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It’s likely to impact the confidence of other teams due to tour Pakistan over the coming months

Danyal Rasool04-Mar-2021It’s difficult to overestimate the impact of Thursday’s dramatic developments for Pakistan cricket. The decision to indefinitely postpone the Pakistan Super League strikes at the heart of one of the most salient buds of optimism that had begun to pervade cricket in the country. It throws a T20 franchise competition that didn’t exist five years ago, and rose to become arguably the world’s second-most valuable league of its kind, into some jeopardy; the possibility, at least, that this season may never be completed looks the likeliest scenario.Since Fawad Ahmed tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week, organisers scrambled to try and get a potential outbreak under control, but it was already too late. Further cases were discovered at several different franchises, meaning the league wasn’t just dealing with one outbreak, but any number of them. The decision, taken late on Wednesday to vaccinate all participants, in the desperate hope it would stop the outbreak in its track, looked neither feasible nor scientific; vaccination takes weeks to have an impact. On Thursday morning, when further cases at various franchises turned up, the inevitable happened: the league was off.Compared to last year’s postponement when the pandemic first hit, this is different – and by an order of magnitude – more damaging on two counts. To the PCB’s credibility as a board that can responsibly organise cricket during a pandemic, and to the chances of this season ever being completed. Little was known about the virus when one player displayed symptoms and tested positive last year, and even less about the measures necessary to prevent an outbreak. Cricket across most of the world was being called off, and the PCB was desperately trying to get through the final few games of 2020’s season, even getting rid of the playoffs to try and shave a few days off the competition’s length. Even when the season had to be postponed, there was an inevitability it would be back on at some point; there were only four games remaining, and with most teams unable to play almost any cricket due to global restrictions, there would always be time to carve out a week-long window.Related

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There will be lesser sympathy, and even fewer excuses, this time. PCB CEO Wasim Khan said on Thursday the players and franchises needed to take individual responsibility, but expect that responsibility to be passed around between the league, the franchises, the officials and the board over the coming days. It has been observed throughout the world that without effective centralised standard operating procedures that are enforced, cracks invariably appear. For a virus that spreads collectively through populations, quixotic expectations of individual responsibility don’t cut it.The PCB will have had the best part of nine months to analyse how the likes of England, India, the UAE and New Zealand pulled off extended cricket events in their countries without much of a hitch, and cautionary tales with regards to how England’s tour of South Africa last year panned out. They will have had the chance to consult doctors, pandemic experts and sports organisers. Test and tracing procedures will have been fine-tuned, isolation protocols perfected. With the experiences of others who have had success in staging complex, lengthy cricket tours, the PCB will have backed themselves to possess the professionalism and expertise to follow in those footsteps.With PSL 2021 indefinitely postponed, it’s time for the broadcasters to pack their equipment up•Getty ImagesThe failure to do that is likely to impact the confidence of other boards whose cricket teams are due to tour Pakistan over the coming months. There was great excitement in Pakistan over a two-match T20I series England were due to play just before the T20 World Cup. Whether they opt to do that now, and potentially expose their players days before the start of the world’s biggest T20 event is a much bigger doubt, now.A New Zealand tour later this year was also pencilled in, but that country’s confidence in Pakistan’s pandemic protocols was already at a low following the eventful – and at times bitter – three weeks Pakistan spent in quarantine in New Zealand, leading to the Director General of Health berating the side for violating safety protocols, and veiled threats of deportation. What has transpired in the PSL over the past few weeks is unlikely to have bolstered confidence that Pakistan has learned lessons from what happened there.With a congested international window coming up that stretches right through to next year’s PSL, it isn’t yet obvious when the PCB can find the time, not to mention the availability, of most of their star foreign players to viably conduct this tournament. The T20 World Cup in October and November means the window that was used last year doesn’t exist.Another possible avenue to go down is to conduct the remainder of the competition in May. That has the considerable disadvantage of clashing with the latter stages of the Indian Premier League, with which no T20 competition can currently compete for eyeballs and financial might. However, fewer than ten players who are part of the PSL are also scheduled to play the IPL, meaning if the PCB went down that route, player unavailability might not be as significant a concern as at first it appears.Laughed at, even as a concept, five years ago, because Pakistan weren’t able to play these matches in front of its home crowd, the PSL survived those nascent years, and games gradually trickled their way back to Pakistan. Last year, with the entire league played in Pakistan to overflowing crowds, it looked like fate had been kind, even to Pakistan, of all countries. Unbeknownst to all involved, an incipient threat, one far more potent than security concerns or TV viewership figures, was awakening from its slumber. Enter the Covid-19 pandemic.Being compelled to organise the latter stages of last season – and then played in front of no crowds in Pakistan – was a cruel twist of fate for a league whose for returning to Pakistan was to avoid empty stadia. Following that, the PCB established what it believed were stringent security protocols, and conducted its fullest home season in over a decade, albeit not without some alarm bells. It looked like the PSL would pass off with just a few problems, but little could be further from the truth.

2025 will be a much-needed year of mass-change at Everton.

Last Sunday, the Toffees waved goodbye to Goodison Park, their home since 1892, following a 2-0 victory over Southampton, with Iliman Ndiaye the scorer of both goals.

Meanwhile, this year, David Moyes has returned as manager, 12 years after departing for Manchester United, while the Friedkin Group have taken over as the new owners, bringing to an end the miserable Farhad Moshiri era.

So, before moving into their brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, will the Toffees sign one of Britain’s most highly-rated wingers?

Everton targeting a historic move

According to a report by Paul Joyce, of The Times, Everton are eyeing up a move for Ben Doak this summer to bolster their options in the wide areas.

The journalist claims that the Toffees are ‘showing an interest’ in the Scotland international, as Moyes plots a controversial move for the flanker.

The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough from… wait for it… Liverpool, which would certainly make this a historic move, as the table below outlines.

Abel Xavier

2002

Nick Barmby

2000

Dave Hickson

1959

Tony McNamara

1957

John Heydon

1949

Gary Ablett

1992

Peter Beardsley

1991

Alan Harper

1983

Kevin Sheedy

1982

David Johson

1982

Johnny Morrissey

1962

Jimmy Payne

1956

As the table shows, not since Gary Ablett 33 years ago have Everton bought a player from Liverpool, but could that be about to change?

How Ben Doak would improve Everton

Aside from the trio of relegated clubs, Everton are the lowest scorers in this season’s Premier League with just 41, so they certainly require more attacking firepower.

Back in March, Moyes stated that he required more “assists and goals” from wingers Jesper Lindstrøm and Jack Harrison, and the latter duly responded to this call to arms, opening the scoring against Wolves at Molineux the next day.

Nevertheless, this remains Harrison’s only goal of the season; his most recent before that came against Tottenham all the way back on 3 February 2024, underlining that this is a department in which the Blues could upgrade.

So, let’s asses how he compares to target Doak.

Appearances

37

24

Minutes

2,091

1,789

Goals

1

3

Assists

1

7

Shots on target %

25%

51.9%

Goals – xG

-2.5

-1.4

Big chances created

6

7

Progressive carries

71

134

Attempted take-ons

74

99

Take-on success %

31.1%

35.4%

Carries into penalty area

16

80

Shot-creating actions

56

82

Goal-creating actions

4

11

Touches per 90

42

47

Average Sofascore Rating

6.69

7.03

As the table outlines, even though he played around 300 fewer minutes, largely due to a season-ending thigh injury suffered in early-March, Doak’s statistics are universally more impressive than Harrison’s, with the caveat that he was playing in the EFL Championship which, according to Global Football Rankings, is the 11th strongest league in the world.

Doak was, without question, one of the best dribblers in the Championship this season, as highlighted in the table.

Minutes

1,778

270th

Progressive carries

134

8th

Attempted take-ons

99

26th

Carries into penalty area

80

2nd

As the table below emphasises, despite limited minutes, Doak’s dribbling prowess came to the fore his season, with only Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony, who played almost 1,900 more minutes, registering more carries into the opposition penalty area.

This has earned the Scotland international rave reviews, with journalist Henry Winter labelling him a “huge prospect”, former Liverpool Danny Murphy midfield described him as a “super quick, explosive winger,” while Ange Postecoglou, who gave him his senior debut at Celtic, called him a “fantastic kid”.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes he is an ‘old fashioned winger’ who is ‘capable’ of playing on both flanks, and possess ‘elite technical abilities’.

Thus, it is indisputable that Doak is a massive talent who would improve Everton.

Whether they’d be able to do a deal with Liverpool to secure his services is another question entirely!

Moyes already has Everton's Doucoure replacement in future "top PL player"

With Abdoulaye Doucouré set to leave Everton after Sunday’s visit to Newcastle, does David Moyes already have a ready-made replacement?

ByBen Gray May 23, 2025

South Africa are hopeful Quinton de Kock will remain available to play white-ball international cricket and realise his dream of winning a World Cup, as they are yet to receive news of his T20I retirement. De Kock called time on Tests in 2021 and ended his 50-over career at last year’s ODI World Cup. The T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA was expected to be his last T20I outing but national white-ball coach Rob Walter hopes there may be more to come from de Kock.”Quinny’s an enigma. He hasn’t officially called time. So we have that little glimmer of hope that sits in the background,” Walter said on arrival in South Africa on Thursday. “Quinny has very high standards for himself and has dreamed about a World Cup win for a very long time. Has had a number of knocks along the way, not least this last final, You would have seen that he was very emotional with it. Whether we see him again, time will tell.”Related

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Walter has not broached the subject with de Kock yet and will not have to for some time. South Africa’s next T20Is are in West Indies in August but de Kock is not on their national contract list and therefore not obliged to be available for those, or any other international games, but that will not compromise his selection in future.As was the case with de Kock at this World Cup, when he was picked without playing the preceding series against India in December as he was at the BBL, national availability is no longer a non-negotiable ahead of big tournaments. That means de Kock may still come into contention for the 2026 T20 World Cup as long as he remains active on the league circuit.”I’ve had no conversations with him. It wasn’t the right time after the final to have that conversation,” Walter said. “So let me leave it at saying your guess is as good as mine.”Luckily for Walter, the other likely retiree, David Miller, has left no one guessing over his future. Miller confirmed his availability for South Africa in an Instagram story when he said: “Contrary to reports, I have not retired from T20 international cricket. I will continue to be available for the Proteas. The best is yet to come.”The wording of Miller’s post suggests he will also continue playing ODIs, which is important considering there remains a question of whether de Kock would consider an ODI U-turn, with the 2027 home World Cup in mind. If so, he may come into consideration for next year’s Champions Trophy which is crucial to kicking off long-term preparations for the next ODI World Cup and presents another opportunity for South Africa to get their hands on a long-awaited trophy. Incidentally, it is the only ICC senior cup South Africa have won, in 1998.”I think people underestimate the toughness of the Champions Trophy. For me, that’s as strong a competition as any,” Walter said. “Hopefully we continue to grow as a side and just keep putting ourselves in a position where we can compete. I said last year after the 50-over World Cup, I genuinely believed that semi-final would be the catalyst to us winning our first world trophy. And nothing’s changed. We probably believe that even stronger now.”Quinton de Kock and Rishabh Pant have a chat after the final•Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Walter identified the team’s ability to stay in the game under pressure, which has historically not been the case, as the biggest improvement in his time in charge. “We’ve progressed, no doubt about that. This last World Cup, the team won small moments which in the past, potentially, haven’t gone our way. There was huge resilience, we showed a large skill set and we encountered very different conditions from the start in New York to the back end of the competition so it showed great versatility as well. For me, the team is ever-growing. We’ve made strides, but by no means the finished article.”South Africa, as a nation, have now reached successive T20 World Cup finals thanks to their women’s and men’s team and director of cricket Enoch Nkwe called it a “massive mindset shift,” to get there.”Reaching two finals in a short period of time goes to show the buy-in, not only from the two teams, but also from a system point of view. There’s been quite a lot of work that’s been done and builds towards this moment. We’re heading in the right direction. From a women’s point of view, the eyes have always been on the 2025 Cricket World Cup. And from a men’s point of view, 2027. This will definitely go a long way and give us that belief in the system that we can actually achieve according to this system.”Currently, South Africa’s women’s team are in India, where they will play three T20Is in final preparation for the October World Cup, while the men’s team are on a break until early August, when their World Test Championship fixtures resume. Of the T20 World Cup squad, only Keshav Maharaj, Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi returned home with the rest either at the MLC or the Lanka Premier League.

Captain bats through another innings unbeaten before Mills and Briggs extinguish Fire

ECB Media05-Aug-2024

James Vince stands tall and drags leg-side•PA Images via Getty Images

Southern Brave 139 for 5 (Vince 73*) beat Welsh Fire 97 (Mills 4-16, Briggs 3-14) by 42 runsSouthern Brave made it four wins from five in the Hundred this year by thrashing Welsh Fire at Sophia Gardens.James Vince’s match-winning 73 from 50 balls in the first innings set Fire 140 to win, and the home side never threatened to reach the target. The Brave ended the night top of the table.Jofra Archer missed his second game of the competition, with the ECB managing his workload closely, but the Brave cruised to victory regardless.”It was nice to get the win,” Vince said. “Batting first, we found it quite tricky. but at halfway you never quite know until both sides have batted. The way we bowled throughout, but particularly up front, was fantastic and proved it was reasonably tough out there.”The Fire won the toss and elected to field first, but the Brave’s batters worked well in partnerships with Alex Davies, Leus du Plooy and Kieron Pollard all supporting the in-form Vince’s superb 73 not out, which included seven fours and three sixes.A Chris Jordan cameo in the final 10 balls featured a 98-metre six, before he fell to the last ball, skying David Payne and being well caught by David Willey.Overseas quicks Haris Rauf (2 for 22) and Matt Henry (1 for 20) were the standout bowlers for Welsh Fire, with the home side hoping conditions under the lights might favour a big chase.Danny Briggs celebrates a breakthrough with his captain

But Luke Wells and Jonny Bairstow struggled to get opening bowlers Akeal Hosein and Craig Overton away, with just 29 scored from the first 30 balls and the bowlers making life difficult with significant swing.Both opening batters then fell in quick succession as the Brave took control, with Tymal Mills (4 for 16), Danny Briggs (3 for 14) and Jordan (2 for 19) running through the Fire’s batting order to seal a very comfortable victory.”Our bowlers have dovetailed really well: Akeal and Craig with the new ball and then CJ and Tymal through the back end,” Vince said. “They’ve done it so many times and we are in nice rhythm at the minute. The bowlers have been fantastic and I think the batters did a good job on that pitch as well.”

كسر فينسنت كومباني، مدرب نادي بايرن ميونخ صمته وعلق على إمكانية عودة هاري كين إلى صفوف توتنهام هوتسبير خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي العام المقبل.

كين سوف ينتهي عقده مع نادي بايرن ميونخ بنهاية الموسم المقبل، ولم يتم توقيع عقد جديد بين اللاعب والفريق البافاري حتى هذه اللحظة.

وورد أن نادي توتنهام يمتلك خيار إعادة شراء كين من جديد، وذلك في العقد الموقع مع بايرن ميونخ.

وكان مدرب توتنهام ، توماس فرانك، رحب بفكرة عودة كين إلى السبيرز من جديد وأنه سوف يكون سعيدًا إذا عمل مع ابن الـ32 عامًا.

أقرأ أيضًا .. رئيس جالطة سراي يتحدي ليفربول: سنهدي جماهيرنا فوزًا عظيمًا

وأشار كومباني في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “مترو” إلى أن كين يجب أن يكون واضحًا مع إدارة بايرن ميونخ إذا أراد العودة إلى توتنهام.

وقال كومباني: “إنه يمر بمرحلة ممتازة، وآخر ما أريد فعله هو فتح الباب أمام نقاش مختلف حول فكرة رحيله عن بايرن ميونخ”.

وأضاف كومباني في حديثه عن كين: ”الشيء الوحيد الذي أراه دائمًا مع هاري هو رغبته في الفوز بالألقاب وهو قادر على ذلك في بايرن ميونخ، هذا هو التركيز الوحيد”.

ثم أوضح المدير الرياضي لبايرن ميونخ، ماكس إيبرل عن مصير كين: “أعتقد أنه في سنه لا يزال يحرز تقدمًا كبيرًا كشخصية على أرض الملعب”.

وأردف: ”في توتنهام بالطبع كنا نعرفه جميعًا من خلال تسجيله للأهداف، لكنني أعتقد أن أسلوب لعبه الحالي في هذا الفريق، ليس فقط من حيث تسجيل الأهداف بل كلاعب وقائد في الملعب والتضحية بنفسه من أجل الفريق وهذا يظهر ما كنت أقوله”.

وتابع: ”إنه في سن يسمح له باتخاذ قراراته بنفسه سواء كان لديه بند في عقده أم لا، إذا قال أريد اتخاذ قرار كما فعل في توتنهام، فسيتخذه، لكننا نتمنى بالطبع أن نحقق معه موسمًا ناجحًا للغاية وفي المستقبل”.

 

عبّر الألماني ماتياس يايسله، المدير الفني لفريق الأهلي، عن فخره الكبير بأداء لاعبيه عقب العودة التاريخية من تأخر بثلاثية نظيفة إلى تعادل مثير 3-3 أمام الهلال، في قمة الجولة المسماة “عزّنا بطبعنا” من الدوري السعودي، مساء أمس الجمعة.

وأوضح يايسله في المؤتمر الصحفي عقب اللقاء أن البداية جاءت قوية من جانب فريقه، حيث أجبر الهلال على التراجع خلال أول ربع ساعة بفضل أسلوب الضغط العالي، لكن أخطاء فردية في التغطية الدفاعية سمحت لـ الزعيم بالتقدم بثلاثة أهداف، قبل أن ينجح الأهلي في العودة بقوة في الشوط الثاني.

ونقلت صحيفة “الرياضية” تصريحات يايسله والتي قال فيها: “الأهداف التي استقبلناها جاءت من سوء تغطية دفاعية وإصابة غير متوقعة لمجرشي، لكنني كنت واثقًا من إمكانية العودة، عززنا الحدة في الثنائيات، وخلقنا فرصًا عديدة حتى سجلنا ثلاثة أهداف أمام منافس بحجم الهلال”.

طالع أيضًا | فيديو | الأهلي يخطف تعادلًا مثيرًا من الهلال في الدوري السعودي

وأضاف يايسله أن إيمانه بقدرة فريقه على تحقيق ما وصفه بـ “المعجزة” لم يتزعزع، مشددًا على أن الاستمرار في الضغط العالي كان الخيار الوحيد لقلب النتيجة، كما نفى وجود أزمة في مركز المحور داخل الفريق، مؤكدًا: “الأهلي يملك قائمة متكاملة ولا نعتمد على لاعب واحد”.

وعن الدفع بالبرازيلي ماتيوس جونسالفيس منذ البداية، أوضح يايسله: “مشاركته جاءت تتويجًا لجهده في التدريبات، ورأيت أنه يستحق التواجد أساسيًا”.

كما خص يايسله جماهير الأهلي برسالة تقدير، بعدما رفعت “تيفو” ضخمًا يحمل صورته في المدرجات، قائلاً: “أشعر دائمًا بدعم هذا الجمهور العظيم، والتيفو دليل إضافي على ذلك”.

واختتم المدرب تصريحاته بالتطلع إلى حصد لقب بطولة كأس إفريقيا وآسيا والمحيط الهادي أمام بيراميدز المصري يوم الثلاثاء المقبل، مؤكدًا أن الهدف واضح: “نريد التتويج بالبطولة لأننا نمثل الوطن ونسعى لرفع اسمه عاليًا”.

Sheffield United look as if they’ll be narrowly missing out on automatic promotion at the very top of the Championship with their opponents on Easter Monday in Scott Parker’s Burnley perhaps clinching a return to the Premier League at their expense.

Indeed, the Clarets can seal an immediate return to the promised land of the top-flight if they beat the travelling Blades, with Leeds United also only one victory away if Burnley get the job done against Chris Wilder’s men and they win themselves.

The South Yorkshire titans don’t have the most glittering record when it comes to the lottery of the playoffs unfortunately, with the Blades losing out during their last five playoff adventures, away from triumphantly managing to go up via the more drama-free top-two.

Wilder has only ever got his side up via these automatic spots, with other bosses such as the passionate Neil Warnock also clinching a passage up to the top-flight at the end of the 2005/06 season without the agony of the playoffs courtesy of Phil Jagielka’s heroics at the back.

Jagielka's heroics at Sheffield United

Before Jagielka went on to cement himself as a Premier League regular at Everton, the Blades youth product would initially make a name for himself at his boyhood side.

The 40-time England international amassed a whopping 305 appearances for United across two spells, with his efforts at the back during the aforementioned 05/06 campaign more than helping his team leap up to the top-flight, having bagged a sizeable eight goals as a titan defensively.

He went on to help himself to a further four goals the following campaign even whilst Warnock’s men tragically fell straight back down to the EFL, leading to Everton swooping in to land the 5 foot 11 defender to make him a recognised name in the big time.

Amazingly, Wilder might well be brewing United’s next Jagielka now during the dramatic promotion run-in.

Chalkboard

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

Sheffield United's modern-day Jagielka

Wilder has shown this campaign that he’s unafraid to make a team selection that throws the cat amongst the pigeons, with faces such as £10m striker Tom Cannon regularly left out.

Last time out in the second tier, the Blades boss even left out ex-Liverpool defender Jack Robinson to gift Crystal Palace loanee Rob Holding a start, a decision that was immediately vindicated when assessing his top display against Cardiff City.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

70

Accurate passes

58/61 (95%)

Accurate long balls

11/14

Clearances

4

Blocked shots

1

Tackles

1

Total duels won

4/8

The brand-new United number five was calm and controlled on the ball throughout, particularly considering it was just his second league start since a January switch.

That was epitomised by his pass completion rate, with only three of his 61 passes missing their intended target during his time on the field.

Moreover, he also battled well against the relegation-threatened Bluebirds with four clearances tallied up alongside four duels being successfully won, leading to Wilder lauding the ex-Arsenal man as “outstanding” post-match.

As a result, the club may well have unearthed their next version of Jagielka. That’s considering Holding – much like his now retired counterpart – has a wealth of top-flight experience under his belt, having amassed 162 appearances for the Gunners in total away from injury issues.

With discussions centring in on the fact United could try to tie down Holding to a permanent deal, Wilder would love for the 29-year-old – like Jagielka – to continue putting in stern displays when called upon to try and clinch promotion.

Worth more than Ballard: Sheffield United have hit gold on "dominant" star

Sheffield United already have a dominant performer defensively in this standout star.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 16, 2025

da bwin： When Liverpool beat West Ham United, responding after losing against Fulham one week earlier, it felt like a corner had been turned. Perhaps that defeat at Craven Cottage was the final twist in the overtures of a certain Premier League triumph.

da bet7： The ribbons will turn red this season. Later this afternoon, Liverpool have the chance to win the top-flight title against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, should they return to winning ways on the road and second-placed Arsenal fall at Ipswich Town earlier in the day.

Though Mikel Arteta’s attention is almost solely focused on the continental stage, this feels improbable, if not out of the question. In any case, it’s a matter of when, not if, Arne Slot will join an exclusive list of managers to lift the Premier League trophy on their first attempt.

Managers Who Won Premier League in 1st Season

Season

Manager

Club

2004/05

Jose Mourinho

Chelsea

2009/10

Carlo Ancelotti

Chelsea

2013/14

Manuel Pellegrini

Man City

2016/17

Antonio Conte

Chelsea

Sourced via GIVEMESPORT

Leicester might be doomed but they still have quality in attack and will look to capitalise on any Liverpool complacency.

Liverpool team news

Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in first-team training after his ankle injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield last month.

However, Conor Bradley looks set to reprise his role at right-back, with the under-fire Andy Robertson pushing for a recall after his cameo last week, skewing into his own net off the bench following a mix-up with the skipper.

Joe Gomez remains absent due to an ankle injury, but Darwin Nunez could feature after missing out on Merseyside one week ago.

Nunez might be destined for departure this summer, but his return does boost a Liverpool frontline looking to return to its best.

That’s not to say the Reds have been poor in attack lately, but Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in five games, Diogo Jota and Nunez are out of sorts and Cody Gakpo hasn’t got going again since recovering from injury.

How Slot can respark Liverpool's frontline

Liverpool looked somewhat back to normal last weekend as they secured victory over West Ham, all but sealing the already overwhelming odds in the title race following Arsenal’s draw at Brentford.

Salah, after renewing his contract, produced a stunning trivela assist for Luis Diaz, the one man in Slot’s attack who is very much on form right now.

However, the Egyptian, 32, will be desperate to return his name to the scoresheet as he looks to build on his haul of 32 goals across all competitions

For whatever reason, it’s not quite clicking for Salah in front of goal. But it will again. With Trent not fit enough to start from the outset, Slot might be inclined to unleash Harvey Elliott in midfield, perhaps replacing Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool enjoy the Hungarian’s tireless running but a more fixed creative point could be the perfect solvent of unfluent play in and around the final third.

Having featured prominently under Jurgen Klopp last year during Liverpool’s injury-hit spell, Elliott has played a reduced part since the spinning of the managerial wheel, yet to even start in the Premier League this year. Still he’s got six goal involvements across the different competitions.

And it’s not as if he hasn’t demonstrated his capacities when given a shot. As per FBref, Elliott ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for all of goals, assists and shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.

This perfectly illustrates his ball-playing game and skill in driving into dangerous positions, but most importantly, it underlines his ability to maximise his output when reaching such junctures, something Salah will be eyeing hungrily.

Harvey Elliott in the Premier League (LFC)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

12 (0)

0

1

23/24

34 (11)

3

6

22/23

32 (18)

1

2

21/22

6 (4)

0

0

20/21*

0 (0)

0

0

19/20

2 (0)

0

0

*Spent season on loan at Blackburn

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see, Elliott’s playing a bit part for the first time since his debut campaign, having only featured six times in 2021/22 but starting on four of those occasions before suffering a season-ending injury at Elland Road.

Elliott, described as a “special talent” by Sky Sports’ Neil Mellor, hasn’t played all that much this season, but he has showcased his vast playmaking skills on numerous occasions. For example, Liverpool might have been abject in their Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United, but subs combined to score a late consolation, the young midfielder expertly playing Federico Chiesa through.

Ultimately, claiming that Liverpool are out of sorts simply isn’t true, having won five of their past six Premier League matches, but fans have been frustrated by the lack of spark in the centre at times this term and Elliott surely deserves a starting berth having been limited to full appearances in the cup competitions.

He’s come up trumps on several occasions, notably scoring the winner in the first leg against PSG, but now the £40k-per-week talent needs a chance to show he can pull strings in the Premier League and bring Salah back into goalscoring form.

Salah doesn’t dribble as much as he used to but he’s hardly averse to an electric burst, and with Elliott’s crisp timing, it could be the perfect tonic for his recent struggles to break the net.

Elliott has acknowledged Salah for “teaching him” over the past several years at Liverpool, and now he has the chance to repay his tutor on what could be a momentous day for the Merseysiders.

Leicester won’t want to repeat some of their dismal displays of late, but if Elliott gets into a creative flow and connects with Salah, the Foxes simply won’t have a say in the matter.

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da premier bet： Eyeing one of the moves of the summer, Everton are now reportedly poised to join Liverpool in the race to sign an in-form forward who would instantly replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin closing in on Everton departure

da fazobetai： As things stand, Calvert-Lewin is set to bow out of Merseyside as a free agent when his current Everton contract comes to an end this summer. The forward – once destined for great things – has seen his recent seasons controlled by injuries and looks destined to leave with a whimper rather than the goalscoring roar that Goodison Park hasn’t heard enough in the last few years.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin last 5 seasons

Goals (via Transfermarkt)

2024/25

3

2023/24

8

2022/23

2

2021/22

5

2020/21

21

It remains up for date whether the Toffees will miss Calvert-Lewin like they would have done in the past, especially given how Beto has stepped up since David Moyes’ return to the dugout.

The Everton boss hasn’t hesitated to hand the forward some tough love either, telling reporters earlier this season: “I have seen a difference in him. There’s just a wee bit more eye of the tiger.

“He was rightly praised for his performance at the weekend. I was still saying he should have probably scored a couple more, we talked about that as well. Maybe we need a wee bit of tough love with him. He needs to be told, but also given the confidence and shown what he can do, he’s got all the capabilities.

“If I’m a centre forward, I wouldn’t be complaining about the opportunities the team have made him in the last couple of games. He’s been given three or four really big chances. He’s taken one, we’d like him to take more.”

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Whether they’re better off or not this summer though, Everton must replace Calvert-Lewin if he departs and that has reportedly seen them join a hectic race to sign an impressive forward.

Everton join Liverpool in Liam Delap race

According to TeamTalk, Everton are now poised to battle Liverpool in the race to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town this summer. The former Manchester City youngster reportedly has a relegation release clause worth £40m, which looks almost certain to become available in the coming weeks given that Kieran McKenna’s side sit 12 points adrift of safety in the Premier League.

Whilst Ipswich will likely go down, Delap has done more than enough to earn a permanent place in the top flight and one that Everton can provide this summer. Unlike Liverpool, one advantage that the Toffees could have is the offer of guaranteed game time for Delap, who may not be ready to make such a major step into the top six.

Praised for a “superb” season by talent scout Jacek Kulig after scoring as many as 12 goals in all competitions – nine more than Calvert-Lewin – Delap is undoubtedly one to watch.

There is no escaping from it: this season has been a complete disaster for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are 14th in the Premier League, out of the FA Cup, and while they have a chance of winning the Europa League, it feels incredibly slim.

Moreover, while the Australian has had to deal with a mountain of injuries this year, he had what was almost a full-strength team on Sunday and still lost away to Fulham.

So, following their 19th loss in all competitions over the weekend, it wasn’t a massive surprise to see a whole host of managers linked with the Lilywhites’ job, including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.

The Spaniard has done a marvellous job on the south coast, but what would his dream Spurs lineup look like if he was appointed in the summer and allowed to bring in some new signings?

Games (All Comps)

33

46

Wins

15

21

Draws

8

6

Losses

10

19

Points per Game

1.61

1.50

1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario

Perhaps a couple of months ago, just after Antonín Kinský’s impressive debut against Liverpool, this spot would have at least been up for debate.

However, as time went on, the young Czech shot-stopper made the sort of mistakes you’d expect a young goalkeeper to make, and since he returned from injury, Guglielmo Vicario has reminded everyone just how good he can be.

The Italian is a brilliant shot-stopper, and while he can sometimes make the odd mistake, he’s undoubtedly going to remain Spurs’ number one next season, regardless of who is in the dugout.

2 RB – Djed Spence

The first outfield player in the lineup is one of the few who can come out of this season with his head held high: Djed Spence.

Since he was given a proper chance to prove his worth in December, the “swashbuckling” right-back, as dubbed by Ian Wright, has been one of the Lilywhites’ best players.

Like Pedro Porro, the Englishman can be lethal in attack, but unlike the Spaniard, he can also be trusted to do the defensive side of the role and do it to a high standard as well.

3 CB – Marc Guéhi

Fans might not want to hear this, but based on recent reports, it looks like there is a real chance that Cristian Romero could be on his way to Real Madrid in the summer.

However, while the Argentine would certainly be a loss, Iraola could potentially replace him with the incredible Marc Guéhi, who was the subject of a £70m bid from Spurs in the winter window.

The Englishman might not quite have the pedigree of the World Cup winner, but despite being just 24 years old, the 6 foot titan has already amassed 206 first-team appearances across his career, with 145 of those coming for Palace, 59 with Swansea City and two with Chelsea.

Moreover, he was an integral part of the England side that reached the final of the European Championships in the summer, so he is clearly someone who thrives in high-pressure situations, which could be just what the Lilywhites need.

4 CB – Micky van de Ven

Alongside Guéhi will be the sensational Micky van de Ven, who, when fit, is undoubtedly one of Tottenham’s most important players.

The Dutch international, who respected talent scout Jacek Kulig described as “complete & dominant”, is the perfect defender for a team that want to play aggressive and expressive football, as his record-setting speed means he can get back to stop counter-attacks when other centre-backs simply can’t.

Now, there are still serious question marks over his ability to remain fit, but you’ve got to live in hope, right?

5 LB – Destiny Udogie

Rounding out the defence is another player who has battled with injuries, Destiny Udogie.

It would be fair to say that the Italian international has not had the best of campaigns this season, but it should not be forgotten just how good he was in his first year at the club.

Appearances

58

Starts

55

Minutes

4691′

Goals

2

Assists

4

Points per Game

1.77

In 23/24, the Verona-born “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Travis Levison, made 30 appearances, in which he scored two goals, provided three assists and became the first Tottenham player ever to be nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.

Therefore, it would make sense for Iraola to give him another season to see how he fares in a new system, as the talent there is undeniable.

6 DM – Angel Gomes

Moving into the midfield, the second new face in the lineup is that of LOSC Lille star Angel Gomes.

The Englishman’s contract with the French side expires this summer, meaning he’ll be available for free, and Spurs have made no secret of their admiration for him.

It’s easy to understand why the North Londoners would want to sign the “special” 24-year-old, as dubbed by former manager Jocelyn Gourvennec, as not only can he help mop up opposition attacks at the base of midfield, but he can start his own thanks to his brilliant passing range and impressive ball control.

For example, FBref has placed him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for expected assisted goals and penalty kicks won, the top 3% for goal-creating actions from take-ons, the top 5% for passes into the penalty area and the top 8% for key passes, all per 90.

7 CM – James Maddison

Slotting in just ahead of Gomes will be fellow Englishman James Maddison.

The former Leicester City star can be an incredibly frustrating player at times, someone who can fade out of games, but when he’s on song, the midfielder is undoubtedly one of the most creative and dangerous in the Premier League.

For example, in just 38 appearances this season, the Coventry-born star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.11 games.

8 CM – Dejan Kulusevski

Rounding out the midfield will be arguably Tottenham’s best player, Dejan Kulusevski.

Initially signed as a winger, the “world-class” Swede, as dubbed by Kulig, has been in scintillating form this season, much of which he has spent in the middle of the park.

Appearances

42

Minutes

3054′

Goals

10

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

152.7′

In all, the former Juventus star has scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 42 appearances for the Lilywhites this year, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.1 games.

9 RW – Antoine Semenyo

Starting at right-wing, it could be one of Iraola’s star men this season: Antoine Semenyo.

The “unplayable” Bournemouth winger, as dubbed by journalist Ed Aarons, has been in incredible form this season, racking up a tally of nine goals and five assists in just 32 appearances for the Cherries.

That means the 25-year-old, whom analyst Ben Mattinson described as possessing “powerful ambipedal ball striking,” is averaging a goal involvement every 2.28 games for a team outside the traditional ‘big six.’

10 ST – Dominic Solanke

Starting up top will be the club’s current record signing: Dominic Solanke.

While the former Bournemouth man has had to endure some time out due to injury this season, he’s looked great when he’s been on the pitch.

For example, in 33 appearances, the Basingstoke-born monster has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games and demonstrates that he’s more than just a goal threat.