Virgil van Dijk hasn’t been at his best for Liverpool this season, but he’s still Virgil van Dijk.

This is one of the best defenders of his generation, and though he turned 34 in June, the Netherlands and Anfield skipper renewed his £350k-per-week contract at Liverpool until 2027, and more stable defensive foundations would bring the Dutchman back to his usual imperious level.

A mini-revival in recent weeks has eased the pressure on Arne Slot’s shoulders, but there’s no question that the Reds need to sign a centre-back.

Liverpool's plans to sign a centre-back

FSG thought they had completed the perfect summer transfer window, but FSG thought wrong. So many things haven’t gone to plan for Liverpool this season, and the failure to sign an elite centre-half is chief among them.

Sporting director Richard Hughes did, in fairness, fork out £27m to bring Giovanni Leoni to Anfield. But the talented Italian, only 18, ruptured his ACL against Southampton on his debut, and we will not see him back on the grass for some time yet.

With Van Dijk getting on a bit and Ibrahima Konate having plummeted to the nadir of his career form, so many error-strewn and unconvincing performances, the Merseysiders surely need to sign a defender, with depth proving a massive issue for Slot.

According to TEAMtalk, that man might yet be Marc Guehi, who came within a whisker of joining Liverpool last summer, a deal falling through at the eleventh hour on deadline day.

Despite that, the central defender is still ‘hopeful’ of living out his childhood dream of playing for Liverpool, according to the report. He is said to be ‘very keen’ on a move to Anfield.

The England international has been immense this season, as he was last year, and while he is set to leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer at the end of the season, chairman Steve Parish would allow him to leave for a not-so-small fee of £35m in January.

Why Guehi could usurp Van Dijk as Liverpool captain

In short, stability and dynamism in defence, two areas in which the Reds have been decidedly lacking this season. Guehi is not only a “monster in defence”, as he has been described by Crystal Palace correspondent Bobby Manzi, but an intelligent, calculated player, instrumental in the build-up.

In the Premier League this season, there have been few better. Guehi has played 14 of the Eagles’ 15 fixtures, missing out once due to injury, and he has captained Oliver Glasner’s squad on each of those occasions.

Could we be looking at the man who will take the armband from Liverpool’s titanic captain? For sure, Guehi has what it takes to steal Konate’s starting berth from him, so far removed from the Frenchman’s abject performances.

Matches (starts)

14 (14)

15 (15)

Goals + assists

2 + 2

0 + 0

Clean sheets

6

2

Touches*

65.4

74.3

Accurate passes*

44.9 (86%)

54.7 (90%)

Chances created*

0.6

0.3

Recoveries*

4.0

2.7

Tackles + interceptions*

3.0

2.1

Clearances*

5.1

6.1

Duels (won)*

5.9 (67%)

6.3 (66%)

Errors

1

4

Guehi rarely makes a mistake. He is calm and composed, and composure and calmness have been in short supply across Liverpool’s backline this season.

Moreover, he would help fix Liverpool’s struggles in the build-up. Losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid was always going to force a rewiring of passing patterns, and Konate has been left exposed.

Guehi, however, ranks among the top 8% of Premier League defenders this season for progressive passes, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 10% for tackles won per 90, as well as the top 8% for aerial duel success rate.

This is a complete defender at the top of their game, and with his prime years still in front of him, such an inspiring leader must be brought over to Anfield. Second time lucky? Liverpool could certainly do with a centre-back who has what it takes to grab the baton from Van Dijk.

He'd revive Isak: "Unstoppable" PL star decides he wants to join Liverpool

Liverpool could be edging closer to a marquee January move…

ByRobbie Walls 5 days ago

First impressions are not everything, but they count for a lot for any new signing – just ask Jadon Sancho at Manchester United.

A protracted pursuit of almost 18 months ended with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side finally getting their man in the summer of 2021, securing a deal for what looked to be a knock-down price of £73m.

Hindsight might suggest otherwise, but it’s easy to forget just how exciting a capture that appeared at the time, with the young Englishman having racked up 107 goals and assists in just 137 games at Borussia Dortmund.

A “forward player in the best traditions of Manchester United”, in the view of Solskjaer, the ex-Manchester City product appeared to have all the tools to succeed at Old Trafford, arriving in a statement window that also saw Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo welcomed into the fold.

Frustratingly hampered by an ear infection following his move, however, that early setback set the tone for what was to follow, as the winger never truly found his groove under a succession of managers.

Now out on loan at Aston Villa, the previously marquee signing could soon be heading for the ignominy of a free transfer exit from his parent club.

Latest on Jadon Sancho's future at Man Utd

It’s not wrong to suggest that Sancho never really recovered from that muted debut season, having registered just six goals and assists in the Premier League, while failing to score or assist at all under Solskjaer before the Norwegian was replaced.

2022/23 did start with a bang following the London-born star’s crucial strike against Liverpool under Erik ten Hag, although that relationship soon soured, with Sancho’s public criticism of the Dutchman a year later sparking the beginning of the end for his United journey.

Last season’s Community Shield aside, the 25-year-old has not played a competitive game for the club since that outburst amid the defeat to Arsenal in September 2023, since returning to Dortmund on loan, prior to joining Chelsea last summer.

There were signs of life for Sancho at Stamford Bridge, including his stunner in the Conference League final, although the Blues ultimately opted to pay £5m in order not to make the deal permanent, having failed to agree personal terms with the player.

A last-gasp move to Villa followed this summer, although the struggling talent – who last played for his country in 2021 – is yet to register a goal or assist, albeit while making an impact off the bench in the recent win over Arsenal.

United do have the option of extending his contract for a further year, with his existing deal set to expire in June, although the likelihood is that he will be allowed to leave for nothing, rather than the club having to fork out for his reported £150k-per-week salary.

There have been claims that former club Dortmund could look to re-sign their one-time boy wonder next summer, if he is available for free, with the Bundesliga perhaps representing the perfect place for his career to be revived.

A sorry tale then it has proved to be from a United perspective – let’s just hope it isn’t repeated.

Man Utd may have signed Sancho 2.0

From the woes of recruitment of recent years, this summer looked to be different.

Senne Lammens – a losing ‘keeper just once in his new surroundings – has settled in smoothly, while Bryan Mbeumo has already scored seven times across league and cup.

There is a sense that Matheus Cunha has been somewhat overhyped, amid club-led Eric Cantona comparisons, although the Brazilian has at least shown flashes of quality, notably teeing up Bruno Fernandes’ opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

Reasons to be positive regarding all three of those deals, although questions might be being asked over the wisdom of forking out a total fee of £74m on Benjamin Sesko, with the Slovenian following Sancho in being another expensive, young addition from the Bundesliga.

A player whom United have tracked since his teenage years, having even turned down the chance to sign him for just £2.5m back in 2019, there was a feeling that Sesko would always end up at Old Trafford, just like Sancho before him.

Like the Englishman too, the 6 foot 4 striker had showcased his quality on a relatively consistent basis back in Germany, racking up 40 goals and assists in just 79 games during his spell at RB Leipzig.

Much like Sancho was tipped to be the long-term solution on the flanks, Sesko has been tasked with finally solving United’s centre-forward woes, following a string of short-term or expensive gambles, be it from Odion Ighalo to Rasmus Hojlund.

Frustratingly, however, things haven’t got off to the most positive of starts, with eyebrows raised when United’s number 30 was merely the tenth penalty taker in the defeat to Grimsby Town, albeit while having reportedly been suffering from cramp.

Indeed, like Sancho’s beginning at Old Trafford, a need to get up to speed fitness-wise impacted the forward’s involvement in the early weeks of the season, having not started in the league until the Manchester derby defeat.

Two goals have since followed against Sunderland and Brentford, although there is a real desire to see more, with the 22-year-old brutally described as looking like “an academy player” last month by Liverpool legend, Robbie Fowler.

His display against Brighton was particularly impressive, having teed up Mbeumo for his first of the night with a delightful turn and pass, although such moments have been few and far between.

Indeed, two missed chances against Tottenham Hotspur ultimately proved costly as United had to settle for a draw, with Sesko having been absent since then through injury.

A return to action could occur in Monday’s clash with Bournemouth, although with the New Year approaching, it already feels like a period wasted for Sesko, with little evidence to suggest he won’t merely follow in the footsteps of Hojlund – and Sancho – before him.

As already stated, first impressions may not be fatal, but they are crucial in winning over fans and pundits alike. Sancho, unfortunately, was never able to do just that, with Sesko in danger of following suit.

Man Utd have signed a "destroyer" who's a hybrid of Anderson and Fernandes

Manchester United already have their answer to all of their current midfield struggles.

By
Ethan Lamb

5 days ago

Bayern Munich are reportedly planning a very bold swoop for one of Enzo Maresca’s key Chelsea stars, with the Bavarians repeatedly talking about him in behind-the-scenes meetings.

Chelsea seek first December win against Everton

Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, desperately searching for momentum after enduring their worst run of recent form under Maresca this season.

The Blues have gone four consecutive matches without victory across all competitions, slipping to fifth in the Premier League table and falling eight points behind leaders Arsenal.

Since their impressive 3-0 Champions League triumph over Barcelona last month, Maresca’s side have struggled to recapture that dominant form.

Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Atalanta also dealt a significant blow to Chelsea’s hopes of automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16, leaving them 11th in the league phase standings and two points outside the crucial top eight positions with just two games remaining.

Joao Pedro’s opener proved insufficient as the Italian side turned the contest around through second-half strikes from Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere.

Chelsea’s domestic struggles have been equally concerning.

Related Chelsea set to sign "next-gen Yaya Toure" after reaching "full agreement"

They’ve won the race for his signature.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini 4 days ago

A 3-1 loss at Leeds United followed their hard-fought 1-1 draw with ten men against Arsenal, before a lifeless goalless stalemate at Bournemouth extended their winless streak.

Maresca’s side have dropped more points from winning positions at home than any other Premier League team this season, with eight points surrendered after taking leads at Stamford Bridge.

Everton arrive in buoyant spirits having won four of their last five Premier League matches, keeping clean sheets in all four victories.

David Moyes’ resurgent side currently sit seventh, just two points behind Chelsea and firmly in contention for European qualification.

Consecutive away wins at Man United and Bournemouth will have their tails firmly up, and the Toffees will draw more confidence from Chelsea’s vulnerability right now.

That being said, Everton haven’t won at Stamford Bridge since November 1994 and remain winless across their last 35 visits in all competitions.

Moyes has personally never won there in 20 attempts, so it’s been quite a sorry hunting ground for the Scotsman.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall returns to face his former club having flourished since his summer departure, scoring three goals in his last four appearances, and the midfielder will be determined to haunt his former employers.

For Chelsea, vice-captain and star engine room man Enzo Fernández will be tasked with containing him.

The Argentine has been key for Maresca ever since his appointment last year, bagging seven goal contributions in a more advanced midfield role this season alone.

Fernandez’s excellent form has attracted interest from Real Madrid, and now Bayern are among the elite European clubs circling for his signature.

Bayern Munich prepare £105m bid for Chelsea star Enzo Fernández

According to reports from Spain, Allianz Arena chiefs have been ‘constantly’ discussing the World Cup winner in recruitment meetings, with Vincent Kompany’s side planning to make a marquee bid.

Indeed, it is believed that Bayern are now preparing a £105 million offer to sign Fernandez from Chelsea, but the west Londoners’ stance on selling their star man is crystal clear.

While a bid that size could get Chelsea contemplating the 24-year-old’s future, the current noise is that they have absolutely no desire to part company.

Fernandez is tied down with a long-term contract until 2032 as well, meaning BlueCo have complete control over his future.

Kompany believes that Fernandez’s arrival would seriously upgrade the team and complement Joshua Kimmich in the middle of the park, so Bayern are the ‘most determined’ to open talks ahead of 2026.

However, Chelsea’s public stance is that he’s not for sale, even if Bayern are ready to make ‘initial contact’.

Regardless of the potential proposal on Maresca’s doorstep, Chelsea made over £314 million in player sales last summer and actually registered a net spend of just £18 million.

Financially, there is absolutely no pressure whatsoever to entertain any offer for Fernandez, so Bayern may need to look somewhere else.

Leeds United are now set to push to sign a Barcelona forward in the January transfer window, having already made persistent enquiries over a deal.

Leeds looking to bolster attacking options this winter

Earlier this season, Danny Murphy suggested Leeds’ lack of top-quality forwards could put them at real risk of relegation, saying: “I still think Leeds and Burnley will go.

“I think the biggest problem for Burnley and Leeds is firepower. I agree with what we talked about earlier. I think all the newly promoted sides doing well is great for the Premier League. I’d like to see them all stay up, actually. But I don’t think it’ll be the case.”

Since then, however, the Whites have displayed they have what it takes to cause some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs real problems, defeating Chelsea 3-1, before going on to draw 3-3 with Liverpool courtesy of a last-gasp Ao Tanaka equaliser.

That said, with Daniel Farke’s side still just two points above the relegation zone, they remain interested in improving their forward line during the January transfer window, and they have now made contact over a deal for Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states the Whites have lodged persistent enquiries to sign the Barca forward on loan in the January transfer window, as they believe he would be perfectly suited to their style of play.

Leeds are unwilling to give up on securing the 20-year-old’s signature, despite his recent emergence as a first-team player for the La Liga club, and they are set to push for a January deal in the coming weeks.

Bardghji could play major role in helping Leeds avoid the drop

The Sweden international hasn’t featured particularly regularly so far this season, but he showed exactly what he’s capable of in Barca’s most recent La Liga match, scoring one goal and setting up another in the 5-3 triumph against Real Betis.

Romano: Leeds make contact to sign "outstanding" £21m attacker in January

The Whites have received a response after making an approach for a new attacker.

ByDominic Lund Dec 7, 2025

It was an impressive all-round performance from the Kuwait-born forward, who completed two dribbles and won two duels, and Hansi Flick will be delighted he is now coming into his own in La Liga, having also previously put in some eye-catching displays for FC Copenhagen.

With Daniel James recently suffering a hamstring injury, and receiving criticism at times this season, it would be ideal to bring in a new forward in the upcoming transfer window, and the Barca ace would be a like-for-like replacement, given that his main position is right-wing.

As such, Leeds should definitely look to sign Bardghji, off the back of some impressive showings in both La Liga and the Champions League, grabbing an assist in Barca’s 6-1 victory over Olympiacos.

أعلن الهولندي آرني سلوت، المديرر الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة سندرلاند ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويواجه ليفربول نظيره سندرلاند مساء اليوم، الأربعاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويحل ليفربول ضيفًا ثقيلًا على نظيره سندرلاند، في المباراة التي من المقرر أن تقام في تمام الساعة العاشرة والربع بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشرة والربع بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

اقرأ أيضًا | ألارديس ينتقد كاراجر بسبب محمد صلاح: مثير للشفقة.. ويريد البقاء في دائرة الضوء

ويحتل ليفربول المركز الثامن في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي في الوقت الحالي برصيد 21 نقطة، في حين أن فولهام لديه 22 نقطة ويحتل المركز السادس.

وكان محمد صلاح بديلًا في لقاء وست هام في الجولة الماضية ولم يشارك في أي دقيقة، وهو الحال الذي عليه اليوم أمام سندرلاند أيضًا إذ يجلس على مقاعد البدلاء.

ويجلس على دكة البدلاء كلًا من: مامارداشفيلي، إيندو، كيركيز، محمد صلاح، كييزا، كورتيس جونز، هوجو إيكتيكي، ريو نجوموها، نيوني. تشكيل ليفربول أمام سندرلاند في الدوري الإنجليزي

في حراسة المرمى: أليسون بيكر.

خط الدفاع: جو جوميز – فيرجيل فان دايك – كوناتي – روبرتسون.

خط الوسط: ريان جرافنبيرخ – فلوريان فيرتز – ماك أليستر – دومينيك سوبوسلاي.

خط الهجوم: إيزاك – جاكبو.

Our starting line-up to take on Sunderland 👥🔴 #LIVSUN — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2025

MatériaMais NotíciasVer Resumo da matéria por IALopes Tigrão foi artilheiro da Copa Libertadores de 2001 pelo Palmeiras e teve uma trajetória marcada por oscilações e polêmicas.Após passar por diversos clubes brasileiros, encontrou estabilidade no futebol japonês, onde se destacou em duas equipes.Hoje, ele se dedica a atividades de formação e consultoria no futebol, mantendo vínculos com o Volta Redonda.Resumo supervisionado pelo jornalista!

Lopes Tigrão está entre os personagens mais curiosos e intensos do futebol brasileiro dos anos 2000. Com talento, chute forte, presença física e personalidade marcante, viveu seus melhores momentos no Palmeiras, onde se tornou artilheiro da Copa Libertadores de 2001 e rapidamente ganhou projeção nacional. O jogador, que começou no Volta Redonda e acumulou passagens por diversos clubes brasileiros, também teve um período no futebol japonês, onde reencontrou estabilidade e bom rendimento. O Lance! te conta por onde anda Lopes Tigrão?

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasLancepédiaPor onde anda Sonny Anderson, ex-atacante do Vasco e do Barcelona?Lancepédia11/12/2025LancepédiaPor onde anda o goleiro Felipe, de Flamengo e Corinthians?Lancepédia27/11/2025

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Sua carreira, no entanto, foi marcada por oscilações. Problemas extracampo, lesões e mudanças constantes de ambiente impediram que Tigrão atingisse um patamar ainda mais alto. Após deixar o Palmeiras, passou a circular entre grandes clubes e equipes de médio porte, vivendo fases breves e buscando retomar o protagonismo que teve no início dos anos 2000.

Mesmo assim, sua trajetória não se resume aos altos e baixos. No Japão, por exemplo, Lopes encontrou espaço para mostrar regularidade, transformando-se em peça importante em duas equipes distintas e desempenhando papel relevante no processo de consolidação do futebol japonês como mercado atrativo para brasileiros. Em seus últimos anos de carreira, voltou ao Volta Redonda para encerrar o ciclo onde tudo começou.

continua após a publicidade

Hoje, distante dos holofotes, Lopes Tigrão vive uma rotina completamente diferente, marcada por estudos, projetos pessoais e participações pontuais no mundo esportivo. A seguir, revisitamos seu caminho e revelamos onde ele está agora.

Revelado no Volta Redonda

Nascido em Volta Redonda e formado no modesto Palmeiras de Pinheiral, Lopes rapidamente chamou atenção pelo vigor físico e pela capacidade de chegar à área como elemento surpresa. No início da carreira, assumiu a função de meia ofensivo com forte presença no ataque, característica que o ajudaria a se destacar nacionalmente.

continua após a publicidade

Quando surgiu no Volta Redonda, tornou-se rapidamente um dos principais jogadores da equipe. O clube vislumbrou uma oportunidade rara: vender um atleta jovem para um gigante nacional. Em 2000, o Palmeiras fechou sua contratação na negociação mais cara da história do Voltaço até então.

O impacto de Lopes no Palmeiras

O início de Tigrão no Palmeiras foi turbulento, marcado por um caso de doping. Mesmo assim, o atleta conseguiu dar a volta por cima e viver o período mais produtivo de sua carreira. Em 2001, atingiu nível de excelência, tornando-se o artilheiro da Copa Libertadores daquela edição, com 9 gols, e peça fundamental na campanha alviverde.

No auge, Tigrão chegou a ser observado por clubes europeus e cogitado para a Copa do Mundo de 2002. Seus números impressionaram: 17 gols em 34 partidas naquela temporada. Porém, uma grave lesão no joelho contra o ASA, no início de 2002, interrompeu seu momento mais brilhante.

O pós-Palmeiras e o rótulo de “Andarilho do Futebol”

Após o rebaixamento do Palmeiras em 2002, Lopes deixou o clube e começou uma fase marcada por constantes transferências. Vestiu camisas importantes como Flamengo, Fluminense, Santos, Juventude e Cruzeiro, mas raramente permaneceu por muito tempo em uma mesma equipe.

A irregularidade de desempenho e episódios extracampo impediram uma continuidade maior. O jogador já chegou a ser considerado “incontrolável” por dirigentes e treinadores, embora permanecesse tecnicamente acima da média.

A passagem de Lopes pelo futebol japonês

No Japão, entre 2006 e 2007, encontrou um ambiente mais estável. Jogou por Vegalta Sendai e Yokohama F. Marinos, tornando-se peça relevante em ambas as equipes. O estilo direto do futebol japonês favoreceu suas características: força, arranque e finalização.

O período asiático representou uma das fases mais equilibradas e profissionais de sua trajetória, marcando um ponto de retomada após tantos períodos de instabilidade no Brasil.

Retorno e fim da carreira

Após voltar do Japão, o meia-atacante passou por Atlético Mineiro, Monte Azul, Ceará, Juventude e novamente pelo Volta Redonda. Em 2016, anunciou oficialmente sua aposentadoria, encerrando um ciclo de quase duas décadas como jogador profissional.

Por onde anda Lopes Tigrão?

Atualmente, Lopes (@lopestigrao) vive uma rotina distante da exposição que tinha nos anos 2000. Hoje, está envolvido em atividades ligadas à formação, à educação e ao futebol, com foco em desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional. Mantém presença ativa em redes sociais e investe em capacitações voltadas para direito esportivo, coaching, mentoring e treinamento aplicado ao futebol.

Lopes também atua em projetos de consultoria, oferecendo acompanhamento técnico e comportamental para jovens jogadores. Busca unir sua experiência prática com estudos recentes, aproximando-se de um perfil mais acadêmico e formador. Em entrevistas recentes, afirma que encontrou nessa área uma nova motivação após o fim da carreira.

Ainda mantém vínculos com o Volta Redonda e participa de eventos esportivos e encontros com torcedores. É comum vê-lo envolvido em iniciativas locais, além de participações pontuais em partidas festivas. Sua reinserção no ambiente esportivo, agora como mentor e educador, marca uma transição significativa e mais estável que a fase final de sua carreira como atleta.

Clubes na carreira de LopesVolta RedondaPalmeirasFlamengoFluminenseSantosJuventudeCruzeiroVegalta SendaiYokohama F. MarinosAtlético MineiroMonte AzulCearáMetropolitanoSão José

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalLancepediaPalmeiras

The T20Is will be played just before WPL, and act as preparation for the T20 World Cup next year

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Nov-2025

India and Sri Lanka are set to play a five-match T20I series in the second half of December in India, just before the start of the WPL in January 2026. The series will be played from December 21 to 30, with the first two games in Visakhapatnam and the last three in Thiruvananthapuram.The WPL will then start from January 9 in Navi Mumbai before moving to Vadodara for the second half, even though no Sri Lanka player is in any of the five WPL squads.The schedule of this bilateral series comes soon after the white-ball series between India and Bangladesh that was to happen in India in December got postponed earlier this month. That series was to feature three ODIs and three T20Is.The five T20Is between India and Sri Lanka will act as preparation for the T20 World Cup next year that will be played from June 12 in England. The last time the two teams had met in any format was at the ODI World Cup opener on September 30, while the previous T20I between them had come at the T20 World Cup in October 2024.India’s next series after the WPL will be an all-format tour of Australia in February-March.

Get up to speed with all you need to know as the clock ticks down to the first ball in Perth

Alan Gardner19-Nov-2025So this Ashes is a big deal, is it?
As the oldest rivalry in cricket (yes, we are deliberately overlooking USA vs Canada) the Ashes is always a big deal. But the 2025-26 series has been amped up to what feels like a new level – and this despite England’s woeful record in Australia, which reads P15 W0 L13 over their last three tours of the country.Why’s everyone so excited then?
There are a number of factors at play. Foremost is the style of cricket England have adopted – dubbed “Bazball” by one of ESPNcricinfo’s own – and the sense that they will come and have a go in a manner than few English teams in Australia have managed this century. There is also the hangover from the last Ashes, in England in 2023, which ended 2-2 but sparked all sorts of back-and-forth over “moral victories” and who really came out on top.Related

Will this Ashes be the making of Bazball 2.0?

The Ashes: the sun is hot, the spiders are large, the trash talk is garbage

England's Ashes squad have pace in abundance, but do they have the miles?

They didn’t manage to Bazball Australia at home, then?
No, but they did come back from 2-0 down, and were arguably only denied victory in the series by rain in Manchester. But let’s not go over all that again. England have been planning for the next campaign down under ever since, and have assembled what might be their fastest-ever bowling attack in a bid to win in Australia for the first time since 2010-11.So should Australia be worried?
Not on the face of it, given England have rarely even come close to winning a Test in the (Un)Lucky Country in the intervening period – and have particularly painful memories of a grueling visit, wreathed in Covid regulations, in 2021-22. Australia, meanwhile, have won five of their last seven Test series, including four in a row, and last experienced defeat in India in 2022-23. At home, they haven’t been beaten since 2020-21 (again by India). They also reached the final of the World Test Championship, although lost out on the mace to South Africa.I sense a ‘but’ coming here…
You guessed it. But Australia, who have picked a squad with only one player under the age of 30, are in the rare position of having significant question marks over their XI. Notably, it looks like they will field a debutant opener, while the man at the other end, Usman Khawaja, might be on borrowed time. They have also been beset by untimely injuries: captain, Pat Cummins, will miss the first Test as he continues to rehab from a back stress reaction, while another of Australia’s “Big Three” seam attack, Josh Hazlewood, is out with a hamstring strain.All eyes are on when Pat Cummins could play a role in the Ashes•Getty ImagesSo England will be taking on a weakened opposition?
On paper, yes, although Scott Boland (Test bowling average in Australia: 12.63) is a more than capable back-up for Cummins, while Brendan Doggett, another likely debutant, has both form and pedigree after his long wait for a baggy green. Steven Smith won’t miss a beat as stand-in captain, either. Whether this is the “worst Australia side since 2010-11” is up for debate, but their selection quandaries have certainly added to the intrigue around the build-up.Ah yes, the old ‘phoney war’…
As daft as ever, and impossible to get away from. But at least it’s almost time to take out the trash talk.Any other reasons for optimistic Englishmen to stay up through the night?
Well, Australian pitches have certainly made for entertaining viewing over recent seasons and might help level the playing field. Whether England have brought the right attack for the conditions is another debate.Will this be Joe Root’s Ashes?•Getty ImagesThey do arrive with the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked Test batters, Joe Root and Harry Brook (the latter for the first major Test of his supreme away record), as well as a fit Ben Stokes, after a shoulder tear sustained during the English summer. They’ve been lucky with injuries (so far), with Mark Wood surviving his own hamstring-knack scare over the weekend. And the only major talking point around their batting order – the identity of No. 3 – was put to bed during the warm-up game against England Lions by Ollie Pope making scores of 100 and 90.All aboard the Bazball bus, then!
At least until the wheels fall off. The series starts in Perth, where England have only ever won once (at the old WACA Ground) – with Optus Stadium hosting an Ashes Test for the first time. Then it’s on to the pink-ball day-night game at the Gabba in Brisbane, followed by Adelaide, which last hosted England for a daytime Test in 2013-14. If the Ashes are still alive come the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, we should have a series on our hands.Sounds like the chances are good?
Let’s see. It’s certainly their best shot in a long while. At the very least, it’s to be hoped that England won’t have conceded the contest inside 12 days’ cricket.Fingers crossed! Anything else I should know?
Regardless of whether England can be competitive/win a Test/not suffer complete embarrassment, let’s hope that Root finally scores a hundred on Australia soil. Otherwise Matthew Hayden’s middle stump is going for a walk – and not in the good way.

The owners of Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have all confirmed they will renew their ownership for ten further years. The announcements follow previous public statements from Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi also officially confirming their renewed ownership.It means the five franchises the PSL began with have signed deals to continue with the same owners. Shortly after United went public, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced he would not be extending his ownership of the franchise.Each franchise was widely expected to renew. Kings, who were initially the most valuable franchise in 2016, officially saw the smallest percentage growth in their annual franchise fee, representing what were perceived as particularly beneficial terms. They were valued at PKR 440 million (approx US$1.57m) in 2016 and about 790 million (approx US$2.8m) in the most recent valuation.Related

• Multan Sultans owner decides not to renew ownership of PSL franchise

With incumbent owners retaining franchise rights, they are required to pay the old value plus 25% of the new valuation, meaning Kings’ annual franchise fee comes to around PKR 640 million (approx US$2.3m). That means their market value has dipped below that of Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, and is only higher than Quetta Gladiators.”A decade ago, we made a promise to help bring cricket back to Pakistan,” Kings owner, Salman Iqbal, tweeted. “Today, I am proud to announce that we have officially renewed Karachi Kings’ franchise rights for the next 10 years! This isn’t just a renewal; it’s a recommitment to the vision that built the HBL PSL.”Quetta and Islamabad have joined them. Gladiators are understood to have the lowest market value but the largest growth in their value. Their annual fee in 2016 was about PKR 187 million (approx US$660,000). With their market value going up to approximately PKR 690 million (approx US$2.45m), retention means the owners will have to pay in the region of PKR 360 million (approx US$1.28m) per year.United, too, have pipped Kings in market value, which is estimated at about PKR 860 million (approx US$3.06m). This is up from PKR 255 million (approx US$910,000) at the advent of the PSL, requiring owner Ali Naqvi to pay about PKR 470 million (approx US$1.67m).Two new teams will be added ahead of the next season of the PSL, which is set to be held between March and May 2026. With Sultans’ ownership group declining to retain, the PSL has to find an ownership solution for three teams before the draft for the 11th edition can get underway.

Mohamed Salah will start on the bench for the third successive Premier League game as Liverpool face Leeds United at Elland Road, and head coach Arne Slot has explained his reasoning behind the decision as the Egyptian takes his place amongst the substitutes once again. The Reds have picked up four points in the two games since Salah was dropped, and Slot will hope that his decision pays off once again against the Whites.

• Slot explains decision to keep Salah on bench for Leeds clash

  Slot spoke pre-match about his decision to name Salah amongst the substitutes once again, citing the importance of picking players suited to the task at hand against a Leeds side who will be full of confidence following victory over Chelsea in midweek.

  Slot told Sky Sports: “It’s never an easy decision because we all know what a great player he is. But it is also up to me to pick the team that I think we need today. That’s why I made the decision”.

  Liverpool start the encounter in the bottom half of the table but could rise as high as fifth with victory, with Salah on the bench and available to make an impact if called upon by Slot.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Salah sacrificed as Slot continues with new attacking formula

  The absence of reigning PFA Player of the Year winner Salah from Liverpool’s starting XI in recent weeks has meant that Slot has started with the more defensive-minded Dominik Szoboszlai wide right, as he has done again for the trip to Elland Road.

  While Szoboszlai has given the Reds more solidity down their right, the alteration in personnel has also begun to get the best out of Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old put in arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt in the victory at West Ham United last weekend, then thought he had scored his first goal for the club against Sunderland at Anfield, only for it to go down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal.

  Whether dropping Salah from the line-up is the long-term solution for Slot remains to be seen, but he evidently feels it is the right decision in order for the Reds to turn things around at present, after their well-documented struggles throughout the autumn.

• Slot praises Salah's professionalism after dropping to bench

  Slot spoke of Salah’s professionalism when the 33-year-old was an unused substitute at the London Stadium last Sunday, telling reporters it was a “fair assumption” that Salah was not happy about the decision but that he “handled himself really well” after he was dropped from the starting XI in the league for what was the first time this season.

  Slot added: "That's a normal reaction from a player that's good enough to play for us, and I say that mildly because he has been so outstanding for this club for so many years and will be for the future. He wasn't the only one who wasn't happy that he wasn't starting and that is normal.

  "He is so disciplined – he knows what to do to stay fit," Slot said. "No matter if he plays well or if he doesn't play well, if he plays or doesn't play, he will always be that top professional and that's what he was in the last two days.

  "With all players around their world, there are also phases in your time at the club that they are human. He's scored so many goals for us and I am sure he will in the future."

  "We have to find a way to play without him because he won't be here," Slot said in reference to the Africa Cup of Nations, for which Salah will depart by December 15.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Salah and Isak both on bench to face Leeds

  Salah was not the only big-name player named amongst the substitutes to face Leeds, as Alexander Isak also had to settle for a place on the bench with Hugo Ekitike starting through the centre. Slot has a wealth of attacking options to call on, and the pair will certainly have their role to play for the Reds in the coming months.