After a catastrophic transfer window, Celtic have been left woefully short in attacking areas.

This summer, Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah have been sold to Como and Swansea respectively, after scoring 21 and 20 goals last season, while Jota remains sidelined until around Christmas, due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered at Tannadice in April.

Wingers Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti have both arrived from Royal Antwerp and Hammarby while, having failed to sign a striker on deadline day, Kelechi Ịheanachọ joined as a free agent, after his contract with Sevilla had been mutually terminated.

Thus, Celtic supporters are certainly concerned about their side’s lack of attacking firepower, but they still boast a “physical beast”, signed for just £1.5m, now worth more than their number one centre-forward target.

What Kasper Dolberg would've brought to Celtic

With Idah left in limbo ahead of his move to Swansea, completing a medical in South Wales before being forced to wait, Celtic chased a replacement, with Kasper Dolberg their number one, and seemingly only, target.

They had multiple bids rejected by Anderlecht for the 27-year-old and, as it transpired, he never really wanted to move to Glasgow anyway, instead re-joining Ajax for €10m (around £8.6m), six years after departing the Johan Cruijff Arena.

The Danish international has had an up-and-down career, enduring elongated barren periods, while also showing semi-regular glimpses of brilliance.

After underwhelming spells with Nice, Sevilla and Hoffenheim, he got back to his best at Anderlecht, scoring 44 goals in 96 appearances for the Purple and Whites, including five goals to start this season, four of which came in UEFA qualifiers, netting against BK Häcken, Sheriff Tiraspol and AEK Athens.

He also remains a reliable presence for his national team, taking his tally to 12 international goals when Denmark hammered Lithuania 5-0 in Odense in June, most notably on target three times during the knockout phase when de Rød-Hvide reached the semi-finals at Euro 2020.

Global Football Rankings believes the Jupiler Pro League to be the sixth-strongest division in the world, with the Scottish Premiership down in 27th, one place below the Ecuadorian Serie A, so the fact he scored 24 goals last season suggests he would have bagged plenty of goals in Scotland, but do the Celts already boast a more valuable attacker?

Celtic's superstar attacker

The bedrock of Ange Postecoglou’s successful two seasons in charge of Celtic was his exceptional recruitment, especially in the Japanese market.

From the likes of Kyōgo Furuhashi to Reo Hatate, it’s safe to say their Japanese contingent have enjoyed a fabulous time in Paradise. Yet, there’s one who has arguably eclipsed both of them.

Indeed, the £1.5m paid to sign Daizen Maeda from Yokohama F. Marinos very much looks like a bargain now.

Last season was undoubtedly Maeda’s best since arriving in Glasgow, named PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year, with his former coaches labelling him a “machine” and a “physical beast”.

He scored 33 goals across all competitions, thereby joining illustrious company. As the table outlines, not since Henrik Larsson has a Celtic player scored 30+ goals in back-to-back seasons and, well, Maeda potentially wanted to prevent himself from changing that fact.

Daizen Maeda

2024/25

33

Kyōgo

2022/23

34

Dembélé

2016/17

32

Griffiths

2015/16

40

Commons

2013/14

32

Hooper

2012/13

31

McDonald

2007/08

31

Hartson

2004/05

30

Larsson

2003/04

41

Larsson

2002/03

44

Larsson

2001/02

34

Larsson

2002/03

53

Larsson

1998/99

38

The 27-year-old is currently away on international duty with Japan, coming off the bench as the Samurai Blue drew 0-0 with Mexico in Oakland on Saturday night, set to see more action against the United States in Columbus on Tuesday.

While away, he confirmed in an interview with Gekisaka that he asked to leave Celtic this summer, stating: “I had an offer and had consistently communicated to my club that I wanted to take the next step in my career. However, Celtic ultimately couldn’t secure the necessary reinforcements and told me they couldn’t let me go”.

Given all the other upheaval at Celtic this summer, as well as the lack of incoming activity, losing Maeda on top of all that would’ve been unthinkable, but it is far from ideal that he is publicly stating his disappointment at not moving on, looking to increase his importance in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad ahead of the World Cup.

Should he depart at some point, the Hoops would make a huge return on investment, given that Football Transfers estimates his value to be around £12m, just above Dolberg’s value of £11m.

For now, Maeda remains in Glasgow, and will be front and centre as the Celts target a fifth successive Premiership title, also looking to make a deep run in the Europa League, commencing the league phase against Crvena zvezda in Belgrade later this month.

Celtic flop is now outscoring Iheanacho after being sold for just £4m

With Celtic signing Kelechi Ịheanachọ as a free agent after the transfer window had closed, a former Celtic striker is now worth £24m

ByBen Gray Sep 8, 2025

Aussie shares 230-stand with fellow centurion Ollie Price as Glamorgan rue decision to bowl first

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Apr-2025Cameron Bancroft marked his first appearance as Gloucestershire captain with a century to lead his side to a formidable 368 for 3 on the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship Second Division game with Glamorgan at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.The 32-year-old Australian hit 163, off 267 balls, with 19 fours and two sixes, sharing a second-wicket stand of 230 with Ollie Price, who contributed a patient 101, as the visitors were made to rue their decision to bowl first under cloudless skies.The only wicket-takers were Ned Leonard, who struck twice, and Shoaib Bashir, although Zain ul Hassan and Timm van der Gugten were commendably economical as spectators basked in warm sunshine.Bancroft, who only flew into the country to start his third spell as a Gloucestershire player on Wednesday, rode his luck somewhat in the morning session when the Glamorgan seamers bowled without much fortune.On 2, he survived a huge appeal for a catch behind off Asitha Fernando and, having moved to 33, edged the same bowler fractionally short of the diving Kiran Carlson at third slip. A greater escape came on 48 when wicketkeeper Chris Cooke failed to hold a difficult one-handed chance wide to his right off ul Hassan.Those moments apart, Bancroft relished the unseasonable weather, producing an array of sweetly timed shots. He and Ben Charlesworth gave Gloucestershire a solid start with a stand of 62 before Charlesworth, on 19, aimed a big drive at Leonard and nicked through to Cooke.It was Glamorgan’s only success of the morning session as Bancroft went to fifty with a back-foot punch through the off side off ul Hassan to collect his eighth four and Price provided careful support in taking the score to 100 for 1 off 27 overs at lunch.Glamorgan turned to off-spinner Bashir in the afternoon session, but Bancroft greeted him with a glorious square-driven boundary and later a straight six as the England player’s first four overs went for 30 runs.Price had contributed 28 when the century stand with Bancroft was brought up. His partner moved to 99 with two fours through the off side off van der Gugten and two overs later a scampered single off Leonard took him to a 31st first-class ton off 166 balls, with 13 fours and a six. The innings had also taken Bancroft past 11,000 first-class runs.When Leonard opted to bowl short with six fielders on the leg side, the Aussie top-edged a pull for his second six, then made room for a four through the covers. All the while Price was accumulating steadily before reaching a half-century off 140 balls, with seven fours.It was 225 for 1 at tea, with Bancroft on 119 and Price 57. It was the latter who pressed the accelerator with a flurry of boundaries at the start of the final session to move into the nineties.The 23-year-old then cracked successive fours off Bashir to move to his fifth first-class hundred off 220 balls, with 15 boundaries. Two balls later he lost concentration and was pinned lbw on the back foot to make the score 292 for 2 with the second new ball about to become due.It was taken immediately, but did little to dampen Gloucestershire’s day as Bancroft and Miles Hammond batted positively, Hammond cracking five fours in no time to ensure there was no respite for the tiring Glamorgan bowlers.Bancroft progressed to 150 off 259 balls, having extended his boundary count to 16 fours and two sixes, before a tired looking waft at a wide ball from Leonard saw him caught behind.His innings had occupied six hours and 26 minutes. Hammond was unbeaten on 37 at the close of a largely one-sided day.

As the transfer deadline looms, Everton are once again at the centre of speculation.

The Toffees have been among the more proactive Premier League sides this summer, with David Moyes overseeing a rebuild designed to inject both quality and long-term stability into the squad.

Jack Grealish’s high-profile switch from Manchester City dominated headlines, and he wasted little time in making his mark at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, registering two assists on his competitive debut in a 2-0 win over Brighton.

Everton backed up that performance with a comfortable 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Mansfield Town, further raising optimism among supporters.

Despite those encouraging results, Everton’s league campaign began with a setback – a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Leeds United.

That loss underlined the need for further reinforcements if the club are to mount a genuine push into the top half of the Premier League.

Everton looking to sign another English talent

Moyes has already welcomed the likes of Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Tyler Dibling into his squad, yet midfield remains an area of focus.

With Abdoulaye Doucouré departing earlier in the summer, a vacancy exists in the heart of Everton’s team.

The Toffees have been linked with a possible reunion between Moyes and Tomas Souček, but there is also a strong suggestion that another deal could be in the works – one that could see Everton land a player reminiscent of club stalwart Gareth Barry.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Football Insider, Everton are one of several Premier League clubs weighing up a late move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

The 23-year-old has told his boyhood club that he would consider leaving if a top-flight opportunity presents itself before the window shuts. Crystal Palace and West Ham are also monitoring developments.

Hackney, described by analyst Ben Mattinson as a “special player,” has been integral to Middlesbrough’s perfect start under new manager Rob Edwards, playing every minute of their three consecutive Championship victories.

He has already contributed a goal and an assist this season, showcasing his ability to influence matches in the final third.

Why Hackney evokes memories of Gareth Barry

For Hackney, the chance to step up into the Premier League could be a natural next step in a career that has already seen him capped 13 times at England U21 level, including as part of the squad that retained the European Championship this summer.

Marketed at around £10m by Transfermarkt, the youngster would represent an affordable option compared with some of Everton’s other recent investments.

That figure is particularly notable when set against the £42m the club committed to sign winger Dibling from Southampton earlier this week – a move that underlined Moyes’ determination to secure the best emerging English talent.

For Everton fans, however, Hackney’s potential arrival carries echoes of one of the club’s most successful midfield signings of the Premier League era: Gareth Barry.

Like Barry, Hackney is a technically accomplished left-footed midfielder who thrives in dictating tempo, recycling possession, and providing a calm platform for more attacking players to flourish.

Statistically, his numbers suggest a player already capable of making the step-up.

According to FBref, he ranks favourably compared to midfielders in similar divisions to the Championship, sitting in the 99th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (9.92) and the 91st percentile for shot-creating actions (3.80) among players in leagues of Championship equivalence.

His ability to move the ball forward – whether through incisive passing or by carrying possession himself (97th percentile for progressive carries) – highlights his suitability for Moyes’ system, which increasingly relies on controlled build-up from deep.

Defensively, Hackney also contributes, sitting in the 82nd percentile for blocks (1.54 per 90), which demonstrates an ability to screen effectively and disrupt opposition attacks.

This blend of on-ball quality and off-ball responsibility is precisely what made Barry such a valuable figure during his time at Goodison Park.

Matches Played

43

Minutes Played

3,792

Goals

5

Assists

3

Progressive Carries

118

Progressive Passes

440

The contrast with Everton’s other major summer signing, Dibling, is instructive.

Whereas Dibling’s profile – marked by elite percentile rankings for dribbles attempted (5.28), fouls drawn (2.49), and dribblers tackled (61.5%) – reflects the skillset of an explosive wide player, Hackney offers a quieter but equally crucial influence.

He would provide structure and control from midfield, knitting phases of play together and giving Everton stability in possession.

This dual-pronged approach of flair on the flanks combined with composure and tempo in midfield is central to Moyes’ vision of a balanced squad.

Hackney would not only cover the void left by Doucouré’s departure but also give Everton something they have lacked in recent years: a metronomic midfielder capable of dictating rhythm against stubborn opponents.

Much like Barry did during his four-year spell at the club, Hackney could serve as the understated yet indispensable figure around whom others operate.

His consistency at Middlesbrough – 43 appearances last season, contributing five goals and three assists – shows a player with the reliability and endurance to take on such a role at the top level.

With a market value of £10m, Hackney represents both a relatively low-risk and potentially transformative addition.

His signing would also reinforce Everton’s emerging identity as a club investing in technically proficient English players who could form the core of the team for years to come.

With the window set to close on Monday, Everton must act swiftly if they are to secure Hackney’s signature ahead of their rivals.

For the player himself, the lure of the Premier League and the chance to develop under Moyes could prove decisive.

Dream Grealish repeat: Everton enter race to sign "mind-boggling" £40m star

Everton could seal a stunning Jack Grealish repeat by snapping up this exceptional ace.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 27, 2025

It has been just over a year since Douglas Luiz left Aston Villa to join Juventus. The move, unfortunately, did not work out for the Brazilian midfielder. He only played 27 times for the Old Lady, featuring for just 877 minutes across his time in Turin.

12 months on, and he is back in the Premier League, once again playing in the Midlands. Only, he is at Villa’s East Midlands rivals, Nottingham Forest, on a loan deal. Luiz is yet to make his debut for the club, but that could change under their new manager, Ange Postecoglou.

The Villans never really signed a replacement for the Brazilian. In fact, his replacement was in-house, with Boubacar Kamara stepping up.

Kamara’s 2024/25 season

French midfielder Kamara did play plenty of times with Luiz. The former Olympique Marseille player, who moved to Villa Park on a free transfer, lined up for the Villans 50 times alongside the Brazilian, according to Transfermarkt.

Yet, last season, in light of Luiz’s departure to Turin, saw the Frenchman feature as a key man for Unai Emery in the middle of the park. He did struggle with injury, but when fit, tended to play 90 minutes for his side.

In total, the 25-year-old, who signed a new deal at Villa Park over the summer, played 42 games for Emery’s side. That included his first, and to date, only Premier League goal, coming against Tottenham Hotspur right at the end of the campaign.

It was certainly an impressive campaign for Kamara, who was described as “a very important player” by his manager, Emery, last December.

Certainly, he did not make Luiz’s absence very felt, due to his stellar efforts.

What might sting Villa fans, however, is that they had a player as good as Kamara, who was viewed as an even better option than Luiz.

Aston Villa have offloaded the next Kamara

There is no doubt that, in their current squad, Villa have some good options in midfield. Youri Tielemans was another key player last season, and Amadou Onana provides a real presence in the centre of the park. Of course, they have Kamara, too.

Yet, how good would it have been if the Villans had also kept Enzo Barrenechea in and around the group? Although the young Argentine midfielder joined the club last summer, he has recently been sent out on his second loan spell, to Benfica. There is an obligation to buy him at the end of the move for a fee of around £13m.

Last term, the 24-year-old spent the season at Spanish giants Valencia. He played 32 times for the La Liga outfit, more often than not sitting in front of the defence as a number six.

Barrenechea chipped in with two assists and a goal, too.

As the video above shows, he is a dream profile. The now-Benfica player can break up play in the midfield, before pinging defence-splitting passes over or through the opposition lines.

In fact, football analyst Ben Mattinson rates him so highly that he said he has a “higher ceiling” than Luiz in that number six role.

The numbers from last season and the start of 2025/26 on FBref highlight the fact that he is similar statistically to Kamara. For example, Barrenechea averaged 5.29 progressive passes and 3.31 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes last season.

In comparison, Kamara played an average of 4.88 progressive passes and made 3.6 tackles and interceptions each game.

Barrenechea va Kamara

Stat (pr 90)

Barrenechea

Kamara

Key passes

0.59

0.54

Progressive passes

5.29

4.88

Progressive carries

0.77

0.99

Tackles and interceptions

3.31

3.6

Ball recoveries

4.89

4.58

Stats from FBref

All things considered, it is strange that Villa were willing to let Barrenechea go so easily.

His first loan to Valencia showed that he has the talent to compete at the highest level, and given Luiz’s departure, he could have been the dream option in Emery’s squad.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

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Looking back on this move, Villa fans might always rue the fact they let the second coming of Kamara slip through the net so easily.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Sep 10, 2025

Things have not gone West Ham United’s way so far this season.

The Hammers were knocked out of the League Cup by Wolverhampton Wanderers and have lost four of their last five Premier League games.

While it’s still early, it feels like it is just a matter of when and not if Graham Potter is replaced in the dugout.

Especially as the club have now been linked with an experienced coach who could turn things around and has been compared to David Moyes.

West Ham's manager search

With their form as poor as it is, it’s not been much of a surprise to see West Ham linked with a host of potential Potter replacements over the last few weeks.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

One of those who has been constantly touted for a return to the club is Salven Bilic, who has been out of work since leaving Al-Fateh last year.

Another equally underwhelming candidate linked with the job has been Gary O’Neil, who has remained out of work since being fired by Wolverhampton Wanderers last season.

Fortunately, a far more inspiring manager has also been heavily linked with the role, although he has also been compared to Moyes.

At least that is according to a recent report from Claret & Hugh, which claims that West Ham are still very interested in Nuno Espírito Santo.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Portuguese coach ‘remains the most likely candidate’ to replace Potter at the moment.

While some fans might not like the fact that he has been compared to Moyes, Nuno could be just the answer for West Ham at the moment.

Why Nuno could be another Moyes

So, in this instance, the comparison to Moyes stems from former West Ham player Paul Konchesky, who argued that “his style is much like David Moyes.”

He goes on to explain that, like the Scotsman, Nuno set his Nottingham Forest team up to “defend on the edge of their box and tried to hit teams on the counter-attack.”

Now, while there is certainly some truth in that, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss also took the Tricky Trees from relegation candidates to European football.

Perhaps even more impressive than that was his achievement of winning promotion with the Old Gold and eventually leading them into the Europa League.

In other words, while his teams might not always be the most entertaining, he has a proven track record of taking teams from the bottom of the table all the way into continental competitions.

Moreover, the numbers behind his time in the Premier League are more than impressive considering the teams he has managed.

For example, the “outstanding” coach, as dubbed by commentator Adam Summerton, has now overseen 184 Premier League matches during his time with Wolves, Spurs and Forest.

Games

184

Wins

72

Draws

45

Losses

67

Goals For

233

Goals Against

242

Points per Game

1.42

Of those 184 games, 72 have been wins, 45 have been draws and 67 have been losses, which gives him an average of 1.42 points per game.

His teams have also scored 233 goals, which works out to 1.26, and once again, that does not sound too bad considering the fact that some of his teams have had to fight off relegation.

Ultimately, fans are certainly entitled to wanting a manager who’ll play enthralling football, and perhaps Nuno wouldn’t be the long-term answer for West Ham.

However, given the club’s current predicament and the wonders he has worked with other sides, the Portuguese coach might be the perfect man to come in for a year or two.

Manager demanding big wages to join West Ham after holding talks with Sullivan

He’s by far the most viable candidate.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 25, 2025

Manchester United have often spent big over the last couple of years in an attempt to land the calibre of players needed to mount a Premier League title charge.

The hierarchy have splashed around £800m on new additions in the last three years alone, but the Red Devils only have an FA Cup triumph to show for their heavy spending.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try his luck at Old Trafford, leading to £200m being spent throughout the summer window to try and correct the 15th-place finish achieved last campaign.

Any successful side in England’s top-flight need to balance the books and offload players to allow for heavy spending – not to mention avoiding any financial implications.

However, the hierarchy will be extremely lucky to get the money back they spent on Andre Onana, given his embarrassing stint at the club over the last few years.

Andre Onana’s decline at Manchester United

As part of United’s heavy spending in recent years, goalkeeper Onana moved to Old Trafford in a deal worth around £47.2m, including add-ons from Serie A side Inter Milan back in the summer of 2023.

Many supporters viewed the Cameroonian as the long-term solution to the situation between the sticks – coming in to replace David de Gea after the Spaniard was released after a decade at the club.

The last two years for the 29-year-old have been disastrous, subsequently registering nine errors leading to goals, resulting in the side dropping points in key moments, whether it be the Premier League or in European competition.

Last season alone, Onana notched six errors, including the Europa League final, where he failed to keep out Brennan Johnson’s effort – resulting in Tottenham Hotspur winning the final in Bilbao.

His only outing this campaign for Amorim’s side was the Carabao Cup clash against Grimsby Town, conceding twice and arguably being at fault for both of the hosts’ goals that night.

Altay Bayindir has since been the number one for the Red Devils, but that could be about to change given the summer arrival of Senne Lammens from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

Onana also looks set to leave Old Trafford in the coming days, after the club and player agreed a transfer to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite the English window being shut, another player should be pushed closer to the exit door, given his lack of impact at the club over the last couple of months.

The United player who should leave alongside Onana

Kobbie Mainoo is another player currently at United who has struggled for game time under Amorim – only starting the cup game against Grimsby, just like Onana.

The academy graduate was a player with huge potential during 2023/24, even scoring in the FA Cup final, but it’s safe to say his career has failed to take off since Amorim’s appointment.

He only started 50% of the league games last campaign, also yet to get off the mark in 2024/25, leading to the player himself requesting a move away from the club this summer.

However, he stayed put at his boyhood club beyond the end of the transfer window, but he will need to fight for his place if he is to become a regular starter once again.

He’s not alone in struggling to make an impact, with Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee also a player who’s failed to meet expectations since his own move to the Theatre of Dreams.

The 24-year-old joined the club from Bologna in a £36.5m transfer in the summer of 2023, but he’s only managed seven goals in his 51 appearances – just three of which have been in the Premier League.

Like Mainoo, he’s also yet to start in the league this campaign, with his only outing in England’s top-flight coming as a substitute in the 3-2 win over Burnley before the international.

His lack of action is no surprise to anyone, given his lack of form, coupled with the new additions in the attacking department, leading to one content creator claiming he looks like he’s now playing in “Sunday League.”

Zirkzee’s underlying stats highlight his lack of impact, only completing 72% of his passes and winning just 29% of the aerials he entered, subsequently unable to make much of a tangible impact – as seen by his lack of goals.

He also only completed 31% of his dribbles and lost possession 2.9 times per 90 – further showcasing his lack of positive impact when featuring for the Red Devils.

Given his lack of minutes, coupled with his poor displays, the club should be looking to move the former Bayern Munich star on over the next couple of months.

The arrivals of players such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have undoubtedly pushed the Dutchman further down the pecking order – with the hierarchy desperately needing to cut their losses.

Worth more than Baleba: Man Utd have struck gold on "generational" talent

Manchester United already have a big-money talent on their books despite missing out on Carlos Baleba.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 10, 2025

The two teams couldn’t be having more contrasting seasons, meaning there isn’t really too much at stake on Saturday

Ashish Pant02-May-20252:47

Chopra: CSK’s is a ‘flawed batting order’

Big picture: RCB aim for the magic 16 pointsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Bengaluru is arguably one of the biggest clashes in the IPL. But there is a distinct vibe missing from this game this time around, and CSK’s season has a lot to do with that.There was hardly any crowd outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium when CSK arrived for their training session ahead of Saturday’s game. This was very different from last year, when both sides of the street outside the venue were packed even on the eve of the game, and a sizeable crowd had gathered inside to watch the players train.Make no mistake, the RCB-CSK clash will still get top billing. The tickets have been sold out for weeks, and the stadium will be packed to the rafters to watch MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli go head-to-head (for one final time?). But the buzz is missing.Related

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CSK have lost eight out of ten games, and were the first team to be knocked out of IPL 2025. Even their training session on the eve of the fixture against RCB wasn’t as intense as it might otherwise be. Shaikh Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre started the session with R Ashwin, Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad bowling in one set of the nets, while Vijay Shankar went ahead at another.Ravindra Jadeja walked in for a bat half an hour after the training began, but intense rain stopped the session for about 40 minutes. CSK picked up pace after the rain break, with Sam Curran, Jadeja, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Dewald Brevis all having a go. Dhoni, Shivam Dube and Matheesha Pathirana were the notable absentees from the training session.It was quite different at the other end in the RCB camp. Currently on 14 points, a win at home will take RCB to 16, and make their playoffs chances and a potential top-two finish even stronger. They started their training session with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal sharing one net, and Jitesh Sharma in another, with Dinesh Karthik keeping a careful watch, while Romario Shepherd was having a hit in a third net. RCB also had a wristspinner very similar to Noor, bowling at Kohli and Padikkal.Form guide: RCB on a highRoyal Challengers Bengaluru: WWWLW
Chennai Super Kings : LLLWLThe big questionIn the spotlight: Krunal Pandya and Khaleel AhmedWith the limelight on Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya has quietly flown under the radar. He has picked 13 wickets this season, which is his best ever in a season. But, more importantly, all his wickets have come in RCB wins. In the seven matches RCB have won, Krunal has 13 wickets in 26 overs at an economy of 8.2, while in the three matches that RCB have lost, he has no wicket to show in six overs, with his economy zooming to 10.5. Krunal has the second-most wickets by a spinner this season, behind Noor, and has been RCB’s go-to spinner in the middle-overs, where he operates at an economy rate of 8.18. Krunal is coming into the game on the back of a Player-of-the-Match performance against Delhi Capitals, where he was frugal with the ball, and scored an unbeaten 73 with the bat.1:47

Chopra: ‘Phenomenal signing’ Krunal has ‘catapulted’ RCB’s season

While there has been little to write home about CSK’s bowling this season, Khaleel Ahmed has been pretty consistent, especially at the start. No other bowler has more powerplay wickets than Khaleel this season (nine), while he has also bowled 106 dot balls, the highest for any bowler. In terms of dot balls, this is already Khaleel’s third-best season, and he still has four games to go. Khaleel has the second-most wickets for CSK behind Noor, and had an interesting battle with Phil Salt and Kohli when these two teams met earlier this season. He will want to continue the good run of form going forward.Team news and probable XIIsSalt had missed RCB’s previous game due to illness, and his availability remains unconfirmed. If he misses out, Jacob Bethell could retain his place at the top of the order. RCB are unlikely to make any other changes to their side. Padikkal could come in as the Impact Player in place of Suyash Sharma, and vice versa.Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1 Virat Kohli, 2 Jacob Bethell, 3 Devdutt Padikkal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6 Romario Shepherd, 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal, 12 Suyash SharmaCSK went with an unchanged side last time, and are unlikely to tinker with the XI unless they want to give some of the other members of the squad a game. In that case, Vansh Bedi could slot in to replace Deepak Hooda.Chennai Super Kings: 1 Shaik Rasheed, 2 Ayush Mhatre, 3 Sam Curran, 4 Ravindra Jadeja, 5 Dewald Brevis, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Deepak Hooda/Vijay Shankar/Vansh Bedi, 8 MS Dhoni (capt, wk), 9 Anshul Kamboj, 10 Noor Ahmad, 11 Khaleel Ahmed, 12 Matheesha Pathirana2:10

Cricinformed: Virat Kohli – RCB’s backbone

Pitch and conditions: Rain in the airThere has already been a rain-shortened game in Bengaluru, and there is rain in the air for Saturday as well. There are thunderstorms predicted for early to late evening, with the temperature expected to hover around the 30 degree mark. The surface has been under covers for the better part of three days, and there could be something in it for the bowlers all through.Stats and trivia: CSK’s batting woes CSK have the lowest strike rate (121) against spin, and have lost the most wickets (31) to that type of bowling in this IPL. Their run rate in the powerplay (7.91) is also the least for any team this season. Tim David has fallen to Noor twice in three T20 innings, and averages just four against him. Kohli has fallen to spin just twice in eight innings this IPL, and averages 109.5 against it. Noor has the most wickets in middle overs (7 to 16) in IPL 2025: 13. Dhoni averages 40.6, and has the most runs against RCB in the IPL: 894Quotes”There’s a lot of motivation in the squad. There’s opportunities for some players to get a chance, and to show that they can play at this level. Plus they’re a very proud group. We’re very proud to play for CSK. Massive fan base, and so you want to put in good performances to please the fans as well. I think the players really understand their responsibility, and give 100% effort for every single match.”
“First and foremost, it’s a mental shift that you need to make when you come into IPL cricket where you need to understand that the game has evolved a lot and you have to be with the times. Yes, a lot of work went into the shots that I want to play.”

In what could end in a major blow for rivals Manchester United, Liverpool are now reportedly keeping tabs on a transfer target that Ruben Amorim is desperate to sign.

Slot defends Wirtz andLiverpool spending

Despite getting off to a solid start in their Premier League title defence, Arne Slot has been forced to defend big-money signing Florian Wirtz. The German is taking longer than some expected to find his feet at Anfield and the patience of those in the Premier League is far thinner than those in the Bundesliga.

However, the Liverpool boss was quick to remind reporters that the former Bayer Leverkusen star isn’t the only one to struggle when it comes to goals and assists.

Aside from the frustrating criticism, it’s good news for Liverpool that their results have remained the same even without Wirtz at his best. It begs the question of just how ruthless they’ll be once he’s up to speed in England’s top flight.

Slot also defended Liverpool’s spending as a whole, arguing that his side also generated impressive funds through player sales. He told reporters: “No club never sells and only buys. We didn’t have a big squad last season and [this summer] we did sell and bring players in. That is such an exception in English football.”

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Those sales may yet allow those at Anfield to spend once more in 2026, and that should concern Manchester United amid reports that Liverpool are eyeing one of their “key” targets next year.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Baleba

As reported by TeamTalk’s Dean Jones, Liverpool are now keeping tabs on Carlos Baleba, who remains a “key” Man United target and someone that Amorim is desperate to sign next summer. The Red Devils were, of course, priced out of a move by Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, but Liverpool are unlikely to face issues meeting the midfielder’s likely £100m price tag.

Jones told TeamTalk: “Manchester United were the first club to make a move for Baleba in the summer and they still see him as a key target for their long-term rebuild under Amorim.

“There was intent behind that approach, wanting to show the player and club how serious they are. But the concern is that Liverpool’s admiration could turn into something more concrete.

“They’ve already shown this year they’re not afraid to splash out big money on the right player, and if they decided to push for Baleba, United would suddenly find themselves in an unwanted situation. No one wants to go head-to-head with Liverpool – on or off the pitch.”

A move for the Brighton star would also make a lot of sense for Liverpool. Now that Slot operates with a double pivot at the heart of midfield, there’s not many Premier League partnerships that would be able to outperform Ryan Gravenberch and Baleba.

MatériaMais Notícias

Horas antes de um duelo decisivo na Sul-Americana, o Corinthians e o torcedor foram abalados pela saída de Róger Guedes, principal jogador da equipe na temporada. O baque emocional seria suficiente para justificar uma queda de rendimento diante do Newell´s Old Boys, mas o grupo teve personalidade para construir a virada, e o principal responsável foi Luxemburgo.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

O treinador decidiu “olhar com mais carinho” para a Sul-Americana, mudou sua estratégia e colocou uma equipe com mais titulares do que reservas. Sem o camisa 10, o treinador montou a equipe no 4-3-3, com Biro aberto pela esquerda e Adson na direita.

O Corinthians imprimiu um ritmo ofensivo e com uma intensidade no meio-campo jamais vista com Luxemburgo. Os encaixes funcionaram, e o Timão criou diversas chances nos erros do Newell´s Old Boys. Porém, a equipe pecava no último passe ou na hora da finalização.

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Mesmo sem o gol, o Timão caminhava para um primeiro tempo bastante positivo, mas os jogadores tiveram um curto momento de descontrole após confusão no final do primeiro tempo, e os argentinos abriram o placar em falha do sistema defensivo.

Na volta do intervalo, Luxa teve que colocar Carlos Miguel no lugar de Cássio, e mais uma vez o reserva mostrou serviço e fez duas importantes defesas na reta final da partida. Além de mexer no gol, o treinador colocou Romero e Wesley em campo.

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+ Veja tabela e saiba horários dos confrontos pelas oitavas de final da Sul-Americana

As duas alterações foram cruciais para a virada do Timão, que voltou para o segundo tempo na mesma pegada e empatou logo cedo, após Yuri Alberto converter pênalti sofrido por Ruan Oliveira. Minutos depois, o paraguaio cruzou na medida para Wesley, e o garoto do Terrão fez explodir a Neo Química Arena.

O Corinthians ainda vai sofrer e sentir a ausência de Róger Guedes durante a reta final da temporada, mas a vitória sobre o Newell´s é a prova de que o elenco corintiano é qualificado e Luxemburgo está potencializando coletivamente a equipe. O Timão deixou de ser um time tímido e questionável e vem dando mostras que pode ser intenso e confiável.

After watching on as they failed to secure victory on the European stage once again, former player Chris Sutton revealed why he feels sorry for one Celtic player.

Rodgers: Celtic need to have some "realism"

For a brief moment, Celtic were on their way in Belgrade after Kelechi Iheanacho found the back of the net once again just before the hour mark. But any momentum proved to be short-lived, with Marko Arnautovic finding a swift equaliser just 10 minutes later to leave both sides holding onto a point apiece to open their Europa League campaigns.

Whilst a draw will have frustrated many, Brendan Rodgers called for “realism” in his post-match reaction. The Celtic boss told reporters: “I think there needs to be a bit of realism.

“We are where we are. Tonight is a good point. You’re not going to win all eight games, so a bit of realism. This is a good point for this squad coming here. We’ve now got two really [important] home games to push forward.”

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Rodgers did at least save some praise for 19-year-old fullback Colby Donovan following another excellent display, saying: “I thought he was absolutely outstanding. I said to the players after, I thought he was incredible for a young player making his fourth or fifth start for us. To play to that level in such a tough stadium [and he’s] just turned 19, he’s got personality.”

The same can’t be said for others in Celtic squad, however, and questions will be asked of a number of senior stars, which is likely to include one player that Sutton feels sorry for at the moment.

Sutton: Maeda being "shoehorned" by Rodgers

Taking to X when the Japanese forward was taken off, Sutton revealed that he believes Maeda is being “shoehorned” by Rodgers despite being such a “revelation” for the Bhoys last season.

The former Celtic Park star said: “Maeda off… if he’s not injured I feel for him. A guy who was a revelation playing wide shoehorned into playing a position he’s not comfortable in… surely playing him off the right would be better. 33 goals last season… a bit of a pickle Celtic are in…”

Maeda 25/26

Stats

Games

10

Goals

2

Assists

2

It’s hard to disagree with Sutton’s verdict. From scoring 33 goals last season, Maeda has netted just two in 10 games in the current campaign in a record that will catch up to him as Iheanacho continues his bright start.

Having already lost so much firepower in the summer when Nicolas Kuhn completed a move to Como 1907, the last thing that Celtic need is for Maeda to drop out of form entirely.

They’ve struggled for goals without the forward at his best on the European stage and will be well aware of the damage that could still be done in the Scottish Premiership.