Leeds United once again failed to take an opportunity to move to the top of the Championship table as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland on Tuesday night.

The Whites could have gone ahead of Leicester City, who were beaten 1-0 by Millwall on the night, but could not force the ball into the back of the net against the Black Cats.

They were not helped, however, by the referee missing a seemingly blatant handball from Luke O'Nien as the defender deflected a corner away from Joe Rodon's head with an outstretched arm.

Leeds cannot blame the referee for the rest of their performance, though, as they only created 0.56 xG worth of chances from a staggering 70% of the possession.

However, there were positives to come from the match and one was the performance of Junior Firpo at left-back, as the former Barcelona defender has now made himself undroppable for Daniel Farke with a series of fantastic displays.

Junior Firpo's Sunderland blinder

The left-footed whiz caught the eye with his excellent showing against the Black Cats at Elland Road, ending the game with a match-high Sofascore rating of 7.6.

He showcased his quality both in and out of possession, although his creativity was not on full display, throughout the game and must now retain his place whenever he is fit.

Sofascore rating

7.6

Duels won

11/18

Tackles

4

Interceptions

1

Clearances

1

As you can see in the table above, Firpo was dominant in his defensive duels, with 11 out of 18 won, as he rarely allowed the Sunderland players to get the better of him in physical contests.

The £30k-per-week dynamo also completed 100% (2/2) of his attempted dribbles to get out of danger when under pressure, in order to retain possession for Leeds.

He may, though, be disappointed to have ended the game with zero chances created for his teammates to break the deadlock on Wednesday night.

Junior Firpo's undroppable form

The Dominican Republic international was selected to be on the bench in the recent 2-2 draw with Watford after the international break, as Sam Byram started the game ahead of him at left-back.

Byram recorded a Sofascore rating of 7.1 and created one chance in his appearance on the left side of the defence, which was a solid outing from the former Norwich City man.

However, Firpo has since started the subsequent three Championship matches and earned Sofascore ratings of 7.7, 7.7, and 7.6 against Hull, Coventry, and Sunderland respectively.

In those three games, the impressive star provided four key passes – more than one per game – and created an eye-catching three 'big chances' for his teammates.

Byram, meanwhile, has only created one 'big chance' in 29 league matches for Leeds this season, which shows that he does not offer anywhere near as much creativity as Firpo.

The former Barcelona gem's fantastic creative work in recent games and his phenomenal defensive effort against Sunderland, in a blinder of a performance at left-back, is why he should now be undroppable for Farke when fit between now and the end of the season.

Barcelona could struggle to convince Euro 2024 star Nico Williams to join them from Athletic Club this summer.

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Williams not guaranteed to signBarcelona may have to reconsiderDeco trying to persuade wingerWHAT HAPPENED?

Signing Williams may not be as straightforward as first hoped. His €58 million release clause (£49m/$63m) represents value for a player of his ability, age and potential, but reports that the Euro 2024 winner is having doubts about linking up with Barcelona this year and could postpone the move by 12 months.

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After Hansi Flick and his playing squad flew to Orlando to begin a pre-season tour, sporting director Deco is reported to have stayed behind to persuade Williams to move this summer. Previous reports have suggested Barcelona are ready to trigger the release clause, although with the winger now not so sure, instead rate the chance of signing Dani Olmo higher.

DID YOU KNOW?

As a result of injuries, delayed returns and international duty, Flick is without as many as 10 first-team players in his first tour as Barcelona coach. Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati have not made the trip while they recover from various issues, while Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres are still on leave following Euro 2024. Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia and Fermin Lopez are also part of Spain's squad at the Olympics right now.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

If Williams really is doubting whether to join Barcelona this year, the club have a decision to make. Pursuing could end up being a waste of time when Flick's squad needs strengthening if the club are to have any chance of competing with Real Madrid.

Fans criticise Chelsea owners' decision to sell academy graduate Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid.

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• Fans slam owners for selling Gallagher
• Midfielder set to join Atletico Madrid
• Blues to receive €40m (£34.1m) for the England star

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per multiple reports, the Blues have agreed to sell Gallagher to Atletico Madrid for a transfer fee of €40m (£34.1m). The English midfielder, who verbally agreed to join the Spanish club, is all set to travel to Madrid on Monday to formally complete his move.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  The sale of Gallagher – a boyhood Chelsea fan and an academy graduate – did not go down well with the fans who slammed the club owners Todd Boehly and Co. on social media.

  A fan named Otunba wrote on X while responding to Fabrizio Romano's post about the transfer, "Chelsea owners will regret this."

  A handle named Crusz United reiterated the sentiment as he wrote, "Chelsea might regret losing Conor Gallagher."

  A fan named John Osaigbovo accused Boehly and Co. of making money out of the club instead of focusing on rebuilding the team as he wrote, "The entire Chelsea family will regret letting Conor Gallagher leave. The new owners are here for business sake and not interested in reshaping the club."

  A fan, with the handle named FPL Side Net Podcast, wrote, "I hope Conor absolutely smashes it over there. His treatment by the club has been nothing short of deplorable. For someone who did everything he could in his time to be treated as a commodity to balance books says more about the current ownership."

  Jeff, on the other hand, wrote, "The @ChelseaFC management is doing things in an unprofessional manner. This is not the legacy of our club! Conor Gallagher did not want to leave his boyhood club but you forced him to do so because of money! Boehly, Stewart and Winstanley are big mistakes in this great club!"

• (C) Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The midfielder is believed to have rejected a new contract at Stamford Bridge, where he was told he would be a squad player under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The terms failed to impress him and he decided against signing the new deal. He took a last-minute decision just before the deadline that was set by Atletico for the transfer.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Maresca's side will play their last friendly match of the United States tour on August 6 against Real Madrid before returning to the United Kingdom. They are scheduled to play their final pre-season friendly against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge before kicking off the new 2024/25 campaign with a match against reigning champions Manchester City

Derby County are very much dreaming of a Championship return at the end of this 46-game slog of a season, with the Rams beating fierce League One rivals Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at the weekend to tighten their grip on that coveted second automatic promotion spot.

Derby are now four points clear of the Trotters after leaving them in the dust at Pride Park, the fans packed into the home end in love with the set of players put together under Paul Warne after not-so-distant memories of the club nearly folding had troubled them.

Still, there's a whole plethora of talents from years gone by that are still very much in the hearts of those with connections to the promotion chasers who continued to shine even when times got ugly.

Casting an eye over those who have donned Derby white heroically in the 21st century, here is what an ideal Rams player would look like based on bits and pieces taken from top performers over the years…

1

Brain – Will Hughes

First up, possessing a great footballing brain is key to making it at the highest standard of football.

Will Hughes has seen that first hand since waving goodbye to Pride Park in 2017, going on to perform in the Premier League competently with both Watford and Crystal Palace.

The ex-Derby number 19 was never blessed with being able to score goals by the bucket load from the centre of the park but still managed to win supporters over with his stylish and calm displays all the same allowing the Rams to tick.

Hughes would bow out from Derbyshire tallying up 30 goals and assists in total from 187 appearances, with the now 28-year-old former youth product then relocating to Watford and then Palace in an aim to make it in the top-flight.

The 6 foot 1 midfielder is still in and around the Eagles' first-team set-up to this date, amassing 21 appearances this season as a relied-upon option who rarely puts a foot wrong.

2

Head – Richard Keogh

Although the centre-back trio at Pride Park currently in Sonny Bradley, Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin are often as solid as a rock, Derby fans will still hold Richard Keogh dear for his expertise in helping the Rams shut up shop in the past.

Keogh, who accumulated a staggering 356 appearances in the heart of defence for Derby before moving on to Huddersfield Town in 2022, was known to be a battler when it came to winning his fair share of aerial duels.

The decorated Rams servant would win 5.9 duels per game on average during the 2017/18 campaign – which saw Derby flirt with promotion to the top flight – with 3.5 aerial duels also managed that same season per match to show off his ability to be imposing and forceful.

The Irish centre-back would also chip in with 12 goals across his lengthy stay, immortalising himself as a hall-of-famer in the process.

3

Vision – Craig Bryson

Derby really have been blessed with silky central midfielders in recent memory, with current Manchester United flop Mason Mount starring on a loan spell from Chelsea for the Rams once upon a time alongside the aforementioned Hughes.

Yet, Craig Bryson's name could shine the brightest out of them all as an immensely talented former star.

Now retired at the age of 37, the Scotsman would notch up an impressive 246 appearances in the East Midlands with his eye for scoring and picking out a teammate with an assist second to none.

Bryson would be etched into Derby history for his pivotal contributions during the 2013/14 season, coming away from his fruitful 46 games that campaign with a combined goal and assist haul of 30.

In his prime, there was no one more trusted to come up trumps for Derby than this sparkling gem.

4

Strength – Fikayo Tomori

Going on to star in Italy with AC Milan in the present, Fikayo Tomori won't have forgotten his humble beginnings at Pride Park back in 2018 – the loan switch proving to be a formative experience that has since set him on the path to stardom.

Tomori's adoring supporters that same season he was on the books at Derby will still fondly recollect the ex-Chelsea's man time with the club too, with the now 26-year-old showcasing his brute strength to nullify any attackers in this path in the Championship even as a youngster.

The 6 foot 1 centre-back would pick up ten clean sheets from his 44 appearances, winning six duels on average per contest.

5

Hands – Scott Carson

Amazingly still on the roster at Manchester City as a reserve figure at 38 years of age, Scott Carson's hay day as a goalkeeper was arguably at Derby.

The former England international would be everpresent over the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons in the East Midlands, picking up a respectable 36 clean sheets along the way.

Commanding a certain level of authority in between the sticks as a shot-stopper who had tasted top-flight football before relocating to Derby, Carson was the textbook definition of a safe pair of gloves during his celebrated time at Pride Park.

6

Pace – Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

The first player listed from Warne's current selection of promotion chasers, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's pace from down the channels this season have been an effective calling card for his team in clutch moments.

Mendez-Laing's strike away at Exeter in the middle of February demonstrated his frightening burst of pace, racing through on the counter-attack with venom to slot home Derby's second goal in Devon.

Warne and Co have been blessed with the fact their ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man knows where the back of the net alongside being rapid, the 31-year-old onto nine goals for the campaign alongside 18 assists.

7

Right foot – Tom Lawrence

Tom Lawrence's golden right foot, whilst routinely hugging the left-hand flank for Derby, would catch so many teams off-guard when the current Rangers man was still at Pride Park.

His knack of scoring blinding strikes at crucial times would see him accumulate 37 goals from 185 games in Rams white, often attempting the audacious and having it pay off.

Derby fans will still hate the fact Lawrence would leave Pride Park on a free transfer after being so important, but they will always cherish how impactful he once was.

8

Left foot – Louie Sibley

Derby fans will know that there could soon come a time where Louie Sibley is the next on the conveyor belt of homegrown talents to leave the building, with the 22-year-old's adaptability at filling gaps in the team making him a much-loved asset for Warne.

Sibley has starred down the left wing this season where he feels most comfortable, scoring against Port Vale earlier this month from this spot to help the Rams thump their lowly opponents 3-0.

Whilst the likes of Mendez-Laing and James Collins have stolen the headlines for the League One side, Sibley has been equally as crucial in Derby striving to win promotion, with seven goals and three assists thus far.

Zak Crawley reaches maiden Test fifty before mini collapse has tourists four down at the close

The Report by Valkerie Baynes24-Jan-2020England’s inexperienced openers brought an air of calm after a chaotic start to the fourth and final Test, but a batting collapse after tea ensured the day continued on a dramatic path.It was an eventful opening day before, during and potentially after play.As if there wasn’t already enough riding on this match, with England closing in on a series triumph and South Africa desperate to salvage something from a tumultuous week that started with an innings defeat at Port Elizabeth, included a confused changing of the guard in the one-day side and ended – if Faf du Plessis had his way – with the captain pleading tunnel vision when it came to answering any more questions about his uncertain Test future.Rain wiped out the first session and, when word finally came through that a 1.20pm start time was in sight, the players began warming up in the outfield. That’s when England’s turmoil began.Jofra Archer, expected to make his return from the elbow injury that ruled him out of the previous two matches after sending down thunderbolts in the nets this week, bowled a few balls and then made a bee-line for the team doctor clutching his arm. He was promptly ruled out of contention, Joe Root claiming upon winning the toss and electing to bat first that the team couldn’t be confident their star quick could make it through the match.Chris Woakes was called into the side and Mark Wood was called upon to play back-to-back Tests for the first time since 2017 as England, understandably, opted for an all-out seam attack at the Wanderers, leaving Dom Bess out despite his five-wicket haul in Port Elizabeth. Horses for courses.So it was that new opening pair Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley set about compiling England’s first century opening stand since December 2016.Playing just his fourth Test, Crawley continued his steady progress since making his debut in New Zealand in November. After scores of 1, 4, 25 and 44, Crawley – who turns 22 early next month – settled in nicely. A flourish through the covers, a thump through midwicket and a commanding straight drive brought him 12 runs off a poor Dwaine Pretorius over and took him to 45 not out, before he brought up his maiden Test fifty with a thick outside edge through point from the first ball of Pretorius’ next over.His knock wasn’t completely smooth, however. Crawley was struck flush on the helmet, right next to the badge, by a ripping 149kph / 93mph delivery from Anrich Nortje not long after bringing up his half-century. He was assessed for concussion and deemed fit to continue as he and Sibley took England to tea on 100 without loss.Earlier, Sibley had survived being caught sharply by Temba Bavuma at gully for 12 when umpire Joel Wilson correctly called a no-ball on the retiring bowler Vernon Philander, who had overstepped. England were 41 without loss at the time.South Africa had been lacklustre throughout the extended session to tea but when they returned after the break, they made things happen.Debutant quick Beuran Hendricks, in the side for Kagiso Rabada who was suspended for an overly robust wicket celebration in Port Elizabeth, made the breakthrough when he had Sibley out, strangled down the leg side for 44.Crawley followed a short time later when he, like Sibley, offered an non-committal shot and was caught by Rassie van der Dussen at slip, delivering Philander his first wicket of his farewell Test.That had England at 116 for 2 but their wobble didn’t stop there, the tourists ultimately losing 4 for 50 when Joe Denly edged a Dane Paterson outswinger to van der Dussen and Ben Stokes fell in similar fashion, lured into an attempted drive by Nortje and edging to van der Dussen, again at slip.The theatre continued as Stokes became involved in an angry verbal exchange with a spectator as he walked off and he could yet be called to answer questions from the match referee. After bad light ended play early, Stokes could be seen chatting to members of the crowd and signing autographs on the boundary.The fact that the day ended with honours pretty much even had appeared so unlikely on the basis of South Africa’s performance earlier in the day. That they found some fight was encouraging for their fans after du Plessis suggested this could be his final Test on home soil amid speculation over his playing future.The intrigue deepended for them when Quinton de Kock was named captain of the ODI side for the upcoming series with England and du Plessis was omitted altogether with uncertainty over whether it was a permanent change. Graeme Smith, South Africa’s director of cricket, later confirmed it was the first step in their succession plan and du Plessis would not be reinstated as leader, should he return to the side.So, with plenty going on off the field – for both sides – the stage is set for more twists and turns on it.

Everton are reportedly interested in completing the signing of a prolific young attacking player who has been likened to Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka.

Everton facing chaotic period

The Blues have so much on their plate at the moment, with Sean Dyche's side battling for their Premier League survival amid chaos off the pitch. There is still the looming threat of another points deduction for Everton, following Nottingham Forest's recent four-point penalty, and there is also the potential takeover of the club to deal with.

Away from all of that, the Merseysiders also continue to be linked with possible new signings, and Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati has emerged as a hugely exciting target, in what could be a swap deal involving Amadou Onana this summer.

The attacker has been on loan at Brighton this season, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Xavi last year, but he admittedly hasn't lit up the Premier League, scoring just twice in 15 appearances. At 21, there is still so much more to come, however, and he could become a crowd favourite with his pace and trickery out wide.

Former Celtic talent Karamoko Dembele has also been backed to head to Goodison Park, having been linkened to Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah across Stanley Park. There is also the potential for Jack Harrison's loan move from Leeds United to become a permanent one at the end of the current campaign, having done enough this season to justify being retained beyond May.

Everton preparing offer for Saka-esque star

According to a new update from Football Insider, Everton are keen on signing Arsenal youngster Omari Benjmain at the end of the season. The 18-year-old will be released by the Gunners in the summer, meaning he will be available on a free transfer.

The report goes on to state that the attacker "had a spell on trial at Everton since learning his fate and a well-placed source has told Football Insider that he has impressed Toffees chiefs", adding that he "has the potential to operate at Premier League level in future". An offer is now being prepared for him.

Benjamin would very much be considered a long-term signing rather than someone who would come straight in as a key player, but he is an exciting talent who could still have a massive future in the game.

The Welshman has been compared to Arsenal hero Saka, which immediately speaks volumes about his style of play and quality on the flanks, and he has been prolific for the Gunners' Under-18s, scoring 18 times in just 31 appearances, as well as chipping in with four assists.

Arsenal Under-21s

6

0

Arsenal Under-18s

31

18

Wales Under-19s

5

1

Wales Under-18s

1

0

Wales Under-17s

7

3

Wales Under-16s

1

0

Benjamin has also been capped a total of 14 times at youth team level of Wales, and if Dyche sees him as a player who he can mould into something special, he would be worth taking a punt on, especially as he would come in on a free.

حرص الجهاز الطبي لـ منتخب مصر الأول، على التحرك بشكل عاجل لمتابعة تفاصيل إصابة مدافع الفراعنة والمحترف ضمن صفوف فريق نيس الفرنسي محمد عبد المنعم.

وكان عبد المنعم قد تم استبعاده من مباراة نيس مباراة تفينتي في الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري الأوروبي.

حازم إمام يفجر مفاجأة: لم أدخل اتحاد الكرة منذ 7 أشهر

وجاء استبعاد عبد المنعم بسبب الإصابة، إذ شعر بألم خلف ركبته اليسرى أمس في التدريبات الجماعية.

وعلم “بطولات” أن الجهاز الطبي لمنتخب مصر قد طلب تقريرًا طبيًا من نادي نيس الفرنسي، لمعرفة تفاصيل إصابة محمد عبد المنعم، وتحديد موقفه من معسكر نوفمبر.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لخوض معسكرًا في نوفمبر الجاري، خلال فترة التوقف الدولية المقبلة.

ويتضمن معسكر منتخب مصر إقامة مباراتين أمام الرأس الأخضر وبوتسوانا في الجولتين الخامسة والسادسة من تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.

Glasgow Rangers failed to secure all three points in what was a crucial Old Firm derby on Sunday, but they still remain in control of their own Premiership title destiny after the 3-3 draw.

If they can win their remaining seven games – including a clash against Celtic at Parkhead – then the Light Blues will claim their first league title since 2021, completing a remarkable turnaround from where they were at the end of September.

If they play like they did during the first half on Sunday, however, Philippe Clement will have to wait until next season to get his hands on the title, as the performance was abysmal, which is putting it politely.

The right side of the defence was targeted time and time again with plenty of success – Daizen Maeda opening the scoring from that channel – and the Gers were lucky to go into the interval just two goals down.

The team talk delivered by the Belgian clearly worked wonders as they put in a more astute second-half display, scoring three legitimate goals, which included a last-minute screamer by Rabbi Matondo.

Despite a much-improved performance during the second 45 minutes, several players were underwhelming, with Fabio Silva one who failed to offer much going forward.

Fabio Silva’s performance in numbers vs Celtic

The Portuguese forward will be remembered for his theatrics following every foul, rather than his actual performance.

Silva was fouled three times during his time on the pitch, with each accompanied by a series of rolls on the ground, exaggerating everything.

He did win the penalty in the second half, which James Tavernier converted, yet even John Beaton cautioned him for simulation before VAR intervened and overturned his decision.

Silva had two shots on target, missed a big chance and completed just nine passes in what was a lackadaisical performance against Celtic.

The on-loan Wolves starlet also lost possession 16 times in just 69 minutes, while winning only four of the ten duels he contested, being bullied off the ball more often than not.

Fabio Silva vs Celtic

Goals

0

Assists

0

Accurate passes

9/17

Total duels (won)

10 (4)

Possession lost

16

Via Sofascore

It was his first ever Old Firm experience, yet the 21-year-old couldn’t quite cope with the pressure as he was replaced with Rabbi Matondo with 20 minutes remaining.

Fabio Silva’s stats since joining Rangers

Prior to the game, Silva had been one of the Gers' finer performers of late, especially as he was deputising for the injured Abdallah Sima on the left wing.

In his first 14 games for the Ibrox side, he scored four goals and proved to be a real menace out wide, giving Clement an extra attacking option.

He may have even added to his goal tally in the top flight, missing five big chances, while the forward averages 1.9 shots, succeeds with 0.5 dribbles and averages 0.6 key passes per match.

On Sunday, however, Silva’s performance was dismal and with a big clash against Dundee on Wednesday evening – giving the Gers a chance of moving two points ahead of Celtic – some changes will be required to the starting XI, absolutely no doubt about that.

Matondo definitely deserves a chance from the first whistle after netting a sublime equaliser, but it is Sima – the replacement for Scott Wright against Celtic – who has proven he is undroppable after his cameo appearance.

Abdallah Sima cameo vs Celtic in numbers

The winger made his return to the first team for the clash against Hibs last weekend, coming on for the final ten minutes in a bid to give him some much-needed minutes on the pitch.

He had missed the previous 13 games due to suffering a hamstring injury while away on international duty with Senegal, but it looks as though he has recovered in time for the climax of the season.

Sima offered a sense of urgency when he came on every time the Gers were attacking, something that Silva couldn’t quite grasp during the first half.

He attempted two dribble attempts, but failed with both while delivering three crosses during the second period as the Light Blues began to slowly get into the game.

With the score still 2-1 to Celtic, Dujon Sterling pounced on a poor pass from Callum McGregor to create a chance, with the ball eventually ending up with Sima, who struck a delicious shot which took a deflection into the net.

It was another goal to add to his collection since joining on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer, with his second-half performance surely convincing Clement that he must be unleashed from the start against Dundee.

Abdallah Sima’s statistics at Rangers

His goal against Celtic was Sima’s 16th of a wonderful campaign, with more to come over the remaining seven Premiership matches, hopefully.

It isn’t just his goals that have made him one of the club’s most dangerous attacking options. When compared to his teammates in the top flight, Sima currently ranks third for shots (2.8) along with ranking first for successful dribbles (1.4) per game, showcasing his talents on the wing throughout the season.

In two previous meetings with Dundee, the 22-year-old has scored once and registered an assist, particularly impressing in the 3-1 at Ibrox in December.

Along with his goal, Sima won a penalty, succeeded with two of his three dribble attempts, managed four total shots, and won ten of his 12 aerial duels contested during the match.

A complete display and there is no doubt he can terrorise their backline once again should he be unleashed in the starting XI.

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The Senegal international has clearly worked hard to get back to full fitness following a few months out, but it looks as if he hasn’t been away at all, especially judging by his display in the Old Firm match.

Dropping to the bench may stand Silva in good stead, giving him a rest ahead of a clash against Ross County in the highlands on the weekend, where Clement will need every one of his players firing on all cylinders.

Another goal or two by Sima on Wednesday will see Gers leave Dundee with all three points, with Premiership glory in their own hands.

The story of this series will most likely be told in how much better the visitors are at dealing with familiar challenges

The Preview by Daniel Brettig11-Dec-2019

Nathan Lyon roars an appeal•AFP

Big PictureExpectations were high for New Zealand this time four years ago. Led by Brendon McCullum and boasting an impressive recent record, they arrived in Australia hopeful of a first Test series win across the Tasman since 1985, against a home team starting out in the wake of a raft of retirements at the end of an unsuccessful 2015 Ashes tour.Save for a high scoring draw at the WACA Ground, the visitors were to head home defeated and disappointed, unable to get the wickets they needed on docile surfaces and winkled out one by one by Australia’s taller, faster bowling attack with help from Nathan Lyon. A similar tale was to be told in New Zealand early the following year.In 2019, New Zealand’s leadership has been passed on to Kane Williamson, and if anything the record they bring to Australia this time around is still more compelling, ranked No. 2 to India in Tests and World Cup finalists for the second consecutive 50-over tournament in England this year.ALSO READ: New Zealand brace for ‘most extreme’ Test in PerthYet the same questions asked of New Zealand in 2015 remain to be asked by many of the same performers. David Warner, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon are all arguably better cricketers now than they were then, bolstered by the subsequent inclusion and exploits of Pat Cummins. Equally the supporting cast looks to be a strong one, whether Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3, the captain Tim Paine behind the stumps, or a mature Matthew Wade marshalling the middle order.One of the significant factors that held New Zealand back in 2015 was that Trent Boult was not at his best following injury, and he finds himself in similar territory this time around. One potential difference is the pace and aggression of Lockie Ferguson, who might be capable of adding the spice that appeared missing four years ago. Either way, New Zealand will have fresh memories of 2015 as they contemplate Perth Stadium, and the story of this series will most likely be told in how much better they are at dealing with familiar challenges.Form guideAustralia WWLWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand DWWLWIn the spotlightUnstoppable, that’s what David Warner is. In laying waste to Pakistan, and setting a new record for Australia’s highest score against a consistently active Test nation, he has banished many of the doubts lingering in his own mind after a horrific Ashes tour. New Zealand will present a different and likely more strident challenge, able to use more rigorous lines, lengths and fields in an attempt to corral Warner and stop him from using a vast array of shots and seemingly inexhaustible fitness level to dishearten bowlers and give Australia a head start to the innings. After all the many other partners tried for him over the past three years, Warner is back with the opener with whom he successfully confronted New Zealand in 2015-16, Joe Burns.It seems a cruel joke of fate that Trent Boult would find himself fighting to recover from injury in time for a Test series in Australia, having gone through a not dissimilar battle in 2015 and then struggled to produce his best at a time of most need as a result. At his sharpest, swiftest and swingingest, Boult is capable of creating the kinds of angles and problems to confound the very very best batsmen, which is more or less exactly who he will be confronting in Warner and Smith. But even if Boult is not quite at his peak, his experience and counsel will be critical to New Zealand’s chances of success. Even more so should they hand the pace baton over to Ferguson, who has pace to burn but would have to overcome the mental hurdles of entry into Test cricket on what, in Perth, will literally be the hottest stage imaginable.Team newsAustralia are set to be unchanged for the third consecutive Test, a level of stability undreamed of 12 months ago.Australia 1 David Warner, 2 Joe Burns, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Matthew Wade, 7 Tim Paine (capt & wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh HazlewoodLockie Ferguson may only make his Test debut for New Zealand if Trent Boult is not passed fit to play.New Zealand (probable): 1 Tom Latham, 2 Jeet Raval, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Trent Boult/Lockie Ferguson, 11 Neil Wagner.ALSO READ: ‘Hopefully there’s some pace and bounce’ – Langer makes Perth Test pitchPitch and conditionsThe Perth Stadium pitch has plenty of grass on top and some moisture underneath, but in the prevailing conditions – temperatures are expected to hit 40C in Perth on each of the first four days – there is the likelihood of deterioration and cracking on a surface baked hard by the sun.Stats and Trivia Though they are yet to play at Perth Stadium, New Zealand boast a more than creditable record in the west. In seven matches at the WACA Ground, they have lost only twice. They were victorious once, in 1985, lost twice in 1980 and 1997, and secured draws in 1989, 1993, 2001 and 2015. While currently in 17th place on the list of all-time run-makers in Tests between Australia and New Zealand with 784 runs, David Warner could climb all the way to second place behind Allan Border should he maintain the sort of prolific form he managed against Pakistan. A tally of 500 runs for the series would drive him beyond all others. Ross Taylor (13th, with 834 runs) is the only other current player thereabouts. Steve Smith needs 97 runs to surpass Greg Chappell (7110) on Australia’s all-time run-makers list.

It's been a rough couple of years for Chelsea Football Club, a couple of years that have seen them stuck in midtable mediocrity despite spending absurd amounts of money on promising young players.

That said, Todd Boehly and Co have also recouped a reasonably sizeable sum of money through player sales in that time, although one Frank Lampard signing has yet to be sold.

The star's value has plunged in recent years and is now worth even less than Trevoh Chalobah.

Hakim Ziyech's time at Chelsea

Yes, the flop in question is Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech, who agreed to join Lampard's Blues in a £33m deal in February 2020 before moving to the club a few months later.

There was a lot of excitement around the deal, as the Dronten-born ace had been scintillating for Ajax in the years prior. For example, in the 2019/20 campaign, he scored nine goals and provided 20 assists in 35 appearances.

However, his brilliant form didn't carry over to England, and in his first season in Blue, he returned just six goals and four assists in 39 appearances and missed 14 games through injury.

While his second season at Stamford Bridge was not bad, it was just as underwhelming as his first. In 44 games, the 5 foot 11 wideman scored eight goals and provided six assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 3.1 games.

Unfortunately for all involved, it wasn't third time lucky, as the 2022/23 campaign saw the left-footed ace lose his place in the first team and return his worst haul yet: just three assists in 24 appearances.

Season

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

Appearances

39

44

24

Goals

6

8

0

Assists

4

6

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.25

0.31

0.12

At this point, it was crystal clear that the former Ajax star had no future with the Pensioners.

After a permanent move away from the team failed to materialise in the summer, he was sent to Galatasaray on loan, where it would be fair to say things have gone from bad to worse.

Hakim Ziyech's valuation this season

It really has been a disaster of a season for the 31-year-old this year.

A succession of injuries has seen him miss a whopping 26 games for club and country, and when he has played, he has once again been underwhelming.

Appearances

17

Goals

4

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.41

The tricky winger has made 17 appearances for the Turkish giants so far, in which he has scored four goals and provided three assists, a return that has done little for his valuation.

In fact, the player who once cost the Blues £33m is now valued at just €9.5m by Transfermarkt, which converts to around £8m, or a £25m loss.

The 60-capped international is now worth even less than the injury-prone Chalobah, who has made just eight first-team appearances under Pochettino this season. Transfermarkt values the defender at €13m, which is around £11m, or £3m more than the once dynamic winger.

Ultimately, with just a year left on Ziyech's Chelsea contract at the end of this season, the club simply must sell him this summer and get what they can for a player who has been a flop in west London.

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