AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris will move closer to their Test returns when they play for the South African Invitation XI against Zimbabwe in a three-day warm-up match ahead of the Boxing Day Test

Firdose Moonda05-Dec-2017

AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris will move closer to their Test returns when they play for the South African Invitation XI against Zimbabwe in a three-day warm-up match in Paarl ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Temba Bavuma is the other Test player included in the squad for the practice match ahead of an eight-Test home summer.South Africa play Zimbabwe in the inaugural four-day day-night Test starting Boxing Day, followed by three Tests against India before six ODIs and three T20s, and then four Tests against Australia in March. De Villiers and Steyn’s participation in those matches will be of particular interest, not least because of the amount of time for which the pair has been absent.De Villiers has not played a Test since January 2016 with his absence a combination of an injury layoff, that kept him out of series against New Zealand and Australia, and a self-imposed sabbatical that sidelined him from most of this year, during which South Africa have already played Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England and Bangladesh. While de Villiers remained available for limited-overs matches, he stepped down as ODI captain in August and has now recommitted himself to playing for South Africa across all formats, while limiting his participation in 20-over leagues.He has only played one first-class match – for his franchise Titans – since he reaffirmed his international goals, but has recent good form on his side. De Villiers scored a career-best ODI score of 176 against Bangladesh in Paarl in his first bat of the home summer and has been scoring important, quick runs for Titans in their ongoing Ram Slam campaign.Despite those runs, de Villiers said he is prepared to work for his place in the Test team and re-enters the space with an understanding that South Africa’s line-up may not have space for him immediately. Four of the top five in the line-up scored centuries in South Africa’s most recent outing against Bangladesh with Bavuma the odd one out, but that may not mean a straight swap for the Zimbabwe match. Bavuma was recently promoted to de Villiers’ No. 4 role and has often dug South Africa out of tough situations and the selectors seem to want to keep him around. Bavuma will also play the warm-up match against Zimbabwe, knowing the man who may replace him in the Test team is right beside him.”Temba only got limited batting time during the Test series against Bangladesh because of the dominance of our top order and we feel he will benefit from spending more time in the middle,” Linda Zondi, South Africa’s convener of selectors said.Similarly, South Africa could end up spoilt for choice in the bowling department. Steyn, who has not played any international cricket for over a year since breaking a bone in his shoulder in Australia last November, has showed good signs in the Ram Slam and will also return to contend for a place in the Test XI. He needs just five wickets to overtake Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s highest Test wicket-taker and coach Ottis Gibson all but confirmed his chance to claim those will come as soon as Steyn himself feels he is ready for Test cricket.Bowling longer spells has been part of Steyn’s recovery plan but the warm-up match against Zimbabwe will be his first chance to show that he can do that in a competitive situation. If he comes through, he will join a pack that includes Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander (who is currently sidelined after having stitches to the hand but is expected to be fit in a week), but not Morne Morkel, who was not named in the squad for the warm-up game. Morkel sustained a side strain in the first Test against Bangladesh in early October and though he has been spotted in the Newlands nets, he has not played any part in the Ram Slam competition yet. He is expected to return later in the summer.That means Morris, who picked up a lower-back problem in England in July, could make a case to add to his four Tests. Morris returned from five months on the sidelines in the Ram Slam last week. His return to international cricket will be welcome news for South Africa, who are still compiling a second-tier of international bowlers. Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, who has come back following a back problem but is not in the warm-up squad, and Duanne Olivier, who had a knee injury earlier in the season but has since recovered, are among those reserves who have not been named for the warm-up match. Wayne Parnell, who played the second Test against Bangladesh, then got injured and was then dropped by Cape Cobras in the Ram Slam, has also been overlooked.The warm-up match will be played at Boland Park under lights, before the Test takes place at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.South African Invitation squad: Dominic Hendricks (capt), Temba Bavuma, Tladi Bokako, Michael Cohen, AB de Villiers, Isaac Dikgale, Leus du Plooy, Zubayr Hamza, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rapulana, Kelly Smuts, Dale Steyn, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Shaun von Berg, Lizaad Williams

Fulham are now "getting closer" to signing Leicester City right-back Timothy Castagne, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently indicating the deal could be done soon…

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?

A recent report from The Evening Standard has provided an update on Fulham's pursuit of a new striker, stating that approaches have been made for Flamengo's Pedro and Atalanta's Duvon Zapata, as they continue their search for Aleksandar Mitrovic's replacement.

In the same report, it is detailed the Cottagers are also running the rule over a number of options at full-back, with AC Milan's Fode Ballo-Toure, Union Berlin’s Josip Juranovic, Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters and Rennes’s Arthur Theate all under consideration.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer insider Dean Jones has made it clear that signing a new full-back is one of Marco Silva's priorities this summer, saying:

“Fulham are also looking at full backs, partly because there is a feeling that Kenny Tete has been open to a new club this summer. But also because they need reinforcements anyway. Timothy Castagne and Yukinari Sugawara are both players who have hit the radar, but there are others too.

That particular position is still being explored, and Fulham fans have to stay patient because there is a chance this all goes down to the wire.”

Although a number of different targets have been identified, it appears as though the west Londoners have now settled on Castagne as one of their priority targets, with Romano recently providing an update on their pursuit of the defender on X.

The transfer expert has now claimed the Cottagers are "getting closer" to reaching an agreement with Leicester, with talks underway to discuss the final details of the move, which could seemingly take place in the very near future.

The 27-year-old is "high" on Silva's list of targets in the final days of the transfer window, with negotiations now set to advance to their final stages, in what could be a £15m deal with add-ons included, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Tavolieri states the official announcement could be made on Tuesday, with the Belgian set to undergo medical tests this morning, ahead of putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.

How good is Timothy Castagne?

The 27-year-old is established at international level, having made a total of 33 appearances for Belgium, during which time he has scored two goals, and he also has several years of Premier League experience under his belt, making 91 outings in the top flight.

Lauded as "brilliant" by members of the media, the full-back is yet to feature for the Foxes so far this season, but he has put in some impressive performances over the past year, ranking highly on several key defensive metrics.

The Arlon-born defender has averaged 3.11 clearances per 90, placing him in the 93rd percentile compared to his positional peers, while he has also averaged 2.64 tackles, which ranks him in the 84th.

Castagne could be an excellent signing for Fulham, given that he is now in his prime years, and it is exciting news that a deal is now close to completion.

Nottingham Forest have appeared as the frontrunners to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, but they aren’t the only club interested in the Premier League.

How old is Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Hudson-Odoi is 22 years of age so should be playing football on a regular basis and entering some of the prime stages of his career, but that’s not the case because his future is extremely uncertain having been sent out on an unsuccessful loan to Bayer Leverkusen last season.

England’s former international’s contract is also set to expire in less than a year meaning that this window is Mauricio Pochettino’s ideal opportunity to cash in, something which looks likely considering he’s told chiefs that he wants to leave, whilst being yet to communicate with his manager since taking to the dugout.

The Blues’ left-winger already holds an existing connection to Steve Cooper having worked under him during his time with the Three Lions’ U17s, and The Evening Standard recently reported that the Reds had entered the running to sign him, alongside Everton and Fulham.

The Cottagers were believed to be leading the race, but with that move having since collapsed, the contest has really opened up, giving his other potential suitors a chance to swoop him, and there’s a possibility that he could be on his way to The City Ground.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Callum Hudson-Odoi?

According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are "emerging as favourites" to sign Hudson-Odoi, with Chelsea "open" to sanctioning his sale before the end of the window.

With Fulham and now also Everton's move for the attacker having "stalled", this leaves the "path clear" for Cooper to form a reunion with his ex-international starlet.

The Stamford Bridge academy product also had his brother, who is his agent, as an "interested observer" watching on from the stands at last week's match vs Sheffield United, further sparking speculation that he could be joining in the coming weeks.

How good is Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Nottingham Forest will know that Hudson-Odoi hasn’t been given a fair chance to prove what he’s capable of at Chelsea, but Cooper will know just how much potential he has to offer having previously been dubbed a “monster of a talent” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, and he could the perfect manager to restart his career.

The Wandsworth-born talent has posted 89 goal contributions (48 goals and 41 assists) in 208 appearances since bursting onto the scene and could provide the boss with excellent versatility with his ability to operate everywhere across the frontline, alongside three roles in the midfield, as per Transfermarkt, making him a great option to have available should any unexpected injuries occur.

Pochettino’s £180k-per-week earner also knows what it takes to compete and be successful having helped to win five senior trophies for his boyhood club, including the likes of the Champions League, Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup, so he could bring a much-needed winning mentality to the Midlands to achieve a place as high as possible in the table this season.

Celtic will "try to the end" for one highly-rated player in particular this summer, as journalist Rudy Galetti provides a key update.

Is Dominik Livakovic joining Celtic?

While The Bhoys transfer window may have gotten underway in perhaps the worst way possible with the departure of the incredibly dynamic and engaging Jota leaving Celtic Park for the Saudi Pro League's riches, things have started to look up for Brendan Rodgers' side.

The contract extensions given to Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, along with the signings of several new and exciting players, have given the club a real boost as the season gets underway in Scotland. However, there are still areas of the team that could be improved upon, including the goalkeeper.

The number one the Hoops have been chasing for much of this window is Dinamo Zagreb stopper Livakovic. However, with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbache were days away from securing the Croat's signature last month, it looked like any hope of a deal was off.

However, in the month since the sides reportedly agreed on a deal, the Croatian international has remained in Zagreb, making five appearances for the club he was supposed to be leaving.

This stalemate between the two sides could work in Celtic's favour, and according to journalist Rudy Galetti, the Glaswegian Giants are looking to take "advantage" of the current situation.

What has journalist Rudy Galetti said about Dominik Livakovic to Celtic?

Galetti confirmed that whilst the Hoops are looking for a new left-back, they are also working to capitalise on the stalemate between Fenerbahce and Zagreb, even if it's proving to be "complicated."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Celtic are working for a new left-back and started contact with LOSC Lille for Gabriel Gudmundsson.

"Celtic need to sign a new goalkeeper as well, and they are trying to take advantage of the stalemate between Fenerbahce and Dinamo Zagreb for Livakovic. It's a complicated option, but Celtic will try to the end for him."

How old is Dominik Livakovic

Born January 9th, 1995, in Zadar, Croatia, the 28-year-old, who has been described as a potential "wonderful" signing, is certainly a player who, whilst never playing for a club outside of his home country, has shown himself to be a classy operator.

So far, the Dinamo Zagreb star has made 45 appearances for the Croatian national team and became something of a national hero for his unbelievable performances at the World Cup last year.

The 6 foot 2 shot-stopper made seven appearances in the competition, conceding an average of just one goal a game, making 3.6 saves per game and preventing 3.52 goals a game, all while averaging a match rating of 7.33, per Sofascore.

However, his best performance – and probably the best goalkeeping performance of the entire tournament – came in their quarter-final tie against one of the competition favourites, Brazil.

Over the course of the game, the Selecao forced him into making 11 saves, which was the most saves a Croatian keeper has ever had to make in a World Cup match as well as the most saves any keeper had to make in a World Cup game since Tim Howard in 2014 against Belgium, per the Analyst.

He was also the key man when the game came down to penalties, winning the game for the 2018 runners-up by saving Rodrygo's spot kick.

His exploits were greatly appreciated by manager Zlatko Dalic who heaped praise on him following the game, saying:

"But he made the difference for us through the whole match. Brazil created some chances through their quality and speed but he prevented goals because he was in top shape – he was there in the crucial moments to save us."

Whilst Livakovic's lack of club football outside of Croatia may worry some potential suitors, his performances at the World Cup should be evidence enough of his sheer quality and were Rodgers and Celtic able to get this deal over the line, it could go a long way in helping them keep hold of the title for another year.

Fast bowler Al-Amin Hossain has been reported for a suspect bowling action in the Bangladesh Premier League. Al-Amin’s wicket of Ariful Haque in the 15th over of the match between Khulna Titans and Comilla Victorians on November 28 had raised suspicion.He will now have 14 days to respond to the BCB’s bowling action review committee, but can continue to bowl until then.”Al-Amin was reported for one delivery from the November 28 game,” Jalal Yunus, the BPL chairman and technical committee head, said. “The next step would be as per ICC’s rulings in these cases. Al-Amin’s bowling action will be reviewed after 14 days.”This is not the first time that Al-Amin’s bowling action has been in question. He had been reported in August 2014 and after a test in the ICC-accredited centre in Chennai, he was cleared by the ICC in November 2014.In the previous BPL season, Kevon Cooper and Arafat Sunny were pulled up for suspect actions. However, both bowlers are now playing in the league this season.

تسلم فيل فودين، لاعب فريق مانشستر سيتي، جائزة أفضل لاعب في إنجلترا من قِبل رابطة كتاب كرة القدم، وذلك لعام 2024.

وحصل فودين على أعلى نسبة تصويت، في تلك الجائزة، بنسبة بلغت 42%.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مانشستر سيتي يُعلن غياب لاعبًا هامًا حتى نهاية الموسم

ونال فودين الجائزة مساء الخميس، حيث تعهد بإمكانية أن يتحسن أكثر مما يؤدي حاليًا، إلى جانب تحقيق المزيد من النجاح مع مانشستر سيتي.

وقال فودين في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “إندبندنت” الإنجليزية: “أنا سعيد بأدائي والآن هناك دفعة أخيرة يوم الأحد، مباراة أخرى متبقية لمحاولة الفوز بالدوري وأنا سعيد حقًا بالأداء وكيف يلعب الفريق”.

وأضاف: “أنا سعيد للغاية من أجل أولئك الذين رافقوني في رحلتي، والمشجعين الذين دعموني، وأولئك الذين ساعدوني، وفوزي بهذه الجائزة يعني الكثير بالنسبة لي”.

وواصل: “إنه يظهر فقط إلى أي مدى وصلت، بالنظر إلى رحلتي، وإظهار أنه ممكن للأطفال الآخرين، أشعر بشعور خاص جدًا بالنسبة لي حيث كنت طفلاً عندما التحقت بالأكاديمية وألعب الآن مع نجوم عالميين، أنا أحصل على المكافآت التي عملت بجد من أجلها”.

وتابع: “ما زلت أبلغ من العمر 23 عامًا فقط، وهناك الكثير في المستقبل، كما أن العمل مع بيب الذي بالنسبة لي هو أفضل مدرب في العالم سيساعدني فقط”.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has been told how much they will need to pay to land one of his main targets in the forward areas.

What's the news on Mathias Kvistgaarden?

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic will have to pay a fee in the region of £4 million to snap up Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden before the transfer window slams shut, coming after their interest in the player emerged over the weekend.

The Hoops are 'weighing up' a move for the Denmark Under-21 international; however, it remains to be seen whether Brondby will be willing to let go of the 21-year-old after losing attacker Simon Hedlund to Elfsborg, as 'sources in the country claim they won’t let him go on the cheap'.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland via 67 Hail Hail in the aftermath of Celtic's 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup, Hoops boss Rodgers has signalled his intention to bring in some further offensive reinforcements, stating: "Hopefully [there is transfer activity]. I think you can see we need that quality. We’ve had quality go out of the building, so we definitely need that quality in. But the club will work very, very hard to get the players in that can improve us and make us better. That’s something we’ll do over the period of time between now and the close of the window."

Celtic have confirmed six signings across the window in the form of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Odin Thiago Holm, Yang Hyun-jun, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Marco Tilio and Maik Nawrocki, as per Transfermarkt.

Celtic manager Rodgers also elaborated last week on Daizen Maeda's role in the side and potential emergence as a central striking option, which could cool rumours linking the club with another forward, as per Mailplus, stating: "There is a reason he plays as a central striker for Japan, and over the course of pre-season he was excellent. Obviously, we’ve got Oh as well and Kyogo, but there are only so many you can keep happy. Normally, strikers want to play."

Who else could Celtic sign?

Kvistgaarden would certainly fit the bill of a young talent with potential and sell-on value that Celtic could look to maximise if he were to move to Glasgow and become a smash hit.

Over the course of his time in Brondby's senior set-up, the 21-year-old has featured 65 times in all competitions, registering 15 goals and seven assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Optimising the recruitment of youthful stars with room for development will be one priority for Rodgers between now and the end of the window at Celtic; however, it looks as if the Irishman could be set to turn to a familiar face to beef up his options on the flanks.

Journalist Alan Nixon has claimed on Patreon that Celtic and Southampton are both keen on Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts, who is in the final year of his deal at the Stadium of Light.

Formerly on loan at Celtic, Roberts spent two-and-a-half seasons in Glasgow, racking up over 70 appearances for the Scottish giants and could now be set to reunite with his former boss.

Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser and Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Daniel Podence are also mooted to be targets for Celtic in the final stages of market activity.

Alastair Cook said he was proud to have showcased once again his ability to “go to the well” in recording his 32nd Test century

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Dec-2017Alastair Cook admitted he was “hurt and frustrated” that his return to form with the bat had come too late to rescue England’s hopes of defending the Ashes, but conceded he was proud to have showcased once again his ability to “go to the well” in recording his 32nd Test century.Cook, who had come into the match with a total of 83 runs in six previous innings, finished the second day of the fourth Test at Melbourne on 104 not out, having become the first overseas batsman since India’s Sunil Gavaskar to record a century on each of Australia’s five main Test grounds.”It was an amazing moment personally after my well-documented struggles,” Cook told reporters before the start of the third day’s play. “It’s frustrating it has come after the series is done, which hurts me even more in one sense, but there is a relief that when it got really tough I managed to dig in and score some runs.”Cook, England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, is playing in his 151st Test at Melbourne, and has not missed a single match in the past 11 years of his career. However, with England 3-0 down in the Ashes, and with his personal form under particular scrutiny, he recognised that he had been under an extra degree of pressure going into this latest innings.”It’s always a test isn’t it?” he said. “You have to keep going to the well and digging yourself out of it sometimes, certainly when you bat like me and are never the most fluent. It’s hard work and you have to keep doing it.”There are times when it is tough because you are playing the best cricketers in the world, constantly under some pressure, and some days it is their day. But if you fight through those periods … when I went to bed I was proud because a couple of times in my career I have been questioned and been able to respond with some runs.”By the standards of some of Cook’s most doughty innings – many of which came on the 2010-11 tour of Australia – this latest century was one of his more free-flowing, featuring a plethora of drives through the covers and down the ground, as well as a final-over gallop to three figures as he capitalised on a loose over of legspin from Australia’s captain, Steve Smith.”When you’re averaging 13 there is no point dying wondering,” he said. “What is the worst that can happen? You can get a low score and get left out – that’s the worst that can happen I suppose – but it’s amazing what can happen, more crisp footwork, more intent and suddenly you get away.”You can forget, when batting, that the first 30 minutes can feel like the longest time, then the next minute you’ve been batting for four hours. It’s a strange sport, it’s probably why it drives you mad.”Cook, who turned 33 on Christmas Day, has been the subject of understandable speculation in the course of his fallow tour, with some pundits querying whether he still possessed the drive to keep grinding out the runs in adversity. And while he didn’t entirely silence the questions about how much longer he intends to keep going, he has at least ensured that the decision is not about to be taken out of his own hands.”It’s the same as every time people ask me about my future,” he said. “It’s about trying to score runs to win games of cricket for England. Unfortunately in this series I haven’t been good enough and ultimately that hurts because you want to play well in the big games and do something special.”It’s been so frustrating, you do keep asking yourself questions. We haven’t played well enough as a team and I haven’t scored enough runs in the first three games. Whether it’s too late, I don’t know – certainly it is for the series – but we’ve got a chance to win this game, and it was nice to respond with a good score yesterday.”When it’s all done, whenever that is, I can look back on that part of my career and know that when it has got tough I haven’t thrown in the towel.”

Delhi bowlers kept taking wickets on a batting-friendly surface to take the early advantage on the first day of their semi-final in Pune

The Report by Arun Venugopal in Pune17-Dec-2017Sudip Chatterjee continued his prolific run with a fifty•PTI

Bengal found themselves in positions of strength on more than one occasion but found ways to squander their advantage every time on the opening day of the semi-final against Delhi in Pune. Bengal finished the day on a wobbly 269 for 7 after electing to bat on a batting-friendly surface at the Maharashtra Cricket Association. Four of their batsmen produced solid starts without translating them into more defining contributions. The dismissals of top-scorer Sudip Chatterjee (83) and the captain Manoj Tiwary (30) to Manan Sharma’s left-arm spin in the space of two overs in the last session stifled Bengal’s momentum at a time when they appeared set for a sizeable first-innings total. Bengal eventually lost four wickets for 82 runs after tea.Seamer Navdeep Saini was the standout bowler for Delhi, frequently harrying the batsmen with pace northwards of 140 kph apart from swinging the ball occasionally. He struck the first blow for Delhi when he pinged opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who had racked up two centuries in the quarter-finals against Gujarat, in front in the fourth over. Saini pitched one up that swerved in and hit Easwaran on the back leg to leave Bengal on 8 for 1. With some confident stroke-making, though, Sudip and opener Abhishek Raman (36) ensured Delhi couldn’t build on the early advantage. Even as Sudip accumulated runs with bunts and nurdles, Raman remained the smooth operator. The drives were every bit smooth as they were incisive – a brace of boundaries off a Saini over, one through extra cover and one through midwicket, were the most eye-catching of his seven fours.While Raman survived a leg-before shout off left-arm spinner Vikas Mishra in the 17th over, he fell to the same bowler in his next over. Raman gave Mishra the charge and struck back forcefully but the bowler latched on to the return chance to end the 46-run stand. Writtick Chatterjee (47), fresh off a double century in the last match, resumed Bengal’s counterattack, and along with Sudip, added 78 runs for the third wicket. Writtick flicked and pulled with ease until a little after an hour in the second session, but his promising innings was nipped by seamer Vikas Tokas, whose perseverance was finally rewarded. In the middle of an energetic spell, Tokas constantly troubled the batsmen with his in-dippers. One such delivery found Writtick’s pads and the umpire rightly reckoned it would have crashed into the stumps.In another period of rebuilding, Bengal went to tea on 187 for 3 with Tiwary and Sudip raising a half-century stand. However, in the fourth over of the last session, Tiwary dashed out of the crease to Manan but his attempted slog went only as far as mid-on. With Manan not spinning the ball much, it went with the angle and found the inside half of Tiwary’s bat. Bengal were soon reduced to 209 for 5 when Manan, bowling from over the stumps, halted Sudip’s quest of his 11th first-class hundred. Seeing the ball pitched short and angling away, Sudip arched back to smack it past cover, but Unmukt Chand, the substitute, anticipated the trajectory of the ball quickly and dived to his right to complete a smart catch. The substitute fielders were kept busy as Gautam Gambhir went off the field frequently.Anustup Majumdar (32), who made three centuries in his last four innings, was living up to his form with forearm-powered whips, slog sweeps and drives. He raised 42 runs in the company of Shreevats Goswami, who might not have played the game had Wriddhiman Saha not been withdrawn with a fever. Just as when it looked like Bengal might see the day through with no further damage, Saini returned to strike with the second new ball, his 137 kph delivery beating Majumdar for pace to find the off stump. It didn’t help the batsman’s cause that he played inside the line of the delivery and left his off stump exposed.Exactly five overs later, it was the turn of another Delhi seamer – Kunal Khejroliya – to reap the rewards for his hardwork through the day. Khejroliya had frequently gone over the stumps to rough up the left-hand batting pair of Goswami and B Amit. With four balls remaining for stumps, Amit backed away in a premeditated effort and guided a short-pitched delivery straight down third man’s throat. In some ways, the shot mirrored the story of Bengal’s innings – promising but ultimately below par.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com um dos investimentos mais caros da Série B, o Avaí ainda não embalou na competição. Após sete jogos disputados, o time aparece na modesta 11ª colocação e precisa reagir o quanto antes.

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O próximo desafio será na sexta-feira, quando recebe a Ponte Preta na Ressacada e tem a missão de conquistar três pontos.

Para o duelo dentro de casa, uma das apostas é o atacante Gastón Rodríguez, que vive um bom momento e sonha com o time mais confiante dentro de campo.

‘Precisamos de confiança. Como digo, a confiança é tudo. Temos que fazer um gol quando estivermos no bom momento. A equipe vem trabalhando bem e é questão de ganhar confiança, de fazer as vitórias, acredito que a equipe pode jogar mais, pois o Avaí fez boas contratações e acredito também que vamos melhorar’, afirmou.

Avaí e Ponte Preta se enfrentam a partir das 19h15 (Horário de Brasília), na Ressacada.