All posts by h716a5.icu

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a big injury blow on their midfield star Alex Mowatt.

What’s the latest?

That is according to the latest reports via the West Brom website, stating that the 27-year-old midfielder has undergone surgery to address the groin injury sustained against Nottingham Forest last Monday.

The Englishman will now commence a period of rehabilitation and is expected to be ready to “conduct a full pre-season alongside his teammates” this summer.

Big blow for Bruce

Mowatt’s spell on the sidelines represents a big blow for Steve Bruce, with the 27-year-old having played in 13 of the 14 league games that Bruce has been in charge.

He was a regular under former manager Valerien Ismael too, starting 79% of the Baggies’ games in total this season.

Considering the lack of consistency this season at the Hawthorns this season, Mowatt has somewhat maintained the esteem that we saw in his performances for Barnsley the season prior.

Among the West Brom squad, Mowatt ranks first for key passes per match with 1.4 per game, and has earned a FotMob rating that makes him the best rated Baggies player this season with an overall rating of 7.37 – with the 27-year-old justifying former Albion player Jonathan Greening’s claim that he was “one of the best signings of the season.”

His average of 30 accurate passes per match earn him a rank of second place in the squad, just behind Matthew Clarke – who has 31.

Mowatt will be a big miss for the Baggies, though it will be interesting to see who comes in for the former Leeds United man with Jayson Molumby surely looking to prove a point in these remaining three games.

Molumby replaced Mowatt in the 54th minute against Nottingham Forest and will be looking to get a run of games under Steve Bruce in a bid to end the season strong, before of course returning to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion.

AND in other news: West Brom now plot bid for “superb” £2.3k-p/w sensation, he “gets you off your seat”

Namibia are on course to claim he Intercontinental Shield despite a batting collapse on the second day against UAE

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-2010UAE 79 and 200 for 5 (Ali 50, Burger 4-30) trail Namibia 320 (Williams 116, S Burger 73, Ali 3-46) by 41 runs
ScorecardNamibia are on course to claim he Intercontinental Shield despite a batting collapse on the second day against UAE. Namibia lost 7 for 54 and UAE responded with an opening stand of 98, but then Sarel Burger took four wickets to leave them on 200 for 5 and still 41 runs behind.Burger’s day hadn’t started so well when he fell without adding to his overnight 73 and that began a swift Namibia demise towards 320 all out. That still meant a handsome lead of 241 although Naeemuddin Aslam (48) and Arshad Ali (50) chipped away steadily to suggest UAE were capable of making a decent contest.However, once Burger broke through the match returned to a more familiar footing. Both openers were caught behind either side of Khurram Khan being trapped leg before. Louis Klazinga chipped in with the wicket of Shaiman Anwar then Burger took his fourth to leave UAE on 131 for 5 and facing a two-day defeat.That prospect was avoided through a stubborn sixth-wicket stand of 69 between Saqib Ali and Swapnil Patil which took UAE to the close with the hope of making Namibia bat again to secure the title. Regardless of how well UAE did during the first session the damage had been done on the opening day when they subsided to 79 all out.However, the day began in dramatic fashion when UAE showed it wasn’t just Ashes Test matches that could include two wickets in an opening over. Sarel Burger (73) fell to Shoaib Sarwar who then had Louis Burger caught behind first ball. Tobias Verwey also fell without scoring as did Nicholas Scholtz, but Louis Westhuizen hit a useful 34 to extend the lead beyond 200.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has addressed the absence of Nir Bitton from the matchday squad in the Hoops’ 2-0 victory over Ross County on Sunday. 

The lowdown: Bitton’s importance to Celtic

The 30-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged time at Parkhead, missing 99 matches in a nine-year stint as a Bhoy with varying degrees of problems including a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious knee issue.

Despite the injuries, the Israel international has still amassed 269 appearances for the Hoops and has been a favourite of several managers at Parkhead over the years.

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Following the player’s latest non-appearance, Postecoglou has explained the situation surrounding the defensive midfielder…

The latest: ‘Slight issue’ for Bitton

Speaking to BBC, as quoted by the Daily Record, the 56-year-old has revealed the latest on the Israelim saying: “He’s got a bit of an issue. A slight issue.”

Bitton has not been seen in action since a fleeting 28-minute appearance in the 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox on April 3, having been an unused substitute in the subsequent 7-0 rout of St Johnstone.

The verdict: Worrying signs

Although Postecoglou seems undeterred by Bitton’s latest issue, unfortunately the problems keep mounting up for the 39-cap ace.

So far this season, the man who has been described as ‘fantastic’ by the Celtic manager has scored twice and provided two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

With Bitton out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), the upcoming summer is a pivotal one for him, as the experienced midfielder will likely be hoping to receive a new deal, whilst the club could be considering selling him in order to avoid losing their man for nothing.

To that end, the Israeli will be desperate to play a part in this season’s run-in to try and secure a new contract.

In other news, one expert has made a key claim regarding the ownership of Celtic. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with Paulo Dybala regarding a switch to north London this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to James Olley, with the ESPN journalist revealing on Twitter that Fabio Paratici has contacted the Juventus forward concerning a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium upon the expiry of his current deal at the Allianz Stadium at the end of the season.

However, the journalist added that Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United – along with unnamed clubs from Italy and Spain – have also been in talks with the 28-year-old, who is thought to be considering his options before deciding where his future lies.

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In his tweet, Olley said: “Arsenal, Tottenham, Man Utd & Newcastle have made contact with Paulo Dybala’s representatives over a summer move. Nothing at an advanced stage, just exploring the idea – player assessing his options (also interest from clubs in Italy and Spain).”

Conte would love him

Considering just how impressive Dybala has been for Juventus this season, and with the Argentina international will be available on a free transfer, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal for the attacker this summer.

Indeed, over his 25 Serie A appearances this term, the £36m-rated sensation has been one of Massimiliano Allegri’s standout performers, scoring nine goals, registering five assists and creating 10 big chances for his team-mates, along with averaging 3.7 shots and 1.4 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £220k-per-week forward average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.48, not only ranking him as the Bianconeri’s best player in the Italian top flight but also as the third-best in the entire league.

As such, it is clear to see that Dybala would make a fantastic addition to the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski in the Tottenham attack. Therefore, we believe that Paratici must do all he can to land the 28-year-old as Spurs’ first summer signing ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and Man United, with the Argentine sensation undoubtedly being a signing that Conte would love.

AND in other news: “Interested..”: Sky Sports journalist drops transfer update, Spurs supporters will love it

Round-up of the third day of matches in the Caribbean T20 2010-11

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jan-2011Defending champions Guyana clinched a thrilling one-run win over Somerset at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Guyana won the toss and elected to bat, but it was a decision that backfired as none of their batsmen, bar Ramnaresh Sarwan could get going.The Somerset bowlers lead by Alfonso Thomas, who picked up three wickets, strangled the Guyana batsmen and at 51 for 5 Guyana looked in grave trouble. A 36-run partnership between Sarwan and Royston Crandon inched them towards the 100-run mark. Sarwan fell for 59 and Guyana managed to reach a below-par 112 for 8 off their allotted overs.However, that total proved enough to thwart Somerset who started their chase in positive fashion. At 105 for 3 in the 18th over, they looked to be cruising to victory. However, as a result of some tight Guyana bowling and sharp fielding, they suffered a spectacular collapse to lose seven wickets for six runs. Two wickets to Esuan Crandon, one to Veerasammy Permaul, who had earlier dismissed opener Peter Trego, four run-outs and it was all over for Somerset as they were bowled out for 111 to hand Guyana their first points of the tournament.In the second game in Antigua, Combined Colleges and Campuses beat Jamaica by seven wickets. Jamaica, who beat Guyana in their first game, won the toss and elected to bat.They got off to a sluggish start when Gilford Moore dismissed Xavier Marshall in the third over and were 43 for 2 in their first 10 overs. However, the arrival of No. 3 Marlon Samuels swung the momentum in Jamaica’s favour. He was aggressive, taking the attack to the CCC bowlers as he raced to 50 in 44 balls. He clouted 30 runs off the next 10 balls he faced to end unbeaten on 80 off 54 balls which included five fours and five sixes. Wavell Hinds made 21 off 18 balls as Jamaica reached 138 for 4 in their 20 overs.CCC’s chase started poorly as Romel Currency was dismissed in the second over with just five runs on the board. However, Miles Bascombe, William Perkins and Kyle Hope all chipped in with solid thirties as CCC made short work of the Jamaica total. They reached their target in 19 overs for the loss of three wickets to earn their first points in this competition.

BCCI sources have said Gary Kirsten will not renew his coaching contract with India, which expires at the end of the 2011 World Cup

Sidharth Monga23-Jan-2011Unless there is a drastic turn of events, Gary Kirsten has taken part in his last bilateral series as India’s coach. A senior BCCI official confirmed that Kirsten has expressed to the board his desire to not extend his coaching contract with India because of family commitments. In all likelihood, the World Cup will now be his last assignment with India.”It is a topic that has been discussed at length for a long time. I can confirm that he will not continue his coaching assignment with India after the World Cup,” the official said. “Everyone was keen that Gary continue for another term, perhaps of three years. The team and the coach have developed an excellent rapport over the last three years. Everyone can see the results, which are obvious. Gary has also put in a lot of effort behind the scenes to bolster team spirit and oneness among the unit. We must respect his decision, especially because it is based on family commitments.”The official said that the task of identifying a successor will be an important one because while “his legacy will benefit the successor”, Kirsten’s will be big boots to fill for any coach. India rose to their much-cherished No. 1 ranking in Tests under Kirsten’s watch, and developed a habit of often coming back from dire situations.That Kirsten is unlikely to continue after the World Cup doesn’t come as a big surprise. He has previously spoken of wanting to spend more time with his family, and India’s captain MS Dhoni, had also said that the team would respect Kirsten’s choice. The three years that Kirsten has spent with India have been hectic, and have hardly given him time to be with his family – he has a wife and two growing sons. “Of course,” Dhoni said before the start of the series, when asked if India were trying to do everything within their powers to make Kirsten stay. “But what you also need to see is he has been part of the Indian cricket team for the last three years. His family – Joshua is a growing kid right now and James is a young kid too [both Kirsten’s sons] – which means Gary wants to spend time with his family. That will be the most crucial thing apart from the money aspect.”He has given [the Indian team] whatever he could, the best he could, and of course it was a pleasure to have him in the side, but then again it is a decision he will have to take. More than the cricketing part, it will be his family that will have a real impact on the decision.”Media reports have – over the series – linked Kirsten with a job closer to home, coaching the South African side, who too will be without a coach after the World Cup. Those speculations gained momentum, especially when CSA extended its deadline for applications for the coaching job from January 7 to February 18. However, Kirsten is not quite likely to go looking for another international job that soon, according to sources.

Manchester United have submitted an offer for Lazio’s 27-year-old Serbian midfielder, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

What’s the word?

That is according to Italian outlet Noi Biancocelesti, via Sports Witness, who claim that Lazio have received an offer from Manchester United, with the £68m bid said to be enough to convince the Rome-based outfit to part ways with the Serbian.

Premier League side Tottenham are also listed as competition for United, along with Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus.

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Pogba replacement

Over the past seven seasons at Lazio, Milinkovic-Savic has proven himself as an elite central midfielder who is competent in both parts of the game.

During his time in Rome, he has been extremely consistent and has made 30 or more appearances in six out of his seven seasons with the White and Sky Blues.

The Serbian’s 21 goal contributions from 34 appearances have taken him to that next level as a goal-creating box-to-box midfielder and at 27-years-old, he may look to spend his prime years at a so-called ‘super-club.’

With the amount of esteemed European outfits said to be interested in securing his services, Milinkovic-Savic can pick and choose where he wants to play his football next season.

Though, if he was to pick Manchester United as his next club, he would certainly bolster the side and serve as a big upgrade on the seemingly departing France midfielder Paul Pogba.

Indeed, Parma’s sporting director Demetrio Albertini previously lauded his talent, saying: “Milinković-Savić has the characteristics of a great champion; he has extraordinary elegance.”

Besides the elegance, Milinkovic-Savic, who is reported to be worth £68m, shares some very similar metrics with Pogba and would serve as an adequate replacement who can add more consistency to the United squad.

Whilst the pair share a similar match average of around three shot-creating actions per game, the Serbian serves as the metronome in midfield for the Italian side, with the majority of build-ups going through him – as can be seen through his average of 54.05 completed passes per 90 and match average of 65.14 passes received.

Manchester United are right to move for a creative source who boasts the second-highest assist total in the Serie A this season with 11, and he would be an astute addition for Erik Ten Hag’s possession-based system.

In other news: Man Utd submit offer to sign £287k-p/w “phenomenon”, he’s even “better than Mbappe” 

The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Columbo will host the two World Cup 2011 warm-up matches that had been scheduled to take place at Pallekele in Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Feb-2011The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Columbo will host the two World Cup 2011 warm-up matches that had been scheduled to take place at Pallekele in Sri Lanka. The ICC said in a statement that it had also considered Hambantota as an alternate venue, but heavy rain in the southern Sri Lankan region ruled out that option.The two games, Sri Lanka versus the Netherlands on February 12, and Kenya versus the Netherlands on February 15, will be day games. This does not affect the three tournament fixtures scheduled to take place at Pallekele in March.The decision to move the games from Pallekele was made following a recommendation by ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson after he inspected the venue on Wednesday. Heavy rain in the region had affected the preparation of the pitches.

Lancashire have signed the Sri Lanka allrounder Farveez Maharoof for the 2011 domestic season

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Mar-2011Lancashire have signed the Sri Lanka allrounder Farveez Maharoof for the 2011 domestic season and the club expect him to be available for the whole summer after he drifted out of the national side.Maharoof, 26, played the last of his 94 ODIs last June against India and missed out on a place at the World Cup. He has also appeared in 20 Tests, but the last of those was in 2007 so he’s unlikely to come into consideration for Sri Lanka’s tour of England.”I am really looking to playing for such a great club like Lancashire and excited by the challenge of contributing towards a successful season,” Maharoof said.” “I’ve had a good domestic season in Sri Lanka and I believe a season of county cricket will be a fantastic learning experience that will help me develop as a player.”Lancashire were preparing to go without an overseas player for the season due to the mounting legal costs of getting their planning application for Old Trafford approved, but a major hurdle was cleared last week when they were given the go-ahead to begin the development work.”Farveez has a track record of getting important runs and picking up vital wickets. He’s available to us for the full season and will be a competitive addition to our squad,” Peter Moores, the Lancashire coach, said.In first-class cricket Maharoof has three centuries to go alongside a bowling average of 32.28 and he should also be a useful player in Twenty20 where his economy is 7.40.Lancashire begin their season with a match against Oxford University on April 2 before their opening Championship match against Sussex, at Liverpool, on April 8.

The ECB is keen to meet England coach Andy Flower at the end of the month to discuss his long-term future with the side, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-2011The ECB has worked out a long-term deal for England coach Andy Flower and plans to meet him at the end of the month to discuss his future with the side, according to reports in the . The move is believed to be prompted by concerns that Flower is on the BCCI’s shortlist to replace Gary Kirsten, whose tenure as the India coach ended with the World Cup.Flower has been integral to England’s recent successes, including back-to-back Ashes series wins and a victorious 2010 World Twenty20 campaign. It is understood that England are keen to retain Flower, especially after being criticised for losing former bowling coach Troy Cooley to the Australian team.At the end of the physically and emotionally draining Ashes campaign, Flower would only say about his England future that “personally I don’t look much further forward than a few months”. Flower – whose assignment meant he spent large amounts of time at a stretch away from his young family – was critical of England’s jam-packed schedule last winter. Coaching India will be an even more rigorous job, with the additional challenges of dealing with the expectations and politics of the subcontinent.Flower is currently believed to be on a rolling staff contract which offers the same protection rights as any other full-time employee. Indications are that he may be offered a fixed-term, three-year deal that could include clauses to protect the ECB from losing him to a third party. Such a contract would put Flower in charge for the next two Ashes, but not the 2015 World Cup.India’s next international assignment is their tour of West Indies which kicks off on June 4, for which they are likely to have an interim coach. They are expected to name a full-time coach only ahead of the England tour starting mid-July.