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Newcastle United have had an excellent few days. After a disappointing defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week which was succeeded by a 2-2 draw with Wolves, the Magpies bounced back emphatically.

A memorable 3-0 win in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford to knock the holders out of the competition was followed up by a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday evening to put Eddie Howe’s side seven points behind leaders Manchester City.

However, it’s not all been rosy in the garden as key defender Dan Burn sustained a nasty back injury against the Gunners which may be set to keep him out of action for a while.

Dan Burn injury latest

Burn landed awkwardly on his back during the first half and struggled until the interval before swiftly being replaced during the break by £40m summer signing Tino Livramento. Howe admitted that the injury “looks worrying” and now the 31-year-old is a doubt for Newcastle’s crucial European bout away at Dortmund on Tuesday.

Losing the £13m man will be a huge blow for the Magpies with some key games on the horizon after having a “ridiculous impact” at St. James’ Park, according to former Celtic frontman Frank McAvennie.

Burn is the second left-back to pick up an injury at Newcastle United over the past week after Matt Target pulled his hamstring two minutes into the side’s midweek game at the Theatre of Dreams and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, there is another option that Howe can explore in order to ensure the Newcastle defence keeps their solidity in Burn’s absence.

How Newcastle can soften the injury blow

Kieran Trippier has had yet another tremendous season in the North East, having featured 15 times for the Magpies and registering seven assists in all competitions, including six in the Premier League. Only Wolves star Pedro Neto has earned more across the entire division.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man has played at right-back in every single game under Howe in the 2023/24 campaign, according to Transfermarkt. Nonetheless, with Burn likely to be out with a back problem, the head coach could look to use his £120k-per-week defender on the opposite flank for once.

Right back

381

9

70

Right midfield

50

1

13

Left back

1

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Trippier has previously had experience at left-back. While the right side is his preferred area of dominance, heavy competition from the likes of Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold has compelled England manager Gareth Southgate to put Trippier on the left during certain games.

Trippier’s most infamous game at left-back came during the Three Lions’ win over Croatia in EURO 2020 two years ago. The fullback’s impressive display led Southgate to call him a “warrior” and even a “defensive animal”.

During that 1-0 victory against Croatia, Trippier ended the game with an 85% passing accuracy, having completed 14 balls into the final third and was dispossessed just once during proceedings. Furthermore, the former La Liga champion won 50% of his ground and aerial duels, completed five ball recoveries and had one interception, as per FotMob.

In an unfamiliar environment, Trippier thrived and could be the glaring solution to Newcastle United’s left-back crisis, with Livramento, who won the Man of the Match award in midweek against Manchester United, coming in on the right for the time being.

Luis Suarez was written off by some before kicking a ball at Inter Miami, but Julian Gressel says critics helped the veteran striker find his “edge”.

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• Veteran striker signed as free agent
• Nursing long-standing knee problems
• Still knows his way to the back of the net

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Suarez bagged a brace for the Herons in his latest MLS appearance, as he stepped off the bench to settle a 3-1 victory over D.C. United. His fitness is having to be managed carefully, with the 37-year-old nursing long-standing knee problems.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He is, however, up to six goals and five assists for the 2024 campaign across all competitions, with those returns seeing him top the charts for Inter Miami in both departments – leaving fellow former Barcelona star Lionel Messi trailing in his wake.

• WHAT GRESSEL SAID ABOUT SUAREZ

  USMNT star Gressel, who is now a team-mate of the Uruguayan frontman in Florida, has said of seeing Suarez offer the perfect response to any doubters: “It was perfect. It was perfect. Because look at him now. He’s getting more comfortable. I think it's something that you can't just write off, in a sense, where you can't just be coming into a new team and a new club, a new city for the family, everything. It takes a little bit of time and that happened for him, that happened for me, those things just are just normal. And for him to be called out a little bit, I think helped him to kind of get that edge where now he's clinical and he's the Suarez we’ve known, so he can come in and change the game like he did for us.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SUAREZ?

  Inter Miami needed Suarez to step up against D.C. United as eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi was unavailable through injury. They are hoping that knock is not too serious and that he will soon be back providing obvious goal threat of his own.

It’s all to play for in the final T20I in Bristol as England and India seek the first spoils on offer in a long contest

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan07-Jul-2018Big PictureIf there wasn’t enough crunch sporting action involving England this weekend, now there is more. This T20 series has a decider after Alex Hales levelled things up at 1-1 by keeping calm in Cardiff as the chase became a little dicey.Both teams are well set up for chasing, so that is likely to be the favoured route in Bristol. England learnt from most of their mistakes at Old Trafford to ensure India’s spinners had much less of an impact in Cardiff. It also helped they knew their target – which wasn’t overly demanding – and didn’t have to use all-out aggression against the spinners.India did well to push the match into the final over – and with England needing 20 off two overs, then 12 off the last would have still fancied their chances – but their poor start with the bat ultimately cost them after losing three wickets in the Powerplay. It wasn’t until the final over of the innings from Jake Ball, which cost 22, that they really got away from England.It is still very early in this long tour and whoever wins this series will probably not be what is remembered come early September, but there are early bragging rights on offer with the victors also getting reassurance that they are heading along the right path towards the next global event in 2020.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)
England WLWLL
India LWWWWIn the spotlightBen Stokes is available again after the hamstring injury which has ruled him out of England action since the first Test against Pakistan in May. It creates a selection dilemma. How does he fit back in the side? It is unlikely he would be selected as one of five bowlers, so that leaves one of the batsmen vulnerable. Hales keeps making runs, Jonny Bairstow looks in terrific nick even down the order as does Jason Roy at the top while Eoin Morgan is captain. On form, Joe Root could be the one to miss out but before the series Paul Farbrace said he was a certainty for the T20 side. Something has to give, or is it a case that Stokes doesn’t come straight back?Shikhar Dhawan has missed out twice in the series – bowled by David Willey at Old Trafford and then run out in slightly comical fashion in Cardiff when he dropped his bat then couldn’t get his foot grounded across the crease in time. Even before his dismissal he had struggled for momentum, striking at less than a run-a-ball against some tight England pace bowling. He’ll be keen to find his groove before the ODIs. He also needs 28 runs for 1000 in T20IsTeam newsThere’s the Stokes question for England (see above) and if he was to return as one of six bowlers it could open the way for a second spinner again, after Moeen Ali was left out in Cardiff. However, that would appear unlikely given the effectiveness of England’s quicks for the majority of the innings on Friday evening.England (probable) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jos Buttler (wk), 3 Alex Hales, 4 Joe Root/Ben Stokes, 5 Eoin Morgan (capt), 6 Jonny Bairstow, 7 David Willey, 8 Liam Plunkett, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Jake BallIndia could consider increasing their spin options by including the uncapped Krunal Pandya, who bowls left-arm spin, at the expense of Suresh Raina.India (probable) 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 KL Rahul, 4, Virat Kohli (capt), 5 Suresh Raina, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Yuzvendra Chahal, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Umesh YadavPitch and conditionsThere was more grass on the surface in Cardiff than had been the case at Old Trafford and England will be keen for similar in Bristol if the weather allows. There are short, straight boundaries which can make it a challenge for spinners. It is set to be a hot, sunny afternoon.Stats and trivia There have been just two previous T20Is at this ground, the most recent of which was back in 2011 David Willey’s 1 for 18 in Cardiff was his most economical four-over spell in T20Is Rohit Sharma need 14 runs for 2000 in T20Is. He would be the second India player to reach the milestone after Virat Kohli and fifth overall.Quotes”He’s played a lot for us – he’s one of our highest run-scorers, a very experienced campaigner. An innings like that tonight makes him a pretty strong case for the next game.”
“Kuldeep [Yadav] bowled really well in the last game – but in this one, they played him more carefully. They chose which delivery they wanted to play or not play.”

Amid what has been another poor start to the campaign for Everton – with just one point from their opening five Premier League games – one issue that has been exposed is the lack of a quality, first-choice option at left-back.

In truth, those woes stretch back to the sale of Lucas Digne during the end of Rafa Benitez's time in charge back in January 2022, with the Frenchman moving to Aston Villa after having racked up 26 goals and assists in 127 games in all competitions for the Toffees.

In his absence, the Merseysiders turned to Ukrainian starlet Vitaliy Mykolenko to fill that void, although the former Dynamo Kyiv has failed to earn a regular role in the side of late, having made just his first league appearance of the season against Arsenal last time out.

The fact that manager Sean Dyche has favoured veteran asset Ashley Young in that role, while Ben Godfrey has also been a makeshift option in recent years, is a stark indication of the club's shortcomings in that department.

With that in mind, it may be time for the former Burnley boss to consider looking to the academy in order to find a much-needed solution in that role, with Mykolenko, in particular, having not been up to scratch.

How much did Everton pay for Mykolenko?

It still remains a bizarre decision for the Everton board to have backed Benitez and his decision to part ways with Digne just over 18 months ago, only for the Spaniard himself to depart just days later after receiving the sack.

The exit of the one-time Barcelona full-back ensured that the Merseysiders were forced to dip into the market late in that January window, with then-boss Frank Lampard snapping up Mykolenko for a reported fee of around £17.9m.

The 24-year-old has since made 53 appearances in all competitions following that move from his homeland, albeit having been unable to replicate Digne's attacking threat, after scoring just once and providing no assists in that time.

Those woes in the final third are also laid bare by the fact that the £58k-per-week asset ranks in just the bottom 5% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries and in just the bottom 37% for pass completion, showcasing his seemingly erratic nature in possession.

It is not as if the 34-cap international has fared much better in a defensive sense, ranking in the top 50% for aerial duels won and in only the top 39% for tackles made, while he also lost seven of his 12 ground duels against the Gunners last time out.

Premier League 2022/23 Season	Digne (Aston Villa)	Mykolenko
Games	28	34
Starts	18	30
Goals/Assists	1	0
Tackles & interceptions (per game)	1.7	3.1
Total duels won	54%	52%
Pass accuracy rate	79%	76%
Average match rating	6.67	6.77

Stats via Sofascore

The £13m-rated dud – who was also 'tortured' by Italy's Nicolo Zaniolo while on international duty – may then need to be properly replaced sooner rather than later, rather than relying on the ageing Young and usual centre-back, Godfrey.

Who could replace Mykolenko?

There aren't exactly too many options for Dyche to consider, with the Merseysiders having notably endured the frustration of losing promising left-back talent Ishe Samuels-Smith to Premier League rivals Chelsea over the summer.

Having been included in The Guardian's Next Gen List for 2022, Samuels-Smith looked set for a bright future at Goodison and was even training with the first team last season, hence the disappointment at seeing the 17-year-old move on to Stamford Bridge.

With the Toffees having also allowed 22-year-old Frenchman, Niels Nkounkou to depart in January, there is a distinct lack of depth in that department – particularly with former loanee Ruben Vinagre also no longer at the club.

That being said, however, a possible replacement for Mykolenko could have presented itself in the form of academy star, Mackenzie Hunt, with the versatile gem having caught the eye at Finch Farm in recent times.

Who is Mackenzie Hunt?

It was not too long ago that the 21-year-old was among those who looked set for a departure heading into the 2022 summer window, with the Englishman having been approaching the end of his contract at the time.

Thankfully, as far as Dyche is concerned, the youngster was subsequently offered a contract extension in June of last year, with the Toffees having made a wise move in keeping the defender on the books – such has been his standout form since then.

While noted as an attacking midfielder by trade, Hunt has slotted in at left-back predominantly over the past year or so, providing two goals and two assists in 23 games in all competitions last term as a marker of his desire to get forward from his defensive berth, unlike Mykolenko.

As The Athletic's Patrick Boyland noted, the promising machine also netted a "special" strike for the U21's in the friendly clash with Braga back in September 2022, producing a spectacular volley from just outside the area on his left foot.

While hampered by injury in the past, Hunt looks to be back fit and firing at present, having also received praise from youth coach Paul Tait for his display against Doncaster Rovers in the recent EFL Trophy meeting:

“Macca [Hunt] was also excellent and he showed his versatility going in at centre-back. He was really good in possession."

Although that display came with the academy sensation lining up in a centre-back berth for a spell, the quality of his performance against senior opposition will have caught the eye, as he notably won 16 duels on the day.

Just as impressive was his ability to play out from the back – in contrast to the awkward Mykolenko – as he successfully completed all six of his attempted dribbles, as well as winning three fouls as a sign of just what a threat he can be in an attacking sense, as per Sofascore.

To be able to replicate such a performance at Premier League level is a different challenge altogether – while Hunt is yet to even make a senior appearance for the Toffees – although with Dyche having an obvious problem at left-back, the Finch Farm prospect could be the perfect answer.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians recebeu uma péssima notícia na última quinta-feira, quando teve a confirmação da grave lesão que Danilo Avelar sofreu no joelho direito e que o afastará dos gramados por aproximadamente oito longos meses. Embora seja um momento triste para todo o elenco, um atleta em especial receberá uma grande chance com essa fatalidade: Bruno Méndez, que após mais de um ano e meio de clube, finalmente poderá ter uma sequência como titular do Timão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVídeoVeja os bastidores do Corinthians em empate no clássico com o SantosVídeo08/10/2020CorinthiansCom atacante da base, Corinthians inicia preparação para pegar o CearáCorinthians08/10/2020CorinthiansAvelar rompe ligamento do joelho e desfalca o Corinthians por oito mesesCorinthians08/10/2020

Contratado pelo Alvinegro no fim de fevereiro de 2019, o uruguaio chegou como uma das maiores promessas do futebol sul-americano, com passagens pelas seleções de base de seu país e com expectativa de ser mais um grande valor da escola Celeste de zagueiros. No entanto, com forte concorrência no elenco, ele acabou recebendo poucas oportunidades e chegou a atuar improvisado na lateral direita. Foram apenas seis partidas no ano passado.

Seus dois primeiros jogos oficiais pelo Corinthians, aconteceram em junho de 2019, quando precisou precisou ser improvisado como lateral-direito. Contra o Cruzeiro substituiu o lesionado Michel Macedo, ainda na etapa inicial, no duelo seguinte, diante do Santos, foi utilizado na lateral novamente, já que Fagner estava na Seleção Brasileira e Michel continuava fora de combate.

Bruno Méndez só foi estrear como zagueiro em setembro do ano passado, contra o Fluminense e depois voltou a campo para enfrentar Goiás e Cruzeiro, no mês de outubro, em sua primeira e única sequência de jogos como titular pelo Timão até aqui. O uruguaio ainda jogou uma partida contra o Flamengo, quando uma goleada por 4 a 1 culminou na demissão de Fabio Carille.

Em 2020, a concorrência continuou forte e ganhou mais dois rivais: Pedro Henrique e Danilo Avelar, que passaria a ser zagueiro. Pedro e Gil fizeram a dupla titular no primeiro semestre, e Bruno teve apenas duas oportunidades antes da paralisação por conta da pandemia de coronavírus: contra a Inter de Limeira, quando Tiago Nunes poupou titulares, e contra o São Paulo, quando substituiu Pedro Henrique, que sentiu dores na coxa durante o jogo.

Sem chances com o treinador e com poucos minutos em campo, o jovem de 21 anos passou a se incomodar. Com vontade de jogar e de voltar a figurar nas convocações da seleção uruguaia, ele declarou para a imprensa de seu país que já havia conversado com o clube sobre esse desejo antes mesmo da pandemia, mas o assunto não avançou e ele permaneceu no grupo, ainda mais por conta da saída de Pedro Henrique, negociado com o Athletico-PR.

Bruno se transformou no reserva imediato da posição, que contava com Gil e Danilo Avelar como titulares absolutos. Desde a volta da paralisação, o uruguaio fez três partidas oficiais: titular contra o Atlético-MG, quando Gil não pôde jogar, contra o Fluminense, para ocupar a vaga de Avelar, suspenso e contra o Bahia, quando entrou no último minuto para reforçar a defesa.

Com a lesão ligamentar no joelho direito de Avelar, e como único zagueiro (além de Gil) à disposição no elenco profissional, Bruno Méndez deve ganhar finalmente a oportunidade de formar a dupla titular da zaga corintiana e estabelecer uma sequência bem maior do que dois jogos, já que seu colega, infelizmente, está fora da temporada e voltará a jogar apenas no meio de 2021.

O destino, por uma fatalidade, acabou oferecendo os minutos que tanto o uruguaio queria para este segundo semestre e dará uma visibilidade ainda maior, já que será titular de um dos gigantes do futebol brasileiro, sem contar a “casca” que vai adquirir ao disputar um campeonato tão equilibrado como é o Brasileirão, ao lado de Gil, um dos melhores zagueiros em atividade no país.

Seu primeiro compromisso dessa sequência será neste domingo, às 20h30, quando o Corinthians vai enfrentar o Ceará, fora de casa, pela 14ª rodada do Brasileirão. Atualmente, o Alvinegro ocupa a 15ª posição na tabela com 15 pontos, a mesma pontuação do Botafogo, primeiro na zona de rebaixamento.

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Manchester City play host to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League. The two sides are rich in history and were both founded in the 18th century, so naturally, they've played each other a fair few times…

Today at Football FanCast, we've decided to take a look at the history of this fixture and any key stats that stand out heading into this weekend's clash.

Man City v Nottingham Forest: What's their head-to-head record?

Unsurprisingly, the reigning Premier League champions have racked up more wins in this fixture than their opposition, but it's perhaps closer than you'd imagine.

It's easy to forget, prior to City's 2008 takeover, the club wasn't regarded as one of the big boys like they are today, so they haven't dominated this fixture like you'd imagine.

Forest have had their fair share of victories against the Citizens and based on the overall head-to-head data, this weekend's clash shouldn't be seen as a complete shutout for Pep Guardiola's side.

Man City wins

41

Draws

28

Nottingham Forest wins

32

Man City v Nottingham Forest: Who has more wins at the Etihad Stadium?

City's record against the East Midlanders, at home, paints a far more dominant picture, having only conceded defeat on ten occasions across 52 meetings.

Forest have found it tricky on their away travels in Manchester and Saturday's fixture will be expected to produce another defeat to add to the tally.

Guardiola will be hopeful of picking up the club's 25th home victory against Forest to extend their 100% record this season. City are the only club in the professional English pyramid to have not dropped points.

Man City wins

24

Draws

18

Nottingham Forest wins

10

Note: This data is across City's time at Maine Road and the Etihad Stadium.

Man City v Nottingham Forest: Who has the more wins at the City Ground?

Nottingham Forest win this head-to-head battle. These two sides have produced a much more even affair at the City Ground but it is the Tricky Trees who have reigned victorious over their opposition on 22 occasions.

Interestingly, this fixture has played out far fewer draws.

Nottingham Forest wins

22

Draws

10

Man City

17

Man City v Nottingham Forest: Who has the better cup record?

Again, it's the East Midlanders who win a second successive head-to-head battle, yet this time it's in cup competitions. Four of Forest's five wins against the Citizens have come in the FA Cup.

On the other hand, City have had much more fortuitous times against Saturday's opposition in the League Cup, a competition they've won eight times, with six of those coming in the last nine years.

The pair haven't met in a cup competition since January 2009, when Forest, who were in the Championship, defeated City 3-0 at the Etihad.

Man City

3

Draws

1

Nottingham Forest

5

Man City v Nottingham Forest: What were the match results in the last five meetings?

18th February 2023 – Nottingham Forest 1-1 Manchester City: The last fixture between the pair produced a shock score draw at the City Ground as Man City's title charge was dealt a knock.

Bernardo Silva scored the opener in the first half and it looked set to be the winner until Chris Wood scored an equaliser with six minutes of the scheduled 90 left to play.

The crucial points for the hosts moved them five points clear of the relegation zone.

31st August 2022 – Manchester City 6-0 Nottingham Forest: The reverse fixture last season produced a completely different outcome as the Citizens thrashed the division's new boys.

Steve Cooper's side were dealt a harsh welcome to the Premier League in their first month back in the top-flight since 1999. Summer signing Erling Haaland netted a hattrick, Julián Álvarez scored a brace and full-back João Cancelo found himself on the scoresheet

3rd January 2009 – Manchester City 0-3 Nottingham Forest: The last meeting prior to the fixture in August 2022 came all the way back in 2009 in the third round of the FA Cup.

Forest were hovering above the Championship relegation zone heading into this clash against Premier League opposition and were huge underdogs.

But Nathan Tyson, Robert Earnshaw and Joe Garner all scored for the away side to complete a memorable 3-0 victory away at the Etihad.

30th March 2002 – Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest: This meeting came in the second tier of English Football which is remarkable when you think about how far City have come.

Darren Huckerby, the Nottingham-born winger, scored a hattrick to seal a comfortable three points for the hosts, who gained promotion that year as champions under the stewardship of Kevin Keegan.

Forest, on the other hand, finished in 16th under Paul Hart.

28th October 2001 – Nottingham Forest 1-1 Manchester City: The reverse fixture saw the eventual title-winners held to a draw at the City Ground.

Chris Bart-Williams put the home side 1-0 up before Shaun Goater levelled the score just a minute later after a goalkeeping howler from Darren Ward.

Who has played for both Man City and Nottingham Forest?

Stuart Pearce (Forest 1985-1997; City 2001-2002): 78-cap England international Pearce was a 12-year servant for the East Midlanders. He made a whopping 327 appearances and scored 54 goals despite playing as a defender.

Pearce's one-season stay at City saw him make 43 appearances, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League. He retired at the end of the campaign.

Ishmael Miller (City 2006-2007; Forest 2011-2014): Miller graduated through the Manchester City youth set-up but only went on to make 20 appearances for the club before being sold on a permanent deal to West Bromwich Albion.Four years after making the move to the West Midlands, Miller was picked up by Forest, who signed him for £1.2m as a 24-year-old. The forward only made 30 appearances for the club, despite being on their books for four years, scoring four goals.He spent time away on loan with Middlesbrough and Yeovil Town during that period before Blackpool signed him on a free transfer.Darren Huckerby (City 2001-2003; Forest 2003): Huckerby was a vital part of City's promotion-winning campaign to the top-flight in 2001/02, scoring 20 league goals in 40 appearances.His time at Forest was short, but sweet, making nine appearances and scoring five goals, on loan from the Citizens. Huckerby was set to join the East Midlands club on a permanent deal in the summer, had they gained promotion to the Premier League, but a playoff final defeat to Sheffield United scuppered those plans. What is Man City's biggest win over Nottingham Forest?

31st August 2022 – Manchester City 6-0 Nottingham Forest: Manchester City's biggest win over Forest was the aforementioned 6-0 drubbing at the Etihad last August.

Haaland scored a hat-trick, his second in as many games.

What is Nottingham Forest's biggest win over Manchester City?

23rd February 1980 – Nottingham Forest 4-0 Manchester City: Forest's biggest win over City came over 40 years ago in the top flight. In February 1958, they also recorded a 4-0 home victory.

Though, it's unlikely they'll record a result similar to that over Saturday's opposition whilst Pep Guardiola is at the reigns.

Man City v Nottingham Forest: When is it?

Manchester City host Nottinham Forest on Saturday 23rd September at 3pm UK time. City will head into this fixture as the favourites, as they do in almost every game.

After all, they are trebble-winners and are currently at the summit of the Premier League table. They are being widely tipped to win yet another league title and it's hard to disagree.

The Citzens have scored 14 goals and only conceded three which is a remarkable return but something we've come to expect from Pep Guardiola's men.

Erling Haaland has already netted seven goals and sits top of the goal scoring charts whilst summer signing Jeremy Doku got off the mark in a 3-1 away victory against West Ham United last weekend.

Forest, meanwhile, have enjoyed a steady start to their campaign. Two wins, one draw and two losses leave them in eighth place which is certainly a position they'd love to be in come May.

The East Midlanders narrowly avoided the drop last season and will be eager to avoid a second successive relegation battle this time around. With the exciting additions of young forwards Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudon-Odoi, they look well-placed to do so.

City will head into this fixture coming off the back of a midweek clash against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League and could suffer the typical European hangover. They'll need to be wary of the Forest's pace in transition that they used to exploit Arsenal last month.

The away side will need to be defensively resilient throughout the entirety of the match in order to keep the plethora of attacking talent at bay. Keeping Haaland quiet is something not a lot of sides have been able to do, so the centre-back pairing will certainly have their work cut out.

Following the recruitment of Wataru Endo of Stuttgart, Liverpool continues to be linked to one of the rising stars in the Bundesliga…

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to the Evening Standard, the Reds still hold a degree of interest in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone, but a deal looks difficult to complete.

Jurgen Klopp's side have been persistently linked with the 22-year-old, but their keenness waned when he picked up a knee injury at the U21 European Championship with France earlier in the summer.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus has lauded Kone’s talent and wants to keep him, saying:

“We don't have to sell him. But it was always like this: if there is another immense offer, then we have to think about it. But that's not the plan. Our plan is to keep Kone.

“Kone is a player who has something different, he gives you as a team a better balance in midfield.

“He's coming back after the international break and he's very important to us, a tough and intelligent footballer. We need stability in this position.”

The engine room machine is rated at around £34m, but given Liverpool were planning to splash £111m on Moises Caicedo, if the club came in with a notable offer it would definitely test the German’s resolve.

Would Manu Kone be a good signing for Liverpool?

The 6 foot 1 titan has been at Monchengladbach since 2021 and has swiftly established as one of Europe’s most gifted and sought-after players.

Last season, Kone started 30 Bundesliga games and gloriously demonstrated the well-rounded nature of his play by managing 87% pass accuracy, averaging 2.5 tackles per game, making no errors leading to a shot or goal, completing 60% of his dribbles and winning 56% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

Offensively, is he comfortable on the ball and technically component, ranking within the best 4% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90, as well as the highest 22% for progressive carries per 90.

The Frenchman is also defensively astute, sitting in the top 21% for tackles and blocks per 90 to demonstrate that he can adequately protect the backline.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once described the prodigy as a “one-man army” and if he finds himself in the Premier League, he could splendidly flourish alongside Curtis Jones.

The 22-year-old gem is one of the brightest youngsters to graduate from Liverpool’s academy and has a glistening future ahead in Merseyside.

Similarly to Kone, the Englishman is skilful and hard-working, which sees him rank within the best 14% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers pass completion per 90, progressive passes per 90, and tackles per 90.

His quality has been noted by former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who after a victory against Leicester City in May 2023, said:

“He has been outstanding. Everything that he has been doing with and without the ball: with the ball it speaks for itself, he rarely gives it away, he’s great in tight spaces, a really clever footballer.

“But also the work-rate without the ball has been key over the last few weeks. He is a great athlete, when he loses it or when we lose it he wins the ball back really quickly for us and his counter-press has been brilliant.”

With Kone’s contract at Monchengladbach expiring in 2025, a move in the future cannot be ruled out, so the thought of him playing with Jones is frightening, should Klopp and co get this deal over the line before September 1st.

Arsenal got their Premier League campaign underway with three points, winning 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest, however, the result was overlooked by the huge injury blow to Jurrien Timber.

The Dutchman was forced to retreat early into the second half due to a knee injury, which has since been confirmed as an issue regarding his anterior cruciate ligament – a blow that typically rules one out for months.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is now just one defensive injury away from being left short for cover at the back, leaving the Spaniard weighing up his options for the remainder of the transfer market, with the end of the window now in sight.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

After falling agonisingly short to Manchester City in the chase for the Premier League title last season, one of Arsenal’s primary downfalls was the lack of cover in defence, a narrative that the manager will be keen to avoid so soon into the 2023/24 campaign.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

As reported by the Express, the Gunners could consider a number of options to welcome as reinforcements to cover Timber’s absence, with one name being already well known in north London.

Former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate Kyle Walker-Peters is said to be a ‘cost-effective alternative’ that Arteta could recruit to strengthen the depth at the back.

Valued around the £15m mark, the Englishman could be handed a ticket back into the Premier League after suffering relegation with Southampton last term.

How good is Kyle Walker-Peters?

Deployable on either flank but primarily on the right, the 26-year-old asserted himself as an impressive full-back during his time in the Premier League.

The agile defender has recorded 115 appearances in the top-flight in his career, being on the fence at Spurs before making the move to become a regular on the South Coast.

Once hailed as “outstanding” by Danny Higginbotham, the versatile right-back could be the perfect capture for the Gunners to use in rotation to current first choice Ben White, with the Londoner showcasing talents applauded by Arteta.

With the ability to play in defence or more advanced in midfield, the dynamic wide player is progressive in his approach to play, as supported by his average of 3.46 progressive carries per 90 last season, placing him in the top 9% of full-backs in that area, via FBref.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the Gunners have seen a rapid and attack-minded full-back fielded at the Emirates, with former fan favourite and club right-back Hector Bellerin possessing similar attributes.

Speaking after the Spaniard secured two assists in the FA Cup aged just 20, former manager Arsene Wenger said to Sky Sports: “look at the numbers, offensive and defensive” to prompt praise over the defender’s versatility.

Similarly to the once-loved Gunners number two, Walker-Peters can be a lethal asset on the flank going forward, suggested by his 1.66 successful take-ons per 90 last season and a total of 10 career Premier League assists across the course of his career to date.

Also dubbed a “star” in Southampton’s side by journalist Alfie House, Arteta could save the club millions in recruiting the right-back, who could not only bring shades of Bellerin’s best days back to north London but significantly add to the depth available at the Emirates.

Playing with a fractured finger, Lockie Ferguson took 12 wickets, including a seven-for in the first innings

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Nov-2017

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Lockie Ferguson brushed aside a fractured thumb to take 12 wickets in Auckland’s first victory of the season. The 26-year old fast bowler, who took a seven-for in the first innings, bundled out Otago out for 170 and 185 in his side’s 135-run win.Ferguson, who had suffered the injury while batting against Central Districts last week, prised out six of Otago’s first seven wickets, leaving them reeling at 84 for 7 before Anaru Kitchen (44) and Neil Wagner (39 not out) pushed the side past 150. Ferguson’s 7 for 34 in 15 overs gave Auckland a 43-run first-innings lead.Auckland’s second innings tally of 277 left Otago with a fourth-innings target of 321. By the third evening, Otago were already struggling at 140 for 6 and the Auckland seamers needed ten overs on the fourth day to wrap up proceedings. Ferguson’s five-for was complemented by debutant seamer Benjamin Lister’s 3 for 41 and Matt McEwan’s two wickets. The 12 wickets took Ferguson’s tally to 19 after three matches and propelled him to the top of the charts, one wicket ahead of Wellington’s Logan van BeekThe bowlers’ performances meant that Auckland bounced back well despite a first-innings total of 213. Having been put in to bat, Auckland crumbled to 52 for 5 against pace bowler Warren Barnes, and were revived by fifties from Michael Barry and wicketkeeper Ben Horne. The pair added 91 for the sixth wicket before McEwan added quick runs in a 49-ball 41 not out. Neil Wagner wrapped up the tail for his three wickets, while Barnes took 4 for 36 and James Neesham finished with two wickets.Auckland’s second innings, meanwhile, was hurt by a middle-order slump. Having got to a position of 190 for 2, courtesy fifties from Sean Solia (56) and Robert O’Donnell (84), Auckland lost their next five wickets for only 47 runs. Barnes, Wagner and Neesham were among the wickets again, with Neesham taking 3 for 46.”Dougie [Bracewell] got me with a decent short one right on the end of the thumb,” Ferguson told “I’ve just got a little fracture, nothing to write home to Mum about. It was a bit niggly last week but it settled down and luckily it’s under the nail so not on the part of the thumb where I hold the ball.”It was just one of those games where everything went my way, definitely in the first innings. In the second we got some early poles and young Ben Lister bowled really nicely and we got into their middle order and then I just bowled to the tail, which is one of my strengths, and we got an early lunch.”It was nice to see some swing and I was feeling good and few balls where I definitely ramped it up. That’s my job and I was happy to do a job for the boys.”

The West Indies head coach showers praise on his team for dealing with all the negativity so well and turning it around. He also tags Shai Hope a “man of stone”

Alan Gardner30-Aug-2017Having given a steadfast defence of his players in the build-up to the Headingley Test, West Indies head coach Stuart Law has stoked the embers of the criticism aimed at the tourists from all quarters last week and said it would only help fire them up for the series decider at Lord’s.West Indies lost the first Test against England at Edgbaston by an innings and 209 runs, but hit back in Leeds to claim a famous win. Speaking afterwards to Australian radio station , Law said his team had been unfairly written off, but relished their status as underdogs and would be readying themselves to bite England “on the backside” once again when the third Test begins on September 7.”We weren’t given a chance to beat England, since we landed here,” Law said. “We’ve heard it from every part of the media, the written press, , all the ex-cricketers – we weren’t given a chance, mate, so that actually provided us with a lot of fire, a lot of fuel to produce what we’ve done over the last five days.”I know there’s a lot of people eating humble pie, they’re saying nice things about us, but deep down, they don’t believe in us – which is great for us. We’re going to Lord’s, we’ll still be the underdog… I know Aussies love an underdog, I love being an underdog as well, because you can sneak up and bite your opponent on the backside.”We’re going to celebrate this one long and hard, and so we should. But come tomorrow, we start planning and getting ourselves ready for that showdown at Lord’s.”After West Indies lost 19 wickets on the third day at Edgbaston, they met with a fiercely negative reaction. Curtly Ambrose, a West Indies legend who was previously the team’s bowling coach, called their performance “embarrassing”, while former England opener Geoffrey Boycott described Jason Holder’s side as the worst he had seen in 50 years of playing and commentating.Law, who took over as West Indies head coach at the start of the year, said his main focus has been on convincing an inexperienced group that they were good enough to compete.”Credit to the boys, to put up with the amount of criticism that they copped, not just from opposition fans but also their home fans, to come out and turn it around and produce a performance over the last five days was an outstanding effort.”If you get told you’re rubbish nine times out of ten, you’re going to start believing it pretty soon. These guys have copped it every time they’ve taken on the national duties, so for me, it was just a job of instilling that belief and getting people to understand they’re good enough to play at this level. They’ve got the skills, they’ve got the determination, they’ve got the work ethic. Something’s just got to click out in the middle, you’ve got to believe and trust your own game – that was the conversation we had with the batsmen, particularly.”Our bowling’s been pretty good, our fielding’s still not there – we dropped eight chances, so, theoretically, we should have finished the game some time mid-morning yesterday, but that wasn’t the case. Just their belief in their own abilities. Once they believe in themselves, they can play cricket, these kids. I believe that they’re as talented as any other player going around on the planet.”Stuart Law reserved special praise for Shai Hope and likened his strokemaking to Mark Waugh’s•Getty Images

When asked about 23-year old Shai Hope, who hit the winning runs and created history by becoming the first man to score twin centuries in a first-class match at Headingley, Law compared him to former Australia team-mate Mark Waugh, adding that Hope was a “man of stone” who England had been unable to crack.”He’s had a pretty torrid time in international cricket since his introduction. But he has got the talent, and when he gets going, he’s one of the nicest guys to watch. He plays some beautiful drives, cuts and the whip work off his pads – a bit like Mark Waugh. He put it all together, he’s got determination beyond belief, he’s a man of stone. You talk to him, try and crack a joke and he just stonewalls you. I can’t crack him, England haven’t been able to crack him, hopefully that remains the same at Lord’s.”Although West Indies have a chance to win a Test series in England for the first time since 1988, Law was keen not to put additional pressure on the team. He said that the management was in the process of trying to “create a different culture” that would put West Indies on an upward trajectory during his time in the job – initially on a two-year contract.”Improvement for me isn’t necessarily winning the series,” he said. “It means we go out and give a really good account of ourselves at Lord’s again. And if we don’t capitulate and lose in three days, like we did at Edgbaston, I think we’ve improved out of sight and that’s a great step forward for this group.”So far, the signs are looking good. We’re trying to break the culture and create a different culture, which sometimes can take two years. These guys are embracing it, the hard work is now starting to pay off for them… I don’t want to put them under that much pressure. I want them a) to play with a smile on their face, and b) just go out and express themselves. I’m here give them a bit of guidance, a bit of support, a bit of love, and hopefully, they go out and achieve what they want to achieve.”