Conte’s Chelsea XI to ease past Man United and take another title step

With just seven games to go, Chelsea have one hand on the Premier League trophy already, but the race is not yet run.

Spurs’ relentless form means that they are still lurking seven points behind Antonio Conte’s leaders and although that appears too sizable a gap, two losses could see the buffer the Blues have built up crumble and make for a dramatic end to the campaign.

So, Manchester United is a worrying fixture then. Granted, the Red Devils haven’t been all that special this term, but with a 21-game unbeaten run in league action heading into this one and a manager in Jose Mourinho who would love nothing more than to get one over on the club that sacked him last season, there’s plenty to be anxious about.

With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI Conte should select for his team’s trip to the Theatre of Dreams for another win to take them towards the title…

GK – Thibaut Courtois

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Manchester United away should grant Courtois the chance to maintain his ever-present Premier League status this season. The Belgian has been solid at the very back of this Chelsea team all campaign long and, barring injury, he’ll be one of the first names on Conte’s team-sheet.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

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The Spaniard has once again shown his versatility and quality across the season, adapting perfectly to be one of Conte’s three centre-backs. The former Osasuna star may be somewhat vulnerable to high balls hung up at the back post, bit he reads the game well and is good with the ball at his feet.

CB – David Luiz

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While N’Golo Kante is being talked up as the signing of the season, Luiz has every right to feel that his name should be in that conversation. Few predicted that the Brazilian would be anything other than a big-money flop when Chelsea paid a sizable fee to lure him back from Paris Saint-Germain last year, but the 29-year-old has looked assured and composed as part of a back three, with the added cover distracting from flaws in his game while magnifying all that he’s good at.

CB – Gary Cahill

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Conte may have experimented with Kurt Zouma in his team of late, but for such a big match he’ll surely go tried and tested, which means Cahill will complete his preferred defensive triumvirate. The experienced centre-back is the leader of the trio and will be vital against the physically imposing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

RWB – Victor Moses

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The fact Chelsea missed him so dearly during his recent injury absence speaks volumes for Moses’ revival this season. A somewhat forgotten man at Chelsea after a succession of loan spells away from the club, Conte has harnessed his pace and stocky physicality of the right flank, slotting him in as a wing-back to great effect.

CM – N’Golo Kante

Kante has been terrific all season long and his sheer energy may be vital against a Man United team that will be somewhat drained by a Thursday night trip to Anderlecht in the Europa League. The Frenchman, who will be fully rested, should be able to dominate the middle of the pitch and get Chelsea on the ball.

CM – Nemanja Matic

One of the few real choices Conte will have to make is Matic or Cesc Fabregas and we think he’ll go for the former to partner Kante. The Serbian is another Chelsea player reborn this term and in a big game his defensive nous and physical presence will be vital.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

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Fresh from scoring a sumptuous free-kick at Bournemouth, Alonso will be full of confidence for a trip to Old Trafford. The Spaniard has been a real outlet on the left-flank all season long, with his expert delivery and well-timed runs at the back post a somewhat underappreciated outside of the Blues’ camp.

RF – Pedro

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Pedro has successfully ousted Willian from the Chelsea XI this season, which really is some going given how good the Brazilian has been in the blue shirt. Pedro, as an inside forward, offers the sort of intricate play and finishing prowess around the 18-yard box that’s needed in a 3-4-3 set-up and his link-up play with Diego Costa has been terrific all season long.

LF – Eden Hazard

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Nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, Hazard will be eager to put in another stellar performance on the biggest stage and he has the skillset to be the key player at Old Trafford. The Belgian will be particularly threatening against a Man United XI that will start to feel the effects of a Thursday night European match in the second 45 minutes.

ST – Diego Costa

Costa is on somewhat of a barren run in Premier League action, with the Spaniard having not netted since the Blues’ win at West Ham in early March. However, Man United will be wary of the burly forward who is a big-game player and the sort of striker that puts away chances in ruthless fashion, so long as they’re supplied to him.

Seven of the best things to happen at Liverpool under Klopp

The 2016/17 season is almost here, and there are few clubs able to match the sense of optimism being felt at Liverpool.

The Reds endured a turbulent campaign last time out that saw a change in management from Brendan Rodgers to Jurgen Klopp, and although the results were not dramatically better under the German, there is a real sense that the seeds have been sewn for the immediate future.

And as if the excitement couldn’t increase further, we’ve teamed up with 7 Of The Best to bring you a footballing treat for the coming campaign. It’s free to play and the best team each week wins £1,500, as well as monthly prize of £4,000 for the best individual.  Want to win bigger? Nab yourself a whopping £500k if you get all seven of your selections correct for seven consecutive weeks.

How do you play? All you need to do is pick seven teams each week, one being your banker, five being teams you expect to win and one you believe will draw.

With the theme of SEVEN in mind, here are seven of the bets things to have happened at Liverpool since Klopp’s arrival…

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The emergence of Emre Can

Before Klopp’s arrival Can was ambling towards a genuine crossroads in his Liverpool career. Granted, saying as much after around 18 months at the club may be a bit dramatic, but there was a feeling that the young German had no set position, didn’t know his own strengths and was confused about his status in the team.

However, just under a year on and things couldn’t be much different. Can is now, arguably, the Reds’ key midfielder after being moved from right-back/centre-back into his favoured midfield role, is fully aware that his size and power are standout traits and appears increasingly aware that he is one of the key components in a well-oiled engine room.

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A sense of togetherness

Time passes quickly in football, so it’s quite difficult to remember how fractured the Liverpool support was in the closing days of Rodgers’ tenure. There seemed to be three ‘pools’ of fans: 1) The anti-Rodgers brigade 2) the Rodgers loyalists 3) The disillusioned group. We don’t need to explain how each set felt, but it’s plain to see that the comedown from the epic high that was 2013/14 had had a lasting effect.

Since the arrival of Klopp those bands of supporters have been somewhat united behind a single cause. Although there are, as there always will be, some dissenting voices, it’s hard to find a significant set of fans whose loyalty is anywhere but with the German. Perhaps his greatest move was to call out supporters when they left early during a disappointing loss at home to Crystal Palace, with the atmosphere having altered dramatically since then and been further boosted by great occasions such as the Dortmund and Villarreal wins in the Europa League.

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Some defensive solidity

We all know that Rodgers’ Liverpool leaked goals. The Northern Irishman’s policy of attack at the expense of defence both fuelled and destroyed their title challenge in 2013/14, and the 2014/15 season was marred with soft goals going in at the wrong end. Although the stats reveal that, in league action, the goals against tally went from 1.25 to 1.33-per-game under Klopp last season, the numbers don’t tell the whole story, with Liverpool feeling far more solid as a unit at the back. Dejan Lovren has been revived by his German boss, while Nathaniel Clyne’s game has come on leaps and bounds after a hot and cold opening few weeks on Merseyside.

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Genuine belief

Believing is a big part of football. Whether it be from the fans or the players, having faith in where the team is going and pulling in the right direction as a collective is key, and under Klopp that seems to be the feeling at Anfield.

The ex-Dortmund boss has united a divided fanbase behind the team, and all involved with the Reds seem to be pushing for the same end goal with a degree of patience, which makes 2016/17 very promising.

Would that Europa League win have been possible without the Klopp effect? Doubtful.

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Daniel Sturridge sensibility

https://vine.co/v/iEKAmzU7Fqr/embed/simple

Return from injury. Score a goal or two. Get injured. Miss months of football.

That seemed to be the routine for Sturridge before the arrival of Klopp, with the English striker often rushed back to be the focal point of Rodgers’ team. Of course very few people know if the Northern Irishman was picking him before he was fit enough to effectively carry out his duties, but the current Kop chief was extremely patient with the 26-year-old forward at the turn of the year.

Indeed, Klopp was insistent that Sturridge needed two weeks of full training before being selected and he stuck to his guns even though his forward options were depleted to the point that Roberto Firmino was often being used as a ‘false nine’.

Although the midtable finish could have been somewhat improved on with a few more goals, Sturridge has now been match fit, aside from a small hip niggle that ruled him out of two recent friendlies, for the best part of four to five months, which is some going based on the previous two years! Patience, it seems, was the best approach all along.

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Lightning rod

Klopp has stood tall and shouldered the blame since his arrival. There have been very few occasions that the German has called out his players for poor performances, and his word has been final among the supporters.

Okay, two final losses and a midtable finish in the league haven’t made for an impressive return, but one can only imagine the anger that would have been vented by Kopites had it been Rodgers in charge for the same period.

Klopp is somewhat in his honeymoon period still, but he’s stood up and spoken with honesty, taking the responsibility for poor performances and not getting carried away during the purple patches his team enjoyed.

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Optimism

Although this somewhat overlaps the ‘genuine optimism’ point made earlier, the sense of optimism at Anfield cannot be overlooked.

Supporters are entering the season in high spirits for the first time in recent memory, with the squad strengthened, key players still in place, a feeling that there’s a plan and real leader at the helm.

Roll into this the lack of European football, and there are natural parallels being drawn between this coming campaign and the 2013/14 season.

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Perfect ten! Arsenal youth player Chido Obi-Martin racks up ridiculous goal haul in demolition of Liverpool

Arsenal teenager Chido Obi-Martin scored a remarkable 10 goals for his side in their 14-3 win against Liverpool's under-16s on Saturday.

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Arsenal U16s beat Liverpool U16s 14-3Obi-Martin scores 10 goals in winCould be next breakout starWHAT HAPPENED?

The 15-year-old had a day to remember as he hit double figures for the Gunners' under-16s side against the sorry Reds. The striker has been playing for the club's under-18, 19, and 21 sides this season but dropped down as those aforementioned teams were not in action this weekend.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The rising Arsenal star has signed a scholarship deal with the north London club for next season and has already trained with the first-team. The youngster may have an eye on breaking into Mikel Arteta's elite squad after fellow academy player Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest ever Premier League player when he came off the bench at Brentford last season at the age of 15 years, five months and 28 days.

Obi-Martin cannot beat that feat but will be dreaming of a first-team debut at some point. He could be the next success story from the club's much-heralded academy.

DID YOU KNOW?

Obi-Martin, who also scored a hat-trick for the under-18s against Southampton this season, is eligible for Denmark and England after representing both countries at youth level. He can also represent Nigeria due to his father's heritage.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHIDO OBI-MARTIN?

The teenager could feature for Arsenal's under-21 side against West Brom on December 4; or the under-19s when they take on Lens on November 29, or next Saturday against Derby County's under-18s.

Political turmoil at home, ultra-attacking tactics and the best young player in the world: What England can expect from Haiti in their Women's World Cup opener

The Caribbean minnows have overcome many obstacles to make it to their first senior global tournament, and they could spring a surprise or two

Eight teams are playing in their first Women's World Cup this summer, but none have a more miraculous story then Haiti. Since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021, violent gangs have seized control of the country, with an unelected government unable to calm the situation. There has been a sharp rise in violent crime, murder and kidnapping, with the country's calls for assistance falling on deaf ears across the international community.

Most recently, the UN revealed that due to a lack of funding, their food relief programme would be unable to assist as many as 100,000 people in the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince. It is a truly catastrophic situation, only exacerbated by recent natural disasters, and it deserves more attention.

Haitian football has endured a difficult period recently too. In November 2020, FA president Yves Jean-Bart was removed from his post amid allegations of sexual abuse. Jean-Bart denies any wrongdoing.

Haiti's performance at the tournament won't solve these crises, but their mere presence in Australia and New Zealand will be a much-needed symbol of pride for those back home. As midfielder Ruthny Mathurin has put it, the squad are fighting to make people realise that "some people like the country still. Some people fight for it."

Les Grenadieres' World Cup kicks-off against European champions England on July 22 in Brisbane. It will be the biggest game of the players' lives and they'll be desperate to put in a good showing.

FIFAA long road to get here

Haiti's route to Australia and New Zealand began in February with the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship. The tournament, which has been won by the United States in all but two of its 11 iterations, acted as World Cup qualifiers for the confederation.

To make it to the CONCACAF W Championship proper, Haiti had to top a group containing Cuba, Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the British Virgin Islands. They duly obliged, winning each of their four qualification games and racking up a 44 goal difference.

The next stage of the tournament was less straightforward. Haiti were placed in Group A, where they faced daunting matches against the U.S. and Jamaica – both of which they lost heavily.

However, a third-placed finish was secured courtesy of an outstanding 3-0 victory over hosts Mexico. Roselord Borgella got them off to a flying start with an early penalty, before Nerilia Mondesir also netted from the spot in the 67th minute. Sherly Jeudy then added some gloss to the scoreline shortly after Mexico had Greta Espinoza sent off.

This result ensured Haiti's progression to the inter-confederation play-offs. The semi-final draw was kind, with Les Grenadieres romping to a 4-0 victory over Senegal. This set up a winner-takes-all meeting with Chile in Auckland back in February – and it was a dramatic affair.

AdvertisementGettyDrama in Auckland

The South Americans went into the tie as favourites and thought they'd taken the lead when Daniele Zamora met Yessenia Lopez's free-kick, but the forward's poked effort trickled past the post.

Instead, it would be Haiti who took the lead, with Melchie Dumornay bursting through on goal on the stroke of half-time and producing a wondrous finish into the top corner. The underdogs were far from comfortable in the second half, but defended gallantly and had the chance to rubber-stamp the victory in the 88th minute when they were awarded a penalty.

However, captain Nerilia Mondesir saw her spot kick saved, sparking fears that Haiti were going to let it slip – particularly when Chile struck the crossbar a few minutes later.

Dumornay had other ideas, though. Set free by a clever reverse pass from Mondesir, the Lyon star finished precisely to spark wild celebrations from her team-mates. Maia Jose Rojas' goal in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time made it slightly less comfortable than it could have been, but in the end it didn't matter. Haiti were going to the World Cup.

Full squad PositionPlayerClubGoalkeeperKerly Theus Miami CityGoalkeeperLara-Sofia LarcoGeorgetown UniversityGoalkeeperNahomie Ambroise Little Haiti DefenderKethna Louis MontpellierDefenderChelsea Surpris Grenoble FootDefenderMilan Pierre-JeromeGeorges Mason UniversityDefenderBetina Petit-Frere Stade BrestDefender Tabitha Joseph Stade BrestDefenderEstericove Joseph ExafootDefenderRuthny MathurinRajin CajunsMidfielderSherly Jeudy Grenoble Foot MidfielderDanielle Etienne Fordham RamsMidfielderJennyfer LimageGrenoble Foot MidfielderNoa Oliver Ganthier Weston FCMidfielderMaudeline Moryl Grenoble FootMidfielderMelchie Dumornay LyonMidfielderDayana Pierre-Louis GPSO Issy 92ForwardRoselord Borgella Dijon FCOForwardBatcheba Louis Fleury 91ForwardRoseline Eloissant NantesForwardNerila Mondesir MontpellierForwardShwendesky Joseph ZenitForwardFlorsie Darlina JosephGrenoble FootENJOYED THIS STORY?

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@FIFAWWCThe MVP

No prizes for guessing who Haiti's World Cup hopes hinge on. NXGN 2022 winner Dumornay has been tipped to become one of the best players in the world for some time, and this summer she completed a marquee move to Lyon.

Before deciding on the French champions, as many as 50 clubs were interested in signing the wonderkid – a good indication of just how highly she is rated around the world.

Dumornay is best described as the complete midfielder. Despite her tender age, she dominates her opponents physically with driving runs, but is also an exquisite technician. Her footballing intelligence is off the charts toom and a move to Lyon, where she'll get to test herself against some of Europe's best on a regular basis, is only going to make her a better player.

She demonstrated her importance to Haiti throughout qualification, but particularly in that decisive Chile game. The fact she barely celebrated the goal that took her nation to the World Cup also speaks to her supreme confidence. She knows how good she is, and she's ready to take the World Cup by storm.

Coach Nicolas Delepine agrees, telling recently: "'When there's not much at all between teams, you're looking for her to do something. There are other stars in the side alongside her who can pop up and get her the ball, so that she can be the difference. She's also one of those players who makes her team-mates play better."

Malcom, Alexis, Di Stefano and transfers that were hijacked at the last minute

With Barcelona having stolen Malcolm away from Roma at the 11th hour, Goal looks back at other deals involving dramatic u-turns

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    Dimitar Berbatov to Man City

    With both Manchester sides battling to sign Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov in 2008, the Bulgarian frontman had a difficult decision to make. Spurs had accepted an offer from City, though the striker wanted to sign for United.

    When Berbatov flew into Manchester to speak to City officials, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was at the airport to pick him up, much to the player's surprise. United then got their man for a price lower than City had offered.

    "I am flattered that he [Ferguson] gave me so much of his time," Berbatov said. "He personally came to pick me up at the airport. It was a shock to me, but it was a pleasure to get to know him." 

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    Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea

    After a 25-goal campaign with Everton, Romelu Lukaku had his pick of Champions League clubs to join ahead of the 2017-18 season.

    As the reigning Premier League champions, Chelsea were the clear frontrunners, with manager Antonio Conte desperate to sign a striker who had been discarded by the Blues during Jose Mourinho's tenure at Stamford Bridge.

    However, much to the Italian's disappointment, United were ultimately willing to stump up more cash for the Belgium international, who moved to Old Trafford for a whopping £75 million.

    Lukaku has proved worth every penny, though, netting 27 times in his first year on Manchester before then proving himself one of the world's elite forwards with his performances at the 2018 World Cup.

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    Pedro to Man United

    With Chelsea and Manchester United locked in a battle to sign Pedro from Barcelona in 2015, it was a matter of urgency which closed the deal.

    United officials had flown to Spain to talk to the forward but the winger's agent later said that the Manchester side had, metaphorically speaking, "fallen asleep" during the protracted negotiations, thus allowing Chelsea to swoop in and take Pedro to west London for £19m. 

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    Emmanuel Petit to Tottenham

    As the story goes, Emmanuel Petit was in London for talks to sign with Tottenham in 1997.

    During discussions with Spurs chairman Alan Sugar, the Frenchman became aware of interest from north London rivals Arsenal, who told Petit not to put pen-to-paper at White Hart Lane until he had spoken with compatriot Arsene Wenger.

    With his options now open, Petit was sent back to his hotel in a taxi paid by Spurs to think things over, only for the World Cup winner to take a detour to Highbury and sign with the Gunners instead.  

Jesus declara carinho por Gabigol e analisa: 'Se fosse muito responsável, não seria o jogador que é'

MatériaMais Notícias

Gabigol não entrou em campo na última quarta-feira, diante do Ceará, porém se tornou assunto antes mesmo de a bola rolar no Maracanã, por conta novo visual. E depois, com a goleada por 4 a 1, o camisa 9 voltou a ser debatido durante a entrevista coletiva de Jorge Jesus.

O treinador fez questão de elogiar o artilheiro do Brasileiro e da Libertadores, mas também puxou a orelha. A análise do Mister trouxe um debate válido: será que Gabigol renderia como rende se fosse mais racional em campo?

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-Ele é querido (pela torcida) muito por ser completamente extrovertido.O Gabigol tem que ter um pouquinho mais de responsabilidade. Precisa ser mais equilibrado. Há disciplina de grupo, disciplina tática e de jogo, e nesta última ainda não conseguiu ser um jogador equilibrado, mas hoje estou a perceber cada vez mais porque ele não é: pois ele é isso mesmo, se fosse muito responsável, não seria o jogador que é – disse Jesus, completando:

– Em Lima (final da Libertadores), jogou como se estivesse numa pelada. Ele tem um coração espetacular, gosto muito dele, é muito doce.Todo futebol que ele tem está relacionado a não ser um jogador racional.

Gabigol, ao todo, soma 40 gols em 54 partidas com a camisa do Flamengo. Na volta olímpica, foi quem regeu a festa com a taça do Brasileirão em mãos e ouviu das arquibancadas, por diversas vezes, para permanecer em 2020.

Por estar suspenso, Gabriel Barbosa esteve em um dos camarotes e torceu pelos companheiros. O Fla afirma já ter feito proposta para a Inter de Milão para permanecer com o atacante na próxima temporada, dependendo apenas dele para a definição do futuro. A aguardar se Jesus também o amolecerá.

New-look India start as favourites

India are without many seniors in the side which will bring the teams together a little closer in what could be a competitive series

The Preview by Liam Brickhill in Harare09-Jul-2015Match factsFriday, July 10
Start time 9.00 am local time (0700 GMT)Big pictureIn comparison to the Ashes hype that greeted Australia’s arrival in England, the build-up to India’s short tour of Zimbabwe has seemed distinctly provincial. It has not helped that a number of the Indian players are virtually unknown to Zimbabwe’s cricket-watching public.The absence of several seniors from this side will also bring these two teams, from opposite ends of cricket’s spectrum, a little closer together. Friday’s ODI is the first in what could be a competitive series.Which is not to say that India aren’t still favourites, and there’s plenty to motivate this group. The seven members of the squad who were also present during the one-day defeats to Bangladesh will sense an opportunity to move on. There is a middle-order position up for grabs in the side, a handful of keen young bowlers, and clear value to be gained from a good tour for players such as Stuart Binny and M Vijay.Zimbabwe, on the other hand, were eminently watchable against Pakistan in May and even without Brendan Taylor, the batsmen have shown themselves to be a dynamic unit who could profit from an inexperienced Indian bowling attack, with the exception of Harbhajan Singh. Zimbabwe’s own bowling attack is missing the key figure of Tendai Chatara, who is still recuperating from a broken leg, though the conditions will probably favour slower bowlers anyway.With so much cricket planned for the remainder of the year, this series marks an important starting point for Zimbabwe. A competitive showing here could set them up nicely to meet the challenges to come in the next few months. This will also be the first match under the new ODI playing conditions, which do away with compulsory close catchers in the first 10 overs, remove the batting Powerplay, allow five fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs of an ODI innings and Free Hits for all no-balls.Form guideZimbabwe: LLLLL
India: WLLLWIn the spotlightStuart Binny’s IPL performances suggest a player capable of fulfilling India’s search for an ODI allrounder, but at 31, he has only played 10 ODIs. Time is running out for Binny to cement his place in India’s side in the long term, and these matches could provide a necessary platform for him to showcase his talent with bat and ball.Sikandar Raza’s role in Zimbabwe’s one-day side has undergone something of a metamorphosis. He started off as an opener but he has been moved down the order into a finishing role, and made a century batting at No. 5 in Pakistan. His offspin bowling, once modestly part-time, has also progressed and he’ll have an all-round role to play in any Zimbabwean success.Team newsCraig Ervine’s hamstring niggle has kept him out of contention for a slot in Zimbabwe’s middle order, but there are still a number of batsmen vying for a position there. Malcolm Waller looked in good form during Zimbabwe’s practice matches last week, while Regis Chakabva and Richmond Mutumbami are jostling for the solitary wicketkeeping slot, and staked an equal claim by sharing a century partnership during the practice matches, with Mutumbami being the incumbent.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Vusi Sibanda, 2 Chamu Chibhabha, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Elton Chigumbura, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Richmond Mutumbami (wk), 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Tinashe Panyangara, 11 Brian Vitori.With so many empty slots to fill, India have plenty of freedom in the assembly of their playing XI. Manoj Tiwary’s experience in the position means he’ll probably open with M Vijay, while the presence of Stuart Binny provides balance to the bowling attack.India (probable): 1 Murali Vijay, 2 Manoj Tiwary, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (captain), 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 Manish Pandey, 6 Robin Uthappa (wk), 7 Stuart Binny, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Harbhajan Singh, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Dhawal KulkarniPitch and conditionsWinter pitches in Zimbabwe tend to be very dry, and often play slow and low. Local knowledge suggests there may not be a huge amount of turn, but that spinners will still play a leading role in restricting scoring. That’s not to say that the quicks will have nothing to do – the very early starts to these games mean that during the first hour the ball will still nip and seam around.Stats and trivia> Zimbabwe’s squad has played a combined 986 one-day internationals. India’s ODI experience tallies up at 479. India and Zimbabwe have met 57 times in ODIs, with India winning 45 and Zimbabwe 10. There have been two tied matches between the teams.Quotes”I’ve brought a few ideas with me, and I’ve got my own style of captaincy, but I’ve learned a lot from Dhoni under his captaincy.””The hardware is there, you’ve seen it, it’s the software that they’ve got to work on.”

تشيلسي يصدر بيانًا بشأن إصابة ريس جيمس.. وتوقعات صادمة لمدة غيابه

أصدر نادي تشيلسي بيانًا رسميًا بشأن إصابة لاعب الفريق، ريس جيمس، والتي تعرض لها في مباراة هذا الأسبوع.

كان تشيلسي قد خسر أمام إيفرتون بهدفين دون رد، في الجولة السادسة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، يوم الأحد الماضي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تغيير موعد مباراة ليفربول وتشيلسي في الدوري الإنجليزي

وتعرض ريس جيمس للإصابة التي أجبرته على عدم استكمال المباراة، حيث تم استبداله من قِبل المدرب ماوريسيو بوتشيتينو في الدقيقة 27.

وقال تشيلسي في بيانه إن ريس جيمس خضع للفحوصات الطبية، والتي أظهرت وجود إصابة في أوتار الركبة.

وأشار النادي اللندني في بيانه إلى أن اللاعب الإنجليزي سيبدأ برنامج إعادة التأهيل على الفور، دون الكشف عن مدة غيابه.

وحسبما ذكر الصحفي الشهير فابريزيو رومانو، فإن ريس جيمس قد يظل غائبًا عن الملاعب حتى شهر فبراير/ مارس المقبل، حسب تطور تعافيه.

Jayant Yadav runs through Saurashtra with seven

A round-up of the Ranji Trophy Group B matches played on January 21, 2015

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jan-2015

File photo: Haryana’s Jayant Yadav played prime roles with both bat and ball•PTI

ScorecardJayant Yadav picked up career-best figures – 7 for 64 – to ensure Saurashtra were kept to 238 in Rajkot. The initial breakthroughs were made by legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal, before Jayant took over with his offspin. The Saurashtra batsmen were guilty of not making the most of their starts – both Sheldon Jackson and Sagar Jogiyani got into the 40s, but neither got to fifty. The only half-century came from Chirag Jani, who ended the day unbeaten on 54. Haryana’s batsmen weren’t too solid in reply, either, the team falling to 36 for 3 by the 15th over. Opener Rahul Dewan and the hero with the ball, Jayant, then played out more than double those overs to get them to a more respectable 74 for 3 by stumps.
ScorecardAn unbroken 106-run stand between Vineet Saxena and Chetan Bist rescued Rajasthan from a wobbly 85 for 5, lifting them to 191 by stumps. The damage at the top, for Odisha, was done by Basant Mohanty and Deepak Behera, who took two apiece. A run-out did not help either, Puneet Yadav found shot of his crease by Govinda Podder for 15. Amid the carnage, opener Saxena held firm, making his way to 87 off 250 balls. Chetan Bist was equally dogged at the other end, his 51 runs on the day coming off 141 balls.
ScorecardAn 87-run partnership between Shalabh Srivastava and Rakesh Dhurv rescued Vidarbha from a precarious position and lifted them to 236, against Gujarat in Surat. Vidarbha won the toss and opted to bat, but they soon found themselves floundering at 138 for 7 after Ramesh Powar rocked their top order on his way to collecting 5 for 87. Gujarat would’ve hoped to quickly wrap up the innings, but Dhurv and Shrivastava battled for 107 minutes to drag the team past 200. Dhurv eventually fell for 29, while Shrivastava was left stranded on 95, having stroked 10 fours. Gujarat, in reply, were 39 for 0 when stumps were called, with Smit Patel and Priyank Kirit Panchal still at the crease.Maharashtra v Delhi: Gugale 174 deflates Delhi

بنزيما يتخذ قرارًا صارمًا بعد اتهامه بالانضمام لجماعة إرهابية

لا يزال الفرنسي كريم بنزيما أسطورة كرة القدم الفرنسية وأفضل لاعب في العالم 2022، يواجه العديد من المشاكل من جانب دولته الأوروبية.

بنزيما بطل دوري الأمم الأوروبية والفرنسي الوحيد الذي حقق الكرة الذهبية منذ زين الدين زيدان في 2002، يواجه اتهامات من فرنسا بعد دعمه لـ فلسطين.

طالع أيضًا.. فيفا يُعلن إطلاق المرحلة الثانية من بيع تذاكر مباريات كأس العالم للأندية 2023

النجم الفرنسي المعتزل دوليًا، قال دعمًا للقضية الفلسطينية: “كل صلاتنا لسكان غزة، الذين أصبحوا مرة أخرى ضحايا القصف الظالم، الذي لا يترك طفلا أو امرأة”.

تلك التصريحات، جعلت فاليري بوير، عضوة مجلس الشيوخ الفرنسي، تطالب بسحب الجنسية من كريم بنزيما، كما اتهمه وزير الداخلية الفرنسي بالانضمام لجماعات إرهابية.

كريم بنزيما قرر أن يكسر الصمت تجاه ما يتعرض له من فرنسا، بعدما اعتزل دوليًا بعد الاضطهاد الذي تعرض له من قبل، ويقاضي بلده الأوروبية.

صاحب الأصول الجزائرية، حسب ما أفادت صحيفة “لو باريزيان” الفرنسية، قرر مقاضاة جيرالد دارمانين، وزير الخارجية الفرنسي، بسبب اتهامه العلني بأنه ينضم لجماعات إرهابية.

هوج فيجييه، محامي كريم بنزيما، رد في تصريحات للصحيفة الفرنسية: “هذا خطأ كبير، كريم بنزيما لم يكن له أي علاقة مع المنظمات الإرهابية على الإطلاق”.

وأضاف: “بنزيما قرر مقاضاة هذا الوزير، الذي يعتقد بأنه لديه الحق في التحدث علنًا عن أي شخص ويلقي الاتهامات”.

كريم بنزيما رحل عن ريال مدريد في الصيف الماضي بعدما حقق كل البطولات الممكنة مع النادي الملكي، وانضم إلى الاتحاد السعودي.

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