Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will be relishing his first opportunity to bring in his own players when the January transfer window opens for business next month.

The German manager joined after the summer window closed and has only been able to work with the squad that was put together by previous managers and sporting directors.

With five wins and two draws in seven matches in the Scottish Premiership so far, it is exciting to think about what Rohl could achieve with signings that he has a chance to have a say in.

Rangers pushing to sign Premiership star

After a host of signings from England in the summer, the Light Blues are reportedly looking closer to home to bolster the manager’s options in midfield.

Transfer Focus

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

According to FootballTransfers, Glasgow Rangers are ‘pushing’ to reach an agreement to sign Kilmarnock central midfielder David Watson in the January transfer window.

The Scotland U21 international’s contract with Killie is due to expire at the end of the season, and the Gers are looking to take advantage of that situation to make him the first signing of the Rohl era.

It adds that Kilmarnock are open to a sale in January, to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer, but it remains to be seen how much they will demand for his services.

FootballTransfers reveals that the 20-year-old starlet has been identified as the club’s top target for the January window, but they will face competition from Lazio and Celtic, which means that this will not be an easy deal for Rangers to get over the line in the coming weeks.

Why Rangers should sign David Watson

With Mohamed Diomande heading off to the African Cup of Nations later this month, Watson could arrive at Ibrox at the start of January as an upgrade on the Ivorian talent.

Rangers will, of course, be without Diomande until the end of his country’s run in the tournament, which could provide a new signing like the Kilmarnock star to come in and take his place in the team before he returns.

Based on their respective performances in the Scottish Premiership this season, Watson would be likely to step into the side and offer more than the left-footed star has for Rangers so far.

Described by Scottish scout and analyst Kai Watson as a “box-crashing, goalscoring midfielder that works hard on both ends”, the Kilmarnock star has scored three goals and created two ‘big chances’ for Kilmarnock in the Premiership, per Sofascore, whilst Diomande has only scored one goal and created one ‘big chance’ for his team in that time.

This suggests that Watson, on current form, could offer more of a threat at the top end of the pitch for the Light Blues if he arrives in January to take a place in Rohl’s midfield, as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the middle of the park.

Appearances

12

16

Goals

1

3

Big chances created

1

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.9

3.1

Duels won per game

2.9

5.7

Ground duel success rate

45%

50%

Aerial duel success rate

31%

41%

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish talent has also provided more quality than Diomande out of possession in the league this season, winning a higher percentage of his duels on the ground and in the air, whilst making more defensive interceptions per game.

Analyst John Walker claimed that Watson had “blown up the league” last year, and the same is true this season with his impressive performances in the middle of the park as a 20-year-old star.

The Killie central midfielder has significantly outperformed Diomande, who was the subject of a £6.5m bid from Besiktas in the summer, and has shown that he can deliver consistent displays in the division.

Watson, who scored four goals in 23 league starts in the 2024/25 campaign, is a proven Premiership performer who could arrive at Ibrox to hit the ground running in January, which is exactly what they need when signing a player midway through the season.

Rangers dud was as "rotten" as Miovski, now he's Rohl's most improved player

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ByDan Emery Dec 8, 2025

With Diomande set to jet away to the African Cup of Nations, signing the Scottish star to come in as an upgrade on him at the start of the January transfer window could be a shrewd move by the club and a dream first signing for Rohl.

Liverpool have a remarkable aversion to confidently defending Premier League titles. This season and in 2021/22, the Reds have found themselves on a sticky wicket after reaching the top, and Arne Slot has to find the answers quickly.

In fairness, the endless rut the club have found themselves in this season looks to have abated. Liverpool have gone four games without defeat, though it would simply be incorrect to suggest that they are back to their best.

With Mohamed Salah’s uncertain future rumbling in the background, FSG are ready to reinforce the struggling champions with a winter recruit or two.

But it might be at the back, and not in attack, that Liverpool need to prioritise.

Liverpool ready to sign a centre-back

Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the season, and there is still no resolution in sight. Real Madrid have ended their interest in the French centre-back, though, such has been the severity of his dismal season.

Errors have come by the dozen. Couple that with Konate’s weakness in the build-up, exposed by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, and you can see that Liverpool desperately need a new elite partner to help the ageing Virgil van Dijk.

Last summer, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was the chosen man, and now, sporting director Richard Hughes is ready to return for him.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool remain in pole position for the Three Lions star, with FSG confident that a deal can be struck, considering that personal terms have already been agreed and the player is said to still view Anfield as his preferred destination.

However, Bayern Munich are pushing, and so if the Reds want to avoid any doubts before Guehi’s contract expires at the end of the season, they must bid around £20m to bring him over next month.

Transfer Focus

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

However, Liverpool’s defensive crisis suggests that that might not be the worst idea in the world.

Why Liverpool must sign Guehi in January

Guehi, 25, is one of the best centre-backs in Europe. Over four years since leaving Chelsea and joining Crystal Palace, he has established himself as “an absolute Rolls Royce of a defender” who is “world-class calibre”, as put by academy coach David Matthews.

The England star is just now coming into his own, stretching toward a widely recognised elite status. Liverpool must ensure that they secure his services before someone else does, especially since it could revive Van Dijk.

There’s no denying that the Netherlands captain has been poor this season, lacking his typical authority and imperiousness at the back.

But then Liverpool’s dysfunctional system has promoted inconsistency, and Guehi could prove the upgrade on Konate needed to rekindle Van Dijk’s flame.

The Eagles star’s ball-playing game is more expansive and dynamic than Konate’s own, and alongside the 34-year-old Van Dijk, he would help create a wider variety of passing patterns than Liverpool fans have been treated to this year.

Looking at how Guehi compares to Konate in the Premier League this season, you can see that the Englishman has more quality on the ball while also proving more combative and mobile in protecting his backline. Palace, remember, have only conceded 12 goals in the league this season, a total bettered only by Arsenal.

Premier League 24/25 – Guehi vs Konate
Stats (per 90)	Guehi	Konate
Goals scored	0.14	0.00
Assists	0.14	0.00
Touches	62.50	78.88
Pass completion (%)	85.4	89.5
Progressive passes	5.21	4.26
Shot-creating actions	1.64	0.72
Progressive carries	1.21	1.16
Ball recoveries	4.00	2.96
Tackles + interceptions	3.00	2.24
Clearances	5.14	6.86
Aerial duels won	2.86	3.96
Errors	0.07	0.22
Data via FBref

Forget all the technical frills for a second; Guehi is quite simply much more composed on the ball than his Les Bleus counterpart, who has made so many mistakes this season.

Couple that with his progressiveness and intelligence when making forward passes, Guehi could be the perfect partner for the veteran skipper, who is still one of the best centre-halves in the business but is getting on a bit and could do with a stable partner who complements his strengths and adds synergy to the wider tactical system.

Liverpool make move for £88m Semenyo upgrade who can be "Ballon d'Or level"

Liverpool may need to sign a new winger given the unsavoury Mo Salah situation.

By
Angus Sinclair

3 days ago

كشف الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم ”يويفا” عن حكم مباراة نادي ريال مدريد أمام مانشستر سيتي، وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وسوف يستضيف ريال مدريد نظيره مانشستر سيتي يوم الأربعاء المقبل الموافق 10 ديسمبر على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو، لحساب دوري أبطال أوروبا ضمن الجولة السادسة من مرحلة الدوري بالمسابقة الأوروبية.

وسوف تكون المباراة صعبة للغاية بين كلا الفريقين، حيث يمر مانشستر سيتي بحالة جيدة للغاية، في حين يعاني ريال مدريد على الجهة الأخرى وبشدة.

وأشار يويفا عبر موقعه الرسمي، أن المباراة سيديريها طاقم تحكيم فرنسي بقيادة المخضرم كليمان توربان، صاحب الخبرة الكبيرة في كرة القدم الأوروبية.

أقرأ أيضًا .. تقارير تفجر مفاجأة حول خطة ريال مدريد لتعيين خليفة ألونسو بعد السقوط أمام سيلتا فيجو

ويعاون توربان كلًا من نيكولاس دانوس ، وبينجامين باجز، بينما تتولى ستيفاني فرابارت مهمة الحكم الرابع.

وعلى الجانب الآخر يتواجد جيروم بريسارد كحكم تقنية الفيديو في لقاء الأربعاء، في حين يعاونه الألماني سورين ستوركس.

وتعتبر مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي مكررة خلال السنوات الأخيرة، بينما تواجه كلا الفريقين الموسم الماضي، وذلك في ملحق دور ال16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستطاع ريال مدريد وقتها الفوز على مانشستر سيتي ذهابًا بنتيجة 3-2 على ملعب الاتحاد، ثم الانتصار مرة أخرى في لقاء العودة 3-1.

Liverpool have now reportedly joined the race to sign a rising star who could replace Ibrahima Konate, having already sent their scouts to watch the defender in action.

What next after Salah's explosive rant?

Just when they thought it couldn’t get any worse, Mohamed Salah found himself strolling through the mixed zone towards the first microphone available. And this was no friendly catch-up. The Egyptian unleashed a sensational rant, accusing Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” and claiming that there is no longer a relationship with manager Arne Slot.

So, where do Liverpool and Salah go next? The Egyptian has trained today and a decision is yet to be made as to whether he travels to face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, some teammates were expecting his rant and those higher up at Anfield knew it was only inevitable that the chances increased that he’d speak out with every passing week on the bench.

Slot maintains the backing of Anfield chiefs, however, who view his decision to drop Salah as a selection choice which was unlikely to be long-term.

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What’s more, as reported by the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, the relationship between Slot and Salah is genuinely broken at present and the Egyptian simply does not see a future at Liverpool whilst the Dutchman is in charge.

It’s the lowest moment of Liverpool’s season so far and one that they could certainly do without as the fixtures come thick and fast. Alas, business goes on for FSG, who have reportedly joined the race to solve another one of Slot’s glaring problems at Liverpool.

Liverpool join race to sign Jeremy Jacquet

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool have now joined the race to sign Jeremy Jacquet, who has impressed their scouts at Stade Rennais.

The Reds have already made checks on the 20-year-old defender and could welcome his arrival to replace Konate in 2026. The Frenchman is in the worst form of his Liverpool career and has already played himself out of a potential move to Real Madrid. Now, with his contract still on course to expire in the summer, he could still leave as a free agent.

Dubbed “physically imposing” by Como scout Ben Mattinson back in May and as “an insane centre-back in the making” by Jacek Kulig, Jacquet has only come on leaps and bounds ever since. At 20 years old, he’s someone that should be on the radar of several top clubs.

For Liverpool, that physicality would be key. The Reds have been bullied far too often this season with Konate at the scene of the crime all too often.

Salah replacement: Liverpool keen to sign "one of the best wingers in Europe"

If India defied losing the toss and getting the worst of the conditions, theoretically, in Cuttack, South Africa did the same in New Chandigarh to come roaring back into the T20I series, which is now locked 1-1 with three matches to go.India captain Suryakumar Yadav noted at the toss that the outfield was already dewy when the players were going through their pre-match warm-ups. It was a no-brainer to chase. But Quinton de Kock put India under pressure with a 46-ball 90 studded with seven sixes, and Donovan Ferreira finished brilliantly with an unbeaten 16-ball 30, taking South Africa to an imposing total of 213 for 4.Imposing, but not dew-proof; certainly not given how India’s bowlers had struggled with the conditions and bowled 15 wides — including seven in one Arshdeep Singh over — and 13 full-tosses.Related

• Suryakumar's lack of runs a worry in lead-up to T20 World Cup

• Harmanpreet Kaur, Yuvraj Singh stands inaugurated at New Chandigarh Stadium

• 2026 T20 World Cup: Packed run-in for India, no games for Bangladesh

• Kohli closes in on Rohit at the top of ODI batting rankings

But the dew never got a chance to test South Africa, as their new-ball bowlers made the best possible use of early movement to take three wickets in the first four overs. These included the Test-match-style dismissals of both India openers.It was all steeply uphill from 32 for 3, and India never really challenged the visitors, with Tilak Varma’s 34-ball 62 standing out for its fluency and enterprise on a difficult night for his team. South Africa bowled India out with five balls still remaining, with Ottneil Baartman hastening their end with three wickets in the 19th over.

De Kock keeps clearing the ropes

This pitch wasn’t a complete featherbed, with the ball occasionally stopping on the batters and making them mistime shots. Two members of South Africa’s top three, Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram, scored 37 off 36 balls between them.The other member, however, was in an entirely different mood, taking full toll of anything remotely too short, too full, or especially too straight. De Kock kept clearing the ropes whenever he had half a chance, particularly with his pulls and pick-up shots square and behind square on the leg side.This put India’s bowlers under tremendous pressure. They couldn’t attack de Kock’s stumps, because that ran the risk of being whisked over the leg side, and they couldn’t afford to give him width either. This pressure led India to attempt yorkers and wide yorkers frequently, and the pressure combined with the dew to produce errors in the form of wides and full-tosses.Arshdeep suffered the most from this, sending down seven wides in the 11th over — all to de Kock – and nine in all.Ottneil Baartman took four wickets•Getty Images

Ferreira and Miller finish in style

Jitesh Sharma’s alert run-out of de Kock — who wandered out of his crease instinctively after bottom-edging the ball towards the keeper — in the 16th over, followed by Axar Patel’s dismissal of Dewald Brevis in the 17th threatened to stall South Africa at a critical stage of their innings. But Ferreira and David Miller made sure they cleared 200 by a good margin, putting on an unbroken 53 off 23 balls for the fifth wicket.The highlight of the partnership was an 18-run final over during which Ferreira hit Jasprit Bumrah for two sixes: a full-toss drilled straight, and a good short ball that followed the batter’s premeditated movement pulled authoritatively over the leg side.In all, Bumrah conceded four sixes, the most he has gone for in a T20I.

Ngidi and Jansen make the new ball talk

Given all the dew around, it was imperative that South Africa made the new ball count. They did that emphatically. Ngidi set things in motion with a first-over jaffa to Shubman Gill, squaring him up in defence with one that straightened from a good length and having him caught at slip. Jansen followed up in the next over with the mirror-image dismissal of Abhishek Sharma; angling in, straightening, squaring up the batter and catching the outside edge.Abhishek’s wicket was particularly crucial, since he’d already hit two sixes, in just eight balls.Suryakumar followed the openers to the dressing room in the fourth over, sending a thin edge to the keeper — confirmed after South Africa reviewed the not-out decision — while looking to steer Jansen behind point.Lungi Ngidi landed the first blow for South Africa•Getty Images

Tilak stands out in the rubble

India never threatened to make a match of it, particularly with Axar Patel — promoted to No. 3 — and Hardik Pandya struggling for fluency, scoring 41 off 44 balls between them.But there was one bright spot for the home team in the form of Tilak, who looked in excellent rhythm right from the time he walked in, and combined that with his awareness of the field to find the boundary frequently even while his partners got stuck. Against Ferreira’s 110kph offspin rockets, for example, he made room to use the pace and steer him behind point, off the stumps. Then, against George Linde’s left-arm spin, he collapsed his back knee smartly to reverse-sweep over backward point for six. A slog-swept six off an Ngidi slower ball took him to a 27-ball half-century in the 14th over.Jitesh, who came in at No. 7, also made good use of the V behind the wicket, scoring 27 off 17, but the result was already certain by the time he walked in, with India needing 96 off 34 balls at that point.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo foi decepcionante no Morumbis e apenas empatou por 0 a 0 com o Barcelona-EQU, pela quinta rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores. A partida marcou o retorno de Lucas, que entrou no segundo tempo.

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➡️ Vai dar Brasil? Aposte no Lance! Betting e fature com a Copa América

Com o resultado, o São Paulo chega aos 10 pontos e precisa vencer o Talleres na última rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores por quatro gols de diferença para terminar como líder do grupo. O Barcelona-EQU briga por uma vaga na Sul-Americana com o Cobresal.

➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor

Com a paralisação do Brasileirão, o próximo compromisso do São Paulo é na quinta-feira (23), contra o Águia de Marabá, pela partida de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil.

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✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
SÃO PAULO 0 X 0 BARCELONA-EQU
LIBERTADORES – 5ª RODADA – FASE DE GRUPOS

🗓️ Data e horário: quinta-feira, 16 de maio de 2024, às 21h (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Morumbis, em São Paulo (SP)
Gols: ESPN e Star+
🟨 Árbitro:  Kevin Ortega
🚩 Assistentes: Stephen Atoche e Jesús Sánchez

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários de todos os jogos do Brasileirão

⚽ ESCALAÇÕES

SÃO PAULO (Técnico: Luis Zubeldía)
Rafael; Igor Vinicius, Arboleda, Alan Franco e Welington; Alisson, Galoppo e Michel Araújo; Ferreirinha, Luciano e André Silva. 

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BARCELONA-EQU (Técnico: Ariel Holan)
Javier Burrai; Alex Rangel, Nicolás Ramírez, Luca Sosa e Anibal Chalá; Leonai, Gaibor e Damián Díaz; Joao Rojas, Preciado e Corozo.

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CA had earmarked the Ashes to help balance the budget but if short Tests become the theme it may prove difficult

AAP23-Nov-2025

The two days of the Perth Test were played to packed crowds and another was due for Sunday•Getty Images

Just weeks after forecasting a record year ahead, Cricket Australia is facing a multi-million dollar drain from the rapid-fire two-day Ashes opener.A combination of Travis Head’s all-time Ashes knock and Bazball’s cavalier, reckless approach to batting led to the first game of the blockbuster series in Perth ending late on day two.CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million from ticket revenue for days three and four.Related

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A record 101,514 attended the Test – 51,531 on Friday, then 49,983 – to surpass the record set of 96,463 in Perth last year when India won in four days. Day three was also almost sold out.After his innings Head said: “Feel sorry for the people that can’t come tomorrow. I think it was a full house again.”Speaking before play on Saturday, when Australia’s first innings hadn’t even finished, CA chief executive Todd Green half-joked he was worried about the Test not making it to day three.”It’s difficult for a number of different groups,” Greenberg told SEN when discussing the financial impact of a match finishing early. “Our broadcasters first of all.  Certainly us, on ticket sales and our partners and sponsors. There’s a big economic impact on this series.”At the annual general meeting last month, CA announced a loss of AU$11.3 million and took strong criticism from Cricket Victoria chair Ross Hepburn for the financial performance.The loss took in a summer that included a five-Test tour from goliath India.”In a normal scheduling, you’d have the white-ball cricket as part of that [Test] tour, but that’s being played in this financial year,” CA chair Mike Baird said after the meeting in October. If they were in the same financial year, you would have seen a different position.”We’re in a position where it’s a significant uplift, an over $20 million improvement. Hang on to your hats because next year we are going to have a record year in cricket. You’re going to see the most attendance, the most viewership, the most sponsorship.”Foxtel said their broadcast on Friday was the most watched first day of a first Test in their history The Seven Network also reported strong ratings for their coverage on day one.

Root’s first ton in Australia anchored an England first innings that at times showed restraint, but was also marked by reckless dismissals

Tristan Lavalette04-Dec-20257:27

‘Root’s century was the defining performance of the day’

After an interminable break between matches, following 48 hours of mayhem in Perth, the Ashes resumed with England producing a rollercoaster batting performance as Joe Root ended his century jinx on Australian soil in the day-night second Test in Brisbane.In the final hour of an absorbing opening day, Root raised his arms aloft under the lights before taking off his helmet to celebrate his 40th Test century and first in Australia.Root finished unbeaten on 135 from 202 balls and anchored an England first innings that at times showed restraint, but was also marked by reckless dismissals. Four batters fell for ducks with England again tormented by pink ball maestro Mitchell Starc, who finished with 6 for 71 to power past Wasim Akram’s record for most Test wickets by a left-arm quick.Related

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But after the humiliation of batting just 67.3 across two innings in Perth, England batted the whole day – albeit only 74 overs were bowled – as they posted their first score over 300 in a Test in Australia since January 2018.After skipper Ben Stokes elected to bat on a trademark green Gabba surface, another truncated Test match loomed when England slumped to 5 for 2 after the first 15 balls with Starc dismissing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks.But Root combined in a third-wicket century stand with Zak Crawley, who bounced back from a pair with 76 off 93 balls, to lead England’s fightback. The tourists tried to curb their aggressive instincts at times, but appeared to fall short of a par total after losing 5 for 54 under the lights.Just when it appeared Australia’s batters would be forced to face a tough stint before stumps, Root found unlikely support through No.11 Jofra Archer as they clubbed an unbroken 61-run partnership.Australia’s attack tired in the backend as the game took a surprising late twist.Australia fielded an all-out pace attack, but one that did not feature skipper Pat Cummins despite intense speculation he would be a surprise late inclusion.Queensland fast bowler Michael Neser, instead, was a bombshell selection at the expense of frontline spinner Nathan Lyon, who missed just his second home Test since his debut.Stokes had no hesitation to bat under sunny skies after the coin again fell in his favour. Openers Crawley and Duckett walked to the crease under pressure after failing to notch a run as a pair in the first Test.Ollie Pope chopped on in the third over•Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesThe embattled Crawley had not gotten through the first over in either innings in Perth, where he foolishly drove on the up against Starc.Against his nemesis menacingly armed with the pink ball, Crawley played and missed twice in the first three balls in a nervous start. To his relief, Crawley finally scored his first runs of the series when he pounced on a Starc delivery that missed the length and then pinched a single to ensure he survived the first over.But Starc wasn’t quite done and claimed another first over wicket with a superb delivery that angled into off stump and moved away to remove Duckett for a golden duck.No.3 Pope had somewhat quietened the critics after being arguably England’s best batter in Perth. The pressure might once again intensify after he fell tamely, chopping onto his stumps having shuffled back and across in unconvincing fashion.It meant Root had to face the music incredibly early against Starc who bagged him for single-digit scores in Perth. Root got off the mark first ball before his heart was in his mouth moments later when he edged Starc, but Steven Smith could not complete a blinder of a catch diving low to his left.Starc continued to ramp up his speeds into the mid-140kph, but Crawley showcased exquisite timing to underline the good batting conditions. Crawley was particularly aggressive against Neser, the perennial fringe bowler playing just his third Test match and first since December 2022.Crawley unfurled several extraordinary shots in the first hour, but also had luck on his side. On 15 he survived a big appeal for caught behind from Neser as Australia decided not to review although replays later suggested there was a faint line on snicko.Root looked in command and brought up the 50-run partnership in style with a lovely straight drive to the boundary. While unconvincing at times, Crawley was more respectful against good length bowling and aimed to attack fuller deliveries. His 68-ball half-century was marked by superb straight drives to ensure England’s run rate hovered around 4.5 an over.After the frenetic play in Perth, the first lull in the series ensued just before the 40-minute tea break as England showed the type of restraint many critics have called for. But a restless Crawley had enough and broke the shackles by pummelling a drive back that went through Boland in his return and whistled to the boundary.Mitchell Starc celebrates nicking off Will Jacks•Getty ImagesWith the pink ball showing little signs of swing, the well-set Crawley and Root looked to kick on in a middle session that appeared ideal for batting.Australia resorted to a short-ball tactic and it almost paid immediate dividends when Brendan Doggett, who took all five wickets on Test debut in Perth with shorter deliveries, had Root gloving just past diving wicketkeeper Alex Carey.Crawley had a century for the taking until under-edging a back-of-a-length delivery from Neser to fall in the 70s for the ninth time in his Test career.What then ensued was another chaotic innings from Harry Brook, who started with his foot down on the pedal as he danced down to Doggett and Neser, with Carey keeping up to the stumps, without fear.Having blasted 16 off 10 balls, Brook then attempted an incredibly risky tumbling-over scoop shot which he missed and was almost stumped as Carey whipped off the bails.The game was in somewhat of a resting pattern before Starc returned to the attack having bowled just eight overs for the day. With the natural light dimming, Starc claimed a wicket on his second ball of his new spell when he had Brook flashing to second slip in a rash stroke to end a maddening knock.Stokes survived against Starc, his long-time tormentor, as he dug in with Root before and after the dinner break as the match took on a different complexion under lights.Runs were hard to come by as England’s run rate fell below four an over in a rarity but they moved into a position of strength at 210 for 4. They let slip of the advantage when Stokes needlessly set off for a single only to be sent back by Root as Josh Inglis swooped in from cover to throw down the stump from side on.It was outstanding fielding from the recalled Inglis, who is Australia’s first-choice wicketkeeper in white-ball cricket. The Leeds-born Inglis has replaced Usman Khawaja who was ruled out with a back injury that flared up during the first Test.The momentum swung Australia’s way with Scott Boland clean bowling Jamie Smith with a delivery that snaked back sharply through the gate. Allrounder Will Jacks, England’s only change after replacing injured quick Mark Wood, looked composed amid the tough conditions and ensured Root inched closer to his elusive century.Starc ended Jacks’ resistance and tore through the lower-order to continue his purple patch. Just when it appeared England would be bowled out or that Stokes might declare, Root and Archer scored invaluable runs to complete a topsy-turvy opening day.Players from both teams wore black armbands in honour of former England batter Robin Smith, who passed away this week in Perth.

Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller meet in an MLS Cup final full of storylines, from farewells to uncertainty, driving what should be a strong match this Saturday.

So, here we are: the MLS Cup final. Forget the hipster picks, ignore the insiders – this is the matchup everyone secretly wanted when the playoffs began. Miami-Vancouver (LAFC wouldn’t have been a bad shout, but still). Two elite teams, one trophy. This is what it’s all about.

In most circumstances, you’d back Miami without hesitation. This is Lionel Messi’s team, and they don’t seem capable of losing right now.

But…

Vancouver are scorching hot in their own right. They also have this guy called Thomas Muller – one of the most decorated players of all time – who just so happens to have a winning record against Messi. That’s something. And if you want another wrinkle: they’ve beaten Miami already this season.

So maybe this is a little closer than anyone’s pretending. GOAL previews the MLS Cup final ahead of what should be a terrific contest.

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  Key storylines

  And so we have our dream MLS Cup final. But this is about more than just the fact that Messi will be playing against his supposed kryptonite. Muller does has a good record against him, but there's plenty of other stuff to follow:

  The last dance for the Barça boys

  Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have already announced they’ll retire after the final. This is their last professional game. Luis Suárez could join them, even if he hasn’t said so publicly. One more trophy would be quite the goodbye.

  Vancouver’s future is uncertain

  The Whitecaps confirmed before the season that they were interested in selling the team and with that has come speculation over relocation. Their lease at BC Place ends this year, and while a soccer-specific stadium has been discussed, nothing is close to done. It’s not impossible that this version of Vancouver is gone in two years. One final run? Maybe.

  First-year coaches on center stage

  Vancouver's Jesper Sørensen arrived with little name recognition. Javier Mascherano arrived with doubts after a tough first stint in management with the Argentina U23s at the Olympics. Yet both managers have guided their teams to the biggest game of the season. One of them will lift a trophy at the end.

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  Inter Miami and the keys to victory

  Why Inter Miami will win it

  Yes, it starts with Messi. If he catches fire, Miami are almost impossible to stop. But the key may be what happens behind him. Miami’s defense has tightened up in recent weeks. They’re still vulnerable in central areas and at right back, yet if they keep things tidy and limit Vancouver’s chances, they’ll give Messi and the attack enough platform to win it.

  Why Inter Miami won’t win it

  They can get outrun. Messi and Sergio Busquets no longer cover the ground they once did, and Vancouver bring relentless energy from the opening whistle. In a one-off final, that could matter. Miami also have a tendency to start slowly, and an early barrage from Vancouver could put them in a hole they can’t climb out of.

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  Key player for Inter Miami

  There's no need to intellectualize this. The key player is Messi. There have been some real impressive performances around him in recent weeks, especially from Tadeo Allende, who has gotten red hot in the playoffs. But Miami live and die by their star man. It's a good thing he's on fire then, averaging well over two goal contributions per 90 minutes. If he bags a couple (he will), then Miami will have a chance – no matter their weaknesses elsewhere. 

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  Vancouver Whitecaps

  Why they will win it – They're a better all-around team than Miami. Muller is on fire, and he has given an already solid team an extra cutting edge. There are no real weaknesses here. They are strong in midfield, lethal up front, and good enough at the back to see out games. And perhaps more crucially, they are well-balanced. This is a team that likes to have the ball, but they also don't mind defending, either. They don't have a Messi, but they have 11 guys who can come together and nullify his best. 

  Why they won't win it – No one can stop Messi. End of. 

Mason Greenwood continues to thrive for Marseille in France, leading to growing speculation over whether a return to the Premier League could be possible for the former Manchester United outcast. Links with a move to La Liga have also gathered pace, while tentative links with both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have led to questions after the highly controversial circumstances which led to his exile from Old Trafford in 2022.

Greenwood's chances of Premier League return revealed

Reports by TEAMtalk state that sources reveal a Premier League return for Greenwood is still believed to be 'off limits', despite his strong goalscoring record with French giants Marseille.

Greenwood is still just 24 years-old and netted 21 Ligue 1 goals in his debut campaign in the competition, following that on with another 13 in all competitions this term, 10 in the league to lead the division’s top scorer charts at present.

Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1, four points behind PSG and five behind leaders Lens, while Roberto De Zerbi’s men have won successive Champions League games to reach nine points in the competition and rise comfortably into the play-off places.

Greenwood’s form has led to ‘hope’ that he can ‘step up to a bigger stage’, with La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid reported to hold an interest in the former Carrington academy graduate. However, reports of a return to the Premier League are not believed to be viable for the forward.

AdvertisementGettyLa Liga or Saudi moves a possibility for Greenwood

TEAMtalk’s report continues that major stumbling blocks between Greenwood and a return to England include ‘his controversial history from his time at Manchester United and any backlash to his signing’.

Following serious accusations made towards Greenwood back in January 2022 and his subsequent arrest, fans almost unanimously rejected the prospect of the young forward returning to the Red Devils set-up when the charges were ultimately dropped the following year.

The situation is unlikely to change less than three years on – or at any stage in his career – and reports continue that sources close to both Tottenham and West Ham confirm that it is unlikely either club step up a pursuit for Greenwood at this stage. Though some, such as manager De Zerbi, have come to the defence of Greenwood's character.

The report continues that Greenwood is likely to ‘put himself in the shop window’, though, and a return to La Liga is possible. The Marseille forward hit double figures on loan at Spanish top-flight outfit Getafe in 2023/24, following a near 18-month break from competitive football.

Reports have also suggested that a bid of €100million (£87m/$116m) has been tabled for Greenwood from the Saudi Pro League, with United set to pocket 50% of Marseille’s profits on their former wonderkid.

'He helps me improve' – Greenwood praises De Zerbi in rare interview

Greenwood recently spoke to Téléfoot about the positive impacts which De Zerbi has had on him in his time at Marseille thus far, in what was reportedly his first interview since departing United.

“I’m in a really good place thanks to the coach and my teammates,” said Greenwood

“I feel good and I hope to improve, to win more awards this season. Roberto De Zerbi? He’s the brains of the team, the architect of our game. He helps me understand football much better, he helps me improve every day.

“We’ve signed quite a few players, very, very strong players,” he added. “We’ve improved in certain areas. I feel like we’re a bit more of a team this season; we’re all on the same wavelength, you can see it. We’re [third] and I hope we can keep fighting to be number one.”

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Getty ImagesWhat next for Greenwood?

If his strong form in France continues, it is an increasing possibility that we could see Greenwood at the centre of a major transfer story in 2026. It is highly unlikely that will involve a Premier League club, though, as it appears that his bridges in England have been burnt for the foreseeable future.

The 24-year-old has evidently been accepted in Europe, however, and may yet forge a successful career for himself outside of his country of birth. He might also return to the international stage, after successfully switching his allegiance to Jamaica earlier this year.