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Neste domingo, poucos dias após o término do Brasileirão, Red Bull Bragantino e Corinthians se encontraram em Bragança, pela primeira rodada da fase de grupos do Paulistão, e ficaram apenas no empate em 0 a 0. Mesmo com o amplo domínio dos mandantes, o time não conseguiu abrir o placar, enquanto o Timão promoveu a estreia de jovens da base e mostrou muita dificuldade.

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Primeiro tempo de altos e baixos para ambos, mas RB foi melhor

O jogo começou como era de se esperar, com o Bragantino se impondo e jogando dentro do campo corintiano. Com um time melhor e embalado, facilmente dominou as ações ofensivas. A primeira chance veio com Claudinho, que fez boa jogada individual antes de finalizar para boa defesa de Cássio. Em seguida, foi a vez de Lucas Evangelista bater de fora da área e exigir nova defesa de Cássio, que deu rebote, mas Artur chutou muito mal e perdeu o gol.

Com domínio, mas sem conseguir transformá-lo em gols, o RB viu o Corinthians crescer na partida. Aos 18 minutos, Léo Natel recebeu passe do estreante Rodrigo Varanda e arriscou de fora, fazendo a bola passar perto da trave. Pouco depois, Mateus Vital e Gabriel tabelaram pela esquerda e volante cruzou para a área, onde Varanda quase conseguiu completar para abrir o placar.

O jogo passou a ficar mais equilibrado. Lucas Evangelista teve três boas chances para o Bragantino, mas as finalizações não saíram da forma esperada. Claudinho também teve, mas sem sucesso. Ainda antes do fim do primeiro tempo, Gabriel e Lucas Piton arriscaram para o Timão, porém o êxito não veio. Assim a partida foi empatada em 0 a 0 para o intervalo no Nabi Abi Chedid.

No segundo tempo, só deu Red Bull Bragantino; Corinthians foi inofensivo

O Bragantino voltou para a segunda etapa com a mesma intenção do primeiro etapa: dominar as ações da partida. E conseguiu, mas com menos ímpeto, já que não conseguiu criar boas chances logo de cara. Aos dez minutos, Claudinho arriscou um chute, mas que ficou fácil para Cássio. O mesmo Claudinho, aos 16, deixou Vitinho na cara do gol, mas o ex-Palmeiras perdeu grande chance.

Já o Corinthians pouco ameaçava a defesa adversária, sendo dominado facilmente e perdendo o equilíbrio que havia conquistado antes do intervalo. Dessa forma, Mancini fez logo três alterações, colocando Gustavo Mosquito, Cauê e Gabriel Pereira em campo. Logo em seguida, em boa jogada do RB, Helinho recebeu e bateu forte, exigindo nova grande defesa de Cássio.

Algumas outras alterações foram feitas, mas o jogo passou a ficar mais travado, sem grandes chances para ambos os times. Aos 43, após cobrança de falta, Léo Ortiz marcou um gol, mas o VAR checou e viu impedimento do zagueiro. O lance gerou discussão, mas os ânimos se acalmaram. A calma foi tanta que a partida acabou terminando em 0 a 0, com os dois lados deixando a desejar.

E agora?

Com o resultado, cada um ganha um ponto em seus grupos. Ambos os times voltam a campo na próxima quarta-feira pelo Paulistão-2021. Enquanto o RB, no Grupo C, enfrenta o São Caetano fora de casa, às 19h, o Timão, no Grupo A, recebe o Palmeiras, para clássico na Neo Química Arena, também às 19h.

FICHA TÉCNICA
RED BULL BRAGANTINO 0 X 0 CORINTHIANS
Local: Bragança Paulista, São Paulo (SP)
Data-Hora: 28/2/2021 – 18h
Árbitro: Thiago Luis Scarascati
Assistentes: Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse e Neuza Ines Back
VAR: José Claudio Rocha Filho
Público/renda: Portões Fechados
Cartões amarelos: Vitinho (RBB) Cantillo e Cauê (COR)
Cartões vermelhos: –
Gols: –

RED BULL BRAGANTINO: Cleiton; Aderlan, Léo Ortiz, Fabrício Bruno e Edimar; Raul, Lucas Evangelista e Claudinho; Artur (Cuello, aos 38’/2ºT), Vitinho (Helinho, aos 22’/2ºT) e Ytalo (Hurtado, aos 38’/2ºT). Técnico: Maurício Barbieri.

CORINTHIANS: Cássio; Bruno Méndez, Jemerson, Gil e Lucas Piton; Gabriel (Cazares, aos 31’/2ºT), Ramiro e Cantillo; Rodrigo Varanda (Gustavo Mosquito, aos 24’/2ºT), Mateus Vital (Gabriel Pereira, aos 24’/2ºT) e Léo Natel (Cauê, aos 24’/2ºT). Técnico: Vagner Mancini.

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Chelsea have reportedly made an offer to sign an "awesome" new striker, with those at Stamford Bridge already receiving a response.

Chelsea striker rumours

The Blues brought in a new striker over the summer with a move for Nicolas Jackson, however, it seems as if the club want another in 2024. Only Manchester United (22) and West Ham United (33) have scored less than Chelsea (34) in the Premier League out of the sides in the top half.

Artem Dovbyk

31st December

Claudio Echeverri

19th December

Santiago Gimenez

18th December

Dusan Vlahovic

15th December

Victor Osimhen

15th December

Viktor Gyokeres

12th December

There have been plenty of rumours over a new attacking addition, with Mauricio Pochettino claiming last month that the club could be active this month, saying:

"After the first half of the season, we need to check. That is the reality. If we are not receiving enough, maybe we need to do some movement.

"That is the thing to analyse with the sporting directors, to see if we can change this dynamic and improve in the second half of the season. We need to be more aggressive. Then it's a massive assessment and when the transfer window opens, we will see what we can do.”

However, it looks as if not all of Chelsea’s targets are ones who could come in and strengthen Pochettino’s side immediately, with the club, and by extension owner Todd Boehly, seemingly looking at the bigger picture with a move for an in-demand teenager.

Chelsea make Milos Lukovic bid

According to The Secret Scout on X, Chelsea officials flew to Serbia to discuss a move for striker Milos Lukovic and even made a £4m offer, although it was turned down with FK IMT wanting a sell-on clause.

Reports elsewhere have claimed that Chelsea’s partner club Strasbourg in France are locked in a battle with Eintracht Frankfurt for the 18-year-old. Lukovic appears to be a man in demand this month, and if the Blues do come out on top for his services, it looks as if he will go on loan to France with Strasbourg, managed by Patrick Vieira.

Already the captain for FK IMT, Lukovic has made 70 senior appearances for the club and has starred this season. His form has also caught the eye of Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, who said:

It looks as if Lukovic will be a name to keep an eye on in the future, so if Chelsea manage to win the race for his services and loan him to France, it could prove to be a brilliant piece of business further down the line.

Rangers have been near-perfect since the arrival of Philippe Clement, who took over a side fresh from a worrying start to the season under Michael Beale. The former Queens Park Rangers boss just could not get the Gers going and faced the sack as a result. Now under Clement's guidance, Rangers are unbeaten in their last seven games, and though still behind in the Scottish Premiership title race, are on course to restore some pride to their campaign.

If they want to reach what currently seem like unthinkable heights this season, though, then they may need to make some January changes. And that could include the exit of one particular out-of-favour player.

Rangers transfer news

During the summer transfer window, Rangers failed to find the right replacements for the likes of Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara and Alfredo Morelos and have paid the price ever since. Arrivals such as Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers have struggled to really make their mark so far, giving Clement plenty to think about when the January transfer window swings open. Meanwhile, those who the new manager does not see as part of his plans may well find themselves heading for the exit door, whether by their choice or Clement's.

Among those players could be Ridvan Yilmaz. According to Turkish outlet Sport Digitale, Yilmaz is weighing up a January exit away from Rangers and his agent will hold a talk with Clement in the coming days regarding his future. This comes after the left-back's struggle for game time this season, making just four starts in 12 Scottish Premiership games. Thanks to Beale's decisions to exclude Yilmaz from Rangers' Europa League squad too, Clement is unable to select the Turkish full-back for the competition.

The winter window could reportedly see Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray all return for Yilmaz's signature following their failure to lure the Rangers man away from Ibrox in the summer. The Gers were keen to keep hold of their left-back then, but it remains to be seen whether that's still the case in January.

"Brilliant" Yilmaz could be heading for Rangers exit door

Arriving at Rangers in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth £5m, Yilmaz has since struggled to make an impact in the Scottish Premiership and has failed to take the starting spot from Borna Barisic at left-back. That said, the out-of-favour full-back may just need to have some patience.

He's still only 22-years-old and has plenty to learn under the guidance of Clement. Barisic, meanwhile, is now 31 and not getting any younger, meaning that the left-back spot should be there for the taking sooner rather than later.

When in form, Yilmaz is a player who has impressed those in Scotland in the past, including Joshua Barrie, who posted on X: "Brilliant play from Ridvan Yilmaz, that's the variation of options he gives you! Runs the full length of the Livingston half driving beyond two men before finishing from range. That's some goal from your left back."

So, Yilmaz clearly still has the potential to become the main man down the left-hand side for Clement. It just remains to be seen whether or not he stays put amid a lack of minutes at Ibrox so far this season.

Controversial protest group Just Stop Oil have unexpectedly mocked Tottenham's trophy record on X after a jibe from a disgruntled Spurs fan.

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Just Stop Oil rinse Spurs on XControversial football group mock the club's trophy haulThey've disrupted several recent EPL matchesWHAT HAPPENED?

The organisation — whose activists have disrupted a number of Premier League matches in recent seasons using actions such as tying themselves to goalposts — jumped into a surprise attack on Spurs after a snipe from Tottenham-supporting X user @JohnHayto about their posts regarding matching Earth Day donations.

AdvertisementWHAT JUST STOP OIL SAID

The protest group kept their response short, snappy and fierce, reacting to a meme of a man holding up a '0' sign with the line: 'Trophies won by Spurs in the last decade'. Ouch.

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

For a group focused on spreading their message about the climate crisis in as loud and as controversial a way as possible, viral moments like these are always useful. Spurs haven't risen to the bait so far, but any more ribbing about their trophy haul and maybe they'll be forced to reply.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Just Stop Oil have been able to disrupt numerous professional games partly due to donations from the public. One man who accidentally funded those operations is Forest Green owner (and Ecotricity founder) Dale Vince, who donated £10,000 to the group without realising they were planning on disrupting Premier League matches.

Aston Villa recorded their fourth Europa Conference League group stage win on the bounce by defeating Polish side Legia Warsaw 2-1 on Thursday evening.

The result now means Unai Emery will be able to rest some first-team stars in their last match against Zrinjski Mostar in a couple of weeks as they have secured qualification to the knockout stages with a game to spare.

The Midlands outfit just keep getting better and if Emery continues to manage his squad expertly like he has done already this season, there is a genuine chance Villa could break into the top four and claim a Champions League berth for next season.

With a Premier League tie coming up this afternoon against Bournemouth, the Spaniard will likely make quite a few changes in order to keep his starting XI fresh as they aim to continue their splendid run of form.

Related Latest Aston Villa transfer news: Unai eyes £40m deal; Saudi club want star

It’s a huge summer for Aston Villa and Unai Emery as they prepare for the Champions League.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 11, 2024

We at Football FanCast predict that Emery will make five changes to the team that defeated Legia in midweek and this should be more than enough against a team who have won just three times in the league this season.

1 GK – Emiliano Martínez

The World Cup hero was given the night off against Legia, and he will be fresh for a trip to the south coast today.

Martinez has kept only two clean sheets across 12 Premier League matches so far this season, but Villa’s wonderful attacking unit have ensured he hasn’t been punished much.

2 RB – Matty Cash

The right-back will retain his place in the starting XI from midweek and throughout the season so far, he has yet to miss a match, starting every single league game in the process.

Emery has experimented and played Cash slightly further forward occasionally and, while not his natural position, Cash did manage to score twice against Burnley while operating on the right side of midfield.

Cash will operate on the right side of the defence against the Cherries.

3 CB – Pau Torres

Another player who was rested in Europe. Pau Torres has only featured for a grand total of 1 minute during Villa’s group stage matches as Emery has kept him for domestic duty.

He will be the second change for Villa as the Spaniard will come into the starting XI to replace Ezri Konsa.

The former Villarreal defender has started all but one league tie this season and has even chipped in with two goals, a solid return.

4 CB – Diego Carlos

Emery has excellent depth at centre-back, despite the injury to Tyrone Mings, and this will allow him to drop Clement Lenglet to the bench in place of the Brazilian for Villa’s third change.

The former Sevilla defender missed a large chunk of last season due to injury, but he has returned to full health and has already made 13 appearances across all competitions.

Carlos and Torres have started together three times in the league and conceded three goals, indicating that they could form a decent partnership.

5 LB – Lucas Digne

Emery will rest left-back Alex Moreno in place of Lucas Digne for his fourth change as he will opt to give the returning Spaniard a rest.

Moreno managed to score the winner against the Polish side with a well taken goal and was praised by journalist Jacob Tanswell, who said the left-back looked “really sharp” after his six-month injury layoff.

That being said, the former Arsenal manager will be aiming to avoid rushing him back and this will allow Digne to come into the starting XI.

6 RM – Leon Bailey

Leon Bailey will come back into the starting XI having been among the substitutes for the European tie and he has been in superb form this season.

Across 19 appearances across all competitions, the former Bayer Leverkusen gem has scored six goals and grabbed six assists, finally living up to the hype which saw him secure a big-money move to England in 2021.

He will pose a big threat against the Cherries and could be key for Villa if they aim to claim another three vital points. It's likely Youri Tielemans will be dropped as a result.

7 CM – Boubacar Kamara

Kamara will also retain his place in the starting XI ahead of the tie against Bournemouth and Emery looks as though he is bringing out the best in the Frenchman, who has missed just two games so far this season.

In the top flight, the midfielder has a pass success rate of 91% while recovering 4.8 balls per game, and these displays have ensured he is an undisputed starter.

8 CM – Douglas Luiz

The Brazilian has been an unlikely source of goals for Villa domestically this season, as in just 13 matches, the midfielder has already scored five times along with grabbing two assists.

He will be the first name on Emery’s team sheet and will be hoping to keep up these excellent displays of late.

9 LM – John McGinn

The Scot has firmly established himself as a key man in the Villa midfield and his versatility has been a huge bonus for Emery.

The 29-year-old has featured on the right and left hand side of the midfield, along with slotting into an attacking midfield role, yet the Spaniard will utilise him on the left against Bournemouth.

10 ST – Moussa Diaby

Moussa Diaby scored his fourth Villa goal with a fourth minute effort against Legia and Emery will be keen to utilise his clinical nature in front of goal by starting up as a centre-forward once again.

The 24-year-old has the pace and creativity to cause plenty of problems today, and he has the chance to add to these four goals, without a shadow of a doubt.

Aston Villa have continued their terrific rise under Unai Emery and are currently competing for a Champions League spot in the Premier League this season.

The Spanish tactician arrived with the club sitting in 14th place with three wins in 12 top-flight matches in October of last year and led them to an impressive seventh with 15 wins in 26 games.

This season, Villa have won eight of their 12 league matches and are fifth in the table – one point off the top four and three points behind Manchester City in first.

The Villans are also top of their Europa Conference League group with three wins from their first four matches and are on course to qualify for the knockout stages.

However, there is always room to improve and the upcoming January transfer window will provide Emery with another chance to bolster his group of players.

One reported target who could add an injection of quality – and be an upgrade on Nicolo Zaniolo – is Norwich City wide attacker Jonathan Rowe.

Aston Villa transfer news – Jonathan Rowe

The Villans are one of a host of Premier League clubs reportedly showing an interest in the talented EFL starlet ahead of the turn of the year.

Earlier this month, TEAMtalk claimed that Villa, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Wolves, Burnley, and Sheffield United are all monitoring the young gem's performances for the Canaries.

This suggests that Monchi and Emery could face significant competition for his signature if they decide to firm up their interest with an official approach for his services. Although, they have the allure of European football that the aforementioned teams are unable to offer him at this moment in time.

However, the report does not mention how much Norwich would demand for their prized asset or whether or not any of those sides are willing to make a bid.

It does state, though, that the Canaries would like to tie the 20-year-old whiz down to an extended contract in order to secure his future at Carrow Road.

His current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign but the club do have an option to extend that by a further 12 months if they choose, which means that it may not end until the summer of 2026.

Norwich are said to be keen to keep hold of him throughout the January transfer window, as the academy graduate is an important member of their squad, but Villa must now test their resolve with an attempted swoop to land his signature.

Emery could secure a big upgrade on current attacking midfielder Zaniolo, who is on loan from Turkish giants Galatasaray, by bringing the versatile Rowe to Villa Park.

Zaniolo's season in numbers

The 24-year-old, who can play out wide or through the middle as a number ten, has failed to hit the ground running in English football since his temporary switch from Turkey during the summer transfer window.

He has managed zero goals, zero assists, and zero 'big chances' created in nine Premier League appearances for the Villans this season, which includes six starts.

The left-footed lightweight has also failed to produce a single goal, assist, or 'big chance' created in four Europa Conference League outings, which includes two starts.

Alarmingly, Zaniolo ranks within the top 1% of his positional peers across the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for shots (3.78) per 90 and the bottom 2% for non-penalty goals (0.00) per 90.

This suggests that the Italian midfielder is incredibly wasteful in front of goal and takes far too many shots for a player who is not a clinical finisher, by any stretch.

He cannot blame his lack of goals on the quality of chances that have fallen his way as the former Roma prospect ranks within the top 22% of players in his position for non-penalty xG (0.30) per 90 over the last 365 days.

These statistics paint an alarming picture as they show that the attacker has had a very minimal impact at the top end of the pitch for Villa this season.

He has not been able to provide quality on a regular basis and Emery could, therefore, improve his side by bringing in a player with the potential to offer more, in the way of goals and assists, during the January window.

Jonathan Rowe's season in numbers

The 20-year-old wizard, like Zaniolo, can play out wide or through the middle as an attacking midfielder and this means that the Villans head coach could utilise his talents in a multitude of ways.

He could come in and directly replace the Italian dud as a number ten or be used further forward as a support striker, or as an out-and-out winger depending on the formation being deployed and the needs of the specific match.

Rowe's form for Norwich this season has been particularly impressive and his attacking statistics suggest that he has the potential to be an upgrade on the Galatasaray loanee.

The England U21 international has racked up eight goals and two assists in 18 first-team matches in all competitions for the Canaries so far this term.

Appearances

31

31

36

Goals

12

11

Eight

Assists

Three

Seven

Three

As you can see in the table above, Rowe has been a consistent attacking threat for the Yellows throughout his development in Norfolk, at U18 level all the way through to the first-team.

The talented youngster ranks within the top 32% of Championship wingers and attacking midfielders for shots (2.52) per 90 and within the top 9% for non-penalty goals (0.51) per 90.

This suggests that the 5 foot 8 hotshot, whose form was hailed as "scintillating" by pundit Carlton Palmer, is an efficient shot-taker who scores more goals than the average player who takes the volume of shots he does.

Therefore, Rowe could come in as an upgrade on Zaniolo if he can translate these performances over to the Premier League by offering a consistent output in the final third, which is something the Italian flop has been unable to do.

However, Norwich confirmed this week that the forward has suffered an unspecified injury whilst on international duty with England's U21s and it remains to be seen how serious that is, which could impact Villa's interest if it turns out to be a long-term problem.

Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath put up 174 for the opening stand in a chase of 286 but India’s bowlers pulled things back after Shikhar Dhawan’s 127 had set things up

The Report by Saurabh Somani18-Sep-20180:53

Agarkar: Inexperience went against Hong Kong

For three glorious hours, Hong Kong believed. And they made the cricket world believe with them. It would have been amongst the biggest upsets in cricket history, a nation that had lost its ODI status months back stunning the second-ranked big daddy of the cricket world. But then, reality struck in the form of India’s much greater experience, which was enough to squeeze out a 26-run win.If ever there was a victor feeling harried and the vanquished feeling close to triumphant, it was on Tuesday. Hong Kong may have been knocked out of the Asia Cup 2018, but they struck another telling blow for the Associate cause. India meanwhile, will have to shake off the after-effects of an intense, full-length match in sapping conditions and wake up on the morrow for the most draining match of all, against Pakistan.Shikhar Dhawan’s 14th ODI century had carried India to 285 for 7, with Hong Kong’s bowlers negating a powerful start to allow only 48 runs in the last ten overs. They carried that buoyant momentum with them when they came out to bat, with openers Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath putting on a 174-run partnership, the highest for Hong Kong in ODIs.Nizakat and Rath had rocketed away at the start of the innings, punishing India’s wayward seam bowling. Debutant Khaleel Ahmed was hit for two fours in his second over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar too suffered the same fate a little later, and Shardul Thakur had a nightmare of a game. He bowled a ten-ball third over that had three free hits and eventually cost 17 runs and took Hong Kong to 77 without loss in 12 overs, well above a run-a-ball and well on course for the target.On a pitch that was slow where the ball wasn’t coming on, it was always going to come down to the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, supported by Kedar Jadhav, and while the openers did extremely well to not get out to the spinners when they first came on, the scoring rate fell drastically. The spin trio bowled in rotation for 18 overs in which only a further 67 runs came.Another over from Shardul brought 13 runs and Rath took the attack to Jadhav to swat a six over midwicket, but the momentum had shifted subtly and Hong Kong were playing catch up. If they had more experience of top-flight cricket and handling quality spin, they would have still been favoured to pull off a win, but even from 164 for no loss in 32 overs, the odds favoured India, and so it proved as Hong Kong ended at 259 for 8.The choke by spin eventually resulted in Rath falling to Kuldeep for 73 off 97. One brought two, as Nizakat was trapped in front for a 115-ball 92 to become Khaleel’s first international wicket. With the two set batsmen gone and the required rate mounting, India took firmer control. The odd hit to the fence still came, but more as a show of defiance than a hit that would take Hong Kong closer to victory. Kuldeep (2 for 42) and Chahal (3 for 46) took five between them while Khaleel (3 for 48) a successful debut.Earlier, India got off to a strong start after being put in to bat. Atypically, it was Rohit Sharma who got off the blocks quicker than Dhawan. Rohit was looking like he was about to enter the ominous-for-opposition territory when he holed out off a leading edge for 23. Ambati Rayudu – back in the team alongwith Jadhav – started cautiously but settled in thereafter. Rayudu would go on to make a confidence-boosting 60 off 70 in a 116-run stand with Dhawan for the second wicket.At the other end, Dhawan was fluent once he adjusted to the pace of the pitch. Sussing what shots would work quickly, he was imperious while driving and flicking, and mostly untroubled by Hong Kong’s bowlers.Dhawan’s innings stood in starker relief when viewed against the other batting efforts in the match. He alone among all batsmen acquired a measure of domination against the bowlers and sustained it. While he was still there, India were looking strong, and at 237 for 2 in 40 overs, would have been eyeing a total well in excess of 300.Once he fell to Kinchit Shah, there was a mini-collapse in which India lost three wickets in two overs for the addition of just eight runs – including MS Dhoni for a two-ball duck that stunned the sparse crowd into silence. Hong Kong had figured out that taking the pace off would work best in these conditions, and they reaped the rewards of smart strategy. At the death, Jadhav played his assortment of innovative and unorthodox shots to make an unbeaten 28 off 27 with just one six – chipped over Ehsan Nawaz – to push India past 280.At the halfway stage, it seemed less than what India should have got but more than enough for Hong Kong. Nizakat and Rath quickly showed how inadequate it could have been, taking Hong Kong close to a fairytale finish.

Tim Sherwood has suggested that one Tottenham Hotspur star is now being brought "back to life" by Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham form this season

Over their best start to a Premier League campaign since the 1960/1961 season, Postecoglou has seemingly rejuvenated this once-dejected side of former Lillywhites head coach Antonio Conte. They're still unbeaten in the league after a run of six wins from a possible eight matches, with the only blemish on Spurs' impressive early-season record being a second round EFL Cup defeat away to Fulham. Postecoglou's men take on the Whites again very soon upon their international break return, and a few star players will be itching to don the jersey.

The likes of James Maddison, who has dazzled for Spurs since joining for just £40 million from Leicester City in the summer window, and Son Heung-min have showcased match-winning quality time and time again so far this season. The South Korea international and Maddison have formed a deadly partnership in the attacking areas, with Son being praised for taking to his new central striker role excellently.

"The way Ange wants Tottenham to play is very football-based, it is not long balls up the pitch,” said BBC pundit Alan Hutton to Football Insider recently.

“Wow, Son is very intelligent, he can link play and run in behind so it actually suits him and it gives you an opportunity to bring in different wide players – the likes of Richarlison, if he is picked to play alongside him, and Maddison who has been excellent since signing. They have got different options to play there. Son has no problem playing there.“

Indeed, the 31-year-old appears to be rediscovering his fine form which saw him share the Golden Boot with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in 2022. Scoring six goals in eight league matches already, Son has now also been praised by former Spurs boss Sherwood.

Son Heung-min news

The forward, according to Sherwood, is now being brought back to life by Postecoglou at Spurs after what was a very difficult 2022/2023 season under Conte.

“They’re the same players, yes they have signed Maddison who has been brilliant," said the pundit to No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast.

"Son looks like he has come back to life. You can guarantee they will continue playing this way, they’re a Harry Kane away from winning the Premier League."

On-lookers and supporters alike appear to be running out of superlatives for Son, with Postecoglou recently drawing attention to the leadership side of his game after a 2-2 draw away to north London rivals Arsenal.

Through balls

Key passes

Long shots

Taking set-pieces

Holding on to the ball

“He’s been outstanding as a leader and as a player," said Postecoglou. "His first thought is what’s best for the team and he puts himself into that position and then he has the quality to finish. I’m so happy for him. When I talk about that great environment with the players, Sonny is leading that with Madders and Romero.”

England Lions 310 for 2 (Cook 154*, Gubbins 73, Malan 59*) v India A
ScorecardAlastair Cook warmed up for the Test series against India with a first century of the season at New Road.In a storyline that could have been written at almost any time over the last six years, Cook took his chance while other top-order contenders were not quite fully able to do so.On the sort of benign pitch that could convince bowlers they should give it all up and retrain as a plumber, Cook – playing his first innings for almost three weeks – showed the temperament and technique to suggest his game is in decent order going into the Test series. With Essex not playing in the next round of Championship matches – they have a game against India instead – it is quite possible this will be Cook’s only match before that series. It was also only his second match for England Lions (or the equivalent) since 2006; he played one in 2010.It has recently been suggested that Cook lacks the hunger to sustain an international career that is now almost a dozen years old. But here, despite the subdued atmosphere – there were a few hundred spectators in the ground – he showed enough desire to bat all day against a decent India A attack and record his first century since the double made in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. It was a chanceless affair studded with the strokes – the cuts, the clips and the odd drive – which are so familiar.”I spoke to Ed Smith [the National Selector] about playing in this game because we haven’t much red-ball cricket at Essex,” Cook said. “England would probably rather use these games to have a look at someone younger but I felt I needed the opportunity to play a bit of red-ball cricket so it worked really well.”It is sometimes best when you are refreshed. Sometimes you play a lot and you can get into bad habits.”In partnership with Nick Gubbins, Cook added 155 for the second wicket in 45 overs. While there was just a little help for the spinners – this is a dry surface and was used for the T20 match here on Sunday – the pair kept the scoreboard ticking over with Gubbins sweeping and Cook cutting regularly. Both also skipped down the pitch to loft over the top on occasions.But Gubbins, having endured one or two uncomfortable moments against the offspin of Jayant Yadav, failed to capitalise on the foundations he had built and edged to slip after he was drawn into what he later termed a “flashy drive”.A century here could have proved persuasive. Both Smith and James Taylor – two-thirds of the England selection panel – were here to watch and they could, perhaps, have been convinced to pick Gubbins in the Test squad to play India. While Keaton Jennings’ position at the top of the order is assured, it was possible that a strong showing here could convince the selectors to pick a third opener – either Gubbins or Rory Burns – at No. 3, move Joe Root back to No. 4 and drop Dawid Malan.That scenario looks less likely now. With Burns falling early – he, too, was drawn into a somewhat loose drive – and Malan making a patient half-century (it took him 118 balls to reach the milestone), it would be a surprise if there were any changes to England’s top-order at Edgbaston. “It was an annoying way to get out,” Gubbins admitted afterwards. But his time may well come: this was his first first-class innings for more than two months and while he didn’t exactly seize the day, he didn’t do himself any harm, either.He could, at least, learn from the masterclass provided at the other end. And he may reflect that the key difference between his innings and Cook’s, was that Cook was at no stage drawn into a loose drive. “He just keeps it very simple,” Gubbins said. “He does everything repetitively in a chanceless way and he has his scoring areas. And everyone knows about his powers of concentration.”Malan seemed more determined to take this opportunity. The fact that he is playing in this match – rather than having been called up to the ODI squad – suggests the selectors were keen to take another look at him before committing to his place in the Test squad. So it was probably understandable he took a largely risk-free approach to his innings.Some context is required. The attack, while respectable, largely lacked the weapons to make inroads on such a surface – at this stage of the match, at least – with hardly a delivery bouncing to shoulder height all day. The Lions bowlers may well also be in for some hard work in the coming days.Navdeep Saini might warrant some consideration in a selection meeting ahead of the announcement of India’s Test squad (an announcement that may well be made on Wednesday), while and Ankit Rajpoot have the build and pace to suggest they could be a handful on a more helpful surface. Yadav, too, is a fine bowler, but Cook will know life is going to get much tougher later in the summer.

Manchester United play host to Crystal Palace next Tuesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

United proceeded straight through to this stage of the competition due to their European commitments whilst Palace had to come from two goals behind to beat Championship newcomers Plymouth Argyle in the second round. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a second-half hat-trick to spare his side's blushes.

The Red Devils come into the fixture amid a tumultuous time on and off the pitch, but got back to winning ways at Burnley at the weekend. Palace, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw at home to London rivals Fulham.

Ahead of this midweek clash, Football FanCast has decided to take a deeper dive into the history behind the fixture and any key stats that stand out.

Man United v Crystal Palace: What's their head-to-head record?

United have recorded a whopping 40 wins over Palace throughout their 145-year history and have only conceded defeat on 10 occasions across 63 meetings.

Considering they are one of the country's most decorated sides, it's hardly surprising.

Manchester United wins	40
Draws	13
Crystal Palace wins	10

Man United v Crystal Palace: What's their record at Old Trafford?

As you'd expected, the Red Devils are truly dominant in this head-to-head clash. Old Trafford is an imposing ground to play at and not many, if any, sides will come out on top in this statistic.

Interestingly, three of Palace's five wins at United have come in this century, with two of those in 2019 and 2020. So recent outings in Manchester have certainly brought more fortune than in times gone by and Roy Hodgson can point to that for belief ahead of Tuesday's game.

Manchester United wins	23
Draws	3
Crystal Palace wins	5

Man United v Crystal Palace: What's their record at Selhurst Park?

United continue to dominate Palace, even on their travels to South London. Though, it is a lot more even as the Eagles have avoided defeat 13 times across 27 meetings.

The Selhurst Park atmosphere is widely known as one of the best in the country and the passionate fans certainly rally behind their troops.

Home advantage has clearly not exactly evened the games for the Eagles, though, as shown in the head-to-head table below.

Manchester United wins	14
Draws	8
Crystal Palace wins	5

Man United v Crystal Palace: What's their record at neutral grounds?

United have never lost against Palace at a neutral venue and have won three of the five fixtures. They've met each other twice at Wembley in the FA Cup final, and on both occasions, the Old Trafford club have come out on top.

The 2016 final saw Jesse Lingard fire home a well-struck half-volley in extra time to win his side's 12th FA Cup title. It was Louis van Gaal's final match in charge before he was sacked.

The previous FA Cup final meeting came back in May 1990. The clash ended 3-3 after extra time and a replay was needed to determine the winner.

Five days later, United secured a 1-0 victory on Wembley's storied stage thanks to a second-half Lee Martin strike.

Manchester United wins	3
Draws	2
Crystal Palace wins	0

Man United v Crystal Palace: Which team has scored more goals?

United have scored exactly double the goals Palace have in this fixture, which is to be expected given the head-to-head data. In total, across the 63 meetings, the pair have scored a combined 168 goals.

That averages out to 2.6 goals a game.

Manchester United goals	112
Crystal Palace goals	56

Man United v Crystal Palace: What happened in last season's fixtures?

The first clash between the two sides produced a dramatic ending at Selhurst Park back in January of this year.

Bruno Fernandes' first-half strike looked set to be the winner for much of the game until Michael Olise netted a beautiful curling free-kick in stoppage time to deny the away side three points.

Erik ten Hag's men missed the chance to go second above their noisy neighbours Manchester City whilst a point for the hosts moved them on to 23 points in 12th place.

The reverse fixture took place just over two weeks later at Old Trafford but this time United were able to survive the late Palace pressure to secure a 2-1 victory.

Fernandes opened the scoring before Marcus Rashford added a second in the 62nd minute to continue his rich vein of form in front of goal.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when summer signing Casemiro was sent off for violent conduct and shortly after Jeffrey Schlupp pulled one back to make the final 15 minutes nervy.

The hard-fought United win lifted them to third in the table above Newcastle United whilst The Eagles remained in 12th.

Man United v Crystal Palace: What is United's biggest win?

30th September 2017 – Manchester United 4-0 Crystal Palace: United have recorded a few wins over Palace by a four-goal margin but we'll go with their latest one.

The Red Devils, managed by Jose Mourinho at the time, thumped the South Londoners 4-0 to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

The win moved them on to 19 points from a possible 21 and joint top with rivals Manchester City, who went on to win the title with a record-breaking 100 points.

Marouane Fellaini netted a brace whilst Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku both found themselves on the score sheet.

Palace, on the other hand, continued their atrocious start to the season, as they lost a seventh game on the spin without scoring a single goal.

Veteran manager Roy Hodgson replaced Frank de Boer after just four league games in charge. He managed to guide the Eagles to an 11th-placed finish that season, 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

Mourinho led his side to a second-placed finish, which he famously described as one of the best achievements of his career due to the problems behind the scenes at the club.

Man United v Crystal Palace: What is Palace's biggest win?

16th December 1972 – Crystal Palace 5-0 Manchester United: Palace's record win against United came back in December 1972 at Selhurst Park.

Paddy Mulligan and Don Rodgers both netted braces whilst Alan Whittle also got himself on the score sheet. Though, despite the demolition job on United, Bert Head's side were relegated to the second tier that season whilst their opposition finished in 18th and survived.

Man United v Crystal Palace: What are the recent results?

4th February 2023 – Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace: The aforementioned last meeting between the pair took place at Old Trafford, where the hosts secured a hard-fought victory thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

18th January 2023 – Crystal Palace 1-1 Manchester United: The reverse fixture, just over two weeks prior, produced late drama at Selhurst Park after Michael Olise's well-struck stoppage time free-kick cancelled out Fernandes' opener to settle the spoils.

22nd May 2022 – Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester United: Palace ended their 2021/22 camping with a home victory over Ralf Rangnick's Manchester United side, who finished on a Premier League club-record-low points tally of 58 in sixth place.

Former United winger Wilfried Zaha scored the only goal of the match to secure the three points for Patrick Vieira's Eagles, who finished in 12th on 48 points.

5th December 2021 – Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace: Rangnick's men moved up to sixth, beyond rivals Arsenal, thanks to Fred's 77th-minute winner. It was the first time his side had won back-to-back league games since mid-September.

Meanwhile, the defeat for Palace was their third on the bounce as they dropped to 13th.

3rd March 2021 – Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United: The Red Devils were held to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park, their third in a row to dent already slim title hopes. The visitors registered just one shot on target whilst Roy Hodgson's side only managed two in a rather drab encounter.

Man United v Crystal Palace: When is it?

Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Tuesday, 26th September at 8pm UK time. United may be slight favourites heading into this one, but they have been shaky of late and much could be depend on the team Erik ten Hag decides to field.

The third-round clash will be his side's third fixture in six days following their games against Bayern Munich and Burnley. So perhaps the fixture's importance will lie greater with Palace, who will see the competition as a viable route to silverware.

The Eagles have never won a major trophy in their 162-year history so Roy Hodgson will likely name a strong 11 capable of defeating the hosts.

Palace have opened up their Premier League account with two wins, two draws and two losses, leaving them in 10th place, one point behind their opponents.

Odsonne Édouard has kicked off his campaign with five goals in seven outings across all competitions and could be the danger man for the visitors.

United, meanwhile, have made a poor start to their season, losing three of their opening six league games. They sit ninth in the league table on nine points following their victory at Turf Moor.