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Arsenal are looking to establish themselves as the dominant force in English football and could now be set to accelerate their pursuit of a star who has an intriguing link with a key member of their squad.

Mikel Arteta is into his sixth year at the Gunners and will hope his side can seize the opportunity that lies ahead in the Premier League title race, given they have managed to amass a four-point lead at this point.

Ultimately, their frustrating draw away to Sunderland before the international break will be a source of inconvenience. However, no team is going to win every match across a whole campaign, so they will put it behind them ahead of stiff tests against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Looking at their central priorities, lifting the Premier League title has to be the main focus. Nevertheless, Pete O’Rourke confirmed on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that Arteta could be set to engage in talks over a contract extension later next year.

He said: “Yeah, I think for certain it’s something that they will get to, as you said, it’s probably not the priority right now. Arteta’s contract will take care of itself. I’ve got no doubts about that. Arteta’s happy at Arsenal. Arsenal are obviously very happy with him.

“I think for Arteta himself probably his focus and priority right now is on success for Arsenal this season. I’m sure later in 2026, I’m sure there’ll be talks held between Arteta and Arsenal to see if they can sort out his future and extend his stay at the Emirates as well.”

Planning for the future is also firmly part of his remit at the Emirates, and he could now be set to complete a surprising deal for a star who has a familiar family name.

Arsenal could seal Quinten Timber free transfer

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are plotting a move for Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber, who is set to see his contract expire in Rotterdam come the summer of 2026.

Of course, he is the brother of Gunners fan favourite Jurrien, and this could hand them an edge in the race given their obvious tie to the player.

Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and West Ham United are also alert to his situation as he represents a lucrative option to strengthen ahead of next season without having to pay a transfer fee.

On the flipside, Dortmund may be willing to bid for the Utrecht-born midfielder in January, in case Feyenoord opt to take what they can get for his services rather than allow his deal to run down.

Scoring twice and laying on a solitary assist in 14 matches this campaign, 24-year-old Timber has been on the Gunners’ radar for an extended period of time, something that won’t come as a surprise due to his brother’s presence in North London.

Now, they could complete a rare scenario where twins are on board at the same club. However, Dortmund are deemed to be leading the race at this point.

Arsenal are also eyeing an explosive winger to compete with Noni Madueke

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is continuing to build what he hopes will be a long-term dynasty at Anfield, though he may well need to plan for the future without Ryan Gravenberch.

The Reds are keen to push once again for the Premier League title. They will feel a renewed sense of optimism on that front with the international break to come, helped in no small part by Arsenal’s last-minute collapse at Sunderland on Saturday.

No matter what happens as the campaign continues to take shape, Liverpool know that their presence near the top of the pile has the potential to make other sides feel uneasy, even if a mixed start to the season has left supporters searching for more out of their side.

Florian Wirtz has failed to fully ignite at Anfield and there are still question marks over Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak’s form. Nevertheless, one man Slot has been able to hang his hat on over the course of his tenure is Ryan Gravenberch.

Strutting his stuff and getting on the scoresheet against Aston Villa last weekend, the Netherlands international followed that performance up with an excellent engine room display as the Reds edged past Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Enjoying life in midfield, Gravenberch has been in fine form since returning from an ankle injury sustained against Manchester United. Fundamentally, his availability is crucial to Liverpool’s title bid, and he is now firmly one of the first names on Slot’s teamsheet.

Either way, the Reds are constantly pitting themselves against the elite sides in world football, and they have witnessed first-hand that rival heavyweights aren’t daunted by the prospect of trying to steal players from under their nose.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a key example of that practice. However, they could now face a battle on their hands to retain Gravenberch amid recent developments from Spain.

Barcelona want to seize opportunity to sign Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona want to capitalise on Ryan Gravenberch’s Liverpool situation and retain an element of confidence that they may be able to reach an agreement to sign the Netherlands international next summer.

Intriguingly, the former Ajax man values the opportunity to fulfil a career dream by signing for a top-level side such as the La Liga giants, though La Blaugrana will need to balance their finances before making an official approach.

Ryan Gravenberch’s 2025/26 season – Premier League

Shots

12

Successful dribbles

7

Chances created

5

Pass accuracy

87.7%

Duels won

42

Despite no exact price being named by the outlet, Liverpool’s valuation of their star midfielder has soared due to his recent performance and role in last term’s Premier League title triumph, making Gravenberch a hard player to attain for any elite side.

Liverpool may have their next Gini Wijnaldum in midfield

Like any potential move, selling the project on offer in Catalonia will be key to initiating movement. In contrast, the Reds will hope their upward trajectory as a club will convince the 23-year-old to stay put on Merseyside.

Glasgow Rangers may have a brand-new head coach in the building by the time they next take to the field at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership after the international break.

The Light Blues opted to remove their previous manager from his post after a draw last time out in the league meant that he had only won one of his seven Premiership matches in charge.

Russell Martin only won five of his 17 games as the club’s manager, as shown in the graphic above, and the Ibrox giants are now looking to find his replacement.

The latest on the Rangers manager search at Ibrox

The Light Blues are aiming to bring in a replacement ahead of their clash with Dundee United at Ibrox after the break, and they appear to be closing in on their man.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Rangers are ‘close’ to reaching an agreement with out-of-work head coach Steven Gerrard to make him Martin’s replacement.

The reporter claims that the English tactician, who left Rangers to join Aston Villa back in 2021, held face-to-face talks with Light Blues chairman Andrew Cavanagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe in London earlier this week.

Those conversations went well and the Liverpool legend seems to be closing in on a return for a second spell in the dugout at Ibrox this season.

This change in manager in Glasgow could have ramifications throughout the squad, as it is a clean slate for all the players, and the rarely-seen Clinton Nsiala may end up being the biggest winner.

Why Clinton Nsiala may be Ibrox's biggest Rangers winner

The left-footed central defender was bombed out of the squad by Martin this season and has not played a single minute of competitive football since the 2024/25 campaign.

Nsiala, whose last appearance came against St Mirren in April, posted an Instagram story of himself celebrating and smiling after a goal for the club at Ibrox after the news broke that Martin had been sacked. Possibly a coincidence and unrelated.

The 21-year-old starlet, who joined from AC Milan last year, made 11 appearances in the Premiership during the 2024/25 campaign and showed some signs of promise.

Appearances (starts)

11 (10)

Pass accuracy

89%

Ground duel success rate

45%

Aerial duel success rate

52%

Ball recoveries per game

2.1

Clearances per game

4.5

Duels won per game

2.6

As you can see in the table above, Nsiala got a taste of Premiership action last season and had positive and negative aspects to his performances, winning the majority of his aerial duels, but being a bit too weak in his battles on the deck.

At the age of 21, the French gem, who was described as an “exciting talent” by Nils Koppen, has plenty of time left to develop and improve as a player, but Martin was not willing to provide him with chances to gain experience this season.

That is despite Jayden Meghoma, a left-back, and Derek Cornelius, a centre-back, being the only two left-footed defenders in the senior squad at this moment in time.

Martin lined up with Cornelius out of position at left-back and the right-footed John Souttar as a left-sided centre-back in the 1-1 draw with Falkirk last time out in the Premiership, which speaks to the issues that the Gers have had on that side of the defence.

Nsiala, therefore, may end up being the biggest winner from the change in management at Ibrox because Martin, clearly, was not keen on him, but Gerrard may see the lack of naturally left-footed options at the back and provide the youngster with an opportunity.

Gerrard, after all, was the manager who signed Calvin Bassey and gave him his Gers debut as a young and versatile left-footed defender, which may give Nsiala hope that he could follow in the Nigeria international’s footsteps.

New Rangers manager could lose Ibrox star as soon as January window opens

Another potential blow for the Gers.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 10, 2025

It will now be interesting to see what kind of decisions the new manager makes, if it does end up being Gerrard, with the current squad once he is in the building at Ibrox.

Worcestershire bowled out for 143 before Keaton Jennings, Liam Livingstone steer comfortable chase

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jun-2025

James Anderson enjoyed another productive night•ECB via Getty Images

Lancashire Lightning continued their strong start to the Vitality Blast with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Worcestershire Rapids at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Rapids, having chosen to bat, were bowled out for 143 in 19.1 overs. Only Gareth Roderick (35 from 28 balls) resisted for long as the innings failed to recover from early damage inflicted by James Anderson and Luke Wood.Lightning reeled in the target with 15 balls to spare, reaching 146 for 3 thanks to a solid top-order effort headed by Keaton Jennings (42 off 37) and Liam Livingstone (41 not out off 22).Rapids won the toss but lost both openers in the first seven balls. Brett D’Oliveira edged his first ball, from Anderson, to slip and Wood struck with his first ball when he trapped Ed Pollock lbw.Jake Libby pulled Anderson for six and almost did the same to Wood only to be denied by a stunning one-handed catch by Jack Blatherwick just inside the long leg rope. Wood’s third wicket followed when Ethan Brookes pulled to midwicket and when, next ball, Adam Hose edged Tom Aspinwall to wicketkeeper Matty Hurst, the Rapids were 46 for 5, one ball out of the powerplay.Roderick and Ben Dwarhuis arrested the slide with a stand of 46 in 29 balls before the latter pulled Aspinwall to deep midwicket. Lancashire’s catching was top-drawer and when Matthew Waite sought six over fine leg off Blatherwick, Michael Jones judged the catch perfectly despite the pressure of knowing one backward step would take him over the rope.Roderick’s defiance ended when he sliced Anderson to third. That left Rapids’ last two wickets with 27 balls at their disposal. Jacob Duffy heaved Wood to the foot of the chestnut tree in a violent unbeaten 24 off 12 to at least give him something to bowl at but Rapids were well short.The home side desperately needed early wickets but took only one in the powerplay, Luke Wells, who edged Tom Taylor to wicketkeeper Roderick. Jennings and Matty Hurst added 63 in 46 balls and when Hurst was well-caught at long leg by Duffy, his belligerent cameo had, with Jennings, left Lancashire well in charge of the chase.Jennings bottom-edged a pull at Waite to the keeper but Livingstone smote D’Oliveira’s first two balls into the D’Oliveira Stand to reassert Lightning’s momentum. Despite fast-fading light, vastly experienced pair Livingstone and Ashton Turner saw their side comfortably home. They added an unbroken stand of 62 in 33 balls, Livingstone sealing the win with a pull into the aforementioned chestnut tree.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Clásico Joven, Cruz Azul manager Nicolás Larcamón said the rivalry between La Máquina and América continues to grow in importance – and is now the biggest fixture in Mexican football. Los Azulcremas enter the weekend sitting second in the table with 27 points, while the Celestes are in fourth with 25.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The biggest rivalry

  As the latest edition of the Clásico Joven approaches, Larcamón made it clear that facing América means more than just history and rivalry – it’s a game that continues to gain weight within Liga MX.

  “In recent years, Cruz Azul vs América has undoubtedly become one of the most important games in Mexican football,” Larcamón said. “The northern clubs have set their own standard, and Toluca has also been consistent. But because of its history, this clásico is getting stronger. It might well become the most important rivalry in the league."

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'The motivation isn’t the opponent'

  Despite the pressure surrounding such the high-stakes match, Larcamón insisted that his motivation doesn’t come from facing América.

  “The motivation isn’t the opponent, it’s the badge and our people,” he said. “We focus on preparation, on arriving fresh and ready to perform at our best. That’s what drives us.”

  Cruz Azul enter the match in solid form, showing consistency and balance throughout the tournament. However, Larcamón emphasized that the team’s ambitions go beyond records or statistics.

  “Cruz Azul is a massive club, and we have to aim higher than just maintaining a streak,” he said.

  The coach referred to La Máquina’s unbeaten run at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, a streak that represents more than just numbers – it’s a reflection of the team’s mentality and commitment.

  “We want to extend that record because of what it means to us,” he said. “Of course, it matters in terms of points and format, but it’s more about ambition, about continuing to build and grow.”

• AFP
  

  America’s dominant record under Jardine

  On the other side, André Jardine’s América continues to thrive under the Brazilian’s leadership. Since his arrival, Jardine has delivered impressive results and built a reputation as a coach who knows how to handle the big games. Cruz Azul, in fact, have been Jardine’s most frequent opponent in Liga MX.

  Here’s how his record stacks up across the following opponents:

  + Cruz Azul: 6 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses

  + Chivas: 6 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses

  + Querétaro: 6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss

  + Atlas: 6 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses

  When counting only his matches in charge of América, Cruz Azul remains his most defeated rival. A victory this weekend would give Jardine his sixth triumph over the Cementeros since arriving in Coapa.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Stakes are high for both sides

  Cruz Azul looks to confirm its progress under Larcamón and prove they can be true title contenders, while Jardine’s América – dealing with several injury absences – aim to extend their dominance.

  Henry Martín appears to be ruled out, although Alejandro Zendejas could make the bench after withdrawing from the United States national team call-up.

ظهر تشابي ألونسو مدرب ريال مدريد، في مؤتمر صحفي عقب انتصار فريقه في الكلاسيكو أمام برشلونة، وسئل عن أبرز أحداث المواجهة، بما في ذلك غضب فينيسيوس جونيور، والجدل مع لامين يامال.

وتغلب ريال مدريد على برشلونة بهدفين لهدف، ليوسع الفارق مع غريمه إلى 5 نقاط، وشهدت المواجهة غضب من جانب فينيسيوس جونيور أثناء استبداله.

كما وقعت مشادات في نهاية اللقاء بين لاعبي الفريقين، وسخر داني كارفاخال وفينيسيوس من لامين يامال لاعب برشلونة، بسبب تصريحاته المثيرة للجدل قبل المباراة حيث قال (يسرقون ويشتكون).

ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تصريحات تشابي، وبشأن غضب فينيسيوس أثناء الاستبدال، علّق: “لا أريد أن أفقد تركيزي عن الأمور المهمة، فهذه أشياء سنتحدث عنها لاحقًا، ضمن المباراة الكبيرة التي قدمناها”.

وأضاف: “فينيسيوس أيضًا ساهم كثيرًا، إنه فوز مهم، مستحق، وربما أقل من حجم أدائنا الحقيقي، فقد كانت لدينا فرص، منها ركلة الجزاء، هذا يمنحنا الإحساس بأننا فريق تنافسي في المباريات الكبرى”.

وإذا سبق ودرب لاعبًا بشخصية قوية مثل فينيسيوس، قال: “في الفريق شخصيات مختلفة، الآن سنستمتع بالفوز، وفي الوقت المناسب سنتحدث عن ذلك داخل غرفة الملابس”.

وعن الجدل مع لامين يامال، أوضح: “كان الفريق متحمسًا للغاية، كنا نتحدث مُسبقًا عن أهمية المباراة، ليس فقط من أجل النقاط الثلاث، بل لكل ما قد تتضمنه، أنا سعيد باللاعبين قبل كل شيء؛ كانوا بحاجة إلى هذا الشعور بالقدرة على الفوز بمباراة كبيرة”.

وعن مشهد كارفاخال وهو يتحدث مع لامين قائلاً إنه يتكلم كثيرًا، أشار تشابي: “كانت لحظة توتر بسبب نتيجة المباراة القريبة جدًا، أتيحت لنا فرص للتسجيل، تعاملت مع الموقف بتوتر اللحظة، لكن لا يجب تضخيم الأمر، هذه كرة قدم، وهذه المواقف حدثت كثيرًا في الكلاسيكيات السابقة، وماذا في ذلك؟ (يبتسم) السبت لدينا مباراة أخرى”.

تشواميني قال إنه يحب الأجواء التنافسية والتصريحات التي سبقت اللقاء من لامين يامال، وسُئل تشابي هل ما حدث في النهاية كان رد فعل على ذلك، وأجاب ألونسو: “كان ذلك جزءًا من توتر اللحظة، هذه المناوشات والمشادات حدثت كثيرًا في الكلاسيكو عبر السنوات، أمر طبيعي يعكس حماس اللاعبين، لا داعي للخوف من هذا النوع من التنافس الصحي، وقد رأيته أمامي”.

وسُئل تشابي ألونسو عمّا إذا كان قد وضع خطة خاصة لإيقاف لامين يامال، فأختتم تصريحاته قائلاً: “حاولنا الدفاع جيدًا كفريق واحد، دون أي اعتبارات خاصة، لم نعانِ من فرص كثيرة ضدنا”.

Big picture: More entertainment in store

Pakistan set their sights on playing high-risk cricket, and were finally able to execute it to perfection in the third T20I. The approach was also apparent from the get-go, and all three batters who batted on the day – Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz and Salman Agha – stuck to it. After struggling against pace and bounce in the first two games, they feasted on the New Zealand bowling attack on what seemed like a belter, with Nawaz finishing with a 45-ball 105* as records tumbled. Pakistan also averted a series loss with the win.Despite the batter-friendly conditions, Pakistan’s bowlers – especially the quicks – did largely well to keep New Zealand to 204, particularly with the chase proving no total was safe on the surface. They did leak a few runs in the middle, but the only thing that perhaps did not work out was legspinner Abrar Ahmed bowling in the powerplay. With two more games to go, Pakistan will want to use this momentum to turn the series around their way and get even.New Zealand, who had been playing their best till the last game, will be ruing the missed opportunity of sealing the series. Despite early wickets, however, they did not let the scoring slow down, and that was largely thanks to Mark Chapman’s 94 off 44 balls.Related

• Henry out of last two Pakistan T20Is, to continue rehab

• Nawaz gives a peek into Pakistan's new era of T20 batting

• Stats: Nawaz smashes fastest T20I hundred for Pakistan

New Zealand are playing with an almost second-string side, while Pakistan too had a revamp of their T20I team. Both teams have made their approach clear – they want to entertain with the bat – and will hope it works in their favour as the action moves to Mount Maunganui.

Form guide

New Zealand: LWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan: WLLLL

In the spotlight: Haris Rauf and Mark Chapman

Haris Rauf came into the XI after missing the first T20I, and showed Pakistan what they were missing. After picking 2 for 20 in the second T20I, he finished with 3 for 29 on a batter-friendly Eden Park surface in the third, relying on change of pace to control the run flow and get his wickets. Rauf finished with an economy of 7.25 in that match, the best across both teams. After good outings against Australia and Zimbabwe late last year, Rauf went wicketless in the two T20Is against South Africa, but bounced back on conditions suited to his bowling in New Zealand.Mark Chapman hit 11 fours and four sixes on the way to his 94 in the third T20I•AFP/Getty Images

Mark Chapman hasn’t been New Zealand’s most consistent batter in the format but showed in the third T20I what he can do on his day. He went ten innings without a half-century in the lead up to the match, which also included six single-digit scores. But with Tim Siefert and Finn Allen departing early, the left-hander started off by taking on Shaheen Shah Afridi and then legspinner Abrar to get settled. He never slowed down even as wickets fell at the other end, missing out on a century after hitting 11 fours and four sixes on the way.

Team news

Matt Henry, who was ruled out of the first three T20Is, will miss the remainder of the series too as he continues his rehab from shoulder injury. Zakary Foulkes, who was named his replacement, will continue to be part of the squad. Will O’Rourke, who was originally listed only for the opening three games, will remain with the squad for the final two matches in place of Kyle Jamieson. One of Foulkes or O’Rourke is expected to make the XI in place of Jamieson.New Zealand (probable): 1 Tim Seifert, 2 Finn Allen, 3 Mark Chapman, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Jimmy Neesham, 6 Mitch Hay (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell (capt), 8 Ish Sodhi, 9 Zakary Foulkes/Will O’Rourke, 10 Jacob Duffy, 11 Ben SearsPakistan got in Abbas Afridi for Jahandad Khan for the previous game, and also brought in an extra spinner in Abrar for Mohammed Ali. They are unlikely to change a winning combination for the fourth T20I.Pakistan (probable): 1 Mohammad Haris (wk), 2 Hasan Nawaz, 3 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 4 Irfan Khan, 5 Shadab Khan, 6 Abdul Samad, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Abbas Afridi, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Abrar Ahmed, 11 Haris Rauf

Pitch and conditions: Clouds expected

The average first-innings score at the Bay Oval since 2020 is 176. Teams batting first have won four out of the last five completed matches at the venue. Though it may remain a bit cloudy, no weather interruption is expected on Sunday.

Stats that matter

• Since 2020, New Zealand and Pakistan have played each other in 26 T20Is. That is the most either team has played against any opponent in this period. New Zealand’s next most-frequent opponents have been India (14 matches), while Pakistan’s have been England (16 matches).
• Among the top ten teams in the T20I rankings, New Zealand are the only team against whom Pakistan have won a T20I since 2024, having won won four out of 13 matches against them since then.
• Sodhi has 27 wickets against Pakistan, the most he has against any opponent in T20Is, followed by 25 against India.
• Chapman needs 32 runs to become the leading run-scorer for New Zealand against Pakistan in T20Is. Currently, Kane Williamson leads the charts with 667 runs against Pakistan.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo segue sendo a maior torcida do Brasil, com uma preferência de quase 30%. Em pesquisa, o time Rubro-Negro acumula aproximadamente 42 milhões de torcedores. Além da maior torcida, o Flamengo conta também como preferido nas regiões Nordeste, Centro-Oeste e Norte.

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Seguido dele, o Corinthians conta com cerca de 30 milhões de torcedores espalhados pelo mundo, e representa 15% de todo o Brasil. Além de ocupar a segunda posição, é também a maior torcida da região Sudeste.

A terceira posição é ocupada pelo São Paulo, com mais de 17 milhões de fãs. Em quarto, o Palmeiras, que tem contado com com um crescimento no número de torcedores, graças as conquistas de títulos mais recentes, já conta com 12 milhões de pessoas na torcida e quase 8% de preferência do público.

Completando os cinco maiores, o Vasco tem mais de 8 milhões de torcedores espalhados, representando 7% dos torcedores brasileiros. O Grêmio vem logo em seguida, sendo o primeiro fora do Rio de Janeiro e de São Paulo a aparecer na lista.

Confira o ranking completo das maiores torcidas brasileiras:

1 – Flamengo: 21,8%
2 – Corinthians: 15,5%
3 – São Paulo: 8,2%
4 – Palmeiras: 7,4%
5 – Vasco: 4,2%
6 – Grêmio: 3,2%
7 – Cruzeiro: 3,1%
8 – Internacional: 2,2%
9 – Santos: 2,2%
10 – Atlético-MG: 2,1%
11 – Bahia: 1,7%
12 – Botafogo: 1,3%
13 – Fortaleza: 1,3%
14 – Sport: 1,2%
15 – Fluminense: 1,1%
16 – Paysandu: 0,9%
17 – Ceará: 0,8%
18 – Vitória: 0,7%
19 – Seleção Brasileira: 0,7%
20 – Santa Cruz: 0,6%

Australia will have another debutant in their XI, while India will make at least one change in their bid to draw the series

Alagappan Muthu02-Jan-20254:27

Is Rohit in Manjrekar’s India XI for Sydney?

Big picture: SCG showdown to decide Border-Gavaskar TrophyFrom that first day, when 17 wickets fell in Perth, there has been intrigue in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Even the game ruined by rain in Brisbane threw up something unexpected – a sudden retirement. Now as a hard fought, highly entertaining series comes to an end, Australia have the chance to cement their legacy – the reigning ODI and Test world champions have one hand on a trophy that has eluded them for 10 years – and India still have the chance to deny them.There were reports of friction inside India’s ranks. The captain Rohit Sharma is so short of runs his place in the team isn’t looking so good. The coach Gautam Gambhir did not confirm if the captain would be in the XI, which created a very different feel to India’s build-up. Shubman Gill, who was left out at the MCG Test, was one of the first in the nets and Dhruv Jurel, who hasn’t played since Perth, was the last to leave. If that’s any indication of a change in India’s batting line-up, is Rohit going out?India have been struggling to score first-innings runs – their average of 22.40 is their seventh lowest in a season where they’ve played at least five Tests – and have had to play catch-up constantly in Australia. Sydney is a place they might enjoy though. The SCG isn’t quite the batting paradise it used to be, like when India declared on 705 here in 2003, but it is still offering 34.85 per wicket which is better than any other ground in Australia over the last three years. That could be one of the reasons Australia are bringing in bowling reinforcements. The short turnaround between the Boxing Day and the New Year’s Tests is another. Beau Webster will be making his Test debut in place of Mitchell Marsh.For a while it looked like India might be able to escape the MCG with a draw. Yashasvi Jaiswal once again proved to be India’s best batter. At the end of that game, Rohit said the juniors still had a bit to learn about Test cricket, but it seems like they’re doing alright. Jaiswal is India’s highest scorer of the series. Nitish Kumar Reddy produced their best moment. Akash Deep has won Steven Smith’s admiration, but he’s out of the Sydney Test with a bad back. India’s vulnerabilities lie elsewhere.Related

'He'll push through' – Carey confident Starc won't let back issue keep him out of SCG Test

Virat Kohli gears up for the final reckoning of a tour defined by misjudgments

Mitchell Marsh dropped, Beau Webster to debut in Sydney

Form GuideAustralia: WDWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India: LDLWLIn the spotlight: Rohit Sharma and Pat CumminsWill Sydney be the last of Rohit Sharma in Test cricket or is he already done? India’s win in Perth came without him. He tried not to upset their momentum by moving himself down to the middle order but then felt that wasn’t working well enough. With not enough runs behind him, his on-field decisions backfiring, and India’s next Test not until June 2025, by which time Rohit will be 38, it feels like the end of something. He did bat in the nets on Thursday, facing only throwdowns, which is what he did ahead of the Melbourne Test as well.If this series didn’t have Jasprit Bumrah in it, Pat Cummins would be its best bowler. After a wayward start in Perth, he looked pumped in Adelaide, keeping the rich tradition of fast bowlers and their nerve-popping celebrations alive. He was Player of the Match in Melbourne for contributing with the bat as well. A win at his home ground in front of what is expected to be record crowds again to seal a place in the World Test Championship final would be the perfect way to end the season for Cummins.Akash Deep won’t play the SCG Test because of a back niggle•Associated Press

Team news: Webster in; Akash outMitchell Starc will play in Sydney while managing a side/rib complaint. Webster, who bats right-handed and bowls both medium pace and offspin, will be the third debutant for Australia in this series after Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas. He was the highest scorer in the Sheffield Shield last season with 938 runs at 58.62 and took 30 wickets at 29.30.Australia: 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Sam Konstas, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Scott Boland, 11 Nathan LyonWith Akash ruled out with a stiff back, India will have to rejig their bowling attack, with either Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana set to replace him. There appear to be changes in batting line-up as well with Gill receiving direct attention from Gambhir, who gave him throwdowns. Jurel also seems like a chance to make the XI with Washington Sundar possibly sitting out.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt)/Shubman Gill, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 KL Rahul, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Rishabh Pant, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Dhruv Jurel, 8 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 9 Prasidh Krishna/Harshit Rana, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed SirajPitch and conditions: A good cricket wicket A day out from the Test match, there was a bit of grass on the SCG pitch. The feedback Cummins has received about it from the two Shield games that took place here this season is that it’s been a “good cricket wicket”, with enough in it for the bowlers, particularly that there’s a bit more pace in it. The weather for the start of the Test is expected to be clear, although there is some rain forecast on the final two days.Stats and trivia Steven Smith is 38 short of 10,000 Test runs. He will join Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting as the only Australians to have got to the mark. He’ll be the second fastest among them, behind Ponting in 196 innings, if he gets there in Sydney. Sydney might be his home ground but Starc’s record here is under par: he has 24 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 44.16. History isn’t on India’s side as they look to draw the series. They have won only one out of 13 Tests at the SCG.Quotes”If someone had said 40-45 days ago that we would be in this situation, that we can come to Sydney and draw this series, it’s a good position to be in.”
“You go into every Test trying to win so no different this week. Really happy with the last three Tests, how the boys have played. We’ve shown for most that we’ve been the frontrunner, that’s the aim again this week, keep it up.”

Crystal Palace are stepping up their level of intent in the summer transfer window and could now be set to enter the box seat to sign a talented Champions League finalist, according to reports.

Oliver Glasner sends honest Crystal Palace transfer message

The Eagles have endured a slow start to the transfer window, which has seen only Borna Sosa and Walter Benitez arrive in South London, prompting Oliver Glasner to share his frustration over club dealings that have left the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss with a slim squad to work with.

He stated: “Even though all the players are still here, we haven’t made the most of the transfer window so far. I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year.

“As of now, I have 17 outfield players! I hope we don’t lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible.”

Inevitable speculation over Crystal Palace hero Eberechi Eze’s future hasn’t helped matters, with Arsenal showing strong interest in bringing the England international to North London.

In terms of incoming, the Eagles are fighting to sign Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea. However, they will need to bat aside AC Milan, Newcastle United and Napoli to secure his signature.

Girona star Viktor Tsygankov is also on the radar of Crystal Palace, potentially offering an alternative creative outlet for Glasner to utilise if Eze moves on following a stellar few years at Selhurst Park.

Either way, movement needs to occur sooner rather than later, and supporters could be in for a treat if recent developments are to accelerate. Crystal Palace preparing offer for Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck

According to Gazetta dello Sport, Crystal Palace are preparing a €32m (£27.5m) bid to sign Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck, which will be the highest that any club has offered to sign the Germany international.

Playing a part in the Nerazzurri’s run to the Champions League final last term, the Eagles are now said to be in the ‘front row’ to tempt him away from San Siro amid his current employers’ openness to selling him if a suitable offer comes along.

Yann Bisseck’s key Serie A statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Tackles won

70.6%

Recoveries

66

Pass accuracy

92.4%

Aerial duels won

48

Duels won

76

Labelled “consistent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Bisseck made 46 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, registering three goals and three assists in total. West Ham United have also previously shown interest in the 24-year-old. However, Crystal Palace now look to be ahead on that front amid uncertainty over Marc Guehi’s future.

With the England man holding off on signing a new contract amid interest from Liverpool, Bisseck could emerge as a natural replacement should movement start to take place on the former’s situation in the coming weeks.

Reinforcements are necessary as Crystal Palace tread the line between being caught short heading into the new season, and a statement addition would undoubtedly lift the mood after a summer that hasn’t gone to plan so far.