The U.S. has secured a spot in the quarterfinals, but that still leaves some major decisions for Hayes against Australia

There aren't any meaningful stakes for the U.S. women's national team in their group stage match against Australia on Wednesday, at least in term of advancement. They're already through to the Olympics' knockout rounds, and barring an unfathomable disaster, they'll finish atop their group.

This is less about positioning in the standings, more more about positioning in terms of form, confidence, health and momentum.

The work has been done in the first two matches, which the U.S. won by a collective score of 7-1, so in some ways, this is the game before the big game. That's mostly true, but not totally.

While the USWNT's knockout spot is sealed, it's still important how they actually arrive at the next round of the Olympics. Will they coming fresh off yet another high, or will they stumble in with a new lesson learned?

Their opponents, Australia, will be fighting for their tournament lives, so the intensity will be there regardless. U.S. coach Emma Hayes will have some decisions to make when it comes to matching that intensity. Does she take this opportunity to shake things up? Does she let her main team continue to build chemistry in her new system or systems? Is there value in really going for it to continue momentum? Or does caution win the day with bigger moments on the horizon?

It's all TBD. Hayes is rarely predictable, and she won't be here, either. The USWNT's new coach is known for her surprises, which means just about anything can happen on Wednesday. That's good news for those watching on but also good news for her players, as chances will be there for everyone on the roster to impress.

So what should Hayes consider? What will the USWNT look like? GOAL takes a look at the keys to the final group stage match against Australia.

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  What's up with Jaedyn Shaw?

  Throughout the first two Olympic tests, the U.S. has done just fine without Jaedyn Shaw. In fact, they've done better than expected. They haven't needed their 19-year-old star, as this team's attack has gone nuclear even without her.

  They'll need her before this is all said and done, though, and entering the third group match, she remains out. Shaw has yet to play in this tournament as her Olympic debut has been delayed by a leg injury. Hayes confirmed Tuesday that Shaw won't feature against Australia.

  Sophia Smith, Mal Swanson and Trinity Rodman have ensured that her absence hasn't hurt the U.S. in their opening games, scoring six goals between them. Even so, the teenager is a game-changer, one who will be key during the business end of this tournament.

  She hasn't had a chance to work out the jitters that will surely be there as when she does eventually enter her first major tournament. It would have been preferable to have her work out those jitters in, say, an essentially meaningless group stage game. It would have been the perfect moment for her to get a taste of competition at this level.

  Unfortunately, that isn't the case as the U.S. must continue to wait.

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  Lynn Williams time?

  Lynn Williams made the most of her chance against Germany. The Gotham FC took her chance well to put a bow on the 4-1 win, furthering her reputation as a game-changing supersub.

  That's why she's here, and given the abundance attacking talent, she won't start in the knockouts. Should she start this one, though?

  It may be worth considering. Given the tight turnarounds in this tournament, rest is at a premium. Perhaps Hayes should rest Smith, who did score twice last game but was also nursing a knock for the opener. Perhaps she should rest Swanson, who is only a few months removed from a horrible injury. Or perhaps she should rest Rodman, who tracks back with massive intensity, expending energy in the process.

  No matter who sits – if Hayes makes that call – Williams is more than capable of starting and, in this scenario, it makes sense to do it.

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  Problems in central defense

  Let's be honest: as long as Naomi Girma's healthy, the USWNT will be stellar. Who will be next to her, though?

  Tierna Davidson's injury makes that a bit complicated. Hayes confirmed Tuesday that Davidson will miss the Australia match, a blow to a position without much dept. It's really just Emily Sonnett. Emily Sams can come in as an alternate, but there's a drop-off after Sonnett, isn't there?

  Sonnett is a very good defender, but she's also a valuable security blanket off the bench. She can play as a centerback, fullback or defensive midfielder, which makes her a supersub that Hayes must love. Starting her takes away that bench option and, unfortunately, there isn't anyone else that provides the same versatility.

  Such is life at the Olympics, where squads are limited to just 18 players. Injuries can derail things, as Davidson unfortunately learned.

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  Give youth a chance

  This team has plenty of experience, but there are some youngsters who could definitely benefit from playing a game at the Olympic level.

  Jenna Nighswonger, for example. Crystal Dunn has been the go-to starter at left-back, limiting her Gotham FC teammate to just 25 minutes so far. Many thought Nighswonger would be the starter this tournament but, to Dunn's credit, she's more than earned the role with her performances.

  Nighswonger has proven herself trustworthy in the months since her debut, which is why she was in contention to start to begin with. Giving her significant minutes in this game would do wonders for her confidence and comfort heading into the knockouts, where this team could need her.

  The same can be said for Korbin Albert. She's the closest this team has to a Rose Lavelle replacement but, so far, she's played just one half of soccer. In that half, she replaced Lavelle as a precaution. Given Lavelle's injury history, why not let her start for the same reason?

  Dunn and Lavelle are veterans. Maybe Hayes should keep them on ice for the knockouts and let these two young guns prove themselves.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has apparently told an 18-year-old he'll be given a chance to prove himself at Spurs, on one condition.

Postecoglou pleads for Spurs academy improvement as he sets ambitious goal

The Lilywhites head coach has spoken about the importance of N17's production line, and how he wants the academy to greatly improve.

Ex-Tottenham employee says 18-goal forward could be tempted to join Ange

He’s been called his division’s standout player.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 9, 2024

Tottenham have produced some standout talents over the years, not least the likes of Harry Kane, who went on to become the club's all-time record goalscorer before he departed for Bayern Munich last year.

More recently, Alfie Dorrington, Jamie Donley and Mikey Moore have all been tipped for potentially big futures, but Postecoglou has been adamant that Spurs have a lot of work to do when it comes to nurturing young stars for the future.

"I think we've got a lot of work to do in our academy and Simon Davies is certainly one that is putting a lot of emphasis and priority there," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's production line.

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"I don't think we have the production line other top clubs have, certainly not. Even currently that’s why we’re investing in some younger players, even for the first team. For us as a football club that's definitely the way forward.

"My brief at the moment is still very much around the first team and building a first team and you can do that while giving opportunities to young players. If anything I think for sustainable success it's the best way to go because the team grows together when it's guys of similar ages as long as you've got good experience around them."

Postecoglou also wants Tottenham to become a hot spot for young talent, and they've made real headway in that regard recently. Spurs beat Barcelona in the race to sign Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall in January, and the 18-year-old will link up with them this summer after a loan spell at Djurgardens IF.

Postecoglou makes Bergvall a game-time promise at Tottenham

Now, Djurgardens official Peter Kisfaludy has shared some details as to why Bergvall chose north London over the Camp Nou.

He refutes claims that it was down to money and interestingly lifts the lid on a conversation between Postecoglou and the teenager. Indeed, Kisfaludy says Postecoglou has promised Bergvall game time at Spurs, on the condition he works hard.

“He has taken everything very well," said Kisfaludy to Aftonbladet (via Sport Witness).

"There has been so much rubbish on social media that he would have chosen Tottenham for the money. The contracts with Barcelona and Tottenham were fully negotiated. Both for his own part and between the clubs, so that he could choose.”

“He got a better feeling and that is not so strange. When the coach Ange Postecoglou sits down with him and says that he loves young players and that he will get the chance there if he works hard. Compare that to Barcelona, where you didn’t even know who was going to coach the team.”

The Australia selectors have dropped Glenn Maxwell from the ODI squad to tour India in January despite him being available to play following a mental-health break.Marnus Labuschagne has been called up to his first ODI squad following his outstanding form in Test cricket and an impressive Marsh Cup where he was the joint Player of the Tournament alongside Queensland team-mate Usman Khawaja, who has also been left out. There are recalls for Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Ashton Turner and Ashton Agar.Maxwell will make his return to cricket via the BBL this week where he will captain the Melbourne Stars and has declared he is available play for Australia. However, national selector Trevor Hohns said they will monitor his form in the BBL after Maxwell only managed 177 runs at 22.12 during the World Cup.ALSO READ: Peter Siddle recalled for Boxing Day as Australia opt for local knowledge“It is great to see Glenn Maxwell returning to the game in the Big Bash League,” Hohns said. “We will closely monitor his form after what would have been disappointing 12 months in the one-day game by his standards.”Justin Langer, who will skip the tour to rest with Andrew McDonald taking charge, added: “We love what [Maxwell] can bring, but the truth is he hasn’t performed very well over the last 12 months. We had to take that into account. We are sure he’ll get back to his best and we look forward to that.”Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis have also been dropped after being part of the World Cup. Langer said that Khawaja and Marsh were especially unlucky to be left out. “They have played such great cricket. In a three-game series, you have David Warner, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith; it squeezes those two guys out who have been so important to the one-day side.”Australia’s ODI team has not played since the semi-final loss to England at Edgbaston and the selectors have opted to reward the players who were part of the two T20I series wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan as they start the next four-year cycle towards the 2023 World Cup.Nathan Lyon has also been overlooked despite being the second spinner in England and playing in Australia’s tour on India in February, with Adam Zampa and Agar being preferred.Turner, who underwent shoulder surgery after being omitted from the World Cup, returns while Peter Handscomb, who scored his maiden ODI hundred in India earlier this year and whose skills against spin were underscored by Langer, has been retained following his late call-up to the World Cup. Turner will also provide wicketkeeping cover.Nathan Coulter-Nile, the leading wicket-taker in this year’s Marsh Cup, misses out with Hazlewood recalled and Abbott, who played his only previous ODI in 2014, claiming the fifth fast-bowling spot. Jason Behrendorff is unavailable following his back surgery.”The performance of our white-ball squads has been strong, and we are hoping to build the momentum towards the T20 World Cup at home at the end of the year and ultimately build towards the 2023 World Cup in India,” Hohns said.”The performance of the top order at home through the T20 series was very strong so we look for that to continue in the Indian ODI series. We also believe Marnus Labuschagne is ready for his international white-ball debut after his strong form for Queensland in this form of the game.”Ashton Turner has proven himself in India with his ability to adapt to local conditions as did Peter Handscomb who joined the squad at the most recent World Cup. Peter also doubles as a back-up keeper if required while Ashton Agar adds to the squad with his all-round abilities.”In terms of the bowling group we are sticking with combination that are performing well. Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson are in the squad following the successful T20 campaign.”Adam Zampa and his growing combination with Agar is also something the selectors want to see more of while Nathan Lyon remains in the one-day squad selection frame.”The squad will be coached by McDonald, who was recently appointed as senior assistant coach, with Langer staying in Australia after being involved in all forms over the last 18 months.”As one of the leadership group it’s important to show that not only are we focussed on getting the balance right for the players but equally the coaches and staff, head coach included,” Langer said. “Macca (McDonald) is an exceptional coach in all forms of the game and has been fantastic since coming on board. He will do a great job with this squad. We are in very, very good hands.”Australia squad for the ODI tour of India Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (vice-capt), Pat Cummins (vice-capt), Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Johannesburg crowd could end up playing a role, however small, in how this series ends

Firdose Moonda at the Wanderers24-Jan-2020″Hit him again,” came the cry from an exasperated South African supporter, as Anrich Nortje geared up to deliver the final ball of his sixth over, eight minutes after his previous delivery, which sconed Zak Crawley on the helmet.It was hardly a classy piece of advice for the quick bowler – and the Wanderers crowd are not known for their hospitality to opposition teams – but it was also the only one South African fans could come up with. They were desperate.It was 28 overs into the England innings, and South Africa had nothing. Even the somethings they could have had were nothings.When Dom Sibley was given out after what looked like a strangle down the legside from Beuran Hendricks, he reviewed and was found not to have made any contact with the ball. Four overs later, Sibley steered Vernon Philander straight to gully but even as Temba Bavuma and Faf du Plessis were celebrating Bavuma’s catch, the rest were watching Joel Wilson’s signal for a no-ball. Sibley was on 10 the first time, and 12 the second. He was on 29 by the time Crawley was hit. The growing impatience, from people who waited more than three hours just to see some play, was understandable. And it spoke to a wider restlessness that can be felt rumbling through the cricket community in this country.Zak Crawley was hit on the helmet by Anrich Nortje•AFP/Getty ImagesAlthough fans have been told, repeatedly, that rebuilding the South Africa team is going to take a few years, the fast-forward nature of the changes that took place mid-December, the win at SuperSport Park and the fight at Newlands promised a quick-fix. But since then, South Africa have been teetering on the brink of free-fall. And that’s not an exaggeration.Consider that the last time South Africa lost three successive Test series was in 2004-5 when they were defeated by Sri Lanka, India (both away) and England (at home). They have already lost to the first two in this run, made worse by the fact that the failing against Sri Lanka came at home. Should they lose the Wanderers Test, they will have repeated that sequence of defeats, which came at a time when South Africa had options. Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn were at the beginning of their careers, and competition for places was steep.Now, South Africa are searching for options, so much so that in their last 10 Tests dating back to the Wanderers fixture a year ago, 11 players have made their debuts. Not only is that effectively a whole team, but it literally could have been. There have been top-order batsmen, Pieter Malan, Zubayr Hamza and Rassie van der Dussen, middle-order players like Heinrich Klaasen (also a wicket-keeper), two spin-bowling allrounders, Senuran Muthusamy and George Linde two seam-bowling allrounders, Dwaine Pretorius and Wiaan Mulder and three specialist seamers, Dane Paterson, Hendricks and Nortje. Technically that makes up a team, and it’s not a bad team, but it wouldn’t be South Africa’s first choice.That five of the rookies are playing this Test tells you how much experience South Africa lack. That two of them, Pretorius and Paterson, effectively do the same thing, and the same as another member of the XI, Philander, speaks to a selection conundrum that South Africa have only become more tied up in since Port Elizabeth. There, they used Paterson and Philander, who opened the bowling despite the presence of Kagiso Rabada, and were equally ineffective on a slow pitch. Here, they brought in Pretorius as well, in place of Keshav Maharaj.Their decision to go without a spinner might appear to be vindicated by England’s choice to do the same but with England scoring at 3.5 runs an over, it begs the question over where South Africa expect sustained control to come from. Maharaj can hold up an end all day, while Philander, Paterson and Pretorius can only do it in bursts, and not always to the same effect. They’re all medium pace and in Rabada’s absence, that makes the lack of bite in the attack, more obvious.ALSO READ: Openers bring calm on dramatic day as SA find some fightSouth Africa had a flat morning session, the third in a row when they have been in the field and have not taken a wicket. Hendricks acknowledged they bowled “too full,” and were not as aggressive as they should have been. That changed post-tea. Sibley was eventually caught down the leg-side off Hendricks, ending the first century stand at this venue since 2013.Philander produced a vintage dismissal when he had Crawley caught at first slip, hanging his bat out to the perfect fourth-stump delivery and Paterson had Denley, who was dropped twice, eventually caught at slip. But it’s the wicket of Ben Stokes that will give South Africa the most confidence.Nortje drew Stokes forward as he pushed across, took the edge and van der Dussen, who started this series with several drops, pouched his third, high and to his left. The Wanderers crowd knew the importance of the wicket and some of them took to heckling Stokes as he departed. One of them said something he really didn’t like.”Come say that to to me outside the ground, you f***ing four-eyed c***,” came the reply from Stokes, caught on camera. The repercussions will be known in the coming hours (or days). The fact that it was said at the opposite end of the day to the barb the came from the grandstand tells the story of the ebb and flow of a prickly start to the finale.England would probably consider themselves ahead had they not lost 4 for 50 in the second session but South Africa will know that the mini-collapse is a sign of what could come on a pitch that is expected to quicken up, especially given the condition of their line-up.But there’s a third factor here, that could end up playing a role, however small, in how this series ends: the Johannesburg crowd. They don’t come in the numbers the Barmy Army does or with the pleasantries of the St George’s Park band. They are bunch that don’t shy away from causing a bit of trouble, and won’t stand for any that’s given back to them.

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de ficar um longo período afastado dos gramados em virtude da Covid-19, John Kennedy retornou ao Fluminense no final de maio e fez trabalhos para recuperar o condicionamento físico. O atleta, de 19 anos, segue treinando com a equipe Sub-23 do Tricolor para readquirir a forma física e ficar à disposição do técnico Roger Machado.

> Confira a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro

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Com isso, o atleta superou o lateral Samuel Xavier e foi o jogador do Fluminense que ficou mais tempo longo dos gramados devido à Covid-19. A última vez em que ele esteve em campo foina vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Botafogo pelo Campeonato Carioca, no dia 17 de abril.

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Cria de Xerém, o atacante é uma das grandes promessas do clube carioca. Ele temoito jogos disputados e dois gols marcados na temporada. Até o momento, foram15 partidas e 4 bolas na rede desde que subiu para o time profissional em 2020.

O Fluminense volta a campo na quartano duelo contra o RB Bragantino, pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, às 21h30 , no Estádio Nabi Abi Chedid. Na primeira partida, o Tricolor venceu por 2 a 0 e pode garantir a classificação com um simples empate.

O Fluminense segue embalado na temporada e terá uma maratona de jogos em junho. Além da Copa do Brasil, a equipe comandada por Roger Machado terá pela frente sete rodadas do Brasileirão no mês. Bons testes antes dos duelos contra o Cerro Porteño pelas oitavas de finais da Copa Libertadores, que serão realizados nos dias 13 e 20 de julho.

It has been a superb season for Aston Villa so far, who sit fifth in the Premier League on 60 points and are still in the Europa Conference League, with a tie against Lille coming up this week.

The Villans have improved leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Unai Emery, and have risen from 16th in the Premier League when he took over last season, to Champions League contenders in 2024.

Emery inherited a squad with plenty of talent, and he is getting the best out of his players this season. Ollie Watkins has been one of the best players in the Premier League and has scored 18 goals and registered ten assists in just 31 games, a remarkable return.

Leon Bailey is another who is enjoying a fruitful season in front of goal under Emery, with eight goals and eight assists so far while the likes of Ezri Konsa are also performing well, with the 26-year-old recently making his full England debut.

However, there is perhaps one glaring hole in Emery’s squad, in defensive midfield. Villa’s first-choice number six, Boubacar Kamara, suffered an ACL injury in February, meaning they have been without Douglas Luiz’s regular midfield partner.

It is certainly a hole that Villa need to plug soon, and there is one particular rumour linking them with a former Premier League midfielder ahead of summer.

Aston Villa looking to sign a new midfielder

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Villa, alongside other Premier League sides including Tottenham and Newcastle, are monitoring the situation of Leicester City and Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

It is not the first time the Villans have been linked with Ndidi. Back in 2022, they were rumoured to be interested in placing a £50m bid for the Nigeria international, although then-Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers did not seem to agree with that value, saying he is “worth much more than that”.

However, Villa would not have to pay a penny for Ndidi this summer, with the 27-year-old available on a free transfer, along with several other Leicester players including club legend Jamie Vardy.

No doubt, Villa would face stiff competition for Ndidi’s signature during the transfer window, but he could certainly be one player who solves some of their midfield issues and helps fill the void left by Kamara’s ACL injury.

The perfect partner for Luiz

Ndidi has previously had heaps of praise from significant people in his career. Former Nigeria midfielder Sunday Oliseh once described Ndidi as “the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League, so far this season” back in 2020, high praise from someone who made 63 caps for Nigeria.

Ndidi’s former manager, Rodgers, did not hold back on his praise for the midfielder either. In 2019, Rodgers summed up the 27-year-old’s impact on his Leicester side, explaining how he “does the dirty work”, can always “smell danger” and is one of the “top players at winning the ball back”.

The stats suggest Rodgers was correct in his statement; according to the numbers by Fbref, Ndidi is a great ball-winner. Albeit now playing in the Championship, he averages 1.24 interceptions per 90 minutes, placing him in the 69th percentile of midfielders in comparative leagues, and also works hard to win the ball back in the final third, something required of him in Enzo Marseca’s high-pressing system.

The Leicester midfielder wins 0.32 tackles per 90 minutes in the final third, placing him in the top 21%. He also completed 3.1 ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season, as per Sofascore.

The Nigerian could prove to be a dream partner for Douglas Luiz in Villa’s midfield. The Brazil international has scored nine goals and registered five assists this season in the Premier League, his best-ever return for combined goal involvements.

With Ndidi sitting at the base of Villa’s midfield, it allows Luiz more security to get forward and impact the game in the final third, chipping in with goals and assists along the way. As Rodgers said, Ndidi “does the dirty work”, and this is certainly something Luiz, and Villa, could benefit from, to make them an even better side ahead of a big season in 2024/25.

Crystal Palace are now thought to be in "advanced" talks with a player over joining them this summer, as the Eagles seek to back new manager Oliver Glasner.

Glasner set for Palace backing this summer

The Austrian took over from Roy Hodgson last month, and his arrival brought plenty of anticipation with it.

Crystal Palace chiefs believe they can agree deal for Premier League ace

The Eagles need to bolster certain areas.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 13, 2024

Glasner, a Europa League winner during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, possesses experience coaching at a very elite level. The tactician has been tipped to bring a sense of physicality and intensity to Selhurst Park, but that won't come overnight, as explained by journalist Dean Jones to GiveMeSport recently.

Palace will spend in an effort to back Glasner this summer, as club chiefs aim to build a winning project around their head coach.

"I think Glasner will assert himself by bringing a sense of physicality to Crystal Palace and also probably more of a modern approach to their attacking set-up than they perhaps had recently," said Jones.

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"That won't come overnight. This squad isn't really capable of changing too much in the short term, but it'll get funded in the summer. Judging by what he's done so far in Germany, and judging by what he's capable of from a coaching perspective from people I've spoken to over there, they seem to think that actually, this is a really good appointment for Crystal Palace. After all of the protests from fans and accusations of them lacking ambition, this could actually prove to be a good appointment."

Reports suggest that Glasner is keen to sign a new defender for Palace this summer as one specific goal, and they appear to be making real headway with that, according to West Ham insider ExWHUemployee.

Crystal Palace in advanced talks to sign Ben Johnson

Hammers defender Ben Johnson is out of contract as things stand, with Ex claiming that Palace are leading the way.

It is also believed that Palace are in "advanced" talks over signing Johnson and bringing him on a Bosman deal – which is seen as a real shame for West Ham.

“Talks with Johnson have proven unsuccessful,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Podcast.

“He’s been linked now with an exit and Crystal Palace are leading the way. Ledley King though, who is a relative of Johnson’s, is trying to engineer a move to Spurs.

“At this stage though it appears an agreement between the player and the south London club is at quite an advanced stage, which could sadly see Johnson head south of the river this summer, after 17 years at West Ham.”

Called a "wonderful" professional by former West Ham coach and England legend Stuart Pearce, the 24-year-old has many years ahead of a potentially promising career, so he could be ideal for Glasner.

Makes himself available for selection with T20 World Cup less than a year away

Deivarayan Muthu in Chennai13-Dec-2019

Dwayne Bravo at an event in Mumbai•Getty Images

Former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo has officially come out of international retirement, making himself available for selection in the West Indies T20I side in the lead-up to their men’s T20 World Cup defence in Australia next year. Bravo, however, confirmed that he didn’t want to play any other format.”I would like to announce my return to international T20s for West Indies,” Bravo told ESPNcricinfo in Chennai. “Once selected I’ll be fully committed to represent the region again in T20 cricket, which I think is exciting for West Indies cricket and fans, with the young talents around.”Bravo had called time on his international career in October 2018, and turned his focus to playing franchise T20 cricket around the world. The 36-year old allrounder has now made a u-turn following drastic changes in the West Indies management. Ricky Skerritt has replaced Dave Cameron as the board president and former T20 World Cup-winning coach Phil Simmons is back in the mix. As part of the revamp, Kieron Pollard had been appointed captain of both the limited-overs teams ahead of the trip to India.ALSO READ: Bravo lives up to ‘champion’ status as Maratha Arabians win T10 titleBravo said that he was impressed by the clarity of thought and transparency in selection from the new management.”They understand and listen, they will have dialogues going back and forth, that’s the difference,” he said. “And that’s why it was so easy for me to make a decision to come back and represent West Indies again. I speak to the captain, coach, the president, director of cricket and chairman of selectors, and I’ve confirmed that I’ll be available for T20I selection.”Board president Skerritt and director of cricket Jimmy Adams both expressed their pleasure at Bravo’s decision.*”Bravo has the performance track record that should never have been lost from the West Indies cricket talent pool,” Skerritt said. “Bravo’s return reminds us what a negative impact politics and pettiness has had on our cricket. The possibility that Bravo, a former West Indies captain, can again be a fierce and formidable allrounder in his maroon colors, is a welcomed possibility.”Adams said: “I am pleased that Dwayne is making himself available for selection for T20 cricket. His considerable experience and proven ability will strengthen the pool of players from which Cricket West Indies will be able to choose their squads whilst also providing increased competition for places.”Bravo’s return to T20I cricket is another step from West Indies towards getting the band back together for their T20I World Cup defence in 2020. More recently, Pollard captained West Indies to their first ODI series victory in five years, against Afghanistan, and then his side challenged a full-strength India side in a three-match T20I series. Batsman Lendl Simmons came out of nowhere and made a match-winning half-century in Thiruvananthapuram to force the series into a decider in Mumbai. It is understood that both allrounder Andre Russell and offspinner Sunil Narine could have been in contention for selection for the India tour had they been fit enough.”If Russell is back, myself, and Narine is back… We don’t know what the Universe Boss is doing but you never know,” Bravo said. “He can also be available. We will love to have him around as he’s a father figure for all of us and we respect him. Having a Chris Gayle in the team is always special, but it’s up to him to make his decision. But, like I said, we’re looking forward to put the squad together. Whenever we put an XI on the field, it will be an XI that people will come to watch.”Dwayne Bravo dances in celebration•CPL T20/Getty Images

As one of the seniors in the West Indies set-up, along with captain Pollard, Bravo said his role would be to help ease the pressure on young talents who are finding their feet at the international level. Bravo echoed Pollard’s comments made on the eve of the series opener against India, hoping to create a nurturing environment.”We [seniors] just have to talk to them [the youngsters] and allow them to make their mistakes and allow them to figure out their game,” Bravo said. “Give them the opportunity and let them know that they belong to the system. What used to be the problem in the past is if a player played two-three games and they didn’t perform, he gets dropped.”In these format, you expect players to fail, especially when you’re a top-order player because your role and responsibility is to get the team off to a flier and that takes a lot of risks. You just have to give players opportunities and back them – whether they’re performing or not.”Pollard’s proactive captaincy had been one of the major talking points during the three-match T20I series against India. In Hyderabad, he had deployed twin midwickets against Virat Kohli and when he was leading Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL in the absence of Bravo, his in-your-face captaincy and aggressive approach worked for the franchise.”Yeah, he [Pollard] is definitely one who loves to win,” Bravo said. “The guys respect him a lot because of what he has achieved in cricket. Him and Phil [Simmons] have a very good captain-and-coach relationship and they’re going to lead the team in the direction where it should be. Just happy to do what I can to contribute to building something special.”I’m very close to everyone on this team and I know if I walk in, everyone will be happy. But for me, it’s not about me going back to try to be the person. It’s just me going back thankful for another opportunity to represent the team again and also help nurture these young talented players and give them my experience and knowledge. I will try to assist them in whatever way I can.”Bravo has been troubled by injuries in 2019, having been sidelined from part of the IPL (hamstring) and the entire CPL (broken finger). He, however, returned to action in the T10 league in the UAE and led Maratha Arabians to the title.”Champion is always a champion, know? It was good to win the T10 league with Maratha Arabians – it was my third season and second time as captain,” he said. “To win the trophy for the first time was a great achievement. It’s the end of the year now, so we look forward to 2020.”West Indies’ next T20I assignment is a three-match series against Ireland at home in January next year.

حقق فريق الهلال فوزًا هامًا على نظيره الاتفاق بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين.

والتقى الهلال مع الاتفاق، على أرضية استاد المملكة أرينا، في إطار مواجهات الجولة العاشرة ببطولة دوري روشن.

طالع..الهلال يدرس قرارًا حاسمًا تجاه نيمار بعد إصابته

وافتتح ألكيسندر ميتروفيتش التسجيل لصالح الهلال في الدقيقة الثانية من الوقت بدل الضائع من الشوط الأول، بينما جاء الهدف الثاني عن طريق مالكوم في الدقيقة 81.

وسجل فيكتور سانتوس، هدف الاتفاق في الدقيقة الرابعة من الوقت بدل الضائع للشوط الثاني، من ركلة جزاء، قبل أن يحزر محمد القحطاني هدف الهلال الثالث في الدقيقة السادسة من الوقت بدل الضائع.

وشهد اللقاء حصول عبدالله رديف لاعب الاتفاق على بطاقة حمراء ليطرد من اللقاء في الدقيقة الثامنة من الوقت بدل الضائع.

وررفع الهلال رصيده إلى 28 نقطة، في صدارة جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين، بينما تجمد رصيد لاتفاق عند 11 نقطة في المركز الحادي عشر.

Aston Villa's slide in form over recent weeks has allowed Tottenham Hotspur to drive into fourth place in the Premier League, taking the spot with a well-earned victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Unai Emery's Villans are battling on two fronts and face a daunting task in winning against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, and while Spurs would never cheer their city rivals' success, there is an opportunity to create some space in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, should they win against Newcastle United on Saturday.

While Newcastle have been ravaged by injuries this season after remarkably clinching Champions League football last season, the Magpies retain a threat that has seen victories over both Manchester sides, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain this term.

Moreover, Spurs were trashed 6-1 at St. James' Park last season and while revenge will be on the cards, this ground seems to swallow teams up and it will be a battle to prevail.

But Ange Postecoglou will be confident in his side and might make three changes from last weekend's contest to ensure his side gets the job done.

1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario

It's a fabled place between the sticks for the Italian national team, but Guglielmo Vicario's performances since joining Tottenham last summer have enabled such success, with the 27-year-old making his Italy debut last month.

He's been superb this season and hasn't missed a minute in the Premier League. That seems unlikely to change against Newcastle, barring any late injury or illness.

2 RB – Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro scored his first Premier League goal of the season last weekend to provide his team with a two-goal lead before the hour mark.

He's so important for Tottenham and offers the ambit of qualities needed to succeed as a high-level full-back for an ambitious side.

Long may it continue (at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)…

3 CB – Cristian Romero

If you were to say Cristian Romero is a little overzealous at times, you might be right. Nonetheless, the Argentina international is a remarkable centre-half and is arguably one of the finest on English shores.

As per Sofascore, he has scored four goals across 26 top-flight matches this season, completing 92% of his passes, averaging 2.0 tackles, 3.1 clearances, 5.9 ball recoveries per game, and winning 69% of his duels.

If Alexander Isak is going to be snuffed, few are better equipped to deal with the Swedish sharpshooter than he.

4 CB – Micky van de Ven

Micky van de Ven scored a thunderous goal last time out to add another layer to his deep and dynamic skill set. Arriving from Wolfsburg for £43m last August, he's proved to be quite the revelation for a formerly withered backline.

The flux and fluidity of this elite defensive axis is lifting Tottenham to a new level. Should they remain partnered over the coming years, there is no telling the heights the club may reach.

5 LB – Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie has been on Tottenham's books since signing from Udinese for £15m in 2022 but remained at the Serie A side on loan for the 2022/23 campaign. This was a beneficial move.

Still only 21, the left-back is fast and ferocious and has a healthy mix of traits that serve him well at both ends of the field, and he shall prove a thorn in Eddie Howe's side tomorrow afternoon.

6 CM – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

It's no secret that Yves Bissouma has been out of sorts for some time and after replacing his struggling peer after half-time last weekend, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg might be pushing for his first start since February 3rd, and just his seventh of the league campaign.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Stats vs Nottingham Forest

Stat

Figure

Minutes played

45'

Touches

66

Accurate passes

52/59 (88%)

Long balls

3/3

Possession lost

7x

Shots taken

3

Duels won

2/4

Interceptions

2

Stats via Sofascore

The experienced Dane has been described as a "warrior" by pundit Alan Hutton and made good on such claims with his recent effort.

He ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted and the top 10% for progressive passes, as per FBref, with such skills proving most effective against Nottingham Forest. The same again vs Newcastle?

7 CM – Rodrigo Bentancur

Provided with an 8/10 match rating by football.london's Alasdair Gold to stabilise the Spurs engine room against Forest, Rodrigo Bentancur will hope to have turned a corner after spending the past few months developing under Postecoglou, whilst recovering from a long-term injury.

Fluency and grit is something that Tottenham have lacked in central midfield of late and installing this industrious partnership might just bear fruit in testing conditions in England's North East.

8 RW – Dejan Kulusevski

Big call? Postecoglou has largely been brilliant with his substitutions and for this reason, he may make the bold call of placing the in-form Brennan Johnson back on the bench, allowing Dejan Kulusevski to return to the starting line-up after featuring from the bench across the past two matches.

9 AM – James Maddison

Still not quite there but James Maddison's importance is undisputed, with the England international creative and combative both in the attacking midfield role.

He was breathtaking for Spurs before suffering an ankle injury in November and while pre-injury levels have not quite been recovered, he can change a game just like that.

10 LW – Timo Werner

A few eyebrows were raised when Postecogolou welcomed ex-Chelsea man Timo Werner to the fold in January, but the German has repaid the faith thus far.

He's scored two goals and provided three assists from eight Premier League starts and most importantly has added an electric, energetic dimension to the Tottenham attack.