Sunderland were known to splash the cash on some underwhelming duds when they were still playing their football in the Premier League, overpriced flops who struggled to ever really fit into their new Wearside environment.

Major signings such as Jack Rodwell and Didier Ndong stick out as being spectacular misfires from the Black Cats, with the latter of those two statement purchases still going down as Sunderland's most expensive capture to this date.

Fast forward to the present, flashy purchases are very much resigned to this turbulent part of the club's history that inevitably played a part in their demise all the way down to League One – Mike Dodds' side consisting more of spritely gems such as Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham now, as opposed to risking it all on some wild and rash buys.

Another one of those over-the-top transfers is remembered for being one of the biggest wastes of money in Sunderland's recent history, with the striker in question entering for a bumper £9m fee and frustratingly just drawing blanks instead of showing off his potency.

Jozy Altidore's time at Sunderland

It's fair to say a lot more was expected of Jozy Altidore when he rocked up to the Stadium of Light 11 years ago than what the Black Cats unfortunately got, arriving in England from the Netherlands with a reputation for being a deadly finisher in the Eredivisie.

Altidore would net 51 goals from 93 games playing for AZ Alkmaar, including a mightily impressive 31 goals from just 38 matches during his final season at AZ before his Sunderland nightmare began.

Strikes such as this one against FC Heerenveen must have had the Wearside outfit licking their lips at the prospect of what they were going to get when Altidore travelled over to England, only for the move to be a disaster from start to finish.

The American centre-forward would end up finding the net a dire three times for the then Premier League Black Cats from 52 games, with remarkably just one of those strikes actually coming in the top-flight.

Altidore would be cursed in front of goal with Hull City at this level even before joining Sunderland, only mustering up a solitary strike for the Tigers too in the Premier League.

Full Sunderland lineup for Altidore's Premier League debut

Sunderland 0-1 Fulham, August 2013

1. GK – Keiren Westwood

2. RB – Ondrej Celustka

3 CB – John O'Shea

4. CB – Valentin Roberge

5. LB – Jack Colback

6. CM – Sebastian Larsson

7. CM – Cabral

8. RM – Emmanuele Giaccherini

9. CAM – Stephane Sessegnon

10 – LM – Adam Johnson

11. ST – Jozy Altidore

Sourced by Transfermarkt

If anything, Sunderland should have done their research better involving this forgettable loan stint before splashing the cash wildly.

One miss during his wretched time at the Stadium of Light saw one-time Black Cats boss Gustavo Poyet describe Altidore as feeling "devastated" by his lack of a cutting edge, with the move undoubtedly going down as a terrible flop.

The move is exposed further as a blunder on Sunderland's end when you look at how much the ex-AZ striker would cost if this deal went through in today's inflated market, with Totally Money's Transfer Index heightening Altidore's Sunderland trauma even more by exposing those details.

Jozy Altidore's transfer value in 2024

If the same ill-fated move went through in 2024, Altidore would have been even more of a costly error on Sunderland's end with the fee – as per Totally Money – coming in at a bumped up £16.4m.

To contextualise, that would result in the 6 foot 1 striker coming in as Sunderland's second most expensive purchase of all time.

Sunderland's most expensive purchases

1. Didier Ndong

€20m (£17.1m)

2. Asamoah Gyan

€16m (£13.6m)

3. Steven Fletcher

€15.2m (£12.9m)

4. Adam Johnson

€12.6m (£10.7m)

5. Jack Rodwell

€12.5m (£10.6m)

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Sunderland will sleep a little easier about the high-profile purchase of Asamoah Gyan in contrast to Altidore firing blanks, with the Ghanaian sharp-shooter earning hero status by bagging 11 goals from 37 games for the Wearside outfit.

Altidore would eventually rebuild his reputation and get his bruised career back on track when relocating to Toronto FC after leaving England, setting the MLS alight with goal after goal.

Sunderland will be left scratching their heads at what went wrong for Altidore when donning a Black Cats strip considering he looked unfazed by his Black Cats demons with Toronto, having been seen as a coup under Paolo Di Canio before freezing in his new spotlight.

Altidore's time after Sunderland

Altidore would become the goalscoring beast he was in the Netherlands with Toronto, amassing 13 goals from just 25 appearances during his debut MLS season.

In total, Altidore would go on to become a decorated servant for the Canadian club by netting 79 goals from 173 games before walking away in 2021 for a new challenge with New England Revolution.

That move didn't quite go according to plan for the American centre-forward though, with the goal-shy Altidore that ruined his short but ego-crushing time with Sunderland remerging again – only firing in two goals from 30 games.

Now, the well-travelled attacker finds himself without a club at 34 years of age with retirement surely in his immediate plans.

Sunderland will worry that their current crop of centre-forwards are lacking a prolific edge similar to Altidore, with Mason Burstow only managing one goal so far on loan from Chelsea.

Likewise, Nazariy Rusyn has just two goals next to his name which so happens to be the same paltry goal return the American striker managed from two spells in the Premier League.

There is the reassurance that neither of those signings dented the Sunderland bank account like Altidore did however, with the strikers at Dodds' disposal not quite going down as being failures to the same degree as their former misfiring dud just yet.

Related Sunderland could strike gold by cashing in on gem who's now worth £11m

Sunderland could soon make a hefty profit on this star if he is sold on.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Apr 5, 2024

Jofra Archer has made a strong case for a recall to England’s Test side with an eye-catching performance in the nets.Archer, who has missed the previous two Tests due to an elbow injury, generated impressive pace during a seven-over spell in Johannesburg on Wednesday. Jos Buttler, one of the unfortunate batsman who had to face him, was hit on the body on a couple of occasions and edged a couple of other deliveries.ALSO READ: Archer deserves support, not suspicionAt a ground which traditionally provides some encouragement for pace bowling – it’s 6,000 feet above sea level meaning the ball tends to carry further (off the pitch and the bat) and, it seems, faster – England will be keen to include Archer against a South Africa team who looked uncomfortable against Mark Wood’s pace in Port Elizabeth. In a perfect world, England would probably like to include both Wood and Archer.It’s far from certain that either of them will be fit at this stage, though. Archer will be required to prove that he has come through Wednesday’s spell without any repercussions in training on Thursday, while Wood – and the other bowlers who played in Port Elizabeth – was given an extra day off on Wednesday. Wood, too, will need to show his match fitness in training on Thursday. Somewhat ominously, given his fitness record, he was described as “sore” by the England management after his exertions in the third Test.If both are deemed fully fit, the England management will face a tough decision over who to leave out. One option will be to revert to a five-man seam attack – as they did in the final Test in New Zealand and the first Test of this tour – meaning no place for the offspin of Dom Bess. That would be tough on Bess, who claimed a maiden five-wicket haul in Port Elizabeth, and it may be he would also enjoy the extra bounce in this surface. England may feel that Joe Root, who claimed four wickets with his own offspin in the second innings in Port Elizabeth, is capable of supplying the spin they will require.The other options is to leave out one of Sam Curran or Stuart Broad. Broad claimed 6 for 17 in the second innings here four years ago, however, and would appear to have the perfect game for the ground, while Curran continues to contribute with bat and ball – of England bowlers, only Broad (with 12) has taken more than his nine wickets in the series while he made a brisk 44 in Port Elizabeth – and England appreciate the variety his left-arm angle provides.At this stand, though, it seems more likely Archer will make a straight swap with Wood. The last time Wood played back-to-back Tests was in July 2017, when he finished with figures of 0 for 129 from 35 overs in the second match. He is, however, a better bowler now and, since he increased his run-up towards the end of 2018, puts less stress through his body in delivery.”Jofra had good rhythm and bowled nice and quick today,” Graham Thorpe, one of England’s assistant coaches, told . “That’s where we want Jof to be. He looks good, but he will have to come in again tomorrow and back it up.”The elbow problem has been a big issue for him. You can’t force that; you have to wait for the player to be confident with it.”Mark Wood hasn’t played back-to-back Test matches for a while, but he bowled exceptionally well for us in Port Elizabeth. He bowled at high speeds of 90mph plus and gave us an X-factor. We’ll have to see how he is and I’m sure Woody will be really honest with us.”Historically, it’s a pitch which has good carry and pace and generally starts softer then quickens up. It has that carry which bowlers, batters and spinners alike enjoy.”It would be tough if Bess didn’t play this Test. He has done himself no harm, though, in the way he has come into the set-up and the way he’s bowled. He’s progressed from the last time I saw him about six months ago and when you perform it gives you confidence. So we won’t rush straight into a decision, it’ll be nice to have all those options on the table.”It doesn’t appear there will be much discussion over Buttler’s place. He hasn’t been at his best with the bat or the gloves in this series – he is averaging 17.40 – and struggled in the nets on Wednesday. He lost his middle stump to Chris Woakes – who is bowling nicely but seems to have little prospect of forcing his way into the side at present – and was hurried by Archer. Jonny Bairstow, who batted after him in the nets, looked more comfortable.But England have invested a lot of time in Buttler and they are not set to abandon him just yet. He may well need a good Test here, though, with talk of a recall for Ben Foakes for the Sri Lanka tour growing.”I am really confident that Jos will have a good Test match here,” Thorpe said. “The most important thing is getting the mindset right of all our players. There are guys who have been performing well and guys who might feel individually that they want to do more. Jos might have an edge of frustration but I can see the way he’s working. For me, he looks in good form and it’s a matter of time before he gets a score for us.”Most of the team involved in the third Test took the day off on Wednesday. All will train on Thursday, with the match starting on Friday.

تحدث مدرب برشلونة هانز فليك، عقب مباراة فريقه أمام النجم الأحمر، ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحل برشلونة ضيفًا على النجم الأحمر في صربيا، ضمن مباريات الجولة الرابعة لمرحلة الدوري في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق برشلونة الفوز بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين، وسجل له روبرت ليفاندوفسكي (هدفين) ورافينها وإينيجو مارتيينز وفيرمين لوبيز.

وقال فليك: “الشيء الأكثر أهمية هو النقاط الثلاث، ليس من السهل الفوز خارج أرضنا في هذه المسابقة، دوري أبطال أوروبا معقد، أنا سعيد جدًا، وأقدر حقًا ما نقوم به، لقد لعبنا بشكل جيد للغاية مع الكرة وضغطنا كثيرًا”.

وأضاف: “لقد لعب النجم الأحمر بشكل جيد للغاية، وكانوا يعرفون كيفية اللعب بالكرة ومن الصعب الدفاع أمامهم، أقدر حقًا تركيزهم لمدة 90 دقيقة لأن الأمر ليس سهلاً على الإطلاق”.

وعن حالة لاعبه باو كوبارسي الذي تعرض لإصابة في وجهه خلال المباراة، أوضح فليك: “كوبارسي بخير، لقد أعطوه غرز في وجهه، لكنه لا يزال شابًا، ولكن لحسن الحظ يبدو أن كل شيء قد تم حله”.

وبشأن مهاجم برشلونة روبرت ليفاندوفسكي وقرار استبداله خلال اللقاء: “لديه 99 هدفًا (بدوري أبطال أوروبا)، لم أكن أعلم ذلك، لقد قمت بتغييره قبل هدفه رقم 100 مباشرة، لو كنت أعرف… إنه خطأي، اليوم كان جيدًا جدًا، لكن يجب أن نفكر في المباريات الأخرى”.

وأكمل: “كان الأمر مهمًا بالنسبة لنا، أنا سعيد جدًا، لكنني لا أهتم بهذه الأشياء، أفكر في المباراة القادمة ولهذا السبب قمت باستبداله”.

وأشاد بجول كوندي مواصلاً: “إنه مثال جيد لبقية اللاعبين، لقد قام بتحسين أدائه، إنه محترف رائع، إنه شديد التركيز، أنا أقدر ما فعله، من الجيد جدًا رؤية التمريرات الحاسمة التي قدمها اليوم”.

وأتم: “أكثر ما يعجبني هو أن الفريق يخرج دائمًا إلى الملعب للمنافسة وبذل قصارى جهده وهذا يظهر في النتائج”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo fez mais um treinamento na manhã desta sexta-feira (11), no CT da Barra Funda, em preparação para a partida contra o Atlético-MG, às 16h, no Mineirão, pela terceira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

COLUNA DE VÍDEO: Setoristas do São Paulo no L! analisam sequência do time e falam sobre possíveis reforços

A novidade ficou por conta do volante Liziero, que voltou a treinar com o elenco são-paulino após disputar amistosos pela seleção olímpica, na derrota para Cabo Verde e no triunfo diante da Sérvia.

VOCÊ QUE MANDA! QUEM VOCÊ ESCALARIA COMO TITULAR? PABLO OU EDER?

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Durante a ausência de Liziero, o técnico Hernán Crespo escalou Rodrigo Nestor, outro jovem cria das categorias de base da equipe. Foi assim nas partidas diante de Atlético-GO, pelo Brasileirão, e 4 de Julho, pela Copa do Brasil. No duelo contra os piauienses, William fez a função do camisa 14.

Diante do Galo, Crespo deverá escalar novamente Liziero entre os titulares, já que o volante é um dos destaques da equipe do Morumbi na temporada.

🆕😀

Liziero 🔙

O volante está de volta após defender a Seleção Olímpica.#MadeInCotia 🚆#VamosSãoPaulo 🇾🇪

📸 Erico Leonan / saopaulofc pic.twitter.com/WRmzuoqahX

— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) June 11, 2021

Desde a chegada do técnico argentino, Liziero participou de 14 partidas, com um gol marcado, na vitória por 4 a 0 sobre a Ferroviária, nas quartas de final do Campeonato Paulista, competição em que o São Paulo se sagrou campeão estadual.

Glasgow Rangers bounced back following a run of three matches without a victory for the Ibrox side to secure a place in the Scottish Cup final for the second time in three seasons.

Hearts were defeated 2-0 at Hampden as two goals from Cyriel Dessers sent the Gers into a final showdown against Celtic next month.

The Light Blues have now beaten Hearts in every single encounter this season – three in the Premiership and two domestic cup ties – as they prepare for one final league clash on the final day of the season, which could prove to be decisive.

Despite the struggles in front of goal on Sunday, it was a much-improved performance by Philippe Clement’s men, especially after the average displays the supporters had been made to endure against Ross County and Dundee.

The Belgian dropped Connor Goldson for Leon Balogun and the change paid off as the Ibrox side looked much more assured defensively than they have done in recent weeks.

It was perhaps Dessers who sparkled the most, however, as his two-goal salvo came at precisely the right time.

Cyriel Dessers' performance at Hampden

The Nigeria international has endured his fair share of criticism from both the media and supporters, but there is no denying the effort he delivers during every single match, even if he doesn’t get on the scoresheet.

Kemar Roofe started against Dundee in midweek, but he looked off the pace and struggled throughout, subsequently withdrawn before an hour was even played with a dismal 57% pass success rate. That meant Dessers was given a start at Hampden.

Season

Opponent

Score

2021/22

Hearts

Rangers won 2-0

2015/16

Hibs

Rangers lost 3-2

2008/09

Falkirk

Rangers won 1-0

2007/08

Queen of the South

Rangers won 3-2

2002/03

Dundee

Rangers won 1-0

2001/02

Celtic

Rangers won 3-2

Via Transfermarkt

It didn’t take long for the striker to make his mark. After only five minutes, Todd Cantwell played a nice pass into him, Dessers took a lovely touch to take the ball past Nathaniel Atkinson and slot it home using his weaker left foot to give Rangers the lead.

Cantwell was at it again during the dying embers of the match, setting up Dessers, who this time took two attempts to fire the ball past Craig Gordan in the Hearts' goal as the win was all but secured.

The 29-year-old should really have netted a hat trick, but he opted to give Fabio Silva a tap in, yet the substitute couldn’t control the ball and the chance was gone.

Cyriel Dessers’ statistics this season

His two goals against the Edinburgh side mean Dessers is sitting on 19 goals for the season, with six matches left to add to this tally.

Not bad numbers indeed for a player who has struggled in long spells. The truth is, if he could take his chances at the first time of asking, Dessers would have easily broken the 30-goal barrier this term.

In the Premiership, the former Feyenoord marksman has missed a staggering 23 big chances, indicating that he is hardly clinical in front of goal, despite averaging three shots per game.

If he could improve his goal conversation percentage from 15% across the final few games of the season, it could give the club a major boost in their pursuit of the title.

Dessers’ display at Hampden could prove to be a turning point in his Gers spell, but he wasn’t the only one who has responded to some criticism of late, as Cantwell also delivered a wonderful performance.

Todd Cantwell has revived his season

The Englishman had created zero big chances and made just four key passes in his two previous games against Dundee and County and a big performance was required at Hampden against the Jambos.

Clement unleashed him in the number ten spot, with the former Norwich City starlet grabbing an assist in the first five minutes, setting up Dessers following James Tavernier’s determination to win the ball.

He looked lively throughout the match, consistently looking to get on the ball to make things happen. It was a far better display than his two previous matches combined.

He was given a match rating of 8/10 by the Scottish Sun and journalist Andy Devlin stated that Cantwell ‘finished with a bang’ in reference to his second assist for Dessers towards the end of the match.

After a few lacklustre displays, hopefully this performance in the Scottish Cup semi-final will give him confidence heading into the final six games of the season.

Todd Cantwell’s season in numbers

His Hampden heroics were hailed as “impressive” by the Rangers Review and at times this season, Cantwell has looked superb.

The English midfielder currently ranks fourth in the squad for goals and assists (nine) in the top flight, while even ranking sixth for big chances created (five), fourth for key passes per game (1.6) and fifth for successful dribbles per match (1.1), which is solid for a player who has started just 20 of the 33 league games played so far this season.

The £22k-per-week dynamo is undoubtedly one of the most talented players that Clement has at his disposal, but he often drifts out of games on a regular basis.

The games against Dundee and County are certainly evidence of this, as he struggled to cut through the opposition defence when the pressure was on.

At a club like Rangers, the pressure is always on, but Cantwell certainly delivered to send Rangers through to the Scottish Cup final, where they have the chance to win the trophy for the 35th time in their history.

During the final five games of last season, the 26-year-old came to life, scoring four times – including one against Celtic – as the Light Blues finished the 2022/23 campaign with four wins and a draw.

It wasn’t enough to secure them the title, but it proved that Cantwell had adapted to life in Scotland rather well since making his move from Norwich in January.

He currently has six goals and six assists to his name this season, despite missing 13 games through injury. If he could replicate his performances from the post-split fixtures last term, then the Gers might just have a chance of pipping Celtic to the Premiership crown.

It will be difficult, but certainly not impossible.

Clement's 2/10 Rangers man shouldn't wear the jersey again

Rangers suffered another dismal showing in the league during their midweek clash against Dundee

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 19, 2024

Despite Sunderland's dreadful run of form going into the away contest at Cardiff City on Good Friday, Mike Dodds' Black Cats managed to stroll to a surprise 2-0 victory in the Welsh capital.

The Wearside outfit were winless in their last seven Championship games before picking up a much-needed three points at the expense of the Bluebirds, with Adil Aouchiche and Jobe Bellingham sharing the goals.

It was a masterstroke of a decision from Dodds to play Bellingham in the lone striker role, but this ingenious switch working so effectively could consequently put a nail in one underwhelming Sunderland man's career as he continues to fire blanks up top.

Luis Semedo's season in numbers

Joining from the Benfica U21 ranks last year with a reputation for being prolific in his native Portugal (with 21 goals in total for Benfica in that age bracket), it's fair to say Luis Semedo's time in England has not gone to plan.

The 20-year-old striker is yet to find the back of the net for the Black Cats at senior or youth level, amassing 23 appearances in the process without a single strike to his name.

In stark contrast, Bellingham's goal away at Cardiff on Good Friday means the traditional attacking midfielder is on to seven strikes in his debut season.

Dodds' patience could, therefore, begin to run very thin regarding the ex-Benfica hot prospect with Bellingham starring in his role.

The former Birmingham City teenager notched up three key passes as a lively presence in attack on top of his all-important goal, winning ten duels as a figure constantly wanting to make things happen.

Semedo's hefty pay packet could also be a sticking point soon, with the misfiring youngster currently earning £1k more per week than Pierre Ekwah, according to Capology.

Luis Semedo's wage at Sunderland

Amazingly, despite Ekwah being present in every Sunderland clash since the end of November in the second tier, the Black Cats No 39 finds himself earning £3k per week to Semedo's £4k-per-week salary.

Ekwah has also been far more effective from midfield this campaign than Semedo, helping himself to four goals and two assists when his team have needed him to step up and be impactful.

Semedo also remarkably finds himself earning a healthier wage than regular first-team ace Trai Hume, with the Northern Irishman also coming in at a paltry £3k per week.

Even Chris Rigg earns just £1k per week in contrast to Semedo's bumped-up salary, with the electric Sunderland hotshot starring against Cardiff all whilst still only being 16 years of age.

The homegrown Black Cats product would miss one big chance from midfield in the 2-0 win, on top of making two tackles as an energetic option down the wing.

Semedo is some way off entering into the top five list of wage-earners at the Stadium of Light, but with his lack of goals still irking those with connections to the Wearside club, his salary is arguably burning a hole in Sunderland's pocket.

Dodds will hope he's cracked the conundrum over who should be the starting striker for Sunderland in Bellingham after his standout showing against Cardiff, with Semedo falling further down the pecking order as a result.

The latest news from around the Women’s T20 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2020March 2Thailand allrounder Nattaya Boochatham believes that the group-stage exit in the ongoing T20 World Cup has been a “wake-up call” for the team to improve their playing standards as they look to “set the benchmark” for the future cricketers in the country.”We want to play our best cricket and show how well we’ve prepared,” Boochatham said. “In the past few games, we haven’t been firing and haven’t demonstrated how well we’ve been working.”Some of the games have been a wake-up call for us that motivates us to go home, improve our skills and various areas of cricket, so the world can see that we can play. It’s a good motivation for us to set the benchmark for the new generation of Thai cricketers coming into the team, that this is the level you have to be performing at. Hopefully we can set a good role model.”Thailand women made history by making it to their first-ever global event as they qualified for the tournament in Australia. They faced a tough challenge being placed alongside England, South Africa, Pakistan and West Indies in their group, but put up a fight against most of the teams, even causing an early scare against England. With one more match to go against Pakistan – who have already been knocked out – Boochatham hopes the side can make a “big statement” as they bow out of the tournament.”We have got off to good starts in games and we’ve learnt about the need to capitalise on that, because if you don’t, teams like England and South Africa run away from you,” she said. “It would be a big statement if we were to win the last game.”We’ve been exposed, but that’s not a bad thing. We have room to improve and come back stronger.”Laura Wolvaardt had yet to be bat in the World Cup and is still new to the middle-order role but produced one of the innings of the tournament to take South Africa into the semi-finals with an unbeaten half-century against Pakistan.It was Wolvaardt’s second T20I fifty, brought up off the last ball of the innings, and only her second innings at No. 5 having played all her other matches as either an opener or No. 3 although she had taken up the middle-order position for her domestic team.”It’s been quite a journey for me to kind of get my spot here on this T20 side, and it’s been something that I’ve been working on pretty hard,” she said. “I guess I always focus on my basics, and I guess if the base is really good, you can kind of go on from there. It is something I’ve been working on really hard on figuring out my approach and my plan. I’m happy it’s finally showing in the games now.”It really meant a lot to me. I think it’s probably the biggest contribution I’ve made to this team, if I think about the importance of today and the World Cup. So I’m really happy things that worked out the way they did.”Nahida replaces injured Bismah for remainder of World CupPakistan have suffered a blow with captain Bismah Maroof ruled out of the remainder of the women’s T20 World Cup because of a thumb injury sustained during the 42-run loss to England.Opener Nahida Khan has been approved as her replacement, while Javeria Khan has been named captain.Maroof was caught behind while attempting a ramp shot as she wore the ball on her thumb, in the sixth over of their 158-run chase. She had top-scored for Pakistan in their eight-wicket win against West Indies in their first game of the tournament. Nahida, who has 603 runs from 53 T20Is, last played for Pakistan in the limited-overs series against England in Kuala Lumpur.Pakistan are currently second from bottom on the Group B table and are scheduled to play South Africa and Thailand in their last two group-stage games.Australia will monitor a hip niggle that Ellyse Perry picked up towards the end of the match against Bangladesh but are confident she will be available for what is likely to be a crunch group decider against New Zealand on Monday.Perry, whose shoulder has also been managed during the tournament, dived in the outfield in the latter stages of Bangladesh’s innings in Canberra and left the field a short while after”She’s incredibly resilient, she’s had a lot of niggles over the last few years and still managed to get through,” coach Matthew Mott said. “We’re very confident, especially with a day off tomorrow, that she’ll have plenty of time to get ready for a huge game against New Zealand.”Any time you get a niggle there’s doubt, I suppose, but I’ve seen her push through what seems to be worse than that. We’ll just have to assess her over the next 24-48 hours and make sure she’s alright.”Even in the worst case scenario of Perry not being fit, Mott was confident that Australia would have the resources to cover for her.”The beauty of this squad is we have a number of options we can bring in. We don’t feel like we lose a lot when we lose different players. Obviously we’d have to change, we’d look at our squad and match up the best we can against New Zealand, but we’ve done that all tournament from the day we lost Tayla Vlaeminck we had to change our strategy slightly.”Thailand must improve ‘to be taken seriously at this level’ – BoochathamWhile bringing plenty of smiles to the tournament and savouring every moment of the World Cup, Thailand’s vice-captain Nattaya Boochatham said it has been a harsh reality check as to how much they need to improve.Thailand have suffered heavy defeats against West Indies and England, making just 78 on both occasions, while against England they were plundered by Heather Knight’s century.”We are obviously very excited to be involved in the World Cup but things aren’t going our way, we have to take a hard look at ourselves and really improve to be taken seriously at this level,” Boochatham said. “We’ve been exposed and if we don’t get things right we are punished for it. It’s a matter of figuring out the situation on the field as quickly as we can and changing our plans.”After a promising start against England, where they had them 7 for 2 in the second over, the bowling became ragged under pressure. Boochatham believes Thailand can advance their game over the next two of three years, but need regular cricket against the stronger nations.”We need to be better at reading the batsmen because at this level they are shifting [around], so you can’t really have one stock ball, you have to be creative. That’s the part that comes with experience playing a lot of high quality cricket. If we get to play consistent at this level in two or three years [we can be competitive], but it has to be day in and day out at this level to be able to compete.”Winfield admits she would like to bat higherLauren Winfield has admitted she would like to be higher up England’s batting order but is happy to buy into the team ethos of having deep resources to allow the top order to play with freedom.Winfield has been at No. 8 since the series against Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur late last year, a tactic that has continued into the World Cup, which has raised questions as to whether England are wasting the position which would be better served by an allrounder or a bowler.”It’s obviously a different role,” Winfield said ahead of the match against Pakistan. “I’ve batted a lot at six and seven over the last couple of years in T20 cricket. You can’t hide from the fact that I’d like to be able to contribute more and be higher up the order but the way we’ve set out our batting is to have an extensive line-up to give people that freedom to let themselves go and really play with that positive intent throughout the 20 overs.”If we get into the back overs and we’ve lost wickets we still have batters to come. We need to keep pushing those big totals, making sure we get 150+ as often as we can.”India ‘more balanced’ because of Verma – MandhanaShafali Verma, the big-hitting 16-year-old India opening batter, has grabbed the attention of most people following women’s cricket, and Smriti Mandhana, her partner at the top, can’t stop raving about Verma’s impact.”Shafali has been a huge positive coming into the T20 side,” Mandhana said of the youngster’s 17-ball 39 against Bangladesh. “I used to have a major role in Powerplays, but Shafali is getting quick runs in those first overs now too. She’s made a huge impact and the team has become more balanced thanks to her.”Next up for India are New Zealand, and Lea Tahuhu, the opening bowler, is aware of the Verma threat, and relishing it too.”Personally, I love the thought of facing Verma,” Tahuhu said. “It makes me fire up a little bit more and I’m really looking forward to playing her. I actually played her in the T20 Challenge in India last year and I know she’s not going to take a step back.”Molineux injury frustrating – LanningMeg Lanning has admitted frustration at Sophie Molineux’s extended period on the sidelines at the start of the World Cup as the allrounder takes longer than expected to recover from a corked thigh.Molineux hasn’t played since the final group game of tri-series with England and India and wasn’t available for selection in the first two matches of this tournament. She faces another fitness test ahead of the game against Bangladesh in Canberra on Thursday.”She’s coming along well, she’ll train today and assess how she pulls up from that and see if she’s available for selection,” Lanning said. “It’s a bit of a wait and see, it’s been very frustrating for her and us to not have her available but she’s doing everything she can to get back.”Lanning also said that Ellyse Perry was managing the shoulder that she damaged during the WBBL late last year but that it would not impact her participation in forthcoming matches. “I’m sure there are a few players in this competition who are managing injuries and she’s a professional, she’s dealing with it very well so we’re not expecting anything major out of that.”Winfield at No. 8 gives us security – KnightHeather Knight has defended the make-up of England’s batting line-up, which has seen Tammy Beaumont moved into the middle-order and Lauren Winfield picked as a specialist No. 8 batter.Only Nat Sciver impressed against South Africa with a half-century as England suffered defeat in their opening match, meaning they face must-win matches from here on, but it would appear they will hold fast with their batting game plan.”We have set [order] in our mind that we want to go with, but there will be certain match-ups that we feel will have more impetus – for example someone is better against spin – we have a clear guideline on the starting order and we’ll be flexible from there,” Knight said ahead of the match against Thailand in Canberra. “The one big positive is the depth of our batting line-up, playing eight batters, and they have different skillsets and talent. We obviously didn’t show it the other night but we are determined to turn it around.”On using Winfield, who doesn’t offer any bowling, so low down, Knight said her fielding also comes into the equation.”We feel like another bowler would be wasted, that batter at eight gives us added security. I know she didn’t have a great night the other night, but Lauren is one of the standout fielders for us and at some point we are going to need a batter down at the back end to win us a game and we feel Lauren can do that.”England would never run out a batter backing up – SciverNat Sciver has said that England would never run out an opposing batter backing up after Katherine Brunt declined the chance to do so in their opening defeat against South Africa.With the match on a knife edge in the final over, South Africa needing 7 off 4 balls, Brunt gave Sune Luus a warning when she backed up well out of her crease before Brunt had barely entered her delivery leap. Whether it would have changed the game is up for debate as the ball itself wouldn’t have been counted if the run out had taken place, and next delivery Mignon du Preez launched the six that levelled the scores, but England have made their stance on the matter clear.”She was never going to run her out,” Sciver said. “A bit of drama, isn’t it? I mean one of their bowlers did it to me. I don’t know if she stopped because I moved around and she wanted a bit of a reprieve or she was keeping the other batter in there. I know that none of our team would ever do that. It’s just part of the game, isn’t it?”South Africa allrounder Marizanne Kapp tweeted “fair play from both teams” after the contest with both sides declining the hotly-debated form of dismissal.

Ayabonga Khaka did exactly the same while brunt was batting, fair play from both teams. https://t.co/mx5Zp0wJMQ

— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) February 23, 2020

‘We know how dangerous she can be’ – Haynes on AtapattuChamari Atapattu is not just Sri Lanka’s greatest woman cricketer, but she has a particular affinity for the Australia bowlers. That 178 not out in the 2017 50-over World Cup remains one of the great innings in the game, while, more recently, she hit her maiden T20I century against the same opponents.Australia are in front of Atapattu again, and this time a big innings from her could well rock the hosts’ T20 World Cup campaign, stuttering as it already is after the opening-day loss to India.”We know how dangerous she can be,” Rachael Haynes said a day off from their game in Perth. “We’ve got ideas on how we want to counter her attack. We’ll plan for her, because she clearly enjoys the ball coming on to the bat at the WACA.”Atapattu is also the only Sri Lankan player to have taken part in the WBBL, and that should help her.”I’ve tended to play my best cricket against Australia, but I try to do that against every team,” she said. “I love playing in these conditions and I love playing under pressure, which I think is why I always score against Australia.”I always say to myself ‘play freely, with courage and be positive’. That’s all it is.”‘We trust our fielding a lot to get us far’ – Thailand’s BoochathamThe seven-wicket margin did show up the gulf between West Indies and newbies Thailand, but for a while, with the favourites at 27 for 3 in their chase of 79, Thailand might have dreamt of a bit of the improbable.”We think our performance will make people take us more seriously,” opener Nattaya Boochatham told the ICC. “We have an aggressive mentality and we know it only takes ten balls to create wickets. That’s the plan we stick to.”We trust our fielding a lot to get us far in the competition. It has given us motivation to do better and show we can compete on the global stage.”That was on show early on in the West Indies innings when Naruemol Chaiwai knocked down the stumps to run Lee-Ann Kirby out, and though a debut win eluded them in Perth, the show against the 2016 T20 world champions would have ensured that none of their remaining opponents take Thailand lightly.’We love a bit of pressure, that’s fine’ – HealyJust one day into a tournament where they are, or were at least, considered favourites and much is pinned on them reaching the final at the MCG, Australia know they are in a position where they probably can’t afford another mistake.The 17-run defeat against India at the Sydney Showground means they flew to Perth on Saturday chastened and needing to find a balance between reflecting and moving on. The next two matches against Sri Lanka (at the WACA) and Bangladesh (in Canberra) be more comfortable affairs, which leaves the Trans-Tasman clash against New Zealand in Melbourne as a potentially mouth-watering occasion.”We love a bit of pressure, that’s fine,” Alyssa Healy said. “We always talk that you can’t go through this tournament undefeated. Obviously you don’t want to lose the first game, but you often take more out of a loss than a win so we’ll take all the positives and leave the negatives aside, one of the blessings of our crazy schedule is that we don’t have a lot of time to dwell on it.”Australia have never been beaten by Sri Lanka but they have the threat of Chamari Atapattu at the top of the order who takes her game to a new level when playing them. On last year’s tour she scored a T20I and ODI hundred which followed her magnificent unbeaten 178 at the 2017 World Cup.”We aren’t taking any team lightly, it’s a really tough pool, and we love that,” Healy said. “Charmari loves facing our attack, has hit us to all parts of the ground the last couple of years. We’ll prepare as best we can, get our plans in place, and if we do that we’ll be okay.”Australia favourites but India no pushover – Mithali RajFormer India captain Mithali Raj has backed the current team to give Australia a run for their money in the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Sydney on Friday.”Australia go in as favourites, but India will be no pushover,” she said in her ICC column. “They have some very talented players and I think it will be a very close, high-scoring game. Both teams have exciting players, particular in the batting units, and it will be a case of whoever can score the runs that their country need on the day.”I do think Australia have the advantage because of their T20 record and have a slightly better chance of winning the first game against India but no matter what, it’s going to be a very exciting way to open the tournament.”Raj, who played 10 Tests, 209 ODIs and 80 T20Is, said that more and more teams were now becoming competitive in the women’s game.”The gap between the top and bottom teams is closing. You can’t go by the practice matches alone, but it does give you a rough indication of how the tournament could play out. Take Sri Lanka beating England for example — there is a possibility that could happen again. When you see these scores, and tight games, there is so much more quality now in the game, even just since the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh can compete too.”Strano replaces Vlaeminck as Australia suffer big blowAustralia have called offspinner Molly Strano into their World Cup squad after it was confirmed that fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck would miss the tournament with a stress injury to her right foot.Vlaeminck reported pain in her foot, with scans revealing a stress response of the third metatarsal and signs of an early stress fracture of the navicular – a bone in the top inner side of the foot.”Tayla has been in brilliant form of late and established herself as one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket,” Australia coach Matthew Mott said, “No one ever wants to see a player miss a major tournament in these kinds of circumstances, but I have no doubt she will bounce back from this setback and play a leading role in Australian squads for many years to come.””We are fortunate to have great depth across Australian cricket and Molly enters the squad in great form having recently been named the domestic player of the year.”Strano has played five T20Is for Australia having debuted in 2017 and comes into the side off the back of a good season that saw her finish as the leading wicket-taker in the WBBL.Vlaeminck set to miss World CupAustralia fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck looks set to be ruled out of the T20 World Cup after picking up a foot injury just 48 hours before their opening match against India.Vlaeminck, one of the fastest bowlers in the game, was wearing a moon boot during a team function in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon. More information is expected when Australia train at Sydney Showgrounds on Thursday, but team-mates are preparing for the news to not be too good for Vlaeminck, who has previously suffered a torrid injury list and has had two knee reconstructions.”The medical staff are working through [it] but anything that requires a moon boot isn’t overly great,” Ellyse Perry said. “The whole squad has their fingers and toes crossed for Tay, but I don’t think it’s overly positive.”Vlaeminck, who made her T20I debut during the previous World Cup in the West Indies, took seven wickets in three matches during the recent triangular series with England and India, rattling batters from both sides with her pace which was set to prove a telling point of difference to Australia’s attack.England humbled during warm-up defeatChamari Atapattu inspired her Sri Lanka side to a surprise ten-wicket thrashing of England in both team’s final warm-up game before the tournament. England’s reshuffled batting line-up never got started, with Shashikala Siriwardene and Atapattu taking 4 for 22 and 3 for 21 respectively, before Atapattu crunched a 50-ball 78 to seal a ten-wicket win with 45 balls to spare.Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone in particular came in for some rough treatment, being hit for three sixes by Atapattu, while Freya Davies and Anya Shrubsole both proved expensive. While the game was not an official T20 international, Sri Lanka have never beaten England in the format, and have won only once in 15 completed ODIs against them, marking this out as a major upset.”It was a disappointing performance, but I’d rather we got it out of the way ahead of the World Cup,” said England’s captain Heather Knight. “Chamari batted really well for Sri Lanka and she just took the game away from us. It might give us a little kick up the backside, which might not be a bad thing.”We’re still in a good place. We’ve played a lot of good cricket over here and we need to take that into our first game against South Africa.”Kulasuriya cleared of serious injuryThere was a scary moment during Sri Lanka’s warm-up match against South Africa in Adelaide on Sunday when Achini Kulasuriya was struck on the head as she misjudged a catch as the two teams practiced a Super Over following the completion of their full game.Kulasuriya lay on the ground for a period of time as she was treated by medical staff before being taken off a stretcher and sent to hospital. However, she was released back to the team hotel later in the day without a serious injury.Speaking at the captain’s day in Sydney on Monday, Chamari Atapattu said Kulasuriya would miss Sri Lanka’s next warm-up match against England tomorrow but is expected to be fit for the start of the tournament itself when Sri Lanka face New Zealand in Perth.

Fielders move backward from 30-yard circle in anticipation of batsmen’s actions within the game’s laws

Matt Roller31-Jan-2020

The first two knockout games of the Big Bash League season have brought to light the opportunity for innovation in the field made possible by a law change in 2015.In Friday’s qualifier between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars, Moises Henriques was dismissed, caught at short fine leg, after Adam Zampa had taken several steps outside of the 30-yard circle immediately after Marcus Stoinis’ point of delivery. Henriques was visibly frustrated by the decision, and eventually walked off after a long third-umpire review.Similarly, in Thursday’s eliminator between Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes, Alex Hales backtracked from his position at mid-off, as one of four fielders inside the 30-yard circle, though Simon Milenko’s shot fell just short of him.Hales’ attempt initially led Ricky Ponting, commentating on Channel Seven’s broadcast, to suggest that such an action “is actually cheating”, adding that “anyone of us who have played the game, we know we’re not allowed to walk back in the field. It’s not against the rules but it’s against the spirit of the game”.But such innovation in the field is not only permitted, but actively encouraged by the MCC’s Laws of Cricket following a change made in 2015.According to the updated Law 28.6, which governs “movement by any fielder other than the wicketkeeper”, any movement by a fielder between the point of delivery and the ball reaching the striker is unfair except for the following: (28.6.1.1) minor adjustments to stance or position in relation to the striker’s wicket; (28.6.1.2) movement by any fielder, other than a close fielder, towards the striker or the striker’s wicket that does not significantly alter the position of the fielder; and (28.6.1.3) movement by any fielder in response to the stroke that the striker is playing or that his/her actions suggest he/she intends to play.The change was made to encourage “intelligent fielding” and “skilful anticipation”, according to MCC’s head of cricket John Stephenson. Previously, that movement would have resulted in a dead ball being called. The ICC had previously introduced a change into their own playing conditions in September 2014, which meant that a catch taken in an ODI by Steven Smith – which had him move from slip to leg slip in anticipation of a paddle sweep – was deemed legal.Since the BBL’s playing conditions dictate that the fielding restrictions only apply “at the instant of delivery”, Hales and Zampa were both permitted to move outside as soon as the ball had left the respective bowlers’ hands.Despite Ponting’s initial response following the catch last night, Hales defended his actions, saying: “I don’t think it’s bad sportsmanship at all.”I don’t think there is anything wrong with trying to anticipate and trying to get one step ahead of the batter. Once the ball is let go and you see the batsman swing, you can react in the field and come forward or back. I think it’s fine: it’s part-and-parcel of fielding, trying to anticipate.” Glenn Maxwell, speaking on the player mic, agreed with that verdict following Zampa’s catch, saying it was “very good fielding”.”As soon as you see a guy go to lap, he’s taken off straightaway, the batter’s probably predetermined that he’s going,” Maxwell said.The third umpire was unable to confirm precisely where Zampa was stood at the instant of delivery, due to a lack of a camera angle, which panned away from where he was positioned at short fine leg just as Stoinis entered his delivery stride. That meant that the on-field soft signal stood, and Henriques was given out.At the end of the innings, Zampa told Fox Sports that he couldn’t be sure where he was at the point of release: “It’s hard to say honestly. I saw him go back to ramp so I started sprinting. I actually wasn’t even watching the ball [in the bowler’s hand] I just watched the batsman and went back, so I don’t know. It would be hard to tell to be honest.”Maxwell termed it “smart fielding” on Zampa’s part. “They couldn’t find enough video evidence, I think, to overrule it. But I think it’s smart fielding. We do the same thing at cover and point, when you’re trying to read the batter and his footwork, you’re always running in the direction where you think the ball’s going. If Zamps is bowling a shorter ball, I’m looking to go squarer. It’s just anticipation – I thought it was really good fielding.”Ponting, too, appeared to have changed his verdict since Thursday’s incident.”What Glenn Maxwell’s said there is exactly right,” he said. “You are moving after the ball’s released. As long as you’re moving after the ball is released, then it’s fine.”

It has been yet another tough season for Everton, who have faced plenty of turmoil and are fighting for their future in the Premier League.

They have also faced hardships off the pitch, getting a total of eight points deducted due to a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. They were first docked ten points but appealed and managed to get it down to six, before being docked a further two at the start of April.

Despite their continued relegation battle, there has been one silver lining for Everton this season; the emergence of centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. The 21-year-old has broken through into their first team this season and has since become a key player under Sean Dyche.

Despite Everton's defensive woes, he has been one of the better defenders in the Premier League this season. This has led to transfer rumours linking him to the likes of Manchester United, although his £85m value could be a stumbling block, according to TEAMtalk.

Branthwaite has played 35 games in all competitions, including 29 in the top flight, and has become an integral player for the Toffees. He is a superb defender, using his 6 foot 5 frame to his advantage aerially, averaging 2.69 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, placing him in the 79th percentile, as per Fbref.

He is quick and can cover lots of the ground easily, making him a good defender in wide areas. Branthwaite averages 5.56 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, which also ranks him in the 79th percentile.

Not only that, but Branthwaite is a superb box defender. The 21-year-old reads the game superbly, and averages 1.61 interceptions per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, placing him in the top 9% of all centre-backs. Those are the kinds of crucial contributions that are vital for Everton this season.

Frustratingly for Dyche’s side, it remains to be seen if Branthwaite will be fully fit for their relegation six-pointer at home to Nottingham Forest this weekend, after he picked up an injury against Chelsea.

While the in-demand talent has resumed light training, there are a few other options at Dyche’s disposal to replace his main man at the back if needed…

1 The obvious option Michael Keane

With the injury to Branthwaite making things even tougher for Everton, Dyche could well turn to the experience of Michael Keane to sure things up at the back. The 31-year-old has not had many minutes for Everton this season, just 705 in all competitions to be specific.

When he replaced Branthwaite on Monday night at the 57-minute mark, it was Keane’s first appearance of 2024, with his last outing coming on the 30th of December during a 3-0 defeat away to Wolves.

However, despite a lack of game time so far this season, there is no doubting the plethora of experience that Keane will bring to the Everton side. Aside from his 211 Everton appearances, Keane also has 12 caps for England, most recently in November 2020.

He might not be the first choice at Goodison Park anymore, but Keane, who also played under Dyche at Burnley 108 times, could bring vital experience on Saturday. It could be exactly what Everton need in Branthwaite’s absence, as they look to get three crucial points against Forest this weekend.

2 The tactical tweak Amadou Onana

An alternative option Dyche has to replace Branthwaite on Sunday is Amadou Onana. Like Branthwaite’s form, the 22-year-old has been one of the only positives for the Toffees this season and has also been linked with a move away from Goodison Park. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Onana is valued between £50m and £60m by Everton.

Playing as a centre-back would not necessarily be a foreign thing to Onana; he has already played there five times in his career, although has not done so for Everton. In his entire club career, he has only played there for 331 minutes, although 180 of those came for Hoffenheim under-19s.

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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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With that being said, it might be the correct way to go for Dyche. As a pure defender, Onana is more than capable. According to Fbref, he averages 3.89 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 16%, and his 6.81 ball recoveries rank him in the top 20%.

Onana’s aerial duel numbers are wonderful. He has won 72.6% of aerial duels, which places him in the top 1%. The Belgian is an imposing figure, standing at 6 foot 4, and that certainly works in his favour should he slot in at centre-back this weekend.

On the ball, there are not too many qualms with Onana. He is a good progressive passer, and his 0.3 through balls per game, which rank him in the top 20%, could help Everton break the Forest press easier and get out from the back more efficiently.

There are certainly worse options Dyche could pick at centre-back than Onana. Given his experience playing there and the fact he is so good in the air works in his favour. It could well be a smart move for the Toffees on Sunday.

3 The wildcard option Reece Welch

The wildcard choice Dyche could make on Sunday is to pick exciting academy talent, Reece Welch. The 20-year-old has played twice for the first team already, although not since the 23rd of August 2022, and never in the Premier League.

Welch was described by The Athletic’s Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland as “composed” as far back as February 2022. He has been an exciting prospect for the Toffees for a number of years and has also shown good leadership qualities, having captained in academy football.

He spent the first half of the season on loan at Forest Green Rovers in League 2, where he played 23 times in all competitions before returning to Goodison Park. He has since played 90 minutes in eight games for Everton’s under-21s in the Premier League 2 after his return to the club.

Starting Welch would be a risk for Dyche, no doubt. However, he could give a chance to a youngster hoping to break into the first team, and potentially see him have an astronomical rise like Branthwaite has experienced.

Whichever option Dyche chooses, there will no doubt be a lot of pressure on the player, in one of Everton’s biggest games of the season. It is all to play for at Goodison on Sunday afternoon, with the winner pulling away from the relegation zone even more, and relieving pressure as the the business end of the season approaches.

Related Dyche must cash in on Everton star whose value has fallen by £16m

He’s been below par for Dyche’s side in recent weeks.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 19, 2024

The severity of Manchester City's 115 charges for breaching financial regulations has been somewhat overstated

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Man City to face 115 chargesCase expected to begin soon'115' charges inflatedWHAT HAPPENED?

The reigning Premier League champions are to face an inquiry around the 115 charges that have been levied against them, with the top-flight's CEO Richard Masters saying this week that the case could be heard in September.

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The sheer number of charges they are facing has resulted in many expecting a massive punishment if they are found guilty, but Ornstein has revealed to that a lot of them are simply duplicates. Each year they are said to have breached one rule counts as a separate charge, which could affect the severity of their punishment, instead of infringing different regulations.

"A lot of the alleged offenses are repeat, so that's helped inflate the number," Ornstein said. "A lot of people go 'wow, 115 separate charges'. That's not the case. Because of the time span, it's year after year of the same thing, including non-compliance and alleged inflating of sponsorships artificially with the help of their ownership being disguised."

DID YOU KNOW?

Having seen Everton and Nottingham Forest hit with points deductions for breaking financial rules last season, many are calling for City to be relegated from the Premier League if they are found guilty of all 115 charges. However, while the case is set to go ahead soon, it could be a long process before a final decision is made on the club's fate.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

City will challenge the charges and will likely appeal against a decision should they be found guilty, meaning the situation could stretch out until beyond the 2024-25 season. Before the case begins, though, they will start their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a game against Chelsea.