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At a ground with a low catch-conversion rate in the IPL, India’s fielders dropped at least five chances in the first T20I

Deivarayan Muthu in Hyderabad07-Dec-20191:45

Trying to make best use of chance at the top of the order – KL Rahul

Fielding at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium can be tricky in the evening because of the floodlights, which are lower than at most other grounds. In the IPL, this venue, home of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has seen a catch conversion rate of only 70%.India’s fielders also found it difficult in the T20I series opener against West Indies on Friday, dropping at least five chances. After misjudging one at short fine leg and not even getting a hand to the ball, Washington Sundar dropped Shimron Hetmyer on 54, having sprinted to his right from long-on. Then, Rohit Sharma dropped Kieron Pollard off successive balls at the long-on boundary before he redeemed himself in the next over by catching Hetmyer off Yuzvendra Chahal for 56 at deep backward square leg.In the final over of West Indies’ innings, Virat Kohli spilled Jason Holder at long-off and ended up deflecting the ball to the boundary. Holder made an unbeaten 24 off nine balls to push West Indies past 200.West Indies had their issues on the field too. Hetmyer, at deep midwicket, briefly fumbled when Rohit hit left-arm fingerspinner Khary Pierre towards him, but just about got his body behind the ball in time and clung onto the catch.Rohit Sharma puts in an acrobatic effort in the deep•BCCI

When asked if the lapses in the field were down to one side of this ground being much longer than the other, or because of the awkward floodlights, KL Rahul, who has been part of the Sunrisers team previously, pointed to the latter.”I don’t think it’s the dimensions – the bigger side or the smaller side – it’s just that the lights are pretty low and sometimes you lose the ball under the lights,” Rahul said. “And that’s what happened a couple of times and I mean we’ve played here before; we’ve played here for years. We know what to expect and yeah as a team we don’t complain about things like this.”Although India didn’t train under lights ahead of the first T20I, Rahul said his side was prepared for the challenge posed by the floodlights.”We tried to practise that even when we came here a couple of days ago,” he said. “We know we didn’t practice under lights but we know the lights are low and we tried to get our fielding practice done and try to give our best and sometimes you still lose the ball. That’s how it is.”

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O goleiro Cleiton e o atacante Claudinho, do Bragantino, são presenças confirmadas pelo técnico André Jardine no último ciclo de atividades da Seleção Olímpica antes da montagem da lista definitiva que representará o Brasil em Tóquio.

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>A tabela detalhada dos 10 primeiros jogo do Massa Bruta no Brasileirão

Além de se mostrar feliz com a convocação, Cleiton fez questão de agradecer tanto o staff do Bragantino como também os companheiros de posição no elenco, casos de Júlio César e Maycon Cleiton:

– Muito feliz por essa convocação e por defender a camisa da Seleção Brasileira mais uma vez. Uma oportunidade dessa é sempre a prova de que estamos fazendo o trabalho correto por aqui. Queria também parabenizar o Rodrigo Bruns, nosso preparador de goleiros, e todos os meus companheiros aqui. Julio, Maycon, os meninos mais novos que vêm treinar com a gente. Todos são importantes nesse processo.

Claudinho também comentou o fato que teve uma sensação especial de ter sido seu primeiro chamado para a Seleção Brasileira de base. Já pensando, evidentemente, em manter as boas aparições para, mais adiante, também cavar seu espaço dentre os convocados de Tite na equipe que disputará as Eliminatórias e também a Copa América.

– Seleção é sempre um sonho para todo jogador. Essa é a primeira vez que sou convocado, não tinha ido ainda nas categorias de base. É uma felicidade muito grande. Graças a Deus consegui fazer um bom Brasileirão junto com os meus companheiros e me destacar. Neste ano, apesar do calendário apertado, estamos jogando ao máximo para manter esse nível. Acho que uma convocação é sempre um presente para mostrar que eu e o clube estamos no caminho certo – disse o camisa 10, completando:

– Espero poder mostrar o meu futebol para o professor Jardine. Temos Olimpíada pela frente, Copa América também, Eliminatórias. Expectativa é de mostrar que eu posso vestir a camisa da Seleção.

Gareth Southgate will surely make a change in the midfield as his so-called experiment with the Liverpool man fizzles out at Euro 2024

It's back to the old drawing board for Gareth Southgate after his Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment malfunctioned for a second time in England's lacklustre 1-1- draw with Denmark on Thursday night. The question of who should play alongside Declan Rice in midfield is now one of many the Three Lions' boss must answer, and he has a matter of days to find a solution.

Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold was among a host of England players to fall well below their usual standard in Frankfurt, misplacing passes and failing to create anything of note as a deep-lying playmaker. That he was hooked after just 55 minutes was telling, and perhaps a reflection that Southgate is prepared to shelf his so-called experiment for the time being.

So disappointed was the England manager with the performance that he bizarrely saw fit to yearn for the days of overlooked pair Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson. "We have been trying to find a solution in midfield for seven or eight years," he said in his post-match press conference. "If we hadn't had Declan Rice, I don't know where we'd have been. Unfortunately, Kalvin (Phillips) wasn’t a possible for us for this tournament and Hendo (Jordan Henderson) the same, so we're trying to find something different."

Southgate must now come up with a solution in midfield, but what are the options available to him?

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  The safe option

  Southgate is well known – and often lamented – for his pragmatism, and if his substitutions at the tournament thus far are anything to go by then it is the most sensible choice who will be first in line to replace Alexander-Arnold in the starting line-up.

  Chelsea's Conor Gallagher has twice come off the bench to replace his Liverpool counterpart, with the manager giving him as many as 35 minutes against Denmark having seen enough of his own experiment in Frankfurt.

  It is not the most exciting selection, given Gallagher's main attributes are his tenacity and work rate, but the 24-year-old does have a knack for getting into decent attacking positions and creating opportunities for his team-mates at club level. Whether he can translate that to the international stage remains to be seen.

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  Proven on the biggest stage

  If Southgate wants to lay the foundations for future success and take a minor risk, then Mainoo should be his man. Technically adept and capable of operating as a number eight or in defensive midfield, the breakout Man Utd star is an England starter in waiting.

  He may lack experience at senior international level, but he has shown during the club season that he is made for the biggest stage – most emphatically evidenced by his dynamic performance and wonderfully-taken goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

  The Slovenia clash could provide him the perfect platform to find his feet alongside Rice and develop their understanding before pushing on into the knockout stages and beyond. Even after the tournament is over, that is a midfield partnership we could see for years to come.

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  Bellingham deeper, Foden unleashed

  One of the most tantalising options, and surely one that Southgate won't pip for, is having both Bellingham and Phil Foden in the same midfield. That would, of course, require the former to play deeper as a No.8, but he showed in his time at Borussia Dortmund that that is something he is more than capable of doing.

  Bellingham may be shining as No.10 at club level, but he rose to prominence as a box-to-box midfielder, and he has already shown he is more than prepared to muck in at both ends of the pitch. He looked exhausted against Denmark after his all-action display in the victory over Serbia, and England could perhaps conserve his energy by demanding less of him in the attacking third, even if he continues to make those dangerous late runs.

  Foden, meanwhile, has looked like a square peg in a round hole on the left wing, with most his best moments in an exceptional club season (27 goals, 12 assists) coming as a roaming attacking midfielder who occupies the right half-space. If Southgate backs Bellingham to do the job defensively and gives Foden the same freedom as Pep Guardiola does, the results could be devastating.

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  A deserved chance

  One man who seems to have drifted inexplicably to the back of Southgate's thinking is Cole Palmer; a creative force in a remarkable debut season with Chelsea in 2023-24, he has been left on the bench for England's opening two games even when they have been sorely lacking ideas.

  It would be another out-of-character attacking shift for the Three Lions boss, but if he does choose to deploy Bellingham in a deeper role and keeps Foden wide then Palmer could become an option for the attacking midfield role.

  The 22-year-old has shown in a young, struggling team at Chelsea that he can create chances almost at will, and the slower pace of tournament football may well suit his languid style as he takes his time and finds those spaces for his team-mates. Harry Kane could be a main beneficiary.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared the "priority" of an in-form striker, in what could be a boost for West Ham.

West Ham short of goalscorers and could look to sign forward

As things stand, Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are West Ham's only natural senior striker choices, which could pose a real problem.

Related West Ham want proven Moyes replacement as Steidten takes to South America

The Scotsman is out of contract at the end of the season.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Feb 27, 2024

Much has been made of Ings' lacklustre form since he joined West Ham from Aston Villa, while Antonio's reoccurring injury problems, combined with the fact he's now 33 years of age, makes the signing of a new striker pretty important.

West Ham's best-performing players on average this season

Match Rating per 90 (via WhoScored)

Lucas Paqueta

7.17

James Ward-Prowse

7.13

Mohammed Kudus

7.12

Jarrod Bowen

7.09

Emerson Palmieri

6.93

One frontman they've been regularly linked with, and especially before the new year, is Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy. The Guinea international has already bagged 18 goals in 17 appearances, with West Ham thought to hold a keen interest in Guirassy among many other suitors across Europe, as backed by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee.

Reporter Dean Jones has also previously expressed to GiveMeSport that West Ham have a decent chance of signing Guirassy.

"The release clause makes an actual transfer relatively easy to get going, but because of that," said Jones.

"The player himself will probably be looking for a handsome package that lands in his account, and as such, I think it’ll come down to who can put the best terms on the table.

“West Ham are definitely on the lookout for a striker, and they would probably have a decent chance of getting him if they are willing to push the boat out and offer him the sort of deal they might not usually put out there for a player of this age that has had this career path."

Romano shares Guirassy update in boost for West Ham

Now, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Guirassy's future in a potential West Ham boost.

Indeed, Romano says that Guirassy has his eyes firmly fixed on a move to England, which could put the Hammers in even better contention for his signing.

“Yes, the release clause will still be there in the summer in July, €17.5m," said Romano on the Here We Go podcast.

“And the feeling of sources is that yes, Guirassy will make a move in the summer transfer window. He was already close to that in January, then he decided to respect Stuttgart and stay there until the end of the season and also the African Cup [of Nations] made a difference in his decision because the player was not available until February.

“So, this is why Guirassy decided to stay until the summer. Many clubs are showing an interest in Guirassy, and from what I’m hearing, the player’s priority will still be the Premier League. He still dreams of Premier League football, so let’s see what kind of proposals there will be in the table."

Aston Villa are suffering from some mild turbulence of late, winning just one of their previous six fixtures and crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Chelsea.

This means Unai Emery has only one realistic hope for silverware this season – the Europa Conference League – but he will need his side to improve over the coming weeks.

There is no doubt the Spaniard has an excellent starting XI to call upon when everyone is fit, yet his squad depth is not quite at the required level and this will need to be addressed during the summer transfer window.

Villa currently relies on Ollie Watkins to score the majority of their goals, but if he suffers an injury, Emery could see his side struggle, especially considering backup striker Jhon Duran is now out injured for the next couple of months.

This means Emery has Morgan Rogers as his only other centre-forward, and could the manager be ruing a call he made last summer, where he sold one of the club’s most promising attacking options?

Aston Villa sold Cameron Archer too hastily

Cameron Archer began his career working his way through the Villa youth teams before making his debut during the 2019/20 season under Dean Smith.

He scored four goals in just two EFL Cup matches during the first half of the 2021/22 campaign, and it looked as though the Midlands side had unearthed a wonderful talent.

Steven Gerrard sent him on a loan spell to Preston North End (seven goals in 20 matches) before he made six Premier League appearances in 2022/23, yet Emery sent him to the Championship as another loan spell beckoned, although this time he staked a claim to be part of Villa’s plans going forward.

Across just 20 matches in the regular second tier season, Archer netted 11 goals and grabbed six assists and this ranked him second among the whole squad, while he also ranked second for shots on target per game (0.9), third for key passes per game (1.3) and for successful dribbles per game (1.1), excellent figures for a player who only joined the club in January.

Having shone for Boro and Villa clearly needing some solid backup for Watkins ahead of the current season, it looked as though Archer would finally become a key part of the first team squad, that is until Sheffield United swooped in.

The Blades made an offer of £18.5m which was accepted, and the youngster joined the club. Given that he had made just 14 appearances for the Villa Park outfit, the transfer fee was clearly too good to turn down.

With Duran now out injured, however, and Archer actually outscoring him, was selling the 5 foot 11 talent last summer a move that Emery might come to regret?

Jhon Duran’s season in numbers

The young Colombian was looking to kick ahead of his first full season in the Midlands, having joined last January from the MLS.

No goals in his first 12 matches was perhaps no surprise given how young and experienced he was, especially at Premier League level, but there was no doubting his vast talents, and he would surely only get better the more he played under Emery.

The only problem is, he had Watkins to displace from the starting XI and this was no easy task. Before he suffered his hamstring injury against Everton, Duran had scored only twice in the top flight from 14 matches (zero starts), while scoring twice in the Conference League, hardly numbers which were going to secure him a starting berth.

Among the squad, Duran currently ranks in a lowly 11th spot for shots on target per game (0.3), along with ranking 19th for successful dribbles per game (0.1) and 17th for key passes per game (0.1), clearly showing how little influence he has when given a chance.

The Colombian frontman looked as though he may have been close to departing Villa last month, as Chelsea were showing a keen interest in securing his services, but the injury put a halt to any transfer occurring.

0

2

0.2

0.3

0

0

0

100

0.1

0.1

Might Emery have been better off keeping Archer at the club last year, especially as it looks as though he is enjoying life in Sheffield?

Cameron Archer is outperforming Jhon Duran

Prior to leaving Villa, Under 23 scout Antonio Mango lauded Archer by saying he was “undoubtedly the best finisher in this squad” when he was on duty with the England U21 squad and while he may have scored just four league goals for the Blades this term, it is still two more than Duran.

In the Premier League, Archer has also registered more shots per game (1.3 vs 0.9), big chances created (five vs zero), key passes per game (0.8 vs 0.1), successful dribbles per game (1.2 vs 0.1) and has won more total duels per game (2.9 vs 1.1), and these statistics clearly show who has enjoyed a more productive spell in the Premier League so far this term.

Of course, Duran hasn’t started a game yet, but the fact is, when he is given a chance in the team, the youngster has failed to shine.

Selling Archer for £18.5m may sound like a solid piece of transfer business on the surface, especially with the need to raise funds in order to balance the books and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, but giving him a season to show his worth at Villa may have been the better choice.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Sheffield United could soon be relegated, but Archer has adapted well to regular first-team football in the top flight and this could stand him in good stead for the future.

Duran’s future at Villa is still unclear, especially as Emery signed Rogers last month to take the pressure off Watkins with regard to goals.

If he can return from injury and score a few goals towards the end of the season, then his future at Aston Villa may look a lot brighter than it does right now.

Otherwise, Duran could find himself on the move once again and Emery may come to regret selling Archer last summer.

The dreaded World Cup knockouts have come early for injury-hit South Africa who might need to win their remaining six matches to keep their semi-final hopes alive

The Preview by Liam Brickhill09-Jun-2019Big PictureWhat else could possibly go wrong for South Africa? A month ago, they were hiking up Table Mountain together as part of their pre-tournament team building, the sun on their backs in one of the most beautiful corners of the world, the World Cup a glittering dream ahead of them. Full of excitement and potential.The reality has been somewhat more harsh and the pointy end of the tournament has come right at the beginning for them. Losing three matches in a row is bad enough, but they’ve also said a tearful goodbye to Dale Steyn, and seen Lungi Ngidi sidelined by injury. They are dealing with the disruptive complexities of AB de Villiers’ 11th hour comeback attempt, in the full glare of the public, in the middle of a World Cup. And now a team that hates must-win knockout games has, essentially, six of them in a row. It’s a perfect storm.West Indies, meanwhile, are not fussed. You might even say they were a little too blasé in their efforts after they let Australia off the hook at Trent Bridge. But they at least have points on the board, and a healthy dollop of confidence, after the demolition of Pakistan that kick-started their campaign. The biggest story out of their camp in the last week – apart from the absorbing theatre of Chris Gayle’s battle against Starc, Gaffaney and the DRS – has been their opening bowler’s salute celebration going viral IRL. What fun! The most chilled-out team at this tournament is about to meet a side that would be forgiven for freaking out right about now, and whatever the result, this contest is likely to make for compelling viewing.”Score more runs,” was the succinctly obvious remedy offered by Chris Morris after the defeat to India on Wednesday, and South Africa have indeed been let down by their batting in all three games so far. That much is suggested by the fact that Kagiso Rabada currently tops their tournament batting averages, and it’s in the middle order that de Villiers was attempting to waltz back into that South Africa have the most room for improvement.MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma appeal for an LBW dismissal against JP Duminy•IDI via Getty Images

JP Duminy has failed two times out of three, while David Miller keeps getting himself in and then immediately getting out. A turnaround for Duminy would be particularly timeous as he is in the last stretch as an ODI cricketer and will retire from the format after this tournament.West Indies have a few vulnerabilities of their own. They have been two down inside the Powerplay in both their innings so far, and against Australia their early blitz with the ball was let down by missed chances in the field and, later on, soft dismissals with the bat.The situation for South Africa is precarious. Victory against one of cricket’s most slippery teams is an absolute necessity if their campaign is not to go up in flames. West Indies’ biggest challenge could be to overcome their own inconsistencies.Form guideSouth Africa: LLLWW (Last five completed matches, most recent first)
West Indies: LWLLWIn the spotlightImran Tahir is South Africa’s second-highest wicket-taker in World Cups, but after striking dramatically with the second ball of the tournament, his trip to England hasn’t been particularly successful. He has only taken three more wickets across three innings subsequently, and his average (44) and economy rate (5.86) are comfortably his worst at any World Cup. South Africa desperately need a turnaround, and it could start with Tahir, who has enjoyed himself against West Indies in the past. He made his ODI debut against them at the Feroz Shah Kotla at the 2011 World Cup, claiming 4 for 41 in that game, and has continued in much the same vein in subsequent battles. He has now taken 26 wickets against West Indies in eight matches, while his average of 12.69 against them is his best against a top 10 ranked team in ODIs.Chris Gayle hits a pull shot•Getty Images

The loss of early wickets hasn’t hurt West Indies irreparably just yet, but being one or two down early could send their campaign skittering off the rails later on down the line. They’ve tried two different opening pairings in two games, thanks to Evin Lewis’ hand injury, but does it really matter who is at the other end when Chris Gayle is batting? There will be no Steyn to trouble him with the new ball, and if Gayle can survive Kagiso Rabada’s early onslaught he could be very hard to rein in. “Chris is Chris, he will know what he needs to do,” said assistant coach Roddy Estwick on the eve of the match. If he does what he needs to, all else will follow much more easily for West Indies.Team newsThere are a few different ways South Africa might look to re-shuffle their playing XI, and they will have to decide whether to play an extra batsman, an allrounder, a fresh seamer, or a second spinner. Tabraiz Shamsi went wicketless against India, while Dwaine Pretorius might find it hard to get into the side ahead of either Andile Phehlukwayo or Morris. Aiden Markram, who also offers a little with the ball, could slot back into the top three, and the decision could come down to whether South Africa believe Markram will score more runs than a specialist bowler – Beuran Hendricks – would save with the ball.South Africa (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 David Miller, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Chris Morris, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Beuran Hendricks, 11 Imran TahirAndre Russell didn’t train the day before the match, but the team management insisted he was fit and would be available to play against South Africa. If Russell is fit, there seems little reason for West Indies to tinker too much.West Indies (probable): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Shai Hope (wk), 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Jason Holder (capt), 7 Andre Russell, 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Ashley Nurse, 10 Sheldon Cottrell, 11 Oshane ThomasPitch and conditionsThe pitch is expected to be a belter – something more akin to the track upon which England and Pakistan scored 734 runs a month ago , rather than the one South Africa and India scrapped 457 runs on last Wednesday. There are, however, showers anticipated, so it could be an on-off sort of day in Southampton.Strategy punts Legspin is West Indies’ kryptonite. Five of the West Indies top eight average under 25 against legspin and Tahir might be most effectively deployed as a counter-measure to the big hitters in their lower middle order. Andre Russell has been dismissed twice in the 11 balls he has faced from Tahir in ODIs, while Carlos Brathwaite has also been out twice in the space of 17 deliveries he’s faced from him. Neither has managed a boundary off Tahir in this format. Perhaps an unhappy South African top order needs a reshuffle? An underperforming JP Duminy could move up to No. 4, the position at which he has scored two of his four hundreds and averages 46.7 across 33 innings. This would mean Miller slipping down to No. 6 – a position where he has much better numbers than Duminy, generally scoring much more quickly, especially at the start of his innings. Another option might be to shunt Markram up to open the innings, a position in which he averages 40.8, with Amla coming in at No. 3. That would also allow Amla to escape the ravages of the new ball, against which he has struggled in 2019.Stats and trivia No West the Indies batsman has made an ODI hundred at this ground, but Gayle came mighty close, scoring 99 against Bangladesh during the Champions Trophy almost 15 years ago. Not since 2003 have West Indies beaten South Africa in a World Cup match. Chris Gayle needs 15 runs to reach 1,000 against South Africa in ODIs South Africa and West Indies have played only three ODIs against each other since the last World Cup.Quotes”Andre will be fine… he is a warrior, he is a soldier, he is a strong man mentally and he has been for us – we didn’t expect him to bowl as much as he is doing.”
“Unfortunately we’ve had quite a few problems in this tournament regarding injury. We have to deal with what we have. There’s no point in complaining about it.”

West Ham United's search for a new striker has taken another twist as they now make a January move for Besiktas "rising star" Semih Kilicsoy.

Moyes working hard to sign new striker for West Ham

Injuries to Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Lucas Paqueta have left manager David Moyes with a serious lack of creative attacking options, with star summer signing Mohammed Kudus also at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Related "Very interesting" – Sky reporter surprised as West Ham eye "unique" target

Michael Bridge says they’re looking at him.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jan 16, 2024

While West Ham are hopeful that Bowen could be back from injury very soon, Moyes will still be minus an in-form natural striker, with the out-of-favour Danny Ings not exactly pulling up trees since his arrival from Aston Villa.

Recent reports claim that Moyes is personally working overtime to sign a striker for West Ham before the deadline, with talks apparently held for both Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord and Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy (Pete O'Rourke).

“I don't think David has had an out-and-out number nine, with Antonio used wide left and wide, right, while Bowen has cut inside from that wide right position,” said former West Ham boss Alan Curblishley, who urged the club to bring in a new centre-forward this month.

“They are yet to have an out-and-out centre forward that has come in and taken the mantle, so I think that’s their big priority, but that’s also where you spend the big money.

“They are stocked up very well in all the other positions, that just seems to be the main one which is lacking.”

Bowen has thrived as a makeshift centre-forward option, with Kudus also able to play the role, but both of their recent absences are exposing Moyes' serious lack of alternatives. Just one or two injuries can cripple West Ham's squad going forward, and if they're to qualify for Europe yet again, that is something Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten seriously need to rectify. If there is one thing elite sides must possess, it is strength in depth.

West Ham make contact to sign Kilicsoy

Supporters will be eager to hear who West Ham can bring in to shore up their attacking numbers, and alongside the aforementioned stars, a slightly lesser-known target has emerged.

According to Turkish football.com, West Ham have now made an approach to sign "rising star" striker Kilicsoy. The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene in Turkey this season, netting five goals in his last eight league appearances for Besiktas.

This has caught the eye of Steidten and co, with an enquiry being made over Kilicsoy's availability. The Irons have been extensively scouting Besiktas' teenage sensation, but are yet to make a formal offer despite expressing their real interest.

Kilicsoy, as per this report, is being tipped for Vincenzo Montella's Turkey national team squad if he can keep this hot streak of form going. There is no mention of how much Besiktas could charge for their starlet, but you can't imagine they'll let him go on the cheap.

Liverpool are considering a move to bring a new defender to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report.

FSG's summer signings

The Reds recruited four fresh faces during the previous transfer window in the form of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, with the midfield being the obvious position that needed to be strengthened.

With that mission having successfully been accomplished, Jurgen Klopp is now turning his attention towards bolstering his defensive ranks – in particular, a new centre-back – and the manager has highlighted a potential candidate from overseas.

Fluminense’s Nino permanently joined his club almost four years ago following a successful loan spell, and having made 239 appearances since then, he’s gone on to become the captain of his side in the Brazilian Serie A (Transfermarkt – Nino statistics).

Nino's Transfer History
Date:	Left:	Joined:
Jan 13, 2020	Criciuma EC	Fluminense
Dec 31, 2019	Fluminense	Criciuma EC
Feb 25, 2019	Criciuma EC	Fluminense
Jul 1, 2016	Criciuma U20	Criciuma EC

However, the Brazil international will have reached the expiration of his deal in December 2024 (Fluminense contracts), so should Fernando Diniz not want to lose his skipper for free, the 26-year-old will have to be sold in the coming weeks if he doesn’t sign an extension.

Liverpool eyeing Nino

According to Spanish reports (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool are interested in Nino ahead of January. The Anfield outfit have been alerted to his impressive performances since the start of the season, and it’s claimed that Klopp views next month as the ideal time to bring his target to Merseyside.

Fluminense’s prized asset has a €7m (£6m) release clause included in his current terms, and with this being a price that you would imagine is more than affordable for FSG, this could be one to keep a close eye on in the near future.

Nino could be a "talented" addition

Being 6 foot 1, Nino is constantly able to provide a physical presence in his own box, while he’s not afraid to get stuck into his individual battles both on and off the ground – he’s averaging 3.6 clearances and 2.6 aerial wins per game in the league (WhoScored – Nino statistics).

The Recife native is also extremely calm and composed in possession, as he has posted a 91.4% pass success rate as it stands, which is, albeit in a different competition, higher than the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah (WhoScored – Liverpool statistics).

Sponsored by Adidas, Klopp’s target will even know what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level as he’s recently been crowned a Copa Libertadores winner with Fluminense, alongside receiving a medal for representing his country at the Olympics, so he will possess an excellent winning mentality.

As hailed by sports journalist Konstantinos Lianos, Nino is a “talented” centre-back, and with the likes of Joel Matip potentially set to leave the club at the end of the season, the former could prove to be an ideal long-term replacement for the veteran, whose time on Merseyside looks to be coming to an end.

Major League Soccer has been on a steady rise since its formation, but Lionel Messi's summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain has skyrocketed the league's profile multiple times over.

The regular season has been and gone and the MLS playoffs are all but concluded, other than the final, which takes place on Saturday.

But how does it actually work? Football FanCast provides you with all the necessary information about the MLS Cup playoffs.

How the MLS regular season works

29 teams compete in MLS

MLS comprises of 26 teams from the United States and three teams from across the border in Canada.

It was founded in 1993, with its inaugural season commencing three years later in 1996. The US's 1994 World Cup was a major catalyst for the league's formation.

FIFA awarded the US the World Cup in exchange for their commitment to developing a top-level professional soccer league after the National American Soccer League (NASL) was scrapped in the mid-1980s.

How the MLS Eastern and Western Conferences work

15 teams in Eastern, 14 in Western

Each of the 29 teams in MLS play 34 games – 17 at home and 17 away. Sides in the Eastern Conference play each other twice and six cross-conference opponents once.

In the Western Conference, sides play each other twice and one-to-two additional inter-conference opponents. They're also required to play six-to-seven cross-conference opponents once.

Atlanta United

Austin FC

Charlotte FC

Colorado Rapids

Chicago Fire FC

FC Dallas

FC Cincinnati

Houston Dynamo FC

Columbus Crew

Los Angeles Football Club

D.C. United

LA Galaxy

Inter Miami CF

Minnesota United FC

CF Montréal

Portland Timbers

Nashville SC

Real Salt Lake

New England Revolution

St Louis City SC

New York City FC

San Jose Earthquakes

New York Red Bulls

Seattle Sounders FC

Orlando City SC

Sporting Kansas City

Philadelphia Union

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Toronto FC

Ranking the best stadiums in the MLS Western Conference

How the MLS playoffs work

The top seven from both conferences automatically qualify

After the regular MLS season has ended, the top seven sides from each conference automatically proceed to a best-of-three series.

The eighth and ninth-placed teams from each conference qualify for the single-knockout MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card match. The two winners from each Wild Card match earn a spot in the aforementioned Round One best-of-three series.

This means that nearly two-thirds of all the teams in MLS remain in contention for the MLS Cup come the end of the regular season. Perhaps understandably, the format has come under fire, with the 34 regular-season matches for each team resulting in not much more than a playoff place – bar the honour of the Supporters' Shield for the side with the best overall record.

To put this into perspective, Western Conference 'winners' St Louis City were knocked out of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs after being defeated by Sporting Kansas City home and away. Sporting KC finished seven places and 12 points behind the side which only joined as an expansion club this year.

Effectively, the only advantage the Missouri outfit gained from their Western Conference placing was the prospect of having home advantage in each round – something they did not even benefit from after losing in successive matches in their best-of-three tie.

Each match in the best-of-three series must determine a winner, with penalty kicks used as a decider in any drawn game.

The eight winners across the two conferences advance to the semi-finals and then the finals, where an Eastern and Western conference winner are crowned.

The two conference champions then meet at the MLS Cup, on 9th December, 2023. The team with the best regular season record in the regular – or Supporters' Shield – standings will host the game.

This year, the regular MLS season started on 25th February and ended on 21st October. Here are the two final conference tables:

FC Cincinnati

34

20

9

5

57

39

69

Orlando City SC

34

18

9

7

55

39

63

Columbus Crew

34

16

9

9

67

46

57

Philadelphia Union

34

15

10

9

57

41

55

New England Revolution

34

15

10

9

58

46

55

Atlanta United

34

13

12

9

66

53

51

Nashville SC

34

13

10

11

39

32

49

New York Red Bulls

34

11

10

13

36

39

43

Charlotte FC

34

10

13

11

45

52

43

CF Montréal

34

12

5

17

36

52

41

New York City FC

34

9

14

11

35

39

41

D.C. United

34

10

10

14

45

49

40

Chicago Fire

34

10

10

14

39

51

40

Inter Miami CF

34

9

7

18

41

54

34

Toronto FC

34

4

10

20

26

59

22

St Louis City SC

34

17

5

12

62

45

56

Seattle Sounders

34

14

11

9

41

32

53

Los Angeles Football Club

34

14

10

10

54

39

52

Houston Dynamo FC

34

14

9

11

51

38

51

Real Salt Lake

34

14

8

12

48

50

50

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

34

12

12

10

55

48

48

FC Dallas

34

11

13

10

41

37

46

Sporting Kansas City

34

12

8

14

48

51

44

San Jose Earthquakes

34

10

14

10

39

43

44

Portland Timbers

34

11

10

13

46

58

43

Minnesota United FC

34

10

11

13

46

51

41

Austin FC

34

10

9

15

49

55

39

LA Galaxy

34

8

12

14

51

67

36

Colorado Rapids

34

5

12

17

26

54

27

Ranking the best stadiums in the MLS Eastern Conference

Qualified teams for the MLS playoffs

16 teams qualify for the playoffs

This season's MLS Cup playoffs were played across seven weeks – the longest campaign since its formation.

All of the rounds have played out now, other than the final, which commences on Saturday the 9th of December between Columbus and LAFC.

FC Cincinnati

St. Louis City SC

Orlando City SC

Seattle Sounders

Columbus Crew

Los Angeles Football Club

Philadelphia Union

Houston Dynamo FC

New England Revolution

Real Salt Lake

Atlanta United

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

New York Red Bulls

FC Dallas

Nashville SC

Sporting Kansas City

Charlotte FC

San Jose Earthquakes

Latest MLS Cup playoff results & fixtures

As the MLS Cup draws to a close, FFC takes a look at playoff scorelines over the last couple of months ahead of Saturday's final at the Lower.com Field in Columbus.

NY Red Bulls 5-2 Charlotte

Sporting KC 0-0 San Jose (4-2 on pens)

Game 1

FC Cincinnati 3-0 NY Red Bulls

Game 2

NY Red Bulls 1-1 FC Cincinnati (7-8 on pens)

Game 1

Philadelphia Union 3-1 New England Revolution

Game 2

New England Revolution 0-1 Philadelphia Union

Game 1

LAFC 5-2 Vancouver Whitecaps

Game 2

Vancouver Whitecaps 0-1 LAFC

Game 1

Houston Dynamo 2-1 Real Salt Lake

Game 2

Real Salt Lake 1-1 Houston Dynamo (5-4 on pens)

Game 3

Houston Dynamo 1-1 Real Salt Lake (4-3 on pens)

Game 1

St Louis City 1-4 Sporting KC

Game 2

Sporting KC 2-1 St Louis City

Game 1

Orlando City 1-0 Nashville

Game 2

Nashville 0-1 Orlando City

Game 1

Seattle Sounders 2-0 FC Dallas

Game 2

FC Dallas 3-1 Seattle Sounders

Game 3

Seattle Sounders 1-0 FC Dallas

Game 1

Columbus Crew 2-0 Atlanta United

Game 2

Atlanta United 4-2 Columbus Crew

Game 3

Columbus Crew 4-2 Atlanta United

FC Cincinnati

1-0

Philadephia Union

Orlando City

0-2

Columbus Crew

Houston Dynamo

1-0

Sporting Kansas City

Seattle Sounders

0-1

LAFC

The Conference finals saw Columbus fight back from two nil down to secure a 3-2 away victory at FC Cincinnati whilst the reigning champions LAFC beat the visiting Houston Dynamo 2-0.

The two victors are scheduled to meet this Saturday to determine a winner of the MLS Cup.

FC Cincinnati

2-3

Columbus Crew

LAFC

2-0

Houston Dynamo

The MLS Cup final will get underway this Saturday at 9pm GMT, as the defending champions LAFC make the trip to Columbus' own patch the Lower.com Field.

Columbus

vs

LAFC

MLS Cup history

Los Angeles FC are the reigning champions

27 teams have been crowned MLS Cup winners, and LA Galaxy are the current record holders for the most triumphs with five, closely followed by D.C. United on four.

Los Angeles FC won their first cup last year and have the chance to retain the trophy on Saturday, as they take on two-time winners Columbus.

D.C. United

D.C. United

Chicago Fire

D.C. United

Kansas City Wizards

San Jose Earthquakes

LA Galaxy

San Jose Earthquakes

D.C. United

LA Galaxy

Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo

Columbus Crew

Real Salt Lake

Colorado Rapids

LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy

Sporting Kansas City

LA Galaxy

Portland Timbers

Seattle Sounders

Toronto FC

Atlanta United

Seattle Sounders

Columbus Crew

New York City FC

Los Angeles FC

Thrashing Aston Villa 5-1 and easing past Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League for their biggest win yet under Eddie Howe, things were going well for Newcastle United in the opening stages of the season. And then the injuries began to pile up and Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban. Since then, the results on the pitch have matched the misery away from it, with defeats in Europe against Borussia Dortmund followed by a disappointing loss at Bournemouth to leave the Magpies six points behind a top four place in the Premier League.

It's clear that Howe needs to add more depth to his squad, and the January transfer window gives the former Bournemouth boss the chance to do exactly that, which could finally see the arrival of a long-term target.

Newcastle United transfer news

When looking back on the summer transfer window that Newcastle had, it's easy to see why they've struggled at times so far this season. Their two big signings were Tonali and Harvey Barnes, one of whom is banned for 10 months and the other is struggling with injuries, to make it a summer window to forget. The Magpies failed to address their attacking depth and remained with just two options to lead the line, which are Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, who have both had their own problems with injuries.

Feeling the need to solve this issue, however, reports suggest that Howe could have a potential January solution. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Newcastle could sign Hugo Ekitike on loan in January. The PSG striker previously rejected a move to St James' Park in 2022 after Newcastle had reportedly agreed a £30m deal with Stade de Reims. Opting to move to PSG instead, Ekitike has since struggled for game time in the French capital, and the Premier League club could now offer the 21-year-old a winter lifeline with PSG opening the doors to a temporary exit.

"Special" Ekitike could solve Newcastle problem

Attempting to compete on all fronts with just two recognised strikers was always going to be a struggle for Newcastle, especially with their place in the Champions League. Welcoming Ekitike on loan in January would solve that depth problem, however, albeit only momentarily.

The 6 foot 2 forward would also benefit from the move, having played just eight minutes in Ligue 1 for PSG this season. At such a young age, minutes are crucial and it's clear that the 21-year-old will not receive an opportunity with the French champions this season.

During his time at Reims, Ekitike showed plenty of potential and earned high praise as a result, including from then manager Oscar Garcia. Garcia told the Ligue 1 Show on beIN Sports, via Chronicle Live: “There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training.”

We've seen Howe get the best out of struggling players before through his work with the likes of Miguel Almiron. Now, he could be handed the chance to get Ekitike back on course for success.