“We respect that they have got a phenomenal batting line-up with a lot of power, but we are here to focus on our game”

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Mar-2025Mitchell Marsh has backed the weakened Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowling unit to get the job done against the ultra-aggressive Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batters.LSG, who lost their opening game of IPL 2025 to Delhi Capitals (DC), are without Mayank Yadav and Akash Deep as both are recuperating from lower-back injuries, while Avesh Khan has just joined the side after recovering from a knee problem. Mohsin Khan, another first-choice pick, was ruled out before the tournament started and was replaced by Shardul Thakur. Even Marsh is playing the tournament purely as a batter because of a back issue.”Yeah, we have a few guys out, no doubt, but I think we have assembled a really solid squad,” Marsh said ahead of Thursday’s game in Hyderabad. “There is no doubt that in time we will welcome guys back into the team who have a bit of experience with the ball. But we certainly back our [current] bowlers to do the job. I don’t see it as a lack of depth.”Related

In numbers – IPL 2025 gets off to turbo-charged start

Avesh Khan cleared to join Lucknow Super Giants

Expect another big total as SRH batters face weakened LSG bowling at home

The last time these two teams met, also in Hyderabad, SRH chased down 166 in just 9.4 overs with all ten wickets intact. They have started the new season in similar fashion, smashing 286 for 6 against Rajasthan Royals (RR).Asked what LSG’s plan was, Marsh kept it short: “To score more runs than them.”Elaborating, he said, “We know they’re going to come hard. I think there are not many T20 teams in the world now that don’t go hard from ball one and try to apply as much pressure as they can to a bowling team. So we know we’re going to be under pressure at some point tomorrow night.”The most important thing for us as a team is to focus on our strengths and what we are coming here to do and play our brand of cricket. There’s no doubt that Sunrisers have put a lot of teams under pressure, but that’s any team these days. It seems 230 is now the new par score at most grounds. We respect that they have got a phenomenal batting line-up with a lot of power, but we’re here to focus on our game and hopefully match with them.”

Ashutosh Sharma was going nowhere. He was on 20 off 20 balls. The required rate was over 12. Then he flicked a switch and decided to make Delhi Capitals’ opening game of IPL 2025, against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam, all about him.Related

• 'There was no sign of panic' – Ashutosh's composure under pressure stands out

• Faf du Plessis after DC's incredible win: This is why Impact Player rule is there

• Awe-inspiring Ashutosh brings DC back from the brink

• Pant after LSG's narrow defeat: 'Think we had enough runs on the board'

• KL Rahul misses DC's opening game against LSG

With 62 needed off 30, with four wickets in hand, Ashutosh went bang, bang and then some more as he smashed 46 off his next 11 balls to lead DC to an epic one-wicket win with just three balls to spare. Arms raised he was engulfed by his team-mates as a bewildered Rishabh Pant, DC’s ex-captain now leading LSG, looked on.LSG, sent in to bat and riding on Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh’s whirlwind knocks, had posted 209 for 8. At one point, they had looked set for much more, even 250, but the DC bowlers came back in style, conceding only 48 runs off the last seven overs and picking up six wickets. While Pooran and Marsh accounted for 147 off 66 balls, the rest of LSG’s batters managed just 55 off 55 between them.DC were reduced to 7 for 3 in their chase and at most stages looked down and out, but they found a new hero in the debutant Vipraj Nigam, who walked out at No. 8, with 97 needed in 45 balls, and thrashed 39 off 15. He fell with DC needing 42 off 23, but Ashutosh made sure to haul DC over the line, finishing things off with a six down the ground off Shahbaz Ahmed.

Smashutosh

Ashutosh had been Punjab Kings’ finisher supreme in IPL 2024, playing blinders one after the other. But they often did not come in winning causes, with Ashutosh falling just short of the finishing line in thrilling chases against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians. Now, playing for a new team, he entered the match as their Impact Player with DC in more than a spot of bother at 65 for 5 in 6.4 overs. He started slowly, taking time to find his touch, but made sure he didn’t throw his wicket away.Vipraj Nigam sparked DC’s chase to life with 39 off 15 balls•Associated Press

Losing Tristan Stubbs didn’t help, and at 116 for 6 in 13 overs, ESPNcricinfo’s win probability for DC was 1.46%. But Ashutosh has made fighting the odds a habit. He got excellent support from Nigam, who actually got the chase going. The allrounder first took on Ravi Bishnoi, carting him for two fours and a six in the 14th over, and then hacked Shahbaz for a four and a six in the next.While Nigam fell to fellow debutant Digvesh Rathi, Ashutosh was in no mood to stop. He went 6, 4, 6 against Bishnoi and the equation came down to a manageable 22 off 12, though DC only had two wickets in hand. It came down to the last wicket when Kuldeep Yadav was run out in an attempt to sneak a bye and get Ashutosh back on strike, but that sacrifice seemed worth it when Ashutosh hit the last two balls of that over, from Prince Yadav, for six and four to take DC into the final over needing just six.No. 11 Mohit Sharma was on strike for the first ball, and he could have been dismissed when he overbalanced, looking to flick Shahbaz against the turn. The ball missed his outside edge and deflected off his back leg, causing Pant to fumble a half-chance for a stumping, but he took a review for lbw; ball-tracking suggested the ball would have just missed off stump. Mohit then managed to push the next ball away for a single, bringing Ashutosh back on strike. Ashutosh walloped Shahbaz straight into the sightscreen, and the DC dugout erupted with joy.

LSG cut through DC’s top order

New DC captain Axar Patel had said at the toss that he was bowling first because he didn’t “want to take a risk with the dew later on”. Unfortunately for him, DC’s top order collapsed even before the dew could take effect. And it was Shardul Thakur who made the early strikes. Thakur wasn’t even supposed to be at the IPL. He went unsold at the auction, and was supposed to be playing County cricket for Essex while the IPL was on. But the injured Mohsin Khan was ruled out and Thakur found a way in.And in his first over, he had Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel miscuing. There was excellent captaincy as well from Pant, who stationed a long-off for Fraser-McGurk. He miscued an outswinger in that fielder’s direction while attempting to go over the on side, and Ayush Badoni completed a good catch. Two balls later, Porel mistimed an outswinger to Pooran at mid-off.Sameer Rizvi came in and creamed a cover drive first ball but fell soon after, giving the left-arm spinner M Siddharth his first wicket as DC slipped to 7 for 3 in the second over. Axar and Faf du Plessis did a repair job of sorts, adding 43 off 23 balls, but both fell in successive overs and DC were 65 for 5 in the seventh.Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran added 87 for the second wicket in just 42 balls•BCCI

Pooran and Marsh light up Vizag

In IPL 2024, LSG were often found lagging in the powerplay. This season, they are on a mission to fix that, and Marsh and Pooran took on the responsibility. While Aiden Markram fell early, Marsh took on his countryman Mitchell Starc. Marsh, who is playing IPL 2025 as a specialist batter, piled on the runs in the powerplay – 43 off just 19 balls, the most he has ever scored in the phase in the IPL.Pooran came in at No. 3 and the onslaught came from both ends. While Marsh reached his half-century in 21 balls, Pooran took 24 to get there as LSG crossed the 100 mark in the ninth over. Pooran was particularly severe on the spinners. He smashed 60 runs off just 18 balls against them, at a strike rate of 333.33. That included a 28-run over against Stubbs, with Pooran smashing his offspin for four back-to-back sixes and then a four. At the other end, Marsh was brutal against the quicks, going at 255.55 against them.Pooran struck six fours and seven sixes in his 30-ball 75, while Marsh hammered six fours and six sixes in his 36-ball 72. When they were together, even 250 seemed to be on for LSG.But it would all go awry, soon.

Kuldeep, Starc derail LSG

At 161 for 2 after 13 overs, the sky was the limit for LSG. ESPNcricinfo’s forecaster had them scoring 246, and they looked like going beyond. But Starc and Kuldeep brought DC roaring back into the game. Kuldeep first took out Pant for a six-ball duck, as he toe-ended straight to long-off. Starc then rattled Pooran’s stumps with a full delivery that tailed in late in the next over, the 15th. Badoni took Kuldeep on in the 17th and failed to clear long-on, and two balls later, Thakur was run out. Starc took out Shahbaz and Bishnoi in his final over, and LSG only added 33 runs from overs 14 to 19 while losing six wickets.That LSG even crossed 200 was down to David Miller thumping Mohit for two sixes off the last two balls of the innings. That took them to 209, and for the longest time it felt like it would be enough. It wasn’t.

Tactically, Mauricio Pochettino seems to have figured out the player pool – now it's about deciding who fits best in the system

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – In the hours after the U.S. men's national team's 1-1 draw with Ecuador, Mauricio Pochettino took to social media. He's not a frequent Instagram poster, but he does hop on every now and then.

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast," Pochettino posted.

A clear message, and one he's been preaching all along. Now, though, with the USMNT culture seemingly back in the right place, Pochettino is free to tweak strategy. That continues on Tuesday night against Australia.

Following the draw with Ecuador on Friday night, Pochettino told media how happy he was to be talking about tactics, formations and roles instead of passion, desire and commitment. It was a long summer of debating the latter, but Pochettino can now do what he was, ultimately, brought in to do: build for the World Cup.

Tactically, he's seemingly figured out how to get the most of his player pool. All that's left, then, is to figure out who fits best into this new system, and what tweaks he can make to maximize it by the time the USMNT kick off in Los Angeles next summer.

This Australia match is one of the final few left on the USMNT schedule before next summer's festivities. Wildly enough, there are only five left before Pochettino will really have to narrow down his World Cup roster. The clock is ticking. And the USMNT seem to bein a better place than they were even a month ago.

Can they build more momentum heading towards November? We'll find out on Tuesday as the USMNT takes its next test.

GOAL looks at five keys for the USMNT against Australia.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The fake wingback

  Before the game against Ecuador, Tim Weah described his role as a "fake wingback." Pochettino laughed when asked about it postgame. It's true – Weah was a wingback in name only. By and large, he was a winger.

  "When I said 'fake wingback' it really just meant that I would be doing less defending because Miles [Robinson] was covering the whole time," Weah said postgame. "That was pretty much it. When we attacked, I didn't really have to track back as much."

  It's an interesting tactical wrinkle one that, ultimately, could keep Weah on the field in this 3-4-2-1 system. Weah is an accomplished wingback on the club level, yes, but there's no denying where his skill lies: bombing forward. In this setup, he can do that as much as he wants, knowing that he has that third back sliding to cover that area for whenever possession switches.

  Will this be how things look when Sergino Dest is back? Will Weah or Dest be the starter when that time comes? That is a question for another day.

  Tuesday's game is another chance to see what Pochettino does with his wingbacks. If it's Weah on that right side, you can expect more of the same. If it's Alex Freeman, he may stay a little deeper. But given his success with Orlando City, he may have freedom to bomb forward, too. 

  The system is still somewhat new, but it's one that seemingly already has a few wrinkles that can be expanded on going forward.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Options for centerback

  As Weah said, Miles Robinson did a lot of important work in that third centerback role. With Weah going forward, it was up to Robinson to keep control on that right-hand side of the field when Ecuador did get forward. However, Robinson isn't the only centerback in this squad fighting for a chance.

  Mark McKenzie remains a candidate to start for the USMNT if this three-centerback system sticks. He plays there plenty with Toulouse, making him a natural candidate to start alongside Chris Richards and Tim Ream. The former Philadelphia Union defender will be eager to get back onto the field, though, as he looks to put a tough summer behind him.

  Then there's Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is back in the team for the first time since March. A standout at Celtic for so long, Carter-Vickers still faces a fight to get into another World Cup roster after featuring in 2022. With Celtic out of European competition, that fight is even harder, and one that could really use a strong performance in defense.

  So, whether it's Robinson, McKenzie or Carter-Vickers, that third centerback spot remains one to watch as the fight for World Cup roles continues.

  "What we're looking for is the capacity to sustain what we want," Pochettino said. "We play with three central defenders sometimes. What we want is for them to adapt in different situations…The most important is communication and then can we build out being dynamic or how we play in the opposite half, depending on the opponent having one striker or two strikers? Right now, it's all about building the gameplan for every single game because the opponent is different, and then trying to find the best system for them to adapt."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pulisic's status

  Pochettino indicated on Friday that Christian Pulisic could be ready for Tuesday. 

  "Christian didn't train yesterday. He's [been] suffering, from the preseason, a small issue in his ankle," Pochettino said at the time. "After training on Wednesday, his ankle was a little bit swollen. It's an important game, yes, but at the same time, it's important to not take risks. Of course, he's going to be on the bench, and we'll see. We will decide if maybe he can play. If not, the goal is to be ready next Tuesday."

  Pulisic, of course, did play in the draw. He came in for a few minutes off the bench, showing that the injury is nothing to be particularly worried about. Throughout his tenure as USMNT boss, Pochettino has avoided risking players. But if Friday is any indication, there doesn't seem to be any overwhelming risk to giving Pulisic some run in the attack.

  "Christian participated in the training session," Pochettino said on Monday. "I think the reaction after the 20 minutes of playing was good. He's arrived very well and, yes, we hope that tomorrow he can be available. We need to wait today and see the reaction,t oo, but I think it's much, much better than when we arrived."

  How much does he play on Tuesday? Only Pochettino knows. Obviously, the USMNT will be better if he is healthy and available.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  A free McKennie

  Both Pochettino and McKennie used the word on Friday: "Freedom." It's something that a player such as McKennie needs. He can impact a game in so many ways on both sides of the ball, so giving him the freedom to do that is vital.

  It was also interesting, though, how Pochettino described McKennie postgame, when he hinted that he sees him as more of an attacking midfielder than one competing for one of those holding spots.

  "I think we have the capacity now to throw him in a higher position to interpret and read the demands of the game," Pochettino said. "What I wanted was to provide him with a little bit of freedom in the starting position. He was playing behind the striker like another 10 with Malik [Tillman] on the left and Tim on the right. He's a player that needs that freedom because he has the capacity to help in build up, dropping in, but also arriving and scoring goals."

  That, of course, will have ramifications long-term. If he's seen as a No. 10, that means he's competing with the likes of Tillman, Diego Luna and Alex Zendejas, not Tyler Adams, Tanner Tessmann, Aidan Morris and Johnny Cardoso. He, of course, could play in either spot but, when it comes time to choose a squad, it'll be interesting to see how Pochettino weighs up McKennie's position.

  Speaking of weight, McKennie addressed his own fitness in candid fashion after Friday's match, telling TNT, "I had a long preseason with my coach back in Juventus, Igor Tudor, that really put pressure on me and said, ‘Hey, you’re getting older and your body is not going to be able to bounce back from games like you used to be able to. You need to cut down some weight. That’s the only way you’re going to be involved in this team.’

  "I put my head down, worked like I usually do, got on a diet. I don’t snack as much any more and if I do, it’s healthy snacks. And I work out more often. And a lot of running. This summer is the first summer I didn't mind taking my shirt off at the pool."

  As for the Australia game, McKennie remains one to watch as he looks to put in another good performance after missing out on the summer with Juventus in the Club World Cup. Making it all the more interesting is his position and how much freedom it comes with this time around.

When it comes to Premier League academies, it’s hard to think of many as successful as Chelsea’s Cobham.

The sheer number of top-flight quality prospects that come out of the Blues’ youth set-up is frankly extraordinary, and while they wouldn’t admit it, likely the envy of many of their rivals.

For example, in Enzo Maresca’s current squad, you have the likes of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and even Jamie Gittens, who spent some time in West London as a youngster before moving back to Reading.

Another international-level star who cut their teeth in Chelsea’s youth ranks is Marc Guehi, and while some fans would surely love to have him back, the club’s already got an academy gem who’ll be an even bigger star.

Marc Guehi's failure to make it at Chelsea

Guehi joined Chelsea’s youth ranks at the age of eight and, after 11 years of hard work, was rewarded with his first professional contract in September 2017.

Chalkboard

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

However, first-team football was still a distant prospect, and even though he was named in a Premier League squad for the first time in May 2019, he wouldn’t make his competitive debut for the Blues until September, two years after signing his first contract.

He started against Grimsby Town in the Third Round of the League Cup and then in a defeat against Manchester United in the Fourth Round, which would be his final appearances for the club.

That January would see him make the first of two loan moves to Swansea City, where, over the following season and a half, the youngster would make 59 appearances before securing a £18m move to Crystal Palace in July 2021.

It might seem like Chelsea made a terrible mistake in selling the Englishman, but it made sense at the time, as he had no Premier League experience and the West Londoners had the likes of Thiago Silva, Antonio Rüdiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and more already in the squad.

Since moving to Selhurst Park, the Abidjan-born titan has made 161 appearances for the Eagles, in which he has scored nine goals, provided four assists, won the FA Cup and forced his way into the England set-up.

In all, leaving Chelsea has worked out for Guehi, and while some fans would understandably want him to return to Stamford Bridge, Maresca already has a player in his squad who could have an even brighter future.

The Chelsea ace who'll be a bigger star than Guehi

One of the significant advantages of Chelsea’s transfer policy in recent years is the number of incredibly talented youngsters they now have on their books.

However, in this instance, we’re talking about a Cobham graduate, someone who would’ve surely had a brilliant season if he hadn’t suffered an unfortunate injury last month: Levi Colwill.

There are a few reasons why we think the Blues gem will eventually surpass the Palace star, and one of them comes down to how they are viewed by the team and those in the know.

For example, while Guehi impressed with Swansea and was looked at as a talented defender, the West Londoners made it abundantly clear that they did not view him as a future superstar when they sold him to the Eagles.

In stark contrast, they made a concrete effort to keep the Southampton-born gem on the books, opting to loan him to Brighton & Hove Albion for the 22/23 season.

Moreover, they even rejected a £30m offer for the “world-class talent,” as described by scout Jacek Kulig, at the end of that campaign, which would’ve been £12m more than they got for Guehi.

The second reason the 22-year-old could end up being an even bigger star than the Liverpool target is that he already measures up to him very well when we have a look at their underlying numbers.

For example, the “elite” defender, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out on top in certain important metrics such as passing accuracy, interceptions, carries, aerial duels won, shots blocked and more, all per 90.

Colwill vs Guehi
Statistics per 90	Colwill	Guehi
Passing Accuracy	89.3%	83.5%
Passes into the Final Third	4.23	3.91
Live Passes	69.1	48.9
Tackles	1.34	1.79
Tackles Won	0.97	1.00
Shots Blocked	0.71	0.68
Interceptions	0.94	0.82
Carries	46.3	33.6
Miscontrols	0.40	0.47
Dispossessed	0.23	0.53
Aerial Duels Won	2.34	2.00
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

Moreover, while he does win fewer tackles per 90 than the Palace star, he attempts significantly fewer, meaning he actually has a higher success rate.

Finally, while Guehi is an exceptional centre-back, that is the only position we’ve seen him play, whereas the Cobham star has proven to be more than qualified to fill in at left-back when required.

Ultimately, while the former Blues star has excelled since his move south of the river, Colwill looks like he will be the bigger star in years to come.

Alongside Lopez: Chelsea join race for Barcelona gem with "infinite" talent

The Blues have set their sights on another Barcelona attacker…

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Dominic Lund

Sep 8, 2025

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has served a one-month ban, commuted from three months, for drug use during the SA20 earlier this year.A statement issued by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) confirmed Rabada had failed a doping test on January 21, after the match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants, and he was notified of the result on April 1 when he was in India for IPL 2025. On April 3, his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) said Rabada had returned to South Africa for personal reasons after playing only two matches this season.According to SAIDS, Rabada has since participated in an education and awareness programme to prevent further substance abuse. He can resume playing immediately and could return to action as soon as Tuesday, when GT play Mumbai Indians (MI).Rabada’s sanction is in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) punishment for use of a recreational drug – including cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine or diamorphine. A similar punishment was handed to New Zealand’s Doug Bracewell last year after he tested positive for cocaine during the Super Smash.Related

• SA hope Rabada puts ban behind him as WTC final beckons

• Rabada heads six-man pace attack in SA's WTC final squad

• Spotlight on returning Rabada as MI and GT tussle for top spot

• Solanki confirms Rabada available for Mumbai game: 'He has served his time and expressed regret'

• Kagiso Rabada returns home from IPL 2025 for personal reasons

However, there are instances of longer suspensions, which are up to individual boards. Last year, Zimbabwe’s Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta were banned from playing for four months each and fined 50% of their salaries for three months after testing positive for a recreational drug. In that instance, Zimbabwe Cricket chose to impose a sanction longer than the WADA recommendations.It is not expected that Cricket South Africa will impose further punishment on Rabada after it issued a statement on Saturday afternoon calling the incident “regrettable”. CSA is satisfied with Rabada’s “commitment to upholding professional standards” after he apologised through the South African Cricketers’ Association when news of his positive drug test broke at the weekend.”I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down,” Rabada said. “I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.”With the matter considered closed, Rabada will be available for South Africa for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia next month, where he is crucial to their chances. Rabada was South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle with 47 wickets at an average of 19.97.However, not everyone considers the case to be as open and shut as CSA.Kagiso Rabada had left the IPL after playing just two games for Gujarat Titans•IPL

Speaking to SEN Radio, former Australia captain Tim Paine was critical of the statement initially issued by GT to explain Rabada’s absence from the IPL.”It stinks. I don’t like this use around ‘personal issues’, and it being used to hide stuff that isn’t a personal issue,” Paine told SEN Radio on Monday. “If you have a professional sportsman that’s tested for recreational drugs during a tournament in which he is playing, that doesn’t fall under personal issues for me. That falls under you have broken your contract.”That is not a personal issue, that is something that is happening in your personal life. Taking drugs – recreational or performance enhancing – is not a personal issue that can just be hidden for a month. A guy can be taken out of the IPL, moved back to South Africa, and we just let it slide under the rug. Then we will bring him back once he’s already served his ban.”ESPNcricinfo contacted CSA and SACA officials multiple times after Rabada returned home from the IPL and were told he was dealing with a “personal issue”, while some officials claimed not to know anything about why he had come home.

Manchester City are known for their ties to the Middle East, with Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) owning the majority of the club after buying 90 per cent from Thaksin Shinawatra back in 2008.

As one of the biggest wage spenders in the Premier League, the Citizens currently have a whopping annual payroll of £219,845,000, with the average player earning more than £6.6m per season.

With that being said, we at Football FanCast have ranked every Manchester City player in the first-team squad in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the 2025/26 season, with the help of Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

1

Erling Haaland

£525,000

£27,300,000

2

Bernardo Silva

£300,000

£15,600,000

3

Omar Marmoush

£295,000

£15,340,000

=4

John Stones

£250,000

£13,000,000

=4

Gianluigi Donnarumma

£250,000

£13,000,000

=4

Ruben Dias

£250,000

£13,000,000

7

Tijjani Reijnders

£230,000

£11,960,000

8

Phil Foden

£225,000

£11,700,000

9

Rodri

£220,000

£11,440,000

10

Josko Gvardiol

£200,000

£10,440,000

11

Rayan Cherki

£180,000

£9,360,000

12

Nathan Ake

£160,000

£8,320,000

=13

Mateo Kovacic

£150,000

£7,800,000

=13

Kalvin Phillips

£150,000

£7,800,000

15

Matheus Nunes

£130,000

£6,760,000

16

Rayan Ait-Nouri

£120,000

£6,240,000

17

Stefan Ortega

£90,000

£4,680,000

=18

Nico Gonzalez

£75,000

£3,900,000

=18

Jack Grealish

£75,000

£3,900,000

=20

Jeremy Doku

£50,000

£2,600,000

=20

Oscar Bobb

£50,000

£2,600,000

=20

Abdukodir Khusanov

£50,000

£2,600,000

=20

James Trafford

£50,000

£2,600,000

=20

Savinho

£50,000

£2,600,000

25

Marcus Bettinelli

£35,000

£1,820,000

=26

Rico Lewis

£25,000

£1,300,000

=26

Nico O’Reilly

£25,000

£1,300,000

Here's a detailed look at Man City's top 10 earners… 9 Josko Gvardiol £200,000 per week

Josko Gvardiol is one of 10 City stars who collect £200,000 per week or more, with the Croatia international signing from RB Leipzig in 2023.

Gvardiol has proven his versatility by starring at centre-back and left-back and scored some important goals during his first campaign to help City to a fourth Premier League title in a row.

8 Rodri £220,000 per week

You could argue that defensive midfielder Rodri should be higher up on this list as he is one of, if not, the most influential Man City player. The Spaniard has starred in recent seasons and even scored the winning goal in the club’s historic Champions League final win over Inter Milan.

He missed the majority of the 2024/25 season through injury, though.

7 Phil Foden £225,000 per week

Academy graduate and boyhood Blue, Phil Foden signed his most recent City contract back in 2022 where he picks up a reported £225,000 per week.

The England international has quite the trophy haul at the age of 25 and who knows, he could look to stay at the Etihad for his entire career.

6 Tijjani Reijnders £230,000 per week

Tijani Reijnders caught the eye of Man City after starring for AC Milan, and those at the Etihad made their move in the summer of 2025 in a deal worth an initial £46.3m.

The Dutchman took the number four shirt in Manchester, previously worn by another central midfielder, Kalvin Phillips.

5 Gianluigi Donnarumma £250,000 per week

Replacing Ederson over the summer, Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived at the Etihad after helping Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble.

Named the best goalkeeper in the world in 2025 by winning the Yashin Trophy, Donnarumma signed a five-year deal and is in line to earn £65m in wages as a Man City player.

4 John Stones £250,000 per week

John Stones is under contract until 2026, where he will hit his 10th anniversary after joining from Everton back in 2016.

The centre-back has won it all with City and has made more than 250 appearances in all competitions during that time.

3 Omar Marmoush £295,000 per week

Omar Marmoush was Man City’s marquee arrival in January 2025, with the free-scoring forward arriving from Eintract Frankfurt.

Since then, the Egyptian star has filled the void left by Julian Alvarez and has already formed a partnership with Erling Haaland in attack.

2 Bernardo Silva £300,000 per week

Arguably one of Man City’s most underrated players during this golden era under Guardiola is Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder’s tireless running and quality on the ball has seen him become a mainstay after arriving from Monaco in 2017.

He is out of contract in 2026.

1 Erling Haaland £525,000 per week

Goal machine Erling Haaland has found the back of the net for fun in a Man City shirt since 2022 after leaving Borussia Dortmund.

The Norway superstar could go on and break plenty more records in a Sky Blue shirt, and his new huge nine-and-a-half-year contract signed in 2025 sees him take home £525,000 per week.

After Thomas Frank took the reins early in the summer, no Tottenham Hotspur fan would’ve predicted the incredible start he’s made – filling the gap after Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.

The Dane has only tasted defeat once in his first five competitive outings, winning the other four – most notably against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad.

However, this afternoon’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion will present another tricky clash for the 51-year-old to navigate if he is to keep up his tremendous start.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side are currently on a two-game winning streak over the Lilywhites – subsequently doing the double over them during the 2024/25 campaign.

If Spurs are to put such a run to an end, the manager will have to make sure one player hits the ground running after a quiet start to his career at North London.

Why Xavi Simons has struggled at Spurs

Xavi Simons was one of Spurs’ big-money additions made during the summer transfer window, joining Frank’s men in a £52m deal from
Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

The attacking midfielder’s arrival in England generated huge excitement, and understandably so, given the talent and potential he possesses at the age of just 22.

His tally of 19 combined goals and assists last campaign showcases that he’s able to either find a teammate or find the back of the net alone, subsequently adding a new dimension to the Lilywhites’ attack.

However, two games into his spell in England, he’s operated off the left-hand side rather than his natural number ten position – something which has undoubtedly limited his success to date.

Simons may have registered an assist in the Premier League, but the youngster still has so much more to offer, with Frank needing to give him the opportunity to star in a central position.

Should the manager make that call, he will have to drop one player from the heart of his side – leading to a decision which could be somewhat controversial for the fanbase.

The Spurs player who should be dropped to allow Simons to thrive

Since Frank took the reins during the off-season, the Dane has utilised a flat midfield trio, but that could all be about to change in the trip to face the Seagulls this afternoon.

Lucas Bergvall has arguably been the club’s shining light over the last couple of weeks, scoring in the victory against West Ham United last Saturday.

The Swede even claimed the Man of the Match award in the Champions League on Tuesday night, further showcasing how impressive he’s been during the early stages of the campaign.

He’s often featured alongside Pape Sarr at the heart of the side, but if Simons is to operate behind the striker, the 23-year-old may have to be the one to give way.

Like Bergvall, he scored in the clash at the London Stadium last Saturday, but he could well be sacrificed if the Dutchman does shift inside off the left flank.

It would be a controversial decision from Frank, especially after Sarr was labelled “sensational” by one analyst after his recent displays in the Premier League.

His performance against Villarreal in midweek was arguably one of his poorest of 2025/26, potentially leaving the door open for the manager to test out the big-money signing as part of his midfield trio.

Pape Sarr – stats against Villarreal

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Minutes played

69

Touches

34

Pass accuracy

77%

Possession lost

6x

Tackles won

1

Interceptions made

0

Shots taken

1

Duels won

1/3 (33%)

Stats via FotMob

Sarr was replaced with just over 20 minutes left of the European clash, registering just a 77% pass completion rate – highlighting his sloppy nature with the ball at his feet.

He also failed to make any interceptions against the Yellow Submarine, unable to offer the ball-winning presence which he’s so often showcased in North London.

The Senegalese international also tends to operate in a box-to-box role, potentially leaving the side too open should he play alongside – with Frank potentially utilising Joao Palhinha and Bergvall in a pivot slightly behind Simons.

Such a tactical dilemma is not necessarily a bad thing for the new manager, as it highlights the quality and depth he currently has at his disposal in the capital.

However, it’s crucial that the Dane gives out equal opportunities to keep the players happy, something which could see Simons finally get his opportunity in a number ten position against the Seagulls.

Related It's not Simons or Bergvall: Frank has found his own Dele in £20m Spurs ace

Tottenham Hotspur have hit the jackpot with one player who’s set for incredible things in his career.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2025

تقدم فريق أستون فيلا بهدف في شباك نظيره مانشستر سيتي، في مباراتهما الجارية حاليًا في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.

ويستضيف ملعب “فيلا بارك” مباراة فريقي مانشستر سيتي وأستون فيلا، في الجولة التاسعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي.

وتمكن أستون فيلا من تسجيل الهدف الأول في شباك مانشستر سيتي، في الدقيقة 19 من عمر الشوط الأول.

جاء الهدف عن طريق اللاعب ماتي كاش، بعد تمريرة من زميله إيمي بوينديا، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى الآخر الذي سددها بطريقة قوية من على حدود منطقة الجزاء، لتهتز شباك دوناروما. هدف أستون فيلا الأول أمام مانشستر سيتي

In a fresh concern for Liverpool, Real Madrid are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign another one of Arne Slot’s stars alongside Ibrahima Konate in 2026.

Update on Konate's Liverpool future

It’s an all too familiar story for Liverpool. In fact, it’s one that they just experienced with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The fullback opted out of signing a new deal and instead joined Real Madrid. Now, Konate could be about to follow in his footsteps. The Frenchman has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal and is yet to put pen to paper amid interest from the Spanish giants.

Reports have even suggested that Real Madrid could come knocking as soon as January, just like they did for Alexander-Arnold. Last time out, the Reds rejected their early, cheap offer. Whether they are willing to lose another player for free instead of cashing in for the second year running remains to be seen, however.

For all of Liverpool’s excellent business, securing Konate’s future would be one of their best deals of the season. With Virgil van Dijk now 34 years old and in the first year of his two-year contract extension, the torch is very much ready to be passed to the Frenchman. It’s just up to him whether he accepts it or joins Alexander-Arnold in Madrid.

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Liverpool boast one of the finest prospects in Europe in this up-and-coming star.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 19, 2025

It’s no real surprise that those in Spain are so keen to secure his signature, either. Konate is at the peak of his powers and would instantly replace the ageing Antonio Rudiger. But it’s not just the defender that Madrid want to steal from Anfield. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve got another player in mind.

Real Madrid now eyeing Gravenberch move

According to reports in Spain, Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid are now eyeing a move to sign Ryan Gravenberch alongside Konate in 2026. The midfielder has picked up where he left off last season in the current campaign and has looked better than ever at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield. That was always going to grab Madrid’s attention.

Unlike Konate, however, it won’t be a cheap deal for Gravenberch. The Dutchman is reportedly valued at €75m (£65m) in a price that is only likely to increase as he continues to make the Reds tick.

Full of praise for Liverpool’s surprise package last season, former defender Jamie Carragher said: “Probably the biggest surprise this season is not just him as a player, because a lot of players have an average first season and they grow in the second.

“But he’s playing a completely different role, a holding midfield position that Liverpool have been trying to sign someone in for about two or three seasons. I don’t see anyone taking his role, I think he’s nailed that position as Liverpool’s No 6.”

Sam Northeast and unbeaten Colin Ingram also pass fifty against Derbyshire

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay02-May-2025Glamorgan claimed the ascendency at 336 for 6 as they still search for a first win in the Rothesay County Championship in 2025.Young Jersey international Asa Tribe led the way with a proactive half-century in his first start this season making Derbyshire’s bowlers toil in the first hour.Captain Sam Northeast and unbeaten Colin Ingram also passed 50 in experienced knocks to send the hosts past 300 for the first time on the opening day this season.There was frustration for high flyers Derbyshire as Luis Reece pulled up injured for a second consecutive game with a suspected hamstring problem after finding his form with two wickets in quick succession and Ingram was dropped twice, once on 32, again on 70.After being inserted by Derbyshire on a green pitch under sunny skies at Sophia Gardens, Glamorgan took little time in making their presence at the crease known. A loose full toss by Reece was carved to the boundary off just second ball of the game by Zain Ul Hassan, followed by Tribe clipping New Zealand quick Blair Tickner away off the pads with comfort for a three on his first ball faced in a sign of things to come.The decision to bring in recent second XI double-centurion Tribe for Eddie Byrom continued to reap rewards, with three straight drives for four off the same Reece over. Ul Hassan also continued to show increasing enjoyment as an opening batter until he was dismissed just short of the century partnership hooking a Reece short delivery, then Tribe was bowled attempting a drive with his continued confidence, both within 10 balls of the left-armer’s second spell.Despite the momentum ending with Derbyshire, it was still Glamorgan’s session at lunch at 102 for 2.Tickner continued to show extra pace and looked troublesome when the ball did move around off the wicket, Northeast fending past gully to get off the mark and Kiran Carlson edging past three lurking slips first ball after lunch.Elsewhere, the balance of the attack still had to work hard as Wayne Madsen’s decision to field for a third consecutive innings across two matches showed its effect: bowlers withering and batters comfortable when not playing recklessly.Carlson came and went after a brisk 35, another falling to a hook, Zak Chappell with a well-deserved reward after an economical start. Ingram showed the wicket not to be as easy as the scorecard suggested being on just three from 24 balls before hitting Alex Thomson for a straight six in more Ingram-like fashion.Just one wicket came in the second session as the third half-century partnership passed, but still Glamorgan struggled to accelerate since Tribe’s blistering start and Carlson’s flamboyant knock ending prematurely.Ingram’s patience alongside the captain’s season best frustrated the ever-changing bowlers as they both passed 50s before Anuj Dal struck, Northeast out lbw after tea.Despite Thomson’s 38th-over introduction, the off-spinner with a 12-wicket haul in Cardiff last season went wicketless in 21 overs as the final session hung in the balance, the visitors claiming three wickets for 99 runs. Importantly for the hosts, Ingram will enter day two at the crease.