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On whether the board’s reputation is tarnished: We should support “someone who has fallen into such a situation”

Andrew Fidel Fernando08-Nov-2022Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) says it is paying for Danushka Gunathilaka’s legal defence in Australia because the charges of sexual intercourse without consent were laid on him while he was on national duty at the T20 World Cup.Related

Danushka Gunathilaka granted bail in case of alleged sexual assault

Police facts sheet: Gunathilaka's alleged victim was 'choked repeatedly without consent'

Gunathilaka charged for alleged sexual assault, arrested in Sydney

Danushka Gunathilaka denied bail, suspended by SLC from 'all forms of cricket'

It is also not yet clear whether Gunathilaka breached SLC’s own protocol by going on a date during an active tour, something the board CEO Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo was prohibited. Six days after the alleged incident, SLC says it is yet to figure out whether Gunathilaka broke curfew on Wednesday, November 2, the night to which the charges relate.SLC has no contractual obligation to assist Gunathilaka’s defence, and is doing so voluntarily. De Silva insists, however, that it will recover the legal costs eventually, either by asking Gunathilaka to pay the board back, or by docking payments the board owes him.”This wasn’t a private visit,” de Silva told ESPNcricinfo. “He was with the team in an official capacity, so we felt we should pay the legal fees, on the condition that we can recover them from him later, whatever the results of the case.”His parents probably aren’t able to do that [cover the legal costs],” De Silva said further. Gunathilaka has been a regular part of Sri Lanka’s limited-overs teams since mid 2017, playing 47 ODIs and 46 T20Is, in addition to eight Tests. He has appeared in at least three franchise T20 tournaments and also has local sponsorship deals.De Silva equated SLC’s backing of Kusal Perera in the first six months of 2016, to their support of Gunathilaka now. “Just like we recovered the cost of that case, after Kusal Perera was cleared, we will do so here as well.”Perera’s case, however, was not criminal in nature and there is no previous instance of SLC providing official support to a player facing criminal charges.Gunathilaka had been ruled out of the T20 World Cup on October 19 with a hamstring injury but had remained with the squad in Australia as “a stand-by player” when the alleged incident occurred.Asked whether SLC’s own reputation is tarnished by its support of a player facing such serious charges, de Silva said the board should offer its support “to someone who has fallen into such a situation”.Whether Gunathilaka breached the team’s own touring codes – something that would normally warrant internal censure – de Silva was not sure yet. SLC has appointed a three-member probe to make an “independent inquiry”, and de Silva said the team manager is in touch with the ICC’s security personnel to ascertain whether Gunathilaka breached curfew that evening.SLC also denied an allegation from a senior journalist that politicians had instructed the board to bear Gunathilaka’s legal costs. The board did this via a statement issued on Tuesday, which said that “Sri Lanka Cricket has in no way been influenced by a ‘third party’ in carrying out the obligatory actions required to be taken to allow Mr. Danushka Gunathilaka to pursue any legal rights available to him”.Later in the same release, SLC said it had been “in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the consular officials” in taking steps to pursue Gunathilaka’s legal rights.Gunathilaka was arrested on the morning of November by Sydney police, and charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent, and was later denied bail. According to de Silva, apart from a five-minute period around the arrest during which Gunathilaka spoke to the team manager, SLC staff has not been in direct contact with the player.

Fulham are now keeping tabs on an “outstanding” £34m striker who has previously scored two goals at Craven Cottage, according to a report.

Raul Jimenez's future in doubt

Jimenez has been in resurgent form this season, with nine goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League, but there is still doubt surrounding the Mexican’s future, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old is still waiting to hear whether Marco Silva wants to extend his deal beyond the summer, having shown signs he is back at the level he was at before suffering a skull fracture in 2020.

The Cottagers are seemingly yet to make a decision on whether to keep hold of the striker, with Silva perhaps keen to make sure he continues to perform at his current level, and there are now signs the manager could also look to bring in a new option in the summer.

Europa League club make first move for "fantastic" £17m Fulham player

The 28-year-old is viewed as a key target for the summer, and the first steps have been taken to get a deal done.

ByDominic Lund Feb 19, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Fulham are one of a number of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on AS Roma forward Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at AC Milan.

West Ham United, Everton, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also hold an interest in Abraham, alongside Championship promotion-hopefuls Leeds United, so there may be a real battle for his signature by the time summer comes around.

The AC Milan loanee is said to be keen on a return to the Premier League, as he is looking to impress Thomas Tuchel and get back into contention for the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Roma paid £34m to sign the ex-Chelsea man in 2021, and while it is currently unclear what sort of fee they would be looking to receive this summer, they would seemingly be willing to sanction his departure, given the decision to loan the 27-year-old to Milan.

"Outstanding" Abraham could be a quality signing

The Englishman has often been utilised as a substitute this season, but he has impressed in the cup competitions, scoring in Milan’s 3-2 Italian Super Cup triumph over rivals Inter, while also bagging three goals in two Italian Cup outings.

Henry Winter lauded the striker as “outstanding” during his time with Roma, and he has previously impressed in England, reaching the 15-goal mark in the Premier League with Chelsea in the 2019-20 campaign.

The London-born forward has a 100% win record in his previous matches against Fulham, and he scored two goals at Craven Cottage for Bristol City during the 2016-17 season.

If Jimenez continues to play at his current level between now and the end of the season, the veteran striker will definitely have earned a contract extension, but Abraham has proven himself in England previously, and could be a top signing for the Cottagers.

“You not only want to be physically fresh but, as captain, you want to be mentally fresh as much as you can”

Tristan Lavalette16-Nov-2022As he prepares to take the reins of Australia’s ODI team amid a gruelling schedule marked by a World Cup less than 12 months away, Pat Cummins said prioritising being physically and mentally “fresh” was behind his decision to skip next year’s IPL.Now, juggling Test and ODI captaincy, Cummins calculated that he would be playing more than 100 days of international cricket over the next 12 months.”I really do love playing in the IPL, but just looking at the schedule, the decision was pretty easy,” Cummins, who was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team, told reporters on Wednesday. “You not only want to be physically fresh but, as captain, you want to be mentally fresh as much as you can to make decisions.Related

Cummins opts out of IPL with eye on Australia's heavy schedule

Newly-minted T20 champions England gear up for Australia ODIs

“Straight after the IPL, there are six Test matches, hopefully we make the World Test Championship final. I was totally depleted after the last Ashes (in England) in 2019, so I just want to be going there as fresh as I can be.”Having recovered from a bout of gastroenteritis, Cummins will start his ODI captaincy against England on Thursday in Adelaide. The three-match series has been derided as being inconsequential, coming as it does just days after England lifted the T20 World Cup trophy, and with Australia having home Test series against West Indies and South Africa coming up before a hectic 2023 highlighted by Test tours of India and England.While the series has predictably flown under the radar, it effectively kickstarts preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup for Australia against the reigning champions.”The last 12-24 months, there has been a big focus on T20 cricket and I think that focus now shifts to ODIs with a World Cup in 12 months’ time,” Cummins said. “To challenge ourselves against the current title-holders and probably the most in-form team around the world, there’s a lot to play for.”

‘I don’t think you will see too much change from what Finchy brought to the squad around his captaincy. I hope I can provide an environment where the players can all go out and express themselves’Pat Cummins

Cummins revealed that Mitchell Starc would start with the new ball against England after the left-armer was dropped for Australia’s must-win T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan in Adelaide. Starc had been shifted away from the new ball after he leaked 14 runs in the first over of Australia’s costly opening loss to New Zealand.”He will take the new ball. He’s really positive. I hope he knows his value,” Cummins said of Starc. “He’s been fantastic, especially in ODI cricket. He’s a huge player for us.”Having replaced Aaron Finch in the hot seat, Cummins didn’t foreshadow many drastic changes in leadership style in a role he will fulfil until at least the World Cup.”When I took on this role, it was campaign-focused; there are a dozen ODIs until next year’s World Cup and we will see how that goes and make a decision after that,” Cummins said. “I don’t think you will see too much change from what Finchy brought to the squad around his captaincy. I hope I can provide an environment where the players can all go out and express themselves.”

Hulk has leapfrogged his ex-Brazil team-mate Neymar in an elite list after the 39-year-old scored a crucial late equaliser for Atletico Mineiro.

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Hulk has 11 goals in 18 matches this seasonHis latest strike was his 443rd career goalSurpassed Neymar, who has 442 Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Hulk continues to prove age is no barrier, after netting a vital late equaliser for Atletico Mineiro that propelled him above Neymar in the ranking of top active goal scorers in the world. It was his 443rd career goal, edging him just ahead of the Santos star, who now trails with 442. Atletico Mineiro salvaged a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Copa do Brazil third round tie against Maringa thanks to Hulk's heroics.

While Hulk continues to thrive, Neymar finds himself sidelined due to a lingering thigh injury. The Santos forward is currently in rehabilitation, with no confirmed timeline for his return to competitive action.

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Hulk rose to prominence with FC Porto in Portugal, where he won multiple domestic titles and shone in European competition. A subsequent move to Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg saw him continue his scoring exploits before he took his talents to China, where he spent five prolific years with Shanghai SIPG. Since returning to Brazil in 2021, Hulk has been the focal point of Atlético Mineiro’s attack.
He has found the net 11 times and provided one assist in just 18 appearances across all competitions so far this term, a remarkable return for a player in the twilight of his career. His tally of 443 career goals puts him just behind Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, who has 446 goals to his name. England captain Harry Kane follows closely with 447.

DID YOU KNOW?

Topping this distinguished list of active goalscorers is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains a phenomenon with 934 career goals. Behind him is Lionel Messi, boasting 858 goals, followed by Poland’s Robert Lewandowski at 710. Other names in this elite group include Luis Suárez (587), Karim Benzema (494), and Edinson Cavani (462).

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Atletico Mineiro fans won’t have to wait long to see their talisman back in action as Hulk is expected to lead the line again on Monday as the team takes on Juventude in a Brazilian Serie A fixture.

There’s no place better to be on a European night than Celtic’s Parkhead, and European nights don’t come much bigger than this in Glasgow’s East End.

Following an impressive league phase campaign, accumulating 12 points and remaining unbeaten at home, the Celts have reached the Champions League knockout phase for the first time since 2012/13.

Now, if they’re to go any further, they must overcome six-times European champions Bayern Munich, as the Hoops aim to win a knockout stage tie in any UEFA competition for the first time since dumping Barcelona out of the UEFA Cup 21 years ago.

It goes without saying that Brendan Rodgers’ side are massive underdogs, but one Celtic superstar attacker in particular could certainly cause the Bundesliga leaders problems.

Bayern Munich's defensive vulnerability

To give Celtic supporters some hope, Vincent Kompany’s side have actually lost all three of their Champions League fixtures played outside of Germany this season, narrowly beaten at Villa Park before being battered 4-1 by Barcelona at Montjuïc and then, far more surprisingly, 3-0 by Feyenoord at De Kuip last month.

Die Rekordmeister also conceded three times at home to relegation-threatened Holstein Kiel the weekend before last, luckily they were already 4-0 up at the time, but their lack of defensive solidity has come under some scrutiny.

Total Football Analysis describes Kompany’s “high defensive line” strategy as “high risk”, adding that Bayern’s centre-backs are prone to “individual mistakes” and can be “easily outpaced… in the footrace”.

In a separate Total Football Analysis article, it’s also highlighted that “individual mistakes are becoming more frequent” for French centre-back Dayot Upamecano in particular, with errors most common in build-up and direct 1v1 duels, especially when “in pressure situations close to his own goal”.

Meantime, Manuel Veth of Forbes adds that opponents require “just a few good moments to capitalise on defensive errors”, which are guaranteed to come given that Kim Min-jae and Upamecano will be the centre-back pairing, while Michael Cox of the Athletic outlines that Bayern’s aggressive “man-marking” leaves them vulnerable to quick through-balls.

Speaking on Sky Sports Deutschland earlier this season, legendary midfielder Lothar Matthäus, who made 410 career appearances for the Bavarian juggernauts, winning 13 major honours, as well as the World Cup and the Euros, noted that “defence remains Bayern’s Achilles heel”.

So, do Celtic have just the man to exploit this clear weakness?

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Celtic's main man can cause Bayern problems

Speaking on Total Soccer Show’s weekend review, Graham Ruthven stated that he is “looking forward to” seeing the “very fast” Daizen Maeda up against Bayern’s back-line.

This comes following the surprise news that the Japanese forward would be available after his two-match ban, for a red card against BSC Young Boys, had been reduced to one following appeal, which he’s already served.

On Saturday, Maeda scored a hat-trick as the Hoops hammered Raith Rovers 5-0 in the Scottish Cup, taking his tally to 50 goals for the club, 21 of which have come this season.

The forward has been earning rave reviews, with a BBC Sport report calling him “wonderful” while, speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club, former Hearts and Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart believes Maeda has “stepped up a level” in recent weeks, adding he has become “top class”.

During the league phase, Maeda scored against Slovan Bratislava, Borussia Dortmund and Club Brugge, now aiming to become the first Celtic player since Joe Craig in 1977/78 to score four or more goals in a single Champions League campaign.

Daizen Maeda

2024/25

Adam Idah

2024/25

Moussa Dembélé

2016/17

Georgios Samaras

2012/13

Kenny Miller

2006/07

Chris Sutton

2003/04

Henrik Larsson

2001/02

Mo Johnston

1986/87

According to FBref, Maeda’s goals – xG figure in this season’s Champions League is +1.8, with his 11 shots taken from an average of 12.5 yards from goal, underlining that he’s become more clinical.

As his goal against Rangers highlights, Maeda is a constant pest in behind, with Thomas Duncan of BBC Sport believing he has “seemingly unlimited stamina”, while Josh McCafferty of the National adds that the Japanese forward is “electric”.

Following Kyōgo Furuhashi’s departure last month, Rodgers has a decision to make at centre-forward.

Adam Idah, who scored twice in a matter of moments against Aston Villa on matchday eight, is the most obvious central striker, but we’re advocating for Maeda to be deployed down the middle, flanked by Nicolas Kühn and the returning Jota, as this could be the best way Celtic can exploit Bayern’s weakness, which is their centre-back duo.

Celtic can silence Kane with Hoops star who's worth more than Idah & Jota

The Celtic titan is currently valued at more than Adam Idah and Jota combined.

2 ByDan Emery Feb 11, 2025

Manchester City find themselves in a real fight for Champions League qualification.

Following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool, swatted aside by the champions-elect at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s side are fifth, thereby occupying the final Champions League spot, but with five clubs two points or fewer behind.

Well, on Wednesday night, the Sky Blues will visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a venue at which they’ve lost six of eight previous visits, including being dumped out of the Carabao Cup in N17 back in October.

For the Citizens to leave North London with three points, Guardiola must unleash Man City’s “top talent”, thereby dropping one of their most high-profile stars in the process.

Results prior to Wednesday's fixture.

Phil Foden's form for Man City this season

Just last season, Phil Foden was named both PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year,

Teammate Rodri thereby asserted that Foden “has the ability to be the best English player in history”, but the 24-year-old has been a shadow of that player this time around.

Andy Hampson of the Independent notes that Foden ‘endured a slow start to the season’, with Sam Lee of the Athletic adding he was struggling to ‘regain his rhythm’, while Jonathan Wilson of the Guardian believes he’s never got going at all this season, only ‘flickered’ since that aforementioned slow start.

Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News succinctly puts it best: Foden has gone from being ‘the best player in the Premier League’ to now enduring the ‘roughest campaign of his career’.

Well, Foden himself believes he has suffered from “burnout” and has been nursing “a few niggles” following the European Championships, to which Guardiola stated that his players “are human beings”, asking for supporters to “be patient”.

Nevertheless, as James Ducker of the Telegraph documents, Foden’s output has ‘fallen off dramatically’ this season, so let’s analyse the numbers to see if they support this assertion.

Appearances

53

34

Minutes

4,276

2,424

Goals

27

10

Mins per goal

158

242

Assists

12

5

Mins per assist

356

485

Shots per 90

3.37

3.10

Shots on target %

42.9%

33.7%

Shot-creating actions per 90

4.67

4.55

Goal-creating actions per 90

0.80

0.61

Big chances created

13

8

Take-on success %

49.2%

40.7%

Touches per 90

58.69

54.21

As the table outlines, Foden’s numbers are down unanimously this season, in terms of goals, assists, chances created, dribbles and touches, so at Spurs on Wednesday, should Guardiola leave his star midfielder on the bench in favour of Man City’s most highly-rated youngster?

Man City's next Phil Foden

James McAtee has made 19 appearances for Manchester City this season, albeit 14 of these have come as a substitute, totalling just 648, all five of his starts coming in the FA Cup, EFL Cup or Community Shield, hence why Sam Lee of the Athletic reported that he is frustrated by his “limited opportunities”.

During the January transfer window, it was reported that Bayer Leverkusen were attempting to sign McAtee, with further claims noting he was also being ‘courted’ by Borussia Dortmund, but neither deal came to fruition, because Guardiola would not allow it, plainly stating “I need him”.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes McAtee to be a ‘top talent’, with Guardiola himself describing the 22-year-old as “special”, and the academy graduate has been effective during his limited opportunities this season, scoring six goals, most notably bagging a hat-trick against Salford in the FA Cup.

So, let’s assess how his numbers compare to Foden’s this season.

Appearances

19

34

Minutes

648

2,424

Goals per 90

0.82

0.36

Assists per 90

Zero

0.14

Shots on target %

45%

33.7%

Pass completion %

84.3%

84.9%

Touches per 90

19.3

54.2

Shot-creating actions per 90

2.64

4.55

As the table shows, comparing the two is difficult, largely due to McAtee’s significantly smaller sample size, albeit his six goals in under 650 minutes on the field is a very impressive ratio, most recently on target during the 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle.

McAtee did start the EFL Cup defeat at Tottenham in October, with Guardiola afterwards exclaiming “what a game he had”, so could we see the youngster back in the lineup at the same venue on Wednesday?

Palmer repeat: Man City must rue selling a star who's outperforming Foden

The former Manchester City star has outperformed Phil Foden this season.

ByDan Emery Feb 24, 2025

Bruno Fernandes is set to turn down an offer from Saudi Arabia and remain at Manchester United this summer after growing close to Ruben Amorim.

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Fernandes to resist Saudi offerWants to stay at Man UtdGrown close with AmorimFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Amid claims that the Saudi Pro League want the playmaker as a marquee signing, report that the United captain is content at Old Trafford and that the club are not interested in selling him. Al-Hilal are said to hold an interest in Fernandes but are set to be snubbed.

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The report goes onto claim that United are open to offers for the majority of their squad as they aim to balance their books. Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are two players who could attract big fees.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fernandes has been fundamental to United this season, scoring 19 goals and contributing 18 assists. He is said to have developed a close relationship with manager Amorim.

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Fernandes is set to feature as United aim to seal their spot in the Europa League final against Athletic Club on Thursday. They lead 3-0 on aggregate after the first leg.

India won the ODI series with a game to spare at Eden Gardens

Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Jan-2023Sri Lanka got to 102 for 1 in the 17th over, then threw their innings away in a collapse that cost them six wickets for 50 runs. The lower order pushed them up to 215 all out – the last wicket falling in the 40th over. But it was never going to be enough.And though Sri Lanka’s bowlers made India’s batters work, reducing them to 86 for 4 at one stage, India’s run rate was too healthy, and their batting resources too rich. Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul put on a 75-run stand for the fifth wicket, breaking the back of the chase. Then Rahul pushed on to 64 not out off 103 balls.It had been India’s bowlers, though, who defined this match. Kuldeep Yadav triggered Sri Lanka’s collapse by taking Kusal Mendis’ wicket, before picking up Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka to finish with 3 for 51 from his 10 overs. Mohammed Siraj, who had been excellent with the new ball, took 3 for 30, picking up a couple of late wickets. Umran Malik snuffed out two promising lower-order innings as well.The only Sri Lanka batter who made a half-century was debutant Nuwanidu Fernando, who was batting out of position as an opener (he usually bats in the middle order in domestic cricket). The great indictment on Sri Lanka’s batters in this game, perhaps, is that all but three of the XI got to double figures, suggesting the Eden Gardens pitch was decent enough. But a major collapse occurred nonetheless.The innings’ nosedive was forged more of Sri Lanka’s incompetence in this format than India’s particular excellence. Mendis had batted nicely for his run-a-ball 34, but got hit on the back leg by a Kuldeep googly at the end of the 17th over, having misread the modest turn. Dhananjaya de Silva let an Axar Patel arm ball slide between bat and pad; Asalanka sent a leading edge back to Kuldeep, the bowler; Shanaka got too far inside the line and let Kuldeep spin one into his pads and then leg stump; later, the bowling allrounders (Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage and Chamika Karunaratne) were all caught by Axar at backward point, two of them off Malik.Kuldeep Yadav celebrates after bowling Dasun Shanaka out•BCCIThe lowest third of the innings had at least added some value before departing, however. Hasaranga made 21 off 17, Karunaratne 17 off 25, and Wellalage played perhaps the most responsible innings of the three, despite being the most junior, producing 32 off 34. It was thanks to them that Sri Lanka breached 200.Through Nuwanidu’s fifty, though, Sri Lanka had at least one positive. He was cautious against the new ball, leaving often, and defending plenty, though he rarely seemed anxious even when he faced 10 scoreless deliveries to start, then had got to only 6 off the first 20. He was strong behind square, finding most of his runs, and four of his six boundaries, thereIndia’s chase was not particularly clinical, and there were times at which Sri Lanka had a chance to pull off an unlikely defence of a modest score. Shubman Gill raced to 21 off 11 balls, hitting five fours, four of those through cover or extra cover. But then he pulled Kumara straight to short midwicket and was out. Rohit Sharma had been dismissed before that, nicking off to Chamika Karunaratne.And when Virat Kohli was bowled off an inside edge (Kumara the bowler), and Shreyas Iyer was trapped in front by Kasun Rajitha, it seemed like Sri Lanka had a shot.But Hardik and Rahul doused what small fires had been lit. Theirs was a leisurely, risk-free stand, playing out Sri Lanka’s spinners, picking the singles and twos into space. The required rate was hardly relevant.Hardik was dismissed with 55 still required, but Rahul ensured he remained at the crease to guide the chase home. Three of his six boundaries came behind square, and the other three in the arc between mid-off and cover, but it was the defensive strokes and the singles square of the wicket that defined his innings. He forged a partnership with Axar, then took the chase home in Kuldeep’s company.Now, 2-0 up, India have sealed the series.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is in line for a £2 million bonus as his side prepare for their Europa League final clash.

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Postecoglou could earn a bonus if Spurs win Europa LeagueLondon side have struggled domesticallyAnge's future remains uncertain amid UCL pushFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Win or lose, the Australian manager is expected to receive a big pay out from the club either in the form of a lucrative bonus or compensation. Postecoglou could even walk away with both if he secures Champions League qualification by winning the final on May 22 and parting ways with the English club. This could mark Spurs’ first European triumph since 1984, and the club sees it as a major opportunity to end their long wait for silverware. However, despite the high-stakes success on the radar, Postecoglou’s future remains in doubt following a disappointing Premier League campaign.

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Tottenham have had a torrid Premier League season, barely managing to avoid relegation. They have lost 20 top-flight games, setting a new club record, and are currently 17th in the table with two games left. Despite their struggle in the English domestic league, Postecoglou has led them to their first European final since 2019.

If Tottenham manage to end their 41-year trophy drought, they will also share over £3m in bonuses. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s squad will split around £1m, as their contracts include far greater incentives linked to Champions League qualification. Both English clubs are in the same boat, dealing with financial cuts and poor domestic league performances. However, only one will end up trophyless this season.

WHAT ANGE POSTECOGLOU SAID?

According to the , Postecoglou recently spoke about the team's recent setback ahead of the final:

"The reality of our existence at the moment is we can't lose another player to an injury. It's just too finely balanced for us considering what's at stake. Look, in a normal world you use this to be sharpening up, but we're not living in a normal world.

"Even with the best planning we're still getting hit with these setbacks. From my perspective I've got to take that into account when considering the [Aston Villa] game. We've always had to try to find creative ways to cover the absences we've had and we'll find a way to do that again. There's obviously a few players who will play [on Friday] who haven't played regularly or a lot lately who will get an opportunity."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

On Wednesday, May 22, Tottenham meet United in the Europa League final in Bilbao. The win would guarantee Champions League play next season and provide silverware to the north London team for the first time since 2008, as they last won a League Cup at Wembley, beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final.

Regardless of the result, Postecoglou’s future remains uncertain. But for now Tottenham will visit Aston Villa at Villa Park and hope to boost their morale with a win ahead of the Bilbao final.

As Newcastle United get set to face Liverpool in the League Cup final, the Magpies will likely be missing a few key players.

Anthony Gordon is suspended for the game after being sent off against Brighton and Hove Albion, while Lewis Hall will miss the rest of the season having suffered a foot injury against Liverpool in February.

The long-term loss of the full-back, in particular, will provide a real headache for manager Eddie Howe…

Lewis Hall's major injury blow

Hall featured in all but one of Newcastle’s matches this season before the foot injury sidelined him until the 2025/26 campaign.

The 20-year-old was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League for the Magpies this term. Indeed, he created five big chances, averaging 1.3 key passes per game while succeeding with 61% of his dribble attempts, proving to be a key component of the side going forward.

The youngster also won 54% of his total duels per game and made 2.1 tackles each match for the club in the top flight, and he will be a huge miss for Howe.

Matt Targett is the obvious replacement for him at left-back, but did Howe sell an upgrade on the 29-year-old during the January transfer window? A player who didn’t really get a chance at the club during the first half of the season.

Newcastle already sold the perfect Hall replacement

Targett has played just four times for the Toon this term, with only one of those coming in the Premier League.

Due to Hall’s injury, however, he could find himself slotted into the starting XI between now and the end of the campaign.

Injury issues plagued him last season too, playing just seven games for the St James’ Park side in all competitions.

Howe allowed Lloyd Kelly to move to Juventus in January on an initial loan deal, before the Serie A club have an obligation to pay £20m to make the deal permanent this summer.

Kelly made just 14 appearances for the Toon before leaving, but he has already played six times for Juventus.

Hailed by former manager Gary O’Neil as “incredible”, the English defender can either play centre-back or left-back and would have solved the crisis Howe is now undergoing by slotting into the space vacated by Hall.

Accurate passes

13.4

Tackles

0.5

Total duels won

1.8

Interceptions

0.1

Ball recoveries

1.9

Touches

22.9

Across his three Serie A games for the Italian giants, Kelly has averaged a pass success rate of 88%, while keeping two clean sheets, recovering four balls per game and winning 4.7 total duels per game.

An impressive array of statistics given he was thrown into the deep end in Serie A. Howe must regret moving him on during the winter window, although he wasn’t expecting Hall to miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

Targett must now come into the side and perform well, especially if Newcastle want to stand any chance of winning the League Cup, claiming their first major domestic honour in nearly 70 years in the process.

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