Man Utd now keen on £20m+ Gomes alternative who just assisted at Old Trafford

Manchester United have now joined the race to sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who recently put in an impressive performance at Old Trafford.

Man Utd stepping up pursuit of new midfielder

Man United have set out to sign a new central midfielder in the January transfer window, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is the object of their desires, with it recently being revealed the 24-year-old has said ‘yes’ to a move to Old Trafford.

INEOS are now working on a deal for the Wolves star, with David Ornstein revealing the Old Gold may choose to cash-in during the January transfer window, as his value may decrease if they are a Championship club by the time summer comes around.

The need to bring in a new central midfielder may also be exacerbated if Kobbie Mainoo moves on, with it now emerging that talks over the 20-year-old signing a contract extension have been put on hold, amid interest from reigning Serie A champions Napoli.

However, it would be understandable if Wolves were unwilling to sell Gomes, given that he has been one of their key players this season and remains contracted until 2030, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for a potential alternative.

That is according to a report from talkSPORT, which names Man United as potential suitors for Everton midfielder James Garner, who is also being targeted by Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.

The Toffees have little interest in sanctioning a departure, however, and have recently stepped up talks over a new contract, with Garner’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

David Moyes is personally keen to keep hold of the central midfielder, and it is no surprise, given that he recently played an instrumental role in his side’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

Garner impresses in shock Everton win at Old Trafford

After Idrissa Gueye was shown a red card for an altercation with teammate Michael Keane on Monday night, United would’ve been expecting to take all three points, but they were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game just before the half-an-hour mark, with Garner grabbing the assist, while also making three interceptions and one clearance to keep Ruben Amorim’s side at bay.

Man Utd have advantage over Chelsea in race for "midfield sensation" Assan Ouedraogo

He has a massive future in the game.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 25, 2025

Hailed as “phenomenal” by pundit Trevor Sinclair, a deal for the Englishman wouldn’t break the bank at £20m+, and he has outperformed Gomes across some key defensive statistics over the past year.

Key defensive statistics per 90 (past year)

James Garner

Joao Gomes

Interceptions

1.41 (85th percentile)

0.81 (34th percentile)

Blocks

1.41 (77th percentile)

1.31 (68th percentile)

Clearances

2.19 (80th percentile)

1.37 (40th percentile)

That said, both Garner and Gomes aren’t experienced at the highest level, and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni would perhaps be a more exciting addition to the squad, with the Spanish side’s asking price recently being revealed.

تشكيل الأهلي أمام الجيش الملكي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. زيزو وتريزيجيه أساسيان

أعلن الدنماركي ييس توروب، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، التشكيل الذي سيواجه به الجيش الملكي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويحل الأهلي ضيفًا على الجيش الملكي في المغرب، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، اليوم، الجمعة.

طالع | قرار عاجل من محمود الخطيب بشأن أزمة “حبس وإيقاف” رمضان صبحي

ويتواجد الأهلي في المجموعة الثانية من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مع الجيش الملكي وشبيبة القبائل الجزائري ويانج أفريكانز التنزاني.

وكان الأهلي حقق الفوز في لقاء الجولة الأولى على شبيبة القبائل الجزائري، بنتيجة 4-1، في اللقاء الذي أقيم بالقاهرة يوم السبت الماضي.

بينما الجيش الملكي كان قد خسر في مباراة الجولة الأولى أمام يانج أفريكانز التنزاني بهدف دون رد. تشكيل الأهلي اليوم أمام الجيش الملكي

حراسة المرمى: مصطفى شوبير.

الدفاع: محمد هاني – ياسر إبراهيم – ياسين مرعي – أحمد نبيل كوكا.

الوسط: أليو ديانج – مروان عطية – أشرف بن شرقي.

الهجوم: محمود تريزيجيه – أحمد سيد زيزو – محمد شريف.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy returns to Bangladesh Test squad for Ireland series

He is the only addition to their squad from their last series, which they lost 1-0 in Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2025Top-order batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy has returned to the Bangladesh squad that will face Ireland over two Test matches in Sylhet and Dhaka later this month.Joy has played 18 Tests and was seen as a highly promising addition to the team after scoring the first-ever Test match century by a Bangladesh batter in South Africa, in 2022. He lost his place in the side after averaging 14.92 in seven Tests since the start of 2024 but good form in the new season of the National Cricket League, during which he scored 127 and 51 for Chattogram Division against Rajshahi Division, has helped him mount a comeback.Najmul Hossain Shanto leads the 15-member team. He had quit as captain at the end of Bangladesh’s last Test series in June, which they lost 1-0 to Sri Lanka, but the BCB has reinstated him and said he will remain in charge until the end of this World Test Championship cycle in 2027. Anamul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon and Nayeem Hasan, who were part of that Sri Lanka tour, have been left out.Related

Ashraful named Bangladesh's batting coach

Ireland name five uncapped players in Test squad for Bangladesh

Shanto reinstated as Bangladesh Test captain until end of WTC cycle

Mushfiqur Rahim, should he play both matches against Ireland, will become the first Bangladesh cricketer to play 100 Tests. The 38-year-old made his debut back in 2005 and is already their most capped player and their highest scorer in the format. He is also in form having made 115 for Sylhet Division at the same ground where the first Test against Ireland will take place.Bangladesh have picked four fast bowlers in Ebadot Hossain, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed to complement their three spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Hasan Murad, who is still awaiting his Test debut. Murad picked up a match haul of 9 for 135 for Chattogram in the NCL in October. Taijul, meanwhile, is 10 short of going past Shakib Al Hasan and becoming Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in Tests.The two matches against Ireland are scheduled for November 11-15 in Sylhet and November 19-23 in Dhaka. They are not part of the WTC.Bangladesh Test squad for Ireland seriesNajmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Hasan Murad.

Com um jogador a mais, Corinthians fica no empate diante do Atlético-MG em estreia do Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

Corinthians e Atlético-MG se enfrentaram na Neo Química Arena neste domingo (14), pela primeira rodada do Brasileirão, e empataram em 0 a 0.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

O jogo ficou marcado por algumas polêmicas de arbitragem. O volante Battaglia acabou expulso após receber dois cartões amarelos, enquanto Fagner deu entrada em Zaracho e recebeu apenas uma advertência.

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✅ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

O Corinthians visita o Juventude na quarta-feira (17), enquanto o Atlético-MG recebe o Criciúma na mesma data. Ambos os jogos valem pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão.

➡️ Clique aqui e confira os próximos jogos e a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Corinthians 0 x 0 Atlético-MG
1ª rodada – Brasileirão

Data e horário: domingo, 14 de abril de 2024, às 16h (de Brasília)
Local: Neo Química Arena, em São Paulo (SP)
Árbitro: Yuri Elino Ferreira (RJ)
Assistentes: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa (Fifa-RJ) e Thiago Henrique Neto Correa Farinha (RJ)

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⚽ ESCALAÇÕES

CORINTHIANS (Técnico: António Oliveira)
Cássio; Fagner, Félix Torres, Gustavo Henrique e Hugo; Raniele, Fausto Vera e Rodrigo Garro; Wesley, Romero e Yuri Alberto.

ATLÉTICO-MG (Técnico: Gabriel Milito)
Everson, Saravia, Jemerson, Mauricio Lemos e Guilherme Arana; Battaglia, Otávio, Igor Gomes e Zaracho; Paulinho e Hulk.

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Tudo sobre

Atlético-MGBrasileirãoBrasileirão 2024Corinthians

Mikel Arteta admits he was 'upset' by Arsenal failing to score from set piece in derby demolition of Tottenham

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he was "upset" after his side failed to score from a set piece in their 4-1 north London derby win against Tottenham on Sunday. The Gunners dominated their arch rivals at the Emirates, scoring all four of their goals from open play, something the Premier League leaders have been criticised for failing to do so far this season.

Arsenal flex attacking credentials against Spurs

The absence of Gabriel brought elements of doubt into how Arsenal might perform against Tottenham at the weekend, particularly considering their reliance on set pieces this season. 12 of their goals in 2025-26 have come from either corners, free-kicks, throw-ins or penalties, but not when the lights were brightest. When Spurs made the short trip across north London, the Gunners were free-flowing and ruthless in front of goal. Eberechi Eze's hat-trick stole the headlines, and even Leandro Trossard's opener did not require a dead-ball situation. 

Their performance proved that while Gabriel is an impressive tool to have in their goal catalogue, Arteta's men are more than capable of putting the ball in the back of the net in any way they choose. That did not stop the Spanish head coach from having a light-hearted joke with the media ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportArteta: I am upset

Most managers would claim they were concerned if their primary method of scoring goals was from set pieces, but not Arteta. Pep Guardiola's disciple is clearly keen for his side to continue dominating the final third in the air, and even admitted his frustrations after failing to bag from a corner or free kick. Speaking in his press conference, he said: "I am upset we didn’t score with a set piece. I want to score with a set piece as well."

Guardiola's disciples go head-to-head

While Arsenal fans will still be bathing in the glory of winning the derby, Arteta's focus has already shifted to Bayern Munich's visit in the Champions League. The Bavarians join the Gunners as the best teams in the competition so far this season, each winning their four games. Vincent Kompany's return to England is a special occasion for the Arsenal boss, who coached him during his time at City with Guardiola.

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Getty Images SportGunners ready for ruthless schedule

Things do not get any easier for Arsenal as the days pass. After facing Bayern, they face Chelsea in a crucial clash at the top of the Premier League. The Blues sit second, behind their London rivals, and a win could take them within three points of top spot. That match at Stamford Bridge will end the Gunners' run of three games in six days. 

It is certainly not an ideal situation for the league leaders, but once again, Arteta had no complaints. He said: "We will try and beat Bayern and then we have Chelsea – that is how ruthless the schedule is. But at the same time, how privileged we are to be involved in three incredible games in six days.

"Every opponent brings different challenges. They are in a great moment. The level of consistency they have shown in results and performances is impressive. We know that, but it is a massive opportunity for us to show what we are capable of.

"We have the same intention to win it. We made sure we had very good preparation again. We know the importance of the match. We are in a really strong position, we want to maintain that for sure."

Australia aim for historic ODI sweep against India

India have never been swept in a bilateral ODI series against Australia as they aim to bounce back in Sydney

Tristan Lavalette24-Oct-2025

Xavier Bartlett dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck•Getty Images

Big Picture – Can India avert a clean sweep?In an anti-climax, considering the rivalry and general fanfare, the third ODI at the SCG will be a dead rubber after Australia clinched the series with a two-wicket victory in Adelaide.The final result probably flattered India, who fought to the end but were mostly up against it through the game. While valid excuses could be made for the truncated rain-affected opener in Perth, India were generally outplayed in the second ODI and could never quite recover from the early wickets of captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, who bagged a second consecutive duck for the first time in his legendary ODI career.India’s top-order has been completely pinned down by Josh Hazlewood, the standout quick across the two games as England watch on ahead of the Ashes. The much-hyped returns of Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not quite gone to plan, although Rohit top-scored with 73 in Adelaide, and there remains an unknown over their futures with some pushing for Yashasvi Jaiswal to freshen up the top-order.Related

Calm and composed Connolly showcases his worth

Edwards called up for Sydney ODI, Beardman added to T20 squad

Shreyas Iyer begins new chapter with old stance in Australia

Josh Hazlewood and the beauty of a wicketless spell

Short, Connolly, Zampa guide Australia to series victory in Adelaide

Without Hardik Pandya, India have looked unbalanced and they trotted out the same XI across the two games to no avail. There are clearly teething problems for Gill as he looks to start moulding his preferred line-up.In a notable contrast, Australia feel rejuvenated especially with fringe players Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Mitch Owen and Matthew Renshaw making valuable contributions in their successful run chase in Adelaide.Their performances would have pleased Australia’s hierarchy as they look to bed down a batting-order after the ODI retirements of Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell.Australia have never swept India in a bilateral ODI series, providing further motivation for a group that is currently in good spirits after a patchy run in 50-over cricket.Like in the previous two games, a pro-India crowd is expected amid a sold-out SCG.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia WWWLL
India LLWWWShubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir talk during a training session•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight: Matt Renshaw and Shubman GillHaving waited nine years into his international career to play ODIs, Renshaw has fitted in seamlessly after finishing the job in Perth with an unbeaten 21 off 24 followed by a run a ball 30 in Adelaide. He has publicly spoken about shutting out the external noise and exuded composure after coming to the crease in Adelaide with Australia wobbling at 54 for 2. Renshaw helped change the momentum with a brisk 55-run partnership with Matt Short, but would have been annoyed to not make a big score after being knocked over by a looping delivery from left-arm spinner Axar Patel having attempted to launch over mid-off. Renshaw is set to get another chance in Sydney as competition hots up in this transitioning batting-order. There is also the Ashes hovering, with Renshaw considered an outside chance of being in the selection mix.There has been a lot of attention on the returns of Kohli and Rohit, which has somewhat deflected the slow start to Gill’s ODI captaincy. Gill has been unable to set the tone like he spectacularly did in Test cricket. He has made just 10 and 9 although hasn’t been helped by Rohit holding up an end early in the innings, putting pressure on Gill to counterattack. He will face some heat early in his captaincy reign if India succumb to just a sixth ODI series whitewash in their proud history, underlining the importance of this game.Team news: Hazlewood/Starc may opt for restAustralia (possible): 1 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 2 Travis Head, 3 Matt Short, 4 Matthew Renshaw, 5 Alex Carey (wk), 6 Cooper Connolly, 7 Mitch Owen, 8 Xavier Bartlett, 9 Mitchell Starc/Jack Edwards, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Nathan Ellis/Josh HazlewoodWith the match a dead rubber, Australia might be tempted to rest Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc with there being just one day of rest between games two and three. Nathan Ellis, who performed well in game one, might be recalled while allrounder Jack Edwards has been named in the squad on the back of strong form on Australia A’s tour of India. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has also returned to the squad after an impressive effort in the first ODI but two spinners in the XI seems unlikely.Josh Inglis has joined the squad in Sydney after missing the first two but is unlikely to play as he continues to recover from a calf strain, which means the top seven will likely remain the same.Josh Hazlewood could be rested•CA/Getty Images

India (possible): 1 Shubman Gill [capt], 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 Axar Patel, 6 KL Rahul (wk), 7 Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, 8 Nitish Reddy, 9 Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mohammed SirajIndia decided to stick with the same XI in Adelaide but it did not do the trick and changes are almost certain. There has been a lot of debate over whether left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be in the side with the attack lacking some bite so far in the series. India have preferred the more conservative option of allrounder Washington Sundar, who has taken three wickets in the series but failed with the bat. Seamer Prasidh Krishna could be in the frame to replace Harshit Rana, who has been expensive in the series. It is also interesting to see if they find a way to give a game to Yashasvi Jaiswal.Pitch and conditionsClear and pleasant conditions are expected in Sydney on Saturday. While turn has not been as notable at the SCG in recent times compared to previous decades, spinners have still played a vital role on flat surfaces. Australia’s batters have feasted in the conditions, piling on huge scores during their current six-game winning streak in ODIs at the ground.Stats and triviaKohli still needs 54 runs to move past Kumar Sangakkara and into second place on the ODI runs list.India have lost the toss a record 17 times in a row in ODIs dating back to the 2023 World Cup final. India have not lost three consecutive ODIs since a four-game skid to Sri Lanka and South Africa in 2021-22 Australia have a commanding 16-2 (1 no result) record over India at the SCG. India’s only victories were six-wicket wins in 2008 and 2016.Quotes”We’ve got a lot of depth in Australian cricket. With Smudge [Smith] and Maxi [Maxwell] retiring from one-day cricket earlier in the year, there’s room for some younger guys to come through.”
“It definitely hurts [to lose the series]. I personally feel the way Australian bowlers bowl on such wickets, they have a fair bit of an advantage at the start and they utilised it pretty well.”

England announce women's under-23s head coach Emma Coates has left role to join NWSL side Bay FC

Emma Coates has left her role as England women’s under-23s head coach to become the new manager of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Bay FC. The Football Association (FA) has announced the recruitment process will begin “imminently” as they look to identify a successor to the 34-year-old, who worked closely with Sarina Wiegman while in charge of the young Lionesses.

  • Getty Images Sport

    Coates developed several stars for senior Lionesses squad

    Regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in the women’s game, Coates developed a number of players at U23 level who have gone on to represent the England senior side.

    West Ham defender Anouk Denton and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey were introduced into Wiegman’s senior squad for December’s friendlies against China and Ghana, on the back of Arsenal centre-back Katie Reid and Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall’s October call-ups.

    All four players have followed in the footsteps of Manchester City and Manchester United midfielders Grace Clinton and Jess Park, alongside Chelsea and Brighton forwards Aggie Beever-Jones and Michelle Agyemang, in successfully stepping up from England’s youth teams.

    In total, more than 25 players reached the England senior squad under Coates, whose U23s side also went unbeaten in their 2023-24 European league campaign.

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  • Getty Images Sport

    FA confirms Coates will be joined by assistant Davies in NWSL

    Following Coates’ impressive work with England's U23s, the former Doncaster Belles boss has now been handed the reins at Bay FC, whose squad features the likes of Zambia star Racheal Kundananji and USWNT defender Abby Dahlkemper.

    Confirming Coates will be joined by her young Lionesses assistant Gemma Davies in the San Francisco Bay Area, the FA said in a statement: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge.

    “Emma, with Gemma’s support, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad, as well as the younger age groups.

    “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses, and helped to re-establish the WU23s as a team that fans want to watch wherever they play across the country. 

    “We are excited to see the WU23s set-up continue to grow over the coming years and have already begun the search for their replacements.”

  • Bay FC

    Ex-Doncaster Belles boss 'honoured and super excited' to join Bay FC

    Growing up in Yorkshire, Coates began her coaching journey at Leeds United’s academy in 2010 before becoming Doncaster Belles manager in 2016. She was previously a first-team coach at The Belles in 2014.

    Coates then became a specialist coach with England’s youth teams in 2019 before being named as the U19s manager in 2022. She then moved over to the U23s in 2023, where she forged a strong relationship with Wiegman at St. George's Park.

    Expressing her delight at being named as Bay FC’s new manager, Coates told the club’s official website: “I’m truly honoured and super excited to build on the strong foundations that have already been established and to implement a clear identity both on and off the pitch.

    “This is a club that has already captured the hearts of so many people in the local community, and it’s a privilege to be part of that journey. From my first conversations with Bay FC, it was clear that the club shares my passion for people, performance, and culture which I believe are fundamental to sustained success. 

    “I’m eager to get back on the grass every day, to work closely with the players and staff, and to meet the fans at PayPal Park. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA (English Football Association), it has helped shape me both professionally and personally. 

    “Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone at the FA for their trust, support, and belief throughout my journey.”

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  • Bay FC

    Assistant Davies 'thrilled' to reunite with Coates in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alongside Coates, Bay FC have also captured another one of women’s football’s most promising young coaches in Davies, who will act as assistant manager at PayPal Park. The 34-year-old managed Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League between 2018 and 2021 before holding roles with England’s U19s and U23s sides.

    “Bay FC represents an ambitious and forward-thinking project,” said Davies. “I’m thrilled to join Emma’s staff in creating an environment where players and staff can thrive and supporters can be proud of the football we play. I’m looking forward to being back on the field on a day-to-day basis as we support the club in its next stage of growth.”

    Hailing Davies as an “excellent” coach, Coates added: “Gemma’s track record in both club and international football makes her the ideal fit to help implement our playing philosophy.

    “Her delivery on the grass is excellent, and her tactical insight and analytical skills will be invaluable as we prepare the team for start of the 2026 season.”

    Bay FC finished 13th in the 2025 NWSL regular-season league table, level on points (20) with bottom-placed Chicago Stars FC but with a slightly better goal difference. Jess Carter's Gotham FC defeated Esme Morgan's Washington Spirit 1-0 in the Championship match on 23 November. The two defenders helped the Lionesses win Euro 2025 in the summer.

Spin-heavy Bangladesh eye first win against New Zealand in ODIs

Big Picture: NZ under the pump

Two matches in, New Zealand are already at risk of playing catch-up in the Women’s World Cup. Two brilliant innings from captain Sophie Devine haven’t been able to save them as they lost to Australia and South Africa. That makes them one of two winless teams in this tournament.New Zealand hadn’t played an ODI in six months prior to the World Cup. The rust has shown: before losing to Australia and South Africa, they suffered defeats in their warm-up games against India and India A. Apart from Devine, who has contributed 42% of New Zealand’s runs in the tournament so far, the batters have struggled for fluency and the bowling has lacked bite. Against South Africa, they also let themselves down in the field with seven misfields, a reflection of a team that has looked undercooked.Bangladesh, in contrast, are on the rise. They stunned Pakistan, pushed England hard, and are brimming with belief. Their batting hasn’t quite clicked, but their bowlers have done the job with Marufa Akter consistently striking with the new ball and the spinners keeping a tight leash through the middle overs. With Brooke Halliday the only left-hander in the batting order, New Zealand’s right-hand-heavy line-up could be tested by left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and the legspin duo of Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan.They’ve never beaten New Zealand in ODIs, having lost both their completed games by a big margin in 2022. But with spin expected to play a big role in Guwahati on Friday, Bangladesh will be keen to use the conditions to their advantage. Unlike New Zealand, they have already played a game at this venue in the World Cup.

Form Guide


Bangladesh LWLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
New Zealand LLWWLSuzie Bates is yet to open her account in this World Cup•ICC via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Fahima Khatun and Suzie Bates

Fahima Khatun was near unplayable against England on Tuesday, returning remarkable figures of 3 for 16. She dismissed Nat Sciver-Brunt, Emma Lamb, and Sophia Dunkley, and celebrated each wicket with her trademark jig. Fahima’s slow, loopy legspin tied England down; she conceded just one boundary in 60 balls. She also had Heather Knight caught at cover, but the low catch was ruled not out by the TV umpire, a pivotal moment that arguably swung the game.New Zealand have missed the runs from Suzie Bates from the top of the order, who will be coming into this match off two consecutive ducks. She struggled to score off her first eight balls against Australia, eventually falling to left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, while she fell for a golden duck against South Africa to Marizanne Kapp. She will need to find a way to see off a red-hot Marufa, who’s coming off four wickets in two games.

Team news: Is Mair fit and ready?

Bangladesh are unlikely to change their combination unless there’s a last-minute injury or illness. Marufa, who bowled only five overs against England and was off the field with cramps, is “fit and ready” for Friday’s game, Nahida said at the press conference.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Rubya Haider, 2 Sharmin Akhter, 3 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 4 Sobhana Mostary, 5 Mst Ritu Moni, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Sanjida Akter MeghlaNew Zealand assistant coach Craig McMillan had said that right-arm quick Rosemary Mair was “close to fitness” before their previous fixture against South Africa. If she’s fit, New Zealand may bring her in for Jess Kerr.New Zealand (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr/Rosemary Mair, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Bree Illing

Pitch and conditions: Spin to win

Spinners have taken 75% of the wickets (33 out of 44 total wickets) in the three matches in Guwahati so far this World Cup. There is a possibility of a rain-interrupted start.

Stats and Trivia: Tahuhu gears up for 100th ODI

  • New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will be playing her 100th ODI on Friday.
  • Marufa Akter has eight wickets in the powerplay this year, the second most by a bowler in women’s ODIs.
  • Brooke Halliday is 57 runs away from 1000 ODI runs. She will become the 18th New Zealand batter to the feat.

Quotes

“There has been quite a bit of turn and bounce in the nets, which is exciting for my bowling. But on the other hand with batting, it’s just being really disciplined in the best way to play spin. We know with Bangladesh, they’ve, I think apart from the opening bowler, they’re a spin-heavy attack and they’ve had a lot of teams in trouble as well throughout this tournament we’ve seen. So, I think being really disciplined with the bat, you have to sum up conditions really quickly and then work out what your best game plan is.”

Walker Buehler Admits Spicy Tweet Aimed at Francisco Lindor Was Whiskey-Induced

It turns out Walker Buehler had a little bit of extra juice in his Twitter fingers when he shot out a social media message targeting Francisco Lindor after their game.

On Tuesday night, Buehler was ejected from the Boston Red Sox matchup with the New York Mets after arguing with home plate umpire Mike Estabrook. After the game, Buehler quote-tweeted a clip of Lindor cheerleading for his ejection and said, "I wouldn't want me out there either. Sad thing is the BULLPEN is full of f–king animals. Tough choice."

Buehler was asked about the tweet on Wednesday, and MassLive's Chris Cotillo relayed his response. The 30-year-old said, "I said my piece—sponsored by Buffalo Trace a little bit. We’re all competitive. It is what it is at that point. I’d probably do the same if I was him."

Having a few pops of whiskey and hopping online to fire off a tweet? We’ve all been there before.

Longtime Dodgers Utilityman Joins Angels After Release

Seemingly eternal Los Angeles Dodgers stalwart Chris Taylor was released by his longtime club on May 18—but the utilityman won't have to go far to find his next team.

The Los Angeles Angels are signing Taylor to a big-league contract, they announced Monday evening. Taylor, 34, is in his 12th season in the major leagues.

He played for the Dodgers from 2016 to '25, quietly witnessing and propelling one of the franchise's most successful eras. A jack-of-all-trades who played seven different positions with the Dodgers, he made the National League All-Star team in 2021 and was the MVP of the 2017 NLCS.

Taylor brings winning savvy an Angels team treading water in a wide-open American League West Division. The fourth-place team trails the first-place Seattle Mariners by four games.

To roster the Virginia product, the Angels—who open a three-game set against the New York Yankees Monday—optioned center fielder and second baseman Kyren Paris to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees.

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