنسي لكرة القدم أنه تقدم بشكوى إلى فيفا من أجل فتح تحقيق فيما حدث (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).
ولكن يبدو أن الأمر لا يقتصر على هذا فقط، حيث ذكرت شبكة “RMC” الفرنسية أن ما فعله إنزو فرنانديز أثار حالة من الغضب بين زملائه في صفوف تشيلسي، الذين ينتمون إلى منتخب فرنسا.
وأفادت بأن الأغنية المسيئة للاعبي فرنسا أزعجت بشدة اللاعبين الفرنسيين في غرفة ملابس تشيلسي، حيث هناك إكسل ديساسي، بينوا بادياشيلي، مالو جوستو، كريستوفر نكونكو، ليزلي أوجوتشوكو وويسلي فوفانا.
وتشير التقارير إلى أن كل من فوفانا، مالو جوستو وديساسي قاموا بإلغاء متابعة إنزو فرنانديز عبر إنستجرام.
من جهته، رد فوفانا بالفعل على الأمر، حيث نشر مقطع الفيديو المسيئ عبر حسابه الشخصي بموقع إكس، وكتب: “كرة القدم 2024: عنصرية بلا قيود”.
Le football en 2024 : racisme décomplexé 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/MGkH5wPmNU — Wesley Fofana (@Wesley_Fofana3) July 16, 2024