ينتظر فريق ريال مدريد مباراة ساخنة ضد خصمه فريق أتلتيكو مدريد، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2024/25.
ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الفريقين في خضم لقاءات ذهاب دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا.
وتُقام مباراة الإياب بين فريقي ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد على ملعب “ميتروبوليتانو” يوم الأربعاء 12 مارس الجاري.
ويفتقد ريال مدريد خدمات النجم جود بيلينجهام، في مباراة الذهاب بسبب الإيقاف نتيجة تراكم البطاقات الصفراء.
ولكن هناك مشكلة قوية أمام ريال مدريد تنتظر المدرب كارلو أنشيلوتي في مباراة الإياب، حيث هناك 5 لاعبين مهددين بالغياب حال تلقيهم بطاقات صفراء في مباراة الثلاثاء.
اقرأ أيضًا | قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة أتلتيكو مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. موقف فالفيردي
وتنص لوائح الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم على إيقاف اللاعبين حال تلقيهم 3 بطاقات صفراء.
وهناك 5 لاعبين من ريال مدريد تحصلوا على بطاقتين صفراويتين، حيث هناك إمكانية لغيابهم عن الإياب ضد أتلتيكو مدريد حال تلقيهم الثالثة غدًا، هؤلاء اللاعبين هم أنطونيو روديجر، تشواميني، كامافينجا، لوكا مودريتش وإندريك.
وتحصل أنطونيو روديجر على بطاقتين صفراويتين أمام ليل وبريست، في حين تحصل تشواميني على مثليهما أمام أتالانتا وبريست، وجاء إنذاري كامافينجا أمام ليل وميلان.
بينما تم إشهار البطاقات الصفراء ضد موريتش أمام شتوتجارت وليل، وأخيرًا تحصل إندريك على بطاقتين أمام ليل وليفربول.
ولا يقتصر الأمر على هؤلاء، حيث هناك المدرب نفسه، كارلو أنشيلوتي، الذي تحصل على بطاقتين صفراويتين ضد كل من شتوتجارت وبريست، حيث تنطبق على المدربين كذلك قاعدة يويفا السالف ذكرها.
West Ham United endured a summer of transition on and off the pitch, with huge changes happening to the playing squad alongside the management team.
Julen Lopetegui was appointed as the Hammers’ new boss after the hierarchy decided to part ways with former manager David Moyes, subsequently handing the one-time Real Madrid boss the opportunity to strengthen his new squad.
Many high-quality European-level talents arrived at the London Stadium during the recent summer transfer window, injecting real promise into the fanbase about their chances in the Premier League.
Centre-backs Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo both arrived in East London aiming to bolster the Spaniard’s backline, looking to improve the defence left by Moyes following his departure.
It appears they are yet to have the desired effect, conceding 15 times in the opening eight league meetings, with only Southampton, Ipswich and Wolves shipping more so far this campaign.
Striker Niclas Fullkrug joined with a European pedigree, scoring three times in the Champions League last season, but he’s yet to demonstrate his qualities under Lopetegui with injuries massively hampering his progress.
However, one other summer arrival has also failed to hit the ground running as many would’ve anticipated him to at the London Stadium.
Guido Rodriguez’s time at West Ham
One of the ten new first-team additions during the summer was midfielder Guido Rodriguez, with high expectations given the speculation surrounding his future before his move to England.
West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez
The Argentine international was widely linked with a move to Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract at Real Betis, but, out of the
blue, he completed a move to the London Stadium, bringing about a sense of excitement with his experience on the international stage in recent years.
The 30-year-old was a part of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup alongside the 2024 Copa América, but he’s struggled for form in the Premier League since his move to the club.
Rodriguez has made nine appearances in all competitions for the Hammers, only being on the winning side three times since his move, but his most embarrassing moment undoubtedly came in the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea back in September.
Enzo Maresca’s side were 2-0 ahead before the 20-minute mark, overrunning Lopetegui’s side in the middle of the park, with the Spaniard making the decision to make changes before the interval.
Guido Rodriguez
He subsequently replaced the Argentine in the 38th minute, after losing possession five times and often being bypassed by the opposition – leading to his early replacement.
Whilst he’s returned to a regular starting role in recent weeks, he still has yet to live up to the promise many shared upon his arrival, evidently finding it difficult to fill the boots left by one player.
Declan Rice’s time at West Ham
After coming through the West Ham academy, midfielder Declan Rice rapidly integrated himself into the club’s first-team – racking up a huge tally of appearances during his six years as a senior squad member.
Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen for West Ham
The England international first broke into the senior side back in the 2017/18 season, registering over 30 appearances in each campaign he spent at the London Stadium.
The 25-year-old played a huge role in the club’s Europa Conference League triumph back in 2022/23, ending his time in East London on a high before departing to join London rivals Arsenal.
Undoubtedly, no Hammers supporter wanted their side to lose one of their most valuable squad members, especially considering his rise through the youth levels into the first-team setup.
However, the £105m fee they received was far too good to turn down, allowing for investment in various areas to build on their European success the year prior.
Declan Rice for West Ham
Rice has gone on to take his game to the next level at the Emirates, aiming to claim a Premier League title for Mikel Arteta’s side, whilst new boss Lopetegui is still yet to find an adequate replacement for the former fan-favourite.
Given the significant transfer fee, it’s no surprise to see a struggle to replace Rice, with players of that quality a huge miss regardless of how much money they receive for his services.
That could all be about to change, with the Hammers eyeing up a January move for one talent who will undoubtedly improve the Spaniard’s midfield department.
The man who can finally replace Rice and provide an upgrade on Rodriguez
According to Hoy Diario Del Magdalena, West Ham are interested in a move to sign Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
However, the Hammers aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 24-year-old, with European giants PSG and AC Milan also in the race for his signature.
The report claims that after huge interest over the summer, the Colombian stayed put at the Brazilian outfit, but could be available this winter for a fee in the region of just £12.5m – a bargain for a player of his qualities.
He’s been a crucial figure for Palmeiras in 2024, producing numerous stats that are better than former Hammer Rice and current first-team member Rodriguez.
The “tremendous” talent, as dubbed by commentator Matteo Bonetti, has excelled in possession, averaging more shots per 90, whilst completing more take-ons than the aforementioned pair.
How Rios compares to Rice & Rodriguez in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Rios
Rice
Rodriguez
Games played
17
7
8
Progressive carries
1.4
2.9
0.2
Shots taken
1.6
1.2
0.8
Tackles won
1.6
0.5
1.5
Blocks
1.4
1.1
1.3
Take-ons completed
0.9
0.8
0.2
Stats via FBref
However, out of possession, the Colombian has been just as impressive, completing more tackles and making more blocks per 90 – potentially providing that box-to-box talent Lopetegui’s side have been missing this season.
The £12.5m fee touted for his services would be an absolute bargain, with Rios – who has been dubbed a “ball-carrying machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson – having all the qualities needed to thrive in the Premier League.
They may face tough competition for his services, but given the pulling power demonstrated in the summer, the Palmeiras star could be the next big name to make the move to London in January.
Lopetegui will want to right the wrongs of the club’s early season form, aiming to turn things around in the coming weeks, but more reinforcements may still be targeted despite the summer activity, with Rios undoubtedly a talent who can inject that needed quality.
West Ham flop who left for £5m is now outscoring Bowen & Kudus this season
The former West Ham player seems to have found his shooting boots away from the London Stadium.
وجه ديكلان رايس، لاعب فريق آرسنال، رسالة تهديد إلى خصمه ليفربول، بعد تعادل اليوم ضد مانشستر يونايتد، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وتلاقى فريق آرسنال مع خصمه مانشستر يونايتد، في الجولة الثامنة والعشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث تعادلا بهدف لمثله.
وأصبح رصيد آرسنال 55 نقطة، بفارق 15 نقطة عن ليفربول صاحب المركز الأول، والذي خاض مباراة أكثر.
وقال ديكلان رايس، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “كانت لدينا بعض التمريرات الرائعة في الشوط الأول، ولكننا لم نكن نملك الحد الأقصى من الدقة”.
وأضاف: “كنا ساذجين للغاية في الشوط الثاني، كنا سنمنح مانشستر يونايتد الفوز، ولكننا نجحنا في العودة إلى المباراة والتسجيل والاستمرار في الضغط، ربما كانت نقطة التعادل عادلة في النهاية”.
وواصل: “لقد سجلنا سبعة أهداف قبل أيام (ضد آيندهوفن في دوري أبطال أوروبا) وهذا ليس حظًا، لم يخسر آيندهوفن على أرضه منذ عامين، أما مانشستر يونايتد فقد قدم أداءً جيدًا، قد يستغرق الأمر 90 دقيقة للسيطرة على دفاعه، ولم يكن هناك الكثير في المباراة”.
اقرأ أيضًا | بعد تعادل آرسنال ومانشستر يونايتد.. ماذا يحتاج ليفربول لحسم لقب الدوري الإنجليزي؟
وأردف: “لم أشاهد هدف مانشستر يونايتد، لقد شعرت وكأن الكرة طارت فوقنا على ارتفاع منخفض، لقد شعرت أن الحائط البشري لدينا ضد الركلة الحرة للخصم كان بعيدًا، أنتوني تايلور هو الحكم، وهو من يتخذ هذا القرار”.
واسترسل: “كنت سعيدًا بالتسجيل، أريد الاستمرار على هذا النحو، صنعت المزيد من الفرص، أحتاج إلى مواصلة إضافة الأهداف، يريد المدرب مني أن ألعب في مركز 8 لتسجيل وصناعة الأهداف”.
وأفاد: لقد قام ديفيد رايا بتصديين رائعين في النهاية، كان الأمر متروكًا لنا وكان من الممكن أن نخسر المباراة”.
وشدد: “كما قال المدرب، سنستمر في المحاولة حتى نهاية الموسم، كان ليفربول مذهلاً طوال العام، نحن آرسنال، لقد تعرضنا لضربة قوية بسبب الإصابات، سنستمر في المحاولة وسنكون بخير”.
وفيما يخص احتفاله بعد تدخله الناجح ضد راسموس هويلوند ومنعه من الحصول على فرصة رائعة، قال: “هذه هي العقلية الدفاعية، لقد كان تدخلًا مهمًا، تصرفت بسرعة ونجحت في منع هويلوند، لو كنت تسببت في سقوطه، لكنت حصلت على بطاقة حمراء مقابل ضربة جزاء لهم”.
The 31-year-old, who recently completed a ban for corruption, is weighing up his options including a long-term cricketing future in the USA
Umar Farooq04-Oct-2021
Umar Akmal is playing for California Zalmi in the ongoing season of the Premier C league•Getty Images
Umar Akmal has left Pakistan mid-season to try and explore opportunities playing league cricket in the USA. He has signed a short-term contract with the Northern California Cricket Association but is open to weighing up his options including a long-term deal severing his allegiances with Pakistan cricket. He is representing California Zalmi in the ongoing season of the Premier C league.Akmal was recently reintegrated into cricket after completing his ban for breaching the PCB’s anti-corruption code, but ESPNcricinfo understands his comeback wasn’t well-received within the circuit. The PCB helped him follow his rehabilitation program, but his selection for the top domestic teams remained on hold. He was asked to play for a second XI team instead of a first XI team, and therefore hasn’t been involved in the ongoing National T20 Cup, which clashed with his expectation that he would come back where he left off, at the top level. After scoring 0, 14, 7, 16 and 29 for the Central Punjab Second XI in the PCB Cricket Associations T20 tournament, he decided to move away from domestic cricket – at least for the time being.Related
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Sami Aslam is considering quitting Pakistan cricket
It isn’t clear if Akmal will miss the entire season, with the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy set to start from October 20 and the One-Day Cup from February 25. But with his future uncertain and no buyers among the six provincial associations, he has decided to pursue his ambitions elsewhere. His family has confirmed he has left for the USA, but maintain that his older brother Kamran – three of the Akmal siblings have played Test cricket for Pakistan – was not involved in his decision-making.One family member expressed the view that Umar Akmal had been subject to biased treatment. “There are a few others who were banned with bigger charges but given unprecedented support to make a comeback. The system was never fair to Umar. There were blatant compromises made to select a few players with poor fitness, but the benchmark was made tighter for him [Umar] to make sure keep him out.”The family member didn’t name the players but it has understood that PCB had relaxed its fitness criteria to accommodate Azam Khan, Sohaib Maqsood and Sharjeel Khan in the national set up. The comparison with Akmal’s case isn’t quite apt, however, in light of his troubled past with nearly every head coach that has taken the national team’s reins in the last 10 years, with Waqar Younis once writing in his report that sacrificing “one Umar Akmal will allow us to develop other players who can truly and proudly wear the star on their chest and represent Pakistan.” He urged PCB to make Umar realise the worth of playing for Pakistan and re-earn his place by playing domestic cricket.A comeback to Pakistan’s white-ball team in 2019 proved short-lived•Getty Images
Akmal, 31, has coughed up plenty of fines over his career but the recent ban has hit him the hardest. After a lengthy legal battle with the PCB, his 18-month ban was slashed by six months by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), making him eligible for an early return to representative cricket. He had originally been banned for three years for not reporting spot-fixing approaches made to him before the start of the 2020 PSL. He admitted a part of the charges but never accepted the length of the sanction, with lawyer citing similar cases from the past to build a case that others facing similar charges had been banned for less time. Following two appeals, one before the PCB arbitrator and one with the CAS, his ban was first cut down to a year-and-a-half and later by another six months.Akmal’s career has been beset by several discipline issues, which have often overshadowed his cricket. He burst onto the international arena in 2009 as 19-year-old with huge promise, scoring 129 and 75 on Test debut in New Zealand. He also scored a century in only his third ODI and became a hot commodity overnight, with Pakistan seemingly blessed with an all-format middle-order batter with all the talent in the world. But his inconsistency and his troubled relationship with the PCB and the team management gradually led his career to slump. After 16 Tests from 2009 to 2011, he never wore Pakistan’s whites again, and though he went on to play 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is, his career seemingly ground to a halt in 2017, with a comeback in 2019 – following Misbah-ul-Haq’s takeover as Pakistan coach – proving brief.Then, in February 2020, hours before the opening match of the PSL season, he was suspended and his career was truly in the wilderness.Akmal’s move to California could be the start of an exploration into longer-term opportunities in the USA. USA Cricket, together with its commercial partner ACE (American Cricket Enterprises) has ramped up efforts to bring in overseas professionals for its Minor and Major Cricket League set-up, pulling in former internationals on a three-year residency path to switching allegiances and representing the USA. The former Pakistan opener Sami Aslam is one of many players from various countries to take up the deal and move to the USA, and there are dozens of other cricketers in Pakistan who are open to taking up the chance if offered. It has been confirmed that Umar hasn’t received an offer yet, but his initial stint in California could go on to define his career path.
A espera do Corinthians por um novo centroavante poder estar perto de acabar, mas enquanto isso não acontece a diretoria do clube segue cautelosa. A questão é que Diego Costa está oficialmente livre no mercado, após rescindir com o Atlético-MG, e Timão fez uma consulta oficial ao atleta.
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Ainda que internamente representantes corintianos sigam mantando o discurso de que não há proposta pelo atacante, as conversas que a direção do Alvinegro mantinha com o estave de Costa desde o fim do ano passado agora é considerada um posicionamento oficial de interesse, até com disposição de números e projeto esportivo feito apresentando às pessoas que cuidam da carreira do atacante.
> TABELA: Confira e simule os jogos do Timão no Campeonato Paulista 2022 > GALERIA:Timão ativo no mercado para “se livrar” de atletas fora dos planos
A ideia é que o Corinthians tenha Diego Costa por duas temporadas, pagando um salário que gira em torno de R$ 1,5 milhão, que será pago em parceria com o Grupo Taunsa, empresa de agronegócio que se tornou parceira do Timão no fim de 2022.
Os valores apresentados pela diretoria corintiana não são surreais, ainda que seja um dos mais altos no comparativo com o elenco, mas inicialmente as cifras não foram vistas como empecilho para a negociação evoluir, o que já é considerado uma vitória pelos corintianos, que temiam não chegar ao salário e premiações desejados por Diego Costa.
Contudo, o que o Timão já previa e realmente aconteceu é o desejo do centroavante voltar para a Europa. Até o momento apenas o Cádiz, da Espanha, fez, entre os clubes do Velho Continente, uma propostra por Diego, esta que foi sumariamente rejeitada. O jogador ainda acredita que um grande clube pode o procurar, e por isso pediu alguns dias para pensar.
Enquanto isso, o Timão segue cauteloso. Há um desejo grande de ter um grande ‘camisa 9’ até o início da fase de grupos da Libertadores, em abril, mas a cúpula corintiana crê que durante o Paulistão o clube pode achar esse nome para reforçar o elenco.
Contratado para ser uma das estrelas do Atlético-MG na última temporada, que foi imensamente vitoriosa para o Galo, com os títulos Mineiro, Brasileiro e da Copa do Brasil, os dois últimos já com Diego Costa no elenco, o atacante ficou ofuscado a outras estrelas do elenco atleticano como Hulk, Zaracho, Keno e Nacho Fernández, além de sofrer com recorrentes lesões.
Em 2021 foram 19 jogos disputados com a camisa do Galo, cinco gols e uma assistência.
O São Paulo terá pela frente um adversário inédito nas quartas de final do Campeonato Paulista: o Água Santa. Na verdade, será a primeira vez que a equipe de Diadema (SP), na Grande São Paulo, se classifica para uma fase decisiva do Estadual.
Mas nem isso tranquiliza o técnico tricolor, Rogério Ceni. Para o comandante, ter pela frente o ‘caçula’ do Estadual, time que iniciou só em 2013 suas atividades no futebol profissional, é um aspecto a se preocupar.
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+ ATUAÇÕES: Luan faz golaço, e Welington é grande destaque em vitória essencial do São Paulo
– Estar classificado (para o mata-mata, o Água Santa) pela primeira vez ou não é indiferente. Eu vejo como ponto negativo nós enfrentarmos o Água Santa, porque é uma equipe que vem crescendo de produção nesta reta final (da fase de grupos) do Campeonato Paulista e tem um projeto interessante de dois ou três anos.
O treinador são-paulino ainda enfatizou as dificuldades que prevê no duelo contra o adversário.
– Nós jogamos lá no ano passado, um jogo difícil que nós vencemos no finalzinho, com um gol do Calleri de bicicleta. E parece ter um time mais forte neste ano, vindo de vitórias consecutivas e bons jogos consecutivos. Eu acho que vai ser um adversário… das equipes que não são tão tradicionais assim, eu vejo o Água Santa e o São Bernardo como as duas melhores equipes, que vão dar mais trabalho para seus adversários.
+ Mata-mata definido: veja os classificados, rebaixados e os confrontos das quartas do Paulistão
كشف مصدر مسؤول بنادي الزمالك، موقف الحضور الجماهيري لمباراة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم القادمة أمام ستيلينبوش، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.
ويلتقي الزمالك مع ستيلينبوش، في مباراة الذهاب في جنوب إفريقيا، 2 أبريل المقبل، على أن تكون مواجهة العودة في القاهرة يوم 9 من الشهر ذاته.
وقال المصدر في تصريحات لـ بطولات: “الأمن يحدد 30 ألف مشجع لمباراة الزمالك وستيلينبوش الجنوب إفريقي في إياب ربع نهائي الكونفدرالية الأفريقية”.
طالع أيضاً.. خاص.. الزمالك يفقد 3 لاعبين أمام الأهلي في قمة الدوري
ونجح الزمالك في التأهل إلى ربع النهائي الكونفدرالية بعد تصدره المجموعة الرابعة التي ضمت كلًا من المصري البورسعيدي، إنيمبا النيجيري، وبلاك بولز الموزمبيقي.
بينما حسم ستيلينبوش تأهله بعد احتلاله المركز الثاني في المجموعة الثانية برصيد 9 نقاط، جمعها من الفوز في 3 مباريات وخسارة مثلها.
It’s been a brutal but encouraging start to life in the Premier League this season for Ipswich Town.
Kieran McKenna’s side have had to play the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion, all within their first nine games, and while they are yet to pick up a win, four draws suggest that they could still stay in the division.
Moreover, there are a number of players who have looked impressive so far this season, including one regular starter who could just develop into McKenna’s own Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Ipswich's best players so far
Okay, so before we get to the player in question, let’s look at some of the team’s best performers so far this season, and while there are several names to pick from, one stands out above the rest: Liam Delap.
The former Manchester City prospect didn’t have the easiest of starts in Suffolk, scoring just once in his first five league games, but in the last four matches, he’s found the back of the net on four occasions and looks like one of the most in form strikers in the league.
Likewise, Conor Chaplin has looked good in moments so far, scoring in the League Cup and picking up an assist in the game against Brentford, for which he was also named captain.
However, arguably the best player on the pitch for the Tractor Boys on Saturday was someone making his first Premier League start: George Hirst.
The former Leicester City forward tore the Bees apart in the first half, scoring and assisting a goal in what should have been a match-winning performance had Harry Clarke not had one of the worst performances of his career.
With all that said, there is another Ipswich star who has carried on his stellar form from last season and someone who could be compared to Alexander-Arnold.
Why Leif Davis could be McKenna's Alexander-Arnold
Yes, the player in question is, of course, English full-back Leif Davis.
Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, no, we are not suggesting for even a minute that Davis is as good as, or can become as good as, Alexander-Arnold, but there are some undeniable similarities between the two.
The main one is that both are incredibly attack-minded full-backs who like to maraud forward, hassle opposing defenders, and create chances for their teammates.
For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions in the Premier League, the Liverpool star is the fifth most similar full-back to the Ipswich man in the league.
Don’t just take their word for it, though, as according to the Premier League, the Blues’ creative “animal”, as dubbed by Scott Parker, has produced six big chances in the league this season, one more than the Reds star.
Davis’ Ipswich career
Season
22/23
23/24
24/25
Appearances
46
44
9
Goals
3
2
0
Assists
14
21
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.36
0.52
0.22
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Lastly, the former Leeds United ace has shown the fans how creative he can be in the past, as he ended last season with an outrageous tally of 21 assists in 44 games, and the season before that, he racked up 14 in 46 appearances.
Ultimately, Ipswich are going to have to battle to stay up this year, but with players like Delap, Chaplin and Hirst in attack and the sensational Davis creating countless chances from the full-back position, they have a chance.
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Chelsea chiefs are considering a “significant” bid to sign a potential replacement for the exit-bound Ben Chilwell, amid consistent reports that the £200,000-per-week defender is set to leave Stamford Bridge next year.
Chilwell deemed surplus to requirements by Maresca at Chelsea
Head coach Enzo Maresca hasn’t managed to find a place for Chilwell in his long-term plans, despite the England international’s big-name status, and it is believed he is now almost certain to leave in 2025.
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Maresca has even admitted that Chilwell was meant to leave in the summer window, but unlike fellow high-profile ace Raheem Sterling, who sealed a season-long loan move to cross-town rivals Arsenal, a transfer didn’t quite come to fruition.
The 27-year-old is said to have plenty of admirers heading into January – including from clubs in the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga – and there is a growing clamor for his services, according to reliable Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips.
Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures
Date
Man United (away)
November 3
Arsenal (home)
November 10
Leicester City (home)
November 23
Aston Villa (home)
December 1
Southampton (away)
December 4
“Chilwell now wants out because he wants to play football and save his international career, and Chelsea also want him gone,” wrote Phillips via his Substack earlier this month.
“Clubs are interested in Chilwell still, but at the moment there has been no serious approaches. However, SPTC sources have heard that Fulham, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, and Manchester United are the most interested clubs from the Premier League.
“Chilwell has also had interest and agent approaches from clubs in La Liga and Serie A. Chelsea are encouraging clubs to come forward for Chilwell by making them aware of his availability. They have spoken to a number of clubs for January already.”
It is worth noting that Chilwell attracted interest from Turkey before their window shut in September, but it appears the former Leicester City star had little interest in making a move to the Super Lig at this stage of his career.
Chelsea considering "significant" bid to sign Alejandro Grimaldo
Marc Cucurella has cemented his place as Maresca’s preferred left-back position, but when Chilwell does leave, which appears inevitable, Chelsea will need a quality replacement.
According to Spanish media, it is believed Bayer Leverkusen star Alejandro Grimaldo is on their radar. The Spaniard has dazzled as a left-wing-back under Xabi Alonso, playing a key role in their Bundesliga triumph last season, and has started this term in similar fashion.
Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo.
Grimaldo’s started nearly all of his 14 appearances in all competitions, bagging two goals and four assists as an attack-minded wing-back in Alonso’s system.
Naturally, this has attracted attention from elite clubs, and Chelsea are one of them. One Spanish report claims that Chelsea are considering a “significant” bid to sign Grimaldo, who the Blues view as a “quality” potential reinforcement who can add dynamism to Maresca’s left-flank.
The 29-year-old wouldn’t possess much sell-on value due to his age, with BlueCo demonstrating a preference of buying younger players since their takeover in 2022. However, a player of Grimaldo’s ability could be worth steering away from that philosophy.
“Grimaldo’s work ethic and dedication are incredible,” said Julian Weigl.
“He is always trying to improve and helps lift the team with his performances.”
Stephen Baard described Namibia’s final game against India on Monday as “the big one”
Matt Roller05-Nov-2021
Namibia players get together in celebration•Getty Images
Namibia will relish the chance to “play with freedom” in the final game of their maiden men’s T20 World Cup campaign against India on Monday according to opening batter Stephan Baard, in the knowledge that their progress to the Super 12s has ensured them a berth in next year’s tournament in Australia.Victories over Netherlands and Ireland in the initial group phase sealed a spot in both the Super 12s and the 2022 T20 World Cup for Namibia, and while they have been heavily beaten in their three second-round fixtures against full-member nations following a tight victory over Scotland, Baard said that they had made the most of the chance to play against the world’s best players.Watch cricket live on ESPN+
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“It gives us the opportunity to express ourselves a little bit more,” Baard, the opening batter, said of playing against Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand and India. “We’re used to playing in qualifiers where every game is almost a do or die type game. Here, the intensity is so much different to what we’re used to and the discipline is so much better than what we’re used to but it’s a great learning experience.”It is tough, I’ll be honest about that. It is tough to learn in a short space of time in between games when you only have two or three days in between. To execute your plans and talk about different approaches to different players at this level, it can be quite tough, but it’s a great experience and it’s great to be part of it. Going forward, I know we’re going to the World Cup next year as well, so it’s something that we need to work on for the next 12 months.”Baard described Namibia’s fixture against India on Monday – in a game that could see their opponents needing a huge win in order to take their net run-rate above Afghanistan’s to ensure semi-final qualification – as “the big one”, and said that it would be the final stage in a “surreal” month for the squad.”It gives us the chance to play with freedom,” he said. “That’s the big one. It’s a big group and every game is a big game, but to finish off with the India team? It’s something to look forward to. It’s something that a couple of months ago, you didn’t even think about, so yeah – we’re looking forward to that one.”It’s been absolutely massive. We’ve enjoyed every single minute of it. We want to compete, we’re here to compete, but in the same sense, we want to learn as much as possible. We want to see what these guys do on and off the field and up until this point, it’s been surreal.”Baard said that New Zealand’s late charge when batting first – which saw Jimmy Neesham and Glenn Phillips add 67 runs in the final four overs to take the game away from Namibia – provided them with opportunities to learn how to improve at the death with both bat and ball.”On the bowling front, it will definitely be about executing certain plans, especially on a field where the one side is a lot bigger than the other,” he said. “The big part from the batting side will just be to see how they execute at the back end. That’s one of the things I spoke about along with their batters next to the field – how they change it up in the last four or five overs and where their options would be.”