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Virat Kohli didn’t miss cricket as much as he thought he might after the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt, as he returned to the nets for Royal Challengers Bangalore to prepare for IPL 2020. Kohli said that he embraced a break he couldn’t get otherwise before the pandemic.Kohli has played, on average, at least 40 international matches per calendar year since the start of 2017 and had already played 15 by March this year. Those numbers account for the breaks he has taken to rest, and do not include the IPL games he has also had to play.”When we had our practice session yesterday, is the time I realised how long it’s been,” Kohli said in Royal Challengers’ series. “When I was heading to the practice session I felt nervous, felt a bit jittery, but things were okay. Honestly I didn’t miss the game as much as I thought I might. Maybe because I was going for nine-ten years before that and this was the only break I was ever going to get. And that long. But it was a revelation for me. My focus was not solely on how I’m missing the game all the time and just carrying on with life and doing other things.”ALSO READ: Kohli on his first net session after lockdownIn February this year, Kohli had spoken of the “rigourous” schedule that was coming over the next three years, and said that he had managed to maintain his intensity over the years because of the periodic breaks that he had taken. This time round, with no other choice, and with the opportunity to spend time with his wife who has similarly demanding schedules, Kohli said “just being home” was enjoyable.”The best thing was Anushka [Sharma] and I were at home. We never got so much time to spend together, since we started seeing each other. This was the longest we got to spend with each other,” Kohli said. “Just being home, being in your own home with the one you love – you couldn’t ask for anything better. We just made the most of that whole time. Created a bit of a routine for ourselves.”Kohli and Royal Challengers have been in the UAE for over a week now, and have begun work on many fronts, including the team culture and an effort to maintain the mental wellness of their players. It is understood that Royal Challengers are the only franchise travelling with a mental health expert. Alongside all of that, there was also a team call led by Kohli in which he spoke to the younger players about the importance of respecting the biosecure bubble.”What I said on the zoom call, I don’t think it should be pressure for anyone. The magnitude of the situation is such. We’re all here to eventually play cricket, take care of this tournament, take care of our surroundings that we’re in. The bio-bubble needs to be respected at all times for the tournament to happen,” Kohli said.Virat Kohli and Mike Hesson have a chat in the nets•RCB

“We’re here to play. We’re not here to have fun and roam around and say I want to hang out in Dubai. That is not the time we’re living in. So we have to accept the phase that we’re going through and understand the privilege just to be a part of the IPL. Everyone should accept that and not have desires that make them behave in a manner that is not required.”Royal Challengers have not been in the playoffs since being runners-up in 2016, and have finished bottom of the table twice since then, including last year. In that period, they’ve also had three head coaches, with Simon Katich being the latest to take on the role. Mike Hesson will be supporting him as Director of Cricket Operations. Kohli said the combination has already made him optimistic about the upcoming season.”Mike and Simon and Adam [Griffiths, bowling coach] along with the other support staff – they all seem balanced, pretty clear in what they want. At the same time they’re very respectful of the fact that they need to manage people a certain way, but also setting a very clear, very forthright culture in front of them; that this is where you need to go, we’ll help you along the way, but the culture will not change because of individual preferences.”That is the balance that these guys have created wonderfully till now and I’m sure they’ll keep continuing to do so because they don’t seem like the kind of people who will waver when there’s pressure. They’re firm, they’re clear on where they wanna go and they’ll take the team along. They’re not going to just walk away when things get difficult. That’s the sense I’ve got till now and it’s a good feeling to have people like that.”

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Quando o assunto é duelo contra o São Paulo, o torcedor do Flamengo pode ter lembranças sob um prisma otimista ou pessimista. Otimista por trazer à tona a comemoração do Octa, já que o adversário do outro lado era o Tricolor, ou pessimista, já que a derrota no jogo pela última rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro passado acentuou o período de jejum sem vitórias contra o clube paulista. Neste domingo, às 16h, os times voltam a se encontrar.

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O duelo da vez será no Maracanã e pela 13ª rodada da atual edição do Brasileirão. No último encontro, o Rubro-Negro deu a volta olímpica no Morumbi, mas perdeu por 2 a 1. A última vitória ocorreu no dia 2 de julho de 2017, quando Guerrero e Diego marcaram no triunfo por 2×0 na Ilha do Urubu.

De lá para cá, foram nove jogos, com seis derrotas e três empates, sendo 11 gols sofridos e apenas três marcados. No Maracanã, o incômodo tabu se alastra: o mais recente triunfo ocorreu no Brasileiro de 2015, dia 23 de agosto, quando Ederson e Guerrero – novamente – deram a distante vitória por 2 a 1.

SEQUÊNCIA INÉDITA NA MIRA

Além da tentativa de quebrar a escrita recente contra o São Paulo, o Flamengo quer aproveitar o embalo sob o comando de Renato Gaúcho (100% de aproveitamento após três jogos) para alcançar uma sequência inédita neste Brasileirão: a de três vitórias consecutivas (vem de triunfos contra Chapecoense e Bahia). O feito aproximaria time do G4, hoje distante por seis pontos.

+ Veja a tabela completa do Brasileirão

Com 18 pontos e dois jogos atrasados, o Fla ocupa a sexta posição na tabela do Brasileiro. O LANCE! transmite o embate contra o São Paulo em Tempo Real.

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A batalha campal da decisão da Copa do Nordeste voltou a ganhar espaço na tarde desta quinta-feira no STJD e Bahia e Ceará saíram no prejuízo.

Devido a confusão no gramado, os auditores puniram Nino, Jael e Mendoza com dez partidas de suspensão. Já Daniel, Juninho e Gabriel Dias pegaram oito jogos.

Além disso, o Bahia perdeu um mando de campo no Brasileirão. O motivo foi o lateral Nino Paraíba, que estava suspenso e invadiu o gramado para brigar com os jogadores do Ceará.

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The agent of a transfer target for both Arsenal and Tottenham has been spotted in North London, according to a recent report.

Spurs and Arsenal battling on and off the pitch

The rivalry between Arsenal and Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham side remains as strong as ever, and with added incentive for both sides heading into the latest instalment.

After drawing 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium back in September, it was Tottenham's turn to play host to Arsenal on Sunday, knowing that a win over their fiercest rivals would be a major boost in their own Champions League aspirations for next season, as well as effectively ending Mikel Arteta's side's hopes of first Premier League title since 2004, where they clinched the Premier League title at White Hart Lane in front of the Spurs faithful.

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The match started just about perfectly for the Gunners, whose near unstoppable set piece dominance was helped this time by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg heading in at his own near post, with Kai Havertz then nodding home a similar finish to make it three after Bukayo Saka brilliantly slotted in a second on the break.

Cristian Romero tucked home what looked like a consolation after a mistake from David Raya, and while Son Heung-min's well-taken late penalty set up a nervous finish, Arsenal continue their march towards title glory.

Agent of transfer target spotted in north London

With the battle on the pitch now over for another season, attentions turn to matters off it, and the agent of a player wanted by both halves of North London has been touting his client's services.

The player in question? Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, who Tottenham are believed to hold a strong interest in this summer. However, recent reports have placed Arsenal at the front of the queue for his signature, with the 21-year-old thought to be available for around £60m this summer, far below his £128m release clause.

It has already been confirmed that Sudakov will leave this summer, by no other than Shakhtar's own president Sergei Palkin: “This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs. We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.

Sudakov's stats this season

Appearances

19

Goals

3

Assists

1

Yellow Cards

5

“He will definitely move to a top European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea versus Everton on Monday, many people asked me about Sudakov.”

Now, Sudakov's agent has been spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, taking to Instagram to show off his time in N17, where he likely met with Spurs representatives to discuss a potential move.

However, The Mirror claim that Spurs are not interested in getting into a bidding war, which Shakhtar managed to spark to good effect over Mykhaylo Mudryk before eventually selling him to London rivals Chelsea, where he has since flattered to deceive.

The image will only serve to further fuel the fire around Sudakov, and will leave Spurs fans hopeful that they can get one over their rivals by agreeing a deal to sign the midfielder ahead of the new season.

England star Mary Earps says it's "mental" as she become the first professional female footballer to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds London.

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• Earps wins vote to receive wax figure
• Goalkeeper posts throwback visit to attraction
• Lionesses star joined PSG this summer

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Earps shared a throwback photo of her visit to Madame Tussauds in 2013 as she celebrated becoming the first professional female footballer to have a wax figure at the famous attraction in London. The 31-year-old will be added to the museum this autumn following a public vote, which came after Earps helped England win the 2022 European Championship and reach the final of the 2023 World Cup.

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• WHAT EARPS POSTED ON INSTAGRAM

  Earps posted some snaps of her own waxwork model, along with a photo of her alongside a figure of singer Cheryl during a 2013 trip to Madame Tussauds, on Instagram. She wrote: "When I visited Madame Tussauds with my Mum back in March 2013 (scroll for me and Chezza), never did I ever think I'd be back there a decade or so later as my own waxwork figure. Absolutely mental. Thank you for voting for me, this is super surreal. I can't wait for you all to see it. Big thank you to the wonderful Madame Tussauds team who've brought this to life – your work is incredible!"

• WHAT EARPS SAID

  Speaking about the significance of her own model, Earps said, per The Guardian: "It's a special feeling to be a trailblazer. I think it's something that means a lot to me.

  "I'm a very ambitious person, a very hard-working person, and I think to try and push boundaries and try and be a pioneer for change, in many ways, is something that I really enjoy doing, and hopefully I can do for the rest of my career."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The real Earps is beginning a new chapter in her professional career after signing for Paris Saint-Germain in July. The Lionesses 'keeper joined the French team after five years at Manchester United.

Diego Simeone played a major role in convincing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher to join Atletico Madrid, according to reports.

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• Simeone convinced Gallagher to join Atletico
• Offered key role in set-up
• Midfielder set to sign £200,000 weekly deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gallagher is set to join Atletico for a rumoured fee of £34m ($43m), after contract talks between Chelsea and the central midfield player broke down ahead of the new season. Aside from the Blues' refusal to budge on contract terms, the key factor in deciding Gallagher's move to Spain was Atletico boss Simeone, according to .

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  During talks, Simeone told Gallagher that he views him as a key component of a new-look Atletico side, following the recent departures of a raft of experienced players including Alvaro Morata, Memphis Depay, Stefan Savic and Gabriel Paulista. The Chelsea academy graduate, who was an important figure in Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea dressing room last summer, is apparently viewed as the perfect fit for Simeone's system and style of play.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Gallagher is poised to sign a five-year deal that would keep him in Madrid until 2029, with the England international set to earn as much as £200,000 per week in Spain, including bonuses. This kind of money highlights how in-demand the 24-year-old was this summer, with Spurs and Aston Villa also pushing hard to get his signature.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GALLAGHER?

  We're still waiting for the transfer to be announced officially, but everything looks set in place for Gallagher to join Simeone in Madrid this August, to the annoyance of many Blues fans. Not only will the talented midfielder have a good chance of challenging for domestic trophies in 2024-25, he'll also compete in the Champions League, a competition Chelsea failed to qualify for last season.

Arsenal’s top-of-the-table six-pointer versus Manchester City takes place this afternoon, with a win extending the gap between the two clubs to four points.

Despite the recent history being dominated by Pep Guardiola’s side, Mikel Arteta has gotten the better of his former colleague this season.

A win on penalties in the Community Shield set the standard for the season at the start of August, but it was the Gabriel Martinelli-inspired 1-0 victory in October that now separates the two teams in the table.

The Gunners faithful will be desperate to repeat that result, and there’s one player in particular who will be key after starring in the reverse fixture.

William Saliba’s performance against Man City

There’s a reason why Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, and it’s the fact that Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been absolutely fantastic at the heart of the backline.

However, it was the French star who truly stood out at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season, helping limit the visitors to just four shots all game.

The task of stopping Erling Haaland is often overwhelming for the most experienced defenders in Europe, but Saliba was more than up for the challenge.

Clearances

2

Tackles

2

Duels won

3/3

Touches

76

Pass accuracy

99%

Possession lost

1

As you can see from the table above, the 23-year-old was extremely dominant, not just in possession but also off the ball, making two tackles and, most importantly, winning his individual battles, as shown by his 100% duel success rate.

Although his defending was as impressive as always, it was Saliba’s ability on the ball that made him arguably the best on the field, misplacing just one pass all game, losing possession on one occasion, and having 76 touches.

The Evening Standard also handed the defender an 8/10 rating for his performance, which further supports his influence.

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ByEthan Lamb Mar 30, 2024 Why William Saliba must start today

This time around, a similar performance will be needed once again by Saliba if his side are to pick up the vital three points later today.

Unfortunately, it’s expected that the dynamic centre-half will be in for a much sterner test today due to the inevitable return of Kevin De Bruyne, who was injured for the first encounter.

With the Belgian’s creativity from deeper positions, City are a far more dangerous team, with the attack becoming less predictable, but based on Saliba boasting the second-most clearances in the Arsenal squad, he will be more than prepared for the crosses into the box.

Nevertheless, the No 2 must start in order for Arsenal to gain control of the game, which will prove to be more important than even the attacking threat.

Last time out against the Citizens, Saliba only failed with one pass out of 70, which is impressive regardless of the opponent, never mind City. But that level of composure on the ball will enable the technical players further up the field to have more joy while also preventing City from gaining momentum, which can often happen in the blink of an eye.

In truth, Saliba is guaranteed to start this weekend, and he could prove to be the most important player in the team if he performs to the standard he’s displayed throughout his previous 28 Premier League starts this term.

Manchester United have had something of an unpredictable season throughout the 2023/24 campaign thus far. The Red Devils currently find themselves in sixth position in the Premier League table.

At this moment in time, they also find themselves in a good run of form after winning four of their last five top-flight games.

Erik ten Hag's men are currently sat on 44 points and will be looking at trying to break into the top four spots by the end of the season. In order to do this, they will need to find five points on Aston Villa from somewhere as Unai Emery's men currently occupy fourth place.

The first step in their crusade for Champions League qualification will be their upcoming clash against Fulham. The Cottagers are in the bottom half of the table and haven't been in the best of form this season.

So, there is no doubt that United should come out of the other side of the game victorious. However, in regard to the way they'll line up, that remains a mystery, particularly with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw set to be absent.

One player from the Red Devils' squad who could be left out of the starting XI – not because of an injury issue – is that of Casemiro, with the Brazilian having proven something of a liability of late.

Casemiro's recent performances

Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 for a fee worth a reported £70m. Since arriving in Manchester, his form has certainly varied, with it hard to ascertain whether he should remain at the club beyond the end of the season.

For example, in the team's latest clash against Luton Town, in which United won 2-1, the Brazil international was withdrawn at half-time after picking up an early yellow card.

As per Sofascore, against the Hatters, the 32-year-old only managed to win two duels out of nine attempted and even lost possession seven times. When these statistics are compared to Kobbie Mainoo's, it puts into perspective how poorly the more experienced asset played.

Throughout the game, Mainoo, by contrast, won a total of six duels out of 15 attempted and lost possession of the ball the same number of times. However, it does need to be taken into account that the youngster played an additional 45 minutes compared to his Brazilian counterpart.

After Casemiro was taken off the pitch on Sunday, Scott McTominay replaced him. After entering the pitch, the Scotland international managed to outperform the 6 foot anchor on all accounts, notably winning more duels (four) and only losing possession a total of four times during his 45 minutes on the pitch.

However, although the United academy graduate is a valid option to replace the Brazil international, across the season he has shown that he is more of an impact sub rather than a starter.

The midfielder has started a fair few games for the Red Devils this season, but, no player has scored more goals than him off the bench (4.) This outlines how important he is in the latter stages of the game and highlights why Ten Hag would be better off unleashing him late on – or perhaps deploying him further forward in the absence of Hojlund.

This begs the question, if Casemiro is getting dropped and McTominay isn't replacing him, who could?

Why Christian Eriksen is the ideal replacement for Casemiro

Described as an "absolute genius" by Statman Dave, Christian Eriksen's style of play is exactly what United need to shore up the centre of the park.

Although the Denmark international has not yet set the footballing world alight following his move to Ten Hag's side, it is hard to say he hasn't made an impact.

Across all competitions this season, the Dane has made a total of 19 appearances and has managed to contribute one goal and two assists, having previously provided 12 goal involvements in 44 games in 2022/23.

Despite being deployed in more advanced roles this season – while also failing to feature in the last four league outings – Eriksen could offer a more controlled presence ahead of Casemiro due to his range of passing, as he ranks in the top 14% among his European peers for progressive passes per 90.

With United on home turf, and with the youthful presence of Mainoo alongside him, the former Tottenham Hotspur man could be afforded the time and space to dictate the game, with United notably needing greater control after remarkably enjoying less possession than their hosts last weekend.

Chalkboard

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

It would also allow Ten Hag to change tactical styles in-game if and when needed. For example, if they're seeking a goal, the Dutch tactician could push Eriksen forward and add another forward to their attack.

That tactical flexibility could prove vital as United seek to maintain their winning run, with Eriksen among what could be a handful of changes this afternoon.

Jobe Bellingham is reportedly attracting interest from Premier League clubs but Sunderland are holding firm on their £20 million ($25m) valuation.

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Bellingham monitored by Palace and othersSunderland don't want to sellHave set a price tag of £20m for the playerWHAT HAPPENED?

The England Under-19 midfielder, who joined Sunderland from Birmingham last year, has become a pivotal player for the Black Cats, making 45 appearances and scoring seven goals. Despite significant interest from top-flight teams, Sunderland are determined to keep their young talent unless their £20m asking price is met.

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According to Crystal Palace and several other clubs have seen offers turned down by Sunderland. Club owner, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, has made it clear that Bellingham, brother of Real Madrid and England star Jude, is not for sale – unless their demands are met. Louis-Dreyfus views Bellingham as a cornerstone of Sunderland’s future, especially as they aim to improve on their 16th-place finish and push for promotion next season. Borussia Dortmund, where Jude once played, have also shown interest.

DID YOU KNOW?

With four years left on Bellingham's contract, Sunderland are in no hurry to sell. Additionally, Birmingham City, his former club, have a 15 percent sell-on clause, further complicating any potential deal. The financial windfall will be substantial in case of a sale, but Louis-Dreyfus is firm in his belief that keeping Bellingham is crucial for the club’s aspirations.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Sunderland’s new manager, Regis Le Bris, will be key in deciding Bellingham's fate. His entourage has always prioritised game time and development over immediate financial gain and if Le Bris can assure Bellingham of his importance to the team and his development, the young midfielder might opt to continue his growth at the Stadium of Light rather than pursue a premature move to the Premier League.

They’ve now won their last 12 completed T20Is, and broken their own record

Mohammad Isam15-Sep-2019A Mohammad Nabi special powered Afghanistan to a 25-run win over Bangladesh to send them top of the points table at the halfway point of the tri-series. Afghanistan have now broken their own 2016-17 record of most consecutive T20I wins, and in some style, as the home side was bowled out for 139 in pursuit of Afghanistan’s 164 for 6.Nabi blasted seven sixes and three fours in his unbeaten 84 off 54 balls. He came to the crease with Afghanistan in trouble at 40 for 4, and finished with a flurry of big hits in the last five overs. He added 79 runs for the fifth wicket with Asghar Afghan, as the pair rode out Mohammad Saifuddin’s maiden four-wicket haul.Afghans lose four in PowerplaySaifuddin and Shakib Al Hasan took two wickets each in Afghanistan’s Powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was out first ball, undone by a superb Saifuddin outswinger, before Shakib had Hazratullah Zazai caught at deep square-leg for 1. Najeeb Tarakai also holed out to deep square-leg before Najibullah Zadran, who had blazed a half-century against Zimbabwe the previous night, gave mid-off a simple catch in the sixth over.Experience bails them outAfghan and Nabi slowed down the scoring rate to settle down, before both opened out after the halfway mark with sixes off Taijul Islam and Mosaddek Hossain. Taijul nearly had Afghan but replays showed he had over-stepped at the start of the 15th over when he had him caught at the leg-side boundary. Nabi and Afghan pasted Taijul for two more sixes in the over, before Saifuddin broke their 79-run stand by removing Afghan for 40 off 37 balls in the 17th over.Nabi goes soloNabi smashed Mustafizur Rahman for a huge six soon after Afghan’s departure, and then – after a double-wicket 17th over from Saifuddin – smacked 21 runs in the 18th over, surprisingly bowled by Soumya Sarkar. Two more sixes came in the 19th, bowled by Saifuddin, and Nabi seemed in with a chance of pushing for three figures, only to be denied by Mustafizur, who closed out the innings by conceding just three in the 20th.Hosts mimic Afghanistan’s startBangladesh’s plan to counter Mujeeb Ur Rahman by sending the right-handed pair of Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim to open went kaput inside five overs. Mujeeb took three of the four wickets to fall, getting Liton to top-edge to cover before Mushfiqur was bowled attempting a scoop off Fareed Ahmad.Shakib and Soumya fell in the fifth over to Mujeeb, who hardly gave them any room. Minutes after an argument with Rashid Khan, Shakib gave him a simple catch at mid-on, which ensued a send-off from the Afghanistan captain, before Soumya was trapped lbw for a duck.No heroes for BangladeshAfghanistan were on top despite a 58-run fifth-wicket stand between Mahmudullah and Sabbir Rahman, and Mujeeb’s last over accounted for the latter, and Gulbadin Naib’s legcutters removed Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain, Bangladesh’s hero from their first match.Apart from Mujeeb’s four-wicket haul, Fareed, Naib and Rashid took two each.