Após alguns dias de folga, o Athletico volta a campo na próxima quarta-feira para encarar o Botafogo, em duelo válido pela 28ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, no estádio Nilton Santos.
+ TABELA DE CLASSIFICAÇÃO DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO
Com 34 pontos na tabela, o Furacão quer se consolidar na zona de classificação da Copa Sul-Americana e para isso vai precisar quebrar uma marca negativa contra o futebol carioca no Brasileirão.
Até o momento, o Athletico disputou seis partidas e conseguiu apenas uma vitória. Além disso, o time de Paulo Autuori somou um empate e perdeu quatro jogos.
+Brasileirão: R$ 20 milhões de prejuízo com bilheteria; veja renda líquida de cada clube
Botafogo
No primeiro encontro dos clubes no Brasileirão, o jogo terminou empatado por 1 a 1, na Arena da Baixada.
Retrospecto do Athletico contra Cariocas 2020:
Flamengo 3 x 1 Athletico Vasco 1 x 0 Athletico Athletico 3 x 0 Vasco Athletico 0 x 1 Fluminense Fluminense 3 x 1 Athletico Athletico 1 x 1 Botafogo
RelacionadasCorinthiansCom proposta do Tijuana, Sornoza pode não voltar ao CorinthiansCorinthians05/01/2021PalmeirasMorre Brandãozinho, último remanescente de histórico título do Palmeiras em 1951Palmeiras05/01/2021NáuticoNáutico foca as atenções para o duelo contra o ParanáNáutico05/01/2021
Newcastle United are "very interested" in signing a Barcelona defender who has been described as "extraordinary" by a genuine footballing legend, according to a new transfer rumour.
Newcastle eyeing midfield signings
The Magpies have constantly been linked with making new signings in the coming transfer windows, as Eddie Howe looks to take his squad to the next level. In the summer, Newcastle acquired the services of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, in an exciting piece of transfer business, but sadly, his season has ended prematurely because of a 10-month ban that has come his way for betting offences.
For that reason, it hasn't been a surprise to see a number of midfielders tipped to come in and make up for the loss of the 23-year-old, who won't be available until early next season. The likes of Kalvin Phillips, Ruben Neves and N'Golo Kante are all reportedly wanted by Newcastle, although loan moves look most likely at the moment, due to Financial Fair Play (FFP).
While midfield clearly looks like a key area of focus for Howe, should the funds be available to make a new signing, it could also be that he looks to bring in a new centre-back, with the influential Sven Botman struggling with injuries so far this season and often being unavailable. A new report certainly suggests that that is the case, with the Magpies eyeing up a potential move for a player with Premier League experience under his belt.
Newcastle linked with Andreas Christensen
According to a new update from Sport [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are keen on signing former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, who is now plying his trade at Barcelona.
It is stated that the Magpies are "still very interested" in the signing the Dane, with Newcastle linked with acquiring Christensen's signature in the past. They are believed to be "very attentive" to the Barca centre-back, who is described as the "most reliable" player in his position at his current club.
Andreas Christensen
Christensen could be a brilliant signing by Howe's men, with the Denmark international an impressive footballer who has already achieved a lot in his career, despite still only being 27 years of age.
A proven player for a sustained period of time now, Christensen's statistics and achievements show the success that he has enjoyed over the years, winning the La Liga title with Barca last season, not to mention enjoying Champions League glory with Chelsea back in 2021.
Andreas Christensen notable career appearances
Total
Chelsea
161
Denmark
66
Barcelona
44
The 27-year-old has also got 93 appearances to his name in the Premier League, showing that he can cut it in arguably the toughest league in the world, while his current manager Xavi has described him as an "extraordinary" player, which is high praise from such a legendary figure in the game.
Christensen could be a great addition for Newcastle in January, not only acting as cover for Botman but also potentially being his best centre-back partner moving forward, although the report does stress that a move is unlikely, with the player himself happy where he is at the moment.
The 31-year-old has many critics, but he remains his country's most reliable centre-back and the manager needs to play to his strengths
England’s 1-0 defeat by Brazil was a big dose of reality in the face of the nation’s pre-Euro 2024 optimism, a reminder that the Three Lions are not quite the world-beating machine they resembled in their qualifying campaign.
The good news was that this was an England team deprived of two of its best attackers and they will be a far better side ahead of the tournament once Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka have recovered from their respective injuries.
The bad news was that England’s defence was brutally exposed by Brazil, whose lightning-quick forwards offered a roadmap of how best to get at Gareth Southgate’s side. And unlike with their attack, the problem is unlikely to be fixed by other players returning to full fitness.
This was a game when Harry Maguire’s England mask slipped and he looked like the vulnerable, shaky defender that Manchester United came so close to cutting ties with last summer. Maguire looked uncomfortable for most of the game and was taken off midway through the second half.
The only positive from his point of view was that his replacement, Lewis Dunk, was even more of a liability and ended up making the mistake from which Endrick scored the only goal. Dunk’s disastrous intervention only served to underline an uncomfortable truth: for all his faults, Maguire remains England’s top choice at centre-back and Southgate has little choice but to make it work.
Getty Images
Mugged by Raphinha
Dunk took most of the negative headlines for his fatal giveaway, but it could easily have been Maguire who was being harpooned afterwards. Late in the first half, the defender raced on to a loose ball after a header from Ben Chilwell and did the hard part in beating Raphinha to it.
But rather than clear it or move it forward, Maguire took the baffling decision to dribble backwards and was predictably mugged by the winger. Fortunately for Maguire, Raphinha fired wide.
It was not his first hairy moment. That had come in the 11th minute when England were caught on the counter-attack after Chilwell had lost the ball. Bruno Guimaraes launched the ball forward to Vinicius Jr, and although Maguire had time to adjust his positioning, he never stood a chance against the Real Madrid forward, who had also out-sprinted Kyle Walker.
Vinicius’s finish lacked power and Walker was able to clear it before it crossed the line, offering more relief to Maguire. The United centre-back was not a total disaster and, as ever, was useful in the opposing area, heading just over the bar from a set-piece. And he was not the worst culprit in an England defence that gave away seven big chances, as defined by , more than in any other match under Southgate.
Chilwell was wasteful in possession and a liability in defence, a huge downgrade on the injured Luke Shaw, while Walker, captain for the night in the absence of Kane, was shown up by Vinicius and had to come off injured shortly after racing back to clear the shot away.
Advertisement
Getty Images
Still top choice
Walker will miss the match with Belgium after returning to his club, just like Maguire. But neither player has much to worry about as their deputies do not look like usurping them in the team any time soon.
Maguire has the experience of three major tournaments under his belt, all of which he and England performed pretty well in. He also has a strong understanding with John Stones, who has partnered him at each major tournament.
His England CV means he is still ahead of Jarrad Branthwaite, who is set to make his international debut against Belgium, as well as Dunk, who may not even make it to the Euros after his troublesome cameo.
Marc Guehi might have given him a run for his money, but the Crystal Palace defender has not played any football since the start of February and will not return until late April after undergoing knee surgery.
AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori was a potential threat to Maguire, but he was dropped from this round of fixtures, having only recently recovered from a hamstring injury that had put him out of action for two months.
(C)Getty Images
Fighting for his place
Maguire, of course, has more than two months to improve his own game and get back on track after his own series of injury setbacks. He has staged his own comeback at United, going from being on the transfer list and even having a £30 million ($35m) fee from West Ham accepted, to unseating Raphael Varane as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice defender while Lisandro Martinez was out.
Maguire was the Premier League’s Player of the Month for November, but he sustained a groin injury against Bayern Munich in December, sidelining him for more than six weeks. And just as he was getting back into the rhythm of games, he picked up an unspecified injury which knocked him out of action for another three weeks, only returning as a substitute against Liverpool.
The Brazil game was his first start for a month and he had to face the blisteringly quick triumvirate of Rodrygo, Raphinha and Vinicius. Perhaps it is unsurprising that he did struggle.
Maguire is one of the most comfortable defenders in the Premier League when the game is in front of him and his team are in control, be it in possession or out of it. But when order is replaced by chaos and he has to defend wave after wave of transition, repeatedly placed on the backfoot, he is vulnerable.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
Southgate always an ally
Southgate has always fiercely defended Maguire in the face of criticism, and after the friendly with Scotland in September, the manager described his treatment as “something beyond anything I've ever seen”. During his worst periods with United, Maguire took solace from his time away with England.
But there is a risk of him becoming a scapegoat at international level too if England do not have a successful European Championship. Given the talent and experience in the squad, and the fact they have been handed a relatively straightforward group containing Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia, England should be aiming for the semi-finals at the very least.
If they win Group C and overcome their last-16 tie, they are likely to meet either Spain or Italy in the quarter-finals. France or Germany would then be most likely to await them in the semis. That could take Maguire on a collision course to meet Kylian Mbappe in Dortmund, a match-up few would expect him to win.
There has been a suggestion that Tottenham Hotspur could now move for a "blistering" £70 million player wanted by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Spurs transfer targets – January
The high-flying north Londoners, who currently sit pretty atop the table, have enjoyed an absolutely sensational start to life under head coach Ange Postecoglou. The former Celtic boss is already a record holder, having enjoyed the finest start to a campaign of any new manager in Premier League history.
Tottenham's eight wins from a possible 10 so far have been truly impressive, especially after the departure of star striker Harry Kane to Bayern Munich over the summer. They've remained unbeaten in that time too, though there are some concerns over Postecoglou's lack of depth behind his traditional starting eleven.
Both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been imperious at the heart of Spurs' defence, but Postecoglou only has Eric Dier to turn to if either one become unavailable. As a result, Tottenham are interested in Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah as an alternative, with Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly targeted by Spurs as well.
Postecoglou is also said to be eyeing up a wide forward. Spurs reportedly like Al-Ittihad winger Jota for instance, with journalist Dean Jones now sharing news on a more ambitious target to come in and provide competition for Dejan Kulusevski.
Tottenham could move for Pedro Neto
Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who has been a revelation under Gary O'Neil so far this season, could emerge as an option for Spurs in January. That is according to Jones, who suggests to GiveMeSport that Tottenham could move for Neto. He adds that a deal will be difficult to do, partly because of his marquee price tag, but also due to the competition from both Arsenal and Liverpool.
Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto.
The Portuguese is starring since his return from a long-term injury, with pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor urging Arsenal to sign Neto earlier this campaign.
“They need proper backup for Saka and Martinelli. Trossard, Vieira and Smith Rowe," said Agbonlahor to Football Insider.
"These are all good players, but there’s no one with that blistering pace. Neto has shown that. He’s had a tough two years with injury, but he’s got that. He would suit Arsenal perfectly if they could get him in.”
His brilliant form, though, could mean that Neto will cost around £70 million to prise away from Wolves. O'Neil, commenting on the winger's form, also says he's been "absolutely magnificent".
“Pedro has been absolutely magnificent since I’ve arrived," said O'Neil on Neto's form to the English press.
“We’ve done a lot of work with him. Last year his performances were probably under what they should have been for a player of his quality, but he’s bought into everything we’ve asked of him and the improvement in him has been incredible.
“He’s willing to work every day and take on board what we ask. He looks like a really top player at the moment.”
نجح فريق بيراميدز، في التقدم بالهدف الثاني أمام منافسه الأهلي، وذلك بالمواجهة الجارية بينهما حالياً ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
ويلتقي بيراميدز مع الأهلي، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي في اللقاء المؤجل من الجولة 14 من بطولة الدوري المصري.
وجاء هدف بيراميدز الثاني في الدقيقة 51، بعد عرضية من ركلة ركنية نفذها محمد الشيبي قابلها أحمد سامي برأسية متقنة سكنت مرمى محمد الشناوي.
طالع أيضاً.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة الأهلي وبيراميدز في الدوري المصري
وكان وسام أبو علي قد تقدم بالهدف الأول للأهلي في الدقيقة 17، بعد تمريرة عرضية من حسين الشحات استقبلها الفلسطيني بتسديدة سكنت الشباك.
وأحرز فيستون مايلي هدف تعادل بيراميدز في الدقيقة 25، بعد تمريرة رائعة جعلت فيستون منفرداً بالمرمى وسدد كرة أرضية سكنت الشباك. هدف بيراميدز الثاني أمام الأهلي في الدوري المصري
Australia’s limited-overs tour of England has been thrown off-balance before it begins with the withdrawal of Josh Hazlewood due to a bone stress injury in his back on the very day the squad was due to fly out.Hazlewood joins Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in being out of action due to bone-stress-related issues, with Cummins recovering from swelling in the vertebrae and Starc still out of action due to a bone stress reaction in his right leg. Michael Neser, the Queensland seam bowler, has been drafted into the touring squad.Hazlewood’s back injury means Australia’s Ashes-winning pace trio have been ruled out of their limited-overs tour to England•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
“Josh has been managing some low-level bone stress in his lumbar spine for a short period,” the team physio David Beakley said. “He had a repeat scan today and although it has not progressed to a fracture he is starting to experience some lower-back pain. As such, we are taking a conservative approach and he will not travel to England for the one-day series.”Hazlewood bowled in Brisbane on Sunday and was taken for the extra scan after complaining of soreness. Medical staff and Hazlewood are believed to have discussed the situation with the new coach Justin Langer and finalised the decision to withdraw him from the squad late afternoon, a matter of hours before the players and support staff were due to travel to the airport to commence their journey to London.The loss of Hazlewood means the captain Tim Paine and the new coach Justin Langer have a severely depleted bowling attack to choose from, with Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Billy Stanlake and Andrew Tye joined by Neser. Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar are the spin bowlers in the squad.
Aston Villa and Everton are two of the oldest clubs in the land, so naturally, they've played each other a fair few times over the years.
Everton are one of six clubs never to be relegated from the Premier League since its formation in 1992, though, that mantle is becoming increasingly threatened each season.
The Toffees appear likely to be in a third successive relegation battle this term, whilst Villa, on the other hand, have their eyes laid on a top-six finish.
Unai Emery, since arriving in the West Midlands last November, has completely changed the club's fortunes and catapulted his side into European contention.
Having finished in seventh place last season, the Villans are plying their trade in the UEFA Europa Conference League this year and will certainly have aspirations to win it as one of the favourites of the competition.
The pair will meet in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and ahead of their clash, Football FanCast has decided to delve into the history of the fixture.
Aston Villa vs Everton: Who has the better head-to-head record?
Everton vs Aston Villa in the Premier League at Goodison Park in February 2023.
Since records began, Aston Villa vs Everton is the most-played clash in English football, as both sides have a rich history of facing off against each other dating all the way back to 1888.
The Villans have a slight upper hand in terms of results spread over their time competing against each other; nevertheless, the pair sit on a fairly even playing field in terms of stature, which is reflected in the overall ratio of wins, draws or losses, either gained or suffered.
Historically, Aston Villa and Everton have always been regarded as stereotypical big clubs in the English game, with their finest hours coming in the 1980s regarding worldwide prominence.
Aston Villa won their last top-flight title in 1980/81 and secured a famous European Cup triumph in the year following, while Everton claimed First Division glory in 1984/85 and 1986/87, alongside winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1985 under the stewardship of Howard Kendall.
Aston Villa wins
87
Draws
60
Everton wins
82
Aston Villa vs Everton: Who has the better cup record?
Phil Neville involved for Everton in their FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester United in 2009.
In a very close-run contest, Aston Villa have managed to shade one more victory than their rivals across the piece in their 18 meetings in total across all domestic cup competitions.
Given both sides have been involved in the upper echelons of the English game and are of a similar standing from a footballing point of view, seeing five draws in the overall count won't come as a surprise to many.
Looking at cup honours from a general standpoint, Aston Villa have racked up an impressive seven FA Cup wins and five League Cup triumphs. On the other hand, Everton have five FA Cup trophies to their name.
Aston Villa wins
7
Draws
5
Everton wins
6
Aston Villa vs Everton: Who has more wins at Villa Park/Wellington Road?
Aston Villa reign supreme on home turf and have made their own ground a fortress when Everton come calling to the West Midlands.
From 1988 to 2003, the Villans actually never lost a single home clash against Everton in any competition, embarking on a 16-match unbeaten streak from the late eighties to beyond the swing of the millennium.
Despite this, Everton have enjoyed their share of the spoils along the way and provided their fair share of problems as a stubborn away opponent.
Aston Villa wins
53
Draws
28
Everton wins
29
Aston Villa vs Everton: Who has more wins at Goodison Park or Anfield?
Goodison Park
Yes, Everton were indeed briefly a tenant at Anfield before a dispute over rent led the Toffees to make a home for themselves at Goodison Park, which has become a treasured place for their fanatical home support.
On their own turf, Everton have managed to get the better of Aston Villa over the years, maintaining a strong record whenever the Villans travel from the West Midlands to Merseyside.
Aston Villa have still managed to get their own way on some occasions – especially in recent times, as they are currently on a four-match unbeaten run at Goodison Park.
Everton wins
53
Draws
29
Aston Villa wins
31
Aston Villa vs Everton: What were the last six meetings?
Aston Villa midfielder Emi Buendia.
20th August 2023 – Aston Villa 4-0 Everton: The Toffees were on the end of a thumping in the West Midlands last month, as Villa put four past them.
John McGinn broke the deadlock in the 18th minute which welcomed the floodgates to open as Douglas Luiz netted one shortly after, before Leon Bailey and Jhon Duran added a third and fourth.
The win for the Villans was a much-needed one following their damning 5-1 defeat against Newcastle United in their season opener, whilst the defeat for the Toffees sunk them to rock bottom, having lost their first match at home to Fulham.
25th February 2023 – Everton 0-2 Aston Villa: In a game that carried major consequences at the bottom end of the table, goals from Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia were enough to claim a comfortable victory for the visitors and plunge Everton into relegation territory.
Everton had 15 shots on goal during the match and looked threatening; however, they were profligate in front of the target and were subsequently punished by the ruthlessness of Emery's well-oiled Aston Villa outfit.
Most notably, this particular fixture will be remembered for Villa striker Watkins netting his fifth goal in five consecutive Premier League matches.
22nd August 2022 – Aston Villa 2-1 Everton: Steven Gerrard managed to guide his Aston Villa side to their first Premier League victory of 2022/23 in the reverse fixture back in August 2022, as strikes from Danny Ings and Emi Buendia cancelled out a late Lucas Digne own goal at Villa Park.
Frank Lampard was in charge of Everton for the clash and his side did threaten to take a point in the latter stages; nevertheless, the hosts claimed an overall deserved three points on home soil.
22nd January 2022 – Everton 0-1 Aston Villa: Once again, the scourge of Buendia condemned Everton to a loss against Premier League rivals Aston Villa, as the Argentina international headed in on the stroke of half-time to hand Toffees caretaker Duncan Ferguson a defeat in his second interim stint in charge.
Everton were toothless in front of goal and couldn't muster an all-important equaliser. At the same time, Aston Villa dug deep and threw bodies on the line to ensure they left Goodison Park with their clean sheet intact.
18th September 2021 – Aston Villa 3-0 Everton: Matty Cash, Leon Bailey and an own goal from Lucas Digne made sure of a dominant 3-0 victory for Aston Villa at home to Everton under Dean Smith, who claimed his second victory of the 2021/22 campaign.
Everton boss Rafael Benitez saw their four-match unbeaten run come to an end at Villa Park, and truth be told, it was the beginning of the downward spiral for the Spaniard at the club following his controversial appointment.
13th May 2021 – Aston Villa 0-0 Everton: Aston Villa and Everton played out a dismal 0-0 draw on the 35th matchday of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, denting the visitors' hopes of securing continental qualification.
Jack Grealish returned to the fold as a second-half substitute for his boyhood club; however, the less said about this game is probably for the better.
Who has played for both Aston Villa and Everton?
ashley-young-premier-league-everton-transfers
Ashley Young (Aston Villa 2007-2011, 2021-2023; Everton 2023-present): The most obvious candidate here is ex-Villa icon Ashley Young, who featured 247 times for the Villans over two separate spells in the West Midlands, registering 38 goals and 60 assists, as per Transfermarkt.
This summer, the 38-year-old completed a move to Everton on a free transfer and could well be involved this weekend against his former employers, having started for the Blues last Saturday in their opening-day defeat to Fulham.
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa 1998-2009; Everton 2013-2017): Taking a trip down memory lane, former England international Gareth Barry enjoyed a distinguished career in the English top flight and spent 11 years of his senior career at Aston Villa, becoming one of the most important players at the club in the heart of the engine room.
The 42-year-old moved to Manchester City in 2011 and became a Premier League and FA Cup champion before initially joining Everton on a season-long loan deal in 2013.
Hastings-born Barry would turn his move to Goodison Park into a permanent one a year later and racked up over 150 appearances for the Blues before finishing his career at West Bromwich Albion.
Lucas Digne (Everton 2018-2022; Aston Villa 2022-present): Another name associated with both clubs in recent times is Lucas Digne, who arrived at Aston Villa from Everton last year after four years on Merseyside.
Despite a promising start to his time at Villa Park, Unai Emery could be set to move on the Frenchman this summer and is open to offers for the 30-year-old before the transfer window closes, according to The Daily Mail.
What is Aston Villa's biggest victory over Everton?
5th November 1989 – Aston Villa 6-2 Everton: Aston Villa's biggest-ever victory against Everton came back in 1989, where goals from Kent Nielsen, Gordon Cowans and doubles from David Platt and Ian Olney shot the Villans into a 6-0 lead on home soil.
Despite surrendering a pair of late consolation goals, Aston Villa inflicted a trouncing on their league rivals and managed to move up to fourth place in the old First Division.
It's worth noting that Villa equalled their biggest-ever victory against Wednesday's opposition last month, as they won by a four-goal margin (4-0).
What is Everton's biggest victory over Aston Villa?
4th January 1890: Everton 7-0 Aston Villa: Very little data is available surrounding this fixture due to the fact that it happened so long ago; however, Everton defeated Aston Villa 7-0 in 1890, which remains their biggest victory over the Villans to date.
The Toffees finished runners-up behind champions Preston North End in what was the second season of the Football League.
Aston Villa vs Everton: Classic meetings
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
7th December 2008 – Everton 2-3 Aston Villa: Ashley Young scored an injury-time winner for Aston Villa to break Everton hearts at Goodison Park.
The home side thought they had earned a share of the spoils after Joleon Lescott equalised in the dying embers just seconds earlier.
Lescott and Young both scored braces for their respective sides, while Steve Sidwell got the visitors up and running with a strike in the first minute of the game.
2nd February 2013 – Everton 3-3 Aston Villa: In a pulsating Premier League bout at Goodison Park, Marouane Fellaini produced some heroics in the second half to score a double, including an injury-time equaliser, to ensure that Everton claimed a deserved point at home to Aston Villa.
The Villans lost their chance to lay claim to a first victory of 2013 and were stuck in the relegation zone due to their failure to collect all three points on the road.
تمكن فريق بيراميدز من تحقيق الفوز على نظيره سموحة بثلاثية دون رد، خلال المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
والتقى بيراميدز مع سموحة على أرضية استاد الدفاع الجوي، في إطار المواجهة المؤجلة من الجولة 11 من عمر بطولة الدوري.
وسجل فاخري لاكاي الهدف الأول لبيراميدز في الدقيقة 18، بعد انطلاقة ومرواغة لحارس سموحة ثم التسديد في الشباك.
طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | فيستون ماييلي يسجل هدف بيراميدز الثالث أمام سموحة
وأحرز مصطفى فتحي الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 23، بعد مراوغة بعرض الملعب ومن ثم التسديد من داخل منطقة الجزاء.
وأضاف فيستون ماييلي الهدف الثالث لبيراميدز في الدقيقة 69، بعد تمريرة رائعة من وليد الكارتي استقبلها ماييلي بتصويبة داخل منطقة الجزاء سكنت الشباك.
بهذا الفوز يتصدر بيراميدز جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 56 نقطة، بينما يتواجد فريق سموحة بالمركز السادس، ولديه 35 نقطة. أهداف مباراة بيراميدز وسموحة في الدوري المصري
Manchester United are expected to sign a midfielder before the summer transfer window slams shut later today, and while a certain Moroccan midfielder is the prime target, contingency plans appear to have been made.
What's the latest on Youssouf Fofana to Manchester United?
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, United manager Erik ten Hag has seen a formal offer rejected by French side Monaco for Youssouf Fofana.
Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…
The Italian journalist has also recently confirmed that Manchester United have asked Monaco for the conditions of a loan deal for Fofana, with Inter Milan also approaching the Ligue 1 club, but manager Adi Hutter will only entertain a permanent sale as Monaco "don't want to let Fofana leave on loan."
How good is Youssouf Fofana?
While the Red Devils have earmarked Fofana for transfer, it is Fiorentina's Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat who is the most coveted name at the Theatre of Dreams, with Romano claiming yesterday that the outfit are set to enter negotiations for the player once again, with Amrabat set on joining the squad.
The Premier League side have clinched six points from their open three matches but did not look wholly convincing in either game as two contentious decisions worked in Old Trafford's favour to secure slender victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.
Amrabat is desired due to his first-rate passing skills and tenacity in the centre, having been integral in Morocco's remarkable 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, and the 27-year-old being praised as the "best central midfielder in the tournament" by reporter Carlo Garganese.
The £32k-per-week powerhouse also ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 2% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, highlighting the kind of crisp composure Ten Hag desires to take United to the next level.
youssouf-fofana-premier-league-west-ham-transfers
While he is undoubtedly one of the finest ball-playing midfielders around, United might need more of an all-encompassing cog in the centre to get the machine whirring at full strength.
Having been hailed as a "magnificent" player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the French machine was a central component to Monaco's 2022/23 season and demonstrated his rounded skill set with his league performances last year, earning an average Sofascore rating of 6.85, completing 82% of his passes, making 1.6 interceptions and 2.3 tackles per game and averaging 0.9 key passes each match.
For comparison, while Amrabat completed 90% of his passes in Serie A with La Viola last term, he only averaged 1.3 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game, also only making 0.4 passes each match, less influential in progressing the play.
Fofana also ranks among the top 11% of midfielders for progressive passes, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 15% for successful take-ons per 90, showcasing his energetic presence and willingness to drive the ball upfield.
Finances might come into play, with Monaco demanding a permanent sale whereas indications suggest that Fiorentina might be willing to do business on an initial loan.
And while Amrabat is a superlative ball player, Ten Hag must consider opting for the more dynamic option to enhance the collective level of the Red Devils squad, and if a deal is feasible, he must strike.
Crystal Palace could complete a move that proves potentially game-changing for one of their star attackers.
Who do Crystal Palace want to sign?
According to the Evening Standard, Roy Hodgson is keen on signing a forward, but Palace will wait as they assess their alternative options.
It is understood that Che Adams is the man in question and indeed, he would favour a move back to the Premier League following the Saints’ relegation to the Championship in May.
Palace are ‘considering’ a £10m offer for the 27-year-old but remain ‘undecided on their preferred striking target.’
The outlet revealed Hodgson is on the hunt for an experienced attacker to fill the gaping hole left by the talismanic Wilfried Zaha, who departed for Galatasaray earlier in the window.
The South Londoner’s frontline could be dealt another monumental blow, with Michael Olise attracting serious interest from Chelsea.
This heightens the need for depth and Adams could emerge as one of the most attainable and intelligent targets.
What does Che Adams offer?
Although we are just two games into the new Championship season, Adams has swiftly demonstrated that he is one of the division’s most productive and dangerous assets.
In the opening game away at Sheffield Wednesday, the 23-cap international came on as a substitute and netted a late winner to secure the Saints a 2-1 victory.
Che Adams
After this, manager Russell Martin confirmed that Adams has been the subject of transfer speculation, but praised his attitude and influence, saying: “The way Che reacted to not playing was amazing – brilliant energy and so respectful.
“There was a lot of noise around him, we turned down a bid for him a couple of weeks ago and nothing has happened since. The way he dealt with that is amazing.”
Last weekend Adams continued his impressive form when he netted in an enthralling 4-4 draw against Norwich.
In total, the Scot has recorded 39 goal contributions in 124 Premier League appearances – this includes five goals and three assists from last term, as he ranked second for each metric in the squad, only behind the indefatigable James Ward-Prowse.
Adams’ energy, endless running, and effervescence would give Eberechi Eze a dangerous partner for Palace in attacks.
The playmaker was in a typically irrepressible mood on the weekend as the South London outfit secured a 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Eze managed seven key passes, registered five accurate crosses, won seven ground duels, and completed 100% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.
Eberechi-Eze-Crystal-Palace-vs-Sheffield-United
The Englishman continued his impeccable form last season in which he notched ten goals and four assists in 30 top-flight starts, and also ranks within the top 4% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers over the past 365 days for successful take-ons per 90 and shot-creating actions per 90.
His teammate Joel Ward has previously lauded Eze’s talent, saying: “Ebs’ quality is incredible, with what he does on the ball, the way he manipulates it and the way he just seems to glide over the pitch – it’s mesmerising at times.”
Therefore, Adams’ numbers could hit new heights due to Eze’s dazzling creativity and skill, giving Palace a strong platform to mount another top-flight campaign unthreatened by relegation.