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Com a derrota para o Palmeiras por 1 a 0, o Vasco soma nove rodadas sem vencer e voltou a figurar na zona de rebaixamento do Brasileirão. Diante desse cenário, Ricardo Sá Pinto, em entrevista coletiva, analisou o comportamento da equipe em São Januário e lamentou o lance do pênalti, que originou o gol da vitória do adversário.

– Foi o que aconteceu, uma infelicidade, temos de ter mais calma nesse tipo de lance, temos de ser mais maduros, mais experientes, porque esse tipo de detalhe pode nos custar um resultado como custou hoje. Agora, nunca o Vasco hoje seria derrotado numa situação normal. O empate seria mais justo dentro do que aconteceu no jogo. Temos de ser humildes e aceitar que o Palmeiras, individualmente, é melhor do que nós, luta por outros objetivos. Estamos em fase de construção e jogamos contra uma boa equipe. Penso que a equipe (do Vasco) acabará por ser recompensada – salientou.

RelacionadasVascoNo duelo entre treinadores portugueses, Palmeiras vence, e Vasco volta a zona de rebaixamentoVasco08/11/2020VascoATUAÇÕES! Benítez vai mal, e Fernando Miguel se salva em derrota do VascoVasco08/11/2020VascoLeven Siano é o mais votado na eleição do Vasco; sub judice, resultado não é consagradoVasco07/11/2020

Sem vencer há nove rodadas, o Gigante da Colina necessita reencontrar o caminho das vitórias. Apesar de ter dois jogos a menos que seus adversários, Sá Pinto ligou o sinal de alerta e sabe que o time pode render mais, sobretudo na parte ofensiva. Defensivamente, o Vasco está mais seguro, porém pecou muito nos passes e nas transições ofensivas para levar mais perigo ao gol adversário.

– A equipe tinha uma estratégia de parar a equipe do Palmeiras, que vinha em um grande momento, tem jogadores de muitas nacionalidades e muita qualidade. E nós estamos construindo uma equipe. Teríamos de tirar os espaços para não sermos surpreendidos nas costas. A primeira parte acho que foi muito boa, a segunda parte, eles arriscaram mais abrindo a equipe. Começaram a entrar nos corredores, tivemos mais finalizações, oportunidades iguais. Tapamos todos os buracos. Só entraram em bolas longas e cruzamentos na área – disse.

– Logicamente, todas as equipes para estarem bem precisam ganhar. Eu sei que vamos chegar a uma situação confortável, mas há um caminho a fazer. A equipe trabalhou, foi organizada, lutou, temos de trabalhar melhor as transições ofensivas, não perder tantas oportunidades e fazer mal ao adversário como fazem a nós. Não é em duas semanas e meia, três, que vamos construir equipe. Com trabalho, a equipe vai chegar lá. Já não sofremos tantas oportunidades quanto antes, já não sofremos tantos gols quanto sofríamos. Vamos continuar trabalhando nisso – analisou.

Na próxima rodada, o Vasco volta a campo no dia 14, sábado, às 16h30, diante do Sport, na Ilha do Retiro. No dia 26, o time terá pela frente o Defensa y Justicia e o primeiro jogo da decisão será na Argentina, no estádio Norberto Tito Tomaghello, em Florencio Varela, município localizado na província de Buenos Aires, às 21h30 (de Brasília).

Back in the 2002-03 season, Arsenal's Highbury stood on the cusp of something brilliant. An axis of sporting supremacy had been half-stepped with the league and FA Cup double the year prior, yet unbeknownst to global football fans across – a true seismic shift was near.

It was a shift so large, it would extend the rest of the league out onto a teetering platform whilst the domestically undefeated Gunners perched victoriously with 2004's golden Premier League title.

While 2002-03 may not have seen a league repeat, it still reaped FA Cup and Community Shield success. For an Arsene Wenger team of ever-developing serial champions, it was but a placeholder in the Arsenal storybook. It was perhaps a moment to catch a collective breath before pushing for further glory. An alternative to this metaphor, one particularly breathtaking Thierry Henry was reaching his north London prime.

How good was Thierry Henry?

It feels like a basic question, doesn't it? Especially for football-watching readers. I could bore you about the Frenchman's formative Monaco beginnings. The Juventus falter. The Arsenal redemption. Yet I feel you know most of this. Let's just focus on this Thierry. The early 2000s Thierry with the certain wiry gravity and grace. Devilish finesse. A wry smirk and slide, after doing something so insane in the most nonchalant regard.

He was a mercurial scorer just begging defenders to nibble at the bait so vapour-rubbed enforcers Vieira and Keown could engage. With a mix of brawn and grace, Henry and Co. at this time were the epitome of Wenger's Arsenal.

There's so many quotes to choose from to epitomise Henry at Arsenal. We;ve gone for one from one of his esteemed victims:

“I’ve used this analogy before and I make no apology for using it again. When he hit top gear and ran past you, it was like trying to chase after someone on a motorbike." – Jamie Carragher

Undoubtedly, as we move towards this article's true topic of a missed star, it does feel that Arsene Wenger would've thought up a Thierry alternative if things hadn't worked out.

With hindsight, and knowing the striker's importance – as well as Arsenal's relative European failings, it comes as excruciating reading to learn that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could've once boosted the ranks in the iconic red and white O2-kissed shirt.

How did Arsenal miss out on Zlatan Ibrahimovic?

While Henry was free-scoring, a 21-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic was surfing on the mini-tides of his early success. After making visible waves with Malmo and then Ajax, his wake licked cruelly at England's shores.

He was raw and rough around the edges, and knew just what he could do. Seemingly in this case, it was just a matter of whether he could be bothered to truly show it. Everything was on his terms and his terms only, as Wenger once found out several years prior.

As the Telegraph reported, a youthful Zlatan once turned down Arsenal after starring in and then leaving an inconsistent Malmo in 2001. That's right, even at just 17 years old – you don't reject Zlatan, Zlatan rejects you. Effectively, it was a breakdown in communication which lost the Swede's interest. He thought he was getting a big move out of contract. Yet, a precautious Wenger wanted to see a trial. It's not a hard scenario to picture as Ibra later reflected in trademark style:

"Arsène Wenger asked me to have a trial with Arsenal when I was 17. I turned it down. Zlatan doesn't do auditions." – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Seemingly spurred on by Wenger's interest, Ibra was inspired in the Swedish second division. Ajax's Technical Director Leo Beenhakker showed more faith after additionally watching him in a friendly and the Amsterdam club picked the forward up for around £6m (or 80 million Swedish Kronor).

How did Zlatan compare to Thierry Henry?

Football fans saw Ibrahimovic and Henry somewhat inconsistently paired at Barcelona. However, under Wenger, scenarios would likely have been different. How would he have managed the two? Would it be a case of one starting and one benched? Well, let's compare the two, as well as their all-round stats for a clearer reflection on what could've been, had they been nurtured under Wenger's watchful eye.

Although of course at different stages of respective careers, (and for this narrative's sake) a sophomore Zlatan turned heads with 2002-03's Ajax. In that spell in the Eredivisie, Zlatan scored a total of 48 goals in 110 appearances across all competitions.

In the 2002-03 Eredivisie season alone, the 6 foot 5 Swede notched an attention-grabbing 13 goals in 25 games. This was a total he matched the season after but in three fewer games before achieving his believed worthy destination of Juventus in 2004.

Zlatan's goals directly influenced the silverware haul. In his time at Ajax, he won the league twice (2001-02, 2003-04), picked up one KNVB Beker (2001-02), and also a Johan Cruyff shield (2002). In his brilliant career, Zlatan ultimately turned out for nine teams across Europe, England, and even the USA. The towering striker scored a total of 442 goals in 701 all-time appearances.

Compared to Henry, Zlatan scored more in a longer career. Where Henry was halted by injuries and knowing his limits, Ibrahimovic was determined to break all age stigmas it seemed. Playing in multiple positions across the front three, Henry bagged an impressive 237 goals in 456 games. In terms of titles, the Swede admittedly bagged the titular 32 compared to Henry's 20.

Zlatan may have had more, but arguably Henry is simply the more impressive for what he won and the nature of such. Yet it could work in multiple ways in the varying strands of comparison. Neither won the Champions League. Both won things together at Barcelona although disfunctional.

Zlatan didn't win the Premier League. He also didn't achieve anything with Sweden on the international stage. It seems that although Zlatan won more, it was always a case of him vs the World.

He was very often the player for any given team he was in. That's likely why he moved around so frequently. Henry on the other hand, more so understood the values of an effective team dynamic – himself heartbreakingly humbled by missing out on the 1998 World Cup Final as his teammates won on home soil.

Aston Villa are prolific when it comes to stealing the best talent from the clutches of Championship sides, using the lure of Premier League football and their status as a big club as the prime pulling points.

In recent times, Emiliano Buendia was prised away from newly-promoted Norwich City for a club record deal in 2021 after recording a sensational 32 goal contributions in 39 appearances for the Canaries in one season.

While the Argentine was the most expensive, the most successful acquisitions Villa have made from the second tier are Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins, who both arrived in the summer of 2020 from Nottingham Forest and Brentford respectively.

Cash and Watkins are two of Unai Emery's most influential players currently, speaking volumes about the level of talent the division has to offer and if recent reports are correct, the Villans could be "monitoring" a move for their next Championship superstar who has made a dash onto the scene this season in dazzling style.

The man drawing interest from several clubs, including Villa, is Norwich winger Jonathan Rowe.

Who is Jonathan Rowe?

Rowe is a graduate of the Norwich youth academy who has recently seen his talents explode into life after being utilised as a squad player in the seasons prior.

Initially grabbing the opportunity to showcase his talents in the first team after impressing for the underage groups, the 20-year-old notched up nine goals and six assists in 17 Premier League 2 appearances in 2021/22.

Rewarding his effort, dedication and talent, the winger made 13 appearances off the bench in that campaign as the Canaries were relegated back to the Championship and although that was a sour ending for the club, it marked the beginning of Rowe's path to stardom.

After an injury-wrecked 2022/23 campaign that saw the youngster make just three first-team cameos, the "real talent" – as lauded by one voice on the Pink Un Podcast – has come back stronger from adversity to wreak havoc on second-tier defenders.

In 11 appearances so far, Rowe has posted six goals and one assist in the Championship to help Norwich lay down a marker on their promotion ambitions.

What would Rowe bring to Aston Villa?

A favourite with Norwich supporters and a well-regarded member of the dressing room due to his infectious personality, Rowe has become the major protagonist for his club's conquests this season.

Demonstrating his direct style by driving at defenders with his lightning pace, the youngster has become the key difference maker for Norwich in the final third, utilising his press resistance and precise dribbling as useful tools to combat a low block, posting goals in victories over defensive-minded sides, Millwall and Huddersfield Town.

Standing tall when comparing his technical attributes to the rest of his positional peers in the Championship this season, Rowe places within the top 4% for non-penalty goals, top 14% for fouls drawn, top 20% for touches in the attacking penalty area and top 25% for progressive carries, as per FBref.

The Canaries academy graduate has also impressed with his versatility, making seven of his 13 starts in all competitions on the left flank, allowing him to cut in on that dangerous right foot while also demonstrating he has the technical qualities to operate centrally or on the right.

He showcased that quality last Friday night as he came off the bench to score in England U21's 8-1 victory over Serbia and although Norwich are happy with his current contract, the number of clubs showing an interest is growing.

Villa are one of those to be monitoring his progress and if they do choose to pursue him further, Nicolo Zaniolo, the winger on loan from Galatasaray, will likely make way after underwhelming so far.

The Italian was expected to become a match-winner in claret and blue but in six Premier League appearances, he's drastically fallen below the standard, accurately placing just 69% of his passes, completing only 35% of his dribbles, recording 0.3 shots on target per game and zero goal contributions, as per Sofascore.

If Zaniolo doesn't improve his performances, Villa will surely decline the chance to make the deal permanent and instead, pursue a deal for the super-talented Rowe, who is reportedly valued at around £20m.

كشف الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم عن هوية الحكم الذي سيتولى مسؤولية المباراة المرتقبة مساء اليوم الجمعة، بين فرنسا والبرتغال.

ويلتقي المنتخبان في إطار منافسات دور الـ8 من مسابقة يورو 2024، بملعب “فولكسبارك”، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

وتأهل منتخب فرنسا إلى منافسات الدور ربع النهائي من البطولة الأوروبية عقب فوزه على بلجيكا بهدف مقابل لاشيء.

بينما تأهل المنتخب البرتغالي إلى منافسات الدور ذاته عقب الفوز على سلوفينيا بركلات الترجيح بنتيجة 3/0، عقب انتهاء الوقت الأصلي والإضافي بالتعادل السلبي. حكم مباراة فرنسا والبرتغال اليوم في يورو 2024

حكم الساحة: الإنجليزي مايكل أوليفر.

حكم مساعد أول: الإنجليزي ستيوارت بيرت.

حكم مساعد ثانِ: الإنجليزي دان كوك.

حكم رابع: البولندي سيمون مارسينياك.

حكم تقنية الفيديو: الهولندي بول فان بوكيل.

Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League earlier this year after their run of three seasons in the top flight came crashing to an end.

They now find themselves back in the Championship once again and are looking to return to the top level at the first time of asking under Daniel Farke.

The Whites brought the German head coach to Elland Road to replace Sam Allardyce and he arrived in Yorkshire with a proven track record at this level.

Points

94

97

Goals for

93

75

Goals against

57

36

Games won

27

29

Farke's Championship title-winning seasons with Norwich (via Sky Sports):

As shown in the table above, Farke knows how to win promotion from the Championship and could use his experience with Norwich to achieve similar success with Leeds.

The Whites are fifth in the table after 11 matches and have won three of their last four league matches as it stands, as the German head coach and his summer signings have made a positive impact on the club.

Ethan Ampadu, in particular, has been an impressive addition to the squad after his move to Elland Road during the summer transfer window, and the manager may already have the dream long-term heir to him in the form of U21 midfielder Darko Gyabi.

How much did Leeds pay for Ampadu?

The Athletic reported that the Whites agreed a deal to sign the Wales international from Premier League side Chelsea for an initial fee of £7m, plus add-ons.

They swooped to sign the 23-year-old battler after he spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan to Spezia in Italy and caught the eye with his performances abroad.

Ampadu started 32 Serie A matches for his former club and provided a consistent screen in front of the back four to sniff out opposition attacks on a regular basis.

The Welsh enforcer made 3.3 tackles and interceptions and three clearances per game for Spezia, and showcased his physical strength with a duel success rate of 57%, as per Sofacore. In fact, he ranked within the top 21% of centre-backs for tackles (2.25) per 90 at that level.

He also displayed his quality in possession with 4.26 progressive passes and 0.95 progressive carries per 90 for the Italian side in Serie A. This placed him within the top 15% of his positional peers for the former and the top 22% for the latter.

These statistics suggest that Leeds were signing a proactive player as he was aggressive in his defensive contributions for Spezia and looked to progress his team up the pitch through his passing and dribbling qualities.

How has Ampadu performed this season?

Farke looked at his traits and has opted to utilise him in a central midfield role for Leeds this season, which is a position that he has thrived in so far.

The impressive battler has hit the ground running in Yorkshire with his sublime performances in midfield, as the ex-Chelsea man has contributed to the play in and out of possession.

Ampadu has averaged 3.7 tackles and interceptions per match across 11 Championship appearances for the Whites. Only Luke Ayling (2.7) has made more tackles per outing and only Joe Rodon (1.6) has made more interceptions per clash within the Leeds squad.

This shows that the £7.5k-per-week ace has been outstanding from a defensive perspective, which is backed up by his ranking among midfielders in the division.

As per FBref, Ampadu ranks within the top 11% of his positional peers for clearances (1.91) and blocks (2.18) per 90, whilst also being within the top 40% of midfielders for tackles (2.27), interceptions (1.36), and aerial battles won (1.09) per 90 respectively.

These statistics show that he has been well above average in comparison to the rest of the players in his position at Championship level this season at cutting out opposition attacks to help his team.

Sofascore rating

7.2

Blocks

Two

Interceptions

One

Pass accuracy

86%

Ampadu's most recent Leeds appearance (via Sofascore)

Ampadu also ranks within the top 35% of midfielders for progressive passes (5.73) and progressive carries (1.45) per 90 respectively, which shows that he is offering quality to push his team up the pitch alongside his defensive contributions.

His impressive form this term shows that there would be big shoes to fill if Farke ever needs to replace him, whether that is due to a move elsewhere or an injury or suspension, but Gyabi could emerge as a dream heir from the academy.

How many appearances has Gyabi made for Leeds?

The superb 19-year-old, who was once hailed for his "complete" U21 midfield display by journalist Joe Donnohue, has played five first-team matches for the club since his move from Manchester City in 2022.

Gyabi came off the bench against Ipswich in the Championship in August and has been an unused substitute in four other league matches this term, which suggests that Farke already views him as a squad option at senior level.

The teenage ace is a combative midfielder who is also able to drive forward with the ball, and this suggests that he could fulfil the role that Ampadu is currently shining in at Elland Road.

In the EFL Trophy last season, Gyabi caught the eye with three tackles and interceptions per game and a duel success rate of 60% across three matches against Bolton Wanderers, Tranmere Rovers, and Crewe Alexandra.

The former Cityzens youngster also showcased his ability in possession with 1.7 completed dribbles, with a success rate of 87%, and one assist in those games, as per Sofascore.

These performances were not a flash in the pan for the Leeds prospect as he impressed at the U20 World Cup for England over the summer.

Gyabi made 3.1 tackles and interceptions and completed 2.5 dribbles per game over the course of four outings at the tournament for his country.

These statistics suggest that, like Ampadu, the midfield machine is able to cut out opposition attacks on a regular basis with his defensive contributions.

Along with that, Gyabi can progress his team up the pitch with his ability to drive forward and past opponents with the ball at his feet to then find teammates in advanced positions.

Therefore, the England U20 international appears to be an exciting prospect for the Whites and a player who could have the quality to be the heir to Ampadu's midfield crown if he can translate those performances to first-team level.

The former Zimbabwe captain and convener of selectors has severely criticised the current administration for their treatment of players

Firdose Moonda21-Jun-2018

Getty Images

Tatenda Taibu, former Zimbabwe captain and their convener of selectors until March, severely criticised the current administration for their treatment of players – in particular Brendan Taylor – and called on cricketers in the country to band together.Taylor, who opted out of a Kolpak-deal with Nottinghamshire a year early to return for Zimbabwe last September, was left out of Zimbabwe’s 22-man training squad to play a T20 triangular series next month, which includes Australia and Pakistan. Taylor, along with former captain Graeme Cremer, batsman Craig Ervine and allrounders Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, have not played in the warm-up matches against Kenya, and Raza made himself unavailable for the tri-series to play in a T20 tournament in Canada instead. The other four remain available for Zimbabwe but only if their demands for a payment plan for outstanding salaries and match fees is delivered by Zimbabwe Cricket to its players by June 25.The players are negotiating through their resurrected player association, which Taibu singled out as being driven by Taylor, and told ESPNcricinfo a union is the only way to stop ZC from intimidating younger players into playing, despite not being paid.”I felt it was very unfair for Brendan Taylor to be targeted for doing what was right and forming a players’ union,” Taibu said. “It’s the right thing to do, to have the players’ union, but I know that if there is a players’ union, the board cannot do what they are doing now.”At the moment, the chairman (Tawengwa Mukuhlani) is in Harare holding meetings with players individually. A lot of the players are young and will be scared to stand up to the chairman. If there is a players’ union in place, the board will have to speak to the players’ union and there will not be able to divide and rule like they are doing. Brendan had to pay the price there, which is not right, which is what I am standing against. It takes a lot of courage for Brendan to stand up for what’s right. He has my utmost respect.”Taibu initially stoked the flames with a tweet on Wednesday evening which read: “What is this? @BrendanTaylor86 tries to do the right thing by helping to set up a players union, which all the other countries have. What do the selectors and ZC do, exclude him from the series. Shame on ZC. Everything that has a beginning has an end.”He also challenged the rest of Zimbabwe players to stand with Taylor and behind the idea of a union, including those who attended Taibu’s academy, Rising Stars. Taibu tweeted Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani (who is not in the Zimbabwe squad as he is playing overseas), Tarisai Musakanda, Rugare Magarire and Tinashe Kamumhukamwe the following: “I never taught u to be divided. I taught u principal. @BrendanTaylor86 needs u 2 stand with him.u’re theones who’ll benefit from his stand. If u’re divided,u’ll finish your career and have nothing to show 4 it.”He told ESPNcricinfo that he believed he taught his academy charges better. “When they were at the academy, I taught them principles and the right thing so I reminded them that,” he said. “And I had to let the players know that what’s happening to Brendan is unfair and can happen to anyone.”But Taibu’s biggest challenge was issued to the senior players, in particular Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza and Chamu Chibhabha, who were all named in Zimbabwe’s squad. “When are you ever going to stand up for principle? When are you ever going to show youngsters the right way? Surely you can’t tell me that you haven’t been seeing what’s been happening. Earn some respect for standing for the right thing.” Taibu tweeted.And in a series of replies to other Twitter users, including a former sports minister of Zimbabwe David Coltart, he continued to put pressure on Masakadza to “do something.””Hamilton has a chance to do something credible by rallying the troops to stand with @BrendanTaylor86. Let’s see how he wants to be remembered by the cricket world.” For Taibu, it is now time for “the older generation that are in the sideto stand up for what’s right.”Taibu clarified that he was not calling on the players to strike but rather to insist on the formation and legitimacy of a players’ union, which was reformed on June 1, but is yet to attain the signature of all the players. “People mustn’t get me wrong. I am not asking them to boycott the games,” Taibu said. “I am asking them to stand with Brendan and sign to have a players’ association and the players’ representative will take it from there. They will be consulted on decisions. That’s how all the other countries operate. Why shouldn’t we operate in the same way?”Taibu also confirmed he believed part of the reason he was sacked following the failed 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign was because “I said all the things I should have said while I was in the organisation. That’s why I was ousted,” he said.On Twitter, Taibu also promised a tell-all autobiography “soon.”

Big Picture

If there wasn’t enough crunch sporting action involving England this weekend, now there is more. This T20 series has a decider after Alex Hales levelled things up at 1-1 by keeping calm in Cardiff as the chase became a little dicey.Both teams are well set up for chasing, so that is likely to be the favoured route in Bristol. England learnt from most of their mistakes at Old Trafford to ensure India’s spinners had much less of an impact in Cardiff. It also helped they knew their target – which wasn’t overly demanding – and didn’t have to use all-out aggression against the spinners.India did well to push the match into the final over – and with England needing 20 off two overs, then 12 off the last would have still fancied their chances – but their poor start with the bat ultimately cost them after losing three wickets in the Powerplay. It wasn’t until the final over of the innings from Jake Ball, which cost 22, that they really got away from England.It is still very early in this long tour and whoever wins this series will probably not be what is remembered come early September, but there are early bragging rights on offer with the victors also getting reassurance that they are heading along the right path towards the next global event in 2020.

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)
England WLWLL
India LWWWW

In the spotlight

Ben Stokes is available again after the hamstring injury which has ruled him out of England action since the first Test against Pakistan in May. It creates a selection dilemma. How does he fit back in the side? It is unlikely he would be selected as one of five bowlers, so that leaves one of the batsmen vulnerable. Hales keeps making runs, Jonny Bairstow looks in terrific nick even down the order as does Jason Roy at the top while Eoin Morgan is captain. On form, Joe Root could be the one to miss out but before the series Paul Farbrace said he was a certainty for the T20 side. Something has to give, or is it a case that Stokes doesn’t come straight back?Shikhar Dhawan has missed out twice in the series – bowled by David Willey at Old Trafford and then run out in slightly comical fashion in Cardiff when he dropped his bat then couldn’t get his foot grounded across the crease in time. Even before his dismissal he had struggled for momentum, striking at less than a run-a-ball against some tight England pace bowling. He’ll be keen to find his groove before the ODIs. He also needs 28 runs for 1000 in T20Is

Team news

There’s the Stokes question for England (see above) and if he was to return as one of six bowlers it could open the way for a second spinner again, after Moeen Ali was left out in Cardiff. However, that would appear unlikely given the effectiveness of England’s quicks for the majority of the innings on Friday evening.England (probable) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jos Buttler (wk), 3 Alex Hales, 4 Joe Root/Ben Stokes, 5 Eoin Morgan (capt), 6 Jonny Bairstow, 7 David Willey, 8 Liam Plunkett, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Jake BallIndia could consider increasing their spin options by including the uncapped Krunal Pandya, who bowls left-arm spin, at the expense of Suresh Raina.India (probable) 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 KL Rahul, 4, Virat Kohli (capt), 5 Suresh Raina, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Yuzvendra Chahal, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Umesh Yadav

Pitch and conditions

There was more grass on the surface in Cardiff than had been the case at Old Trafford and England will be keen for similar in Bristol if the weather allows. There are short, straight boundaries which can make it a challenge for spinners. It is set to be a hot, sunny afternoon.

Stats and trivia

• There have been just two previous T20Is at this ground, the most recent of which was back in 2011
• David Willey’s 1 for 18 in Cardiff was his most economical four-over spell in T20Is
• Rohit Sharma need 14 runs for 2000 in T20Is. He would be the second India player to reach the milestone after Virat Kohli and fifth overall.

Quotes

“He’s played a lot for us – he’s one of our highest run-scorers, a very experienced campaigner. An innings like that tonight makes him a pretty strong case for the next game.”
“Kuldeep [Yadav] bowled really well in the last game – but in this one, they played him more carefully. They chose which delivery they wanted to play or not play.”

Sunderland once again look on course to compete for a place in the Championship play-offs this season, having suffered the heartbreak of a semi-final exit in the previous campaign. Sitting on 19 points in fourth, and above the likes of Leeds United, Southampton, and Norwich City, Tony Mowbray's side have so far made the perfect case for the third promotion spot, with a place at Wembley in their sights come May.

To ensure that they take the step that they failed to take last season, the Black Cats could turn to the January transfer window, and one potential future star who has struggled for game-time in the Premier League.

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

During the summer transfer window, the Championship side welcomed a number of players, from Jobe Bellingham all the way to Jenson Seelt, as Sunderland's summer spending reached the €8m mark. The new arrivals have slotted straight in, with Mowbray's side rarely missing a beat in the current campaign. And, whilst Leicester City and Ipswich Town are running away with the automatic promotion spots, it is Sunderland and Preston North End who are leading the chasing pack.

The positive news just keeps coming at The Stadium of Light, too, with the latest Amad Diallo transfer news indicating that Sunderland want to re-sign the Manchester United youngster on loan once again in the New Year. According to TeamTalk, the Red Devils are ready to grant the winger permission to complete another temporary move away, after he has struggled with injury, and, therefore, failed to make an impression on Erik ten Hag. Given that Diallo previously impressed on loan at Sunderland, there is confidence from those on Wearside that they can once again sign the 21-year-old.

If Sunderland can secure a loan deal for Diallo once again, then Mowbray may just have the final piece to his promotion puzzle in the Championship.

How did Amad Diallo perform at Sunderland?

On loan at Sunderland last season, Diallo's goals and assists in the Championship speak for themselves. The former Atalanta winger found the back of the net on 13 occasions, whilst turning provider a further three times. Meanwhile, when it came to the play-offs, he was at the centre of all the good work that the Black Cats did, even scoring once. Mowbray is certainly a big fan of the youngster, too, having previously praised Diallo.

"I think he got wrapped up in the game on Saturday (against Luton) emotionally and that was good to see. With his physical data, he was top in every aspect from distance covered to number of high-speed sprints, he was amazingly athletic as well as showing his talent.

"That bodes well for us and also accelerates him in my mind in terms of him being a starting player for us, beyond a young lad who I can bring off the bench."

With that said, the ball now seems to be in Sunderland's court, making Diallo's near future all the more interesting. He's had success at The Stadium of Light before, and now, he could look to repeat that success in 2024.

Glasgow Rangers secured their biggest win of the season last night, defeating Livingston 4-0 in what turned out to be a rather comfortable League Cup encounter.

The result sends the Gers into the semi-finals of the competition for the third year in a row and although Michael Beale isn’t quite out of the woods yet, there were no boos at Ibrox following the win.

Progress is progress, but this performance will be in vain unless the Light Blues secure all three points against Aberdeen at the weekend and the 43-year-old may be buoyed by a few of his players following their display last night.

Who scored for Rangers against Livingston?

The Ibrox side took an early lead via a wonderful finish from Abdallah Sima, who cut in from the left-hand side and struck a right-foot shot into the far corner.

The match stayed this way until the 66th minute when Ridvan Yilmaz embarked on a solo run that ended up with him scoring the second goal and all but securing the victory.

Late goals by Sima and Ryan Jack were the cherry on top and truthfully, the game should have been over way before then, yet the performance was much better compared to the Motherwell tie last week.

Yilmaz’s performance was arguably the most pleasing aspect of the night and the defender finally looks like he could make a claim for a regular spot in the left-back position during the remainder of the campaign.

Will Ridvan Yilmaz replace Borna Barisic?

Following his first goal for the club, former Ibrox striker Kenny Miller dubbed him “incredible” and he certainly offers something different from the Croatian, that’s for sure.

Barisic has averaged 3.3 crosses per game in the Premiership this term along with making 2.8 key passes per match, yet he has lost possession a staggering 17.8 times each outing. This indicates that while he tends to push forward often, he is being caught out regularly and this isn’t helping the club from a defensive point of view.

Yilmaz on the other hand, didn’t push forward up the left-hand side as often as Barisic would have, but he offered a greater threat by drifting into the middle of the pitch, providing an option for a wide range of teammates.

His goal was a prime example as he burst through the heart of the pitch before unleashing a shot that the goalkeeper had no chance of saving. Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie ultimately hailed the youngster.

He said: “Brilliant play from Ridvan Yilmaz, that's the variation of options he gives you!

“Runs the full length of the Livingston half driving beyond two men before finishing from range. That's some goal from your left back.”

He also marvelled at his playing style giving the Gers another few options, saying: “Think Ridvan's forward running and combination play has made a big difference tonight. Just gives you more options, and the opposition a greater variety of problems.”

It’s evident that if the £12k-per-week gem stays fit and healthy over the coming weeks, the defender certainly deserves to be unleashed on a regular run in the starting XI in order to gain more confidence and showcase his abilities on a more consistent basis.

After last night’s display, I don’t think anyone would have any complaints, that’s for sure.

Follow the action with our live report on the third women’s ODI between England and New Zealand at Leicester

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2018Welcome to our live blog for the third women’s ODI between England and New Zealand at Leicester. We will be bringing you updates, stats and colour from the day, as New Zealand look to finish the series on a high after defeats in the opening two games.