Newcastle United reached new levels of success under Eddie Howe’s wing last season, but there’s no denying that they have been buffeted by the summer transfer window.

It’s been a testing period for those of a Toon persuasion, but it’s important to acknowledge the trophy-winning success of 2024/25, having won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League through the Premier League.

And while Newcastle failed to win their opening game of the new league campaign, they played well at Villa Park and left with a point, having lacked the presence of an out-and-out frontman, Anthony Gordon deputising at number nine.

Gordon is a fantastic player who will continue to star for the Tynesiders over the coming years, but he’s not a goalscoring striker.

Newcastle, as is no surprise, need to sign replacements up top, with the truant Alexander Isak showing no desire to return to Howe’s squad.

Newcastle searching for Isak replacement

Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m fee in 2022, and he has since gone from strength to strength to be regarded as “the best striker in the Premier League” by the likes of Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

But he’s headed for the exit, it would seem, having intimated to the Newcastle hierarchy that he has no intention of rejoining Howe’s squad, and only wants to sign for Liverpool.

Newcastle need to sign two strikers, though. There is optimism that a deal will be concluded for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but the DR Congo striker was never considered Isak’s potential replacement, and instead, an upgrade on Callum Wilson.

The likes of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and long-time transfer target Goncalo Ramos are on the club’s radar, but whether either are deemed appropriate to succeed Isak remains to be seen.

However, there’s another Premier League talent who has been earmarked, with discussions between the clubs rumoured to be in the works.

Newcastle in talks for new striker

As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle are holding discussions over the possible signing of Jørgen Strand Larsen via intermediaries.

The Norwegian frontman spent last season on loan at Molineux but only became a fully-fledged Wolverhampton Wanderers player at the beginning of July.

Even so, he is on the Magpies’ shortlist, though it would take a considerable offer to convince Wolves to part with the goalscorer, who has been valued at around £65m.

Why Newcastle want Strand Larsen

The 6 foot 4 Strand Larsen proved an industrious and effective outlet for Wolves last season, standing firm and tall as a focal point from which the likes of Matheus Cunha could use to create and link play together.

Strand Larsen’s 14-goal, five-assist return across the Premier League campaign bespeaks his potential, having only the year before plied his trade in Spain with Celta Vigo.

His 60% success rate in hitting the target put him among the top 1% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for that metric, and with a bit more confidence behind his powerful strikes, there’s every reason that the Norwegian could be fashioned into a superstar at St. James’ Park.

With the likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga blending their blistering speed and dynamic movements down the flanks, the Old Gold centre-forward would not need to play the flashy role under Howe’s tutelage, but rather, provide Newcastle with a clinical presence in the final third.

Gordon has spoken of his struggles last season, but how he has since rekindled the fire in his belly and is ready to return to the form that saw him crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, having notched 21 goal involvements in the Premier League.

Gordon in the PL
Stats (* per game)	23/24	24/25
Matches (starts)	35 (34)	34 (28)
Goals	11	6
Assists	10	5
Shots (on target)*	2.3 (0.9)	1.7 (0.6)
Pass completion	82%	81%
Key passes*	1.6	1.5
Big chances created	16	6
Dribbles*	1.5	1.1
Ball recoveries*	3.6	2.9
Tackles + interceptions*	1.8	1.1
Duels (won)*	5.3 (49%)	4.4 (52%)
Data via Sofascore

That kind of electric dribbling and unrelenting chance creation bodes well for a striker of Strand Larsen’s ilk, especially when Toon legend Alan Shearer has already singled him out as being a frustrating adversary for Premier League defenders.

After one display against Ipswich Town, Shearer said: “He was a nuisance. His hold-up play was excellent and I thought his touch and his control were superb.”

Such coolness in the final third would allow Gordon to shift in and play neat one-twos so he can strike on goal himself, too. And what’s more, the same could be replicated with the rip-roaring Elanga on the alternate wing.

Elanga, 24, has declared himself to be “one of the fastest players in the league,” and after two years of work under Nuno Espirito Santo in a counter-attacking Forest side, he will have perfected the art of swift transitional play.

This should see him dovetail into Newcastle’s first team, having impressed on his league debut for the outfit on Saturday, completing 23 sprints, winning five duels and making two key passes.

It’s clear, however, that Elanga works better with a strong forward in the centre – see his connection with Chris Wood at the City Ground, for example – and Strand Larsen could surely play that role, brawny, aerially efficient and composed with the ball at his feet.

While Strand Larsen doesn’t appear to be the first-choice pick for Newcastle as the end of the transfer window looms large, he’s proven in the Premier League and stands below a high ceiling indeed. He would be a credit to the squad, completing an exciting and multi-faceted frontline.

Howe's next Gordon: Newcastle make move to sign "exceptional" £26m star

Newcastle expect to complete a flurry of signings before the end of the transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 18, 2025

Manchester United are looking to conclude some late deals and may now be on the road to making an important signing that will remedy a key area of their squad, according to reports.

Manchester United reject Kobbie Mainoo loan request

Plenty of stories are doing the rounds surrounding Manchester United at the moment, but Kobbie Mainoo’s future has shot to prominence in the last few days amid confusion surrounding his situation.

Despite murmurs that he has submitted a request to go on loan, Ruben Amorim has made it clear that he wants the England international to fight for his place rather than leaving to find regular minutes elsewhere.

He told reporters at his most recent press conference: “I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. So that is not going to change.

“The rest I don’t know how it’s going to finish. I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed, but everyone has the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week.”

After the Red Devils’ shock defeat to Grimsby Town, pressure is on Amorim’s shoulders from Old Trafford chiefs, heightening the need for signings before next Monday’s deadline.

Man Utd now seriously considering late move for "wonderful" £32m midfielder

INEOS may not be done just yet…

2 ByDominic Lund Aug 28, 2025

Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher is in the frame to join Manchester United as a potential reinforcement in the engine room, albeit it remains to be seen whether that can be completed in time.

Randal Kolo Muani has also been approached by the Red Devils, though again, it may be difficult to bring in someone of such repute at short notice.

With speculation escalating, Manchester United are now in the final stages of concluding a deal to address an important area of the field.

Manchester United in final stages of Senne Lammens deal

According to Sacha Tavolieri on X, Manchester United are now in the ‘final stages’ of a deal to sign Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens in a transfer that will amount to £21.6 million.

The 23-year-old is set to sign by the weekend on a five-year contract after talks began to accelerate on Friday, and his current employers are now confident they can complete a sale that will see the Red Devils inherit a valuable option between the sticks.

Earning a save percentage of 73.3% this term, per FBRef, he has conceded four goals in Antwerp’s first four matches of the season, but could now be set to unseat Andre Onana at Old Trafford.

Now, it remains to be seen if the final details mentioned will be wrapped up before the close of play. However, Manchester United appear to be making good time.

Manchester United are issuing the perfect response to a 2024/25 campaign that left everything to be desired.

Though INEOS’ efforts to bring in new signings proved protracted at the start, there has been an impetus on strengthening with genuine quality, the frontline revamped through deals for Premier League stars Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, followed by the £74m acquisition of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, one of the most talented young strikers in Europe.

Ruben Amorim was dealt a tough hand when leaving his high-flying Sporting Lisbon project and taking over an Old Trafford side in disrepair, but he’s weathered the storm and has hunkered down, reshaping the team, stamping his mark on the squad.

Man Utd confident they will sign PL star

Technical director Jason Wilcox remains hard at work. Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been slated to replace the beleaguered Andre Onana between the sticks, while talks continue over the sales of several first-team drifters, chief of which being Alejandro Garnacho, who is expected to join Chelsea before the end of the window.

However, it’s clear that Amorim is also hoping to sign a dynamic number 6 before the end of the month, viewing a robust profile in the role as being perfect to take his side to the next level and leave a significant impression on the Premier League, pushing United back into the ascendancy of European football.

According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, via TEAMtalk, Manchester United are growing in confidence as they chase a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

The all-action midfielder, 21, has previously been reported by Fabrizio Romano to be the focus of new talks between the Premier League rivals, though the Seagulls don’t want to sell and will make any bid extremely difficult, pricing their star at £104m.

Transfer Focus

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

Baleba, however, is attracted by the thought of joining the Old Trafford side and Amorim is intent on bringing players who want to fight for the badge.

What Carlos Baleba would bring to Man Utd

One of Man United’s most fatal flaws throughout the post-Fergie era has been signing established ‘superstars’, who perhaps have the headline name but have been there and done that, and thus don’t have the fire in their belly that the club need.

Baleba is the perfect profile to buck that trend, and what’s more, so are the already-made deals completed over the past few months. Whisper it quietly, but something feels different about the Red Devils this time.

Brighton have a knack for identifying and developing midfielders. Their talent ID is superlative and mistake-free. And with Baleba eager to switch the sandy south coast for Manchester’s bustling streets, INEOS and Amorim have a glorious opportunity to take this Man United team into their next phase.

The 21-year-old powerhouse is a holding midfielder with bags of energy and an attacking flair, lending itself to an influential position in Fabian Hurtzler’s Seagulls team.

And considering the player’s “colossal” performances so far in the Premier League, as have been noted by Brighton reporter Aden-Jay Wood, he could revolutionise United’s midfield, maybe even turning out to be their own version of Manchester City sensation Rodri.

Rodri’s is a name that we all know. The Spain international is one of the greatest players of his generation and has won the full gamut at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 26 goals and supplying 32 assists across 265 matches in all competitions.

But he started somewhere, and that first campaign in the Premier League proved tricky, with City losing their Premier League title to Liverpool.

Rodri still made an exciting impression, though, and it’s curious to note that Baleba for Brighton last season ranked up quite nicely against that version of the Iberian midfielder.

Matches (starts)

35 (29)

34 (31)

Goals

3

3

Assists

2

1

Touches*

83.3

54.0

Accurate passes

68.4 (93%)

33.6 (88%)

Big chances created

3

3

Key passes*

1.0

0.6

Dribbles*

0.9

1.0

Ball recoveries*

8.25

6.66

Tackles + interceptions*

2.1

3.7

Duels (won)*

4.9 (55%)

5.9 (55%)

Rodri might be a Ballon d’Or-winning superstar, but when he first arrived on English shores and got to work under Pep Guardiola’s wing, he had much to learn, and it’s promising to note that Baleba in his youthful period is on the same level as the Spaniard’s one-time iteration.

FBref recorded that the Cameroonian midfielder ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90 too, thus illustrating his capacity to slide forward and progress play for his team.

Though it would take much time and effort to build Baleba up to a position where he could be considered the finest midfielder in the Premier League, one of the best in the world, he certainly has the potential to be just that.

There’s plenty of rocky terrain still to traverse before Man United crest this mountain, which has loomed before them for so long, but it’s not unjust to suggest that things are changing, and that the signings being made have the potential to drive an exciting new era.

Were Baleba to join, Amorim’s midfield would be revolutionised, with a centrepiece carrying all the potential to emulate Rodri and become an all-powerful presence in a Manchester midfield.

Man Utd's new Carrick: INEOS set to make bid for £100m + star this week

Manchester United look ready to splash the cash on a player who possesses shades of Michael Carrick’s assured game.

1 ByKelan Sarson Aug 11, 2025

Leeds United’s search for an attacking midfielder is ongoing as the deadline approaches and the 49ers have now reportedly submitted a fresh offer to sign their latest target.

Leeds' search for attacking additions

Daniel Farke has been clear since pre-season that Leeds need attacking reinforcements. And whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor have arrived to provide the German with the start of a solution, the Whites are still searching for the missing piece in the form of an attacking midfielder.

Earlier this summer, it looked as though the versatile Igor Paixao was going to be the man to arrive for the Yorkshire club, only for Marseille to swoop in and hijack their move. The Brazilian would have been an excellent addition after scoring 18 goals and assisting another 19 in all competitions for Feyenoord in the last campaign. Nonetheless, the Whites were forced to turn elsewhere.

Related Contact made: Leeds now plotting last-gasp offer to sign "underrated" star

He’s in excellent form.

Posts 5 ByTom Cunningham Sep 1, 2025

Following Paixao, both Facundo Buonanotte and Gus Hamer emerged as options before the former opted to join Chelsea instead of moving to Elland Road – seemingly leaving just Hamer.

The Sheffield United star has been part of a struggling Blades side who are still getting over the heartbreak of last season’s playoff final defeat against Sunderland. Whether he remains a Sheffield United star is the big question. Leeds reportedly submitted an opening bid to sign the talented midfielder, but failed to match the Blades’ valuation.

When it comes to Premier League quality, meanwhile, there’s no doubt that Hamer is good enough to step up. The Sheffield United man was the star of the Championship last season and more than deserved a place in the top flight, but time will tell whether Leeds make that happen.

The bad news for Hamer is that he’s still not the only one on Leeds’ shortlist of options. He’s reportedly joined by a Premier League option, who has already been subject to an offer.

Leeds launch Buendia bid

As reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy, Leeds launched an opening offer to sign Emiliano Buendia before receiving a swift reply from the Argentine, who has decided to stay put in the Midlands.

It’s another blow for Leeds, whose offer wasn’t good enough for Hamer and project seemingly not attractive enough for Buendia to leave them back to square one in the final hours of the transfer window.

Like Hamer, Buendia would have been a quality option. The former Norwich City star was the subject of Unai Emery’s praise last season, with the Spaniard telling reporters: “Of course, I am very happy with a lot of players. Today, especially with Emi Buendia, because he has the option to leave but today we needed him and he played fantastic with his qualities, fantastic mentality and fantastic with his commitment with the squad.”

Stumps A thrilling third day’s play of the Ranji Trophy final took a potentially decisive turn late in the third session, when Sachin Baby, who was a symbol of concentration and grit all day to construct 234-ball 98, fell with Kerala 56 away from a first-innings lead. That opened the floodgates for hosts Vidarbha to barge the door down, by picking up the three remaining wickets quickly to take a 37-run lead by stumps.Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade, the left-arm spin twins, picked up six wickets between them as Kerala saw the lead snatched from under their rug in eerily similar circumstances to what they did to Gujarat only a week earlier. Dubey ended with 3 for 88 across 44 overs, to surpass Ashutosh Aman’s tally for most wickets in a single Ranji season. He’s now on top of the list with 69 wickets.The big moment came 30 minutes into the final session when Rekhade danged a carrot with Baby approaching three figures in his 100th first-class game. With mid-on in, Baby looked to launch him over the infield but ended up dragging it to Karun Nair at the deep midwicket boundary. Baby took an eternity to walk off and couldn’t believe what he’d done. In that moment, it felt as if Kerala’s hopes hinged on a lead that eventually was taken away from them when the lower order was snuffed out.Jalaj Saxena, Kerala’s last hope, soldiered on for 76 deliveries to make 28 before an attempted paddle off Rekhade had him miss the ball as it crashed into the stumps. Kerala still needed 43, but there was a sense that the end was nigh. Saxena’s wicket was massive, for he was looking completely at ease against the turning ball that occasionally spat on the batters with a few spots from the rough areas of both ends making it difficult for the batters.Like it has on many occasions, the prelude to Saxena’s wicket was a lengthy recovery break when Yash Rathod fell flat on the ground with cramps and needed treatment from the physio before play resumed. It was almost as if that break forced a slight lapse in concentration from Saxena as he attempted to paddle one from outside off, having played that stroke a number of times during his innings to deliveries drifting into the pads.Darshan Nalkande finished with 3 for 52 in the first innings•PTI

Once Saxena fell, Kerala folded with 19-year-old Eden Apple Tom, playing in only his third Ranji game and his first in nearly three years, bowled attempting a sweep after he’d blunted the bowling for a better part of the last 45 minutes. The last hour undid all the hard work Baby did in being able to have Kerala dare to dream of a lead, but he’ll know with two full days left and two quality spinners in his ranks, Kerala’s ability to bounce back will depend on how quickly they’re able to lift themselves from the pall of gloom that seemed to have set into the dressing room when their final wicket fell.The nature of Kerala’s collapse in the end was dramatic and won’t tell you how well the batters had done to give them sight of a lead in the first place. Local boy and two-time Ranji winner with Vidarbha, Aditya Sarwate, led the way with 79, and was the first to fall on the third day when he was prised out by Dubey, who quickly changed his approach from trying to bowl full and flat to looping it into the batters and having them jab at deliveries.Once such delivery that jumped at Sarwate lobbed off the bat to Danish Malewar at silly point just a few minutes after he’d reprieved him by putting down a low catch at gully. That wicket forced Vidarbha to go on an attack, as Baby, who overturned an lbw through DRS on 54, opened up to play some wonderful shots – the secret to his runs early on lay in how late he played the ball and how disciplined he was outside off.Mohammed Azharuddeen took much pressure off Baby as he late cut the spinners well to keep picking runs and bring the deficit close to double digits when Vidarbha’s decision to take the second new ball midway through the 93rd over immediately paid dividends. Off the very first ball of the 94th, Azharuddeen was trapped lbw by Darshan Nalkande’s in-ducker that beat his inside edge.Saxena then showed some intent up front by hitting two boundaries off his first five deliveries, before he buckled down in Baby’s company. The pair added 46 when Baby’s hoick – what would best be described a brain fade – changed the complexion of the innings, and possibly the match itself.

After being hooked by Liverpool again during the weekend's Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, it has been suggested that Florian Wirtz might soon have to worry about his starting place under Arne Slot. The Germany international, who arrived for what was a British record transfer fee at the time, is still yet to score or assist in the Premier League or Champions League.

Subbed when Liverpool needed a goal

Wirtz was the main man at former club Bayer Leverkusen prior to his £116 million ($156m) move to Anfield early in the summer transfer window. But it hasn't been smooth sailing since rocking up at Liverpool, yet to complete a full game in any competition.

Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park was the earliest that Wirtz has been brought off, and it came when Liverpool were 1-0 down and chasing a goal. Slot replaced him with Federico Chiesa and it was the Italian who went on to grab the equaliser – not that it mattered in the end.

Wirtz had previously been starting centrally in the No. 10 role, but he had to make do with coming off the bench in the Merseyside derby and began on the left against Crystal Palace.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlot's 'concern' over performance

In a column for The Times, former Chelsea, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino suggested it is "damning" that Wirtz's minutes and impact is reducing, rather than increasing.

"The fact that Wirtz has been replaced in all of his Liverpool starts thus far is damning and suggests that Slot may have some concerns over his performances," he said.

"It's not as if Wirtz is carrying a knock or lacking match sharpness; he played with Liverpool during pre-season and completed two full matches with Germany during the previous international break."

Struggling to cope with Premier League physicality

There is always going to be a bedding in period for any player who moves internationally, getting used to a new country and environment. But when such a huge transfer fee has been involved, fans are less willing to be patient as they wait to see results.

"There is no doubt about the ability of a player like Wirtz," Cascarino reasoned.

"We all witnessed how he pulled the strings for Bayer Leverkusen when they went unbeaten to win their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24. That player hasn't showed up in England however, and on Saturday [against Palace] Wirtz was constantly getting caught on the ball and was unable to connect the intricate passes that have previously made him such a threat. At Leverkusen, you would see Wirtz pick up the ball in midfield and glide past players before being decisive in the final third, but that has deserted him at Liverpool.

"The Premier League is more physically demanding than the Bundesliga, and Wirtz is struggling to adapt to its intensity. He has been too easy for opponents to shrug off the ball, and has struggled to cope with the lack of time and space opponents have given him. There have been brief flashes against Palace in the Community Shield and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but these have been too few and far between."

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Should Wirtz have joined Bayern Munich instead?

Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently suggested that he thinks Wirtz would have been better off staying in Germany this summer, moving to the Allianz Arena instead.

"I have to honestly say, I still feel sorry for Florian Wirtz because I think the player would be better off at Bayern Munich than at Liverpool," Bayern's former CEO said.

After their late victory against Burnley exposed their problems for all to see once again, Manchester United have reportedly submitted an “improved” offer to sign a major upgrade.

Man Utd eyeing late Onana upgrade

When Andre Onana came flying out of position in an attempt to punch clear against Grimsby in midweek, only to hand the League Two side their second goal on a plate, Ruben Amorim could only watch on as a similar story unfolded. Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir hasn’t been a lot more encouraging, given that his mistake handed Arsenal their winning goal on the opening day.

Simply put, whether it’s been Bayindir or Onana, Manchester United’s goalkeeping department has not been good enough for some time. And INEOS are still attempting to find a solution as Monday’s deadline approaches.

With less than 48 hours left until the transfer window slams shut, fresh reports have indicated that Emiliano Martinez has emerged as an option. The Aston Villa goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from the Midlands all summer and could now finally get a departure courtesy of those at Old Trafford.

Minutes

3,194

3,060

Clean Sheets

8

9

Save Percentage

69%

68.9%

Saves P90

2.7

2.59

Whilst Martinez is less mistake-prone than Onana, last season’s numbers suggest that he wouldn’t be the major upgrade that Amorim requires. The similar save percentage between the two makes for particularly concerning reading and the last thing United need is another liability between the sticks.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that Martinez is already 32 years old. If Amorim is to lead a successful project at Old Trafford then he needs a consistent No.1 who will be at the centre of his side for years to come and Martinez cannot guarantee that. Instead, INEOS would be best to turn to a shot-stopper that has been on their radar all summer long.

Man Utd submit "improved" Lammens offer

According to Mike McGrath, Manchester United have now submitted an “improved” offer to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp and a medical could take place on Sunday if the goalkeeper agrees to a move.

Aston Villa have also asked about the shot-stopper and would set off a domino effect resulting in Martinez joining United if they hijacked the Red Devils’ move for Lammens.

Lammens has been the name on United’s list for most of the summer and it’s clear to see why. Praised for a “superb” season by scout Jacek Kulig at the end of the last campaign, the Belgian is still just 23 years old and represents the young, rising star that would suit this stage of Amorim’s project.

Lost the ball 15x: Man Utd's 8/10 ace is already looking like another Bruno

Bruno Fernandes’ last-gasp penalty secured a valuable win for Manchester United at home to Burnley…

1 ByRobbie Walls Aug 30, 2025

It’s a deal that United simply have to get over the line if they want to see the marked improvement that INEOS will be desperate for this season.

Giants will also want to turn their poor record against MI around as the WPL moves to Mumbai

Shashank Kishore09-Mar-20255:45

How can Mumbai stop the Deandra Dottin threat?

Who’s playingMumbai Indians (MI) vs Gujarat Giants (GG)
Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7.30pm ISTWhat to expect: Top spot up for grabsRCB’s loss to UP Warriorz on Saturday night may have smoothened the passage into the playoffs for both MI and GG, but there’s still an extra edge to this contest as the top spot is still not booked.Giants have to win to entertain thoughts of finishing at No. 1. Mumbai have a game in hand and can get there even if they lose on Monday, but it would then mean a three-way tie should they beat RCB. They would want to avoid this logjam, having been in a similar position last year and then going down to RCB in the Eliminator.Related

The rise and roar of Kashvee Gautam

Mooney confident Gujarat Giants can challenge for WPL playoffs

GG are on a bull run, having won more games (three) over the past week than they did all of last season. But there’s one thing they haven’t done yet: beat MI, who have a 5-0 record against them in the tournament’s short history. If that wasn’t pressure enough, they now face the challenge of playing Harmanpreet Kaur’s MI in Mumbai, at the Brabourne Stadium, where they are yet to lose a single game.They have been the most explosive side in the middle-overs, courtesy Ash Gardner and new (old) signing Deandra Dottin. But MI have the best economy (6.6 runs an over) and average (17.9) in this phase. This battle will form the crux of the contest.The return to form of Harleen Deol, instrumental in GG’s stunning chase of 178 the other night against Delhi Capitals, bodes well. Kashvee Gautam’s all-round prowess and Beth Mooney’s unshackling at the top make them look more dangerous.MI look equally strong but have changed their batting combinations because of Yastika Bhatia’s prolonged lean run. In their previous game, Amelia Kerr was promoted to open with Hayley Mathews. It remains to be seen if this will be their plan at the back end too. If it is, it could mean a bigger batting responsibility for S Sajana and Amanjot Kaur in the middle order.Yastika Bhatia has been in poor batting form•WPLForm guideMumbai Indians WLWWW
Gujarat Giants WWWLLTeam NewsD Hemalatha’s poor run at the top of the order may force a change for GG. Simran Shaikh, who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, could get a look-in to inject some lower-order firepower.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Phoebe Lichfield, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Ash Gardner (capt), 5 Deandra Dottin, 6 Simran Shaikh, 7 Kashvee Gautam, 8 Bharti Fulmali, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Meghna Singh, 11 Priya MishraMumbai have no reason to tinker with their XI.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Hayley Matthews, 2 Amelia Kerr, 3 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Amanjot Kaur, 6 Yastika Bhatia (wk), 7 G Kamalini, 8 S Sajana, 9 Sanskriti Gupta, 9 10 Shabnim Ismail, 11 Parunika SisodiaKashvee Gautam has been a revelation this season•BCCIPlayers to watch: Hayley Matthews and Kashvee GautamHayley Matthews started poorly – not having crossed 20 in her first three games – but is slowly beginning to show the sparks of positivity she brings to her batting, especially up front in the powerplay, where she has made two half-centuries in her last three innings. Matthews’ return to form prevents more headaches at the top of the order for the Mumbai team management, especially with Bhatia struggling.Seam-bowling allrounders offer the kind of balance Harmanpreet Kaur has been yearning for as India captain. With Pooja Vastrakar suffering from a stress fracture, Kashvee Gautam’s performances with bat and ball for GG might have put her in national contention in a World Cup year. She’s easily one of the breakout stars of WPL 2025, and is leading the wickets’ chart for GG at this stage. Can she help them make their maiden final?Stats that matter Nat Sciver-Brunt, the season’s second-highest run-getter, loves playing at Brabourne Stadium, having scored 196 runs and got out only once in four outings at this venue in the WPL. GG have the most wickets (13) among all teams in the powerplay this season. Gardner’s 17 sixes are the most by a batter this season. There is no MI batter in the top five. MI’s economy of 8.6 is the highest in the powerplay this season. They have also picked up the joint-highest wickets (9) in this phase.

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Abel Ferreira, do Palmeiras, foi julgado e punido com um jogo de suspensão pelo Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD), nesta terça-feira (27), por ter puxado o celular da mão de um repórter em uma confusão na zona mista do Mineirão após o duelo entre Atlético-MG x Palmeiras no dia 28 de maio, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

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+ Palmeiras perde titular por lesão no joelho, e Marcos Rocha inicia transição

Abel foi enquadrado no artigo 258 do Código Brasileira de Justiça Desportiva (CBJD) – assumir qualquer conduta contrária à disciplina ou à ética desportiva, e acabou sendo absolvido do pagamento de multa, podendo recorrer da decisão. O treinador português terá que cumprir a pena pelo Brasileirão. Logo, não comandará o Verdão no duelo diante do Athletico-PR, neste domingo (2), na Arena da Baixada, em Curitiba, pela 13ª rodada.

Na ocasião do dia 28 de maio, Abel Ferreira pegou o celular das mãos do produtor Pedro Spinelli, da Globo Minas, enquanto ele filmava uma discussão entre o diretor de futebol do Verdão, Anderson Barros, com o quarto árbitro Ronei Cândido Alves, após o empate entre Atlético-MG e Palmeiras.

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O treinador do Alviverde devolveu o celular apenas quando percebeu que estava sendo filmado por outro jornalista. Abel virou para ele e disse: “O futebol brasileiro está assim por vossa responsabilidade”. Na sequência, acompanhado de um segurança do clube, seguiu para os vestiários.

+ Leila Pereira explica quando o Palmeiras vai usar o novo avião e cita as vantagens para os atletas

Segundo o técnico português, ele acreditava que fosse uma zona de acesso restrito, em que os jornalistas não poderiam entrar. No entanto, se tratava da zona mista, onde repórteres credenciados têm livre acesso. No dia seguinte, Abel fez uma chamada de vídeo com o profissional da Globo e pediu desculpas pelo ocorrido.

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MatériaMais Notícias

46 dias se passaram desde que o Corinthians anunciou Vanderlei Luxemburgo como novo técnico do clube, e o “pofexô” acumula mais protestos da torcida do que vitórias em sua terceira passagem no Timão.

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Com apenas um treino antes de sua estreia contra o Independiente del Valle, na Libertadores, Luxa fez mudanças na escalação, mas não foi suficiente e o Alvinegro foi derrotado, em plena Neo Química Arena, por 2 a 1, deixando a situação na competição ainda mais complicada.

Irritada, as torcidas organizadas já haviam marcado um protesto na porta do CT no final de semana seguinte. Os líderes das uniformizadas conseguiram conversar com o treinador e deram um prazo de dez jogos para ele “arrumar a casa”.

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+ Todos os jogos doBrasileirãovocê encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

Porém, Luxemburgo não conseguiu mudar a rota do clube e somou apenas três pontos em seus primeiros sete jogos, tendo o pior aproveitamento de um treinador corintiano no século.

A maré começou a virar no dia 28 de maio, quando o Corinthians venceu o Fluminense por 2 a 0 e deu esperanças à torcida que uma virada contra o Atlético-MG na Copa do Brasil seria possível. No final de maio Luxa viveu seu ápice no Timão, vencendo duas partidas consecutivas e avançando na Copa do Brasil.

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+ Ruan Oliveira entra no segundo tempo e evita derrota do Corinthians contra o Cuiabá; veja notas

Contudo, o momento positivo foi derrubado com a eliminação precoce na Libertadores e dois jogos sem vitórias no Brasileirão, contra América-MG e Cuiabá. Isso foi o suficiente para torcedores organizados protestarem novamente contra o elenco e diretoria após a derrota contra o Del Valle, em Quito. Dessa vez os atos foram mais agressivos, com fogos de artifício sendo atirados no CT.

A pausa da Data Fifa representaria um período de paz e tentativa de reconciliação entre clube e torcida, mas a Gaviões da Fiel seguia insatisfeita e foi novamente ao CT Joaquim Grava para conversar com Alessandro Nunes, gerente de futebol, e lideranças do elenco.

+ Timão se afasta do Z4? Veja tabela e os próximos jogos do Brasileirão

Em nota, a Gaviões da Fiel fez um apelo para que os atletas deixem de mostrar corpo mole nas partidas e deixou claro que chegou o fim o período de paz. O primeiro desafio de Luxemburgo pós-Data Fifa será no dia 21, quando Corinthians enfrenta o Santos, na Vila Belmiro, com o objetivo de se distanciar do Z4 no Brasileirão e abafar a crise com a torcida corintiana.