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Four centuries were scored in the game, and it came down to the last ball, where Pooja Vastrakar sealed the deal and gave India the series win

Srinidhi Ramanujam19-Jun-2024Four centuries, a first in women’s ODIs. A total of 646 runs. The spectators in Bengaluru were treated to as entertaining a game of 50-over cricket as they could have imagined, and the result went their way too: India clinched a last-ball win over South Africa to secure the series 2-0 with a match in hand.It came down to Pooja Vastrakar’s final over where she had to defend 10 runs after India had posted 325 for 3. After conceding five off the first two balls, both full tosses, her next two deliveries fetched her two wickets with Laura Wolvaardt, one of four century-makers in the game, stranded at the non-striker’s end. The equation became five off the final delivery, and Wolvaardt, finally on strike, was beaten by Vastrakar’s back-of-the-hand slower delivery.Related

Despite defeat, Kapp focuses on learnings with ODI World Cup in India next year

Wolvaardt, Vastrakar and a six-ball emotional rollercoaster like no other

Stats – Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Wolvaardt, Kapp combine to break ODI records

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, India scored their third-highest ODI total with Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur smashing 136 and 103 not out respectively. While it looked out of reach after South Africa were reduced to 67 for 3 in the chase, Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp’s 184-run partnership took the game deep.Not long ago, South Africa were at the receiving end of the highest successful ODI run-chase of 302 by Sri Lanka. On Wednesday, they came close to breaking that record but fell short of it.SA start brilliantly with the ballThe way South Africa started with the ball, one would have expected India to stop at around 230-240.The second ODI was played on a different strip to the series opener, with a patch of grass and visible cracks on it. The new-ball pair of Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas extracted everything they could from it, exerting pressure on Shafali Verma and Mandhana with a lot of movement. A bit of variable bounce also meant runs were hard to get initially. Mandhana, in fact, got off the mark after 18 deliveries.As for Shafali, she showed glimpses of patience in her 38-ball innings but it was short-lived. After smashing a four straight down the ground off left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, she tried to go across the line next ball and holed out to Klaas at mid-on.After 15 overs, India had huffed and puffed to 47 for 1, hitting just five fours. In this period, they had faced 72 dot balls.Harmanpreet Kaur celebrates after scoring a blistering century•BCCIThe game-changing partnershipAlong with D Hemalatha, the No. 3, Mandhana stitched a steady 62 runs off 68 balls. Hemalatha fell for a 41-ball 24, and it was only after Harmanpreet walked out that runs started flowing.The pitch had also eased out by then, and Harmanpreet and Mandhana put on a huge partnership – 171 runs off 136 balls. Their centuries not only helped India overcome their sedate start but also batted South Africa into a corner (though not out of the game, as it emerged).Mandhana oozed class and Harmanpreet showed what power and deft touch can do.Mandhana picked up pace, getting herself from 31 off the first 48 balls to her seventh ODI hundred in 103 balls, and went on to add 36 more. When the bowlers varied their lines, she moved around the crease and either slashed it to deep point or pulled to the square-leg area. Along the way, Mandhana also became the first Indian to score back-to-back centuries in women’s ODIs.Harmanpreet didn’t have to start slow, unlike her deputy. After racing to a run-a-ball 24, she got quicker as her innings progressed. Unlike Mandhana, who scored on both sides of the wicket, Harmanpreet scored predominantly on the leg side. A total of 70 of her runs came on that side, with four of her nine fours and two out of three sixes hit in the midwicket region.Meike de Ridder, who played in place of South Africa’s first-choice wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta after she suffered a mild concussion on the eve of the match, missed a stumping chance when Harmanpreet was on 88, off the second delivery off the final over. It gave Harmanpreet a chance to complete her sixth ODI century, the first in almost two years, and she smoked 4, 6 and 4 to get to three figures.South Africa ran out of steam, with Wolvaardt even bringing on legspinning-allrounder Sune Luus – who was bowling in ODIs after a gap of two years – into the attack. However, they couldn’t contain India, who scored 118 runs in the last ten overs.At the other end, Richa Ghosh, batting at No. 5, plundered a 13-ball unbeaten 25, comprising three fours and a six, and was key in the unbroken 54-run stand with Harmanpreet.Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt almost won the game for South Africa•Getty ImagesKapp and Wolvaardt fight backKapp and Wolvaardt, the senior pros, were resolute and unwavering in their focus.This being South Africa’s second-last series in the 2022-25 Women’s Championship cycle, they need a couple of wins out of six to ensure automatic qualification for the World Cup next year in India. They had already lost the opening game, and needed points here. They play England next at home.South Africa didn’t get off to an ideal start, losing three wickets for 67 inside 15 overs. However, unlike on Sunday, the pitch was helping the batters during the chase with the Indian spinners not getting enough grip and turn under lights. That helped Wolvaardt and Kapp settle in and then go big in the last 15 or so overs.Initially, they kept the scoreboard ticking over, putting away the loose deliveries and taking singles off good ones. That clarity and patience saw both the set batters converting their starts and getting to half-centuries.Kapp, playing as a pure batter with her workload being managed following a back injury, thrived under pressure and hit 11 fours and three sixes in her 94-ball 114. Wolvaardt, who became the first South Africa batter to score 4000 runs in women’s ODIs on the night, took calculated risks and paced her innings well to stay till the end. Her knock had 12 fours and three sixes.With 148 runs needed from the last 15 overs, the pair accelerated. Even after Kapp was dismissed in the 43rd, courtesy a superb catch from Vastrakar at long-off, Wolvaardt kept going hard, striking the ball effortlessly.Nadine de Klerk’s cameo of 28 also helped South Africa get closer. Till, in the end, they fell just short.

A “superstar” striker, who’s reportedly held talks with Arsenal, has now announced that he’s set to leave his club this summer in an emotional statement.

Andrea Berta set for competitive Arsenal summer transfer window

While the Gunners’ move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi appears done and dusted, with the Spain international looking set to become Andrea Berta’s first major signing as sporting director (Fabrizio Romano), Arsenal face stiff competition to sign other players at the top of their transfer wishlist.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing £202k-a-week Real Madrid star

The Gunners have reached out and made contact.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

Arsenal were believed to be lead contenders to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, but a plethora of Wednesday evening reports from credible media sources now indicate that Real Madrid are set to pip all Premier League clubs to his signature.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

The 20-year-old decided to give priority to Bernabeu switch, with Real moving in and agreeing a deal with Bournemouth to pay his £50 million release clause. Huijsen’s representatives are now in the Spanish capital negotiating with Los Blancos over the defender’s contract, and Xabi Alonso’s side are thought to be on the verge of sealing a full agreement.

This dramatic late swoop from Real, which eventually doomed Arsenal’s chances of signing Huijsen, emphasises why there is a need for Arsenal to show no hesitation in the market and, ideally, strike deals for their most desired targets as soon as possible.

Arsenal are prioritising the signing of a striker, and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres appears to be a serious target for Berta. However, with Enzo Maresca also on the hunt for a prolific marksman, there are reported fears within Arsenal that Chelsea could hijack their deal for Gyokeres.

Jonathan David announces Lille exit after rumoured Arsenal talks

Another centre-forward who is likely to be courted by a host of top sides, and one who will definitely leave his club, is Lille star Jonathan David.

The “superstar” Canada international has been free-scoring in Ligue 1 since joining them from Gent in a £23 million deal five years ago, bagging 25 strikes in 48 appearances this season, adding to his all-time Lille total of 109.

However, his contract is set to expire this summer, and David’s representatives have reportedly held talks with Arsenal, among other clubs.

The 25-year-old is set to be one of the most coveted free agents of 2025, with David now confirming that he’s set to leave Lille in a statement this week.

“I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye,” said the striker on social media, as translated by LW.

“I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy. Notably the Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions and I think that with these two trophies together, we have brought a lot of pleasure and joy.

“I would like to thank all of my teammates, all the coaches, staff, technical and medical teams, the managers and everyone that I have met over the months at the club. Thank you very much for everything you have brought me over these years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

With David readily available, this could be a very intriguing opportunity for Arsenal, but they’ll have to move in quickly. Even though he can join on a Bosman, journalist Sacha Tavolieri recently claimed the overall cost of a deal could still reach £28 million due to his yearly salary, additional commission fees and signing bonus.

With the clock ticking down towards the final ten minutes at Craven Cottage, it looked as if Chelsea were hurtling towards a grim 1-0 defeat to near neighbours Fulham.

However, the Champions League chasing outfit managed to conjure up a dramatic fightback instead to win the tight Premier League clash 2-1, which has now sent Enzo Maresca’s Blues up to fifth in the ever-changing league standings.

With the likes of Nicolas Jackson suffering from an off-day, Maresca and Co had to rely on the heroics of faces such as Pedro Neto over the misfiring striker to secure the golden win, with the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers winger scoring the game-clinching strike right at the death.

Neto's performance in numbers

Indeed, Neto stepped up to the mark valiantly when other Chelsea forwards decided to duck away from the spotlight, with Jackson only managing one meagre effort on goal before he was hooked off on the 73rd-minute mark.

Away from the Chelsea number 15’s uninspired showing, however, the Portuguese attacker would send the away masses packed into Craven Cottage into delirium when his fierce effort was smashed home past a startled Bernd Leno.

Away from this last-gasp moment of quality, the Blues number seven was constantly involved in play in a positive manner, with the 25-year-old firing two other efforts at the German’s net away from his 93rd-minute winner, alongside winning four ground duels when attempting to launch attack after attack.

Having also looked likely in the Ipswich Town draw in the league before this win on the road – with five key passes tallied up against Kieran McKenna’s challengers – Neto will pray he can nail down a starting spot down Chelsea’s left flank off the back of his further standout display against Marco Silva’s hosts.

He isn’t the only figure who could now be deemed as undroppable in the eyes of Maresca, considering one of Neto’s attacking teammates was equally as energetic and impactful in steering the Blues to their 16th league win of the entertaining campaign.

8/10 Chelsea star now as undroppable as Neto

Maresca will still feel irked that it took his team until the 83rd minute to turn the tie around with a number of his key first team personnel letting him down.

But, a major plus for the ex-Leicester City boss to cling onto will be the energy and drive shown by Tyrique George when he entered into the contest, with the homegrown Chelsea product only needing to amass four touches before he left a lasting impact on proceedings.

Fresh off scoring his first ever senior goal for his boyhood employers in the Europa Conference League, George would get his fading team back on level terms versus the Cottagers with a confident and assured finish trickling in after the ball was flicked it into the teenager’s path.

With Jackson’s wastefulness in front of goal well documented, alongside the ongoing struggles of Christopher Nkunku in West London, the answer for Maresca up top between now and the close of the season could be persisting with the Camden-born starlet.

George’s numbers vs Legia + Fulham
Stat	Legia	Fulham
Minutes played	75	12
Goals scored	1	1
Assists	0	0
Touches	46	4
Accurate passes	31/35	2/2
Shots	1	1
Stats by Sofascore

Showing off his ability to be a livewire from the start when bagging one of Chelsea’s three goals in Poland in mid-April, George does look ready for more first-team opportunites moving forward, with his cameo against Fulham – which saw him complete 100% of his passes – resulting in a high 8/10 post-match rating being awarded to him by The Express’ Fraser Watson.

Bold calls such as these might see Chelsea sprint ahead to secure Champions League football, with Maresca needing everyone in his camp to be playing at their optimum to get over the line.

Jackson upgrade: Chelsea to make £59m bid for "one of the best strikers"

Chelsea are gearing up to sign a new centre-forward in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 19, 2025

Even though this season isn’t yet over, attention is already starting to turn towards Celtic’s summer plans.

The Hoops are on course to win a sixth treble in just nine seasons; they could rubber-stamp the Premiership title as soon as this weekend, before facing St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-finals at Hampden on Easter Sunday.

The biggest success of this season however, came in Europe, where Brendan Rodgers’ side reached the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in 12 years, heartbreakingly beaten by Bayern Munich right at the death in Bavaria.

Later this year, the Celts will need to come through a two-legged playoff tie to reach the Champions League league phase again, fixtures scheduled for 19/20 and 26/27 August, so they’ll want to get their summer business done early, with centre-forward a potential question mark.

Giorgos Giakoumakis' stunning record at Celtic

After taking over in the summer of 2021, Ange Postecoglou oversaw a mass-squad overhaul, with 12 players signed, including Giorgos Giakoumakis, who joined from VVV-Venlo for a reported fee of £2.5m having won the Eredivisie golden boot, a particularly impressive feat considering his team were actually relegated.

Well, the Greek international would make it back-to-back golden boots, scoring 13 Premiership goals during his first season in Scotland, thereby sharing the award with Regan Charles-Cook of Ross County.

In total, Giakoumakis bagged 26 goals in 57 appearances for Celtic, described by Craig Swan of the Daily Record as an ‘outstanding finisher’.

However, of those 57 appearances, 35 came as a substitute, mainly forced to play second-fiddle to Kyōgo Furuhashi.

Thus, after only 18 months in Glasgow, Giakoumakis joined Atlanta United in Major League Soccer for £4.3m in February 2023, before then moving to current club Cruz Azul in Liga MX for a reported £8m a year later.

A lack of regular starting opportunities led to a clearly talented goalscorer seeking first-team football elsewhere, so is Rodgers faced with a similar issue now?

Rodgers may have the next Giakoumakis at Celtic

Eyebrows were raised when Celtic agreed to pay a reported fee of £9.5m to sign Adam Idah permanently from Norwich last summer, only spending more to acquire Arne Engles, Jota and Odsonne Édouard.

After arriving on loan in January 2024, the Republic of Ireland international made a huge impact, scoring nine goals for the hoops, including memorably bagging a 90th-minute winner against Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final, thereby described by presenter Daniel Hussey as a “huge talent”.

However, he’s not quite lived up to those heights this season, as the table below outlines.

Appearances

19

45

Minutes

809

1,890

Starts

7

19

% of apps starting

36.84%

42.22%

Goals

9

14

Minutes per goal

90

135

Assists

2

1

The most telling statistic is Idah’s minutes-per-goal ratio, which has fallen from 90 to 135, which is still pretty impressive in fairness, while last season’s impact was always going to be unsustainable.

Most interesting is the fact the Irishman is still yet to cement himself as a regular starter, outlined by the percentage of his appearances that are starts, a figure that’s only increased from around 37% to 42% this season.

When Kyōgo was sold to Rennes in January, Andy Burke of BBC Sport noted that the expectation was that Idah would become the first-choice centre-forward, but this has not transpired, with Daizen Maeda predominantly deployed centrally, hence why Idah has started just one of the last six matches.

Ankan Bhowmick of Sports Illustrated notes that the Irishman has ‘struggled for consistency’, both in terms of performance and minutes, anticipating that the Hoops will sign another striker in the summer.

Thus, despite describing joining Celtic as his “dream move”, if Idah continues to feel under-utilised, it would be no surprise if he were to follow Giakoumakis’ path and leave the club.

Celtic have unearthed their next Jeremie Frimpong & it's not Johnston

Celtic have found their next Jeremie Frimpong with this impressive star whose value has doubled.

ByDan Emery Apr 8, 2025

Chamari Athapaththu is a favourite in this race, but faces stiff competition from the likes of Annabel Sutherland and Danni Wyatt

S Sudarshanan07-Dec-2023

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

Set 2 – capped allrounders. Base price: INR 30 lakh
Despite having a base price of INR 30 lakh – that is, the lowest bracket for overseas players – Athapaththu found no takers in the inaugural WPL auction. Subsequently, she did not find a place in the Women’s Hundred, the Women’s Big Bash League or the Women’s Caribbean Premier League either. But the Sri Lanka captain showed what teams were missing out on with a stellar show in 2023.Athapaththu starred with two unbeaten centuries in Sri Lanka’s first-ever ODI series win against New Zealand, scored an unbeaten 47-ball 80 for their first win in a T20I against New Zealand and then led the charge in their first T20I series win over England in September. Her outstanding batting form meant a late call-up from Sydney Thunder for the 2023 WBBL as an injury replacement.She took the WBBL by storm and finished with 552 runs – the second-most in the season – at a strike rate of 127.18 and with the Player of the Series award no less. She also returned nine wickets with the ball at an economy rate of just under seven. Expect her to be the most expensive pick at the WPL auction.Annabel Sutherland was on fire at the 2023 WBBL•Getty Images

Annabel Sutherland (Australia)

Set 2 – capped allrounders. Base price: INR 40 lakh
Sutherland played four matches in WPL 2023, scored only 28 runs and picked up three wickets with an economy rate of 10.99, before being released by Gujarat Giants. She turned her form around in the women’s Ashes, scoring her maiden Test century in Australia’s win in Nottingham before picking up 3 for 28 in a narrow T20I loss against England at The Oval.Sutherland’s 47-ball 50 batting at No. 7 proved crucial in Australia’s only ODI win of the multi-format Ashes. She then flourished in the 2023 WBBL, scoring 288 runs – the most for Melbourne Stars – and picking up 23 wickets, joint third-most for the season. She also led Stars for the last three games of the season in Meg Lanning’s absence.Danni Wyatt celebrates the Women’s Hundred title with her Southern Brave team-mates•Julian Finney/Getty Images

Danni Wyatt (England)

Set 1 – capped batters. Base price: INR 30 lakh
One of only three women to have played 150 or more T20Is, Wyatt surprisingly found no takers last time with a base price of INR 50 lakh, something she was disappointed with. Her ability to hit the ball hard at the top of the order as well as take spinners down with ease is something only a few batters possess in world cricket. She topped the batting charts for Women’s Hundred champions Southern Brave and Charlotte Edwards (CE) Cup winners Southern Vipers.Wyatt struck at 141.14 and scored 295 at the Women’s Hundred. Her Player-of-the-Match performance in the final – 59 off just 38 balls with nine fours and a six – only enhanced her reputation of changing gears at will and attacking spin. She also made 273 runs in the CE Cup at a strike rate of 150. Her T20I record in India is also enviable – 459 runs in 16 outings at a strike rate of 143.43 with a best of 124Amanda-Jade Wellington was named player of the WBBL final after taking 3 for 16•Getty Images

Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia)

Set 5 – capped spinners. Base price: INR 30 lakh
Wellington is a serial winner in 2023. She has been part of title-winning teams at the FairBreak Global Invitational Tournament, the WCPL and the WBBL. She was omitted from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year and then did not opt in for the inaugural WPL auction. But she starred in the WCPL final with a four-for for Barbados Royals.Wellington then returned 23 wickets in the WBBL – tied third in the season – including bowling the last over of the final to help Adelaide Strikers defend their crown. She is a handy batter down the order. Strikers’ head coach Luke Williams is with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the same capacity and that could also make Wellington a go-to pick.Shabnim Ismail was a key cog for Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL•Getty Images

Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)

Set 4 – capped fast bowlers. Base price: INR 40 lakh
Intense bidding saw UP Warriorz pick up Ismail for INR 1 crore at the last auction. But after just three games in the season, she finds herself back in the auction pool this year. The fiery South Africa fast bowler, who retired from internationals earlier this year, showed her wares at the Women’s Hundred, the WCPL and the WBBL.She picked up 11 wickets in the Women’s Hundred, including a hat-trick in the last over that helped Welsh Fire eke out a narrow win over Birmingham Phoenix. She prevented Phoenix from scoring four off the last three balls with nine wickets in hand, one game after her three-for had skittled Oval Invincibles for 80.Ismail also picked up 13 wickets for Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL, after a four-for for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the WCPL final.

They will invariably be looking to put on massive totals – like Kings tonight, it might lead to their downfall, but it also might be their only chance

Karthik Krishnaswamy01-Apr-20222:37

Zaheer on dew: ‘Need to accept challenges and deal with them’

That dew has had an exaggerated impact on IPL 2022 is clear not just from the results so far – chasing teams have won seven of the first eight games – but also from how the players and coaches have spoken about it.”We’re going to bowl first,” Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata Knight Riders captain, said at the toss on Friday, “and the reason is obviously the swimming pool in the evening, which we’ll see.”Related

• What IPL week 1 taught us: dew, middle-over mantra and new Indian talent

• Report – Russell's 70 off 31 helps KKR brush aside Kings

• Fleming on dew factor: 'At no stage did CSK feel comfortable'

• Did too much intent trip up KKR on a tacky track?

Just under 24 hours before that, Moeen Ali had worn a haunted look while being interviewed by host broadcaster Star Sports between innings. “It’s going to be difficult because of the dew and they [Lucknow Super Giants] have a brilliant batting line-up,” he said. “We are going to have to bowl well.” These were the words of a man whose team, Chennai Super Kings, had just scored 210.Super Kings duly lost that game. It was the third time the 200-mark had been breached by a team batting first this season, and the second time it had been chased down.Punjab Kings had chased down 206 against Royal Challengers Bangalore on the second day of the tournament, and had done so with an entire over to spare. You can understand, then, why they batted the way they did when Knight Riders sent them in on Friday.It’s a strategy that can look spectacular when it comes off, and for a while it looked like it might, particularly when Bhanuka Rajapaksa clattered Shivam Mavi for 4, 6, 6, 6 in the fourth over of the match.It can also bring about flurries of wickets, and cause teams to be bowled out inside 20 overs. This was Kings’ eventual fate on Friday, as they folded for 137 with ten balls of their innings unused.Punjab Kings’ attacking approach didn’t come off on Friday•BCCITeams batting first know, of course, that they risk being bowled out for 135 if they set their sights on 220. But Kings still chose that approach. So did Knight Riders two days ago; they went just as hard and collapsed just as spectacularly against Royal Challengers.That these teams chose this approach over a more conservative one that might have brought them 170 at best or 150 at worst should tell you all you need to know about their assessment of the conditions. They didn’t think they could win with 150 or 170. As the ESPNcricinfo columnist Kartikeya Date might put it, they chose competitiveness over respectability.It didn’t come off for Punjab on Friday, just as it didn’t come off for Knight Riders on Wednesday. But equally, it came off for Super Kings on Thursday, but it didn’t matter; they still lost, their bowlers powerless to defend 210 in another second-innings swimming pool.It’s too early to predict if the rest of the season will follow the same pattern, but it’s hard to see it change too much, given that the same four venues will host all of the league phase, and that three of them experience the coastal humidity of Mumbai.The dew probably won’t go away. At least some of the teams will continue setting their sights on mammoth first-innings totals in a bid to overcome the disadvantage of losing the toss. It will come off sometimes, it won’t come off at other times, but it will probably remain their only way to give themselves a chance.

It's a new week, which means we have a fresh slate of MLB matchups to watch and bet on Monday.

There are 12 games scheduled across the Majors today, starting with an American League matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and Batlimore Orioles at 6:35 pm. The Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants will wrap up today's slate with a game that will start at 9:45 pm.

Here on Rounding the Bases, I'm going to give you my prediction for who will win each of today's 12 games. Let's dive into it.

Guardians vs. Orioles Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Orioles -118

It's hard to pick against the Orioles with how they've been playing of late. Their offense leads the Majors in OPS over the last 30 days at .823, which is 0.24 better than the next best team over that stretch. They have a tough matchup against Tanner Bibee (3.65 ERA) today, but I'm willing to back them as slight home favorites.

Phillies vs. Tigers Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Phillies -172

I feel confident backing the Phillies when Aaron Nola is on the mound. He has a 8-3 record and a 3.54 ERA on the season. Philadelphia's offense hasn't been as hot as they were early in the season, but they're still plenty good enough to deal with a below average Tigers squad.

Mariners vs. Rays Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Rays -104

Losing their weekend series to the lowly Miami Marlins shows me that regression is coming for the Mariners, and their offensive metrics back up that motion. They're just 22nd in the Majors in OPS over the last 30 days, well below the Rays who may be a strong buy-low candidate as home underdogs tonight.

Pirates vs. Reds Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Reds -116

The Pirates offense has been abysmal of late, ranking 29th in the Majors in OPS over the last 30 days. Despite Bailey Falter (3.74 ERA) having a solid 2024 campaign, I feel much more confident backing the Reds' bats at home as slight favorites.

Blue Jays vs. Red Sox Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Red Sox -142

The Red Sox swept the Blue Jays in Toronto last week and there's no reason why they can't sweep them again in Boston. The Jays have a plethora of issues at every position and are quickly spiraling to the bottom of the American League. I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole at this point of the season.

Braves vs. Cardinals Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Cardinals +106

The Braves offense is stumbling a bit of late, ranking one spot below the Cardinals in OPS over the last 30 days. Spencer Schwellenbach has had an up-and-down start to his MLB career and until he shows us some level of consistency, I'd hesitate to back Atlanta with my money.

Dodgers vs. White Sox Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Dodgers -136

If you're going to give me -136 odds to bet on one of the best teams in baseball against one of the worst, I'm going to take that bet 100% of the time.

Marlins vs. Royals Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Marlins +198

The Royals should certainly be favored in this game, but a -240 price point is a little out of hand considering how cold their offense has been over the last month, sporting a .662 OPS in that time frame. I'll take a shot on the Marlins as almost 2-1 underdogs on the road.

Rangers vs. Brewers Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Brewers -162

The Rangers are 26th in OPS over the last 30 days and now have a tough matchup against Freddy Peralta and the Brewers today. I'll back Milwaukee as the home favorite.

Athletics vs. Angels Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Athletics +104

Both offenses are in the bottom four in OPS over the last 30 days and neither starting pitcher has had their best stuff this season as well. At least the A's bullpen has been competent this season, a huge advantage they have over the Angels. That's enough for me to back them as slight road underdogs tonight.

Nationals vs. Padres Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Padres -215

When Patrick Corbin gets the start for the Nationals, betting on the opposing team is a given. He has a 1-7 record on the season and has been one of the best pitchers to fade over the past couple of years.

Cubs vs. Giants Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Cubs +110

I'll back Justin Steele (3.16 ERA) who is due to get his first win of the season with the Cubs. It's time for Chicago to snap out of this slump.

Mikel Arteta has delivered a clear message to £64 million signing Viktor Gyokeres, insisting that “two things have to merge” for the Swedish striker to thrive at Arsenal. The manager believes both player adaptation and tactical integration are essential as Gyokeres searches for form. After an injury setback and a slow Premier League start, expectations remain high for the summer arrival.

• Gyokeres struggling at Arsenal post injury recovery

  Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal in the summer after scoring heavily for Sporting CP, but his transition to the Premier League has been slower than expected. The striker managed just one league goal since September and missed crucial development time after joining without a proper pre-season and then picking up an injury. Arteta has repeatedly defended the player’s progress, emphasising that adaptation to Arsenal’s system and the demands of English football takes time.

  His limited goal return has become a talking point as the Gunners battle at the top of the Premier League table, especially after their lead was narrowed following a recent defeat at Aston Villa. Despite Gyokeres’ struggles, Arsenal have remained competitive, but Arteta is aware that the No.9 position must eventually provide greater scoring output. With Gabriel Jesus returning to fitness, competition for minutes is intensifying at a key point in the campaign.

  As pressure around Gyokeres grows, questions have been raised about whether Arsenal must change their approach to suit him or whether he must mould himself to their tactical demands. Arteta, addressing this balance directly, outlined the combined responsibility needed from both sides. His explanation offers the clearest insight yet into how the club sees Gyokeres’ long-term development and what must happen for his £64m move to be considered a success.

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  Arteta explains what Gyokeres has to do to succeed at Arsenal

  Speaking to the media, Arteta explained the shared responsibility between Arsenal and Gyokeres, saying: “I think the two things have to merge. I think we have to put the player in the best possible condition to explode and fulfil his potential. And there are certain things that within the role, in the manner that we play, has to be fulfilled.”

  He continued by highlighting the importance of the team around the forward, adding: “And that’s a combination of both. And then it’s not only that. I think more important is the connections and the players around him at the end.”

  Addressing Gyokeres’ progress and fitness, Arteta said: “Those interactions, that understanding, how it develops. And before the injury, I think he was in a great place. I think it took him a while at the beginning because, as you said, it’s a different league, different demands. He had no pre-season. And now he’s starting to get, again, some momentum. And the goals will come, and we’re going to be very pleased with him.” Asked what will help unlock the striker’s form, he added: “Yes, probably the thing that’s going to unlock him is goals, and he’s so used to that that I think he needs that for himself, for his confidence, and I think we’re going to judge his performances based on that as well. That’s logical, but for the rest, I think he’s in a really good place. I think physically he’s in a good place, and now he needs to start to convert the chances that he’s getting.”

• Gyokeres brought in at Arsenal to improve offense

  Gyokeres was signed to bring a more direct, physically dominant option to Arsenal’s attack, a contrast to the fluid movement provided by Jesus. The Swede’s impressive scoring record in Portugal created major expectations, but the transition to England has exposed the differences in tempo, physicality and tactical discipline between leagues. Arsenal believe his profile still fits the long-term vision, especially with Arteta seeking more vertical threat and penalty-box presence.

  His early adaptation was hindered by arriving without a pre-season, something Arteta repeatedly referenced as a critical factor in his slower start. Players who join late or return from injury often struggle with Arsenal’s high-intensity demands, which rely on timing, pressing structure and positional rotations. Gyokeres’ lack of rhythm made it difficult for him to integrate in the same way as those who completed a full summer programme.

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  Arsenal will continue to back Gyokeres

  Arsenal plan to continue giving Gyokeres minutes as he rebuilds sharpness, but he now faces competition from Jesus, whose return naturally increases expectations for goal output. Arteta is convinced that Gyokeres will eventually “explode” once adaptation and tactical cohesion fully align, but patience will be required from fans and analysts alike.

  If Gyokeres can begin converting chances, the long-term outlook changes dramatically, as Arsenal believe he has all the tools to become a top Premier League striker. Should the drought continue, pressure will inevitably increase, but Arteta remains publicly unwavering in his support.

أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، فيفا، مجموعة منتخب ألمانيا في بطولة كأس العالم نسخة 2026، الصيف المقبل، خلال مراسم إقرعة القرعة في مركز “جون كينيدي” مساء يوم الجمعة.

وتستضيف كل من الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، كندا والمكسيك نهائيات النسخة المقبلة من بطولة كأس العالم، في الفترة بين 11 يونيو و19 يوليو.

وتُعد تلك هي النسخة الأولى من بطولة كأس العالم، بعد استحداث نظامها، حيث سيشارك فيها 48 منتخبًا، سيتم تقسيمهم على 12 مجموعة، ويتأهل متصدر ووصيف كل مجموعة إلى دور الـ32، بالإضافة إلى أفضل 8 منتخبات في مركز ثالث.

ويجري الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، فيفا، في مركز “جون كينيدي” مراسم قرعة النسخة المقبلة من بطولة كأس العالم 2026، حيث تم الكشف عن طبيعة مجموعة ألمانيا (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وتأهل منتخب ألمانيا، بقيادة المدرب يوليان ناجلسمان، إلى بطولة كأس العالم بعدما تواجد في صدارة المجموعة الأولى في تصفيات قارة أوروبا برصيد 15 نقطة.

وودع منتخب ألمانيا بطولة كأس العالم، نسخة قطر 2022، من دور المجموعات في مفاجأة قوية آنذاك. مجموعة منتخب ألمانيا في كأس العالم 2026

حسبما تم الإعلان، جاءت مجموعة منتخب ألمانيا في بطولة كأس العالم الصيف القادم، على النحو الآتي:

المجموعة الخامسة: ألمانيا، كوارساو، كوت ديفوار، الإكوادور.

Glasgow Rangers failed to win in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since they appointed Danny Rohl in their 0-0 draw with Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Light Blues failed to score a goal in a home game against Falkirk for the first time this century, and it was a disappointing all-round display from the hosts.

Rangers were unable to find the back of the net from three ‘big chances’ and 1.07 xG, per Sofascore, and had to settle for one point and no goals in front of their supporters.

Despite the underwhelming performance and result, there was a positive for Rohl to take away from the match, as Nedim Bajrami showed that he has something to offer.

Why Danny Rohl must unleash Nedim Bajrami

The Albania international came in for his first start of the league season, having made six substitute appearances before Sunday, and his performance on the left flank suggests that he has been underused.

Bajrami ended his 75 minutes on the pitch with four dribbles completed, two chances created, and ten duels won, per Sofascore, which shows that he put himself about physically, moved forward with the ball with intent, and looked to make things happen in the final third.

Last season, the former Sassuolo man scored two goals and created four ‘big chances’ in 15 starts in the Premiership, to go along with one goal and six ‘big chances’ created in eight starts in the Europa League, per Sofascore.

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Meanwhile, one of the summer signings, Thelo Aasgaard, has failed to prove himself to be an upgrade on Bajrami and now looks to be the biggest waste of time since Sam Lammers.

Why Thelo Aasgaard may be the new Sam Lammers

Rangers signed Lammers from Atalanta for £3m in the summer of 2022, to bolster Michael Beale’s attack, and the attacking midfielder produced two goals and two assists in 31 games for the club, per Transfermarkt.

The left-footed flop spent the second half of that season on loan at Utrecht before being sold to FC Twente for an initial fee of £2.5m that could rise to £4m one year after joining the Gers.

This shows that Lammers was more or less a waste of time for the Light Blues because he rarely contributed on the pitch and he left Ibrox for a similar fee to the one that he was brought in for.

Rangers paid £3.5m to sign Aasgaard from Luton Town in the summer, only £500k more than Lammers cost, and he is, unfortunately, treading the same path that the Dutchman walked.

The Norway international, whom Heart & Hand content creator David Edgar dubbed “rotten” last month, has scored one goal and provided one assist in 21 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which is an even worse return than the Twente star ended his Ibrox career with.

Aasgaard, who was handed a 2/10 player rating vs Falkirk by IbroxNews, has as many red cards as goals, after he was sent off against Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup, and, as aforementioned, he has not proven that he is an upgrade on the player that he was brought in to replace, Bajrami.

Starts

15

8

Goals

2

1

Key passes

28

9

Big chances created

4

0

Assists

1

1

As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool-born midfielder has not scored goals or created chances at a more impressive rate than the Albanian did in the Premiership last term.

The same is true for their respective form in the Europa League. Last season, Bajrami scored one goal and created six ‘big chances’ in eight starts, per Sofascore, whilst Aasgaard has no goals and no ‘big chances’ created in five outings in the competition in the 2025/26 campaign.

If the 2/10 Norwegian flop’s dismal form at the top end of the pitch continues and Bajrami gets more chances after his bright showing against Falkirk, then his future may already be in doubt when the January transfer window opens.

Like Lammers, Aasgaard may have to look at his options in January and see if there is a loan or a permanent option for him to go elsewhere, unless he can turn his form around in the coming weeks.

Rohl must bin Rangers flop who was even worse than Aarons vs Falkirk

Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers flop in January to solve a glaring issue in the squad.

ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

For now, though, the former Luton and Wigan star looks to be the biggest waste of time since Lammers because of the fee he was signed for and the lack of consistent performances on the pitch.