New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum believed an early burst of wickets and tight bowling in the afternoon session from Sri Lanka’s spinners cornered the visitors into reticence on day one, despite having suggested they would target Sri Lanka’s bowling before the match. The captain Ross Taylor had said his side would look to employ a belligerent approach against spin in the first Test, but New Zealand were cautious throughout much of their innings, scoring at only 2.66 in the 82.5 overs they faced.Shaminda Eranga dismissed Martin Guptill and Kane Willamson in the sixth over, before Taylor fell to Nuwan Kulasekara in the ninth to leave New Zealand at 40 for 3, leaving McCullum and Daniel Flynn little choice but to rebuild steadily. Their partnership of 90 – New Zealand’s highest of the day – came in 198 deliveries, before scoring almost ground to a standstill in the second session after McCullum departed.”Our mindset was still very much being aware of the fact that the ball was turning, and the game situation as well played on our minds as we were 3 for 60 when spin came on,” McCullum said at the end of the day’s play. “Until my dismissal we were going pretty well. At that point Rangana Herath, who is a very good bowler, managed to seize the initiative and prize out some wickets from us. They probably looked up at the scoreboard after I got out and saw an opportunity where it was pretty delicately poised and I think they stepped up really well during that stage and put a lot of pressure on.”Flynn and James Franklin progressed at less than a run an over during their 13-over association, with Franklin making 3 from 43 deliveries. None of New Zealand’s batsmen who made more than a dozen runs had a strike rate of more than 60, and the highest economy rate among the Sri Lanka’s bowlers was 3.66 for Angelo Mathews, who only delivered three overs.”From our point of view, when we are under pressure, we probably need to be more positive and grab the situation rather than let the opposition dictate terms,” McCullum said. “I thought Daniel and myself were efficient against them. We were picking them up nicely and attacking the balls that they did miss on. We were putting them under pressure for periods of time, we just weren’t able to do that for long enough.”Herath and Randiv bowled 51 overs between them for 127 runs, inducing plenty of turn from the Galle pitch despite it being the first day of the Test. Randiv was instrumental in subduing Flynn and Franklin during their partnership, as he spun it sharply away from both left handers from around the wicket, and Herath finished the innings with 5 wickets for 65 – his fourth five-wicket haul in as many matches at the venue. McCullum however, did not fault the surface for a New Zealand batting performance he described as disappointing.”Absolutely no blame on the pitch. At Galle when you win the toss and bat first, you’re after a total in excess of 400. We weren’t able to do that today, but I thought the pitch was good. It turned a lot more than we probably anticipated it would on day one of a Test match, but that’s what you expect when you come over to the subcontinent.”It didn’t turn and bite, it was slow turn and we expect that that turn will become quicker as the Test goes on and we’ve got Jeetan and a couple of other guys who can bowl spin. With our seamers, our ability to reverse swing the ball, which we saw from some of their guys today, will probably be our main weapon of attack.”The first Test began just five days after the limited-overs leg of the tour finished, but McCullum said the lack of time for a warm-up match had not affected New Zealand’s batting greatly.”In this day and age you get used to having to chop and change between various formats. Over half our squad have been at home playing four-day cricket as well, so they’re very well prepared. The rest of us are pretty adaptable in terms of having to change between formats.”New Zealand picked three seam bowlers in their attack, and will rely on wickets with the new ball to prevent Sri Lanka from taking a first-innings lead. Tim Southee and Trent Boult swung the ball considerably in five overs near the close of day one, with Southee removing debutant Dimuth Karunaratne for a duck with a hooping inswinger.”We’ve got a big first hour in the morning to try and expose the Sri Lankan middle order and if we can do that, today’s misfortune will be a little bit easier to handle,” McCullum said.

Jonathan Trott has said that he would prefer to stay at No.3 during England’s Test series in India after the late inclusion of Kevin Pietersen had encouraged debate about whether he should be asked to open the innings.Andrew Strauss’ retirement from Test cricket had left England contemplating a choice between two uncapped openers – Yorkshire’s Joe Root and Nick Compton of Somerset – alongside Alastair Cook at the top of the order.But the addition of Pietersen to the squad after his long-standing dispute with the England hierarchy was settled has given England the option of opening with Trott, tried and trusted, and giving Pietersen the No.3 spot that he has made his own in averaging more than 50 over 34 Tests, but whose form has faltered in the past year.”I’ve enjoyed batting No.3 in my career, since my second Test match when I was put in that position, and I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job there,” Trott told . “But, if asked to open I’d have to – or I’d like to – do what the team wants me to. No.3 is my preference but we’ll just have to wait and see. I don’t think it will come to that.”With Pietersen then likely to bat at No.4 and Ian Bell regarded as a certainty in the top six, retaining Trott at three would leave Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow and Samit Patel vying for the final batting spot.Trott became the latest player to voice support for Pietersen’s return after a 73-day exile following his outburst after the end of the Headingley Test against South Africa that he might have played his last Test for England.”Kevin is a world-class player and if you want to be a successful team you need your best players playing,” Trott said. “As long as everything has been straightened out between Kevin, the ECB and the management squad then hopefully everything can be laid to bed – and I think everything has been.”We had our meetings with him – I think that’s been widely reported – and everything went pretty smoothly. I’ve never really had any problem with Kev, I’ve always enjoyed playing with him and it’s time to get back playing some good cricket.”

It’s been a few weeks of pure progress at Old Trafford. Things couldn’t have gone much better since the departure of Jose Mourinho, with the Red Devils winning every game so far under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It’s clear that the manager still has a lot of work to do as he looks to move Man Utd into a new era, but so far, it’s been brilliant for the boss.

There’s a sense that Man Utd are slowly moving away from the chaos that has dominated everything at Old Trafford since the departure of Sir Alx Ferguson. Under the likes of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and even Jose Mourinho, it’s been relative chaos at the club, and only now has calmness been restored, with the club now speeding away from that period.

Yet, there are still some relics of the past at Old Trafford, though Man Utd are apparently closing in the removal of one of them. According to the Guardian, Man Utd are in advanced talks with Juventus regarding the sale of Matteo Damian, with the defender seemingly closing in on a return to Italy.

It’s fair to say that Darmian’s run at Man Utd has been a bit of a disappointment. He’s struggled to make a name for himself at Old Trafford, and he’s never really held down a regular starting berth at the club. He’s clearly got talent, but a lack of overall quality and consistency – combined with a bit of bad luck – has proven to be his downfall.

Man Utd are moving on, and with players like Diogo Dalot now in the side, a new era is dawning.

Thoughts?

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Former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed interim Manchester United manager as a replacement for the sacked Jose Mourinho, on December 19th. The club’s official statement was clear that Solskjaer would be in charge until the end of the current campaign.

However, Solskjaer’s fine start to life in charge at Old Trafford has led to speculation that he could, and perhaps should, be given the job permanently. 

Football FanCast’s Billy Meyers and Will Jones debate both sides of the argument in what is fast becoming the ultimate question for United – whether Solskjaer should be given the job on a full-time basis.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

For – Billy Meyers

Eight wins from his first eight games followed by a draw against Burnley, star men performing to their maximum without the shackles of Mourinho’s football holding them back – it is hard to argue against Solskjaer being appointed as Manchester United manager on a permanent basis.

If The Telegraph’s report is to be believed, and Mauricio Pochettino is the only target in the Red Devils’ sights, then it is probably best that they do turn their attentions elsewhere anyway, as by my reckoning it is highly unlikely that the Argentine will leave Tottenham.

Even if he does become available, there is something about what Solskjaer has brought back to Old Trafford that resonates deeply with the fanbase; a focus on young players, playing attacking football, and believing that you can beat anyone and win anything.

It is an ethos that they have severely lacked since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and by appointing Solskjaer, they would at least be putting the building blocks in place for that mentality to return.

Against – Will Jones

Solskjaer has undeniably impressed in his short time in the Old Trafford hot-seat. However, the club should not get carried away with themselves and begin planning to offer him the post on a permanent basis.

After all, taking a highly-talented but underperforming group and giving them confidence and instructions to play with freedom is one thing, but applying a long-term strategy to return United to the top of the English game is quite another.

So far, Solskjaer has done a good job in a relatively pressure-free environment, as he has not had to deal with the weight of any expectation. Once he has the job full-time, that will all change. His previous managerial record doesn’t suggest he’s up to the task of truly competing at that level.

So, which side of the debate do you stand on United fans? Let us know by commenting below…

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Everton want to sign Basel defence Eray Comert but may need to battle Arsenal for his signature this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

What’s the story, then?

Everton are expected to be fairly active in this summer’s transfer window as they look to take another step forward.

According to the Daily Mail, the Toffees have a long-standing interest in Basel defender Comert and considered making a £7m bid last month.

There was no offer from the Merseyside outfit during the January transfer window, but the report has claimed that Marco Silva’s team are still keen on bringing Comert to Goodison Park ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign – describing their interest as ‘concrete’.

However, the fact that the 21-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of next season means that a number of clubs are bound to be closely monitoring developments.

Everton have had their problems defensively this season and the arrival of Comert could well push Michael Keane out of the door, with the former Manchester United youngster struggling to produce his best form since arriving at the club.

Who is Eray Comert?

Comert joined Basel’s youth system in 2009 and progressed through the various age groups before making his first-team debut in February 2016.

In all, the Switzerland Under-21 international has made 30 appearances for Basel, with 23 of those coming this season.

The defender was an ever present in the Swiss outfit’s XI this season before picking up a minor injury last month.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal scouts have ‘regularly’ watched Comert this season with a view to a move this summer.

However, Everton must win the race to sign the 6ft ace, who could become a very solid Premier League defender over the next few years.

قرر وفد الزمالك المكلف بالتعاقد مع مدير فني أجنبي جديد لخلافة باتريس كارتيرون السفر للبرتغال من أجل التفاوض مع جايمي باتشيكو المدير الفني السابق للقلعة البيضاء.

وكان كارتيرون قرر الرحيل عن الزمالك، فجأة وتمسك بقراره، علي  الرغم من محاولات رئيس القلعة البيضاء والمسئولين في بقاء المدرب الفرنسي.

وشكل مرتضي منصور رئيس النادي وفدا مكونا من إسماعيل يوسف وفاروق جعفر وأمير مرتضى منصور وأحمد مرتضى منصور، للبحث عن مدير فني أجنبي جديد.

طالع أيضًا.. الزمالك يصدر بيانًا رسميًا بشأن طلب كارتيرون فسخ عقده

وعلم بطولات من مصدر داخل الزمالك أن وفد الزمالك قرر التفاوض مع باتشيكو بعد ارتفاع أسهمه على حساب فيريرا المدرب السابق للفريق أيضاً، ويأتي ترجيح كفة باتشيكو في الوقت الحالي بسبب عامل السن.

وتابع: “كما ارتفعت أسهم المدرب البرتغالي لأنه يعتمد علي المدرسة التدريبية التي تتناسب في الوقت الحالي مع فريق الزمالك، ذلك علي عكس فيريرا الذي يعتمد على المدرسة الهجومية بشكل أكبر”.

طالع أيضًا.. بالتفاصيل.. كارتيرون يكشف أسباب الرحيل عن الزمالك ويرفض محاولات مرتضى منصور

وأضاف: “ووضع مسئولو الزمالك في حساباتهم ملامح الفريق الفنية مع كارتيرون التي كانت تعتمد على المدرسة الدفاعية بشكل أكبر وهو ما يتوفر في باتشيكو”.

وأوضح: “طرح اسم باتشيكو كان يلقى عدم قبول من مرتضى منصور رئيس النادي، في بداية الأمر بسبب الخلافات السابقة بينهما”.

وأردف: “وتدخل إسماعيل يوسف عضو مجلس الإدارة، الذي أكد لرئيس النادي على قدرات المدرب بعد أن عمل معه كمدير للكرة كما دعم اسم المدرب فاروق جعفر وأمير مرتضى”.

وأكمل: “كما زادت اسهم المدرب في ظل عدم ارتباطه بناد في الوقت الحالي بعد رحيله عن نادي تيانجين تيدا الصيني”.

واختتم: “كما سيتم فتح التفاوض مع فيريرا أثناء تواجد الوفد في البرتغال لمعرفة موقفه هو الآخر في حالة عدم التوصل إلى اتفاق مع باتشيكو”.

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Loads of Wolves fans have been reacting to a big update from the club, as Romain Saiss has signed a new contract at Molineux.

Saiss has penned a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2021, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The 28 year-old, who joined from French outfit Angers in 2016, was a crucial part of last season’s promotion campaign, and he has been no slouch this term either.

With Wolves sitting pretty in seventh place in the Premier League – perhaps what some may call “the best of the rest” – the 27-cap Morocco international has featured 13 times in the league, scoring twice, and also made five cup appearances.

Similarly to talisman Conor Coady, Saiss can play in various positions in midfield and defence, and his toughness, professionalism and versatility make him a very useful player to have around the squad.

Fans are delighted with the news, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

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Newcastle United fell to another demoralising defeat on Saturday, as they were beaten 2-0 by Watford in the FA Cup fourth round.

The Magpies are 17th in the Premier League and now have no chance of lifting silverware this season, while they have also yet to invest in the January transfer market.

On the chalkboard

Benitez picked a rotated XI against the Hornets, naming Joselu as his lone striker.

The 28-year-old has scored three goals this season, the last of which came in the FA Cup third round victory over Blackburn Rovers. His other two came in August, in defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Perhaps he was picked on the back of his display against Rovers, but there is little about Joselu that marks him out as a first-choice centre-forward.

Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…

Salomon Rondon is first-choice at St James’ Park, and he has netted six times already this season. Indeed, he did not play in the FA Cup and now will not get the chance.

Benitez could well be politicking, choosing to play games as he attempts to convince Mike Ashley, the club’s tight-fisted owner, to finally dip into the transfer market this month.

The Magpies have roundly failed to add to their squad and The Telegraph has reported that the former Liverpool boss will leave if Ashley does not sign two players before the deadline.

Desperate times call for desperate measures

If Benitez really did play politics with the FA Cup, supporters are sure to be furious.

Joselu is not, and has never been, a first-choice striker in English football.

During his spell with Stoke City, he scored just four goals in 27 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

Never has a stronger message been sent to a boardroom; playing the player so ill-suited to a role that Benitez may well have sent ten men out to face Watford.

And, yet again, Newcastle will not be winning any silverware this season.

It is not Joselu’s fault, of course; he has been told to do a job and continues to try to do his best, but he finds himself at the centre of an apparent power play.

It remains to be seen if that will pay off and whether we will see any new faces arrive at St James’ Park in the next few days.

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Everton marked a return to form with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday. A well-taken brace for Gylfi Sigurdsson and a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike sealed the points for the Toffees against the Welsh outfit.

Marco Silva believes that this result can give his side some momentum heading into Sunday’s all-important Merseyside derby.

What he said

As quoted by The Mirror, Silva said: “I hope the Cardiff result can give us the boost we need and we all want to achieve a good result again on Sunday.”

Who have been the biggest title race bottlers? Liverpool? Spurs? The Pl>ymaker FC squad discuss in the video below…

Everton will be keen to secure a rare triumph over their bitter local rivals. Victory for Silva’s men at Goodison Park this weekend would also severely damage Liverpool’s title chances.

Mind games

Jurgen Klopp’s league-leaders head into this crunch encounter with so much on the line. If Manchester City beat Bournemouth on Saturday, and Liverpool then fail to win against Everton, then the Reds will fall behind the reigning champions in the Premier League title race.

The fact that Silva feels his side have received a boost going into this game must be a worry for Liverpool fans. The pressure is already hugely on the visitors, the last thing they need is for their rivals to be on a high heading into the game.

Silva will hope that his words have the effect of unnerving the undoubtedly already edgy visitors before the match. Certainly, from his perspective, guiding Everton to victory would make him an overnight hero to the Goodison faithful.

The January transfer window is now closed with Jurgen Klopp opting to not make a single signing at Liverpool.

The Reds failed to move seven points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table after lumbering to a draw at home against Leicester. Although the Citizens have a difficult run of fixtures in the coming weeks, the title race looks set to go down to the wire. Nevertheless, Klopp believes in his current squad of players to end Liverpool’s 29 year wait for a league crown.

Having not spent in January, the German is surely again expected to strengthen his squad heavily when the window reopens in the summer. Klopp should have a significant budget available to him as well as funds generated through sales. One area the Reds should look to strengthen is their attack.

One man who could be a wonderful addition to the team is Napoli hitman – Arkadiusz Milik. Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old has been a regular goal scorer in the Serie A since leaving Ajax in 2016. The Poland international remains a key player at the club after finally recovering from a long-term injury.

Milik has been quick to make up for lost time in the current campaign, flourishing under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership. The forward has found the back of the net 11 times in just 13 Serie A starts this season highlighting his deadly finishing ability. Adding his attacking qualities to a forward line consisting of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane would be devastating.

Milik excels at leading the line meaning he would slot seamlessly into Klopp’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation – his arrival would also allow Salah to switch to his favoured right wing role.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?