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There were a few interesting names on the teammates when Glasgow Rangers announced their U19 side to take on St Mirren on Monday night, as several first-team players were involved.

Dujon Sterling made his long-awaited return from an Achilles injury to start at centre-back alongside fellow first-team defender Clinton Nsiala, although the young Gers then found themselves 3-0 down at half-time, and went on to lose 4-2.

Along with those two central defenders, attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell played his first match since August, having been out through injury, after Russell Martin opted to keep hold of him in the summer.

Why Rangers should have sold Kieran Dowell

Since moving to Ibrox from Norwich on a free transfer in 2023, the English playmaker has failed to prove his worth to the Scottish giants on the pitch, which is why he should have been moved on before this season.

In almost two-and-a-half years at Rangers, Dowell has produced more goals and assists out on loan (ten for Birmingham) than he has for the Gers (five), per Transfermarkt.

The left-footed dud has scored two goals and provided three assists in 38 games for the club, including no goals and one assist in six matches under Martin this season.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the season, per Transfermarkt, and it remains to be seen if he is a part of Danny Rohl’s plans, with the likes of Djeidi Gassama, Mikey Moore, Oliver Antman, Nedim Bajrami, Findlay Curtis, and Thelo Aasgaard ahead of him in the pecking order.

Should his deal expire next year without him working his way back into the team to make a big impact at Ibrox, Dowell may well be looked back on as a pointless signing due to his lack of contributions on the pitch.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Meanwhile, one of Kevin Thelwell’s summer recruits currently looks like he is on course to be the biggest waste of time for the Light Blues since Dowell, Joe Rothwell.

Why Joe Rothwell has been a poor signing for Rangers

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, of course, because the idea of the signing of Rothwell on paper seemed solid. A technically sound central midfielder who could control the game in midfield, with experience in the Premier League and the Championship.

However, the midfield technician, signed on a permanent deal from Bournemouth, has not been able to deliver quality performances for the Light Blues on a consistent basis, as he has seemingly struggled with the intensity and speed of the football in Scotland.

It is always difficult to predict how a player will adapt to the intensity of the league, which is why so many players, like Dowell, flop after good spells elsewhere, and Rothwell has followed in Dowell’s footsteps as another player who has fallen short of the physical requirements.

As you can see in the table above, the English central midfielder ranks poorly among his positional peers in a host of metrics based around physicality and mobility.

These statistics show that Rothwell, who has no goals and two assists in 19 appearances for Rangers, does not have the speed or mobility to consistently compete against other midfielders in the Scottish Premiership.

The 30-year-old dud, whom Heart & Hand content creator David Edgar described as “rotten”, has been an unused substitute in all three of the league matches that he has been available for during Rohl’s tenure.

This suggests that the German head coach has not been too impressed by the English dud, which means that his future could be thrown into doubt in January should his game time not improve.

Thelwell signing is a bigger waste of time than Chermiti & Miovski at Rangers

This Glasgow Rangers flop is a bigger waste of time this season than both Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 24, 2025

Therefore, this Thelwell signing looks like the biggest waste of time at Rangers since Dowell because he is an experienced player who has not made an immediate impact on the pitch, and now looks to be surplus to requirements already.

The Cincinnati Reds are hoping to embark upon an exciting season with Opening Day on Thursday, one filled with wins and Elly De La Cruz highlights. Unfortunately for manager Terry Francona, things got off to a painful start.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Reds' first game of the 2025 season against the San Francisco Giants, Francona revealed he had to deal with an overnight dental emergency ahead of his team's home opener.

Per Reds reporter Charlie Goldsmith, Francona woke up at 2 a.m. with a broken veneer. He went back to sleep and got up again a few hours later to head straight to the dentist's chair. The veteran manager got it fixed, and he's locked and loaded for Opening Day.

Some real classic baseball guy stuff right there. You think a broken veneer is going to stop Terry Francona from getting to the ballpark for a game? Absolutely not.

Exactly what we've come to expect from the MLB lifer. Francona's Reds throw the first pitch at 4:10 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Manchester City are now reportedly keeping close tabs on one Arsenal star, who Pep Guardiola sees as the perfect fit for his side.

The Citizens have been at their best in recent weeks, with Erling Haaland in his usual ruthless mood. Victory over Liverpool on Sunday would truly cement their title ambitions this season, however, following a tough campaign last time out. It would also represent just how successful their summer transfer was, with the likes of Rayan Cherki now settling into life at the Etihad.

Guardiola, who is set to take charge of his 1000th game in football, told reporters that his City side have to be at their best against Liverpool even after the Reds’ disappointing form in the last month.

The City boss said: “We have to be our best. I know how quickly everything goes here. One week ago, Liverpool, six defeats, was a disaster, won two but now they come back to their best.

“I’m pretty sure all managers take a little time for more perspective and everyone has ups and downs in the competition. I have a higher opinion about Liverpool right now. Last season we were losing six games in seven games, it’s the same.”

Man City "genius" looks like the player Liverpool thought Wirtz would be

This Man City star has outshone Wirtz in less minutes this season

1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 7, 2025

In previous years, the Premier League title was often decided by this fixture at the Etihad. This time around, though, it looks set to decide Arsenal’s closest challengers following the Gunners’ excellent start.

It’s something that City will be well aware of and they’ve even been impressed enough to take a look at one of Mikel Arteta’s defensive players who could complete a shock exit.

Man City keeping tabs on Ben White

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Man City are now keeping close tabs on Ben White, who Guardiola sees as the perfect fit at the Etihad. The right-back, who can also play centre-back, is reportedly becoming frustrated by his position at Arsenal and could leave in pursuit of more game time – allowing City to swoop in.

The right-back position is certainly one that City could do with looking at. Whilst Matheus Nunes has grown into the role, Guardiola would benefit from a natural option down that side and that’s where White could come in.

Whether Arteta will willingly let his defender leave is another question, however. The Spaniard has been full of praise for the 28-year-old since his arrival in North London, describing him as “brave” when he decided against joining up with the England squad under Gareth Southgate.

Man City ready bid for Vinicus Jr as Real Madrid feelings revealed

India’s spin allrounders add 99 runs in the session – 100 for their partnership – to erase England’s lead

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jul-2025

Ravindra Jadeja celebrates his fifty as Washington Sundar looks on•AFP/Getty Images

Tea Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja batted through the afternoon session, frustrating England and helping India creep towards a doughty draw. Washington and Jadeja both made battling half-centuries as England’s bowlers toiled without reward, adding exactly 100 in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership that took India into the lead.Washington batted at No. 8 in India’s first innings, below Shardul Thakur, but was promoted to No. 5 for the first time in their second. He brought up his half-century by hooking Ben Stokes for six, then pulling him for four, and Jadeja raised his later in the same over thanks to Zak Crawley’s misfield.Dropped first-ball by Joe Root at slip off Jofra Archer’s bowling, Jadeja brought out his trademark sword celebration to mark his fifth half-century in his last six innings. He also became the seventh Indian – and the third this week, following KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant – to reach 1,000 Test runs in England.England’s close fielders were occasionally excited by tight leaves or half-chances, but there were far fewer genuine opportunities than they would have anticipated. Liam Dawson and Root both wheeled away between spells from the four seamers, but found little joy from a pitch which has not deteriorated as much as they must have hoped.India’s slender lead means that England will have to chase down a target if they do manage to run through the lower order, but the draw is the clear favourite. The two captains could shake hands at the start of the last hour if they wish, though Stokes will be reluctant to accept what would be only the second draw of his tenure as captain.

Setting their sights on early 2026 reinforcements, Manchester United have now reportedly sent scouts to watch an impressive forward who’s keeping up with Kylian Mbappe this season.

What Man Utd need in January

Whilst we’re still only in October, it looks likely to be an important January transfer window for Man United. The Red Devils have started poorly once again in the Premier League – winning just twice in seven games – and further reinforcements are clearly needed.

Given that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly backed Ruben Amorim, INEOS must put their money where their mouth is and back the former Sporting Club manager once again when the winter window swings open. Just who they’ll target to do exactly that is the big question.

The rumour mill has already mentioned the likes of Kenan Yildiz from Juventus and David Affengruber from Elche, but it remains to be seen whether those at Old Trafford act on their interest in 2026.

Yildiz would be a particularly impressive signing. The versatile winger has been the main man at Juventus over the last 12 months and is still just 20 years old. His arrival wouldn’t come cheap, but it is one that United should go all out to secure next year.

Affengruber, meanwhile, would be shrewd business. The central defender represents the type of underrated player that INEOS should be tracking if they want to avoid spending big whilst landing a gem.

La Liga could be where it’s at for such talent, too, with reports now suggesting that United have sent scouts to watch an impressive striker target ahead of January.

Man Utd sends scouts to watch Etta Eyong

As reported by TeamTalk, Man United scouts have now been spotted watching Karl Etta Eyong this season. The 21-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also eyeing moves alongside the Red Devils.

Related Man Utd have signed a "machine" who looks like a new Bruno-type player

Man Utd look like they’ve snapped up the next Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford…

Posts 3 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 10, 2025

Having just joined Levante from Villarreal, a January move seems unlikely, but that doesn’t mean he’s not one to watch for next summer. In just eight La Liga games, the forward has scored five goals and assisted another three. To put into context how impressive that is, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe has managed 11 goal involvements in the same number of games.

Praised for an “amazing” season so far by scout Jacek Kulig, the future is certainly bright for Etta Eyong. Whether that future includes a move to Old Trafford is another question entirely, however.

Up against both Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for his signature, the Red Devils will have to make their first move as soon as possible.

Ninth-wicket pair bat out more than 10 overs to keep Lancashire winless

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay19-May-2025England bowlers past and present, James Anderson and Tom Hartley, took two wickets apiece but Lancashire’s Rothesay County Championship against Derbyshire ended in a tense draw with the visitors closing on 220 for 8, still 109 runs short of what had become a notional victory target.In the morning session, Lancashire had declared 184 for 7, thereby challenging their opponents to score 328 in 88 overs for victory. Harry Came made 63 as the visitors chased this target but, after reaching tea on 165 for 5, Derbyshire’s batters settled for securing the draw.The heroes were Anuj Dal, who faced 114 balls for 13 not out, and Jack Morley, who was unbeaten on nought after 36 balls when the game ended. Anderson finished with 2 for 25 from 16 overs and Hartley 2 for 38 from 20.5.Despite remaining winless after six games, Lancashire take 13 points from the match, meaning that they move off the bottom of the Division Two table, whereas Derbyshire’s 11 points keeps them in second place.In the morning session, Lancashire scored 43 runs off six overs before declaring. The only home batter dismissed was George Balderson, who was caught at third man by Martin Andersson off Blair Tickner for 9, while Matthew Hurst was 56 not out when Marcus Harris called his men in.Derbyshire’s pursuit of 329 began poorly when Caleb Jewell played too early at a slower ball from Anderson and chipped a catch to Tom Bailey at mid-on.Anderson returned figures of 6-1-17-1 in his first spell and, following Jewell’s dismissal for 12, David Lloyd and Came guided their side to 78 for 1 after 20 overs at lunch. By that interval, both batters were batting fluently and the visitors were up with the required run rate.But any optimism among the visiting supporters was dampened four balls after the resumption when Anderson trapped Lloyd lbw for 30. Undaunted, Came and the new batter, Wayne Madsen, saw off Anderson’s spell (4-2-4-1) and had added 50 in 16 overs before Madsen tickled Bailey down the leg side and was caught by Hurst for 17.By that stage, Came has reached his third fifty of the season off 72 balls, most of them pedigree strokes, but Brooke Guest could not match his partner’s fluency and was bowled round his legs for 2 when trying to sweep Hartley, who was bowling over the wicket, partly with the aim of achieving such a dismissal.Four overs later, Hartley struck again when he took the vital wicket of Came, the Derbyshire batsman pushing uncertainly forward and giving a catch to George Bell at short leg when he had made 63. That left Derbyshire on 151 for 5 with 44 overs still to be bowled.By tea the visitors had reached 165 for 5 and it soon became clear that Derbyshire had abandoned all thoughts of victory. Anderson bowled three uneventful overs, Hartley wheeled away from over the wicket from the Brian Statham end.Over an hour into the evening session, Lancashire took their sixth wicket when Josh Bohannon induced Andersson to drive a full toss straight to Keaton Jennings at short extra cover. Andersson’s dismissal for 43 was followed two overs later by a second success for Bohannon when Zak Chappell gave him a return catch.That left Derbyshire on 212 for 7 with 18 overs to be bowled and Tom Bailey struck the next blow when he had Ben Aitchison lbw for nought with 65 balls left in the game. After 80 overs Lancashire took the new ball and Anderson bowled three more overs trying to take the wickets that would seal victory. But Dal and Morley resisted him successfully.

شكل أنسو فاتي أحد لاعبي برشلونة المعارين مشكلة للفريق الصيف الماضي لكن ممثليه نجحوا في الاتفاق مع أحد الأندية لانتقاله على سبيل الإعارة مع خيار الشراء.

وانتقل أنسو فاتي إلى موناكو في صفقة غير متوقعة، وكان برشلونة يحتاج لتوفير جزء كبير من راتبه، وقد وافق على تجديد عقده حتى عام 2028 مع تأجيل سداد بعض المبالغ والسماح له بالانتقال لناديه الجديد.

ونشرت “سبورت” أن أنسو فاتي استعاد أفضل مستوياته في الدوري الفرنسي لكن الإدارة الرياضية لا تفكر في تجديد عقده للموسم المقبل وتنتظر استمراره في تقديم أداء جيد قبل ان يحصل موناكو على كامل حقوقه مقابل 11 مليون يورو.

وكان برشلونة قد سعى لرحيل اللاعب بعقد دائم لكن الخيارات التي تم عرضها لم تقنع اللاعب فاختار الإعارة فوراً إلى موناكو، ولا يعتمد النادي عليه.

أقرأ أيضاً.. لاعب برشلونة يثير القلق قبل مواجهة ريال مدريد في الكلاسيكو

ولا تزال رغبة أنسو فاتي في النجاح مع برشلونة بعد ظهوره المذهل بالقميص رقم 10 بعد رحيل ميسي، وقد قام وكيله خورخي مينديز بزيارة البارسا مؤخراً وأكد أن رأي الإدارة الرياضية في البلوجرانا لم يتغير رغم مستواه القوي مع موناكو.

ويبدو أن كل شيء سيصبح مهيئًا امام موناكو للتوقيع مع اللاعب لأربعة مواسم مع إمكانية استمراره في المستقبل في حال استمرار تطوره وهذا ما سيدخل أموال طائلة لبرشلونة، ومن المفترض أن يدفع موناكو خيار الشراء قبل نهاية الموسم ومن المحتمل أن يعود يوماً ما إلى البارسا ولكن ليس الموسم المقبل.

ويتلقى أنسو فاتي اهتماماً من أندية الدوري الإنجليزي لكنه يشعر بالسعادة في موناكو، رغم أن تغيير المدرب لم يكن مناسباً له، ووجد النجم الشاب أجواء مناسبة ودوري مثالي لتقديم أفضل مستوياته.

أكد أحمد حسن مدير منتخب مصر الثاني المقرر مشاركته في بطولة كأس العرب المقبلة في قطر، أن اللاعبين تعاهدوا على المنافسة على اللقب.

ويستعد منتخب مصر الثاني للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب خلال الفترة من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر المقبل، تحت مظلة الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، فيفا، للمرة الثانية على التوالي.

وقال أحمد حسن خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “دي إم سي”: “جميع لاعبي منتخب مصر المشارك في كأس العرب والجهاز الفني الذي أنا جزء منه كمدير للمنتخب، تعاهدوا على المنافسة على اللقب”.

طالع.. خاص | حجازي ولاعب الزمالك يرفضان معسكرات منتخب مصر الثاني قبل كأس العرب

وتابع: “اللاعبون كلهم ملتزمون ومنضبطون، ولديهم نفس الطموح بهذا الشكل للمنافسة وتحقيق اللقب”.

وأتم: “العوائد المادية لبطولة كأس العرب كبيرة جدًا، وقد تصل إلى 9 ملايين دولار للبطل و5 ملايين دولار للوصيف.

وينافس منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة ببطولة كأس العرب، رفقة الأردن والإمارات والفائز من مواجهة التصفيات بين الكويت وموريتانيا.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Pulisic's continued dominance

There’s no slowing Christian Pulisic right now, and we’re running out of superlatives for the American star. Simply put, he’s a man in form.

Pulisic was once again the headliner in this weekend's slate of Americans Abroad, as the AC Milan star added a goal and an assist to his recent tally. With that, he's up to four goals and two assists in just four Serie A matches. Make no mistake about it: the U.S. men's national team star has been the league's best player to start this 2025-26 season.

He wasn't the only one with an assist this weekend, which turned out to be a fairly productive one for the USMNT stars in Europe. Gladbach's Joe Scally put on a show in the weekend's most chaotic game. Patrick Agyemang added another helper to his tally, too. And then there was Brenden Aaronson, who set up a goal, too, to silence some of the critics over in Leeds.

With USMNT camp looming, several Americans stepped up as the European season really gets into full swing heading into October.

GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.

• AFP
  

  Pulisic steals the show

  Sunday was a statement game for Milan. Riding a strong start to the season, Milan had a date with Napoli, another Serie A contender. Win and maybe the world would believe and Milan was for real. Lose? Well, same old Milan.

  In those types of games, it's vital that a team's best player steps up. That happened on Sunday, as Pulisic led from the front by playing his part in both goals.

  The first was a picture-perfect assist just three minutes in.. It came after he broke free on the left-hand side, showing off his pace to drive the ball forward. Then came the pass, a ball right across the goal line to Alexis Saelemaekers that left little more than a tap-in.

  Pulisic then got a goal of his own before the first half was over, netting his fourth goal in just three games. It proved vital. A second-half red card to Pervis Estupinan also handed Napoli a penalty but, despite the man disadvantage, Milan held onto the 2-1 lead after Kevin De Bruyne buried that spot kick with 30 minutes remaining in the match.

  So, does this mean Milan is for real? Quite possibly. Pulisic, himself, appeared to allude to higher expectations for the club.

   "It sends a message for sure,” Pulisic told CBS Sports Golazo after the result. “That we’re a good team, we’re a strong team, you know we can score goals, but we can defend like this. And we have a good spirit and I think it shows a lot for sure.”

  As long as Pulisic is in this form, the answer is probably "yes." Right now, Milan have Serie A's most undefendable player. Pulisic proved that again on Sunday.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Scally's big attacking day

  The questions about Joe Scally are almost universally on the attacking side of the ball. One performance doesn't answer those questions, of course, but the right back showed he can be a factor on that end of the pitch Saturday. 

  Scally provided two assists in Borussia Monchengladbach's 6-4 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in what was surely the weekend's craziest game. While Gladbach were, in general, horrific defensively, Scally made some uncharacteristic contributions on the attacking end, setting up Gladbach's first and last goals from a right wingback position.

  With the U.S. switching to a similar five-at-the-back look last camp, Scally's place seems far from guaranteed. He isn't traditionally an attacking presence. There are also options like Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten and even Tim Weah or Yunus Musah that can fill roles in those wide spots. Scally has a fight to earn a World Cup spot, even with his own versatility. 

  Those assists help.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  An assist for Agyemang

  In truth, a bulk of the credit goes to Ben Brereton Diaz. It was his touch and long-range finish that made the goal what it was, earning Derby County a 1-1 draw with Wrexham. But Patrick Agyemang's part in it has to be acknowledged, too, as he provided an assist that offered a good glimpse into what he can offer for his new club.

  Agyemang's assist was a flicked on header, one that put Brereton Diaz through. From there, the Chilean international did the rest. Yet, it was Agyemang's play that helped Brereton Diaz make something out of nothing. That, at his core, is what the American forward can do: make things happen from nowhere due to his unique combination of physical and mental skillsets.

  After making the big move to the Championship this summer, Agyemang is just getting started. This was his first start and just his third appearance but, in those three appearances, he's already provided two assists. Despite lacking fitness and sharpness, Agyemang is finding a way to impact games, which is a good sign for a player that will experience a crazy learning curve in his first season abroad.

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  Richards and Palace stand tall again

  Over the last year or so, Liverpool have generally ran rampant through the Premier League. Few teams have given them problems. After this weekend, though, there's no arguing that Chris Richards and Crystal Palace are the biggest thorn in Arne Slot's side.

  After already toppling in the Community Shield, Palace took it to Liverpool again, netting a late winner to earn a 2-1 win. Richards, again, was generally solid, although his inability to clear did lead to Liverpool's goal. Outside of that, though, the Palace defense was near perfect, effectively silencing stars Mohammed Salah and Alexander Isak throughout the game.

  It continues Palace's insane run of form. The club has not lost a competitive match since April, claiming two trophies since while pushing all the way up to third to start this new Premier League season. In total, the run extends 18 games in all competitions. The continuing rise of Richards has played a big part in that, as the defender continues to impress alongside fellow stalwarts Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix in defense.

  Defensively sound and talented enough in attack to scare even top sides like Liverpool, Palace are one of the Premier League's most dangerous teams. 

Monaco forward Ansu Fati netted a brace after coming off the bench in their weekend clash against Metz. On loan from Barcelona, the 21-year-old struck just a minute after his introduction before adding a second to complete a comeback victory. Fati said the performance was a major confidence boost for both himself and the team following their midweek Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.

• Monaco's win against Metz and Fati's brace

  Monaco ran out 5-2 winners over Metz with debutant Fati marking the occasion with a brace. The visitors struck first through Habib Diallo, but Fati, introduced at half time, needed just a minute to make his impact as he slotted home from Lamine Camara’s cutback. He then doubled his tally with a well timed header from Krepin Diatta’s pinpoint cross, helping Monaco turn the game around in style.

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• AFP
  

  Fati's comments after the win

  Fati commented on the win and how much the two goals boosted his confidence, saying: “Yes, of course. That's the case every time you score a goal and contribute something to the team. Those two goals helped us impose ourselves. It's a joy for me too, as a striker, to have that confidence. The coach encouraged me and told me to make the most of it. We knew it wouldn't be easy; every match is important, and after a defeat, it's even more so. We managed to win; that was essential.”

  He added: “It's a joy for me too, as a striker, to have this confidence. The coach encouraged me and told me to make the most of it. We knew it wouldn't be easy; every match is important, and after a defeat, it's even more so.”

• Fati's fresh start at Monaco

  Fati joined Monaco from Barcelona on loan with an option to buy. The Spanish forward enjoyed a dream start at Camp Nou, becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer at just 17 years and 40 days old. However, a series of injuries stalled his progress, leading to a loan spell at Brighton during the 2023-24 season, where he struggled to make an impact. After returning to Barcelona and featuring in only 10 games, Fati now sees his move to Monaco as a chance to revive his career, linking up with idol Paul Pogba in the process.

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  Fati's challenges for this season

  Fati will be aiming to stay injury free, rediscover his best form, and play a key role in Monaco’s bid to challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title, while also keeping alive his hopes of earning a place in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad.