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The pitch in Multan is expected to play like it did in the first Test. But can West Indies prepare and execute better this time around?

Danyal Rasool24-Jan-2025

Big Picture

It is not difficult to know what’s coming this Test match. It is an easy one to analyse, a straightforward one to predict. West Indies will have prepared studiously for the challenge Pakistan will pose, and Pakistan, themselves, have made no secret they will double down on the nature of the surfaces they prepare. The wicket might begin to break up when the two captains head out for the toss. Whoever wins will bat first, and spin bowling will feature right from the outset.But forewarned is not necessarily forearmed. The challenge Pakistan pose with these surfaces that crackle in the winter heat is much easier to understand than to do anything about. The outcome of the game hinges on West Indies’ execution; any mistakes they made in terms of understanding what kind of pitch this was will have been ironed out.Kraigg Brathwaite threw the gauntlet down to his team at the end of the first Test, while encouraging them with the reminder they were ahead in the game at a few key stages, and there was significant room for improvement to offer them belief.Related

• Aaqib Javed says Pakistan's spinning pitches are here to stay

West Indies’ own spinners showed they could go toe to toe with Pakistan’s, and Jomel Warrican registered better figures than any of his Pakistani counterparts. In Kemar Roach, they possess the best fast bowler on either side, on the few occasions that one will be required. They even worked out how to make the sweep and reverse-sweep productive, if not necessarily risk-free. And they found runs with the lower order, an inveterate Achilles’ heel of Pakistan’s bowling, no matter the conditions.Aaqib Javed made an impassioned defence of the pitches Pakistan have begun preparing at home, but he knows he has not won everyone over yet. Concerns about what it means for the country’s Test batting and fast bowling linger, and the only thing – the main thing, in his view – his style has got going for it is simple; it wins Pakistan Test matches. Pakistan are aware they must continue getting these wins, because the moment results turn, that spring-loaded criticism is waiting to be unleashed.

Form guide

Pakistan: WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)West Indies: LLWLD

In the spotlight – Shan Masood and Alick Athanaze

Pakistan cricket brings with it short attention spans, and Shan Masood knows he will not have much of it for the next nine months. He has now been now been captain for just under the full WTC cycle, and this is Pakistan’s last Test in a disappointing year and a half of Test cricket. Reports about his position as Test captain being vulnerable have surfaced more than once, and with a new cycle beginning at the end of the year, Pakistan will likely reevaluate at some point. However, this game represents a chance to finish off strongly, and continue making his case. With the bat, there are possible signs of a patch of form with a hundred and a fifty in his last three innings, and while he has not been viewed as the reason for an upturn in Test results, victory here will mean he finishes the cycle off with four wins in his last six TestsAlick Athanaze compiled a fine fourth-innings half-century on a tough Multan surface•AFP/Getty Images

Alick Athanaze came into this series with runs against Bangladesh, and appears to have enjoyed batting in Pakistan more than most of his team-mates He scored 99 and 58* in the three-day game before the series in Islamabad, and was responsible for nearly half of his side’s runs in the fourth innings in Multan, becoming the only visiting batter to score a half-century. Praise for the Dominican’s technique has come from exalted quarters, with Brian Lara and Ian Bishop among his admirers, and if the visitors top six are to rise to the challenge their captain laid out for them, Athanaze is expected to have a significant role.

Team news

Pakistan have not yet named an XI, with Aqib Javed saying they would take a final look at the surface.Pakistan (likely XI): 1 Shan Masood (capt) 2 Muhammad Hurraira 3 Babar Azam 4 Kamran Ghulam 5 Saud Shakeel 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk) 7 Salman Agha 8 Noman Ali 9 Sajid Khan 10 Abrar Ahmed 11 Khurram ShahzadWest Indies, too, have yet to name a starting line-up. Jayden Seales misses out with a slightly niggle in his leg. Kemar Roach is available again alongside Amir Jangoo.West Indies: 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (capt) 2 Mikyle Louis 3 Keacy Carty 4 Alick Athanaze 5 Kavem Hodge 6 Justin Greaves 7 Tevin Imlach/Amir Jangoo (wk) 8 Gudakesh Motie 9 Kevin Sinclair 10 Jomel Warrican 11 Kemar Roach

Pitch and conditions

The pitch has been prepared in the same way as the one for the first Test was. Weather conditions have not changed in the week since, and it remains cold and dry. Any deviation from what happened in the first Test would be a surprise.

Stats and trivia

• None of the last 62 wickets Pakistan have taken in home Tests have come from a fast bowler
• Pakistan have not won back-to-back Test series since February 2021

Quotes“Of course we were right to prepare a spin pitch against West Indies. Their batters are not as proficient against spin when compared to fast bowling.”
“I’ve played on surfaces that spun from day one, but this was the first time I’ve seen such cracks on a pitch on day one.”

Manchester United’s work within the transfer window has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with huge money spent on players not up to the level of the Premier League.

Former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag spent upwards of £600m during his time in charge of the club, but his additions clearly haven’t worked given the club’s 15th place league standing last season.

Ruben Amorim has had to work with such signings, only having the January window to make the additions he desires to help transform the current situation at Old Trafford.

He’s already added Matheus Cunha to his ranks, splashing £62.5m on the Brazilian’s signature, but further talents are expected to arrive at the club in the coming weeks.

Numerous areas of the pitch are set to be improved for their quest in the 2025/26 campaign, with multiple names mentioned over transfers to the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Striker Viktor Gyokeres has been a player firmly on the club’s radar and understandably so given his stint under Amorim during their time together in Portugal at Sporting CP.

The Swede scored 54 times in his 52 appearances, making him one of the most in-demand players this window, but it appears as though he’s set for a move to join rivals Arsenal.

However, another player has emerged on their radar in recent days, with Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor now a key target, according to GOAL Brazil.

Their report claims that Victor already has an offer on the table from the Red Devils, who are prepared to trigger the 29-year-old’s release clause this summer, which currently stands at just $8m (£5.8m).

It also states that the player himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford this window, with the hierarchy seeing the shot-stopper as a possible number one ahead of 2025/26.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Given Gyokeres’ goalscoring record for the Portuguese outfit, there’s no denying that the Swede would be an excellent option in the final third for Amorim’s side.

However, given the £70m price tag that has been mooted, along with his lack of experience in England’s top-flight, it could prove to be a huge risk for the club in 2025/26.

Other current options in the Premier League appear to be available this summer, with work already being done to land the signature of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins during the off-season.

There’s no denying that a new talisman is needed during this window, but Gyokeres shouldn’t be the one they turn to, allowing another side to take the chance with a move for his services.

The same can’t be said for potential addition Victor, with his buy-out clause potentially being a bargain for the club if they can complete a deal for his signature.

The Brazilian could prove to be a bargain, filling the void that’s been vacated by current number one Andre Onana after he suffered a hamstring injury that could rule him out of the start of the new campaign.

However, even upon the Cameroonian’s return to first-team action, he may struggle to regain his place in the side should Victor make the move to the Theatre of Dreams.

The Botafogo star, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, massively outperformed Onana last campaign, highlighting the talent he possesses in between the sticks.

He’s conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst claiming more crosses, offering a needed presence and a player who can command his 18-yard box, which could bolster the defensive unit.

Games played

11

34

Clean sheet percentage

55%

26%

Save percentage

81%

68%

Goals conceded

0.6

1.3

Pass accuracy

81%

72%

Crosses claimed

0.8

0.6

Saves made

2.7

2.5

Onana has been prone to mistakes during his time at the club, something which the potential new addition could prevent, as he made more saves during his spell in Serie A last campaign.

Amorim will desperately want a new striker to lead his attacking department into 2025/26, but ultimately it may have to wait given the recent news around the goalkeeping department.

Such an area is arguably one of the most important on the pitch, with the club simply not being able to enter the new season without adequate options at the manager’s disposal – subsequently making Victor a crucial addition during the off-season.

Biggest deal since Ronaldo: Wilcox plotting Man Utd move for £70m striker

Manchester United could be about to make a huge move in the transfer market this week.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 13, 2025

خسر منتخب المغرب تحت 17 عامًا، مباراته الأولى في بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين، أمام نظيره اليابان، بهدفين دون رد، في اللقاء الذي أقيم اليوم الإثنين.

منتخب المغرب التقى مع اليابان، في إطار الجولة الأولى من عمر مواجهات المجموعة الثانية لمنافسات كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا المقامة في قطر.

ويتواجد منتخب المغرب في المجموعة الثانية من بطولة كأس العالم، مع البرتغال واليابان وكاليدونيا.

طالع | منتخب المغرب يخسر أمام اليابان في افتتاح مشواره بكأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

وبفوز منتخب اليابان، يحتل الساموراي الياباني المركز الثاني في ترتيب المجموعة، برصيد 3 نقاط، يتواجد منتخب المغرب المركز الثالث بدون نقاط.

واستكملت مباريات المجموعة الثانية لمونديال الناشئين اليوم أيضًا، حيث حقق منتخب البرتغال الفوز على كاليدونيا، بنتيجة 6-1، ليتصدر المنتخب البرتغالي ترتيب المجموعة. ترتيب مجموعة المغرب في كأس العالم للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا

1- البرتغال، 3 نقاط.

2- اليابان، 3 نقاط.

3- المغرب بدون نقاط.

4- كاليدونيا، بدون نقاط.

Chelsea are fighting hard on the market despite being away at the Club World Cup and could now be about to take the next step in their pursuit of a winger, according to Simon Phillips.

Chelsea chase Jamie Gittens deal and could sanction surprise exit

Following the Blues’ early spree in the window, Enzo Maresca has set his eyes on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and it has now been confirmed that Chelsea are still well in the fight for his signature.

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Londoners have remained in contact to sign the England Under-21 international. Most importantly, out of all transfer options, he only wants a move to Stamford Bridge.

Intriguingly, Noni Madueke could be someone that could make way at Chelsea this summer if the price is right, with Phillips, who we will hear more from later on, stating: “Maybe they even look to end up bringing in two more out-and-out wingers, and they may well need them depending on the future of Noni Madueke as well, who Chelsea will listen to offers for.”

Most supporters wouldn’t be delighted at the prospect of the England international getting sold. From a fan perspective, Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling walking through the exit door would be far more productive amid their poor loan spells at AC Milan and Arsenal.

With the transfer merry-go-round now heating up, Chelsea may now be advancing for a star who could send shockwaves around the Premier League if he were to move to West London.

Phillips: Chelsea stepping up Alejandro Garnacho pursuit

Writing in his Si Phillips Talks Chelsea Substack, Phillips has detailed that Chelsea are now discussing a loan-to-buy agreement for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho in light of their desire to secure reinforcements out wide.

He explained: “Until now, our sources had not heard too much on Garnacho other than tentative interest. However, we have been hearing more and more noise on this one throughout this week, and fresh info has also just come in on him.

Jadon Sancho vs Alejandro Garnacho – who had the better record last season?
Jadon Sancho	Appearances – 41 Goals – 5 Assists – 10
Alejandro Garnacho	Appearances – 58 Goals – 11 Assists – 10

“SPTC sources have heard that Chelsea have been discussing signing Garnacho on a loan to buy deal, just as they did with Jadon Sancho.

“Of course, both players are Manchester United players, so it would not be a deal that would be unfamiliar to either club and could suit both if the fee is right. I’m not sure if it would be a permanent buy with an option to send him back with a fee, or a straight loan with an option/obligation.”

Seemingly forming a similar fashion to their arrangement involving Jadon Sancho, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United would allow what is essentially a ‘try before you buy’ deal after the Blues sent the former Dortmund man back to Old Trafford via a £5 million penalty fee.

Nevertheless, Garnacho, who was praised for his “brilliant” assist for the Red Devils against Real Sociedad earlier this year by Paul Scholes would definitely be a player that would come into starting contention at Stamford Bridge if he were to join this window.

There are plenty of intriguing transfer stories doing the rounds involving Chelsea right now, but this one may be one of the most complicated and multi-faceted deals to conclude, especially with his price tag reportedly sitting at £70 million.

A look back at some of his standout performances after he became the third Australian to 500 Test wickets

Andrew McGlashan10-Dec-2021 • Updated on 17-Dec-20235 for 34 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2011It couldn’t have started much better. First ball in Test cricket, a beautiful, dipping offspinner which then gripped and turned to find the edge of Kumar Sangakkara’s bat and was safely held at slip by Michael Clarke. “I was so full of excitement,” he said on the day. “I wouldn’t say it was the perfect ball, I thought it was a bit wide, but I was quite happy with it in the end.” Lyon would transform it into a five-wicket haul, albeit with a helping hand from Sri Lanka’s lower order, and would later take the scalp to seal victory.Related

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Cameron Green a key element in workload and rotation debate

5 for 134 and 7 for 152 vs India, Adelaide, 2014The most emotionally charged Test Australia have ever played, coming shortly after the death of Phillip Hughes. It was a game dominated by the bat and Lyon was the difference with the ball. India attacked him in both innings – Virat Kohli with a pair of brilliant hundreds – but Lyon kept finding a way through. He took out the middle order in the first innings to earn a handy lead and then, for the first time in his career, was the final-innings matchwinner. At 242 for 2, India sensed a famous victory but Lyon trapped Murali Vijay for 99 then had Ajinkya Rahane caught a short leg (although there was no bat). Less than 20 overs later this Test was over.Nice Garry: Nathan Lyon holds the ball up after claiming 8 for 50•AFP8 for 50 vs India, Bengaluru, 2017This haul remains Lyon’s best figures in Test cricket although they would come in defeat as India’s spinners, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, had the final say. Still, it was a remarkable opening-day display from Lyon as India fell from 72 for 1 to 189 all out after he had removed Cheteshwar Pujara shortly before lunch then soon after pinned Kohli lbw when he shouldered arms. “I don’t know if they’re going to spin or go straight, so if I don’t know neither does the batter really,” he said.Lyon finished with a 13-for in the Chattogram Test of 2017, his best in the format•Getty Images7 for 94 and 6 for 60 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2017Later the same year, Lyon enjoyed a bountiful tour of Bangladesh capped by the best match haul of his career. And it came at a moment where Australia desperately needed it having lost the first Test in Dhaka by 20 runs. It’s a good quiz question to name the Australia XI that took the field in Chattogram (no cheating) but suffice to say Lyon opened the bowling. In the first innings he removed Bangladesh’s top four lbw then with a useful lead to work with skittled them for 157 in the second – his 10th wicket of the game a lovely piece of bowling to get the key scalp of Shakib Al Hasan.2 for 78 and 3 for 67 vs England, Brisbane, 2017An overall match tally of five wickets may not leap off the page, but this was a classy performance from Lyon which was key to the early stranglehold Australia took on the Ashes. He conceded just 2.41 runs an over throughout the Test and the first-innings display where he sent down 36 overs was a textbook example of the role a spinner needs to play in the early stages of a Test in Australia. He set his sights on Moeen Ali and never let go, produced a ripper to spin through Chris Woakes on the second day and harassed England’s other left-handers. And, of course, there was run out as well.5 for 67 and 3 for 39 vs India, Perth, 2018He was Player of the Match in Australia’s first Test victory post the ball-tampering scandal as he made terrific use of the bounce available on the Optus Stadium surface. His first-innings haul secured a precious lead and after Australia had battled for every run on a spicey pitch he helped seal the game, bowling Vijay through the gate and then having the key man – Kohli – caught at slip. “Every team wants a spinner like Nathan Lyon,” Tim Paine said. “He loves bowling to the best players in the world.”Lyon picked up the 350th wicket of his Test career in Edgbaston in 2019•Getty Images3 for 112 and 6 for 69 vs England, Edgbaston, 2019The match will be remembered for Steven Smith’s spectacular twin hundreds on his return to Test cricket, but Lyon’s nine wickets were a crucial part of a win that would set-up Australia’s retention of the urn. In the first innings he dented England’s hopes of a more substantial lead and with a big target to defend on the final day – on a surface by now offering assistance – Lyon worked through England’s flimsy batting order. His wicket of Ben Stokes was the 350th of his Test career.5 for 68 and 5 for 50 vs New Zealand, Sydney, 2020A landmark occasion for Lyon on his home ground, a venue that had not often been kind to him. It was a lop-sided contest against a New Zealand side badly hit by injury and illness, but Lyon battled through an injured thumb after he had dropped a return catch. “It’s quite special to go up on the honours board and take five wickets at your home, in front of your family and friends, and to take five at one of your favourite venues from around the world,” he said. The match return of 10 for 118 was the best by an Australia spinner against New Zealand.Nathan Lyon helped Australia to a famous victory in Pakistan•AFP/Getty Images5 for 83 vs Pakistan, Lahore, 2022Australia had been denied the game before by the rearguard of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but didn’t let a second opportunity slip and secured a famous series win in Pakistan. At the start of the final day they needed all 10 Pakistan second-innings wickets. About an hour into the day, Lyon got to work got when he removed Azhar Ali and later added the stubborn Imam-ul-Haq for 70 off 199 balls. But the moment that really made Australia believe came when Lyon had Babar caught at slip by Smith and the lower order swiftly followed.3 for 35 and 8 for 50 vs India, Indore 2023In a helter-skelter Test that barely made the third day, Lyon earned himself a new career-best haul when he ran through India’s second innings to enable Australia to claw back a game after they had thrown away the advantage in Delhi. The highlight was his absorbing battle with Cheteshwar Pujara who played superbly on a spiteful surface before tickling Lyon to leg slip where Smith, who was captaining in the absence of Pat Cummins, held a wonderful catch. “Certainly, it’s up there as one of my career highlights,” he said.4 for 149 and 4 for 80 vs England, Edgbaston, 2023This was a very different sort of challenge for Lyon, with England’s Bazballers trying to hit him out of the attack. In the first innings he conceded more than five an over, but the wickets of Ollie Pope, Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow were vital – especially the latter with England 297 for 5. In the second innings he was superb, managing to go at a little over three an over. Luring Joe Root down the crease was a critical moment in the game as England tried to build their lead. And then, at the finish, he was there with the bat.

Things are moving apace. Liverpool have already replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong and are advancing with deals for Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

Talk about a show of intent. Talk about ambition. FSG have faced their criticisms across their time at the head of the Liverpool table, but the American owners are backing Arne Slot to the hilt this summer after the Dutch coach secured a Premier League title in his first term at the helm.

With a much-anticipated move for Wirtz, which could rise to a British-record £116m, set to be finalised in the coming days, hopes are morphing into expectations that the Reds will be right there in the title battle next season, throwing the heaviest punches and swerving the blows from Arsenal, Manchester City and the like.

What, then, should be Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes’ next move in the transfer market? Well, for all Anfield’s impressive dealings, the glaring point of contention still hasn’t been addressed: Liverpool need to part with Darwin Nunez and bring in a new number nine.

Why Liverpool need to sell Darwin Nunez

As far as statement signings go, Liverpool usually hit the nail on the head. However, Nunez has proven to be a blot on the copybook, never living up to the fixed £64m fee and actually regressing under Slot’s jurisdiction.

24/25

47

7

7

23/24

54

18

15

22/23

42

15

4

Back in February, Slot stated he “can’t accept” Nunez’s work rate following a slew of games which had turned little personal reward for the Uruguayan. Previous versions of the 25-year-old invariably provided a tenacious

A maverick, Nunez is powerful and instinctive, but consistent finishing has always eluded him throughout his time on Merseyside, and if it were not for Mohamed Salah’s extraordinary 2024/25 campaign, the striker’s woes might have been hung under a brighter, more blinding light.

Salah scored 34 goals and assisted 23 more across all competitions last season. Extraordinary. The Egyptian King turned 33 this month, though, and needs a more reliable frontman to keep him performing at his peak.

Well, Liverpool are acting with ambition, hoping to sign a star who might just prove to elevate the legend. Who knows, he may even surpass Salah’s greatness.

Liverpool line up new striker

According to Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are ready to place a record-breaking bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak this summer.

Liverpool’s current interest in the Sweden striker can be traced back to the start of March, when The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed the Reds had him at the top of their shopping list.

The Magpies, who won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League last term, would want north of £150m for Isak, but GMS claim FSG would be willing to offer £100m plus add-ons, which would eclipse the fee agreed for Wirtz.

How Isak could surpass Salah at Liverpool

Liverpool need a striker, all right, and Isak is their dream target. If sporting director Richard Hughes could pick any number nine across the globe, this is the man he’d move for.

Coming off the back of a 27-goal campaign with Newcastle, Isak, who has been hailed as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan, could be the most incredible addition to a Liverpool side already jam-packed with attacking quality.

Isak’s prowess, always improving, could even see him become a goalscoring machine under Slot’s wing above that of Salah, whose 34-goal season was frankly ridiculous.

24/25 – Newcastle

42

27

6

23/24 – Newcastle

40

25

2

22/23 – Newcastle

29

11

3

21/22 – Sociedad

41

10

3

20/21 – Sociedad

44

17

2

Moreover, his unique approach to the attacking game could see him reach that pedestal on which Salah perches, surmounted above the rest of the Premier League’s attacking talent.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 16% of strikers last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.

This protean attacking quality could see him join the likes of Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres as one of the most complete and electric number nines the Premier League has ever seen.

Would this make him a more dangerous forward than Salah? Who knows, but Isak definitely has the perfect style to dovetail into Slot’s system and bring a new level of direct goalscoring threat.

And it must be said, Liverpool have certainly felt the force of the Sweden striker’s skills, Isak having scored a stunning goal against them at St. James’ Park last year before bagging in the Carabao Cup final, a strike which proved definitive.

But it’s not just his goalscoring. Isak has the capacity to outstrip even Salah’s ridiculous goal per game rate at Liverpool (0.61), with his Newcastle average currently at 0.57.

As he continues to go from strength to strength, Isak could hit a truly staggering flow, especially given that he would be playing among some of the best in the business (including Salah, whose playmaking has hit another level over the past couple of years).

Whether Isak would finish a potential Liverpool career with a greater legacy than Salah is tantamount to splitting hairs. In all likelihood, he’d fail on that front, for Salah has transcended pure quality on the field to immortalise himself in Liverpool lore.

However, Isak’s ability to score is a special thing – pundit Alan Shearer has described him as a “world-class assassin” – and if signed to the Liverpool cause and allowed to foster relationships with Salah and Wirtz, his goalscoring record could form something not witnessed on Merseyside.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is now personally keen on an “extraordinary” goalkeeper as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez this summer, according to a report.

Martinez linked with Aston Villa exit

After five memorable seasons in a Villa shirt, it appears as though Martinez’s time in the West Midlands could be coming to an end, with the goalkeeper left visibly upset while waving goodbye to the fans after the final game at Villa Park this season.

With the goalkeeper seemingly heading for the exit door, there have been recent suggestions he could remain in the Premier League, as Manchester United have made an offer, although a move to fellow potential suitors Barcelona could be a more attractive proposition.

Should he depart, it will be a difficult task to replace the 32-year-old, but Emery now believes he has found a goalkeeper capable of doing exactly that.

Aston Villa chiefs now identify £40m Liverpool star to replace Emi Martinez

Aston Villa are in the market for a new goalkeeper as Emi Martinez looks set to leave this summer.

By
Brett Worthington

May 19, 2025

According to a report from Spain, the Aston Villa manager thinks Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has the experience to take over from Martinez, presumably because he has spent a number of years with one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Lunin has made 61 appearances for Madrid, but there is a feeling his time with the La Liga club could be coming to an end, given a lack of game time this season, and a move to Villa Park could be appealing to the Ukrainian.

"Extraordinary" Lunin could be at the level to replace Martinez

Of course, Villa fans may well be hoping Martinez has a change of heart and opts to remain at Villa Park beyond the end of the campaign, but there are signs the Madrid shot-stopper could be a suitable replacement.

Much like the Argentine, the 26-year-old has experience at the top level, making eight appearances en-route to Real Madrid’s 2023-24 Champions League triumph, and starring in the quarter-final victory over Manchester City.

Remarkably, the Ukraine international achieved a 9.7 SofaScore match rating in the second leg against City after making a number of important contributions.

Lunin’s stats vs Man City 23/24	Number completed
Total saves	8
Saves from inside the box	6
High claims	2
Punches	4

The £73k-a-week Madrid ace also caught the eye earlier in the competition, being lauded as “extraordinary” by CBS Sports’ Nico Cantor courtesy of an impressive performance against RB Leipzig in the round of 16.

With Villa looking to return to the Champions League next season, it would be wise to bring in a goalkeeper who is proven at the highest level, and Lunin clearly fits the bill, given his performances for Madrid.

County successfully appeals “disproportionate” punishment for outsized bat during Blast match

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2024

An aerial view of New Road•Getty Images

Worcestershire have received a suspended two-points deduction for the next season’s Vitality Blast, after their allrounder, Josh Cobb, was deemed to have used an illegally-sized bat in their North Group match with Durham in July.Cobb admitted a breach of ECB Directives 3.2 and 3.3 after his bat failed a bat-gauge test during the Durham match, at which stage he had not yet faced a delivery. The Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) adjudicator originally imposed a straight points deduction, but this was amended on appeal to a suspended penalty, which will be imposed if Worcestershire commit a further breach of this nature.It is the second such penalty to be levelled in county cricket this summer, following the 12-point deduction that Essex were last month handed in the County Championship, following Feroz Khushi’s breach of the regulations during their opening fixture of the season, against Nottinghamshire in April.Essex issued a scathing riposte to that verdict, with Keith Fletcher, the club president, decrying it as “stupid”, not least because it wrecked the club’s hopes of challenging for the County Championship, with their final match of the season, at home to Surrey – who have already been crowned champions – taking place this week.Worcestershire were similarly aghast at the original verdict, and explained in their appeal that the loss of two points could mean the difference between reaching the knock-outs of the Vitality Blast and an early elimination.”Being docked points next year potentially/effectively puts a club of our size, with our resources, out of contention for qualification to the later rounds in 2025,” the club wrote to the adjudicator, Chris Tickle. “This has an impact on next year’s squad, coaching team, sponsors and, therefore, the club’s finances. This impact is potentially devastating to us and is disproportionate.”In his amended verdict, Tickle wrote: “Given those circumstances, I am persuaded that it is in the interests of justice to review my decision.”Dave Lewis, the interim director of the Cricket Regulator, said: “I am pleased that we were able to work with Worcestershire CCC and the Cricket Discipline Commission and that the adjudicator was able to reconsider their original decision in this case.”We also note that this is the second oversized bat case this year, and the Cricket Regulator will be working with counties, players, and officials to inform them about the issue with a view to preventing a recurrence next season.”The Cricket Regulator is the independent body which enforces the rules for domestic professional cricket as well as working to educate participants and prevent potential breaches. The Cricket Regulator investigates and prosecutes cases but does not decide on any penalties.The Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) is the independent adjudication body which hears cases, rules on responsibility for breaches of rules and issues penalties to teams and participants.

It’s been another quiet week at Ibrox for Rangers, although is that about to change?

So far, the most noteworthy Rangers event of the past few days was Cyriel Dessers’ goal for Nigeria, on target on Wednesday in a friendly tournament against West African rivals Ghana.

Elsewhere, on Tuesday, Rangers confirmed they will face Club Brugge and Middlesbrough in pre-season friendlies at Ibrox in July but, for now at least, there’s still no news as to who will be in charge for those games, or indeed, more importantly, the start of Champions League qualification either.

Well, 95 days on from Philippe Clement’s sacking, could the 49ers finally be about to land their new manager?

Rangers ramping up managerial hunt

A whole host of names have been linked with a move to the Ibrox dugout in recent months, with fierce speculation suggesting Steven Gerrard could be on his way back to Scotland after a failed stint in Saudi Arabia.

Also of interest to the Rangers hierarchy are the likes of Russell Martin and Brian Priske. Yet, there’s another name who looks like he may be edging closer to filling the vacancy.

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According to a report by Guillem Balague for BBC Sport, the Rangers hierarchy have ‘held fresh talks’ with Davide Ancelotti this week, adding that ‘further discussions’ are scheduled to take place ‘over the next few days’.

Davide has been a long-time assistant to his father Carlo, working at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid.

This month, Carlo left los Blancos by mutual consent to become the new Brazil manager and, at his unveiling, he confirmed “Davide is currently in negotiations with a European team… if he goes to a club, I wish him the best, and if not, he can come back to us.”

Now, it appears increasingly likely that Ancelotti will become the new Rangers head coach, with former Rangers manager Mark Warburton saying that, should he take the job, it would be a “huge step up”, going from being an assistant to occupying the “number one role”.

Well, speaking to STV, Guillem Balague believes Davide to be one of the “most sought-after assistants” in world football, firmly believing he will be a success at Ibrox, so would his arrival be great news for a certain Rangers stalwart?

Why Ancelotti can reignite Tavernier's Rangers career

When James Tavernier joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic for a reported £200k in 2015, the Light Blues were still an SPFL Championship club.

Fair to say, a lot has changed in the subsequent decades, and this has proved to be, inarguably, one of the bargains of the century.

To date, Tavernier has made 513 appearances for the club, only ten men have accumulated more in a Rangers jersey, as the table below outlines.

John Greig

1961-78

755

Sandy Jardine

1964-82

674

Ally McCoist

1983-98

581

Sandy Archibald

1917-34

580

David Meiklejohn

1919-36

563

Dougie Gray

1925-46

555

Derek Johnstone

1970-86

546

Davie Cooper

1977-89

540

Peter McCloy

1970-85

535

Ian McColl

1945-60

526

James Tavernier

2015-present

513

Tavernier captained Rangers to the Premiership title in 2020/21, subsequently lifting the League Cup and Scottish Cup too, as well as being the talismanic figure en route to the Europa League Final three seasons ago, scoring seven times during the knockout phase.

However, he has come in for some criticism this season, with Nick McPheat of BBC Sport questioning if he is ‘no longer first choice’, while interim manager Barry Ferguson trialled him as both a centre-back, as part of a back three, as well as at wing-back.

Nevertheless, if Davide’s playing style is at all akin to that of his father, a fluid approach that encourages maximum creativity, this appointment could reinvigorate Tavernier.

Right-back Dani Carvajal was such a prominent attacking figure for Real Madrid, so let’s asses how he compares to Tavernier, with the caveat that the Spanish international has not featured since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Villarreal in early-October.

Goals

5

1

Assists

13

1

Big chances created

20

0

Goals

24

6

Assists

12

5

Big chances created

19

4

Goals

18

0

Assists

10

5

Big chances created

14

4

Goals

18

1

Assists

17

4

Big chances created

18

7

As the table outlines, Tavernier’s attacking output has been absolutely off the scale, notably registering 52 assists since the 2021/22 campaign. Taking you back to that point about an Ancelotti side favouring creativity and you can begin to see why he could take quite a liking to the Gers captain.

While Carvajal’s’s numbers are not quite so astronomical, Tobi Peter of Breaking the Lines documents that his ‘attacking contributions are crucial’ for Real Madrid.

So, with the incoming Ancelotti likely to want his full-back to operate high and wide, this could be exactly the appointment 33-year-old Tavernier needs to reinvigorate his career in Govan.

Same agent as Gerrard: Rangers want cheap deal to sign £1m int'l defender

He could arrive with the potential new manager.

ByTom Cunningham May 28, 2025

GOAL US writers debate USMNT's victory over Costa Rica, chances in semifinals and where Canada go next

That was easy and not-even-remotely stressful, right? The USMNT showed simultaneously just how good and bad they can be over 90 minutes and penalties Sunday night. They gave away two awfully soft goals, scored two pretty good ones, and had a chance to win a penalty shootout before throwing it away.

In the end, they survived and advanced, and they have a guy in goal who went to Harvard to thank.

The good news is that they're in the the Gold Cup semifinals for a record 17th time. And let's face it, tournament play is about riding your fortune, putting in a few good performances, and seeing where you go from there.

Mauricio Pochettino's side might have been handed another lifeline in Guatemala's win over Canada. Jesse Marsch's men crumbled after being shown a first-half red card, and deserved no less than their penalty defeat. It's a bad look for the manager, who spoke so often about his desire to take Canada all the way.

Meanwhile, Mexico got the job done. They didn't exactly look flashy against Saudi Arabia, but it's hard to argue with the result. There's now the real potential for a USMNT-Mexico final (which might be what we all wanted anyway). But are there any further twists to come? And are Mexico now the favorites, period?

GOAL US writers debate it all in the latest edition of… The Rondo.

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  Did the USMNT deserve to beat Costa Rica?

  Tom Hindle: Bloody hell, who knows? If the whole game was simply the first 15 minutes following half time, then absolutely. But the U.S. showed why they're a bit of a young team still feeling their way. Over the course of 90 minutes plus pens, they just about edged it. But there was certainly some good fortune involved. What is it that Americans say, though? Survive and advance? Yeah, that.

  Jacob Schneider: They absolutely did. They were the better team most of the match, and if Malik Tillman scores his regulation penalty, the odds are that it's an entirely different game – and the U.S. puts it to bed early. Good performance from Diego Luna, Tillman and, of course, Matt Freese in goal.

  Ryan Tolmich: Deserve? Yes. Were they fortunate? Also yes. The U.S. made several mistakes that tend to get punished on the international level, but Costa Rica weren't decisive enough to make them pay the price. At this stage of a competition, you can't concede penalties, you have to make your penalties, you have to protect your leads AND – when given a chance to win a shootout – you have to take it. The U.S. failed on all of those fronts, but still had the quality and steel necessary to figure it out in the end. Can they ride that type of luck forever? Certainly not, but they earned their own luck by continuously responding to adversity.

  Alex Labidou: Honestly, no. But this is where quality speaks, and the U.S.'s top players all performed, from Diego Luna to Matt Freese. Landon Donovan might have oversold it, as it is too early to determine if Freese is a star. But he very well could be a starter for the U.S. at goal. Availability is often one of the most underappreciated traits in sports, and unfortunately for Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen – neither of whom are on this current roster – it may mean one or both miss out on next summer's main event.

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  How do you rate the performance overall?

  TH: Pretty good, given that Max Arfsten couldn't decide if he was playing for or against the USMNT for most of the 90 minutes. Malik Tillman and Diego Luna were really rather good throughout, as was Chris Richards at the back. There are certainly some question marks. Patrick Agyemang is way too raw, and Brian White can't be trusted as a starting No. 9. But otherwise, this was a solid performance. Good enough to beat a better team, though? Nah.

  JS: Self-inflicted wounds haunted the USMNT throughout the match. Two errors from Arfsten allowed Costa Rica to score, but the Crew fullback rebounded with a goal and an assist. Overall, the positives outweighed the negatives, considering the squad makeup and the nature of the match. If there was one area to question, it would be perhaps not starting John Tolkin over Arfsten, and the timing of substitutions from Pochettino. The Argentine waited awfully long to make a sub, and it ultimately proved to be costly with Costa Rica's late equalizer.

  RT: So-so? There were some positives. Luna's determination, Tillman's resolve, half of what Arfsten did. There were bad things, too: Tillman's initial miss, the defending on the second goal, the other half of what Arfsten did. In this game, you lose points for mistakes, but you can earn them back by responding. So credit to the U.S. for never letting their heads drop. For Pochettino, seeing that will be as sweet as seeing any goal.

  AL: The U.S. might be counting their lucky stars that Freese had an other-worldly showing in the penalty showing, but they can't afford to keep having some of the defensive lapses. Odds are, Guatemala aren't good enough to capitalize on those, but expect Mexico to do so. Pochettino has some difficult lineup decisions to make. On one end Arfsten clearly offers the wing play that this team so desperately lacks, but he was responsible for all four goals scored in this contest. He wasn't the only culprit, but as this team goes forward, it might need some tinkering to provide more stability in the back.

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  Surely, the U.S. won't lose to Guatemala, right?

  TH: Nah, there's no way… 2-1 Guatemala. Book it.

  JS: The U.S. should, theoretically, handily defeat Guatemala. They're a squad with confidence right now, sure, but there's no scenario on paper in which the USMNT doesn't walk away with a victory. It would take a total disaster – defensive errors, a red card or something of the sort – to imagine Guatemala walking away with a victory. But hey, look at what Guatemala did to Canada. So who knows.

  RT: The path has certainly opened up for them.Guatemala earned their victory over Canada, who were nowhere near decisive enough, so the U.S. will now fancy their chances. Canada, though, had an opportunity to win in the end, despite being down a man, showing the quality gap between the two sides. As long as the U.S. avoid catastrophic mistakes, they'll be favored. But again, Canada showed how easily a team can slip if mistakes are made.

  AL: Stranger things have happened, but no. It's looking like a USMNT vs Mexico final. Again. CONCACAF is likely thanking its lucky stars.

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  How bad was Canada's loss for Jesse Marsch?

  TH: Well… yikes! Jesse Marsch now looks a bit foolish for throwing shade at the USMNT for the best part of 18 months. They will be back, but this seemed to be their chance to win it all. The drought goes on.

  JS: For Canada, woof. Jacob Shaffelburg is suspended for at least one game at next summer's FIFA World Cup, and Marsch missed another trophy opportunity for Les Rouges. Sure, they were without a few starters, but even then, Canada were favorites to lift the Gold Cup. Had it been a Canada vs USMNT semifinal, it would have been difficult to not see Marsch's side winning. So much for that.

  RT: It shows how fine the margins are these days. Yes, Mexico, Canada and the U.S. are all top dogs in this region, but the teams behind them are no longer puppies. Teams such as Honduras and Guatemala can now threaten, and that says nothing of the usual B-tier that includes Panama, Jamaica and Costa Rica. CONCACAF has gotten better and, based on these rosters, the Big Three are actually a bit worse – which is why every game can be tight. Canada played it too close to the margins. Unfortunately for Marsch, the penalty gods weren't on their side and their tournament ended earlier than anyone could have expected. It's a back-breaking blow for a team that really believed they could earn respect, and maybe a trophy, this summer. Instead, they're the first of the Big Three to be watching from home.

  AL: Marsch has been a much-needed shot in the arm for a Canada program that has been mired in both financial issues and controversy over the drone scandal at the 2024 Olympics. However, even he would likely acknowledge there were some missteps in this Gold Cup. You have to wonder if the suspension Marsch served as a result of the Nations League third-place game played a role in halting momentum. This was a legitimate chance for Les Rouges to win a trophy that would propel them forward. Now questions will linger over this team in the months ahead. However, if Marsch can learn from this, continue to integrate recent recruits such as Promise David and Daniel Jebbison, and get Alphonso Davies back at full strength, Canada can still make noise next year. Let's not forget, they're hosting games at the World Cup.