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No result – Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine helped New Zealand get off to a strong start in the third ODI in Hamilton before incessant rain forced another washout, after 26.5 overs of play. As a result, New Zealand took the series 1-0, having won the first ODI in Wellington and the second ODI also washed out.New Zealand posted 123 for 2, thanks to quick starts from openers Bates and Devine. Devine raced to a 39-ball 42 which was laced with four fours, while Bates brought up an 80-ball 51 without a single boundary. Salma Khatun provided the breakthrough by removing Devine in the 16th over, while Ritu Moni struck in the 26th to dismiss Bates.Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green were batting together when rain intervened at 3.45pm local time and caused a delay. The rain persisted and eventually led to the match being called off at 7.26pm local time.Bates finished as the top run-scorer of the ODI series with 153 runs. Jess Kerr topped the bowling charts with five wickets across two innings.After the two washouts, New Zealand are third on the ICC Women’s Championship table with three wins from six games and Bangladesh are third from the bottom.

A fresh update has now been forthcoming on Leeds United’s hunt for a new striker in the final hours of the transfer window as Daniel Farke looks to bolster his ranks for the second half of the Championship season.

Leeds lay down Championship marker

Leeds put seven past a sorry Cardiff City side to maintain their spot at the top of the Championship in their most recent outing, with the thrashing of the Bluebirds helping them continue their record as the highest scorers in the division.

Farke’s side are favourites to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League after play-off heartbreak last season, and also boast the best goal difference and the second-fewest goals conceded as things stand, despite a series of injuries in midfield threatening to derail their campaign.

Leeds United in the Championship
Statistic		League Rank
Wins	18	2nd
Goals scored	60	1st
Goals conceded	19	2nd
Goal Difference	41	1st

After the game, Farke admitted that his side were open to recruiting further in the January window despite their impressive form to date.

“We spoke quite openly about [how] I totally trust this group and if we go with this group, I’m confident that we can finish in a top position”, the Leeds boss explained.

“But I think also it’s our responsibility as key people in the club to explore if there is something that could improve the group a bit and make the probability higher that we are successful in the end. To find something where we think, okay, it’s a good addition that’s affordable, we will go for it, and if not, then not.”

Now, one journalist has offered an update on their hunt for a striker.

Leeds striker latest

Heading into the final hours of the transfer window, Cameron Archer remains Leeds’ priority signing, but there is little sign that Southampton will let him leave the club despite the Englishman struggling for game time at St Mary’s.

Leeds and 49ers now accept bid to sell "really strong" gem before deadline

The Whites have struck an agreement to sell a centre-back for an undisclosed fee.

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 2, 2025

The 23-year-old has started just 10 times so far this season, but is deemed an important squad player and that decision has forced Leeds to seemingly look elsewhere.

One player that hit the headlines was Chelsea youngster Marc Guiu, who arrived at Stamford Bridge for £5m in the summer but has failed to make an impression on their Premier League squad despite hitting six goals in six Conference League outings.

Leeds were linked with a potential move for the Spaniard on a temporary basis until the end of the season, with Chelsea thought to be considering letting him leave in search of additional game time away from west London.

However, a move to Elland Road seems unlikely, at least according to Ben Jacobs. The reporter explained that ‘Leeds are not considering a loan move’ for the former Barcelona youngster.

For Farke’s side, it seems very much like it will be Archer or no-one on deadline day.

Leeds United will be looking to return to winning ways after falling to a 2-0 defeat against Millwall in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

Daniel Farke made 10 changes ahead of the cup clash but failed to get the better of their divisional rivals, exiting the competition and allowing for full focus on their Championship promotion push.

The trip to Watford will see the German want to extend their current 13-game unbeaten run in the league, building a gap at the top end of the table as the league edges towards its conclusion.

It would be no surprise to see the boss revert all 10 changes from the weekend, with barely any of the players who came into the side against the Lions staking their claim for a regular starting position.

Farke can’t take any risks ahead of the clash against Tom Cleverley’s side, with their previous record against the Hornets highlighting the need for a strong side to maintain their superb previous form.

Leeds United’s recent form against Watford

Leeds boast an impressive record against tonight’s opponents, with Farke looking to continue the rich vein of form against the Hornets.

The last meeting between the sides came in October, with the Whites coming out 2-1 winners at Elland Road after goals from Largie Ramazani and Brendan Aaronson secured the victory.

However, the last meeting at Vicarage Road also saw the club drop points in their previous attempt to secure promotion from the second tier, with Crysencio Summerville’s wonder strike the highlight of the 2-2 draw.

Leeds remain unbeaten against the Hornets in all of their last five games in all competitions, winning four of them, with the last defeat coming way back in February 2016.

If Farke is to maintain such a record in London tonight, he simply must start one player, especially after his impressive display during the dismal defeat in the FA Cup over the weekend.

The Leeds player who Farke needs to unleash against Watford

Winger Wilfried Gnonto was handed his first start in nearly a month on Saturday afternoon, looking to prove to the boss why he’s deserving of a recall to the starting eleven.

The form of the likes of Dan James and Manor Solomon have kept him out of the side in recent matches, but his display against Alex Neil’s side is just an example of the quality he possesses.

Whilst the Whites fell to a defeat, the Italian was one of the shining lights within the side, looking impressive off the right-hand side, undoubtedly the most threatening option in the final third.

The 21-year-old, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, won five fouls and nine duels during the defeat – the most of any player on the pitch, showcasing his ambitions of making a positive impression.

However, it was Gnonto’s figures within the final third which caught the eye, completing 100% of his attempted dribbles, and winning a penalty – both figures that could aid top scorer Joel Piroe to further boost his tally.

Minutes played

90

Touches

53

Shots taken

3

Fouls won

5

Duels won

9/11 (82%)

Dribbles completed

2/2 (100%)

Touches in opposition box

5

Chances created

1

Penalties won

1

The winger also created one other chance and registered five touches in the opposition box, having the tools to wriggle his way into attacking areas, further offering Piroe with the opportunities he needs in front of goal.

Tonight is a huge fixture in the club’s promotion push, with a reaction desperately needed from the weekend to avenge the disappointing defeat at Elland Road.

However, if Farke is to mastermind another league victory, it would be a bold decision not to hand Gnonto a start given his display just a couple of days ago.

Not just Joseph: Leeds should have sold "half-hearted" £35k-p/w ace

Leeds United should have cashed in on the flop in the January transfer window.

ByDan Emery Feb 11, 2025

Manchester City are certainly not hanging about in the January transfer window. Pep Guardiola has already made three signings, with Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis making the move to The Etihad this money to bolster the squad.

Considering the poor run of form that the club have been on since November last year, winning just five times in all competitions during that time, some fresh additions were needed.

With just over a week left of the winter window, it doesn’t look like Guardiola is finished there, as he could be set to sign another player or two ahead of a crucial few months.

One move might be closer than the rest…

Man City ready bid for Juventus star

According to the Gazzetta, City will make a bid for Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso sooner rather than later in an attempt to lure him from the Serie A side.

The report goes on to state that a bid of around €65m (£54m) could be made, although the Italian side value the 24-year-old at €80m (£67.5m), which could make a deal slightly more difficult to seal.

It remains to be seen, though, whether or not the Cityzens are prepared to go as high as £67.5m to strike an agreement to bring the Juventus ace to England this month.

It is clear that Guardiola is now building a team for the future. After their poor displays, the current era of City dominance could come to an end unless they move quickly to rebuild their side, which is what they appear to be doing.

Cambiaso would be an excellent addition, especially as he is similar to another City transfer target…

Andrea Cambiaso could be City’s own Joshua Kimmich

Guardiola is showing plenty of interest in reuniting with Kimmich. His contract expires at the end of the season, although Bayern Munich are keen on extending his deal.

The 29-year-old has amassed over 400 competitive appearances for the Bavarian side, which speaks to his experience at the top level.

While signing him would be a statement of intent, Cambiaso has displayed qualities recently that could make him a better signing, especially in the long run.

According to FBref, Kimmich is the sixth-most comparable player to Cambiaso over the previous 365 days based on their respective statistical profiles.

Indeed, the pair have even registered similar statistics across a range of metrics this season, including pass success rate (89.4% vs 89.8%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.88 vs 4.89), tackles won (21 vs 19) and percentage of dribblers tackled (60.6% vs 66.7%) for their respective teams.

Hailed as “versatile” by commentator Leonardo Bertozzi, Cambiaso can play across the entire back four, which is a big bonus for Guardiola.

Comparing Andrea Cambiaso and Joshua Kimmich this season (24/25 league stats)

Metric (per 90)

Cambiaso

Kimmich

Accurate passes

45 (91%)

103.4 (93%)

Tackles

1.6

1.7

Ground duels won

3.3

2.8

Possession lost

8.6

13.2

Interceptions

0.5

0.6

Balls recovered

3.6

6.5

He has missed only three matches for Juventus this season, primarily playing on the left side of the defence, but he has been deployed on the right flank at times too, even playing once as a right-winger.

At 24, Cambiaso has yet to reach his peak years and if City can secure a deal to sign him before the window closes, it will be another excellent signing made by the club this month, no doubt about that.

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Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Jan 24, 2025

Liverpool continued their march towards a second Premier League title in the club’s history with a 2-0 win over Brentford away from home on Saturday.

The Reds battled hard throughout the match, against a strong Bees side, but looked to be on course for a frustrating draw until the enigmatic Darwin Nunez had his say in stoppage time.

With no Diogo Jota available, Arne Slot called upon the Uruguay international to come up with the goods off the bench, and that is exactly what he did with two strikes to win the game.

It was a terrific display from the former Benfica man, who has had his fair share of struggles in the Premier League this season, and one that could help him to kick on in the second half of the season.

Darwin Nunez's heroics against Brentford

Prior to this clash with the Bees, Nunez had scored two goals in 15 appearances in the top-flight, starting seven of those outings, which shows that he has failed to provide quality in front of goal on a regular basis.

Provide quality is exactly what the 25-year-old star did this time around, however, as he scored both of Liverpool’s goals in stoppage time to secure a big win for his side.

He was in the right place at the right time to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net from six yards out for the first, before showcasing his composure and ball-striking ability for the second – taking a touch and rifling an effort into the roof of the net.

Nunez, who had more shots (four) than passes made (two) off the bench, was not the real hero of the match for Slot, though, as Trent Alexander-Arnold was the true star of the game for Liverpool.

Why Trent Alexander-Arnold was the real hero

Whilst the Uruguayan striker deserves plenty of plaudits for his match-winning contributions off the bench, the England international played the full 90 minutes and contributed to the win with his work on and off the ball.

The right-back provided quality in and out of possession for the Reds and was key to keeping a clean sheet against Thomas Frank’s side, as he made one tackle and two interceptions and was not dribbled past a single time by an opposition player.

Alexander-Arnold, who received a rating of 8/10 from The Express for his performance, put in a fantastic defensive display that was coupled with creative quality on the ball.

Minutes

90

Tackles + interceptions

3

Dribbled past

0x

Touches

84

Key passes

5

Big chances created

1

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old sensation created five chances for his teammates throughout the game, the last of which was finally converted by Nunez for the opening goal.

Alexander-Arnold made a smart run into the right channel inside the box and then pulled the ball across the box, brilliantly, for the striker to tap in from close range.

The English dynamo, therefore, was crucial to the clean sheet and vital to the goal that ultimately broke the deadlock and won the match with his cross for Nunez, which is why he was the real hero for Slot, as his all-round performance played a massive role in the victory.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Jan 17, 2025

Perhaps the biggest tactical change at Chelsea since the arrival of Enzo Maresca is the usage of their full-backs, tweaking their positions in possession to platform the rest of the playing personnel.

The likes of Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella have been key to this, occasionally inverting into midfield alongside Moises Caicedo or sometimes providing width allowing the winger to drift infield, and even occupying the half-spaces as temporary “number tens” at times.

In order to carry out this variety of roles, the wide defenders must have a complete blend of attacking and defensive qualities, being technically gifted enough to occupy midfield zones, whilst having the recovery pace and athleticism to counter-press and retreat into their natural position when possession is lost.

How Marc Cucurella has performed under Enzo Maresca

Cucurella has proven to be a favourite of Maresca since taking over at Chelsea, already making 20 appearances so far this season in all competitions, scoring two goals, providing two assists, contributing to three clean sheets and totalling 1,629 minutes played.

Maresca himself has even labelled Cucurella as “very important” in an interview this season, stating “Marc Cucurella has something you sometimes struggle to find in other players”. At 26-years-old, the Spaniard is also one of the Blues more experienced players, which has seen him acting as more of a leader on the pitch.

The Spaniard has shown the intensity needed to back up the press in midfield areas, tracking players in a man-to-man fashion, being aggressive and tenacious in the duel, but then being calm on the ball to circulate play, and be a useful tactical tool for Maresca to plot in different positions on the pitch.

That being said, technical quality is only rising in the Premier League year-on-year, and this also applies to the full-back areas, which are becoming increasingly important to modern-day football tactics. Chelsea could well look into the transfer market for another technically gifted option to compete with and challenge Cucurella.

A dream replacement for Marc Cucurella at Chelsea

According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are one of the teams keeping an eye on Bournemouth defender, Milos Kerkez, with other interest coming from Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.

The reports suggest Bournemouth want £50m to let the 21-year-old leave, which is to be expected with the Cherries performing so well this season and Kerkez being such an important factor in that. Bournemouth will also be hoping, with the amount of interest in the Hungary international, that they can spark a bidding war between clubs.

Kerkez has made 19 appearances (all in the Premier League) this season, scoring one goal, providing two assists, contributing to four clean sheets and totalling 1,641 minutes played.

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How Kerkez compares to Cucurella

Both Kerkez and Cucurella have been playing in very different roles and systems this year, with the former playing under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, who has taken the league by storm with his high pressing and direct style of play. Kerkez is often tasked with overlapping and underlapping runs to support the wingers, finding himself in brilliant crossing positions, and often providing assists from these zones.

In comparison, Cucurella has been somewhat of a chess piece for Maresca, being moved accordingly to suit the needs of others on the pitch. For example, holding width when João Félix plays on the left and drifts inside, but playing as more of a number 8/10 in the pocket when Pedro Neto or Jadon Sancho are on the left, who tend to stay and hold the width looking for 1v1 isolations.

Goals + Assists

0.16

0.14

Progressive Carries

2.53

1.29

Progressive Passes

4.67

3.76

Progressive Passes Received

5.00

3.82

Shots Total

0.68

0.48

Key Passes

1.04

0.53

Passes into Pen Area

1.10

0.35

Shot-Creating Actions

2.42

1.76

Tackles

1.37

1.76

Blocks

1.41

0.88

Interceptions

1.05

0.72

When comparing the two in their underlying numbers this campaign, the Hungarian clearly ranks ahead in many areas, providing more progressive actions per 90 (both carries and passes), making more key passes, more passes into the penalty area, and averaging more shot-creating actions per 90.

That being said, the former Brighton ace does have slightly better defensive numbers, winning more tackles and making more blocks per 90. But this isn’t a weakness for the Chelsea target. In fact, he still makes more interceptions than Cucurella per 90, and has more ball recoveries per 90 (4.62 compared to 4.06), showing his tenacity to recover the ball in a high-pressing side.

Kerkez has been described as “one of the most talented left-backs in world football” by scout Jacek Kulig, after getting two assists against Manchester City, and scoring against Wolves in quick succession. The addition of someone like the Cherries defender, who is more natural at attacking wide spaces and providing width than Cucurella, could actually get the best out of one of Chelsea’s 2024 summer signings.

A Jadon Sancho and Kerkez dynamic

Sancho often finds himself isolated in wide areas, and despite being a tricky winger who wants to initiate 1v1 isolations with opposition fullbacks, he does not necessarily have the pace to beat them without support and is far more effective when he is given players to bounce off of and combine with.

Kerkez’s desire to attack the byline, make overlapping and underlapping runs and deliver crosses into the box, would make Sancho more unpredictable in his game, being able to vary his actions with combinations with the full-back, but also combinations inside with the strikers and attacking midfielders, as the wide defender drags a man away with him.

This is something Cucurella has tried to provide for Sancho in Maresca’s attacking system, but his lack of confidence to beat a player in a wide area and put a cross into the box himself has often seen Chelsea stunted in those wide left areas, and recycle play to go again.

Kerkez could offer a new dynamic for Maresca to experiment with, and having both him and Cucurella would open up the tactical realms of possibility even further for the Italian coach.

Better than Kolo Muani: Chelsea eyeing "one of the most exciting CFs"

Chelsea could be about to make a move for a top quality centre-forward.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 1, 2025

Aston Villa return to the Champions League this mid-week away at RB Leipzig having recently turned around their dismal form.

Unai Emery’s men have now won two Premier League games on the bounce, after finding themselves without the sweet taste of victory for eight matches, which could bode well for their chances in Germany when facing off against Marco Rose’s hosts.

Morgan Rogers might well be key to Villa picking up another win in Europe against an opponent from the Bundesliga, with the former Manchester City youngster managing to shine bright for his side in their last two games to help those two crucial wins be picked up.

Morgan Rogers' form this season

Rogers got the ball rolling for his stuttering side versus Brentford after a harrowing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea right at the beginning of December piled on more misery.

He would delightfully find the back of net with a curled effort to gift his side a 1-0 lead early on, with the final scoreline reading 3-1 in his team’s favour to the relief of the home sections packed into Villa Park.

Away from just this contest, the electric 22-year-old has a further three goals and two assists in the Premier League, alongside showing off his daring best in an attacking capacity on Europe’s biggest stage.

One display from Rogers versus Bologna in the Champions League back in October saw the tricky attacker complete a ridiculous seven successful dribbles, with Emery now praying the 6 foot 2 ace can bamboozle Leipzig on Tuesday night in a similar fashion.

Villa will feel overjoyed that they paid Middlesbrough £15m to win their star man now, but they could stumble across their next iteration of Rogers for free in a sensational academy prospect.

Aston Villa's next Morgan Rogers

The homegrown gem in question here is Ben Broggio who is already making waves for the Villans at youth level.

Often lining up down the left wing for his boyhood club – where Rogers has been moved out to recently – the 17-year-old star has more than stood out for his team this season across various different competitions.

Also channelling is inner Jack Grealish – who tore defences to shreds for Villa with direct displays on the left channel – Broggio has managed to find the back of the net six times from 16 games playing in and around the youth set-up at the Premier League side this season, which included the effort above rippling the back of the net in UEFA Youth League action.

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Lauded too for his ability as a “creative” force by Villa Academy manager Mark Harrison earlier this year after the teenager had penned a professional contract, the sky is truly the limit for the 17-year-old now, who has even had a senior opportunity gifted to him this campaign.

Broggio’s numbers at Villa
Age bracket	Games played	Goals scored	Assists
U21s	19	4	2
U18s	15	4	2
Youth League	5	3	3
First team	1	0	0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

That came against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup, as the captivating attacking midfielder won himself four minutes on the pitch, which was deserved considering he has also picked up five assists this season from his 16 appearances.

Rogers is also known for being an unselfish talent willing to chip in with assists, with three next to his name in all competitions, alongside his promising four-goal return.

Broggio is some way off being able to strut his stuff in a similarly confident manner to Rogers in the senior mix, but if he keeps up his blistering displays at youth level, it won’t be long before even more first-team chances are presented to the teenage starlet.

Aston Villa leading the race to sign Tielemans 2.0

Aston Villa could be welcoming this new star in through the door in January.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 8, 2024

Former England star John Fashanu is suing Nigerian police after he was arrested and released on bail over a land dispute.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Fashanu arrested in Nigeria
• Sues police for £100,000
• Lives in the African country

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former England star Fashanu was arrested in Nigeria over a land dispute, according to the . The 62-year-old is said to be suspected of criminal conspiracy, threat to life, intimidation and trespass. He has also been accused of obtaining by false pretence. Fashanu denies the claims and is suing the police force that arrested him.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fashanu is said to have accused cops in Nigeria, where he now lives, of wrongly arresting him, his wife, and his lawyer. Fashanu claims the entire case is a civil matter, as investors had agreed to pay him £500,000 for a portion of land. After the investors allegedly sent workmen to build a perimeter fence, Fashanu and his lawyer investigated and were arrested by police who were protecting the workers. He claims he was wrongly arrested, and alleges "arrest, detention and inhuman treatment" for "about three hours".

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Fashanu won two England caps and is perhaps best known for his time at Wimbledon, where he won the FA Cup in 1988. He also played for Aston Villa.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Fashanu has claimed he was in the running to become Nigeria's permanent coach before his arrest, having moved to the country. It remains to be seen if his legal action returns the verdict he is aiming for.