Hurricanes and Stars remain in the bottom half of the points table

Tristan Lavalette02-Nov-2023

Shabnim Ismail picked up three top-order wickets to keep the Stars to a moderate total•Getty Images

Hobart Hurricanes overcame a vintage 75 from Meg Lanning, as Nicola Carey and Naomi Stalenberg chased superbly under pressure to thwart Melbourne Stars at Bellerive Oval.Bucking the tournament’s trend, an increasingly confident Hurricanes were nerveless under lights to reach the target of 143 with four balls to spare. Carey and Stalenberg combined for a partnership of 69 unbroken runs after coming together at 74 for 4 following the key wicket of captain Elyse Villani.They played risk-free cricket as Hurricanes comfortably crossed the target having been in trouble earlier in the innings.Villani and Lizelle Lee had started watchfully in the powerplay as they blunted a desperate Stars attack facing an uphill battle to defend a seemingly modest total.But Lee holed out to Sasha Moloney in the sixth over to trigger a collapse as Hurricanes slumped to 47 for 3 when Heather Graham was caught behind off Annabel Sutherland.Much like counterpart Lanning earlier, Villani defied her team’s predicament by batting calmly and hitting attractive shots around the wicket. Stars were feeling the brunt of not only Villani’s bat, but also a pesky bird feeling rather territorial in the outfield.Hurricanes took the power surge in the 11th over, but it did not have the desired effect with Villani on 41 succumbing to a Sutherland slower delivery.Meg Lanning made the Stars innings a one-person show•Getty Images

But Carey and Stalenberg were unruffled as Hurricanes continued to turn around their season after starting with a pair of big defeats against Perth Scorchers.Having only taken one wicket in her first four matches, Shabnim Ismail rattled Stars’ misfiring top order while Molly Strano shackled a succession of batters with her accurate offspin.Hurricanes’ bowlers were aided by reckless batting from Stars. Playing a lone hand with a 50-ball 75, Lanning rescued Stars from peril at 46 for 4 with no other batter reaching 20 runs.It was not the performance envisioned from Stars when Lanning elected to bat on a flat surface. She watched on glumly as opener Sophie Reid holed out in the first over to Strano, who bowled a wicket maiden.A buoyant Hurricanes went on the attack with Ismail bowling short of a length. The plan worked almost immediately with Alice Capsey baited into hitting a rising delivery straight to Carey at third.At 5 for 2, it was left to Lanning and Sutherland to steady the ship but they continued to be confronted by a hostile Ismail armed with an aggressive field.Having emerged from a form rut against Scorchers with 49 off 27 balls, Sutherland briefly showcased her growing repertoire of inventive strokes to become the youngest player to reach 1000 runs in the WBBL. She clubbed Ismail down the ground, but on the next delivery miscued a delivery angled into her body straight to mid-on.Lanning rebuilt the innings by playing cautiously initially and she received support from Sophia Dunkley, who on two survived a missed stumping from Lee off Amy Smith.Lanning decided to put the foot down in the 12th over with three boundaries off Maisy Gibson. She accelerated further after taking the power surge in the 15th over and reached her half-century in style with a clip on the leg side.Not even the return of Ismail slowed down Lanning, who smashed a full toss for six as she eyed a remarkable century.But Lanning’s dismissal in the 18th over put the brakes on as Stars finished with a total that ultimately proved insufficient in the batting-friendly conditions.

New Zealand are on a five-game winning streak, but Afghanistan have just felled England in commanding fashion

Ashish Pant17-Oct-20233:17

McClenaghan: Afghanistan’s spinners will be a big threat for New Zealand

Big Picture: Two teams on a high face off

The 2019 World Cup champions have been taken down. Time for the runners-up next?Afghanistan players have time and again called India their second home. At various points, they have had their base set up at Indian venues like Dehradun, Lucknow and Greater Noida, where they played their “home games”. IPL regulars Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have always been a crowd favourite, while Naveen-ul-Haq keeps the buzz going.Which is why there was genuine excitement among the Delhi crowd when Afghanistan served defending champions England a 69-run thrashing on Sunday. It was only Afghanistan’s second-ever win in an ODI World Cup game in 18 attempts and their first since 2015.Related

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• Forget Bazball, this was Gurbazball

However, even with the confidence of a big win under their belt, Afghanistan know they have their work cut out as they run into red-hot New Zealand in Chennai. Unbeaten so far in the tournament – three wins out of three – New Zealand seem to have all the pieces of the puzzle in place. But the Chennai surface could prove to be a potential banana peel against the spin trio of Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Nabi. The three spinners lead the wicket-taking list for Afghanistan in the World Cup so far and will hope for more success on a pitch which is expected to turn.Afghanistan’s biggest issue remains their over-reliance on the top three of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah. In ODIs since the start of 2021, the trio has accounted for 52.79% of the total runs that Afghanistan have scored. Among all Full Members nations, their middle order (Nos. 4 to 7) has the lowest average: 26.00.This was on display in the game against England as well where Afghanistan collapsed from 114 for 0 to 190 for 6 before the lower order bailed them out. The likes of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Nabi will need to step up and quick.New Zealand have far fewer problems. They come into this game on a five-match winning streak, having won each of these games rather convincingly. Their top order has fired in every game while the bowling unit looks well-rounded. Of course, Kane Williamson’s “undisplaced fracture” to his left thumb might be a cause for concern for them, especially given the nature of this Chennai pitch, but Tom Latham has proven to be an effective leader in his absence.New Zealand might be on a high, but they can’t afford to be complacent against a side that seems to have finally found its mojo.3:47

Should New Zealand look to bring Southee in?

Form guide: New Zealand on a roll

Afghanistan WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand WWWWW

In the spotlight: Mitchell Santner and Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Mitchell Santner has turned his 2023 upside down and how! Coming into the World Cup, Santner had only four wickets in seven ODIs at an average of 80.25 and economy of 5.24 in 2023. Three matches into the tournament, he has already doubled that tally and is currently the joint-leading wicket-taker alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Matt Henry with eight scalps at 15.87. He’s been excellent with his pace variations and has tied the batters down in the powerplay. Chepauk is like home away from home for Santner. He has been with the Chennai Super Kings squad in the IPL since 2019 and will want to put up another solid show on “home” territory.Mujeeb Ur Rahman did not start off the World Cup the way he wanted but did a star turn against England first with the bat and then picking up 3 for 51 to take home the Player of the Match award. He’s been Afghanistan’s joint-leading wicket-taker in ODIs this year and, having found his groove, will want to inflict more damage against New Zealand come Wednesday.

Team news: Who comes in for Williamson?

With Williamson out injured for a while, Will Young is the likely candidate to take his place in the New Zealand XI. He is likely to slot back into the opening position, with Rachin Ravindra expected to move to the No. 3 spot. Tom Latham will lead the side once more.New Zealand (probable): 1 Devon Conway, 2 Will Young, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Tom Latham (capt, wk), 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Mark Chapman, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Matt Henry, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent BoultCan Rashid Khan and Co spring another surprise?•Associated Press

Afghanistan are unlikely to make any changes to the playing XI that beat England convincingly.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 5 Azmatullah Omarzai, 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pitch and conditions: Turner in Chepauk?

The first game of the World Cup in Chennai, between India and Australia, was played on black-soil turner, but the second game had a lot in it for the fast bowlers. Historically, surfaces in Chennai have aided spin and that is likely to be the case on Wednesday as well.There was a slight drizzle in Chennai on the eve of the game, but the forecast is clearer on match day.

Stats and trivia

• Mitchell Santner is just one short of 100 wickets in ODIs, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman needs four wickets to reach the 100-mark in the format.
• Rashid Khan has gone wicketless just three times in ODIs in India and has picked up two or more wickets in an innings seven times in 15 innings.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz has fallen to left-arm orthodox spinners in four out of seven innings and averages just 20 against them.
• Ibrahim Zadran is just 17 short of 1000 runs in ODIs. If he gets there on Wednesday, he will be the quickest Afghanistan batter to the landmark in the format.

Quotes

“See Rahmanullah [Gurbaz] is one of the players in our team who is I believe a match-winner player. He can change the game anytime.”

Torrential rain brought an abrupt end to the Hundred match at Headingley between Northern Superchargers and Birmingham Phoenix with just 62 balls possible in Phoenix’s first innings. With puddles forming on the outfield the umpires were left with no choice but to call a halt to proceedings after a heavy shower engulfed Leeds.It was frustrating for the hosts who had got themselves into a decent position during the play that was possible with Reece Topley removing opener Jacob Bethell for 0 in his opening set of deliveries.That brought England star Ben Duckett to the middle and he introduced himself with a ramped shot for six before hitting an unbeaten 34 off 26 balls before the rain came.Spin also played its part with Matthew Short removing Dan Mousley and Shadab Khan in quick succession with England’s Adil Rashid claiming the wicket of Jamie Smith who was bowled for 13 with the visitors 84 for 5 at the close.England batter Harry Brook was also involved after making himself available for Superchargers’ opening fixture, following the conclusion of the Ashes on Monday.

Rangers have been dealt a blow as it has now emerged that a member of Europe’s elite have now made contact to sign a member of Philippe Clement’s squad as they look to bolster their own ranks in the coming months.

Rangers improving too late

Rangers have seen an upturn in form recently, but remain well off the pace in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title. Though they beat Celtic 3-0 in the last meeting between the two sides, they remain 10 points behind Brendan Rodgers’ side, who also boast a game in hand on their rivals.

Rangers’ next five SPL fixtures
Ross County (Home)
Hearts (Away)
St Mirren (Home)
Kilmarnock (Away)
Motherwell (Home)

Well clear of anyone else and sitting in second place, it is threatening to be another trophyless season for Clement’s side. Meanwhile, a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Europa League has left Rangers’ chances of automatic qualification into the next round of the competition hanging by a thread.

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Instead, they will need to get a result against Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise to ensure that they make it into a qualification spot for the knockout rounds despite having what many would deem a strong campaign in Europe’s secondary competition.

While the breakthrough of Hamza Igamane has been a joy for Rangers fans, it has otherwise been a tricky season to date and there are still reservations over whether Clement is the right man to take them forwards in the long term.

Rangers rocked by Chelsea's Jefte interest

Now, a fresh report has claimed that Chelsea are now plotting a potential summer move to sign exciting fullback Jefte, and have already contacted his representatives over a Stamford Bridge switch.

The Brazilian has been one of the club’s standout performances so far this season, impressing plenty at Ibrox since his arrival from Brazilian side Fluminense in the summer.

Still just 21-years-old, he has caught the attention of clubs around Europe and as per the report, Chelsea “have made initial contact with Jefte’s representatives” as they look to find an understudy for Marc Cucurella in west London.

It is added that there is also “other interest from a handful of clubs on the continent” in what could turn into a scramble for the signature of the Rangers youngster, who is believed to have penned an £8,000 a week deal at Ibrox until 2028.

Clement is understandably a big fan of Jefte, dubbing him “very talented” months after his arrival at Ibrox, but that talent may well see him depart Scotland sooner than most Rangers fans would like.

He is not the only Rangers man in the spotlight either, with teammate Igamane attracting Premier League interest too in the form of Tottenham and Everton. With that in mind, it could prove challenging for Clement and co. to hold onto their star men this summer.

MatériaMais Notícias

da 888casino： Diferentemente do que ocorreu com Maycon e Yuri Alberto, o Corinthians não terá pressa para tentar manter o zagueiro Fabián Balbuena. O atleta está emprestado ao Timão pelo Dínamo de Moscou, da Rússia, até o dia 30 de junho, e o clube alvinegro ainda não buscou alternativas para a manutenção do jogador. A situação do paraguaio é diferente da dos brasileiros pelos seguintes aspectos: modelo de negócio e desempenho esportivo.

Balbuena é o único entre os jogadores que chegaram ao Parque São Jorge no ano passado em que o Time do Povo utilizou a’cláusula da guerra’. Durante a última temporada, a Fifa autorizou que atletas que atuassem na Rússia ou Ucrânia suspendessem os seus contratos e firmassem acordos com outras equipes. Inicialmente, o prazo para isso foi até junho do ano passado, mas depois foi estendido para junho deste ano. Assim, o defensor, que pertence ao Dínamo de Moscou, clube russo, pôde firmar a vínculo com o Coringão.

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da brdice：
+Emerson Shake vence Emerson Jake em duelo que parou a internet; veja os memes

+ Confira as movimentações do mercado da bola no vaivém do LANCE!

Como o conflito no leste europeu segue, existe a chance da Fifa ampliar a ‘cláusula da guerra’. Se isso acontecer, facilitará a possibilidade do Timão ampliar o contrato de empréstimo de Balbuena. O acordo atual do zagueiro com o Dínamo de Moscou tem duração até junho de 2026. O Coringão não teria condições financeiras de comprar o jogador em definitivo no momento.

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Como o contrato de Balbuena vai até o meio do ano, a direção corintiana não tratou a manutenção do atleta com a mesma prioridade do que teve com a que se movimentou para a manter Maycon e Yuri Alberto. A situação do volante era a mais ‘desesperadora’, já que o empréstimo com o Shakhtar Donetsk, da Ucrânia, terminava no fim de 2022. Depois de conversas entre as partes, a equipe ucraniana liberou o meio-campista, que é revelado pelo Timão, para atuar por mais uma temporada com a camisa alvinegra. Já no caso de Yuri, o movimento no mercado foi para ter em definitivo um atleta que estava emprestado. foi bem pelo Corinthians no segundo semestre do ano passado e que é visto internamente como um ativo de grande potencial de mercado, principalmente por conta da juventude – ele tem 21 anos. A opinião do presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves é que Yuri Alberto será o atacante da Seleção Brasileira nos próximos anos e poderá render ao Corinthians tanto esportivamente, quanto financeiramente, no futuro.

+ Confira a tabela do Paulistão e simule os jogos da competição estadual

Outro fator que pesa para que a direção do Corinthians tenha maior cautela para começar a discutir a aquisição definitiva ou a ampliação de empréstimo de Balbuena são as atuações do defensor no ano passado. Algumas partidas no fim da última temporada colocaram em xeque o potencial físico e técnico do paraguaio. Assim, o departamento de futebol corintiano apostará nas avaliações que serão feitas durante o Campeonato Paulista, que terminará no dia 9 de abril. A partir daí, o clube alvinegro terá cerca de dois meses para discutir a compra ou extensão da cessão do zagueiro, caso entenda ser necessário. Se não for, o atleta será devolvido ao Dínamo de Moscou.

Enquanto não se decidiu se tentará a permanência de Balbuena, o Corinthians não entrará em contato com o Dínamo de Moscou que, enquanto isso, esperará o retorno do defensor paraguaio ao território russo já no próximo dia 1º de julho.

O sistema defensivo corintiano foi enxugado na atual janela de transferências. Raul Gustavo foi emprestado ao Bahia, e Robert Renan vendido ao Zenit, da Rússia, no negócio que envolveu a aquisição de Yuri Alberto pelo Corinthians. Hoje, além de Balbuena, o Timão tem Bruno Méndez, Caetano e Gil como opções para o sistema defensivo. Após o fim da disputa da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, a tendência é que o garoto Murillo seja integrado ao elenco profissional do Coringão – o atleta, no entanto, possui um impasse contratual que precisará ser resolvido.

Liverpool are now plotting a transfer swoop for a “fantastic” 19 year-old forward who could be a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, according to a new report.

Liverpool extend Premier League lead to 13 points

It was another routine win for Arne Slot’s side on Wednesday night, as goals, surprisingly not from Salah, but from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister saw Liverpool run out 2–0 winners and extend their lead to 13 points with 10 games left to play. That means they can now conceivably win the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur on the 26th of April, with four games left to play.

Forget Salah: Slot has made 9/10 Liverpool star a truly "unstoppable" force

Liverpool beat Newcastle at Anfield to stretch their title lead to 13 points.

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Despite the healthy lead and the short number of games left to play, Slot believes there is still a long way to go and is taking it game by game): “It is still a long way to go, ten games. In March, we only play one Premier League game; then we have the cup final, of course, and an international break, and then two big games against Paris Saint-Germain – so we are not focused on the long term.

“I know, and the players know how difficult the Champions League game is going to be – they are in the same form as us, hardly lose. It is going to be a difficult task for both teams. Now the players have some days off, and then we focus on PSG more than we do on the table in the Premier League.”

Liverpool eye move for "fantastic" Salah successor

But as the Reds get closer to securing that Premier League title, focus may start switching to the summer, and according to Caught Offside, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on teenager Assane Diao after his recent performances in Italy.

The report states that Liverpool’s interest in Diao comes as the future of Salah at Anfield is still very uncertain. There is a likelihood that the Egyptian leaves in the summer when his contract expires, and that would leave Liverpool very light in that area of the team. Therefore, the club are actively looking at possible short and long-term replacements, and Diao has emerged as a possible target.

The 19-year-old, who has been described as “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, plays for Italian side Como, joining Cesc Fabregas’ side January and kicking on another gear under the Spaniard.

Apps

8

Starts

7

Goals

5

xG

1.74

Shots per game

2.0

Chance conversion

31%

Key passes per game

0.4

Succ. Dribbles per game

1.0 (35%)

Duels won per game

6.8 (42%)

The Spanish under-19 international decided to join Como in the New Year, and it is a move that has paid off, scoring five goals in eight Serie A games. Diao has started all but one game, operating as a right and left-winger. The forward has scored three goals in the last three consecutive games against Juventus, Fiorentina, and Napoli, and those performances have now put him on the radar of Liverpool.

It’s unclear how much he could cost the Reds, but Como paid a record fee of €12 million, so they are expected to want more than that in any departure.

Son Heung-min hailed his "best mate" Harry Kane and confirmed the Bayern Munich star will be the "biggest Spurs fan" during the Europa League final.

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Son & Kane remain the best of friends Kane won the first trophy of his career with Bayern Son can follow in his footsteps by lifting the UEL trophy Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kane and Son formed one of the Premier League’s most iconic attacking partnerships during their time together at Tottenham from 2015 to 2023. Though now separated by leagues and countries, the bond between the two remains as strong as ever.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier this month, Bayern Munich secured the Bundesliga title — the first major honour of Kane’s career. Son was quick to congratulate his friend and acknowledged how significant the achievement was for the England captain. As Kane savours his Bundesliga medal, Son is hoping he too can celebrate silverware, with Tottenham on the verge of clinching the Europa League title.

WHAT SON SAID

Ahead of the Europa League final, Son said: "Everyone knows Harry is my best mate and it was a huge honour of playing alongside him. After he won his first title, we had a chat about his trophy. He is already on holiday, so he doesn't have to text me. I am just concentrating on myself with the boys and I'm sure Harry will be the biggest Spurs fan tomorrow and supporting us from his holidays."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SON?

The final, which sees Spurs face Manchester United on Wednesday night, is being seen as a defining moment for a squad that has faced immense pressure and mixed fortunes throughout the season. Victory would mark Tottenham’s first major trophy since 2008 and would also be a personal milestone for Son, who is yet to lift silverware during his long and committed service to the North London club.

Chelsea only played Brighton six days ago, losing 2-1 at the Amex Stadium in the FA Cup, leaving the Blues out of both domestic cup competitions now.

Despite having 57% possession, Enzo Maresca’s side only took seven shots in the game, creating zero “big chances”.

On the other hand, Brighton managed to create two “big chances” with only 43% possession, only taking six shots at goal throughout.

But, Chelsea now have a good chance to put things right, facing Brighton at the Amex Stadium again on Friday, this time in the Premier League, with the chance to secure their top-four spot for another week.

The latest Chelsea team news

Maresca confirmed in his press conference that Chelsea will be without Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, with the former now “out until the international break”. The muscular injury was confirmed to be worse than was first feared, with a scan showing he would be out for six to eight weeks.

Guiu is also going to be out “for a little while”, in the words of the manager, with a hamstring issue. This leaves Christopher Nkunku as one of Chelsea’s main striker options in the absence of the pair, but the Italian also stated they will find “other solutions”.

On a more positive note, Maresca confirmed Chelsea captain, Reece James, is fit and available to face Brighton after being rested against them in the cup six days ago, as was the plan according to the Italian.

Roméo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana all remain out, but it was revealed Fofana has started to work with the group again and could be available as soon as the next few weeks, but Maresca will be careful not to rush anything.

Chalkboard

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

Chelsea's Jackson, Guiu & Nkunku dilemma

Jackson and Guiu are the only two natural number nines Maresca has had at his disposal in the first-team, with the Senegal international scoring nine goals in 24 appearances this season, and the 18-year-old Spaniard netting six times in 13 appearances.

Their least natural fit in that position has proven to be Nkunku leading the line, which we saw against Brighton in the FA Cup to minimal effect.

Despite having a good goal-scoring record this season, scoring 13 goals in 31 appearances, Maresca has admitted himself the Frenchman isn’t a “proper” nine and is more of an attacking midfielder, who has different behaviours.

Goals

0.47

1.18

0.77

Assists

0.26

0.00

0.26

xG

0.59

N/A

0.78

Progressive Carries

2.12

N/A

1.57

Progressive Passes

1.40

N/A

2.35

Shots Total

3.26

3.92

2.97

Goals/Shot

0.14

0.30

0.22

Key Passes

1.30

1.25

1.76

Shot-Creating Actions

3.21

1.25

3.92

Aerial Duels Won

0.67

0.00

1.96

When comparing the underlying numbers of each forward this season, you can see how each one brings something slightly different to the table. Jackson provides an all-around profile, being able to progress play in the build-up, make runs in behind and also create for others.

Guiu, being a slightly more natural number nine build, is looking to do more of his work in the box, winning aerial duels (which doesn’t show up in the stats) and wanting to provide that finishing touch. With Nkunku being more of an attacking midfielder, wants to receive the ball deeper, get plenty of touches and be a big part of the game.

The Frenchman playing as the nine is still likely to be a solution for Maresca to use in these coming weeks, but it clearly isn’t the only one on his mind, and perhaps a slight tweak in positions between Nkunku and a certain other star could prove to be more fruitful.

Maresca's possible solution

Everyone already knows how good Cole Palmer is, Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in 27 appearances. Earlier in the season, after scoring four goals against Brighton at Stamford Bridge, Theo Walcott praised the 22-year-old as a “gifted” talent, stating “he is going to be a Premier League legend”.

But, one option for Maresca could be to switch the positions of Palmer and Nkunku, with the Englishman playing as more of a “false nine” and the Frenchman being able to play off of him in tandem. This would the Englishman the freedom as a nine to drift around, picking up the ball and dragging central defenders with him everywhere he goes. This would open up spaces for others around him, one being Nkunku, but another being Noni Madueke, who would be a key ingredient to this recipe.

By setting the former Manchester City ace on the last line, his ability to drop into the half spaces, receive the ball slightly deeper and drag defenders with him, would allow Madueke to make runs inside from wide areas, attacking the space vacated between the central defenders which would allow Maresca to get more goal threat from his most direct winger this season.

vs Fulham (H)

12

8

vs Ipswich (A)

20

5

vs Crystal Palace (A)

15

1

vs Morecambe (H)

28

8

vs Bournemouth (H)

26

10

vs Wolves (H)

19

7

vs Man City (A)

10

4

vs West Ham (H)

22

3

vs Brighton (A)

7

1

When analysing Chelsea’s shot tallies over the past ten games, you can see the highest Premier League shot tallies (26 against Bournemouth and 22 against West Ham) both started with Madueke on the right, whereas two of the three lowest tallies (12 against Fulham and 7 against Brighton) both came with a wing pairing of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho.

Bringing that extra shot volume into the team in the absence of Jackson and the ability to run in behind will be key, which is why the trio of Palmer, Nkunku and Madueke could be the key for Maresca in this tough stint of the season coming up.

Chelsea must regret letting go of one of the "world's best" players for £0

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The Premier League has seen plenty of young talents introduce themselves throughout the previous 30 years.

Remember James Milner making his debut for Leeds United aged just 16 years and 309 days, while who can forget Wayne Rooney smashing his way into the headlines with his stunning goal against Arsenal in October 2002?

Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Frank Lampard made a name for themselves as youngsters before becoming world-class players.

This season, there have been a whole host of youngsters showcasing their abilities in the top tier. As such, we examine the finest young talent at every Premier League club.

Every 2024/25 Premier League club's most underrated player

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For this list, any player aged 21 or under at the time of writing can be included.

Arsenal Ethan Nwaneri, 17

Arsenal might not be at their fluent best this season, but Mikel Arteta is brewing some special talent that could take the club to new heights in the coming years.

Ethan Nwaneri is arguably the best of the lot. This season, the 17-year-old has scored seven goals in his 23 first-team appearances, repaying the trust shown in him by the manager.

The future looks exceedingly bright for the English teenager.

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ByBen Browning Feb 14, 2025 Aston Villa Lamare Bogarde, 21

Lamare Bogarde made his debut for Aston Villa during the 2020/21 campaign, but it wasn’t until the start of the current season that he began to make his mark.

Indeed, the Dutchman has fitted in well across three positions for the club, making 11 appearances thus far. If given more chances between now and the end of the season, it could set him up well ahead of 2025/26.

Bournemouth Dean Huijsen, 19

Dean Huijsen is still only 19, but the Bournemouth defender has already attracted transfer attention from Europe’s biggest clubs following his excellent start to life on the south coast.

The teenager has played a key role in the Cherries’ ascendency under Andoni Iraola of late as they seek a European spot next term. It is no wonder plenty of clubs are showing interest in the centre-back. Whether Bournemouth will be able to keep him is the question.

Brentford Yehor Yarmoliuk, 20

Yehor Yarmoliuk joined Brentford back in 2022, but it has only been since the start of last season that he has become a regular in the first team.

Aged just 20, the Ukrainian winger has plenty of talent to suggest Brentford might well just be a stepping stone in his career. He has yet to score or grab an assist this season – something which may need to change in the coming months if he is to fulfil his potential.

Brighton & Hove Albion Yankuba Minteh, 20

Brighton signed Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle last summer in a deal worth around £30m. The winger failed to make an appearance for the Magpies and with the need to balance the books, Eddie Howe cashed in.

The youngster has already registered six goal contributions for the Seagulls – three goals and three assists – this term. If he continues to impress, Minteh might not be at Brighton long.

Chelsea Tyrique George, 19

Chelsea have a multitude of young talents ready and waiting to make an impression in the first team. Tyrique George, however, could turn out to be the best of the lot.

The left-winger made waves at youth level, scoring 18 goals for the U18s and U21s before getting a chance this term in the senior squad. In two FA Cup matches, he has already notched two assists.

The 19-year-old has a big future ahead. Watch this space.

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1 ByBarney Lane Jan 27, 2025 Crystal Palace Matheus Franca, 20

Crystal Palace brought Matheus Franca to the club last summer, yet he has played just 12 games for the club. This season, the Brazilian has made a solitary appearance due to injury, but he is certainly one for the future.

With two caps for the Brazil U20 side, there may be no stopping him once Franca gets consistent game time.

Everton Tim Iroegbunam, 21

Despite being highly regarded at Aston Villa, Tim Iroegbunam moved to Everton last summer. It was something of a coup for the Toffees given his talent, and he has 10 appearances to his name.

An ankle injury has derailed his progress, but once fit, David Moyes should be introducing the Englishman to his starting XI regularly.

Fulham Martial Godo, 21

Martial Godo has made fleeting appearances for Fulham this term, but the very fact he has made the matchday squad on numerous occasions suggests Marco Silva is a big believer in his talents.

He registered an assist during the FA Cup win over Watford last month, which must have given him plenty of confidence, while he also played the full 90 minutes against Wigan in the fourth round.

Ipswich Town Omari Hutchinson, 21

With opportunities at Arsenal and Chelsea failing to materialise into something meaningful, Ipswich Town signed Omari Hutchinson on a permanent deal last summer, giving him a fresh chance.

23 appearances as a Premier League starter and he is finally demonstrating the talent that indicated he would have a big future in the game.

Hutchinson should be a key figure in this Ipswich team for the foreseeable future.

da dobrowin： A recent comment from Eddie Howe made in a meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan has now made the Newcastle United chairman and board ready to spend big this summer, according to a new report.

Newcastle chasing new centre-back and forwards

da blaze casino： The Magpies are firmly in the fight to finish in the top four this season, and returning to Europe’s biggest club competition could mean Newcastle have more money to spend and a better ability to attract top players in the transfer market this summer.

Newcastle’s next five fixtures

Brighton (FA Cup)

Home

West Ham

Away

Liverpool (League Cup)

n/a

Brentford

Home

Leicester City

Away

Despite still having a lot to play for this season, plans have already started for the summer, with Howe keen on adding in numerous positions to his squad. One position they want to strengthen is defence, and they have been linked with a move for former Chelsea man Kalidou Koulibaly – PIF are said to be considering using their Saudi Arabia links to their advantage.

As well as a defender, the Magpies are also looking at adding to their forward line. It was reported last week that Newcastle have joined the race to sign Tammy Abraham from Roma. The striker is currently on loan at AC Milan but has failed to earn a regular starting role. As a result, he could soon be leaving Italy, and the Magpies are among the Premier League teams interested in a possible deal.

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But Abraham is not the only forward that is on their radar, as according to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are considering a move to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. Paul Mitchell has sent officials to keep a close eye on the player, with the Italian side open to doing business for around £54 million. However, the Magpies face competition to secure Lookman’s signature, as Manchester United are also interested in a deal.

Howe pushes Newcastle board to green-light spending

The Magpies may not need to choose between Abraham or Lookman, as according to The Chronicle, Howe and Newcastle have been given the go-ahead by PIF to spend big in the summer transfer window.

The report states that Howe spoke to Al-Rumayyan, Mitchell, and CEO Darren Eales this week to discuss plans for the summer. Howe raised concerns about the current Newcastle squad, stating it had gone “stale”, and that has led to a green light to spend money this summer.

It is unclear how much Howe will be given to spend, but some observations have been made that he could get between £80-100 million, though that number would presumably rise with any sales.

The Magpies have players such as Matt Targett, Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson coming to the end of their contracts, meaning they will need to be replaced first of all, and Miguel Almirón’s exit leaves the right-hand side of attack short, with Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz thought to be a target there.

With the centre-back, right-wing and striker positions all in need of additional youth, depth and quality, Howe being given the permission to spend big this summer – with the possibilty of elite European football to offer as well – will lead to an exciting window for Magpies fans.