Tem coisas que só acontecem com o Botafogo mesmo… O Glorioso anunciou na tarde desta sexta-feira (30) a saída do técnico Luís Castro rumo ao Al Nassr, da Arábia Saudita, e jogou um balde de água fria nos torcedores que sonhavam com a permanência do português.
RelacionadasFora de CampoJornalista diz que Botafogo é ‘elefante em cima da árvore’ e gera revolta de torcedoresFora de Campo29/06/2023Futebol NacionalQual é o tamanho da fortuna de John Textor?Futebol Nacional29/06/2023BotafogoEm nota, Botafogo rechaça que tenha sido informado da saída de Luís CastroBotafogo29/06/2023
+ Até 50% OFF em produtos Alvinegros para os torcedores fanáticos!
Mas, aqui entre nós, torcedor: quem não se sentiria seduzido pela oportunidade de treinar um dos maiores jogadores da história (Cristiano Ronaldo) e ganhar a ‘mixaria’ de R$ 3 milhões por mês para viver em outro país?
+ Botafogo vai ao mercado: confira treinadores estrangeiros livres no mercado
+ IMPERDÍVEL! Transmissão ao vivo dos jogos do Glorioso na Sul-Americana por apenas R$1,00!
A decisão do técnico é compreensível, mas sabemos que dinheiro não é tudo! No ‘mundo Árabe’, Luís Castro não será ovacionado como era no Nilton Santos, não terá a chance de vencer o Brasileirão ou a Sul-Americana e, principalmente, não receberá muito mais que seus colegas mais bem pagos no Brasil.
Quando comandava o Glorioso, Luís Castro era o terceiro técnico mais bem pago do país, recebendo aproximadamente R$ 1 milhão por mês, atrás apenas de Jorge Sampaoli (R$ 2 milhões por mês) e Abel Ferreira (R$ 2,8 milhões por mês). Ao que tudo indica, o ex-técnico do Alvinegro não ficou satisfeito em superá-los apenas no campo e resolveu apelar para a conta bancária…
E comparando com os principais treinadores do mundo, será que o português receberia muito menos se continuasse no Botafogo?
Agora, já não há mais o que fazer. Luís Castro deixou o Botafogo rumo ao Al Nassr. Resta ao Glorioso encontrar um novo treinador para manter o nível competitivo da equipe, e os principais cotados são o português Bruno Lage e Rogério Ceni.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape 184 for 6 (Markram 62*, Tahir 2-21) beat Joburg Super Kings 152 for 7 (Bairstow 37, Overton 2-20) by 32 runsSunrisers Eastern Cape remain on course for the SA20 three-peat after beating Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator in Centurion, having recovered spectacularly from three defeats in their opening three games. They will play Paarl Royals in the second qualifier in less than 24 hours’ time to determine who will face MI Cape Town in Saturday’s final.SEC have the advantage of having the most recent experience of conditions up country while Paarl, who played in the first qualifier in Gqeberha, have had to travel. They’ve also lost their last three matches and their best batter, Joe Root, to national duty, so SEC can consider themselves favourites to reach a third final, if not the title itself.While they are a franchise that has often billed themselves as the epitome of an outfit that relies on team efforts, there was one individual who cannot be ignored: Marco Jansen.Even before the match, he was already the leading wicket-taker for this season, and in SA20’s history, and what we might call the only genuine allrounder in this tournament. None of the other bowlers who have taken 10 wickets or more have come close to scoring even 100 runs – Mujeeb Ur Rahman is closest with 55 – and, naturally, none of the batters who have scored 100 runs have taken 10 wickets.In the Eliminator, Jansen also became the joint-leading wicket-taker in the Powerplay, level with Paarl’s Bjorn Fortuin. He removed Devon Conway, the batter who had scored the most runs against him in T20s without being dismissed, in the fifth over when Conway played a leaden-footed tame drive to start JSK’s slide.Jansen did not find himself among the wickets again and the accolades from the Eliminator will go to others but his 12-ball 23, and his role in the 53-run sixth-wicket stand that ultimately proved match-winning with Aiden Markram, deserves special mention and got it from Markram. “It’s small chip-ins (with the bat) that help us a lot,” Markram said. “And then a guy like Marco comes in and whacks it.”Jansen was in in the 17th over, when Tristan Stubbs was bowled by Imran Tahir, and SEC were 131 for 5, with a target under 170 still within JSK’s grasp. They scored 15 runs off the next 11 balls and were 146 for 5 with two overs to go. Arguably, JSK made a tactical blunder by bringing back Lutho Sipamla, whose first three overs had cost 44 runs, but in the absence of many other options, they chose to back a player who has been good for them through the tournament.Jansen made sure he had an ending to forget. He picked his slower ball early and sent Sipamla’s first ball for six and then took 16 more runs off four balls he faced in that over, including ending it with another six. In total, 21 of Jansen’s 23 runs came off the five he faced from Sipamla and his contribution pushed SEC over 180.Markram said at the post-match press conference that he was “hoping for 195-plus”, but in the end 184 proved enough, despite JSK getting off to a good start. Conway and Faf du Plessis put on 40 inside five overs before Jansen dismissed Conway to open JSK up and set SEC on course for victory. According to his team-mates, that is ultimately the thing Jansen does best.”His attitude to win is unmatched,” David Bedingham told ESPNcricinfo before the Eliminator. “If you ask him if he went for 100 runs and took zero wickets in a Test match and scored a couple of ducks, I don’t think he’d care unless we won. His desire to win is why he is who he is. It also helps that he’s super talented. He’s seven foot tall, he bowls quick, he bats well so that also helps. But I think it’s his desire to win that makes him so special.”Markram echoed the idea that contributing to the team is the most important thing to Jansen. “He’s a very quick learner and he absolutely hates losing. He just gets fired up every time he plays and he’s marrying that fired up energy with better smarts,” Markram said.There’s also something else Jansen does before every game which may actually be the secret to his success. “He eats a triple-decker pizza before every game on the bus,” Markram said. “And a Coke. That’s not a joke.”Jansen’s dietary habits aside, if there is an individual who has played the biggest part in SEC’s success, it’s him – which means he is playing the game exactly as he wants to. JSK can only look on in envy, especially after their bowling resources were “decimated”, as coach Stephen Fleming put it.Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams were ruled out before the tournament began, Gerald Coetzee could only play one game and David Wiese four, while Beuran Hendricks withdrew after the tournament started and was replaced by Sipamla, who finished as their highest wicket-taker. On the eve of the Eliminator, they also lost spin-bowling allrounder Donovan Ferreira to a side strain and du Plessis joked that he was struggling to find 11 fit players to field. He did, but only just.Maintaining a tournament run that lasts for 13 games over four weeks with so many players missing cannot be easy but for JSK, it will also not be an excuse.”I hate looking for excuses, but the turnover was high,” Fleming said. “If you look at our squad, when we first put it all together, it was very strong with South African bowling and overseas batting but it’s not the only reason. You do have to adapt. It is part of franchise cricket. But we just weren’t able to settle enough. I take some responsibility with that as well as we’re trying to find the team that’s going to take us forward: the right batting order. So we were chopping and changing and the whole thing just felt a little bit confusing. We just weren’t good enough.”
A former Liverpool coach says Premier League sides' use of the long throw is currently "too chaotic". Teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Brentford and Manchester United have been using this rejuvenated tactic this season as clubs seeks to take it to the opposition. But a long throw-in expert believes the quality of those deliveries have dropped off this term.
Tuchel talks up return of long throws
Earlier this month, England manager Thomas Tuchel declared that long throws are "back" and he sees the tactic as an important weapon in a team's arsenal as the Three Lions try and win the 2026 World Cup.
The former Chelsea boss said: "I told you: the long throw-in is back. But we do not have a lot of time. But once we arrive at the World Cup, all these things matter, so we will also talk about long throw-ins, we will talk about long kicks from the goalkeeper and not only playing short. But we cannot put everything into four days of training. But these things will matter. And let's see. I need to reflect now with my assistant coaches. All these patterns are back and crosses are back as well."
Ex-Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce was known as a strong proponent of utilising this approach, as was former Stoke City boss Tony Pulis. Like many things, football goes in cycles.
Allardyce told : "We got heavily criticised at the time. But we were ahead of the game, and lots of people, particularly at the bigger clubs, or even the press, were not too complimentary. Corners and free-kicks are extremely important. Long throws must be used. If a player's not comfortable, you don't use it. But if they are, you do. There's more and more set-play coaches than ever before. Arsenal have done very well on that. They've changed slightly this year because everybody's had to spend a lot of time trying to stop them against that particular corner."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThrow-in expert calls out 'ugly' part of football
Thomas Gronnemark, who worked with Liverpool for five years under Jurgen Klopp and has been helping out at Brentford recently, has developed a reputation as a long throw-in expert. Indeed, he used to hold the world record for the longest throw-in at 51.33 metres. But he thinks English sides are using them poorly at present.
He told the: "You can say there are many more long throw-ins in the Premier League. You can say, 'Isn't that good?' No, not necessarily! There are far too many teams taking low-quality long throw-ins. Some of the throw-ins are just not long enough, so they're not dangerous, and sometimes it's about the strategy.
"To be honest, for most teams, throw-ins are a really ugly part because the quality is so low, the ball is being thrown into high-pressure situations where there are duels. There are too many chaotic throw-ins in the Premier League: the level from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle is really low. Possession rates are at around 25 to 33 per cent on throw-ins under pressure. The standard is really low.
"When I was at Liverpool, the quality went up, but it's started to go down again. I think one of the reasons is that they're only training one or two routines in each zone. Yeah, it can work but your players have to learn to think throw-ins."
Brentford the most potent exponents of long throw
The report adds that Brentford have put 23 long throws into an opponent's penalty box this season, resulting in one goal, 11 shots, and an Expected Goals tally of 1.29 – the best in the division. While Gronnemark knows how important this tactic can be, it isn't always a fan's cup of tea.
He added, "It's also about entertainment for the fans. People might think that a guy who coaches long throw-ins wants a lot of them. Actually, I don't. I don't want to see every team take 10 long throw-ins in every game because then we have too much start and stop. People just look at the best teams and say 'they're having real success data-wise, so we'll do the same'. But they are forgetting that there's a lot of work, many years' worth, behind it. You have to do space creation around the opponents' penalty area."
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Getty Images SportCoach calls out Premier League set-piece staff
Gronnemark also believes that more preparation on the training ground needs to happen before long throws are used in games.
"If you're a world-class throw-in taker, it's much easier to put the ball where you want with a throw-in than with a corner kick. How many corners hit the first man? It's hard to kick with your foot. It's much easier to throw with your hands if you have the right technique," he said.
"There are a lot of set-piece coaches now, and a lot of them treat the throw-in like a corner or a free-kick. So they say 'we can have one or two routines in each zone’' But the challenge is that the opponents' defending pattern will already mark this from the start then the players have a big challenge. Even with the biggest teams in the Premier League, you can see that if they make one move and it doesn't work then the players don’t know what to do – they're getting confused, frustrated because they don't have a high throw-in intelligence."
It’s been a woeful start to life at Glasgow Rangers for Russell Martin and his Ibrox tenure could be coming to an end sooner than first thought following the latest update on his future.
Martin: I've got "more support ever" at Rangers
Out of the Champions League and yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership, it can’t get much worse for Martin at Rangers. The former Southampton manager was backed all throughout the summer transfer window by the 49ers, but has not been able to turn that investment into much-needed results.
Rangers boss Russell Martin squating on the touchline
The international break no doubt comes at a good time for all involved, but Martin is not worried about losing his job. The manager revealed that he has “more support than ever” by those in charge at Ibrox after a 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Although he chose to remain positive, however, reports have suggested that any support for Martin could be coming to an end sooner rather than later in Scotland with a number of replacements already mooted.
How many games Martin has left at Rangers
According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Rangers are preparing to sack Martin this month, and, therefore, he has just four games to potentially save his job.
The report claims that only a dramatic turnaround would prevent any quick decision, with a ‘growing expectation within the club that Martin will be gone by the end of September’.
Rangers’ September fixtures
Date
Rangers vs Hearts
September 13
Rangers vs Hibernian
September 20
Rangers vs Genk
September 25
Livingston vs Rangers
September 28
The report comes just one day after Thelwell – Rangers’ sporting director – publicly hailed Martin as “one of the best” in a clear backing of the manager that he handpicked to join the club in the summer.
A lot can, of course, change in football at any given moment, but there’s no denying that Martin has given himself an uphill climb. His current record in the Scottish Premiership has been a particular disappointment, whilst a 9-1 thrashing accross two legs at the hands of Club Brugge in the Champions League hardly did wonders when it came to getting fans onside.
He ripped through Tasmania on the second day in Hobart as the home side were forced to follow-on
AAP07-Mar-2025Michael Neser, the forgotten man of the Australian Test pace attack, reminded everyone of his capabilities at Tasmania’s expense.He ripped through the home team’s top order in their Sheffield Shield match on Friday, taking the first six wickets of the Tasmania first innings in a devastating nine-over spell after lunch – all the wickets coming in the space of 39 balls.Related
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Replying to Queensland’s first innings of 425 for 9 declared, Tasmania collapsed after lunch from 86 without loss and were dismissed for 161 at Bellerive Oval. Tasmania followed on and were still 194 runs behind with two days left.While Queensland and Tasmania started this penultimate round as the bottom two teams, a big win would keep one of them in the hunt to make the final against SA.Following Usman Khawaja’s century on Thursday, Neser’s command performance confirmed Queensland have the game by the throat.He snared 6 for 37 from 15 overs. It is his third Shield game back after a hamstring injury in November while playing for Australia A cruelled his hopes of a Test return this summer.The 34-year-old has played only two Tests, most recently against the West Indies in late 2022. Neser has had to bide his time, stuck in Australia’s pace-bowling queue behind Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.He was faultless on Friday, always looking dangerous even when Tasmanian openers Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Jake Weatherald built their solid stand.Neser bowled Weatherald for a top score of 55 and took a wicket in each of his next three overs. When he trapped Radhakrishnan lbw for 39 and bowled Beau Webster, Tasmania were 122 for 6 and Queensland were in the box seat.Mark Steketee had Radhakrishnan caught behind for 24 late on day two, with Weatherald unbeaten on 39.Gabe Bell and Webster took three wickets apiece in Queensland’s first innings.
After months of stories, reports, and rumours, silly season is finally coming to an end, and West Ham United haven’t done half bad.
Fans were understandably worried for a period, but a late flurry, which has seen the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa, has given them reason to be optimistic.
Moreover, following his celebration against Nottingham Forest, it now looks like Lucas Paqueta will be staying in East London for a little while longer.
One superstar who is moving today is Alexander Isak, and while he’s not coming to the London Stadium, West Ham have been linked with a striker who’s won comparisons to him.
West Ham target Isak-esque goalscorer
According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, West Ham are now interested in Victor Boniface.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report has revealed that the Hammers are considering a late move for the Bayer Leverkusen star, who remains on the market following his failed medical with AC Milan earlier this summer.
The Italian side were set to sign the Nigerian striker in a deal that would have seen them pay a €5m loan fee and then a €24m buy clause, which comes to around £25m in total.
There is certainly some risk in signing Boniface, but he has proven himself to be a lethal striker in the past and has even been compared to Isak.
How Boniface compares to Isak
While there are some obvious similarities between Boniface and Isak, from their positions to their age range and ability to run in behind players, it goes deeper than that.
According to FBref, the Swedish goalscorer has been the third most similar forward to the Nigerian in Europe’s top-five leagues across the last 365 days.
You can gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by taking a look under the hood, at the underlying numbers in which they rank closely.
Boniface & Isak
Statistics per 90
Boniface
Isak
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.73
0.70
Non-Penalty G+As
0.80
0.82
Progressive Carries
2.32
2.71
Shots on Target
1.52
1.34
Shot-Creating Actions
2.86
3.01
Carries into the Penalty Area
1.34
1.41
Successful Take-On
1.34
1.37
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
In this instance, that includes metrics such as actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, shot-creating actions, carries into the penalty area, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
In other words, the 24-year-old is a serious goal threat and not just that, but someone who can drag the ball into dangerous areas on his own when needed.
Victor Boniface for Bayer Leverkusen.
However, while having so many statistical similarities to someone as unbelievably talented as Isak is more than encouraging, all that matters for a forward is scoring goals, and thankfully, he has no issue doing so.
For example, in 62 appearances for Leverkusen, totalling 3496 minutes, the “absolute monster” of a striker, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 32 goals and provided 12 assists.
That means he’s averaged a goal involvement every 1.40 games, or every 79.45 minutes, since joining the German outfit, which is a world-class rate of return.
Ultimately, even though there is an element of risk in the deal, West Ham should do what they can to bring in Boniface before the window shuts at 7pm.
Their own Guehi: West Ham make contact to sign PL "monster" on Deadline Day
The experienced titan is just what Graham Potter and West Ham United need.
After months of stories, reports, and rumours, silly season is finally coming to an end, and West Ham United haven’t done half bad.
Fans were understandably worried for a period, but a late flurry, which has seen the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa, has given them reason to be optimistic.
Moreover, following his celebration against Nottingham Forest, it now looks like Lucas Paqueta will be staying in East London for a little while longer.
One superstar who is moving today is Alexander Isak, and while he’s not coming to the London Stadium, West Ham have been linked with a striker who’s won comparisons to him.
West Ham target Isak-esque goalscorer
According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, West Ham are now interested in Victor Boniface.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report has revealed that the Hammers are considering a late move for the Bayer Leverkusen star, who remains on the market following his failed medical with AC Milan earlier this summer.
The Italian side were set to sign the Nigerian striker in a deal that would have seen them pay a €5m loan fee and then a €24m buy clause, which comes to around £25m in total.
There is certainly some risk in signing Boniface, but he has proven himself to be a lethal striker in the past and has even been compared to Isak.
How Boniface compares to Isak
While there are some obvious similarities between Boniface and Isak, from their positions to their age range and ability to run in behind players, it goes deeper than that.
According to FBref, the Swedish goalscorer has been the third most similar forward to the Nigerian in Europe’s top-five leagues across the last 365 days.
You can gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by taking a look under the hood, at the underlying numbers in which they rank closely.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.73
0.70
Non-Penalty G+As
0.80
0.82
Progressive Carries
2.32
2.71
Shots on Target
1.52
1.34
Shot-Creating Actions
2.86
3.01
Carries into the Penalty Area
1.34
1.41
Successful Take-On
1.34
1.37
In this instance, that includes metrics such as actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, shot-creating actions, carries into the penalty area, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
In other words, the 24-year-old is a serious goal threat and not just that, but someone who can drag the ball into dangerous areas on his own when needed.
Victor Boniface for Bayer Leverkusen.
However, while having so many statistical similarities to someone as unbelievably talented as Isak is more than encouraging, all that matters for a forward is scoring goals, and thankfully, he has no issue doing so.
For example, in 62 appearances for Leverkusen, totalling 3496 minutes, the “absolute monster” of a striker, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 32 goals and provided 12 assists.
That means he’s averaged a goal involvement every 1.40 games, or every 79.45 minutes, since joining the German outfit, which is a world-class rate of return.
Ultimately, even though there is an element of risk in the deal, West Ham should do what they can to bring in Boniface before the window shuts at 7pm.
Their own Guehi: West Ham make contact to sign PL "monster" on Deadline Day
The experienced titan is just what Graham Potter and West Ham United need.
If you are planning to visit Gillette Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we've got you covered!
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, with 48 teams set to battle it out for the ultimate prize. The tournament will take place across June and July in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with some of the most iconic stadiums in North America set to host matches, including the home of the New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium.
Located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Gillette Stadium will host a total of seven matches during the tournament, covering both group stage and knockout rounds.
Over its 23-year history, Gillette Stadium has welcomed a range of major events, including NFL and MLS games, international soccer matches, college football events, and concerts featuring some of the world’s biggest artists.
For sponsorship reasons, the venue will be referred to as “Boston Stadium” during the World Cup. Whether you're planning to attend a match or simply want to explore the venue while in town, GOAL has everything you need to know for a smooth and memorable experience.
Getty Images SportGillette Stadium overviewCapacity65,878Year opened2002Tenant(s)New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS)Address1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USAAdvertisementGetty Images SportHistory of Gillette Stadium
Built in 2002 to replace the old Foxborough Stadium, Gillette Stadium became the new home of the New England Patriots and later also for MLS side New England Revolution. Originally named CMGI Field, the stadium was later renamed after Gillette acquired the naming rights.
Since its opening, Gillette Stadium has hosted countless matches, unforgettable moments, legendary athletes, and world-renowned artists. In 2023, it underwent a $250 million renovation, transforming it into a modern, state-of-the-art facility. A key highlight of the upgrade is the addition of a 22-story tower known as "The Lighthouse," offering visiting fans 360-degree views of the stadium as well as the city of Boston.
In 2024, Lionel Messi played at the venue with Inter Miami, facing off against the home team. More recently, a statue honoring Patriots legend Tom Brady was unveiled outside the stadium.
Now, a new chapter awaits, as Gillette Stadium is set to host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Who knows what kind of spectacle it will deliver this time?
Getty Images SportWhich teams play at Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium is currently home to the New England Patriots of the NFL and features a striking statue of Tom Brady just outside the venue, honoring the legendary quarterback. It also serves as the home ground for MLS side New England Revolution.
Team
League
New England PatriotsNFLNew England Revolution MLSENJOYED THIS STORY?
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Getty Images SportHow to get to Gillette Stadium
How to get to Gillette Stadium by public transport
The best and most efficient way to reach Gillette Stadium via public transport is to take the MBTA Rail Commuter service that runs from South Boston station to Foxboro station which is adjacent to the stadium. The round-trip usually costs around $20 and travelling fans can book their ticket from the MBTA's mTicket app.
How to get to Gillette Stadium by car
For those travelling by car, the stadium is easily accessible via the I-95 and I-495. There is ample parking near the stadium, however, it is recommmended to purchase parking tickets and reserve your spot advance to avoid any hassle, especially on event days.
Four players originally selected are absent meaning there is uncertainty for the ODI World Cup champions as they prepare to head to Pakistan
Andrew McGlashan11-Feb-2025
Steven Smith and Charith Asalanka ahead of the ODI series•Getty Images
Big Picture: Australia hit by injury, retirement; SL not at the partyAustralia’s four-day victory in Galle gave them an extra 24 hours before flicking into one-day mode as they enter a brief period of preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. Originally there was just going to be a single ODI in Colombo but a second was squeezed in which will basically be the team’s warm-ups before heading to Pakistan.Injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh along with the surprise retirement of Marcus Stoinis means there is a bit of a patched-up feel to the Australia squad although a familiar core of the 2023 World Cup-winning team remains with the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa around.Related
Stoinis makes shock decision to retire from ODIs, out of Champions Trophy
Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy
Sri Lanka leave out Chamindu Wickramasinghe for two-ODI series against Australia
Six players have been added to the originally selected group: Jake-Fraser McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha. It is likely they will all get at least one of the two matches in Sri Lanka as some of those who played both Tests are given a short break. Smith appears set to take the captaincy.It appears likely that Head and Matt Short will form the first-choice opening partnership although Fraser-McGurk could make a late entry. He and Short struggled in the home series against Pakistan in November. Another point of interest is whether Alex Carey finds himself a place in the middle order.Sri Lanka missed out on the Champions Trophy due to their poor ODI World Cup so these matches have little immediate context although they can have half an eye on the road to 2027. They have, however, played the most matches in the format since the previous World Cup (21), notching 13 wins in that time including five series victories. Ironically, they are probably as attuned to the one-day format as anyone.Form guideSri Lanka WLLWW Australia LLWWLAustralia’s depth will be tested due to injury•Associated Press
In the spotlight: Dunith Wellalage and Matt ShortIt was during Australia’s previous visit to Sri Lanka in 2022 that Dunith Wellalage burst onto the international scene with nine wickets in five matches. He only played a bit-part role in the 2023 World Cup but either side of that tournament claimed five-wicket hauls against India in the Asia Cup and last year’s ODI series. He has also shown his prowess with the bat with a top score of 67 not out in a tied match against India. Clearly a key part of Sri Lanka’s future.Matt Short couldn’t quite take his opportunity at the top of the order against Pakistan but the absence of Mitchell Marsh means he’s likely to find a spot in the first choice XI. His 109 off 54 balls for Adelaide Strikers against Brisbane Heat in the BBL was a reminder of what he can bring against the white ball. His offspin is another handy string to his bow and he’s an excellent fielder.Mitchell Starc could be rested for the ODIs•Getty Images
Team news: Starc likely to restGiven the odd nature of this series and the short turnaround, it’s tricky to know what each side will do. It was announced on Wednesday that Mitchell Starc had withdrawn from the Champions Trophy and was also unavailable for these two ODIs.Australia squad: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer SanghaSri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith WellalagePitch and conditionsThe R Premadasa Stadium has not staged a day ODI since 2014 so statistics are not that relevant although in recent times, matches at the venue have been on the lower-scoring side. The forecast is for warm and sunny days.Stats and trivia Glenn Maxwell needs 50 runs for 4000 in ODIs and Alex Carey needs 22 for 2000 Wanindu Hasaranga needs five wickets for 100 in ODIs Overall, Sri Lanka have a 35-64 win/loss record against Australia
Manchester United’s transfer window has been a success to date, with Ruben Amorim already addressing worrying issues in one area of his first-team squad.
The attacking department has been in desperate need of an overhaul this summer, especially after the Red Devils only managed to net 44 Premier League goals throughout 2024/25.
Players such as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all completed their respective moves to Old Trafford – costing a staggering £200m in the process.
The trio netted 48 league goals between them last campaign at their various clubs, undoubtedly providing the manager with the added threat he’s craved since taking the reins last November.
However, despite the big-money additions in forward areas, the 40-year-old has already signalled his intent to bolster his midfield – subsequently turning his attention to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimapplauds fans after the match
Man Utd’s move to land Carlos Baleba this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, United have made their ambitions of landing the Cameroonian known, even entering talks with the player’s representatives over a move to join the Red Devils.
However, at one stage, it appeared a deal could be completed for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder, leading to reports suggesting the talent was keen on a move to join Amorim’s men.
Despite the talks, any deal would’ve been an expensive one, with the Seagulls demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload Baleba – a deal that would’ve been a club-record for United.
As a result of the interest, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler was quizzed about the youngster’s future, stating that he was ‘very, very, very confident’ that the former Lille star would remain at the AMEX beyond the end of the summer window.
It’s now been confirmed by The Athletic that Amorim’s side are prepared to walk away from a move and have subsequently prepared a shortlist of alternatives before the September 1st deadline.
Man Utd’s Baleba alternatives this window
Valencia star Javi Guerra has been strongly linked with a move to join United over recent months, even agreeing personal terms to move to the Theatre of Dreams earlier this summer.
Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.
Like Baleba, a deal for the Spaniard now could be unlikely in the next couple of weeks, after the 22-year-old penned a new deal until 2029 at the LaLiga outfit.
However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, which has seen Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller being touted as another option to bolster the midfield department, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim the Red Devils hierarchy are closely monitoring the German star, who made a total of 47 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25.
It also states that a move could be made for the 24-year-old, with a €60m (£50m) price tag previously being mooted for his signature in recent months.
Why United’s £50m target would be the perfect Baleba alternative
There’s no denying that, given his Premier League experience, Baleba would have been many of the United fanbase’s first choice for the midfield department this window.
He is undoubtedly a top-level talent, with bags of potential given his tender age of just 21, but given the funds spent elsewhere – the £100m asking price may be a tad too much this summer.
However, a move for Stiller instead of Baleba could prove to be a blessing in disguise, with the German a player who can make a greater impact on the current first-team squad.
When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from 2024/25, he managed to massively outperform him in multiple key areas – offering Amorim a key presence at both ends of the pitch.
Stiller, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in FBref’s 97th percentile for progressive passes made (9.5), along with the 95th percentile for passes into the final third (8.9).
How Stiller & Baleba compared throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Stiller
Baleba
Games played
32
34
Goals & assists
9
4
Progressive passes made
9.5
3.9
Pass accuracy
88%
87%
Passes into final third
8.9
3.6
Interceptions made
1.8
1.5
Clearances made
1.6
1.4
Take-on success
67%
57%
Stats via FBref
Both figures were nearly three times higher than those of Baleba, subsequently highlighting his talent on the ball, which could provide the new attacking trio ahead of him with countless chances in front of goal.
Whilst the German is primarily a ball-player, he’s also highlighted his ability without the ball, which could make him a viable option in the Red Devils’ hunt for a new number eight.
VfB Stuttgart'sAngeloStillercelebrates scoring their first goal
The Stuttgart talent posted tallies of 1.8 interceptions and 1.6 clearances made per 90 – both figures which once again were higher than those produced by the £100m target.
Such numbers have contributed to his mammoth rise back in his homeland, helping him make four senior appearances for his national team during the most recent season.
However, a move to Old Trafford could be the perfect platform for the 24-year-old to continue his excellent rise to stardom, arguably being the missing piece in Amorim’s midfield.
At half the price of Baleba, he would be a sensational pick-up by the hierarchy, completing another crucial department in the club’s hunt to return to Premier League glory.
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