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After the 15th-place finish in the Premier League during 2024/25, all eyes were on Ruben Amorim this campaign to try and resurrect his career as Manchester United boss.

The 40-year-old was certainly on borrowed time before a ball was kicked, but there’s no doubt the pressure has been eased, given the recent results in England’s top-flight.

He’s led his side to a five-game unbeaten run in the last couple of weeks, with such a period even seeing the Red Devils claim three wins in a row for the first time in his tenure.

As a result, Amorim claimed the division’s Manager of the Month award for October, also achieving such a feat for the first time since taking the reins a little over 12 months ago.

However, he wasn’t the only United representative to receive recognition for their efforts, as one player endured a month to remember at Old Trafford under his guidance.

Why Bryan Mbeumo won the October Player of the Month award

Like Amorim, Bryan Mbeumo was a player with expectations placed upon him by the United faithful, after the hierarchy splashed a reported £71m on his signature in the summer window.

The Cameroonian scored a staggering 20 league goals at Brentford last season, with the supporters placing faith in the forward to transform the club’s fortunes in the final third.

However, upon his move to Manchester, it was evident he would be asked to operate in a slightly different position compared to his right-wing role in West London during 2024/25.

Amorim’s system operates with two narrow number tens behind the striker, with the big-money addition being brought into the club to feature in such a position rather than out wide.

However, it hasn’t seemed to have hindered his progress, as he scored his first league goal against Burnley back in August, before springing into life at Old Trafford back in the month of October.

The 26-year-old featured in three games during the aforementioned month, subsequently registering a goal or assist in every one of his appearances for Amorim’s side – leading to his Player of the Month award.

His first contribution came at the start of the winning run, with his assist for Mason Mount helping secure the Red Devils a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Sunderland.

Mbeumo’s biggest moment in October undoubtedly came against Liverpool at Anfield, with the forward slotting home just minutes into the clash and securing the club their first win at Anfield in nearly a decade.

His final outing came against Brighton & Hove Albion on home soil, with the Cameroonian netting twice and securing a phenomenal 4-2 triumph over the Seagulls.

The United star who’s been a better signing than Mbeumo

Whilst it’s still early days in his career at United, Mbeumo has already made an immediate impact and is starting to showcase why the hierarchy splashed such a huge fee on his signature.

He’s already found the back of the net on five occasions, with his latest effort against Tottenham Hotspur cementing his place as the club’s top scorer in 2025/26.

Other figures, such as 1.3 shots on target per 90 and a 2.5 assist xG, rank him top within the Red Devils squad, further highlighting his incredible start to life in Manchester.

Mbeumo wasn’t alone in moving to Old Trafford during the off-season, with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko also joining him in the final third to transform the club’s fortunes in front of goal.

Senne Lammens was the final addition made by the United hierarchy in the summer window, with the Belgian coming in to provide competition in the goalkeeping department.

Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both struggled to nail down the starting position last campaign, with the former of the duo registering eight errors that led to goals last season alone.

The Cameroonian was subsequently shipped out on loan to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, leaving new addition Lammens to stake his claim for the number one shirt under Amorim.

Whilst he was an unused substitute in each of his first three matches for the Red Devils, the 23-year-old was handed his maiden start against Sunderland at the start of October.

Since then, the player and supporters haven’t looked back, with Lammens providing the quality which the first-team have massively lacked between the sticks in recent seasons.

He’s already claimed two Man of the Match awards in his first five appearances, with the club yet to taste defeat when the Belgian is named in the starting eleven.

His underlying stats further prove his importance to Amorim’s men, as he’s undoubtedly saved the side in numerous key matches since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Games played

5

Minutes played

450

Saves made

14

Goals prevented

0.3

Goals conceded

7

Clean sheets

1

High claims

5

Passes completed

75

The goalkeeper is currently averaging 2.8 saves per 90, whilst he also has a positive goal prevented record, with most of his efforts coming in the superb triumph over local rivals Liverpool last month.

Lammens, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has also made 1.2 high claims per 90, subsequently offering the needed aerial presence in the 18-yard box – something which Onana massively struggled with last season.

One of his most important assets is his ball-playing ability, which has seen him register 9.1 long balls per 90 – which ranks him in the top 5% of all ‘keepers in the division.

There’s little denying that Mbeumo has transformed the club’s frontline in recent weeks, with his transfer one that has proved to be a success in the early stages.

However, the goalkeeping situation was the glaring problem for Amorim last season, with Lammens now handing the club an incredible option to rely upon for at least the next decade and beyond.

Should he carry on such a path, there’s no reason why the Belgian can’t play a vital role in any success endured during Amorim’s tenure at the Theatre of Dreams.

Their own Anderson: Man Utd to make £53m bid to sign "world-class" CM

Manchester United are set to make a January move for another top-level central midfielder.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025

Newcastle United have not been at the races this season. Wheeling off quickly at times – mostly at St. James’ Park – but suffering from dismal away form that is pulling Eddie Howe’s squad away from their potential.

We all know this, and Howe most of all. However, identifying solutions and then finding the right answers can be two wholly different things in football.

11

Games

8

8

Wins

1

0

Draws

3

3

Losses

4

16

Goals scored

8

8

Goals conceded

10

2.18

PPG

0.75

But the English tactician has done so countless times across his four years on Tyneside, adapting and overcoming obstacles that fall into his path.

Take, for example, the fumbled signing of Chris Wood from Burnley in 2022. One of the first to establish this new PIF era, the Kiwi striker flattered to deceive.

Remembering Chris Wood's time at Newcastle

Wood is one of the most consistent Premier League strikers of his time. Something of a journeyman, he has nonetheless enjoyed success throughout his career, truly coming into his own over the past several years with Nottingham Forest.

However, a brief stint at Newcastle stands as a blot on the copybook. Howe purchased the New Zealand star from Burnley for £25m in January 2022, right at the start of this new era.

Sometimes, it’s just not your day. And Wood simply didn’t click in black and white. The veteran goalscorer only scored five times across 39 appearances before leaving for Forest on loan and then making the move permanent.

Pundit Tam McManus said that he looked “a bit lost” at St. James’ Park, and the one bit of solace from the misfire of a signing was that Newcastle were otherwise going from strength to strength, and they signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad after realising Wood wasn’t going to make the grade.

Of course, no one would deny that Wood is a top-class Premier League striker. He was one of the most prolific in the division last season, after all.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

Alexander Isak

34

23

Erling Haaland

31

22

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

Chris Wood

36

20

But this only emphasises the blunder on Newcastle’s part, one they would not wish to repeat.

For the most part, they haven’t. Newcastle’s success under Howe’s wing has been a product of care and accuracy in the market. But they don’t always get it right, having signed the new Wood this summer.

Newcastle's biggest disaster since Chris Wood

Maybe there’s just something that isn’t working for ex-Forest stars moving to Newcastle.

Anthony Elanga has not been a success since joining the club from the City Ground for £55m this summer, yet to score or assist across 16 appearances.

Renowned for his “special ability” on the ball, as said by Nuno Espirito Santo, the Swedish winger simply hasn’t succeeded in translating his physical strengths over to St. James’ Park.

It’s not just his output causing concern. As per Sofascore, Elanga has succeeded with only 17% of his attempted dribbles in the Premier League this season. For a player whose standout skill is his fleet-footedness on the ball, this isn’t good enough.

Elanga, 23, must be afforded more time, but given the desperate need for an efficient right winger in recent years at the club, his woes have been a concern, salvaged only by the ever-industrious Jacob Murphy’s consistency.

He’s still relatively young, and he has proven himself capable in the Premier League across the past two terms with the Tricky Trees.

But the early readings are not all that promising, with analyst Raj Chohan picking up on the winger’s poor form and claiming that the deal was a “massive overpay” on PIF’s part.

While he is young and with much potential still untapped – unlike Wood – Newcastle expected bang for their buck when filling a hole on the right wing.

If Elanga doesn’t improve quickly, the Toon are going to need to dig back into their pockets.

Bigger liability than Pope: Howe must finally bin Newcastle "legend"

Newcastle need to make some changes going forward.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 28, 2025

Barcelona have received a major boost ahead of their blockbuster Champions League trip to Chelsea, with Marcus Rashford returning to full training after a spell on the sidelines against Athletic Club. But Pedri is set to miss the decisive clash as his hamstring recovery stalls, leaving Hansi Flick without one of his most influential midfielders for Tuesday’s showdown at Stamford Bridge.

Rashford fit for Chelsea clash — Pedri to miss out

Barcelona’s preparations for their crucial Champions League meeting with Chelsea took a dramatic turn as Rashford returned to full training on Sunday after several days away from the squad. The England international had missed Thursday and Friday’s sessions and was not present at Camp Nou on Saturday, with shifting explanations from personal problems to minor physical issues and eventually the flu, creating confusion over his condition. His reappearance at the Ciutat Esportiva, however, has eased concerns, and he now looks set to be included in the travelling squad.

Meanwhile, Pedri has been definitively ruled out of the trip to London after failing to train with the group on Sunday, ending any lingering hopes of an early return. The midfielder has been sidelined since suffering a left hamstring injury in El Clasico on October 26, and despite optimism in recent weeks, Barcelona have opted for caution. With his recovery still incomplete, the club now expects him to return at the weekend against Deportivo Alaves or, at the latest, Atletico Madrid on December 2. 

Frenkie de Jong remains available in the Champions League after missing the clash with Athletic Club, serving a suspension on Saturday, providing a timely boost for Flick as he prepares to face Chelsea’s aggressive midfield. Alejandro Balde is also expected to feature despite hobbling off in the 4-0 win over Athletic Club, while several first-team regulars underwent recovery sessions following Saturday’s match.

AdvertisementBarcelona slowly recovering from injury crisis

Rashford’s availability comes at a pivotal moment for Barcelona, who remain determined to build on an encouraging start to their European campaign under Flick. The English forward has become one of the team’s most dynamic attacking outlets this season, and his return ensures the club retains a key source of directness and creativity on the left wing. With Ferran Torres returning to form against Athletic Club and Raphinha returning, Flick now faces a healthy but challenging selection dilemma.  

Pedri’s absence, however, highlights a recurring issue for Barcelona as they prepare for the intense winter stretch. The midfielder endured multiple muscular problems between 2022 and 2024 before an injury-free last season; as such, Barcelona remain intent on protecting him from further long-term setbacks. His unavailability for such a high-profile match underlines the need to manage his workload carefully despite the temptation to accelerate his comeback.

Getty Images SportRashford's re-emergence at Barcelona

Rashford’s renaissance at Barcelona has been one of the stories of the season, with the loanee delivering 15 goal involvements in 16 matches across all competitions. He has rediscovered his confidence under Flick, thriving in a system that encourages aggressive wide play and fast breaks. His Champions League form has been particularly impressive, making his return ahead of Stamford Bridge a significant tactical advantage.

Barcelona’s broader injury landscape has improved recently, with Alejandro Balde, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski available and several players regaining fitness at the right time. Nonetheless, major fixtures like the Chelsea clash magnify the impact of any missing key player, especially one with Pedri’s influence. However, Fermin Lopez's dictation of play during Camp Nou's reinauguration will likely mean that the Spaniard will play alongside Frenkie De Jong at Stamford Bridge.

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Barcelona prepare for Chelsea showdown at Stamford Bridge

Barcelona now prepare for Tuesday night’s heavyweight meeting with Chelsea, where Rashford could feature from the start depending on his condition on matchday. Flick will assess his forward options closely, balancing Rashford’s explosiveness with Torres’ form and Raphinha’s return as he aims to craft a cohesive frontline for the biggest match of the month. Whatever his decision, the Englishman’s recovery offers a major tactical boost.

The focus then shifts to Pedri’s imminent return, with the club hopeful he will be fit for Saturday’s match against Deportivo Alaves. Should he need additional time, the following fixture against Atletico Madrid is expected to mark his comeback, allowing him to reintegrate gradually before the December schedule intensifies. Barcelona’s medical team believe he has shaved around ten days off the original prognosis, but insist the priority is ensuring he avoids further setbacks. 

Fabrizio Romano has now dropped a key injury update on Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori, after the defender was forced to leave the Italy squad.

The Gunners have already had to deal with their fair share of injuries this season, and Mikel Arteta now has more problems to contend with, as two of the manager’s most important players have recently suffered setbacks on international duty.

Indeed, there are now doubts over the fitness of Gabriel, which will be a major concern for Arteta, given that the Brazilian has started every Premier League match this season, and Carlo Ancelotti has now issued an apology.

When asked about the extent of the injury, the Brazil manager said: “Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow. We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon.”

Fabrizio Romano drops update on Riccardo Calafiori's injury

It recently emerged that Calafiori has also dropped out of the Italy squad due to a hip injury, and Romano has now taken to X to provide an update, stating Arsenal staff are informed and “not anticipating a big problem or issue”, which will be a relief for Arteta.

The Italian has returned to London to be assessed by the medical team, but it is promising news that the injury is not expected to be a major issue, with the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur penciled in for next weekend.

With Gabriel also suffering an injury blow, it is of increased importance that the 23-year-old is available, as Arteta is unlikely to want to re-jig his defence too much heading into such an important game.

Much like the centre-back, the £120k-a-week defender has been one of Arteta’s most important players so far this season, featuring in all 11 Premier League games, and the Arsenal boss singled him out for high praise after the 2-0 win at Burnley earlier this month.

The Spaniard said: “Very good. He’s been really stable, some big performances. He’s a big contributor to what we’re doing defensively as well. He gives us a lot in attack with his position and his threat. He continues to create chaos for the opposition.”

As such, it will be a relief that the recent injury is seemingly unlikely to keep Calafiori out of action for too long, as the Gunners look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table next weekend, with Manchester City making the difficult trip to St. James’ Park.

The closest title races in Premier League history The closest title races in Premier League history

Manchester City and Arsenal have delivered a Premier League title race for the ages – here are some of the tightest from years gone by…

ByStephan Georgiou May 20, 2024

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has revealed he recently underwent cancer treatment and has urged others to 'get checked' in an emotional social media post. The striker came through the ranks at Liverpool, and scored 120 league goals in 236 appearances before leaving for Leeds in 2002 having lost his spot in the Reds first team to iconic strike duo Emile Heskey and Michael Owen.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'Just need to get a club now'

  Fowler, though, posted on X over the weekend that he recently underwent a procedure to remove a blemish just above his left eye. The spot was confirmed to be skin cancer, which was successfully removed from his face.

  "Before and After… been a few people lately saying the same thing, go and get those blemishes/spots checked, basal cell carcinoma," Fowler posted on X. "Caught early thankfully so all good…just need to get a club now."

  The former striker went on to receive a number of messages of support following his procedure, with former Reds star Luis Garcia posting: "Get well soon mate." Additionally, ex-goalkeeping coach John Achterberg said: "Good all is ok mate." CBS reporter Christine Cupo added: "Heal up well! Great awareness for early detection."

  A number of fans also posted their support for Fowler, who was routinely referred to as "God" during his time at Liverpool, despite growing up as an Everton fan.

Advertisement

• What is basal cell carcinoma?

  The NHS describes basal cell carcinoma as a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that starts in the top layer of the skin, while outlining the main cause of the form of skin cancer and stating that it can be easily treated.

  "The main cause is ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds," the NHS website reads. "Things that increase your chances of getting non-melanoma skin cancer include your age, having pale skin and having had skin cancer in the past.

  "It's possible to reduce your risk of skin cancer by being careful in the sun – for example, by using sunscreen and reapplying it regularly. There's another type of skin cancer called melanoma. It's less common and usually more serious than non-melanoma skin cancer."

  The NHS went on to add: "They are often first noticed as a scab that bleeds and does not heal completely or a new lump on the skin.

  "Basal cell carcinomas can develop as a nodule that progressively and slowly enlarges. Some Basal cell carcinomas are superficial and look like a scaly red flat mark on the skin. Others form a lump and have a pearl-like rim surrounding a central crater and there may be small red blood vessels present across the surface. Any new lesions need to be shown to a doctor."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Who else did Fowler play for?

  While Fowler is best remembered for his time at Liverpool, the forward also played for Manchester City after leaving Leeds in 2003 before a brief return to Anfield in 2006. Fowler departed Liverpool for a second time in 2007, and went on to play for Cardiff and Blackburn.

  The former frontman then made the move to Australia in 2009 with North Queensland Fury, then on to Perth Glory in 2010. Fowler finally ended his playing days in 2012 following a brief stint with Thai side Muangthong United, who he'd go on to take over as a player-manager in 2011.

  Fowler also managed Australian side Brisbane Roar from 2019 to 2020, before leaving to take over as East Bengal boss. The former England forward briefly took over as Al-Qadsiah head coach in 2023, but his time with the Saudi side lasted just four months, with Spaniard Michel appointed as his replacement.

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• Records held by Fowler

  Robbie Fowler previously held the record for the fastest hat-trick scored in Premier League history. Fowler scored three times in just four minutes and 33 seconds against Arsenal in 1994.

  And it was a record that stood for over 20 years before being broken by Sadio Mane for Southampton in May 2015, where the forward bagged a hat-trick in just two minutes and 56 seconds. Mane would go on to move to Liverpool in 2016.

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has launched a blistering attack on Liverpool’s disastrous season, claiming that new arrival Florian Wirtz has been left to suffer because Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and others “want to play with their own ball”. With Liverpool in crisis after spending £450 million ($595m) on summer transfers, Hoeness insists the squad is full of “chiefs and no workers”.

Liverpool struggling while Wirtz fails to find his feet

Liverpool’s 2025-26 season has spiralled into turmoil despite a record-breaking summer outlay of almost £450m, leaving the Premier League giants sitting eighth and already nine points off leaders Arsenal. A humiliating 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League deepened the crisis, with fans labelling the performance one of the club’s worst in Europe in recent memory. Head coach Arne Slot now finds himself under intense scrutiny as pressure mounts and rumours of a potential exit swirl.

The high-profile arrivals of Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were intended to launch a new era of dominance, yet the Reds have instead struggled with cohesion, balance and consistency. Defensive frailties, disjointed pressing and ineffective attacking patterns have contributed to repeated lapses, with six defeats in seven matches across all competitions representing an alarming collapse. These shortcomings have allowed critics to accuse the squad of lacking structure and leadership, prompting scrutiny from figures across European football.

Wirtz, signed to be the new creative heartbeat of the team, has endured an especially difficult adaptation to the Premier League, failing to score or assist in his first 12 league matches. As the Reds sink deeper into an early-season crisis, frustrations have intensified and external voices have begun to lay blame squarely at the feet of Liverpool’s expensive signings.

AdvertisementAFPBayern chief Hoeness defends Wirtz but takes shots at Liverpool

Hoeness delivered one of the most scathing assessments yet, arguing that Liverpool’s fundamental problem is a squad overloaded with individualists rather than functional team players. He said: “They have spent 500 million euros and are playing a catastrophic season… In my opinion, that’s because you only have superstars. You only have chiefs and no workers.”

Hoeness went further by accusing Liverpool’s attackers of refusing to share the ball and undermining their own playmaking unity. He claimed: “I always say: at Liverpool, they’ll soon have to play with five balls because the stars don’t want to give up a ball.”

In what has become the most headline-grabbing portion of his outburst, Hoeness expressed sympathy for Wirtz while placing blame squarely on Salah and Szoboszlai. He added: “Poor Florian Wirtz, he doesn’t get the ball at all because Salah and Szoboszlai and what they’re all called want to play with their own ball.”

Slot under pressure as failures pile up

Liverpool’s slump has unfolded across multiple tactical and structural elements, creating a fractured team unable to execute Slot’s high-intensity principles. Their once-feared press is now inconsistent, leaving spaces for opponents to exploit while simultaneously limiting their ability to counter quickly and effectively. As a result, matches have been dominated statistically but lost through decisive moments, poor finishing and lapses in defensive concentration.

The summer departure of wide man Luis Diaz have left a noticeable drop in pace and directness, stripping Liverpool of the explosiveness required to break low blocks. Even though players like Cody Gakpo remain influential in carries and build-up play, the final ball has repeatedly fallen short, preventing the team from converting favourable attacking positions. These deficiencies have fostered an overreliance on individual flashes rather than coordinated patterns, intensifying the pressure on midfield creators.

Wirtz’s struggles mirror the wider issues, as his skillset relies on rapid combinations, synchronised movements and team-mates who recognise early passing triggers. At Bayer Leverkusen, he thrived in a system built around habit-forming repetitions. At Liverpool, he often drops deep only to find passes arriving too late or not at all.

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Getty ImagesSlot fighting for his job as Wirtz looks to find form

Liverpool now face the task of stabilising their season before it drifts into an outright collapse, beginning with the need to rebuild confidence and restore structure in possession and transition. Slot must find immediate solutions within the squad, especially in creating a functional environment for Wirtz while reducing the reliance on isolated star moments. Should results fail to turn quickly, continued pressure could force Liverpool into major January decisions – both in personnel and potentially in the dugout.

After getting somewhat back on track by beating West Ham on Sunday, the Reds will be up against Sunderland and Leeds United before taking on Inter in the Champions League.

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards is now seen by Wolves as the “favoured candidate” for their managerial vacancy.

Wolves have been on the search for a new boss since Vitor Pereira, who signed a contract extension in September, was sacked on the 2nd November. In the days since, Wolves have been linked with a number of options as they continue searching for a permanent Pereira replacement.

James Collins and Richard Walker, who both work within the youth set-up at Wolves, will take interim charge of the club when they face Chelsea on Saturday. Whoever replaces Pereira will have a momentous task ahead of them, as Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League table with two points from 10 games.

In recent days, Rob Edwards has been linked with the vacancy and despite initial reports that a move appeared unlikely, it would now seem as though Wolves have settled on who they think is the man to try and keep them in the Premier League.

Wolves homing in on Edwards

According to Sky Sports, Wolves view Edwards as their preferred target. Replacing Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough in the summer, Edwards has lost just two Championship games from 14 during his time at the Riverside Stadium thus far.

Prior to his current work, Edwards spent just over two years at Luton Town between 2022 and early 2025, guiding them to the Premier League in his first season at the club.

As a player, Edwards spent four years at Molineux, making over a century of appearances for the Old Gold between 2004 and 2008. To begin his managerial career, he spent time with the club’s youth academy and even had a stint as interim manager of the club back in 2016, later taking charge of their under-23s side.

Generally preferring to play a 3-4-2-1 formation, which could certainly work with Wolves’ current squad, Edwards being the main target is understandable, given both his previous links to the club and his reputation as a coach.

Having been called an “outstanding” manager in the past, it could be argued that, across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, Edwards’ Luton side were the only one of six promoted teams that had a fighting chance of avoiding immediate relegation, something Wolves, given their current position, have no doubt recognised.

Despite Wolves’ evident interest, however, Sky Sports have also reported that Middlesbrough have “rejected” their advances for Edwards. Understandably, Boro are keen to keep the 42-year-old, who has given them the hopes of making a promotion push.

Romano offers update on future Wolves appointments

Of course there is India vs Pakistan, but there is also a lot more to look forward to in the UAE

Shashank Kishore07-Sep-202515:43

Can Afghanistan make the final of the Asia Cup?

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) can be criticised for many things. Like having Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in a brutal group of death, or missing the chance to ride the wave of cricket’s surging popularity in Nepal.But they have often nailed one key aspect: moulding their flagship competition to suit the needs of the cricket calendar. So, two years after its 50-over edition, the Asia Cup returns in 2025 as a T20 competition, aiming to be a lead-in to next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.September in the UAE can be brutal, but the ACC doesn’t have full control over the timing, or the venue. India are the official hosts, but they have once again turned to the UAE, just as they had during the pandemic years with the IPL and the T20 World Cup.Related

• Why are Sri Lanka and Bangladesh so poor at T20I batting?

• Back-to-back games plus travel 'not ideal' – Asalanka, Rashid on gruelling schedules

• Muhammad Waseem: 'We can absolutely inflict an upset on India or Pakistan'

• Grassy Dubai pitch leaves India with tricky selection calls against UAE

• It's showtime as winless Hong Kong take on wounded Afghanistan to kick off Asia Cup

While geopolitics continues to cast its shadow, the fixture everyone is already marking out on their calendars is, of course, India vs Pakistan, the tournament’s perennial centrepiece. And if history is anything to go by, the players will bring intensity and not animosity.From Shaheen Shah Afridi presenting Jasprit Bumrah with a gift for his newborn son to Babar Azam publicly backing Virat Kohli during his slump, the camaraderie has often been warmer than the political climate. But in today’s social media age, where jingoism thrives, will the players be as comfortable sharing a laugh or a joke, a hug or a handshake?Saturday evening could have provided a peek: the teams trained side by side at the ICC Academy in Dubai but kept to their halves, with barely a passing interaction. Perhaps it was just scheduling; perhaps it was something else.The ACC, though, has been mindful of the commercial and cultural importance of the contests. The prospect of the sides playing each other at least twice, perhaps thrice, is tantalising. Amid occasional calls for boycotts, the larger picture, which includes India’s ambitions of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games in 2036, makes these clashes hard for them to avoid.If history is anything to go by, Indian and Pakistani players will bring intensity and not animosity•Associated PressNone of this has dimmed the enthusiasm of the general fan. Tickets for the two big clashes on September 14 and 21, have been bundled with a few other matches. Not even the seemingly steep prices [starting 1400 AED] have been a deterrent. Every single corporate box is taken, some believed to be by those who once vehemently called for a boycott.While all this brings the typical hype and drama surrounding the contest, the personnel are vastly different. No Babar or Mohammad Rizwan for Pakistan; no Kohli or Rohit Sharma for India. Pakistan are unheralded, and are testing the waters with a young team under Salman Agha. India are regrouping in the format after the T20Is against England at home in January, keen to pitch tent for their World Cup defence.Afghanistan, perhaps more at home in the UAE than anyone else, are now genuine contenders, and not underdogs. Stars like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Naveen-ul-Haq live and train here. Their spin-heavy attack is built for these conditions, and their confidence, despite the abject defeat to Pakistan in the tri-series final, should be sky-high.Sri Lanka may be the defending champions in the T20 format – they beat Pakistan in the 2022 final – but the team that lifted the trophy under Dasun Shanaka looks markedly different today. The recent collapse for their second-lowest T20I total against Zimbabwe has underlined the growing pains of a side in transition.They are still searching for a finisher who can also bowl, and there’s heavy reliance on Pathum Nissanka with the bat. Their X-factor remains their bowling, though. Maheesh Theekshana’s mystery and Matheesha Pathirana’s slingy pace should be more than a handful, but how they are used could determine their fate in a tough group.Bangladesh are navigating life after their golden generation. With no Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim or Tamim Iqbal, and Mustafizur Rahman not quite the enigma he once was, they are recalibrating with a younger, power-hitting mindset. The tournament is both a test and an opportunity for this new-look squad.20:37

Do Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav make the all-time Asian T20 XI?

Outside of the Test nations, the story is as much about the Associates – three of them this time.Oman are piecing things back together after a pay crisis nearly derailed their progress, even coaxing veterans out of retirement to compete. Hong Kong are battling under-preparation. Having been forced into indoor nets for months, they have relied on a two-week crash course in Dubai under new coach Kaushal Silva. UAE are aiming for more than just participation this time. With increased investment and ILT20 exposure, there’s a push to develop more local talent. Captain Muhammad Waseem leads that charge, alongside emerging power-hitter Alishan Sharafu, mentored by Andre Russell and already making waves.So, the subplots are rich and the stakes high. Can Afghanistan turn potential into silverware? Can Pakistan find rhythm in chaos? Will India experiment or play their first-choice XI in a tournament they are touted to win? Can the Associates land a meaningful blow on the giants?The pitches could be slow and the crowds partisan. Politics may loom large, but when it comes to box-office cricket, nothing tops India vs Pakistan, or Pakistan vs Afghanistan, perhaps even Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh.Over to the Asia Cup to provide the perfect stage.

Lucas Paqueta's red card in West Ham's 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool has brought fresh allegations of "match-fixing" from fans across social media. The Brazilian was shown back-to-back yellow cards for dissent in the 83rd minute at the London Stadium, as he hounded referee Darren England in the aftermath of Niclas Fullkrug's foul on Dominik Szoboszlai.

• Bizarre Paqueta red draws allegations from fans

  The 28-year-old has opened himself to further allegations of impropriety. Paqueta cleared his name from allegations of spot-fixing during the 2022-23 season, where suspicious betting patterns were linked to games where the midfielder picked up bookings. Despite being exonerated by the FA after an investigation, the governing body sanctioned the former Lyon star for "failing to comply with a requirement to answer questions and provide information to The FA’s investigation into breaches of the Rules", issuing a warning over his future conduct. 

  Paqueta returned to the Irons starting lineup on Sunday, after serving a one-game suspension for accruing five bookable offences so far this term. In a relatively well-tempered clash with Liverpool, Paqueta went unpunished by the referee until the final moments, when he saw fit to persist in berating England despite the attempts of his teammates to control him. Two quick yellow cards confirmed Paqueta's fate in a bizarre incident that has set fans' tongues wagging on social media. 

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• Fan reaction to Paqueta red

  ChelsChris03 posted on X: "That absolutely has to be match fixing from Paqueta. Simply no way it’s not."

  The GunnersD3an questioned Paqueta's decision making, writing: "Paqueta is such an idiot, he was definitely looking for that Red. That’s such an absurd behaviour, what a liability of a player."

  Dieggo added: "He wanted to be sent off. Weird guy."

  Fellythered joked: "[Paqueta is] Never beating those betting allegations." 

  Fredtheted simply suggested the Brazilian's conduct, "is suspicious". 

• Nuno and pundits react to 'ridiculous' Paqueta red

  Former players and pundits also took the chance to question the midfielder's decision making. 

  Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live broadcast livve from the Olympic Stadium, former Birmingham City and Republic of Ireland forward Clinton Morrison said: "I don't know what he's doing. If you're not happy with the decision, he's not going to change his mind. Darren England hasn't had the best game but Paqueta wouldn't give it up, he kept going and going, even his international teammate Alisson said stop.

  "You can't keep going over and goading the referee. You've let your team down. It's ridiculous." 

  Former West Ham keeper Robert Green said on that the Brazilian was being "completely irresponsible" and that he had "lost his head", before also calling Paqueta's behaviour "ridiculous".

  West Ham's manager Nuno Espirito Santo then used his post-match comments to address the situation. He said: "I'm not going to comment too much. First of all I'm going to speak to Lucas and try to understand his frustrations and his behaviour.

  "We need all the player and we are going to need them until the end of the season. Every player out, we're going to miss them."

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• Paqueta speaks out

  Paqueta took to social media after the game to hit back at the criticism levelled at him by the Sky Sports commentary team. He wrote in a passionate post on : "It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation. Perhaps this ridiculous behavior is just a reflection of everything I've had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I'm sorry if I'm not perfect."

Germany sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 6-0 win over Slovakia, and former captain Lothar Matthaus believes the team can challenge the likes of England, France and Portugal for the title despite a shaky qualifying campaign and recent tournament struggles. The 1990 World Cup winner insists there is no reason for fear if the team maintains the intensity shown in Monday's win.

A positive finish after a bumpy qualifying campaign

Germany will make their 21st appearance at the tournament. It was a much-needed statement performance after what has been a shaky road through Group A. They opened qualifying with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Slovakia in September before recovering with wins against Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. They then rounded off the campaign with a resounding win against Slovakia this week.

The 2014 world champions have failed to advance past the group stage in the last two editions, and recent tournaments have raised doubts about whether the team is still among the elite. They lost to Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 and fell 2-1 to Portugal in the Nations League semi-final in Munich. The progress under Julian Nagelsmann has been steady rather than spectacular, and he is yet to win a major trophy since taking charge in 2023.

Earlier, national team legend Toni Kroos said the team was lucky to have been handed a relatively easy World Cup qualifying group.

Still, the dominant performance on Monday was enough to bring optimism back into the conversation. Matthaus called the win 'a satisfying end to an overall satisfactory year' and believes the team is moving in the right direction.

AdvertisementMatthaus insists Germany shouldn't fear Europe's top teams

Despite recent setbacks, the former Germany captain believes the team still belongs among the contenders. In his column for , the 64-year-old argued that qualifying form should not be overanalysed, pointing out that even successful German teams in the past had difficult campaigns.

"With all due respect to these opponents, Germany wants to compete against the best, and those are the other group winners such as England, Portugal or France," he said.

"If we can replicate what we showed in Leipzig, we're on par with these teams. We saw that in the summer. In the Nations League defeats against Portugal and France, Germany wasn't any worse than their opponents.

"If the German team shows the same attitude and passion and plays together like they did against Slovakia, they have nothing to fear.

"You shouldn't underestimate yourself. Germany isn't small. I've always said that our team belongs among the favorites for the World Cup, even if they've had a poor run of form. Our World Cup qualifying campaigns were also sometimes bumpy in the past. 

"The German team might even be under less pressure at the World Cup. The team will be even more focused next year, especially because the whole world will be watching."

Getty ImagesInjuries remain a concern despite strong squad depth

Matthaus also spoke about the squad heading into 2026. Several key players like Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Antonio Rudiger and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are still working their way back to full fitness and may not be ready right away.

"Rudiger needs to get fit first, just like Ter Stegen. Oliver Baumann will remain in goal for the time being, and then we'll see what happens next," he said.

He mentioned that no one in the squad has a guaranteed starting spot, adding: "Even in the current national team, there are hardly any irreplaceable players; no one has a guaranteed spot. This keeps the focus high until the World Cup, and everyone will give their all to impress the coach.."

The World Cup winner believes this gives the German coach more flexibility as the tournament approaches. "The great thing for Nagelsmann is that he'll have a wide selection next year. For a coach, it's the most wonderful thing when he can bring quality after quality player into the team."

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Getty ImagesWhat's next for Germany?

Germany now shift their attention to preparations for 2026, with Nagelsmann hoping to have key players return from injury soon. Ter Stegen is nearing a comeback from knee surgery after missing most of last season, and the Barcelona captain could even consider a loan move in January to get more playing time before the tournament.

Defender Rudiger has also said he is in the final phase of his recovery after being sidelined with a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Musiala has returned to Bayern Munich training after suffering a ligament dislocation during a heavy collision in the Club World Cup against PSG.