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أوضح جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي يوفنتوس، آنخل دي ماريا، وجهته المقبلة والمحتملة حال الرحيل عن البيانكونيري سواء في يناير أو بعد انتهاء عقده في نهاية الموسم الحالي.

وانتقل دي ماريا إلى يوفنتوس في الميركاتو الصيفي الماضي بعد انتهاء عقده مع باريس سان جيرمان بالمجان، ولكن يعاني الأرجنتيني من سوء حظ كبير بسبب الإصابات والتي تبعده في الوقت الحالي عن المباريات.

اقرأ أيضًا.. الاتحاد الإنجليزي يتخذ قراره النهائي بشأن واقعة هندرسون وجابرييل

وتحدث الأرجنتيني عن وجهته المحتملة في تصريحات نقلها موقع “فوتبول إيطاليا”، وقال: “في الحقيقة، إنني دائمًا ما أرغب في العودة إلى روساريو سنترال منذ فترة طويلة”.

وتابع: “صحيح أن الأوضاع هناك ليست جيدة، لكني ما زلت مقتنع بإمكانية العودة”.

وأضاف في النهاية: “أود أن أستمتع بكرة القدم في الأرجنتين مرة أخرى في الفريق الذي نشأت فيه، حتى ولو لمدة موسم واحد فقط”.

Aston Villa have been handed a major blow in their chase to sign River Plate starlet Julian Alvarez in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had claimed that Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of the 21-year-old, was set to meet with Villa’s representatives over a move to Steven Gerrard’s side ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

That of course failed to materialise, and now, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has revealed that the Argentine is instead set for a move to Old Trafford.

He said: “I believe he’s Manchester United-bound. Villa looked to have missed a trick for £17m. Trez, Traore and Bailey all missing for the next month.”

Blow for Villa

Like Emi Buendia, Alvarez is very much a creative attacker bagging four goals and setting up another seven in just 20 appearances last season – including a couple of games where he registered an impressive hat-trick of assists against Godoy Cruz and Central Cordoba.

This campaign however has seen him take his game to a completely another level, scoring 18 goals and providing another seven assists in just 21 games in the Argentine top-flight.

Given his ability to play anywhere across the front-line, and his age, Alvarez seems like the perfect profile of player that could have flourished alongside his fellow Argentine compatriots in Buendia and Emi Martinez.

The duo could have helped Alvarez settle into life at Villa Park a bit more comfortably than he may otherwise would have done, and the fact he’s now headed for a switch to United shows just how highly-rated he is.

Preece’s update is a major blow that will surely frustrate Villa fans that they have let an exciting young talent slip through the net.

Meanwhile, Villa are interested in this Serie A starlet…

Loads of Everton fans have been left fuming over an official post that has emerged from the Goodison Park faithful on Lucas Digne.

The Toffees have now released a statement confirming his sale to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, but it did seem very underwhelming, with only three lines of a goodbye message and with no comments from Digne himself or those inside the Merseyside club.

The left-back made a total of 127 appearances for the Blues over the course of the last four seasons, scoring six goals and making a further 20 assists (Transfermarkt), and was a loyal servant over the years.

Thus, the statement does seem strange considering his time with them, and it is no surprise to see so many EFC supporters fuming over it.

Everton fans on Digne statement

These Evertonians were left fuming as the statement on Digne’s exit was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee even going as far as to claim that it is ‘pathetic’:

“Embarrassing to be an Evertonian these days”

Credit: @Cam_Green73

“Disgusting statement to make on the departure of a player who has captained the club on multiple occasions.”

Credit: @JamieMellor81

“Pathetic, I’ll do it for you then, thanks @LucasDigne and good luck.”

Credit: @NikolasHeyes

“No word of thanks, @Everton? Very disappointing.”

Credit: @dtaylor334

“That’s IT???!!!!…….No acknowledgment of his service??!!! You under orders, Admin?…….Poor form that, Everton. #WereBetterThanThat”

Credit: @CathyMcAlle

“Shocking statement that, The People’s Club showing it’s true colours.”

Credit: @TheEvertonEnd

In other news, find out what injury update before Norwich City has Toffees buzzing here!

Ange Postecoglou headed into Celtic’s Premiership clash against St. Johnstone on Sunday with a severely limited squad at his disposal as a result of a number of injuries, being left with no other choice than to attempt to fit a number of square pegs in round holes in his starting XI.

Despite this fact, the Bhoys turned in an extremely impressive performance at McDiarmid Park, dominating possession of the ball, taking 25 shots at the St. Johnstone goal and creating four big chances over the course of the 90 minutes, with the Hoops running out 3-1 victors.

However, while Celtic’s overall performance was indeed a decent one, there were nevertheless a number of players within Postecoglou’s side who endured something of an afternoon to forget on Sunday, with centre-back duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt, as well as goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, not enjoying their finest of displays in a green and white shirt.

Although, it was undoubtedly makeshift left wing-back Liam Scales who will be most disappointed with his display against the Saints, as the 23-year-old may well have failed Postecoglou’s test in the position.

Lost possession 21x

While it was far from a truly disastrous display by Scales, the defender nevertheless returned slightly worrying numbers on the left-hand side of the 56-year-old’s backline over his 87 minutes on the pitch.

Indeed, the £90k-rated man won just four of his 10 duels – a failure rate of 60% – failed to find his man with any of his three attempted crosses and completed just one of his two attempted long balls, as well as failing with both of his two attempted dribbles.

The £5k-per-week Irishman also made no clearances, blocked no shots, made just one interception and one tackle, missed one big chance for his side and lost possession of the ball on a whopping 21 occasions.

These returns saw the 23-year-old earn a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.2, the worst of any Celtic player, including Barkas, to feature in the match on Sunday afternoon.

As such, while Scales is undoubtedly a player who is still finding his feet at Parkhead, the youngster’s performance against St. Johnstone will have not done much to strengthen the argument that he should be starting in the position on a more regular basis going forwards.

In other news: Forget Abada: “Rampaging” £14k-p/w Celtic gem who won 69% duels ran the show vs Saints

Everton have a number of ageing players in their squad, which has an average age of 28.1, and Rafael Benitez will likely be looking to add new players in the transfer window to build for the future.

There is one player who has been heavily linked with the Toffees who could solve a substantial issue for the manager.

What’s the word?

Rangers youngster Nathan Patterson continues to be linked with a move to Everton, and now former Ibrox defender Alan Hutton has weighed in on the potential signing for the Toffees, telling Football Insider: “We’re talking £10million-plus. He’s not playing, it doesn’t look like Tavernier is going to go anywhere anytime soon.

“I think you’re looking at probably £10million plus add-ons. I know he’s not held down a regular place in the Rangers team but we’ve seen, given the opportunity, he can play at a high level.

“He’s played in European competitions, he’s an international player. Obviously, what he can become in the future, the talent is there for everybody to see.”

The 20-year-old has made 11 appearances for Rangers so far this season across all competitions and has featured in the Scotland national team, scoring his first goal for his country in November against Moldova. He also set up Che Adam’s second goal in the 2-0 win which clinched a place in the World Cup play-offs.

Scotland team-mate Adams showered the defender with praise after the game against Moldova, saying: “Nathan’s an amazing player and a great guy off the pitch so I’m delighted for him.

“He’s a good young prospect coming through for the nation and hopefully he can continue and keep adding goals as well.”

Benitez could solve big issue with Patterson

Everton captain Seamus Coleman is now 33 and will be out of contract in 18 months’ time, so Benitez will be looking for a reliable and consistent right-back who can come into the fold at Goodison Park and take over from the £3.15m-rated Irishman, who has 363 appearances over 13 seasons, with the manager likely to begin phasing the defender out of the starting line-up in the near future.

If Patterson does join in January he would have the perfect opportunity to work with a hugely experienced right-back in Coleman, which could be highly beneficial to his development in succeeding the 33-year-old when he ends his lengthy Merseyside stay.

Signing Patterson would be great for both him and Everton, allowing Benitez to implement a freshness to a crucial area of the pitch, and to replace someone in Coleman who is perhaps turning into a liability given his defensive lapses of late.

In other news: Mykolenko could earn this dizzying sum if he signs

Match facts

November 16-20, 2009
Start time 9.30am (0400 GMT)

Big Picture

Kumar Sangakkara has talked bravely of Sri Lanka setting their record in India right•Associated Press

The lead-up to this series has been more muted than the last time the Sri Lankans visited India, in 2005-06, when the scheduling of the first Test in Chennai during the monsoon and Cyclone Baaz hogged the headlines along with fevered speculation over which day Sachin Tendulkar would score his record 35th Test century. This time there has been no verbal discourse, no individual battles hyped, no records or player targeted, and no controversial sound bytes. In fact, Sri Lanka have slipped into their preparations almost completely under the radar as the country goes gaga over Tendulkar’s 20th year at the top.This lack of hoopla is slightly odd – or refreshing, depending on how you choose to see it – ahead of a series in which the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings is up for grabs. Sri Lanka are No. 2 and India No. 3, separated by one point. India will go on top if they beat Sri Lanka by 2-0 or better, while Sri Lanka just need to win the series to go past South Africa.It won’t be easy. Sri Lanka have made six tours to India over the last 27 years, played 14 Tests, and are yet to win one. It’s a record their captain Kumar Sangakkara is keen to rectify. For Sri Lanka, the batting and bowling are areas of grave concern. Totally at ease on sluggish pitches at home, the batsman have struggled in more testing conditions away. Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene will be expected to shoulder an immense burden; Thilan Samaraweera and Tillakaratne Dilshan have new challenges of translating their home form overseas; Tharanga Paranavitana has a chance to cement the opening berth and allrounder Angelo Mathews, on whom Sangakkara is banking to give the team flexibility and balance, needs to step up if Sri Lanka are to ending their sorry run in India.Similarly, Sri Lanka’s bowling has been dominated by Indian batsmen over the years at home, with fast bowlers and slow suffering in equal measure. Muttiah Muralitharan has, by far, been the most effective, while none of the others have taken more than ten wickets.For India, this series marks a return to the five-day game after seven months of limited-overs cricket. After a chastening defeat to a depleted but supremely confident Australia, keeping with a generally disappointing limited-overs record since the tour of New Zealand, India go into the series without much fanfare, in a way indicative of the history the teams share. India are terribly short of Test-match practice, having played only three this year, and all before the first week of April. Sri Lanka have played eight this year, the most recent in September.Perhaps, ever so slightly, the pressure has been turned up on India because of all the focus on Tendulkar. Losing at home to Sri Lanka would not only be a huge blow for their morale, it would be a major setback to their goal of becoming the best side in the world.

Form guide (last 5 Tests, most recent last)

India DDWDW
Sri Lanka WWDWW

Watch out for

Kumar Sangakarra: The Sri Lankan captain has said his team is “under no pressure” to scratch India off the list of countries (South Africa and Australia are the others) where they have never won a Test. To help ensure that, he’s going to have to lead extremely well and score heavily. Captaining a superb fielding unit and a bunch of bowlers skilled in home conditions is one thing, but doing so in a country that has daunted Sri Lanka since their Test initiation is something else. His own batting average of 24.80 from three Tests played in India will also desperately need some correcting.
After nearly nine years on the international circuit, you sense that the time has arrived for Yuvraj Singh to stamp himself in Test cricket. Sourav Ganguly’s retirement has given him a massive chance to establish himself No. 6 as India prepares itself for life beyond Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Whether or not he will be able to hack it is something to watch, for his temperament and technique have been exposed on occasion by quality fast bowlers and spinners. His limited-overs form has been decent, and for once Yuvraj can look forward to a full three-Test series at home to expand his credentials. Whether he’s looking forward to playing three top-class spinners – lesser bowlers like Brad Hogg have made him look like a novice – is another matter.Thilan Samaraweera has had a year to remember, as 1083 runs in Tests attest; he’s the highest run-getter this year. While his new avatar has seen him turn into a run-machine at home, Samaraweera’s record in India is one he will be desperate to improve on. In three Tests here, he has scored 42 runs at 10.50, with 35 coming in one unbeaten innings.Zaheer Khan has recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained during the ICC World Twenty20 which ruled him out of all of India’s series since. He featured in Twenty20 matches during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament and a Ranji Trophy fixture, but it remains to be seen how he shapes up over five days. He has been India’s best fast bowler for some time and they need him to be back at his best.

Team news

Zaheer returns after a long lay-off to take the new ball, and that means it’s a tussle between Ishant Sharma and the returning Sreesanth for the second fast bowler’s spot. Ishant should win purely based on the fact that he’s played way more international cricket than Sreesanth, whose last game for India was 19 months ago. The second spinner’s spot should go to Amit Mishra who, even though he’s not played for a while, bowled well in the nets. There aren’t too many left-handers in the side so it’s highly unlikely the left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha will be handed a debut.
India : (probable) 1 Gautam Gambhir, 2 Virender Sehwag, 3 Rahul Dravid, 4 Sachin Tendulkar, 5 VVS Laxman, 6 Yuvraj Singh, 7 MS Dhoni (capt/wk), 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Zaheer Khan, 10 Ishant Sharma, 11 Amit Mishra.Sangakkara has confirmed that one of Prasanna Jayawardene and Kaushal Silva will keep wicket, meaning that Dilshan will play as a specialist batsman. Dilshan has been under the watchful eyes of the team physio after spraining his ankle but a final decision on his availability will be made on the morning of the Test. The toughest decision, though, will be on picking the second spinner behind Murali. Sangakkara said before the game that the decision would be made on “performers” and by that logic the choice should be the left-armer Rangana Herath.Herath has done very well in four recent home Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand, taking 23 wickets, and was picked ahead of Ajantha Mendis for the last match Sri Lanka played. Mendis hasn’t been the same since his outstanding debut series against India last summer, but mere thoughts of his mesmeric bowling then will put him in the reckoning. The allrounder Mathews is back in the side and will slot in at No. 6.Sri Lanka: (probable) 1 Tharanga Paranavitana, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt & wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Thilan Samaraweera, 6 Angelo Mathews, 7 Prasanna Jayawardene/Kaushal Silva (wk), 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Thilan Thushara, 10 Muttiah Muralitharan, 11 Rangana Herath/Ajantha Mendis.

Pitch and conditions

The last time India played a Test in Ahmedabad, they were bowled out for 77 on the opening morning on a green top that came under widespread criticism, not least from then captain Anil Kumble. This time, however, the track looks rather flat and neither side need worry about the ball zipping around like its Headingley. MS Dhoni termed it “a bit sticky in the sense that last evening they had watered it” but was certain it would dry up and be “perfect” track to bat on initially. The weather on the eve of the Test was sweltering.

Stats and Trivia

• Murali has taken 31 wickets in eight Tests in India at a relatively disappointing average of 39.58. The top five batsmen constitute 15 of his wickets, but at a heavy price – Murali averages 64.56 for each of those breakthroughs. He’s been far more successful against the lower order; for batsmen from No.6 to 11, Murali has taken 16 wickets at 17.58.
• Virender Sehwag averages 50.00 in five Tests against Sri Lanka, and just 18.66 in two games against the same team at home. 251 of his 400 runs against Sri Lanka came in one Test.
• India beat Sri Lanka by 259 runs the last these teams played here, with spin accounting for 28 of the 39 wickets to fall.
• Sri Lankan bowlers have taken 143 wickets in India overall, at 47.87. Pace bowlers have grabbed 65 of those, at 49.47. Chaminda Vaas, who has the most wickets among the fast bowlers, has taken 11 of those at 41.27. Sri Lankan spinners have fared only marginally better, taking 75 wickets at 46.81.
• Sri Lanka’s Test record in India reads – 14 played, 0 won, 8 lost and 6 drawn.

Quotes

“Indian team and pressure go hand in glove. I have not played a series where it was said that we were not under pressure. That’s nothing new. We play the best side in the world, we are under pressure. We play the lowest ranked side in the ratings, then also we are under pressure.”

“I have played enough cricket over the years. This could be my last tour overseas. Sri Lanka has not won a Test series in India, so it would be great if my team won the series this time.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Sem vencer há quatro partidas (três empates e uma derrota), o Flamengo vive um momento ruim e também decepcionante. O Rubro-Negro conta com um alto investimento no futebol, mas faz uma campanha muito modesta no Campeonato Brasileiro, ocupando apenas a sétima colocação. Para explicar a situação, os jogadores e o técnico Reinaldo Rueda vêm adotando um discurso parecido, dizendo que é preciso caprichar mais nos momentos decisivos, em finalizações e também em passes.

-Acho que estamos até criando jogadas, mas estamos nos precipitando no último passe e na finalização, escolhendo a jogada errada. Temos que melhorar isso. É preciso também ter mais capricho para sair na frente do placar, só estamos saindo atrás – disse o meia Everton Ribeiro ao SporTV.

O capitão e zagueiro Réver pensa de maneira semelhante ao companheiro. Ele admite que a falta de vitórias incomoda muito.

-Na verdade, sabemos que time grande não pode ficar nesta série de jogos sem vencer. Estamos pagando caro por isso, nesta situação de não estar vencendo. O torcedor compareceu, apoiou do início ao fim, tentamos fazer da melhor maneira, mas, infelizmente, acabamos pecando um pouco no último passe, na melhor escolha de colocar o companheiro na cara do gol. Agora, é pensar no próximo jogo para buscar a vitória – disse o zagueiro rubro-negro.

O próximo compromisso do Flamengo, ao qual Réver se refere, será contra a Chapecoense, na cada do adversário, no próximo domingo, em Santa Catarina.

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GRUPO E TÉCNICO ACEITAM CRÍTICAS DA TORCIDA

Ao fim do clássico contra o Fluminense, no Maracanã, a torcida do Flamengo demonstrou insatisfação. Os rubro-negros cantaram ‘time sem vergonha’ enquanto os atletas deixavam o gramado. Evitando problemas ainda maiores, os jogadores aceitaram as críticas.

-A torcida não está errada. Tem todo o direito de cobrar. Também estamos decepcionados pelo momento que estamos vivendo. Vamos correr ainda mais para poder reverter essa situação – disse Everton Ribeiro.

O técnico Reinaldo Rueda foi ainda mais enfático ao falar sobre as críticas vindas da arquibancada.

-Eles têm toda razão (em protestar). Eles querem que o time ganhe. Tomamos um gol contra, coisa imponderável no futebol, mas tivemos coragem e reação. Pelo resultado, eles têm razão em protestar, mas pela entrega, não. Mas essa é a exigência do Flamengo, o sentimento, a paixão, eles estão com todo direito – analisou o treinador.

Bangladesh Under-19 coasted to yet another win over a winless England, thereby clinching the seven-match series 4-0

Cricinfo staff29-Oct-2009
ScorecardBangladesh Under-19 coasted to yet another win over a winless England, thereby clinching the seven-match series 4-0. Set a target of 153 in the fourth match in Fatullah, Bangladesh were helped home by the opener Saikat Ali’s 46 and an unbeaten 50 from Tasamul Haque.England’s innings was a disappointing one because they failed to bat out their stipulated overs. Apart from Joe Root’s 54 from 119 balls, batting at No.3, and a brisk 41 from Danny Briggs down the order there was little to speak of for the visitors. Shaker Ahmed did the most damage with 3 for 26 in the middle order, strikes that crippled England’s line-up.In reply, despite two early wickets, Saikat and Tasamul steadied the chase. Bangladesh’s middle order also suffered a bit of a wobble after Saikat’s dismissal but Tasamul finished the chase comfortably.England Under-19 coach Mick Newell conceded his side had been “outplayed” on their unsuccessful tour of Bangladesh, but he believed there would be a collective benefit ahead of the World Cup scheduled in New Zealand from January 15-30. “We played pretty good cricket in the Test and we were disappointed to lose that game on the last day when we deserved better,” he told . “It’s a huge learning curve for all of us. Cricket over here is very different – the pitches are quite slow and they turn a lot.”We have been facing 35 overs of spin in the 50-over matches and starting well against the quicker bowlers, but as soon as the spin bowlers come on we have had a problem knocking the ball around. That builds pressure which has led to mistakes being made.”There are positives to take from this tour and I would single out the likes of Joe Root, Danny Briggs and Nathan Buck as people who have stood out so far for me.”

Match facts

Friday August 7, 2009
Start time 14.30 (09.00 GMT)Pakistan’s seniors have flopped in the ODI series•AFP

Big Picture

A series of lopsided fortunes is dead in terms of a contest. So what to do the teams play for?For Pakistan there is only pride to play for, a position which is becoming all-too-familiar for this team in recent times. In their previous ODI series, against Australia in the UAE, Pakistan managed a face-saving win in the dead match. Given their current predicament and lack of one-day direction, they cannot waste any opportunity to find some form.Just before the start of the ODI series there was talk of ‘undesirable elements’ lurking in the team hotel along with reports of factionalism and rifts in the team. The seniors players have consistently underperformed, adding to the pressure on captain Younis Khan. Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah-ul-Haq were dropped after the first ODI, and Shoaib Malik has been a non-starter with scores of 9, 0 and 12.Each defeat has been followed by talk of the need to ‘execute plans’ and Younis rejecting claims of ‘groupism’. These have almost become buzzwords for a side struggling to win all tour. Instead of offering excuses and denying rumours, what Pakistan need to do is get back to the basics: bowl straight, field sharply and not throw away wickets. At the Premadasa they have to forget what has gone before and start again.On the flip side, Sri Lanka can use the two games – and later the one-off Twenty20 – as a celebration of their most successful home series against Pakistan. Kumar Sangakkara’s appointment as captain worked instant wonders for the team – they won the Tests and now three ODIs on the trot, their first home series wins over Pakistan. The last two games offer the chance to test their bench strength while aiming to avoid complacency as they chase a clean sweep and keep up the momentum ahead of New Zealand’s arrival.

Form guide

(last five matches, most recent first)Sri Lanka – WWWWL
Pakistan – LLLWL

Watch out for…

Upul Tharanga: His 96-ball 76 helped Sri Lanka get off to an outstanding start during their chase of what appeared a stiff 289 in the third game. Once dogged by indifferent shot selection and a tendency to throw it away before settling in, Tharanga displayed maturity in the last game and relied purely on timing and placement than power. With Sanath Jayasuriya’s impending retirement Sri Lanka need solidity at the top and this series may prove a welcome return for Tharanga.Kamran Akmal: He’s made 78 in three innings in the series so far, and if his performance does not improve you can be assured Kamran’s choir of detractors will chirp up. He did splendidly with bat and glove during Pakistan’s victorious ICC World Twenty20 campaign and now, with the series lost, Kamran could do with a big innings under his belt.

Team news

Reports from Colombo say that Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq will take no further part in the series. Gul is suffering from an ankle injury and Razzaq is down with a calf injury. If they are indeed missing then Pakistan have no option but to recall Yousuf and hand Rao Iftikhar Anjum a game. As for the opening conundrum, Imran Nazir should get a run in the XI. After identical dismissals in consecutive games, steering catches to the slip cordon, Nasir Jamshed has to go.Pakistan: (likely) 1 Kamran Akmal (wk), 2 Imran Nazir, 3 Younis Khan (capt), 4 Mohammad Yousuf, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Fawad Alam, 9 Naved-ul-Hasan, 10 Mohammad Aamer, 11 Rao Iftikhar Anjum.With the series won, Sri Lanka have the luxury of resting a few players if they choose to. Muttiah Muralitharan may make way for Ajantha Mendis or Malinga Bandara.Sri Lanka: (likely) 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Mahela Jayawardene, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), 4 Thilan Samaraweera, 5 Chamara Kapugedera, 6 Thilina Kandamby, 7 Angelo Mathews, 8 Thilan Thushara, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Dilhara Fernando, 11 Muttiah Muralitharan/Ajantha Mendis.

Weather and conditions

The weather in Colombo at the moment is fairly wet and overcast with only periods of sunshine. Scattered thunderstorms are predicted for Friday and Sri Lanka’s chances of victory are greater in a low-scoring contest – their batsmen are more adept at nudging difficult runs and the conditions could aid their fast bowlers. Friday’s match is the first day-night affair of the series and the side winning the toss should opt to bat and post a competitive total, hoping their bowlers will have use the conditions under floodlights to put the opposition under pressure.

Quotes

“We are to blame for this situation because we just didn’t play well.”

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has delivered some insight into some of the problems facing the new Newcastle United owners amid their search for a new manager.

What’s the story?

Responding to a few fan questions for The Athletic, he said: “You’re right, the league position makes it a lot more difficult, unfortunately, as does the state of the defence. I do think Fonseca would be very intriguing, but defensively there has to be a concern. As you rightly say, getting the appointment above the head coach in place is vital, too – although they don’t just want to rush into that and they need to get that one right.

“I genuinely don’t know which way they’ll go yet, but Fonseca has had a few conversations now. The fact Newcastle are in the relegation zone really does make this far more complicated. It perhaps adds further doubts towards moving for certain managers because they have no track record of saving a club from this position.”

Difficult dilemma for Newcastle

While the Magpies can call themselves the richest club in the world following their new takeover, one thing it doesn’t change is the fact they are currently in the midst of the bottom three in the Premier League and in a genuine battle to stay up.

As Waugh says, the question is now whether the Tyneside club approach a manager who they feel confident of rebuilding the club in its current state and simply steadying the ship before passing on the baton in a couple of years, or whether they go for more of a gamble.

Fonseca, despite his managerial experience with the likes of AS Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk, has yet to cut his teeth in the Premier League, and appointing him mid-season with the team the way it is, would have its risks. He, like fellow target Antonio Conte, are used to competing at the top end of leagues, rather than towards the relegation zone.

So while all these new links to trophy-winning managers are exciting to say the least, there’s surely a worry among supporters about getting this new manager appointment wrong.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has delivered an update on Newcastle United manager target Paulo Fonseca…