Category Uncategorized

Leeds United are now considering a January approach to sign a “fantastic” Premier League forward, who wants to leave his current club.

Leeds looking to bolster attacking options in January

Former scout Mick Brown has made it clear that Leeds still want to sign a new centre-forward next month, despite a recent uptick in form, telling Football Insider: “Leeds will still want to sign a new striker,”

“It’s easy to get caught up in recent results, and Calvert-Lewin has been very impressive, but that doesn’t take away from all of the games when he wasn’t performing.”

The former Everton man now has four goals to his name in 13 Premier League outings, which is a respectable return, and Daniel Farke should be encouraged the striker managed to score against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in consecutive games.

That said, with the Whites still only two points above the relegation zone, bringing in another forward during the upcoming transfer window could help boost their survival chances.

Not only are they keen on a new striker, but a new winger is also of interest, with contact being made over a deal for Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji, and another target has now entered the frame.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Leeds are now considering a January approach for Chelsea forward Tyrique George, who has decided he wants to leave the Blues, having struggled for minutes under Enzo Maresca.

George is yet to start a Premier League game in 2025-26, having fallen behind Chelsea’s new signings in the pecking order, and clubs are now queuing up to secure his signature, with Everton, Southampton and Fulham also keen.

The Whites are keen to bring in a creative player, capable of playing on the wing and in the number 10 role, and the 19-year-old might fit the bill…

"Fantastic" George could be solid Wilson alternative

Harry Wilson has been a long-term target for Leeds, having pursued the Fulham man during the summer, but it would not be surprising if the Cottagers are keen to keep hold of the winger, given that he has been in red-hot form.

Indeed, the Welshman has four goal contributions to his name in his last six Premier League outings, so Farke’s side may have to move onto alternative targets, and the Chelsea ace could be an exciting option, having received high praise from scout Jacek Kulig.

The Englishman has been impressing for club and country whenever given the opportunity, chipping in with three goals and one assist in ten outings for the Blues this season.

Related Romano: Leeds make contact to sign "outstanding" £21m attacker in January

The Whites have received a response after making an approach for a new attacker.

Posts ByDominic Lund Dec 7, 2025

However, George needs more game time if he is going to fulfill his lofty potential, so a move to Elland Road could be ideal.

Arsenal have been utterly sensational so far this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side are flying in the Champions League, and look near enough unstoppable when it comes to the Premier League.

More impressively, the Gunners tore Tottenham Hotspur to shreds on Sunday afternoon without the man many would consider to have been their best player so far this year: Gabriel Magalhães.

The Brazilian has been sensational in defence and attack, and so fans should be excited about reports linking Arsenal with a star who could be looked at as another version of him.

Arsenal target another Gabriel

With the transfer window just over a month away from opening, it’s not been a surprise to see reports starting to link Arsenal with some brilliant players in recent weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, while the Gunners are fairly well-stacked in the position, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has been touted for a £120m switch to the Emirates.

Likewise, despite Leandro Trossard’s impressive form this year, Kenan Yıldız continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League title challengers.

However, while incredibly talented, neither of these players can really be compared to Gabriel, unlike Murillo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of a few clubs interested in the Brazilian defender.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Barcelona are keen to sign the talented centre-back, who Forest value at up to €90m, which is about £79m.

Therefore, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given his ability and similarities to Gabriel, one Arsenal should be pursuing.

Why Murillo would be another Gabriel

So to start with, there are the more superficial similarities between the pair, such as both being Brazilian centre-backs.

On top of that, there is the fact that when Arsenal signed Gabriel from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2020, he was 22 years old, and if they sign Murillo in the winter window, he’ll be just 23.

However, the comparison goes deeper than that, as, in addition to playing in the same position, the two defenders tend to play in a similar style as well.

For example, while he’s not quite as tall as the Gunners star, the “monstrous” Forest man, as dubbed by journalist Ryan Taylor, is someone who makes the most of his physicality.

Whether it’s in the air or on the ground, the former Corinthians gem is more than happy to go in for a full-throated challenge, which, more often than not, he comes out better off from.

However, don’t let that fool you into thinking the Sao Paulo-born titan is just an old-fashioned defender who can’t compete when it comes to the technical side of the game, as that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Like his compatriot, the 23-year-old is far more accomplished on the ball than most who don’t watch him on a weekly basis would expect.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 5% of centre-backs in the league for successful take-ons, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for through balls and shot-creating actions from live-ball passes, the top 13% for progressive passes and more, all per 90.

% of Dribblers Tackled

100.0%

Top 2%

Blocks

1.83

Top 3%

Shots from Free Kicks

0.12

Top 5%

Interceptions

2.07

Top 5%

Successful Take-Ons

0.49

Top 5%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.12

Top 7%

Passes Blocked

0.85

Top 7%

Ball Recoveries

4.87

Top 7%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.46

Top 9%

Tkl+Int

3.65

Top 9%

Goals/Shot

0.25

Top 11%

Goals – xG

+0.09

Top 11%

Non-Penalty Goals – npxG

+0.09

Top 11%

Passes Attempted (Long)

9.99

Top 11%

Through Balls

0.24

Top 11%

SCA (Live-ball Pass)

1.10

Top 11%

SCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.12

Top 11%

Progressive Passes

4.87

Top 13%

SCA (Shot)

0.12

Top 13%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.24

Top 13%

Goals

0.12

Top 15%

When you consider those technical qualities alongside the fact that he helped Forest produce one of the defensive record in the country last season, it’s easy to see why one analyst made the bold claim that he’s “one of the best defenders in the Premier League.”

Ultimately, while he might not be on the exact same level as Gabriel – few defenders are – Murillo is clearly an exceptional player. Therefore, Arsenal would be wise to sign him before one of their rivals gets there first.

Arsenal have signed an "unpredictable" star who's the new Ian Wright

The incredible match-winner could be the difference for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 24, 2025

As they look to shake off their 2024 collapse, the Minnesota Twins are reportedly adding an experienced infield name.

The Twins are signing first baseman Ty France to a one-year contract, according to a Tuesday afternoon report from Phil Miller of .

Per Miller, the deal will be worth $1 million and it will not be guaranteed.

France, 30, is entering his seventh season in the big leagues. He is three years removed from his 2022 quasi-breakout with the Seattle Mariners; that year, he hit 20 home runs for a playoff team and made the American League All-Star team.

In 2024, France slashed .234/.305/.365 with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs for the Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. His -0.6 WAR was a career low for any season.

Minnesota, which finished fourth in a strong AL Central in '24, is scheduled to open its season on March 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Alana King hit the last ball of the match for six as Lancashire Thunder and Somerset signed off their Vitality Blast campaign with a thrilling tie at Blackpool CC.Mahika Gaur produced a T20 career-best of 3 for 15 to spearhead a destructive start by the Thunder that reduced Somerset to 43 for 5 in a 17-overs-per-side game that started an hour late after some Thunder players became caught up in severe traffic congestion on the north-west motorways. Sophie Luff and Alex Griffiths mounted a rescue act with a 56-run partnership that took the visitors to a more prosperous 114 for 7 with Somerset skipper Luff making 36 and Griffiths finishing 29 not out.Lancashire looked to be in good shape at 57 for 1 in the tenth over of their reply but Griffiths snared Seren Smale for 25 before two wickets in two balls by Amanda-Jade Wellington in the 13th over pegged back the Thunder to 78 for 4. Wellington struck a third time to remove Ailsa Lister for 17 at the start of the 16th over and with 13 needed off the last and seven from the final ball Somerset looked set to win a second Blast game of the season. King swung the final ball from Mollie Robbins over the backward square leg ropes to produce a most unlikely tie.Eve Jones and Smale had made a positive start to the Lancashire Thunder run chase taking 34 from 28 balls, Jones twice driving Robbins for four but then skying a catch off Ellie Anderson to wicketkeeper Bex Odgers for 18.Smale reverse pulled and then swept Wellington for four in the ninth over to break the shackles exerted by some tight bowling, but hit the third ball from Griffiths to Wellington at mid-off for 25 in the next to have Lancashire 57 for 2 needing 58 more from 43 balls.Wellington built on that breakthrough with two wickets in two balls having Tilly Kesteven, who earlier had driven the first two balls she faced for four, stumped for 19 and Fi Morris bowled by a ball that spun and kept low. That left Lancashire needing 37 off 28 balls with 20 runs chipped away by Ellie Threlkeld and Lister before the latter edged Wellington to Olivia Barnes at short third for 17.With 13 runs needed off the last over, Robbins bowled Threlkeld for 11 with the first ball and had Tara Norris caught by Luff from the second. Two dropped catches followed with King and Darcey Carter scampering six runs to leave seven required from the last ball before King’s astonishing six squared up the game.After the delayed start to the match, Thunder captain Threlkeld opted to bowl first and the first over proved eventful with Odgers hitting Tara Norris for six over square leg, then dropped at gully off the next ball, but caught by Carter at extra cover two balls later.Gaur then struck twice in three balls immediately after the 5.1 over powerplay ended, bowling Niamh Holland for 8 with an inswinger while Fran Wilson was caught in spectacular fashion by Eve Jones at cover. When Ruby Davis chipped King to a diving Lister at short extra cover for 12, Somerset were in early difficulties and their situation worsened when Wellington, having driven her first ball for four, tamely chipped the next one from Gaur to Grace Potts at mid-on to leave Somerset 43 for 5 after 8 overs.Luff and Griffiths stemmed the clatter of wickets with a vital 56-run partnership, although Griffiths was fortunate to escape when dropped on 4 off Carter.Luff was the chief instigator, easing Carter for four over extra cover and bringing up the fifty partnership from 39 balls with a fierce drive for four off Potts before she was well caught next ball by Norris diving forward at mid-off having made 36 off 30 balls.Griffiths struck some late runs to finish unbeaten on a run-a-ball 29 with 11 runs coming from the final over to give Somerset a total of 114-6 that had looked unlikely earlier in the afternoon. The tied result was an even more unlikely outcome in a thrilling finale.

Tom Alsop makes 72 as Matt Critchley’s legspin chips away for visitors

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-Jul-2025Sussex 204 and 245 for 7 (Coles 99*, Alsop 72) trail Essex 504 (Harmer 53) by 55 runsJames Coles led Sussex’s resistance with an unbeaten 99 but his efforts seem unlikely to deny Essex victory over Sussex at Hove.Coles was on the verge of a third successive Rothesay County Championship century when rain arrived at 5.20pm and play was abandoned shortly afterwards with Sussex 245 for seven in their second innings, still trailing by 55 after conceding a first-innings deficit of 300.Coles is Sussex’s man in form. He made 148 not out at Durham and 150 in Sussex’s last home match against Warwickshire and he top scored in their first innings with 52. Only five batters have scored more Championship runs this season than the 21-year-old, and he didn’t offer a chance here after arriving in the seventh over with Sussex 33 for 2.While he and Tom Alsop (72) were adding 141 in 72 overs for the third wicket Sussex harboured hopes of stalling Essex’s push for victory.But Alsop was lbw to Matt Critchley in the leg-spinner’s second over and after tea Sussex lost four wickets for 26 in 40 balls including their leading run scorer John Simpson, calamitously run out going for a second run on an overthrow.At the start of the day Essex skipper Simon Harmer clubbed three sixes to reach a half-century before he was last out for 53 as Essex’s first innings ended on 504, a lead of 300.Essex’s new-ball pair Sam Cook and Jamie Porter soon made inroads. Tom Haines nibbled fatally at Cook’s first ball and edged it to third slip beforePorter struck in the seventh over to remove Daniel Hughes, courtesy of a fine low catch at second slip by Harmer.But from 33 for two Coles and Alsop rebuilt patiently. Alsop’s fourth fifty of the season came off 104 balls and the normally more attacking Coles took 117 deliveries for his, but neither offered a chance as the Kookaburra ball quickly lost its effectiveness and Essex had to settle for containment.Having had little success himself, Harmer turned to Critchley in the 47th over and with his first ball he nearly won an lbw verdict against Alsop. But the fourth delivery of his next over straightened enough to beat Alsop’s defensive push. He faced 150 balls and hit nine fours.Essex had a breakthrough and after tea they rammed home their superiority, aided once again by some pretty poor shot selection by the Sussex middle and lower order.Dan Ibrahim (19), who’d helped Coles add 48 for the fourth wicket, got a leading edge in the first over after the resumption and Khaleel Ahmed took the catch in his follow through, while Simpson was run out by Sam Cook’s throw looking for a second run on an overthrow after a moment’s fatal hesitation between him and Coles.Critchley then struck in successive overs. Fynn Hudson-Prentice’s mistimed drive was caught well in the covers by Harmer and Jack Carson tamely picked out mid-wicket aiming to hit Critchley over the top.As the clouds rolled in, Ari Karvelas defied Critchley and Harmer for 33 balls but it would need a lot more resistance from him, Coles and Sussex’s tail to keep Essex at bay on the final day.

Liverpool slumped to another damaging, dismal defeat as Arne Slot’s side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup, beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace while finishing the match with 10 players on a dire night at Anfield. Slot made sweeping changes to the team which was defeated by Brentford, with one eye on the clash with Aston Villa this weekend, but the fringe players and academy hopefuls were thoroughly outclassed by Oliver Glasner's side.

The loss heaps pressure on struggling Dutch boss Slot, who has watched his team lose six of their last seven matches, with their only win coming in the Champions League away at Eintracht Frankfurt.  

The Reds were the better of the two sides in the early exchanges, with Federico Chiesa, recalled to the starting line-up, squandering two gilt-edged opportunities. But Palace grew into the game and thoroughly deserved to take the lead in the 40th minute. 

The Eagles put together a neat interchange of passes on the edge of the Liverpool box, and though the ball fell to Joe Gomez, he scuffed his clearance to Ismaila Sarr, who in turn fired confidently past debutant Freddie Woodman. Palace doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as they cut through the hosts’ porous defence and Gomez was at fault again as Sarr swept the ball home to send the small pocket of travelling fans delirious. 

The Anfield faithful were stunned into near silence for the majority of the match and Glasner could even afford to remove Sarr, who was on a hat-trick, as the hosts laboured to create chances in the second half. 

The diabolical night for Liverpool was made even worse after Amara Nallo was shown a straight red for a pull on Yeremie Pino, who was through on goal. And it was Pino who slalomed into the box to thrash the ball home into the far corner to complete the rout. With minutes left the heavens opened, the torrential rain providing the perfect backdrop to Liverpool’s performance – a complete washout.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Freddie Woodman (4/10):

Had to wait until the 30th minute to make a stop, a decent drive from Hughes which he gathered comfortably, but there was nothing he could do about Sarr's opener. Was left woefully exposed for the second and similarly the third. 

Calvin Ramsay (5/10):

Started his first senior game in three years after returning from injury, but endured a difficult evening.

Joe Gomez (3/10):

The experienced defender featured in an unfamiliar centre-back pairing, but flapped at the ball when he should have cleared for Palace's opener, and went AWOL for the second, chasing Nketiah around the box, instead of standing firm in front of Sarr. Ended the match wearing the captain's armband. 

Andrew Robertson (5/10):

Deployed out of position at centre-back, but was unable to stem the tide in a makeshift back-line. Was clearly frustrated at his side's performance and was booked for a crude lunge in the 54th minute. Subbed off in the 67th minute.

Milos Kerkez (4/10):
The left-back was the only player to retain his starting place from the previous Premier League defeat, but it was another innocuous performance and his starting position for the clash with Villa must be in serious doubt. 

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Trey Nyoni (4/10):

The academy prospect was handed a senior start in midfield as part of the significant line-up rotation, was asked to do a lot of the running, but failed to make a hugely positive impact. 

Wataru Endo (5/10):

Started in midfield to provide a solid base, but spent the entire match chasing the ball to very little effect. Was most effective when attempting to break play up, but will be keen to forget this one as quickly as possible.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

Was included to provided much-needed experience in a youthful midfield line-up, but looked lost for the vast majority of his 67 minutes on the pitch, and was taken off without having made a significant contribution.

Getty Images SportAttack

Kieran Morrison (5/10):

The 18-year-old academy forward made his senior debut, lining up on the right side of the attack. Showed plenty of willing running, but not to blame for Liverpool's toothless display and was subbed off in the 67th minute. 

Federico Chiesa (4/10):

The Italian forward led the attack, and squandered a brilliant opportunity to open the scoring in the 23rd minute when he fired over from the edge of the box. Will be disappointed with his efforts and seemed anxious, snapping at chances. 

Rio Ngumoha (5/10):

The 17-year-old winger showcased his skills on the left side of the attack and did brilliantly to set-up a chance for Chiesa in the 28th minute. Was one of the few players who can claim to have put in a decent shift. Threat diminished in the second half, taken off with four minutes remaining.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Kaide Gordon (4/10):

Would have been pleased to come on, but didn't make a telling pass. 

Amara Nallo (2/10):

His second red card for Liverpool in two senior appearances, sent off just 12 minutes after coming on for a desperate last-man challenge.

Wellity Lucky (4/10):

Mixed emotions making his debut on such a poor night for Liverpool. 

Trent Kone-Doherty (N/A):

Only appeared with four minutes remaining, not long enough to make an impact. 

Arne Slot (3/10):

Another woeful night for the beleaguered Reds boss. He'll point to the 10 changes he made with the massive match coming up against Aston Villa, but his side are devoid of confidence and another damaging defeat just makes the situation worse.

Tension is brewing in Spanish women’s football after Real Madrid reportedly blocked plans to hold the Women’s Super Cup in Miami. Several clubs have expressed frustration, accusing Los Blancos of halting a major financial and branding opportunity. Some even believe Madrid’s refusal stems from fear of facing Barcelona on American soil.

• Real Madrid block Miami move for Women's Super Cup

  According to a report by , Spanish women’s football clubs have been left furious after Real Madrid opposed the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) proposal to host the Supercopa de Espana Femenina in Miami. The plan, which aimed to expand the competition’s global profile, would have seen participating clubs earn guaranteed income of around €150,000 each. Madrid’s veto has now halted what could have been a landmark event for the women’s game in Spain.

  The decision came after meetings between the RFEF and the four participating teams, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Club and Atletico Madrid, where Madrid stood alone in rejecting the idea. Clubs view the refusal as a major setback to the league’s long-term growth, given the financial and promotional potential of the American market.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Clubs accuse Madrid of blocking growth for women’s football

  The refusal has not gone down well among other Liga F teams, with clubs across Spain expressing their discontent. As per the report which revealed that “an option for significant revenue both this season and in the future has been closed,” highlighting frustration over missed financial gains and brand exposure.

  Officials from rival clubs reportedly can’t comprehend why Real Madrid agreed to the men’s Super Cup being played in Saudi Arabia but opposed the women’s version abroad. Many see it as a contradiction that undermines efforts to raise the women’s game to the same international level as the men’s.

• Fear of Barcelona humiliation in Miami?

  Beyond financial concerns, whispers within Spanish football suggest Real Madrid’s decision may have been driven by sporting fear rather than logistics. The insider report believe Los Blancos were wary of a potential heavy defeat to Pere Romeu’s dominant Barcelona side in a high-profile setting like Miami.

  As the report put it, “behind this refusal is the fear of being thrashed by Pere Romeu’s Barca in Miami.” Barcelona’s women’s team, European champions and serial domestic winners, have been nearly unbeatable in recent seasons, and a public defeat on American soil could have dealt Madrid a serious image blow.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  RFEF searching for new options after Miami setback

  With Real Madrid’s opposition putting an end to the Miami plans, the RFEF is now exploring domestic alternatives to host the Supercopa. The federation had considered several foreign venues, but the focus has shifted back to Spain, where it hopes to find new sponsors to secure financial stability for the tournament.

  Despite the setback, discussions remain ongoing about expanding the competition internationally in future editions. The RFEF and participating clubs still view overseas exposure as key to the long-term success and global recognition of Spanish women’s football.

RCB, meanwhile, are looking to beat MI at the Wankhede for the first time since 2015

S Sudarshanan06-Apr-20250:56

Can Bumrah get MI’s season back on track?

Big picture – Bumrah available, Rohit set to returnOne of the running jokes of the IPL over its 18 seasons is that Mumbai Indians have needed the month of May to truly kick into gear. With the tournament usually starting in April in the early years, MI would typically lose a few games before getting back to winning ways in May. While the timelines may have shifted over the years, MI have continued to start slowly, and that’s been the case in IPL 2025 too. With three defeats in four outings so far, they are getting close to danger territory. Teams typically need at least 16 points from their 14 league games to be in contention for the playoffs, and time may be running out for the five-time champions.One bit of news will brighten the mood around the MI camp significantly, though. Jasprit Bumrah is available for selection. If any one player can transform a team’s fortunes all by himself, it’s Bumrah.Related

Bumrah available for selection for Mumbai Indians against RCB

What he can’t do, however, is fix MI’s batting issues. In three of their four matches, their opening partnership has not lasted beyond the second over. Rohit Sharma’s run of lean scores aside, MI have yet to settle on a batting order. Naman Dhir, one of their bright spots from last season and for whom they used the right-to-match card at the auction, batted at No. 7 in two games before scoring a 24-ball 46 at No. 3 in their last outing against Lucknow Super Giants. With Rohit set to return after missing that game with a knee injury, Will Jacks could move back to one-drop, which would push Dhir further down.While Suryakumar Yadav’s form has been a consolation for MI, Tilak Varma has looked scratchy enough to get retired out, and Hardik Pandya hasn’t been setting the death overs on fire. And there are questions over MI’s firepower – or lack thereof – lower down the order. On the eve of their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, head coach Mahela Jayawardene didn’t sound too worried. “I want to be more flexible with the batting order given where we are and the talent and skill we have,” he said in Mumbai on Sunday. “As long as we have productivity from those guys in different positions, it will give us advantage going forward.”MI’s opponents on Monday, RCB, are one of the form teams so far this season. They are coming off a loss to Gujarat Titans at home but have won both their away games. That run has included a win at Chepauk for the first time since 2008. RCB have beaten MI only three times at the Wankhede, and haven’t done so even once since 2015. With a unit in strong early-season form, with four of their batters having already scored half-centuries, this could be their best chance of ending that run.0:26

Jayawardene provides an update on Bumrah and Rohit’s availability

Form guideMumbai Indians LWL
(Last three matches, most recent first)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru LWWNew loyaltiesTim David, Romario Shepherd and Nuwan Thushara, all of whom were at MI last season, are with RCB this time. Will Jacks and Reece Topley, meanwhile, were with the RCB squad in 2024, but have now moved to MI.Team news and likely XIIMumbai IndiansBumrah and Rohit – who had a near-30-minute batting stint at the nets on Sunday – are set to return, with Ashwani Kumar and Raj Bawa – who did not bat or bowl against LSG – likely to make way.Likely XII (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Will Jacks, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit Bumrah, 12 Vignesh Puthur.Royal Challengers BengaluruVirat Kohli was not at training on match eve. RCB are expected to go in unchanged, the only point of contention being whether they need an extra spinner. If they decide to pick one, they could bring in either Suyash Sharma or Swapnil Singh in place of Rasikh Salam.Likely XII (probable): 1 Phil Salt, 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Devdutt Padikkal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Tim David, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal, 12 Rasikh Salam/Suyash Sharma.The big questionNaman Dhir scored an impressive 24-ball 46 after being promoted to No. 3 against LSG. With Rohit Sharma set to return, though, Will Jacks could move back to No. 3 and push Dhir down the order. Is that the way MI should go?In the spotlight: Tilak Varma and Tim DavidTilak Varma has made a sedate start to IPL 2025. After a breakthrough international season that featured two T20I centuries for India, he has struggled for fluency in the IPL. He began the season with a 36-ball 39 against Gujarat Titans, and scored 25 off 23 against LSG before being retired out as MI’s required rate spiralled out of control. Tilak returns to the Wankhede now, but it hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for him in T20s: he has a highest score of 38 in 15 innings here, and his strike rate of 124.07 is his lowest at any ground where he has batted at least five times.Among the away players who could feel at home in Mumbai on Monday is Tim David, who made his name as a lower-order hitter for MI from 2022 to 2024. Since 2022, only Dinesh Karthik (208.33) and Suryakumar (197.09) have better IPL strike rates than David (188.95) at the Wankhede (minimum five innings). “Coming back to play in Mumbai, it’s a wonderful place to play at the Wankhede,” David said ahead of the game against MI. “[I] love batting here. It’s a nice place to have as your home ground. It’s not my home ground anymore. Hopefully I get a chance to do some damage out there in the middle tomorrow night.”2:00

Bishop: Hazlewood has an important role to play

Pitch and conditionsThe weather in Mumbai has been hot with high humidity levels. The temperature is expected to hover around the early 30s on Monday evening. Despite the ground’s relatively small dimensions, there have only been four 200-plus IPL totals at the Wankhede since 2024, two of them coming in the same game. Teams batting first have won four of the last eight matches here, but captains have preferred to chase, with the threat of dew in mind. The team winning the toss has bowled first in every IPL match here since 2024.Stats and trivia Rohit Sharma has been dismissed 21 times inside the powerplay in 33 IPL innings since the start of 2023. He averages 24.95 in this phase in this time – only Wriddhiman Saha (20.85) has done worse among the 11 batters who have batted at least 25 times in the first six overs. Since the start of 2023, no one has scored more runs in IPL chases than Suryakumar Yadav (809). Among batters with at least 10 innings in chases, only Nicholas Pooran and Abhishek Sharma have better strike rates than Suryakumar (184.28). Tim David (31) has hit the most sixes in the death overs (17th to 20th) in the last three seasons of the IPL, ahead of MS Dhoni (27) and Rinku Singh (26). Bhuvneshwar Kumar needs one wicket to become the third-highest wicket-taker in the IPL. He is currently on par with R Ashwin and Dwayne Bravo on 183 wickets, behind Piyush Chawla (192) and Yuzvendra Chahal (206).Quotes”The modern day [cricket] is so tactical. We keep changing line-ups to match up certain bowling line-ups. I don’t see how different [retiring a batter out] is. As a batsman, I have had times when you struggle to get through. [Tilak] batted well for us in the three games, built partnerships and got us to situations we need to. I still value that. He was trying and wasn’t able to get going, so I felt it was my decision to throw someone else to get those two hits.”
“Rajat is aggressive and he backs himself to play his role. I watch these guys bat during the game and I love watching them bat. He’s very calm as a captain. He seems well-planned with his decisions and he’s building on from a great environment in this team, so it’s great fun to be a part of.”

After Pulisic's standout showing against Napoli, GOAL looks at the USMNT star's top performances for club and country

Is Christian Pulisic really in the form of his life? It's a phrase that's probably tossed around a little too often. If form is inherently temporary, "form of his life" suggests that there's a limit to the greatness. But many have used it to describe Pulisic, just the same.

And if you're generous in the interpretation, it's a decent shout. Pulisic has been truly excellent for AC Milan thus far this season under new manager Max Allegri. The tactics have been a little funky for the , but Pulisic has exuded main man energy, and is, as things stand, in contention for the Serie A Player of the Year Award. That's no small feat. 

Last weekend's win over Napoli only emphasized that fact. Pulisic scored one and assisted another as Milan bested the reigning champions, a real statement of intent for a new look side. But where does that performance rank among his best?

GOAL looks at the U.S. international's best career performances for club and country.

• Getty
  

  10April 2021: Chelsea 1, Real Madrid 1

  What a needed goal. Sure, Real Madrid weren't playing at the Santiago Bernabeu when they hosted Chelsea in April 2021, but they still made a fearsome Champions League semifinal opponent. Ultimately, the damage was done in the second leg at Samford Bridge a week later. But Pulisic set the table for everything, rounding Thibaut Courtois and slotting home to earn a 1-1 draw which proved to be enough to get the job done. 

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  9August 2017: Borussia Dortmund 3, Wolfsburg 0

  Even back in August 2017, Pulisic's talent was no secret. It was just a question of putting it all together. He got off to a fine start in that effort, finding the net and turning in a wonderful all-round performance to pace Dortmund to a 3-0 win. 

• Getty
  

  8June 2017: USMNT 2, Trinidad & Tobago 0

  No, not Trinidad game. Before it all went wrong, Pulisic was carrying the USMNT through qualifying. And this game gave them hope, as Bruce Arena's side leaned on their star to secure a 2-0 win. Pulisic scored both, and, momentarily, everything seemed alright. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  7November 2024: Milan 3, Real Madrid 1

  Sure, Pulisic had gotten a result against Madrid on the road before. But doing at the Bernabeu proper? That's a different challenge altogether. Pulisic didn't score here, but he set up one and was vital in another as Milan exposed Los Blancos at home. The final score was 3-1, but it really could have been five. 

After a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City on the opening day, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a defensive reinforcement.

Pereira positive despite Wolves' business

It’s been a tough summer for those in the Midlands. Since losing Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to both Manchester clubs, it’s easy to argue that Wolves have failed to strengthen. Whilst arrivals such as Fer Lopez and Jhon Arias have at least handed Vitor Pereira some attacking depth, it’s currently unclear whether either of those fresh faces will have enough quality to replace Cunha.

Pereira's very own Neves: Wolves plotting £26m move for "total leader"

Wolverhampton Wanderers could win Vitor Pereira his own Ruben Neves by signing this £26m ace.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 21, 2025

Despite any concern that they’ve not done enough in the transfer window, however, Pereira chose to remain positive before Man City arrived to bring his side back down to earth last weekend.

Whether that 4-0 thrashing courtesy of Pep Guardiola’s side has changed things in the transfer window will now be interesting to see, especially amid reports that Wolves have already made their move in pursuit of a defensive star.

Wolves submit first Krejci offer

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Wolves have now submitted an opening offer to sign Ladislav Krejci from Girona worth as much as €30m (£26m). The 26-year-old centre-back has been granted an exit this month and it’s now those in the Midlands that could be about to take full advantage to land a key defensive reinforcement.

League stats 24/25	Ladislav Krejci	Emmanuel Agbadou
Minutes	2,440	2,670
Progressive Passes	144	108
Tackles Won	16	36
Ball Recoveries	101	168

When compared, it’s clear that Krejci and Emmanuel Agbadou would form an impressive partnership in Pereira’s backline. Whilst the Girona star impressed most in possession last season – completing 144 progressive passes – Agbadou did more than enough off the ball to convince Molineux that he should be at the heart of the Wolves defence.

Dubbed a “superb player” by scout Jacek Kulig in 2022, Krejci is someone that Wolves should push to sign before the deadline. Whether their opening offer is enough to secure the defender’s signature remains to be seen, however.