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Chris Wilder will be more clued up on how strong Sheffield United’s automatic promotion credentials are by the time February is over and done with, as some tough fixtures begin to greet his side.

Playoff hopefuls Middlesbrough are the Blades’ next opponents in the unpredictable Championship, with a tricky away trip to Luton Town then following this game, before a box-office clash with table-toppers Leeds United closes out the hectic month.

Wilder will just have to hope his side doesn’t fall victim to another Hull City-style collapse on their own patch against Michael Carrick’s Boro, with Ben Brereton Diaz potentially facing the chop from the XI for this test later today.

Why Brereton Diaz could be excluded from the side

This might well feel like a strange alteration for Wilder to make, considering the Chilean did pick up an assist last time out to help his loan employers overcome Portsmouth 2-1, but it was far from the most convincing showing from the 25-year-old overall.

Indeed, the Southampton flop would only manage to complete 11 accurate passes all game long, whilst also never threatening the Pompey goal with any meaningful efforts, having trudged off on the 72nd-minute mark with no shots attempted.

It wasn’t all Brereton Diaz’s fault, however, with his manager shoehorning him into an unfamiliar position down the right wing when the ex-Blackburn Rovers man is more suited to the left flank or a traditional centre-forward role.

He is unlikely to be moved out to this more favourable left wing position, however, with Gustavo Hamer starring once more from this spot versus John Mousinho’s visitors, with his opening strike setting the Blades on their way to a hard-fought victory.

Therefore, Brereton Diaz might have to make do with a spot on the substitutes bench against Boro – if Wilder doesn’t fancy throwing him in up top.

Chalkboard

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

Brereton Diaz's "remarkable" replacement

The 57-year-old’s quick ability to change things up mid-game worked wonders against Pompey, with two of his second-half substitutes combining well to gift the Blades a golden late winner.

Both Rhian Brewster and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi linked up to devastating effect to gift their side their 20th win of the league season, with the Crystal Palace loanee now perhaps in contention to start on the right wing.

The “remarkable” winger – as he has been referred to in the past by ex-Palace boss Roy Hodgson – confidently tapped home the dramatic winner to send Bramall Lane into delirium, with this certainly not the only time Rak-Sakyi has made his presence known from the bench this campaign.

Averaging just 51 minutes of action this season when unleashed into games, that hasn’t stopped the promising Eagles loanee from notching up a reasonable tally of five goals and two assists from 24 overall contests, meaning Wilder could be prepared to start him against Boro to try and catch Carrick’s men off-guard.

Games played

24

Games started

16

Minuted averaged*

51 mins

Goals scored

5

Assists

2

Shots per game

1.2

Big chances missed

4

Big chances created

3

Wilder could look to be playing on the visitors’ frailties by launching Rak-Sakyi into the first-team spotlight, having seen the chaos Enzo Le Fee caused down the left channel versus Boro recently, alongside Patrick Roberts also causing Ryan Giles all sorts of bother down the alternate wing in the 3-2 Sunderland victory.

Known for being a tricky and slick winger on his day, adding in Rak-Sakyi as a fresh change might well be just what the Blades need to beat their next opponents in some style, rather than nervously getting over the line with Brereton Diaz in the XI.

Sheffield United have struck gold on “leader” who's worth more than Cannon

Sheffield United have struck gold on this star Chris Wilder absolutely loves.

ByKelan Sarson Feb 9, 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff02-May-2016KL Rahul steadied the innings with Virat Kohli, as the pair added 84 runs for the second wicket off 58 balls•BCCIRahul went on to score 52 off 32 balls, his third successive fifty.•BCCIKohli, too, accumulated a 44-ball 52, his fifth fifty-plus score of the season•BCCIKolkata Knight Riders’ bowlers, however, had controlled the scoring with key wickets. Piyush Chawla contributed with two scalps, including that of AB de Villiers for 4•BCCIWith the score at 112 for 3 after 15 overs, Royal Challengers desperately needed a late boost, and Shane Watson provided that with a 21-ball 34•BCCIWatson’s knock, and Stuart Binny’s 16 off four deliveries, helped Royal Challengers amass 54 off the last three overs to finish at 185 for 7•BCCIStuart Binny followed up his cameo with the wicket of Robin Uthappa in the first over•BCCIPromoted to No. 3, Chris Lynn could only manage 15 and Knight Riders were soon struggling at 69 for 4 in the 11th over•BCCIKnight Riders needed 102 off the last eight overs. Andre Russell released the pressure by taking 17 off Tabraiz Shamsi in the 15th over•BCCIYusuf Pathan then turned the match decisively, smashing 24 runs off a Shane Watson over – the 17th of the innings•BCCIYusuf brought up his half-century off 27 deliveries and remained unbeaten on 60, ensuring Knight Riders sealed the win with five balls to spare•AFP

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Feb-2016Australia required 131 at the start of the final day. Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja took them closer with a solid stand•Getty ImagesTim Southee removed Usman Khawaja for 45, caught by McCullum at first slip.•Marty Melville/AFP/Getty ImagesSteven Smith, however, ensured that Australia coasted towards the target with a brisk fifty•Getty ImagesJust before lunch, Smith asked for the extra 15 minutes to finish the match. In the search for quick runs, Burns lost his wicket after a patient 65•Getty ImagesAustralia cruised to a seven-wicket win, and in the process, became the No. 1 ranked Test side after winning the series 2-0•Getty ImagesMcCullum signed off his international career with his final presentation ceremony. “Thanks for buying in, and accepting we have to play the game differently.”•Getty Images

Barcelona are set to launch a fresh bid to lure Nico Williams to the Spanish giants as they prepare to enter talks with the Athletic Club star.

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Barca and Arsenal target Spain star WilliamsLa Liga leaders ready to open new negotiationsHope Yamal friendship will convince him to signFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Catalan club attempted to sign the winger last summer following his role in last year's Euro 2024 success, but the 22-year-old opted to stay with the Basque side for at least one more year. Barca, however, have not given up on landing him as reports they are prepared to open talks over a summer transfer.

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The current La Liga leaders are not the only team interested in signing Williams. Bayern Munich have also been linked, but it is Arsenal who have been regarded as the favourites of late to complete the transfer, reportedly opening talks with the intention of triggering his release clause in his contract which is said to be set at €60 million (£51m/$66m).

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the competition, Barcelona feel they have an advantage in the race to buy Williams. The winger has a close friendship with fellow Spain star Lamine Yamal, with Williams saying last year: "We laugh a lot. I think it's obvious that we have the same or very similar personalities and we like the same things. He's a kid that I get along with really well and I always try to give him as much advice as possible, like my brother Inaki has done with me."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

The Catalan club will hope Yamal's bond with Williams will tip the balance in their favour in the race to signing Williams, while Mikel Arteta will be eagerly awaiting news on his target's decision.

Mohamed Salah’s name has dominated the headlines at Liverpool for so many years, but never as intensely, and as negatively, as in recent days.

The Egypt international’s incendiary interview after Arne Slot’s side blew their advantage and drew at Leeds United has torn at fraying fabric and left Liverpool in dangerous and unknown territory.

The iconic forward, an all-time great on Merseyside and in the Premier League, is facing the very real possibility of leaving Liverpool in January. There is a good chance he has played his last game for the club.

This is a painful situation, to be sure, but Salah is ageing and ostensibly past his prime.

Slot does, however, need to get a tune out of the club’s expensive summer signings, with Florian Wirtz’s struggles a stark representation of the dysfunctional tactical set-up.

Why Wirtz has struggled under Slot

It’s fair to say Wirtz has not been good enough this season, far below the standard expected when Liverpool signed the German midfielder for a £116m fee. It’s also fair to say he’s walked into a burning building, making it difficult to shine against the backdrop of the flames.

It is clear that when Liverpool signed Wirtz this summer, they had landed one of the most talented playmakers in the world. It was also clear that Slot planned to reorient Liverpool’s creative supply line after Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid.

So many variables have been at play this season, but there is no excuse for the toothless, spineless performances that Liverpool have laboured through this season. Slot has to take responsibility, and he has to get more out of Wirtz, who won the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2023/24 after steering Bayer Leverkusen to an invincible title.

Wirtz has what it takes to succeed. Claims that he lacks physicality are simply untrue. Moreover, he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers in the Premier League for progressive passes and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, so he needs just a little nudge in the right direction, with an uptick from Liverpool’s wider system too.

Liverpool need results, and they need them quickly.

Liverpool lining up Slot replacement

According to Anfield Index, FSG chiefs Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have held talks with Como manager Cesc Fabregas as they continue to weigh up Slot’s future.

Fabregas, 38, is one of the brightest young coaches in the world, and he’s enjoyed a stunning start to life in Serie A, his Como side sixth in the standings.

The Spaniard’s expansive, free-flowing brand of football is not too dissimilar from Slot’s own vision, and this suggests he could dovetail into Liverpool’s first team, taking the reins at the season’s midpoint and restoring balance and confidence.

He may also be the perfect coach to give rise to Wirtz’s latent quality.

Why Liverpool should appoint Fabregas

Fabregas is a young and talented coach, but some would understandably have reservations over his youth and inexperience. However, were FSG to make the appointment, they would no doubt reference Arsenal’s meteoric rise under Mikel Arteta’s wing as a yardstick which they could follow.

Fabregas knows the Premier League, having featured 350 times in the division as a player, having scored 50 goals and supplied 117 assists across stints with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Moreover, Fabregas knows a thing or two about playmaking in the Premier League, lauded as a world-class “maestro” by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during his trophy-laden spell at Stamford Bridge.

Truly, he was a “genius” of a footballer, as claimed by former boss Antonio Conte, and he has translated that wealth of footballing knowledge to the coaching scene, with Como playing some slick attacking football this season while maintaining a steely defensive line, for the most part. In the words of one notable analyst on X, he’s “football’s next elite manager.”

This foundation could be perfect for Wirtz, who shares certain tactical tendencies with the rising managerial star. Look at Nico Paz, for example, who has been immense this season ahead of his much-anticipated return to Real Madrid.

Paz, 21, is one of the hottest creative talents in the business, and he has been in fine fettle for Como this season, posting five goals and five assists apiece across 15 matches in all competitions this term.

Like Wirtz, he’s as naturally gifted as they come, but he has also been tasked with defensive responsibilities that have given him a coating of completeness that Fabregas’ tactics would play into Wirtz’s own game.

One thing’s for certain, Liverpool have crumbled under Slot’s wing. After that blistering start at the beginning of last season, the Reds have slowly tapered off, shipping so many goals and losing so many games.

27

Games

52

23

Wins

26

3

Draws

10

1

Losses

16

2.66

PPG

1.69

73

Goals scored

91

27

Goals conceded

69

Liverpool have a whole host of problems that have shown little sign of abating this season, but among the most egregious issues are the woes of Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who look shells of their former selves.

This cannot continue. Changes are needed. While FSG will continue to persist with Slot for the time being, given that Hughes has held preliminary talks with Fabregas (and who knows who else?), we can be sure that the plug will be pulled if improvements are not seen quickly.

Fabregas, with fresh and innovative ideas, could be the shrewd solution.

Sell him before Salah & Konate: FSG must bin Liverpool's "major issue"

Liverpool have collapsed this season, and some tough decisions need to be made.

1 ByAngus Sinclair 3 days ago

Antonio Conte clashed with the Italian press after Scott McTominay inspired Napoli to a huge win in the Serie A title race over Monza.

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Napoli beat Monza 1-0 in Serie AMcTominay scored the winnerConte criticised by Italian press Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Conte has repeatedly lamented the lack of reinforcements since Napoli sanctioned the January sale of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain. The Georgian’s departure left a gaping hole in Napoli’s attack, and Conte has been vocal in pointing out the lack of like-for-like alternatives available to him.

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The absence of quality has been particularly noticeable in matches where Napoli have struggled to create chances. Though Saturday's game yielded a win through Scott McTominay, the manager pointed to the overall performance as further evidence that the squad lacks the necessary depth and balance to sustain a title challenge. Conte was also seen exchanging heated words with Napoli supporters in the stands after McTominay’s winner, as fans voiced their own opinions from the terraces.

WHAT THE MEDIA SAID

Despite Conte’s complaints, Italian media outlets have challenged his assessment of the squad. notably highlighted the game-changing influence of Giacomo Raspadori, who came off the bench to deliver the decisive assist for McTominay’s goal.

“The link-up between Mathías Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola didn’t work, and not even Billy Gilmour was convincing,” journalist Sebastiano Vernazza wrote in his player ratings.

“Conte saved himself with Raspadori, the living proof that the reserves are not so bad.”

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

Despite the drama surrounding the win, the result propelled Napoli to the top of the Serie A standings, albeit temporarily. They now sit level on 71 points with Inter, who have a game in hand and face a potentially tricky test away at Bologna on Sunday.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has told the Gunners they need to make changes after being beaten by PSG in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

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PSG win first leg in north LondonHold the advantage ahead of return in ParisHenry says French side were the better teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mikel Arteta's side face an uphill task if they want to qualify for the Champions League final after losing the first leg 1-0 of their semi-final tie at the Emirates on Tuesday night. An early goal from Ousmane Dembele did the damage, although the visitors also hit the woodwork twice in an impressive showing.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal defender William Saliba has admitted PSG made the Gunners "suffer" but has said he's hopeful the team can turn things around. Former striker Henry feels Arsenal will have to make plenty of changes if they are to prevail in Paris and says Luis Enrique's side will be even stronger in front of their own fans at the Parc des Princes.

WHAT HENRY SAID

He said on CBS Sports: "PSG were much superior, for me, in this match. There are a lot of things that need to change for Arsenal to beat PSG. You never know what can happen. I think of PSG against FC Barcelona last season . Everyone thought it was over, but they [Paris] ultimately won the return leg easily."

DID YOU KNOW?

Only two teams have reached the final of the Champions League after losing the first leg of their semi-final tie at home – Ajax in 1995-96 and Tottenham in 2018-19.

Chandimal’s sprint to 10 Test centuries, the end of Mathews’ century drought, and other statistical highlights from the third day of the third Tet

Bharath Seervi04-Dec-2017476- Balls faced by Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal during their 181-run stand for the fourth wicket. It’s the longest partnership between a visiting pair in India in the last five years, and the second-longest stand for Sri Lanka against India. Overall, this is the longest partnership for any pair at the Kotla, trumping the 433 balls Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman faced together against Australia in 2008-09.10- Centuries for Dinesh Chandimal in 80 Test innings: the fastest Sri Lankan to the landmark. The previous quickest was Thilan Samaraweera, who notched up 10 centuries in 82 innings. Kumar Sangakkara took 101 innings for the same.2- Number of Sri Lanka captains to score a century in India. Before Chandimal, only Sangakkara had done so, at the Brabourne Stadium in 2009-10. Chandimal is the first visiting captain in over 30 years to score a century at Feroz Shah Kotla, after Viv Richards in 1987-88.36- Number of innings without a century for Mathews before the one in this Test. Mathews averaged only 27.80 in those 36 innings with six fifties. His last ton was also against India, when they visited Sri Lanka in 2015. Between 2014 and 2015, Mathews hit six centuries in 42 innings.1981- The last instance of two centurions in the same innings for an opposition side at the Kotla. Geoff Boycott and Chris Tavare each made centuries for England then. Chandimal and Mathews’ centuries make it the fifth such instance at the Kotla. This is only the second occasion of Sri Lanka having two centurions in an innings in India.ESPNcricinfo Ltd3- Partnerships to have lasted 400 or more balls for Sri Lanka in the last five years; Chandimal has been involved in all three. He partnered Karunaratne against West Indies in Galle in 2015, and with Dhananjaya de Silva against Australia in Colombo (SSC) last year. The last such partnership, before these three, came in 2011.3- Number of times Chandimal has played innings of 300 or more balls in Tests this year – the highest. Steven Smith, Cheteshwar Pujara and Dimuth Karunaratne have played two such long innings.2009- Last instance of Sri Lanka’s Nos. 4 and 5 both scoring centuries in the same innings, as Chandimal and Mathews did in this match. Mahela Jayawardene and Samaraweera had done it in Galle then.

Everton showed great fight and fortitude as they battled through a gruelling December run, avoiding defeat against some top-class opposition. They were, however, dismal in the culminating fixture against Nottingham Forest.

The Tricky Trees have been exceptional in the Premier League this season, behind only Liverpool and Arsenal, but Sean Dyche didn’t hold back as he rebuked his squad for failing to deal with danger.

Having avoided defeat across their previous four, Everton will now look to put that blip behind them and start the new year with a bang as they travel to the south coast to take on Bournemouth.

Andoni Iraola’s side have been impressive this term, showcasing their attacking style and avoiding defeat across their past seven top-flight outings. Everton will need to display every ounce of their grit and strike on the counter as the hosts look to stretch forward.

Everton team news

Everton have failed to win on all seven of their Premier League trips to the Vitality Stadium and will have to change that without chief playmaker Dwight McNeil, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Seamus Coleman is still out, as are James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam, though the latter pair are “back on the grass” and approaching a much-needed comeback as Everton look to steer away from relegation danger.

Further up the field, Armando Broja will want to reprise his role at number nine but Dominic Calvert-Lewin will fancy his chances despite his abject form this season.

There are a couple of further areas that Dyche will be keen on changing up, however, with Jack Harrison among the worst performers last time out.

Why Dyche must drop Jack Harrison

Harrison has flattered to deceive this season, failing to register a single goal contribution across 17 Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old is entering the final phase of a two-year loan at Goodison Park and you can’t imagine Everton’s new owners will be desperate to tie him down permanently.

Reliable sources such as The Athletic have already confirmed that Everton are set to scour the market for new wingers, and after another dismal display against Forest last time out, Harrison will know that not only are his days as a Toffee numbered but so too are his days as a starting member.

The Liverpool Echo’s Chris Beesley didn’t hold back in his assessment, branding Harrison with a 4/10 match rating after his lifeless effort. His replacement, Jesper Lindstrom, was ‘much more of a threat’ and should start against Bournemouth.

Minutes played

45′

45′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

25

35

Pass completion

9/17

13/13 (100%)

Key passes

1

1

Dribbles (completed)

0 (0)

3 (2)

Tackles

0

1

Total duels (won)

4 (1)

9 (3)

Harrison isn’t the only man who needs to watch from the sidelines this afternoon, with Vitalii Mykolenko also culpable for a woeful performance last time out.

Why Dyche should drop Vitalii Mykolenko

But wait, Everton’s supply of left-backs isn’t exactly deep. However, Ashley Young has featured in the position twice this term, keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle United and claiming an assist versus Leicester City; both results were draws.

Young might be 39 years old, but he’s still been one of Everton’s most dependable performers this season, averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.1 tackles per game while winning 59% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

Mykolenko, conversely, has lacked composure and conviction, and this was perfectly illustrated by The Toffees Blues, who cried that he was costing the Merseysiders and “giving goals away.”

His languidness in closing down Abdoulaye Doucoure’s loose pass demonstrated a lack of awareness that is simply unforgivable in Everton’s current circumstances.

Moreover, the 25-year-old lost the ball 17 times, as per Sofascore, as he sought to pump creativity through to the frontline but also squandered promising possessional phases on several occasions. There’s no question that Young is the superior ball player, even on his ostensibly weaker side.

Ultimately, the Ukrainian is a talented player, but Everton will be up against it today and must not afford the hosts any space to work with. Young is competent at left-back, one of the most versatile players in the Premier League, and with Nathan Patterson returning last week, it might be a rotation that could bear fruit.

TFG must axe 4/10 Everton flop who’s earning over 2x more than Branthwaite

He needs to be out the door in 2025 as Everton begin an exciting transition.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 31, 2024

Faf du Plessis, Trent Boult and James Vince are among those leaving for other leagues

Tristan Lavalette07-Jan-2023As a rejuvenated BBL heads towards the pointy end of the season, teams will look markedly different with a number of high-profile players heading to new cashed-up leagues in the UAE and South Africa. But several Australia Test stars will return before heading to India to whip up plenty of interest ahead of the finals.Adelaide StrikersDeparting Chris Lynn, Rashid Khan
Returning Alex Carey, Travis HeadIt’s mixed news for Adelaide Strikers. They lose Chris Lynn, who recently wound back the clock with his big-hitting exploits after a slow start with his new team. Lynn’s last game will be his second against former side Brisbane Heat on January 14 before his contentious move to the ILT20 in the UAE.His exit is softened by the returns of Test players Travis Head and Alex Carey. Head will assume the captaincy and has been in belligerent form as a No. 6 for Australia while wicketkeeper-batter Carey notched his first Test century during the Boxing Day Test.Strikers’ big loss is star spinner Rashid Khan, who played his last game of the season on January 5 against Hobart Hurricanes before heading to South Africa’s T20 league. Strikers’ talisman took six wickets in seven innings at an economy of 6.43 and his match-winning skill along with his passion – which manifested during several feisty confrontations with batters – will be sorely missed.Related

Jewell stars as Hurricanes get over the line despite late meltdown

Drama at MCG as Adam Zampa's run-out attempt against Tom Rogers is turned down

Vince 91* guides Sixers to thrilling last-over win

SA20 aims to bring light to dark times

Brisbane HeatDeparting Sam Billings, Colin Munro
Returning Usman Khawaja, Marnus LabuschagneIt is almost a straight swap for struggling Heat, who need a strong backend to reach the finals. Star overseas signings Sam Billings and Colin Munro have been hot and cold but shown occasional brilliance with the bat.They head to the UAE, where Munro will captain Desert Vipers, but are effectively replaced by Test stars Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. After being a foundation player with Sydney Thunder, where he scored 1818 runs in 59 innings, Queensland captain Khawaja will take the reins as skipper and set to replace Munro at the top of the order alongside explosive Josh Brown.Labuschagne, who only played one BBL game last season, could slot in at No.4 in place of Billings.Hobart HurricanesDeparting Shadab Khan
Allrounder Shadab Khan has returned to international duties with Pakistan although a broken finger saw him miss several games before he left. Shadab took seven wickets in five games at an economy of 7.58, but he was unsuccessfully used at No. 4 before moving down the order.Allrounder Jimmy Neesham left last month and will head to South Africa after an underwhelming stint. He batted mostly at No. 6 or No. 7 but his best effort came with a 19-ball 28 in Hurricanes’ tense win over Renegades. He was also expensive with the ball and claimed just one wicket.They don’t have any incumbent Test players although batter Zak Crawley and allrounder Faheem Ashraf have both recently joined Hurricanes after playing in the England-Pakistan Test series.Trent Boult is one of big-name overseas players leaving•Getty ImagesMelbourne RenegadesDeparting Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Akeal Hosein
Returning Marcus HarrisRenegades have lost spin duo Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Akeal Hosein, who both headed to the ILT20 in the UAE. They formed an effective spin duo with 20 wickets between them.Left-armer Hosein was eye-catching in his first BBL season and proved particularly menacing on the slower surface in Geelong. He also unleashed his big-hitting capabilities in the death overs on several occasions.With skipper Nic Maddinson ruled out for the remainder of the season with a long-term knee injury, the return of Marcus Harris from Australia’s Test squad is welcome.Melbourne StarsDeparting Trent BoultWhile his compatriots have been toiling in Pakistan, long-time New Zealand spearhead Trent Boult has had a taste of the BBL. In his first season, it’s been tough going for Boult who had mixed success with the ball for struggling Stars. Although he provided unexpected entertainment with the bat marked by a T20 career best of 23 not out against Scorchers at Optus Stadium.Perth ScorchersDeparting Faf du Plessis, Adam Lyth
Returning Lance Morris, Ashton AgarScorchers have had to remake their top order after the departures of opening pair Faf du Plessis and Adam Lyth.Former Test captain du Plessis returned home to be part of South Africa’s inaugural T20 league. There was much excitement in the west over the late signing of du Plessis, who was embraced by locals after being an antagonist for Australian fans over the years.He smashed a rapid half-century in Perth Scorchers’ record 7 for 229 against Stars but made single digits in three of his last four games. Lyth had a BBL to forget but will hope for better success in UAE with Desert Vipers, where he is set to open alongside compatriot Alex Hales.Scorchers have regained tearaway Lance Morris in a timely addition after Jhye Richardson’s recent hamstring injury. Having moved up the pecking order in Australia’s crowded Test pace stocks, Morris is hoping for a breakout BBL season after modest success previously.Spinning allrounder Ashton Agar returns after playing in the third Test at the SCG but Cameron Green has been ruled out of his stint with a broken finger. They also have Middlesex’s Stephen Eskinazi on their booksSydney SixersDeparted Chris Jordan, James Vince, Naveen-ul-Haq
Returning Steven Smith, Nathan LyonSixers lose veterans Chris Jordan and James Vince, who both head to the UAE. T20 World Cup winner Jordan arrived late to the BBL and only had limited availability although his athletic fielding was a standout.Vince, a star for Sixers over the years, frustratingly couldn’t kick on from several solid platforms until a devastating 91 not out in a successful chase against Stars. He will captain Gulf Giants in the ILT20. Afghanistan quick Naveen-ul-Haq is also UAE bound.But they will be boosted by the inclusion of stars Steven Smith and Nathan Lyon. There will be much anticipation for the return of Smith, who farcically missed last season’s finals series despite being available.Smith famously captained Sixers to the title in the first edition of the BBL in 2012 but his four games in BBL09 were his only appearances in the competition since 2013-14. Smith might replace Vince at No. 3, while Lyon will provide much needed experience for Sixers who have been reliant on young spinners Izharulhaq Naveed and Todd Murphy.Sydney ThunderDeparting Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw
Returning David WarnerAfter their embarrassing capitulation for 15 against Strikers, Alex Hales helped revive Thunder with three half-centuries in four games before departing to the UAE.They lose more batting firepower with Rilee Rossouw heading home to play in South Africa’s T20 league although he generally struggled to get going.But Warner is set to soften the blow and his return to the BBL is set to be one of the most anticipated moments in the competition’s history. He has only played three BBL matches previously with the last being in December 2013.