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In what could be their answer to Erling Haaland, Liverpool are now reportedly plotting a summer move to sign one of the most in-form forwards in European football in a big-money deal.

Liverpool transfer news

Whilst it is a difficult task to find a weakness in this current Liverpool side, Diogo Jota’s recent injury has arguably exposed one area of concern for Arne Slot. The Portugal international started the season in fine form before injury struck in unsurprising fashion, given Jota’s injury history, to rule him out until after the November international break.

In his place has so far been Darwin Nunez, who returned to the scoresheet against RB Leipzig in midweek before then assisting Mohamed Salah’s equaliser against Arsenal, but question marks still remain.

Can the forward take the Reds to Premier League glory amid Jota’s injury concerns? The Premier League has seen the impact that Haaland has made, but Anfield is yet to see evidence that Nunez can be their answer to the ruthless Norwegian. Instead, one man could emerge to provide exactly that.

Scouts sent: Liverpool plot move for £66m Szoboszlai upgrade who Slot loves

Liverpool want to upgrade on Szoboszlai by signing a £66m Slot favourite.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 29, 2024

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, sporting director Michael Edwards is now battling to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres for Liverpool as the Reds begin to plot a summer move that could be worth a discounted price of around €60-70m (£50m-£58m).

Racing alongside the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, Liverpool could take Slot’s side up another level entirely by signing Gyokeres next summer.

"Strong" Gyokeres could be Liverpool's Haaland

Not many, if any, stand a chance at keeping up with the goalscoring exploits of Haaland, but Gyokeres is among the rare few currently doing the impossible. The Swede is one of the most clinical forwards around and has that same power that Haaland possesses in abundance alongside a ruthless streak when an opportunity falls his way – two things that Nunez arguably lacks.

Once described as a “strong striker” by Slaven Bilic during his Coventry City days, Gyokeres has come on leaps and bounds ever since at Sporting and could now finally get his Premier League chance.

If Liverpool want to finally match Manchester City all the way for the first time since Haaland’s arrival, then they could do with winning the race to sign the Sweden star next summer. Possibly replacing Nunez and the injury-prone Jota, Gyokeres is capable of producing numbers even greater than Mohamed Salah’s in front of goal.

Seamer tells ESPNcricinfo that all four deliveries were “yorkers, because that’s a delivery I practise a lot” 

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jan-2023Rwanda have registered a historic first victory at a cricket World Cup after their under-19 team beat Zimbabwe by 39 runs in their second group match.Rwanda’s top three scored the bulk of their 119 runs with none of the other batters getting into double-figures, but they defended their total fiercely. They had Zimbabwe 80 for 5 before capping victory with five wickets in six balls including four in four balls by seamer Henriette Ishimwe. Her hat-trick is the second at this tournament after South Africa’s Madison Landsman took the competition’s first against Scotland on Monday.The Zimbabwean collapse started with a run-out in the 17th over, when victory already seemed to be evading their grasp. They needed 39 runs off 14 balls when Adel Zimunu was run-out by Rwanda captain Giselle Ishimwe.Related

• Under-19 women's T20 WC: 16 teams, four groups, two venues

• How looking back propelled Rwanda Women's cricket forward

• Landsman claims first hat-trick of the U-19 Women's T20 World Cup

Henriette – no relation – then stepped up to bowl the 19th over. She bowled Kudzai Chigora, had Olinder Chare given out lbw and then removed both Chipo Moyo and Faith Ndlalambi’s stumps to seal victory with eight balls remaining. She told ESPNcricinfo that all four deliveries were “yorkers, because that’s a delivery I practise a lot.”Her performance in this match built on her form leading into the tournament. Henriette also took 2 for 19 in Rwanda’s one-run win over Ireland in the warm-up matches, and has been capped 44 times for the senior side as well.Rwanda’s victory may come as bittersweet for their coach Leonard Nhamburo, who is Zimbabwean and was previously involved with their senior women’s side, as an assistant coach and interim head coach. Nhamburo is experienced on the continent and has also coached the Namibian national women’s team before moving to Rwanda in 2021.

Her death comes less than a month after her husband Shepherd Makunura, who was the men’s team fielding coach, passed away

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jan-2023Sinikiwe Mpofu, the Zimbabwe women’s assistant coach, has died aged 37. Her death comes less than a month after her husband, Shepherd Makunura, who was the men’s team fielding coach, died on December 15.According to the Zimbabwe Cricket website, Mpofu was pronounced dead on arrival at a medical facility after she collapsed at her home in Masvingo on Saturday, and a post-mortem to determine the cause of her death was due to be carried out.Mpofu, an allrounder, was part of Zimbabwe women’s first-ever international match in December 2006. She was also the head coach of the Mountaineers women’s team in domestic cricket. Under Mpofu, Mountaineers won the inaugural Fifty50 Challenge – Zimbabwe’s provincial one-day championship for women – in the 2020-21 season. Last season, she led them to another final, where they finished as runners-up in the Women’s T20 Cup.Givemore Makoni, ZC’s managing director, said: “Death has robbed us of a genuinely warm individual, more importantly a loving mother, and deprived so many others, including all of us, of one of the pioneers of women’s cricket in Zimbabwe who went on to excel as a coach at provincial and national levels.”With her sudden passing coming just a few weeks after the death of her loving husband, who was also a part of our national team coaching setup, this is particularly a difficult and painful time for their young children, families, friends and the entire cricket fraternity.”

Arsenal are preparing to return to action against Nottingham Forest this weekend, but an intriguing transfer story has now come to light courtesy of reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Mikel Arteta’s side and Forest, now managed by former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, are the first Premier League sides back on the field in this Saturday’s lunchtime kick off.

Only a win will do for Arsenal, who lost their first game of the season against current English champions Liverpool prior to the international break, and they’ll be hoping to upset Postecoglou’s debut game in the Forest dugout with a convincing Emirates Stadium display.

Sporting director Andrea Berta did his all to back Arteta in the transfer market, splashing over £250 million on the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie, so there are no excuses for Arsenal now.

The pressure is truly on for Arsenal to finally win their first Premier League title in over 20 years, following three consecutive campaigns finishing second behind Man City and Liverpool.

The signings of Eze and Gyokeres in particular will be vital, amid criticism surrounding Arsenal’s lack of creativity in the final third — something which was on full display at Anfield last month.

Arsenal hijacked Tottenham to sign Eze in spectacular fashion, while Gyokeres’ arrival ended the club’s long wait for a prolific striker to come through the door.

Arsenal were also briefly in talks for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, but according to Romano, the Brazilian wasn’t the only Madrid player attracting serious interest from north London at one point.

Fabrizio Romano shares Arda Guler transfer revelation from Arsenal

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the respected reporter says that Los Blancos playmaker Arda Guler was also being seriously considered by former Arsenal director Edu Gaspar prior to Berta’s arrival.

Arsenal held internal talks over signing Guler, who was a concrete target for the Gunners before Xabi Alonso came in and started using the Turkey international starlet on a much more regular basis.

Guler has gone on to become a starter under Alonso, playing all of their La Liga matches so far, not to mention all of their matches at the Club World Cup. This has ruined all possibility of Arsenal signing the 20-year-old, but he was seriously under consideration at N5.

Guler has bagged two goals and three assists in nine starts since Alonso took charge, with the ex-Fenerbahce sensation’s Bernabeu career finally getting off the ground.

Kylian Mbappe has overtaken Brazilian icon Ronaldo for his goal tally in his debut Real Madrid season following his brace against Villarreal.

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• Real Madrid win 2-1 at Villarreal
• Mbappe scores brace in La Liga victory
• Overtakes Ronaldo for debut season tally

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Frenchman scored both of Madrid's goals as they came from behind to beat Villarreal 2-1 on Saturday. That was his 20th La Liga goal of the season and took his overall tally for the campaign in all competitions to 31 – one better than all-time great Ronaldo managed in 2002-03.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe swapped Paris Saint-Germain for Madrid last summer and initially, he was heavily criticised for his performances. So to pass the legendary Ronaldo for goals scored in his first season at the club is some feat. The result on Saturday also sent Los Blancos three points clear at the top of La Liga.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mbappe may have his sights set on having the best-ever debut season at Madrid; a record that is held by Ivan Zamorano, who scored 37 back in 1992-93. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy were tied at 33 in second.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Mbappe, who also became the first French player in history to reach the 30-goal mark in six consecutive seasons with a club in Europe's big five leagues, will now head off on international duty for his country.

Arsenal have been dealt with a fresh injury blow with star players William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli ruled out of action for their upcoming game with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup. The duo, along with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori, picked up problems in their last Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace, which the Gunners won 1-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

• Fresh injury blows for Arsenal

  Arsenal are off to a dream start to the 2025-26 campaign as they have won seven out of their first nine matches and are four points clear at the top of the Premier League table. After two months of action in the English top flight, the Gunners are being labelled as favourites to finally bag the league title after years of heartbreak.

  However, their journey has been rocked with injuries to several of the first-team stars. Forwards Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke are currently sidelined with injuries alongside captain Martin Odegaard. On top of that, Arsenal were dealt with fresh blows as five new players have been carrying knocks.

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  Saliba and Martinelli ruled out of Carabao Cup clash

  Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has now provided an update on all of his players' conditions ahead of the Brighton clash, claiming Saliba and Martinelli have no chance of playing in the cup game. Speaking to reporters, the Spanish coach said: "[Saliba] is out. We are assessing him, but he won’t be involved this match. [Martinelli] looks as well that he is going to be out. We have to, again, do some more tests and see the extent of the injury. But this game is going to be too early for him."

  However, Arteta also confirmed that the trio of Saka, Calafiori and Rice are all fit and ready to take the field against the Seagulls on Wednesday night.

• Arteta could make wholesale changes to starting lineup

  With a hectic schedule either side of the November international break, Arteta is likely to make several changes in the starting lineup and hand game time to other squad members. In defence, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly could feature, while Piero Hincapie could be handed his first start. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could make his second appearance for the Gunners after making his debut against Port Vale last month. 

  Youth sensation Max Dowman, who has started training with the senior first team, could also be included in the matchday squad after the teenager impressed for Arsenal U19s in Europe and the English youth leagues. Arteta could also consider pushing Mikel Merino to the No.9 role once again, if he plans to rest star forward Viktor Gyokeres.

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  Arsenal backed to win trophies this season

  Manchester United legend and pundit Gary Neville backed the Gunners as favourites to win the league title this year and even revealed the points tally they have to achieve to lift their 14th top-flight title. He said on the Gary Neville Podcast: "This has got to be them, hasn't it? This has got to be their year. This is the fourth season on the bounce that I've had them to win the league, but they're not necessarily miles better, they're repeating their levels of consistency, and that's all they're going to have to do this year to win the league. They're not going to have to go and get 100 points, they're not going to have to get even 90 or 95 points to win the league, mid-80s, high 80s will win them this title, and they can do that. I mentioned before about the other teams [being] inconsistent and unreliable, that's not this Arsenal team. They're very reliable. You can trust them. The way in which they defend is fantastic. They're all around each other. They don't concede goals. They've got a threat up front in multiple areas. They've not got a sensational centre-forward, but they've got a battering ram up there as honest as a day's long, and that can work for them. They've got [Eberechi] Eze, they've got so they've got Madueke, Martinelli, [Leandro] Trossard, lots of players who can contribute goals. They've got Rice who can obviously deliver in set-pieces. They've got four fantastic full-backs and three excellent centre-backs."

The opener exuded confidence ahead of Pakistan’s first game of the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi, against Sri Lanka

Danyal Rasool22-Sep-20251:39

Chopra: Clear difference in Pakistan’s intent with the bat

Pakistan may be sitting at the bottom of the Super Four table after another fairly convincing defeat against India, but their best performer on the night felt the game showed what Pakistan were capable of. Sahibzada Farhan, who dominated the first ten overs of the contest and scored a 34-ball half-century, was confident Pakistan were well set up to put themselves on the board against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.”The way we batted today, the boys are very confident,” Farhan said, speaking after the game against India. “The wickets in Abu Dhabi are true and the ball comes onto the bat, and we’ll play to win.”Unlike Sri Lanka, who have played two of their four games in Dubai, Pakistan’s four matches at the Asia Cup have all taken place there. Without a formal training session, they will go into a game which may end up proving an eliminator for the losing side, with Sri Lanka having begun the Super Fours with defeat to Bangladesh. Farhan, though, dismissed the idea that preparation was a concern.Related

• Similar goals, similar problems: SL, Pakistan resume borderline sappy yet competitive rivalry

“We’re very well prepared. The boys are confident ahead of the Sri Lanka game because this wasn’t a one-sided game; it was one we took right to the end.”That increased optimism is largely down to Farhan himself. His start, particularly in the way he took down Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay, as well as the aggression against Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel in the four overs that followed, took Pakistan to 91 for 1 in ten overs, their highest midway total against India. Despite a post-drinks slowdown which robbed them of momentum, Pakistan posted 171, requiring India to complete the highest successful chase of the tournament for victory.”I worked a lot on my six hitting,” Farhan, who hit three sixes and is Pakistan’s highest run-scorer of the tournament, said. “When I used to score runs before, there were very few boundaries among them. If we’d won this game, it would have been very valuable to me. Performing against India is very highly rated but I just regret we didn’t win the game today.”The mistake we were making in previous matches was losing wickets early on and not utilising the powerplay. This time around our powerplay was brilliant, with 91 in 10 overs. There was a collapse in the middle and we’ll look to rectify that.”When, with a six of Axar, Farhan reached his half-century, he opted to celebrate in a manner that raised eyebrows at the time, with Farhan cocking his bat and miming the firing of a gun. It was just one of the flashpoints in an ill-tempered game between the two sides, though Farhan said there was nothing to read into it.”That celebration was just a spur of the moment. I rarely celebrate when I get to fifty,” he said. “But when I got there I suddenly got the idea of celebrating, and so I did without knowing or caring how people would interpret it. We should play aggressive cricket against any team, not just India, the way we played today.”Farhan hoped Pakistan and India aren’t done with each other yet in the Asia Cup. “We’d love to be able to meet India again in the final.”Their trip to Abu Dhabi is likely to have a huge say in determining how realistic that ambition is.

Newcastle United have built their modern reputation not just on financial clout but on shrewdly identifying opportunities that balance ambition with strategy.

Their recruitment since the change of ownership has been measured, targeted and often brave.

The signing of Sandro Tonali in 2023 epitomised that approach.

In making the AC Milan midfielder the most expensive Italian player in history, Newcastle showed their willingness to gamble on a player who combined proven Serie A quality with enormous potential upside.

Despite his 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations, Tonali has since returned to play a central role in Eddie Howe’s side.

He was instrumental in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph – their first domestic silverware in 70 years – and now forms part of a midfield three with Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton that ranks among the most complete in Europe.

That calculated risk has paid off.

It has also demonstrated to Newcastle’s hierarchy that Italian football remains fertile ground for elite talent that can be persuaded to make the move to the Premier League.

Newcastle make contact over Inter star

They have already dipped back into Serie A this summer, recruiting Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, further evidence of a strategy built on trusted relationships and a willingness to invest in players who can adapt quickly to Howe’s aggressive, high-pressing football.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Against that backdrop, it is no surprise that Newcastle are once again monitoring the Italian market.

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Newcastle have made initial contact with Inter Milan regarding midfielder Davide Frattesi.

While discussions have not moved beyond a preliminary stage, the very fact the club have opened a dialogue underlines their intent to explore whether another Serie A talent could be lured to Tyneside.

Frattesi, 25, has long been viewed as one of Italy’s brightest midfielders.

He joined Inter in 2023 from Sassuolo, and since then, he has grown into an important option for Inter.

Christian Chivu, Inter’s new head coach, considers him a key part of the squad, but with the likes of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Piotr Zieliński and Luis Henrique all competing for central roles, a departure cannot be entirely ruled out.

Still, Inter’s position is firm: any suitor must meet their €40m (£35m) valuation.

That figure is not insignificant, particularly for Newcastle, who have already invested heavily this summer.

Jacob Ramsey’s arrival from Aston Villa strengthened their midfield department, making a further signing in that area less of a priority.

Yet Frattesi’s profile fits with Howe’s long-term vision of building a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.

Lessons From Tonali and the Italian Connection

Frattesi’s numbers underline his threat.

He scored five times and registered two assists in 28 Serie A appearances last season, while also making an impact on the European stage with two goals in 13 Champions League outings, including a decisive strike in Inter’s semi-final victory over Barcelona.

Internationally, he already has 29 caps for Italy and an impressive return of eight goals.

Beyond raw output, his underlying metrics stand out. According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.37), the 95th percentile for total shots per 90 (1.91) and the 93rd percentile for touches inside the attacking penalty area per 90 (3.08).

Few central midfielders in Europe consistently arrive in advanced areas with such effect.

The parallels with Newcastle’s pursuit of Tonali are obvious. In both cases, the club identified a player who, while not surplus to requirements, could potentially be prised away from one of Serie A’s giants for different reasons.

In Tonali’s case, although he was a key player in Milan’s 2021/22 Scudetto-winning side, the club’s difficult financial situation forced his transfer.

By contrast, Frattesi’s place in Inter’s starting lineup is far from guaranteed.

This situation could play into Newcastle’s hands, particularly if the player desires a more consistent role ahead of a potential World Cup campaign with Italy.

At 25, he has room to grow further, and his skillset – high pressing, ball-carrying, late penalty-box entries – aligns with Howe’s blueprint.

The challenge is financial. Inter, flush with midfield depth but also mindful of squad harmony, are under no pressure to sell unless their €40m (£35m) price tag is met.

Newcastle, mindful of PSR Regulations, may be wary, having already spent significantly on Ramsey, Anthony Elanga and Thiaw this summer.

That said, Newcastle’s Serie A ventures are rarely speculative.

Their recruitment team has cultivated strong networks in Italy, and the arrivals of Tonali and Thiaw underline the willingness of Italian clubs to engage with them when the price is right.

Whether or not a deal for Frattesi materialises, the broader point is that Newcastle are doubling down on a transfer strategy that has already brought success.

Tonali’s rehabilitation from suspension into a central figure was a vindication of Newcastle’s faith in Serie A talent.

Frattesi, with his goalscoring instincts and ability to operate at both ends of the pitch, could be the next step in that evolution.

For Newcastle, the Serie A experiment has already paid off once – a repeat, even if not immediately, seems only a matter of time.

Their answer to Guehi: Newcastle weigh up late move to sign £30m "monster"

Newcastle aren’t just looking at forwards as the transfer window enters the final stretch.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 24, 2025

Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Chemsdine Talbi, with the Blues throwing away the chance to move into the Premier League's top four on Saturday. Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the club since joining from Manchester United, but it mattered very little as the spirited Black Cats fought tooth and nail to claim a precious three points.

Though Sunderland pressed Chelsea high from the start and made the home fans a tad nervy, the hosts broke the deadlock inside five minutes. Pedro Neto picked the ball up in a central area and slipped through Garnacho, who hit his marker, Nordi Mukiele, with a couple of step-overs before firing under goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a left-footed drive.

Midway through the first half, the Black Cats drew level. Chelsea failed to deal with a long throw from Mukiele, and after Bertrand Traore's initial half-volley was blocked, Wilson Isidor reacted quickest to prod the loose ball home.

Garnacho nearly had a brace towards the end of the half when he reached the second ball from a corner, slamming an effort off the right arm of Roefs as the two sides went into the break on level terms.

Chelsea struggled to break down Sunderland in the second half and were made to pay for their passive nature when the Black Cats stole the win at the death. Substitute striker Brian Brobbey chased a long ball over the top and managed to hold off two Blues defenders, allowing Talbi to join the attack and sweep home to send the away end into delirium and his team into second place in the table.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Robert Sanchez (5/10):

  Wasn't tested too much by way of shots, but Chelsea looked worse when they had to play right from the very back due to the Spaniard's nerves when on the ball.

  Reece James (6/10):

  Dug out a series of fine crosses which failed to be turned into goals. One of few performers who probably didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

  Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):

  Gobbled up Sunderland's long balls with his aerial prowess but wasn't as effective when attacks came on the floor.

  Josh Acheampong (6/10):

  A confident dribbler from the back, though drew the ire of his team-mates for not playing more directly down the left-hand side with his passes. Came up with a huge block to deny Xhaka before being replaced by Tosin.

  Marc Cucurella (6/10):

  A typically blood-and-thunder affair for the enigmatic left-back. Flew into challenges before going down the other end and crashing the box.

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  Midfield

  Moises Caicedo (5/10):

  Swept up and plugged gaps as per usual, though given they had even more possession than by their lofty standards anyway, Chelsea would have benefitted with a bit more adventure from Caicedo when in possession.

  Enzo Fernandez (5/10):

  Took some wicked set pieces but ultimately failed to pick the lock from open play, which was a glaring issue with Sunderland defending so astutely.

  Joao Pedro (4/10):

  Likewise failed to provide that spark from the midfield into the final third that Chelsea sorely lacked. Moved up front late on before then being hauled off for George.

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  Attack

  Pedro Neto (6/10):

  Silky as ever at full tilt, though this wasn't too often as Sunderland effectively put up a wall to stop those quick drives. Taken off for Santos late on.

  Marc Guiu (4/10):

  Plenty of eyes were on the centre forward after his loan to Sunderland was cut extremely short at the start of the season. Marked out of the game by former team-mate Dan Ballard and was taken off for Gittens.

  Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

  Off the mark for Chelsea with a well-taken goal early doors, skipping past Mukiele before slotting home. Had the confidence to take on his man whenever he had the ball and was the Blues' best player in his 58 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Estevao.

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  Subs & Manager

  Estevao Willian (5/10):

  Subbed on for Garnacho. Lively immediately after coming on before fading into the background.

  Jamie Gittens (5/10):

  Came on for Guiu. As was the case with Chelsea's other wingers, couldn't really get into a groove against a deep block.

  Tosin Adarabioyo (5/10):

  Introduced for Acheampong. Didn't do enough to take the ball off Brobbey for Talbi's winner.

  Andrey Santos (N/A):

  A late sub in place of Neto.

  Tyrique George (N/A):

  Went up top after coming on for Pedro.

  Enzo Maresca (3/10):

  Chelsea were both predictable and toothless, which only emboldened Sunderland's aggressive and relentless defending. The hosts got what they deserved.

Spinners likely to get help from the pitch as early as the first day

Nagraj Gollapudi11-Feb-2021After toiling on a slow and flat surface in the first Test, Indian spinners are likely to get more purchase in the second Test, starting on Saturday, as the pitch is expected to take turn as early as the first day.The key difference between the two surfaces is the nature of the soil. The pitch for the first Test comprised purely of red soil and it did not break until late in the match. However, the surface for the second Test will have a base comprising red soil and a top layer comprising black cotton soil. It is understood that if the conditions are dry, the top layer, primarily made of black clay, will start to disintegrate faster.The red soil in Chennai is different from the Mumbai variant. The Mumbai one stays true through the match, while in Chennai, it usually crumbles quickly if underprepared. However, the pitch was well-bound ahead of the first Test to ensure the match stretched to the fifth day.On the eve of the first Test, Chepauk head groundsman V Ramesh Kumar had told ESPNcricinfo that he would make a surface with an “English look”, to suit all bowlers. But by the time of the toss, Chepauk pitch had been shorn of any grass. Consequently, the pitch was slow.The new ball lost its shine quickly and the leather softened early too, thus hurting India’s fast-bowling duo Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma. Sharma highlighted the bland nature of the pitch across the opening two days, by saying it resembled a “road”.Even R Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, who is closing in on 400 Test wickets, struggled to find purchase from the surface over the first two days. England took advantage of the bald, hard, flat surface as Joe Root made a double-century and England amassed 578 in the first innings.The one factor in favour of the bowlers still was the bounce, which remained consistent mostly throughout the five days. Gradually, the surface became abrasive and it helped both spinners and fast bowlers, the latter making an impact with the reverse swing as James Anderson showed in a memorable spell on the fifth morning.What India might have a desired in the first Test – a quick turner where they can dominate England batsmen – they are likely to get this weekend.Usually, groundsmen stop watering the pitch two days before the Test match to allow the moisture to be retained. When England arrived for training on Thursday morning, the pitch was left uncovered. Later, it was covered with the hessian cloth to protect against the high temperature, which is in the mid-30-degree Celsius.Another significant difference in the second Test could be the low bounce, as a consequence of the dry pitch. It remains to be seen how much grass is left on Saturday morning.The turning nature of the surface is likely to influence the final XI for India, who face difficult questions regarding their second line of spinners to assist Ashwin. India captain Virat Kohli has already spoken about the lack of contribution from Shahbaz Nadeem and Washington Sundar in the first Test.Axar Patel is likely to make his Test debut having recovered from the knee injury he picked on the eve of the first Test. In case Patel plays, the Indian team management will need to figure out whether they go with Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner.