Category Uncategorized

After a contrasting week which saw West Ham trade wins with Manchester United across two different competitions, the Irons now return to Premier League action looking to build on their fine form in 2021/22.

David Moyes will want to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat as they head to Yorkshire to face an injury-ravaged Leeds United at Elland Road.

Having rested several of his key players for the win over the Red Devils on Wednesday night, the 58-year-old could well return to his full-strength starting XI today.

Here’s the lineup Football FanCast are predicting this afternoon…

There could be as many as nine changes from the side which won at Old Trafford this week.

Between the sticks, we’re backing Alphonse Areola to keep his place after a very impressive outing. The 6 foot 5 shot-stopper was a commanding presence in goal and it’s believed that he will eventually become Moyes’ permanent no.1 over Lukas Fabianski before the end of the season – perhaps that begins now.

It’s a big call to make but the 28-year-old PSG loanee has to be given a proper run in the team sooner rather than later. He’ll be joined by an entirely new back four this time around, though.

Vladimir Coufal will start, having replaced Ryan Fredericks early in the first half on Wednesday, whilst Aaron Cresswell returns over Ben Johnson on the other flank. Summer signing Kurt Zouma should continue his partnership with Angelo Ogbonna in the heart of defence.

In midfield, both Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will feel well rested ahead of kick-off as they were not even named in the matchday squad against Manchester United on Wednesday, though they did travel to support the squad.

The only other player to remain from the victory is Jarrod Bowen, but with Michail Antonio available following his one-game suspension, the 24-year-old likely to go back to the right flank, with the Premier League’s joint-leading scorer back up top.

They will be accompanied by Pablo Fornals in the no.10 role and Said Benrahma out wide.

AND in other news, Moyes could find West Ham’s next Tevez in Jan swoop for “magical” £18m-rated marksman…

PCB chief Ijaz Butt has written to senate chairman Farooq H Naek, challenging the senate’s authority to probe national cricket affairs.

Cricinfo staff20-Mar-2009Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has written to senate chairman Farooq H Naek, challenging the senate’s authority to probe national cricket affairs. The news was confirmed by a couple of senators contacted by Pakistan daily, the , who said Butt seemed to be unaware of the senate’s powers.”Mr Butt has done nothing right since taking over as PCB chairman,” said Tahir Mashhadi, a member of the senate’s previous sports committee. “Now we’ve heard that he has written a letter challenging the senate’s authority. He will be told about it as soon as senate’s proceedings resume.”Latif Khosa, the attorney general of Pakistan, made it clear that parliament had every right to summon and investigate any organisation or individual. “The senate being a part of the parliament can carry out its investigation,” Khosa said. “I’m yet to be approached by the senate on any such letter [from the PCB], but if my legal opinion is sought over this matter I would say that senate has every authority to carry out a probe.”Butt is already facing a privilege motion filed by five senators last month after he said at a press conference that the committee had no powers over national cricket affairs.The panel, which has been probing national cricket affairs for a long time, said last month that the current PCB management was incompetent and recommended to president Asif Zardari, the Board’s chief patron, that a new set-up should be appointed.Soon afterwards, the Pakistan senate’s standing committee on sports moved a resolution for an “immediate change” in the PCB management.If Butt is found guilty of a breach of privilege, he would be asked to apologise. Mashhadi said anyone found guilty of breaching the senate’s privilege could even be tried for sedition.

Mark Greatbatch will monitor and advise on the progress of players in domestic cricket

Cricinfo staff23-Dec-2008
Mark Greatbatch will monitor the progress of players in domestic cricket. © Getty Images
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has appointed former batsman Mark Greatbatch as an advisor to the national selection panel. Greatbatch, who also coaches the elite emerging players of the domestic side Central Districts, will monitor the progress of players in domestic cricket.Glenn Turner, the current selection panel manager, said Greatbatch’s inputs would help the selectors maintain a comprehensive view of players across the country.”Mark has wide experience of playing and coaching at home and abroad,” he said. “He will be getting around the grounds to keep an eye on the form of players coming through – his advice will be a huge asset to the selection process.”Greatbatch, who played for New Zealand between 1988 and 1996, has also had stints as coach and academy director at Warwickshire. He said he was was excited about the new role and was keen to help build depth in the top levels of the game.”There’s a lot of young, exciting talent coming through the state competitions right now,” he said. “Part of my role will be to help identify and develop that talent so that there’s a strong pool of players knocking hard on the door for national selection.”In a similar development, Central Districts coach Dermot Reeve will be joining the New Zealand squad as bowling coach for the two Twenty20 matches against West Indies, the first of which will be played on Friday.Team coach Andy Moles said Reeve’s reputation for flair and innovation, coupled with his experience in international limited-overs competitions, would add strength to the team. “Dermot’s experience as a coach and as a top level bowler will bring extra depth and focus to our preparation for these games,” said Moles. “He is a good example of us bringing in talented coaches to broaden and stimulate new thinking with our players.”Reeve played for England as an allrounder between 1991 and 1996, including three Tests – all against New Zealand – and 29 one day internationals.He has experience in New Zealand’s domestic circuit as well after being appointed Central Districts coach in July this year. The team is currently at the top of the State Championship rankings at the halfway point of the 2008-09 season.

After putting pen to paper on a new contract, Leeds United starlet Charlie Cresswell will be hoping of making his breakthrough under Marcelo Bielsa over the coming seasons.

The Whites confirmed earlier in the week that the 18-year-old had signed a new four-year deal to stay at Elland Road, and was of course named on the bench for the club’s Premier League clash against Everton last weekend.

Leeds have had many a great centre-back over their history, and in terms of the Premier League era, Rio Ferdinand is certainly up there with being the pick of the bunch.

While he eventually ended up joining rivals Manchester United, the former England international was a Rolls-Royce of a centre-back: quick, strong and superb on the ball.

Ferdinand was also a vocal presence that saw him eventually become captain at Old Trafford, and that innate leadership quality is something Cresswell possesses.

Speaking after signing his new contract, the centre-back himself said: “I’m confident, I’m a leader, I like to play and I like to head it! There’s lots of players in the first team that I look up to, the likes of Coops, Bill, they lead by example and that is what I want to try and follow.”

Dubbed a “dying breed” for his leadership and communication skills at the back, Leeds U23’s boss Mark Jackson added: “Charlie’s got that, he understands how to lead and we’ve been working with him a long time, in the academy even, when he first broke through in the 18s as a 16-year-old, (working) on his leadership skills.

“Even on the bench in the second half, he’s still talking behind me so that’s a positive because you don’t find many of them these days and we’ve got to try and embrace that, he’s got to try embrace it and develop it as well – and that’s a real positive within his game.”

The 6 foot 1 teenager appears to have all the tools in his locker to become the Whites’ next centre-back success story like Ferdinand at Elland Road.

Given Bielsa already appears to be integrating him into the first-team set-up after naming him on the bench against the Toffees last week, Cresswell could come on leaps and bounds learning directly from the Argentine.

The 18-year-old could be set for great things.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are eyeing a move for this “relentless” star…

أعلن نادي توتنهام هوتسبير الإنجليزي، بيع أحد مهاجميه الشباب إلى نادي أياكس أمستردام الهولندي، في نافذة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية.

وقال توتنهام في بيان عبر موقعه الرسمي، صباح اليوم الجمعة: “بيرجوين يُغادر نادينا ويعود إلى هولندا للعب مع أياكس”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رسميًا | برشلونة يعلن عن صفقتين جديدتين

وأضاف: “لقد توصلنا إلى اتفاق مع أياكس بشأن انتقال ستفين بيرجوين، ونحن نتمنى له كل التوفيق في المُستقبل”.

الدولي الهولندي كان انضم إلى أياكس قبل عامين في يناير 2020 قادمًا من بي إس في آيندهوفن مقابل 30 مليون يورو.

We have reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Steven Bergwijn.

Wishing you the very best, Stevie! — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 8, 2022

ولم يعلن توتنهام عن القيمة المالية للصفقة، ولكن وسائل إعلام هولندية كشفت أن أياكس دفع 35 مليون يورو من أجل التعاقد مع بيرجوين كما أن المهاجم صاحب الـ”24″ عامًا، وقع على عقد مدته خمس سنوات حتى 2027.

🚨 BREAKING 🚨

Ajax sign Steven Bergwijn from Tottenham on a five-year contract for £26.5M pic.twitter.com/jCZE7NIi7K — Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 8, 2022

Steve Howey has tipped Jannik Vestergaard to be a hit after completing his move to Leicester City.

Vestergaard has joined the Foxes in a £15million switch from Premier League rivals Southampton.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers made his move after Wesley Fofana suffered a broken leg in the pre-season friendly with Villarreal last week.

Vestergaard, who featured in all six fixtures as Denmark reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, leaves Saints having entered the final 12 months of his £60,000-per-week contract.

The central defender boasts plenty of Premier League experience, having made 72 top flight appearances since swapping German side Borussia Monchengladbach for Southampton in 2018.

Vestergaard’s precarious contract situation at St Mary’s also resulted in Tottenham Hotspur raising an interest earlier in the transfer window.

But Leicester, who will start their Premier League campaign by welcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers to the King Power Stadium tomorrow, have beaten Spurs to the 29-year-old’s services and ex-Foxes centre-back Howey believes Vestergaard will prove to be a shrewd signing.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Howey said: “I really like him. He’s big, strong and I’m quite impressed with how he uses the ball. He’s dangerous from set-pieces as well.

“Southampton were trying to cash in on him because he had gone into the last year of his contract and he could otherwise leave on a free next summer.

“I’m really surprised none of the big boys came in for him.”

Leeds United, who have been at the heart of punters’ bet365 erbjudandekod use going wayward so far this season, are eyeing a late transfer swoop for Sheffield United starlet Daniel Jebbison in this transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to TEAMtalk, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are among a number of sides keeping a close eye on developments over Jebbison, with Sheffield United open to selling him this summer.

The report adds that while Everton’s bid for the young striker was turned down, they too are expected to go back in with an improved bid while Aston Villa and Brentford are also eyeing up moves of their own.

Could be another Orta masterclass

Dubbed a “shining light” by Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards, Jebbison made his mark towards the back end of last season, notching against Everton – in fact, by finding the back of the net, he became the youngest player in Premier League history to score on his first start at that level.

His former manager at Chorley, Jamie Vermiglio, said: “Jebbo was on loan with us but missed the train before his debut against Chester. It meant he had to get a taxi all the way across.

“Cost him an absolute bomb. About £180, all out of his own pocket. But the main thing is he wasn’t late. To me, that showed what the lad is all about. Some lads in his position at a Premier League academy might have just sacked it off.

“Players do turn their nose up all the time at travelling to Chorley and dropping down four or five leagues to play. But not him. That’s why he made such a good impression here, despite not being with us for very long. But what I did like was his willingness to go into a new environment at 17. He didn’t drive, didn’t know anyone here. But he was prepared to take that gamble, that little risk. That shows what sort of a character he is.”

Given all the impressive youth-team signings Leeds have made over the last 12 months in particular – the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood in particular – securing a deal for Jebbison could well be another masterclass from Victor Orta.

The 6 foot 3 centre-forward has already got his taste of Premier League football at Sheffield United, and under the coaching and guidance of Bielsa at Elland Road, he could turn into a real superstar.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

The weather hasn’t been kind to Associate cricket over the past week, and that drizzly trend continued in Ayr where Scotland’s first ODI against Kenya was washed out

Cricinfo staff12-Aug-2008
ScorecardThe weather hasn’t been kind to Associate cricket over the past week, and that drizzly trend continued in Ayr where Scotland’s first ODI against Kenya was washed out.In the play that was possible, Kenya struggled to 141 for 8 in 35 overs. Dewald Nel and John Blain each took two wickets as Kenya’s fragile top-order failed to deliver, slipping to 32 for 3 when Steve Tikolo was caught behind for 2. However, Thomas Odoyo smashed four sixes in a brief 45 from 39 balls to loft Kenya’s score towards something resembling respectable, before the rain fell once more.Set 141 from a revised 35 overs, Scotland lost Gavin Hamilton for 9 but the rain again returned and the match was abandoned.The second ODI in Ayr is scheduled for Wednesday, but the forecast is no more promising than today’s.

Wolves see winger Pedro Neto as a key part of their squad, journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast.

Neto is currently being linked with a move away from Molineux, with the 21-year-old thought to be attracting interest from other Premier League clubs.

According to 90min, Liverpool and Tottenham have enquired about the player as they both look to make improvements for the new season.

The same report states Juventus are also keen on Neto. After coming fourth and surrendering the Serie A title to rivals Inter Milan last term, the Italian giants are almost certain to dip into the transfer market to bolster their squad.

The likes of Massimiliano Allegri and Neto’s former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, though, may need to look elsewhere, with Wolves viewing the Portugal international as integral to their plans, according to Hatfield.

“Wolves very much see Neto as a key part of their squad, albeit with him out injured and us unlikely to see him [at his best] really until maybe the new year,” the Express & Star journalist said.

Last season, no Wolves player came up with more goal contributions than Neto in the Premier League (via WhoScored), so you can understand why the Midlands club see him as an important member of their squad and would be reluctant to sell him this summer.

The fractious departure of Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Ashwell Prince from the Cape Cobras continues to rumble on after the players hit back at comments from Cobras coach, Shukri Conrad, that they weren’t good enough to play for the franchise.However, Conrad has also responded to the newspaper article saying he was misquoted. “I was very upset with the tone of the report and the way in which it was written,” Conrad told the agency. “The journalist involved has phoned me to apologise, and I expect an apology from the newspaper as well.””I was asked whether, in view of the players’ reaction, I would select the same team, and I said I had no qualms about my selection,” said Conrad. “It would have been a different matter if it had been a four-day or a one-day game.”The trio have moved to the Warriors for the 2008-09 season, and it is believed that the decision to leave all three out of the Pro20 semi-final was a key factor in their move. They had agreed to return from the IPL for the domestic tournament, but Conrad told them their services wouldn’t be required.”I could never choose Kallis ahead of Graeme Smith or Andrew Puttick at the Cobras, because Puttick was one of our best players in the Pro20 in recent times,” Conrad told . “I could also not choose Kallis ahead of Herschelle Gibbs at number three.””I’m not losing sleep over the matter,” he added. “Kallis and Boucher have never in the past had an inclination to play for us anyway. Why do you want to leave the franchise because you were not included in one game anyway? And that after you never played for us in the past.””Jacques played for us once in the last 78 matches and Boucher has never even been at one of our practices.”Boucher responded that the move to the Warriors was more than just about the single game, and there was a general disenchantment about the direction the Cobras were heading.”The three of us have chatted about Shukri’s statements and we are all angry,” Boucher said. “There are a number of reasons behind our decision to leave. The fact that we weren’t considered for selection despite being available is just the last straw. We are unhappy about a lot of things at the franchise, but when we made the decision to leave we decided to be dignified about it and not to make the reasons public.””The fact that Shukri sees fit to take cheap shots at us in the media is seriously disappointing. It makes us think that perhaps we should have made our reasons public.”I’d also like to set the record straight regarding my past availability. It has always been extremely difficult to play for my franchise in a season when there was such a hectic international schedule and I was required to play all three formats of the game for South Africa. So when an opportunity did come up I was fully prepared to put the franchise first and come back from India. To simply be told ‘don’t bother’ is a slap in the face.”Both Prince and Kallis echoed Boucher’s comments. “I’m really disappointed to be leaving Western Province,” said Prince. “I’ve been here for about ten years but the last few years things have changed and I’m unhappy about staying. The professionalism is not like it used to be.””Like Ashwell I’ve been a Western Province man for many years” added Kallis. “I grew up playing here. For Shukri to say that I’m leaving because I wasn’t selected for one game is nonsense. The reasons go much deeper than that.”The players have also received the backing of Tony Irish, CEO of the South African Cricketers’ Association. “These are some of the best players in the world,” he said. “So to say that they aren’t good enough is ludicrous. Each of them had also been prepared to travel back from India to play for the Cobras in the Pro20 semi-final and to miss the first few matches of the IPL, which would have involved a substantial cash penalty. This is how committed they were.”