All posts by h716a5.icu

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side head into Sunday’s Scottish Premiership fixture in an undeniably poor run of form, with the Bhoys having picked up just 10 points over their opening seven games of the 2021/22 campaign.

However, Celtic’s hosts this afternoon, Aberdeen, are also a side out of sorts at present, with Stephen Glass’ men being without a win in five league fixtures – with the Dons currently languishing down in ninth place in the league table on eight points.

So, with Postecoglou undoubtedly hoping the Bhoys can pick up their first away win of the season at Pittodrie, will the 56-year-old manager make any changes to the team which started in the 4-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday?

Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against the Dons, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Josip Juranovic, James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and Christopher Jullien all failing to recover from their respective injuries in time for Sunday’s clash – with Postecoglou hoping that all four of the stricken quartet are once available after the upcoming international break – in addition to the longer-term absences of both Greg Taylor and Karamoko Dembele remaining sidelined, the manager’s options for the trip to Pittodrie are still somewhat limited.

However, we nevertheless predict that the Hoops boss will make two changes to the side that started against Leverkusen on Thursday.

In defence, the back five of Joe Hart, Adam Montgomery, Carl Starfelt, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Anthony Ralston remains unchanged from the Europa League loss.

The first change comes in central midfield, with the £4.5m-rated David Turnbull dropping out of the side for James McCarthy, in order to provide greater balance to the Celtic side with a slight tweak coming in attack.

Here, attacking midfielder Tom Rogic has to make do with a spot on the bench, with Kyogo Furuhashi – who started as the lone striker on Thursday – dropping back into a support striker role, while Jota and Liel Abada retain their places on the left and right flank respectively.

Replacing Furuhashi up top is Georgios Giakoumakis, with the Greek international being handed his league debut against Aberdeen, as Postecoglou will undoubtedly hoping that the 26-year-old can end Celtic’s run of two games away from Parkhead without hitting the back of the net.

In other news: Ange must unleash £2.25m-rated Celtic “phenomenon” today, he’d terrify Aberdeen

The West Indies players who declined to play in the first Test against Bangladesh are unlikely to back down and apologise to the West Indies board

Cricinfo staff14-Jul-2009The West Indies players who declined to play in the first Test against Bangladesh are unlikely to back down and apologise to the West Indies board, raising the likelihood of a weakened side for the second Test against Bangladesh even though they lost the first by 95 runs in St. Vincent.Dinanath Ramnarine, the chief executive of the players’ association (WIPA), said the players were united in their resolve. “They’re very strong … and although they want to play, they’re not going to back down under this pressure,” he said. Ramnarine added that WIPA had consulted lawyers and a number of legal challenges to the WICB’s position were being discussed.Jimmy Adams, the secretary of WIPA, told Cricinfo that the players’ stance was unwavering. “You have a group of players earning more from playing cricket outside the Caribbean than for the West Indies and they aren’t putting up with this crap. They have choices and they are prepared to exercise those choices. They’ve got fed up with things going nowhere and they’re adamant they need this sorted before they come back and play.”It also emerged that recently Julian Hunte failed to turn up to a meeting with the players which he had offered in an attempt to clear up the situation.

Afghanistan will take inspiration from their success in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers as they take on a strong Zimbabwe XI in Mutare

Cricinfo staff15-Aug-2009Afghanistan’s remarkable success in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, where they qualified for the Super Eights, will give them plenty of confidence as they take on a Zimbabwe XI in their first Intercontinental Cup fixture in Mutare.However, they are up for a stiff challenge for Zimbabwe are led by the hugely impressive Tatenda Taibu, who had also formerly captained the senior team, and include players who’ve had far greater exposure to international cricket.It will be interesting to see how Afghanistan make the transition from their experience in the limited-overs format to the four-day game. As a result of their hugely impressive performance in the World Cup Qualifiers, Afghanistan have earned ODI status for four years, qualified for this tournament, have been promoted to Division One of the World Cricket League and won funding grants from the ICC. Their success has undoubtedly given them great recognition – they were in fact the most closely followed side in the Qualifiers – but the team would now want to take a step ahead and makes its mark in the longer version. The visitors will bank heavily on the leadership of their captain Nowroz Mangal along with Hamid Hassan, Karim Khan and batsman Mohammad Nabi, who has played for the MCC and is among the few players in the squad with first-class experience.In accordance with the recommendations of the ICC’s task force, Zimbabwe have sent an A team to the competition. Taibu’s experience is a huge asset for the side that includes full internationals like Chris Mpofu, Timycen Maruma, Regis Chakabva and Forster Mutizwa. For their experience, Afghanistan’s extremely limited exposure to first-class cricket and home advantage, Zimbabwe will start favourites.Zimbabwe XI (squad): Tatenda Taibu (captain), Timycen Maruma, Forster Mutizwa, Admire Manyumwa, Chris Mpofu, Natsai Mushangwe, Friday Kasteni, Bothwell Chapungu, Tendai Chisoro, Cephas Zhuwawo, Regis Chakabva, Shingirai Masakadza, Trevor Garwe, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Mbekezeli Mabuza.Afghanistan (squad): Nowroz Mangal (captain), Khaliq Dad, Karim Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mirwais Ashraf, Raees Ahmadzai, Dawlat Ahmadzai, Mohammad Shehzad, Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shenwari, Ahmad Shah, Noor Ali, Asghar Stanikzai, Shapoor Zadran.

With several of Arsenal’s first-team stars away on international duty, the club’s young guns were given an opportunity to take centre stage as the U21s defeated Newport County in the EFL Trophy this week.

And Omari Hutchinson was a standout performer once again.

Less than a week on from his exquisite backheel assist for the U23s against AFC Bournemouth, that also had the fans swooning on social media, the 17-year-old midfielder impressed with another stunning display.

This time, the provider turned goalscorer with a divine strike that someone like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be proud of. He nutmegged one opposition player before cutting inside and launching a beautiful curling effort past the goalkeeper in the 33rd minute.

It sparked the teenager into life and left football.london journalist Kaya Kaynak describing him as “unplayable” in his post-match ratings column and then “sensational” on Twitter.

Earning a squad-high 9/10, Hutchinson was also said to have been a “constant threat” against the League Two outfit.

The Gunners’ faithful were equally impressed by what they saw, taking to social media for a second time in the space of a week to wax lyrical about the potential next big talent to come out of Hale End.

“So special”, “extremely talented”, and “too good” were just three of many phrases used to describe his performance, as relayed by The Boot Room.

The 17-year-old gem has been in fine form for the Gunners’ youth set-up this campaign, providing three goals and two assists across seven appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Hutchinson is very much a player that can feature anywhere in the attack, having been deployed on both flanks, upfront and in the no.10 role, so he could well earn some future comparisons to that of Bukayo Saka, who has become a bit of a plug-and-play option for Mikel Arteta over the past 18 months.

“His technique, balance and acceleration is a joy to watch. Always has a good finish when in the box as proven for both goals,” recently claimed Next Generation Arsenal, who tracks the progress of the club’s up and coming prospects.

If Hutchinson indeed turns out to be the next Saka, then Arteta could well save KSE and the club millions in future transfer windows.

It’s still early days but the teenage sensation looks to be the next Hale End prodigy to break into the first team, especially if he keeps up these current levels of performance.

AND in other news, Arsenal could land new Thierry Henry in £45m-rated “nightmare”…

A big claim has emerged from the Spanish press involving Tottenham Hotspur star Sergio Reguilon, and it could be worrying news for Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Lowdown: Spurs stars eye moves away…

Over the summer, it’s safe to say there were no shortage of Tottenham players eyeing moves away from N17.

The most high profile of them, star striker Harry Kane, was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City as their boss Pep Guardiola even confirmed interest in the player.

This move failed to come to fruition with more exit news then emerging, this time concerning another big name in Tanguy Ndombele.

Spurs’ club record signing told club chiefs he wanted to leave before August 31 but, yet again, a departure failed to materialise.

The Latest: Reguilon has ‘already said yes’ to Madrid…

As per El Nacional (via Sport Witness), yet another Spurs player appears to have one eye on a move away as news emerges on defender Reguilon.

According to the Spanish source’s information, is it only a ‘matter of time’ before Real Madrid decide to activate their €40 million (£33.7m) release clause and re-sign the 24-year-old.

The clause comes into effect next summer and was a major talking point of the deal which brought Reguilon to Spurs in 2020.

As well as this, El Nacional go on to claim that the player himself has ‘already said yes’ to the Galacticos with club president Florentino Perez set to green light a swoop at Carlo Ancelotti’s request.

While they claim this move ‘will not happen’ in January due to Tottenham’s stance on an early sale, it appears Real could take matters into their own hands later on in 2022.

The Verdict: Big blow for Spurs?

Losing Reguilon next summer would come as a major blow for Spurs given their lack of options without the Spaniard.

Ben Davies and Ryan Sessegnon are able to deputise in his stead but Fabio Paratici would more than likely have to take to the transfer market, especially given the latter man’s injury record and inability to work his way into Tottenham’s plans.

In other news: Growing frustrated…Alasdair Gold says ‘special player’ could now ‘potentially leave Tottenham’, find out more here.

Andrew Strauss insists England have learned from their post-2005 mistakes and will use their stunning Ashes victory as a springboard to higher honours

Alex Brown at The Oval23-Aug-2009Andrew Strauss insists England have learned from their post-2005 mistakes and will use their stunning Ashes victory as a springboard to higher honours. England’s series win four years ago was honoured with an open-top bus parade through Trafalgar Square, a round of MBEs and a meeting with the Queen at Buckingham Palace; a response many felt eroded the team’s focus in future series.England won just two of their next ten Tests after the 2005 Ashes, and suffered an embarassing 5-0 defeat at the hands of Australia two years later. Injuries to key personnel undoubtedly played a role in England’s decline, however it was also felt the team basked in the glory of their Ashes victory far too long while losses to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka mounted.Strauss said England’s ambitions were now loftier than Ashes success, and challenged his players to further establish their Test credentials on the winter tour of South Africa. England’s victory at The Oval allowed Graeme Smith’s men to overthrow Australia as the top-ranked Test nation, ensuring England will now play back-to-back series against the world’s No. 1 Test team.”The last time we hadn’t won the Ashes for 17 years or so,” Strauss said. “It was almost a step into the unknown for all of us. No one in the team had won an Ashes series before. This time, there were a few in the side that have. I think we’ve also got to be conscious of the fact that this is just a stepping stone. It’s not the end in itself.”We’re not the No.1 side in the world, we’re far from it, and we’re honest enough to admit that. To become the No. 1 side in the world you have to win consistently home and away, and our next challenge is a massive one. Away in South Africa is probably as hard a tour as you can go on. We can take confidence from this. The long term goal is to be No.1 in the world but it’s going to take a lot of graft to get there.”We’re a young side and we can get better than we are at the moment. We’re still pretty inconsistent as we’ve ably demonstrated this series. But we’ve shown some guts and determination and character.”The ballast provided by Strauss and Andy Flower since assuming their leadership roles has been crucial in reviving a team with a recent penchant for instability. An Ashes victory in the same year as the Pietersen-Moores row and the humiliation of Sabina Park was considered improbable in the extreme several months ago, and Strauss credited much of the team’s success to the influence of Flower.”The England coach is a massive job and Andy’s fallen straight in and hit the ground running,” Strauss said. “One of the important things is having a vision of where you need to go. That’s something we’ve had to sit down and think about. The most important thing is driving that vision through.”For those of us who go on the pitch we can do a certain amount but you need guys pushing and pushing it, going out for dinner with people, chatting with people in a quiet corner – being almost relentless in your vision and how you aim to get there. It’s encouraging to me to hear guys in the team speaking about this as a fantastic team. Once you start getting that feeling you become greater than the sum of your parts. That’s something we will continue working on. We’re not going to relinquish that easily.”England’s victory at The Oval inside four days has earned them an extra 24 hours to shake-off their post-Ashes hangovers before boarding a flight to Belfast for the one-day international against Ireland. The aftermath of the team’s 2009 triumph over Australia could scarcely be more contrasting to that of four years ago, when the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff and Michael Vaughan were paraded around the streets of London amid great fanfare.”There will be some celebrations tonight but I don’t think there will be a massive fanfare this time,” Strauss said. He did, however, observe the significance of Sunday’s result. “I suppose it is better than 2005 for me because I’ve captained the side,” he continued. “We’ve moved forward from 2005: there are different personalities involved, a different management team as well. Any time you win an Ashes series it’s an unbelievably special moment for all of us”Over the course of an Ashes series everyone has to stand up. That’s the reality. In an Ashes series there is nowhere to hide. Weaknesses will be exploited and the guys have got to deal with a lot of off-field stuff as well. They have done that and we have come through.”

Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and loanee Conor Gallagher have been tipped for a bright future by journalist Tom Barclay after making fast starts to life at Selhurst Park.

What’s the story?

The Eagles began a new chapter in their history over the summer as Patrick Vieira replaced Roy Hodgson at the helm following four pragmatic years under the former England boss.

A big recruitment drive was at the heart of Vieira’s rebuild, with several young and exciting acquisitions replacing multiple experienced campaigners, and Guehi, in particular, was central to that.

The centre-back has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far, while Gallagher has also caught the eye with a string of impressive performances for Palace in the opening weeks of the campaign, and Barclay believes both men are destined to enjoy hugely successful careers.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “They’ve both improved so much that it really speaks volumes for their work rate, how much they are liked by their coaches, how much they take things on and how much they listen, that they have just got better and better and better.

“If that rate of progress goes at the same rate, we’re talking about top players in the future.”

Steve Parish masterclass

Although Palace have only won one of their eight Premier League fixtures to date, the club’s supporters are likely to be absolutely buzzing with what they’ve seen on the pitch so far, especially from their new talisman at the back.

While Gallagher completed a season-long move from the Blues after enjoying a temporary move to West Bromwich Albion last term, Guehi joined on a permanent basis via an £18m switch to the south London outfit.

The £18m-rated central defender has gone on to form a formidable partnership with Joachim Andersen since his arrival, proving chairman Steve Parish pulled off a transfer masterclass by securing his signature.

An average of 3.2 clearances, 1.6 headers won and 1.2 tackles per game, via WhoScored, ranks him favourably amongst the Eagles squad, showing he has fitted in seamlessly despite the step up from Championship football last season.

Vieira and co. will be hoping Palace’s entertaining performances translate into more points on the board over the coming weeks, but it’s certainly an exciting time to be an Eagles fan once again.

Guehi is evidently one for the future, as seen by Barclay’s claim, so those in southeast London should be absolutely delighted that he’s on the books at Selhurst Park.

Parish and Palace have certainly struck gold with the former Chelsea graduate.

And, in other news…Vieira could unearth Palace prodigy in 19y/o maestro, he’s a “top professional” 

A round-up from the latest action in the County Championship

Cricinfo staff19-Aug-2009Division OneYorkshire’s bowlers gave their team the upper hand on the first day of the Roses match by reducing Lancashire to 226 for 7 at Headingley. Yorkshire ambushed Lancashire by striking twice in the first three overs. Tim Bresnan struck first, inducing an edge from Steven Croft that was taken one-handed by Gerard Brophy, low and to his right. Matthew Hoggard dismissed Paul Horton in the next over, caught on the drive at backward point. Mal Loye and VVS Laxman had scored hundreds in the Roses match at Old Trafford but couldn’t repeat the feat today. Both batsmen were dismissed by Adil Rashid – Laxman made 50 – leaving Lancashire on 94 for 4. Mark Chilton then held up one end, remaining unbeaten on 73, but three more wickets fell at the other before play ended.Half-centuries from Hampshire’s openers followed by Michael Lumb’s unbeaten hundred led the visitors to a strong position – 345 for 3 – at the end of the first day against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, although that was tempered by a season-ending injury to Michael Carberry. He and Jimmy Adams added 146 for the first wicket before Adams (55) played on against Andre Adams while trying to cut. Adams then caused Carberry’s injury with a rare delivery to climb off a length to break the left-hander’s left ring finger. Carberry had cracked 17 fours in his 86 but Lumb ensured that the momentum was not lost. He scored steadily, aid by a short boundary, well supported by James Vince and Liam Dawson, to finish on 103 at stumps.Click here for the report on the first day’s play between Somerset and Sussex at Taunton.Click here for John Ward’s report from Chester-le-Street where Durham are on top against Warwickshire.Division TwoIt was a good day for bowlers at Chesterfield with 13 wickets falling on the first day between Derbyshire and Northamptonshire. Derbyshire chose to bat and were dismissed for 255 after which Northamptonshire lost three batsmen on their way to 137. Derbyshire got off to a steady start, with their openers adding 47, before the trouble began. Jack Brooks and Johann van der Wath cut through the top order, finishing with 4 for 76 and 3 for 92 respectively, as Northamptonshire began to make inroads. They were stabilised a little by James Pipe and Garry Park who scored half-centuries but even their efforts were not enough to take the score past 300. In reply, Northamptonshire progressed to a sound 131 for 1 before they lost Rob White (62) and Stephen Peters in quick succession. White’s was an aggressive innings – he pulled Nantie Hayward for six and sliced Steffan Jones over third man for another – as he reached his fifty off only 41 balls.Half-centuries from Matthew Spriegel and Chris Schofield helped Surrey recover after a weak performance from their top order against Essex at Colchester. David Masters, Chris Wright and Danish Kaneria cut through the line-up, reducing Surrey to 136 for 5, with James Foster taking three catches, before Essex met resistance. Spriegel and Schofield revived the innings with a 127-run association for the sixth wicket before Tim Phillips had Spriegel caught for 61. Schofield, however, remained unbeaten on 87 as Surrey ended the day on 304 for 6.Josh Cobb, the 19-year old batsman, returned to the Leicestershire line-up after missing three games with a brisk 72 to lead his team to 332 for 8 against Gloucestershire at Grace Road. Cobb outscored Paul Nixon, who made 57, but Leicestershire kept losing wickets in clusters and were 182 for 5 at one stage. James Taylor, however, provided stability with his unbeaten 76 and, with help from James Benning (37) and Wayne White (23), led Leicestershire past 300. Steve Kirby was the best bowler for Gloucestershire, taking 3 for 64, while Jon Lewis and Richard Dawson took two each.

Marc Overmars could bring Ajax manager Erik ten Hag and some of his star players to Newcastle United if he takes over as sporting director, Dutch journalist Hugo Borst fears.

The lowdown

According to Borst, talks have taken place between Overmars and Newcastle, who are looking to bring in a sporting director to work in tandem with a new manager.

One possible snag is the Dutchman’s contract, which still has two years to run. That would oblige the Magpies to pay a compensation fee.

They do have other targets in mind, and Luis Campos, formerly of AS Monaco and LOSC Lille, is both out of work and keen on the job (via The Chronicle).

The latest

Writing his ed.nl column, Borst expressed grave concern about the repercussions for Ajax if Newcastle manage to lure Overmars away.

He also namechecked a couple of the on-field talents who could potentially follow him, in addition to manager Ten Hag.

“Imagine Marc becoming technical director of that upcoming football superpower,” he wrote.

“Then of course he brings in Erik ten Hag. And [Ryan] Gravenberch. And [Jurrien] Timber, of course.

“Then Ajax has to start all over again.”

19-year-old defensive midfielder Gravenberch is valued at £29.7million by Transfermarkt, while versatile 20-year-old defender Timber is rated at £15.3million.

Notably, both players feature on the shortlist for the 2021 Golden Boy award.

The verdict

This would be a dream scenario for Newcastle fans. Overmars boasts an outstanding track record, Ten Hag has led Ajax to a Champions League semifinal and two Dutch titles, and they have a raft of Europe’s best talent on their books.

Ten Hag says it would take an ‘exceptional’ and ‘extraordinary’ offer for him to leave Ajax, but the opportunity to team up with Overmars at one of the world’s richest clubs might fit the bill.

In other news, another Dutch journalist had a message for Ten Hag.

The batting paradise at Taunton is not immune to insanity, and more than a whiff of it seemed to affect the Somerset batsmen on the third day against Worcestershire

The Bulletin by John Ward at Taunton18-Sep-2009
ScorecardThe batting paradise at Taunton is not immune to insanity, and more than a whiff of it seemed to affect the Somerset batsmen on the third day against Worcestershire. By the close they left their visitors eagerly anticipating their first victory of an otherwise disastrous season, as their fighting spirit failed them. The most memorable moments of the day took place during Somerset’s hilarious last-wicket partnership of 23.Somerset began the day on 184 for 3, needing a total of 422 to avoid the possibility of having to follow on. The sun of the first two days had been replaced by the traditional British low cloud cover and there was some rare (at Taunton) movement in the pitch. But Somerset’s tribulations were mostly self-inflicted.With only five runs added, Zander de Bruyn was the first to go, essaying a flat-footed drive at a ball from Richard Jones and being caught at the wicket for 15. He was soon followed by James Hildreth (24), driving in some desperation at an off-side delivery from Matt Mason and edging a catch to first slip – the shot of a man out of form. Thirdly, Peter Trego slashed a ball straight to gully, and three wickets had fallen with the total on 189. The follow-on loomed.Alfie Thomas and Ben Phillips now had to try to repair the damage, and for a while they did a good job, although the latter was dropped at slip when he had 7. Thomas, after settling in, started to attack the bowling in his South African style, hitting up 38 off 53 balls with seven fours before he slashed at a ball from Gareth Andrew and was caught at the wicket. Phillips now began to open up, driving Jack Shantry for two successive powerful fours before rather senselessly holing out at mid-off for 18, all in the same over.Despite the gloomy weather, there were several hundred spectators who were now treated to a traditionally rustic last-wicket stand between Peter Stiff and Charl Willoughby. On the stroke of lunch, Stiff, then with 10, was dropped off a huge skier at mid-off, and after the interval he continued his entertaining assault, surviving a confident appeal for a catch at the wicket first ball on their return. He sliced a number of runs to third man off the edge and hit two boundaries almost one-handed, a four over mid-off and a six to midwicket, in both cases his left hand coming off the bat in mid-stroke. He had made 30 off 24 balls when a cross-batted swipe from Willoughby lobbed a catch to mid-off and the innings closed for 280. Mitchell, it will be remembered, made 298 off his own bat.Now 291 behind, Somerset were naturally required to follow on, although Worcestershire no doubt had reservations about the possibility of another five sessions in the field should their bowlers fail to do the job a second time. They received a huge bonus when Marcus Trescothick aimed a rather weak drive at the second ball of the innings, bowled by Mason, without moving his feet, and was taken at second slip without a run on the board.That, however, ended the frivolity for a while and normal service was resumed on the Taunton pitch. Justin Langer, playing his final home innings as a Somerset player, dug in with typical grit, waiting for the bad ball and punching it viciously to the boundary. The opener Arul Suppiah was more fluent, taking particular advantage of the short boundary for his cover drives, and moved smoothly to his 50 off only 65 balls. At tea they had added 113 runs together.They slowed a little in the final session, but Langer reached his gritty 50 off 101 balls. Two runs later he survived a difficult chance to the keeper, caught going the wrong way, but Ben Cox made amends a few minutes later as he dived well to his left to hold a leg glance from Suppiah, who was not happy to depart for 83. The pair had added 142.Hildreth came out as if determined to hit his way back to form. He immediately hammered fours past point and over midwicket (just), followed by a fine cover-driven boundary in the next over. This seemed to inspire Langer to play rashly, as he lashed two boundaries and then sliced a low catch to second slip, departing for 64. Somerset’s hopes of fighting for a draw slumped dramatically within ten minutes, 163 for 3 with more than a day to play and their three top batsmen gone.Hildreth’s rather frenetic approach brought him little success; in trying to hook a ball from Jones, skied a catch to the keeper for 18. Play ended seven overs early due to bad light, and Somerset face the final day with only six wickets left and still well behind. It will take a lot to prevent Worcestershire from enjoying the sweet taste of a championship victory at last.