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The SCG pitch for the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, which was dominated by pace bowlers who gained lavish seam movement and some uneven bounce, has been rated “satisfactory” by the ICC match referee, and Cricket Australia has termed it a “step in the right direction” for surfaces at the venue.The groundsman used a new variety of grass for this season’s Test pitch, having trialled it during last summer’s Sheffield Shield, and it resulted in the third-shortest Sydney Test of all time – with an outright result – based on deliveries bowled. Only two half-centuries were scored, one from debutant Beau Webster and the other a stunning 33-ball counterattack by Rishabh Pant.Australia opener Usman Khawaja called the pitch a “stinker” after the game, but his captain Pat Cummins said he would rather conditions tilt towards helping the bowlers, even though his team only needed a draw to win the series, while India coach Gautam Gambhir went further and said such pitches were important for the future of Test cricket.Related

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However, former Australia captain Michael Clarke was highly critical of the surface. “The SCG is my favourite ground in the world, it is my home ground, and I hate saying this out loud, but that’s the worst pitch I’ve ever seen in Sydney,” he told ESPN’s . “I didn’t think it was a good cricket wicket, balls not just going up off the surface but shooting low at the end of day two.”This is the second season in a row that the SCG has been rated satisfactory after receiving the same mark for the Pakistan Test a year ago.”We don’t look to prepare wickets that favour the home side or suit our situation in a series,” Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s head of cricket operations and scheduling, said. “What we seek is a good contest between bat and ball and pitches that are likely to produce a result.”The SCG has been striving to bring out their unique characteristics of early pace and bounce before the pitch wears and spins. This year was a step in the right direction to achieving this which provided an exciting finish to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and bodes well for the Ashes summer in 2025-26.”The pitch ratings system was revamped in 2023 to reduce the number of categories from six to four: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and unfit. Venues are given demerit points if they receive unsatisfactory or unfit ratings.The SCG has previously been criticised for pitches not offering enough assistance for bowlers, which, coupled with poor weather, led to four draws in five seasons between 2018-19 and 2022-23.”The ground staff have done an incredible job in terms of creating a wicket with something in it,” Australia coach Andrew McDonald said after day two. “Traditionally here it’s quite benign and we’ve had a lot of draws, so a lot of people have been talking about the draws, so you’re damned if you do it and damned if you don’t. I think he’s trying to produce an even contest between bat and ball. It’s made for interesting cricket.”The other four pitches in the series – at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Adelaide Oval, the Gabba and MCG – all received “very good” ratings.

As Russell Martin looks to add the finishing touches on his summer overhaul, one Glasgow Rangers star is reportedly on the verge of finalising his departure away from the club.

Rangers' summer overhaul so far

It’s been all change at Ibrox so far this summer. The Gers first welcomed new owners in the 49ers, then instantly solved their managerial problem by hiring Martin. And ever since, it’s been one fresh face after another. As things stand, the Scottish giants have welcomed as many as six reinforcements this summer, with five of those coming from English football.

Of course, it should come as no surprise that Rangers have been quick to get as much business done as possible, with their Champions League qualifier fast approaching.

The Gers will square off against Panathinaikos on July 22, before the second leg takes place eight days later in a crucial week for all involved at Ibrox. With just seven days to get his side in shape for that all-important first-leg, Martin may yet welcome more fresh faces to finalise his squad ahead of his debut campaign in Scotland.

Sima repeat: Rangers working to agree deal for "fearless" star this week

Rangers could repeat their Abdallah Sima blinder by signing this star this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

Names such as Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi have threatened to steal the headlines in the last week or so and he would certainly follow the trend of talents arriving from English football. But before then, Rangers’ focus may need to shift towards the exit door, amid reports that one player could be heading for a summer departure.

Ridvan Yilmaz agrees Rangers exit

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Ridvan Yilmaz has now agreed to leave Rangers and a deal to join Besiktas is on the verge of being finalised. The left-back has been linked with a move away for some time and now finally looks set to rejoin his former club ahead of next season.

It’s been a mixed spell for the Turkish defender, who missed large parts of last season through injury as new arrival Jefte took hold of his starting spot in Scotland. Whether he would have regained that place under Martin this season is now a question that the Gers may never have an answer for, as Besiktas make their move.

Former interim manager Barry Ferguson was certainly a fan of Yilmaz, however, having told reporters towards the end of last season: “He’s played in a position which is pretty foreign to him. He’s played right back for us. His natural position is left back.

“But he’s one player I can rely on. He doesn’t moan. I’ve asked him to play different positions. He’s become a big player. I like his attitude. His attitude has always been first class. It’s now about him being fully fit for the rest of the season. Because I think if he plays more games, I think he can get better and better.”

A “talented” Glasgow Rangers player is getting closer to leaving the Gers, with a new report claiming he is in talks over a summer move to a new club.

Rangers close in on Neymar-esque starlet

The Gers are edging closer to the start of the new Scottish Premiership season, with new manager Russell Martin no doubt dreaming of winning the title over Celtic in his first season in charge.

Top-quality signings will be needed in that respect, and it looks as though a loan move for Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore is now close to being completed, which promises to be an exciting piece of business.

At just 17, Moore is a highly-rated winger who could be such an eye-catching performer for Rangers, with James Maddison even comparing him to Neymar: “From minute 45 to 65 I thought we had Neymar on the left wing. He was brilliant. Just demanding the ball and fearless. [He has] that young, fearless mentality and you never want to take that away from him. He’s a young kid, a brilliant lad, a lovely boy.”

While much focus at Ibrox is rightly on new signings, there are current players who could depart this summer, including Hamza Igamane. Now, a key update has emerged regarding another individual.

Rangers winger in talks over summer exit

According to a new claim from RTI Esporte [via Sport Witness], Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuenes is in talks with Sport Recife over a move away this summer.

The 26-year-old has been frozen out by Martin, not playing a part in pre-season at Ibrox, and he is keen on securing an exit before the new season gets underway.

It feels like the right decision for all parties to allow Cifuentes to move on this summer, especially as his manager clearly doesn’t consider him an important part of his plans moving forward.

The Ecuadorian is a good footballer, though, so there is always a potential risk in allowing him to leave, with former Gers manager Michael Beale praising him in the past.

“He is clearly a talented player and the more he plays, the more people will be aware of that. He is a player we brought in with high hopes for and this gives him an opportunity to have a run in the team now.”

He'd be amazing with Antman: Rangers in talks to sign "devastating" £10m ace

Rangers are reportedly in talks to sign a star who would be amazing with Oliver Antman.

ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025

If Cifuentes does leave Rangers, he will depart with only 20 appearances to his name since arriving from Los Angeles FC in 2023, which is disappointing, and it may simply be looked back on as a signing that didn’t work out, despite moments of quality thrown in.

أعلن مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، برئاسة الكابتن حسين لبيب، عن التعاقد رسميًا مع لاعب المنتخب الوطني لكرة السلة، قادمًا من جامعة California Baptist الأمريكية، لتعزيز صفوف الفريق الأول للموسم الجديد.

وكشف الزمالك عبر صفحته الرسمية، التعاقد مع اللاعب آدم موسى، لمدة ثلاث مواسم، بدءًا من موسم 2025/2026 وحتى نهاية موسم 2027/2028.

طالع أيضًا | حقيقة العروض الأوروبية لـ محمود بنتايج ورحيله عن الزمالك

ويبلغ آدم موسى 23 عامًا، ويجيد اللعب في مركز Point Guard، وقد مثل منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العالم 2023 التي أقيمت في الفلبين، حيث حقق الفريق المركز العشرين، كما شارك في بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية الأخيرة التي أقيمت في أنجولا.

ويحمل اللاعب الجنسية المصرية والأمريكية، حيث وُلد في مصر وانتقل إلى الولايات المتحدة في سن الخامسة، وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن والده، الكابتن هشام موسى، كان لاعبًا سابقًا لكرة السلة في الزمالك.

ويأتي هذا التعاقد في إطار حرص مجلس إدارة النادي على تدعيم صفوف الفريق والسعي للمنافسة على الألقاب خلال الموسم الجديد.

Hosts West Indies will be looking to continue their winning run at the first ever T20 World Cup game in Trinidad

Hemant Brar12-Jun-2024

New Zealand had little going for them in the opening game against Afghanistan•ICC/Getty Images

Match detailsWest Indies vs New Zealand
Tarouba, 8.30pm localBig picture – WI eye Super Eight spotSince 2015, New Zealand have been the most consistent side in World Cups, making it to the semi-final in all six editions – in 2015, 2019 and 2023 in the ODI World Cup, and in 2016, 2021 and 2022 in the T20 versions. They reached the final on three of those occasions even though they never lifted the trophy.But at the 2024 T20 World Cup, they are in danger of elimination after just one match. An 84-run thrashing at the hands of Afghanistan means the game against West Indies is almost a virtual knockout for them.The loss against Afghanistan, during which they looked rusty with bat as well as in the field, also put under scrutiny their refusal to play any warm-up games.West Indies, too, started their campaign in a stuttering manner, taking 19 overs to chase down 137 against Papua New Guinea. But they roared back to bundle out Uganda for 39 to register a 134-run win. If they beat New Zealand, they will become the first team from Group C to qualify for the Super Eight.West Indies know this is their toughest challenge yet but, as their captain Rovman Powell said, “if there is a good time to play New Zealand, it is now”.This is the first men’s T20 World Cup game in Trinidad; they did not get any in 2010. That could be one reason the ICC is expecting a strong crowd, probably a sell-out.Form guideWest Indies WWWWW (last five T20Is, most recent first)
New Zealand LLWWLIn the spotlight – Roston Chase and Kane WilliamsonWith just 15 T20I caps, Roston Chase is one of the least experienced players in the West Indies squad. But given the low-scoring pitches in the World Cup so far, he has emerged as one of their most important players, thanks to his ability to play the anchor’s role and bowl economical offspin. In five T20Is this year, Chase has scored 178 runs at a strike rate of 154.78 and picked up four wickets at an economy of 5.92.In the Afghanistan game, nothing symbolised New Zealand’s rustiness more than Kane Williamson’s dismissal: steering the ball into the hands of first slip off Rashid Khan. Between the last T20 World Cup and this one, Williamson played just eight T20s. Even though he was with Gujarat Titans for IPL 2024, he featured in only two games. The reason being Williamson is not your modern, power-hitting T20 batter, but he could hold the key to his team’s chances on these pitches.James Neesham is in contention to be back in the XI against West Indies•ICC/Getty Images

Team news – Sodhi in for a seamer?West Indies are likely to field the same XI for the third successive game.West Indies (probable XI): 1 Brandon King, 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 4 Roston Chase, 5 Rovman Powell (capt), 6 Sherfane Rutherford, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Gudakesh MotieNew Zealand could make a couple of changes. James Neesham might come in for Mark Chapman and Ish Sodhi for Matt Henry.New Zealand (probable XI): 1 Finn Allen, 2 Devon Conway (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Glenn Phillips, 6 James Neesham, 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent BoultStats and trivia – Pooran set to overtake Gayle Among those who have scored at least 500 runs across all T20s since the start of 2024, Andre Russell (205.15) is the only one to have a strike rate in excess of 200. Mitchell Santner’s T20 economy rate in the West Indies is 5.55. Nicholas Pooran needs three runs to take over Chris Gayle’s tally of 1899 to become the leading run-getter for West Indies in T20Is. Pooran has hit the most sixes (82) in T20s this year. Pitch and conditions – Another low-scoring game?There was lots of rain on Wednesday due to which West Indies had to cancel their training. New Zealand cut short theirs because of “unacceptable” practice pitches. There is no forecast for rain on the match day, though. Since the start of 2021, the average first-innings total in Tarouba has been 167 and it could once again be a low-scoring game.Quotes”Not just playing at RR, cricket is a global sport now with a lot of technology around. So everything you do in every single game is available to everyone around the world. Thankfully for us, we have a very good analyst who has figured out some of the strengths and weaknesses of Trent Boult. So hopefully tomorrow we can mitigate his strengths and try to capitalise.”
“From talking with a few of the West Indies boys and getting some understanding of what it plays like, they said sometimes it could be a sort of scrappy wicket around that 140-150 [mark]. And then there have been some games where it has been high-scoring. I look forward to the challenge tomorrow and try to adapt as quickly as possible.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers know they will enter the 2025/26 season without the services of Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian is set to join Manchester United in a deal worth £62.5m in the coming weeks and this will leave the Old Gold short in the attacking department.

Cunha was arguably the reason why Wolves remained in the Premier League last season. All good things must come to an end, however, and Vitor Pereira will now be looking to replace the former Atlético Madrid man when the transfer window opens.

Matheus Cunha's Wolves record

Cunha was the club’s biggest attacking threat last season. Not only did he top the scoring charts with 17 goals, while finishing second in the squad for assists with six in all competitions.

Indeed, Cunha registered the most goal involvements (21) in the squad during the Premier League, while also ranking first for big chances created (13), key passes per game (1.8) and successful dribbles per game (1.8).

Matheus Cunha’s Wolves’ statistics

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

36

17

6

2023/24

36

14

8

2022/23

20

2

1

Via Transfermarkt

If it weren’t for his contributions in the final third, Wolves might have found themselves in graver danger towards the end of the season, that’s for sure.

Now the onus is on Pereira to find a suitable replacement for the Brazilian talisman. One who can hit the ground running at Molineux at the start of next season.

Could the manager target a player from a fellow Premier League club?

Wolves could land Premier League star as Cunha replacement

Last week, Birmingham World claimed that the Old Gold were considering making a move for James McAtee of Manchester City this summer.

A fee of around £25m appears to be what Pep Guardiola is set to demand for the youngster. Given that Pereira will have money to play with upon Cunha’s sale, this shouldn’t be a problem.

McAtee has already made 48 Premier League appearances throughout his embryonic career, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists.

Despite playing 27 times last term, only nine of these came in the starting XI. If McAtee wishes to fulfill his potential, moving to a club like Wolves will allow him to play every week.

Hailed as a “special player” by Guardiola, the Englishman would certainly offer something extra to the Wolves side next term.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, McAtee ranks in the top 1% for goals (0.78) and the top 6% for total shots (3.53) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

If given chances, he will certainly score plenty of goals for Wolves. Furthermore, he also created two big chances and had a goal conversion percentage of 25% in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season.

This was despite averaging just 24 minutes per game for City. He might not be at the same level as Cunha just yet, but the English talent certainly has the tools required to eventually get there one day.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Pereira will need to act swiftly, as there are a few other teams also seeking a move for the City starlet this summer.

Related Offer made: Wolves submit bid for £42m star who "never puts a foot wrong"

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Posts ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

West Bromwich Albion fans will no doubt still be missing the presence of the passionate Carlos Corberan on the sidelines at the Hawthorns.

After all, when the much-loved Spaniard departed the club for Valencia in late December, the Baggies had only lost three league clashes and were just outside the playoff picture in seventh spot.

Fast forward to the end of the season, however, and West Brom ended up finishing in a lower ninth position, with the experiment of bringing back Tony Mowbray not working whatsoever.

Therefore, it’s crucial that the bruised Baggies get this next managerial appointment spot on, with an ever-growing list of intriguing names being rumoured to step in and replace Mowbray.

West Brom could now appoint Corberan 2.0

In an ideal world, West Brom will be able to unearth their next iteration of Corberan with whoever takes on the ongoing vacancy.

There is a shout to say Ryan Mason could be Corberan 2.0, considering he’s been a background figure at Tottenham Hotspur for most of his coaching career to date – much like the Spaniard was at Leeds United – before exploding into life as the main presence in the dug-out.

But, the Championship outfit could look to a more left-field shout than Mason in ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay, with new reports suggesting the 33-year-old is now one of the frontrunners over the much-talked-about Spurs man.

Much like Mason, Ramsay arriving on the scene at the Hawthorns could have the same impact Corberan once had on proceedings, with an argument to be had that the former Wales assistant manager has more in his arsenal than his Tottenham counterpart in the main manager game with Minnesota United.

Manager Focus

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Expand Collapse Why Ramsay could be Corberan 2.0

Whilst his name is more recognisable for being a second-in-command figure to Erik ten Hag and Rob Page for Manchester United and Wales, Ramsay is beginning to forge an impressive name for himself in the MLS with Minnesota.

Amazingly, his blistering Minnesota side downed a Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami 4-1 last time out in MLS action, with that comprehensive victory taking him all the way up an impressive 23 wins in total from 49 games in charge.

Ramsey vs Corberan’s first 49 games at WBA

Manager

Ramsey

Corberan

Wins

23

16

Draws

10

7

Defeats

16

26

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Corberan will be able to resonate with Ramsay’s unorthodox start to management out in America, with the now Valencia boss having to start his own journey in the lower leagues of Cyprus and he would initially struggle, before his first EFL opportunity as a main manager would come about with Huddersfield Town.

Amazingly, Ramsay can boast seven more victories from his first 49 games in charge of Minnesota than Corberan was able to pick during his first 49 games as a head coach, but the Spaniard would go on to grow and improve past this point to turn both the Terriers and the Baggies into Championship playoff candidates.

Moreover, the former Man United coach’s growing experience of the game he’s managed to achieve from the dug-out in the MLS makes him a far more capable option than the alternative face of Mason, with the promising coach picking up just six career wins when handed the temporary Spurs reins.

Once hailed as “one of the best young coaches in football” by Page when appointed Wales assistant manager, the proof could soon be in the pudding if he can transform West Brom’s fortunes on his potential return to England.

If it does work out, it would be another worthwhile gamble taken by the powers that be at the Hawthorns, with Corberan once just a plucky coach trying to cut his teeth in the men’s game like Ramsay, before very nearly turning West Brom back into a Premier League side.

Related West Brom could sign a "sensational" star who'd be Fellows 2.0

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Posts ByKelan Sarson May 12, 2025

The transfer circus is now in full swing, it would appear, with speculation raging over just who will be added to Ruben Amorim’s ranks at Manchester United this summer.

After acquiring Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in January, it looks as if the Red Devils are set to continue this squad overhaul with the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha.

As has been widely reported, United have held positive contract talks with the Brazilian amid the prospect of striking an early deal, with the 25-year-old available for £62.5m amid the presence of a release clause in his existing deal at Molineux.

While previously linked with a move to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal back in January, it looks as if Amorim and co have now won the race for the former Atletico Madrid man, all being well, with attention turning to the impact that he could make at Old Trafford.

Where Cunha will fit into the Man Utd side

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scoring just six Premier League goals between them this season, the addition of a new centre-forward appears to be a real priority this summer, not least with United scoring just 38 top-flight goals collectively to date.

Despite having played through the middle in the past, it would appear that Cunha is not actually being targeted to be the new number nine, amid parallel interest in Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.

In the case of the current Wolves man then, he would instead be needed to strengthen Amorim’s options in one of the new number ten berths, not least with the exiled trio of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all looking set to depart permanently.

Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, is yet to truly convince that he can transition from being an out-and-out winger, while Amad Diallo – who has registered 12 goals and assists in 20 games under Amorim – has notably been hampered by injury over the last two seasons.

With Mason Mount also netting just once in total since his arrival in 2023, and with Bruno Fernandes having dropped into a deep-lying role of late, the options in the number ten role are scarce, hence why Cunha could flourish.

How Cunha compares to PL forwards – 24/25

Stat

Record (per 90)

Ranking

Non-penalty goals

0.56

Top 3%

Total shots

3.56

Top 7%

Assists

0.16

Bottom 46%

Shot-creating actions

4.27

Top 20%

Pass completion

71.0%

Bottom 20%

Progressive passes

4.75

Top 22%

Progressive carries

3.79

Top 31%

Successful take-ons

2.20

Top 16%

Tackles

1.36

Bottom 49%

Interceptions

0.64

Top 20%

Stats via FBref

Having registered 14 goals in the league this season while operating in a similar system under Vitor Pereira, the Brazil international would be a ready-made solution ahead of next term.

That statement signing appears to be needed – although it shouldn’t come at the expense of young Kobbie Mainoo.

Man Utd's "generational talent" must not be sold

Be it the lack of options in attack – as noted above – or his own struggles as part of the midfield, the Amorim regime so far has brought with it a change for Mainoo, with the academy graduate largely lining up as one of the two ten’s of late.

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From making his first Premier League start as a defensive-minded option in front of the back four against Everton in November 2023, the 20-year-old has since even been deployed as a makeshift centre-forward against Crystal Palace and – more recently – Lyon, with a definitive role still yet to be found.

That transition has largely come about due to Amorim’s claims that the midfielder was “struggling a lot defensively” as part of the midfield two, albeit with the Portuguese coach also praising the youngster for his ability in the final third.

Indeed, last week’s thrilling triumph in the Europa League saw Mainoo net in almost trademark fashion with a delightful, curling effort inside the area, having previously scored in similar style against both Wolves and Liverpool last term.

That impact off the bench has highlighted just why the England starlet can thrive in a more advanced berth moving forward, albeit with the addition of a figure like Cunha only set to hamper his hopes of a regular role in the starting lineup.

For all his injury-related woes this term, it’s worth remembering that Mainoo had enjoyed a stunning emergence in 2023/24, resulting in his key role in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2024 final, having started every knockout stage game under Gareth Southgate.

Described as a “generational talent” by Hojlund, it would be a crying shame for the FA Cup final match winner to be nudged toward the exit door so swiftly, with speculation having been rife regarding his future, amid an apparent stall in contract talks.

While there may be a desire to cash in on a player who is valued at around £74m, according to CIES Football Observatory – placing him ahead of the £62.5m-rated Cunha – that soaring valuation also indicates just what a diamond he truly is.

Of course, Amorim’s 3-4-3 system may be better suited to Cunha and the like, yet not being able to find a home for Mainoo in the starting lineup would reflect poorly on the manager.

This is the type of talent that United simply can’t afford to lose.

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Apr 24, 2025

Fulham are still outside contenders for European qualification with Marco Silva leading them to an impressive season overall, but certain clubs may be looking to poach their outstanding players as a result.

Fulham face Liverpool in crucial Premier League clash

It’s been a bad week for the west Londoners, having crashed out of the FA Cup following a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage and followed that up with defeat to Arsenal.

Related Fulham now make contact to sign £8m ace who may replace Timothy Castagne

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Posts ByBrett Worthington Mar 26, 2025

Now, an equally tough test awaits Silva in the form of Premier League title favourites Liverpool, who are looking to cement their status as champions of England. Fulham could make a real statement by thwarting Liverpool and gaining much-needed points in the race for Europe, with Silva about to lead his side into a season-defining next few matches.

After Arne Slot’s side visit the English capital, Fulham take on fellow European contenders Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, with a west London derby then on the horizon against Chelsea.

Fulham’s next five Premier League games in race for Europe

Date

Liverpool (home)

April 6th

Bournemouth (away)

April 14th

Chelsea (home)

April 20th

Southampton (away)

April 26th

Aston Villa (away)

May 3rd

Fulham have one eye on next season already, making summer transfer plans and targeting a move for Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, among others (David Ornstein), but for now, it is strictly business on the field.

Silva will need all of his crop fit and firing, as the Whites eye their first European campaign since 2011/2012 – when they qualified for the Europa League via England’s Fair Play berth.

Fulham fans have fond memories of their 2009/2010 season in the Europa, when Roy Hodgson guided them to an unprecedented place in the final against eventual winners Atlético Madrid.

It still isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that they could replicate those heroics next season, but they’ll need to keep hold of their key men. Silva is attracting interest from Tottenham as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou, and winger Andreas Pereira is a wanted man in Brazil.

Flamengo plotting unique offer for Fulham star Andreas Pereira

The former Man United gem boasts two goals and seven assists from 31 appearances in all competitions this term, but Pereira’s contract expires next year, leading to clubs from his homeland taking a real interest in poaching him.

Palmeiras are rumoured to have already made an offer, while Flamengo are believed to be plotting a unique bid for Pereira, according to journalist Bruno Lemos.

“About Andreas Pereira. Flamengo is moving forward to have Andreas Pereira for the FIFA Super World Cup,” said Lemos on X.

“After a successful conversation with the midfielder’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, the red-black board of directors may use an important asset to open negotiations with Fulham: 20% of the rights to striker Rodrigo Muniz, sold to the English club in 2021, and may include the percentage it still holds of the athlete to offset a possible request from the British.

“Recently, Palmeiras offered 20 million euros for the player, but Fla does not intend to reach that amount, counting on Andreas’ desire to return to Ninho do Urubu and the ability of his agent to facilitate the transfer, in addition to the contribution of 15 million dollars for participating in the World Cup and 16 million pounds from the sale of Argentine Alcaraz to Everton, also from England, part of which will be used to qualify the squad and obtain reinforcements, including a player to serve as an alternative to Uruguayan Arrascaeta, who has again presented physical problems.”

The 29-year-old could be tempted by this opportunity to make a return home as he slowly enters the twilight phase of his career, but Fulham’s boss may be keen to avoid this scenario as Silva has described Pereira as a “very important” player.

The 180-run stand between Greaves and Kemar Roach was the highest for the seventh wicket in the fourth innings of a Test

Namooh Shah06-Dec-2025202* Justin Greaves became the fourth West Indies player, and the seventh overall, to score a double-hundred in the fourth innings of a Test, which he did against New Zealand in the Christchurch Test.Greaves is also the first visiting batter to score a fourth-innings double-hundred in New Zealand.388 Balls faced by Greaves is the most by a West Indies batter in the fourth innings of a Test. George Headley held the record previously, when he faced 385 balls against England in Kingston in 1930.457 for 6 West Indies’ total while chasing against New Zealand in the Christchurch Test is the second-highest team score in the fourth innings of a Test. The highest such score is 654 for 5 by England in the timeless Test in Durban in 1939.923 Runs scored across the last two innings of the Christchurch Test is the fourth-highest runs in the last two innings of a Test, and the highest since 1969.163.3 Overs batted by West Indies in the second innings is the second-most overs they have faced in the fourth innings of a Test, just behind the 164.3 overs they faced against England in Kingston in 1930. It is also the most overs New Zealand have ever bowled in the fourth innings, going past the 146.4 overs against England in 1997.The number of overs West Indies batted in the second innings in Christchurch is also the first time that a team faced more than 150 overs in the last innings of a Test in New Zealand.385 runs added by West Indies batters after the fall of the fourth wicket is the highest ever in the last innings of a Test, going past the previous best of 310 runs by New Zealand against England in 1973.West Indies’ effort in Christchurch included a 196-run partnership between Shai Hope and Greaves, followed by a stand of 180* between Greaves and Kemar Roach. That made it only the third instance of two 150-plus partnerships in the last innings of a Test, and the first since 1979.180* runs scored and 409 balls faced in the partnership for the seventh wicket between Greaves and Roach is also the highest ever in the fourth innings of a Test for the seventh wicket or lower (where balls faced data is available).233 Balls faced by Roach for his career-best first-class score of 58*. That makes him the first batter to face 200-plus balls batting at No. 8 or lower in the last innings of a Test.138 Innings taken by Roach to score his maiden Test fifty is the most by a batter. The previous highest was 131 innings by James Anderson.72 Number of consecutive dot balls Roach played in his innings between the 128th and 200th ball, which is the third-most in a Test innings. Peter Nevill with 90 dot balls and Steve O’Keefe with 76, both in the second innings of the Pallekele Test against Sri Lanka in 2016, are ahead of Roach.