The 2024/25 season will be an exciting adventure for Aston Villa. They will return to the Champions League for the first time in over 40 years, last playing with Europe’s elite in the 1982/83 season. In that campaign, they were the defending champions, having lifted the European Cup in 1981/82.

Indeed, it will be the first foray into the Champions League for many of Villa’s squad members. Whilst the likes of Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby have already played in the prestigious competition, it will be a new experience for stars such as Ollie Watkins and John McGinn.

Their manager, Unai Emery, is an experienced manager in Europe, so they will not be led blindly into the competition. He has managed 53 games in the Champions League, winning 20 of those, drawing 11 and losing 34 times. He is also a serial winner in the Europa League, having won it three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.

Villa may well decide to turn to the transfer market to add some Champions League pedigree to their squad ahead of their exciting European journey next term. They have been linked with one player who would bring just that, given he is a former winner of the tournament.

Villa target Champions League level talent

The player in question here is AS Roma and England striker Tammy Abraham. The Chelsea academy graduate is a past winner of the Champions League and has been linked with a move back to Villa Park, having previously been on loan at the club.

At least, this is according to Football Insider. Abraham “ticks a lot of boxes” for Villa, with both parties viewing a potential return to Villa Park as an “appealing prospect”.

However, Villa are not thought to be the only Premier League club interested in signing Abraham over the summer transfer window. According to talkSPORT, North Londoners Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be keen on a move, too. This would be a move that sees Abraham join one of his former club Chelsea’s biggest rivals.

With regards to a price, Roma would reportedly look for around £26m for Abraham from Spurs this summer. Thus, it seems safe to assume that Villa would have to pay a similar fee. Should the deal for Abraham go through for that price, it would see Roma make a considerable loss on the £34m they spent on him in 2021.

What Abraham can bring to Villa

Sadly, Abraham has not played much football during the 2023/24 season, due to picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the final game of Roma’s 2022/23 campaign. That has kept him out for the majority of last term, but he made his return from injury on the 6th April, during a 1-0 derby victory over Lazio.

In total last season, the 26-year-old played eight times in Serie A, where he scored one goal against Napoli, and registered one assist, which came against Europa League winners Atalanta. In Europe, he played four times but did not get on the scoresheet.

There is no doubting Abraham’s quality, despite his injury which kept him sidelined for so long. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “superb centre-forward” in 2021, and his record for Roma shows why. He has scored 37 times for the club, as well as registering 13 assists in 119 games, just over a goal involvement every two games.

With Villa entering the Champions League for the first time in 40 years next season, bringing in a striker with a pedigree in the competition such as Abraham’s could be a smart move. He was part of the Chelsea side that won the competition in 2020/21, and he played a major part in that season. His record in the competition speaks for itself.

2019/20

8

568

3

1

2020/21

5

232

1

2

Total

13

800

4

3

Abraham has proven quality in the Champions League, which could be really key to helping Villa qualify out of the new-look format.

Having the English international and countryman Watkins at his disposal to lead the line would be a luxury of riches for Emery.

The Roma man would bring goals to this Villa squad, and whilst they were not necessarily short of that last season, you can never score too much.

He is proven in the Premier League, with 26 goals in the top flight in England, experienced winning Europe's premier competition and is adored by the Villa fans. The striker was part of the promotion-winning side in 2018/19, a season where he scored 26 goals in 40 games. Perhaps it will not be long before we see him back scoring in the famous claret and blue shirt.

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Surrey 169 for 2 (Amla 73*, Roy 56) beat Kent 113 for 7 (Jacks 4-15) by 56 runsSurrey marched confidently on to their first Finals Day appearance since 2014 with a comprehensive dismantling of Kent, an eighth successive win in the T20 format ensuring they will extend their season a little deeper into the chill of October at Edgbaston on Saturday. Surrey’s total of 169 for 2 was built upon a century opening stand between Hashim Amla and Jason Roy and then Kent were scuttled by the bowling of Will Jacks, whose career-best 4 for 15 ensured the chase never really got going.Kent’s opening pair of England star Zak Crawley and the competition’s leading run-scorer, Daniel Bell-Drummond, were both removed in Jacks’ opening over and the supposedly part-time offspinner struck twice more in the first half of the innings to remove Joe Denly and Sam Billings. Only two Kent batsmen managed to score at above a run a ball, as Surrey’s spinners tied them down effectively; Dan Moriarty and Gareth Batty each picked up a wicket apiece and Surrey’s progression became a formality as the afternoon wore on.Having not managed a win in any format through August, their resources hit by injuries and England call-ups, Surrey have subsequently found a formidable formula in the Blast and will fancy their chances of lifting the T20 trophy for the first since its inaugural season back in 2003.Surrey’s opening gambitWhile a lack of first-team players hurt Surrey earlier in the season, a glut of options was their issue in selecting an XI for this quarter-final. Amla was available again after a calf problem, and he was recalled to join Roy in a new opening partnership for this competition. That they kicked off with a century stand ought to have been good news for the home side, but in a week in which the value of big partnerships in T20 has come into question, there was a nagging worry that neither was able to truly cut loose.Roy, after a scratchy summer searching for form in the England bubble, compiled his second consecutive fifty – smartly enough, from 39 balls – but then got out when set. Having taken up 12.5 overs, the opening stand was a work of construction to compare with the new Peter May stand rising to one side of the pavilion, but it didn’t leave long for those coming after to get in and crack on.Jacks out of his boxThe man shuttled out of position by the availability of Amla and Roy was Jacks, who opened in each of his nine previous innings on the way to a breakout season in this format. He hinted at what Surrey may have missed out on, striking driven fours from his seventh and eighth balls, then pulling his tenth for another boundary; but on a slow surface, used previously for the final group game between these two teams, both batsmen struggled to hit the afterburners during the closing stages, with Amla’s flogged six over extra cover in the final over the only time Surrey managed to clear the rope.However, while Jacks was not required at the top of the order with the bat, his role with the ball proved instrumental. Before this season, he had only previously sent down three overs of his offspin in T20 cricket, but this year he has regularly taken the new ball during the Powerplay. His opening over dealt a hammer blow to Kent’s chances, with Bell-Drummond and Crawley both falling to smart Ben Foakes catches – a sweep that looped to leg and a thin outside edge respectively – and he then returned to take wickets in the eighth and tenth overs to effectively kill off the chase.Kent chase their tailA quirk of this year’s three-division system meant that first and third in the South Group ended up facing each other in the quarter-finals. Kent and Surrey each won their home encounter during the group stage, both times chasing a target in the region of 160 – and that presumably informed Billings’ decision to put Surrey in after winning the toss at the Kia Oval on a crisp, autumnal day. The fact that six of Surrey’s seven consecutive wins had come while chasing was likely a factor, too.Kent had included an extra bowler in their XI, with the economical Tim Groenewald coming in for Heino Kuhn, while Surrey had gone the other way, leaving out a seamer – and although the slow-and-steady approach of the opening pair carried an inherent risk, it soon became evident that a tacky surface would play to Surrey’s strengths when it came to defending a target.With Jacks and slow left-armer Moriarty delivering the first four overs, Surrey set out their stall to choke Kent early on. Ten of the first 14 overs bowled were sent down by the three spinners as Kent fell to 67 for 5 and saw their chances of progression slip away. In the end, such was the home side’s dominance that “Surrey’s Andre Russell”, allrounder Jamie Overton did not bat and was only required to bowl one over while the game was in the balance.

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O tom foi de lamentação no São Paulo após o empate por 2 a 2, contra o Fortaleza, no Morumbi, pela ida das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. O Tricolor abriu dois gols de vantagem, mas viu o Leão empatar no final da partida e deixar o confronto em aberto.

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O argentino Rigoni, autor dos gols do São Paulo, lamentou o empate e analisou os problemas da equipe no final do jogo. Para ele, faltou concentração aos comandados de Hernán Crespo.

-Faltou um pouco de concentração, de agressividade, jogar até o final com a mesma intensidade. São erros que vamos ter que melhorar, trabalhar para não cometer outra vez – disse o jogador, em entrevista à ‘TV Globo’.

CONFIRA O CHAVEAMENTO DA COPA DO BRASIL

O camisa 77 também analisou a partida de volta, que, com o empate, fica em aberto. O jogo será na segunda semana de setembro, em Fortaleza.

– A verdade é que tínhamos a partida resolvida num momento e não soubemos controlar de uma forma inteligente. Terminamos empatando uma partida que nos daria tranquilidade, mas bem, agora é seguir, corrigir os erros e jogar a volta com mais inteligência – finalizou.

Now the dust has settled, it would probably be fair to describe Ange Postecoglou's first Premier League season in charge of Tottenham Hotspur as a success.

The Australian managed to lead a Harry Kane-less side to Europa League qualification despite six teams scoring more than them and seven sides letting in fewer goals to boot.

However, with Champions League qualification the aim next season, Daniel Levy and Co have to step up and provide the manager with a proven goalscorer, and based on recent reports, they may just do that, which could be bad news for Richarlison.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have prioritised signing a 'marquee' striker this summer after failing to adequately replace Kane last year, and one of the players they are interested in is Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke.

Although a potential price is not mentioned in this story, a Football Insider report from earlier this year revealed that an offer in the region of £50m would likely be enough to tempt the Cherries into selling their star striker.

It wouldn't be a cheap deal to complete, but with how well the former Liverpool man has played this season and how effective he's looked in front of goal, it seems like one worth pursuing.

How Solanke compares to Richarlison

Now, as much as Richarlison has improved this season under Postecoglou, when it comes to what matters most for a striker – scoring goals – he's been a clear second-best to Solanke for several years now.

For example, this season, the "dream" centre-forward, as described by former boss Gary O'Neil, has racked up a seriously impressive haul of 21 goals and four assists in 42 games, meaning he's averaged a goal involvement every 1.68 games. In contrast, the Brazilian's output of 12 goals and four assists in 31 games comes out to a goal involvement every 1.93 games on average.

It's not just been this year, though, as the Basingstoke-born forward managed to bag seven goals and seven assists in 35 games for a relegation-threatened Cherries outfit last season, while the former Everton man managed just three goals and four assists in as many games for a much better Spurs team.

Appearances

35

35

Goals

7

3

Assists

7

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.40

0.20

Appearances

42

31

Goals

21

12

Assists

4

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.59

0.51

It's not just the apparent difference in their ability to put the ball in the back of the net that makes the "absolutely massive" poacher, as O'Neil dubbed him, a more attractive prospect; it's also his availability.

Since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, the 26-year-old marksman has shown remarkable resilience, missing just nine games of football through injury, or an average of 2.25 a season. In contrast, the 48-capped Brazilian has missed 36, which comes out to an average of nine per season.

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Ultimately, while Richarlison might have the higher profile in world football thanks to his international exploits when it comes to pure goalscoring, there is no competition, and with Postecoglou desperately in need of someone able to reliably find the back of the net, signing Solanke feels like a no-brainer.

The German national team have confirmed Kai Havertz will miss their upcoming Nations League games due to 'knee problems'.

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Havertz in red-hot form for ArsenalForward to miss Germany gamesDFB confirm 'knee problems'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Havertz scored his sixth goal of the season on Saturday as Arsenal secured a 3-1 comeback win against Southampton. The 25-year-old completed the entire match and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made no reference to the German being injured. However, his national side state he will miss their Nations League fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands on October 11 and 14 due to this knee issue.

AdvertisementWHAT THE GERMAN NATIONAL TEAM SAID

The DFB-Team account tweeted: "Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems. National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Jonathan Burkardt in Havertz's place. Get well soon, Kai! 🖤❤️💛 We look forward to seeing you, Jonathan!"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Havertz is, arguably, in the form of his life at present. He has now scored in seven games in a row at the Emirates, matching Robin van Persie's record from the 2011-12 campaign. Arsenal will hope this withdrawal is more of a precaution, rather than something that sidelines him for an extended period.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Havertz will hope to be back fit for Germany's final two games of their Nations League group stage campaign against Bosnia and Hungary respectively in November. Before then, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star will focus on being fit for Arsenal's trip to Bournemouth on October 19.

Angel Gomes has refused to rule out a future return to Manchester United after starring for Lille.

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• Gomes had a frustrating first stint at United
• Has risen to prominence after shining with Lille
• Midfielder remains open to an Old Trafford return

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gomes' rise to prominence in France has not gone unnoticed. He was handsomely rewarded for his bright form by being a surprise inclusion in Lee Carsley’s first England squad selection and after excelling in a deep-lying playmaker role, the midfielder has been called up for next week’s international fixtures as well.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gomes' burgeoning reputation has caught the attention of several Premier League and European clubs, who are eager to secure his services when his contract runs out. Lille, however, may look to cash in on their star player as early as January if a suitable offer comes in, rather than risk losing him for free next summer.

• WHAT GOMES SAID

  Gomes’ journey from United to Lille has been one of growth and resilience. After coming through United’s academy, he made just 10 senior appearances for the club before leaving in 2020. Now with Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro struggling in midfield, United are believed to be looking at options in the market.

  When asked about the possibility of returning to United, the club where his professional career began, Gomes told "There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no."

  However, he was quick to add: "As amazing as it would be, after finding happiness abroad I know [playing in the Premier League] is not the be-all and end-all."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GOMES?

  Gomes’ resurgence at Lille, combined with his England call-up, has positioned him as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. However, his current focus is on continuing to perform at the highest level for Lille as he proved himself again by finding the net to inspire a comeback win over Toulouse on Saturday in Ligue 1. He will now look forward to joining the Three Lions squad for the Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.

All the buzz from the IPL 2020 game between the Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, in Abu Dhabi

Matt Roller06-Oct-2020