All posts by h716a5.icu

Finalising the playing XI for the second Test will be on Gambhir’s agenda once he is back with the touring party

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Dec-2024Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, will rejoin the touring party in Australia on Tuesday, having flown out of India after having returned home because of “personal reasons”.Gambhir missed India’s two-day tour game – which was later reduced to a limited-overs contest following rain on the first day – against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, having flown back home at the conclusion of the first Test in Perth on November 25. Gambhir left on November 26, the scheduled final day of that Test.The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a day-nighter in Adelaide, will start on December 6.Related

Rohit's turn to lead from the… middle

What do India, Australia, South Africa et al still have to do to make the WTC final?

Siraj finds joy in his bowling again as the wickets follow

Pujara: Rahul should bat no lower than No. 3 if Rohit opens

In Gambhir’s absence, the support staff of Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel had overseen the team’s training, and were part of the Canberra fixture, which the Indians won by six wickets, with Harshit Rana (4 for 44) and Shubman Gill (50 in 62 balls) playing key roles.Now, Gambhir will have to be part of the tricky discussions around India’s playing XI, with Rohit Sharma, the full-time Test captain, having linked up with the team after skipping the first Test to be with his wife for the birth of their second child. Jasprit Bumrah had led India to the comprehensive 295-run win in the Perth Test in Rohit’s absence.Gill, who had also missed that Test after fracturing his right thumb during a training session, is also back in the reckoning.Even if India bring in Rohit and Gill for Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, who were part of the XI in Perth, there is the question of the opening combination, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul having put on a double-century first-wicket stand in India’s second innings in Perth. Indications from the pink-ball tour game, though it wasn’t a full-fledged contest, are that Jaiswal and Rahul will continue to open with Gill replacing Padikkal at No. 3, and Rohit possibly going in the middle order behind Virat Kohli. Rishabh Pant is the other certain starter in the middle order.

Arsenal are set to wear an unusual kit combination for their Champions League opener against Athletic Club. The Gunners are known for their iconic red and white jersey but they will have to tweak things for their clash in Spain on Tuesday.

Arsenal forced into kit tweaks for Champions League game

Mikel Arteta's side begin their Champions League campaign with a tough test against this dangerous La Liga outfit. Incidentally, according to Arsenal Shirt, the Gunners will wear the blue away kit with the silver alternate top and silver socks in a rare combination. But why aren't they wearing more conventional combinations?

AdvertisementThe Explanation

The reason behind this is that UEFA have reportedly brought in stricter regulations in regards to kit clashes, so this is a practical solution to avoid any confusion with Athletic Club's outfit. That means the Gunners won't have navy shorts and socks to go with their navy tops.

Arsenal face Athletic Club again

The north London side will be confident going into this match with their Spanish opponents, as they swept aside Ernesto Valverde's team in a 3-0 pre-season win at the Emirates last month. A tougher examination is expected this time, though.

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AFPWhat next for Arsenal? Busy fixture period begins

After Arsenal's game against the Spanish team, they play Manchester City, Port Vale, Newcastle United, Olympiacos, and West Ham in the space of under three weeks. If Arteta's team can win all of those games, they will head into the international break feeling very content.

It is fair to say that it has been an exciting summer for Sunderland since they beat Sheffield United at Wembley to earn promotion to the Premier League.

The Black Cats have not messed about in the summer transfer window, as they have splashed the cash to improve the options at Regis Le Bris’ disposal.

Possibly the most notable addition of the window so far has been the signing of experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £13m.

The Switzerland international has played over 200 games in the Premier League, over 100 matches in the Bundesliga, and over 30 times in the Champions League, per Transfermarkt, and the Black Cats are now on the verge of landing a similarly high-profile signing.

Sunderland set to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Sunderland have reached an agreement to bring Paris Saint-Germain defender Nordi Mukiele to the Stadium of Light.

Transfer Focus

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

The journalist claims that the 27-year-old is now closing in on a move to Wearside with ‘immediate effect’, and notes that he could be reunited with Xhaka after playing alongside him last season.

Fabrizio Romano adds that Mukiele has already said ‘yes’ to a move to Sunderland, which suggests that there may not be many problems with personal terms.

If the Black Cats can get this deal over the line in the coming hours, the club could have an exciting repeat of their Xhaka masterclass on their hands.

Why Mukiele is a Xhaka repeat for Sunderland

The new Sunderland captain arrived to much fanfare as a vastly experienced and well-known name in European football, particularly in England, and Mukiele would be a similar signing.

Although he does not have the same reputation in England, the France international is a well-known name to anyone who has kept up with European football in the past five years or so, as he has starred for RB Leipzig, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayer Leverkusen.

Bundesliga

115

19

Ligue 1

85

4

Champions League

35

5

Ligue 2

34

4

Europa League

7

0

As you can see in the table above, Mukiele has plenty of experience at the top level, with 200 appearances in two of the top five leagues in Europe in his career to date.

Sky Sports contributor Dougie Critchley describes the versatile star, who can play at right-back or centre-back, as a “dominant” defender and a “Champions League level player”, like Xhaka.

These comments and his statistics throughout his career show that Sunderland are on the verge of signing a vastly experienced player who has proven himself on some of the biggest stages in Europe, as was the case when they signed Xhaka from Leverkusen.

Mukiele played 15 times in the Bundesliga for Leverkusen in the 2024/25 campaign and showcased his dominant defensive work by winning 67% of his ground duels and making 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game, as per Sofascore.

This suggests that he will be an aggressive, strong, and experienced option for Le Bris to call upon at right-back or centre-back in the Premier League, given his performances in the German top-flight last term.

His experience at the top level and recent displays in the Bundesliga suggest that he will not be phased by what the Premier League will throw at him week-in-week-out, in the same way that the incredibly experienced Xhaka will be a dependable figure in midfield.

Sunderland could land their own Wirtz with move for "electric" £26m star

Regis Le Bris could soon be handed his very own Florian Wirtz at Sunderland.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 13, 2025

Therefore, this could be another exciting and impressive piece of recruitment work done by the Black Cats in their attempt to build a team that will not look out of their depth in the top-flight.

Corbin Bosch is set to make his Test debut on what promises to be a seamer-friendly Centurion pitch

Firdose Moonda25-Dec-2024Big picture – Can Pakistan bring ODI momentum into Test series?There’s one other Boxing Day Test, but this one is big too. If South Africa win at SuperSport Park, they will guarantee a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. If Pakistan win, they will keep outside hopes (so outside that they also require an over-rate penalty for South Africa) of getting to Lord’s alive, but more pressingly they will keep a nation on edge for another week.In reality, South Africa have some breathing room because they only need to win one of the next two Tests to get to the WTC final. Even with rain hanging around the Highveld, they’ll fancy their chances against a team that has not recorded a Test win in this country in nearly 18 years and not won a Test outside Asia since beating West Indies in August 2021. But pressure does strange things to players, especially South African players, and Pakistan, despite all the drama surrounding them, are a team who could exploit that.Related

Babar and Naseem return for SA Tests, but no place for Afridi

Injured Maharaj and Mulder included in SA squad Pakistan Tests

WTC final race – How can India, Australia, SA, SL qualify?

They went through a rotating door of coaches, selectors and administrators before coming to South Africa and were already in the country when their Test coach resigned, two weeks before the start of the series. Still, the build-up to this Boxing Day Test has had none of the shenanigans of Melbourne, mostly because the two sides were preoccupied with an ODI contest that serves as build-up to the Champions Trophy. Ten South Africa and seven Pakistan players from their respective Test squads were involved in that contest, which Pakistan won 3-0. If momentum is a factor, it is surely with them.South Africa’s batting, in particular, was undone, and worryingly for them three of their top four (Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs) all fell to the offspin of Salman Agha in the first ODI. Conditions are unlikely to suit him at SuperSport Park but the mental scars might be there and Temba Bavuma hopes it will be simple to get over them. “Whether it’s easy, whether it’s hard, we’ve got to find a way to do it,” he said. “Whatever, I don’t know, trauma that was there, you know, guys will have to deal with it.”Bavuma was also quick to remind that the Test space is different as it is where South Africa have more stability and focus with an immediate goal of the WTC final. The opposite might be said of Pakistan, who have won three ODI series in succession and are building towards a home Champions Trophy where they are defending the title.That may mean the teams head into this match with slightly different priorities in terms of their current form but that won’t minimise the sense of the occasion. A Boxing Day Test with plenty at stake, taking place at the same time as another Boxing Day Test, with even more on the line. It doesn’t get bigger than this.Form guideSouth Africa: WWWWW (last five Tests, most recent first)
Pakistan: WWLLLMohammad Abbas last played a Test match in August 2021•AFPIn the spotlight – Aiden Markram and Mohammad AbbasIt feels like Aiden Markram has had a difficult time of it across formats this year but his main difficulties have come in the format he captains in. He only has one score over 30 from 18 T20Is in 2024, and one fifty from six ODIs hasn’t helped his cause either, but his Test form has shown signs of improving. After a century in the New Year’s Test, Markram made fifties in Providence and Gqeberha and is also someone Bavuma says he “leans a lot on” when it comes to tactics and inspiring younger players. Most of all, Markram enjoys the continued support of his team-mates and Bavuma, in particular, who says he “empathises” with what Markram is going through but “that’s what makes elite sport tough. You’ve got to find a way to go through those challenges. And generally, when you get over to the other side, that’s where the satisfaction is.”It’s now or never for Mohammad Abbas who, at 34, is set to make his comeback after three years out of the national side seemingly without explanation. Abbas played 25 Tests between April 2017 and August 2021 and took 90 wickets at 23.02, but was discarded in favour of younger quicks despite excellent numbers on the county circuit. He has enjoyed four fruitful seasons at Hampshire where he has taken 180 wickets at 19.26 and finished among the top 10 wicket-takers in 2022 and 2023, and just outside in 2024. This season, he is the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and has deservedly earned a recall and will hope to make it count. Abbas is 10 wickets away from 100 in Test cricket and if he gets there, will be the 20th bowler from Pakistan to reach the landmark.Team newsBoth Keshav Maharaj (groin strain) and Wiaan Mulder (broken finger) passed fitness tests ahead of the match but are not deemed match-fit yet. South Africa have chosen to go in without a frontline spinner – and without spin-bowling allrounder Senuran Muthusamy – and opted for a 7-4 split. Corbin Bosch, who bowls above 140kph regularly, will debut at his home ground and share bowling duties with Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Marco Jansen. Ryan Rickelton has been retained at No.3 with Tristan Stubbs moving to No.4.South Africa (probable): 1 Tony de Zorzi, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Ryan Rickelton, 4 Tristan Stubbs, 5 Temba Bavuma (capt), 6 David Bedingham, 7 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Dane Paterson, 11 Corbin Bosch.Pakistan could follow South Africa’s lead and go all-pace, which would mean no space for Noman Ali, though they would still have Salman Agha at their disposal. In the seam department, then, Abbas, Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad are likely to partner the 21-year old attack leader, Naseem Shah.Pakistan (probable): 1 Abdullah Shafique, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Shan Masood (capt), 4 Babar Azam, 5 Saud Shakeel, 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Salman Ali Agha, 8 Aamer Jamal, 9 Khurram Shahzad, 10 Naseem Shah, 11 Mohammad AbbasIt has been nearly 18 years since Pakistan won a Test match in South Africa•Getty ImagesPitch and conditionsThere has been significant rainfall on the Highveld in the lead-up to this Test match, which has made pitch preparation at SuperSport Park “difficult” in the words of one source. Two days out, the surface was fairly green which is in keeping with its reputation. Centurion is the most seamer-friendly wicket in the country, which also makes it the most difficult for batters. While Bavuma said he has “never played on a flat Centurion wicket”, days two and three are usually good for run-scoring, but with overhead cloud batters will “know that your work is going to be cut out for you and you’re going to have to work hard for your runs.” The match may also be interrupted with thunderstorms forecast for the first morning and afternoon and the second and third afternoon.Stats and Trivia Eight batters have scored Test centuries for South Africa in 2024. It’s their joint-most in a calendar year, and their most in 12 years. They have previously had eight centurions in 2004, 2008 and 2012. Pakistan have won two of the 15 Tests they’ve played in South Africa, none since 2007, and none of their three at SuperSport Park. Their two wins have come at St George’s Park and Kingsmead, the grounds that hosted the recent Sri Lanka series. Kagiso Rabada is three wickets away from going past Dale Steyn and becoming the leading wicket-taker at SuperSport Park. Rabada has played just eight Tests at the venue and has only taken fewer than five wickets here on one occasion, against India in 2018. He averages just over seven wickets per Test in Centurion. Since January 2018, there have been seven Tests at SuperSport Park and a clear advantage for seam bowlers. They have taken 227 wickets at 23.22, compared with 16 wickets at 60.62 by spinners. Quotes”We accept and acknowledge the fact that many expectations would have risen on the team. There’ll be pressure that comes with that. But to be honest with you, we’re coming into the series to win the series 2-0. We understand that for us to do that, there’s certain things that we need to do as a team: keep things simple, keep doing the small things right, and allow the results to take care of itself. Obviously, one of those results is qualifying for the WTC final and obviously would like to see ourselves there. But, we’re here now.”
“When I went to Australia, I didn’t get the time to prepare properly. It was my first overseas tour there, and I made mistakes, but also learned what I could change. Here, in similar conditions, I have had the time to prepare and get into a positive frame of mind.”

Leeds United have also shared the news of an injury blow to a “key” star after getting knocked out of the EFL Cup to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday evening.

Leeds knocked out of EFL Cup with embarrassing Sheffield Wednesday defeat

Daniel Farke said he was embarrassed and apologised to Leeds fans after his side crashed out of the EFL Cup on penalties. Against an extremely young Owls side, the Whites fielded a strong side and required Jayden Bogle to cancel out goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s second-half own goal to take the tie to penalties.

However, misses from Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sean Longstaff saw the Whites lose 3-0 in the shootout. Talking after the game, Farke said:

“We have to take all of the criticism and we are self-critical because out of all the chances we should put four or five goals to bed. It’s always a bit annoying and you feel a bit embarrassed as a Premier League side, but we have been involved in so many games on this level, especially in the cup – this is why there are so many surprises and shock results.

“Even the team in the lower league can win such a game. Today was one of those days and congratulations to Sheffield Wednesday.”

When asked for his message to Leeds fans, Farke said: “You can feel for them. We’re sorry anyhow. We feel a bit embarrassed that we don’t go through in such a game. We can just say ‘sorry’ because they made the trip and wanted to celebrate.”

Leeds signings

From

Fee

Noah Okafor

AC Milan

£18m

Anton Stach

Hoffenheim

£17.4m

Jaka Bijol

Udinese

£15m

Lucas Perri

Lyon

£13.9m

Sean Longstaff

Newcastle

£12m

Gabriel Gudmundsson

Lille

£10m

James Justin

Leicester City

£10m

Sebastiaan Bornauw

Wolfsburg

£5m

Lukas Nmecha

Wolfsburg

Free

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Everton

Free

Farke reveals injury to Leeds star Tanaka

Missing from the defeat at Hillsborough was midfielder Ao Tanaka. The Japan international was replaced in the 5-0 defeat at the Emirates on Saturday and, like Ethan Ampadu, has suffered an MCL injury and will be out for weeks. When asked about Tanaka’s injury, Farke said:

Tanaka starred in the opening day win over Everton and has been a vital player for Leeds since joining from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer for just £3m.

However, with both Ampadu and Tanaka sidelined for the foreseeable, Farke will have to rely on Longstaff, Anton Stach and Ilia Gruev, or look to bring in another midfielder before the transfer deadline.

The Professional Footballers' Association is reportedly in talks with Chelsea over how they are treating exiled duo Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi. Both the Blues winger and defender tried to secure deadline day exits but in the end they stayed put in the club's 'Bomb Squad'. Now, it is understood the PFA have intervened over how they are being looked after.

PFA concerned about Chelsea duo

According to BBC Sport, the PFA have contacted Chelsea as they want to ensure that Sterling and Disasi have the 'platform to train to an optimum level' despite not being involved with the first team. The union has sought to ensure clubs are aware of FIFA's strict regulations over players who are isolated from squads in circumstances that could fall under 'abusive conduct' by the club. If so, this may entitle an individual to terminate his contract, citing 'just cause'.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALUncertain future for Sterling and Disasi

Sterling's contract, which earns him £325,000 per week, runs until 2027, while Disasi's terms expire in 2029. The former nearly joined Fulham on loan, and the latter turned down a switch to West Ham earlier this month. Both are unlikely to have a future at Chelsea, with the pair unlikely to play first-team football for months.

Sterling and Disasi had summer offers

The report adds that Chelsea, who are closely working with the PFA, presented former Manchester City star Sterling with potential moves to Bayern Munich and Napoli over the summer. Bayer Leverkusen and Galatasaray were also interested, and Disasi decided against joining West Ham and Bournemouth.

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Getty ImagesWhat next for the Chelsea outcasts?

Both Sterling and Disasi are said to have been assigned specific training times and a designated Chelsea coach to work with at the club's training ground. Meanwhile, the first team travel to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Arne Slot bemoaned Liverpool’s struggles defending set pieces as they suffered their first Premier League loss of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Reds were undone by a corner and a long throw as Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah put an end to the champions’ perfect start to the 2025-26 campaign in a 2-1 win for the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

How did Liverpool suffer their first defeat of the season?

In a match which saw goalkeeper Alisson prove to be Liverpool’s best player, Slot’s men struggled all afternoon as Palace secured a precious result which ensures they are now the only unbeaten team left in the top flight this season. Oliver Glasner’s side took the lead through familiar Liverpool foe Sarr after Ryan Gravenberch headed straight into his path from a corner. And after huffing and puffing for the majority of the second half, the Merseysiders thought they had earned a point through substitute Federico Chiesa’s late strike, only for Nketiah to make the most of a long throw to down the visitors.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlot highlights Liverpool's set-piece struggles

And in the aftermath of a difficult trip to south London, Liverpool manager Slot highlighted his side’s once-formidable ability to defend set plays as a new-found cause for concern this season, pointing out the two goals they conceded in a similar fashion in their last-gasp 3-2 victory over Newcastle on August 25.

Liverpool boss explains concerns

In quotes carried by Slot said following the Palace loss: "Very difficult first half. They did really well and deserved to be 1-0 up, we were lucky it was only 1-0. Second half it was the opposite. It took a while before we scored and we did with a few minutes left. But from a second set piece they won the game. If you want to compete you need a very positive balance with set pieces and even more in this league. It was one of our biggest strengths last season, now we have conceded two against Newcastle and two here. But this league is more and more and more about set pieces.”

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Getty Images SportSlot refuses to criticise officials as Nketiah scores in 'extra time of extra time'

Nketiah found the back of the net for Palace seven minutes into injury time, with the fourth official having initially declared a minimum of six. However while admitting conceding in "extra time of extra time" was “never ideal”, Slot refused to criticise the officials following the game. Discussing the timing of Palace’s late winner, Slot added: ”It is never ideal when you concede in extra time of extra time. But there was a sub so half a minute extra was fair. I have to check when they exactly scored but we have to defend the throw-in better. We take learnings from all the games we have played and we can take even more from a game like this.”

Everton are showing themselves to be a real threat in the forward areas based on their blistering attacking performances so far in the Premier League.

Of course, it is only early days, but the Toffees have responded to a disappointing 1-0 loss on the opening day to Leeds by putting five strikes past Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Jack Grealish picking up a mightily impressive four assists along the way.

With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also in on the goals and assists, alongside Iliman Ndiaye already running teams ragged with two efforts on the board, David Moyes’ men are now far removed from their previous attritional makeup under Sean Dyche.

This is before you even throw new recruit Tyler Dibling into the equation, with the 19-year-old a bold pick-up from Southampton who is also ready to take the Premier League by storm.

What Dibling can offer Everton

Everton has managed to produce many of their own special homegrown attackers over the years, with the likes of Ross Barkley and Wayne Rooney springing to mind.

With this example, however, they have poached the cream of the academy crop from the Saints in Dibling, with the teenager costing a whopping £40m to bring in this summer, even as his ex-side suffered relegation at the end of last campaign.

When watching the young forward in action, it’s clear to see why he has cost such an extortionate amount, despite still being inexperienced, with an impressive four goals and three assists next to his name in the St Mary’s senior ranks.

One particularly memorable display from the direct winger last season against Manchester United even saw former England legend turned commentator Stuart Pearce herald Dibling as a “devotee to Grealish”, with a hope now that the entertaining attacker can be as instantly successful on Merseyside – like the ex-Aston Villa midfielder – away from loose comparisons.

Amazingly, while the Toffees have invested significantly in the future with this £40m buy, they could well have their very own homegrown Grealish brewing in the background, too, in this 18-year-old ace.

Everton's own homegrown Grealish

As previously mentioned, the Merseyside outfit has often been viewed as a club that gives their very own chances in the first-team set-up when ready.

One up-and-coming youngster that has risen the ranks and looks destined for more senior minutes soon is 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong, who was named on the bench by Moyes for the action-packed victory at Wolves.

He has since moved on to Preston North End on a season-long loan, but the highlights package posted by the Lilywhites after his move was confirmed shows off the obvious talent the skilful midfielder possesses to be viewed in the same glowing light as the assist-heavy Grealish.

Indeed, from just eight senior appearances to date for the Toffees, Armstrong has a standout three assists next to his name.

CM

19

3 + 1

DM

11

2 + 2

LW

4

1 + 0

AM

3

0 + 1

CF

2

0

RW

1

0 + 1

LM

1

0

RM

1

0

With a further ten goal contributions also coming his way for the Everton U19s and U21s – when looking at the table above – it’s abundantly clear why he has been labelled a “phenomenal” youth talent by one of his former managers in John Eustace, when previously loaned out to Derby County.

His adaptability to play all across the midfield positions only strengthens the argument more that he could be a new Grealish in the making, with the Liverpool-born starlet more than a capable performer on the left flank – much like the new Everton number 18 – away from just lining up in a central midfield spot.

It could well be that Armstrong just needs more first-team experience under his belt before he’s regularly strutting his stuff in Moyes’ senior side, with another loan out to the second tier, no doubt toughening him up.

The EFL’s elite division made Grealish the stylish performer he is today, after all, with a sturdy 14 goals and 16 assists notched up in the Championship by the 29-year-old, before further cementing himself as a Premier League star on Merseyside.

Armstrong will hope he can live up to his own hype down the line, with both the 18-year-old and Dibling up Moyes’ sleeve, making the future look very rosy at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, away from the short-term heroics served up by man of the hour Grealish.

Everton on verge of £17m move for Doucoure-esque "difference-maker"

This could be a brilliant signing for the Blues.

ByHenry Jackson Sep 1, 2025

Both teams have started WPL 2025 with wins but they were far from clinical

Hemant Brar16-Feb-2025Who’s playingDelhi Capitals (DC) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, February 17, 2025, 7.30pm ISTWhat to expectIt’s a rematch of the last season’s final. After topping the league stage in WPL 2024, DC must have fancied their chances of lifting the trophy. After all, they were playing at their home ground and had a 4-0 head-to-head record against RCB. However, they faltered at the final huddle for the second season in a row.Both DC and RCB have started their 2025 campaign with a win. RCB beat Gujarat Giants in the tournament opener, while DC sealed a last-ball win against Mumbai Indians. But both wins were far from clinical. Chasing 202, RCB needed 79 from the last six overs before Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja took them over the line. Similarly, DC would have lost If not for the three contentious run-out decisions going their way.Team news and likely XIsWith a sickness going around in their camp, DC had to go in with one fewer overseas player in their XI. But if Marizanne Kapp is available, she could replace Niki Prasad. Finding a place for Jess Jonassen may not be as easy, though.Delhi Capitals (probable): 1 Meg Lanning (capt), 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Jemimah Rodrigues, 4 Alice Capsey, 5 Marizanne Kapp/Niki Prasad, 6 Annabel Sutherland, 7 Sarah Bryce (wk), 8 Shikha Pandey, 9 Radha Yadav, 10 Arundhati Reddy, 11 Minnu ManiShafali Verma is the leading six-hitter in the WPL•BCCIWith Shreyanka Patil ruled out of the tournament, RCB have signed Sneh Rana in a like-for-like replacement. Rana could be in the action straightaway, replacing Prema Rawat in the XI.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Raghvi Bist, 5 Richa Ghosh (wk), 6 Kanika Ahuja, 7 Georgia Wareham, 8 Sneh Rana, 9 Kim Garth, 10 VJ Joshitha, 11 Renuka SinghPlayers to watchMeg Lanning, who has retired from international cricket, looked rusty in DC’s opening game. Shabnim Ismail beat her with pace on multiple occasions and eventually bowled her for 15 off 19 balls. Lanning and Shafali Verma’s opening stands were the bedrock of DC’s success in the first two seasons. The team will hope their captain is back to her best soon.Smriti Mandhana does not seem to enjoy facing offspin, especially early on in her innings. In the previous match, she lasted just two balls against Ashleigh Gardner. DC are likely to test her with the same ploy. They have got not one but two offspinners: Alice Capsey and Minnu Mani. It will be interesting to see Mandhana’s approach.Key stats DC have a 4-1 head-to-head record against RCB. Lanning (691), Ellyse Perry (657) and Shafali (601) are the top three run-getters in the WPL. All three will be in action on Monday. No one has hit more sixes in the WPL than Shafali’s 35. On average, she hits a six every ten balls.

Milan head coach Massimilano Allegri has stood by Christian Pulisic after the US national team forward missed a penalty against Juventus in a nail-biting Serie A encounter on Sunday. The manager, who returned as the Rossoneri boss earlier this summer, has firmly stated that one miss will not prompt him to change his team's routine penalty-taker.

Allegri firm on his position

Milan dropped two points against Juventus in a gripping encounter, and the main reason behind it was Pulisic's missed penalty in the first half. Allegri, however, did not criticise his main man up fron, insisting he will not be making a change. Confirming his trust in the 27-year-old, the Italian manager said, "Pulisic has always been the penalty kick taker. You don’t change it for a mistake."

He also shared his concern about who will be the penalty-taker in Pulisic's absence. "We need to understand who can be the penalty taker when Pulisic is not on the pitch," he added. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPulisic is Serie A's top-scorer

Despite the spot-kick debacle, Pulisic continues to dominate the goal-scoring chart, having scored four goals in six appearances so far. He is the joint top-scorer, however, with Bologna's Riccardo Orsolini. Following him in the table are Napoli's Kevin De Bruyne and Inter's Lautaro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram. Apart from the four goals, he has two assists to his name, too. He has been influential in the Coppa Italia with two goals in two outings. 

Milan lose golden opportunity?

Milan have lost only one game in the Serie A so far, and that came in their opening fixture against Cremonese. In their build-up to the much-desired Scudetto, the Rossoneri have accumulated 13 points in six games and have defeated defending champions and the current league leaders Napoli as well. A win against Juventus would have helped them move top after six rounds of competitive matches; however, the stalemate against the Bianconeri has left them third. Although Pulisic was the one who missed the spot-kick, Milan's frontline as a whole remain under scrutiny for their lack of ruthlessness, with Allegri urging them to kill games.

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AFPMilan have important fixtures after the international break

Once the October international break concludes, Milan will have some challenges awaiting them. On October 19, they'll face Fiorentina, followed by a comparatively easier fixture against bottom-dwellers Pisa five days later. In their next two games, they will take on Atalanta (October 28) and Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma (November 2).