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Durham fast bowler Mark Wood has been included in England’s squads for the Champions Trophy and the two ODIs against Ireland which precede the tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Apr-2017Durham fast bowler Mark Wood has been included in England’s squads for the Champions Trophy, the three-match series against South Africa and the two ODIs against Ireland early next month.Wood has returned to action this season, first in the North v South one-day matches in the UAE then for Durham, following further surgery, after being diagnosed with a broken bone in his ankle at the end of the 2016 summer, which kept him out of the England side over the last six months.He is viewed as a crucial element of England’s white-ball plans to provide a cutting edge to the pace attack. Injury has restricted him to 11 ODIs since his debut in 2015 but he bowled with eye-catching pace against Pakistan last year before requiring another layoff.England one-day squads

England squad for Champions Trophy and South Africa series Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Squad for Ireland ODIs Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Ben Duckett, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Mark Wood

Steven Finn misses out on the Champions Trophy with Nottinghamshire’s Jake Ball preferred, while left-armer David Willey returns having missed the West Indies tour in March due to injury.Ball has taken 12 wickets in five ODIs, which included 5 for 51 on debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka, and squeezes out Finn who took four wickets in the three matches against West Indies in what were his first ODIs in 18 months.Finn is, though, included in a 14-man squad for the two matches against Ireland as is Ben Duckett, who made his England debut in Bangladesh last year. Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler are unavailable for those games having been allowed to remain at the IPL. Eoin Morgan, Jason Roy and Sam Billings will return from India for the matches.”We have made encouraging progress over the past 18 months in white-ball cricket and the squads selected reflect consistency and give options across all disciplines,” James Whitaker, the national selector, said. “It is pleasing that Mark Wood and David Willey have returned to full fitness. They add variety and quality to our bowling strengths and David’s ability as an attacking batsman is also an important element for us.”The settled nature of England’s one-day side means there is no room for a number of promising players around the county scene. There had been much talk about Lancashire’s Liam Livingstone, who impressed for the Lions over the winter and made 168 in the recent round of County Championship matches, but he will have to wait his turn. The same applies to Tom Curran, who was added to England’s squad in the West Indies.The squad for the Champions Trophy will also play the one-day series against South Africa at the end of May.

Leicester City are hoping to prise Fulham captain Tom Cairney away from the club this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who could leave Fulham?

It's set to be a crucial summer transfer window at Craven Cottage with manager Marco Silva now hoping to build upon a successful first campaign back in the Premier League.

Fulham, quite comfortably, secured survival and another campaign in the big time – while also just missing out on qualification for European football.

Some of the Whites' star players, as a result, are said to be attracting interest from major clubs domestically. Perhaps most notably, midfielder Joao Palhinha is wanted at Man United, Liverpool and West Ham, but Fulham are set to fend off their advances by demanding upwards of £90 million (The Daily Mail).

The Portugal international may continue to be a talking point long into this summer, but according to other reports, he isn't the only Fulham star who could leave Craven Cottage.

Newcastle United and Marseille are currently pursuing a deal for left-back Antonee Robinson, with Fulham ready to let him leave given the defender is refusing to pen fresh terms (The Evening Standard).

Meanwhile, according to Football Insider and O'Rourke, another star who could depart west London is club captain Cairney.

Indeed, it is believed that the recently relegated Leicester are eyeing up a move for the Scotland international and wish to steal him away.

Cairney has just 12 months remaining on his current deal, with the Foxes hoping to lure him up north. He is a personal favourite of new Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, who wants him at the King Power Stadium.

The attacking midfielder struggled for consistent starts throughout 22/23, despite wearing the armband, but Silva has been full of praise for him regardless.

What's been said about Tom Cairney?

Speaking to the media last season, Silva expressed his admiration for Cairney, who he labelled a "top quality" player.

"Tom is always a player that can give us the calmness to start the game," said the Fulham boss (via The Independent).

"Even some moments under pressure he can give us what we need.

“Two great finishes, two great goals from him. Top quality player. We know his quality on the ball, everything that he can do."

The Perth Scorchers claimed top spot in the BBL table with a 27-run win against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba

The Report by Geoff Lemon11-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBrisbane Heat’s asking rate had climbed very high by the time Andrew Tye’s hat-trick came•Getty Images

Brisbane Heat became the first victims of Cricket Australia’s selection policy, choking on a run chase of 157 against Perth Scorchers that their big-hitting opener Chris Lynn would normally have devoured for breakfast.Instead, having created the sensation of this tournament by forming the opening pair known as the Bash Brothers with former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, Lynn was a spectator after being picked for Australia’s ODI series against Pakistan.It was a stark reminder of how uncomfortably these two forms of limited-overs cricket currently coexist in the Australian summer schedule. The unstoppable side of recent weeks was bowled out for 129 in the last over, finished off by an Andrew Tye hat-trick as the pace-change specialist finished with 4 for 22.In Lynn’s absence, the Heat could not create a sense of threat at the top of the order. His opening replacement, wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson, lasted all of three deliveries before left-arm menace Mitchell Johnson slanted a ball across him that took the edge to a well-placed Ashton Turner at slip.Johnson’s next over had Sam Heazlett miscuing a straight hit to Ashton Agar at mid-off, and from this unaccustomed position of disadvantage, McCullum skied a straight hit to mid-on one ball after pulling Jhye Richardson into the square-leg stands.From there the mounting run rate kept the pressure high, and wickets fell regularly. Test opener Joe Burns and former Adelaide Striker Alex Ross put on 43, but when Burns tried to force the pace, Agar grabbed a brilliant catch running back towards long-on.Michael Klinger held another running catch to get rid of Nathan Reardon, giving the microphone-wearing Scorchers captain the chance to chat breathlessly to Australian coach and selector Darren Lehmann as the latter moonlighted in the television commentary box, curious given Klinger is vying for national T20 selection.While Ross attempted to bat through the innings with a 40-ball 39, he got very lucky in the 12th over when his reverse sweep against Agar rolled back solidly into the stumps. Like a home-series umpire, the heavy Zing bail was unmoved.Nonetheless, Agar’s four overs for 18 runs were instrumental in slowing Heat’s chase, which looked over long before Tye could snuff it out.Earlier, Klinger had played to perfection the role Ross was attempting, batting through most of the innings for 81 in a knock that combined consolidation and counterattack.Conditions were trying: opening partner Shaun Marsh slashed a catch to third man, then Sam Whiteman hooked another, two overs after being struck a vicious blow to the head by English speedster Tymal Mills. Under a rare use of the concussion substitute rule, Cameron Bancroft entered the fray to keep wicket when Heat batted.Young legspinner Mitchell Swepson bowled his four overs unchanged for 22 runs, picking up the normally silky Ian Bell at long-on and the destructive Ashton Turner off a top edge.Around that damage, Klinger muscled sixes and fours down the ground and over midwicket, including one that Burns caught but carried over the rope. Klinger was finally out with seven balls left in the innings, and recent Test selection Hilton Cartwright could not ice the innings with 13 from 17.The Scorchers total shouldn’t have been enough, but the Lynn-less Heat were not able to keep up, loosening their hold on top spot with Sydney Sixers level on eight points, and Melbourne Stars on six with a game in hand.Perhaps as significant as the loss, though, was news that McCullum now faces suspension for a slow over rate, a punishment that Heat has indicated an intention to protest. They had better. To lose one Bash Brother may be regarded as misfortune. To lose two begins to look like carelessness.

Celtic haven't just been eyeing a new manager but fresh backroom additions team too, with The Scottish Sun reporting that the club are eyeing a deal for Scott Brown as a new assistant manager should John Kennedy leave.

Who is the next Celtic manager?

The Scottish Premiership side are currently without a boss, having seen Ange Postecoglou exit the club and decide to try his luck in the Premier League with Tottenham. He spent two seasons with the side and won all that there is to win in Scotland and has now decided to head to England.

It leaves a role to be filled at Celtic now though, with the club already compiling a list of potential candidates. The main name on that list has been Brendan Rodgers, who is currently without a club after leaving Leicester.

Despite leading the Foxes to an FA Cup triumph, his struggles in the top flight this season led to him departing. Whilst his old side did eventually suffer relegation, he is still a successful manager in the game, especially when you look at his previous stint with Celtic. Last time around with the club, he won the league on two occasions, the Scottish Cup twice and the Scottish League Cup three times too.

It looks like Rodgers is now being lined up for a return to the side and has been offered a big deal to do so – but he isn't the only change that Celtic are targeting for their backroom team.

A report from The Scottish Sun states that Scott Brown is also in the frame for a return to Parkhead, despite currently managing at Fleetwood in League One. That's because they feel that current number two John Kennedy could leave, and Brown would be fitting as an assistant manager for them – the iconic figure still speaks to Rodgers, so should the manager be appointed, he could link-up well with the former Liverpool boss.

Is Brendan Rodgers joining Celtic?

Celtic have made contact already with Rodgers over a potential deal but nothing has been agreed as of yet and the managerial post does remain vacant.

However, if the former Leicester man is appointed as the next Celtic manager, then it could be a very good move by the club. He's been praised by several big names in the game already, with Michail Antonio for example hailing the former Leicester man as an "unbelievable" manager.

Rodgers has previously done an excellent job in Scotland with the exact same club, so knows how to instil a winning mentality and how to build a winning team. If Celtic want to stay on top in the SPL, then they could do a lot worse than giving Rodgers the reins again with Brown as his number two.

Manchester United's takeover situation is still ongoing, and it will not be resolved before they appear in the FA Cup final, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed.

What's the latest on Man United's ownership situation?

There is still a lack of clarity over what Man United's current owners, the Glazers, will do moving forward, following multiple bids for ownership from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's consortium and a Qatar-backed group led by Sheikh Jassim Hamad Bin Al Thani.

Ratcliffe's bid will likely see the Glazers keep some of their shares in the club, whilst Jassim's latest bid, which falls short of the asking price, is for a full takeover.

The situation has dragged on for months, and manager Erik ten Hag will have been hoping for a resolution before the end of the season. However, speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs revealed that there is to be no answer ahead of United's final match, the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

“It's still fluid. There are still less formal talks taking place behind the scenes," he stated.

"Unfortunately for all parties, nothing has moved, and it may not move until after the FA Cup Final.”

What could happen next for Man United?

Man United's current focus will be on the cup final, which could play a crucial role in stopping their local rivals from completing a treble, a feat only achieved by United in English football.

The lack of progress on a deal may cause frustration, but with no resolution in sight, the Glazers may be waiting until the season ends before any announcement, given the potential for protests at the cup final if an unfavourable decision is reached.

There have been protests from sections of the United fanbase calling for a full sale of the club, rather than a takeover which will see the Glazers remain in any capacity.

The American family have been heavily criticised since taking over United in 2005, having seen a large buildup of debt and a steady decline in on-field performance since. The Red Devils have not won a league title in ten years, and have had to watch their biggest rivals in City and Liverpool consistently compete for major honours since.

A resolution will be necessary soon to allow Ten Hag to operate in the transfer market, following a promising first season of progress under the Dutchman. United secured a third-placed finish and won the Carabao Cup, their first piece of silverware in five years, and will be hoping to challenge for the title next season.

أعلنت رابطة الليجا عن رجل مباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو في منافسات الدوري الإسباني، والتي لعبت مساء اليوم السبت.

وحقق برشلونة فوزًا قاتلاً أمام سيلتا فيجو، بهدفين مقابل هدف، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الخامسة والعشرين للدوري الإسباني “الليجا”.

وحاز المهاجم البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي مهاجم برشلونة على جائزة رجل المباراة أمام سيلتا فيجو.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني بعد هدفي ليفاندوفسكي في مباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو

ولعب ليفاندوفسكي أساسيًا، وقد سجل هدفي برشلونة في المباراة، وأحرز هدفه الأول في الدقيقة 45.

والهدف الثاني سجله ليفاندوفسكي من ضربة جزاء بالدقيقة السابعة من الوقت المحتسب بدلاً من الضائع.

ونال ليفاندوفسكي التقييم الأعلى بين لاعبي برشلونة بعد أدائه في مباراة اليوم، وبلغ تقييمه 8.2 من 10 بحسب شبكة “سوفا سكور”.

سدد ليفاندوفسكي تسديدتين على المرمى ولمس الكرة 35 مرة، وبلغة دقة تمريراته 57%.

Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has been offered a longer contract to join Barcelona, as the La Liga giants attempt to lure the midfielder to the Camp Nou this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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What's going on with Gundogan and Man City?

The German midfielder has been in sensational form for Pep Guardiola's side, with his stunning brace away at Everton taking his total goal tally to nine this season.

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and it is currently unclear whether he will extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona are heavily interested in a move for the veteran, following the departure of Sergio Busquets, and have reportedly offered him a longer deal than City have.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Gundogan has received proposals from both clubs, with a decision to be made at the end of the season.

"For Ilkay Gundogan, we know he's only focusing on Manchester City now. Gundogan wants to win all the titles with Man City, and then to make a decision. So we have to wait on Gundogan," he stated.

"The proposal of Barcelona is there and what Barcelona are doing to tempt Gundogan, is to offer a longer contract. Manchester City are prepared to offer a contract extension to Gundogan, but Barcelona are offering a longer contract.

"So this is the strategy of Barcelona to convince Gundogan, let's see what the player will decide at the end of the season."

Should City keep Gundogan?

Even at his older age, Gundogan has proven to be invaluable for Guardiola's side again this season. He has previously been described as "incredible" by his manager, and he would likely be a big loss if he were to depart this summer.

If City win the Champions League this season, then Gundogan may feel he has accomplished all he can in Manchester and may elect to leave. Although City may not stand in his way out of respect for the midfielder, who would depart as a club legend, they would need to replace the £140k-per-week star.

Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic has been linked, and finances would likely not be an issue for Man City as they seek a top-class replacement.

Guardiola recently praised Gundogan's leadership qualities, and given his experience, there may only be a handful of players who could come in and bring what the Germany international does to the team.

Chelsea could decide to sell midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who is valued at around £40m (as per Transfermarkt), during the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Paul Brown.

What are the stats and facts behind Kovacic's season?

The Blues' struggles this season have been well-documented, with a top-half finish in the Premier League genuinely looking in doubt with three matches remaining. Players have struggled over all the pitch, whether it be Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack.

Kovacic is another who has had a disappointing campaign by his high standards, with injuries limiting the £100,000-a-week midfielder to just 17 league starts. When he has played, though, his performances have often not been up to scratch and there are now question marks over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

The Croatian's current Chelsea deal expires in the summer of 2024, so the upcoming transfer window will be the last opportunity to earn good money for his services.

Will Pochettino decide to let Kovacic leave Chelsea this summer?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown claimed that Chelsea could opt to sell Kovacic at the end of the season, seeing it as the right time to move him on:

"I don't think that would be a terribly bad thing, really, if Kovacic is one of the ones sacrificed or who maybe wants to leave, because he's one of the older players and may not have three, four or five years left at the top at Chelsea. I don't think that would be a huge problem for either party. It might even be the right thing to do."

Kovacic has been a great servant for Chelsea, having made 220 appearances for the club in total, not to mention being hailed as "outstanding" by former manager Thomas Tuchel, as well as this he was also described as a "dream" player by the German.

His technical quality in the middle of the park has been a joy to watch at times, having enjoyed a 86% pass completion rate in the league this season, as well as 90.8% for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup. His eye for the spectacular can also stand out, with a perfect example of it a stunning volley at home to Liverpool last season.

At 29, however, and with his contract expiring next year, this summer could be the most logical time to move him on, ensuring Chelsea receive some money in the process, allowing them to buy a younger replacement.

There is an argument to say that Kovacic's very best days could potentially be behind him, but ultimately, it depends on whether Mauricio Pochettino believes he is a key man moving forward – the new manager needs to be trusted in his decision-making – and if he possibly warrants being handed an extension in the near future.

Manchester United will make the trip to the south coast this evening for their Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion and Erik ten Hag will be hoping that his team can extend their unbeaten run in the top flight.

The Red Devils are four points ahead of their bitter rivals Liverpool in the race for the top four and a victory over the Seagulls will be essential as they bid to secure Champions League status with just six fixtures remaining.

Brighton have been victorious in their last two Premier League meetings with Man United, so the visit to the Amex Stadium will be challenging for Ten Hag's side as the pressure mounts at the business end of the season.

In terms of injuries, the Dutch manager has a number of key players unavailable for selection, with Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Raphael Varane and Alejandro Garnacho all sidelined with issues.

Despite the mounting injury concerns, Ten Hag did reveal in his pre-match press conference that Garnacho could be back sooner rather than later: "I think we have one training [session], but I think it's too soon to be available.

"I think he is short [of full fitness]. I think he needs some training and then, at short notice, he will be available."

How could Man United line up vs Brighton?

Ten Hag could make three changes to his team that beat Aston Villa 1-0 at the weekend, adopting a 4-2-3-1 formation.

De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Lindelof, Malacia, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Antony, Rashford, Weghorst.

The first change we expect to see is in the defensive set-up, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka joining Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in an otherwise unchanged back four.

The £90k-per-week ace – who has been dubbed as "monstrous" for his displays by journalist Alex Turk – is renowned for his ability to take on opponents successfully in one-on-one situations and could repeat his defensive masterclass seen last month in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Indeed, after a feisty battle with Kaoru Mitoma in London, the winger described Wan-Bissaka as a "strong opponent".

The second and third changes we predict Ten Hag will make are in the attacking third, with Antony and Wout Weghorst returning to the starting XI alongside Marcus Rashford, replacing Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitizer to freshen up the threat in front of goal.

The Man United boss will surely want to implement some rotation due to congested fixtures and will be hoping that his selections can inspire a positive result away from home.

Arsenal fell to yet another collapse yesterday, cruising into a 2-0 lead only to let it slip. Against Liverpool at Anfield, this could be excused, but when clashing with relegation-threatened West Ham United, a 2-2 draw on the road could prove costly.

It has truly opened the door for Manchester City to come bursting through, for if Pep Guardiola's side win their game in hand, the title will likely come down to their meeting at the Etihad in just over a week. Given they were dismantled at the Emirates by them earlier this year, it does not bode well.

Mikel Arteta was forced into some frustrating changes for their trip to the London Stadium, but it was felt like there remained more than enough quality within the squad to achieve a vital victory. When they had scored twice within ten minutes, this thought process was vindicated.

However, conceding a clumsy penalty before the break allowed the deficit to be halved, and after Jarrod Bowen's volley squirmed past Aaron Ramsdale on 54 minutes, the visitors were rumbled.

Few have come under fire for their performances, with Thomas Partey's 6.1 Sofascore rating the worst of anyone on the field drawing particular scorn.

The Ghanaian was especially bad in the middle of the park, perhaps dropping one of his worst performances of the campaign to date. Caught trying to play an audacious flick by Declan Rice, it was Partey who was dispossessed in the build-up to Lucas Paqueta earning a first-half penalty that started the comeback.

Despite this, it was clear where their main deficiencies truly lay. In the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney simply did not step up to the levels required of him. As such, the whole team suffered.

How did Kieran Tierney play vs West Ham?

Starting in his first Premier League game since December, the Scotsman was drafted in due to the Ukrainian's minor injury sustained in their last game. The 26-year-old has been integral to the way the Gunners have played this season, with his knowledge of the inverted full-back role key in their fine form.

However, it quickly became clear that the former Celtic man was without such capabilities, and as such his performance suffered.

Earning a 6.6 rating courtesy of Sofascore, of which only three players on the pitch earned lower, the lack of creative impetus from the £110k-per-week defender proved criminal in their lack of potency.

It seemed that once the Hammers had equalised, Arsenal had lost all control of the game. Had Zinchenko been playing, the experienced maestro would likely have proved to be a cool head to calm down a shell-shocked side.

However, his absence was instead exacerbated, as his replacement recorded 67 touches, an 81% pass accuracy and offered no key passes. Whilst his defensive numbers might have been impressive, with two tackles and two clearances, via Sofascore, this is arguably indicative of how on the back foot the visitors were compared to their usual dominant displays.

To further outline just how much pressure they were under against a side that started the day three points above the relegation zone, journalist Tom Victor highlighted one "desperate block" that Tierney made to deny Bowen a second. That was likely the Scot's best moment of a game in which he looked well out of sorts.

This struggle was supported by another journalist in Tan Copsey, who wrote: "Tierney and Holding don't have the passing range and it all starts to get so messy in the build-up."

He understood the sheer gulf in quality between the 25-year-old featuring as opposed to when Zinchenko starts. Arteta will now seek to rush back the former Cityzens star, to avoid another miserable result like yesterday's that further hands the title to their rivals.