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da pinup bet： Neste Campeonato Paulista, mesmo que o São Paulo esteja na liderança do grupo B, com 11 pontos, a derrota para o Red Bull Bragantino acendeu um alerta: de nove pontos disputados contra times que estão na série A do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Tricolor só conseguiu um.

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da pixbet： Até agora, foram sete partidas disputadas no Estadual. As únicas vitórias do Tricolor no Paulistão aconteceram contra a Ferroviária, a Portuguesa e o Santo André. Nenhuma destas equipes disputa o Brasileirão na série A em 2023.

ATUAÇÕES: Galoppo faz golaço, mas meio de campo não ajuda em derrota do São Paulo

Veja tabela do Campeonato Paulista e simule os próximos jogos

Porém, contra o Palmeiras, o Corinthians e o Red Bull Bragantino, nenhuma vitória. O único ponto que surgiu entre estes nove disputados contra estas equipes mais complicadas foi no clássico contra o Palmeiras, que aconteceu no Allianz Parque e terminou em um empate sem gols.

Contra o Corinthians e o Bragantino, foram duas – e únicas até então -, derrotas. E ambas com o mesmo placar: por 2 a 1. A única diferença é que o Majestoso aconteceu no Morumbi e o encontro com o Massa Bruta foi no Nabizão.

Neste domingo (12), o Tricolor tem a chance de melhorar este aproveitamento contra equipes de maior porte, e que mais tarde reencontrará no Brasileiro. O São Paulo enfrenta o Santos, no estádio do Morumbi. Analisando números das duas equipes no Paulistão até agora, a equipe de Rogério Ceni tem um certo favoritismo ao seu lado.

Além do fator casa e mais de 23 mil ingressos vendidos até o momento, está em uma situação melhor na tabela. Como dito antes, lidera o grupo B e soma três vitórias, dois empates e duas derrotas. Já o Peixe, está em terceiro lugar no grupo A, com nove pontos e duas vitórias, três empates e duas derrotas.

Veja as movimentações do São Paulo na janela de transferências

O duelo com o Santos será o último do São Paulo contra times da série A nesta primeira etapa do Paulista. Depois, encontra Inter de Limeira, São Bento, São Bernardo e Botafogo-SP. Os próximos duelos contra estas equipes maiores só acontecerá se o Tricolor passar para a próxima fase.

غاب لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة عن التدريبات التي قادها المدرب الألماني هانز فليك، استعدادًا للجولة الثانية من بطولة الدوري الإسباني 2025/2026.

ومن المقرر أن يواجه برشلونة نظيره ليفانتي، مساء السبت المقبل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من بطولة الدوري الإسباني، في تمام الساعة 10:30 بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

وحل برشلونة ضيفًا على ريال مايوركا، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من بطولة الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/2026.

اقرأ أيضًا | ليس لامين يامال.. راشفورد يتغنى بزميله في برشلونة ويكشف سبب رحيله عن مانشستر يونايتد

وتمكن برشلونة من تحقيق فوز مهم على ريال مايوركا، في بداية مهمته في الليجا، إذ انتصر بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

وغاب الهولندي فرينكي دي يونج، لاعب خط وسط برشلونة عن تدريبات الفريق اليوم بموافقة النادي وتوجه إلى المستشفى في انتظار مولوده الثاني، وذلك وفقًا لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”.

أصبح دي يونج البالغ من العمر 26 عامًا، أبًا في 21 نوفمبر 2023، لذلك اختار فرينكي الرقم 21 لارتداء قميص برشلونة مع سبب آخر وهو تكريم لجده الذي اعتنى به كثيرًا في طفولته.

Tottenham Hotspur have laid some groundwork over potentially re-signing a former Spurs player who’s also a transfer target for West Ham, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange seemingly weighing up the possibility of a reunion at N17.

Tottenham slump to 1-0 Europa League defeat at AZ Alkmaar

Ange Postecoglou watched on from the sidelines as Spurs slumped to another poor away defeat in Europe on Thursday evening.

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The travelling side couldn’t force AZ Alkmaar’s keeper into any real saves over their lacklustre 90 minutes abroad, with striker Dominic Solanke also picking up a late knock on what was a night to forget for Tottenham, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.

“Yeah, it wasn’t great from us tonight,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to AZ.

“Pretty much all facets of the game. We didn’t really get to grips with any part of the game. We struggled to gain any momentum with the ball, we weren’t as aggressive as we needed to be without the ball.

“It was a tricky surface but having said that we kind of knew that from yesterday and yeah we just didn’t tackle the challenges we had out there in a real positive way. That allowed AZ to get into a rhythm, which when you’re playing away from home, it is difficult to stem the tide.

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Chelsea (away)

April 2nd

Southampton (home)

April 5th

Wolves (away)

April 12th

“I don’t think it is going out there and not trying, but like I said we didn’t really come to grips and have the right mindset to tackle an away fixture in Europe. It is always tough, and we obviously conceded the goal, which was a disappointing set of events but even after that we didn’t really settle down into the game at all. You are going to face some pressure when you play away from home in Europe and weather the storm and get to grips with it, but we never really did, so that was a disappointment.”

A good Europa League run is Spurs’ only real opportunity to make anything of this disappointing campaign, so the pressure is on Postecoglou to turn this first leg deficit around.

Off the field, Tottenham are planning for next season already in terms of transfers. Spurs are believed to be targeting new full-backs, with Flamengo defender Wesley Franca among their options as alternatives to the likes of Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie and the in-form Djed Spence.

Tottenham lay groundwork over re-signing West Ham target Dennis Cirkin

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Lilywhites could even turn to an ex-player of theirs to reinforce the left-back area – Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin.

The 22-year-old left Spurs in 2021 to join the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee (BBC), and he’s since gone on to become a crucial player for Regis Le Bris’ side as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.

Cirkin is currently among their top five best-performers in the Championship by average match rating, according to WhoScored, and his performances are attracting attention from elite English sides – including Tottenham.

According to Bailey, Tottenham have been doing work on re-signing Cirkin, but he’s also a target for a plethora of London rivals like West Ham.

“Keep a close eye on Cirkin,” said Bailey to Sunderland AFC News.

“I am told a lot of Premier League clubs have been doing work on him. Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Everton and Leeds – he is an outstanding prospect.”

Only Enzo Le Fee has averaged more tackles per 90 for Sunderland than Cirkin, while the Englishman sits joint-top for their highest number of interceptions per game (WhoScored). Cirkin also has three goals and two assists to his name from 31 Championship appearances.

Karnataka’s 24-year-old left-handed batter Satheesh Shubha also earned a call-up for the Tests against England and Australia

Shashank Kishore01-Dec-2023Renuka Singh has made a comeback from a stress injury, while WPL breakout stars Shreyanka Patil and Saika Ishaque have earned maiden T20I call-ups for the three-match series against England beginning December 6 in Mumbai.Renuka and Ishaque are also part of the Harmanpreet Kaur-led 15-member squad for two back-to-back Tests against England and Australia. There was also a maiden Test call-up for Karnataka’s 24-year-old left-handed opener Satheesh Shubha, who impressed with scores of 99 and 49 in the practice four-day fixture prior to selection.India will be playing a home Test for the first time since November 2014. Since then, they’ve featured in just two Tests (one each in England and Australia). The upcoming games will mark a change of guard in many ways, given it will be India’s first Test outing in over 20 years without retired stalwarts Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. This will also be the first time that Harmanpreet will lead India in a Test.Related

• New Test dawn for India, but focus firmly on road to T20 World Cup

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Patil was one of the bright stars for Royal Challengers Bangalore during an otherwise dismal maiden WPL campaign for the team. Earlier this year, she also became the first Indian to play in the women’s CPL where she was the tournament’s top wicket-taker while representing Guyana Amazon Warriors. Patil is currently part of the India A squad for the three-match T20 series against England A.Meanwhile, Ishaque, the left-arm spinner, was a key figure for Mumbai Indians during their spectacular run to the inaugural WPL title in March. Ishaque was the tournament’s joint second-highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps, with her ability to bowl across phases earning plaudits. Ishaque’s inclusion in the T20I squad leaves no room for experienced left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad, while Patil’s call-up has led to Devika Vaidya being dropped.In addition to Patil, Ishaque and Deepti Sharma, India also have a fourth spin option in the form of left-arm fingerspinner Mannat Kashyap, who was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup winning squad earlier this year. Middle-order batter Kanika Ahuja, who like Patil impressed for RCB in the WPL, retains her place in the T20I squad.Saika Ishaque picked 15 wickets to help Mumbai Indians win the inaugural WPL title•BCCI

Yastika Bhatia was handed a comeback as one of two wicketkeeping options alongside Richa Ghosh. Bhatia was dropped from the Asian Games squad that returned with a gold medal from Hangzhou in October. Her inclusion meant there was no place for rookie wicketkeeper Uma Chetry.The selectors have also opted to overhaul the pace stocks for the Tests. With Goswami having retired and Shikha Pandey left out, Renuka will lead a four-member attack consisting of Titas Sadhu, Meghna Singh and allrounder Pooja Vastrakar. Also returning for the Tests is Sneh Rana, the offspinning allrounder.The upcoming home series marks the beginning of a long stretch of games for the Indian women’s team leading into next year’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. After the three T20Is and Test against England, India are slated to play Australia in a Test, followed by six white-ball matches.The upcoming series marks the first assignment as head coach for Amol Muzumdar, the former Mumbai captain, who takes over from Hrishikesh Kanitkar, who had helmed the team in an interim capacity.India Women’s squad for England T20Is: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh, Titas Sadhu, Pooja Vastrakar, Kanika Ahuja, Minnu ManiIndia Women’s squad for England and Australia Tests: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Shubha Satheesh, Harleen Deol, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh, Titas Sadhu, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar

Christian Pulisic’s agent has reportedly sounded out interest “in Italy and abroad” as the USMNT star stalls on signing a new contract at AC Milan.

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American has been posting personal bests in ItalyRossoneri eager to agree fresh termsOptions being mulled over before summer windowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international is currently tied to terms at San Siro through to 2027. The Rossoneri are doing all they can to add a further 12 months to that deal, with Pulisic lined up for a much-deserved pay rise.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

He has become a talismanic figure for Milan, registering a career-best 17 goals and 12 assists this season, but is said to be mulling over his options after enduring a tough Serie A campaign that is destined to finish without European qualification being secured.

DID YOU KNOW?

There has been talk of Premier League teams casting admiring glances towards the ex- Chelsea forward, while heavyweight outfits in Italy have seen what Pulisic is capable of and would be willing to do a deal at the right price.

GettyWHAT AN INSIDER SAID

Matteo Moretto has told when offering an update on Pulisic’s situation: “He does not have a short contract, he expires in 2027 with an option for 2028, but Milan has been negotiating his renewal for several months now. The parties have arrived, I would not say at the contracts, but almost. They have reached a verbal agreement, they have discussed figures and numbers, contract adjustments and everything in terms of salary.

“Then at a certain point, Pulisic asked and took time because he wanted to understand Milan’s sporting project between the sporting director and the coach. He wants to have guarantees for the future.

“Pulisic’s agent is moving a lot, he proposed the boy both in Italy and abroad. But the player certainly has a contract with Milan, and in my opinion, once these ideas are clear, then we can also get to a contract extension. As of today, the renewal is on standby.”

One of the proudest things about Manchester United is their incredible academy. Over the years, they have produced some legends of football, going back to the Busby Babes and the Class of ’92.

More recently, some of the best Carrington graduates to come out of Old Trafford include Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. That particular quartet all enjoyed success in the famous red shirt.

Under Rubem Amoirm, there have been several academy stars who have had first-team involvement already. Players with less experience, including striker Chido Obi, have been given minutes, and more prominent members of the squad have featured heavily, including Kobbie Mainoo.

However, one Carrington graduate who has struggled for his best form consistently this term is Alejandro Garnacho.

Alejandro Garnacho's struggle in 2024/25

After a couple of breakout seasons in the past two campaigns, notably scoring that audacious overhead kick against Everton last term, Garnacho has been a little inconsistent in the 2024/25 campaign.

Of course, the Red Devils have struggled as a team, and the Argentina international has been in and out of the side.

The 20-year-old’s numbers are, on the face of things, impressive. He has scored nine times and managed to provide eight goals across all competitions, having featured in 45 games so far this term.

However, his goal involvements have tended to come in clumps, and he grabbed six goals and assists in the first two rounds of the Carabao Cup against Barnsley and Leicester City. He has also grabbed three assists in United’s last three Europa League games.

In the Premier League, the Argentina winger scored last weekend, also against the Foxes, but had previously gone on a 16-game goal and assist drought. The goal was a well-taken finish, getting on the end of a pass from Bruno Fernandes and firing into the bottom right corner.

Garnacho is clearly a talented player, who has shown just how good he can be this term. However, his inconsistencies might lead Amorim to rotate him out of the side more, so he can stay fresh and have more of an impact off the bench.

If this is the case, perhaps there is another Carrington graduate who can help supplement Garnacho’s playing time.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Carrington star breaking through could replace Garnacho

United are not short of quality options in their academy, but perhaps none are more exciting than Gibraltar international James Scanlon.

The 18-year-old winger has been in superb form for the Red Devils U18s this term and has made the bench once for the first team against Real Socidead in the Europa League last week.

The 10-cap Gibraltar star, who has one international goal already, has certainly not forgotten his shooting boots this season for United’s academy. He has 17 goals in 24 games across all competitions, as well as six assists.

Scanlon has been in particularly deadly form in the U18s Premier League for United this season. He has an impressive 13 goals in 13 appearances, including four goals against Blackburn Rovers in a 9-0 win.

Aside from his excellent performances this season, one of the reasons the 18-year-old could be propelled into the United first team is due to his international experience. He has already played senior football for Gibraltar, which will certainly have got him used to the physicality he can expect.

In fact, one of his best performances for the national side came against Wales in a friendly last summer. His side didn’t see much of the ball, but Scanlon impressed in possession and without the ball, too. As per Sofascore, he won three out of five ground duels and completed 80% of his passes.

Touches

18

Pass accuracy

80%

Passes completed

8/10

Ground duels won

3/5

Dribbles completed

1

Tackles and interceptions

2

Tackle win rate

100%

It is certainly hard to argue that giving Scanlon first-team opportunities this season would not be deserved. Not only is he a full international for his nation, but has been “absolutely flying” for United’s youth sides this season, as Statman Dave said.

With Garnacho’s form patchy, perhaps Scanlon is the man to come into the first team and help take the workload off him, to let him rediscover his best form.

Next captain after Bruno: INEOS have struck gold on Man Utd's "warrior"

Man Utd could have found a new future skipper to succeed Bruno Fernandes

ByRobbie Walls Mar 17, 2025

The winter transfer window was nothing short of disastrous for Arsenal this year.

Mikel Arteta’s side were still in both domestic cups and just about within touching distance of Liverpool atop the Premier League when it was opened, yet the board opted not to sign a single player despite the attack being decimated.

The Gunners are now out of both cups, miles off the Reds in the league, and could still be without two of their regular front three when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League next month.

The only transfer-related positive to come out of January was the surprise news that the North Londoners were seen as the most likely to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi come the summer.

However, recent reports have linked Arsenal with a potential upgrade on the Spaniard, a player that incoming Sporting Director Andrea Berta has reportedly tried to sign before.

Arsenal targeting Zubimendi upgrade under Berta

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are planning for a big summer of transfer activity and have identified Newcastle United star Bruno Guimarães as one of their key targets.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, the report has revealed that the desire to chase the Brazilian international stems primarily from incoming Sporting Director Andrea Berta, who is ‘in love’ with him and tried to sign him three times while at Atlético Madrid. The fact the Italian would like to bring him to the Emirates has already been brought up in talks with the player’s circle.

The good news for the North Londoners is that the story claims a failure to qualify for the Champions League this season will see the asking price for the midfield monster drop to just £60m.

It could be a complicated and still relatively costly transfer to get over the line, but given Guimarães immense ability, one well worth pursuing, even if that means skipping out on Zubimendi.

How Guimarães compares to Zubimendi

In an ideal world, Arsenal would be able to sign both midfielders this summer, but with the attack needing some serious investment, we can see a world in which it’s one or the other.

In that case, it would probably be a wise choice for Berta and Co to come down on the side of Guimarães, as while he and Zubimendi can both play in either the eight or six roles, he is the more dangerous of the pair in an attacking sense.

Moreover, with someone like Declan Rice on the team who can also play both roles to a high level, we’d argue that the ability to help out in attacks is more important, considering the defensive solidity of Arteta’s side.

For example, in just 36 appearances this term, the “world-class” midfielder, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored three goals and provided eight assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 3.27 games.

In contrast, the San Sebastian-born ace has scored one goal and provided two assists in 36 appearances, equating to a goal involvement every 12 games.

Progressive Passes

7.32

6.15

Progressive Carries

1.45

1.21

Shots

1.15

0.59

Key Passes

1.38

0.54

Passes into the Final Third

5.06

4.98

Shot-Creating Actions

3.38

1.51

Goal-Creating Actions

0.52

0.21

Tackles

2.12

2.34

Interceptions

0.93

1.34

Successful Take-Ons

0.97

0.63

Ball Recoveries

5.06

4.44

The one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, per FBref, the Toon star comes out on top in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to, actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots and shots on target, ball recoveries, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while both players would be fine additions to this Arsenal squad, Guimarães would undoubtedly be the better signing and one that would kick-start Berta’s tenure in a big way.

Berta's new Griezmann: Arsenal favourites to sign £62m Premier League star

Andrea Berta has found his dream first target as Arsenal’s new sporting director.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 12, 2025

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is said to be high on Mikel Arteta’s list of ideal strikers for Arsenal, with another update on his price tag now surfacing in what could be a boost for the Gunners.

Arsenal identify Alexander Isak as dream transfer target

Multiple reports from the last few months have indicated the Sweden international, who boasts 19 goals from 29 appearances in all competitions already this season – has plenty of admirers within the Emirates Stadium.

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The Gunners have now made a bid for a defender Tottenham tried to sign in January.

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 17, 2025

Isak helped to knock Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals recently, putting in a stellar performance against them during the second leg at St. James’ Park, and opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s side in their first leg victory.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games	Date
West Ham (home)	February 22nd
Nottingham Forest (away)	February 26th
Man United (away)	March 9th
Chelsea (home)	March 16th
Fulham (home)	April 1st

The 25-year-old has been a nightmare for Premier League defences and Arsenal’s own backline since he made the move to England from Real Sociedad, with Arteta and co identifying him as a “dream” transfer target.

“I mean, Arsenal’s dream priority is Alexander Isak, and I’m still told that he would like to join a Champions League club and stay in the Premier League in the long run,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs to GiveMeSport.

“But of course, in the short-to-medium term, he’s on fire for Newcastle United. He’s invested at Newcastle, and he’s well contracted at Newcastle, so they aren’t worried about necessarily losing Isak imminently, nor do they feel they absolutely have to agree a new contract with him because he remains healthily contracted.

“So it’s a bit of a dream target for Arsenal.”

Isak’s deal still has another three years left to run, meaning the Magpies can afford to charge premium rates for their world-class marksman in the event major clubs do come knocking for his signature.

Reports have suggested that the former La Liga sensation could cost as much £125 million, which means Arsenal would have to break their transfer record to strike a deal for Isak, if Newcastle even entertained the idea of selling him.

Arsenal told new Alexander Isak price tag in boost for Mikel Arteta

However, a new claim has emerged courtesy of Spanish news outlet Sport, which may well come as a boost for Arteta in his pursuit of the superstar number nine.

Indeed, they report that Newcastle have set Isak’s valuation at a fee in excess of £83 million, which is a seismic drop from other mooted figures. Arsenal are yet again mentioned by Sport as one of the contenders for his services, but they face stiff competition from Chelsea and Liverpool, who are also in the running.

While £83 million is still a hefty figure, you can make a very serious case that Isak is one of the best centre-forwards in world football right now, and quality attacking players of his ilk will all command a marquee price tag.

After taking one step into the Champions League quarter-finals, Aston Villa now reportedly want to get another one over on Europe’s top sides in the race to sign a defensive target.

Aston Villa transfer news

It wasn’t so long ago that goal-line technology was malfunctioning against Sheffield United on Aston Villa’s way to Premier League survival. Now, almost five years on, they’re no longer just surviving in England’s top flight, they’re thriving. Unai Emery has dragged the Midlands club away from the bottom half and into the Champions League, where they have taken Europe by storm.

Having defeated Club Brugge 3-1 to take a comfortable lead into the second leg of their last 16 tie, the Villans’ Champions League dream undoubtedly remains a reality with their sights now potentially set on the last eight.

Away from their European ventures, however, Emery’s squad still needs plenty of work in pursuit of a consistent place inside the Premier League’s top four. Currently sat 10th and five points adrift of the Champions League places, the Villans have already set their sights on one particular reinforcement.

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Konstantinos Koulierakis ahead of both Liverpool and Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €50m (£42m).

Aston Villa handed chance to sign "super" £50m+ star considering PL move

He’s outscored Watkins this season…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 5, 2025

The young Wolfsburg centre-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign and could yet emerge to become Emery’s eventual replacement for 31-year-old Tyrone Mings.

With plenty of competition for his signature, European football could prove to be key – making Aston Villa’s current position all the more frustrating as the Premier League season enters its final stretch.

"Complete" Koulierakis is a rising star

At just 21 years old, Koulierakis is undoubtedly one to watch. Helping Wolfsburg into the top seven of the Bundesliga this season – just four points adrift of the top four – it’s no surprise that the defender has reportedly attracted the interest of several top sides.

The only question that could remain this summer is just where Koulierakis will end up and whether it will be those in the Midlands welcoming a new star with open arms. Emery could certainly use with the depth and, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Wolfsburg star, a “complete” defender in Koulierakis.

Aston Villa’s squad depth could prove to be the main factor behind their top four failure this season, but arrivals such as Koulierakis would quickly put an end to those struggles for years to come.

A Ben McDermott half-century guided Hobart Hurricanes to a convincing seven-wicket win over Sydney Thunder to kick off 2024 at the BBL

AAP01-Jan-2024

Ben McDermott led the Hobart Hurricanes chase•Getty Images

Ben McDermott has returned from concussion to steer Hobart Hurricanes to a confidence-boosting seven-wicket BBL win over Sydney Thunder.McDermott, who missed two matches after a training mishap, top scored with an unbeaten 53 from 34 deliveries as his side chased down a target of 151 with 11 balls to spare at Blundstone Arena on Monday night.Related

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Bancroft: Opening the batting is a specialist position

Stoinis sets off the fireworks on New Year's Eve as Stars mow down 206

The victory, Hobart’s second of the season from five matches, lifts them to fifth spot on the ladder, two points outside the top four.McDermott shared an 85-run partnership with the in-form Macalister Wright, who fell late in the chase for 34 from 25 balls.Wright’s knock came on the back of an impressive 36-ball 63 against Renegades and 33 from 19 against Stars.The pair took 22 runs from the two-over power surge taken in the 13th over to get the chase down to roughly a run a ball.Thunder are long odds to make the finals, with just one win from six starts in a 10-games-per-team competition.Earlier, captain Chris Green gave Thunder’s innings a late boost with an unbeaten 33 from just 17 deliveries after coming to the crease at 92 for 6.Thunder lost regular wickets throughout, including English import Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who was run out without facing a ball. Kohler-Cadmore, who has a career strike rate of 140 at an average of almost 30, unsuccessfully took on the arm of Wright in the deep in the fourth over.Chris Jordan, Nikhil Chaudhary and Patrick Dooley shared the spoils for Hurricanes with two wickets each.The experienced Jordan picked up an economical 2 for 20 from four overs, including the wicket of the dangerous Oliver Davies (20 off 17) during the power surge.Chaudhary (2 for 26 from four) had opener Cameron Bancroft (21 from 20) caught and bowled with his spin, then returned in the 15th over to trap Nathan McAndrew lbw.Caleb Jewell (31 from 20) got Hurricanes’ chase off to a strong start but was out in the eighth over to a low outfield catch by Daniel Sams, ruled by the third umpire to have been held just above the grass.