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Jogando em Aparecida de Goiânia-GO, o Coritiba fez o simples e venceu o Vila Nova por 1 a 0, em confronto válido pela 5ª rodada do Brasileirão Série B, neste sábado (19). Tendo entrado minutos antes de marcar, Igor Paixão foi o autor do único gol do confronto. A vitória deixa o Coxa no 8° lugar, enquanto o Tigre aparece na 13ª posição momentânea.

Os dois times voltam a campo na terça-feira (22). O Vila Nova visita o Confiança, às 16h30. Já o Coritiba recebe o Vitória no Couto Pereira, às 21h30. As duas partidas valem pela 6ª rodada do Brasileirão Série B.

Começo equilibrado
Os primeiros movimentos no Aníbal Toledo foram de muito estudo de lado a lado. Mais com a bola, o Coritiba tentou ditar o ritmo da partida, mas se viu diante de um Vila Nova muito bem postado defensivamente e que logo equilibrou os números.

Com os caminhos fechados, Gustavo Bochecha tentou abrir o placar de longe. Contudo, pegou errado na bola, que subiu e foi embora pela linha de fundo, sem maiores perigos para Gerogemy. Do lado goiano, Arthur Rezende e Kelvin tentaram chutes da intermediária, que pararam em defesas tranquilas de Wilson.

Georgemy evita o pior
A partida seguiu com as duas equipes tentando ter a maior posse de bola e criar as suas ações ofensivas. Como resultado da disputa igual, o duelo ficou parado na metade do campo, com poucos lances de perigo.

Em uma das raras escapadas em velocidade do Coritiba, Georgemy fez milagre para evitar que o Coxa abrisse o placar. Valdeci arriscou uma bomba de longe, e o goleiro do Vila salvou de mão trocada.

Sustos de lado a lado
​A igualdade dentro do confronto ficou ainda mais evidente no número de finalizações no 1° tempo. Se Georgemy salvou um chute perigoso pelo lado do Vila Nova, Wilson teve que aparecer para evitar o gol de Alesson. Aos 34 minutos, o atacante recebeu cruzamento de Kelvin e cabeceou para defesa do goleiro. Na sobra, Henrique colocou em escanteio.

O Coritiba voltou a assustar após uma sobra de bola na área. Guilherme Biro emendou chute cruzado, mas tanto Luciano Castán quanto Dalberto não conseguiram completar. Por fim, Wilson precisou aparecer de novo para salvar o Coxa. Nos acréscimos da etapa inicial, Pedro Júnior soltou uma bomba da intermediária. O goleiro caiu no canto esquerdo e evitou o pior para os paranaenses.

Jogo volta sonolento do intervalo
A volta do intervalo não foi benéfica para nenhuma das equipes. Com as defesas compactas, os ataques de ambos se viram limitados, com os centroavantes recebendo poucas bolas.

Além do bom posicionamento defensivo de cada clube, os meias se viram limitados a passes de lado e pouco arriscaram jogadas agudas. Na única finalização dos 15 minutos iniciais do 2° tempo, Valdeci mandou por cima do gol de Georgemy, sem perigo.

Para consagrar o treinador
​Diante do baixo rendimento dos seus jogadores em campo, Gustavo Morínigo mexeu em bloco, trocando peças e dando novo fôlego ao ataque dos paranaenses.

Apesar do momento dos mandantes parecer melhor, aos 28 minutos, Waguininho recebeu pela direita e tocou para Igor Paixão. O camisa 98 dominou sem marcação e bateu cruzado, sem chances para Georgemy, abrindo o placar em Goiás. Tanto o responsável pelo passe quanto o autor do gol foram mudanças promovidas por Morínigo momentos antes.

Coritiba administra o confronto
​O gol fez o Coritiba se fechar no campo defensivo e deixar a bola mais com o Vila Nova. Quando teve a posse, o Coxa optou por trocar passes de lado, enquanto a equipe adversária subia a marcação, tentando forçar o erro ou o chutão.

A busca pelo empate fez com que Wagner Lopes trocasse seus dois homens de lado de campo, tentando dar mais velocidade e intensidade nos minutos finais. Entretanto, o Tigre encontrou uma barreira verde e branca, que não permitiu o gol.

FICHA TÉCNICA
​VILA NOVA 0 X 1 CORITIBA
Local: Estádio Aníbal Toledo, em Aparecida de Goiânia-GO
Data/Horário: 19 de junho de 2021, às 21h
​Árbitro:Ivan da Silva Guimarães Júnior (AM)
Assistentes:Marcos Santos Vieira (AM) eUesclei Regison Pereira dos Santos (AM)
Gol: Igor Paixão (28’/2°T) (0-1)
​Cartões Amarelos: Rafinha, Gustavo Bochecha (Coritiba)

VILA NOVA: Georgemy, Pedro Bambu, Renato Silveira, Walisson Maia e Willian Formiga; Deivid (João Pedro, aos 35’/2°T), Arthur Rezende e Renan Mota (Cássio Gabriel, aos 19’/2°T); Alesson (Matheus Porto, aos 40’/2°T), Pedro Júnior (Cardoso, aos 0’/2°T) e Kelvin (Fernandinho, aos 40’/2°T). Técnico: Wagner Lopes.
​
CORITIBA: Wilson, Igor, Henrique, Luciano Castán e Guilherme Biro; Gustavo Bochecha (Val, aos 16’/2°T), Matheus Sales (Willian Farias, aos 16’/2°T) e Rafinha (Robinho, aos 38’/2°T); Valdeci (Igor Paixão, aos 16’/2°T), Léo Gamalho e Dalberto (Waguininho, aos 23’/2°T). Técnico: Gustavo Morínigo.

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Ex-Chelsea star William Gallas slammed the club's transfer strategy and claimed Enzo Maresca wouldn't be able to manage potential target Jadon Sancho.

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• Gallas slams Chelsea's transfer strategy
• Claimed Maresca won't be able to manage Sancho
• Criticised Blues for signing too many goalkeepers

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ex-France international warned Chelsea against reviving their interest in Manchester United's Sancho as he feels that new Blues boss Maresca would not be able to handle his personality. Earlier in the summer, Sancho was briefly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, however, the west London side quickly rejected the idea.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gallas went on to criticise Chelsea over their transfer strategy as he questioned their decision to sign goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal while having experienced custodians like Robert Sanchez and Kepa Arrizabalaga in their roster.

• WHAT WILLIAM GALLAS SAID

  Speaking to Lord Ping, the 46-year-old said: "Arsenal would steer clear of Jadon Sancho because although he has a lot of quality, he isn’t consistent enough and that’s a problem. It’s the same issue at Chelsea but I don’t know if Enzo Maresca would be able to manage a player like that."

  He added: "I’m speechless. What can I say about Chelsea signing another goalkeeper, why are they doing it? What for? Why do they think they need another goalkeeper? It’s ridiculous, they have spent so much money and are still spending more. It’s sending a message to their current goalkeepers that they aren’t good enough. Chelsea should be looking at experienced defenders and a striker, that’s what they need to focus on."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The English giants will play their last pre-season friendly this Sunday against Inter at Stamford Bridge before kicking off their new season against Manchester City on August 18.

Jurgen Klopp and all his acolytes at Liverpool breathed a voluble sigh of relief and revelled in the speciality first pumps as the Reds emerged from Craven Cottage with three points and a (mostly) confident performance.

A thrilling campaign, promising so much in Klopp's final hour, dissipated into dust after successive blows against Manchester United at Old Trafford and bleak Anfield defeats against Atalanta and Crystal Palace, resulting in a surprise Europa League exit and Manchester City's ascent to pole position in the Premier League.

But against Fulham on Sunday, a much-shuffled Liverpool side secured a big win ahead of a pivotal week of top-flight action, with away trips to Everton in the Merseyside derby and West Ham United next weekend looming.

Winning against an organised Fulham side has taken Liverpool back into second place with five matches to play, though Klopp's team is behind Arsenal on goal difference and ahead of Manchester City having played a game extra, Pep Guardiola's squad on FA Cup duty last weekend.

Ryan Gravenberch's sublime strike after the break restored the lead after the break, while the clinical Diogo Jota scored to make it 3-1 yet again, but it was the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to the starting line-up in the Premier League that set Liverpool on their way. He's back. And it is glorious.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance vs Crystal Palace

He has been out injured for much of 2024 but if ever Liverpool and English football needed a reminder of Alexander-Arnold's elite ball-striking ability it was his stunning free-kick after 32 minutes, his nonchalant shrugging celebration an illustration of his unwavering belief in his ability.

As per FBref, the England international ranks among the top 7% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 1% for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 2% for progressive passes and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, remarkable numbers really for a man allegedly playing in a defensive position. His role is anything but, however.

Indeed, his goal against Fulham has also taken his seasonal tally up to three goals and nine assists from just 24 appearances in all competitions, with pundit Jamie Carragher even remarking that "it's like having Kevin De Bruyne at right-back" during his post-match discussion with Sky Sports.

He's such a distinctive, near-unstoppable threat at his best, and while he didn't produce the perfect performance, occasionally caught out in defence, the Reds vice-captain's return is an ominous sign that Liverpool will fight with fire to snatch at any hiccups from title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.

But Alexander-Arnold wasn't the most important cog against Marco Silva's disciplined outfit – nor were fellow goalscorers Jota and Gravenberch. Neither, in fact, was Harvey Elliott the star of the show, albeit the young and versatile playmaker put in another excellent showing.

Wataru Endo, while out of sorts recently, is now undroppable after showcasing his quality in golden light, proving his worth in the anchoring midfield role.

Why Wataru Endo is now undroppable

Endo has been one of the shrewdest signings of the Klopp era, joining from German club Stuttgart in a surprise £16m deal last August, Liverpool having bitterly lost out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.

Having established himself as a hard-working cog in the machine, he's soaked up the playing style and largely worked successfully to charge a resurgent side seeking title glory.

Minutes played

90'

Touches

86

Accurate passes

69/76 (91%)

Tackles

1

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Duels won

6/14

Dribble attempts

2/2

Possession lost

10x

Endo might have struggled to impress in recent weeks but then so too have the lion's share of the Liverpool squad, and this return to form came in no small part from the 31-year-old's revived constitution in the middle.

And against Fulham, he was so impressive as he fought with fervour and composure to maintain the Reds' control, completing 91% of his passes and taking more touches than both Elliott and Gravenberch – his starting central midfield peers.

While he lost possession ten times and only won six of his 14 contested duels, Endo has demonstrated once again the value of deploying a midfielder with the sole purpose of sweeping up possession and ensuring his teammates have a solid foundation from which they can build.

Alexis Mac Allister was rested for this one, likely with Klopp eyeing the key week to come, and while he is an immense and dynamic player who averages three tackles and 6.2 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore, there is no question that his influential attributes are better placed higher up the pitch, where he has demonstrated his goalscoring and creative skills to emphatic effect in recent fixtures.

Liverpool Echo correspondent Ian Doyle was inclined to hand the Japanese a joint-match-high rating of 8/10, writing: 'Occasional issues keeping the ball in opening stages but always looked to get Liverpool on the attack, before really stepping up second half and key to fine showing. Won ball and moved it on quickly.'

He adds steel and security to the midfield operation and as Klopp's Liverpool enters its final few matches, this industrious No. 6 will be vital in doing the groundwork to allow those ahead of him to flourish in a more grabby, crowd-pleasing sense, striking and creating in the final third.

While Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones will be pushing for recalls at Goodison Park on Wednesday night – an encounter that will be fiery and furious – Endo must retain his starting berth.

His solvent-like quality at the base of the midfield opens up the success of his peers, and given the burning desire that is going to be on display from Sean Dyche's Toffees, his settling effect in the centre will surely be worth keeping him in the mix.

How quickly things can change in football. Liverpool have been pumped with a fresh wave of optimism and energy, though now the hard task lies in sustaining it.

7/10 star could be Liverpool's new secret weapon in the title race

Jurgen Klopp provided the Reds rotation option with a rare chance to impress against Fulham.

ByDan Emery Apr 21, 2024

قاد إيرلينج هالاند منتخب النرويج لتحقيق فوز كبير على نظيره كازاخستان بنتيجة 5/0، في إطار منافسات دوري الأمم الأوروبية.

وواجه منتخب النرويج خصمه المنتخب الكازاخستاني، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من منافسات المجموعة الثالثة في المستوى الثاني من دوري الأمم الأوروبية على ملعب “أوليفول”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. فيديو | إنجلترا تكتسح أيرلندا بخماسية نظيفة في دوري الأمم الأوروبية

وقع المهاجم النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند على أول أهداف المباراة بحلول الدقيقة 23.

وعاد هالاند ليوقع على ثاني أهداف النرويج بضربة رأسية من صناعة أنطونيو نوسا بحلول الدقيقة 37.

وجاء هدف النرويج الثالث عند الدقيقة 41 عن طريق ألكسندر سولورث.

وبصناعة من باتريك بيرج، وقع هالاند على الهاتريك ورابع أهداف منتخب النرويج عند الدقيقة 71.

واختتم أنطونيو نوسا أهداف المباراة بتسجيله للهدف الخامس لصالح أصحاب الأرض بحلول الدقيقة 76.

وبهذه النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد منتخب النرويج إلى النقطة 13 في صدارة ترتيب المجموعة الثالثة، بينما تجمد رصيد كازاخستان عند نقطة واحدة في المركز الأخير. هاتريك هالاند في مرمي كازاخستان بدوري الامم الاوروبية

On Sunday, Manchester United's co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe embarked on his journey to complete the famous London Marathon.

He crossed the line in four hours and 30 minutes but somehow that would not have been the most stressful and strenuous task of his day.

Just an hour later he was at Wembley for the club's FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry, a match that very nearly ended in tears for the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag's men were cruising. 3-0 up and coasting into a showpiece final with rivals, Manchester City, their Championship opposition staged one of the most amazing comebacks we've seen in football.

Truth be told, United should have lost. The encounter went to extra time and as we ticked into the 121st minute, it looked as though Mark Robins' team had stolen a remarkable place in the final.

Cue VAR. Dreaded VAR. Damn you VAR for robbing us of one of the greatest upsets in this great competition's history. Alas, the goal was ruled out for offside and to penalties we went. Casemiro stepped up first but was his spot-kick saved. Surely not? Thankfully not for those in red. United still made it through, by the skin of their teeth.

It is a second final in as many seasons for Ten Hag who notably lifted the Carabao Cup last term. However, should that save him? Arguably not. This United team looks like a sinking ship under the Dutchman and the new ownership must look to get rid this summer, regardless of whether a trophy is brought home.

Where it's gone wrong for Erik ten Hag

How long is a piece of string? Ten Hag arrived in English football with a fine reputation from his days with Ajax but it's safe to say he is not doing a great job this term.

The 20-time English champions may well be into the final of the FA Cup but they have been miles off for large parts of the campaign. They failed to make it through the Champions League group stages and are now seventh in the Premier League, a whopping 16 points off a place at Europe's top table next season.

Finishing in the top four should be a bare minimum for any manager at United. This is one of football's great institutions and they should be challenging for the title.

Sadly, they are a great distance from even being close to that. There are few signs it'll get better in the future either.

Yes, they have suffered long-term injuries to both Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez but that shouldn't alter the way the entire team plays.

Defensively is where they are sorely lacking, however. The Old Trafford club have staggeringly conceded seven goals in injury time of matches since the beginning of February. That could well be seen as bad luck, but it isn't.

Indeed, Ten Hag's defensive methods leave plenty to be desired. According to Understat, Man United are the fifth worst side in the Premier League as far as expected goals (xGA) are concerned with a haul of 63.61. To put that into context, the only sides worse in that department are Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United – the three teams in the relegation zone – and West Ham.

If you're seeking the best result in the division then look no further than Arsenal whose xGA sits at just 25.89. The disparity between the two figures is incredible.

They're not very good at scoring goals either. United may well have found the net three times at Wembley on Sunday evening but in the league, they rank 12th for expected goals (xG) with 50.36. That's even worse than lowly Everton who have been bravely fighting against relegation.

The stats don't paint a pretty picture, and then there are the substitutions. Just before Coventry's comeback started to gather speed, Ten Hag withdrew Garnacho for the ever-dull Antony. Then, at 3-1, off came Kobbie Mainoo, replaced by the ageing Christian Eriksen.

Yes, they should still have been able to see out of the game but it said a lot that the Dutch manager was willing to sacrifice two of his most vibrant players this season.

Omari Forson and Amad Diallo were both introduced in extra time, but by that point, it was too late.

Ten Hag was already fighting for his job before this remarkable encounter at Wembley, but he should really be feeling the pressure now.

Criticism is mounting; Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News even went as far as to hand him a 1/10 rating for how the semi-final played out. Harsh? Yes. But either way, Ten Hag has to go. They are only falling further and further behind the Premier League's best outfits.

Man Utd lining up a potentially "incredible" Erik ten Hag replacement

He will be available for free this summer.

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 16, 2024

England will be keen to hit back after narrowest of defeats handed the hosts a 1-0 series lead

The Preview by Valkerie Baynes13-Feb-2020

Big pictureWell, here we are again, and that’s not meant in a ho-hum, repetitive sense, but rather in the enticing, stay-tuned-for-the-next-episode tone of a trilogy that promises to be a cracker if the cliffhanger first installment is any guide. The tension of South Africa’s one-run victory, achieved on the last ball of the contest in East London, hung largely on England’s collapse in the face of some brilliant death bowling by Lungi Ngidi.But the threads of a gripping tale were woven earlier in the hosts’ failure to capitalise on a flying start which saw them reach 105 for the loss of just one wicket off the first 10 overs before managing just 30 runs in the next five and 42 after that. England welcomed the return of Jason Roy, whose 70 off 38 balls made the pursuit of 178 for victory look infinitely achievable, while captain Eoin Morgan contributed 52 off 34 before he was left “fuming” with himself for holing out and leaving his side needing seven off the last over. Cue Ngidi’s nerveless display in which he conceded just five runs and claimed two wickets before Adil Rashid was run out on the last ball.So here we are, with South Africa claiming a 1-0 series lead, just as they did in the ODI series, which ended up 1-1 after rain forced the abandonment of the second match in Durban, the site of their next encounter, and England hit back in the final match. There is no doubt the tourists will come out fighting again on Friday. The fact that they only lost by one run – and Morgan acknowledged that Ngidi was the difference – will allow England to back themselves to put things right.But while England are the stronger side on paper, there is something to be said for the confidence boost such a win will give to a relatively inexperienced South Africa side. Should England level the series at Kingsmead, there is a sense that the hosts will enter the finale in Johannesburg on a less-than-level pegging in the self-belief stakes. Don’t forget, they had a 1-0 lead in the Tests, too…Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)South Africa WWLWW
England LTWLLIn the spotlightLungi Ngidi thrust himself into the spotlight with his 3 for 10 off two overs in the closing stages instrumental in England’s capitulation in the first match but can he back it up? England will be particularly wary of his slower ball, which brought them undone, and, if he looks like nailing it to the same effect in the next match, they will know to go after someone else. Ngidi must have found his resurgence particularly satisfying after sitting out the Test series against England with a hamstring tear. In his comeback match, the first ODI against England, he went wicketless in seven overs, conceding 42 runs. In the second, he bounced back with a final spell of 3 for 11 in four overs after his first five overs had cost 52. Following his star turn at East London, he was understandably keen to maintain a hold on his place in the side after so long on the sidelines, suggesting he could remain dangerous.England have handed Joe Denly a prized opportunity to stake his claim on a place at the T20 World Cup. Having gradually worked his way to some sense of security in the Test set-up and proved himself handy in the ODI format in South Africa, the jury is out on the shortest format. His T20I record is unspectacular, with 95 runs in 11 matches at an average of 10.55 and strike rate of 97.93 with a highest score of 30. But he was the leading run-scorer in the Vitality Blast in 2017 and was top again for Kent the following year, indicating his potential. There is no better time to fulfill that promise than now. Denly didn’t look comfortable in scoring just 3 while batting at No. 5 in the first T20I and he had a day to forget in the field. With Dawid Malan in the squad but so far unused, it is clear there are alternatives. That particular alternative may require shuffling the top order, but England have the versatility to do that.Team newsIt is hard to see South Africa changing a winning team, although they may look to lengthen their batting by bringing in Reeza Hendicks and dropping Dwaine Pretorius. Beuran Hendricks, used late, did enough with the ball to justify his retention, although Sisanda Magala will undergo yet another fitness test ahead of the match in hopes of throwing himself into the mix.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (capt, wk), 2 Temba Bavuma, 3 Reeza Hendricks, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Jon-Jon Smuts, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Beuran Hendricks/Dwaine Pretorius, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Tabraiz Shamsi, 11 Lungi Ngidi.Given Eoin Morgan’s positive outlook on the defeat – being tested under pressure, learning from mistakes, and the narrow margin – it seems likely that England will stick with the same line-up to see if they can improve on their previous performance. This was backed up further by Morgan’s stated desire for “guys to get absolute clarity in their positions”, which makes sense with a T20 World Cup on the horizon, and confirmation that England would continue to play their strongest available XI for this series. Given the lack of potency England’s seamers showed in the Powerplay at East London, they could tinker with their attack, perhaps bringing in Sam Curran for brother Tom.England (possible): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jos Buttler (wk), 3 Jonny Bairstow, 4 Eoin Morgan, 5 Joe Denly, 6 Ben Stokes, 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Sam Curran/Tom Curran, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Mark WoodPitch and conditionsThe good news is there is no rain forecast for Durban on Friday so there should be no repeat of last week’s ODI washout. The bad news is temperatures are expected to reach around 30 degrees – not bad, you say – but with humidity around an energy sapping 80% – not so pleasant.Stats and trivia South Africa have won their past three T20Is at Kingsmead and five of the seven completed T20 matches they have played there in total. Dale Steyn moved ahead of Imran Tahir as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is after both were tied on 61. He needs two more wickets to do it again in the overall standings, with Tahir’s tally of 63 including two wickets playing for a World XI. England have never won a T20 in Durban, although they haven’t visited since the 2007 ICC World T20, when they lost group matches to New Zealand and India, the latter featuring Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes off a Stuart Broad over en route to a record 50 off just 12 balls.Quotes”We don’t want a situation where we go to Centruion 1-1. We’ve probably got the upper hand on the English side at this point in time so it will be important that we use the advantage that we have and not to allow them to get back into the series.”
“It’s another challenge for us, we’ll have to try and come back with another counter plan to him or try and target somebody else.”

Harry Kane has been warned that his second season at Bayern Munich will be “more difficult”, with Lothar Matthaus not expecting another 36-goal haul.

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Striker won European Golden Shoe in 2023-24Failed to land a trophy with club & countryPreparing for second season at the Allianz ArenaWHAT HAPPENED?

England captain Kane enjoyed a productive debut campaign at the Allianz Arena on a personal level. He missed out on major silverware once again, with Bayern enduring a rare trophyless campaign, but did find the target on 44 occasions across all competitions – with 36 of those efforts registered in the Bundesliga.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kane is back for more in 2024-25, having endured European Championship final heartache with the Three Lions, and will be expected to lead from the front as manager Vincent Kompany ushers in a new era. The former Tottenham striker remains a talismanic presence at 31 years of age, but has been warned that things are not about to get any easier in a bid to bring his barren run on the silverware front to a close.

WHAT MATTHAUS SAID

Bayern legend Matthaus has told of Kane: “It certainly wasn't his fault that Bayern didn't win a title. But despite his 36 goals, the last 12 months have not gone as he had imagined, especially with the European Championship, which was a disappointment for him personally. Back problems, very few ball contacts, being substituted as captain, the second final defeat in a row – things like that stick in your mind.”

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Matthaus added that Kane will be “looking forward to Bayern because he will be much more involved there than in the English national team's game”. He countered that slightly by saying: “The newness, the freshness of last year is gone for now, it will be more difficult for him. I don't think he will score 36 goals again.”

As Aston Villa gear up for what will undoubtedly be an action-packed end to the season, those behind the scenes at the Midlands club have already been urged to seal a summer signing by Sky Sports' Dan Bardell.

Aston Villa transfer news

In pursuit of securing their top-four place in the Premier League and a spot in next season's Champions League, Aston Villa could be better placed than ever when it comes to landing their top targets this summer. The rumour mill has already started on that front, too, with Paulo Dybala and Nico Williams previously linked, whilst Crysencio Summerville has become the latest name to be mentioned alongside the Villans.

The Leeds United winger has enjoyed an excellent campaign, more than earning links to the Premier League. If Villa did secure his signature, he'd add impressive depth to Unai Emery's attack, which will be crucial if Villa qualify for a Champions League place this season.

It's not just their attack where depth has been considered, either, with the Midlands club potentially making a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Exequiel Palacios. The midfielder has played his part in Xabi Alonso's excellent side, who are still unbeaten in all competitions and on course to dethrone Bayern Munich in sensational fashion in the German Bundesliga.

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Mar 30, 2024

Bardell is certainly a fan of Palacios' possible arrival, urging Villa to pursue the Leverkusen man ahead of a potential Champions League campaign. The Sky Sports pundit told Aston Villa News: "I think they do need another central midfielder. McGinn is such a loss when he doesn’t play in those attacking wide positions and he had to fill the gap in central midfield before his suspension.

“I do think if they are in the Champions League, they are going to need more options than they’ve got now, especially with the new Champions League format. At the minimum now, I think we can say Villa are going to be in the Europa League next season, which would be a step up. I do think the German market is a good market because you’re talking about players there with European and Bundesliga experience.

“Villa have had success in the Bundesliga because Leon Bailey is having a fantastic season, and I do still think Diaby’s going to come good. Villa obviously have a relationship with Leverkusen as well, which might help."

"Terrific" Palacios can provide crucial depth

If Villa want to know how not to handle Champions League qualification and the balancing act that requires, all they need to do is look towards Newcastle United. The Magpies didn't add enough depth last summer, and injuries, combined with a congested schedule, have seen them struggle to replicate last season's form ever since.

Villa must avoid that at all costs, and Palacios, who Diaby played with last season in the Bundesliga, would be a good step towards that. The midfielder, who has a "terrific mentality" according to Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, can step in as a backup for the likes of McGinn or even force Emery into making some difficult decisions regarding his midfield lineup for next season.

An "outstanding" Liverpool player is "in contention" to make a return from injury this week, according to an encouraging update from journalist David Lynch.

Liverpool injury news

The Reds picked up yet another priceless victory in the Premier League title race on Sunday afternoon, coming from behind to win 2-1 at home to Brighton. That result, coupled with Manchester City's 0-0 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad, means that Jurgen Klopp's side take a two-point lead with them at the top of the table into the next round of fixtures.

It is threatening to be an incredible season at Liverpool and the fact that they are leading the way with so many injury problems throughout the campaign is a testament to the brilliance of Klopp as a manager.

Against Brighton, the Reds once again had a starting lineup that included Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah – three players who few would have seen as important figures last summer – with Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold among those who are unavailable currently.

Curtis Jones has also been missing for an extended period of time in the midfield, while Diogo Jota has also been a huge loss in attack. Then there are long-term absentees such as Joel Matip, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak.

Thankfully, Liverpool have been boosted by one key piece of injury news, as their fitness woes slowly continue to ease.

"Outstanding" Liverpool player could return vs Sheffield Utd

Taking to X, Lynch claimed that Jones could be back for Thursday's clash between Liverpool and Sheffield United at Anfield, in what is a significant update:

This is fantastic news for Liverpool, considering what a formidable player Jones has matured into this season, going up a gear and becoming a genuinely key man. The 23-year-old may have a hard time getting back into the team, given the way Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are playing, but having him back in the fold will give Klopp another great option – one who has completed 90.8% of his passes across 17 Premier League appearances this season.

Jones started to come of age towards the end of last season, finding more consistency in his all-round game, with former captain Jordan Henderson heaping praise on him: "He has been outstanding. Everything that he has been doing with and without the ball: with the ball it speaks for itself, he rarely gives it away, he’s great in tight spaces, a really clever footballer, the goals he scored were outstanding."

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This Liverpool genius stole the show against Brighton today.

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With nine league matches remaining, and the Europa League also to focus on, Liverpool need all their midfielders fit, in order to aid rotation and retain a freshness within the squad. As mentioned, Jones may have to bide his time when it comes to getting back into the XI, but he is going to be a massive player between now and the end of the season.

ScorecardA century from Ravindu Rasantha and five wickets for Dilshan Madushanka were the highlights of Sri Lanka’s 223-run victory over Nigeria in Potchefstroom. After being put in to bat, Rasantha found himself in the middle as early as the fourth over and batted through the innings, completing his century in the 50th over and staying unbeaten on 102 off 111 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Sri Lanka racked up 306 for 7 thanks also to excellent supporting hands with opener Mohamed Shamaz scoring a half-century and the No. 6 Sonal Dinusha providing the finishing kick with 43 off only 36 balls.Nigeria got off to a terrible start, losing two wickets before they even had a run on the board. They had only one batsman reach double-digits, Abdulrahman Jimoh who made 15 off 20. Madushanka picked up the first three wickets to fall – dismissing two batsmen for ducks – and then came back to finish the innings off and complete his five-for. He bowled four opposition batsmen, had another lbw, and walked away with figures of 7.3-1-36-5.Dan Mousley showed off his range of shots•ICC via Getty

ScorecardScott Currie and Hamidullah Qadri produced match-defining spells of bowling, picking up six wickets between them to bowl Japan out for 93 in the Plate group Quarter-final match at the Under-19 World Cup. The two England bowlers conceded only 32 runs between them in 16.4 overs and were responsible for four of the five ducks in the Japan innings. Having been put in to bat, Japan would have hoped for many more considering they were 49 for 1 at one point. The chase proved quite straightforward with opener Dan Mousley hitting a half-century and finishing unbeaten on 57 off only 36 balls with seven fours and two sixes.