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No immediate impact on IPL participants, but quarantine periods may affect future engagements

George Dobell19-Apr-2021The ECB are confident they will be able to fulfil their home international fixture programme despite India being added to the ‘red list’ of countries from which most travel to the UK has been banned due to fears of a new Covid variant.Under new regulations, most people who have been in India in the last 10 days will be banned from entering the UK from 4am on Friday. British or Irish residents, or those with residence rights within the UK, will be obliged to serve a 10-day quarantine period. There is, at present, no dispensation available to allow sportspeople to train out of their rooms while they serve that quarantine period.There is a concern that a new variant of the virus, which appears to be relatively prevalent in India, could spread more easily and prove more resistant to vaccinations. The UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has cancelled a visit to India which was scheduled to take place next week.India are scheduled to play in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in June and a five-Test series against England starting in August. Pakistan, which is also on the red list, are also scheduled to play ODI and T20I series in England in the coming months, while India’s women’s team is also scheduled to play a series in June.But although the ECB are likely to require dispensation from the UK government to stage such tours, they are optimistic that all games will be given the go-ahead.Having fulfilled their full home schedule in 2020, the ECB feel they have the experience and capability to combat the demands of the situation. Crucially, they also believe they gained the confidence of the UK government by demonstrating their ability to build an effective bio-bubble and stage matches without compromising safety. England were able to host series against West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland and Australia in 2020 with players of all sides obliged to abide by strict protocols, including serving quarantine periods.”We are currently discussing with Government the impact of countries being on the ‘red list’,” an ECB spokesperson said. “By working collaboratively we demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic and hope to be able to do so again this year.”Related

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It is unlikely the news will have much of an impact on England’s players involved in the IPL. While some may be alarmed at infection rates in India – new cases have risen to over 200,000 a day and only the USA has reported more deaths from the virus – the players are already living in bio-bubbles and playing in empty stadiums.It could, however, lengthen the process by which players can appear elsewhere, having been involved in the IPL. That could make it difficult for players at the IPL to be available for the Test series between New Zealand and England which starts on June 2. New Zealand players involved in the tournament include their captain, Kane Williamson, while England players involved include Jos Buttler. The IPL final takes place on May 30.The ICC are also confident that the World Test Championship final, due to be played at the Ageas Bowl near Southampton in June, will go ahead as planned, although they may need the UK government to grant dispensation for the event, and for the hotel at the ground to be considered an approved quarantine centre.”We are currently discussing with the UK Government the impact of countries being on the ‘red list’,” an ICC spokesman told ESPNcricinfo. “The ECB and other Members have demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic and we are confident that we can continue to do that and that the World Test Championship Final will go ahead as planned in June in the UK.”

Mauricio Pochettino was filmed at Wembley alongside Emma Hayes and Sarina Wiegman as the USMNT boss travelled back to England to support USWNT.

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Pochettino is back in London Headed to Wembley to watch the USWNTHayes to battle for supremacy against WiegmanFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

THE USMNT manager crossed the Atlantic to visit a familiar venue in London. Pochettino was a regular visitor to Wembley during his Tottenham stint as the Lilly-Whites played their home matches there between 2017 and 2019, while the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was being built.

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Pochettino was seen having a chat with USWNT manager, Hayes, and Lionesses boss Wiegman near the touchline. The trio was seen engrossed in chatter and probably in some light banter as the cameras panned to them.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR POCHETTINO?

Pochettino has had a bright start to his life as USMNT manager by winning three of his first four games at the helm. His next challenge is against Panama in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League in March 2025, before he shifts his focus to preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

One of the main sagas Chelsea have already been involved in this summer included Michael Olise, who decided to make the switch from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich. The Blues held a long-term interest, having tried for the player the previous summer.

Olise, who played in Chelsea's academy from 2009-2016, looked likely to become one of Enzo Maresca's first additions at the club. However, talks broke down, and the 22-year-old decided to make the move to Germany instead.

The 22-year-old had a stellar campaign for Palace, making 19 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing six assists in 1,278 minutes played, so it is no surprise he was asking for a wage hike given his recent form.

That said, Chelsea's clash with Real Madrid in the early hours of Wednesday morning perhaps proved why Todd Boehly didn't sign the player.

Chelsea vs Real Madrid

Chelsea lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in the final game of their US tour. Despite losing the game, the Blues actually created more big chances (two) than Madrid (one) and did show some brilliant signs of progressing the ball through the lines.

However, a few defensive lapses caused Chelsea issues, still looking like they are stuck in two minds in the depth of their defensive line, when to step up and when to retreat. Maresca even attributed this to issues seen last season, as he tries to iron out the kinks.

Filip Jorgensen also made his first start for the Blues, not starting in an ideal fashion, conceding two goals, the second of which being largely down to him and the speed he got off his line, allowing Brahim Diaz to round him, before slotting it into an empty net.

Noni Madueke's performance vs Madrid

One of the standout performers in Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Madrid, was winger Noni Madueke. Playing off the right, Madueke had the responsibility of holding width to allow Christopher Nkunku the space centrally to operate, whilst also having a responsibility to drop in and form a make-shift five at the back out of possession.

The winger has been ever present this pre-season, starting four of the five games played on tour in the US, scoring three goals and providing one assist in those games. Much like Maresca's wingers at Leicester, the 23-year-old brings a direct manner in attack, beating his man 1v1, and looking to impact the game.

His stats from this game show his impact on both sides of the ball, completing two out of his three dribble attempts, often coming when he was found isolated out wide, 1v1 with the opposition full-back, allowing him to be direct and attempt to drive the team forward.

But his defensive stats also show his involvement on that end of the ball, winning 5/11 ground duels, and winning his only aerial duel. Even being involved in 12 duels shows Madueke's importance out of possession, to recover into position, and help carry out their game plan off the ball.

Madueke stats (vs Real Madrid)

Stat

Madueke

Minutes Played

90

Crosses

1/3

Dribbles

2/3

Ground Duels

5/11

Aerial Duels

1/1

Stats taken from Sofascore

Whilst Olise was high on Chelsea's priorities in the transfer market this summer, Madueke could prove to be Maresca's ideal winger, who can provide the direct 1v1 threat going forwards, but also track back, and put in the defensive shift wanted by the manager.

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One Manchester United target has been spotted training in the club's shorts, perhaps dropping hints about his desire to complete a move to Old Trafford as his representatives reportedly work to seal a deal this summer.

Man Utd transfer news

Those at Old Trafford have already stolen the headlines twice this summer by welcoming both Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro. The latter arrived amid interest from Real Madrid and is a major coup for the Red Devils. At 18 years old, Yoro should prove to be a worthwhile investment for years to come at the heart of Erik ten Hag's backline.

Speaking to Manchester United's official website after completing the move, Yoro said: “Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family.

“I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I cannot wait to get started.”

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The central defender isn't the only player with his eyes set on Old Trafford either. According to Firenze Viola via Sport Witness, Sofyan Amrabat's representatives are working on a deal with Manchester United which would see the midfielder return to the Red Devils in another loan or a permanent deal worth a reported €12m (£10m) this summer.

Having spent last season on loan at Manchester United, Amrabat certainly hasn't hidden his love for the club, wearing the club's shorts whilst gearing up for pre-season in a recent training video, and he reportedly wants an Old Trafford return before the end of next month.

Whether United decide to sanction the midfielder's return remains to be seen, however.

"Important" Amrabat would add depth

Whilst it's difficult to see Amrabat claiming a starting role after failing to do exactly that on loan last season, the Fiorentina man would at least add some much-needed depth to Manchester United's midfield. Given that Casemiro's Old Trafford future is still in doubt too, the Morroco international may yet emerge to play a role if he completes a move this summer.

Ten Hag certainly didn't shy away from praising the midfielder last season, saying via The Metro after his side defeated Newcastle United: "I think he played a very good game. Very important for us in the pressing and the counter-press. He’s doing a really good job keeping the team together, keeping the team compact and we had good moments to press, to control the game."

If the Red Devils can seal a deal for around £10m, less than the €20m (£16.7m) they could have signed him for, then it's one worth pursuing before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month. Arrivals such as Zirkzee and Yoro will steal the headlines, but the addition of vital depth should not become an afterthought.

Antonee Robinson assists on Fulham's last-second winner, helps side seal a 2-1 win over Brentford

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Robinson provides late assistWilson scores diving headerFulham escape with 2-1 winFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

U.S. international Antonee Robinson helped seal a massive win for Fulham against Brentford with a last second assist to secure three points.

Fulham were behind for nearly all of Monday's clash with Brentford, with Vitaly Janelt's 24th-minute goal giving the visitors a lead they held until stoppage time. Harry Wilson leveled the scoreline at 1-1 with a goal in the 92nd minute, seemingly earning Fulham one point.

They'd end up with all three, though. Robinson broke through on the left and whipped in a cross in the 97th minute, putting the ball right on Wilson's head. His flicked-on header found the back of the net, sealing a huge come-from-behind win at Craven Cottage.

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Robinson continues to be a key piece for Fulham, with his latest big moment earning the club a win that few could have predicted. The American was Fulham's Player of the Season in their last campaign and, to start this one, Robinson already has three assists, including Monday's vital set-up of Wilson's last-gasp winner.

That's great news for the USMNT, as Robinson remains a key piece on the left side of defense under new coach Mauricio Pochettino.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ROBINSON?

Fulham will play one more match before the start of the international break, with Robinson assumed to be part of the USMNT squad for the key Nations League clashes with Jamaica. Prior to that, though, Fulham will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in their final pre-international break match.

After his planned stint at Surrey was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Michael Neser has belatedly got the chance to play county cricket in 2021 after signing with Glamorgan for the County Championship and Royal London Cup.Neser, 30, will link up with Queensland team-mate Marnus Labuschagne in Cardiff, with the pair filling Glamorgan’s overseas quota for four-day and 50-over cricket following Marchant de Lange’s departure to Somerset. Labuschagne is also set to be available in T20 cricket, pending his international commitments, and they have one remaining overseas spot for the Blast.ALSO READ: Somerset sign de Lange from Glamorgan on overseas dealLabuschagne has previously credited his time at the club ahead of the 2019 Ashes as a springboard for his international breakthrough, and Neser – who is yet to make his Test debut despite regularly featuring in Australia squads – said he hoped that it could have a similar effect on his career.”I’m thrilled to sign for Glamorgan and play in Wales,” Neser said. “I’ve played with a few guys who have played at Glamorgan – Charlie Hemphrey, Usman Khawaja, and especially Marnus – and they’ve had nothing but praise for the club, the way things are done, the culture at Sophia Gardens and the friendliness of all the staff and locals.”I’m still desperate to play county cricket after my spell this year was cancelled, so when I heard Glamorgan were interested I didn’t have to think twice. I’m keen to come over, showcase my skills, and do what I can to win games of cricket for Glamorgan. I’ve got those international ambitions, and I saw what playing for Glamorgan did for Marnus, and I’m hoping to do the same thing.”Neser started the Sheffield Shield season in style, taking his fourth career five-wicket haul before adding a maiden first-class hundred in an innings win against Tasmania. That performance prompted Justin Langer to describe him as a “fine cricketer”, having highlighted the lack of allrounders as a problem area for Australia.”I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an opportunity with the Australian cricket team soon,” Langer said. “He’s been in lots of tours but, geez, he keeps knocking hard.”Neser was due to play in the first half of Surrey’s County Championship campaign last summer, but in early April was the first in what became a torrent of players to have an overseas deal cancelled because of international travel restrictions.With the club’s chief executive Richard Gould confirming that they would keep Hashim Amla and Morne Morkel as overseas players following the expiration of their status as Kolpak signings, they were unable to offer Neser a new deal.

Aston Villa have been admirably ambitious in the past few years, under Unai Emery's management and before, but that pursuit of prosperity has left the club teetering on the line of safety in regard to Premier League profit and sustainability (PSR) rules.

Adhering to the division's financial regulations is crucial after qualifying for the Champions League with a top-four finish, for breaching may lead to a damaging points deduction at a time of great promise.

But it's for that reason that Douglas Luiz is on the brink of a transfer to Juventus, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea (plus cash) heading to Villa Park in return.

Aston Villa: First Five Premier League 24/25 Fixtures

Fixture

Venue

23/24 Result

West Ham United

London Stadium

1-1 draw

Arsenal

Villa Park

1-0 win

Leicester City

King Power Stadium

N/A

Everton

Villa Park

4-0 win

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Villa Park

2-0 win

With an ostensibly winnable run of Premier League fixtures to start the 2024/25 season, Emery's working hard to seal deals early – a £35m plus fee for Ian Maatsen has also been agreed – but the Villans are certainly not done yet, with a one-time Midlands talent on the radar.

Aston Villa transfer news

As per Portuguese outlet O Jogo – via Sport Witness – Aston Villa are trying to work out a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Goncalves, who has been on Monchi's radar for quite some time.

The once Molineux-based youngster was in exceptional form for Ruben Amorim's title-winning side last season and has already been the subject of a €30m (£25m) offer from Bayer Leverkusen, though this was swiftly rejected by the Liga Portugal champions.

While Goncalves is happy in his homeland, he would be tempted by the right move away, and given that Villa Park can offer him Champions League football, he might be convinced to take the next step in his career.

Why Villa are interested in Pedro Goncalves

Described as a "dangerous" player by Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert, Goncalves was instrumental in Sporting's 2023/24 campaign, scoring 18 goals and adding 17 assists across all competitions.

The 25-year-old fluctuates between the wing and a central attacking midfield position but invariably offers a prolific edge that speaks of his dynamism and fluidity.

Pedro Goncalves: 23/24 Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Left winger

29

8

10

Central midfield

13

8

6

Right winger

5

2

1

Attacking midfield

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

His positional flexibility is no doubt a standout element behind Emery's interest, though it is left-wing that he would find as his most regular home at Villa Park, with Aston Villa a little light on the left flank. Leon Bailey is principally a right-sided wideman and Moussa Diaby completed half of his performances last term in a central advanced role.

As the positional table above highlights, Goncalves' creativity is at its zenith when placed at left wing, though he's also an excellent goalscorer, ranking among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across divisions similar to Liga Portugal for goals and the top 3% for assists per 90, as per FBref.

Sporting Lisbon's Pedro Goncalves.

Hailing from Sporting Lisbon, Goncalves has drawn comparisons to the club's erstwhile playmaking leader, and Villa may well be able to replicate the success of Manchester United in signing such a player.

"The new Bruno Fernandes"

The man in question, of course, is Bruno Fernandes. Signing for Manchester United from Sporting in a deal rising to £68m back in January 2020, the Portugal international has cemented himself as one of Europe's standout attacking midfielders.

Across all competitions for the Old Trafford side, the £240k-per-week phenom has scored 79 goals and supplied 66 assists across 233 outings, proving to be an incredibly consistent outlet as he hs proven himself to be a fantastic scorer and creator of goals from an attacking midfield position.

The road to success has been rocky on Greater Manchester's red half but Fernandes has undoubtedly been instrumental in the success the Red Devils have achieved over the past four years, winning the Carabao Cup in 2022/23 and the FA Cup last season.

The watchword would be all-encompassing. Fernandes ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for both progressive passes and clearances, and the top 12% for tackles per 90.

Like Fernandes, Goncalves likes to vary his attacking output while chipping in commendably with defensive work. He might not be quite as athletic and energetic as his predecessor but he certainly knows how to perform a dynamic game.

Goncalves vs Fernandes: League Stats 23/24

Stat

Goncalves

Fernandes

Matches played

32

35

Matches started

32

35

Goals

11

10

Assists

12

8

Pass completion

81%

79%

Big chances created

18

21

Shots per game

2.8

2.7

Key passes per game

2.0

3.3

Ball recoveries per game

3.8

5.7

Tackles per game

1.7

1.9

Dribbles per game

0.9 (38%)

0.5 (48%)

Duels won per game

3.5 (44%)

3.9 (43%)

All stats via Sofascore

It's no wonder that he's been dubbed "the new Bruno Fernandes" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the respective seasonal statistics for the two countrymen highlighting just how effective they both are across numerous positions.

Once labelled a "superstar" by journalist Jack Collins, the Portugal talent might play out wide more often than Fernandes but the principle lying at the base of his skill set remains the same.

This suggests that the potential is there for him to arrive at Villa Park as Emery's own version of the Manchester United sensation this summer, to light up the pitch next term in the Premier League and the Champions League.

While Amorim and his outfit have already laughed off the £25m proposal canvassed by the German Bundesliga's invincible champions Leverkusen, Villa could soon make their move and present an offer begging to be accepted.

Douglas Luiz's sale might feel like a blow for a Villa team fast on the rise, but there is no question that Emery is working hard to sign a range of talented replacements to succeed the Brazil midfielder in the aggregate. Goncalves would truly be an immense addition, and he must be signed.

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When the first ball is kicked to start Ipswich Town's mission to stay up in the Premier League next season, this will be the first time the Tractor Boys have tasted football in the elite division since the close of the 2001/02 campaign.

George Burley was the iconic manager in the dug-out at the time, managing to steer the Suffolk-based side to fifth in the Premier League standings before relegation occured, and the new top-flight outfit will hope Kieran McKenna can be their next legendary boss in the top league akin to the Scotsman if he doesn't walk away in the off-season unexpectedly.

Ipswich won't go through a whole host of players in the summer you imagine, having stuck by their successful model in League One moving up to the Championship, with Luke Woolfenden raring to go and succeed again having been in and around the Portman Road ranks since 2017.

The 25-year-old, who would have been just three years of age when Ipswich were last positioned in the top-flight, has been there through all the recent ups and downs in Suffolk before the surreal success story got underway and continues to go from strength to strength with two promotions in his back pocket now under McKenna's guidance.

Luke Woolfenden's rise at Ipswich

Given his first-team debut by divisive ex-Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy back in 2017, Woolfenden's rise has been a slow and gruelling one from his perspective.

The homegrown centre-back would only make five first-team appearances during his first two full campaigns pulling on a Tractor Boys jersey, before starting to leave an impression on the men's team during Ipswich's collapse all the way down to League One.

1. GK – Bartosz Bialkowski

2. RB – Jordan Spence

3. CB – Adam Webster

4. CB – Luke Woolfenden

5. CB – Jonas Knudsen

6. LB – Myles Kenlock

7. CM – Tristan Nydam

8. CM – Callum Connolly

9. RM – Ben Folami

10. LM – Mustapha Carayol

11. ST – Martyn Waghorn

Woolfenden is the only surviving member of the XI from his debut clash now, going on to become a main first-team presence during Ipswich's stint in the third tier.

It wouldn't be until McKenna's emergence onto the scene that his spot would become set in stone for good however, with 87 league appearances managed three seasons on the trot in the league before the ex-Manchester United man arrived, which has resulted in his transfer value skyrocketing – according to Football Transfers.

Now, the 25-year-old has only missed ten league games over the last two campaigns and will want to remain as important to the Ipswich cause for the foreseeable, even whilst the underdogs make the colossal leap up to the Premier League.

Woolfenden's season in numbers

The defenders at Portman Road have, arguably, not been given their moment in the spotlight this season with the full-throttle nature of McKenna's men going forward meaning the attackers will always steal the plaudits – with 92 goals scored in total across 46 games.

Still, the likes of Woolfenden and his frequent partner in the heart of defence, Cameron Burgess, have been equally as important, with the 25-year-old living up to his label as a "leader" by his manager which was given to him just this February before promotion was officially sealed.

Passes attempted

61.50

67.64

Pass completion %

87.8%

81.7%

Tackles

0.92

0.66

Interceptions

1.15

1.29

Blocks

1.25

1.34

Clearances

3.79

4.84

Aerials won

1.77

4.04

Complementing each other well at the back, with Woolfenden the more measured operator on the ball – when looking at the table above – compared to the brute strength of his ex-Accrington Stanley teammate, the Ipswich Academy graduate will hope he can hack the step-up to the top-flight after excelling in the two divisions below.

The dependable Tractor Boys number six demonstrated his calmness under pressure on the final day against Huddersfield Town, picking up his 14th clean sheet of the season in the 2-0 win, whilst also only misplacing five of his 64 passes as his boyhood club pulled off the unthinkable to finally return to the Premier League.

He won't want to stop here though, eager to keep progressing at a club very much on the rise, after not feeling that secure about his future in Suffolk before McKenna's arrival onto the scene.

The 6 foot 4 warrior's transformative arc in becoming one of the first names on the Ipswich team sheet has coincided in his transfer value also going through the roof, with his valuation – at this current moment in time – making him worth three times more than Wes Burns, who has shone for the promotion-winners in his own right this season alongside Woolfenden.

Woolfenden's transfer value in 2024

Woolfenden actually boasts the tag of being the most valued asset in the jubilant Ipswich camp at the moment, according to Football Transfers, with his valuation sitting pretty at a handsome £7.2m.

To add further context to his hefty price tag, Woolfenden's defensive teammate in Leif Davis – despite picking up a monumental 21 assists from left-back – is worth nearly £3m less at £4.8m.

Burns also finds that his valuation pales into insignificance when glanced at side-by-side with the centre-back's, worth just £2.3m despite opening the scoring on the final day to calm any nerves that Ipswich might slip up against the Terriers.

The Welshman's ten goal contributions from 38 games overall this campaign shows off his importance in Ipswich moving up to the top-flight regardless of this low estimated value, but with his 30th birthday coming towards the end of the calendar year, he doesn't arguably have the same time on his side that Woolfenden has to blossom into an even better talent.

Once only valued in the £800k region back in 2020, Woolfenden will hope he doesn't crash back to reality when lining up to face the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City next season, and he can just continue riding this wave of success for as long as he possibly can.

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أعلن البرتغالي جورج جيسوس، المدير الفني لفريق الهلال السعودي، تشكيل لاعبيه لمواجهة الغرافة القطري، في المباراة التي تقام بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال آسيا.

ويلتقي الهلال مع الغرافة القطري، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الخامسة من مواجهات مرحلة الدوري للبطولة القارية، وذلك على أرضية استاد المملكة آرينا.

ويخوض فريق الهلال مباراته كتحصيل حاصل بعد حسم بطاقة الصعود لدور الـ16 رسميًا.

موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة الهلال والغرافة القطري اليوم في دوري أبطال آسيا.. والمعلق

ويحتل فريق الهلال المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب مجموعة غرب برصيد 13 نقطة حصدهم من 4 انتصارات وتعادل وحيد.

أما فريق الغرافة فيحتل المركز التاسع برصيد 4 نقاط حصدهم من فوز وتعادل فيما نال 3 خسائر. تشكيل الهلال اليوم أمام الغرافة القطري في دوري أبطال آسيا

حراسة المرمى: ياسين بونو.

خط الدفاع: متعب، كوليبالي، علي البليهي، ياسر الشهراني.

خط الوسط: محمد كنو، ناصر الدوسري، سالم الدوسري.

خط الهجوم: الحمدان، مالكوم وليوناردو.

📋 قائمة ⁧#الهلال⁩ في مواجهة اليوم⁩ ⚽️💙 pic.twitter.com/a5EhUsMnH9

— نادي الهلال السعودي (@Alhilal_FC) December 3, 2024

Leeds United are one of a number of clubs that are considering a move for a 25-year-old Swedish international.

Leeds' promotion charge takes a hit

Leeds United have spent much of the 2023/24 Championship campaign in and around the automatic promotion places. The Whites headed into the latest set of fixtures sat second in the table and a point above Ipswich Town with 44 games played. However, their hopes of securing a top-two finish have been dented after they were thumped 4-0 by the QPR on Friday night.

A number of Leeds stars failed to impress in the loss to QPR, suggesting Daniel Farke still has a lot of work to do with the Peacocks no matter what division they end up playing their football in come the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Should the West Yorkshire outfit secure a swift return to the Premier League, which remains very possible this season, they will need to add a much higher quality of player to their ranks to ensure they are not relegated straight away, like Sheffield United and Burnley are expected to be this term.

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All the latest on Leeds’ promotion push.

ByLuke Randall Apr 29, 2024

One player who would certainly add some top-flight quality to their squad is former star Kalvin Phillips. The Englishman has struggled for any sort of consistent form since leaving Leeds for Manchester City, and it was claimed earlier this month that Leeds had contacted Phillips’ representatives over a summer move, setting aside £30m to secure a permanent transfer.

Elsewhere, according to a report earlier this month, Leeds United would 'love' to turn Joe Rodon's current loan into a permanent move in the summer. Rodon has been crucial to Leeds having one of the best backlines in the Championship this season. Even after conceding four versus QPR, they still have the second-best defence in the division with 41 goals conceded across 45 games.

As well as looking to make Rodon a permanent member of their backline for the forthcoming campaign, Leeds have now been tipped to improve their goalkeeping options.

Leeds United eye 25 y/o international

According to a report from Swedish outlet Aftonbladet [via Sport Witness], Leeds United are considering a move for Rotherham United star Viktor Johansson, but could face competition from fellow Championship side Stoke City and the soon-to-be relegated Sheffield United.

Unlike Stoke or the Blades, Leeds could well be plying their trade in the Premier League next season. As a result, it is unsurprising to see the report claim that Leeds are currently considered the frontrunners to land Johansson, with the belief in Sweden that the goalkeeper will not be staying at Rotherham next season.

Game

Match Rating

Rotherham 2-0 Coventry (Oct 2023)

8.83

Rotherham 0-1 Plymouth (Apr 2024)

8.55

Rotherham 0-0 Huddersfield (Mar 2024)

8.31

Southampton 1-1 Rotherham (Oct 2023)

8.12

Swansea 1-0 Rotherham (Apr 2024)

8.05

Rotherham have endured a dismal 2023/24 season, sitting on just four wins from 44 league outings heading into this weekend. Despite their awful form, Johansson, who is valued at around £2.5m by Transfermarkt.com, has shone on a number of occasions, including in their recent 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle, during which he made 11 saves. The 25-year-old's impressive form even earned him his first cap for the Sweden national side on 12th October, 2023.

It will be interesting to see how Leeds' end to the season affects their transfer activity.