Anfield erupted. It really did. That was the performance Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been searching for this season, with Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header putting Real Madrid to the sword in the Champions League.

Real Madrid were overwhelmed, enervated, reduced to mincemeat in a similar fashion to last season’s win over the La Liga giants, and it could have been a wider, more sobering margin for Europe’s biggest hitters, but for a strong performance from Thiabaut Courtois between the posts.

The win over Aston Villa in the Premier League at the weekend stopped the rot, ended the four-game losing run, but this was a display of a different nature, the Reds going from strength to strength and reminding Europe of their prowess.

There have been many issues and imbalances within Slot’s squad this season, but this was an emphatic performance, outstanding from every department, both in possession and against the ball.

Epitomising this mini-revival on Merseyside, of course, was Conor Bradley.

Bradley proves too much for Real (again)

Not for the first time over the past year, Bradley came up trumps against Real Madrid’s devastating frontline, this time focusing his sights on Vinicius Junior, who was ineffective all evening against the Northern Irish star.

Content creator George Scaife remarked that he had “the game of his life” against Los Blancos, winning all three of his tackles, winning eight duels and recovering so many balls.

With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined with an injury, the 22-year-old has a real chance to kick on now and nail down a starting berth after a shaky start to the campaign which has presented him as unsure and somewhat unfit at times.

There have been times when Bradley’s place in the Liverpool side has been called into question, but he has the ability to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made an unsuccessful return to Anfield on Tuesday, in the long run.

However, there’s another star who has become their main man, having looked endangered in the starting line-up after the summer spending spree.

Liverpool star is becoming one of world's best

There’s no question that Liverpool have been woefully out of sorts this season, but Dominik Szoboszlai has been a pillar of strength throughout the opening months.

Effortlessly good as an all-action midfielder and tenacious and industrious in a makeshift right-back berth, Szoboszlai’s energy and enterprise on the ball have been second to none, and he has been hailed as “our most important player” by one prominent Reds fan, also admitting that he “would be one of the ones to drop out of the XI” after a summer of spending that saw Florian Wirtz signed for a record-breaking £116m fee.

But the Hungary skipper has been nothing short of sensational, and he was once again the star of the show, peppering the Real Madrid goal and assisting the winner with a delightful set-piece delivery.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

1

Touches

54

Shots (on target)

5 (4)

Accurate passes

30/39 (77%)

Chances created

3

Crosses

3/3

Interceptions

1

Recoveries

6

Duels won

2/9

The Liverpool Echo saw it fit to hand the 24-year-old a 9/10 match rating, ahead, even, of the goalscoring Mac Allister, producing a masterful creative display and working overtime to overwhelm the Spanish midfield.

While the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk continue to stand proud as the leaders in Slot’s squad, there’s little question that Szoboszlai is outplaying the lot this term, and as the Reds click into gear, raising their collective level, Szoboszlai could hit staggering individual heights.

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Liverpool have a shrewd solution to one of their biggest problems this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 30, 2025

Celtic booked their place in the Premier Sports Cup final over the weekend against Rangers and did so in style, and the club have now made their intentions known regarding the future of interim boss Martin O’Neill, who has already said “yes” to the permanent job.

One week is a long time in football, and many Hoops supporters could be forgiven for believing that they are caught up in some form of fever dream amid surprising recent events.

Brendan Rodgers’ departure from Celtic in the lead-up to a pivotal double-header against Falkirk and their city rivals was enough to send people into a frenzy, never mind when former boss O’Neill was drafted on a temporary basis alongside Shaun Maloney.

However, the former Republic of Ireland boss has completely changed the outlook of his side, who stuck four past the Bairns in his opening Scottish Premiership match in charge.

Nevertheless, the Glasgow Derby was always going to be the main test of his managerial capabilities, and one that the 73-year-old passed with flying colours after Celtic defeated Rangers in strong fashion to progress to the Premier Sports Cup final.

While Kieran McKenna, Craig Bellamy and Nicky Hayen all remain in contention, Kilrea native O’Neill made it clear that he would be open to an extended period in charge of the Bhoys if the opportunity was available.

He said when pressed on the subject while live on Premier Sports: “The very obvious answer would be: yes (open to extended stay).

“I would do. But I genuinely don’t know what to expect.

“When I saw the games they had and then the international break, I thought they’ll have a couple of weeks to think about it. I haven’t even spoken to him since that. In a perverse sort of way I’ve enjoyed the two games – but not a lot.”

With O’Neill’s feelings now clear, Celtic’s stance on his future has come to light in the hours after their much-needed victory over Rangers at Hampden.

Celtic edging closer to appointing Martin O'Neill

According to Football Insider, O’Neill is edging closer to becoming the permanent Celtic manager after his side swept aside Rangers, something that has ‘strengthened’ his chances of succeeding Rodgers.

The report indicates that the Irishman is attracted to taking on the reigns until the end of the season. Nevertheless, the Bhoys’ upcoming results against FC Midtjylland and Kilmarnock will determine their next course of action.

Martin O’Neill’s all-time record at Celtic
Wins	202
Draws	26
Losses	40

Of course, having led Celtic to seven trophies between 2000 and 2005 and their famous run to the UEFA Cup final in Seville, his credentials cannot be questioned. Still, the club’s hierarchy are very much doing their due diligence elsewhere.

St Mirren await in the Premier Sports Cup final and the lure of potentially picking up another piece of silverware is something O’Neill could find hard to ignore.

Celtic could still make a shock move to appoint a different former manager

Ultimately, Dermot Desmond will have the final say, but an extended period in charge after a blistering start to life back in the Celtic dugout may be the sensible solution at Parkhead if top candidates prove unattainable.

قام آندي روبرتسون، نجم نادي ليفربول، بتذكر زميله السابق في الريدز وذلك عقب تأهل منتخب اسكتلندا إلى منافسات كأس العالم العام المقبل في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.

اسكتلندا استطاعت بلوغ نهائيات كأس العالم لأول مرة منذ عام 1998، وذلك عقب تحقيقها لانتصار مثير على حساب الدنمارك بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدفين، أمس الثلاثاء، ضمن تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى المسابقة.

ولم يستطع روبرتسون الاحتفال بتأهل اسكتلندا إلى كأس العالم دون تذكر زميله السابق في ليفربول والراحل عن عالمنا ديوجو جوتا، والذي توفي في وقت سابق من العام الحالي.

جوتا توفي خلال شهر يوليو الماضي عن عمر يناهز ال28 عامًا، وذلك بعدما تعرض إلى حادث سير مروع.

واعترف روبرتسون في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة أبولا البرتغالية، أنه قد تحدث مع جوتا من قبل عن حلمه باللعب في بطولة كأس العالم قبل نهاية مسيرته الكروية.

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وقال روبرتسون: ”التأهل إلى كأس العالم أمر مختلف عن إنجازاتي مع ليفربول، أشعر بالعاطفة، بالنظر لعمري هذه فرصتي الأخيرة للعب في كأس العالم”.

وعن جوتا أضاف الظهير الأيسر في حديثه: “لم أستطع نسيان صديقي ديوجو جوتا حيث تحدثنا كثيرًا عن الذهاب إلى كأس العالم، غاب عن كأس العالم في قطر بسبب الإصابة، أما أنا فقد غبت عن البطولة لأن اسكتلندا لم تتأهل أبدًا”.

واختتم روبرتسون: ”كنا نتحدث دائمًا عن شعور الذهاب إلى كأس العالم، أعلم أنك في مكان ما تبتسم لي اليوم وأنا سعيد جدًا لأن الأمر انتهى هكذا”.

It would be fair to say that this season is going about as well as any Arsenal fan could’ve hoped for back in the summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side are three for three in the Champions League without conceding a goal and currently sit atop the Premier League, seven points ahead of defending champions Liverpool.

However, the North Londoners have to shift their focus from the major competitions ahead of their League Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night.

The Gunners must do better in the domestic cups this season, but even so, Arteta should look to replace Declan Rice in the lineup with another international star.

Changes Arteta should make to the team

While this isn’t a game Arteta should take lightly, it is nowhere near as important as the league, and therefore, with the squad he has at his disposal, he should be looking to make some changes.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Starting in goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga should be given another start, and to ensure William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are given a rest, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie should start together for the first time.

Likewise, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are in need of a rest, and in their place, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ben White should come back into the side.

At the base of midfield, Martin Zubimendi should be replaced by fellow summer signing Christian Nørgaard, and while there is an argument to also rest Eberechi Eze, it might be good for him to stay in the team following his goal on the weekend.

Moreover, by keeping the former Crystal Palace star in the lineup, Arteta can start Ethan Nwaneri on the right in place of Bukayo Saka, who was reportedly unwell against the Eagles, and therefore shouldn’t be anywhere near the team on Wednesday.

Finally, injuries once again leave the manager with few options when it comes to changing the striker and left-wing setup.

For example, while it would be great to hand Viktor Gyokeres a rest, the fact that Gabriel Martinelli is now out means he’s unlikely to get one.

This is because Leandro Trossard will now have to stay out wide instead of starting down the middle.

With all that said, there is one more regular starter who should be replaced: Rice.

The Arsenal star who should replace Rice

Like many of the other stars in the team, Arteta simply must drop Rice to the bench for the game against Brighton on Wednesday for a couple of reasons.

First of all, he just needs a rest as he’s already played 937 minutes of football for Arsenal this season, and he came off with a slight knock on the weekend.

Second, his importance to the side is massive, as on top of everything he does in open play, his deliveries are also one of the main reasons the team have been so utterly incredible at set-pieces.

With that said, who should come in to replace him?

Well, with Norgaad replacing Zubimendi and Eze potentially keeping his place in the team, the most obvious and best option would be Mikel Merino.

The Spanish international might be just a step below the former West Ham United captain, but he remains a top-level midfielder and someone who is capable of impacting the game in all phases of play.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won, the top 2% for non-penalty goals and touches in the opposition’s penalty area, the top 11% for through ball and more, all per 90.

Average Shot Distance

11.10

Top 1%

SCA (Shot)

0.39

Top 1%

Aerials Won

3.08

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.32

Top 2%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.92

Top 2%

Goals

0.32

Top 3%

Goals + Assists

0.49

Top 3%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.24

Top 3%

Shots on Target

0.74

Top 3%

GCA (Shot)

0.07

Top 3%

xG: Expected Goals

0.24

Top 5%

npxG + xAG

0.35

Top 6%

Goals – xG

+0.08

Top 6%

Goals/Shot

0.17

Top 7%

Non-Penalty Goals – npxG

+0.08

Top 7%

Progressive Passes Rec

4.52

Top 8%

Shots Total

1.82

Top 8%

npxG/Shot

0.13

Top 8%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.56

Top 8%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.04

Top 8%

Shots on Target %

40.4%

Top 11%

Through Balls

0.42

Top 11%

Moreover, he has also transformed into a lean, mean goalscoring machine for club and country this year.

Since the start of 2025, he has scored nine goals and provided three assists for the Gunners.

On top of that, the 6 foot 2 titan has scored eight goals and provided one assist for Spain this year, which is a run of form that has seen his manager, Luis de la Fuente, claim he is “on the same level as Pedri and Rodri.”

Ultimately, Merino has proven himself to be an excellent player in most areas of the pitch, and therefore, he should be the one to come in for Rice against Brighton.

Arteta's £120k-p/w "wild horse" looks like this season's Timber at Arsenal

Just like Timber, the international monster is having an incredible season at Arsenal this year.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 28, 2025

All the runners and riders in Group B of the county 50-over competition, which returns this week

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-Aug-2025The Metro Bank One-Day Cup returns this week, with Glamorgan defending the title they won at Trent Bridge in 2025. Here are the runners and riders in Group B:DurhamPreviewed by Graham HardcastleCaptain: Alex Lees
2024 Position: Fifth (Group A)
2024 Most Runs: Colin Ackermann (316)
2024 Most Wickets: Paul Coughlin (12)Why they can win the competition: Durham are coming off the back of an excellent Vitality Blast campaign, which saw them finish second in the North Group. They were 50-over finalists in 2021 and will be desperate to win their first white-ball title since 2014 when they won a previous incarnation of this competition. Their squad is well balanced and hasn’t been ravaged by the Hundred.Player to watch: Ollie Robinson, the 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, hasn’t played in this competition since 2022 due to Hundred commitments. That season, he won the title as a Kent player. He scored a career-best 206 not out during that particular campaign. This season, he’s available to his county and is likely to be a linchpin of their top order.Young gun: Wicketkeeper-batter Haydon Mustard, 19, is set for his first first-team exposure of 2025 in this competition. An ever-present last year in the lower middle order, the former England U19 posted a top-score of 35. He even hit a six in a match against Lancashire at Sedbergh which was caught in the crowd by his dad, Phil.Final thought: South African overseas quick Codi Yusuf is available for this competition. He represented the county in the Rothesay County Championship during the first half of the summer before heading off to Zimbabwe in late June and early July to make his Test debut for the Proteas, taking the new ball and claiming 10 wickets in a 2-0 series victory. He returned to the Riverside on a deal until the end of the season and will add significant firepower to Durham’s bowling attack. Kent- ECB Reporters Network supported by RothesayCaptain: Grant Stewart and Harry Finch
2024 Position: Seventh (Group A)
2024 Most Runs: Jack Leaning (262)
2024 Most Wickets: Matt Parkinson (12)Why they can win the competition: Only three first-teamers are playing in The Hundred and the white-ball squad looks significantly stronger than the red. Kent won this competition as recently as 2022 and six of the team that surprised a full-strength Lancashire in that final are still with the club, although whether the Warwickshire-bound Nathan Gilchrist will be selected is uncertain.Player to watch: Harry Finch keeps on reinventing himself. A player who openly admits he wasted the first part of his career with Sussex, he got a second chance at Kent, taught himself to keep wicket and this year has starred at both number three and as an opener in the Vitality Blast. Asked what he’d try his hand at next, he replied: “football”.Young gun: Orpington-born, batting all-rounder Ekansh Singh has broken into the Rothesay County Championship side this season and recently starred for the England Men U19s, making a century in the second Youth Test at Chelmsford. The 19-year-old also went to school in Tonbridge, a town that’s nurtured talent including Colin Blythe, Colin Cowdrey and Ed Smith.Final thought: Politics derailed Kent’s 2024 campaign – Ben Compton was sidelined, reportedly due to his contract situation, and Kent sorely missed his ability to pace an innings, as a bowler-heavy line-up threw away a chance of qualification. This time round the business has been done early, with Compton and Joey Evison, player-of-the-match in the 2022 final, both signing new deals while leg-spinning all-rounder Mohammed Rizvi has been signed after impressing with the 2nd XI.Josh Bohannon whips off his pads through square leg•MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesLancashireCaptain: Marcus Harris
2024 Position: Ninth (Group A)
2024 Most Runs: Josh Bohannon (274)
2024 Most Wickets: Charlie Barnard (8)Why they can win the competition: As mixed as their performances have been in the Rothesay County Championship this summer, Lancashire were excellent in the Vitality Blast, finishing top of the North Group and qualifying for the quarter-finals. If they can transfer that momentum into 50-over cricket, they will have a chance. But their senior players have to be better in this competition than they were last year.Player to watch: Josh Bohannon is Lancashire’s linchpin batter in this format and has been their leading run-scorer in the past two campaigns, scoring a century in each of them. Former England Lions captain Bohannon is likely to bat at number three with the aim of batting through the innings and cashing in at the end.Young gun: Left-arm spinner Charlie Barnard led the way for the Red Rose in last season’s competition with eight wickets and impressed hugely on their pre-season tour of India. A wily spinner, an old head on young shoulders type, the 20-year-old took four wickets in three Vitality Blast matches in late May and early June and should be front and centre over the next month.Final thought: Lancashire, bottom of the pile last year, have not won a major List A title in more than a quarter of a century but came close in this competition in 2022 when they were beaten by Kent in a Trent Bridge final. Australian overseas batter Marcus Harris will captain the Red Rose, with Keaton Jennings and Sir James Anderson both having been selected in The Hundred. They have also signed emerging batting all-rounder Arav Shetty until the end of the season.MiddlesexCaptain: Ben Geddes
2024 Position: Sixth (Group A)
2024 Most Runs: Joe Cracknell (306)
2024 Most Wickets: Luke Hollman (12)Why they can win the competition: One cause for optimism should certainly be the depth of Middlesex’s pace attack. Ireland left-armer Josh Little will bring plenty of international white-ball experience to the table, supported by a clutch of exciting young talents such as Noah Cornwell, Naavya Sharma, Sebastian Morgan and Jamie Feldman – all under 21 and hungry to impress.Player to watch: Ben Geddes. The 24-year-old has performed well in both four-day and T20 formats since his winter move across the Thames from Surrey, can bat anywhere from one to seven and has earned his captaincy opportunity. With many top-order regulars involved in The Hundred, the 50-over tournament should provide further opportunities for Geddes to shine.Young gun: Naavya Sharma. The pacy 19-year-old was leading wicket-taker for England Under-19s in their Test series against Sri Lanka last summer and Middlesex were unafraid to pitch him in at the deep end for their County Championship campaign this year. Sharma bowled consistently, repaying the club’s faith by claiming six wickets in their innings victory over previously undefeated Leicestershire.Final thought: Middlesex are notoriously slow out of the blocks in this tournament, having failed to win their opening fixture since 2019 – a year that also brought the county’s most recent appearance in the knockout stages.Despite losing spinner Zafar Gohar to injury, Middlesex’s bowling options look strong. The question may be whether they can put match-winning totals on the board – the likes of Sam Robson, Ben Geddes and Joe Cracknell may need to go big more often than not.Prithvi Shaw was Northamptonshire’s top run-scorer in 2024•MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesNorthamptonshireCaptain: Lewis McManus
2024 Position: Eighth (Group A)
2024 Most Runs: Prithvi Shaw (343)
2024 Most Wickets: Justin Broad (13)Why they can win the competition: Despite losing more players to The Hundred than ever before, Northamptonshire boast a strong squad who mounted an impressive challenge in the Vitality Blast. They are boosted by Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who has been in devastating form in the Rothesay County Championship and Tim Robinson, fresh from New Zealand’s recent white-ball tour of Zimbabwe.Player to watch: Last season’s leading wicket-taker, allrounder Justin Broad is firing with bat and ball, with back-to-back scores of 150 plus in the Championship during July.Young gun: After impressing in the Second XI and Academy, 17-year-old spinner Nirvan Ramesh recently signed a two-month rookie contract and was named in the squad for the recent Championship game against Derbyshire to give him more experience. Highly rated by the coaching staff he looks set to feature during the Metro Bank One Day Cup.Final thought: Northamptonshire need to channel the white-ball form that saw them open their T20 campaign with six straight wins. Even without key bowlers in Ben Sanderson and George Scrimshaw, Northamptonshire can call on a battery of seamers led by Broad and the experienced Luke Procter. The Steelbacks will also hope Kiwi international Robinson can help plug the run-scoring gap left by the prolific Saif Zaib on Hundred duty.SomersetCaptain: To be named
2024 Position: Finalists
2024 Most Runs: Andy Umeed (492)
2024 Most Wickets: Jack Leach (15)Why they can win the competition: The loss of eight players to The Hundred is less than last season when Somerset still finished runners-up in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, winning six of their eight group games and a semi-final against Leicestershire before losing a rain-affected final against Glamorgan. That was the third trophy to narrowly elude the team last summer and the bitter memory will strengthen resolve to go one better.Player to watch: Andy Umeed has flourished in the 50-over competition over the past two seasons, hitting three centuries in 2023 and another against Kent last year on his way topping Somerset’s One-Day Cup batting averages. Overlooked in other competitions this season, the 29-year-old Scot will be keen to reproduce the exciting form that launched his career with the club.Young gun: At the tender age of 17, Thomas Rew already boasts the fastest century for England Under-19s, made against India this summer, and looks set to follow elder brother James into the Somerset team on a regular basis, having made his debut in this season’s Vitality Blast. Long rated the club’s brightest prospect, the One Day Cup looks sure to showcase his special talent.Final thought: Even without the players on duty in The Hundred, Somerset have enough experience blended with exciting young talent to deservedly rank among the favourites for the One-Day Cup. Support for 50-over cricket remains strong at the Cooper Associates County Ground and the team are guaranteed fervent backing while looking to capitalise to the bat-friendly pitches at their home venue.SussexCaptain: John Simpson
2024 Position: Ninth (Group B)
2024 Most Runs: Tom Haines (326)
2024 Most Wickets: Henry Crocombe (10)Why they can win the competition: Sussex regard the Metro Bank One-Day Cup primarily as a development competition and the focus will again be on giving youngsters opportunities. Many will be better for the experience they had in 2024, even though they only won one game, and if they can make a good start they could make the knockout stages, as they did in 2022 with a similarly inexperienced team.Player to watch: Henry Crocombe was one of the stars of Sussex’s Vitality Blast campaign with 15 wickets in his nine games and he was their leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup last season. With his strong action, the 23-year-old is capable of bowling with serious heat and will relish his likely role as leader of the seam attack.Young gun: George Thomas has had few opportunities since his winter move from Somerset, but the opening batter offered glimpses of his potential when he broke into the Vitality Blast team. He made his maiden hundred in this competition last year for his former county and a run of games will offer the 21-year-old an opportunity he should relish.Final thought: Batting coach Grant Flower will be in charge for this competition, and it will be interesting to see his approach. Sussex only won one game last year, but they lost twice by one wicket and were competitive in most. John Simpson, who missed three games last year, will be captain for the tournament which is a welcome development. So is the return to Arundel which stages its first one-day game since 2013 against Kent as part of a four-day festival of cricket.Ed Barnard was a prolific performer for Warwickshire last year•Getty ImagesWarwickshireCaptain: Ed Barnard
2024 Position: Semi-finals
2024 Most Runs: Ed Barnard (433)
2024 Most Wickets: Ed Barnard (19)Why they can win the competition: Semi-finalists last season, Warwickshire have some talented young players who drive the team in this competition. A year on from the under-performance in the last four against Glamorgan at Cardiff, those emerging players are more experienced and better-equipped to handle the bigger, make-or-break games.Player to watch: Kai Smith. The wicketkeeper batter is pushing hard to become a regular in all formats. Solid behind the stumps, he bats with a freedom and power which can transform games. His unbeaten 130 from 104 balls against Worcestershire at Edgbaston in this competition last season was a scintillating exhibition of how to turn pressure back on the opposition.Young gun: Hamza Shaikh. Although only just turned 19, top-order batter Shaikh has some first-team cricket under his belt now in both first-class and 50-over formats. His 84 and 112 as captain of England Men U19s against India at Beckenham last month suggests he is ready to take the next step and deliver match-shaping innings for his county.Final thought: Ian Westwood’s first season as head coach at Edgbaston has contained some promising signs – Warwickshire have delivered some eye-catching Rothesay County Championship wins and qualification for the Vitality Blast quarter-finals. To lift the Metro Bank One-Day Cup would assure supporters that their side is settling again after the long period of transition since winning the 2021 County Championship – and also underline Ed Barnard’s credentials to be the next club captain.YorkshireCaptain: Dom Bess
2024 Position: Sixth (Group B)
2024 Most Runs: Will Luxton (247)
2024 Most Wickets: George Hill (17)Why they can win the competition: Added to Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid and Joe Root, Yorkshire have – as things stand – only got two other players away at the Hundred. They are Jafer Chohan and Jordan Thompson. They are determined to put right a failed Vitality Blast campaign which saw them win only five games and finish second bottom in the North Group.Player to watch: All-rounder George Hill, aged 24, is having a great summer, especially with his seamers. He has topped the 40-wicket mark in the Rothesay County Championship and has gained England Lions recognition. In the last few years in 50-over cricket, Hill has posted a score of 130 in the middle order and has returned a haul of 6-30 with the ball.Young gun: David Lloyd lives close to top-order batter Will Bennison’s club, Sheriff Hutton Bridge, and has watched lots of the 18-year-old. Bumble even announced Bennison’s maiden rookie professional contract on Yorkshire’s social media accounts last month, saying: “He’s the real deal”. Bennison loves to score runs in big chases. Expect to see him later in the competition, as Yorkshire start off with experience.Final thought: With Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan – Yorkshire’s Championship and T20 captains – away at The Hundred, spin-bowling all-rounder Dom Bess will lead Yorkshire’s pursuit of a first limited overs trophy since 2002. They beat Somerset in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy final that year when current head coach Anthony McGrath was in the team. The White Rose will have Pakistani top-order batter Imam-Ul-Haq available to them for the duration of the competition, and look well placed to have a crack at the title.

The Toronto Blue Jays have been among the finalists for a number of this year's top free agents, but have ultimately failed to make a marquee signing the franchise has longed for. That changed Monday.

The Blue Jays have agreed to a five-year contract with veteran outfielder Anthony Santander, pending a physical, according to multiple reports. ESPN's Jeff Passan indicates that Santander's deal with Toronto is worth upwards of $90 million.

Last year, Santander set career-highs with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs. His 44 homers trailed only Aaron Judge (58) and Shohei Ohtani (54) for the most in MLB. Santander boasted a .814 OPS and made the first All-Star Game of his career. The former Baltimore Orioles slugger is set to remain in the AL East and make the move north of the border.

Santander, 30, spent the first eight years of his career with the Orioles. He's hit 28 or more home runs in each of the last three seasons. He figures to provide more offensive prowess to a Blue Jays team that lacked power in 2024, having hit the fifth-fewest home runs (156) in MLB. Only the Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins had less.

It's spring training for everyone.

While pitchers tinker with new offerings and hitters try to find their swings again, the Milwaukee Brewers' sausage mascots are also trying to get their legs under them. That was evident Thursday afternoon during the Brewers' 12–5 win over the Kansas City Royals at American Family Fields of Phoenix.

In the middle of an at-bat, "Brat"—one of Milwaukee's five iconic sausage mascots—took a tumble behind home plate. Brat tripped over his own feet and faceplanted into the wall.

Ouch.

According to his bio on the team website, Brat's ankles are a known issue at American Family Field.

"Another downfall to Brat's performance is his trick ankles," the bio reads. "The years of basketball he played in his native Germany have proven to be somewhat detrimental in many races. As long as those ankles hold out, Brat will give anyone a good run for their money."

Those ankles did not hold out Thursday afternoon. But Brat and the Brewers are certainly hoping he'll find a winning stride by the time Opening Day rolls around on March 27.

An EFL expert has been left “pretty surprised” at a Southampton manager claim he has heard from St Mary’s.

Southampton manager latest on Tonda Eckert

After parting ways with Will Still at the beginning of November, Sport Republic have been on the hunt for a new permanent Saints boss.

However, no manager has arrived in the two weeks since Still’s sacking, with interim boss Tonda Eckert recording successive Championship wins over QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.

Eckert has already come in for praise from Southampton star Finn Azaz, and as time has gone on, there has been more speculation over the 32-year-old landing the job on a full-time basis.

There have been claims that Eckert is set to be given the Southampton job permanently, whereas reports elsewhere have claimed he will get the next three Championship fixtures to increase his chances of landing the role.

Southampton’s next 3 Championship fixtures

Date

Charlton Athletic vs Southampton

22nd November

Southampton vs Leicester City

25th November

Millwall vs Southampton

29th November

Meanwhile, Southampton fan pundit Ray Hunt stated that supporters “want to see an experienced manager” come in.

“Sport Republic have appointed five permanent mangers in their three full seasons in charge. During that period, they have overseen two relegations from the Premier League, and one promotion with their only success, Russell Martin, but failed to give him the tools needed to succeed in the top flight.

“Moving forward, fans will want to see an experienced manager, who’s widely respected with a clear structure. We cannot repeat mistakes from the past. It is a huge task they simply have to get right. Take your time, give Tonda time in that interim, but ultimately make the right decision. The fans won’t tolerate another failure.”

Sport Republic appointing Eckert on a full-time basis would get pundits and fans talking, and it has already done just that.

Expert reacts to Southampton claim on appointing Eckert

Reacting to reports of Southampton looking set to give Eckert the permanent job, EFL expert George Elek admitted to the Not The Top 20 Podcast that he would be “pretty surprised” if that materialises.

Eckert, who plays a 3-4-2-1 system, is on course to be in the dugout at The Valley unless something drastic happens, and he’s already surpassed Still in winning back-to-back second tier games.

Their own Clement: Southampton could hire "world-class" Eckert replacement

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos aposta em Fábio Carille para alcançar as metas da temporada 2024 e projeta um longo e próspero ano junto ao técnico. Contudo, a realidade do Peixe com a gestão Rueda não focou tanto em dar estabilidade para os comandantes do clube e o time quer mudar o cenário com Marcelo Teixeira na presidência.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Santos

Durante o período dos últimos três anos, Rueda contratou oito técnicos diferentes, além de contar com pratas da casa no caminho, com Marcelo Fernandes, que foi o último treinador do ciclo do presidente deste triênio e seguirá na comissão técnica apesar de ter caído para a Série B.

➡️ Santos prepara pacote de reforços para 2024

Agora, com a esperança renovada, o Peixe quer repetir um feito impressionante adquirido nos tempos áureos do clube. O histórico técnico Lula assumiu o Peixe e ficou 12 anos no comando do elenco alvinegro.

Treinador mais vitorioso da história da equipe, Lula foi o responsável por levar o time comandado por Pelé e companhia para a glória nas mais diferentes competições. 

Apesar do cenário completamente diferente, o desejo de construir trabalhos longevos retorna ao Santos. No mínimo, o time da Baixada Santista terá 50 compromissos na temporadas, em apenas duas competições presentes no seu calendário. Portanto, existe uma aposta para bastante trabalho e criação de repertório no tempo livre que Carille terá junto do Alvinegro Praiano.

É bem verdade que Rueda não foi o criador da rotatividade de técnico no futebol brasileiro, mas intensificou as trocas no comando para um número jamais visto pelo clube neste século. Mesmo diante de novos ares, Carille terá que lidar com o fantasma de um time que costuma mudar o técnico em uma média inferior a 20 jogos disputados.

West Ham United are now plotting a 2026 move to sign Quinten Timber, according to reports, with the Dutchman set to become available as a free agent when next summer arrives.

Those at the London Stadium would have breathed an almighty sigh of relief when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side defeated Newcastle United last week. The Hammers have looked on a one-way course towards the Championship all season, but victory over the Magpies should give Nuno’s tenure lift off at last.

This Saturday’s clash against Burnley is now West Ham’s most important game of the campaign so far. Victory would see them move level on points with the Clarets and potentially just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Within the space of two weeks, the Hammers’ season could be handed a major lifeline.

Ahead of the relegation six-pointer, Nuno provided early team news and updates on both Niclas Fullkrug and Konstantinos Mavrapanos, who could be making a return sooner rather than later.

The West Ham boss also took the time to praise young midfielder Freddie Potts, who has been one of few bright sparks at the club this season, saying: “He played really really good. He had a fantastic match.

“His actions were accurate, and he balanced the team in the middle of the park. He’s played a lot of games on loan, and he is a good option for us. We’re here to help him improve.”

West Ham have a 16-year-old goal crazy star who could be their next Potts

The promising academy star could be another Potts for West Ham United and Nuno.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 6, 2025

The academy graduate looks like the future of West Ham’s midfield and could yet be joined by Dutch talent Timber in 2026.

West Ham plotting move to sign Timber

According to reports in Spain, West Ham are now plotting a move to sign Quinten Timber – the twin brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber – in 2026. The defender’s contract is on course to expire at Feyenoord in the summer, handing the Hammers and others in the Premier League the chance to land a bargain deal should they please.

Meanwhile, if they want to land the Dutchman before the summer, then Feyenoord could reportedly accept a deal worth around just €20m (£17m) in what would be an undeniable bargain.

Described as a “superb signing” by scout Jacek Kulig in 2023, Feyenoord could now lose Timber for free when the summer arrives. West Ham, meanwhile, could land a player who can play defensive midfield, attacking midfield and centre-back.

West Ham flop looks finished after Potts emergence