All posts by h716a5.icu

Tottenham: Jones encourages Jorginho move

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Transfer insider Dean Jones has encouraged Tottenham Hotspur to make an attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder Jorginho this summer. 

The lowdown: Spurs eyeing replica

Spurs boss Antonio Conte will certainly be in the market for more reinforcements following the arrival and subsequent positive impacts of Juventus pair Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in January.

Following a report from the Evening Standard claiming that Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici will seek to find a player of a similar ilk to the 30-year-old Jorginho, a cultured midfielder is clearly on the list of priorities at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, one reputable journalist has suggested that the north Londoners could make a move for the real deal…

The latest: ‘A lot of talk’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has suggested that Tottenham should make a move for the 43-cap Italy ace.

He said: “If Conte wants a Jorginho, then go and try and sign Jorginho, because I think that Chelsea might be open to him leaving at this point.

“There’s a lot of talk of him potentially being reunited with Maurizio Sarri this summer. And I think that we will be reading headlines about him potentially leaving Chelsea.”

With off-field matters still not resolved in west London, Jorginho is out of contract in 2023 and is currently unable to negotiate a new deal with the club.

The verdict: Not the right fit

Albeit nigh on impossible to question Jorginho’s quality having been named the Best Player in Europe in 2020/21, the experienced Italian midfielder isn’t where Spurs should be looking at this juncture, despite Conte previously recognising his improvement in becoming a ‘stronger’ player since arriving in the Premier League.

Instead, the Lilywhites need to bring younger options with the potential to flourish and develop further whilst at the club into their ranks.

For this, when using the FBref player comparison tool, names such as 25-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt defensive midfielder Djibril Sow, Lyon starlet Maxence Caqueret and Sassuolo 24-year-old Maxime Lopez all trend alongside Jorginho stylistically and would fit a more suitable age bracket.

Whilst a move on the cheap for the man described as ‘relentless’ by manager Thomas Tuchel would be a welcome one, we feel Conte and Paratici would be best served looking at long-term options.

In other news: Reliable source: Tottenham agreement now ‘very likely’ as Conte closes in on ‘top signing’, find out more here.

Jacob Bethell's superstar quality comes to the fore

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Friday night’s takedown of Adam Zampa showed why the 20-year-old is so highly rated by England

Matt Roller14-Sep-2024It was a takedown that showed why English cricket is so excited about a precociously talented allrounder. Jacob Bethell is only 20, but his assault on Adam Zampa’s legspin showed exactly why England’s stand-in coach, Marcus Trescothick, believes he will become “a superstar”.Bethell had played second fiddle to Liam Livingstone in their fourth-wicket partnership, focusing on trying to get his senior partner back on strike. But when Livingstone hit three consecutive boundaries off Marcus Stoinis, Bethell spotted an opportunity to assert England’s dominance.Facing Zampa – the outstanding bowler in an understrength Australian attack – Bethell skipped down to the first two balls of the 14th over, whipping the first through midwicket and launching the second over wide long-on. Zampa’s response was a fast, flat googly, which Bethell had the presence of mind to spot and slap through cover.The fourth ball was shorter, and dragged hard through the leg side: Cameron Green sprawled at full stretch to cut it off, but replays confirmed it was a fourth consecutive boundary. A raucous Friday night Cardiff crowd greeted each one with a louder cheer: in the space of four balls, Bethell had turned an equation of 62 off 42 into 42 off 38.Bethell fell two overs later for 44, his partnership with Livingstone worth 90. They dovetailed to great effect: Livingstone targeted Australia’s seamers throughout his innings of 87, scoring heavily over midwicket, while Bethell tucked into the spin of Zampa and Cooper Connolly.The gameplan was simple. “Livi was going well, so I just didn’t want to put any pressure back on him,” Bethell explained. “[I thought] just play strong shots and get off strike, until the opportunity came to take advantage of a match-up, and I did that. He [Zampa] is a great bowler, so to be able to do that against him was brilliant.”Bethell and Livingstone are Birmingham Phoenix teammates and have worked closely over the past two months. Livingstone has acted as a mentor and presented Bethell with his maiden England cap at the Utilita Bowl on Wednesday night. “He’s been brilliant,” Bethell said.”Obviously, Livi is one of the most hard-hitting batsmen in the world. He’s got a reputation and has done it all over the world, so to be able to bat with him, train with him and just be around him has been brilliant. I’ve been lucky enough to have a few partnerships with him in the Hundred, and then I really enjoyed playing with him tonight.”Livingstone saw Bethell’s treatment of Zampa as “the real turning point” in England’s chase. “For a lad that’s 20 years old to take down one of the best bowlers in white-ball cricket over the last two years just shows what he’s got,” he said. “As an England player, it’s great to have someone like that in our team. But as an England fan over the next 10 or 15 years, I think we’ve got an incredible talent on our hands.”Phoenix friends – Liam Livingstone has taken Bethell under his wing•Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesIt might sound like a lofty prediction for a batter who is yet to score a professional hundred, but Bethell has long been marked out as a special player. He was considered a childhood prodigy in Barbados, where he spent the first 13 years of his life, and has been highly rated in the English system since moving over to become a sports scholar at Rugby School. With a peroxide-blond perm, he exudes self-confidence.Moving over at a young age has meant Bethell has rarely played in front of his family. They had planned a trip over from Barbados around Warwickshire’s end-of-season dinner, which they quickly brought forward in order to watch him play his first internationals. “They landed just before the first game,” Bethell said.It was not a convincing debut: three wicketless overs of left-arm spin and losing his leg stump to Zampa for a six-ball two. But his second cap was much more impressive. “It is quite hard to focus on the cricket,” Bethell reflected. “It was nice to get that out the way. It was a special evening, but nice to then hit the ground running today and put a good performance in.”They’ve given up so much to give me this opportunity to come over here. To do it in front of them – they’ve not watched me play a lot of cricket live, so to finally watch me, and it being in international colours, is unreal. They just said they’re proud: emotions spill out on nights like these, but they’re happy and I’m happy, so it’s good.”Next week’s ODI series will provide Bethell with a new challenge: he has only played 16 List A games, the most recent coming in August 2023, and will have to adjust to the tempo of 50-over cricket. But it would be no great surprise to see him thrive: Bethell has made taking every opportunity that comes his way an early theme of a hugely promising career.

Should RR use Ashwin in the powerplay vs RCB – with bat and ball?

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The tactical match-ups and strategies to watch out for in the Eliminator in Ahmedabad on Wednesday

Sidharth Monga21-May-20242:35

How can Ashwin and Chahal counter Patidar?

They were No. 1 and No. 10 just after the halfway stage of the league phase, but now Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have all the momentum coming into the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals (RR). RR won the only league match between these two teams but a lot has changed since then: Virat Kohli is playing his best T20 cricket, the RCB bowlers are turning up, and RR have lost steam and Jos Buttler. Here are some tactical moves to watch out for in the Eliminator in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.Who replaces Buttler?Of all the teams in the playoffs, RR have been the most old-fashioned, almost like vintage CSK. Their batters prefer to take their time before hitting out, and their bowlers have covered for them, at least in the first half of the season. They are the fifth-slowest scoring team, but second best when it comes to bowling economy. So they should keep an overseas slot open for either the fast bowler Nandre Burger or left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj to back their strength. Especially since Burger had success in the previous match against RCB, and Maharaj’s bowling style is more effective than others against Kohli despite a stellar IPL.Tom Kohler-Cadmore appears to be a direct replacement for Buttler, but he has batted more at No. 3 and 4 than as an opener. So if RR bat first, they can bring in Kohler-Cadmore in case of early wickets, and otherwise follow through with their extra-bowler plan. If they end up bowling first, they can start with three overseas players – Boult, Burger/Maharaj, Powell/Hetmyer – and decide if they need the extra bowler or batter.An out-of-the-box idea is to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal and R Ashwin, not to pinch-hit but to bat properly and set up the innings for the middle order.Related

Swapnil's journey from almost calling it quits to going on a dream run

The RCB catharsis and the need to go again

Form vs funk in RCB vs RR winner-takes-all rumble

Bowl Ashwin in the powerplayTrent Boult might not be taking wickets of late, but he has to open the bowling not least because he enjoys good match-ups against Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell.Kohli is in the T20 form of his life and he has been enjoying left-arm pace. His match-up against Ashwin, though, is tantalising. Throughout their long T20 careers, they have respected each other: Kohli doesn’t take risks against Ashwin, who doesn’t go searching for a wicket against Kohli. It is worth asking this new version of Kohli to chance his arm against the unerring Ashwin. He also enjoys good match-ups against du Plessis and Patidar despite them being right-hand batters.Avesh, Sandeep for deathYuzvendra Chahal has a good record against du Plessis, Kohli and Dinesh Karthik, but Maxwell and Cameron Green have both been good against the two RR spinners. Looking at that, RR might not save an over from Chahal for the death, and go with the pace of Avesh Khan and Sandeep Sharma instead.RCB will want one of Maxwell and Green at the wicket for the last 10 overs and should look to split the two as they did in the last match, when Green batted at No. 4 and Maxwell No. 6.Maxwell to open; Dayal vs JaiswalYashasvi Jaiswal has a good record against Maxwell but 20 balls is a small sample size. Given RR are the third-slowest side in the powerplay this IPL, it is never a bad time to get in a couple of cheap overs from a part-timer.If Maxwell can bowl tightly, it opens a window for Yash Dayal to go searching with the new ball. Dayal should bowl ahead of Mohammed Siraj because he has got Jaiswal out twice in 12 balls for 11 runs. An early wicket or two can challenge RR’s plan of playing the extra bowler as Impact Player.Siraj for SamsonOpening the bowling with Dayal and Maxwell gives RCB with the option of going to Mohammed Siraj when Sanju Samson comes out to bat: he has got the RR captain out three times in 31 balls.Lockie Ferguson, who has been used in the second half of the innings by RCB, will play a key role when Shimron Hetmeyer or Rovman Powell bat. He enjoys a good match-up against Hetmeyer: 25 balls, 26 runs, one wicket.Win the toss and?The new ball moved around in Qualifier 1 and there was dew later on so the team that wins the toss would want to chase. RCB have a 50% win-loss ratio while batting first and chasing, but RR have done better when chasing, winning six and losing two. They have failed to defend a target three times out of five.

Laura Woods provides positive health update and thanks 'wonderful' paramedics after worrying collapse during England coverage

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Television presenter Laura Woods has shared a positive update following a worrying collapse during live coverage of the Lionesses' friendly against Ghana on Tuesday evening. Woods was taken ill ahead of kick off when she fell and was caught by pundits Ian Wright and Anita Asante, and ITV immediately cut to an advertising break. The presenter has now taken to social media to reassure fans and thank those who helped her.

Worrying scenes as Woods taken ill live on air

There were worrying scenes on Tuesday night as Woods collapsed just minutes into ITV's broadcast of England's friendly against Ghana. Woods was introducing the game when she collapsed and ITV cut to a break. Woods was then replaced by Katie Shanahan, who explained to the audience that the host had been "taken ill" and then added a little more information at half-time. She said: "As you may all be aware, Laura Woods fell ill at the start of the programme. We want to reassure you that she's doing OK. We all send her our love."

The popular television presenter's fiancé Adam Collard subsequently posted an update on X that read: "Laura is all OK and with the right people. Thank you for all of your kind messages."

AdvertisementWoods shares positive update

Woods has now offered her own update on Instagram that reads: "Gosh that was a bit weird. Sorry to worry everyone, I'm OK, the wonderful paramedics at Saints have said its probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and hydration. I'm really embarrassed that happened on TV, but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight. And to Wright and Neets for catching me and sorry again x."

Instagram

Good wishes sent to Woods

The worry scenes prompted an outpouring of support on social media. Woods, who also presents Champions League coverage on TNT Sports and has previously worked with talkSPORT, received messages of support from both broadcasters. 

TNT Sports posted: "Everyone at TNT Sports would like to send Laura Woods our very best wishes. Get well soon, Woodsy."

And talkSPORT added: All of us at talkSPORT send our best wishes to Laura Woods. Get well soon, Woodsy. 

ITV Football also wished Woods a "speedy recovery" on social media, while the Lionesses wrote a message that read "Sending our love and wishing you a speedy recovery laura woods."

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Getty Images SportLionesses finish year with a win

ITV's coverage continued with the Lionesses finishing off 2025 with a 2-0 friendly win over Ghana. Lucia Kendall scored her first international goal in the victory after just six minutes, before a late penalty from Alessio Russo wrapped up the victory for Sarina Wiegman's side.

Weatherald's aggression opens route to Ashes selection

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The left hander hit 94 off 99 balls in a game where batting has been tough work in Hobart

AAP16-Oct-2025Tasmania 171 and 244 for 5 (Weatherald 94, Silk 51*) lead Western Australia 172 (Hope 4-51, Meredith 3-36, Bird 3-38)Jake Weatherald missed his century but landed a fresh blow in his battle for a Test debut in the Ashes series.The Tasmania opener raced to 94 off just 99 balls on day two of the the Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia in Hobart before he was caught in the deep hooking.Related

Haskett makes an impression as Weatherald misses out

O'Neill bags five but late Victoria collapse in the gloom keeps NSW in touch

He had made 18 in the hosts’ first-innings total of 171, as no other player passed 41 on the tricky Bellerive Oval track until Jordan Silk (51 not out) late on day two.Tasmania were 244 for 5 when rain stopped play slightly before stumps were due to be called.Left-handed Weatherald, 30, topped last year’s Shield run-scorers’ list with 906 at an average of 50.33, and remains in the frame for a call-up for the first Ashes Test.His commanding strokeplay, particularly square of the wicket, was impressive and potentially the perfect complement to the more sedate Usman Khawaja, who is all but assured of one opening spot at Optus Stadium against England next month.Weatherald, a promising emerging talent at South Australia who has reignited his career with a move south, struck 13 fours and a six in his brisk knock on Thursday.It came after the visitors had taken a lead of just one run on the first innings, at one stage losing 3 for 3 to be all out for 172 after beginning the day 107 for 4.Brad Hope ran through the tail, while Riley Meredith and Jackson Bird both finished with three wickets.Matthew Kelly (3-47) was the pick of the WA bowlers in Tasmania’s second innings.

Fewer touches than Sanchez: 8-pass Chelsea dud looked like the new Madueke

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Chelsea start a massive week with a win at Turf Moor, so is momentum starting to build?

On Saturday lunchtime, the Blues proved to be simply too strong for Burnley, prevailing 2-0, with Pedro Neto heading home Jamie Gittens’ cross on the cusp of half time, before Enzo Fernández lashed home the clinching second right at the end.

​​​​​The match was significantly more comfortable than the scoreline would suggest, with the Clarets creating only one big chance and accumulating a miserly 0.44 xG, rarely threatening Robert Sánchez’s goal.

This made it three successive Premier League victories for Enzo Maresca’s side, who’ve now won five of their last six in the league, ahead of a massive week, with both Barcelona and then Arsenal visiting Stamford Bridge over the next eight days.

Despite victory in Lancashire, a few Chelsea players came in for some criticism, one in particular compared to a player who departed for pastures new over the summer.

Why Chelsea sold Noni Madueke

In one of the surprise moves of last summer, albeit this is now a well-trodden path at this point, Noni Madueke departed Chelsea during the Club World Cup to sign for Arsenal for a reported fee of £52m.

Last season, the England international scored 11 goals across all competitions for the Blues, including seven in the Premier League, a tally only bettered by talisman Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, another who was parachuted out.

Thus, it was certainly a surprise that Madueke was the one Chelsea decided to sell, but that has been the business model since Clearlake Capital’s takeover of the club and, having signed him from PSV Eindhoven for £28.5m in January 2023, Todd Boehly and the other owners simply view that as a quick profit.

Nevertheless, on the pitch, it could be argued that Maresca’s side have missed Madueke’s direct running and pace, even if he’s not featured for Arsenal since September due to a knee injury.

Having said all of that, a frequent criticism from Chelsea supporters of Madueke was that he was selfish, often going for goal when passing to a teammate would be the better option.

Well, to support this zeitgeist, Madueke attempted 80 shots in the Premier League last season, behind only Palmer, but had the lowest goals – xG figure of any player in the Blues’ squad, ending up with -2.6.

Meantime, he registered just three assists and created only six big chances, suggesting that perhaps the view of supporters – and Martin Keown – was not too inaccurate.

So now, which current member of the Chelsea forward line showed similar levels of selfishness at Turf Moor?

Chelsea's Madueke repeat at Turf Moor

Since the days of Didier Drogba, Chelsea feel as though they’ve found themselves in a never-ending search for a reliable centre-forward; they even twice signed Romelu Lukaku in an attempt to solve this issue.

This summer, after freezing out Jackson, as already mentioned, they put a lot of faith in Liam Delap, making it not ideal that he then missed six successive Premier League matches due to a hamstring injury, as well as another following a red card at Molineux in the EFL Cup on the day of his return.

Back now, Delap has started the last two Premier League matches either side of the international break, but is yet to score since netting against Espérance Sportive de Tunis during the Club World Cup, for what that is worth, and his display on Saturday did not earn rave reviews, with the numbers underlining why.

Shots on target

Zero

7th

Shots off target

1

4th

Expected goals

0.04

10th

Attempted dribbles

Zero

14th

Accurate passes

8

23rd

Key passes

Zero

14th

Duels won

2

21st

Offsides

1

2nd

Touches

20

21st

SofaScore rating

6.2

30th

As the table documents, Delap did not have much impact on the afternoon’s proceedings at Turf Moor.

He attempted zero dribbles, completed just eight passes and won only two of the eight duels he contested, while, in 67 minutes on the pitch, he touched the ball only 20 times, which is 28 fewer than goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, while only one more than his replacement Malo Gusto.

Simon Johnson of The Athletic noted that it is obvious that “Delap is still not fully up to speed post hamstring injury” while, as noted by Taha Hashim of the Guardian, there were multiple occasions when Delap failed to play the ball to a teammate after an opening had presented itself.

Considering Chelsea’s array of attacking options, when Delap is the centre-forward, one of his key responsibilities has to be facilitating attacks and linking up with teammates, as well as score goals of course, neither of which he is doing at the moment.

Chalkboard

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

If he continues to be both ineffective and selfish, you can bet your bottom dollar that Delap won’t be in the team much longer, because Boehly will probably just buy three other players in his position in January.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 18, 2025

Shohei Ohtani's Beautiful Walk-Off Home Run vs. Braves Leaves Baseball Fans Stunned

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The Los Angeles Dodgers have already had an excellent start to their season, but no moment so far has been as electric as superstar Shohei Ohtani's walk-off home run on Wednesday night.

With the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves tied 5-5 at the bottom of the ninth, Ohtani positively nailed one out to center field, much to the enjoyment of every fan going home with his bobblehead that night.

After the fact, the much-lauded two-way star said he wanted to "live up to the expectations of all the fans today and make sure I perform"—and that he most certainly did.

Even those watching at home couldn't believe they had just witnessed the superstar's second career walk-off homer—and the Dodger's eighth straight win.

Take a look at some of their reactions below:

ACE takes USA Cricket to court as power struggle intensifies

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Parent company of Major League Cricket takes legal action over termination of commercial agreement

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Sep-2025There has been a power struggle at the heart of cricket in the USA for over a month now and it escalated on Tuesday, with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the parent company of Major League Cricket (MLC), taking USA Cricket (USAC) to court for “improper termination” of their contract.The two parties had been commercial partners since May 2019 but a few weeks ago USAC ended it saying ACE had failed to “fulfill its contractual and fiduciary obligations”, including payments due to the national team and support staff. ACE disputed this, claiming it had actually offered more than the agreed amount.An ACE press release said on Wednesday: “USAC’s handling of the ACE agreement has been chaotic and reckless. It is emblematic of USAC’s bad faith. A small group of USAC directors have chosen to prioritize politics rather than preparing teams that can build on their recent successes.”These actions have jeopardized ACE’s significant investments into U.S. cricket over the last six years, as well as the continued success of cricket in the U.S.”USAC’s wrongful conduct cannot go unanswered, so today, ACE filed legal proceedings against USAC regarding its improper termination of the ACE agreement.”

“We have commenced legal proceedings against USAC to prevent the irreparable harm caused by its wrongful termination of the ACE agreement and to protect the thriving cricket community that ACE has cultivated in America”Johnny Grave ACE chief executive

This situation has caused unease among the USA players. ACE runs the highest profile cricket tournament in the country – MLC – and the development league associated with it – Minor League Cricket. It also owns the ground that houses the High Performance Centre at Grand Prairie in Dallas, Texas and operates other facilities in Morrisville, Florida and California.At the time of USAC terminating its deal with ACE, on August 21, it said it was open to renegotiations. Seven days later, it even suspended the decision to cut ties. On September 16, however, “USAC then unilaterally reinstated its original termination, effective today, without holding any meaningful discussions directly with ACE”.Johnny Grave ACE chief executive, said, “We’re disappointed with the actions of USA Cricket. For the last six years, ACE has been focused on the athletes, fans, and partners who have helped develop US cricket. We have commenced legal proceedings against USAC to prevent the irreparable harm caused by its wrongful termination of the ACE agreement and to protect the thriving cricket community that ACE has cultivated in America.”This standoff is taking place two months after the successful staging of the 2025 MLC season and less than six months out from the men’s T20 World Cup. USA are due to participate in that tournament in India and Sri Lanka and ACE had planned a training camp for 35 top men’s players with trial matches – three 50-over games and three T20s – in Morrisville against West Indies A.”Is that all still taking place or not? These camps have to take place for the players to get ready for those things,” USA allrounder Corey Anderson said recently. “All of those things are very much in a big question mark at the moment, which again just creates more uncertainty around the players.”

Arsenal handed worrying injury update on Gabriel as defender is released from Brazil squad and will miss friendly against Tunisia

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The Brazilian national team have confirmed that Arsenal defender Gabriel has suffered a thigh injury while on international duty. The Gunners centre-back has become a vital player for manager Mikel Arteta in recent years but he may face a spell on the sidelines. As a result of this issue, Brazil have revealed he will miss their upcoming clash with Tunisia which is a concern for the Premier League leaders.

Gabriel suffers injury setback

The Arsenal ace was substituted in the second half of Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at The Emirates earlier this week after picking up a muscle problem. Following the victory, manager Carlo Ancelotti offered an apology to the north London club.

When asked about Gabriel’s injury, the former Real Madrid boss said: "Bad? I don't know, he had a problem on his adductor, the medical staff have to check tomorrow. We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBrazil issue Gabriel update

On Sunday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that the 28-year-old would miss his country's match in Lille against Tunisia this week due to this muscle injury. 

A statement reads, "Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday (November 16) and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. Therefore, the player will not be travelling with the team to the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him."

Can Arsenal manage without Gabriel?

If Gabriel is set for a spell out of the team, he will be sorely missed by Arsenal as they try and win their first Premier League title since 2004. The Brazilian has improved a great deal in the last couple of seasons, forming a formidable partnership with fellow centre-back William Saliba. But the Gunners have proven to be rock solid at the back, even with Saliba being out injured earlier this season. The likes of Cristhian Mosquera have come in and looked very assured in defence, and they also have Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie as backups. But his absence is undoubtedly a blow.

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AFPArsenal face Tottenham next

Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and hold a four-point cushion over a rejuvenated Manchester City. The Gunners return to league action on November 23 for the latest edition of the North London Derby against Tottenham at The Emirates. Whether Gabriel will be fit for that remains to be seen.

Rangers can fix Souttar & Cornelius blows by starting Rohl's "gentle giant"

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

With Rangers currently fourth in the Scottish Premiership and rock-bottom of the gigantic Europa League table, they need wins and fast.

On Saturday, Danny Röhl’s side will go in search of a fourth successive league victory when last-placed Livingston visit Ibrox.

This is followed by a European clash with Braga and, considering the Gers are currently pointless halfway through the league phase, they really could do with a victory over the Archbishops from Northern Portugal.

However, potentially dealing with something of a defensive injury crisis ahead of Saturday’s game, how could Röhl combat his new injury problems?

Rangers' defensive injury crisis

The news any club supporter and indeed manager fears during an international break is reports that their players may have suffered an injury while away with their countries, but this may be exactly the reality Rangers are facing.

First, ahead of Scotland’s historic World Cup qualifying victory over Denmark at Hampden on Tuesday, mere minutes before kick-off, centre-back John Souttar withdrew from the starting lineup after suffering an injury during the warm-up.

The extent of the injury is currently unknown, but it is always a concern when it comes to Souttar, considering he has ruptured both anterior cruciate ligaments in the past.

This season though, he has been a near-ever-present in Rangers’ back line, starting 23 of the Gers’ 24 matches, rested against Alloa, as well as ten of Scotland’s last 11 competitive fixtures prior to Tuesday night.

Later that day, in the middle of the night UK time, further bad news emerged given that Derek Cornelius was withdrawn just 33 minutes into Canada’s 2-0 friendly victory over Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale.

Since arriving on loan from Marseille, the 27-year-old has cemented himself as a key figure, especially since Röhl has switched to a back three, given the scarcity of alternative centre-back options.

Similar to Souttar, it is not yet publicly known if Cornelius will be available for the weekend, but this has to be a concern.

Chalkboard

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

Nevertheless, given bottom of the table Livingston are the visitors to Ibrox, neither should be risked if not 100% fit, hence why Röhl should entrust his forgotten “colossus” with a start.

How Rangers can solve their defensive injury problems

Of Rangers’ 13 new recruits during the summer, Emmanuel Fernandez is often forgotten and overlooked by supporters.

The 6 foot 4 central defender arrived from Peterborough United in July, having bounced around the lower division in England, representing non-league clubs including Sheppey United and Spalding United.

This move north of the border was supposed to be the 24-year-old’s big breakthrough, but he’s so far been more of a lesser-spotted species than an integral figure.

Fernandez scored on debut against Alloa Athletic, starting at St Mirren the following weekend, but has seen just one minute of action since 24 August, introduced late during the last-gasp, hard-fought victory over Hibernian at Easter Road, an unused substitute on 11 occasions.

This is despite the fact that the Englishman boasted impressive statistics in EFL League One last season, as the table below documents.

Goals

5

2nd

Tackles *

1.24

63rd

Interceptions *

0.91

46th

Clearances *

6.83

19th

Passing accuracy %

85.35%

20th

Passes *

65.93

5th

Aerial duels won *

4

27th

Aerial duels won %

62.24

25th

Ground duels won *

2.87

35th

Note: rankings are defenders only.

These performances for Posh last season led to Peterborough Chairman Darragh MacAnthony describing the central defender as a “colossus”, also noting that he is a “gentle giant” as well as a “great organiser and talker”.

His most spectacular moment came when he scored an astonishing long-range goal against Exeter City.

Also worth highlighting is that, according to Global Football Rankings, EFL League One is the 41st strongest division in the world, just eight places below the Scottish Premiership, suggesting Fernandez would be more than good enough to start, particularly against Livingston at home.

With fixtures coming thick and fast, and a must-win European match against Braga right around the corner, Röhl surely cannot risk either Souttar or Cornelius exacerbating their injury issues, emphasising that he has to trust Fernandez to start as the middle man in his back three at the weekend.

Ferguson 2.0: Rangers' "best player" is now more important than Tavernier

Rangers’ “best player” who is reminiscent of Barry Ferguson has emerged under Danny Röhl and it is not captain James Tavernier.

ByBen Gray Nov 14, 2025