Celtic have endured a frustrating few weeks on the pitch, which has included four goalless draws in all competitions for Brendan Rodgers and his players.

They were held to 0-0 draws in regulation time of both legs of their Champions League qualifying clash with Kairat, to a 0-0 draw in the Old Firm match, and a 0-0 draw in the most recent game against Hibernian.

As shown in the highlights above, Celtic missed a host of huge chances to open the scoring in front of their own fans at Parkhead, with Kelechi Iheanacho, in particular, wasteful in front of goal.

Scoring goals is not the only issue that the Hoops have had this season, though, because they have also failed to find a suitable alternative to captain Callum McGregor.

The 32-year-old defensive midfielder has started ten of his 11 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership champions, per Transfermarkt, and played 931 minutes.

This shows that Rodgers has not found an alternative to the skipper who can step in and allow the veteran midfielder to rest and recharge ahead of important matches.

Why Celtic need an alternative to Callum McGregor

The Hoops need to find a player who can be a viable option in the number six position because the wear and tear on McGregor’s legs was evident in the recent 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League.

Celtic’s captain had played almost an hour against a lower league outfit in the League Cup in the game before the trip to Serbia, having played 300 minutes in the three matches before that, per Sofascore.

Minutes

90

Pass accuracy

98%

Defensive ground duels won

2/6

Aerial duels won

0/1

Tackles won

1

Dribbled past

1x

Fouls committed

2

The result, as you can see in the table above, was that McGregor looked a little bit off the pace against the Serbian giants, losing five of his seven defensive duels on the ground and in the air.

His passing, as usual, was almost immaculate, completing 98% of his attempted passes, but he lacked the mobility and energy to win the majority of his physical duels, which is a cause for concern heading into the rest of the league phase in Europe.

The former Scotland international is a crucial player for the Hoops and keeping him fresh and ready to give his all in the Europa League matches could improve his performances and increase the team’s chances of picking up more points on the European stage.

Johnny Hayes described the left-footed maestro as a “priceless” and “irreplaceable” player earlier this season, but the Hoops are now looking at a star who could solve the McGregor conundrum.

Celtic eyeing surprise move for free agent

According to journalist Mark Hendry’s Substack report, Celtic are considering a surprise move to sign free agent central midfielder Pierre Ekwah, despite not being linked with any midfield signings since the window slammed shut.

The outlet claims that the Hoops have been offered the chance to sign the French midfield maestro after his contract with Saint-Etienne was ripped up at the end of the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Celtic already took advantage of a similar situation when they signed Kelechi Iheanacho the day after the transfer window slammed shut, thanks to Sevilla ripping his deal up on deadline day.

Ekwah, like Iheanacho was before his move to Parkhead, is now free and available to sign for a new club. Mark Hendry’s report states that he has been offered to both Celtic and Rangers as an option.

The Scottish Premiership champions are now considering whether or not to take up the option to bring the left-footed star to Parkhead on a freebie, but they should push to get a deal done because he could be a dream alternative to McGregor.

Why Celtic should sign Pierre Ekwah

Celtic should be bringing Ekwah in on a free transfer because it is a low-risk move that could pay off big time in the long run, given that he is a player who has already proven himself in a major European league.

The 23-year-old star impressed in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne in the 2024/25 campaign on loan from Sunderland, but decided to move on from the French club after they were relegated to Ligue 2 and activated their obligation to sign him permanently.

Ekwah seemingly was not keen on playing in the second division in France, hence his exit at the start of September, and that is not a surprise when you consider how well he performed last season in spite of his club’s relegation.

Appearances

29

Pass accuracy

88%

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.6

Error led to goal

0

Duel success rate

57%

Duels won per game

5.0

Aerial duel success rate

71%

As you can see in the table above, the former West Ham United youngster won the majority of his duels on the deck and in the air, whilst remaining reliable and composed in possession with a pass accuracy of 88%.

Ekwah ranked within the top 11% of midfielders in Ligue 1 for duels won (145), the top 17% for tackles won (57), the top 3% for interceptions (47), and the top 8% for ball recoveries (157), per FotMob.

These statistics show that the left-footed star is a mobile defensive enforcer in the number six role. He can get around the pitch to dominate opposition players in duels, whilst being reliable with the ball at his feet on top of that.

The free agent midfielder, who was described as a “powerful” player by journalist and Sunderland fan Josh Bunting, could be the perfect alternative to McGregor to provide the skipper with some time off in domestic matches ahead of European ties.

Rodgers could play Ekwah from the start in league or cup matches before Europa League games, which Ekwah would be ineligible for, to make sure that McGregor is fully fit and raring to go in the big European matches.

At the age of 23, the French star is also nine years younger than the captain and could be the long-term successor to his place in the team, which is another reason why this free agent move could be a shrewd piece of business by the club.

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Overall, Celtic must move quickly to beat Rangers to Ekwah’s signature because his arrival at Parkhead could solve the McGregor conundrum at the base of the midfield.

Manchester United forked out huge funds over the summer transfer window to try and hand Ruben Amorim the talent he needs to transform the first team squad.

The majority of his £200m spending was directed to the front line of the squad, with Bryan Mbeumo one of the additions made from fellow Premier League side Brentford.

The Cameroonian international cost a fee in the region of £71m during the off-season, undoubtedly generating huge excitement after scoring 20 league goals for the Bees last campaign.

In his first handful of outings for the Red Devils, the 26-year-old has only found the key on two separate occasions, only one of which has come in England’s top flight.

However, he was brought in to provide the goods within the final third, with one player on their books sacrificed and allowed to depart Old Trafford after the big-money transfer.

Rasmus Hojlund’s form after joining Napoli this summer

After scoring just four league goals last season, striker Rasmus Hojlund was given the green light to move on loan to Napoli with an obligation to buy this summer in an attempt to get his career back on track.

The Dane was once seen as United’s saviour in attacking areas, just like Mbeumo is this summer, but his £72m transfer was ultimately a failed one, with the 22-year-old unable to produce the goods.

However, since moving to Naples, the youngster has made an immediate impact under Antonio Conte, scoring on his debut for the club in the meeting with Fiorentina.

Hojlund has since impressed further, this time in the Champions League, scoring twice against Sporting CP on Wednesday night, subsequently securing their first European win of the campaign.

It’s early days in his latest stint in Italy, but the centre-forward has already hit the ground running, averaging a goal every 128 minutes for the defending Serie A champions.

Should he continue such form, there’s no doubt the Red Devils will regret sanctioning his exit, just as they’re currently experiencing with another former talent who is thriving in front of goal.

The former United star who’s outperforming Mbeumo

Given the nature of the change for Mbeumo, he will certainly need time to adapt to Amorim’s system, especially given he’s operating in a rather unfamiliar role.

The 26-year-old mainly featured in a wide right role in a 4-3-3 system under Thomas Frank last year, but has been utilised in a central position in a 3-4-2-1 formation at Old Trafford.

An ounce of leniency should be directed to the Cameroonian despite his lack of impact to date, with real hope that he can hit the ground running in the months ahead.

However, the price tag will have no doubt ramped up the pressure on the attacker to deliver, especially after numerous players before him tried and failed to fill the void.

One of whom was Danny Welbeck, with the academy graduate rising through the youth ranks before making a name for himself in the first-team squad at Old Trafford.

He spent seven years at the Theatre of Dreams at senior level between 2007 and 2014, racking up 142 appearances for the first-team and finding the back of the net on 29 occasions.

The now 34-year-old was undoubtedly sold prematurely, joining Arsenal in a £16m deal in the summer of 2014 – even netting against the Red Devils in one of his visits back to Old Trafford with the Gunners.

11 years on from his departure from his boyhood club, Welbeck is now plying his trade for fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, subsequently racking up over 150 appearances in the last five years.

Last campaign was his best-ever in the Premier League, netting ten goals and reaching double figures for the first time as Fabian Hurzeler’s side ended the year just outside the European places.

Games played

6

Goals scored

2

Shots taken

2.3

Pass accuracy

78%

Dribble success

50%

Touches in opposition box

5.2

Shots on target

1.1

Chances created

0.8

The forward, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by journalist Ryan Adsett, has already registered two goals and one assist in all competitions – subsequently posting a higher tally than Mbeumo (2) to date.

He netted a double off the substitutes bench against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend, further highlighting his ability to find the net in key moments despite entering the final years of his professional career.

Given his goalscoring record and ability to outperform United’s big-money signing, there’s no denying that the hierarchy made a mistake in approving his departure from the club over a decade ago.

He may not be the most glamorous of strikers, but it’s clear he has a nouse for the back of the net – something which the first team has greatly lacked over the last couple of years.

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Manchester United have an unseen teenager at Carrington who Red Devils defender Harry Maguire is helping around the training ground.

Maguire reaches 250 Man Utd appearances

After signing from Leicester City in a deal worth £80m back in 2019, Maguire has had plenty of ups and downs at Old Trafford but continues to be a regular at the back under Ruben Amorim.

Maguire recently hit 250 appearances as a Man Utd player, following in the footsteps of teammates Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw. Talking about reaching the milestone, he said:

Going on to talk about fellow defender Shaw, Maguire said: “You don’t play at this club 250 or 300 times if you’re first and foremost not a good player.

“Luke’s an excellent footballer, and every manager that comes in, he gets questioned a lot. That’s what happens at this club.

“Every manager that comes in plays Luke, and there’s a reason why they play Luke, because he’s an excellent footballer, always has been and always will be.”

Maguire’s current Old Trafford contract is worth £190,000-a-week, making him the fourth highest paid player at the club currently, however, that deal is set to expire in 2026.

Man Utd’s highest earners

Rank

Player

Pay per week

1

Casemiro

£350,000

2

Bruno Fernandes

£300,000

3

Matthijs de Ligt

£195,000

4

Harry Maguire

£190,000

5

Matheus Cunha

£180,000

Whether or not he remains at the club remains to be seen, but he appears to be helping out the future generation at Carrington.

Man Utd teenager Shea Lacey impressing

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Man Utd teenager Shea Lacey, who is yet to make his debut or a first team matchday squad and be seen by fans, but is catching the eye of those at Carrington.

It is claimed that the 18-year-old ‘was invited back after a handful of sessions with the seniors’ and is impressing first-team stars with his technical level.

Maguire ‘has taken it upon himself to help Lacey settle into the senior group and act as a sounding board’, with the winger running riot against opponents at academy level.

In just three Premier League 2 appearances this season, Lacey has scored two goals in 122 minutes of action, and in total, has contributed to 14 goals for the U18s.

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It appears as if he could be the next Carrington graduate to make the grade at first-team level, although it is stated that ‘United are eager to take a slow and steady approach when it comes to Lacey, particularly in terms of managing his minutes, after injuries in recent years’.

Speaking to GOAL, Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has revealed the player he idolised growing up. In a game of 'Winner Stays On', the 32-year-old makes some difficult choices as he picks between some legendary current and former players, before eventually ending up with his champion, a forward he admits he "loved" watching as a boy.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Kane plays 'Winner Stays On' – striker edition

  In a quickfire game of 'Winner Stays On' with GOAL, Kane had to work his way through a knockout bracket of eight legendary forwards and strikers, from Ronaldo Nazario, to Dennis Bergkamp, Luis Suarez, Bayern Munich GOAT Gerd Muller, and more.

  He quickly eliminated Suarez in favour of Ronaldo, but made sure to state his "love" for the ex-Liverpool and Barcelona star. Sergio Aguero fell to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, then Kane opted for Muller over three-time Ballon d'Or winner Marco van Basten, clearly keyed into Bayern's rich heritage. Former Arsenal magician Bergkamp completed Kane's top four, picked over Premier League cult icon Eric Cantona.

  Kane then kept Ronaldo over Ibrahimovic, and Muller over Bergkamp. But even with Muller, such a pivotal individual in Bayern's storied history, the England captain couldn't not choose 'Brazilian Ronaldo' as his overall winner: "Loved him [growing up], he was my favourite striker."

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  Ronaldo an obvious choice

  Since moving to Munich in 2023, Kane will no doubt have been regaled with countless stories about Muller, scorer of a club-record 565 goals in 605 appearances for Bayern between 1964 and 1979. Muller, who sadly passed away in 2021, had finished his career before Kane was even born, which likely gave Ronaldo the final edge when he was asked to choose between them.

  Born in 1993, Kane may have been too young to remember Ronaldo at his explosive, electrifying best for PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona, before knee injuries threatened to ruin his career. But he was the perfect age to see the Brazilian steer his country to World Cup glory in 2002, completing an incredible redemption and scoring eight goals along the way. Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or for the second time that year and went on to spearhead Real Madrid's Galacticos in style.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Kane's World Cup dream

  Kane has already matched Ronaldo in the sense that both men have won a World Cup Golden Boot – the Englishman bagging his in 2018 with six goals enroute to a fourth-place finish with England.

  What the Brazilian has that Kane doesn't is a World Cup winner's medal. But his Three Lions will be among the favourites in North America next summer after reaching back-to-back European Championship finals and once more making light work of qualifying. Kane himself is in the best form of his career after banging in 103 goals for Bayern in little more than two seasons and is fast making his all-time England goal record look impossible to beat. Turning 33 this summer, this is his best chance.

The competitive La Liga fixture, to be held in Miami, comes after years of conflict over a possible match outside of Europe

Welcome to the footballing apocalypse. This is the thing that Europe was so, so afraid of. As a continent, they gatekeep their sport so expertly. Soccer is for them, not for the world – at least, in person. Or many in the European game, anyway, would have you believe.

So much for that. 

What started in 2019 – and had been in gestation since far before then – has become reality. A European league will play a competitive soccer match in the United States. After years of flirtation, months of talks, and weeks of complaints, we have the details. The match will be played in Miami, between Barcelona and Villarreal, on Dec. 20. La Liga have signed off. Other parties have reluctantly agreed. 

The logistics, then, are fairly simple. Two football teams who routinely play matches overseas every summer will do so again. In one sense, this isn't particularly new. Except for one enormous caveat: this game actually matters. Three points are on the line. For Barcelona, it could be a crucial result as they look to retain the La Liga title. For Villarreal, it will surely be pivotal as they push for European football. The teams currently sit second and third in the table.

And that's where the tension lies here. The problem is not that a game between two Spanish teams is being played on American soil. The issue is that it will count. It should also be noted that La Liga isn't alone – Serie A confirmed that a fixture between AC Milan and Como will be played in Perth, Australia in early 2026, another groundbreaking moment in the sport’s globalization.

Specific to the Miami match, there are two camps: those for an American-based game, and those against. Their disagreements are fundamental and unlikely to be resolved no matter what argument either party puts forth. This raises larger questions about the soul of the game that simply cannot be answered in one fixture or even one season.

But what is clear – and perhaps far more pivotal – is what comes next. December's fixture, it would seem, could open the floodgates to something that simply cannot be stopped. The thirst for soccer in America is real. And now the game can be transplanted anywhere.

Getty ImagesThe Premier League flirts

The soccer world has been confronting this possibility for a while now. In 2008, the Premier League officially proposed playing a 39th fixture outside of England. The idea, then, was football as imperialism. Owners saw that there was a global appetite for the game, and suggested that 10 fixtures be played in a weekend in January, with staggered start times around the world. Proponents wanted individual cities to bid, and even earmarked the 2010-11 season as a potential start date. 

That notion was quickly dismissed at all levels. The managers of Liverpool and Manchester United showed a rare moment of solidarity – they joined in their opposition. Supporters' Groups were outraged, and fought back. Even Sepp Blatter, then FIFA president, looked like a good guy, earning favor with fans for suggesting that not only was the idea misguided, it could also be detrimental in England's hopes to host the 2018 World Cup (a bid they lost, anyway). 

Since then, it has simmered. The Premier League reportedly thought about it again in 2014, and chatter has remained constant about the possibility of a game being played in the U.S., especially given expanded American ownership in England's top flight.

AdvertisementAFPLa Liga gets serious

The Premier League, then, cooled its interest. The reasons are myriad. Fan pushback was serious. Owner power took over. And certainly a bumper TV deal that brings billions of dollars – and millions of eyes – onto the league every week, made an "away" game less necessary for their wallets.

But La Liga got serious. And that makes sense. This is, in many ways, a financial decision. It's supply and demand. The league and its teams know that foreign fans will pay a premium for tickets. Sell out a game at hiked-up prices in Miami, and a handsome payday will, in theory, be the result. La Liga's TV deal is tidy – every game is now carried on ESPN+ in the U.S. – but they are steps behind financially relative to the Premier League. 

This has long been a gripe of league president Javier Tebas. He has railed again and again over the Premier League's apparently unchecked financial power. And he has a point. English football's revenues massively eclipse those of Spanish sides. Transfer fees in England are massive. Mid-table clubs outspend most of La Liga's elite. 

No single game in Miami will amend that. But for La Liga, it seems a decent start. They originally tried to have a Barcelona-Girona game in Miami in 2019. Last year, they tried to play Barca-Atletico Madrid in the same city. Both of those attempts were brushed off. But the sentiment stayed alive. Tebas spoke often about wanting a game on foreign soil.  

"This is strategic for us. It is very important for us to make sure that people understand that we as La Liga are willing to be bold, are willing to be innovative, are willing to try things in a different way, and we're gonna try," Nicolas Garcia Hemme, La Liga North America Managing Director, told GOAL this week.

GettyThe lawsuit

But it all seemed a bit like flimsy attempts at manifestation. There were blockers. UEFA and FIFA's regulations around playing domestic competitions in foreign countries are pretty water-tight. And then there were the legal battles.

Relevent Sports, a match promoter that had helped organize preseason friendlies for La Liga teams, sued both FIFA and the United States Soccer Federation, claiming that the two bodies had violated antitrust laws by conspiring to bar domestic leagues from playing games abroad. What followed was a complicated legal case, with suits being dismissed and then appealed, back and forth.

But in April 2025, there was a significant breakthrough. Relevent Sports settled its antitrust lawsuit with the U.S. Soccer, a development that came a year after Relevent and FIFA reached their own settlement to drop FIFA as a co-defendant. The terms of that settlement were not disclosed, but FIFA said it would form a working group to analyze rules about how and where domestic fixtures could be played.

And you could have seen what was coming next. One-by-one, the appropriate governing bodies submitted. UEFA, FIFA, USSF, and CONCACAF all had to sign off on a U.S. match. With pressure mounting, they did so – despite some rather public reluctance. The door was open. 

Then, it was a simple question of logistics. Barca pulled out of the friendly in 2019, realizing where public sentiment was focused in the soccer hive mind. But with money on the table, and the Blaugrana still strapped for cash, they jumped in. Atletico and Real Madrid were both out. But Villarreal slotted in with glee.

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Getty ImagesMilan, Como, and Australia

And they're not alone in this effort. America isn't the only country eager to host competitive fixtures within its borders. Australia, admittedly, has been a less lucrative market for foreign clubs in preseason tours. East Asian tends to be targeted. But going down under isn't as common as it used to be. 

That hasn't stopped Serie A and Milan, though. They will face newly promoted Como in Perth in February, another fixture that UEFA admittedly reluctantly approved. Fans were admittedly furious, but Como outlined their reasoning: the league needs to do these things to stay alive: 

"Sometimes sacrifice is essential, not for individual benefit but for the greater good, for growth, and above all, for the survival of the league itself," they said in a statement. They went one further, insisting that they might lose some – if not all – of their best players if the league doesn't take advantage of their opportunities.

"We must ask ourselves honestly how we can retain our best players, build competitive teams, and attract the world's elite to Serie A if we do not adapt," the league said. 

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo perdeu por 2 a 1 para o América-MG na Arena Independência, em jogo válido pela 21ª rodada do Brasileirão. Os gols do Coelho foram marcados por Gonzalo Mastriani e por Rodrigo Varanda. Alexandre Pato descontou para o Tricolor.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Tricolor com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Com este resultado, o São Paulo segue estacionado no meio da tabela, ocupando a 11ª posição da tabela com 28 pontos conquistados. O América, por sua vez, segue na lanterna da competição com apenas 13 pontos, mas voltou a vencer no Brasileirão após 10 jogos e reduziu a distância para o primeiro time fora da zona do rebaixamento.

+ Veja a tabela e simule os resultados do Brasileirão!

CINCO LANCES QUE MARCARAM A PARTIDA

>!SÃO RAFAEL! Em jogada de escanteio, Danilo Avelar acertou cabeçada forte no canto direito de Rafael, que se esticou todo para fazer uma defesaça e evitar que o Coelho abrisse o placar.

>!ELE CRAVA! Já no segundo tempo, Mastriani abriu o placar para o América após finalizar uma boa jogada criada pelo lado direito do ataque, com uma tabela envolvente entre Rodriguinho e Felipe Azevedo.

>!TRETA! Mastriani fez uma falta dura em cima de Welington e foi tirar satisfação com o jogador, cobrando ‘fair play’ por uma jogada anterior. A reação deu início a uma confusão generalizada, com direito a duas expulsões: Mastriani pelo América e Arboleda, no banco de reservas, pelo São Paulo.

>!PATO MARCOU GOL! Calleri foi empurrado na área e o árbitro marcou pênalti para o São Paulo. Alexandre Pato cobrou e Matheus Cavichioli defendeu, mas deu rebote para o meio da área. Um pouco mais atento que no primeiro lance, Pato não desperdiçou a sobra e empatou a partida.

>!FEZ A CAMA NA VARANDA! Com um jogador a menos e sofrendo pressão do São Paulo, o América conseguiu um gol milagroso nos acréscimos, quando Daniel Borges passou por três defensores do São Paulo e cruzou para a finalização de Rodrigo Varanda. América na frente novamente.

COMO FOI O PRIMEIRO TEMPO?
Com exceção da grande defesa de Rafael logo aos 10 minutos de jogo, poucas coisas se salvam. O América se trancou na defesa com uma linha de cinco defensores e impediu qualquer jogada criativa do São Paulo, que voltou ao estilo ‘toca-toca’, trocando muitos passes e criando poucas chances de gol.

+ Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

E A ETAPA FINAL?
Ao contrário da primeira etapa, o segundo tempo foi quente, com mais chances de gol e direito a confusão entre os times. Dorival bem que tentou deixar o time do São Paulo mais agressivo com as substituições, mas o América soube aproveitar os espaços cedidos pela defesa do Tricolor para sair com a vitória.

+ Confira mais detalhes da partida

OS NÚMEROS DA PARTIDA

O QUE VEM POR AÍ?
Agora, ambas as equipes mudam seu foco para as quartas de final da Copa Sul-Americana. O América-MG joga na próxima quinta-feira (31), às 19 horas (horário de Brasília), diante do Fortaleza, tentando reverter a derrota por 3 a 1 do jogo de ida. O São Paulo, por sua vez, recebe a LDU (EQU) também precisando reverter o placar do jogo de ida (2 a 1). O jogo do Tricolor também está marcado para quinta-feira (31), às 19 horas (de Brasília).

FICHA TÉCNICA
AMÉRICA-MG 2 x 1 SÃO PAULO
Local: Arena Independência, em Belo Horizonte (MG)
Data e hora: 27/08/2023 (domingo), às 16 horas (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Rodrigo Jose Pereira de Lima (PE)
Assistentes: Nailton Junior de Sousa Oliveira (Fifa/CE) e Alessandro Alvaro Rocha de Matos (BA)
VAR: Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira (SC)
Público e renda: não divulgado
Cartões amarelos: Emmanuel Martínez (19’/1ºT), Felipe Azevedo (33’/1ºT), Breno Cascardo (21’/2ºT), Iago Maidana (34’/2ºT) e Juninho (35’/2ºT) para o América-MG; Matheus Belém (36’/1ºT) para o São Paulo
Cartões vermelhos: Gonzalo Mastriani (28’/2ºT) para o América-MG; Arboleda (31’/2ºT, no banco de reservas) para o São Paulo.
Gols: Gonzalo Mastriani (16’/2ºT) (1-0), Alexandre Pato (36’/2ºT) (1-1) e Rodrigo Varanda (45’/2T) (2-1).

AMÉRICA-MG:Matheus Cavichioli; Iago Maidana, Ricardo Silva e Danilo Avelar; Rodriguinho (Breno Cascardo, aos 20’/2ºT), Lucas Kal (Daniel Borges, aos 19’/2ºT), Juninho, Emmanuel Martínez e Marlon (Éder Ferreira, aos 31’/2ºT); Felipe Azevedo (Rodrigo Varanda, aos 26’/2ºT) e Gonzalo Mastriani. Técnico: Fabián Bustos.

SÃO PAULO:Rafael; Nathan, Matheus Belém, Alan Franco e Moreira (Welington, aos 26’/2ºT); Pablo Maia, Luan (Calleri, aos 19’/2ºT), Michel Araújo, James Rodríguez (Alexandre Pato, aos 26’/2ºT) e Wellington Rato (Luciano, aos 19’/2ºT); Juan (Lucas Moura, no intervalo). Técnico: Dorival Júnior.

There is no clarity yet if Shepherd will have to exit before the playoffs for West Indies’ ODI series in England

ESPNcricinfo staff14-May-2025 • Updated on 16-May-20256:13

Chopra: RCB were smart in picking players for right slots

Romario Shepherd has returned to India and will rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the rescheduled last leg of IPL 2025. Shepherd was accompanied by Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) West Indies duo of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, and their mentor Dwayne Bravo.Shepherd was part of West Indies’ ODI squad for the series against Ireland (May 21-25) and England, that starts on May 29, the day the IPL 2025 playoffs kick off. He has since been replaced by Jediah Blades and will remain with RCB till the end of the season.Related

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England allrounder Liam Livingstone has also linked up with RCB while Jacob Bethell has already rejoined the team. Bethell is part of England’s white-ball squads for the home series against West Indies, while Livingstone has been dropped from both the ODI and T20I sides. Bethell will be available for RCB’s next two fixtures – against KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad – and fly home before the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).Romario Shepherd scored a 14-ball fifty against Chennai Super Kings•BCCIRCB are on 16 points from 11 matches and look well-placed to finish in the top four in the IPL 2025 points table and qualify for the playoffs. As reported earlier, Bethell will be among the England players who will miss the playoffs. The ECB granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to its players until May 25, the original date of the IPL 2025 final. As a result, Bethell was not named in England’s squad for the four-day Test match against Zimbabwe that starts May 29.There is also no clarity yet on the return of Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi. Hazlewood was likely to miss the remainder of the tournament because of a shoulder niggle had the IPL not been suspended.Ngidi made his RCB debut in place of Hazlewood on May 3 against Chennai Super Kings and is part of South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The WTC final-bound South Africa players are likely to leave the IPL by May 25, meaning he will likely not be available for RCB’s last league-stage fixture against LSG.Phil Salt, whose illness allowed Bethell to make his IPL debut, is set to be available for the remainder of IPL 2025. He is only part of England’s squad for the T20Is against West Indies that start on June 6, three days after the revised IPL final.

حسم البرتغالي جوزيه جوميز، المدير الفني لنادي الفتح السعودي، موقفه من العودة إلى تدريب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك الفترة المقبلة.

وبحسب صحيفة “الميدان” السعودية، فإن جوميز وجه صدمة لمسئولي الزمالك، بشأن الرحيل عن الفريق خلال الفترة الحالية، في ظل وجود رغبة من جانب النادي المصري في عودته.

طالع | مدرب عربي يقترب من خلافة فيريرا في الزمالك

وقالت الصحيفة، إن جوميز رفض تدريب الزمالك بعد التواصل معه خلال الساعات الماضية، وأكد لهم احترامه لعقده مع الفتح واستمراره حتى النهاية.

وتابعت: “يتمسك مسؤولو نادي الفتح باستمرار جوميز في منصبه، وعدم رحيله عن الفريق، في ظل قيادته للبقاء في دوري روشن للمحترفين خلال الموسم الحالي من المسابقة”.

وتعادل الفتح، بالمباراة الأخيرة أمام ضمك، بهدف لمثله، في اللقاء الذي جمع الفريقين، ضمن منافسات دوري روشن.

وكانت مصادر خاصة لـ بطولات قد أفادت أن مجلس إدارة الزمالك قرر إقالة يانيك فيريرا بسبب سوء النتائج، رغم إشرافه على تدريب الفريق اليوم في ملعب الكلية الحربية بشكل طبيعي.

Everton timidly exited the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

There’s been an overarching feeling of progressiveness since David Moyes returned to the club in January, but the Merseysiders reverted to their former type against Wolves.

There has been a collective drive at Everton to attack domestic cup competitions, and so this one will sting for the Toffees, with Wolves having started the Premier League season off dismally, losing all five of their opening fixtures.

It was an uncharacteristically shoddy defensive performance from the away side, and James Tarkowski was at the epicentre.

James Tarkowski let Moyes down at Molineux

Tarkowski has been a pillar of strength for Everton since joining from Burnley on a free transfer in 2022, but the skipper endured a tough showing last night.

Moyes, it must be said, wasn’t best pleased with the performance. But then, the weakened team the Scotsman put out were always going to be up against it.

While it wasn’t a terrible showing from the 32-year-old, he lost both of his ground duels, as per Sofascore, and ceded possession 12 times, seemingly hesitant to engage with the hulking Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The return of Jarrad Branthwaite from injury cannot come soon enough, and unless Tarkowski recovers his aggressive, solid nature in central defence, it may be Michael Keane – one of the better performers against the Old Gold – who keeps his starting spot.

However, while Everton flattered to deceive in defence, they were toothless in attack, and Dwight McNeil was among the worst performers. It’s quite likely the 25-year-old will be making a swift return to the bench.

Dwight McNeil has already lost his starting spot

McNeil battled against injury for much of the 2024/25 campaign, with his absence for most of the start of this new Moyes era especially frustrating given his emphatic form under Sean Dyche’s wing at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

He offers a potent threat when firing on all cylinders, but none of the playmaker’s vim and vigour was on display against a spirited Wolves side, and Moyes hooked him before the hour mark.

Given that McNeil has sat as an unused substitute across four of Everton’s five Premier League matches so far this season, he will be concerned about his playing time going forward, with Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye both in inspired form down the flanks.

McNeil’s PL record at Everton
Season	Apps	Goals (assists)
25/26	1	0 (0)
24/25	21	4 (8)
23/24	35	3 (6)
22/23	36	7 (3)
Data via Transfermarkt

Statistician Tactically Matt put in no uncertain terms after the Englishman was hooked before the hour mark, saying, “Dwight McNeil has been a difficult watch for a while now.”

Chris Beesley of the Liverpool Echo branded McNeil with a 5/10 match score and drew attention to the fact that the overload of addition to the attacking midfield will have left the former Burnley man frustrated, having blown a good chance to stake his claim.

He completed only eight passes across the evening at a success rate of 62%, and that having failed to create a chance or complete a cross.

Moreover, McNeil lost four of his five duels, drifting out to the left to try and collect the ball and funnel it on through to the danger area – to no avail.

Moyes is almost certainly going to take the player’s starting place away from him, and it’s going to take a big effort for McNeil to make his way back into the ascendancy at Everton.

He's playing like Haaland: Everton sold the original Barry in CF "beast"

Barry’s potential at Everton echoes one former starlet now thriving in Serie A

By
Will Miller

Sep 23, 2025

In recent years, Newcastle United’s recruitment has told a clear story – one of wide players redefining the club’s attacking identity.

From the chaotic final days of the Mike Ashley era to Eddie Howe’s meticulous rebuild, the evolution of Newcastle’s wing play mirrors their rise from relegation favourites to European contention.

Once reliant on isolated flashes of brilliance from players like Allan Saint-Maximin, the modern Newcastle has prioritised structure, pressing, and precision.

The arrivals of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and most recently Anthony Elanga have transformed the team’s threat on the flanks.

Each signing reflects a calculated balance: proven Premier League pedigree complemented by a willingness to nurture elite young prospects.

Howe’s wingers are no longer luxury players – they are the engine of the team.

Their pressing triggers Newcastle’s high-intensity game, their runs dictate tempo, and their final-third output defines the side’s ceiling.

It’s no coincidence that when Gordon and Barnes hit form, Newcastle’s results often follow.

And while injuries have at times disrupted rhythm, the depth and quality of the Magpies’ wing options have arguably never been stronger.

Why Gordon is so important to Newcastle

Gordon has become the embodiment of Howe’s footballing philosophy – industrious, fearless, and ruthlessly efficient.

Since arriving from Everton in 2023 for around £45m, the 24-year-old has evolved from a raw, energetic prospect into one of the Premier League’s most complete wide players.

Gordon’s game thrives on intensity.

His pressing metrics are among the best in Newcastle’s squad, and his ability to combine tireless defensive work with a direct attacking output has made him indispensable.

Last season, he registered nine goals and seven assists across all competitions – numbers that underline his evolution from a counterattacking winger into a high-volume chance creator.

Matches Played

38

Minutes

2,703

Shots

69

Progressive Carries

129

Progressive Passes

105

Statistically, he ranks in the top 10% of Premier League wingers for successful dribbles and progressive carries, while his xG involvement continues to rise each season.

More importantly, Gordon delivers in the biggest moments. Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Gordon has 17 goals and assists in 19 games against the Big Six.

While Saint-Maximin once dazzled without structure, Gordon combines flair with purpose.

He tracks back, presses intelligently, and executes Howe’s transitions with precision.

His chemistry with Lewis Hall on the left flank has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent attacking outlets – a pattern of overlaps, cut-backs, and diagonal switches that stretch even the most disciplined defences.

Even with competition from Barnes, Gordon remains the benchmark.

His relentless energy has set the tone for Newcastle’s pressing identity and his versatility gives Howe invaluable tactical flexibility.

For a club with a long and complex relationship with wingers, Gordon feels like the culmination of a decade of searching.

He’s not just a player who excites – he’s one who defines the team’s identity. But might Howe and co have another similar exciting talent?

Newcastle star looks "like Gordon" out on loan

While Gordon and Elanga headline Newcastle’s present, Antonio Cordero represents their future.

The 18-year-old Spaniard, signed from Málaga in the summer, is widely viewed within the club as one of the brightest young attacking prospects in Europe.

Cordero’s path to St James’ Park reflects Newcastle’s growing ambition in youth recruitment.

He turned down interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona to join Howe’s project, signing a five-year deal in 2025.

Before his move, he made 60 appearances for Málaga, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists — including a dramatic last-minute equaliser in the Segunda División play-off final that sealed the club’s promotion.

Now on loan at KVC Westerlo in Belgium’s top division, Cordero has featured five times this season, albeit for just 81 minutes – a concern Newcastle’s development staff will monitor closely.

The priority remains clear: regular senior minutes to accelerate his transition from prodigy to professional. Cordero’s style mirrors that of Gordon – fast, direct, and relentlessly positive on the ball.

Able to play on either flank but preferring the left, he combines low-centre balance with intelligent off-ball movement.

That reputation is backed up by 17 youth caps and four international goals since debuting for Spain’s U19s against Germany in 2024.

Former Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell called him an “exciting talent,” while analyst Ben Mattinson described him as “like Gordon.”

If nurtured correctly, Cordero could offer Howe the same dynamism Gordon brings, but with an added layer of creativity and unpredictability – an attacking wildcard Newcastle have often lacked against low blocks.

His arrival continues a clear pattern.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Alongside Elanga, and Barnes, Cordero embodies Newcastle’s dual approach: building a squad capable of immediate success while investing in players who can define the next decade.

From the unpredictable brilliance of Saint-Maximin to the refined relentlessness of Gordon, Newcastle’s wingers tell the story of a club reborn.

Newcastle are brewing the homegrown Elanga in 18-year-old "huge talent"

Newcastle’s attack has struggled this season, but rising star could be the future spark they need

ByWill Miller Oct 17, 2025