Big picture – How will Shafali-Mandhana bat?

The stakes couldn’t be higher.Australia are here with a clean slate. They have been pushed back multiple times during this World Cup, and they’ve found a way back each time. Two of their batters, Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner, have scored two centuries each. Two of their bowlers, Annabel Sutherland and Alana King, have taken more than ten wickets each. And apart from everything else that makes them such intimidating opponents, Australia have not lost an ODI knockout game since they lost to India in the the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup.Related

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India are riding a wave of emotion. They recovered from a three-game losing streak to sneak into the semi-finals. In their last full game, played at the same venue, they posted their record World Cup total. No team has pushed Australia harder than India in recent times. And they are now two wins away from doing what no India women’s team has ever done.Their key player Smriti Mandhana has scored 105, 58, 117, 125 and 80 in her last five ODIs against Australia. But she’ll start from 0 again, and this time she’ll have an adjustment to make, with her usual opening partner Pratika Rawal, with whom she added a record 212 against New Zealand, ruled out of the World Cup. Mandhana is all set to open with Shafali Verma, and the new combination could have an effect on how she bats.In ODIs involving Shafali, Mandhana averages 51.83 and strikes at 85.55. When these two opened together, Shafali was usually the early aggressor. Mandhana took on that role when Shafali went out of the side, however, as her numbers in matches involving Rawal suggest: an average of 62.65, a strike rate of 108.75. How will the new (old) opening combination bat on Thursday?For Australia, there is a fair bit of intrigue around Healy’s availability. A minor calf strain sidelined her ahead of the game against England, and she missed two matches subsequently. Australia would not want to be reminded of the T20 World Cup semi-final from last year; Healy missed the clash and South Africa romped to an eight-wicket win.The second semi-final, for which the cheapest tickets were priced at INR 150 (as opposed to INR 100 for the Guwahati semi-final), is a sell-out. You can expect all of Navi Mumbai to cram itself into the DY Patil Stadium. They could get to witness an epic.Shafali Verma waits for her turn at the nets•ICC/Getty Images

Form guide

Australia WWWWW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
India WLLLW

In the spotlight – Phoebe Litchfield and Deepti Sharma

Phoebe Litchfield loves playing India. She has one century and four fifties in just eight ODI innings against them, and averages 63.50. She has a wide range of sweeps that could potentially upset the rhythm of India’s spinners. After a pair of low scores against England and South Africa, Litchfield may feel she is due some runs too.Deepti Sharma has been India’s leading wicket-taker at this World Cup with 15 at 22.46. There will be a lot of focus on her during this game, because she has a fine record against Australia’s middle-order batters. She has dismissed Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner twice each in ODIs, while going at less than a run a ball against both, Ellyse Perry three times, and Tahlia McGrath five times in nine innings. Only Perry and Annabel Sutherland from the current side have managed to hit Deepti for a six in ODIs.

Team news – Australia sweat on Healy’s availability

While Healy batted and kept wicket during Tuesday’s training session, she opted out of optional training on Wednesday, with Georgia Voll batting in partnership with Litchfield. Head coach Shelley Nitschke said Australia would give Healy “as much time as she needs” and will take a call on her participation on Thursday. That aside, expect Sophie Molineux to come back into the spin attack for Georgia Wareham, who played against South Africa but did not get a chance to bowl.Australia (probable): 1 Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Annabel Sutherland, 5 Beth Mooney, 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahlia McGrath, 8 Sophie Molineux, 9 Alana King, 10 Kim Garth, 11 Megan Schutt.Shafali is likely to swap straight into India’s XI in Rawal’s place at the top of the order. Richa Ghosh, who was rested against Bangladesh after injuring her finger during the match against New Zealand, did not look in any discomfort during her keeping drills and batted a fair bit on Tuesday. Sneh Rana and Kranti Gaud, both of whom were also rested against Bangladesh, could come back into the XI.India (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana, 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Jemimah Rodrigues, 6 Richa Ghosh (wk), 7 Deepti Sharma, 8 Sneh Rana, 9 Kranti Gaud, 10 N Shree Charani, 11 Renuka Singh.2:15

Australia coach Nitschke: Not underdogs, but also not favourites’

Pitch and conditions

The game will be played on the pitch on which Sri Lanka played Bangladesh. That track was devoid of grass and had a bright brown look to it. It is expected to be a high-scoring game. There has been rain in Navi Mumbai in the lead-up to the match, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for Wednesday and Thursday, but the forecast for matchday has cleared up somewhat. The match will go into a reserve day should it not finish on Thursday.

Stats and trivia

• Mandhana and Shafali have opened together 25 times in ODIs, adding 893 runs at an average of 37.20 and a run rate of 5.38. Mandhana and Rawal, who have opened together 23 times, are India’s most successful opening pair in ODIs, having put on 1799 runs at 78.21 and 6.06.
• Alana King’s average of 34.63 and economy rate of 5.93 against India are her worst by a distance against any opposition in ODIs. Mandhana (160.00), Harleen Deol (116.66), Harmanpreet Kaur (114.58), Jemimah Rodrigues (113.23) and Deepti Sharma (105.40) have 100-plus strike rates against the legspinner.
• Australia are on a 15-match winning streak in ODI World Cups. They had also won 15 in a row across the 1997 and 2000 editions.
• Megan Schutt is one wicket away from becoming the leading wicket-taker for Australia in ODI World Cups. She has 39 now, on par with Lyn Fullston

Quotes

“Ash [Gardner] has been unbelievable. We all know what she’s capable of with the bat, but to take her game to the next level, and do that in a World Cup, has been fantastic. She’s someone who is very diligent in everything she does; she’s a hard worker. When she’s at her best, it’s about making sure that she’s enjoying the game and enjoying the environment and she’s getting in the contest.”
“I was playing domestic cricket and was in good touch. [Semi-finals] are not something new for me because I’ve played many semi-finals before. It’s just a matter of keeping my mind clear and giving myself confidence. I’ve been in such situations earlier, so it’s nothing new. I’ll keep telling myself to stay calm and believe in myself. So absolutely, I’ll do well, 200%.”

Wrexham are renewing their interest in West Ham's Andy Irving, just months after the midfielder rejected the advances of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac. The Red Dragons saw a £3.5m deal for the 25-year-old fall through late in the summer transfer window, as Irving opted to remain in east London and fight for first team opportunities with the Premier League outfit.

Irving struggling for game time at West Ham

reports the north Wales club has rekindled their interest in Irving. Despite making six appearances in the top flight this term, the Scotland international is deemed surplus to requirements at the London Stadium. Wrexham are expected to log another bid for the 25-year-old. 

However, they could face stiff competition from Celtic and Rangers, with both Glasgow clubs alerted to Irving's availability as Nuno Esprito Santo looks to revamp his squad in the coming transfer window.

Irving started the first two games of the Portuguese's tenure after he replaced Graham Potter in October. However, both games — against Brentford and Leeds — ended in defeat for the Irons. Irving has been an unused substitute since. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportIrving explains reasons for staying at West Ham

Irving addressed the links between him and the Red Dragons in an interview back in September. He said: "There was a lot of speculation and media [during the summer], but ultimately for me, I'm in a good place here at West Ham. I really enjoy it here, so I was keen to stay and continue giving my best for the club.

"There was a lot of speculation and media [during the summer], but ultimately for me, I'm in a good place here at West Ham. I really enjoy it here, so I was keen to stay and continue giving my best for the club."

Irving's career in brief

The 25-year-old midfielder joined the Irons during the summer of 2023, completing a €1.7m transfer from Austria Klagenfurt in 2023. Irving rejoined the Austrian Bundesliga side for a loan deal the following season. 

The Hearts academy graduate has had an unusual career, making it to the Premier League via the German third tier. Irving joined Turkgucu Munchen in 2021 after his contract expired with his boyhood club. 

Irving has represented his country four times as a youth player, making his debut for Scotland in a 4-0 friendly win over Leichtenstein earlier this season.  

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Getty Images SportWrexham look to build on promising start to life in the Championship

While he may not have felt Wrexham was the right move for him in the summer, Irving could well be persuaded given the Red Dragons recent turnaround. 

Phil Parkinson's side currently sit in 10th place in the Championship table, and are unbeaten in their last seven games, with a statement 3-2 win over Frank Lampard's Coventry City among that run. 

Wrexham's chief exec Michael Williamson has confirmed that Parkinson will have money to spend in the upcoming January window. Even after making 13 signings in the summer, pundits are calling on the Red Dragons to invest further, as they can push on towards another promotion. Recent reports suggest the Hollywood brains trust at the north Wales club is already drawing up plans for life in the Premier League. Maybe Irving would be wise to take a step down, to maybe return to England's top tier with a club on the rise. 

Kylian Mbappe has officially joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in one of world football’s rarest elite clubs after hitting 60 goals in the 2025 calendar year during Real Madrid’s draw with Girona. His penalty at Montilivi not only marked an extraordinary milestone but also cemented his place in French football history as the first since Just Fontaine to reach such a total.

• Mbappe hits 60-goal mark for 2025

  Mbappe reached the 60-goal mark for the 2025 calendar year when he converted a penalty during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Girona on Sunday night. The Frenchman was frustrated throughout the scrappy contest, repeatedly crowded out by defenders and denied a second goal after an inadvertent handball moments before Girona struck the opener. Despite Madrid controlling phases of the match, they were forced to settle for another draw away from home, allowing Barcelona to grab La Liga's top spot.

  The equaliser carried historic significance even as Real Madrid’s performance raised concerns, extending their run without an away win to a third league match. The result also increased pressure on Xabi Alonso, whose side have struggled to maintain consistency in recent weeks despite Mbappé’s extraordinary scoring output. Girona, who have historically troubled Madrid at Montilivi, again proved difficult to break down and came close to taking all three points before late Madrid pressure fizzled out.

  Mbappe’s goal ensured he remained at the heart of the title race narrative, but the shared points exposed deeper vulnerabilities in Madrid’s current form. With Barcelona surging, Madrid’s margin for error grows thinner, and the reliance on their superstar has become increasingly obvious. Even on a historic night for him personally, the broader implications of the draw left Madrid with more questions than answers.

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  Joins Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski in special club

  Mbappe’s 60th goal of the year places him alongside Messi, Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski as the only players in the 21st century to hit such a tally in a single calendar year. His achievement is particularly significant in French football history, as he becomes the first French player since Fontaine in 1958 to score 60 goals for club and country within the same year. 

  It also underscores the unique pressure he carries at Madrid, where he has instantly become the focal point of the team’s tactical structure. His prolific output has masked wider issues within the squad, with Madrid lacking the stability needed to keep pace with Barcelona despite possessing one of world football’s most lethal forwards. The club’s form in late 2025 has made Mbappe’s reliability even more important, especially in tight matches where he is often required to produce decisive moments alone.

  Still, the broader context of his performance reveals a player thriving even amid turbulence. Between league matches, Champions League fixtures, and international duty with France, Mbappe has maintained an elite level of efficiency in both scoring and chance creation. His ability to sustain such production across competitions highlights why he is now mentioned in the same breath as Ronaldo and Messi when it comes to calendar-year scoring feats.

• Mbappe's spectacular 2025 calendar year

  The 2025 calendar year has been a definitive turning point for Mbappe, marking his transition from global superstar to Real Madrid’s undisputed centrepiece and leader. His first full year at the Bernabeu failed to bear fruit as Los Blancos went trophyless. However, across the first six months of 2025, he delivered crucial goals in the Champions League knockout rounds and formed threatening partnerships across Madrid’s front line.

  As the 2025–26 season began, Mbappe immediately picked up where he left off, scoring at a remarkable rate and reinforcing his status as the league’s most dangerous forward. He combined his individual brilliance with increased leadership responsibility, while also taking on a central tactical role in Alonso’s evolving system. His contributions for France during this period were equally significant, as he captained Les Bleus through qualifiers and continued to deliver decisive goals.

  By late November, his statistical profile reflected one of the most complete individual years in modern football, with 60 goals across club and country and a growing list of match-winning displays. This figure included goals in league action, European competition, domestic tournaments, and international matches.

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  Mbappe looking to help Real Madrid catch up with Barcelona

  Real Madrid will now look to stabilise their league form as they enter a crucial stretch of winter fixtures, with Mbappe expected to continue carrying much of the attacking responsibility. Upcoming matches, particularly their trip to San Mames to face Athletic Club, will test whether the team can convert individual brilliance into sustained collective momentum. With his goals keeping Madrid firmly in the title hunt, the club will hope their superstar’s historic year becomes the catalyst for a stronger run heading into 2026. 

Here on earth the Chicago White Sox are off to another challenging start, but a better place awaits. Last month’s papal election brought us Robert Prevost, better known as Pope Leo XIV, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Sovereign of the Vatican City State—and lifelong White Sox fan. So even as they suffer to an 18–42 record, last in the American League, the White Sox can hope for reprieve in the afterlife. 

But in the meantime, they believe they see a path forward. Just as the Los Angeles Dodgers and DH Shohei Ohtani have taken over Japan, the White Sox hope to become Vatican City’s team. 

Frankly, though, they have some work to do to get there. 

The Italian peninsula has not historically been much of a baseball hotbed. There has never been a major leaguer born in Vatican City, and there have only been two Italians this century—third baseman Alex Liddi, of Sanremo, who played for the Seattle Mariners from 2011 through ’13, and lefty Sam Aldegheri, of Verona, who pitches for the Los Angeles Angels. 

The White Sox themselves are something of underdogs, the perpetual little brother to the more popular Chicago Cubs, and the 2024 loser of a major league–record 121 games. So they took some pleasure in watching their local rival claim that he was a Cubs fan—and then have to walk the statement back. former Rome bureau chief Chico Harlan reported that, four hours after being elected, Pope Leo responded to a friend’s request for clarification with one word: “Sox.”

But now it’s time to get to work. White Sox officials admit they have not yet begun the process of establishing an academy in the area. (L'Accademia, the famous art gallery that houses Michelangelo’s David, lies some 170 miles south in Florence and would likely not be suitable.) They have also not yet assigned scouts to cover the Holy See, whose population of 882 would probably not require too many eyes. “I’m not sure from the baseball development standpoint that we're gonna, like, tap into an untapped market,” says general manager Chris Getz, overlooking the fact that the College of Cardinals has never lost a game in conference play. (Still, the youngest current cardinal is 45 years old—one month older than even Kansas City Royals pitcher Rich Hill—and in an era of performance-enhancing drug testing, the aging curve is not in his favor.) The 135 Swiss Guards might offer a better option: They must be between 19 and 30 years old, at least 5’ 8.5” tall and of “irreproachable health.” There should be at least one lefty with a sweeper in there. 

But perhaps the problem is not one of ability but one of marketing. Not everyone in Vatican City may have considered baseball as a realistic career path. “Maybe we could put out a memo,” offers reliever Mike Vasil. “You know, ‘We’re looking for talent.’” 

Righty Jonathan Cannon suggests, “Maybe MLB will do a game over in Rome for us.” (Chicago could play Atlanta, who could assume the identities of their Single A affiliate for the day: the Rome, Ga., Emperors.)

It’s a good point: Developing young players might take time, but they could pick up fans much more quickly. Stadio Olimpico, which has hosted an Olympics, a World Cup and three European Championships, could work. But why leave the Vatican at all? At about 650 feet long by about 500 feet wide inside its columns, St. Peter’s Square is a bit smaller than the Rate but could easily accommodate the minor league ballparks in which the Tampa Bay Rays (George M. Steinbrenner Field) and the Las Vegas Athletics of Sacramento (Sutter Health Park) are spending the season. The ancient Egyptian obelisk in the center of the piazza, brought to town from Alexandria in 40 AD by Emperor Caligula, would create interesting ground-rule opportunities. And no offense to the Campfire Milkshake, the highlight of last season, but it’s hard to top gelato as a concession-stand item.

And once they catch White Sox fever, those fans will stick around. One estimate has nearly 90% of Japanese tourists to Los Angeles visiting Dodger Stadium. It’s hard to find data on visitors from Vatican City, but more than 1.1 million Italians traveled to the United States last year; surely some percentage of them could be persuaded to brave deep-dish pizza to catch a game at Rate Field. 

Still, there’s room for more. A Vatican City Connect jersey? A Pope Leo XIV bobblehead? White Sox catching coach and Catholic school alum Drew Butera has an innovative idea: staging a “throw harder than the Pope” competition. Now that’s the sort of creativity we’re looking for.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman left the team’s game Friday afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles in the bottom of the fifth inning with an injury. 

Bregman nailed a ball down into left field, but had to hit the brakes hard while rounding first, and in the process appeared to hurt himself. He walked off on his own power, but clearly knew something was up that needed to get looked at by the training staff.

Take a look at that here: 

It’s hard to tell what exactly was in pain, but a slight limp, especially after a sprint, would imply something related to the lower body. 

The Red Sox later announced the injury was right quad tightness. It's still not known the severity of the injury.

Information is not yet available about Bregman’s injury and how serious it is, but Boston being down another infielder would make for a very complicated infield situation. Triston Casas is out for the season after a gruesome injury at first base. Boston asked Rafael Devers to play first, but Devers was vocally uninterested after voicing earlier displeasure at being relegated from third base to DH this spring to make room for Bregman. That even prompted trade speculation. It’s easy to imagine how delicate it might be to request Devers go back to third if it turns out Bregman’s injury is something that keeps him out for an extended period of time. 

Marcelo Mayer, currently doing everything right for Triple A Worcester, can play third. 

Coming into the day, Bregman was slashing .297/.381/.554 with an OPS+ of 159. He led the Sox with hits (58) coming into Friday.

Crystal Palace are now weighing up a January move for a goal-scoring midfielder, who enjoyed a very impressive 2025 campaign.

Palace join race for new midfielder

Palace have fared very well recruiting young players in recent years, with Adam Wharton one of the best examples, most recently assisting Eddie Nketiah’s opening goal in the 2-1 victory against Fulham, which helped send Oliver Glasner’s side up to fourth in the Premier League table.

However, the Eagles seem to be in a constant battle to retain the services of their star players, with Eberechi Eze joining Arsenal in the summer, while Marc Guehi remains of interest to the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Wharton is also attracting interest from some of the world’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United and Liverpool being named as potential suitors, which means Glasner may have to start thinking about bringing in a long-term replacement before too long.

According to a report from Football Insider, Crystal Palace have now set their sights on a new target, with it being revealed they are weighing up a January move for UCD midfielder Adam Brennan, who has enjoyed a fantastic 2025 campaign.

Indeed, Brennan has amassed 13 goal contributions for the League of Ireland First Division side this term, registering nine goals and four assists in 28 outings, meaning a whole host of English clubs are now lining up to secure his signature.

Hull City invited the 18-year-old on trial last month, but the Tigers have now been joined by Birmingham City, Wrexham and the Eagles in the battle for his services.

Brennan could be one for the future

Despite competing in the second-highest division of Irish football, it is still impressive that the teenager managed to find the back of the net so regularly at such a young age during the 2025 campaign, showcasing that he could be a future star.

Crystal Palace could now sign £80k-a-week "warrior" in "good value" January deal

There has been a new update on the Eagles’ pursuit of a defender.

ByDominic Lund Dec 3, 2025

That said, with the Irishman yet to prove himself in the top tier, it could be a while before he is ready to test himself in the Premier League, and Palace should look to hold on to Wharton for as long as possible.

The former Blackburn Rovers man remains under contract until 2029, which means the Eagles should be in a strong negotiating position, and if they manage to keep the core of their squad together, they could make a real success of the current season.

Palace currently find themselves in the Champions League places, and managing to qualify for Europe again could convince Glasner to stay, amid previous interest from the likes of Man United and Tottenham Hotspur.

With the Austrian’s contract up in the summer, Palace retaining their top players could be the best course of action when it comes to keeping hold of their manager, but Brennan could also be a shrewd long-term addition to the squad.

The last few days have been a whirlwind at Manchester United. The Red Devils suffered another disappointing result at Old Trafford, drawing 1-1 against relegation-threatened West Ham United.

Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to create many substantial chances and could only earn a point against the Hammers.

It was another game where Kobbie Mainoo didn’t play, either. The United academy graduate, a true gem of Carrington, has only played 171 minutes in the Premier League this term.

His lack of minutes has certainly upset United fans, with club legend Paul Scholes even saying on a now-deleted social media post that he is “being ruined.”

However, the 20-year-old’s talent cannot be forgotten.

Mainoo’s rise from the academy ranks

It has been a long time since the Red Devils had an academy graduate as exciting as Mainoo, perhaps as far back as Marcus Rashford all those years ago. The midfielder represents what the club stands for: youth, courage, success.

Mainoo’s rise to the top was nothing short of astronomical. He made his first Premier League start back in late November 2023.

Less than 12 months later, he was a starter for England at the European Championships, playing from minute one against Spain in the final.

In his first tournament, key England midfielder Declan Rice was full of praise for Mainoo. The Arsenal star said his midfield partner “has that leadership and the way he takes the ball and is comfortable,” which is high praise just months into his professional career.

United embrace the academy; it has been the heartbeat of the club for decades upon decades.

Mainoo has done Carrington proud in his 82 appearances so far, with the highlight no doubt his FA Cup final winner in 2024. That is what the Red Devils are all about.

Mainoo’s lack of minutes this season is frustrating, but his talent must be celebrated. Incredibly, United have an academy star who might be even more talented than their number 37.

United’s best academy talent

The Red Devils’ long history of success can largely be attributed to their academy. The Busby Babes, the Class of ‘92, graduates from the 2010s such as Rashford, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, all contributed to silverware.

Perhaps the next great academy graduate from Carrington will be JJ Gabriel.

Despite being just 15 years of age, he is already one of the most highly rated academy players and has been described as potentially being already “better than Premier League players.”

Indeed, Gabriel has shone for the Red Devils’ under-18s this season, playing under the tutelage of Darren Fletcher. In just 11 appearances, he’s found the back of the net ten times and has grabbed one assist.

Those numbers speak for themselves, but given that he is playing three years up, it becomes an even more impressive feat.

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The versatile attacker, who can play up front or as a winger, is not only consistent but also cashes in when he does score.

He’s bagged two goals in a game once, and a hat-trick twice, including one against Liverpool under-18s last weekend. He also grabbed eight goals and assists in August and September.

In terms of his technical ability, Gabriel is rated incredibly highly. Alfie Brooks, the youngster’s one-to-one coach, said he could go into a Premier League dressing room and “technically he would be better than all of them. It wouldn’t even be close.”

He has bags of tricks, a low centre of gravity and a good footballing brain.

Mainoo’s talent is doubtless, but Gabriel might well be an even bigger prospect. To receive the sort of praise he has is a testament to his quality, and the numbers he puts up on a weekly basis show how talented he is.

The attacker is someone United fans will hope to see break into the first team in the coming years, playing alongside Mainoo week in, week out.

He’s "similar to Xhaka": Man Utd to push Madrid for £30m Wharton alternative

This midfield ace is on Man Utd’s transfer radar

By
Joe Nuttall

Dec 6, 2025

Eddie Howe will pray his up-and-down Newcastle United side can put their woes on the road behind them when they make the short trip to arch rivals Sunderland on Sunday.

Away from home this season in the Premier League to date, the Toon only have one win to shout about, which was an emphatic 4-1 success over Everton.

Worryingly, though, if you are remove the joy of that win on Merseyside, Newcastle have drawn three and lost three from their other six encounters away from St James’ Park, meaning Sunderland will be confident they can get one over on their hot-and-cold near neighbours tomorrow.

Howe will be pondering what changes he can make for the crunch clash at the Stadium of Light, with Joelinton looking likely to miss out, in part due to injury, but also after he looked ropey yet again this season, versus Bayer Leverkusen.

Joelinton's regression this season at Newcastle

Journalist Craig Hope has revealed that the Brazilian limped off versus Leverkusen with a groin issue and will now be assessed, as to whether he can play some role in the Tyne-Wear Derby.

A couple of seasons back, losing Joelinton for such a huge tie would have been seen as disastrous, with the 29-year-old coming into his own in Newcastle black and white during the 2022/23 season, when he collected six goals and four assists in Premier League action.

That same campaign, the vibrant number seven would also average a ridiculous seven duels won per Premier League contest, as per Sofascore, but it’s clear now – when not taking a trip down memory lane – that Joelinton has significantly regressed.

From 13 games so far in the league this season, Joelinton is yet to pick up a single goal or assist, with his duels won count also taking a beating, as seen in him averaging just 4.1 per contest.

Against Leverkusen, even if injury did bring his game to a halt, Howe would have likely taken him off, anyway, with the out-of-sorts South American only winning two of his nine duels, as he cut a lethargic figure throughout.

With Howe needing all of his players to be on their A-Game against the Black Cats, it would be an almighty risk to stick with Joelinton, with injury troubles impacting him.

Joelinton isn’t the only instantly recognisable first team face who has regressed as of late, however, as this other well-established presence fears he might be dropped for the Tyne-Wear Derby.

The "really poor" Newcastle star who could be dropped

Even if Newcastle’s away form this season was sparkling, they would find it hard to get the better of a Sunderland side surprisingly competing near the top of the division, after promotion.

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The midfield battle could be crucial as Newcastle try to pick up their first win at the Stadium of Light since 2011, with the energetic Lewis Miley perhaps preferred to Joelinton as the young Englishman prepares to do battle with Granit Xhaka.

Additionally, Sandro Tonali could also potentially be chucked to one side in another bold alteration centrally, having been “really poor” last time out, in the view of journalist Luke Edwards.

While the Italian would cover a vast 11.5km during the match through runs alone, which included this fast-paced sprint back late on after he slipped, Tonali didn’t always cut an assured figure in Germany, which is unusual for a man once noted as being “world-class” for his ability on the ball by reporter Carlo Garganese.

Tonali would come off at the end of the 2-2 draw with possession given up a costly eight times, with the number eight arguably at fault for Alejandro Grimaldo’s late equaliser, as he lackadaisically went about his business, while the Spaniard found space to slot home.

Games played

21

Minutes played

1549 mins

Goals scored

0

Assists

3

Games dropped to the bench

5

The worry will be that Howe is overusing Tonali when he ought to give him a rest, much like he has done with Joelinton, who is showing clear signs of rust now in the heart of the Newcastle midfield, with the former AC Milan battler being dropped to the bench for five games already this season, subsequently.

Against Everton and Burnley when he was rested, Newcastle would still manage to come out on top and win the contests, with Howe now potentially preparing to ditch Tonali again, owing to his comments that the former Serie A star looked a “little bit tired” against Kasper Hjulmand’s hosts.

Both Joelinton and Tonali have largely been mainstays under Howe in recent seasons, but if dropping the leggy midfield duo for the game at Sunderland enhances the overall team unit, both players should miss out, as a real team effort will be key if the Toon want to gain bragging rights over the Black Cats.

Newcastle star could miss Sunderland game after new injury "issue" emerges

An ill-timed blow for the Magpies.

ByTom Cunningham 4 days ago

Daniel Farke looked long gone as Leeds United manager heading into an intimidating run of matches in the Premier League.

Not even the most optimistic Elland Road supporter would have expected the Whites to grab some much-needed points against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

Yet, after this trio of difficult clashes, Leeds are four points better off with a win and a draw secured, which also – most importantly – means they’re two points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Farke will just keep his fingers crossed that this high-energy approach can be replicated versus the likes of Brentford and Crystal Palace to come, away from turning on the style against some of the division’s flashier opponents.

More positive results ahead would give Leeds a huge boost in their bid to avoid relegation, with the January transfer window also providing the Whites with an opportunity to add some standout signings to help them secure their survival.

Where Leeds could strength in January

Even though there has been a dramatic upturn in form, when Farke once looked like a dead man walking, Leeds will still likely be active in the hectic window to come.

Indeed, rumours are already beginning to circulate that the Premier League newcomers have Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on their radar as transfer season edges ever closer. Moreover, the relegation-threatened outfit has also been linked heavily with a move for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez to bolster their centre-forward options.

Away from all this gossip, though, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also come out to state via his YouTube channel that Farke and Co have even made a concrete approach for an attacking playmaker in the form of Martin Baturina.

Romano stated: “In the last few days, Leeds has been in touch, the teams are starting to move.”

The £21m midfielder, who only signed for Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the summer, is struggling for consistent first-team minutes in Serie A at the moment. Yet, despite his predicament, he isn’t overly keen on a switch to West Yorkshire, according to Romano, with Como allegedly turning down the approach.

Still, transfer stories can change in the blink of an eye, so don’t write this one off completely.

How Baturina can become Farke's next Rutter

If Leeds were eventually successful in their mission to land the captivating 22-year-old, Farke could sign Leeds’ new version of Georginio Rutter, with the 15-time Croatia international capable of being a terrifying assist machine, much like the former number 24 was at Elland Road.

Rutter did manage to hammer home some memorable strikes when still situated at the Whites, with eight goals tallied up. But, it was his unerring ability to create chances for fun that made him really stand out as a fan’s favourite during his short, but sweet, 66-game stint at the club.

TalkSPORT’s Jeff Stelling would herald him as a “class act” at Leeds for the way he managed to make creating chances galore look effortless, with a bumper 18 assists coming his way across that string of matches.

In league action alone across the 2023/24 season, Rutter would muster up a ridiculous 22 big chances created, which led to the silky Frenchman securing himself a deserved £40m move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

While it hasn’t gone Baturina’s way at Como to date, with just one Serie A start handed to him by Fabregas this season leading to zero assists being tallied, it’s clear from his explosive time at Hadjuk Split that he has the same devastating ability to carve team opens that Rutter possesses.

Fabregas has already waxed lyrical about the 22-year-old’s “immense” nature to make things happen in “key moments” when first moving to Italy.

The clip above saw the £21m-rated midfielder calmly tee up his teammate for a golden opportunity in the Champions League back in 2024, with the assists flowing throughout his time at Split, leading to scout Jacek Kulig once hailing him as one of “the biggest talents” in Croatia.

League stats: Baturina vs Rutter

Stat

Baturina

Rutter

Games played

114

60

Goals scored

17

6

Assists

36

17

Big chances created

38

23

Stats by Sofascore

Albeit from a wider pool of matches than the Seagulls star, Baturina would see out his time in his native Croatia with a staggering 38 big chances created from 117 league contests, which trumps Rutter’s own creative prowess.

Analyst Ben Mattinson would weigh in with some praise of his own by stating that the new Como number 20’s passing range was “outstanding” throughout his much-talked-about Split stay, with Farke now hopeful – if a move can be pulled off – that Baturina can enhance Leeds’ attack even more, after the goals have started to come naturally against the likes of Chelsea and Arne Slot’s Reds.

Of course, there will also be a worry in the air that for £21m, Leeds are risking their money on a midfielder who hasn’t ignited into life in Serie A.

Still, the Whites were here before with Rutter when splashing the cash on him in a January window, and while it took time for him to acclimatise, he is now seen as a modern great. Could Baturina soon follow in his esteemed footsteps?

Related Leeds now make contact over signing "powerful" star who's been likened to Odegaard

He’s a wanted man.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Dec 6, 2025

علق حسام حسن لاعب منتخب مصر الثاني، على التعادل أمام الكويت في افتتاح مشوار الفراعنة ببطولة كأس العرب 2025.

وتواجه منتخب مصر مع الكويت، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولى من عمر مباريات المجموعة الثالثة لبطولة كأس العرب المقامة في قطر. وانتهى اللقاء بالتعادل الإيجابي بين المنتخبين، بهدف لمثله، حيث تقدم منتخب الكويت عن طريق فهد الهاجري وتعادل لـ مصر محمد مجدي أفشة.

وقال حسام حسن في تصريحات لقناة الكأس: “أحمدُ الله على النتيجة، وقد نكون تعرّضنا لعقوبةٍ ما بعد إهدارنا لعدد من الفرص في الشوط الأول، ولكن هذه هي كرة القدم؛ وتُلعَب حتى آخر دقيقة”.

وأكمل: “هذا منتخب مصر، ومعروف عنه أنه حتى لو كان خاسرًا يبقى قادرًا على العودة، أهم ما يجب أن يكون حاضرًا في المباراة هو التوفيق”.

طالع | ترتيب مجموعة مصر في كأس العرب 2025 بعد التعادل مع الكويت

وأضاف: “نعد الجماهير المصرية بأننا سنبذل أقصى ما لدينا، ونستطيع إسعادهم في المباريات المقبلة”.

وأتم: “منتخب مصر معروف بتاريخه، ونتعامل مع كل مباراة على حدة، وإن شاء الله في المباراة القادمة نستطيع استغلال الفرص المتاحة، ونقدّم الأداء والنتيجة المطلوبين، ونسعى للصعود إلى الدور المقبل”.