All posts by h716a5.icu

Teams set to play an uneven number of Shield matches with finalists to be decided on an average points per game

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2022Cricket Australia has confirmed the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup domestic competitions will recommence on February 9 despite Western Australia’s hard border currently preventing teams travelling in and out without 14 days quarantine.The majority of the BBL-winning Perth Scorchers squad still remain in Melbourne seven days on from winning the title after the WA government’s border stance has prevented them from re-entering the state, although a small number have returned to begin 14 days home quarantine early due to student exemptions.The majority of the players and staff will travel on Saturday February 5 and begin two weeks isolation. Australia coach Justin Langer has also been stuck on the east coast for three weeks since the Hobart Test concluded without returning home to Perth and is also due to fly home on Saturday.There is no timeframe placed on when WA’s border will open but Western Australia’s Shield and Marsh Cup teams, who sit top of the table of both competitions, are scheduled to play a one-day game in Melbourne on March 8 with the final due to be played in the same city on March 11. They are also scheduled to play a Shield match against New South Wales in Sydney starting on March 15 before returning to Perth to host a four-day match against Victoria on March 23. But with the current border rules it remains to be seen how that match will be played.There will be two rounds of Shield matches in February but WA will not participate in any of those four matches. Queensland host New South Wales at the Gabba on February 9 while South Australia host Victoria at Adelaide Oval. All of the potential Australia Test players that are not involved in the concurrent T20I series against Sri Lanka are likely to play in those matches, meaning the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon, Marcus Harris, Scott Boland and Alex Carey could all play at least one match before heading to Pakistan later in the month.WA’s inability to participate in games in February and the Covid issues faced by New South Wales and Victoria prior to the BBL means that teams are set to play an uneven number of Shield games. Queensland are scheduled to play a total of nine matches, Tasmania and South Australia eight, while New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia will play seven under the revised fixture. The Shield finalists will be decided based on average points per game.”Following a fairly challenging BBL period, the medical advice we received recommended a short break post BBL, along with a break somewhere within the remaining fixtures to allow participants a breather from the recommended playing protocols,” Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s head of cricket operations, said. “Whilst Cricket Australia want to maximise the number of matches played in pivotal domestic competitions, the health and wellbeing of participants is a priority.”All six states are set to play six Marsh Cup matches each with the top two teams on the points table set to meet in the final which is locked in for the Junction Oval in Melbourne.The WNCL will be played between February 22 and March 25 with fixtures due to be confirmed next week.Marsh Sheffield Shield fixtures
Feb 9-12: South Australia v Victoria, Adelaide Oval
Feb 9-12: Queensland v New South Wales, Gabba
Feb 18-21: Victoria v Queensland, CitiPower Centre
Feb 18-21: New South Wales v Tasmania, SCG
Mar 2-5: Queensland v South Australia, Gabba
Mar 15-18: New South Wales v Western Australia, Bankstown Oval
Mar 15-18: Victoria v Tasmania, Junction Oval
Mar 23-26: Western Australia v Victoria, WACA Ground
Mar 23-26: South Australia v New South Wales, Karen Rolton Oval
Mar 23-26: Tasmania v Queensland, Bellerive Oval
Mar 31-Apr 4: Final – TBC v TBC, TBCMarsh One-Day Cup Fixtures
Feb 14: Queensland v New South Wales, Gabba (D/N)
Feb 15: South Australia v Victoria, Karen Rolton Oval
Feb 23: Victoria v Queensland, Junction Oval
Feb 23: New South Wales v Tasmania, North Sydney Oval (D/N)
Feb 25: New South Wales v Tasmania, North Sydney Oval (D/N)
Mar 6: Tasmania v Victoria, Bellerive Oval
Mar 8: Victoria v Western Australia, Junction Oval
Mar 8: New South Wales v South Australia, TBC
Mar 11: Final – TBC v TBC, Junction Oval

Liverpool had only dropped points in two Premier League fixtures in an incredible start to life under Arne Slot, but St. James’ Park is a temperamental beast and propelled Newcastle United back into the ascendency.

Perhaps not. Newcastle haven’t been good enough recently, with chequered results inhibiting Eddie Howe’s side. But this was a performance befitting such a talented squad, blessed with high-class parts that have showcased their talents on the biggest stage.

Though Mohamed Salah continued his indomitable start to the campaign, United overwhelmed the visitors for large portions of the fiercely contested clash. The Toon were immense; Tyneside responded, thunderous and crackling with life and noise and energy.

Newcastle are tenth in the Premier League standings and could fall lower still before the weekend – with teams still to play on Thursday evening. But Howe’s side proved that they can throw down the with the best of them.

Alexander Isak certainly proved himself the best centre-forward on the field, outclassing and outpunching Darwin Nunez and the some.

Alexander Isak's performance vs Liverpool

Some strike. There’s no denying that some segments of the Newcastle fanbase were growing concerned after Isak’s slow start to the season, for he had been on Arsenal’s radar in the summer and might have harboured distractions.

How the doubts have been released through this brilliant purple patch, with Liverpool now added to the collection of high-stakes matches that the Swede has succeeded in etching his name onto the board.

His name lit up as it does so often at this stadium, but he’s bagged few more striking, more emphatic, than the rifled shot that beat Caoimhin Kelleher with ease, pressing into the net from afar.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

1

Touches

25

48

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

2 (1)

Big chances missed

2

0

Accurate passes

8/12 (67%)

19/25 (76%)

Key passes

0

5

Dribbles (completed)

2 (0)

9 (5)

Total duels (won)

13 (5)

16 (6)

It’s, erm, difficult to see how anyone could stake a claim for Nunez, the more expensive man, being the triumphant performer on Wednesday evening. Isak is leaps and bounds above his divisional rival, whose energy and tenacity make for box-office viewing, but bring infrequent results.

Isak, conversely, is an elite marksman, sniping at the opponent’s net and breaching it. That’s five goals in six matches for the 25-year-old, who proved to everyone that he was the star striker on the St. James’ Park pitch.

He wasn’t the only one to have shown Liverpool what’s up. Anthony Gordon was visibly elated when he made it 2-1 after the break, and for good reason too.

Anthony Gordon reminds Liverpool of his quality

It could have been very different. This summer, Newcastle were throttled by Premier League profit and sustainability rules and the ramifications of a non ‘big six’ side showing ambition. It wasn’t the dream window, but the Magpies chiefs deserve some credit for keeping hold of their prized assets, Gordon among them.

Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Season hasn’t been at his best across the past several months, but he rose to the occasion against Liverpool, scoring against the Reds at St. James’ Park for the second season running and doing so with a performance to match that of Isak.

His dribbling is something to be admired, but so too is the combativeness that makes Gordon much more than simply a ball-carrying winger.

As per Sofascore, he completed three key passes and three dribbles apiece, but the 23-year-old also won nine duels in an excellent showing that advertised his multi-faceted style.

The Chronicle Live awarded him with an 8/10 match rating, even acknowledging that his lively showing could have bred more goals. But alas.

The England international’s initiative and roundedness make for a distinctive weapon, and he’s now being statistically likened to one of Europe’s superlative wingers.

Newcastle's £100m star in the making

That’s three goals and an assist across 13 Premier League matches for Gordon this season. Not the heftiest return, to be sure, but the dynamo is also averaging 2.2 key passes, 1.2 dribbles and 5.4 successful duels per game, the latter of which he is winning a respectable 54% of total battles.

Potency might have taken a step down, but Gordon is still leaving a trail of underlying data in his wake that bespeaks his elite-level faculties, and when looking at his FBref statistical breakdown, this becomes even clearer.

According to the stats-led site, he and Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia share some striking similarities, with both creative, crisp and technically proficient.

Hailed as a “phenomenon” by Italian football pundit Mina Rzouki, Kvaratskhelia, one of Europe’s most exciting wingers, is also 23 years old, and though he’s posted five goals and three assists across 13 Serie A matches for his Scudetto-chasing side this year, he’s also averaged only 1.1 dribbles, 1.7 key passes and 3.8 duels per game.

A wanted man, the Georgian has been on Arsenal and Liverpool’s radar this year and is valued at a whopping £100m. Given that Gordon is technically outperforming the Napoli man this season, it’s feasible that he might too reach such a high-priced figure, having already garnered plenty of intrigue this summer.

To be honest, though, most Magpies fans likely wouldn’t make a switch between the two. Gordon’s blood flows black and white, and he proved once more against Liverpool that he’s one of the finest up-and-coming wingers out there.

Newcastle now considering £66m move to sign Lloyd Kelly upgrade in January

It would be a massive signing that could help Howe’s side get back on track.

1 ByBen Browning Dec 3, 2024

The Hollywood icon delivered a show-stopping performance before the CONCACAF Nations League finals

Smith performed hits including 'Men in Black'The actor's appearance added extra excitementMexico went on to win the tournament for the first timeGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Will Smith, the multi-talented actor and musician, took center stage at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League finals. The actor, best known for his role on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, delivered a high-energy performance, including his classic hits to warm up more than 68,000 fans in attendance.

The show took place before the CONCACAF Nations League final between Mexico and Panama.

AdvertisementWATCH THE VIDEOTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In the CONCACAF Nations League final, Mexico beat Panama 2-1 in a thrilling match. Raúl Jiménez scored both goals for Mexico, including a stoppage-time penalty, to secure their first Nations League title.

The victory marked a successful return for coach Javier Aguirre and ends the United States' three-year reign as champions. In the third place match, Canada beat Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT squad 2-1, with Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi cancelling out Patrick Agyemang's goal.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Following their first Nations League win, Mexico will be preparing for the Gold Cup 2025, which will take place from June 14 to July 6.

After a generally miserable September, October has certainly begun with a bang for Chelsea.

Following three Premier League matches without a win, including successive defeats, the Blues bounced back in some style on Saturday, defeating champions Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Moisés Caicedo broke the deadlock early with an absolute rocket, only for Liverpool to equalise just after the hour mark, at which point most onlookers, including Gary Neville on commentary for Sky Sports, expected the visitors to go on and claim victory.

Well, that certainly wasn’t the case because, after Enzo Fernández had seen a header thwack the post, Marc Cucurella’s low cross was turned home by Estêvão Willian at the back post, sparking wild celebrations in the Matthew Harding Stand and beyond.

While match-winner Estêvão will get many of the headlines, one of Chelsea’s most experienced players put in an under-the-radar exceptional display.

Moisés Caicedo's importance to Chelsea

As noted on Liverpool’s official website, yes really, the Reds agreed a £110m deal with Brighton to sign Caicedo back in August 2023, only for the Ecuadorian to join Chelsea instead, underlining what the Merseysiders missed out on by scoring this stunning strike to open the scoring.

Even parking the goal to one side, Caicedo put in an outstanding display, controlling midfield alongside Fernández, the pair underlining why Chelsea were willing to spend over £220m to recruit the duo.

Speaking on Sky Sports after full-time, Jamie Redknapp labelled Caicedo “one of the best in the world”, adding that he is “incredible” out of possession, concluding that he “hasn’t got a weakness” and could be the man who brings the glory days back to Stamford Bridge.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club three years ago, fair to say plenty of money has been spent, but few players have proved their worth quite like the Ecuadorian.

However, one of Chelsea’s homegrown Cobham academy graduates also came to the fore, suggesting that he may be Enzo Maresca’s most undroppable player.

Chelsea defender stars against Liverpool

Despite famously having the biggest squad in football, Enzo Maresca was down to the bare bones in terms of centre-backs by the end of Saturday’s famous win.

Chalkboard

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

Firstly, Trevoh Chalobah’s red card against Brighton meant he was suspended, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill all missed out due to injury.

Then, during the game, both members of the starting defensive pairing, namely Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong, were forced off due to injuries so, by the time of the winning goal, Jorrel Hato was alongside Reece James at the heart of defence.

The club captain began the evening in his usual position at right-back, Maresca experimenting with Malo Gusto in midfield, but wherever the England international was deployed, he put in an outstanding display, as the table below documents.

Tackles

5

1st

Defensive actions

10

1st

Blocks

1

1st

Interceptions

2

2nd

Key passes

2

4th

Accurate passes

50

2nd

Duels contested

10

3rd

Duels won

8

1st

Aerial duels won

2

1st

Touches

83

1st

SofaScore rating

7.2

5th

As the table documents, James was absolutely key to Chelsea’s victory.

He ranked first for tackles, defensive actions, blocks, duels won, aerial duels won and touches, also completing the second-most passes of any player on the pitch, behind only Virgil van Dijk, while Cucurella was the only man bedecked in blue to register more key passes.

This underlines not only his defensive acumen, but also his quality on the ball.

Following Chelsea’s Conference League victory over København at Parken in March, speaking on TNT Sport, Joe Cole asserted that James is as good as any right-back in the world, while believing he may be best utilised in midfield, something Maresca has done plenty of times since his arrival just over a year ago.

Either way, at full-back or in the middle, James emphasised that he needs to be on the pitch as much as possible, while acknowledging that his minutes have to be carefully managed, given his treacherous injury history.

So, while every transfer window is dominated by Chelsea spending hundreds of millions on new signings, the captain, who has been with the club since the age of six, continues to be a key figure.

"Good news" – Maresca left thrilled after "important" Chelsea star returns from injury

The Italian says he’s vital.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 4, 2025

Hansi Flick admits his Barcelona team are lacking in the confidence required to challenge for all titles this season, but remains convinced “everything will be fine” as key players – Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Joan Garcia, and Raphinha – are nearing returns from various injuries. With nine games coming up in the next four weeks, the revival of his squad could not come at a better time.

Flick receives trophy as he stresses on confidence for favourable results

Flick stepped into the spotlight once again as he received the Miguel Munoz Trophy, awarded by MARCA’s journalists to the best coach of last season’s La Liga campaign. 

“It’s a great honour to receive this award, but it also shows that it’s not just for me, it’s for the team. Both the players and the coaching staff did a fantastic job last season, and that’s why we won this trophy,” Flick said at the ceremony on Thursday.

Despite the accolades following a successful debut season in Spain, Flick faces a new reality this campaign. Barca’s form has fluctuated, and the team have struggled to sustain momentum, particularly in the final month of the previous campaign. After a frustrating first half against Celta Vigo in their latest outing, Flick admitted that they are not playing with its natural authority.

"Perhaps right now we lack the confidence we should normally have and need. But now some players are coming back, and that will help us a lot. We have a fantastic squad, and if we play at the high level we did in Vigo, everything will be fine," asserted Flick.

However, the German manager struck an optimistic tone, insisting that the return of key players will restore stability. With nine matches looming in just four weeks before the international break including coming midweek's clash against Chelsea, he believes that a more complete squad will allow the Catalan giants to rediscover their rhythm and approach every match with renewed conviction.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBarca receive Pedri boost ahead of Champions League clash

If there is one player whose presence transforms Barcelona’s tempo and tactical balance, it is Pedri. His injury during the El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid had destabilised Barcelona's entire structure. A torn distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh removed their primary source of control and continuity in midfield, leaving Flick with a team that struggled to connect phases, progress the ball efficiently, or dictate rhythm.

Initially ruled out for six weeks, Pedri was expected to miss the most crucial Champions League fixtures and Spain’s international window. Yet his rehabilitation has progressed far better than anticipated. Thanks to an exceptional response to treatment, Barcelona’s medical staff have accelerated his reintegration, and he is now expected to be available for the high-stakes clash against Chelsea on November 25. He will not be risked against Athletic Club, but the message is clear: Pedri is returning at the moment Barcelona need him most.

Meanwhile, after pulling out of the Spain squad after receiving treatment on a recurring injury, fellow La Masia graduate Yamal could play a role against the Basque club this weekend, but the club's focus is on having him fit for the European encounter in midweek.

Garcia and Raphinha nearing return

Another major boost is the return of Garcia, who had quietly become one of Barcelona’s most reliable performers before tearing his medial meniscus in late September. His form early in the campaign brought rare stability to a defence that often struggled for consistency. With the international break providing breathing room, he has now completed full rehabilitation and is expected to start this weekend.

Meanwhile, Raphinha continues to progress through the final phase of his recovery. Training individually throughout the break, the Brazilian winger has focused on regaining strength, explosiveness, and match fitness. His return to full training is scheduled for immediately after the break, putting him on track to rejoin Flick’s rotational plans at a time when Barcelona desperately need depth in attack.

This sudden cluster of positive developments stands in stark contrast to the turbulence of the season’s early months, during which Flick had to navigate long-term absences for Pedri, Gavi, Garcia, Raphinha, Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Now, for the first time, Flick sees continuity on the horizon.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWhat Flick expects next

Barcelona enter a crucial stretch, but Flick finally has reasons to believe the worst is behind them. The returns of Pedri and Garcia, combined with Raphinha’s promising progress, offer the structural stability Barcelona have lacked since August. Flick knows that reintroducing these players will not only raise the quality of the squad but also restore the confidence and clarity that have been missing in recent performances.

Flick insists that Barcelona’s fate will be determined by how they approach this period. While he acknowledges the challenges ahead, he believes that if his squad performs at the level they reached in Vigo, “everything will be fine.”

Barca will face Atheltic Club on Saturday before flying to London for the Champions League clash against Chelsea on November 25. But, their competitive runs just don't end there as they will also face Real Betis, Atletico Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt in their campaign going ahead. 

Stats highlights from the second day’s play between South Africa and England in Durban, where Stuart Broad troubled the hosts

Shiva Jayaraman27-Dec-20150 Number of South Africa bowlers to take at least 50 Test wickets against four different teams before Dale Steyn, who took his 50th against England’s on Sunday. Steyn already has 50-plus wickets against Australia, India and New Zealand. This was also the sixth time he took four or more wickets in an innings in his last eight Tests against England, in which he has taken 41 wickets at an average of 25.31.25.2 Wicket-less overs Stuart Broad had bowled in South Africa coming into this tour. In his previous Test in this country, in Cape Town, he had taken one wicket conceding 133 runs. His three wickets in this innings so far have come at just 5.33 runs apiece and five of the ten overs he bowled were maidens. Broad’s 54 wickets in 2015 so far are the second-highest among bowlers this year.2 Fifty-plus scores by South Africa openers in 2015 including Dean Elgar’s unbeaten 67 in this innings. These are the fewest fifty-plus scores by openers of any team in Tests this year. South Africa’s openers have scored 533 runs at 26.65. Only West Indies openers, with 771 runs at 20.28 have averaged lower this year. Elgar’s 67* is also the highest score by a South African opener this year.3/23 Morne Morkel’s bowling figures in his seven-over spell with the second new ball. In the first three overs of this spell he had taken three wickets for just seven runs including the wickets of Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes off consecutive deliveries, to finish with 4 for 76. He hasn’t taken a five-wicket haul in his last 24 Tests and his 70 wickets since his last five-for, which was in Adelaide in 2012-13, are the most any bowler has taken without a five-for since then.236 Deliveries faced by Nick Compton in his innings of 85 – the third-highest any England batsman has faced in his first innings in Tests in South Africa (since balls-faced information is available). Graeme Hick had faced 277 balls in Centurion in 1995-96 which are the highest. Mike Atherton’s 260-ball effort in the same innings is second on this list. Compton’s 236 deliveries are also the second-highest faced by an England No. 3 in Tests in South Africa.19.06 Runs per dismissal for Hashim Amla at Kingsmead – the fourth-worst for a batsman with at least 15 innings (for No. 1 to 7 batsmen) at any venue. Including his 7 in this innings, Amla has scored 286 runs in 15 innings at this venue. Rod Marsh has the worst such record at any venue: his 16 innings for batting positions 1 to 7 the SCG produced just 246 runs at 16.40.8 Number of times AB de Villiers has been dismissed by Broad in Tests; no other bowler has dismissed him more often. De Villiers averages just 18.37 per dismissal against him. In this innings, De Villiers managed just two scoring shots off Broad from 20 deliveries.10 Wickets that fell in the day’s play keeping with the trend at Kingsmead: the previous five Tests at this venue had seen a total of 60 wickets fall on the second day. England scored 124 runs losing six wickets and the hosts lost four wickets while making 137 runs, taking the day’s average to 26.1 per wicket. In comparison, the first day of this Test had seen only four wickets fall in 65.1 overs at an average of 44.75 runs per wicket.3 Instances before England’s innings when teams asked to bat have made a first-innings total of 300 or more at Kingsmead. The last such instance and the highest a team has made on such occasions came in 2002, when the hosts made 368 against Pakistan in 2002-03.

Move to 12/6 conference-style Championship also favoured by players’ union

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-2025The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) has called for a reduction in both County Championship and Men’s T20 Blast games, urging county chairs and CEOs to “prioritise the welfare” of players ahead of a vote on restructuring the domestic game from 2026 onwards.A majority of male county cricketers in England and Wales favour reducing the number of Championship games played from 14 to 12, according to data collected by the PCA. The players’ union is also recommending a cut to the Blast schedule to help ease the number of back-to-back fixtures which it believes put players at risk.Players would also back a proposed move to a conference system for the Championship with a 12/6 split – two upper divisions of six above a lower division of six, with promotion and relegation as well as a grand final between the conference winners.Related

Counties agree to cut in men's Vitality Blast games for 2026

PCA reiterates fatigue concerns ahead of county domestic review

Reduced County Championship on agenda for latest domestic review

England allrounder Chris Woakes, the PCA’s England Men’s representative, said the call for change was not about playing “less cricket because they don’t want to – it’s about being able to produce the best cricket on the field as possible”.”Welfare is extremely important and not just players but coaches and staff,” he said. “We need to get the scheduling right to give players the time to prepare, recover and make sure they’re in the best state physically and mentally.”The game is now played at a greater intensity and faster rate, especially in white-ball cricket. When you’re having to play back-to-back games it’s almost impossible to be at 100%. Having gaps between games and with safe travel is very important.”The ECB announced on the eve of the new season a review into the domestic structure – the third in the last seven years – overseen by the Professional Game Committee. Consultation has been ongoing, with a vote on the proposals expected later this month.Recently, a number of counties have begun making their preferences public: Surrey and Somerset have called for maintaining 14 Championship games, with a return to eight teams in Division One and 10 in Division Two; Durham and Lancashire support the 12/6 conference plan, while Middlesex have backed sticking with the Championship as is, with two divisions and 10 teams in the top tier.The PCA expressed concerns about the current schedule at the start of the summer, saying 83% of respondents to a survey cited physical concerns over their workload and 67% called the fixture list detrimental to their mental health.Olly Hannon-Dalby, PCA chair, suggested that “a change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option” and that it would “breathe new life” into the competition.”We are at a critical moment regarding the future of professional cricketers in England and Wales,” he said. “The schedule has always been a contentious issue and we have seen too many reviews with no change but the feeling in recent seasons due to ever-increasing intensity of fixtures has led the game to a position where positive action has to be taken immediately and as an opportunity for the game to grow.”We understand the process is not straightforward and all counties have their own prerogative, however, the game needs to come to a consensus on a way forward to prioritise a duty of care to its players who are asking for reform, not just for their own health but also for an improved product on the field.”We have over 400 male players and we recognise the different career paths available … to protect the majority, a change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what I believe would become the best red-ball competition in the world.”Daryl Mitchell, the PCA’s chief executive, said: “Cricket has always been an incredibly innovative sport and relaunching the Blast and Championship with an optimum schedule would see clubs, supporters and players benefit from being involved in world-leading domestic cricket.”We have been pleased the consultation has provided space for player views to be heard and there is a consensus that back-to-back Blast games need to be drastically eased with the aim for the competition to change to 12 regional group games.”With the One Day Cup to stay alongside The Hundred, the congestion of the intense schedule cannot be improved enough by losing two 20-over games across a six-month season alone.”As employers, every county needs to understand the player concerns while looking at the positive outcome a 12/6 split would have in the Championship. The welfare of the players should be at the heart of the decision-making process and we urge all county Chairs and CEOs to consider this when taking their vote.”Ultimately, the right decision would serve to future-proof our game with clarity and commitment to a new era.”

Manchester City will hope to ride the crest of a wave as they plot a route into the Premier League race, and the Citizens may also be preparing for a fight with Liverpool to sign a lucrative international at zero cost.

Manchester City look to kick on after derby victory

The Etihad Stadium paid witness to some raucous scenes last weekend as Manchester City swept aside Manchester United to move within six points of Liverpool at the top of the table.

Before the match, Erling Haaland urged his new teammates to take on added responsibility after a busy transfer window that saw his side lose a number of influential figures. When it mattered, they all stepped up to deliver a stirring display.

Speaking after his side recorded a convincing triumph, Pep Guardiola reserved special praise for his Norwegian talisman and homegrown hero Phil Foden, who both got themselves on the scoresheet.

Starting with Haaland, the former Barcelona manager said: “Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He’s dynamic and I don’t judge him for the clearance, we want him to score goals and to help us.”

Later, he added on Foden: “We missed him so much and the season before he was the best player in the Premier League so we need him, he has a work ethic. Phil is the core, the heart of the club, from the academy and he loves City. To have him back is good news.”

With 2026 not too far in the distance, Manchester City are set to block interest from Al Nassr in a £112 million move for Phil Foden, and they now have their eye on one of his international teammates.

Man City ready to up the ante to land Marc Guehi in 2026

According to The Mirror, Manchester City are huge admirers of Marc Guehi, planning a move and will throw everything at landing him on a free transfer in 2026, with Crystal Palace unwilling to sanction his exit in the January window.

Despite Liverpool’s well-documented interest in the former Chelsea man alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus, the Citizens are hopeful they can secure his services without having to pay a transfer fee, teeing up the saga of next summer.

Man City brewing homegrown Guehi in "one of the most talented teen CBs"

Manchester City could be brewing their homegrown Marc Guehi with this talented centre-back.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 14, 2025

Labelled a “monster in defence” by Bobby Manzi, Guehi has handled himself exceptionally well despite being at the centre of a failed move to Anfield on Deadline Day, even scoring once in seven appearances across all competitions.

Guardiola’s backline has been altered following the departures of Manuel Akanji and Kyle Walker, and there may be more movement to come as they step up their efforts to land Guehi.

It remains to be seen who will win the battle for his signature, with Barca and Real described as ready to move. But regardless, Manchester City seem ready to go all-in given the lucrative possibility of signing a reliable Premier League performer.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot says it was wrong to rule out Virgil Van Dijk’s equaliser against Manchester City in their 3-0 loss on Sunday. The Reds’ captain thought he had found the back of the net after beating Gianluigi Donnarumma with a powerful header. But the celebrations were cut short quickly, with Andy Robertson judged to have interfered with play from an offside position.

Van Dijk's header ruled out by VAR

Liverpool fell behind to an Erling Haaland opener after the Norwegian had earlier had his penalty saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili. The striker’s looped header lofted over the Georgian in the Reds’ net and handed the hosts a deserved lead.

Liverpool did respond to going behind, with Van Dijk appearing to level proceedings in the 38th minute. Mohamed Salah drilled across a corner towards the back of the City box and the ball was met by a thunderous header by the centre-half, which flew into the bottom right corner. The Liverpool captain wheeled away in celebration to the corner flag, believing he had equalised.

VAR would soon intervene and spoil the Liverpool fans' cheers, though. Andy Robertson, standing three yards offside, ducked under the flight of the ball, but the officials judged him to be interfering with play. It was a contentious decision, given Donnarumma had seen the direction the ball was travelling in, and Robertson was not obscuring his vision.

The Liverpool fans and Slot were justifiably a little miffed.

AdvertisementAFPSlot slams the decision

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Slot said: “I think it's obvious and clear that the wrong decision has been made, at least in my opinion. Because he [Robertson] didn't interfere at all with what the goalkeeper could do.

“Immediately after the game someone showed me the goal that the same referee allowed City against Wolves last season [John Stones’ last minute winner]. So, it took the linesman 13 seconds to raise his flag to say it's offside. So, there was clearly communication.

“That could have influenced the game in a positive way for us because in the first half we were so poor.

“We would have been lucky going 1-0 down at half-time, let alone if it was 1-1 or 2-1 down. So it has been an influential decision, which is not to say that we then would have had a result over here because you cannot predict how the second half would have gone.”

City run out deserved winners

Regardless of the decision, Liverpool were not good enough and clearly deserved to lose the clash against their title rivals. Jeremy Doku was the standout performer for the hosts and the Reds struggled to contain the lively Belgian who put the game beyond doubt when he scored City’s third.

Earlier, Haaland and Nico Gonzalez had made it 2-0 to the hosts and prompted furious criticism of the Reds by Sky Sports’ pundits. Gary Neville claimed that Liverpool had been “asking to be beaten” by Pep Guardiola’s team and Roy Keane had labelled the Reds’ performance a “disgrace”.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportCity announce their intentions

City were the standout side, and their performance demonstrated why they are still one of Europe’s best sides. With Haaland in some of the best form of his career so far, it would be daft to write off City for any of the major honours.

Speaking after the game, Ruben Dias sent a warning shot towards league leaders Arsenal and claimed that his team were performing at the highest level. The defender added that “there are new faces because of the ones that left, but that quality stays the same, and we keep on pushing,” in a potential sly dig at the Reds.

Guardiola’s team have now moved within just four points of Arsenal, after the Gunners dropped two costly points late against Sunderland on Saturday. The victory also confined Liverpool to eighth spot in the Premier League, behind rivals Manchester United and eight points behind the Gunners at the top of the table.

There is a long way to go in the Premier League campaign, but Liverpool must start turning their fortunes around sooner rather than later.

Tottenham ace James Maddison has announced the birth of his second set of twins alongside partner Kennedy Alexa. The couple had their first child, Leo, in 2021 and in the summer of 2023, twins Delilah and Rome were born. Now, the England international and Kennedy have their fourth and fifth kids, with Maddison saying their five-a-side team is now "complete".

Maddison family grows again

On Monday, the former Leicester City midfielder announced that Jensen and Frankie Maddison had been born on October 30, while praising his partner as a "superwoman". Incidentally, it is very rare to have twins, let alone two sets. In fact, the odds are a huge one in 50,000.

AdvertisementHeartwarming social media announcement

In addition to sharing photos of his latest newborns, he wrote in a heartwarming post on Instagram: "Jensen & Frankie Maddison. 30.10.25. Five a side team complete. You’re a superwoman @kennedyalexa."

Maddison on road to recovery

Maddison has been short of luck with injuries in recent years, the latest of which came in a pre-season game against Newcastle United where he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. The Englishman is expected to miss the majority of this season but the birth of his latest set of twins will no doubt lift his spirits.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

While Maddison is still on the sidelines, in addition to looking after his young family, his Tottenham side take on Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Spurs then return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host in-form Manchester United.