Tag Futebol

Manchester United needed a win, just to settle proceedings somewhat.

This was a campaign that was meant to see a resurgent United side take on the rest of the Premier League. Erik ten Hag had worked wonders last term, particularly to secure Champions League football, but this term has been a disaster.

Off-field controversies and incidences have led to a fractured squad, playing staff and boardroom but for once, the football was the talking point on Saturday evening.

United far from romped to victory over Burnley, with the Red Devils prevailing 1-0 against Vincent Kompany's men.

A Bruno Fernandes goal was enough to separate the two teams come full time. It was a much-needed three points and indeed a much-required clean sheet. This was a team to have conceded ten goals in their last three games in all competitions so a shutout on this occasion was a huge positive.

That said, it was a game that certainly didn't shy away from negatives. One of those continues to be the form of Marcus Rashford.

How many goals has Rashford scored this season?

Last term was a remarkable one for the forward who took English football by storm. The academy graduate scored a whopping 30 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions.

However, during 2023/24, the 25-year-old has found life rather more difficult in this sluggish United side.

Just one goal has fallen the way of Rashford, who found the net in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal prior to the international break.

It has been quite some drop off for the England star, who must find his form if United are to rise from their current slump. Sadly, he could not do so against the Clarets this weekend.

How did Rashford play against Burnley?

The answer is poorly. Sadly, the attacker has lost his mojo and that was certainly evident at Turf Moor, even if they did come away from the game with all three points.

MEN's Samuel Luckhurst perhaps put it best in his post-match player ratings, writing: "Erratic again and his decision-making was seldom sound. Switched to the right early in the second half but had little joy."

The England international is usually famed for his ability to take on defenders one-on-one and he tried his utmost to make things happen down the left channel.

However, more often than not, he'd pick the ball up and instead of finding a teammate, run down a blind alley and straight into the Burnley defence.

This happened three or four times down the wide areas, when perhaps he could have found a teammate instead.

Such greed in possession ultimately saw him lose possession of the ball 12 times at Turf Moor, once every four touches.

Speaking of touches, he embarrassingly had fewer (46) than goalkeeper Andre Onana (48), while the man between the sticks also made more passes (25 vs 24). There might not be that much in the statistics, but it speaks volumes to the lack of impact Rashford had on proceedings.

During the clash, the £300k-per-week star also failed to register a single shot on target during what was a toothless display from a player usually so clinical and troublesome in the final third.

With the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony unavailable for selection at the moment, Rashford really needs to step up as the senior player. Rasmus Hojlund's arrival means he is now unlikely to play through the middle which means he will have both Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri breathing down his neck for a start.

Last term the wide star was very much undroppable. However, this season, he is no longer immune to such treatment.

Rashford will surely come good at some point, but the longer his lack of form persists, a change will surely have to be considered.

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Kaio Jorge, de de 18 anos, é o novo camisa nove do Santos na temporada. O jogador comemorou a estreia com o famoso número na vitória sobre o Grêmio, por 2 a 1, na Vila Belmiro. Antes, o dono da camisa nove era o colombiano Uribe.

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– Sensação única que estou vivendo, sempre sonhei com esse momento de jogar como titular e poder vestir a camisa nove do Santos, uma das mais pesadas do futebol mundial. Sonhei alto e coloquei essa meta lá atrás quando ainda era do sub-13, prometi a mim mesmo que um dia iria vestir essa camisa. Só tenho a agradecer a Deus por tudo que estou vivendo e aos meus companheiros de clube que me ajudam a evoluir a cada dia que passa – afirmou.

Presença constante na equipe titular e autor de dois gols na Libertadores da América, Kaio comemorou as oportunidades e elogiou o técnico Cuca.

– O Cuca é um pai para o grupo todo. Ele sempre está dando dicas de posicionamento, tranquilidade para nós jogadores estarmos jogando em alto nível. Preza bastante a união e companheirismo dentro de campo. Agradeço bastante a confiança e moral que ele vem passando para mim – finalizou.

Kaio deverá ser mantido na equipe titular diante do Atlético-GO, às 20h30, na quarta-feira (14), na Vila Belmiro.

The pair added 111 for the fourth wicket to help their side recover from 2 for 43 in Hobart

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-2018
ScorecardGetty ImagesHalf-centuries from Jake Doran and George Bailey helped Tasmania build a solid first-innings total on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia in Hobart.Having won the toss, Tasmania slipped to 2 for 43 before Doran and Beau Webster steadied the innings with a 65-run stand.Webster then fell for 42 but Doran and Bailey put together a 111-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Doran made his third half-century in five innings, having made 95 against Queensland and 97 against New South Wales.But Redbacks left-arm paceman Nick Winter continued his stunning form to remove Doran, Bailey and Simon Milenko in a four-over spell with the second new ball. Matthew Wade and Tom Rogers saw Tasmania through to stumps without any further damage.

Manchester United are closing in on what looks to be their final transfer of the summer window, with Erik ten Hag creating a framework to build on last season's exploits.

What's the latest on Sofyan Amrabat to Manchester United?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are finally securing the services of Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, with the 27-year-old "on his way to Manchester shortly" to complete a medical.

The Fiorentina ace, who is joining on an initial loan deal with a 25m (£21m) buy option, has been of a vested interest to the Premier League outfit all summer, and they now look set to seal a deal at the final stage.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

With fears of a deal stagnating, United director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves flew to Italy earlier today to finalise a deal, and it now looks like he has succeeded.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

The Red Devils have been tracking the pass-proficient midfielder after his stunning performances with his nation at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he starred as the fulcrum of Morocco's fourth-placed finish.

Having been hailed for his “masterclass” of a performance against Spain in the last-16, the £32k-per-week powerhouse cemented his name as one of Europe's first-class midfielders with his international escapades, and his sustained performances with his Italian outfit Fiorentina have affirmed to Manchester United the decision they are making is the correct one.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 1 machine 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.

He has also been lauded for his "defensive instinct" by pundit Joe Cole, and very much looks the high-octane force the Old Trafford side covet to enhance the club's fluidity and cohesion in the engine room.

With such iron-clad protection in the centre through his defensive application and the assurance that a superlative passing presence will keep the play ticking in metronomic style, Red Devils captain and chief playmaker Bruno Fernandes could take his prolific game to the next level.

Hailed as a creative "genius" by journalist Muhammad Butt, Fernandes has posted 65 goals and 55 assists from just 188 outings for United since joining from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £47m in January 2020.

The £240k-per-week star ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for passes attempted and the top 3% for progressive passes per 90, and Amrabats' supplementation and presence in the deep-lying role would allow the Portugual star to maintain this and then some.

The fact that Fernandes also ranks among the top 11% for tackles and the top 7% for clearances per 90 underscores his own defensive work rate and tenacity, which would allow Amrabat to implement his game on English shores and perhaps be the foundation of a stunning new midfield partnership at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ten Hag must ensure that an unthinkable late slip does not occur as Manchester United home in on Amrabat, with the midfield "monster" – as said by reporter Carlo Garganese – just what the Premier League club needs to close the gap on those at the top of the league ladder.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

According to the Daily Mail, Brendan Rodgers is eyeing up a swoop to sign Manchester City central midfielder James McAtee before next month's deadline.

The report claims that the Hoops are one of a number of clubs interested in signing the England U21 international, although it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to do a permanent or loan deal for his services.

It states that City are currently reluctant to move him on after his impressive spell on loan from Sheffield United but the likes of AZ Alkmaar, Brighton, Wolves, and Southampton are all pushing for a transfer.

How good is James McAtee?

The 20-year-old maestro is a goalscoring central midfielder who could be a menace to opposition defences with his ability to arrive late into the box to find the back of the net, which could make him a terrific partner for David Turnbull.

McAtee spent last term on loan with Sheffield United in the English Championship and showcased his ability to score goals on a regular basis from midfield as he produced nine strikes in just 21 starts for the Blades on their way to promotion to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, no Celtic midfielder managed more than six league goals last season and Reo Hatate (six) was the only player in that area of the pitch who scored more than four.

This suggests that the English youngster could provide Rodgers with a greater goal threat from central positions, which could also be the case with the revival of Turnbull this year.

The Scotland international caught the eye on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership with two goals in the 4-2 win over Ross County.

This came after the 24-year-old gem was surprisingly only handed six league starts by Ange Postecoglou throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Prior to the Australian head coach's arrival at Parkhead, Turnbull plundered nine goals in 30 top-flight starts under Neil Lennon during the 2020/21 season and his display on Saturday suggests that Rodgers could be set to revive that form this year.

Therefore, the former Motherwell star and McAtee could form an exciting pairing in midfield for the Hoops as they both have the potential to offer the sort of goal threat that Postecoglou's midfielders failed to provide last term.

The £10k-per-week loanee's form for the Blades was not a flash in the pan as he displayed similar goalscoring qualities throughout his academy days.

He racked up 27 goals in 52 matches for his current club's U21 side and that came after an impressive 15 goals in 34 U18 outings for Man City, which shows that the talented dynamo has been a regular scorer at various age groups and now at senior level.

Therefore, the superb talent, who was once described as "electric" by scout Jacek Kulig, could be a fantastic option for Rodgers to call upon either alongside Turnbull to strike fear into opposition defences or as competition for the Scotland international this season.

West Ham United have agreed a deal to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, Fabrizio Romano reports.

What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?

The Hammers and David Moyes have been quiet in the transfer market when it comes to incomings, however, there have been a number of departures ahead of the new Premier League season.

In total, the club have brought in around £135m in player sales, with Declan Rice, Gianluca Scamacca, Nikola Vlasic and Arthur Masuaku all leaving for Arsenal, Atalanta, Torino and Besiktas respectively.

Attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini has also left after his contract expired, so it could be an extremely busy month when it comes to arrivals ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The first new player who is set to join up with Moyes’ squad is Ajax holding midfielder Edson Alvarez in a deal worth £35m, and the club could soon splash the cash on another new signing in Maguire.

An opening £20m offer was turned down by Man United towards the end of July, but it appears as if a deal close to £40m may soon be agreed.

Football Insider shared an update regarding Maguire’s future on Tuesday afternoon, claiming that the Hammers are close to agreeing a fee for the 30-year-old.

Romano has now shared a new development, claiming that a £30m agreement in principle has been reached between the two clubs for Maguire.

"West Ham have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United for Harry Maguire on £30m fee. The verbal agreement is subject to final, key points on deal structure still under discussion but fee now agreed, as per Sky. Personal terms, to be discussed soon."

How much money is Harry Maguire earning?

Maguire, currently on £200,000-a-week, made the move to Old Trafford from Leicester City back in 2019 and has made 175 appearances for the Red Devils.

The 30-year-old fell out of favour under Erik ten Hag last season, though, turning out on just 16 occasions in the Premier League. He has also been stripped of the United captaincy this summer, with Bruno Fernandes taking over the role.

Therefore, a move away could be just what Maguire needs, and he could prove to be a smart signing at the London Stadium. United teammate Luke Shaw spoke out about the criticism the central defender has faced in recent years but hailed him as an “unbelievable player”.

“I will be honest, it is a tough period at the moment. Of course Harry is an amazing player, an amazing character. He has taken a lot of stick, probably more than I have ever seen before in football but he never hides away, he is always there.

“You can have people that can hide away and not want to be in the spotlight but he keeps putting himself in the spotlight and it shows the strength and character he has got because, come on, everyone knows that he is an unbelievable player.”

Moyes currently has four centre-back options in Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Thilo Kehrer and Angelo Ogbonna, but with the latter of the four now 35 and into the final 12 months of his contract, signing Maguire may turn out to be a smart deal, especially with European football once again on offer at the London Stadium.

Allrounder Chris Morris is also unavailable for the entire Test series and is only likely to return for the T20s in late October

Firdose Moonda19-Sep-2017Fast bowler Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh as he continues to recover from a lower back niggle sustained during the England series this winter. Allrounder Chris Morris is unavailable for the entire Test series and is only likely to return for the T20s in late October. Seamer Lungi Ngidi, who had a lumbar fracture, may also make a return in that series. However, there is no set timeline for Dale Steyn’s comeback, although the T20 Global League in November could be on his radar.In Philander and Morris’ absence, South Africa will likely field a Test attack comprising Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier with Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo and Beuran Hendricks all awaiting their chance. The Test squad will be announced towards the end of the opening round of first-class matches, which begins on Tuesday.”We’ve had a number of challenges on the fast bowling front,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, who is also a medical doctor, said. “The first to chat about is Vernon Philander. During the Test series in England, he dived for a ball and injured his lower back. His progress has been coming along well but he is only bowling at 80% capacity currently. The plan for him is to prepare for the four day match against the Cobras beginning on 28 September. Should he come through that, he should be available for the second Test against Bangladesh. At the moment, he is only building up to full intensity so we are not going to risk him to play during the first Test.”Philander’s fitness has become a concern, especially after he came under severe criticism from former captain Graeme Smith during the England series. Smith warned Philander that unless he works more on conditioning, his career was at risk of fading away.Morris’ injury, also a back niggle, requires at least 10 weeks of recovery time. Moosajee is hopeful Morris will be available to play a franchise match in mid-October. “If he is symptom free he might be available for the Bangladesh ODI series but the T20 series is more of a reality,” he said.Ngidi suffered a much more serious problem when he sustained a fracture on the South African A tour of England but has come through well. “He is now in his final stages of rehab,” Moosajee said. Ngidi will also target a mid-October return to be able to make himself available for the latter part of the Bangladesh series.But Bangladesh will not have to worry about facing Steyn. He has been all but ruled out of the entire tour after another delay in his long-awaited return. Steyn had been out of action since November last year when he broke a bone in his shoulder. It appears the earliest he could come back is November, to play for the Cape Town Knight Riders in the inaugural T20 Global League.”For the past six weeks, the plan was very much to have him ready to start the four-day Sunfoil match for the Titans starting today but unfortunately last week he developed a strain to the muscle in his troublesome right shoulder,” Moosajee said. “We are not going to set an artificial timeline for Dale Steyn. The plan right now is to get him ready for competitive cricket when he is ready and we are hoping that it will be a slow and graduated return to full intensity bowling. In reality the target will only be the Global T20 in November.”Steyn, who needs five wickets to overtake Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker, has stated his intention to try to play for another two to three years.Although not in the Test frame, Wayne Parnell was also forced to miss Cobras’ first-class opener after sustaining a groin strain during the weekend.Moosajee reiterated that with South Africa’s long summer ahead, player management will be key. “We need to look at the volume of cricket, there is too much cricket taking place for some of these fast bowlers. Maybe we need to wrap some of them up in cotton wool,” he said. “The plan is to get them rehabilitated and when that happens, the focus will be to control the volume of cricket that they play and the different formats that they play.”

Zimbabwe seem confident about beating Sri Lanka in their backyard for the first time in Tests, but new captain Dinesh Chandimal won’t easily let that happen

Andrew Fidel Fernando13-Jul-2017Match facts July 14-18, 2017
Start time 1000 local (0430 GMT)Big pictureWhen last these teams met, Zimbabwe almost survived in the first game, but were rolled over in the second, taking Sri Lanka’s Test-match winning streak to five. The world has changed dramatically since. Heading into this match at Khettarama, the hosts have a new captain, and new-ish head coach, and a startling dearth of confidence. As was the case with the ODI series, this spells opportunity for Zimbabwe.Opportunity, because Sri Lanka will have only three days to recover from one of the most dispiriting losses in their recent history. Opportunity, because Zimbabwe, though they haven’t played Tests since last November, have batsmen in form, a better set of fielders (on recent evidence), and are clearly the happier outfit in this tour.The real test will be for Zimbabwe’s bowlers. Though they triumphed in the ODIs, they took only 24 wickets compared to Sri Lanka’s 35, and never bowled the opposition out. Also, in last year’s Tests in Harare, Sri Lanka had scored 500 in each first innings, and controlled both matches from virtually the first day onwards. Graeme Cremer and his cohort of allrounders offer Zimbabwe a serviceable spin-bowling contingent, but the fast bowlers such as Tendai Chatara may have to contribute with early wickets – and he often did in the ODIs – to give their side a chance.In addition to adjusting to a new leader, Sri Lanka may also do well to rediscover the old, infectious joy that once defined their cricket, but has been in short supply in recent months.That SLC thought this would be a walkover tour is reflected in the packed schedule – three ODIs and a Test will be played in the space of 13 days. The reality is that Sri Lanka find themselves scrambling to avoid slipping on another banana skin, while Zimbabwe smell their first potential upset since 2013, when they defeated Pakistan at home.Form guideSri Lanka LWLLL (completed matches, most recent first)
Zimbabwe LLLLThe triumph in the one-day series has put Zimbabwe in a good frame of mind•AFPIn the spotlightWhile in ODIs, Dinesh Chandimal’s form has been patchy, in Tests, he has been a markedly improved batsman. While once a flasher only capable of playing at a rapid tempo, Chandimal’s two most-recent hundreds – against Australia at the SSC and against Bangladesh at P Sara – were hard fought and wrung out of difficult circumstances. It is partly that new determination that has seen him promoted to the captaincy now, and a quality he will require plenty of in this Test, as he attempts to inspire a team in significant flux.On the opposite side, stands Graeme Cremer who in the ODIs made confident statements before the deciding game, then backed it up with brave performances with bat and ball. Whether Zimbabwe will have a realistic chance of victory at Khettarama may pivot upon the quality of his legspin. The pitch may provide assistance to the quicks to begin with, but usually holds its greatest rewards for the slow bowlers. Cremer has also had success against Sri Lanka in Tests, taking 11 wickets in that series last year.Team newsSri Lanka have decisions to make on the bowling front. Rangana Herath is certain to play, and Suranga Lakmal is likely. Lahiru Kumara may be the preferred second seamer, but it is unclear whether they will favour the experience of Dilruwan Perera for the role of second spinner, or if they will go with the more aggressive Lakshan Sandakan.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Dimuth Karunaratne, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (capt.), 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Asela Gunaratne, 7 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8 Dilruwan Perera, 9 Rangana Herath, 10 Suranga Lakmal, 11 Lahiru KumaraZimbabwe are likely to choose Chatara in their attack, given his success in the ODIs. Sikandar Raza may also earn a place in the XI on form. Perhaps to Sri Lanka’s relief, Solomon Mire is not in the Test side. Regis Chakabva may partner Hamilton Masakadza at the top of the order, and it is possible Tarisai Musakanda will debut, at No. 3.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Regis Chakabva, 2 Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Tarisai Musakanda, 4 Craig Ervine, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Malcolm Waller, 8 Peter Moor (wk), 9 Graeme Cremer (capt.), 10 Tendai Chatara, 11 Donald TiripanoPitch and conditionsThere was a light cover of grass on the pitch on the eve of the match, which suggests there will be assistance for the seamers early on. However, rare is the Khettarama surface that doesn’t become spin-friendly eventually. There have been periodic showers in Colombo over the past week, and more of the same is expected during the Test.Stats and trivia Dinesh Chandimal becomes Sri Lanka’s 15th Test captain. In the past, he has led Sri Lanka’s limited-overs teams, as well as captaining the Under-19 side in his senior school year. This is Zimbabwe’s first Test in Sri Lanka since January 2002. In 17 Tests between the two sides, Zimbabwe have lost 12 without ever winning a game. This is Zimbabwe’s first away Test since 2014, when they had lost 0-2 in Bangladesh. Quotes”More than anything, we have the self-belief that we can actually push Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, which is big for us. We have the potential to score the runs as well as take wickets. Confidence is what we will take into the Test match most.””As a player and a captain I will sacrifice my time and my effort to make sure Sri Lanka reclaims a good place in world cricket. I need a little time for that. I am hopeful that with the players that I have, I can take Sri Lankan cricket to where it used to be.”

كشف الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف” عن مواعيد مباريات دور نصف نهائي بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية للموسم الحالي 2024.

وتأهل إلى دور نصف نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية، الزمالك (مصر)، نهضة بركان (المغرب)، اتحاد العاصمة (الجزائر)، دريمز (غانا).

الزمالك كان تأهل إلى دور نصف النهائي على حساب فيوتشر بعد الفوز عليه في مباراة الذهاب 2-1، وتعادل 1-1 في لقاء العودة ضمن مواجهات دور ربع النهائي للبطولة الإفريقية.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع فريق دريمز، في دور نصف النهائي، وذلك بعدما تخطى الفريق الغاني عقبة الملعب المالي بنتيجة 3-2 في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب.

وفي نصف النهائي الثاني لبطولة الكونفدرالية، يلتقي اتحاد العاصمة مع نهضة بركان المغربي في ديربي عربي خالص.

طالع | أول تحرك رسمي من لجنة الحكام بعد الاعتداء على محمد معروف في مباراة أبو سليم ونهضة بركان مواعيد نصف نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية 2024موعد مباراة الزمالك ودريمز الغاني في ذهاب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية

تقام مباراة الزمالك ودريمز في ذهاب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية على ملعب استاد القاهرة، يوم الأحد الموافق 21 أبريل 2024، في تمام الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة. موعد مباراة الزمالك ودريمز الغاني في إياب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية

تقام مباراة الزمالك ودريمز في إياب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية في غانا، يوم الأحد الموافق 28 أبريل 2024، في تمام الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة. موعد مباراة اتحاد العاصمة ونهضة بركان في نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية

تقام مباراة الذهاب بين اتحاد العاصمة ونهضة بركان في نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية، في الجزائر يوم الأحد الموافق 21 أبريل في تمام الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، على أن يكون لقاء العودة في المغرب يوم 28 أبريل في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

Either Shakib Al Hasan or Trent Boult is likely to replace the Australia fast bowler as Kolkata Knight Riders look to reclaim the top spot

The Preview by Sreshth Shah25-Apr-2017Match factsRising Pune Supergiant v Kolkata Knight Riders
Pune, April 26, 2017
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)3:56

Hogg: Tahir at his best with old ball

Form guide

Rising Pune Supergiant (fourth): defeated Mumbai Indians by three runs, defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets, defeated RCB by 27 runs

Kolkata Knight Riders (second): defeated RCB by 82 runs, lost to Gujarat Lions by four wickets, defeated Delhi Daredevils by four wickets

Head to headOverallKolkata Knight Riders chased 66 (D/L adjusted target) and 161 to win both at home and away against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016.In the newsKnight Riders will be without Nathan Coulter-Nile, who in their previous game took three wickets to bowl Royal Challengers Bangalore out for 49, which is the lowest total in IPL history. The 29-year old seamer has not travelled with the team to Pune, with captain Gautam Gambhir citing workload management as the reason.Coulter-Nile’s absence means either Shakib Al Hasan or Trent Boult could return to the team. Colin de Grandhomme hasn’t fired with the bat but his three-wicket haul on Sunday has boosted his chances of retaining his place.The likely XIsRising Pune Supergiant 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Rahul Tripathi, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Ben Stokes, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Manoj Tiwary, 7 Dan Christian, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Shardul Thakur, 10 Imran Tahir, 11 Jaydev UnadkatKolkata Knight Riders 1 Gautam Gambhir (capt), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Robin Uthappa (wk), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Yusuf Pathan 6 Suryakumar Yadav, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Trent Boult/Shakib Al Hasan, 11 Kuldeep YadavStrategy Punt Overall in the IPL, Sunil Narine smashes spin at a strike-rate of 233 but pace at only 126. But this season, with his promotion to opener, he has smashed fast bowlers for 93 runs off 53 deliveries. So perhaps there is a case for Rising Pune to take pace off the ball and use Imran Tahir or Washington Sundar against him.Stats that matter MS Dhoni has struggled against Sunil Narine in T20s. He has managed only 27 runs off 54 balls. Manoj Tiwary has scored 139 runs off 82 balls, at a strike-rate of 167.07. He has been dismissed only three times in his last nine T20 innings, and has been hitting a boundary every four balls. Ajinkya Rahane has smashed Umesh Yadav for 54 runs in 38 balls without ever being dismissed in the IPL. Knight Riders have taken 28 wickets between overs 7 and 15, ten more than their closest rivals Sunrisers Hyderabad. Six KKR bowlers have taken three or more wickets during the middle overs, with Woakes’ tally of six being the highest. KKR’s quicks have been the most productive in the league. They have taken 34 wickets at an average of 19.82. On the other hand, Rising Pune’s seamers have managed only 24 wickets at an average of 32.54. Spinners have been more effective than seamers at MCA stadium this season. They have given away only 6.97 runs per over, taking a wicket every 19.42 runs. Seamers have leaked 9.50 runs an over, taking a wicket every 42.61 runs.