Mayank Markande, the least experienced of the three, got the biggest raise, of INR 1.8 crores

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Nov-2019Ajinkya Rahane, Trent Boult and Mayank Markande have all got a raise in the IPL by being traded to other franchises before the 2020 auction next month. Rahane earned an extra INR 1.25 crores as he was picked for INR 5.25 crores by his new franchise Delhi Capitals, compared to the INR 4 crores Rajasthan Royals had paid for him in the 2018 auction.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Similarly, Boult earned an extra INR 1 crore in an all-cash deal, since Mumbai Indians paid INR 3.2 crores for him compared to Capitals’ original outlay of INR 2.2 crores for him in 2018. Markande, the least experienced of the three, got the biggest raise among them, of INR 1.8 crores. His new franchise Royals paid INR 2 crores for him, after the double-trade from Mumbai, who paid INR 20 lakhs for him in 2018. Mumbai first traded him to Capitals, who then passed him on to Royals.There were a total of 11 trades this time before the upcoming auction. The most high-profile one, apart from Rahane’s, was of R Ashwin, who led Kings XI during the last two seasons and moved to the Capitals, who paid his 2018 hammer price of INR 7.6 crore. As part of the exchange, Capitals traded Karnataka spinner J Suchith to Kings XI for just INR 20 lakhs.As part of the Rahane trade, the Royals got a pair of legspinners for a total of INR 5 crores: Rahul Tewatia (3 crores) and Markande (2 crores). During the trade, Markande also became the first player in the IPL to be traded twice between two seasons. He was in fact the first trade after Capitals bought him from defending champions Mumbai. In return, Mumbai bought West Indies allrounder Sherfane Rutherford (INR 2 crore in the 2018 auction) from Capitals.

Leeds United are currently battling to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, following on from their relegation last summer.

The Whites spent three years in the top-flight before they were relegated under Sam Allardyce, who had replaced Javi Gracia towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign, and they then swooped to bring in Daniel Farke to lead them back to glory.

It has been a successful appointment so far as the former Norwich City head coach has led the Yorkshire-based outfit to second in the table as it stands.

Leeds are three points off Leicester City in first place but they are also only one point ahead of Ipswich Town in third, and five ahead of Southampton in fourth, which illustrates how close it is between the four teams most likely to land the two automatic promotion places.

Despite there being no guarantee, at this stage, that the Whites will be playing Premier League football next season, the club are reportedly already looking at targets to bolster their playing squad should they make the step up from the Championship.

Latest Leeds transfer news

According to Turkish outlet Aksam, Farke's side are eyeing up a former Premier League centre-forward to add more firepower to the group in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Leeds have their eye on Fenerbahce marksman Michy Batshuayi to compete with Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph, and Joel Piroe.

It states that the Whites are 'expected' to knock on the door at the end of the season to pursue a move for the Belgium international, who has been in fine form in Turkey in recent seasons.

The 30-year-old number nine's current contract with Fenerbahce is due to expire later this year, which means that the club could be able to snap him up for £0 on a free transfer.

Aksam does not mention any attempt by the Turkish giants to extend his deal before the summer transfer window. However, Transfermarkt claims that there is an option to extend his contract by a further year, which could allow his club to exercise that and then rake in a transfer

fee for his services, should they choose to do so.

At this stage, it remains to be seen what Fenerbahce are going to do about his contractual situation and there is the possibility that Leeds could snap him up for nothing if they do not extend his deal.

The experienced striker could be a shrewd addition for £0, given his career so far, and he could thrive alongside Georginio Rutter, who is a number nine's dream with his consistent creative quality in the number ten position.

Georginio Rutter's Championship stats this season

The French whiz, who was signed from Hoffenheim for a club-record £35.5m in January 2023, has been in terrific form in the Championship throughout the season so far.

He has been one of Farke's outstanding performers at the top end of the pitch with his ability to unlock opposition defences on a regular basis.

Rutter has produced six goals and 13 assists in 35 Championship matches for the Whites during the 2023/24 campaign, which means that he has averaged a direct goal contribution every 1.84 appearances on average.

As you can see in the chart above, the 21-year-old wizard stacks up well against his positional peers in the second tier in a host of progressive and creative statistics.

He ranks within the top 2% for both goal-creating and shot-creating actions, and the top 1% for assists (0.42) per 90 for Leeds, which shows that the young gem has been one of the best players in the division at creating goalscoring chances for his teammates.

In fact, only Abdul Fatawu (25) of Leicester has created more 'big chances' for his fellow attackers than Rutter (21) in the Championship this season.

These statistics show that there are few better than the Whites star when it comes to splitting open opposition defences to create high-quality opportunities in front of goal.

This is why Rutter could be a dream partner for Batshuayi, or any other forward potentially signed by the club in the summer, as the French magician could provide the striker with plenty of chances to find the back of the net.

Michy Batshuayi's goalscoring record

The 30-year-old marksman has been around the block and proven himself as a goalscorer in several countries and leagues throughout his career.

He has racked up 182 goals in 457 club appearances in all competitions to date, along with an eye-catching 27 goals in 53 caps for Belgium – more than one every other game on average.

Batshuayi already has experience in English football as he enjoyed spells with Crystal Palace and Chelsea, where he scored a combined 33 goals in 110 appearances.

The Leeds target has spent the last two seasons with Fenerbahce in Turkey and has caught the eye with his impressive goalscoring record.

Appearances

19

Starts

16

Goals

12

Big chances missed

5

Minutes per goal

102

As you can see in the table above, Batshuayi enjoyed a terrific first season in the Super Lig with a return of 12 goals in 16 starts, which contributed to a tally of 20 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions – including five strikes in five domestic cup outings.

The former Chelsea striker, who was once hailed as "deadly" by journalist Josh Bunting, has followed that up with 20 goals in 35 matches for Fenerbahce this season, which means that he has scored 40 goals in 67 games for the Turkish giants in total.

Interestingly, the attacker has only started one of his 20 Super Lig appearances during the 2023/24 campaign but has still plundered eight league goals in that time, whilst ex-Manchester City star Edin Dzeko has scored 18 goals in 28 starts as the first-choice centre-forward.

Overall, Batshuayi has scored goals in Turkey, England, Germany, with nine goals in 14 matches for Borussia Dortmund, France, with 33 goals in 78 games for Marseille, and for his country.

Leeds have already submitted a bid to sign Connor Roberts upgrade

Leeds United are already planning ahead for summer signings.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 14, 2024

Therefore, the possible free agent could be an excellent, cheap, addition to the squad to bolster the forward line and form a fantastic pairing with Rutter in the final third, as he could have the quality to finish the chances that the midfielder creates based on his exceptional scoring rate for Fenerbahce and throughout his career.

Wrexham are reportedly facing stiff competition from Wayne Rooney's Plymouth in their pursuit of Manchester City starlet's brother John McAtee.

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James McAtee's brother John in demandLuton ready to cash inWanted by Wrexham and a host of other clubsWHAT HAPPENED?

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to build a competitive side as they are ambitiously gearing up to continue their rise through the English football divisions. According to their latest target is John McAtee, brother of Manchester City’s promising talent James McAtee. However, Wrexham face significant competition from Plymouth Argyle, now managed by Wayne Rooney.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

John had shone brightly against Wrexham in previous encounters, especially when he played a crucial role in Grimsby Town’s play-off triumph over the Red Dragons. During his loan spell at Barnsley in the previous season he notched up 20 goal contributions which has helped him catch the attention of various suitors.

DID YOU KNOW?

After a notable season, McAtee is back at Luton Town and the Championship club is ready to cash in on the surge in interest. Apart from Wrexham and Plymouth, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Derby County, Portsmouth, and Bolton are also reportedly keen on securing the attacking midfielder's services, making the competition for his signature even more intense.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

For Wrexham, McAtee’s acquisition would be a statement of intent, reinforcing their ambitions under the leadership of the Hollywood co-owners. However, it remains to be seen, if they are willing to flex their financial muscle to fend off competition for the 24-year-old.

في إطار استعداداته القوية لمواجهة سموحة في الجولة الثانية من الدوري المصري الممتاز، حقق الزمالك فوزًا وديًا على نظيره الشمس بهدفين مقابل هدف، في مباراة أقيمت على ملعب النادي.

وشهد الشوط الأول من المباراة سيطرة واضحة من جانب لاعبي الزمالك، حيث فرضوا أسلوب لعبهم على مجريات اللقاء وهددوا مرمى الشمس في أكثر من مناسبة. تشكيل الزمالك اليوم أمام الشمس

في حراسة المرمى: محمد صبحي.

الدفاع: أحمد فتوح، أحمد رفاعي، جيفرسون كوستا، أحمد محمود.

الوسط: نبيل عماد دونجا، زياد كمال، أحمد عبد الرحيم “إيشو”.

الهجوم: مصطفى شلبي، سيف الجزيري، محمود عبد الرازق “شيكابالا”.

ورغم الفرص المتاحة، إلا أن الشوط انتهى بالتعادل السلبي نتيجة لتألق حارس مرمى الشمس وتسرع بعض لاعبي الزمالك في إنهاء الهجمات.

طالع أيضًا | مران الزمالك | حمدي يخضع لـ جلسة علاجية.. وحضور أحمد سليمان

وشهد الشوط الثاني أحداثًا مثيرة، حيث أجرى المدير الفني للزمالك تغييرات واسعة على التشكيل، مما أدى إلى تغيير أسلوب اللعب. وبدأ الزمالك الشوط الثاني بتشكيل مكون من:

حراسة المرمى: محمود الشناوي.

خط الدفاع: محمد عاطف، أحمد رفاعي، وجيفرسون كوستا، أحمد محمود.

خط الوسط: زياد كمال، سيف جعفر، مهاب ياسر، حازم أسامة.

الهجوم: سامسون أكينيولا، حسام أشرف.

وتمكن جيفرسون كوستا من تسجيل هدف التقدم للزمالك مستغلاً عرضية من ركلة ركنية، ولكن سرعان ما أدرك الشمس التعادل.

ولم يطل الانتظار حتى سجل حسام أشرف الهدف الثاني للزمالك بتسديدة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء، ليؤكد تفوق فريقه.

وأظهر لاعبو الزمالك أداءً مقنعًا خلال المباراة، حيث بدا واضحًا الانسجام بين اللاعبين وتنفيذهم للتعليمات الفنية، وتألق عدد من اللاعبين مثل جيفرسون كوستا وحسام أشرف اللذين سجلا هدفي المباراة، بالإضافة إلى تألق حارس المرمى محمد صبحي في الشوط الأول.

يذكر، أن الزمالك يستعد لمواجهة نظيره سموحة يوم الجمعة المُقبل 8 نوفمبر، في الجولة الثانية من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

Their lop-sided approach to ODIs hasn’t always worked, as they found during the World Cup.

Deivarayan Muthu in Chennai14-Dec-20193:05

Chase brings a balance to our team – Pollard

The stars are aligning for West Indies’ T20 World Cup defence. Phil Simmons, who had coached them to the title more than three years ago, is back at the helm. Kieron Pollard has taken over the limited-overs captaincy, Lendl Simmons is back in form, and Dwayne Bravo has come out of retirement, making himself available for T20I selection next year. Then, there are exciting talents from the CPL like Brandon King and Hayden Walsh Jr.West Indies’ ODI side, however, is searching for some stability in a transitional phase. In the 50-overs World Cup earlier this year, they went either cray-cray or so very quiet. As a result, they finished second from last on the World Cup points table, with just two wins from nine games.When they stuck to this lop-sided ODI approach against England and Australia, they wound up losing from winning positions. In Southampton, West Indies were 144 for 3 in the 30th over. While boundaries weren’t a problem, they couldn’t quite rotate the strike enough to keep the scorecard ticking.A fairly well-set Shimron Hetmyer miscued a drive down the ground and Carlos Brathwaite swished and nicked off, adding to West Indies’ irreparable collapse. They gave up their last seven wickets for 67 runs to be bundled out for 212, with more than five overs unused in their innings.Earlier in the tournament, against Australia, West Indies had been in a similar position – 149 for 3 – in pursuit of 289, but they were eventually pinned down to 273 for 9. The likes of Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Jason Holder found the boundary semi-regularly, but the rest of the West Indies batsmen struggled to rotate the strike.All told, West Indies had a dot-ball percentage of 57.7 in the 50-overs World Cup. In order to address this issue and tighten the middle order, West Indies roped in allrounder Roston Chase, who had been ignored for the World Cup.The 27-year-old offspin-bowling allrounder made an immediate impact, playing a starring role in West Indies securing their first ODI series win in more than five years, against Afghanistan.ALSO READ: ‘I see myself as someone who can be the No.1 allrounder some day’ – ChaseBatting at No.3 in the ODI series opener against Afghanistan in Lucknow, Chase shepherded West Indies’ pursuit of 195 on a sluggish track, with an assured 94 off 115 balls. Then, in the third ODI, Chase floated down to No. 7 and made a rapid 32-ball 42 to help West Indies overhaul Afghanistan’s 249. Chase was also at it with the ball, finding drift and turn to provide West Indies with vital breakthroughs.Pollard conceded that Chase’s selection was a “left-field” one, but was particularly impressed with the flexibility he has added to the line-up. Chase’s strong form, Pollard said, could allow West Indies to play an extra batsman or a bowler depending on the conditions.Roston Chase plays one on the off side•AFP”I think he brings balance to the whole team,” Pollard said at the pre-match press conference. “He’s first of all a Test batsman – he has Test hundreds – and that in itself is a great asset for us. Having a guy who bats in the middle order in Test cricket coming in and in one-day cricket can do any role.”Given that, he can bowl as well, it gives an opportunity to play an extra bowler or an extra allrounder or an extra batter. So, he has been very valuable for us. We saw his talents and we’re trying to exploit what we can give for himself as he can up there in terms of being the No.1 allrounder in the world. And no better way than the opportunity to do it. He has come in [as] a left-field selection, but that’s something that has worked for us.”Another West Indies batsman who is more known for his stickability than muscle is Shai Hope. The 26-year-old has been in prolific form in ODI cricket in the last two years, hitting 2023 runs in 44 innings at an average of 56.19 and a strike-rate of 76.71. Hope is a batsman in the mould of India’s Ajinkya Rahane, who is technically compact and can play some glorious drives, but doesn’t quite have the higher gears.However, the likes of Nicholas Pooran, Hetmyer and Pollard have the higher gears and the bigger shots. So, West Indies need to find the balance between power and strike-rotation if they’re to topple India.”What is important is that we come with a clear mission and plan on how to approach 50-over cricket,” Pollard said. “We need to be clear on how to play the game and we need to get guys who are responsible and accountable for those things. It’s a process that we are going through. The results might not show straightaway. Yes, we won 3-0 against Afghanistan. We are coming up against better opponents. There are things we are working on internally and hopefully the results will take effect in time to come. It’s not going to happen overnight obviously, but we are willing to work.”West Indies will have to contend with the conditions – both overhead and underfoot – in the ODI series opener in Chennai. Rain has lashed the city in the days leading up to the game and wet weather even interrupted West Indies’ training session on Saturday. The visitors are also sweating over Evin Lewis’ fitness. The in-form opener had been stretchered off the field in Mumbai and is recovering from a soft tissue injury in his right knee.West Indies haven’t been able to field a full-strength side in the past few years due to various factors. But, despite that, the T20I side dug deep into its reserves and challenged India. Can the ODI side now veer away from the old lop-sided approach and spring a surprise on Virat Kohli’s men?

MatériaMais Notícias

Enquanto tiver contrato com o Corinthians, Ramiro seguirá utilizado, foi o que garantiu o técnico Sylvinho após a derrota do clube por 2 a 0 para o Atlético-GO, nesta quarta-feira (2), pelo primeiro confronto da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, na Neo Química Arena.

>> Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil e fique de olho nos jogos do Timão
>> Baixe o novo app de resultados do LANCE!

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Ainda que o vínculo do jogador com o Timão seja até dezembro de 2022, a diretoria alvinegra firmou o empréstimo do jogador ao Al Wasl, de Dubai, a partir de julho.

– Em relação ao Ramiro, tem contrato com o clube, e todo atleta que tem contrato e eu vejo que tem condições de jogar eu não vou desprezar, jamais. Vai jogar, pode jogar por fora e por dentro. Vou continuar usando até a medida que teremos ele por aqui, que são muito jogos. Enquanto tiver contrato vai continuar jogando na medida do possível – disse o treinador corintiano em entrevista coletiva virtual.

Na semana passada, após marcar dois gols na goleada corintiana por 4 a 0 sobre o River Plate (PAR), pela Copa Sul-Americana, o camisa 8 havia desconversado sobre o seu empréstimo, mas já falado com ar de despedida do Corinthians.

– Isso a gente deixa mais para frente. Não é para agora. Tenho contrato com o clube e até o ultimo dia que eu estiver aqui vou me esforçar ao máximo para ajudar a equipe e a comissão com o que eu puder colaborar – disse o atleta no dia 26 de maio.

No Timão desde 2019, Ramiro completou o seu centésimo jogo com a camisa do clube nesta quarta-feira (3).

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool tenure has been punctuated with silverware and he might secure the coveted prize that is the Premier League title for the second time this season, right at the end of an illustrious near-nine-year reign.

There has been much to sing about throughout this balmy period of the club's modern history, with stunning transfer additions marrying into Klopp's high-octane, heavy-metal brand of football.

Moreover, the academy has flowered into prominence and Liverpool now welcome exciting teenage talents into the first-team with constancy, such players making a big impact on the club's pursuit of success this term.

It hasn't always been this way, with the Reds somewhat devoid of top-class homegrown talents in the years preceding – and the first years of – Klopp's conquest on Merseyside.

That is, of course, barring a certain anomaly known as Trent Alexander-Arnold, who opened his account with a free-kick against Hoffenheim in 2017, billed by pundit Peter Crouch as a ball-playing sensation just as good as erstwhile icons Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool has since gone from strength to strength and boast an institution as efficient and accomplished as any at the height of the continental scene, and while Alexander-Arnold remains the cream of the crop, it's exciting that so many promising talents are stretching their way into the senior set-up.

It's a good thing too, because, as terrifying and unfathomable as it may be, some alarming news has surfaced recently suggesting that the club's vice-captain is on the radar of one of the biggest clubs in the business.

Why Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool

Alexander-Arnold, a bit like his footballing forebear Gerrard, embodies Liverpool, typifies the rich era under Klopp's leadership. The 25-year-old plying his trade elsewhere is hard to grasp, much like futile attempts to recall an elusive dream – in this case: a nightmare.

But with Alexander-Arnold out of contract in 2025, La Liga giants Real Madrid are lurking around and would only be too happy to snap the dynamo up, with long-time stalwart Dani Carvajal now aged 32.

This is concerning news and even the most sanguine of Liverpool supporters would recognise the unparalleled pulling power of Real Madrid, who would love to lure the England international to Santiago Bernabeu to play alongside friend and Three Lions teammate Jude Bellingham, at one of the most prestigious outfits in European history.

This being said, it's important not to lose a sense of proportion at this stage, with Liverpool's recent appointments of Michael Edwards (FSG's CEO of Football) and Richard Hughes (new sporting director) now pumping stability and a direction that was not there – or at least was not focused – until this month.

Should Alexander-Arnold search for pastures new, however, it's crucial that Liverpool find a new poster boy to galvanise the squad and supporters both at the start of this new chapter.

Well, there are plenty of teenagers filtering through right now, but in Trent Kone-Doherty, who has yet to make his senior debut, Liverpool could find the youngster fit to lead the club for years to come.

Trent Kone-Doherty's season in numbers

Liverpool signed Kone-Doherty from his Irish homeland club Derry City in 2022 and after impressing during the 2022/23 campaign, he signed his first professional contract in October, winning over the Liverpool youth bosses.

Last season, the 17-year-old youth bagged ten goals from 20 appearances, notably scoring against Manchester United and Manchester City in successive matches in the U18 Premier League.

Left wing

9

9

1

Right wing

7

3

1

This term, the electric-paced player has taken his game to the next level and has plundered eight goals and two assists from nine matches in the U18 top-flight, also scoring three goals from four games in the FA Youth Cup, notably clinching a brace in a stunning 7-1 victory over Arsenal.

He might not have made his senior debut for the Merseyside outfit but he's yet to see his 18th birthday and offers a prolificness that speaks of his brilliance and potential for growth.

Why Trent Kone-Doherty could be Liverpool's biggest talent

The teenage talent pronounced himself as "fearless" and he will certainly need to maintain this bold confidence – mixed with humility and diligence, of course – if he is to succeed under the Anfield lights.

While a myriad of Kirkby academy stars are breaking into Liverpool's senior squad at the moment, Kone-Doherty needs only continue the trajectory he is on to leapfrog his peers into the Liverpool first-team, with Edwards' shrewd eye for talent certain to notice his skills.

Speaking of winger's ability, U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson said this: "He's a very good player and showed he can finish, he can go on the outside, and whether or not he's up against people who are bigger or a lot stronger, he still has the ability and football brain to go past people."

His two-footed laterality suggests that he can be shaped into a top-class talent with a range of different strengths, not pigeonholed into one category but, rather, capable of flourishing in numerous areas.

This natural sense of dynamism will serve Kone-Doherty well as he strives to emerge as the latest Liverpool starlet at some point, and while it's unlikely that he will grace the field in 2023/24. However, if he knuckles down during the off-season he could be in line for a big year ahead.

Liverpool might just find the prolific talent to ensure the club keeps firing after Klopp steps down from his position at the end of the campaign, with Kone-Doherty emulating his namesake and confirming Liverpool's academy's stature.

The weekend was one of mixed emotions for Arsenal fans. On one hand, Liverpool leapfrogged them into first place, but on the other, they came away from the Etihad with a point.

It's the first time since May 2016 that the Gunners have avoided defeat away to Manchester City, and while it would've been better to collect all three points, one still keeps them in the Premier League title race.

It was a result built largely on an immense defensive effort from the entire XI, with very few chances coming for the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus.

That said, the Brazilian probably had the best chances for the north Londoners, and while he certainly wasn't terrible, he probably shouldn't start tonight.

Gabriel Jesus' performance against City

It's been an interesting season for the former City man. Despite looking dangerous in the Champions League and racking up six goal involvements in as many games, he's struggled to do the same in the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 20 games.

This lacklustre form has only been exacerbated by his consistent injury problems, which have seen him miss 16 games this season and the fact that, in his absence, the team seems to have found their best form with Havertz as a spearhead.

However, the "tremendous" São Paulo-born gem, as Arteta described him, is clearly a fantastically talented player, and so it makes sense for the Spaniard to try what he did at the Etihad and start the 26-year-old on the left of a three.

This could well be the best way to get the most out of Jesus going forward, but in Sunday's game, he still struggled to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

It's an opinion shared by GOAL's Charlie Watts, who gave him a 6/10 on the day and wrote that he was both 'lively and frustrating', an assessment backed up by his individual statistics from the game.

Minutes

72'

Expected Goals

0.17

Expected Assists

0.26

Shots on Target

0

Shots off Target

2

Dribbles (Successful)

4 (3)

Accurate Passes

8/10 (80%)

Lost Possession

7

Duels (Won)

12 (4)

Dribbled Past

2

Fouls

3

In his 72 minutes of action, the right-footed marksman registered an expected goals figure of 0.17 and an expected assists figure of 0.26. He took two shots that were off target, succeeded in three of his four dribbles, was accurate in just 80% of his passes, lost eight of his 12 duels, was dribbled past twice, and committed three fouls.

Lastly, while dangerous, Jesus couldn't provide Arsenal with a genuine outlet to relieve the immense pressure they were under. So, for tonight's game against Luton Town, Arteta should drop him to the bench.

Why Gabriel Martinelli should start

Yes, the player in question is the incredibly dynamic Gabriel Martinelli, and there are two key reasons why he should be selected to start ahead of Jesus.

Appearances

163

Goals

41

Assists

24

Goal Involvements per Match

0.39

The first reason is simple: he's Arsenal's best left winger. In 46 games last year, the "sensational talent", as U23 scout Antonio Mango described him, scored 15 goals and provided six assists. While his return of eight goals and five assists this season is a little underwhelming, he has still looked incredibly dangerous when on the pitch.

The 22-year-old's blistering pace and tenacious style of play have made him an essential element to how Arsenal attack teams. His ability to break down the left, push back the defending team and bring his teammates into play will be crucial if Arsenal are to end their two-decade title drought this season.

It should be no surprise that the three games he hasn't started recently have also coincided with a drop in the goals scored by his teammates.

Reason number two is related to that, and it's all about his match sharpness.

When Arteta introduced the former Ituano gem towards the end of the City game, it was quite clear that he wasn't up to speed yet. So a game against a much easier opponent at the Emirates is the perfect opportunity to play him back to full readiness, especially with the two legs against Bayern Munich just around the corner.

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The incredible youngster has been on fire this season.

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Ultimately, the Gunners will likely prove too strong for the Hatters regardless of which Brazilian starts out on the left, but with there being no margin for error anymore, it is imperative that Martinelli is fit and ready to go for the rest of the run-in.

All was going well for Everton this season until their financial issues away from the pitch caught up to them to leave Sean Dyche's side to deal with a 10-point deduction, which was eventually reduced to six. Fighting to stay afloat in the Premier League ever since, the Toffees are reportedly set to finally receive some good news.

Everton takeover news

As things stand, Everton sit four points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on Burnley in the relegation zone, with Dyche deserving a lot of credit for keeping the Toffees on track even amid off-field issues. Of course, if it wasn't for the six-point deduction, then Everton would be comfortably mid-table and just seven points behind Fulham in 13th, eight points away from Chelsea.

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It's a situation that those at Goodison Park will likely have to become familiar with too, according to finance expert Kieran Maguire, who told via Inews when quizzed about the likelihood of Everton being handed a second deduction that it's "pretty inevitable".

So, even if the Toffees avoid the drop this season, they are seemingly likely to have their backs instantly against the wall at the start of the next campaign. But there is still some good news among the negatives.

According to Inews, Everton's takeover by 777 Partners is set to be accepted by the Premier League in the next couple of weeks. This will end an incredibly long wait for the news many thought would come far sooner after Farhad Moshiri reached an agreement over the sale of the club all the way back in September. Now, seven months later, Everton are reportedly finally about to see the takeover given the green light.

The sudden news comes after 777 proved to the Premier League that they could pay back Everton's £150m loan from MSP Sports Capital and fund the finish of the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Everton must still approach with caution

With another point deduction described as "pretty inevitable" by Maguire, Everton must still approach with caution in the summer transfer market. The last thing they need is to be walking a fine line with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules once again, especially considering that they're on course to maintain their top-flight status in the current campaign.

That said, it could be a summer of departures at Goodison Park. Amadou Onana has been the subject of reported interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United in the last few months in a big-money deal that would ease some of Everton's FFP fears. Meanwhile, Jarrad Branthwaite has even attracted the interest of Real Madrid, according to reports.

Large sales would impact Dyche's side, there's no doubt about that, but it could be a case of needs must if Everton are to balance the books at last. If they then spend that money from the sales wisely, then 777 will be able to hand Dyche a squad capable of survival once again, even if Everton face another frustrating deduction. Either way, the takeover is at least on its way in what is surely the first big step in the right direction.

GOAL takes a look at the new Gameplay features to expect in EA Sports FC 25

EA Sports FC 25 will launch in September 2024 and excitement is building among the FC community about how the new game will evolve from FC 24.

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As well as the natural augmentations in terms of new kits, ever more teams and leagues, EA Sports promises a leap in the Gameplay, with increasing realism – and enjoyment – the order of the day.

Here, GOAL takes a look at EA Sports' Gameplay Deep Dive to get a flavour of what lies in store in EA Sports FC 25.

• FC IQ

  In EA Sports FC 25, FC IQ is about finding the best combinations of three key components: Team Tactics, Player Roles and Smart Tactics.

  "Success in FC is no longer just about putting the best player in a position, it's about putting in the right player for the system you want to run," says EA Sports FC 25 Gameplay Producer, Paul Parsons.

  FC IQ has modernised tactics in FC 25, with your team-mates showing greater intelligence on the pitch, and it will allow you to emulate the tactical approaches of coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti or Pep Guardiola.

  This means that tactics are now much more fluid, allowing you to alternate between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1, say, depending on the context of the game. Player Roles are a crucial aspect of this fluidity, while Smart Tactics will help you switch up as needed during a match.

  This aspect of in-game management will be a foundational feature of FC 25 across game modes and indeed the key parts of Career Mode, such as transfers, scouting and youth development.

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• EA Sports
  

  Player Roles

  EA Sports built an out-of-game AI model to help identify which Player Roles best suit the players in the game.

  Similar to that which exists in the Football Manager series, different Player Roles can be applied to specific players to maximise their impact within a particular tactical system.

  So, for example, if Vinicius Jr is playing wide left in a 4-2-3-1 system, he can be designated as a winger or an inside forward, with the various roles resulting in different focuses in the game.

  In order to help you figure out which role suits a player best, there is a rating system, with a plus (+) or plus-plus (++) signifying that a player is world-class in their role.

  A striker, for example, might have the skills that suit being a poacher forward (strong movement and finishing, perhaps) or they might be better used as a target forward (attributes like strength, good heading ability and awareness)

• EA Sports
  

  Smart Tactics

  Helpfully, FC IQ's Smart Tactics means that the game will now make suggestions to players regarding potential tactical shifts during games, depending on the situation, whether you are chasing an equaliser at the end of the game or looking to close a game out – an FC assistant manager of sorts.

  You will be able to toggle between the different options using the directional pad and if you find tactics that you are a fan of, you can save and share with your friends by using a tactic-specific code.

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• HyperMotion

  EA Sports has used HyperMotion volumetric capture to ensure that there are even more real-world movements, goals and styles of play present in the game, with unique celebrations naturally a part of that too.

  Various breathtaking moments from last season – whether it's an outside of the boot pass into space, a bit of outrageous skill or a funny new celebration – will now be a natural part of the gameplay.