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“He has put his hand up tonight for a World Cup spot” – Ngidi heaps praise on Stubbs’ statement knock

Matt Roller28-Jul-2022A clinical chase and a Bengaluru rainstorm meant that Tristan Stubbs did not bat in either of his first two caps for South Africa but his first innings in international cricket was worth the wait.He hit 72 off 28 balls in the first T20I against England in Bristol, including eight sixes to keep them in the hunt while attempting to chase 235. They fell a long way short, pegged back by regular wickets, but his innings announced him as one of the world’s most talented young T20 batters and was enough to give England a real fright.Related

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• Spotlight on Roy as England, South Africa seek consistency in series decider

• Rilee Rossouw rebuilds his burnt bridges with innings of World Cup pedigree

• Rilee Rossouw 96*, Tabraiz Shamsi seal emphatic series leveller for South Africa

• Brevis, Stubbs on Hundred wildcard longlist

He was brutal against England’s seamers, but particularly when facing their spinners: he carted 33 off ten balls against them, hitting Moeen Ali hard and flat down the ground and over extra cover, then hitting boundaries either side of the wicket off Adil Rashid. He is tall and powerful, with a long reach, fast hands and quick, snappy wrists which his Warriors coach, Robin Peterson, suggests come from his background as a golfer and a hockey player.”Even in training, he’d shown us what he’s capable of doing, so we weren’t really surprised to see what we saw today,” Lungi Ngidi said. “I’ve bowled to him myself and I’ve been on the receiving end of what you guys saw tonight. He’s a very confident chap.”You can see he’s a big guy as well, and strikes the ball well. That’s how he plays cricket. What you saw tonight is what he practises and he put that into play. That’s why we weren’t surprised to see what he was doing. I’m very happy for him to finally get a chance to go out and bat, and show the world what he’s capable of.”Stubbs is only 21 and is still studying for a marketing and business management degree at Nelson Mandela University, but has been thrust into the limelight over the past nine months. He is not a natural interviewee and looked almost overawed when stood alongside James Anderson, Isa Guha and Colin Ingram on the BBC’s coverage, but there were no evident nerves when batting.Stubbs was the standout batter in CSA’s T20 Challenge last year, averaging 48.83 at a strike rate of 183.12 for Warriors and while a similar season might have slipped under the radar a decade ago, scouting among T20 franchises has improved hugely, to the extent that Mumbai Indians were willing to take a punt on him as a replacement player in this year’s IPL.

“He looks a very, very good player. He hits the ball clean and the role that he’s come in, it’s not easy sometimes”Moeen Ali on Tristan Stubbs

He made 0 and 2 in his two innings at the IPL but Mumbai have kept close tabs on him: he warmed up for this series by playing for a Reliance team – effectively a Mumbai Indians academy side – against county second XIs. He looks certain to be retained for IPL 2023, and is a good bet to be signed for the Reliance-owned Cape Town franchise in the new South African league too, alongside his compatriot Dewald Brevis.”He looks a very, very good player,” Moeen said. “He hits the ball clean and the role that he’s come in, it’s not easy sometimes. He hit some massive sixes tonight. You’re always worried about someone like that, when he’s in and playing the way he’s playing.”I played against him in the IPL and he didn’t get any runs but I’ve heard that he’s a very good player. A lot of South African players talk very highly of him, and Brevis as well. They’re both obviously exciting young players but he looks like a really good player.”His next challenge will be to manage the scrutiny that international cricket brings, not least in terms of planning. Eoin Morgan, England’s ex-captain, suggested on Sky that England had “strayed too straight” and that they should bowl wider to stay out of his arc on Thursday night in Cardiff. “I’m sure we’ll have plans for him and talk about him tonight,” Moeen said. “Hopefully, that won’t happen again in this series.”But for the time being, there is plenty to like, even if his solitary over, which cost 20 runs and included a backfoot no-ball, suggested that his second string (or perhaps third – he can also keep wicket) requires some work.”He has put his hand up tonight for a spot in the World Cup,” Ngidi said. “It’s exciting to see. He’s got a long career ahead of him but if this is how he’s going to keep going, I see a bright future for him.”I think other batters can see from him that if you want to play for this team, that’s how you’re going to have to go about it. That can only put us in a better position – I’m very excited about what’s going to come in the future.”

The Premier League's in-form team get back underway this afternoon, with Manchester United – who have won four of their last five top-flight games – taking on an aggrieved Everton side at Goodison Park.

While that recent domestic run would suggest that things are on the up for the Red Devils, the major caveat is both who the club have come up against and how they have actually performed of late, notably only scraping wins against the likes of Luton Town, Fulham and Sheffield United.

In fact, in every league win this season, United have only beaten their opponents by a one-goal margin, indicative of just how dismal a start to the campaign it has been for Erik ten Hag and his men.

The former Ajax boss would likely have been hoping for a smooth return to action following the recent international break, yet on the agenda are three gruelling away trips to Newcastle, Istanbul and Merseyside in succession.

The latter fixture has also been added some unwanted extra spice for the visitors following the ten-point deduction for Sean Dyche's men, ensuring it is set to be a hostile and raucous Goodison atmosphere.

Into the Lion's Den United go, with Ten Hag's task made all the more difficult amid some frustrating injury news in recent times.

Man Utd team news vs Everton

Injuries have been the story of United's season so far, in truth, with Ten Hag having had to make do without a number of key figures of late, including the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.

On a more positive note, long-term absentee Luke Shaw is in contention to feature later today having been absent since August, with the Englishman hoping to solve what has been a problem position at left-back.

The 13-time champions will also be hoping to have Rasmus Hojlund fit and available after the Dane was forced off against the Hatters two weeks ago, albeit with Ten Hag revealing that the 20-year-old is a doubt for the trip to Merseyside.

There was also some concern surrounding Andre Onana after the Cameroonian stopper sustained an injury while on international duty, yet the 27-year-old will be fit to feature, although one certain absentee is set to be Christian Eriksen, with the experienced playmaker having also been withdrawn early on against Rob Edwards' side prior to the international break.

Facing "some weeks" on the sidelines, according to his manager, Eriksen will pose yet another problem for Ten Hag in what has already been an unsettled midfield department, with it yet to be seen who will replace the 31-year-old in the centre of the park.

Possible replacements for Christian Eriksen

In all likelihood, Ten Hag will once again opt to select Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay as part of the midfield trio, with the latter man continuing his fine recent form after scoring for Scotland against Georgia last week – his seventh goal in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Just who will complete that midfield unit remains to be seen, however with summer signing Sofyan Amrabat, for instance, having yet to impress, notably being hooked at the break during the Manchester Derby defeat.

An obvious candidate for the role would have been Mason Mount – the man who replaced Eriksen against Luton – yet the former Chelsea gem is himself likely to miss the clash through injury and is facing his own stint on the treatment table.

Ten Hag may have signed Man Utd's 'new Donny van de Beek"

The Red Devils appear to have acquired another asset who looks ill-fitted to the system at Old Trafford.

ByRobbie Walls Nov 10, 2023

Even if he was fit to feature, the one-time Derby County has hardly warranted a regular role in the side following a tough beginning at the Theatre of Dreams, failing to score or register an assist in the league.

With both Fernandes and now McTominay taking up advanced positions, the third member of the midfield will need to drop deep at times, something which may not come naturally to the more attack-minded Mount anyway, who frequently operated as a number ten or even on the flanks during his time at Stamford Bridge.

In need of a more suitable option to act as the deep-lying pivot in front of the back four, it could be time that Ten Hag finally looks the way of academy sensation, Kobbie Mainoo, with the 18-year-old having stepped up his return from injury in the youth ranks in recent weeks.

The reasons why Kobbie Mainoo should start against Everton

While yet to feature for the first team this season, Mainoo has been drip-fed minutes in the academy set-up in an attempt to get back to full fitness, notably featuring in both UEFA Youth League games against Copenhagen.

With three appearances also under his belt for England's U19 side over the past week or so – playing the full 90 against Mexico on Tuesday – the teenager will hopefully be ready to go in order to get his season properly underway in the senior ranks.

Position

Player

GK

Tom Heaton

RB

Diogo Dalot

CB

Harry Maguire

CB

Lisandro Martinez

LB

Tyrell Malacia

CM

Scott McTominay

CM

Fred

CM

Kobbie Mainoo

RW

Antony

ST

Anthony Elanga

LW

Alejandro Garnacho

It had looked to be a real breakthrough campaign for the promising midfielder after he featured against the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid in pre-season, although a cruel ankle injury while taking on the latter has put any excitement on hold.

With the likes of Eriksen and Casemiro out of the picture, however, now could be the opportunity for the "unreal" talent – as hailed by ex-teammate Anthony Elanga – to take on that defensive midfield berth, with Ten having previously stated that the youngster "is ready to take the (defensive) role".

Noted for having "similar attributes to Paul Pogba", Mainoo is seemingly a player who has everything in his locker to be a success at Old Trafford, as Elanga alluded to recently – in reference to Pogba:

"They are not the same player but just the way he moves and they can both do everything, defensive, offensive, he has a mixture of everything and is really good on and off the ball.”

Although throwing him into such a fiery contest against the Toffees may not be an ideal scenario, Mainoo does not look like one who will be fazed by the occasion, having been lauded for his "brave" showing against the Gunners during the summer by none other than club legend, Dennis Irwin.

Having made just three senior appearances to date last season, the Stockport native now appears deserving of a chance to add to that tally, starting with today's Goodison outing.

William Porterfield has stepped aside to focus on leading the Test and ODI teams

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jun-2018Gary Wilson has been named Ireland’s new T20I captain, replacing William Porterfield who stepped aside to focus on leading the Test and ODI teams.”It has been a huge honour to captain my country across all formats for the past 10 years, and I have been fortunate enough to captain Ireland at the last five World Twenty20’s,” Porterfield said. “With the qualifiers only a year or so away, I feel that now is the right time for me and the team for a fresh voice and leader in this format. I will now focus solely on my batting in a format that I love playing. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past 10 years and indeed in making this decision. Finally, I would like to wish Gary all the best in what is an exciting time for him.”Porterfield, who succeeded Trent Johnston, has captained Ireland across all formats since 2008, including 56 of their total 61 T20Is. He also leads their batting charts in the format. Under his captaincy, Ireland have won 26 T20Is, the most significant of them coming during the 2009 World T20, where they knocked Bangladesh out in the group stage to make the Super Eights. More recently, in 2014, they beat world champions West Indies in their own backyard.Wilson, 32, is also among the leading run-scorers for Ireland in T20Is, with a tally of 891 in 46 innings. He is also the current captain of the Derbyshire T20 side and has also performed the role for Surrey in the past. Wilson’s first assignment as captain of Ireland will be the tri-series against Netherlands and Scotland starting on June 12 at Rotterdam.”I am absolutely honoured to be asked to undertake this role. With 16 months until the qualifying tournament for next World Twenty20 tournament in Australia, I believe this is a timely opportunity to prepare the squad for an important new phase in Irish cricket,” Wilson said. “I hope my experience and leadership in this form of the game will be of benefit in developing the next generation of leaders and am looking forward to the first step in this journey – the Tri-Series in the Netherlands.”Ireland tri-series squad: Gary Wilson (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, William Porterfield, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young

The Red Sox are reportedly in the mix to acquire free-agent slugger Juan Soto—but that doesn’t mean getting him to sign on the dotted line will be easy.

In fact, one MLB insider says they may have to over-pay for the 26-year-old—or any free agent for that matter.

"One market factor that shifts cyclically is how some teams become a preferred destination for players, while other teams lose ground in the perception game," ESPN's Buster Olney shared on Twitter (formerly X) on Wednesday morning. "Boston is aggressive with dollars now, but the Red Sox will have to pay extra to overcome a negative player perception that really started growing when the team wouldn't pay Mookie Betts."

After drafting and developing him into a top-tier MLB player, Boston infamously traded Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2020 season in exchange for Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong, and Jeter Downs. He's since won two Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, and has been named to the All-MLB First-Team three times.

Oh yeah—and he's led them to two World Series titles.

The Red Sox also let fan-favorite Xander Boegarts walk after the 2022 season in an effort to cut payroll. Said decisions have led them to just one postseason appearance in the past six seasons, and three last-place finishes in the AL East.

In combatting this negative player perception, the Red Sox have reportedly stepped up their efforts to convince Soto to sign with them—a pitch that has included his fit with the franchise, their history with Dominican players, and his ability to have success hitting as a lefty in Fenway Park.

In pursuit of a deal potentially worth upwards of $600 million, Soto has reportedly received offers from the Red Sox, Dodgers New York Mets, and New York Yankees.

Boston was also reportedly in talks with lefty pitcher Blake Snell before he signed with the Dodgers on Tuesday.

MatériaMais Notícias

da poker： Em grande fase este ano, o atacante Lucão, hoje no Guarani, destacou a importância do elenco em buscar a evolução nas próximas partidas para iniciar uma boa sequência na temporada. Segundo o atleta, autor de um dos gols do triunfo sobre o Operário nesta terça-feira, o desejo de todos no Bugre é esse crescimento este ano.

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da dobrowin： Estamos trabalhando muito para crescermos na temporada e para melhorarmos nosso desempenho em campo em 2021. O jogo contra o Operário mostrou isso. Fizemos uma grande partida. O grupo tem se esforçado ao máximo para fazer um grande segundo semestre – comentou o atleta.

O jogador destacou o bom momento que vive na carreira e falou sobre os próximos jogos do clube no Brasileirão Série B.

Estou feliz com o ano que tenho feito, mas quero melhorar mais para ajudar o Guarani nestes próximos meses. Estou focado e na expectativa para que os próximos jogos sejam de vitórias – completou o atacante do Bugre.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has succeeded in turning the tide on Merseyside after a pretty bleak 2022/23 campaign, where he failed to lead his team to Champions League qualification in a stark decline from past success.

Even securing the fifth-placed finish seemed somewhat unattainable after a gruelling and drab winter period through the German's plans into disarray but for a few tactical tweaks and renewed vigour in the closing months to enjoy a tremendous end to the campaign.

22/23

6th

28

33

19

23/24

1st

37

36

15

Now ensconced in first place in the Premier League after 16 matches, the Reds are firmly fixed on fighting for the trophy, also in a good position in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, but Klopp will be aware of the dangers that could arise from lying dormant throughout the forthcoming January transfer window.

While the midfield was patched up during the summer, the defence still needs attention, with the want for reinforcements exacerbated by Joel Matip's recent season-ending ACL injury, dreadful news for the 32-year-old as he approaches the culmination of his contract in June.

Liverpool transfer news – Ronald Araujo

While Klopp has hinted that Liverpool might show their class by offering Matip an extension of his contract as he continues his rehabilitation, it's clear that the central defence needs bolstering, and there would be few better successors than Barcelona's Ronald Araujo.

The Uruguayan ace has been integral for Xavi's LaLiga champions but has recently been reported to be unsure of his long-term future in Catalonia, with 90min revealing that a host of top European outfits are monitoring the situation.

While German giants Bayern Munich are understood to be frontrunners, Liverpool have been named among the Premier League clubs interested in a deal, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United also fans.

Understood to hold a staggering €1bn (£870m) release clause in his Campo Nou contract, Araujo's signature would not be an easy one to obtain, but it would be well worth the chase as Klopp seeks to preserve Liverpool's rekindled strength.

Ronald Araujo's style of play

Araujo boasts remarkable athleticism, blistering pace and a commanding presence that bespeaks his natural leadership; signing for just £1m from Boston River back in 2018, he has now amassed 127 displays for the Spanish giants.

Such qualities are showcased through the player's metrics, with FBref ranking Araujo among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for total shots taken per 90.

This evidences a willingness to influence play offensively and drive the ball forward himself, something that only deepens the argument that he would be a worthy successor to Matip's position in Liverpool's squad.

The Cameroonian has completed 201 appearances for the Reds since arriving on a free transfer from German side Schalke in 2016, evoking delight from the Anfield crowd with his impressive dribbles through the thirds, ranking among the top 4% of centre-backs for progressive carries and the top 10% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Araujo, it seems, is a natural heir, but then many of Europe's most illustrious clubs feel that his attributes would benefit them too and it's unlikely that Klopp would have a free swing.

Player

Club

Jules Kounde

Barcelona

Levi Colwill

Chelsea

Niklas Sule

Borussia Dortmund

Nico Schlotterbeck

Borussia Dortmund

Josko Gvardiol

Manchester City

But given that he fits the profile of the player Klopp wishes to sign – see the table above to compare him to some of the best ball-playing defenders across Europe – it's certainly an avenue worth delving down.

Dynamic Chelsea star Levi Colwill is listed as the most comparable Premier League player, and given that the Reds were so invested in securing his services in the summer, Klopp may well be more than just attentive to the acquisition of the La Blaugrana colossus.

Liverpool's interest in Levi Colwill

Liverpool were reportedly ready to make all the moves to sign Colwill from Stamford Bridge in the summer, with the player himself stating that he was considering all of his options and that regular match action was the priority after a successful loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Praised for his "outrageous" skills by Graeme Bailey, Colwill was expected to cost in excess of £75m and this was simply a figure that did not make sense for the Reds, who needed to strengthen with multiple signings.

With the England international now a mainstay in a struggling Chelsea team – albeit, he is one of the standout performers – Klopp has likely shelved his interest, and with news of Araujo's availability indeed filtering through, the Barcelona man is the new target.

Why Liverpool should sign Ronald Araujo

Described as a "monster" of a centre-back by reporter Kiyan Sobhani, 6 foot 4 Araujo was immense as his side reclaimed the LaLiga title last season, claiming 12 clean sheets from just 22 games, completing 89% of his passes, winning 65% of his dribbles and racking up two assists, as per Sofascore.

Quite simply, few options on the market could offer anywhere close to the same level of performance that Araujo could bring with constancy, and with Virgil van Dijk 33-year-old, a new first-class defender must be welcomed.

Colwill has been called "insane technically" by journalist Antonio Mango and is among the finest ball-playing defenders in the Premier League, ranking among the top 2% of positional peers for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.

But Chelsea want to hold onto their homegrown star and agreed on a six-year contract extension in August, closing off that particular corridor for Klopp's side.

Araujo would be a spectacular alternative, and if there is even the slightest chance of an acquisition, Liverpool must pull no punches in bypassing the opposition for his signature.

At full time in Arsenal's late 1-0 win over Brentford, the adoring Gunners support were chanting about how the club had thrown £65m down the drain on a certain Kai Havertz.

It was, of course, all in jest. The German has now finally arrived as an Arsenal player and in some style too.

This has been an arduous period in the career of Havertz who until last night, had yet to score from open play since moving from Chelsea in the summer.

He has faced stern critics as he bids to replace a cult hero in Granit Xhaka, but perhaps a late winner over the Bees to send Mikel Arteta's men top was all he needed.

Bukayo Saka picked up the ball on the right-hand side and with just minutes remaining, swung in a ball to the back post where Havertz was waiting. His job was easy as he fired past Mark Flekken and secured all three points for the north Londoners.

It came during a bizarre fortnight for the 24-year-old who had even been tasked with playing at left-back by his national team boss Julian Nagelsmann. If anything summed up his resilience, it was the fact that Havertz would actually score while playing in that role. Something for Arteta to ponder, no doubt.

The reaction to Kai Havertz's goal

You could see the relief in Havertz's face as he darted off towards the away support after scoring the winner. It was the end of months of anguish and hopefully now a massive confidence booster for the former Bayer Leverkusen man.

At full-time, Arteta wrapped his arms around the attacking midfielder and shoved him at the front of their post-match celebrations. No one has had more faith in the German than his manager.

Arsenal star who took 100 touches outshone Havertz v Brentford

The Gunners won 1-0 away at Brentford on Saturday evening.

ByMatt Dawson Nov 26, 2023

It was a moment that drew adulation from his teammates. Within seconds Declan Rice appeared in the comments of Havertz's post-game Instagram post. Then, Xhaka even responded to the post with a set of flexing emojis.

Xhaka will know just how tough it can be to find a home at the Emirates Stadium, but he stood the test of time and is the perfect example of why patience is always required with certain players.

The Swiss midfielder was often the scapegoat during the latter years of Arsene Wenger's reign and indeed when Unai Emery was at the club.

Average

Rank in Bundesliga

Kai Havertz's PL average

94.84

Top 1%

29.62

92.4%

Top 1%

81.6%

11.82

Top 1%

2.65

101.26

Top 1%

35.80

110.94

Top 1%

46.76

The famous armband incident against Crystal Palace in 2019 is long forgotten now, with the midfielder having very nearly fired Arsenal to the title last season.

From the middle of the park, Xhaka was phenomenal. Arriving late in the penalty, the now Leverkusen man scored nine goals and registered seven assists in all competitions during a career-best campaign.

Since moving to Germany, he is yet to find the net, although leads the way in a number of metrics as can be seen in the table above.

Newcastle United have already dusted off one of England's great sides this week, dispatching Manchester United with ease on Wednesday night, winning 3-0.

No disrespect to the Toon, but that should not have been the scoreline with Eddie Howe fielding the likes of Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett in the centre of his defence.

However, it was a testament to the cohesive machine that the boss has built at St James' Park. It doesn't matter the team selection, nor does it matter the team, the Magpies are well-oiled and on the up.

They have the chance on Saturday to rock the apple cart again when they face title challengers Arsenal who like United, tasted defeat in the Carabao Cup last time out.

Howe may have engineered a tremendous win but he is expected to make plenty of changes this weekend, eight of them in fact. Here's the predicted lineup for their clash with the Gunners in the Premier League.

1 GK – Nick Pope

Howe's number 1 between the sticks was given the night off in Manchester a few days ago as Martin Dubravka started against his former loan side and kept a clean sheet. That won't, however, be enough for the Slovakian to keep his place as Nick Pope returns.

2 RB – Kieran Trippier

Tino Livarmento was in top form against United in midweek, notably being described as a "top talent" by scout Jacek Kulig for his scintillating showing at right-back. The time will eventually come for the summer signing to earn an extended run in the team but that time isn't now. Instead, Kieran Trippier, who has posted seven assists this term, will be back in the starting XI.

3 CB – Jamal Lascelles

With Sven Botman missing through injury, Howe couldn't afford another of his main central defenders to pick up an injury in the Carabao Cup so Krafth and Dummett started the game, remarkably keeping a clean sheet. Like Dubravka, however, they will be back on the bench against the Gunners with Jamal Lascelles preferred.

4 CB – Fabian Schar

Newcastle's other centre-half in Fabian Schar has been the man for the big occasion this term, notably scoring against PSG in the Champions League. Could we see another magic moment from the Swiss on Saturday? Time will tell. His first job will be to deal with the threat of Bukayo Saka in the left channel. No easy task.

5 LB – Dan Burn

Lewis Hall scored a delightful arrowed finish during the visit to Old Trafford but a day like this calls for the resilient and colossal figure of hometown hero Dan Burn.

6 CM – Sean Longstaff

The academy graduate proudly captained the side a few days ago and has been an immovable object in the Magpies' midfield this season. Sean Longstaff will have a big job to do on Saturday against the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

7 CM – Bruno Guimaraes

The Brazilian had initially been rested in the EFL Cup but was forced into joining the action after just five minutes when Matt Targett limped off with an injury. With Sandro Tonali banned, Bruno Guimaraes is now even more irreplaceable in the middle of the park, even if Joe Willock is back and scoring again.

8 CM – Joelinton

Hailed as a "monster", notably by Toon journalist Aaron Stokes, for his displays in the last few years, the £85k-per-week midfielder's battle against Rice could be one that decides the game this weekend. Joelinton has all of the tools to cause a stir against the Premier League's second-best side this season.

9 RW – Miguel Almiron

Livramento featured on the right wing during the dying embers of the game against United but Miguel Almiron won't be moved from his starting berth after scoring that night himself. Already scoring against PSG this season, he will be a huge threat to Oleksandr Zinchenko or Takehiro Tomiyasu on the left side of Arsenal's defence.

10 LW – Anthony Gordon

Anthony Gordon has come of age this term with three goals and two assists so far and has the pace and trickery to frighten Arsenal this weekend, not to mention the relentless desire to be a complete nuisance should any scuffles occur.

Glasgow Rangers have recently sacked Michael Beale, and a fresh report has shared a surprising new candidate who would be interested in accepting the job in the Scottish Premiership.

Who is the favourite to be the next Rangers manager?

On Sunday, Beale was relieved from his duties having been in charge since last November, which saw Steven Davis made interim manager, and his new temporary team consists of Alex Rae, Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour and Colin Stewart north of the border, as per the club's official statement on their website.

The Ibrox side have had a mixed start to the new campaign having won four and lost three of their opening seven league games, finding themselves third in the league table, and the fact that they are already so far behind Celtic – and also crashed out of the Champions League – became the final nail in the coffin for the former coach.

The Light Blues have already been linked with numerous candidates including Frank Lampard, Kevin Muscat, Pascal Jansen, Philippe Clement, Chris Wilder, Graham Potter, Ryan Lowe and Billy Davies, and the following update shares which of those are leading the race, as well as revealing a new name to have entered the running.

Are Rangers appointing Steve Bruce?

According to Football Scotland, Steve Bruce has "been put forward" to the board at Rangers as a potential option to succeed Beale. The Teddy Bears are "unlikely" to place the veteran under serious consideration as it stands, but it's stated that his history and experience in the dugout could provide a "valuable change" at Ibrox.

Lampard and Muscat are the two current favourites for the role, with Jansen and Clement next on the list as outsider options, but Bruce still remains "keen and hopeful" despite his slim chances.

How many manager jobs has Steve Bruce had?

Since the start of his coaching career, Bruce has taken charge of 11 different clubs, which are Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United and West Brom, twice taking the reins at the DW Stadium.

Bruce has a pretty poor record from the sidelines however, having won 385, drawn 250 and lost 384 of his 1019 matches, averaging only 1.38 points per match, so his record is extremely inconsistent and one that the hierarchy definitely shouldn't be attracted to.

In addition, the 62-year-old has failed to win any trophies or titles during his time in the dugout apart from one promotion all the way back in 2012/13, so he doesn’t really know what it takes to compete and be successful at the level required in Glasgow, considering the standards they want to achieve.

Furthermore, Bruce’s style of play has been described as very “one dimensional” and “old fashioned” by journalist Josh Bunting, therefore, with Rangers wanting to play more attacking and front foot football, this is a move that should be avoided at all costs, regardless of if he wants to join.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke hasn't had the easiest of starts to his spell at Elland Road and may have been dealt another blow due to injury ahead of their trip to face Millwall, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United?

In a surprise development, Football Insider have reported that Leeds United are believed to be keen to open talks over a new contract for attacker Wilfried Gnonto, who previously had a cloud over his future at Elland Road.

Everton had been keen admirers of the Italy international during the transfer window; however, they couldn't come to an agreement with Leeds United over a deal for the former FC Zurich man. Gnonto is now believed to be focused on winning promotion back to the Premier League with Leeds United following a summer of turbulence surrounding his potential next career steps.

Former Leeds United player David Prutton has laid down the gauntlet to the Whites ahead of their powderkeg clash against Millwall at The Den this Sunday, stating in conversation on the Sky Sports Championship Predictions Podcast: "Leeds, all the faffing about with players, all the consignation about who’s there and who’s not, who wants to stay there and who’s moved on, all these ridiculous statements coming out from players that have moved on. Now is the time for the people that have been left to pull their fingers out.

"It’ll be tough, a very tough one against a Millwall side that, as we’ve seen, have got plenty of fight in them in regards to how they’re led by Gary Rowett."

Journalist Ben Jacobs has informed GIVEMESPORT that Leeds United could still enter the free agent market for another left-back reinforcement if the right opportunity comes along at Elland Road.

Who is a doubt to face Millwall this weekend?

The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has supplied quotes from Leeds United boss Farke on the runners and riders to be involved against Millwall this Sunday, as well as those who may miss out on taking part, posting on social media platform X: "Farke on injuries: Bamford still out, will miss all of the next three games. Firpo also missing this weekend, setback with a hip. Spence a doubt with a knee problem. Cooper, Byram, James back in training. Dallas is making good progress, Farke says."

Most of these issues were already widely known, but Djed Spence, who only arrived at Elland Road in the summer on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has made just one cameo appearance for Leeds United in their 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, as per Transfermarkt, and now look set for a spell on the sidelines.

Cited by The Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke has explained in full the back story surrounding Spence's injury concerns, saying: "There is a question mark about Djed Spence. First of all, he missed some sessions in some days due to private reasons and then yesterday (Thursday), in training, he got a knock on his knee – his lateral ligament. We need to wait for some further assessment. It was not possible to train today (Friday), so I would label it as a major doubt for the weekend."

Despite Spence potentially missing the trip to London, Leeds United fans will take heart from the fact several of their first-team players are making positive tracks to re-enter the fold in the near future.