Nottingham Forest appear keen on striking deals this month under Nuno Espirito Santo and have now turned their attention to a proven Premier League performer as a potential target, according to a report.
Nottingham Forest transfer latest…
Despite being one of the more active sides on the market across the last year or two, Forest have been at the centre of a quiet transfer window so far and are yet to make a single signing this month.
Part of the reason for this may be the fact that the Tricky Trees are awaiting news on whether they will be charged for flouting Financial Fair Play restrictions after a pattern of heavy spending in the Championship and a subsequent continuation of this in the top-flight.
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As per The Times, Nottingham Forest are deemed to be most at risk by experts and could be joined by Everton, who are in danger of being penalised for a second time following their controversial points deduction. Liable clubs will see their cases fast-tracked and resolved by April, which will see any sporting penalties as a consequence of breaking the rules applied in 2023/24.
In light of these reports, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has indicated that Nuno's men could part ways with midfielder Orel Mangala this window, as he stated on social media platform X:
Despite this, Nottingham Forest look to be trying to find a way to bring players into the building and are said to be lining up a move for an ex-Premier League striker.
Nottingham Forest offered Michy Batshuayi…
According to reports in Turkey via Nottingham Forest News, Nottingham Forest have been offered the chance to Fenerbache striker Michy Batshuayi, which would take the form of an initial loan agreement with a mandatory purchase clause of £3 million.
Michy Batshuayi key statistics – Super Lig (Sofascore)
Expected goals
4.51
Shots per game
1.3
Shots on target per game
0.7
Big chances missed
5
Average match rating
6.80/10
Evangelos Marinakis is believed to be a big fan of the player and the Tricky Trees previously tried to sign the Belgium international last January and in the summer transfer window.
Michy Batshuayi in action for Fenerbahce.
Labelled "fantastic" by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, the 30-year-old has fared well in Turkey this campaign, registering nine goals and three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions (Batshuayi statistics – Transfermarkt).
Despite their need for more goalscorers, it remains to be seen whether Nottingham Forest will turn to Batshuayi in the market due to their Financial Fair Play problems, which may limit incomings at the City Ground.
Al-Hilal have finished the Saudi Pro League season unbeaten despite losing Brazil star Neymar to injury.
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Al-Hilal secure Saudi Pro LeagueHave been without Neymar through injuryFinished the campaign without a defeatWHAT HAPPENED?
Al-Hilal rounded off an impressive 2023-24 campaign with a 2-1 win against Al-Wehda on Monday. Mohamed Kanno opened the scoring before Yahya Naji levelled proceedings in the second half. The unbeaten record was then guaranteed by a late winner from substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic in added time – his 28th goal of the season. They were crowned Saudi Pro League champions earlier on in the season with a 12-point gap separating them and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr ahead of the final game of the campaign.
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An unbeaten league-winning campaign is an impressive accomplishment when you consider the injury that ruled Neymar out for the season. The 32-year-old Brazilian suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October and had been ruled out for the remainder of the season. He could also miss the start of next season. Al-Hilal would embark on an impressive season regardless of losing their marquee summer signing, winning 31 games and drawing three.
DID YOU KNOW?
This was the 19th Saudi Pro League title for Al-Hilal in their history. The team had also embarked on a record-breaking run of 34 consecutive wins across all competitions – but this came to an end in April following a 4-2 defeat to Al Ain in the Asian Champions League.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR AL-HILAL?
Al-Hilal will aim to finish the season with another win in the King Cup against Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr side. The game will take place on May 31.
Jurgen Klopp would typically play down the notion that his side are firmly at the front of the Premier League title race, but with each passing matchweek, the chances of gleaning the glinted trophy increase.
Liverpool were abject last season; limp and listless, a fifth-place finish spelt the end of an illustrious run in the Champions League and forced Klopp to enforce sweeping changes to the midfield – something that, frankly, was long overdue.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
It wasn't that the Anfield bosses were… circumspect, but perhaps a little too fixated on landing the perfect player to enhance the existing ranks, though last summer the right moves were made to charge the pursuit of silverware this season.
And now, past the Premier League season's midpoint, Liverpool are to travel to AFC Bournemouth to maintain their grasp on the top position, though given that the Cherries have won seven and lost just one of their past nine outings across all competitions, this won't be easy.
Liverpool team news vs Bournemouth
Klopp is juggling more than a few absences at present, though the German will still be convinced that his available members have what it takes to level the Vitality Stadium with all three points.
Victory this afternoon will take the Reds five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, albeit having played an extra match.
Player
Reason
Expected Return Date
Joel Matip
ACL injury
01/09/2024
Stefan Bajcetic
Stress response
24/02/2024
Thiago Alcantara
Groin/Hip injury
24/02/2024
Kostas Tsimikas
Shoulder injury
04/02/2024
Andrew Robertson
Shoulder injury
04/02/2024
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Knee injury
30/01/2024
Dominik Szoboszlai
Thigh injury
30/01/2024
Wataru Endo
No return date
Asia Cup
Mohamed Salah
No return date
African Cup of Nations
With an extended list of absentees, Liverpool will need to produce a cohesive and fluent performance against Andoni Iraola's men, with the likely return of Alexis Mac Allister to the starting fold in the Premier League coming at the perfect time, having now recovered from a knee injury.
Why Alexis Mac Allister must start vs Bournemouth
Liverpool signed Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for a bargain fee of £35m in June, with the dynamic midfielder basking in a brilliant 2022/23 campaign that saw him win the World Cup with Argentina and lead the Seagulls toward European qualification for the first time in the club's history.
Liverpool's weary midfield was at the epicentre of the struggles last term and Mac Allister, energetic, intelligent and enterprising, was viewed as the perfect fit to rekindle the fire at the heart of Klopp's system.
He hasn't played quite the role that he might have expected, deployed as the holding midfielder across 18 of his 21 appearances, but he has been vital for the fluency and progression.
As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old has completed 88% of his passes in the top-flight this term, averaging 2.1 tackles and 5.9 ball recoveries per match and succeeding with 64% of his attempted dribbles.
Asserting control against a Bournemouth team that will look to break with a high-intensity approach and inflict damage on the counter will be paramount, and Mac Allister offers the technical control to ensure that Liverpool make good use of their best qualities and craft openings to kill the game off.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Passing
Discipline
Dribbling
Tackling
Direct free-kicks
*Sourced via WhoScored
Indeed, as per FBref, the £150k-per-week dynamo ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for shots taken, the top 20% for progressive carries and the top 19% for progressive passes and successful take-ons per 90.
While fellow summer signing Wataru Endo's industriousness and tenacity in his defensive midfield duties have allowed him to serve well in Mac Allister's absence over the past month, there is a gulf in technique between the respective players and the latter will be essential in ensuring Liverpool grab all the goods on the south coast.
On the note of absentees, influential vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold is also still in a period of convalescence after injuring his knee in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal earlier in the month, and, with Joe Gomez deputising at left-back, youngster Conor Bradley could be in line to continue his exciting run of form.
Conor Bradley could shine again
Hailed for his "eye-catching cameo" at the Emirates Stadium by The Athletic's James Pearce, Bradley was handed his first domestic start of the season several days later as Liverpool hosted Fulham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, producing an arresting display down the right channel and being crowned the Man of the Match.
During that game, the 20-year-old made six tackles, won ten ground duels, completed 88% of his passes, made two key passes for his teammates and succeeded with two dribbles, performing admirably against the fleet-footed Antonee Robinson.
Having spent the 2022/23 term on loan in League Two with Bolton Wanderers, earning the club's Player of the Season award after achieving promotion, Bradley was touted for a senior role this season but was struck with injury in pre-season and only made his first appearance at the end of November, against Union Saint Gilloise in the Europa League.
Calm and composed in possession and eager to join attacking surges when the opportunity permits, Bradley has the trappings of a rounded full-back and will relish the opportunity to impress in the Premier League.
It's a big ask to entrust a relatively untested youngster with a starting berth in a big match, but Klopp has full confidence in Bradley's abilities and he has already demonstrated his potential against high-class opposition earlier this month, receiving effusive remarks after efforts against Arsenal and Fulham.
Unleashing the promising full-back – as well as Mac Allister – could prove the perfect formula to help ruin Bournemouth's day, and their fine recent run, at the Vitality Stadium.
ECB Reporters Network06-Jun-2019Durham produced a thrilling performance late in the day to secure their first Specsavers County Championship Division Two win of the season, beating Derbyshire by 29 runs at Emirates Riverside.Alex Lees set up a match-winning position with his first century for the club, displaying patience at the crease. His partnership with Ned Eckersley allowed the home side to set Derbyshire a total of 268 to chase. Momentum swung one way then the other on the final day as Durham initially held the advantage before the visitors struck back.Matt Critchley appeared to have put his team on course for victory with an innings of 71. However, his dismissal late in the day produced a staggering collapse as the visitors lost their final four wickets in eight deliveries when Chris Rushworth and Ben Raine pounced. The result ended Durham’s worst start to the campaign, although they remain bottom of the table.Durham began the day with a 185-run lead and were able to build on their advantage as Lees and Eckersley reached their century stand from 22 overs, continuing their impressive work from Wednesday evening. Eckersley reached his first half-century for Durham from 91 deliveries, playing a vital knock alongside the opener. Their partnership was broken on 123 by Critchley when Eckersley picked out Logan van Deep on the leg-side boundary.His dismissal sparked a collapse in the lower order as Raine, Brydon Carse and Matty Potts all fell cheaply. Lees was in a scramble to reach three figures, but he reached the milestone from 240 balls, getting over the line with a six off Critchley. The innings ended when Rushworth was run out, leaving the visitors a target of 268 after the hosts were bowled out for 242.Derbyshire were solid in their response at the top of the innings as Luis Reece and Billy Godleman saw off the threat from the new ball. They were able to reach lunch unscathed, and the two players recorded their second fifty partnership of the game. However, Reece played a loose drive at a delivery from Potts and was caught behind by Eckersley. Wayne Madsen’s poor game continued when he collected a pair after falling to Raine for the second time in the match.Rushworth was denied the scalp of Godleman when he overstepped after the opener edged to Cameron Bancroft at second slip. However, he was not to be denied, pinning the Derbyshire skipper lbw for 42 with a fine delivery. Tom Lace continued the procession for the visitors when he was bowled by Raine for 24 on the stroke of tea.After the interval, Critchley led the Derbyshire counterattack putting the pressure back on the Durham bowlers with a flurry of boundaries. Bancroft had the opportunity to remove Critchley on 22, but it went begging off Potts. The Derbyshire man made him pay and put on fifty for the fifth wicket with Alex Hughes in 12.1 overs, whittling down the target for the visitors.Critchley’s approach unsettled the home side, forcing Bancroft into numerous bowling changes. Carse was able to break the stand at 85 when he bowled Hughes for 40, although Critchley carried on to reach his second fifty of the game from 61 deliveries. Raine returned to halt the Derbyshire charge, removing Leus du Plooy who knicked behind to Eckersley.The game hinged on Critchley and he seemingly had the chase in control before attempting to go for a big strike off Rushworth. He was caught on the boundary by Trevaskis, which saw his team crumble under the pressure. Derbyshire lost three wickets in four balls as Harvey Hosein was run out before Logan van Beek was bowled by Rushworth. Raine ended the innings to secure the victory for the hosts by bowling Palladino for a duck, prompting huge celebrations from the home side.”Everyone thinks that T20 is the exciting format of the game, but as it showed today you cannot beat a bit of four-day drama,” said Lees. “I’ve been desperate to get my first century. I think I’ve been underwhelming in the last four games so I’ve been trying to put a valuable contribution together. If I’m honest when we were nine down and Chris Rushworth came in I thought I might get stranded in the nineties. He blocked a few and he gave me the opportunity to get my hundred, which was very pleasing.”
There are a couple of selection issues for New Zealand to ponder as they look to avoid being dragged into a last-minute battle for qualification
The Preview by Andrew McGlashan28-Jun-20193:20
Hussey picks Lyon over Zampa
Big PictureThe 2015 finalists meet for a Trans-Tasman battle at Lord’s with Australia secure in the semi-finals but New Zealand needing to make sure they don’t get dragged into a last-minute race to book their place in the knockouts. The hope, for the neutral at least, will be that this match brings the tension of the group game between the sides in Auckland four years ago, which ended with famous Kane Williamson six, rather than the Melbourne final which produced a one-sided conclusion to the tournament.If you had said just a few months ago that Australia would be the first side assured of progression few would have believed you, but such has been the turnaround in their fortunes that they have done it with two matches to spare after toppling England in impressive style. Some questions remain about the middle order, but that is being well compensated for by the prolific partnership between David Warner and Aaron Finch and a pace attack that is starting to gel.Though unbeaten before their match against Pakistan, New Zealand had been pushed hard during previous contests so it was not entirely surprising that they came unstuck. In contrast to Australia, their opening partnership is in a bit of a rut which is leaving Williamson and Ross Taylor exposed early. However, the performances of Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme with the bat showed that there is some depth in the middle order.ALSO READ – Grant Elliott interview: ‘The 2015 World Cup semi-final made me realise that sport can change a nation’New Zealand are still very well placed to progress but there is a certain set of results that would see them miss out if they don’t gain another point in their final two matches. They would dearly like to avoid a nervous final week of qualifying.Form guide(last five completed matches) Australia WWWWL New Zealand LWWWW4:02
Vettori: Nicholls will put pressure on Munro
In the spotlightIt has been an interesting World Cup for Glenn Maxwell. He has hit the ball hard, and scored very quickly – he is one of only two batsmen with a strike-rate over 200 and the other, Liam Plunkett, has only batted twice – but he hasn’t always been around quite long enough to bring off the perfect gameplan. The England match was a case in point where he soon found the boundary but then got a bit too cute trying to guide Mark Wood to third man. At times his bowling has been as important to Australia’s cause as his batting but you still get the sense that an opposition attack will face the full force of Maxwell before this tournament is over.ALSO READ: Gary Stead backs Colin Munro and Martin Guptill against AustraliaIf Gary Stead’s comments are an indication it appears the loyalty in selection, which is a key plank of the New Zealand set-up, will extend Colin Munro’s stay at the top of the order although his diminishing returns are an increasing problem. The lean output from the opening pair has not yet derailed things for New Zealand, but as was shown against Pakistan situations won’t always be retrieved by Williamson and Taylor. Against the pace of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and, probably, Jason Behrendorff, Munro’s technique will be given another working over.Team newsAustralia got their selection spot on against England for the conditions at Lord’s and there would seem little reason to change unless there are specific match-ups they want to target.Australia (probable) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt), 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jason BehrendorffNew Zealand have fielded the same XI throughout the tournament although Mitchell Santner admitted they should have brought in Ish Sodhi against Pakistan. Alongside Sodhi and Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee is also in reserve and could squeeze out Matt Henry who has taken just one wicket in his last four matches.New Zealand (probable) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Jimmy Neehsam, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Matt Henry/Tim Southee, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent BoultPitch and conditionsThe strip that was used for the England-Australia game on Tuesday is set to be reused on Saturday. The weather is expected to be fine for the duration of the match.Strategy punt Should Australia consider promoting Alex Carey? The fluidity of their middle order has been a talking point throughout the tournament and there certainly seems a case for him to go above the struggling Marcus Stoinis. Stoinis has 50% of dot balls in his innings during the last 20 overs while Carey is down at 25%. Carey’s tournament strike-rate of 116.10 is second behind Maxwell among Australia’s main batsmen. The case for Ish Sodhi: Australia have been pretty comfortable against left-arm spin, with the second-best average of 83 against that style of bowling, so Santner won’t hold many fears. However, against legspin they have lost 38 wickets, the most for any team, which certainly works in Sodhi’s favour. How he gets in is the question, though, because New Zealand like the security of Santner’s batting at No. 8. Sodhi has played one ODI against Australia, in which he was Player of the Match having removed Smith and Maxwell.Stats and Trivia Australia have lost more wickets from overs 31-50 in the tournament (37) than any other team. New Zealand and India have lost the fewest (15) The Warner-Finch combo has been prolific but they average 22.30 against New Zealand which is their lowest against any ODI opposition. Williamson needs 32 runs to reach 6000 in ODIs. He is also well on track to beat Martin Crowe’s 1992 record for the most runs by a New Zealand captain in a World Cup.Quotes”He’s so damaging if you bowl wide, and he’s so good off his pads that your length has to be really, really disciplined. You have to try and dry him up. It’s like all great players; they don’t have a huge amount of weaknesses, and on pitches that don’t bounce a huge amount it’s tougher to get that nick. “Yeah, like you say, the atmospheres have varied a lot. Pakistan was very loud. Bangladesh, very loud. India, we didn’t even play and they were very loud (chuckles). You know, I guess coming tomorrow, usually you come to Lord’s and there’s sort of a quiet murmur when you play England, but I guess playing Australia it might be a little bit different when you have Kiwis and Australians filling out the seats. It will be a really good atmosphere, whatever it is, but I know for a fact that both teams are just looking forward to getting into the cricket.”
West Ham United fell to defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford to end a six-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
A sense of malaise has crept into east London of late but the Hammers are still in a good position, seventh in the top-flight and perhaps unlucky to be behind at the break on Sunday afternoon.
But David Moyes' side crashed out of the FA Cup last month and have not won a game across any competition in 2024, with January signing Kalvin Phillips flattering to deceive once again.
Kalvin Phillips endures horror start to West Ham career
West Ham completed the six-month loan signing of Phillips from Manchester City after the England international's lacklustre spell with the Premier League champions.
In midweek, Phillips made an error minutes into his Irons debut to hand Bournemouth the lead at the London Stadium and was at fault again today, losing the ball in midfield before Alejandro Garnacho sealed the hosts' victory with a second goal of the game to make it 3-0 in the 84th minute.
Tackling
Aerial duels
Interceptions
Discipline
Blocking
Source: WhoScored
Despite only being on the pitch for 18 minutes, the 28-year-old also lost possession on seven occasions and won just two of his six ground duels, hardly producing the kind of rock-solid performance to stake a claim for a prominent role under Moyes and a spot in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad in the summer.
He wasn't the only Hammer to struggle at the Theatre of Dreams, however, with starting right-back Vladimir Coufal at the epicentre of the defensive woes.
Coufal's performance v Manchester United by numbers
The Hammers right-back has been a bright spark this season and has posted five assists from 21 appearances in the Premier League, but his defensive frailties were on full show against Erik ten Hag's form-building squad.
Minutes played
72'
Touches
56
Pass completion
27/33 (82%)
Key passes
1
Crosses
2/6 (33%)
Possession lost
15x
Ground duels won
0/2 (0%)
Aerial duels won
0/2 (0%)
Dribbled past
2
Source: Sofascore
Hooked after 72 minutes, Coufal failed to win a single duel or make a single tackle against Manchester United, with Marcus Rashford succeeding with three dribbles down his offensive left side.
The experienced Czech, aged 31, did seek to influence the play from an attacking standpoint and made some decent moves up the flank, floating in six crosses, but it wasn't enough to justify a flimsy effort on the edge of the rearguard.
West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal.
The Evening Standard's Malik Ouzia handed Coufal a 6/10 match rating but this is probably generous given that he struggled to make a meaningful defensive contribution, also yielding the lowest pass completion of any West Ham starter.
It's important to remember that the loss against Manchester United was the first in seven matches for Moyes' men, who still have a foothold on a European spot, but more mettle and fluency are certainly required to prevail in the push for prominence this season.
Especially with so many teams pushing hard to snatch the London club's spot.
Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly asked Nacho to carefully consider all factors before deciding on his future as his Real Madrid deal nears expiry.
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Ancelotti wants Nacho to staySpoke individually with the club captainRequested him to change his decision to leaveWHAT HAPPENED?
Valdebebas has been a hive of activity in recent weeks with meetings and strategic discussions for the upcoming 2024-25 season. According to Ancelotti had a conversation with Nacho, urging the club captain to reconsider his stance on leaving the club.
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The Italian manager has repeatedly reiterated his request, emphasising the defender's value on and off the pitch. Nacho's contributions go beyond his defensive skills. He has become a symbol of dedication and professionalism, embodying the spirit of the club for younger players and team-mates alike.
WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID TO NACHO
"Don't do something crazy, stay here, with us, at Real Madrid," Ancelotti told Nacho according to
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Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Several months ago, Nacho had seemingly made up his mind about leaving Real Madrid – a decision he communicated to both Ancelotti and club president Florentino Perez. However, recent events, including the team's successes, have given him pause, leading to renewed uncertainty about his next move.
Initially, Nacho considered a move to the United States, seeking a fresh experience for himself and his family. While Inter Miami's option remains on the table, it has yet to fully materialise. Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr emerged as a potential destination, but it reportedly does not align with Nacho's ideas.
Norwich City are now well and truly in the race to secure a spot in the Championship play-offs come May, sitting as high as sixth on goal difference. Having played a game extra than the likes of Hull City, Sunderland and Coventry, the Canaries' fate is not in their own hands however, meaning they could be set for heartbreak, especially after the latest Jonathan Rowe injury update.
Norwich City injury news
Norwich's 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers followed by a 4-2 victory over Watford at Carrow Roads sums up their season of inconsistency at times. Yet, here David Wagner's side are, in the race for the play-offs.
The Norwich star who left in 2013 & is now outscoring Josh Sargent
This ex Norwich star is still proving to be a goal machine so late into this career.
ByKelan Sarson Feb 11, 2024
With just a few months remaining in the current campaign, those in Norfolk received the perfect boost when Jonathan Rowe returned from injury in the middle of a busy December period. Rowe's numbers represent a player at the top of his game, with 13 goals and four assists to his name, and highlight just how crucial he is for Wagner's side.
Having only just returned in December, however, the winger is set for another spell on the sidelines. According to Wagner, Rowe is set to be out until May after suffering a hamstring injury against QPR. The former Huddersfield Town boss said via The Pink Un: "Unfortunately, it is a serious hamstring injury. I can't give a serious timeframe, but we speak more about a couple of months rather than weeks.
"We have to wait and see for the first four weeks how he progresses in his rehab to give a clearer picture of his timeframe. We strongly hope that we will get him back at the end of the season and that he will play for us. Hopefully, the season will not be finished at the beginning of May."
Norwich vs Cardiff City
17/02/2024
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24/02/2024
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02/03/2024
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06/03/2024
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09/03/2024
Stoke City vs Norwich
16/03/2024
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29/03/2024
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01/04/2024
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06/04/2024
Sheffield United vs Norwich
09/04/2024
Preston North End vs Norwich
13/04/2024
Norwich vs Bristol City
20/04/2024
Norwich vs Swansea City
27/04/2024
With that said, Norwich now face an uphill battle to replace Rowe's output, as they look to secure their play-off place come the end of the season.
Norwich may fall short without Rowe
At just 20-years-old, Rowe is one of Wagner's most important players at Norwich. Since his return from an initial spell on the sidelines earlier in the campaign, the Canaries have looked a side far more capable of finishing inside the top six. Now, however, potentially without Rowe for the next 13 games, those at Carrow Road could fall into their form before the turn of the new year, which saw them sit mid-table.
Wagner must find a solution for the youngster's absence sooner rather than later if Norwich are to maintain a currently successful battle to secure a play-off spot this season.
The Pakistan coach believes Amir could have managed his workload better had he looked after his body during the banned period
Danyal Rasool29-Jul-2019Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur termed Mohammad Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket “unsurprising”, saying the bowler had been thinking about it for over a year. Arthur revealed the management had tried to ease Amir’s workload over the past year, and experimented with the possibility of making him an overseas-only bowler. Ultimately, however, Arthur said he respected Amir’s decision, and hoped it would give Pakistan a “rejuvenated” limited-overs bowler.”It was on the cards for a long while,” Arthur told ESPNcricinfo. “Amir had been speaking to me about it with me for some time now. His Test career was taking a strain on his body. It’s not about management here. It’s about his desire to play Test cricket and the effects it has on his body. I think Amir’s an unbelievable bowler and reluctantly I accepted his decision because that’s what he wanted to do and that’s what he thought was best for himself. What it does do is give us a white-ball bowler that I think we can get a longer period from.”ESPNcricinfo understands several people behind the scenes involved with Pakistan cricket had attempted to talk Amir out of the Test retirement, and offered up the possibility of reduced workloads, or games in conditions that were more conducive to his strengths. It was part of the reason the Pakistan selection panel managed him the way they did over the past home season, with the bowler sitting out the five Tests in the UAE before coming back into the fold for the three-match Test series against South Africa.Amir has only played four Tests in the UAE, Pakistan’s home for his entire career. Strong as they have been in the desert, however, Pakistan ended up on the losing side in three of those four games, representing over a third of all Test losses in the UAE over this period. The case could be made that not playing him in the UAE was as much a dropping as it was diligent management.Arthur, too, was emphatic Amir could have been used in Test cricket like that over the long run. “Of course there was [a possibility Amir would only play away]”, Arthur said. “We managed him through the South African series. He didn’t play any Test cricket during the UAE last year. That was part of his management, and we started putting that in place because we wanted him for the South African series.”Arthur even acknowledged he would have “loved for Amir to stay on”, but conceded the fast bowler’s “mind and body weren’t in the format anymore”. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Amir had suggested he might cut back on Tests as early as last year, but Arthur believed the real damage had been done when he was banned for five years for spot-fixing in 2010. In that period, by Amir’s own admission, he didn’t prepare himself for returning to international cricket, which meant he was ill-equipped for the workload that would be thrown his way after five years of indolence.Mickey Arthur chats to Mohammad Amir during practice•PA Photos”He had five years out of the game, we mustn’t forget that. In those five years, he didn’t do anything. His body was not up to the rigours of day in, day out Test cricket. We pushed him as much as we could during the England and South Africa series, because he is such a good bowler whom we wanted during those tours. We’ve tried everything we possibly could with Amir.”He could have managed those five years better. He’d be the first one to acknowledge that. But I understand where he was in his whole life, so it was a tough period for him. I understand all that. I’ve got a very soft spot for Mohammad Amir. As a person and as a cricketer, I admire him greatly. Yes, I am disappointed he won’t be playing Test cricket for us. But it was made in the best interests of his white-ball cricket in mind.”Amir had been fading in limited-overs cricket since the 2017 Champions Trophy, having gone 13 consecutive ODIs without a wicket in the first Powerplay. But his reputation saw him sneak into the World Cup squad at the last minute, and there, he was a different cricketer once more, finishing as the most prolific Pakistan bowler at the tournament with 17 wickets, which only six bowlers bettered. It is that big-match temperament that has Arthur licking his lips.”We get a white-ball bowler who’s going to be rejuvenated, refreshed, and with a T20 World Cup just around the corner, in 18 months’ time we’ve got a potential match-winner because we know he performs on the big stage. Like every other player who plays for Pakistan, he’s going to need to put in match-winning performances. But he’ll certainly get the opportunity to do that, and he will start in our white-ball cricket.”Arthur wouldn’t be drawn on where Amir placed in the storied pantheon of great Pakistani fast bowlers, going down the route of wistfulness instead.”The Amir hype all those years ago was justified because he is a quality bowler. When the ball swings there’s not much better. But he’s not the bowler now that he was in 2009 and 2010. He was different, his body was different. Making a connection between the bowler now and then would be wrong. But had he not had those five years out of the game, I think he would be up there with the very best Pakistan have ever had.”
England star Eberechi Eze was excited to see a stunning mural in his honour in South-East London ahead of Euro 2024.
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Brilliant Eze mural painted in BermondseyPalace star grew up in the localityHopes to star against Serbia in England's campaign openerWHAT HAPPENED?
As excitement builds for Euro 2024, the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, South-East London, has added a vibrant new feature: a giant mural of England star Eze. This tribute unveiled just before the tournament underscores the community's pride in their local hero and their enthusiasm for the national team.
AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT EZE SAID ABOUT THE MURAL
Eze, 25, was deeply touched when he saw a video of the mural being painted. The artwork, which captures his likeness in stunning detail, has impressed the Crystal Palace star. "Nah this is deep man," Eze exclaimed.
"In the ends as well… this is insane man, this is insane. Your picture's on a wall now somewhere, someone has painted you. It's in the ends as well so that's huge. My family is gonna be out there taking a picture soon. Nah, grateful man. I feel like I'm representing the whole of south! That's what it feels like, probably not but it feels like I am. Glory to God.
"In south London, that's what they do man, they always try and celebrate someone. So to have my own now. My boys live there as well that's what's mad. My whole group chat was going off. That's a big blessing man, big blessing."
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Street artist Mr. Meana, who created the mural, faced unique challenges due to the texture of the brickwork. "It was difficult to get the natural look because the brickwork is a lot deeper than we are used to. So it was a little bit harder work than usual. But you know you've got to earn it sometimes. Right?" He is a local lad and we believe he's a fantastic prospect, a great player."