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“That’s driving me… It’s really good competition and it’s good for English white-ball cricket”

Matt Roller14-Aug-2022Will Jacks was on 94 when he decided that he would reach his hundred with a six. Every time he got back on strike in the 90s, the 21,677-strong crowd at the Kia Oval cheered, and Jacks decided they deserved a final flourish. “They were all screaming,” he said. “I thought to myself: I’ve got to get there with a six. For the crowd, I have to do that.”He crashed two singles to boundary-riders off Michael Hogan, and when Rehan Ahmed tossed one up, into his arc, he couldn’t resist: “I just had to go for it,” he said. He nailed the ball over wide long-on and punched the air as his home ground stood to applaud. After a hug with Sam Curran, he took a moment to let it all sink in, before putting his helmet back on and swinging Ahmed for six more to finish the game with 18 balls to spare.It was only four days ago that Will Smeed hit the first-ever Hundred hundred, also against Southern Brave, but Jacks’ innings was even more dominant. He scored just over three-quarters of Oval Invincibles’ 142 runs, 88 of his 108 coming in boundaries; Curran’s 11 not out was the second-highest score. “It was all about one man,” Sam Billings, their captain, said. “It was seriously special.”Related

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Jacks has been part of Surrey’s first team for five seasons, so it is easy to forget that he is still only 23 years old. He had never hit a T20 hundred before Sunday night – “it’s been one of my goals for the last three seasons, so it was nice to finally tick it off” – but has been a relentless run-scorer in the Blast, averaging 33.85 with a strike rate of 152.65 across the last three years.Blast crowds at The Oval are consistently among the best in the country, but Jacks has come into his own playing in the Hundred, relishing the occasions afforded by standalone, televised games: “It’s a great occasion every time you play in the Hundred,” he said. “I was really buzzing for tonight.” He is the third-highest male run-scorer across its one-and-a-half seasons to date, with an unmatched strike rate of 185.63 to boot.His success in Surrey’s Championship side this year suggests his form is sustainable, too, with a strong grounding in the first-class game and an orthodox style: 53 of his runs on Sunday night came in the ‘V’ down the ground, and his most productive shot was his textbook, high-front-elbow off-drive.Jacks started brightly against the swinging ball, twice punching George Garton through the covers before launching him for a huge six towards the gasholder at square leg. Shortly after easing his way to a 27-ball half-century, effortlessly finding gaps in the infield and clearing the ropes on demand, he was hit on the toe, and decided it was time to launch.”It was pretty painful,” Jacks said. “After that, I decided, ‘I’ve got to whack it here,’ because I didn’t really fancy running. I was seeing it cleanly, and was in control of my mind. When you’re in that zone, it doesn’t matter who is bowling.” He was right: he hit each of Brave’s six bowlers for at least two boundaries, and scored at a strike rate of 150+ against all of them.Jacks’ clarity of mind on the pitch is matched by his concision off it. “Like everyone else, I really want to play for England,” he said, straight to the point. “That’s driving me. I’m just really hungry at the moment. There’s a lot of players who are in that spot, guys who are playing well. It’s really good competition and it’s good for English white-ball cricket.Will Jacks played an inspired knock•Getty Images”I’m doing the right things at the moment. There’s so much competition around, and everyone knows that. It’s two innings, and that’s it. Every time, you’ve got to go out there with the mindset that ‘I have to score runs to put my name in that hat.'”There is no shortage of talent at the top of the order, but he is clearly highly regarded. He was part of the Lions squad that thrashed South Africa at Canterbury this week, hitting 34 off 26 from No. 7 – “my strike rate was pretty similar,” he joked – and would have been part of the 50-over squad earlier this summer but for Surrey’s reticence to lose another player from their Championship side.”He’s been knocking on the door for a while now,” Mahela Jayawardene, Brave’s coach, said. “It’s good for the tournament and it’s good for English cricket seeing all the younger guys coming here and showing the skillset that they have. That’s what it’s all about: giving them an opportunity with international cricketers. That exposure will obviously help them.”It is a cruel twist of fate that if selected for England’s tour to Pakistan in September, the man Jacks appears most likely to replace is his opening partner. Jason Roy’s second-ball duck against Brave, cleaned up by a hooping Garton inswinger, was his third in four innings so far in the Hundred. On the back of a grim T20I summer, he desperately needs a score.”Everyone is going to say he’s got another duck, but that was a fantastic ball,” Jacks said, quick to Roy’s defence. “It swung back beautifully and hit the top of middle. He’s an unbelievable player. I’ve stood at the other end from him for the last five years: I know just as well as everyone else what he can do.”He’s one of my good mates and I love batting with him. Everyone hopes he can find form. When he’s on form, nobody wants to bowl to him.”Whether Roy comes good or not over Invincibles’ final four group games, Jacks’ presence alongside him will ensure that no bowler in the competition is relishing the prospect to bowl to Invincibles’ opening pair.

One issue for each team to sort in the second half of IPL 2020

Gaurav Sundararaman13-Oct-2020Kings XI Punjab: Who are their four best overseas players?The Kings XI have used 18 players in the first half of the IPL – the joint-highest in the competition; only two overseas players in their squad haven’t got a match yet. By contrast, table -toppers Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals have used just four and five overseas players respectively.The Kings XI did not play Mujeeb Ur Rahman until their sixth match and ended up bowling him after the powerplay against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Chris Jordan and James Neesham have not got consistent opportunities; Glenn Maxwell is yet to hit a six and Chris Gayle has not yet been tried. The Kings XI have swapped and changed a lot, and the clarity of roles for most players seem to be missing. With pitches slowing down, the Kings XI need to show more faith in their Indian spinners and decide which four overseas players they want to play in the next few matches which could allow them a consistent run.: Look to play Maxwell, Nicholas Pooran, Mujeeb and one player between Jordan and Neesham. Also, ensure these players perform roles earmarked for them in specific phases of a match.Chennai Super Kings: How can they end their batting woes? The Super Kings’ biggest challenge has been their frail and inconsistent batting. Barring Faf du Plessis, no other batsman has been consistent. The absence of conspicuous run-scoring intent at varying stages of an innings has hurt the franchise and that has played a part in the Super Kings’ failure to overhaul targets of 170 or less on three occasions. That they are the worst-performing batting line-up in the tournament this season can be gauged from their run rate in the powerplay and the middle overs: 7.14 and 7.61 respectively, worst and second-worst at the halfway mark among all teams.: Provide more batting time and opportunities to the likes of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja and use newcomer N Jagadeesan as a floater.Kane Williamson waits for his turn to bat•BCCISunrisers Hyderabad: Williamson or Nabi? Kane Williamson has not done anything seemingly wrong to be dropped but the other three overseas players that the Sunrisers have in their mix are close to indispensable. So the only player who could be dropped among the cream is the New Zealand captain. With David Warner and Johnny Bairstow showing solidity at the top, playing Williamson at No. 4 seems like a surplus. Importantly, it is the weakness of their bowling attack that has contributed majorly to the Sunrisers’ defeats. Specifically, the bigger concern has been the fifth bowler, a role performed by the inexperienced spin twins Abhishek Sharma and Abdul Samad, who have conceded a combined 187 runs in 17 overs at 11 runs per over.: With Bhuvneshwar Kumar injured, the Sunrisers could considering deploying the experienced allrounder Mohammad Nabi – he can float in the middle order and strengthen the bowling unit with his offspin which can be influential on pitches that are steadily slowing down.Rajasthan Royals: Who can be the stable opening partner for Jos Buttler?The Royals have used four different opening pairs in seven matches and have added a highest of 27 for the first wicket. They average just 13.42. The Royals have lost the most number of wickets in the powerplay. This despite the presence of their captain Steven Smith and Buttler in the top order. Smith has looked awkward at the top and now the franchise has promoted Ben Stokes to open with Buttler. Will that lead to a stable partnership?: The Royals need to keep their faith in their decision-making and the batsmen they choose as Buttler’s partner.Rahul Tripathi during a fielding drill at the KKR nets•kkr.inKolkata Knight Riders: Have they identified their most effective batting order?Four wins from seven matches is not a bad start, yet the Knight Riders continue to shuffle their batting order. The primary factor behind the Knight Riders second-guessing themselves could be the weak batting form of Sunil Narine before his bowling action was reported. The extended dry run Andre Russell is going through and the lack of certainty around their captain Dinesh Karthik’s batting position are additional concerns.The Knight Riders, who are being coached for the first time by Brendon McCulllum, have played five batsmen at No. 4 in seven matches. Karthik has batted in four different positions during this period. Russell, too, has walked out at different positions while Rahul Tripathi has been juggling opening duties with batting at No. 7 every few games.: The Knight Riders have to figure out a combination comprising six bowlers and ensure the best players of spin bat up the order. The potential order could be: Tripathi, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan, Russell, and Karthik, along with five bowlers.Royal Challengers Bangalore: Should they continue to back Aaron Finch?Remarkably for a franchise that has finished in the lower rungs of the IPL for several years now, the Royal Challengers have identified their core group – made up of nine players – this season. Usually when teams are winning, they refrain from tweaking their combination. However, assuming that conditions are likely to favour spin in the second half of the tournament, there are two spots in the Royal Challengers’ XI that could be experimented with. One the domestic Indian player’s slot; the other, one of the two overseas recruits’ spots. With Chris Morris and Ab de Villiers expected to play all matches, either Isuru Udana or Finch could have to make way when required.Finch has not had a great run with the bat so far, averaging just 24.42 and striking at 114, although he has supported the up-and-coming Devdutt Padikkal in providing good starts. As the pitches get slower and bounce wanes, Finch might find it hard to score quick runs. In comparison, Udana’s variations might be more useful in the death, making him a more reliable pick ahead of Finch.: Replace Finch with Moeen Ali, who can offer four overs with the ball as well, at the top. Alternatively, play Adam Zampa instead of Finch and select an extra Indian batsmen, with Virat Kohli opening.Shimron Hetmyer reacts after falling to Kartik Tyagi•BCCIDelhi Capitals: Would they need a wristspinner in the second half?The Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit has been a treat to watch this season. The spinners and the pacers have been bowling exceptionally well in conditions that aren’t immensely bowling-friendly. The spinners conceded just 6.34 runs per over, striking once every 18 deliveries, in conditions that were initially perceived to be conducive to pace. With the pitches gradually starting to become sluggish and a slew of injuries plaguing their contingent, the franchise could look to play three spinners. However, their veteran wristspinner Amit Mishra has been ruled out of the tournament, meaning the Capitals’ bench strength will be put to test. They have just one spin-bowling replacement in their squad: Sandeep Lamichhane.: Replace Shimron Hetmyer or Anrich Nortje with Lamichhane based on the pitch, also with a view to adding variety to the spin department.Mumbai Indians: How to give Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard more batting time?The Mumbai Indians are easily the most balanced and arguably the strongest unit in the competition. The only possible challenge that the defending champions will want to address is figure out a way to give more batting time to Pandya and Pollard. Together they have played an average of 25 balls per match, which is just about 20% of the team’s innings, seemingly very low for the massive returns the pair can fetch.: With Pandya not bowling, he could be used to whack the opposition spinners in the middle overs while keeping Pollard for the death overs.

The Dodgers were able to win their second straight World Series title on Saturday night by beating the Blue Jays 5-4 in a legendary Game 7 at the Rogers Centre.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched six innings in Los Angeles' Game 6 win on Friday night, entered Game 7 with one out in the bottom of the ninth and then worked 2 2/3 scoreless innings to lead the Dodgers to their dramatic victory. He was named the World Series MVP for his heroic efforts, which also included a complete game gem in Game 2.

The righthander had a very subtle classy move in the bottom of the 11th inning that the Fox Sports cameras were able to pick up. Yamamoto was seen tipping his cap to Toronto's Vlad Guerrero Jr. as the slugger prepared to step into the batter's box with his team trailing by a run.

Here's how that played out:

That was such a great moment at such a pivotal moment of the game. Guerrero would go on to hit a double but then Yamamoto was able to close things out thanks to a double play that was brilliantly turned by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts.

Yamamoto gave up just one hit and had one walk in his relief appearance. He finished his second season with the Dodgers with a 12-8 record and then really became a force in the postseason. Along with his complete game in the World Series, he also had a complete game win over the Brewers in the NLCS.

Fans loved that hat tip from Yamamoto:

He is performing an entirely different role having been pushed down with Markram, de Kock and Bavuma forming the top three, but he’s coped well

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2025Matthew Breetzke’s ODI career started solidly as he consistently scored runs from the top of the order. In this ODI series, though – his first both in India and against India – he is performing an entirely different role.Breetzke has been pushed down to No. 4 with senior players Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock and the captain Temba Bavuma forming the top three, and he’s coped well, scoring a match-winning half-century during South Africa’s chase of 359 on Wednesday.”Obviously, I’m just getting more experience now batting at four, which I’m starting to feel a little bit more comfortable in the role,” Breetzke said on the eve of the series decider in Visakhapatnam. “So that helps, and I think the more I play at number four and in this role, hopefully the better I’ll get.”Related

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The two games against India provided him with two different situations to deal with as well. In Ranchi, he went in with South Africa having lost a lot of wickets and in need of recovery. In Raipur, they were chasing a bigger total but had a solid foundation.”Obviously, the first game there was a little bit of trouble that we were in, so I had to sort of build the innings and then in the second game it was about just managing the guys that were coming in.”We lost obviously Aiden [after his century] and then I had to sort of manage [Dewald] Brevis there and then just managing those guys and letting them bat around me, they’ve got the explosive power – it was just about really looking to build a partnership with them.”Breetzke also highlighted the depth and power in South Africa’s batting line-up. “I think we’ve got a nice balance in our side with a couple of guys that are just proper batters, and then you’ve got powerhouses like Brevis and [Marco] Jansen that can sort of change the game on its head.”We’ve seen [Corbin] Bosh in the last two matches play some really special innings, I think as the top four, it gives you a lot of confidence; you can take a little bit more time because, you know, they’ve got that explosive power at the back end. So for us, it’s just about setting that platform up for them to come in at the end and do their thing.”There’s a lot of confidence in the batting group at the moment, but we will have to do it again tomorrow.”

Somerset have confirmed the return of Riley Meredith as one of their overseas players for next year’s Vitality Blast.Meredith, 29, was the leading wicket-taker with 28 in the competition as Somerset won the Blast in 2025. He also played a key role in getting them to the final the year before. Overall, his record for Somerset is 42 wickets at 18.47, with an economy of 8.16.”Riley played an integral part in our success this summer and we’re delighted to be bringing a player of his quality back to the club,” Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said.”His genuine pace and aggression will always trouble batters and he brings something different to our attack. I know that our Members and supporters will be looking forward to seeing him take to field for us again in 2026.”Everyone connected with the club is looking forward to Riley bringing his trademark pace and energy back to the Cooper Associates County Ground. We can’t wait to see him charging in again as we look to defend our title in 2026.”Meredith has played one ODI and six T20Is for Australia, but not featured since 2024 (when he missed Finals Day after being called up for international duty).He is expected to be available for the duration of the Blast next summer, with the competition returning to a May-July window.”I’ve loved my time with Somerset, and it was great to be able to contribute to this year’s success,” Meredith said. “It’s a really good group of players and I can’t wait to be back in Taunton and playing in front of those fans.”

West Ham are believed to be in the market for three major signings this January, and could now turn back to a familiar face in pursuit of fresh quality.

The Irons are preparing for what could be a vital transfer window in their quest to ensure Premier League survival. Looking to back new boss Nuno Espírito Santo, with West Ham currently sitting in the relegation zone after a torrid start to 2025/2026, David Sullivan and co have identified three key areas to reinforce.

Nuno’s would seriously benefit from signing a striker and a centre-back in January, while they’re also exploring options in midfield to add depth and quality in that area of the squad (Sky Sports).

In attack, West Ham are apparently targeting an athletic, mobile centre-forward who can provide a different profile to their current options. Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney is believed to be a target for Nuno’s side in that regard, while reports suggest that Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan is also on West Ham’s radar.

The same can be said of ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, who’s currently enjoying the season of his life at AZ Alkmaar, having also fired the Republic of Ireland to the World Cup play-offs recently.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

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Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Parrott’s brace against Portugal, which led Ireland to a 2-0 win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, and a hat-trick against Hungary confirmed his country’s place in the draw, with clubs like West Ham apparently taking notice of the 23-year-old’s exceptional form.

The midfield area also requires attention, with West Ham reportedly targeting additions to bolster their options in the number eight role. The club has been linked with moves for the likes of Chelsea starlet Andrey Santos as they look to add technical quality and energy to the middle of the park.

Defensively, West Ham are pursuing reinforcements at centre-back.

They’ve reportedly made a £15.8 million bid to sign Lecce and Portugal Under-21 centre-back Tiago Gabriel already (La Gazzetta dello Sport), though the Italian club has rejected this opening offer and is holding out for around £22 million.

West Ham currently have the second-worst defence in England’s top flight, and despite their glaring need for a forward, Nuno’s backline also demands attention.

West Ham looking to 'reignite' Charlie Cresswell talks

Now, according to ExWHUemployee, they could turn back towards Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell as an option.

The former Leeds United defender was apparently ‘close to signing’ in the summer window, and West Ham are looking to ‘reignite talks’ over signing Cresswell in January as they attempt to shore up their leaky defence.

Cresswell represents the type of defensive reinforcement West Ham desperately need to address their relegation concerns.

The 23-year-old has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities and excels in aerial situations, while also contributing offensively with three goals last season.

Standing over six feet tall, he’s physically imposing and wins his defensive battles, providing the commanding presence that’s been missing from West Ham’s backline. His move to Toulouse has proven highly successful, with the defender establishing himself among France’s top young centre-backs and helping Toulouse to keep 10 clean sheets in 2024/2025.

His quality has translated to international football too, where he earned praise for his leadership during the recent Under-21 European Championships (GiveMeSport). The England youth international played a key role in his country’s successful title defence, showing he can deliver on the big stage.

Cresswell being homegrown and valued at around £18 million in the summer makes this deal all the more appealing to West Ham, especially considering their limited winter budget.

Shreyas Iyer has requested the BCCI for a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to concerns about his back, which the board has approved*. ESPNcricinfo learned that Iyer sent an email to the board to that effect and pulled out of the ongoing four-day match between India A and Australia A in Lucknow.Confirming the update on Thursday morning, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a press statement that Iyer “has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket”. “Having undergone back surgery in the UK and managed his recovery well, he has recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format,” Saikia wrote. “He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup.”Iyer was the India A captain in the first four-day game against Australia A, but withdrew from the second. He was likely to have been picked in the Rest of India squad to play defending Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha in the Irani Cup, but will now miss that game.Before scoring 8 in his only innings against Australia A last week in Lucknow, Iyer had played the Duleep Trophy semi-final for West Zone against Central Zone in September at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence on the outskirts of Bengaluru. He made 25 and 12 in that outing, his first competitive match since the end of IPL 2025.Iyer had problems with his back in December 2022 and the injury flared up during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home in March 2023, after which he had surgery in April and missed the IPL that year. He returned for the Asia Cup in September and was a key part of India’s unbeaten run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final in November.He continued to have issues with his back, though, and skipped some first-class matches for Mumbai, as a result of which he was omitted from the BCCI’s central contracts list in February 2024. Iyer was back on the list of contracted players the following year. More recently, in February-March this year, Iyer was India’s highest run-getter (243 in five innings) and the second-highest run-getter overall in the run to the Champions Trophy title, after which he led Punjab Kings to the final of IPL 2025.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has found himself in the eye of a storm as he is being accused of showing sympathy for a far-right political party in France after liking a post on Instagram. The 22-year-old shot-stopper insists it was an accident and says he’s “being portrayed as a fascist” as responded to the backlash.

Chavelier's like causes social media fury

Just hours before PSG’s clash with Lyon, Chevalier woke up to a media firestorm. A screenshot circulating on social media showed that the young goalkeeper had liked a post from former MP Julien Aubert, suggesting support for the National Rally, a far-right party long accused of xenophobia. Within minutes, social media was ablaze with fans accusing him of aligning with extremist politics, others defending him as a victim of cancel culture.

The controversy couldn’t have come at a worse time. Chevalier, still struggling to win over the Parisian crowd after replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma, found himself painted as a political symbol rather than an athlete. In a club defined by its multicultural identity, the backlash was immediate with supporters from the Collectif Ultras Paris, known for their anti-racist stance, condemned the act, while others called for his dismissal.

PSG’s management quickly sought to defuse the tension, focusing attention on the Lyon match. But the uproar had already shaken the dressing room and overshadowed the game itself.

AdvertisementAFP'It pisses me off' – Chevalier breaks his silence

At around 4 a.m., an exhausted and furious Chevalier took to Instagram to set the record straight.

“I saw what was being said about me regarding the fact that I liked a post on Instagram with a political stance, which I obviously don’t share,” he wrote. “ I'm not trying to convince you, but it's disheartening to know that by scrolling and unknowingly liking a post, you're informed that your image has been completely tarnished for an accidental action. It pisses me off. The damage is done, and the die is cast. You tried to portray me as a fascist, and it wasn't just me you targeted, but my entire family.”

The goalkeeper went on to express his frustration at being reduced to a political caricature:

"I will never play the victim, but the lines have been crossed, and by a long shot. Furthermore, some people are using this to justify my mediocre sporting performances when they have absolutely no understanding of the goalkeeper position. It's the same people from the beginning, and they seem to enjoy it. Anyway. I wanted to apologise for the inconvenience caused, because ultimately, I am the one in charge. I have always tried to be a good person in my daily life and on the pitch, and I will continue to do so. I don't often speak out, but it was necessary today because the world we live in is tending to go haywire. 

"I truly never thought I'd one day have to explain myself about this completely ludicrous matter on social media."

Chevalier's post turns political outrage to racial tension

As the story spread, the backlash took an uglier turn. Chevalier faced personal insults online, with hate messages flooding his accounts. Paradoxically, the far-right politician Eric Ciotti came to his defence, denouncing “anti-white racism” and calling the attacks “unbearable.”

This unexpected endorsement only deepened the controversy further fuelling debates about double standards, political opportunism, and the toxic intersection between sport and ideology. The affair became less about football and more about France’s social fractures, exposing how athletes now operate in a space where neutrality itself is politicised.

Many fans, however, urged restraint. Prominent commentators reminded the public that “a like is not a manifesto,” and that intent matters. Yet in an era of screenshots and instant outrage, nuance often comes too late.

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AFPNight at Lyon gets worse for Chevalier

On the field, the night was no kinder to Chevalier. During PSG’s 3-2 win over Lyon, he was at fault for two goals. One from Afonso Moreira’s counterattack and another from Ainsley Maitland-Niles’s lob, mistakes that reignited doubts about his form. Despite making several key saves, his shaky performance only compounded the pressure.

Teammates like Lucas Hernandez publicly backed him, insisting that defensive lapses, not goalkeeping errors alone, were to blame. But the headlines had already shifted with Chevalier’s image crisis had become a defining subplot of PSG’s season.

Now, as PSG prepare for fixtures against Le Havre, Monaco, Rennes and Tottenham in the Champions League, Chevalier faces a test far greater than any he’s had between the posts. He must restore faith and not only in his ability as a goalkeeper but in his integrity as a professional.

Eyeing some revenge on Liverpool after the Alexander Isak saga in the summer, Newcastle United now reportedly want to beat the Reds to one impressive defender in 2026.

Newcastle transfer targets heading into January window

Newcastle have some unfinished business in the transfer market. They were forced to rush through late business in the summer after facing several rejections from their top targets and then losing Isak. In the end, they had to settle for Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, having initially targeted the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro.

So far, however, it seems as though they saved their best option for last. Woltemade has been a revelation. The German has scored three goals in four Premier League games and is proven to be worth every penny that Newcastle paid out to make him their record signing.

Aside from Woltemade, though, there’s work to be done in Eddie Howe’s side. Only Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored less goals than the Magpies, with their new signing scoring half of their six Premier League goals. That’s something that they simply must solve.

The return of Wissa and his long-awaited debut next month should go a long way, but when AFCON arrives, Newcastle are likely to be without their summer arrival once again. And that’s when PIF could turn back towards the transfer market.

Rumours have already suggested that their interest in Alexander Sorloth could be reignited this winter, as he seeks a starting place away from Atletico Madrid. The former Crystal Palace forward is certainly the type of player that would turn a blunt attack sharp in January.

Meanwhile, away from what should be their top priority, the Magpies have also reportedly set their sights on some Liverpool revenge.

Newcastle now eyeing Lukeba move

As reported by Caught Offside, PIF and Newcastle have now set their sights on signing Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig. The impressive central defender is already wanted by Liverpool, but the Magpies could finally take some revenge on those at Anfield by stealing a player they may see as a replacement for Ibrahima Konate.

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What should also be music to Newcastle’s ears is Lukeba’s fresh discount. Although the Frenchman has a release clause worth as much as €90m (£78m), reports are now suggesting that Leipzig would accept closer to €60m (£52m) to sell their defender in the summer.

That would be a bargain deal for a player of both his quality and potential. At just 22 years old, Lukeba has earned praise from across the Bundesliga and from the likes of analyst Ben Mattinson, who praised his “unique” profile.

In an ageing backline, Lukeba would provide Newcastle with the perfect partner for Malick Thiaw in a duo that would dominate St James’ Park for years to come.

علق التونسي سيف الدين الجزيري، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك على التأهل إلى نهائي كأس السوبر المصري 2025.

وانتهت مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز في الوقت الأصلي للمباراة بالتعادل السلبي، والتي جمعت بين الفريقين على ملعب آل نهيان في العاصمة الإماراتية أبوظبي، ضمن الدور نصف النهائي من كأس السوبر المصري قبل التوجه إلى ركلات الترجيح، وفوز الأبيض 5-4.

طالع| رجل مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز في كأس السوبر المصري

وقال سيف الجزيري في تصريحات لقناة “أبو ظبي الرياضية”: “كنا نعرف أن فريق بيراميدز ممتاز في الفترة الأخيرة، يمرون بانتعاشة كبيرة، كنا مركزين في المباراة، بطولة على مباراتين وإن شاء الله نحن من سنرفعها بكل تركيز وإصرار”.

وتابع: “كنا مركزين من البداية حتى النهاية، وعندما تكون لاعبًا في الزمالك يجب أن تتحمل المسؤولية”.

وأضاف: “هذا ليس جديدًا على جماهير الزمالك الذي نجده في أي مكان في بقاع الأرض، ويكون متواجدا بأعداد غفيرة وإن شاء الله سنعدهم بالكأس، سيكون هناك قمة منتظرة بين الأهلي والزمالك”.