On the pitch, Everton have enjoyed a solid season so far under Sean Dyche with results enough to leave them in mid-table and away from the relegation zone. Consequences of actions off the pitch have dragged them back into the bottom three, however, and five points adrift of Premier League safety after their point deduction for breaching financial fair play rules.

Dyche and everyone involved at Goodison Park may be incredibly frustrated after the form they found themselves in. Nonetheless, the Toffees have been forced to save themselves once again and after transfers put them in this mess, Everton could look to the winter window and one particular target to get them out of it.

Everton transfer news

Welcoming the likes of Ashley Young, Arnuat Danjuma and Jack Harrison during the summer transfer window, Everton's reinforcements were beginning to pay dividends. And if it wasn't for their point deduction, the Toffees would be sitting on 14 points right now, five points clear of the dropzone and sitting comfortably in 15th. Now, with a busy festive period of fixtures approaching, Everton must rally and ensure that the deduction doesn't result in a change of form on the pitch. To ensure that, the Toffees could reportedly turn to the January transfer window to welcome one particular player.

Everton could sign "terrific" striker with more goals this season than DCL

This “terrific” centre-forward being linked to Everton has scored more goals than DCL this season.

ByAdam Scully Nov 29, 2023

According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Everton are keeping tabs on Leander Dendoncker ahead of a potential January move. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has fallen out-of-favour under Unai Emery and the Villans are now reportedly willing to listen to offers for their midfielder. Dendoncker very nearly completed a move away from the Midlands in the summer, only for a proposed move to Fenerbahce to collapse on deadline day.

With Everton in the market for a defensive midfielder, they could turn to Dendoncker when the winter window opens.

"Brilliant" Dendoncker needs move

Dendoncker's stats at Aston Villa so far this season don't exactly paint a pretty picture. The Belgian is yet to start a Premier League game and has managed just seven minutes in England's top flight. His only two starts have come in the Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup, as Villa defeated Zrinjski Mosar 1-0 and, ironically, lost against Everton 2-1 to exit the League Cup in frustrating fashion.

Dendoncker could get the minutes that he needs at Everton, however. As things stand, Dyche has the likes of James Garner partnering Idrissa Gueye, opting to push Abdoulaye Doucoure further forward. In Dendoncker, the former Burnley boss could have an ideal and certainly more experienced partner for Gueye than Garner; a partner that could make the difference between survival and relegation.

Dendoncker's former teammate, Max Kilman, knows all about his quality despite his current role at Villa, telling The Express & Star via Molinuex News: “Leander’s performances always go under the radar. He does the job and gives you a good performance every time. I’m delighted for him to get his goal and glad that people realise how good he has played. He’s brilliant, nothing phases him. He knows his task and he doesn’t feel the pressure.”

Norwich City's comeback win against Cardiff City right before the international break in the Championship has arguably kept David Wagner in his job, the under-fire Canaries manager hanging onto his position with his team overcoming the Bluebirds 3-2 with a second-half flurry of goals.

Adam Idah would be the Canaries hero up top as the clock ticked down in the Welsh capital, the homegrown attacker netting his fifth goal of the season to clinch the dramatic win from off the bench – his first strike in a Norwich strip since scoring a brace away at Plymouth Argyle in late September.

Idah's late goal only makes Wagner's choice over who he starts as his main striker week in, week out more tricky, Norwich struggling to find a new talismanic figure to lead from the front ever since Teemu Pukki departed for America in the summer.

Not playing as a traditional centre-forward for his current loan club, Norwich academy product Abu Kamara is loving life as a left winger at Portsmouth currently, despite mainly featuring as a lone striker in the Canaries youth set-up.

He could well be the answer to Norwich's attacking woes if they continue, returning from the south coast to Norfolk with a point to prove when the loan expires.

Kamara's career so far

Kamara has garnered a reputation at Norwich for being a prolific forward, scoring 43 times for both the U18's and U21's over 80 appearances.

Plying his trade more often than not as a centre-forward for the Canaries, Kamara has also featured down the channels on occasion – scoring 11 of his U21 goals as a winger, with the 20-year-old even playing as an attacking midfielder here and there when asked to do so.

This versatility – on top of his lethal goalscoring record at youth level which saw the 6 foot attacker net 13 goals last season in Premier League 2 from just 15 appearances – piqued Portsmouth's interest with John Mousinho tieing Kamara down to a season-long loan deal in the hopes he could potentially strut his stuff at a senior level.

Kamara has shown his raw talent so far – labelled as an "exciting" young prospect right after signing by the Pompey boss – and proving to be just that for Mousinho's table-toppers.

Kamara's season in numbers

Not quite reaching the same dizzying Norwich goalscoring heights just yet at Pompey, Kamara is still pleasing the Portsmouth fanbase with his displays that show great promise for the future.

Portsmouth's new number 25 has four goals and three assists from 22 appearances to date, scoring in Pompey's last League One encounter versus Charlton to open the scoring – a rocket of a strike hitting the back of the net, the Addicks shot-stopper watching the shot sail in.

This was his first goal in league action for Pompey since scoring at the start of September versus Peterborough United, but Kamara is far more than just an out-and-out goalscorer for his new short-term employers.

Up against Charlton, Kamara won three of his four ground duels, as per Sofascore, with the 20-year-old also attempting to be a provider for his teammates with two accurate crosses into the box – sharp-shooter Colby Bishop unable to get on the end both times to meaningfully connect.

With Norwich in need of a competent backup attacker at this point in time – reserve option Ashley Barnes only netting twice this season after joining from Burnley in the summer – Kamara could be a useful long-term solution to the club's attacking woes, with the 34-year-old Barnes a mere short-term option.

Wagner could also move Kamara to a position down the channels if he remains in his job after this season to compete with Christian Fassnacht, with such versatility also making the youngster a perhaps more rounded option in contrast to the veteran Barnes – who solely operates through the middle.

In the meantime, however, Kamara will just be concentrating on helping Portsmouth in whatever way he can for now, with Mousinho's men hoping promotion to the Championship is sealed this campaign.

The Argentine made his triumphant return, but it wasn't enough to prevent a late collapse at home.

There are so many things that Lionel Messi can cover up by himself. He can do so many things on the field, even when half-fit, as he is now. Just having him on the pitch changes how games are played, and the moments that define them.

Messi can't do it all – particularly in a 45-minute cameo off the bench after nearly a month injured.

It took him just 12 minutes to score in his return from injury, with Saturday's clash with the Colorado Rapids being his first match in over three weeks. With Messi leading the charge, it looked like the Herons were set for three points. They seized the lead on a Leo Afonso finish two minutes after the Argentine found his goal and seemed to be cruising from there. However, a late collapse hindered their plans with the Rapids drawing level in the 88th minute.

The Rapids' equalizer felt preventable. It came on the counter-attack, one which Miami failed to stop. Cole Bassett provided the finishing touch, leaving Miami with one point on a night where they'll feel they deserved three.

It's a familiar theme for Herons, but the good news is that Messi is back and, when fully fit, he'll be able to change games just like he did on Saturday night. The bad news is that this team still is very, very flawed with much to work out if they want to start turning these draws into big wins.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…

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• USA Today Sports
  

  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Drake Callender (6/10):

  Can't expect him to save a penalty and was a bit helpless on the Rapids' late goal. Outside of that, was solid, making the saves required of him.

  Franco Negri (8/10):

  A fantastic game from the veteran fullback. Messi made the most of his pass across the box but, even outside of that, Negri was smooth all night, particularly in the attack.

  Ryan Sailor (5/10):

  Conceded the penalty just before the half with a sloppy sliding tackle. Was okay other than that, but that isn't a mistake you'll be able to get away with.

  Noah Allen (6/10):

  Won a few big tackles and was certainly active and involved defensively. A very steady performance from the 19-year-old defender, although he could have maybe done better on the Rapids' late counter.

  David Ruiz (8/10):

  A good game from the versatile homegrown prospect. Got the assist on the second goal, teeing up Afonso and did plenty of good work defensively. Might have been his most complete performance yet.

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  Midfield

  Lawson Sunderland (6/10):

  Had an okay game, but nothing spectacular. Was taken off at halftime for Messi. Can't blame Martino for making that sub.

  Tomas Aviles (6/10):

  Surprisingly listed as a midfielder, Aviles was crisp with his passing and had two shots on goal. Did his thing defensively as well.

  Julian Gressel (7/10):

  Didn't quite have the impact that he has in recent weeks, but was still good. Had a few good shots on goal before being taken out early in the second half when Miami started to shake things up.

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  Attack

  Leo Afonso (7/10):

  What a moment for the newcomer. A composed finish for his first MLS goal, one that will give him confidence as he goes forward with this star-studded group.

  Leonardo Campana (5/10):

  Was given the chance to start with Suarez out if the XI, but it didn't last long enough due to an unfortunate injury. Miami will really be hoping it isn't serious considering the current number of players overflowing in the medical department.

  Shanyder Borgelin (7/10):

  Played slightly out of position out wide, but he did so many good things. Was particularly dangerous in the second half once Messi opened up the game a bit.

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  Subs & Manager

  Diego Gomez (6/10):

  Ran and ran and ran, but was way too sloppy on the ball. His giveaway led to the Rapids' counter which earned them a point.

  Lionel Messi (8/10):

  Well, he's Lionel Messi… what did you expect? Came on and made an immediate impact with the goal. Even after, you could see the gravitational pull he has on defenses, which opens up games in ways that Miami can't even imagine when he isn't in the XI.

  Sergio Busquets (6/10):

  Brought in to do what he's been doing his whole career: run the midfield. Passing was near perfect, but his lack of pace was exposed on Colorado's equalizer.

  Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):

  Came on midway through the second half, but didn't really contribute much.

  Jordi Alba (7/10):

  Was fantastic as always on the ball, even if he never quite had one of those patented Jordi Alba chances throughout his 20 minutes.

  Tata Martino (6/10):

  Got his stars rest and then brought them on to change the game. It almost worked, too, and that late goal on the counter will frustrate him all weekend.

MatériaMais Notícias

Autor do gol no empate do Palmeiras com o Grêmio por 1 a 1, disputado no Allianz Parque na noite desta sexta-feira (15), pela 30ª rodada do Brasileirão, Raphael Veiga disse que o Palmeiras queria apagar a má impressão da derrota para o River Plate por 2 a 0, na última terça-feira (12).

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​Para ele, o revés para os argentinos é assunto do passado. O jogador admitiu que faltou ao time ter mostrado uma outra característica de jogo e reiterou que o técnico Abel Ferreira pediu para os seus jogadores entrassem ligado no confronto diante da equipe gaúcha e cobrou reação dos companheiros:

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– Professor sempre fala na questão das 24 horas. A gente ficou com gostinho de que poderia melhorar pelo jogo que foi. Entramos ligados, quisemos dar um ritmo de intensidade para competir. A gente sabe que só assim vai alcançar nossos objetivos – explicou.

Na próxima segunda-feira, o Palmeiras recebe o Corinthians em jogo atrasado, pela 28ª rodada da competição nacional. O Derby vai acontecer na arena palmeirense, às 19h. O Alviverde terá a volta do volante Gabriel Menino, que cumpriu suspensão automática. Por sua vez, a baixa para o clássico é o lateral-direito Marcos Rocha, que foi suspenso pelo terceiro cartão amarelo.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to strike a deal for a new defender during the upcoming transfer window, and he's already playing his football in the Premier League.

Tottenham's backline hit by injuries and suspensions

The Lilywhites have Cristian Romero, Micky Van De Ven, Eric Dier and Ashley Phillips as their natural centre-backs as it stands, but this is a position that supporters have always known is one that the hierarchy are keen to strengthen. Ange Postecoglou’s side have already been linked with several candidates in the form of Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Torino’s Perr Schuurs, alongside Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapie who are both at Bayer Leverkusen.

Should Daniel Levy and Johan Lange fail to secure the services of those players, they have also highlighted an alternative in Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, who has never been able to nail down a regular starting place having been sent on loan three times to Ipswich Town, Huddersfield and FC Lorient throughout his career (Transfermarkt – Chalobah statistics).

England’s former youth international has failed to make an impression following Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival having made zero appearances in any competition so far this season (WhoScored – Chalobah statistics), but the 24-year-old might now have the perfect opportunity to start a new adventure elsewhere.

Spurs considering swoop for Trevoh Chalobah

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are eyeing a move for Chalobah at the start of next year, but they are set to face stiff competition for his services with Bayern Munich also keen in the Bundesliga.

"Tottenham are interested in a January swoop for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah following Micky van de Ven’s injury, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed Spurs, as well as German giants Bayern Munich, are interested in the defender.

"Tottenham are ready to throw their hat in the ring for Chalobah’s signature following the devastating injury to summer signing Micky van de Ven."

Chalobah can be Postecoglou's "soldier"

Whilst Chalobah hasn’t been given a chance to prove what he’s capable of at Chelsea under Pochettino, he more than displayed his potential last season where he was averaging 2.2 clearances and 1.2 aerial wins per top-flight game. Standing at 6 foot 3, Freetown’s native also has the versatility to operate everywhere across the backline and even in three roles in the midfield, so his ability to easily adapt to the demands of a manager could make him a wonderful option to have in the building.

Sponsored by Nike, Stamford Bridge’s £50k-per-week earner (Chelsea salaries) even knows what it takes to beat the current squad having secured three victories against Spurs when part of the opposing side, so one has to think he could thrive under the guidance of Postecoglou.

Chalobah, who is a defensive “soldier”, according to his former manager Graham Potter, additionally shares the same representative, CAA Base Ltd, as Son Heung-Min, James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Pape Matar Sarr and Richarlison (Tottenham agents), so this existing connection that his management have to the club could give them a small advantage over Bayern.

There can't be many more enigmatic figures in the Premier League this season than Arsenal's summer signing Kai Havertz.

When Granit Xhaka surprisingly left the Gunners after a career-best season, plenty of questions were asked as to who would be the Swiss midfielder's replacement.

Would it be Declan Rice playing in a more advanced role? Would Martin Odegaard take up a new position or would Oleksandr Zinchenko even be transitioned back into more of a central role?

Well, the answer was no to all of those queries. Mikel Arteta had a different idea. That was to spend £65m on Havertz, a man who had flattered to deceive in a Chelsea shirt.

Those at Stamford Bridge struggled to identify the German's best position and truth be told, his spell in west London was somewhat of a failure, even if he had scored the winning goal in a Champions League final.

For a player who promised so much at Leverkusen, it hasn't truly worked out for him in England, perhaps until now.

Kai Havertz's recent form

The money spent on the Germany international over the summer was an extortionate amount, even if they did then shell out £100m on Rice.

However, this was a player who had only netted 32 goals and registered 15 assists across 139 outings for his previous employers.

It was in stark contrast to his days in Germany, where the now 25-year-old had once netted 20 times in a solitary season for Leverkusen.

Based on that number, you can begin to see why Arteta envisioned Havertz playing in that left-sided number eight role that Xhaka thrived in.

Arsenal could force Havertz into a new role by signing £52m PL star

Kai Havertz could be deployed in attack if Arsenal make this exciting signing.

ByTom Lever Nov 28, 2023

Until last Sunday, his only goal for the club had been from the spot, however. A pitty penalty perhaps, as Odegaard handed him the ball in an away victory over Bournemouth.

However, since the international break, the attacking midfielder has come alive. Reinvigorated by a spell at left-back for Germany – yes you read that right – Julian Nagelsmann looks to have revived Arsenal's mega-money signing.

Havertz was the man who appeared at the back post in the dying embers to win the game against Brentford. heading home from a fine Bukayo Saka cross.

He was then the man to open the scoring in the 6-0 rout of Lens in midweek. In Xhaka-esque fashion, he arrived late into the penalty area, ghosting between the defenders to prod home from Gabriel Jesus' cushioned-headed assist.

It looks as though finally, Havertz has arrived at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz could make £27m man suffer

Against Brentford last weekend, Arteta tasked Leandro Trossard with playing in the middle of the park.

This wasn't an unsurprising choice as the Belgian actually featured in a deeper role throughout pre-season, notably starring against the MLS All Stars. Hardly the finest of opposition, no doubt, but it was interesting to see him play such a vital role as a number 8.

Possessing the technical elegance and magical abilities of a certain Santi Cazorla, fielding the former Brighton man in that role does make sense. He can ghost past players with ease, has wonderful vision and can find the net.

Sadly against Brentford, it didn't quite go according to plan. As per Sofascore, Trossard lost the ball a worryingly high 19 times. You could potentially excuse this from a wide player attempting plenty of crosses but for a player in central areas, that was concerning.

To put that number into context, no player in Arsenal colours lost possession on more occasions with fellow midfielders, Rice and Odegaard, ceding the ball on nine and eight occasions respectively.

Furthermore, he registered an awful pass success rate of just 68%, the worst return from any outfield starter in Arteta's side. The £27m signing also managed just one key pass throughout his time on the field.

Of course, Trossard's best role is out on the flanks but this was a wasted opportunity to prove he could become a regular in midfield.

The tricky attacker wasn't selected against Lens in the Champions League but it would not be a surprise if he was benched from the Premier League starting lineup when the Gunners face Wolves. Havertz's form has now become too good to ignore. Isn't it funny how quickly things change in football?

Manchester United have had way more misses than hits in the transfer market in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, having spent well over £1b with just four major trophies to show for it, including two EFL Cups, an FA Cup and a Europa League.

However, arguably United's greatest piece of business of the last decade was the signing of club captain Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Clube de Portugal back in 2020 for an initial £46.5m.

The Portuguese magnifico has bagged 68 goals and registered 57 assists in 202 appearances in all competitions since arriving at the Premier League giants.

The Red Devils are hoping to replicate this success by dipping back into the Portuguese market once more for another gem.

Man United's January transfer plans

Joao Neves has been making waves in Portugal with Primeira Liga champions Benfica. The 19-year-old began training with the Lisbon-based club's first-team after Enzo Fernandez left for Chelsea last January and has been a mainstay in the starting lineup this season, having made 38 appearances under head coach Roger Schmidt, earning the league's Midfielder of the Month award for September.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Manchester United are now convinced about signing Neves ahead of the January transfer window after rigorously scouting the youngster, most recently in the Lisbon derby at the weekend where he scored a 94th-minute equaliser before Casper Tengstedt snatched a winner three minutes later.

It's been claimed among various reports that Neves has a £105m release clause that the Red Devils could activate, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co potentially set to break the club's transfer record which is still the £93.2m spent on Paul Pogba.

After an impressive start to the campaign, Neves made his debut for the Portugal national team last month and even earned the title of the "next Bruno Fernandes" from supporters. Football scout Jacek Kulig called the young midfielder a "warrior" for his display against Porto back in September.

How Joao Neves compares to Bruno Fernandes

Throughout his fledgling career so far, Neves has featured in a number of different positions, from left-back to second striker at times. However, the youngster's primary spot in the starting lineup has been in the centre of midfield. Since the start of the 2021/22 season, Neves has played 30 games as a central midfielder in 59 appearances and 17 in a more defensive number '6' role.

Fernandes' career followed a similar pathway, having been deployed in a whole host of different positions throughout his time in professional football, from being a left-winger to a centre-forward, before eventually consolidating as a '10' behind the striker.

Nevertheless, even as captain of Man United, head coach Erik ten Hag places the former Sporting man out on the right wing in certain matches.

Neves has proven himself to be a rare gem that stands out amongst the crowd when compared to all central midfielders from similar leagues to Liga Portugal. The youngster sits in the top 6% for non-penalty goals per 90, the top 2% for passes attempted per 90, the top 12% for progressive passes per 90 and the top 5% for tackles per 90. Neves also holds his own against United's creative fulcrum in a number of key stats.

Neves may not be able to replicate Fernandes' output just yet but Benfica were wise to insert such a hefty release clause into his contract.

The youngster doesn't look out of place when compared to one of the best midfielders in the world so it's no surprise that United are looking to put the duo together in the same starting eleven.

Nono Pongolo starred with a pitch-perfect, career-best 6 for 20, the best figures ever recorded in a T20 at the Wanderers, to bowl Tshwane Spartans out for 138 in the 18th over, as Jozi Stars secured a home play-off berth with a massive 101-run win. The Spartans had been set 240 to win after Rassie van der Dussen and Dan Christian shared in a 118-run stand that included 12 sixes as Stars soared to 239 for 3, the highest score of the competition. Kagiso Rabada then dismissed AB de Villiers for a duck before Pongolo took over, and Stars’ victory ensured that this ground will host the play-off eliminator match on Friday night. Despite the scale of their defeat, Spartans still have a slim chance of getting into the play-offsStars hadn’t looked like breaching 200 when they reached 49 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay, but Ryan Rickelton shifted through the gears with two sixes and a four. The introduction of Rabada as a pinch-hitter at No. 4 also signaled a change of intent: he clipped the very first ball he faced from Robbie Frylinck over midwicket for four.If the plan was to boost the run rate with carefree hitting, it worked. Rabada swiped back-to-back boundaries off Mendis on either side of the ground and cut Elgar high over point, keeping the run rate well over 9 in a rapid stand, before he was caught one-handed on the ropes at midwicket by a leaping Lutho Sipamla.The Stars had a solid platform laid at 121 for 3 with seven overs to go when van der Dussen was joined by Christian. From those overs rained an incredible 12 sixes and 118 runs. Von Berg had his figures ruined in his final over, as Christian collected three sixes, the second of which took the score beyond 150. Having taken a brief backseat while Rabada and Christian led the charge early on, van der Dussen walked down the pitch at Corbin Bosch, the quickest bowler on either side, to bring up a 30-ball fifty in the 17th over.The fifty partnership came up with Christian’s fourth six, a gargantuan hit off Bosch that endangered the birds circling around the floodlights, and the Spartans were clearly rattled by the severity of the onslaught. Repeatedly they offered up length in the slot, and there was a sense of inevitability as van der Dussen and Christian peppered the stands with an eye-catching display of power-hitting.Christian raced to fifty from 18 balls – the quickest so far in the MSL – and van der Dussen had a century in his sights after he plundered three sixes from Sipamla’s fourth over. The century stand was raised from just 38 deliveries, and 101 runs flowed from the last five overs, the second-most ever during that period of the game in all T20 cricket. Van der Dussen, mic-ed up to talk to the commentary team when Stars took the field, credited the Highveld conditions “Altitude,” he said, “the ball flies here.”Like Bosch, Rabada cranked it up it his opening spell, nearing 150km/h. It was Beuran Hendricks who struck first though, Andrea Agathangelou pulling a short one straight out to Rickelton at deep square leg in the third over of the chase. When Elgar was bowled by Duanne Olivier, Spartans were 24 for 2 and listing dangerously as the required rate moved beyond 13.That wicket brought de Villiers to the crease, and he was perhaps the only player whose reputation suggested he might be able to dig Spartans out of this hole. But he flashed at the second ball he faced, bowled by Rabada, only for Simon Harmer to pull off a superb aerial catch in the gully. Perhaps out of respect, Rabada barely celebrated the wicket, managing a sheepish smile as he was high-fived by his excited team-mates.Eoin Morgan shone briefly, taking two fours and a six down the ground off Christian’s first over, but the introduction of Pongolo turned the match decisively in Stars’ favour. With his first ball, he had Morgan well caught at point by Beuran Hendricks, and with his third, he found the leading edge of Bosch’s bat as Stars slipped to 72 for 5.Pongolo returned in the 15th over, removing Gihahn Cloete the ball after he had brought up a battling 39-ball fifty, before Fryinck lapped a slower ball straight to van der Dussen at deep square leg. In his final over, another slower ball brought Pongolo his first ever five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, and Jeevan Mendis then skied his final delivery to Reeza Hendricks at deep midwicket. When van der Dussen was awarded Player of the Match, he called Pongolo up to take it instead.”This is what dreams are made of,” a breathless Pongolo said after his performance. “This is what it’s about. We needed to win, and it’s nice to produce it when it’s needed.”Spartans must now focus on their final game against Durban Heat at Centurion on Wednesday – a bonus point and a big in that game could still take them to third, provided Paarl Rocks beat Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, but not by a big margin.If Spartans, Rocks and Giants all finish on 21 points, then Spartans will qualify as they had won both their matches against Rocks and both these sides would have more wins than Giants. The latter can qualify with a straight victory over the Rocks while the Rocks will get through if they win with a bonus point or score a straight win, provided the Spartans lose.

He will fly back to Sydney for a check-up but is expected to be back in Bangladesh sometime next week

Mohammad Isam10-Jan-2019Steven Smith will miss Comilla Victorians’ next two matches in the BPL, after a previous elbow injury flared up in the last couple of days. He will fly back to Sydney for a check-up but is expected to be back in Bangladesh sometime next week.”He is quite positive about returning, possibly during the Sylhet phase of the competition,” Victorians media manager Sohanuzzaman Khan told ESPNcricinfo. “He will undergo an MRI in Australia, which isn’t available in Bangladesh, and will inform us about it.”Their next two matches in Dhaka are against Rajshahi Kings and Chittagong Vikings on January 11 and 13, while their Sylhet phase begins on January 15.Smith, who led the Victorians to one win in the two outings, has so far made 16 and 0 in his two innings against Sylhet Sixers and Rangpur Riders. The former Australia captain’s participation in the BPL made news after the organisers had to change the drafting rules to accommodate him.Meanwhile, Khulna Titans have replaced Ali Khan with Junaid Khan after the US fast bowler was ruled out due to a hamstring injury he suffered during his only match in the BPL.

Manchester United have been handed a boost after learning that one of their first-team stars will be available for tonight's Champions League game vs Galatasaray.

Man United team news

The Red Devils have travelled to Turkey to take on Okan Buruk’s side this evening at the Rams Park, with kick-off scheduled for 5:45pm UK time, but with an extensive list of absentees, the club will have to try and pick up a positive result without several of their squad members in attendance.

Erik ten Hag has Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount all out on the sidelines, while Marcus Rashford will also not be at the manager’s disposal due to serving a suspension following his red card.

Man Utd have an amazing young talent who's as exciting as Mainoo

This youngster could soon thrive in the Manchester United first team.

ByTom Lever Nov 29, 2023

During the Premier League 1-0 victory over Luton Town earlier this month, Rasmus Hojlund was forced off the pitch on 79 minutes after sustaining a knock which saw him replaced by Anthony Martial, meaning that he had to withdraw from representing his country Denmark over the recent international break.

The Old Trafford centre-forward therefore missed the previous top-flight encounter against Everton, though following a fresh update, some hugely encouraging news has emerged regarding the fitness of the 20-year-old ahead of tonight’s important fixture under the lights.

Rasmus Hojlund set to return

Taking to X, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell confirmed that Hojlund will be available to play vs Galatasaray, as well as Antony, who has also returned to training and will be involved in Ten Hag’s matchday squad for Man United.

“Erik ten Hag confirms Rasmus Hojlund + Antony are fit to be in the squad against Galatasaray. Says he has "no fear" of starting Kobbie Mainoo in what is expected to be an even more hostile atmosphere than Goodison Park.”

Man United receive boost over "scary" Hojlund

Since putting pen to paper from Atalanta over the summer, Hojlund has impressed during his 15 appearances across all competitions to date, so the fact that he’s able to stage his comeback for a game with this much riding on it will come as a huge boost for Man United.

Standing at 6 foot 3, the left-footed striker has scored five goals in four games this season in the Champions League, which shows how prolific he’s been in the final third in this specific competition (Transfermarkt – Hojlund statistics).

Ten Hag’s £85k-per-week earner (Man United salaries), is also capable of operating as a second striker alongside his usual role when leading the line through the middle, so his ability to easily adapt to his boss’ demands is another reason as to why it’s such positive news to have him back.

As per reporter Sacha Pisani, Hojlund is a “scary” player considering the pace he has, so for all of the qualities that he brings to the frontline, his return will be a massive plus for the head coach as he looks to secure a victory on the road against the Super Lig outfit.