Nicholas Pooran opts out; Russell, Roston Chase and Brandon King to miss Ireland leg of tour

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jun-2025

Jason Holder is back in the T20I set-up•Getty Images

West Indies have recalled Jason Holder and Andre Russell to their T20I squad to face England, but they will be without Nicholas Pooran after he asked to be rested for the tour following his involvement at the IPL.West Indies will take on England in three T20Is following the conclusion of their ODI series at The Oval on Tuesday. They will then return to Ireland, where they began their white-ball tour last month, for another three-T20I series – although they have opted to rest several members of the playing and coaching staff, including Russell, from that leg.Holder last played T20Is for his country in February 2024, having been forced to miss the World Cup later in the year through injury. Russell’s most recent appearance came against England in Barbados in November, when he suffered an ankle problem that kept him out of the rest of the series.Related

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Shepherd, the most dangerous class of T20 finisher

The England series will be West Indies’ first since Shai Hope replaced Rovman Powell as T20I captain.Powell, who oversaw a 3-0 defeat at home to Bangladesh in his final series in charge, retained his spot in the squad but there was no room for allrounders Justin Greaves, Shamar Springer or Terrance Hinds.Sherfane Rutherford is back after missing the Bangladesh series, like Hope, while at the Big Bash League.Keacy Carty will only be involved in the Ireland T20Is, replacing Brandon King after the latter was granted leave, while new Test captain Roston Chase will also depart after the England series in order to return to the Caribbean ahead of Australia’s tour. Jyd Goolie, a former West Indies Under-19, won his first call-up in Chase’s place.West Indies will hold a Test training camp in Barbados from June 13-21 ahead of the first Test against Australia, starting on June 25. Daren Sammy, recently appointed as head coach across all formats, and assistants Floyd Reifer and Ravi Rampaul will also return home early, with Rayon Griffith taking the reins for the Ireland T20Is.West Indies men’s T20I squad to play EnglandShai Hope (capt), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario ShepherdWest Indies men’s T20I squad to play Ireland Shai Hope (capt), Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jyd Goolie, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

Things are looking up for Chelsea at the moment.

Enzo Maresca’s side put a stop to their middling form in the Premier League with their incredible 2-1 over Liverpool on the weekend.

It was the sort of performance and result that could see them now go on a winning run in the after the international break.

Moreover, with the talent Todd Boehly and Co have added to the squad, plus someone soon to return whose valuation has exploded at Stamford Bridge, there is no reason the Blues couldn’t win something again this year.

How Todd Boehly's most significant signings are faring

Since taking charge of the club in 2022, Boehly and then Clearlake have invested substantial sums of money in players, and while not all have succeeded, some of Maresca’s most important players have joined under his leadership.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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For example, Moises Caicedo, who cost around £115m, is now finally looked upon as one of the very best midfielders in the Premier League, someone capable of breaking up opposition attacks and then kickstarting them for his team.

Moreover, he seems only capable of scoring absolute bangers.

It’s been a little tougher to win people over for Enzo Fernández, who also cost over £100m, but he played himself into some brilliant form by the end of last season, and seems to be getting better with each passing game this season.

Furthermore, even when he’s not playing at his best, he has been able to pop up with a goal involvement, scoring three times and providing one assist in seven league games so far this season.

Fernández’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Goals

0.44

Top 2%

Goals + Assists

0.58

Top 2%

Penalty Kicks Made

0.15

Top 2%

xG: Expected Goals

0.54

Top 2%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.44

Top 2%

npxG + xAG

0.55

Top 2%

Progressive Passes Rec

3.93

Top 2%

GCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.29

Top 2%

Penalty Kicks Attempted

0.15

Top 6%

npxG/Shot

0.30

Top 6%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.46

Top 6%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.58

Top 6%

Touches (Att Pen)

2.48

Top 6%

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.29

Top 10%

Progressive Passes

6.41

Top 14%

All Stats via FBref

Then there are his underlying numbers, which help illustrate the extent of his influence over games, as according to FBref, he ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for expected goals, the top 6% for passes into the penalty area and goal-creating actions, all per 90.

Someone who endured a tough start to life in West London, but is now as undroppable as Caicedo, is Marc Cucurella.

The Spanish left-back has been sensational for the Pensioners for well over a year now, and has proven himself to be as brilliant at the defensive side of being a full-back as he is at the offensive side.

He was excellent against the Reds at the weekend and provided the assist for Estevao’s late-late winner.

However, while these three are clear examples of successful signings under the club’s new ownership, there is one international who has become the jewel in the crown, someone whose value has exploded since moving to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's best signing under Boehly

It’ll likely come as no surprise at all that the signing in question is none other than Cole Palmer.

The former Manchester City star joined the club in the summer of 2023 for a fee of around £42.5m, including add-ons, and according to the CIES Football Observatory, is now worth up to €161m, which is about £139.5m.

In other words, the Englishman’s valuation has skyrocketed a whopping 228% in just over two years, and while that might sound absurd, it’s an increase that simply mirrors the international’s immense talent and importance to this Blues side.

For example, since making the move, the 23-year-old game-changer has made 101 appearances for the club, totalling 8095 minutes, in which he has scored 45 goals and provided 29 assists.

That translates to a world-class average of a goal involvement every 1.36 games, or every 109.39 minutes, which would be an outrageous rate of return for a number nine, but is all the more impressive considering he primarily plays on the right or in attacking midfield.

Palmer’s Chelsea record

Appearances

101

Minutes

8095′

Goals

45

Assists

29

Goal Involvements per Match

0.73

Minutes per Goal Involvement

109.39′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, he isn’t some flattrack bully who scores meaningless goals; he’s someone who loves the biggest stage, as he demonstrated in the Club World Cup final, with a brace and assist against Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Finally, in addition to the sheer number of goals and the important big-game goals, the former City ace is also a great entertainer, someone capable of turning defenders inside out and getting the crowd on their feet.

It’s an outlandish comparison to make, but there is certainly an element of truth in the statement from GOAL’s Sean Walsh that he’s like “Lampard, Drogba & Hazard all in one.”

Ultimately, Chelsea have made their fair share of poor signings over the last three years or so, but they’ve also made some world-class additions, none more so than Palmer.

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Nicky Butt has warned a manager who Gary Neville called “incredible” not to take the Manchester United job, saying “it could ruin him.”

Respite for Amorim after Sunderland victory

The 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Sunderland prior to the international break provided Ruben Amorim with a little respite, but there will be much tougher tests to come in the coming weeks, with a daunting trip to Anfield this Sunday up first.

There has been plenty of speculation about Amorim’s future already this season, with Jamie Carragher suggesting the writing may already be on the wall, given that the 40-year-old simply isn’t a good fit for Man United.

Carragher said: “What he did at Sporting Lisbon was fantastic. But bringing a manager like that in with the system he plays I don’t think ever suited a club like Manchester United with the traditions at Manchester United.

“We are just waiting for the inevitable, unfortunately, because you don’t want people to lose their jobs. But this [Amorim’s time in charge] has to end as quickly as possible.”

It appears as though Sir Jim Ratcliffe is very committed to the Amorim project, however, having recently insisted he wants to give the Portuguese coach three years to prove himself.

That said, if there is not a major improvement in performances and results, it is very difficult to envisage the United boss lasting that long, and the rumour mill about potential replacements is already in full swing.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Paddy McGuinness recently asked Paul Scholes and Butt whether they’d like to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer return to Old Trafford, but the latter was emphatic in his response, stating his former teammate shouldn’t consider the move.

The former Man United midfielder said: “The hard thing for Ole would be, if you come back the second time – it could ruin him. It won’t because of his legacy at the football club, but you could bring prime Sir Alex or Jose in at the minute and they wouldn’t be able to do anything with that squad. So for me, I hope it wouldn’t happen.”

Appointing "incredible" Ole would be step backwards

It is undeniable that Ole is one of the Red Devils’ best managers post Sir Alex Ferguson, with the Norwegian leading them to a second-placed finish in the 2020-21 campaign, but it would be a step backwards to bring him back to Old Trafford.

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United sacked the 52-year-old back in November 2021, after failing to win a trophy in nearly three years as manager, and he has since failed to make an impact at Besiktas, with the Turkish club dismissing the former striker back in August.

As such, despite being lauded as “incredible” by Neville for the job he did at Man United last time around, Ole shouldn’t be considered as a replacement for Amorim, who rakes in £6.5m-per-year.

Tuesday brings back a full slate of Major League Baseball action, and there are hundreds of player props to choose from. 

Every day here at SI Betting, we’re going to break down some of our favorite prop bets, and today is a major focus on some starting pitchers that have been terrific so far in 2024. 

New York Yankees youngster Luis Gil may be the biggest surprise in the American League this season, posting an MLB-best .188 batting average on balls in play this season. Can he hold the Minnesota Twins in check tonight? 

I have a prop play for him, as well as another rookie in Chicago Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga. While he’s coming off a rough outing in his last game, Imanaga has been lights out for most of the 2024 campaign, and he’s in a prime spot to bounce back in the crosstown rivalry against the Chicago White Sox. 

Three pitchers, three props for the 15-game slate on June 4. Let’s ride!

Best MLB Prop Bets for Tuesday, June 4Luis Gil UNDER 3.5 Hits Allowed (+125)Tyler Glasnow OVER 7.5 Strikeouts (-120)Shota Imanaga UNDER 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed (-135)

Luis Gil UNDER 3.5 Hits Allowed (+125)

I mentioned Gil’s insane BABIP so far in the 2024 season, and it’s backed up by his 0.95 WHIP and the fact that he’s allowed just 29 hits in 63.1 innings of work. 

It’s truly remarkable how dominant the Yankees righty has been, and he’s allowed three or fewer hits in nine of his 11 starts so far this season. Even with Gil working deeper into games – he pitched eight innings in his last outing – his hits numbers have remained down. 

He pitched at least six innings in every start he made in May, allowing over 3.5 hits just one time. Now, he gets a look at a Minnesota team that is in the bottom-10 in Major League Baseball in hits this season. 

Until the youngster has a blow up outing, we might as well ride the hot hand when it comes to this prop. 

Tyler Glasnow OVER 7.5 Strikeouts (-120)

The Los Angeles Dodgers and starter Tyler Glasnow kick off the MLB action on Tuesday with a matchup against Jared Jones and the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Glasnow has been dominant as of late, striking out a ton of hitters to give him 95 on the season in just 74.0 innings of work. 

So, why not go back to the well when it comes to his strikeout prop tonight?

Glasnow has eight or more punchouts in six of his last seven starts, ranking in the 94th percentile this season in strikeout percentage (33.2 percent of the time). 

Pittsburgh – a younger team – has struggled to avoid punchouts all season long, racking up the fourth most in Major League Baseball entering this matchup. 

That puts Glasnow in a prime spot to go OVER 7.5 K’s again, especially if he can work deep into the game. Glasnow is 6-for-6 on this prop in his last six starts where he’s pitched more than five innings. 

Trust the Dodgers star to get the job done against Pittsburgh tonight. 

Shota Imanaga UNDER 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed (-135)

Imanaga got off to an insane start to begin his MLB career, but he came back to earth in his last outing, giving up seven earned runs in a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Luckily, he has a cupcake matchup with the White Sox on Tuesday that should serve as a perfect bounce-back spot. 

Chicago ranks dead last in OPS, hits and runs scored this season, yet oddsmakers have Imanaga’s earned runs prop at 2.5. In 10 starts in 2024, he’s allowed more than 2.5 earned runs just once – his last outing against the Brewers. 

I believe in the lefty to bounce back here against one of the league’s worst teams, especially since he had allowed just two total earned runs in his first four starts in May. Imanaga still has a 1.86 ERA on the season supported by a 1.00 WHIP. 

He’s a prime candidate to buy low on for Tuesday’s slate.

There was a time not long ago when seeing a Newcastle United player in an England shirt felt like a rarity.

Yet on Tuesday night, as Anthony Gordon completed 90 minutes against Wales, fans on Tyneside had reason to smile.

For a club once seen as an outsider to international recognition, Newcastle’s growing representation in the England setup marks a remarkable transformation.

Now, barring injuries, almost half a dozen Newcastle players could find themselves in the national fold.

Dan Burn appears to have established himself as England’s third-choice centre-back behind Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, while the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are widely expected to receive future call-ups once they recover from their respective injuries.

Yet for all the current excitement, there’s one player Newcastle fans are forced to admire from afar.

A midfielder who came through their academy, left reluctantly, and is now flourishing in the England squad.

Anderson’s successes with England

Elliot Anderson’s story is one that continues to sting for many Newcastle supporters.

The 22-year-old, born in the Northeast and developed through the club’s academy, was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer as part of Newcastle’s desperate effort to stay within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

The deal, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way, was described at the time as purely financial – neither the player nor the club wanted to part ways.

Since moving to Forest, Anderson has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders.

Last season, he made 37 league appearances, scoring two goals and registering six assists.

Elliot Anderson – 2024/25
Minutes Played	2,728
Goals	2
Assists	6
Progressive Carries	52
Progressive Passes	143
Source: FBref

His mix of energy and tactical awareness quickly made him one of Thomas Tuchel’s most reliable players.

His rise has continued on the international stage.

After switching allegiances from Scotland to England, Anderson has earned three senior caps, picking up two man-of-the-match awards in his first two games.

In England’s recent 1–0 win over Wales, he played 69 minutes before being replaced by Jordan Henderson, completing 77 passes (an impressive 96% accuracy) from 92 touches.

He also produced two key passes, won four of six ground duels, and made one interception.

Tuchel’s use of Anderson as Rice’s midfield partner for Declan Rice has proven to be a masterstroke.

The former Newcastle man’s ability to retain possession, play progressively, and read danger makes him an ideal modern central midfielder.

He thrives in tight spaces, dictates rhythm, and has a sharpness that’s elevated both Forest and England’s midfield balance.

For Newcastle, it’s hard not to imagine how Anderson might have looked alongside Bruno Guimarães or Sandro Tonali at St James’ Park.

But while they lost a gem in the short term, the club might just have the next one already developing in their ranks.

The England player of the future at Newcastle

At just 19 years old, Lewis Miley is being tipped as Newcastle’s next homegrown star.

Standing at 1.89m with a market value already approaching £20m, as per Transfermarkt, the central midfielder combines intelligence, technique, and maturity well beyond his years.

Last season, Miley made 14 Premier League appearances, scoring once, and has now featured 49 times across all competitions for Newcastle, including in the Champions League.

His calmness in possession and range of passing have drawn comparisons to some of England’s finest midfielders. BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin has gone as far as to describe him as “the next young English superstar.”

Despite his age, Miley already plays with the control of a seasoned professional.

He averages 48 completed passes per 90 minutes with an 88% pass accuracy, ranking among the best in his age group.

His defensive contribution is equally strong – 4.00 tackles per 90 and 1.43 blocks per 90 show a midfielder unafraid to do the dirty work.

Statistically, he even matches up well against Anderson.

While Anderson edges him in attacking metrics – 4.72 progressive passes, 1.72 progressive carries, and 2.87 shot-creating actions per 90 – Miley’s efficiency and composure are exceptional for a teenager.

His higher passing accuracy and greater defensive output underline why Eddie Howe sees him as central to Newcastle’s long-term plans.

There have been signs of growing pains this season, as he’s occasionally struggled to influence matches from deep.

Yet Howe and senior teammates like Joelinton have been quick to defend him, pointing to the experience he’s gaining as invaluable for his development.

A summer loan to Crystal Palace or Ipswich was considered but ultimately rejected.

Miley’s ability to combine tidy passing with defensive resilience makes him the archetype of the modern English midfielder.

Like Anderson, he’s comfortable playing between the lines, but he offers more control and balance in possession – something England’s midfield may need in the years to come.

For Howe, the lesson is clear: when you nurture talent properly, the next generation might already be waiting in your own backyard.

Not Gordon: Newcastle's "world-class" star will be PIF's next £100m sale

Newcastle have developed organically several elite-level Premier League players.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 10, 2025

AC Milan and Inter have officially completed the €197 million purchase of the iconic San Siro stadium from the City of Milan, paving the way for a new joint stadium project. But as both clubs celebrate a historic milestone, prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged 'bid-rigging' around the sale, casting a shadow over the landmark deal.

Historic handover ends 77-year municipal ownership

For the first time in nearly eight decades, San Siro, one of football’s most storied arenas no longer belongs to the city. On November 5, Milan and Inter jointly completed the €197 million (£165m/$215m) acquisition of the stadium and surrounding land from the Municipality of Milan, formally ending municipal ownership that dated back to 1947.

The transaction, ratified by the City Council in late September, was finalised ahead of schedule after both clubs secured the necessary financial guarantees. The deal also includes the surrounding real estate complex, allowing the Milanese giants to begin planning a modern, 71,500-seat replacement arena west of the existing site. The purchase marks the dawn of a new era for Italian football. Long viewed as a relic of Serie A’s golden age, the San Siro or Stadio Giuseppe Meazza is set to make way for an ambitious redevelopment project led by architects Sir Norman Foster and David Manica, the duo behind London’s Wembley Stadium.

AdvertisementAFPOfficial confirmation and joint club statements

The Municipality of Milan confirmed the transfer in an official press release on Tuesday morning, reading: “The notarial deed relating to the sale of the real estate complex including the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, classified within the current Land Management Plan as the ‘San Siro Major Urban Function,’ was signed today by the Municipality of Milan and the company Stadio San Siro S.p.A., following the proposal presented by AC Milan S.p.A. and FC Internazionale Milano S.p.A., pursuant to art. 4, paragraph 13, of Legislative Decree no. 38 of 28 February 2021 (‘Stadium Law’).”

Shortly after, Milan and Inter issued a joint statement celebrating the landmark agreement. “The construction of the new stadium and the urban regeneration project for the San Siro area represent a new chapter for the city of Milan and for both clubs,” the statement read. “This important milestone reflects the shared ambitions of AC Milan and Inter, and their respective owners, RedBird and funds managed by Oaktree, for long-term sporting success and for an investment that will create value to support the sustainable growth of both clubs.”

The clubs will continue to share the current San Siro until construction of the new ground tentatively scheduled for completion before Euro 2032 is complete.

Bid-rigging probe casts shadow over landmark sale

Even as both clubs celebrate their joint acquisition, the transaction has drawn scrutiny from Milan’s Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is investigating potential bid-rigging during the sale process.

According to , promoter Claudio Trotta, co-founder of the Si Meazza Committee, was questioned this week by prosecutors. Trotta claims he and several partners were prevented from submitting a competitive bid due to the short timeframe imposed by the municipality. In an open letter to Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Trotta alleged that “alternative consortiums were never given a fair chance to participate,” raising concerns about transparency in one of Italy’s most significant sporting infrastructure transactions.

City officials have denied any wrongdoing, insisting the sale was conducted “in accordance with all legal and procedural requirements.” The investigation remains ongoing, and no formal charges have been filed.

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gettySan Siro’s next chapter and Serie A’s revival hopes

Once construction begins, the new stadium, designed by Foster+ Partners and MANICA Architecture will seat around 71,500 spectators, roughly 4,000 fewer than the current San Siro. The blueprint includes expansive green zones, retail areas, offices, and leisure spaces, signalling a broader urban regeneration project for the district.

The new arena is expected to be one of Italy’s five venues for Euro 2032, which the country will co-host with Turkey. Meanwhile, San Siro will continue to serve as a stage for major events, including the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics before its partial demolition begins.

For both Milan and Inter, this investment is about more than ownership, it’s about reclaiming Serie A’s global relevance. Once the home of the world’s best players, Italian football has spent the past two decades in slow decline, lagging behind the Premier League and La Liga in both finances and fan engagement.

Now, the Milanese rivals hope that a new, privately owned super-stadium will symbolize a modern, sustainable future and a return to the grandeur of the 1990s and 2000s, when the San Siro was the beating heart of world football.

Celtic were in Scottish Premiership action on Sunday against Dundee, but Chris Sutton made his vehement opposition known to one Brendan Rodgers decision at Dens Park.

Celtic fall to dismal defeat against Dundee

The international break passed, and Celtic came back into things looking to close the gap on Heart of Midlothian following their victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday evening.

Truthfully, the Bhoys have been well below par this campaign and appear to be struggling in their quest to put together a convincing run of victories. This was reflected on Tayside as they turned in an abject display that left far more questions than answers.

Dundee were spirited and got themselves into a deserved two-goal lead, something that Celtic never looked like recovering from as their problems continue to show themselves at an alarming rate and the hosts earned a victory that vindicated their performance.

Daizen Maeda’s injury blow left the Bhoys short of attacking options, and they looked toothless from the outset, something that the club hierarchy has a lot to answer for in the grand scheme of things.

Remaining five points behind, they now look ahead to the toughest week of their season so far, starting off with a home clash against Sturm Graz in the Europa League before travelling to face Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle.

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Win in Edinburgh and the gap will narrow again to two points. Lose, and an eight-point gap could stare Celtic in the face heading into a key run of fixtures between now and the November international break.

Pressure has arguably never been higher on Rodgers, even if he has been left grossly short by his hierarchy, though some believe he has a lot to answer for after another terrible day for the Scottish Premiership holders.

Chris Sutton can't believe Hyunjun Yang started vs Dundee

Speaking on Sky Sports shown via X, Sutton couldn’t believe that Hyunjun Yang started for Celtic against Dundee and made a vocal plea for the manager to take him off at half-time.

He said: “I do not understand the decision to start Yang in front of James Forrest. James Forrest, he’s getting on a bit, but you know what he’s going to do, I don’t think Yang knows what he’s going to do with the ball himself. He gives players the ball when he’s finished with it. Just get him off!”

Sutton is an outspoken Celtic pundit, but he is completely right on this occasion. Yang, alongside many others, simply put in a performance that was miles off the standard needed to claim three points at Dens Park.

Fotmob show that the £6,000 per week earner achieved a 6.1/10 match rating and had 25 touches in total, doing nothing to trouble the Dundee backline before he was hooked at half-time.

The South Korean winger was far from the only culprit, it has to be said. Celtic are in a bad place and need to improve swiftly to avoid public scrutiny of their performances multiplying.

Manchester City suffered their first defeat in October last time out as the unusually wasteful Citizens came unstuck 1-0 away at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s visitors would register 15 shots at the home side’s goal, but even the Erling Haaland-led visitors are prone to a frustrating afternoon here and there, as a fierce Matty Cash strike in the first half ended up being the match-winner on the day.

Heading into this contest, City had powered home seven strikes across the rest of the month, with a staggering six of those efforts that found the back of the net coming directly from the lethal Norwegian.

It really does highlight how dependent Guardiola’s men are on their clinical Scandinavian to bail them out of trouble, as one of his goal-shy attacking teammates in Savinho continued his poor season to date in the West Midlands.

Why Savinho is in danger of being dropped

Only Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Mateus Nunes have chipped in with Premier League goals this season for City, if you take Haaland out of the equation.

Savinho was very close to adding his name to that exclusive list against Unai Emery’s hosts, but the number 26’s two efforts in quick succession in the second half would fail to beat Emiliano Martinez, as Pau Torres also came to the rescue to deny the frustrated Brazilian with an important clearance.

It wasn’t just the 21-year-old’s lack of a clinical edge that would have frustrated Guardiola post-match, however, as the out-of-form winger also failed to register a single accurate cross, on top of only completing one dribble as he routinely struggled to catch Villa out.

City-based social media account City Talk would even state that Savinho offered “nothing” at Villa Park, and it’s a tale of his disappointing season so far, too, with just one meagre assist notched up from six Premier League outings.

Thankfully, Guardiola also has Jeremy Doku, who he can fall back on down the left flank, with the Belgian boasting a far superior tally of three Premier League assists this season so far.

But, he could think outside of the box shortly when searching for talents who can surpass Savinho, with this homegrown talent certainly one to keep an eye out for.

The "unbelievable" 17-year-old who can surpass Savinho

The ultra-successful Spaniard is also a manager who isn’t afraid to test out starlets if he deems they’re first-team ready, as seen in him handing Bury-born Rico Lewis 102 senior appearances to date, after first making a name for himself at the Etihad in the U18 and U21 ranks.

Reigan Heskey will hope he’s the next up-and-coming sensation that is gifted some opportunities in the senior picture, with the 17-year-old winger already being dubbed an “unbelievable” talent for the future by one of his coaches at City in Ben Wilkinson.

He could even be the perfect solution to City’s Savinho troubles, with the Liverpool-born attacker standing out as an extremely direct option down the South American’s left channel, when looking at his flashy highlight reel above.

Indeed, across 57 appearances in various youth set-ups in Manchester, Heskey has established himself as a tricky forward option who, most importantly, has the goals and assists in his locker to back up all his tricks and flicks, with a lethal 31 goals collected.

It is for that reason that he has been likened to another Manchester-born star in the form of ex-Manchester United hero Marcus Rashford, with analyst Ben Mattinson praising his “Rashford-like ability as an inside forward to stretch the defence”.

Heskey’s overall numbers for City

Level played at

Games

Goals + Assists

U18s

31

20 + 8

U21s

14

6 + 1

Youth League

12

5 + 0

Men’s team

1

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

The next major step Heskey will have to make is breaking into the first-team picture, with Guardiola actually handing him first first-ever senior opportunity just this season in the EFL Cup versus Huddersfield Town, with the young Englishman also coincidentally replacing the aforementioned Savinho for the final seven minutes.

Of course, Guardiola won’t just discard the 13-time Brazil international completely, considering he does have four goals and 15 assists next to his name in City Sky blue, away from his poor opening to this season.

But, he will surely be tempted to throw Heskey into the men’s side more regularly now to give the out-of-sorts attacker more competition, with the potential also very much there for the 17-year-old to surpass Savinho down the line, if his blistering academy numbers can be translated to the senior game.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Oct 28, 2025

Liverpool’s quality has been such across the past decade that blips are met with dismay across the red half of Merseyside. Anfield and its supporters, quite simply, are used to winning.

Ten years ago, Liverpool appointed Jurgen Klopp following Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal. Ten years ago, everything changed. Now, the Reds are considered among the most ferocious and feared in Europe; beating Liverpool is a trophy in itself.

But Arne Slot has work to do, with Liverpool having lost three in a row, including successive league outings in the final moments.

Superstar signings such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have yet to hit their stride on Merseyside, and there’s no denying there are tactical balances from head to toe. This is all grist for the mill of negativity, but Liverpool are sure to click into gear soon.

However, not all problems can be fixed so simply. For example, Mohamed Salah has been one of the most disappointing stars so far,

Liverpool preparing for Salah departure

Salah is of an age that poor form is viewed through the lens of the inevitable decline, which claims footballers into their thirties. But this is short-sighted.

Only last season, the 33-year-old scored 34 goals and laid on 23 assists across all competitions, broke the Premier League record for goal involvements in a 38-game season (47).

There’s no denying the Egyptian has been poor this term, anonymous for large sections of games and enduring his slowest start to a Liverpool campaign with three goals and assists apiece from ten matches. But he is still Salah, and Liverpool’s problems reach every area of the field.

While the long-serving superstar is expected to find a purple patch once again this term, there’s no denying he is getting older, and Liverpool need to find themselves a successor.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been earmarked as the man for the job.

According to Spanish sources, the in-form Premier League star is right at the top of Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes’ shopping list as he plans for the future, though competition is sure to be thick.

The Ghana international is valued at £75m and Bournemouth resisted an effort from Tottenham this summer. He has since signed a new contract at the Vitality, running until 2029, so the Cherries’ position is strong.

Why Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo

Liverpool’s chaotic season opener was a sign of things to come, winning 4-3 against Bournemouth. Semenyo bagged a brace and played with incredible quality and composure.

Now seven matches deep into the league campaign, Semenyo has scored six times all told and provided three assists too. This is a remarkable return; this is Salah-like territory.

Indeed, while Salah is well below his best, there’s a sense that even if the £400k-per-week star was on his A-game, he might not be on the same level as Bournemouth’s main man, whose efforts thus far have even led one Premier League analyst to suggest he is “one of the best players in the world”.

Matches (starts)

7 (7)

7 (7)

Goals

2

6

Assists

2

3

Shots (on target)*

1.7 (0.7)

2.4 (1.3)

Touches*

42.1

50.0

Pass completion

74%

75%

Chances created*

1.7

1.4

Dribbles*

0.1

2.1

Ball recoveries*

3.4

5.6

Tackles*

0.0

1.7

Duels won*

1.4

6.7

It is, quite frankly, a staggering drop-off, with Semenyo outstripping the legendary winger across every area in the Premier League this season. The Ghanaian has been sharper in attack, more intelligent on the ball and far more combative and engaged in the build-up.

Salah remains one of the deadliest forwards in English football history, though, and his two-goal haul so far this season has lifted him above Andy Cole and into fourth place in the all-time scoring charts.

But with Federico Chiesa and Jeremie Frimpong stood as Salah’s back-up options on the attacking right flank this term, it’s very clear that a high-level replacement would be needed.

It might be worth drawing attention to the fact that Semenyo is of an age with a 25-year-old version of Salah, a version who waved goodbye to a career in Italy and signed for Klopp’s Liverpool in a £34m deal.

And the signs, to be sure, are promising. While the data pool is shallow, statistical site FBref have crunched the data to reveal Semenyo ranks not only among the best for output in the English top flight this season, but among the top 10% for ball recoveries and the top 3% for aerial battles won per 90.

There is little to suggest he would not be a star at Liverpool. Two-footed and dynamic, the £75k-per-week talent feels very Liverpool-esque, with a hunger for success at the highest level and a fearsome, high-octane take on the game.

Last season, Semenyo scored 11 goals and posted six assists in the Premier League. This gave him praise from many and it provided Bournemouth with a £70m bid from Spurs to chew on. Now, he is levels higher. Imagine the heights he could hit in Slot’s Liverpool squad.

In April, Salah penned new terms at Liverpool. The greatest player in the Anfield side’s recent chapter will play his football in red until the end of next season. But what if Salah fails to reclaim his one-time level? Can Slot afford such a weak link dominating his frontline for much time to come?

With Semenyo added to the fold, there’s a sense Liverpool would have all they need to come together and hit that vein of form which would carry them to titles and sustained success.

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ByAngus Sinclair Oct 8, 2025

Unlike seasons prior, it feels like Manchester City are flying under the radar a little bit this year.

They may have lost two games earlier in the campaign, but with their 2-0 win over Everton and Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United, Pep Guardiola’s side are now second in the Premier League and three points off Arsenal.

Moreover, unlike their two biggest title rivals, the Citizens have a reliable centre-forward leading the line who is currently scoring goals for fun.

Erling Haaland is arguably in the form of his life, and while some may criticise Man City for being a one-man team, the free-scoring Norwegian could end that discourse by helping one of the summer signings reach his sky-high potential this season.

Are Man City a one-man team?

So, even though they are just a win off top spot in the league, there is some talk over them being a ‘one-man team,’ an idea stemming from and given crednce by the lack of goals from elsewhere in the side.

For example, across all competitions, Haaland has scored 14 goals and provided one assist so far this season and the next highest score is Phil Foden, with just two goals to his name.

Unfortunately, it is even worse when looking at the league alone.

Here, the former Borussia Dortmund star has 11 goals and one assist to his name in eight games, but then nobody else in the team has scored more than one.

Even then, only four players have found themselves on the scoresheet aside from the leading man himself.

While City are doing well, this is undeniably worrying, as if the Norwegian monster was to get injured and miss a month or two of action, who would step-up?

Fortunately, it’s still early on in the campaign, and City have talented players who could become more prolific as it goes, including one who, with the help of Haaland, could become one of the best players in the world.

The Man City gem Haaland could make World-Class

Haaland may be the clear standout for Man City so far this season, but there are plenty of talented names in the squad who could get better and better as the campaign goes on.

Chalkboard

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

For example, arguably the most exciting younger star in the side, and the one who could go on to become a world-beater, is Rayan Cherki.

The Frenchman joined the club from Lyon in the summer, scored on his Premier League debut, but then missed almost two months of action with a hamstring injury.

Fortunately, the 22-year-old international made his return to first team action with a five-minute cameo against Everton on Saturday, and fans should be very, very excited about how good he could be.

After all, The Athletic’s Alex Barker described him as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” just a couple of years ago, and while that might sound a tad hyperbolic, his numbers and output suggest otherwise.

In 48 appearances, totalling 3218 minutes last season, the Lyon-born gem scored 13 goals and provided 21 assists, which comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 94.64 minutes.

Moreover, FBref ranked him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Ligue 1 last season for expected assists, key passes, passes into the penalty area, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

xA: Expected Assists

0.52

Top 1%

Key Passes

3.31

Top 1%

Passes into Penalty Area

3.40

Top 1%

Shot-Creating Actions

6.44

Top 1%

Assists

0.49

Top 2%

xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals

0.49

Top 2%

Progressive Passes

9.08

Top 2%

Through Balls

0.97

Top 2%

SCA (Live-ball Pass)

4.45

Top 2%

Carries into Final Third

4.01

Top 3%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.88

Top 4%

Progressive Carrying Distance

159.19

Top 4%

Goals + Assists

0.84

Top 6%

Switches

0.66

Top 6%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.66

Top 6%

npxG + xAG

0.71

Top 7%

Passes Completed

47.58

Top 7%

Total Passing Distance

749.90

Top 7%

Progressive Passing Distance

226.65

Top 7%

Touches

69.36

Top 7%

In other words, the ambipedal game-changer is an attacking force of nature capable of creating an abundance of chances as well as being able to take them himslef.

So, it wouldn’t be wild to think that, when he’s fully fit and up to speed, he could play a massive role in helping the team become a little less reliant on Haaland.

At the same time, the Norwegian’s unreal finishing ability could see the Frenchman rack up an incredible number of assists this season and beyond, in turn helping him to fufil the sky-high potential so many believ him to have.

Ultimately, it might take a few weeks, but Cherki could be the solution to many City’s issues this season, and a future superstar.

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