MatériaMais Notícias
A Copa América, que começará no próximo dia 20 de junho, anunciou a renovação de seu principal patrocinador. A TCL, marca de televisores, continuará no posto que já ocupa há três edições do torneio. A marca também patrocina a Libertadores.
continua após a publicidade
➡️ Vai dar Brasil? Aposte no Lance! Betting e fature com a Copa América
Tudo sobre
Copa AméricaFutebol Nacional
Wolves are now expressing an interest in signing a Man City player, with one of their squad members potentially set to leave in January.
Wolves nailed on for relegation barring Rob Edwards miracle
The Old Gold face the most perilous situation in the Premier League, rooted firmly to the bottom of the table with just two points from 14 games.
Wolves appear destined for Championship football unless Rob Edwards can orchestrate an almighty turnaround during the second half of the campaign.
Edwards arrived from Middlesbrough in mid-November, leaving a promotion-chasing outfit second in the Championship to tackle one of football’s most daunting rescue missions.
Wolves still remain winless, sitting 12 points adrift of safety – a margin that already carries significant historical weight.
No team has ever survived relegation after collecting merely two points from their opening 14 games, and at their current rate, they would finish the season with just seven points — threatening to eclipse Derby County’s infamous 11-point record from the 2007-08 campaign.
Huddersfield Town (18/19)
16
Sheffield United (23/24)
16
Sunderland (05/06)
15
Southampton (24/25)
12
Derby County
11
The appointment of Edwards represents a desperate gamble by chairman Jeff Shi, who acknowledged the club needs a complete philosophical refresh.
Edwards’ deep connections to Molineux — having made over 100 appearances as a player before serving in various coaching capacities — offer hope that he understands the DNA required to navigate this crisis.
Wolves plotting January bid for "prolific" £17.5m striker with 29 G/A last season
The Old Gold are looking to bring in a centre-forward this winter, in order to bolster their survival hopes.
ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025
However, his task is monumental. Vitor Pereira managed just a 36.8 per cent win rate before his sacking in early November, inheriting a squad stripped of its best talent through successive transfer windows.
The pattern has become devastatingly familiar.
After selling Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes in 2023, then Pedro Neto and Max Kilman in 2024, Wolves lost Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri last summer without securing adequate replacements.
Cunha’s departure to Man United for £62.5 million removed their most reliable goalscorer, 17 goals in all competitions last season, while Ait-Nouri joined Manchester City for £31 million.
The club’s attacking output has obviously collapsed as a result, with just seven goals scored so far — the division’s worst record and only team failing to reach double figures.
However, according to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, Shi and Fosun do have a succession plan for goalkeeper Jose Sa.
Wolves express James Trafford interest with Jose Sa set to leave
Indeed, it is believed that Wolves have expressed interest in signing Man City’s James Trafford on loan in January as Edwards searches for solutions.
The 23-year-old England youth international finds himself behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order after the Italian’s summer arrival, which is bad timing ahead of the World Cup next year.
After starting the campaign as City’s number one following Ederson’s departure to Fenerbahçe, Trafford has managed just three appearances since August and is eager to continue his development elsewhere.
Wolves face mounting concerns between the posts, with current number one Sam Johnstone enduring a difficult spell.
His error against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday proved costly, failing to connect properly with Omari Hutchinson’s cross and allowing the winning goal.
Meanwhile, second-choice Sa is ‘potentially set to leave’ next month, with West Ham monitoring the Portuguese ahead of a potential winter swoop.
Trafford enjoyed an outstanding 2024-25 Championship campaign with Burnley before returning to City, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances with an impressive 84.6 per cent save percentage.
His promotion-winning pedigree under Scott Parker could prove invaluable as Edwards desperately seeks reinforcements capable of mounting an unlikely survival bid during the second half of the season.
However, they’ll have to contend with competition for Trafford’s services, with Tottenham also believed to be exploring a move for the ‘top talent’.
Liverpool head into the Champions League tonight against PSV Eindhoven looking like a bruised animal once more.
Last time out at Anfield, Arne Slot’s Reds were convincingly beaten by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League in a 3-0 loss, with the match preceding this humbling defeat on home soil also seeing the Merseyside giants lose by the same emphatic scoreline, away at Manchester City.
Thankfully, the Champions League has been a temporary sanctuary for the reigning Premier League champions, as was evident in their 1-0 win against Real Madrid, the last time they did battle in the illustrious competition.
Therefore, Liverpool will be hoping they can lick their wounds again and beat their Eredivisie opponents later on this evening.
If form doesn’t pick up, though, the January transfer window will be a very apt time to try and find upgrades on the underperformers consistently letting the side down…
Transfer latest at Liverpool
Despite their poor form as of late, the Reds will still see themselves as a significant superpower in any transfer window to come.
After all, a colossal £415m was spent just this summer on a raft of new signings, with fresh rumours now indicating that the Slot and Co. could be prepared to drop another £123m on Bayern Munich ace Michael Olise.
Moreover, Antoine Semenyo remains in their sights as another attacking signing that could boost a side let down by the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to date.
On top of signings to add to their attacking arsenal, Liverpool are also allegedly looking to do battle with Real Madrid over the services of midfield talent Vitinha, according to emerging reports from Spain.
Indeed, the report elaborates that the La Liga giants are preparing a €150m (£131m) bid for Luis Enrique’s prized asset.
Yet, Liverpool are keen to accelerate a deal, as well, by matching the Los Blancos’ amount, ensuring they could actually eclipse the £125m club-record capture of Alexander Isak.
A next step to the Premier League is noted as being very appealing for the Portugal international, if a statement move were to whir into motion.
Vitinha’s arrival at Anfield might not be the news Ryan Gravenberch wants to read, however, with the classy Paris Saint-Germain number 17 a clear upgrade on the Dutchman, as the 23-year-old has noticeably struggled as of late.
Why Vitinha is a clear upgrade on Gravenberch
Alongside the vast majority of his teammates, Gravenberch has suffered from a notable dip in his performance levels in recent matches.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Once labelled as being “vital” to the way Liverpool tick earlier in the season by ex-Reds midfielder Steve McManaman, the former Ajax prodigy turned Anfield first-teamer struggled to be an influential presence in back-to-back defeats at the hands of City and Forest, with only four ground duels won in total across 14 attempts, as per Sofascore.
To make matters worse, the underperforming number 38 would also fail to notch up a single key pass, leaving him on just the one paltry assist for the campaign.
While Gravenberch has shown visible signs of decline, Vitinha has continued to stand out on some pressurised stages for Enrique’s men, with this wonderful move – which was kickstarted by the 25-year-old’s fierce burst of pace – in last year’s Champions League final, just one reason why his national team manager in Roberto Martinez has glowingly labelled him the “best midielder in the world.”
In league action for PSG, too, this season, he blows his immediate competition out of the water, with one goal and six assists from 12 games – among other numbers – sticking out immediately to Slot, as he attempts to make Liverpool a vibrant and attractive watch in attack this campaign, again, rather than sticking by their current stifled appearance.
Games played
12
10
Goals scored
1
3
Assists
6
1
Touches*
113.8
74.8
Accurate passes*
98.2 (94%)
54.8 (89%)
Key passes*
1.5
0.7
Big chances created
6
2
Ball recoveries*
4.9
3.5
It’s not just in the attacking department where Vitinha could improve the downbeat Reds, with the 5-foot-8 playmaker also averaging 4.9 ball recoveries so far this season in Ligue 1, next to Gravenberch’s lesser 3.5.
Of course, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether from the French top division, which PSG consistently dominate.
But, Vitinha has actually shown off his swagger against Liverpool at Anfield, with the “incredible” midfield general – as Enrique has also labelled him – dictating play during PSG’s slim 1-0 away win in the Champions League last campaign when amassing a ridiculous 103 accurate passes.
Worryingly, his Dutch counterpart receded into his shell, with zero accurate dribbles registered, and possession was lost a costly 12 times.
The one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee won’t be moving to England on the cheap, but it could be a splurge worth signing off on, as Slot attempts to reinvigorate his options all over the pitch.
Perfect for Isak: Liverpool make £122m sensation their "dream target"
Liverpool need to make changes in the transfer market once again.
ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss in the dead-rubber against finalists India. They made one change with bowling allrounder Chamika Karunaratne making way for batting allrounder Janith Liyanage.India meanwhile rested Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube, with left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh and right-arm seamer Harshit Rana coming into the XI. India captain Suryakumar Yadav was happy with the toss decision, saying he would have opted to bat too.Asalanka, at the toss, said this was an important game despite a place in the final no longer up for grabs. He said he wanted to keep India down to 175.Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan ThusharaIndia XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
Everton now reportedly want to sign Nicolas Jackson in an attempt to solve their goalscoring problems and take full advantage of Bayern Munich’s £70m decision.
The Toffees are so nearly the side that David Moyes needs. They welcomed the likes of Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibling in the summer to inject some much-needed creative spark. In many ways, it was almost the perfect summer transfer window for the Friedkin Group.
All the American owners are waiting for now is Thierno Barry. The summer arrival is yet to score a single goal in 11 appearances since taking his place among Everton’s most expensive ever signings and is in danger of becoming a transfer flop. At a time when Beto is also struggling, the Toffees need their £27m star to start performing.
Minutes
563
252
Goals
1
0
Assists
0
0
Expected Goals
3.9
0.5
The numbers don’t make for pretty reading. Beto’s underperformance can be highlighted by looking at his expected goals. The forward can’t complain about service and has had good enough chances to reach at least three goals compared to the reality of his one strike.
Barry, meanwhile, needs more opportunities. Moyes has handed the former Villarreal forward just 252 minutes of Premier League action so far this season and, in contrast to Beto, he has recorded just 0.5 expected goals. Whilst Beto hasn’t been clinical enough, Everton aren’t creating enough chances for Barry.
The truth is that neither striker may get the opportunity to solve the Toffees’ problem in the near future. Names such as Ivan Toney have already been mentioned as reported targets come 2026 and he’s now joined on Everton’s shortlist by a £70m man. One way or another, those in Merseyside look destined to welcome another forward.
Everton now targeting Nicolas Jackson swoop
As reported by Football Insider, Everton now want to sign Nicolas Jackson by taking full advantage of Bayern Munich’s decision to opt out of triggering their £70m buy clause.
Not just Grealish: £30k-p/w Everton gem can be England's World Cup wildcard
Everton have a whole host of English players gunning for a seat on the plane next summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Oct 31, 2025
The forward’s loan spell at the German club will become permanent if he starts 40 games, but Bayern chief Uli Hoeness confirmed at the start of the season that Jackson is incredibly unlikely to reach that number.
What that does is swing the door open for Everton to make their move when the 24-year-old returns to Chelsea next summer.
Those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium should not share the same reservations as Bayern Munich about signing Jackson, either. He is still very much a player full of potential and someone who knows how to find the back of the net in the Premier League, having scored 10 goals last season and 14 in the campaign prior.
Described as “fantastic” by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca last season, Everton should jump at the chance to sign Jackson next year.
How Richarlison feels about returning to Everton in January
Leeds United have finally picked up another win this season in the Premier League on their own patch.
Before Friday night’s clash versus lowly West Ham United, the Whites’ last home success in the league stretched way back to the opening day.
Now, however, the Elland Road hoodoo has been lifted, as a quickfire double early into the tense game handed Daniel Farke’s men a much-needed 2-1 win to shove the Hammers further into their relegation pit.
Several top performers on the night ensured the three points were secured, as Leeds thankfully broke out of a run of three games without a victory in league action.
Leeds United's top performers against West Ham
Leeds fans, heading into this Friday night clash under the Elland Road floodlights, would have been lamenting their side’s recent wasteful displays in league action, having notched up 14 efforts on the Burnley goal at Turf Moor in a dire 2-0 defeat.
This wastefulness wasn’t on display against Nuno Espirito Santo’s lax visitors, however, as a first-half sucker-punch gifted Leeds a two-goal cushion after just 15 minutes had ticked away, with Brenden Aaronson getting the show on the road when converting a rebound after only three minutes.
Aaronson was a bright spark all night long, away from merely this crucial contribution, with 100% of his dribbles being successfully completed, making him a notable thorn in the side of a leaky West Ham outfit.
With 80% of his ground duels won as well, it’s fair to say everyone was singing the American’s praises come the full-time whistle, despite Farke stating at the full-time whistle that he can often be a “polarising” presence.
Joe Rodon would also be lathered with praise come the end of the 2-1 win when connecting with this sweetly taken corner to double his Premier League goal tally for the season, with Sean Longstaff also boosting his assist haul in the process, as the Welshman was left with plenty of space to head past a busy Alphonse Aréola.
Lucas Perri also stood out in between the sticks on his return to the Leeds XI, having had to calmly palm away an acrobatic Jarrod Bowen effort right after Aaronson’s instinctive opener. He was so close to a clean sheet, too, only for Mateus Fernandes to grab a Hammers consolation effort at the death.
Yet, despite the relief of a win being notched up, not every Whites first-teamer performed at their very best against the East Londoners, with this rusty individual in danger of losing his spot in Farke’s main team, as games come thick and fast in November.
The 6/10 Leeds star who could now be dropped
Of course, there will be concerns in West Yorkshire that Dominic Calvert-Lewin went another game without a Leeds strike, especially when coming up against such a charitable Hammers defence.
Still, nobody could deny the number nine’s determined work ethic for his team, with eight duels won in total when he has thrown into the thick of action.
Minutes played
72
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
37
Shots
1
Accurate passes
25/29 (86%)
Key passes
0
Total duels won
1/3
On the contrary, Ao Tanaka would exit the contest on the 72nd mark with zero of his ground duels being successfully won, as Farke potentially prepares to reshuffle his midfield pack for the test of Brighton and Hove Albion away at the start of next month, away from starting the Japanese gem again.
Indeed, while Ethan Ampadu and the aforementioned Longstaff made their presences widely known – as Ampadu successfully won three ground duels from his 66 touches of the ball – number 22 faded in and out of the clash, with Tanaka actually amassing fewer touches than Perri come the full-time whistle at 37 touches, next to the ex-Lyon stopper’s tally of 51.
Tanaka’s quiet performance was picked up on by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, with Smyth reserving high 9/10 ratings for the likes of Aaronson, but the former Fortuna Düsseldorf man would only receive a middle-of-the-road 6/10 appraisal after the dust had settled on the 2-1 win.
Smyth would simply note that Tanaka’s showing was a ‘mixed bag’ as the 27-year-old fell victim to being ‘outmuscled’ a couple of times, as evidenced by him losing 100% of his ground duels.
It will be interesting to see if Farke is tempted to drop Tanaka as tough games away at Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City come onto his team’s agenda, with the number 22’s slight off-day very much sticking out as one rare negative, during what was a largely very positive showing against the relegation-threatened visitors.
Better than Rodon: Leeds star who won 100% tackles is already undroppable
This Leeds United star should be undroppable after outshining Joe Rodon against West Ham.
1 ByDan Emery Oct 25, 2025
Manchester City have now made a double swoop to sign two English midfielders, having submitted an offer, but there could be major competition from their Premier League rivals.
Guardiola's youth record proves Neville wrong
Pep Guardiola has a patchy record when it comes to bringing through youth players, with arguably his biggest mistake being sanctioning Cole Palmer’s move to Chelsea, and the Man City manager has received criticism from Gary Neville in the past.
Speaking after Guardiola opted to take a smaller squad rather than name a youth player on the bench against Burnley during the 2021-22 campaign, the former Manchester United man said: “I think it’s a joke, I absolutely think it’s a joke.
Man City have signed a "world class" star who is a new Gundogan-type player
Manchester City have signed a new Ilkay Gundogan-type star with this world-class ace.
ByKelan Sarson Oct 13, 2025
“If you’re the academy or reserve team manager at Manchester City you must think ‘I’m wasting my time’. Forget the fact they’ve spent however much money, six players on the bench… to me it’s like a protest.”
In fairness, the City manager’s reluctance to promote youth hasn’t cost him, with his side going on to win the Champions League and four Premier League titles on the spin, and he has since gone on to introduce the likes of Oscar Bobb and Nico O’Reilly to the starting XI.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a report for The Boot Room, Man City have also now submitted an offer for two more youngsters, namely Middlesbrough midfielders Anton and Bailey Palmer, who have confirmed they have decided to leave the Championship side.
There could be fierce competition for the Palmer brothers’ signature, however, with Man United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea making proposals of their own.
Brighton & Hove Albion are also named as potential sutors for the duo, who are expected to move to their new club as a pair, and the young midfielders are due to announce their next destination later this week.
"Highly-rated" Palmer twins could be exciting long-term additions for City
The Middlesbrough starlets are both just 16-years-old, meaning they are yet to make a senior appearance for the Championship club, but they have both already been named in the first-team squad, which is a very encouraging sign.
The English youngsters have also both made their debuts for the Three Lions’ U17 side, making a combined six appearances between them, which also indicates they are on the right path to become future stars.
Given their age, the twins are unlikely to be first-team regulars for Man City anytime soon, but they clearly have a lot of potential, and it would be exciting if Guardiola’s side were able to win the race for their signatures, considering the level of interest.
كشف نادي ريال مدريد رسميًا عن الفائز بجائزة أفضل لاعب في صفوف الفريق، وذلك عن شهر أكتوبر الحالي والذي لعب فيه الفريق الملكي العديد من المباريات.
ريال مدريد قدم مباريات مبهرة خلال شهر أكتوبر وحقق العديد من الانتصارات، حيث استعاد الميرنجي صدارة الدوري الإسباني من برشلونة وتحسن مستواه مع المدرب تشابي ألونسو.
وارتفعت الثقة في ريال مدريد خلال الفترة الأخيرة، بعدما حقق الميرنجي الانتصار على برشلونة بهدفين مقابل هدف، في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني يوم الأحد الماضي على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.
وجعل هذا الانتصار ريال مدريد يبتعد أكثر في صدارة الدوري الإسباني وبفارق خمس نقاط عن برشلونة صاحب المركز الثاني.
اقرأ أيضًا.. مدير برشلونة السابق عن كارفاخال: تصرف بجبن في الكلاسيكو
وتوج أردا جولر، صانع ألعاب ريال مدريد، بجائزة أفضل لاعب في الفريق عن شهر أكتوبر الجاري، بعد مستواه المميز مع النادي الإسباني.
وتعطى جائزة لاعب الشهر في ريال مدريد بناءًا على تصويت الجماهير عبر تطبيق الفريق الملكي الرسمي.
وتفوق جولر على كل من إيدير ميليتاو، وحارس المرمى ، تيبو كورتوا، وكذلك أوريلين تشواميني وجود بيلينجهام.
جولر أثبت نفسه في تشكيلة ريال مدريد الأساسية وأصبح لاعبًا لا غنى عنه في خطط ألونسو، سواء كصانع ألعاب أو رقم 8.
وعلى الرغم من عودة بيلينجهام من الإصابة التي كان يعاني منها في الكتف، إلا أن جولر فرض نفسه في تشكيلة ريال مدريد الأساسية ويشكل ثنائي خطير للغاية مع كيليان مبابي على دفاعات الخصوم.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, are much better placed for playoffs contention and had defended 111 against KKR ten days ago
Sreshth Shah25-Apr-20253:35
Finch: KKR need a reshuffle to function as a proper middle order
Big picture: Punjab Kings among frontrunners for playoffsKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a golden opportunity just ten days ago to steer their IPL 2025 campaign in the right direction. Chasing a modest 112 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), two points were there for the taking along with a potential net run rate boost. But in a stunning collapse, KKR folded for just 95. That blow was compounded by another heavy defeat, to Gujarat Titans (GT) on Monday. Both losses illustrated how out-of-form their middle and lower-middle order has been, and that has left their title defence hanging by a thread. Five wins in their remaining six games is their equation to be realistic playoff contenders.For PBKS, that dramatic win over KKR may have been the turning point of their season. With points shared in their home-and-away clashes against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), PBKS have five wins in eight games and now find themselves among the frontrunners in the race for the playoffs.Related
Can KKR find a way out of their middle-order mess?
Wadhera is making waves by being a T20 floater
PBKS need at least three wins from their remaining six fixtures to breathe easy. But history looms large: the playoffs have eluded them since 2014. The only thing missing in their game is middle-order stability, and that could be the difference between qualification, a top-four finish and a top-two push.The last two games between PBKS and KKR have seen the former produce the highest successful IPL chase and the lowest successful target defence. KKR, in contrast, are a side searching for answers. Eight players from their championship-winning squad still make up the core, but the spark that once defined them feels distant. Having enjoyed a 71% success at home in IPL 2024, their record at Eden Gardens is only 25% in 2025. On current form, PBKS hold the edge as their batting is in form, their bowlers have rhythm, something KKR are lacking, big time.Form guideKolkata Knight Riders LLWLW (last five matches, most recent first)
Punjab Kings LWWLWIn the spotlight: Venkatesh Iyer and Yuzvendra ChahalKKR have stood firmly behind Venkatesh Iyer ever since his breakout season. They retained him ahead of Shubman Gill before IPL 2022 and invested heavily in him at the IPL 2025 auction. But so far this season, Venkatesh’s three single-digit scores in six innings and a sluggish 14 off 19 against GT have highlighted his struggles. On Saturday, he faces another stern test in Marco Jansen, who has dismissed him three times in four innings, conceding just 14 runs at an average of 4.67. Can he push past a poor campaign and deliver when it matters most?Yuzvendra Chahal was the hero when PBKS had stunned KKR•BCCI
Yuzvendra Chahal has rediscovered his rhythm after a slow start to IPL 2025, claiming seven wickets in his last three outings. His standout performance came against KKR where he tore through their middle order with a decisive four-wicket haul. The key to Chahal’s resurgence has been a return to his strengths: tossing the ball up, using flight and dip, and trusting his variations to deceive batters. His revival has added real bite to the PBKS middle-overs attack.Team news and probable XIIsKKR’s bench strength is not strong, therefore no clear replacement is expected despite their two defeats in a row. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to keep his place as opener, and the only question will be Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson or Anrich Nortje for the fourth overseas spot.Kolkata Knight Riders 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4 Venkatesh Iyer, 5 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Ramandeep Singh, 9 Harshit Rana, 10 Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, 11 Varun Chakravarthy, 12 Vaibhav Arora.3:13
Finch: Hard for Shreyas to be consistent with high-risk starts
None of Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell or Josh Inglis has been among the runs for PBKS. All three have had their chances and not impressed, but Maxwell’s offspin could make him a candidate to return to the XI in place of Stoinis with KKR enjoying a left-hander-heavy line-up.Punjab Kings 1 Priyansh Arya, 2 Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 3 Shreyas Iyer, 4 Josh Inglis, 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6 Marcus Stoinis/Glenn Maxwell, 7 Shashank Singh, 8 Harpreet Brar, 9 Marco Jansen, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Xavier Bartlett, 12 Yuzvendra ChahalThe big questionKKR have the poorest average (19) for the first wicket in IPL 2025. With time running out, is it time to replace Narine at the top as well?Pitch and conditionsAlthough conditions in Kolkata favour the chasing team with dew expected, their game against GT showed no such signs with Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore finding turn. This game will be played on the same pitch, and the team winning the toss could be tempted to bat first.Stats and trivia Both teams have middle-order (Nos. 4 to 7) woes. While KKR’s average for those positions is the worst (20.47), PBKS are not too far at 23.90. Shreyas Iyer has had contrasting home and away campaigns this season. In four games apiece, Shreyas has averaged 119 at away venues but only 6.25 at home. Similarly, PBKS’ powerplay performances with bat and ball are vastly different. Thanks to Prabhsimran and Arya, their powerplay run rate of 10.67 is the best of all teams, however, their ten wickets with the ball in the first six overs is the joint-lowest. Since IPL 2022, KKR have lost all seven games when their spinners Narine and Varun have gone wicketless together. There were three such games in 2022, one in 2023 and three in 2025.Quotes”Yes definitely (we can make playoffs). If you look at history, even Mumbai had a bad start and now they’ve won four in a row and they’re flying. We need to have that same mindset. We’re halfway through, we have to win most of our games”
“If you look at Shreyas’ contribution since the Champions Trophy, not only has he become consistent against spin bowling but against fast bowling as well. He has shown the hunger and is ready to accept every challenge he comes across. He has done some hard work behind the scenes and that is showing.”
Polly Inglis and Bella James are also set to return while Izzy Gaze misses out due to injury
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Mar-2025
Sophie Devine returns to action following a well-being break•ICC via Getty
Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu return to New Zealand’s squad for the T20I series against Australia that will close out the 2024-25 home summer. Bella James also returns to the side, which is led by Suzie Bates, while Izzy Gaze misses out with injury. Polly Inglis has come in for her.Devine had taken a well-being break last month, which ruled her out of the Super Smash, the Women’s Premier League in India and New Zealand’s home series against Sri Lanka. “It’s nice to have had some time to reset and refocus and I’m really looking forward to getting back out there with the girls,” Devine said.Kerr returns to international cricket after missing the Sri Lanka series to be part of Mumbai Indians’ successful WPL campaign, where she took 18 wickets and won the Purple Cap. Tahuhu has recovered from a grade-two hamstring tear that she sustained in December.James, who missed the Sri Lanka series due to a quadriceps strain and is yet to make her T20I debut, passed her fitness tests on Monday, and will travel with the team to Auckland on Wednesday.Amelia Kerr was the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded WPL•BCCI
“We’re stoked to have Soph, Melie and Lea back for this series,” said Ben Sawyer, New Zealand head coach. “They’re three key players who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the group.”Wicketkeeper-batter Gaze could not recover from the hip-flexor sprain that kept her out of the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Inglis, her replacement, made her ODI and T20I debuts and played all six games against Sri Lanka, but got to bat only once in the three T20Is.Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire and Bree Illing are the players making way for Devine, Amelia and Tahuhu’s returns. The three-match T20I series will be played from March 21 to 26 in Auckland, Mount Maunganui and Wellington.New Zealand squad: Suzie Bates (capt), Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.