O Palmeiras recebe o Bolívar-BOL, nesta quinta-feira (29), no Allianz Parque, no jogo que fecha a fase de grupos da Libertadores 2023.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui
Além de poder garantir a melhor campanha da primeira fase da Libertadores, o Verdão joga para alcançar algumas marcas interessantes na competição continental:
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+ IMPERDÍVEL! Transmissão ao vivo dos jogos do Verdão na Liberta por apenas R$1,00!
+ Até 50% OFF em produtos do Verdão para os torcedores fanáticos!
1 – Decidir no Allianz Parque até a final
Caso vença o Bolívar, o Palmeiras garante a melhor campanha e também poderá decidir todos os jogos de mata-mata ao lado do seu torcedor.
2 – Gol 100 pela Libertadores no Allianz Parque
Melhor ataque da atual edição da competição continental, o Palmeiras precisa de mais uma bola na rede para alcançar a marca de 100 gols em noites de Libertadores no Allianz Parque. São 99 tentos em 36 partidas (média de 2,75 por jogo), com 27 vitórias, 5 empates e apenas 4 derrotas, com 23 gols sofridos
+ Palmeiras x Bolívar: onde assistir, prováveis times e desfalques
3 – Invencibilidade de 12 jogos no Allianz Parque em Libertadores!
Com nove vitórias e três empates, o Verdão não sabe o que é perder em noite de Libertadores nos seus domínios desde 2021, quando foi derrotado para o Defensa y Justicia, por 4 a 3.
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4 – 100% contra Bolivianos como mandante!
O Palmeiras jamais perdeu pontos para equipes bolivianas atuando como mandante na Libertadores ou qualquer outro torneio continental. Até aqui são nove jogos e nove vitórias do Verdão.
5 – Acabar com a série de derrotas e seca de gols
Desde novembro de 2021 que o Palmeiras não sabe o que é perder três jogos seguidos. Foi antes do histórico jogo diante do Flamengo, em Montevidéu, que o Verdão acabou com uma série incômoda de três derrotas seguidas (Fluminense, São Paulo e Fortaleza), todas pelo Brasileirão. Também foi exatamente no mesmo período que o Verdão de Abel ficou dois jogos sem balançar a rede!
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+ Mercado da Bola: confira o vai e vem de jogadores no futebol brasileiro
Hoje tem e só a vitória interessa para o alviverde imponente!
In a significant jolt to India’s plans for the Champions Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Bumrah is yet to completely recover from the discomfort in his back, an injury he picked up during the Sydney Test in January that also ruled him out of the England white-ball series.Yashasvi Jaiswal has also been left out of the provisional squad, and Varun Chakravarthy has been named as his replacement.While Bumrah’s latest scans, which he underwent in Bengaluru over the weekend, did not reveal anything severe, he is not entirely ready to return to bowling. There is no confirmation on the timeline of his return. It is likely he will resume running in a couple of weeks and then gradually get back to bowling. His progress will be monitored by the BCCI’s medical team in Bengaluru.This is the second ICC tournament Bumrah will miss because of injury, having sat out the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia owing to a back injury that eventually required surgery.Related
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Bumrah’s replacement is Harshit Rana, who made his ODI debut during the ongoing England series. The ICC had set February 11 as the deadline for all participating teams to submit their final squads of 15 for the Champions Trophy. Any subsequent changes to the squad will need approval from the tournament’s technical committee.When the BCCI announced the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy and the England series in January, Rana was named as Bumrah’s back-up for the England ODIs. Rana made his ODI debut in the first game of the England series in Nagpur, sharing the new ball with Mohammed Shami. Rana started impressively, but Phil Salt then thrashed him for 26 runs in his third over. But the seamer from Delhi bounced back, picking three wickets to transfer the pressure back on England, which played a key role in India’s win.Eyebrows were raised after the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, in coordination with the Indian team think-tank comprising head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, had picked Rana ahead of the other contenders, including Mohammed Siraj, for the England series. Siraj has been India’s third-most senior bowler after Bumrah and Shami and was also part of their dominant run in the 2023 World Cup. However, in January’s media briefing while announcing the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy and the England series, Rohit explained that Siraj’s “effectiveness comes down a little” if he was not “going to take the new ball”.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Rohit had also said that with a question mark over Bumrah’s fitness, the decision makers collectively had confidence in Shami controlling the front-end of the innings and left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh capable of handling the death overs.
Varun replaces Jaiswal in Champions Trophy squad
Varun has been drafted into the squad as Jaiswal, along with Siraj and Shivam Dube, have been moved to the line-up of non-travelling reserves.Last week, Rohit had strongly hinted at Varun’s inclusion in the squad, saying that the spinner “clearly had something different about him”. Varun has taken 31 wickets at 11.25 since his comeback into India’s T20I squad, and on Sunday, he made his ODI debut as well, taking 1 for 54 in Cuttack.
Harry Kane has been urged to end his professional career at Bayern Munich by Germany legend Lothar Matthaus, who claims the England striker has "done his job in the Premier League". The former Tottenham star, who still has two years left in his existing deal, continues to be linked with a return to England so he can chase down Alan Shearer's Premier League goals record.
Kane on course for legendary status
Kane has proved himself to be one of the best players that Bayern have signed in a long time, as he has scored 98 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions and has broken multiple goal-scoring records in Germany. He also won his first major silverware last season when the Bavarian side lifted the Bundesliga title, and has since added the German Supercup to his CV.
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Matthaus wants Kane to retire in Munich
Former World Cup-winning Germany captain Matthaus strongly believes that Kane is capable of performing at the highest level for a few more years. He wants the 32-year-old to retire at Allianz Arena, and claims there is nothing more for him to achieve in English football.
'He's done his job in the Premier League'
Speaking to in Germany, Matthaus said: "He's never been better, and he's made an even bigger impact here. I don't think Shearer's [Premier League] record is a motivation. He's done his job in the Premier League, and therefore, he should end his career at Bayern. If he wants to earn some money afterwards, he can move to Saudi Arabia. But I think Kane still has a few good years ahead of him at the very highest level."
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Will Kane leave Bayern next summer?
According to , there is a £57 million ($77m) release clause in Kane’s contract that can be triggered in the summer of 2026. But for that cut-price fee to become active, the ex-Spurs star must inform the German champions of his intention to leave before the end of the winter transfer window in January.
كشف اللواء أشرف نصار رئيس نادي البنك الأهلي، حقيقة الموافقة على بيع ياو أنور مهاجم الفريق إلى أهلي طرابلس الليبي خلال الفترة الحالية.
وانتشر خطاب خلال الساعات الماضية يفيد بموافقة نادي البنك الأهلي على بيع ياو أنور مهاجم الفريق إلى أهلي طرابلس الليبي.
طالع.. نبيل الكوكي بعد الفوز على البنك الأهلي: المصري أغلق الأطراف أمام مصطفى شلبي
وقال اللواء أشرف نصار رئيس نادي البنك الأهلي في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: الخطاب المنتشر بشأن الموافقة على بيع ياو أنور قديم، ولن نبيع أي لاعب خلال الفترة الحالية”.
وأضاف: “لا أعلم لماذا انتشر الخطاب في الوقت الحالي رغم أنه قديم، على الرغم من غلق باب القيد في ليبيا، ونحن في الوقت الحالي ليس لدينا أي نية في بيع أي لاعب من الفريق”.
وتابع أشرف نصار: الشرط الوحيد للموافقة على بيع أي لاعب من عناصر الفريق الأساسية هو ضمان تواجد فريق البنك الأهلي بين الـ 7 أندية الكبار في جدول ترتيب الدوري الممتاز”.
Pakistan secured a spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand; South Africa have now lost six successive ODIs
Firdose Moonda12-Feb-2025
Salman Agha hit his maiden ODI hundred•PCB
Salman Agha’s first ODI century and Mohammad Rizwan’s fourth combined as Pakistan completed their highest successful chase in ODIs and secured a spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand on Saturday. Rizwan and Salman, Pakistan’s captain and vice-captain, shared in a record fourth-wicket stand of 260, the highest-ever against South Africa, and the fourth-highest by any pair while chasing. South Africa have never had a bigger score chased against them.On a pitch perfect for batting, Pakistan’s efforts trumped Temba Bavuma’s highest ODI score since September 2023, Matthew Breetzke becoming the player with the most runs after two matches (233) and Heinrich Klaasen’s fourth successive 80-plus score in the highest-scoring encounter between these two sides.It goes without saying that it was a difficult day for bowlers, and seamers in particular. Pakistan’s quicks conceded 206 runs in 28 overs, of which Mohammad Hasnain’s eight cost 72, and South Africa’s pace attack gave away 223 runs in 27 overs. South Africa have now lost six successive ODIs.Ultimately, South Africa will be more concerned about the loss of Klaasen to a thumb injury than the match. Klaasen left the field in the 32nd over and handed the wicket-keeping gloves to Kyle Verreynne, after a ball that kept low from Corbin Bosch struck him on the right thumb. There was no immediate update on Klaasen’s condition.Pakistan had never conceded more runs in Karachi and only once allowed South Africa to score more against them so their task was tough from the outset. But their chase got underway briskly when Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam put on 56 in the first six overs, and took apart both Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch. Wiaan Mulder was introduced as first-change early, in the seventh over, and struck with his first legitimate ball. He cramped Babar for room as he tried to flick the ball away and struck him on the front pad. Babar reviewed immediately but Ultraedge confirmed there was no bat and the ball was going on to hit the middle stump.Saud Shakeel, brought into the side for this match, kept the pressure on and scored 15 off 16 balls before mistiming a pull off Bosch to Mulder at deep mid-wicket. Pakistan’s powerplay score of 91 for 2 was their third-highest since 2002 and set them up well.South Africa soon edged ahead when, four balls into the 11th over, Fakhar played inside the line of a Mulder ball, got an edge and Klaasen took a diving catch to his left. Rizwan had only faced two balls, and pulled one of them for four, when he was joined by Salman, with a rebuilding job to do.Pakistan scored only one boundary in the next seven overs and the required run-rate climbed over 7.3 but slowly, Pakistan started to find more boundaries. Salman picked on anything full from the spinners and the pair rotated strike well to take Pakistan to 163 for 3 at the halfway stage, still needing 190 runs.Senuran Muthusamy came into the attack at that point and by his third over, Rizwan lined him up and launched him over long-on to bring up the hundred partnership. By then, Rizwan already had fifty and Salman soon brought up his fifty off 51 balls.Matthew Breetzke and Temba Bavuma made 83 and 82, respectively•Associated Press
Though the required run-rate hovered between seven to eight runs an over, neither Salman nor Rizwan panicked and they were supplied with enough boundary balls to keep the score ticking over. South Africa were guilty of offering too much width, failing to adjust their lengths and the occasional piece of ordinary fielding. By the time Pakistan got to their last ten overs, they needed 82 runs. South Africa had scored 110 in the same period, so Pakistan knew what was possible.Both set batters were on the doorstep of the 90s and Rizwan got there first when he launched Mulder over deep mid-wicket, off the 106th ball he faced. In the same over, Salman got to his milestone off a single. His hundred took just 87 balls. Pakistan brought 300 up in the 44th over and needed just 32 runs in the last five overs. Despite Salman falling before the winning runs were scored, Pakistan got there with six balls to spare, leaving South Africa wondering how many they left out there.They started strongly with a powerplay that saw them total 64 for 1 and both Bavuma and Breetzke in good touch. Breetzke, in particular, was soon striking at over 100, and allowed Bavuma to dial it down slightly as he approached his first fifty in 17 innings. He got there with a single off Salman, and then accelerated once again. In general, Bavuma played more riskily than we are used to and went for an expansive drive off left-arm spinner Khusdil Shah but edged past Rizwan. Later that over, he tried to slog Khusdil over square leg but top-edged. Naseem Shah misjudged the catch and put Bavuma down on 60.Pakistan were able to keep South Africa fairly quiet for the next eight overs, and they scored at under five an over but grew frustrated with their inability to break through. Breetzke brought up fifty off 46 balls before Hasnain thought he had him out lbw when he missed a leg-side whip and Rizwan was convinced to review but ball-tracking showed it going down leg.Sensing an opportunity to create something, Rizwan brought Shaheen Shah back on in the 27th over and he tested the batters with pace and personality. There were stare-downs and words. At one point, Afridi moved into Breetzke’s path as he was completing a single and there was contact. Breetzke didn’t back down, got in Shaheen’s face and the pair had to be separated by the umpires and team-mates. In the next over, Bavuma played Hasnain to backward point and raced away for a single before checking with Breetzke, who sent him back. It was too late.Saud Shakeel swooped in and with a one-handed pick up and throw ran Bavuma out and celebrated in his face for good measure. Bavuma was stranded on 82, with a golden chance at a century gone begging, but South Africa still had 21.5 overs to face.Klaasen was sent in at No.4 and faced 14 balls for seven runs before he remembered who he was. He smoked Hasnain for four fours in his sixth over, over mid-on, mid-off, square-leg and deep mid-wicket to bring up 200 and get the innings going again. That over cost 16 runs and the next four for 36 and South Africa were back in sight of a massive score.Breetzke was out to a stunning Salman catch when he tried to smash Khusdil through the covers but Salman, who dived across and reached out with his right hand to pluck the ball close to the ground. Mulder was caught at point in the next over and South Africa entered the final ten overs on 242 for 4 but with Klaasen there, would have been comfortable.He unleashed a 95-metre six five balls into that period, brought up fifty off 38 balls and then completely cut loose. His next 37 runs came off 18 balls and he spared no-one. Afridi was treated particularly severely as Klaasen took him for back to back sixes in an over that cost 20. When he tried to give Naseem the same treatment, Klaasen sent a low full toss to long-on. In the end, Pakistan’s two centuries to South Africa’s none was the difference.
Leeds United enjoyed a wonderful season last term when they raced to a staggering 100 points to win the Championship title under Daniel Farke.
The Whites earned promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking with the German head coach, having lost to Southampton in the play-off final in 2024.
It is now up to the former Norwich City boss to show that he can keep the team in the top-flight, though, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of Marcelo Bielsa.
The West Yorkshire outfit finished ninth in the Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign, their highest finish in the football pyramid in the last 20 years, and Farke knows that he needs more attacking options to repeat that feat, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin one player who is set to arrive on a free transfer.
Leeds needs to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch to ensure that they have enough firepower to avoid relegation, and potentially push for the top-half like they did in Bielsa’s first season in the league.
In the summer of 2020, Victor Orta made sure that the Argentine boss had the quality he needed by signing brilliant Brazilian forward Raphinha.
Leeds hit the jackpot with Raphinha
There is an argument to be made that the left-footed star is the best signing that the Whites have made in modern history, or at least since 2020, as his quality on the pitch was pivotal to their success.
Leeds reportedly paid an initial fee of £17m to sign the winger from Rennes in 2020, and it is fair to say that he more than paid back that fee with the value he provided on the pitch.
Raphinha scored 17 goals and created 22 ‘big chances’, per Sofascore, in two seasons in the Premier League during his time with Leeds, in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns, helping them to avoid the drop both times.
The mercurial attacker made a huge impact at the top end of the pitch to win vital points for the team to ensure that they did not get relegated, with goals and assists to secure draws and wins.
Raphinha (Premier League)
20/21
21/22
Appearances
30
35
Goals
6
11
Big chances missed
4
6
Big chances created
12
10
Key passes per game
2.1
1.9
Assists
9
3
Dribbles completed per game
1.9
1.8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Raphinha provided a consistent threat in possession with his goals, assists, dribbles, and key passes in the top-flight.
Barcelona then swooped to sign the winger for a fee of £55m in the summer of 2022, and Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in the following season. This speaks to how important he was to the side, and why the Whites have not had a signing as successful as him since.
Leeds are likely destination for experienced centre-forward
The West Yorkshire outfit may have a chance to land their best signing since Raphinha, though, as a fresh report has emerged on their interest in a new striker.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Qatari paper Al Kass, as relayed by Globo, Leeds United are the most likely destination for Al Hilal centre-forward Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer.
The report claims that the Saudi Pro League team are willing to pay the striker the £21m they owe him for the last three years of his contract in order to allow him to find a new club.
It states that the recent arrival of Darwin Nunez from Liverpool has left Mitrovic as a disposable member of Simone Inzaghi’s squad, opening the door for Leeds to make a move for him.
The outlet is not clear on whether Al Hilal would still demand a transfer fee for the Serbia international, paying up his contract to allow him to negotiate lower wages elsewhere, or if he will be available for nothing, as it had been reported earlier this summer that they wanted a fee of £26m for his services.
Why Mitrovic would be the best signing since Raphinha
As aforementioned, Raphinha was such a successful signing for the Whites because it was his attacking quality in the final third that won vital points for the team with goals and assists to help the team avoid relegation.
You only have to look at what happened after he moved on from Elland Road to understand how important the winger was for the team, and Mitrovic is a player who has the potential to be just as impactful for Leeds.
The Al Hilal marksman, who was described as an “absolute monster” by Saudi Arabian news journalist Matt Monaghan, has the goalscoring pedigree to come in and be the main man at the top end of the pitch for Farke, scoring enough goals to fire the team to safety.
Mitrovic, who once scored a staggering 43 goals in one season for Fulham during his time in England, has enjoyed a sensational time in front of goal with Al Hilal, who may only be replacing him because of his age, as Nunez is four years younger than him.
Sports editor Henry Hill once described the 30-year-old centre-forward as a “prolific” player for club and country, and his statistics back that claim up.
Mitrovic (Saudi Pro League)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
28
23
xG
26.60
17.41
Goals
28
19
xG on target
26.26
22.12
xA
2.48
1.33
Assists
5
2
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Mitrovic found it almost too easy to score goals in the Pro League for Al Hilal, outperforming his xG in both of those seasons and almost averaging a goal every game.
Along with his phenomenal output in Saudi Arabia, the Leeds transfer target has also scored 62 goals in 100 matches for Serbia at international level, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he is a prolific scorer for club and country, as claimed.
These statistics show that the Serbian star, who scored 111 goals in 206 games for Fulham, has the ability to be a consistent and prolific goalscorer for Leeds, having proven himself in England, in Saudi Arabia, and at international level.
This means that Mitrovic could win vital points for Leeds on a regular basis by scoring goals that earn draws and wins to keep Leeds in the Premier League, much like Raphinha did in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns.
Way better than Calvert-Lewin: £50m star is the top target for Leeds
Leeds United’s number one transfer target is a way better option than Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
2
By
Dan Emery
Aug 12, 2025
That is why the Al Hilal forward would be the club’s best signing since Raphinha, because they have yet to bring in an attacker with the quality to make as big of an impact as the Brazilian did during his time at Elland Road.
The Premier League kicked off on Friday night in emotional circumstances. Liverpool players gathered around the centre circle, fans held tributes aloft to mourn and celebrate the life of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
The most fitting way to pay tribute was by winning the game and they duly did that, but it wasn’t without its scares.
While Liverpool went 2-0 up through Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, Bournemouth rallied. Antoine Semenyo, ever lively Semenyo, bagged a brace.
Hugo Ekitike scores for Liverpool
The Reds fought back in typical circumstances, Federico Chiesa slamming home a late winner before a teary Mo Salah wrapped up the points.
It’s safe to say Liverpool’s attack was firing again, just as it did last season, just as it did in losing circumstances at Wembley a week ago.
Yet, the same problem from that showpiece event in the capital remains. Arne Slot’s side may have signed Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, but in the middle of defence they were caught out.
Over the first two matches of the campaig,n Virgil Van Dijk has not looked his colossal self. Semenyo also had a hand in twisting Ibrahima Konate inside and out.
So, could another defender be on the agenda for Liverpool?
Liverpool's transfer plans in defence
Kerkez and Frimpong will cause a great deal of excitement at full back but attacking as they are, it’s not going to improve Slot’s side’s ability to keep the ball out of the back of the net.
Giovanni Leoni has been added to the ranks from Parma. The Italian has been celebrated as one of the best young defenders in the land but it will take time for him to realise his immense promise.
A ready-made solution could be sought. Much of the transfer chatter this summer has revolved around Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi but a move in the forthcoming weeks does feel unlikely.
Previous reports have indicated that he could be willing to see out of his contract at Selhurst Park.
Guehi has less than a year left on his current deal and is likely to leave on a free transfer next summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That said, he still harbours dreams of moving to Merseyside. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking in a YouTube video posted on Saturday, the trusted insider said:
“On Liverpool, I insist they are still working for Marc Guehi, there is still a conversation ongoing with Crystal Palace, still a conversation ongoing with player side, because the agreement with the player is okay, from what I’m hearing.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts.
“Still waiting to see what happens club to club but Guehi wants to go to Liverpool. If it’s not now, it’s going to be in the future, but now the deal is still on, from what I’m hearing, so keep an eye still on Marc Guehi, because Giovanni Leoni was introduced at Anfield, but that remains the priority again for Liverpool.”
Sadio Mane
Southampton
£34m
Gini Wijnaldum
Newcastle
£25m
Virgil van Dijk
Southampton
£75m
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Arsenal
£35m
Andy Robertson
Hull City
£8m
Xherdan Shaqiri
Stoke City
£13.5m
Diogo Jota
Wolves
£41m
Alexis Mac Allister
Brighton
£35m
Milos Kerkez
Bournemouth
£40m
It’s widely thought that Guehi could be allowed to leave London behind in a package worth around £40m-£45m.
A defensive touch similar to Fabinho
Liverpool have enjoyed quite the rejig of their midfield in recent years. First, it was the magical Jurgen Klopp who performed surgery but Slot has now taken things to the next level.
Indeed, amid James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago all leaving, central figures were required and in the form of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szobozslai, and Ryan Gravenberch, a new midfield was born.
Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.
Now, Florian Wirtz has been added to the mix in stunning circumstances.
In the defence, a similar reshaping must continue. Kerkez and Frimpong form two phases of the new look backline but Guehi could be the Wirtz-like final piece of the puzzle.
Similarly, he could be their new Fabinho, just from slightly further back on the pitch.
Described as a “monster in defender” by Eagles reporter Bobby Manzi, the Crystal Palace captain certainly evokes memories of Fabinho in that context.
Yet, it’s not necessarily their ability to defend astutely that makes the pair so alike.
Indeed, Guehi’s ability to read danger early, intercept the play and shield defensive spaces on the pitch feels very Fabinho-like.
While they are technically secure, both are less about recovery pace and more about anticipating and reading where the ball will be.
They don’t like to be the main man and in that sense, they’re both similarly understated on the field.
Speaking about Guehi during the 2024 European Championships, Joe Hart told BBC Sport:
“I thought he was exceptional. He really stepped in and was really calm on the ball. I thought Guehi allowed John Stones to play his game. The more Marc plays, the better that partnership will get.”
In a similar sense to Fabinho, he was really calm and he also allowed the more technically gifted players to shine. Fabinho played behind the likes of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane for years.
In this team, Guehi has the opportunity to establish a Stones-like partnership with Van Dijk, while allowing others, such as Wirtz and Frimpong to flourish.
Crystal Palace'sMarcGuehilooks dejected.
Fabinho was the tempo setter, someone who knew his role; break things up and advance it into the club’s prized assets.
The Palace centre half would be well placed to perform a similar role at Anfield, just from back in defence rather than midfield.
Bigger English talent than Guehi: Liverpool can still sign £100m "machine"
This fast-rising England talent is a long-term target for Liverpool.
Julian Alvarez silenced talk of a rift with Diego Simeone in the best way possible, by firing a stunning hat-trick that sealed Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 comeback win over Rayo Vallecano. After the match, the Argentine forward addressed the lip-reading controversy from the Mallorca game, insisting his frustration was misinterpreted and that his bond with Simeone remains intact.
Julian Alvarez's lip-reading controversy
Alvarez’s explosive display against Rayo Vallecano came just days after controversy swirled around him. In the Mallorca game, cameras caught him visibly frustrated after being substituted, and social media lip readers claimed he muttered criticisms at Simeone, sparking rumours of a fallout. With speculation rising over tensions in the Atleti camp, all eyes were on how the Argentine striker would respond on the pitch and off it. The speculations caught more traction after his six-match goal drought and the club's inconsistent display in this year's campaign.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlvarez clears the air around the lip reading incident
After his hat-trick heroics, Alvarez directly addressed the controversy in a post-match interview.
"The words they said… The lip-reading they did had nothing to do with what I'd said. I swore and he was angry with me, to be honest," he said. "This always happens with social media, but it's all good. Let's keep improving so we don't drop points along the way."
He admitted frustration at being subbed but stressed it was aimed at himself, not Simeone, dismissing the online storm as a misunderstanding blown out of proportion.
Alvarez's on his hat-trick heroics
If his words weren’t enough, the Argentine let his football do the talking. He netted a superb hat-trick to drag Atletico past Rayo Vallecano, with his third goal – a composed left-footed finish in the dying minutes – sealing three points for the capital club. Asked to pick his favourite, he said: "The third was very nice, it was a left-footed one, and it was right at the end to turn the game around. I'll stick with the third."
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AFPDiego Simeone backs Alvarez ahead of derby clash
For Simeone, there’s no doubt about Alvarez’s importance. “Julian is the best player we have,” he declared, urging the club to keep him long-term. Next up is the Madrid derby on September 27 – another chance for the Argentine to prove once again why Simeone calls him “the best” and why Atleti’s future may rest on his shoulders.
Crystal Palace are set for an extremely busy end to what can only be described as a frantic transfer window at Selhurst Park.
While the incoming signings to date haven’t blown anyone away, it’s more been focused on the high-profile exits being regularly spoken about, with Eberechi Eze now officially an Arsenal player.
With Marc Guehi’s future also precariously up in the air today as the clock ticks down to 7pm, it is sure to be a rollercoaster day for those with an Eagles connection.
However, there also could be a flurry of late incoming signings to counteract activity out the door.
Palace strike up late move for £17m defender
Already, the drama of deadline day has thrown up Getafe star Christantus Uche moving to East London – as a verbal agreement has now been struck between the Spanish side and Oliver Glasner’s men – with another star set to join him in his new Premier League postcode.
Indeed, as was exclusively broken by journalist Charlie Parker-Turner, via X, Glasner and Co. have reached another agreement to snap up Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Igor Julio on a loan deal. Fabrizio Romano has even revealed that the deal is at the late medical stage, already.
This could well be a temporary measure in case Guehi exits the building.
But, regardless of whether the Liverpool-linked defender leaves or not, adding in the £14.5m brute at the final hour could be seen as a better last-minute buy than securing the services of Uche.
Why Julio could be a better signing than Uche
After all, Palace aren’t exactly overflowing with centre-back options currently, even with Guehi still in their grip.
There are realistically only three centre-back figures available for selection at the moment, with Chris Richards and Marcel Larcoix the only other notable first-team presences in the heart of defence, as the duo – alongside Guehi – shut out Aston Villa valiantly last time out in a resounding 3-0 away day win.
Games played
37
Games started
27
Minutes played
2596
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Passes completed
2130 (93%)
Duels won
95
Whilst he hasn’t always been a guaranteed starter for the Seagulls, the Brazilian has stood out in flashes on the South Coast, with a mightily impressive 93% pass accuracy managed across his 27 Premier League starts to date, perhaps making him a worthwhile candidate to fill the expected Guehi void to come.
Moreover, Julio has even been dubbed an “animal” for his prowess in the air by former Brighton coach Inigo Calderon, with his relentless energy to retrieve the ball – as seen in his high 4.4 ball recovery average during his debut top-flight season – also another positive characteristic of the reserve defender’s game if Glasner needs to utilise the South American shortly.
Igor Julio in action for Brighton.
Of course, attacking signings often catch the eye more, with Uche’s impressive record of five goals and eight assists for Getafe a tantalising prospect.
But, the rising Nigerian star has never set foot on English soil before, with the Eagles already well-stocked in the attacking department, arguably, with Jean Philippe-Mateta leading the line with his usual venom, on top of Ismaila Sarr bagging a second Premier League strike of the season already at Villa.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in action with Brighton & Hove Albion'sIgorJulio
Therefore, while Uche will likely strike up a healthy partnership with Mateta and make Palace even more of an attractive watch, sealing Julio’s services feels like a more shrewd, late capture on loan, particularly if the Eagles’ window ends with Guehi’s heartbreaking departure being confirmed.
Crystal Palace make late approach to sign 19-cap defender alongside Canvot
The Eagles are ready to try and land his signature.
Connolly had played just four first class games and was wicketless from his 96 deliveries before his Test debut in Galle
Tristan Lavalette06-Feb-20250:40
Connolly: ‘I like to be aggressive while I’m playing red-ball cricket as well’
From the moment his clutch batting memorably lifted Perth Scorchers to the BBL title almost exactly two years ago, Cooper Connolly quickly became a fan favourite and there was plenty of intrigue over the potential of this promising left-arm spinning allrounder.But even his legion of admirers out west could not have foreshadowed his rise to Test cricket would be so swift. After just four first-class matches, the 21-year-old Connolly became Australia’s 471st men’s cricketer after he replaced offspinner Todd Murphy in Australia’s XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became Australia’s fourth debutant in as many Tests.With his emotional parents standing nearby, Connolly, 21, was presented with his baggy green cap by former Test batter and fellow Western Australian Simon Katich.Related
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His selection for this Test had been murmured in recent days with expectations that the surface used for this match would be notably dry and especially favourable to spin.Connolly’s selection has raised some eyebrows given he is wicketless from 96 deliveries in his first-class career so far. But all three of his Shield matches have been at the pace-friendly WACA ground, while he bowled only six overs against India A in Mackay in early November which was his last first-class match.Albeit a different format, but Connolly did take six wickets in the recent BBL season – where he was named player of the tournament after scoring the most runs in the league stage – highlighted by a strong performance against Sydney Thunder in favourable spinning conditions at the Showgrounds.ESPNcricinfo LtdIf the surface for the second Test does spin sharply, Connolly could prove dangerous and provides another left-arm spinning option alongside Matthew Kuhnemann, who had so much success in the series opener.”From what I’ve seen in the nets he bowls some really good balls,” stand-in captain Steven Smith said on Wednesday. “He was pretty consistent when he was bowling in Dubai and in the nets here.”That’s kind of all you’ve got to do in these conditions, just try and bowl as many good balls in a good area and let the conditions take over.”Connolly’s inclusion also underlines bolder selections from Australia’s hierarchy who have shown a willingness to experiment ever since picking 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test against India.Cooper Connolly receives his debut cap from Simon Katich•Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesWith Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final secured, Connolly edged veteran Glenn Maxwell for a spot on the Sri Lanka tour having made his T20I and ODI debuts in the backend of last year. Undoubtedly, selectors have an eye towards the future – Australia’s next tour of India is just two years away – but they will insist his selection in the second Test is a decision based on specific conditions.At this stage of his fledgling career, Connolly is certainly a much stronger batter and adds significant depth to Australia’s order at No. 8. He has already scored three half-centuries from his six first-class innings, starting with 90 off 115 balls on debut at No. 7 in last year’s Shield final between WA and Tasmania.It was an elegant knock on a tricky WACA surface that instantly drew comparisons to former WA great Shaun Marsh. But given his all-round skills and X-factor ability, with an uncanny knack of hitting the most mesmerising shots, Connolly has been likened to Maxwell and Travis Head.”It’s pretty cool to be honest. You dream of it as a kid watching them smack it around,” he told ESPNcricinfo last December about the comparisons to Maxwell and Head. “I feel proud of myself… it’s a dream to put on a baggy green.”