Arsenal are interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP this summer as Mikel Arteta hunts for a new striker.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers will be looking to make it three wins from as many games under the leadership of Vitor Pereira as they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this afternoon.
Wins over Leicester City and Manchester United have moved the Old Gold out of the relegation zone and hopes are high the club can maintain their top-flight status under the new manager.
Against the Old Trafford side, the majority of the starting XI played rather well as they secured all three points, but there were a couple of players who underperformed.
Goncalo Guedes was deployed alongside Matheus Cunha as an attacking midfielder but didn’t have the same impact as the Brazilian.
Goncalo Guedes’ game in numbers vs Man Utd
The 28-year-old has scored five goals and grabbed four assists in all competitions for the Molineux outfit this season, but his display on Boxing Day wasn’t his best of the campaign.
The Portuguese star failed with both of his dribble attempts, registered just one shot on goal and failed to make a key pass or create a big chance in the final third.
Stat
Highest Ranked
Accurate passes
Matt Doherty and Andre (59)
Key passes
Kobbie Mainoo (3)
Shots on target
Matheus Cunha (2)
Ground duels won
Matheus Cunha (13)
Tackles
Toti Gomes (5)
Guedes also lost nine of the 13 ground duels he contested during his time on the pitch, along with losing possession a staggering 16 times and it is clear Pereira must make a change ahead of the clash against Spurs.
He was replaced by Hwang Hee-chan with just 15 minutes remaining and the South Korean star scored the decisive second goal which wrapped up a 2-0 win for the home side.
With this in mind, Hwang should be unleashed in place of Guedes this afternoon as he could cause the Spurs’ defence plenty of damage.
Pereira must unleash Hwang Hee-chan against Spurs
The forward hasn’t exactly enjoyed the most productive of seasons throughout 2024/25, with his goal against United his first of the season.
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He has only started three games all campaign, but this should change today, as Pereira looks to continue the club’s impressive momentum of late.
Hwang was hailed by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright back in 2021, who said: “He has got everything [Hwang], he has got pace, skill, touch and awareness and he’s always driving to get into the box.”
These attributes were on show last term, as the South Korean maestro ended up scoring 13 goals for the Old Gold while also creating four big chances, averaging 0.6 key passes per game and succeeding with 1.2 dribbles each match in the Premier League.
When compared to his positional peers in the top flight last season, Hwang even ranked in the top 9% for successful take-on percentage (52.2%) per 90, showcasing his dribbling skills.
If unleashed against Spurs, he will be keen to carry on where he left off against the Red Devils. Another goal or assist would certainly give him a great chance of forcing his way into Pereira’s starting XI, and he might just help move Wolves further away from the drop zone.
Imagine him & Cunha: Wolves lodge enquiry to sign Raul Jimenez 2.0
Wolves are showing interest in a German international…
ByRoss Kilvington Dec 28, 2024
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been “alerted” that one club may be open to holding transfer talks over their £60 million striker in January, and they could even allow him to leave on a temporary deal in the winter.
Arsenal draw transfer shortlist as Mikel Arteta targets new striker
The Gunners have been repeatedly linked with a new marksman for a couple of seasons now, with the prospect of a prolific number nine arriving at N5 becoming a reoccurring theme.
£239k-per-week forward holds new deal talks as Arsenal look at signing him
The Gunners are reliable contenders to sign him next year.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 3, 2024
Former sporting director Edu Gaspar attempted to bring in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko over the summer window, following the 21-year-old’s impressive haul of 18 goals in all competitions last season, but he snubbed Arsenal’s advances in favour of remaining in Germany.
Arsenal could go back in for Sesko next year, if they think the Slovenia international will be available for transfer this time (Ben Jacobs), but he isn’t the only striker on Arteta’s radar heading into 2025.
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak could be subject to an £80 million bid from Arsenal (CaughtOffside), while it is believed that the north Londoners hold an interest in Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres as well.
Former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected within the game, recently told Football Insider that Arsenal are closely monitoring Gyokeres ahead of a potential move – even if he has doubts over whether he’d cut it for a truly elite side.
Man United (home)
December 4
Fulham (away)
December 8
Everton (home)
December 14
Crystal Palace (away)
December 21
Ipswich Town (home)
December 27
“He’s a player I like from what I’ve seen of him, and I know some of the top clubs have been interested,” said Brown.
“Arsenal are one club who’ve been closely watching him in Portugal, and Chelsea too, but there are lots of clubs interested if he becomes available.
“But I don’t think any clubs would be willing to spend upwards of around £80million on him. It’s a big commitment to a player who, as good as he has been, is playing in a weaker league than the Premier League.
“Even during his time at Coventry, he was a very very good Championship player, but not one you’d say would be a game-changer for a real top side.”
Arteta "alerted" that Brighton could let Arsenal sign Evan Ferguson in January
According to GiveMeSport, another opportunity to shore up their forward options comes in the form of Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson.
Indeed, it is believed Arteta has been “alerted” that Brighton could be open to negotiating a Ferguson loan to Arsenal in January, with the Republic of Ireland international falling behind Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro in Fabian Hurzeler’s pecking order.
However, the 20-year-old, who commands a £60 million price tag, isn’t somebody who interests the Gunners – with Arteta unlikely to pursue a temporary deal for Ferguson despite being informed that it is an option.
Interestingly, this could disappoint club legend Ian Wright, who heaped praise on the player when Arsenal were linked with him last year.
“When you look at him, the way he plays, his appreciation for the game, his movement and finishing both feet, good in the air and good pace,” said Wright on Premier League productions in 2023.
“He has all the attributes at 18. Very mature in the way he plays. All he has to do is keep doing what he is doing and they are going to start talking about him in million terms because that striker is not allowed. “
Nat Sciver, whose 109 off 85 balls went in vain for England against Australia, moved up to No. 6 among batters
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-2022
Rachael Haynes and Meg Lanning have both risen in the batting rankings•Getty Images
Australia captain Meg Lanning has climbed two spots to be ranked No. 2 among ODI batters. She is currently just 15 points behind the leader, team-mate Alyssa Healy. Lanning hit 86 in Australia’s World Cup opener against England on Saturday, as they opened their campaign with a close 12-run win against the defending champions.Rachael Haynes, whose 130 at the top was instrumental in Australia posting 310, has broken into the top ten. She is at No. 7 after gaining six places in the chart. The opener, who was also the Player of the Match, added 196 with Lanning for the second wicket in that match. Haynes’ knock came off just 131 deliveries, and included 14 fours and a six.Full rankings tables
Click here for the full team rankings
Click here for the full player rankings
England’s Nat Sciver, who cracked an unbeaten 109 from just 85 balls in a losing cause, also made strides among batters. Sciver jumped five spots to get to No. 6, as her quick knock kept England is sight of the target for the longest time.Meanwhile, West Indies’ Hayley Matthews moved up in all three rankings tables after her all-round contribution helped her team pip hosts New Zealand in an opening-day thriller in the tournament. Matthews hit 119 in West Indies’ total of 259, with the next highest score being 36, as her innings came off 128 deliveries, and featured 16 fours and a six.And in the New Zealand run chase, she dismissed the in-form Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday in an economical spell of 2 for 41 from ten overs.
Liverpool had a surprisingly quiet summer transfer window in 2024. In Arne Slot’s first window since taking charge of the Merseysiders, the consensus seemed to be that he might well look to add new players to a squad built under Jurgen Klopp.
However, the Reds made just two signings. One of those players will not join the club until next season. New goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili returned on loan to Valencia, the club who Liverpool paid £29m including add-ons to sign the Georgian from.
Federico Chiesa was the other signing made. The Italian reportedly cost just £12.5m from Juventus, but has only played three times due to injury.
Despite a quiet summer, Liverpool already seem to be planning for future windows and have recently been linked with someone who could add quality and depth in attacking areas.
Liverpool target Bundesliga attacker
The player in question here is Eintracht Frankfurt and Egypt attacker Omar Marmoush. According to a report from German outlet Bild, the Reds have ‘officially expressed their interest’ in the 25-year-old as they look to the future once Mohamed Salah leaves.
However, they could have to go up against Manchester United to sign the winger. Bild reports the winger is valued at just £33m at this stage and does not have a release clause in his contract, which expires in 2027.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It adds that the Reds have made their interest known to the Bundesliga side and it now remains to be seen whether or not they are prepared to meet their valuation.
Why Marmoush would be a good signing for Liverpool
Few players have been in better form across Europe this season than Frankfurt’s number seven. He has scored 11 goals and has provided seven assists in just 13 games in all competitions. That includes an eye-catching 13 goal involvements in eight Bundesliga games.
Impressively, the 25-year-old is one of just ten players across Europe’s big five leagues who has 10 or more goal involvements in their domestic league so far this term, as per FBref. In fact, there are only two players who have more than him; Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, who have 16 and 14 goals and assists respectively.
Player
Club
Goals
Assists
Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona
14
2
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
9
5
Omar Marmoush
Eintracht Frankfurt
9
4
Mateo Retegui
Atalanta
10
3
Cole Palmer
Chelsea
7
5
Raphinha
Barcelona
6
6
Erling Haaland
Man City
11
0
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
6
5
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona
5
6
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
3
7
Should the Reds get this deal done, it could be a repeat of when they signed Roberto Firmino. Liverpool’s former number nine signed from the Bundesliga, costing £29m from Hoffenheim. That, in itself, is similar to Marmoush, who would also make the move to Merseyside from the German top flight.
Firmino is a modern-day legend at Anfield, forming a deadly partnership with Salah and Sadio Mane. He scored 111 goals and grabbed 75 assists in 362 games for the club, helping to win a Premier League and Champions League title during his time at the club.
The similarities between the Frankfurt forward and the former Brazilian international extend further than the fact they have both spent time playing in Germany. The pair are versatile, and whilst they both excel at centre-forward, can play just off the striker or even out wide.
Marmoush, an “electric” player, as football presenter Dougie Critchley described him, has showcased his versatility this season. He has started the majority of games leading the line, just as Firmino did at Liverpool. However, he has also played on the left wing and even as a number 10, a position in which the Brazilian ace excelled when called upon.
There are certainly several comparisons to be made between Liverpool’s legendary centre-forward and their reported transfer target Marmoush, even down to the fact both are right-footed attackers. He is a player that Klopp never really managed to replace, but it could well be Slot who finds the perfect player to do so.
Given the fact the Egyptian forward would move from the Bundesliga and the versatility he possesses, there are clear similarities between Firmino and the Frankfurt number seven. It is a signing that would surely excite the Anfield faithful and someone who could potentially replicate the success of the legendary Brazilian in that famous Red shirt, given his incredible form so far this season.
Sky Sports: Liverpool keen to sign Viktor Gyokeres in cut-price £50m deal
He’s one of the most in-form strikers in Europe…
ByTom Cunningham Oct 30, 2024
Tottenham were back, well so we thought anyway. Ange Postecoglou’s men were a free-scoring bundle of joy but they have crumbled twice now in recent times.
Sandwiching that amazing 4-1 win over West Ham, Spurs suffered a defeat to Brighton and have now just lost to Crystal Palace 1-0.
The Eagles had not won all season, they were the league’s lowest scorers. It was classic Spurs, really.
Still, it may have been a negative day at the office for Tottenham, but there was some excitement generated at least by a first Premier League start for Mikey Moore. Here’s how he got on…
Mikey Moore's performance in numbers
Against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening, 17-year-old Moore was electric with his performance, taking on the player for fun as if here…well, Neymar.
That was the viewpoint of the skipper for the night, James Maddison anyway, who was blown away by the teenager’s skillset on the continental stage.
Moore didn’t register a goal involvement that evening but he evidently impressed Postecoglou enough to be handed a full Premier League debut against Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Sadly, it didn’t go according to plan for Spurs or the young winger. He was substituted on the 62-minute mark having failed with all three of his dribble attempts and failed to register a single key pass.
You cannot fault Moore’s energy, workrate or his bravery but it simply didn’t come off for him on this occasion.
Handed a 5/10 match rating by Football.London’s Rob Guest, the Tottenham correspondent wrote of how the teen was ‘positive when on the ball’ but ‘didn’t have too many opportunities to run’.
The Hotspur Way graduate wasn’t the worst player on the field though, far from it.
Tottenham's worst players against Crystal Palace
Micky van de Ven has been fabulous in a Spurs shirt this season. That assist at Old Trafford was remarkable, bursting down the left-hand side like Gareth Bale in his prime to lay the ball on a plate for Brennan Johnson.
At Selhurst Park, the Dutchman was left wanting. It was his giveaway that led to the game’s only goal.
Van de Ven got caught in possession which allowed Eberechi Eze to collect the ball before crossing for Jean-Philippe Mateta who found the net.
Spurs weren’t great at the back but they were also pretty poor in forward areas too. That’s strange considering how impressive Postecoglou’s side have been in the final third this term, notably scoring four goals last time out against West Ham United.
Dejan Kulusevski has been a massive part of that. Before this weekend’s games, the Swede ranked first among Premier League midfielders for key passes, progressive runs and dribbles per 90.
Thus, to see him withdrawn in the same minute as Moore was disappointing. It also spoke volumes that the club’s Aussie manager was willing to take off his most creative presence when they needed a goal.
However, it was damning of the former Juventus ace’s time on the field in south London this weekend as his 31 touches were even fewer than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario who managed 52.
Minutes played
62
Touches
31
Accurate passes
16/22 (73%)
Key passes
1
Expected assists (xA)
0.02
Crosses
0/1
Shots
1
Completed dribbles
1/1
Duels won
2/9
Fouls
4
Interceptions
1
Tackles
0
He simply wasn’t his usual self, registering just the one shot – one that was saved well by Dean Henderson – and only one key pass. His expected assists (xA) tally sat at just 0.02, far below the usual levels of creativity we’ve become accustomed to seeing from the 24-year-old in 2024/25 to date.
Handed a 4/10 match rating by the aforementioned Guest, he wrote that the ‘intricate bits of play just didn’t come off for the Swede.’
Damning words indeed for one of Tottenham’s best players this season. That’s now six points dropped from their last three games. Not ideal at all, is it?
Postecoglou’s men looked as though they were going places but old habits die hard, eh? Spurs are struggling again and the craggy-faced head coach has some questions to answer.
It's not Solanke: Ange could have his own Havertz in Spurs' "absolute unit"
Spurs have another promising young striker on their hands.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 26, 2024
And so it is finally over, Erik ten Hag is no longer Manchester United manager.
It has been a simply disastrous start to the 2024/25 season for the club. The Red Devils are stumbling in the Premier League and Europa League and are struggling to win a game. They currently find themselves 14th in the Premier League, with just 11 points to their name so far.
The Red Devils, who won the FA Cup last season, will be hoping they can turn this torrid form around soon with Ruud van Nistelrooy now at the helm on an interim basis.
The iconic Dutchman – or whoever ends up being the new permanent appointment – certainly has their work cut out…
United’s underlying stats in the 2024/25 Premier League
Perhaps the most striking stat for United so far this term is the fact they have won just four games in all competitions in the entire season, having played 14 times. Those victories have come against Fulham on the opening day of the season, Premier League strugglers Southampton, League One outfit Barnsley and, most recently, Brentford.
One issue the Red Devils have had this season is scoring goals. They are the second-lowest scorers in the division this season, with just eight goals to their name. As per Understat, the Red Devils have an expected goals tally of 15.65xG, although that still places them 11th in the xG table.
Whilst they have conceded 11 times so far in the Premier League, they are worryingly 15th for expected goals against. United’s current tally stands at 17.52xGA, with four of the five sides who have a worse number in that metric sitting below them in the Premier League.
Home
Away
Stat
Number
PL rank
Stat
Number
PL rank
Games
4
N/A
Games
5
N/A
Goals scored
3
=10th
Goals scored
5
=7th
Expected goals
5.91xG
14th
Expected goals
9.74xG
3rd
Goals conceded
7
=5th
Goals conceded
4
=2nd
Expected goals against
8.82xGA
16th
Expected goals against
8.69xGA
13th
Unsurprisingly, those woes have resulted in the end for Ten Hag, given how badly the side are performing this season. Rumours have been swirling about who could replace the Dutchman, including one manager who is a legend of the game.
The manager who could replace Ten Hag
The manager in question here is former Barcelona boss Xavi. The legendary midfielder recently left his post at the helm of the La Liga giants, who are now flying high under Hansi Flick. According to a report from Sacha Tavolieri, the Spaniard is a ‘concrete lead to succeed’ the Dutchman and is having talks with club officials.
Indeed, the 44-year-old has a strong record as Barca manager despite the fact he left the club at the end of last season. In 143 matches that he coached his former side, Xavi oversaw 91 wins, and just 23 draws and 29 losses. His side managed to score 280 goals under him in that time.
Interestingly, the Spaniard, who won the World Cup and two European Championships with his nation, was once a target for United as a player. He explained that the club “approached me once through Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother”, although he rejected the offer in favour of Barcelona.
In terms of his style of play, Xavi favours a direct 4-3-3 formation, taking inspiration from the legendary sides he featured in as a player, with intricate, one-touch passing moves and plenty of underlaps from midfield. One of his best wins as Barca boss was a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercup in 2023.
Xavi could also be the perfect manager for United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old has become a key player for his boyhood club over the past 12 months and is one of England’s most talented young midfielders. He already has 44 senior appearances for the Red Devils under his belt.
Learning from one of the greatest midfielders of all time would be huge for the England international’s development. During his time at Barca, he developed La Masia graduates Pedri and Gavi into two world-renowned midfielders.
With a brilliant track record of developing young midfielders, Mainoo could take his game to the next level under Xavi, learning new intricacies to further develop his game. It could be a match made in heaven.
Xavi could then represent the dream upgrade on Ten Hag, having averaged 2.07 points per game during his time at Camp Nou, while the now ex-United boss finished with a record of just 1.84 points per game from his 128 matches at the helm.
Not only does Xavi give young players a chance, exactly what United stands for, but his style of play could fit the squad well. It might end up being the dream appointment for the Red Devils as they look to save their season, with the club once again chasing a new permanent manager in this turbulent post-Ferguson era.
Ten Hag sacked: Man Utd now considering 37 y/o "great coach" as replacement
INEOS have pulled the trigger and are already lining up a new coach.
ByBrett Worthington Oct 28, 2024
MatériaMais Notícias
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Presidente da equipe, Douglas Rodrigues projetou a disputa da competição e analisou a temporada que se avizinha.
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– Esperamos fazer uma grande temporada. Temos algum tempo para se preparar e temos tudo para fazer uma boa competição. Estamos com uma expectativa grande – afirmou.
O Apucarana Sports começa os treinamentos a partir do dia 15. Em breve a diretoria do Apucarana Sports vai apresentar o time e a comissão técnica.
– Estamos trabalhando para fazer uma equipe competitiva e conseguir brigar em condição de igualdade dentro da competição – explicou.
Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan head coach, has tested positive for Covid-19 in Kingston, where Pakistan completed their series of four T20Is and two Tests against West Indies. Misbah will now stay on and complete his 10-day quarantine before travelling home, even as the rest of the Pakistan contingent leaves for Lahore late on Wednesday.In a statement, the PCB said that Misbah, who is asymptomatic, “was the only Pakistan squad member who failed two pre-departure PCR tests”. “The PCB is constantly in touch with Cricket West Indies who have confirmed that Misbah will be shifted to another hotel for the 10-day quarantine with a medical specialist assigned to look after his health and well-being,” the statement said.Related
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It was a rain-marred but largely successful tour for Pakistan. Their four-match T20I series had three games that ended in no-results because of the weather, but they won the only completed game, the second, by seven runs to take the series.Then came the Test series, where West Indies clinched a thriller by one wicket to go 1-0 up, but Shaheen Afridi and Fawad Alam headlined Pakistan’s bounceback in the second Test to give them a 109-run series-squaring win on Tuesday.Pakistan are now scheduled to host New Zealand for three ODIs (in Rawalpindi) and five T20Is (in Lahore) from September 17, with the visitors going across to Pakistan – after their tour of Bangladesh – for the first time in nearly 18 years.As part of the home season, Pakistan are also expected to host England for two T20Is (before the Men’s T20 World Cup, in October), and Australia early next year.
Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has been left buzzing after an “exciting” update was shared by the 49ers Enterprises.
Leeds summer signings and upcoming fixtures
The Whites and manager Daniel Farke were busy over the summer, bringing in eight new additions after losing a number of important players, including star trio Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter. Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani, Jayden Bogle, Ao Tanaka, Isaac Schmidt and Alex Cairns all arrived on permanent transfers, whereas Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell joined on loan.
On the pitch, Leeds are currently two points better off than they were at this stage last season, with Saturday’s 2-0 win at Cardiff City seeing Ramazani score and shine on what was his first start for the Whites.
Farke’s side currently sit in the playoff positions, but after last season’s Wembley heartbreak against Southampton, will be keen to earn automatic promotion this time around.
Leeds United’s next five Championship games
Date
Leeds United vs Coventry City
September 28
Norwich City vs Leeds United
October 1
Sunderland vs Leeds United
October 4
Leeds United vs Sheffield United
October 18
Leeds United vs Watford
October 22
The games come thick and fast for Leeds over the coming months, but away from the pitch, plans are seemingly in place from the 49ers Enterprises when it comes to expanding Elland Road.
Leeds announce Elland Road plan to increase capacity
On Monday, Leeds revealed their next steps to enhance Elland Road, looking to take the capacity from 37,645 to around 53,000. The club stated the key ambitions for the stadium upgrade on their official website:
Modernise and improve stadium capacity from 37,645 to c.53,000 seats Significant increase to general admission seating, which at present would make Elland Road the seventh largest club stadium in the country A core architectural design objective is to maintain and enhance the unique atmosphere Phased approach to construction to minimise loss of seating capacity during the project Bring Elland Road in line with UEFA Category 4 status, to be amongst the elite in European stadia Expert team, combining global stadium experience with local specialist knowledge, assembled to deliver artist’s impressions and planning submission
Chairman Paraag Marathe said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community. The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.
“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road. We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”
Reacting to the news, former forward Beckford was upbeat and took to X to say: “This will be exciting! Imagine the atmosphere when 50k+ are singing at full pelt! I can’t wait!! MOT”