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نجح نجم فريق ليفربول، لويس دياز، في تسجيل هدفين في مباراة يوم السبت ضد بورنموث في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واستضاف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2024/25، حيث فاز ليفربول بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

طالع | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد سوبر هاتريك بالمر أمام برايتون

ونجح لويس دياز في تسجيل هدفين لصالح ليفربول، في الدقيقتين 26 و28 من عمر الشوط الأول.

وارتفع رصيد لويس دياز من الأهداف إلى 5 أهداف في الموسم الحالي من الدوري الإنجليزي، بفارق 4 أهداف عن إيرلينج هالاند المتصدر.

ولكن في اليوم التالي، تمكن إيرلينج هالاند من تسجيل هدفًا في مواجهة آرسنال، وتمكن من تعزيز صدارته برصيد 10 أهداف. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد ثنائية لويس دياز أمام بورنموث

1 إيرلينج هالاند، مانشستر سيتي، 10 أهداف.

2 لويس دياز، ليفربول، 5 أهداف.

3 نيكولاس جاكسون، تشيلسي، 4 أهداف.

4 بريان مبيومو، برينتفورد، 4 أهداف.

5 جون دوران، أستون فيلا، 4 أهداف.

6 محمد صلاح، ليفربول، 3 أهداف.

7 نوني مادويكي، تشيلسي، 3 أهداف.

8 يوان ويسا، برينتفورد، 3 أهداف.

9 هارفي بارنز، نيوكاسل يونايتد، 3 أهداف.

10 أولي واتكينز، أستون فيلا، 3 أهداف.

ويمكن متابعة ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2024/25، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.

India batsman’s rare twitter outburst adds to public criticism of the decision to omit him

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Apr-20190:19

Rayudu reacts to his omission from India’s World Cup squad

A not-so-cryptic tweet from Ambati Rayudu has added to the public criticism of the decision to drop him for the World Cup.Rayudu was left out in favour of Vijay Shankar, who, in the words of the chief selector, brings “three dimensions” to the side. A day after the said selection, Rayudu tweeted: “Just ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the World Cup.” It was followed by a winking and a smiling emoji.It is rare for an India-contracted player to openly question selections – Karun Nair was reportedly disciplined the last time he spoke about them – let alone take to Twitter to make a sharp comment that can be seen as mocking a selector’s comments.India’s chairman of selectors MSK Prasad had said the final spot had eventually come down to Rayudu and Vijay. “After the Champions Trophy [in 2017], we have tried quite a few middle-order batsmen, which also includes Dinesh Karthik at that order, and we also tried Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey,” he said. “We did give a few more chances to Rayudu but what Vijay Shankar offers is three dimensions: apart from his batting, he can bowl; if the conditions are suitable, overcast, which we might encounter in England, he might bowl a bit and he’s a fantastic fielder.”Not long ago, in October 2018, captain Virat Kohli had all but anointed Rayudu India’s No.4 for the World Cup. “With Rayudu coming in and playing well in the Asia Cup, it’s about giving him enough game time till the World Cup so that the particular slot [No. 4] will be sorted for us,” Kohli had said. “The team felt there — and I also watched him — that he is designed to play that middle-order batsman’s role.”We feel that our middle order is more or less balanced now. We believe he is the right person to capitalise on that spot. He is experienced, and has won many games for his state and also in the IPL. He has a great ODI record already for India. I think the batting order is sorted.”Associated Press

Since that comment, India have played 18 matches, out of which Rayudu has been involved in 15. He is India’s fourth-highest run-getter over that period, averaging 42.18, striking at 85.6 runs per 100 balls, and ending the New Zealand tour as the highest run-getter. Among players that have played a minimum of 50 ODIs over their careers, Rayudu holds the fourth-highest average for India. Narrow it down to eight big oppositions, and he still is seventh-highest.Rayudu is not the only one frustrated with this decision. Many cricket experts have questioned his exclusion. “I think there should be no debate about Rishabh Pant’s exclusion but more about Ambati Rayudu,” Gautam Gambhir told PTI. “It is very, very unfortunate that someone averaging 48 in white-ball cricket, and is only 33, has been left out. That for me is more heart-breaking than any other selection decision.”I feel sorry for him as I was in a similar position in 2007, when they didn’t pick me, and I know how difficult it is not being picked for the World Cup. Ultimately, for any young kid, it is a childhood dream to be a part of the big event. So, I feel more sorry for Rayudu than any other cricketer who hasn’t been picked.”Former India spinner Murali Kartik pointed to a recency and aesthetics bias. “We always look at performances very close to the selection, and as I am very happy for Vijay Shankar, I feel for Ambati Rayudu, because for a while he has been your No. 4, he has got runs for you,” Kartik told ESPNcricinfo. “Yes, he has missed out on a few occasions as have other batsmen. But when you look at his record, and – you guys might dissect it a lot more – just to the naked eye, for me, I’ll look at him purely as a cricketer, in my team he has done everything right as a No. 4.”In the sense that there will be swords against him about him playing genuine fast bowling – I don’t think that’s a big issue, there are lots of people who will struggle against genuine fast bowling. It’s not Ambati Rayudu alone. He’s a very good player of spin as well in the middle order.””Somebody like an Ambati Rayudu, it’s not a question of looking convincing, it’s a matter of getting runs, and that’s exactly what it is,” Kartik went on to add. “And KL Rahul, he looks pleasing, he looks a million dollars – don’t get me wrong there, I’m a huge, huge fan of KL Rahul – but if he was so crucial, why wasn’t he playing in the last few months?”Why wasn’t he given a chance in the last few months? So, for me, six months ago this team should have been ready, saying, ‘Okay, these are the guys who are going, you don’t have to watch over your shoulder, just go and play the way you want to play, your spot is secure.’ For somebody to endorse that ‘this guy’s is my No. 4’ and he plays there, he gets runs, yes he’s going to miss out as do others, and then suddenly he gets dropped.”On the same ESPNCricinfo show, Deep Dasgupta said he wouldn’t have picked Rayudu, but he was not happy with the process followed. “It’s difficult to understand it completely, the whole process, where the team management comes out and says ‘he is our No. 4’ and now he isn’t there,” Dasgupta said. “This is over a span of a month-and-a-half, two months. But I also understand why Vijay Shankar is there.”It is unfortunate that Rayudu is not there. But in my team, Rayudu wasn’t there, because as Kartik touched upon that point, that at times he doesn’t look too convincing. Again, if you look at the numbers, then Rayudu is far, far ahead of the other No. 4 players that have been tried out. No questions about that as far as numbers are concerned. But the convincing part of it, I’m not completely convinced when I see him bat.”

Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers, BBL, Adelaide: lbw b Laughlin7.2 LBW! Two in three balls! This was 132kph, full and straight, he was caught on the crease, maybe thinking a slower ball was coming, he was hit on the knee roll infront of middle and it wasn’t a tough decision. That was plumb.India v Australia, 1st T20I, Visakhapatnam: b K Pandya16.2 96.6 kph, and they are only going to get louder! Is there a way back for India still? Turner shuffles across and looks to sweep him fine, not the best idea against a wicket-to-wicket bowler like Krunal, and he is cleaned upKings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals, IPL, Mohali: c Miller b M Ashwin16.3 duck on IPL debut! This, strangely enough, is a slow, tossed up legbreak, possibly because Ashwin thinks he can bait the big hitter into a false shot. And bait him he does. The equation makes Turner go for it. The turn on the ball makes the shot go to long-off when he is looking to go dead straight. Miller runs in and takes the catch and Royals are in a mess againRajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians, IPL, Jaipur: lbw Bumrah18.1 make that 0, 0, 0, 0. Bumrah’s deadly inward angle and skiddiness does in another batsman. Turner’s front leg moves half-forward and across the stumps, and he ends up playing around his front pad looking to work it into the leg side. The angle beats his inside edge, and it’s the plumblest of lbw decisions thereafterRajasthan Royals v Delhi Capitals, IPL, Jaipur: c Rutherford b Ishant16.4 GONE AGAIN! Slower ball, outside off, and he was looking to get towards covers, but just popped it up towards Rutherford at cover. Third golden duck in a row! Somewhere, you just know Ajit Agarkar is watching and smiling

West Ham United's incredibly inconsistent form reared its ugly head once again on Wednesday night, as after comprehensively beating Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League just a few days prior, the Hammers completely capitulated at Anfield and put in their worst performance of the season – including their 5-0 loss to Fulham.

The Eastenders controlled 33% of the possession, conceded five goals and, possibly worst of all, managed to have just two shots in the entire game, which, compared to Liverpool's 29, is comically poor. Now, David Moyes did make a number of changes to the lineup, but that still can't excuse how abysmally poor the team were.

So, with a far-from-impressive Manchester United coming to the London Stadium on Saturday, the Hammers must respond with a strong performance, one that sees them come away with at least a point if not all three.

ExWHUemployee says West Ham want 23 y/o who Scott Parker called an "animal"

He’s played a starring role for his club in a title charge.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 21, 2023

With this in mind, Moyes should be looking to make six changes to the starting XI, as the team that started against the Reds in the League Cup was clearly not good enough.

1 GK – Łukasz Fabiański

The first change comes between the sticks as Łukasz Fabiański comes in for Alphonse Areola. It was Areola who was given the nod against Liverpool after he was deemed fit following the wrist injury he sustained last month.

While the Frenchman can't be totally blamed for the five goals the side conceded on Wednesday – he did make six saves – he was also rather unconvincing, whereas the Polish international has kept two clean sheets in his last two games, so the former Arsenal keeper should be given the gloves for this one – he has earned it.

2 RB – Vladimír Coufal

Vladimír Coufal keeps his place in the starting XI for Saturday despite not having the best of nights against Liverpool.

The Czech international is clearly the number one right-back at the club and has started 100% of the team's league games this season, and he has generally looked good in the process.

There may be games where Moyes can experiment at right-back, but a home tie against a beatable United is not one of them.

3 CB – Kurt Zouma

The second change to the starting XI comes in the right-sided centre-back position, as following the poor showing of Konstantinos Mavropanos during the week, Kurt Zouma simply must be put back into the team.

That said, the Frenchman was always likely to regain his place regardless of the result against Liverpool, as he has started 88% of the team's league games.

4 CB – Nayef Aguerd

Starting alongside Zouma should be fellow regular Nayef Aguerd, as, like the Frenchman, he was spared the shame of being involved in Wednesday's game.

The Moroccan will replace Angelo Ogbonna, as he has already started 94% of Premier League games this term and 67% of Europa League clashes.

5 LB – Emerson Palmieri

Replacing Ben Johnson on the left side of the defence should be Brazilian-Italian full-back Emerson Palmieri, as while the young Englishman wasn't terrible against Liverpool, he did very little to suggest he should maintain a starting place in the team.

Palmieri, on the other hand, has been reliable through most of the season so far and has started 88% of the side's league games this year, registering two assists in the process.

6 DM – Edson Álvarez

Maintaining his place in the midfield is Mexican international Edson Alvarez, who, aside from Wednesday night, has generally been impressive for the Irons and a successful summer signing.

The former Ajax man has picked up one Man-of-the-Match award in the Europa League this season and has started 76% of West Ham's Premier League games.

7 DM – Tomáš Souček

Another midfield survivor from the midweek game is Czech international Tomas Soucek, who, just like Alvarez, has been reasonably reliable this season.

The 28-year-old has started 88% of the team's league games, and his presence in midfield should help the Hammers break up any control that United might try to create on Saturday.

According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Czech is in the top 1% of midfielders for aerial duels won, the top 2% for clearances and the top 13% for interceptions, all per 90.

8 RM – Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus maintains his place out on the right for this one as he has already proven himself to be a match-winner for the Irons, and there really isn't anyone else who deserves to start on the right ahead of him.

The Ghanaian ace has scored five goals and provided one assist in just eight Premier League starts this season, and with how fragile United have looked at points this campaign, there is no reason to suggest he couldn't bag a couple on Saturday.

9 CAM – James Ward-Prowse

Coming in to replace the ineffective Pablo Fornals for this must-win game is the incredibly influential James Ward-Prowse.

The former Southampton captain only joined the side in the summer, but he has already established himself as one of the most important players at the club, starting 100% of league games, scoring three goals and providing five assists in the process.

The "fantastic" midfielder, as described by talkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara, simply has to start on Saturday.

10 LM – Lucas Paquetá

Lucas Paquetá will replace Saïd Benrahma on the left of midfield for this game. The Algerian is a talented footballer but provided no threat against Liverpool, whereas Paquetá will practically always be a threat thanks to his incredible talent.

The Brazilian is such a good player that former teammate Declan Rice described him as "mind-boggling", and that is precisely what Moyes will be after on Saturday.

So far this season, the former Lyon man has started 94% of Premier League games, scoring two goals and providing four assists.

تحدث إيهاب الكومي إيهاب الكومي، عضو مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، فيما يخص الدوري المصري للموسم المقبل.

وقال إيهاب الكومي في تصريحات عبر قناة “صدى البلد”: “موسم طويل جدًا وشاق انتهى، سنبدأ موسمًا جديدًا، هل هو موسم استثنائي؟ أعتقد أننا نسير في هذا الطريق، المناسب للموسم المقبل هو تطبيق دوري المحترفين”.

وأوضح: “ما يتردد بأن الدوري من مجموعتين مع إلغاء الهبوط هو درب من الخيال، هل نعود بالكرة للوراء أو للأمام، إلغاء الهبوط في الدوري الممتاز يترتب عليه إلغاء الهبوط في كل الدرجات وهذا غير صحيح ومستحيل تنفيذه”.

طالع أيضاً.. محامي الزمالك يوضح موقف أحمد فتوح حال التصالح مع أهل المتوفي

واختتم: “معلوماتي المشرف على المسابقات في رابطة الأندية عامر حسين، عمل تصورين لـ الدوري المصري بالشكل الحالي، أو نظام استثنائي بإقامة الدوري مثل دوري المحترفين في الموسم الماضي”.

Virat Kohli has said it has been made clear to Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul that their controversial comments made on an Indian TV show, which has left them facing a suspension, are not acceptable and the personal opinions are not the view of the India team.Pandya and Rahul appeared on a talk show on Sunday where their comments – Pandya’s in particular – came in for widespread criticism and raised concerns over the team culture. The BCCI issued the players a show-cause notice to which Pandya responded with an apology to the board.”From the Indian cricket team point of view, any inappropriate comments that are made in that scenario are something that we definitely don’t support and the two concerned players felt what has gone wrong and they have understood the magnitude of what’s happened,” Kohli said at the SCG ahead of the opening ODI against Australia. “Definitely it has to hit anyone hard, they will definitely understand the things that have not gone right.”We, definitely, as the Indian cricket team do not support views like that and that has been communicated. I can definitely say that as the Indian cricket team and responsible cricketers we definitely don’t align with those views and those are purely individual views.”We are still waiting for a decision to be made but from the Indian cricket team point of view this changes nothing in terms of our beliefs in the change room. It does nothing to the spirit that we’ve been able to create within the change room and these are purely individual opinions and something as I said which is inappropriate.”While the controversy is dealt with by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), which is overseeing the BCCI, it creates a headache for Kohli ahead of the first ODI on Saturday, especially the uncertainty around Pandya’s availability given how key he is to balancing the India line-up as the seam-bowling allounder in the middle order.Kohli acknowledged the outcome of the process may require the team to rethink their plans, but was confident that with Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, they had the options to cover for Pandya even though Jadeja is a spin-bowling allrounder.”From the combination and team balance point of view, yes, you’ll have to think about the combination you’ll need now,” Kohli said. “You don’t have control over these things so you have to address it the way it unfolds. That’s how we are looking at it, the combinations will have to be looked at when the decision comes out and from there on we’ll see what needs to be done about the whole situation.”

Australia’s Test squad announcement had arrived ahead of the selectors’ preferred schedule, and the coach did not deny this

Daniel Brettig22-Nov-2018It was the Britpop songsmith Jarvis Cocker who penned a tune in 2009 called “Further Complications”, in which he pondered how many of his former certainties had been replaced by questions, doubts and imperfect choices. “I used to think that people all chose the lives they led, but so many different choices that you’ve got to make instead; Don’t write a novel, a shopping list is better, it’s a complicated boogie and I don’t know any better, baby…”That year happened to be the start of Justin Langer’s coaching journey, having concluded his final stint as a county batsman for Middlesex. He was an assistant for Australia until late 2012, then a broadly successful coach of Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers until earlier this year. But nothing truly prepared him for the magnitude of coaching the national team in the wake of the Newlands scandal, a fact he has wrestled with ever more visibly since the day he was first unveiled on a four-year deal in May.Thursday’s Test squad announcement was yet another, being the biggest Cricket Australia makes each year and thus part of a far bigger eco-system of events, marketing and media than the selectors simply naming a squad and informing which players are in and out of the group to face India in Adelaide from December 6. An extended 14-man squad, featuring an extra batsman and two extra pace bowlers, suggested the announcement had arrived ahead of the selectors’ preferred schedule – which would have included a sight of the final Sheffield Shield game before the start of Test preparations – and Langer did not deny this.”I’m learning this business is a lot more complex than it could be maybe,” Langer said. “There’s lots of reasons. For example, if we’d named it the day after the next Shield game, we’ve got to go the next morning to Adelaide so the players have to have some idea. We also know that if we let some players know they’re going, so their managers will know and the whole world will know about it, because you’ve all got good contacts however you’ve got them, which we’ve all got, which is all great.”So it’s not as simple. I would say let’s just name it after the next Shield game, give the other guys who did miss out or the guys who are in a good chance, that’d be perfect, but it’s a more complex world than it probably needs to be but actually is, because a lot goes in to putting the Australian cricket team on the park and being ready for a Test match.””A lot” included sufficient time to prepare an elaborate video including all the nominated players in graphic form, set against the backdrop of a backyard cricket match, in line with CA’s ‘it’s your game’ slogan for the summer. This effort has been devised to try to reconnect the players to the public after the fateful events of South Africa.

“The reality is right at this moment, when you lose the three Test batters we’ve lost through suspension, then there’s going to be spots up for grabs. I think it’s important to keep giving people opportunities to put their name up to play Test cricket for Australia.”

It’s hardly the first time that the Australian selectors have, when confronted by doubts about who to choose, attempted to choose more than would be the standard number of players. Infamously in 2010 the panel named a 17-man squad for a pre-planned announcement of that year’s first Ashes Test, live on Channel Nine, which was rather undermined by heavy rain that saw it watched by a soggy handful at Circular Quay. If this announcement was a little less uncertain, Langer said the gulf left by the banned David Warner, Steven Smith and Cameron Bancroft could not be ignored.”The reality is right at this moment, and we’re all very aware of this, when you lose the three Test batters we’ve lost through suspension, then there’s going to be spots up for grabs,” he said. “I think it’s important to keep giving people opportunities to put their name up to play Test cricket for Australia, so every opportunity whether white-ball or red-ball cricket is an opportunity to put your name up to be selected.”Plenty of other complications have confronted Langer over the past six months, from a schedule that has bounded somewhat breathtakingly between formats, and the juggling of a support staff that remained contracted in the wake of Darren Lehmann’s departure, to the many and varied criticisms of past players, not least the ever outspoken and unavoidably visible Shane Warne. Little wonder Langer has looked at times like a student who has mistakenly walked into a different exam to the one they revised for.”The scheduling has been the biggest challenge for me coming into this role, just looking at the scheduling,” he said. “We played some one-dayers in England then we went to the UAE played two Tests matches, three T20s, came back a week later played three one-dayers against South Africa, a T20, now a T20 series and then a Test series Thursday week.”I’ve said for many years the great players adapt, whatever the colour of the ball and the great teams have to adapt as well. Gaining that continuity of team is one of the challenges I reckon, but that’s the reality of the business we’re in. It is no doubt one of the big challenges as well.”Underpinning all this of course is the question of the Australian team’s very identity, so publicly dissected by the Longstaff and McCosker review of CA’s culture. South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis, described as “speaking with a forked tongue” by the former Board director and now commentator Mark Taylor recently, had described the team he faced in the recent victories as “tame”, a term that Langer railed at.”I’m not sure where the tame came from, we played really well in the second game, we batted poorly in the first game, and in the third game we played brilliantly for the first 35 overs with the ball and they got away from us,” he said. “Shaun Marsh’s hundred was excellent, Marcus Stoinis, if you saw his reaction in Adelaide I wouldn’t say that was tame, that was really passionate, it means a lot to the boys. they’re hurting at the moment, their confidence is down. I’m not sure what people want from us.”On the one hand we were too aggressive, the Australian team too aggressive and probably stepped over the line, now we’re getting called tame. You saw the way the guys are going about their business again last night. I’ve said from the start, there’s no room for abuse in the game of cricket, there’s no room for it, but we’ve got to play good, hard cricket. That’s what fans want to see, that’s what Australia want to see I think.”But amid all the questions, the second-guesses and the further complications, Langer has been able to glimpse moments of improvement, points of progress and reasons for some hope. Whether it was Shaun Marsh’s centuries in the England series, Usman Khawaja’s epic contributions in Dubai, or Marcus Stoinis’ recent emergence as a 21st century late overs “iceman” in the vein of a young Steve Waugh, the green (and gold) shoots can be found while digging in the dirt. A scrappy win over India in the opening T20I at the Gabba gave Langer some reason to smile.”I just loved how brave the boys were last night,” he said. “The way they fielded, the way they batted they were brave, they had a red hot dip last night. That’s what Australians are good at, aren’t we. We get to a point of ‘we’ve had enough of this, when are we going to turn it round’ and hopefully that was some really good signs last night.”There were some challenging overs with the ball, but let’s not underestimate we’re bowling to some great players. It’s going to be an arm wrestle all summer I think, India are a very good team, but there’s some really good signs. Winning’s more fun than losing.”Overcoming the many complications of his new world will be a key to how successful Langer turns out to be. And for all the imperfections inherent in naming a Test squad so far out from the toss of the coin, the fundamental soundness of the Australian team’s composition was a decidedly promising sign.

Derby County are believed to be in the race to sign an exciting youth international in the January transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Derby transfer news

The Rams have made a solid enough start to the 2023/24 season, going into the campaign as arguably one of the favourites to seal promotion from League One to the Championship.

Last Saturday, Paul Warne's side eased to an impressive 3-0 victory at home to Barnsley, and in the process, it meant that they drew level on points with their opponents. Derby are seventh in the table going into the final international break of the year, now only sitting outside the playoff places on goal difference.

While the Rams are showing positive signs of being right in the mix for promotion come the end of the season, bringing in some new faces in January could act as a further boost to Warne, as fixtures come thick and fast, and legs potentially start to tire within the squad.

Derby are reportedly interested in signing Ali Al-Hamadi from AFC Wimbledon in the winter window, seeing him as a good option to bring in, and a fresh claim suggests that they could also snap him up as a long-term addition.

Derby send scouts to cup final

Football League World relayed an update from TEAMtalk that suggests that Derby one of the clubs who are interested in signing young Irish midfielder Adam Murphy, potentially signing him in January after scouts watched St Patrick's Athletic in cup final action last weekend.

"Murphy has been excellent in his breakthrough season at St. Patricks and was watched by a collection of academy scouts during the Irish cup final at the weekend. Sources say at least 10 clubs had a representative in attendance.

"Man City have been confirmed to TEAMtalk as one of those clubs and are looking to add more Irish talent into their ranks. They have watched the 18-year-old on several occasions this season and are understood to be keen on his signature.

"Derby County and Southampton also had scouts watching the final as they try to find the best young talent in the country to help them back to the English Premier League. There is major competition, and they will face a challenge to convince the teenager to join their ranks."

Not a huge amount is known about Murphy as a player, which is only natural because he plays for St Patrick's in Ireland, but such a scramble for his signature suggests that he is someone who could have a massive future in the game. The fact that Manchester City are mentioned as potential suitors is particularly eye-catching and makes the idea of Derby signing him instead even more enticing.

James Collins

7

Martyn Waghorn

6

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

4

Conor Hourihane

3

Conor Washington

3

Murphy already has 10 caps and two goals for the Republic of Ireland's Under-15s, and will now hope to mark his mark in older age groups, with the Irishman still only 18 years of age. A pre-contract agreement in January can be agreed with any club and could cost £200,000 – so the Rams could look to make it happen, planning for the future rather than simply the present.

Leeds United have been in inspired form recently in the Championship, only losing one of their five games last month – Daniel Farke's men coming unstuck at Stoke City in a narrow 1-0 defeat, Patrick Bamford missing a penalty on the night.

A convincing 4-1 win versus Huddersfield Town saw the Whites respond immediately to his minor setback, with Crysencio Summerville starring at Elland Road with two goals.

However, the Dutch winger was substituted off versus the Terriers owing to a knock. This could give Wilfried Gnonto an opportunity to fill in for the 22-year-old, a change expected to be made by Farke for Leeds' trip to runaway Championship leaders Leicester City.

The German could pick this starting XI for the away game at the King Power Stadium…

1 GK – Illan Meslier

Leeds' first choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier should retain his spot in between the sticks for this Friday night clash, everpresent under Farke in the Championship this campaign with the 23-year-old picking up five clean sheets from 15 games played.

2 RB – Jamie Shackleton

Breaking into the Leeds starting line-up against Huddersfield, Jamie Shackleton – who is a homegrown talent with the Whites after coming through their Academy – should also be picked by Farke to take up the right-back spot against the Foxes. He could have his work cut out for him, however, potentially facing off against Abdul Fatawu.

3 CB – Liam Cooper

Liam Cooper could come into the side versus Leicester the Scottish centre-back very much part of the furniture at Leeds with the 32-year-old accumulating 272 appearances for the club. Missing recently due to an injury niggle, Farke could utilise his experience at the King Power to thwart a rampant Foxes team.

4 CB – Pascal Struijk

Pascal Struijk has also been at Elland Road for some time now, joining the Whites back in 2018. Like Meslier, the Dutch defender is yet to miss a Championship match this season so will be one of the first names on Farke's team sheet.

5 LB – Sam Byram

Returning to his boyhood club this summer from Norwich City, Sam Byram has slotted back in nicely as an experienced 30-year-old. Having even scored against Watford in a 3-0 home win back in September, Leeds' number 25 should start once more down the channels on Friday night.

6 CDM – Glen Kamara

Playing in the Champions League with Rangers last campaign, Glen Kamara's move to Leeds was met with a degree of intrigue at what the Finnish midfielder could provide the Whites centrally. The 28-year-old only has one assist to his name so far, but his quiet work off the ball allows Leeds to tick and he should start again versus the Foxes.

7 CDM – Ethan Ampadu

Ethan Ampadu has turned into a much-loved figure at Elland Road since joining the club on loan, putting in consistent battling displays from defensive midfield. Winning five of his seven ground duels versus Huddersfield, as per Sofascore, the ex-RB Leipzig man could provide the necessary grit to stop Leicester's free-flowing game.

8 RW – Dan James

Often a scapegoat when Leeds are performing poorly, Dan James has shone in the Championship this campaign to date to answer back to his critics. Contributing to seven goals this season from the right wing, the 26-year-old will hope he can help his team pull off an incredible win at Leicester.

9 CAM – Joel Piroe

Joel Piroe has settled into his new West Yorkshire surroundings without any difficulties, the former Swansea City striker netting five times this season for Leeds from an unorthodox attacking midfield slot. Can he add another strike to his Whites resume at the King Power?

10 Wilfried Gnonto

Leeds' "pocket rocket" – as hailed by pundit Tam McManus – could well benefit from Summerville's injury concerns if the Dutchman is ruled out of contention for the Foxes clash, the Italian on the periphery at Elland Road after a move to Everton failed to materialise. This could be his chance to impress again, the diminutive attacker netting twice in the Premier League last season.

Arsenal were back in action in the Champions League last night, as Mikel Arteta saw his side get back to winning ways in Europe by defeating Sevilla 2-1 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

After losing against RC Lens in the second fixture of Group B, it was integral that the Gunners registered a win against the Spanish outfit, which was achieved and saw the north Londoners take back control of the group.

It wasn’t the easiest fixture for Arsenal to squeeze a result from, highlighted by their mere 44% of possession over the 90 minutes played in Seville, however it took two moments of Brazilian excellence to get the win.

Gabriel Jesus was crowned Man of the Match for his display in Spain, in which he scored and assisted in emphatic style to showcase his individual brilliance during a high-intensity affair.

Three key passes, two big chances created, a goal, an assist and a 92% pass completion rate capped off a mesmerising display for Jesus, via Sofascore, however, his performance was overshadowed by his premature exit.

Nine minutes from full-time, the 26-year-old pulled up clutching his hamstring and was forced to withdraw early, which spiked some concern for Arsenal over the potential severity of his injury.

What is Gabriel Jesus’ injury?

After the game, Arteta faced the media and was asked to comment on his striker’s injury, to which the Spaniard admitted his worry.

The Arsenal boss said that he was “really sad” to see his number nine exit the game, explaining that he “felt something in his hamstring” which put a slight damper on the evening.

Arteta took the time to wax lyrical over the Brazilian, exclaiming that his forward had “changed our world”, following his arrival from Manchester City last summer.

Jesus has benefitted Arsenal in ways far beyond scoring goals, adding a tireless presence to the front line and an innate energy, making his trouble with keeping fit even more agonising.

What is Gabriel Jesus’ injury history?

In his almost 16 months in north London, Jesus has changed the trajectory of Arsenal’s belief going forward, but has also hugely had his, and the club’s, progression halted due to injury.

As per Transfermarkt, Jesus has missed over 120 days due to injury, with both instances stemming from his knee injury sustained whilst representing Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.

The forward required surgery to fix such an issue, and when the problem recurred prior to the start of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, he underwent further procedures to restore his fitness.

While the majority of Jesus’ injury history is made up of knee-related woes, he has faced time on the sidelines previously in his career due to hamstring concerns.

During his time at the Etihad, the Brazilian was absent for a recorded total of 38 days due to hamstring problems, suggesting that it could be a weak spot for the striker, who was forced off against Sevilla for that reason.

Despite Arteta’s initial concerns, Arsenal’s number nine downplayed the extent of his injury to the media, saying that it didn’t “look that big” following physio tests in Seville.

What games could Gabriel Jesus miss?

In September, Gabriel Martinelli was absent for four games due to a hamstring injury that he sustained against Everton, which at first was not deemed to be too severe.

Speaking on the wingers’ injury, Doctor Rajpal Brar explained on Twitter X that hamstring injuries can take around two weeks to recover depending on the location of the blow.

If Jesus faced the same recovery span, the Brazilian would be absent from around four games for Arsenal, where the Gunners play Sheffield United and Newcastle United in the Premier League, and West Ham United and Sevilla in the respective cup competitions.

Arsenal fixtures over the next 14 days

Date

Opponent

H/A

Competition

28/10/23

Sheffield United

H

Premier League

01/11/23

West Ham United

A

Carabao Cup

04/11/23

Newcastle United

A

Premier League

08/11/23

Sevilla

H

Champions League

It would be a big miss for Arteta to have to revise his options going forward in such critical fixtures, yet after missing Jesus for the start of the season, it’s not a scenario that is alien to the Spaniard.

Who could replace Gabriel Jesus?

In terms of established forwards, Arteta has three potential candidates that could replace Jesus in leading the line, with Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard the most identifiable trio.

Each forward brings different qualities, with neither of them showcasing a skill set as complete as the Brazilian, as portrayed in the table below that documents their per 90 averages over the past year.

Arsenal striker's stats per 90 over the past 365 days

Gabriel Jesus

Eddie Nketiah

Leandro Trossard

Kai Havertz

Non-penalty xG

0.54

0.53

0.22

0.34

Non-penalty goals

0.44

0.31

0.26

0.15

Progressive carries

2.09

2.17

2.92

2.05

Successful take-ons

2.04

0.98

1.15

0.61

Shot creating actions

3.31

2.48

3.49

2.54

Total shots

3.36

3.15

1.67

2.54

Tackles

1.75

0.83

0.83

1.28

Figures via FBref

That being said, when it comes to evidence with reference to actually playing in Arteta’s side, only one player stands out as being the most efficient, with Trossard being the better fit out of Nketiah and Havertz.

Once lauded as “outstanding” by Tim Sherwood, the Belgian was praised by the former Tottenham manager as being someone that “just affects football matches”, touching on his ability to both score and assist.

Usually deployed as a winger, Trossard has shown a streak of potency when called upon at Arsenal, reinforced by his five goals and 11 assists from only 15 starts since his arrival in January.

Havertz is best deployed in midfield, and is low on confidence after his shaky start to life in north London, leaving Nketiah as the main competition for the former Brighton ace to battle for a starting spot up front.

Why isn’t Leandro Trossard starting?

While Trossard’s quality is unquestionable, Arsenal’s wingers are untouchable, with Bukayo Saka and Martinelli’s status in the favoured XI consistently confirmed by their star performances week in and week out.

The 28-year-old’s claim to starting games for Arteta’s side is more likely to come in a more central role, with an opportunity there for him to replace Jesus if his injury is severe.

With Sheffield United up next in the Premier League, the manager may have the perfect opportunity to give Trossard a starting spot over Nketiah, whose potency as a number nine is questionable.

The Blades are a team bruised by their start to the 2023/24 campaign, recording only a single point from their opening nine games and having conceded a mammoth 24 goals, the most so far in the league.

Trossard’s ability to finish his chances gives him the slight upper hand on Nketiah, who has a conversion rate of just 10% from his opening nine league appearances this term.

The Englishman averages 2.2 shots per game, recording an average of just 0.4 on target, telling the tale of his lack of a clinical streak in the final third.

As for Trossard, the Belgian has a remarkable 100% goal conversion rate in the Premier League this season, having scored the same number of goals as Nketiah with two, despite playing four games fewer.

Arteta’s £27m forward could be the perfect figure to replace Jesus in the instance of an absence, with his experience and prolific nature in front of goal being far more dangerous than that of Nketiah.