The March international break has arrived and Tottenham Hotspur might welcome the opportunity to recalibrate after slumping to a 3-0 Premier League defeat against Fulham last weekend.

The disparity in performance from the week before, thumping top four rivals Aston Villa 4-0 in their own backyard, couldn't have been more stark, though Ange Postecoglou will take solace from the fact that his system has lifted the London club from the rubble of the 2022/23 campaign.

Spurs finished eighth last year, missing out on European football resultingly and confirming Harry Kane's expected sale, with the club record scorer now plying his trade in Germany with Bayern Munich.

A new talisman is still needed, and Daniel Levy might have received an exciting boost in the race for a Premier League star.

Spurs' summer transfer targets

According to a recent report from The Sun, Tottenham have indeed been handed some pleasing news in their pursuit of a centre-forward, with Arsenal cooling their interest in Brentford's Ivan Toney.

Spurs, Chelsea and West Ham United are both keen on signing the England international but Postecoglou's fifth-placed side are in the best position to clinch Champions League football and will hope that this sways the odds.

Brentford are resigned to Toney's departure this summer but are hoping to entertain bids between £80m and £100m, and while this is a staggering fee, Tottenham would secure a first-rate star to lead from the front next season, taking the squad's calibre to the next level.

Why Spurs are interested in Ivan Toney

Toney has always been candid about his desire to leave Brentford and join a club competing in the Champions League; some might say disrespectfully so, but at 28 years old it's clear that the marksman is desperate to progress his career.

And it's hard to argue against his prolificness, having returned from an eight-month suspension in January for breaching FA betting rules and bagged four goals from his opening five Premier League matches, albeit riding a five-match barren streak at present.

As per Sofascore, he has complemented that goalscoring return with 0.8 key passes, 1.2 tackles, 3.5 ball recoveries and 7.7 successful duels per match, highlighting his combative nature and willingness to get stuck in and contribute outside his primary role of goalscorer.

He also ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for interceptions, the top 10% for clearances and the top 16% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref, showcasing his defensive workrate.

Toney might have spent much of the current campaign suspended but he has proven himself and then some across recent years, with his exploits last season simply mesmerising, plundering 20 goals and four assists from just 33 Premier League fixtures, leading writer Billy Grant to describe him as a "monster."

To emphasise his dynamism and multi-functionality as the attacking focal point, Kane was the only centre-forward to create more big chances in the Premier League last season, with Toney's Three Lions' teammate Declan Rice actually remarking that he is "like Harry Kane" in his rounded approach to his attacking play.

Sure, Richarlison has been in fine form this season, scoring nine goals from ten top-flight fixtures before injuring his knee last month, and yes, Heung-min Son is one of the finest finishers in the Premier League, but that natural, out-and-out striker is a role in need of filling, especially with European competition on the cards once again.

Son's a bit of a sensation wherever he is unleashed, but given his playmaking quality and intelligence in guiding Spurs' offensive sequences, the skipper would relish a player such as Toney joining the fold.

Imagine Ivan Toney & Heung-min Son

After Kane left for a new chapter in August, Son was promoted to club captain, with declining veteran Hugo Lloris stepping away from his role as he left the starting lineup, and the South Korean star has repaid the faith with some monstrous efforts, scoring 14 goals and supplying eight assists in the Premier League.

As per FBref, the 31-year-old ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 14% for assists per 90 and the top 11% for pass completion, highlighting his top-class technicality and a deadliness in the final third that has left Postecoglou marvelling at his "world-class player."

Son alongside Toney would simply be a match made for success in the Premier League, with both players energetic and tenacious and eager to score goals and supply them.

Kane and Son are regarded for having one of the Premier League's most frightening modern partnerships and indeed hold the record for the most goal contributions in the modern division's history with 47 – some 11 contributions ahead of second-placed Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.

Given Toney's versatility in his attacking play and likeness to Kane, Spurs would only take their fluency and fear factor to another height entirely.

Moreover, Postecoglou's tactical set-up is hardly averse to attacking football, with the free-flowing, interchangeable system breeding success from an offensive standpoint, with Son joined by the likes of Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Brennan Johnson in thriving in this regard.

Toney might be playing for a Brentford side that teeters precipitously above the dotted line, helped by points deductions to Everton and Nottingham Forest, but he's returned with a bang in 2024 and has demonstrated the brilliance that should prompt Tottenham to make their move.

With the £20k-per-week phenomenon leading the line under Postecoglou next term, the Lilywhites might just find the illustrious success they so dearly crave, especially with Son working seamlessly alongside him.

South Africa allrounder announces impending retirement from all forms of international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2019Vernon Philander, the South Africa allrounder, has announced his impending retirement from international cricket. The upcoming Test series against England will be his final outing for his country, bringing to a close a career that began in 2007.Philander, 34, has taken more than 200 wickets in his 60 Tests to date, putting him seventh on the all-time list for South Africa. However, he has increasingly had to battle injury, making only six appearances in the last 18 months. He played in 40 ODIs, most recently at the 2015 World Cup, and also featured at the inaugural World T20 in 2007.”It’s been coming on for a while, you get to the stage in your career when you’ve got to make a decision,” Philander said. “I’ve had a wonderful career but I’m moving into the darker area for fast bowlers, 35 next year, so I think it’s an appropriate time to call it a day in international cricket.”Personally I’ve done what I wanted to, trying to play Test cricket and get the team into some great positions. I’ve been part of the No. 1 team for a couple of years and that was always part of the aim. Leaving the set-up now, you want to finish on a high and make sure the team is on the graph back up again. We’ve got a young team at the moment so I’d like to play my part in seeing that I leave the team in a good state and also making sure that I pass most of my knowledge on to the younger players in the set-up.”A bustling seam-and-swing bowler, Philander made a dazzling start to his Test career after debuting at the age of 26, claiming nine five-fors in his first 15 Tests and reaching the 100-wicket mark in just his 19th appearance. He claimed his best Test figures last year, taking 6 for 21 against Australia. However, his fitness levels have been questioned, including by former captain Graeme Smith, recently installed as South Africa’s new director of cricket.Philander was injured four times in his first 10 Test series, but played on Smith’s insistence against Australia in a must-win game in 2014. The next year, on tour in India, he suffered his most significant setback when he hurt his left ankle in the football warm-ups before the Bangalore Test. He did not play the rest of that series, which South Africa lost 3-0, or the 2-1 home defeat against England which followed, and was only in action again nine months later.Philander featured in 14 consecutive Tests after that, but on the 2017 tour of England his problems seemed to resurface. He took ill during the third Test and was hospitalised overnight but was passed fit for the series-deciding fourth Test before back spasms ruled him out. It was then that Smith’s criticism was at its strongest. South Africa lost the match and the series and coach Russell Domingo lost his job, being replaced by Ottis Gibson.Gibson’s first assignment was against Bangladesh, a series Philander sat out as he continued to recover from his back problem. He went on to play in the other eight Tests South Africa hosted in the 2017-18 summer, thereby meeting Gibson’s challenge to stay fit for the rest of the season. But his good run did not last and in February, he was ruled out of a crucial Test against Sri Lanka at home. Sri Lanka became the first team from the subcontinent to win a series in South Africa, who have now lost their last five successive Tests.Philander hopes to bow out on a winning note, however, with the four-Test series against England beginning at Centurion on Boxing Day. He is the senior member of the bowling attack, which has lost the services of Steyn, Morkel, Duanne Olivier and Kyle Abbott over recent years.”We’ve got a good opportunity playing at home against England,” he said. “It would be a fitting farewell, beating England in South Africa. They’re one of the top-four international sides at the moment and would definitely be a fitting send-off if we can beat them.”The series concludes in Johannesburg at the end of January, and Philander said he would take some time off to decide on his next move but indicated that he saw a future for himself in a developmental role. “I’ll still be involved in the game somehow,” he said. “There’s a massive part for us still to be played in South African cricket, because of development, young and upcoming players need guidance. I see myself playing a massive role in that.”

Mason Greenwood has been hit with a “mercenaries” jibe, as Lazio reveal that they had a £22m ($28m) offer in for the ex-Manchester United forward.

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Enjoyed loan spell at Getafe in 2023-24Linked with clubs across EuropeSecured permanent move to FranceWHAT HAPPENED?

After seeing allegations of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour dropped in February 2023, Greenwood was cleared to resume his professional career. A loan move to La Liga outfit Getafe was sanctioned, with the 22-year-old impressing in Spain.

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The one-cap England international attracted interest from across Europe, with Lazio one of several sides in the race for his signature. Greenwood ended up completing a £27 million ($34m) transfer to Marseille, with a fresh start being embraced in France.

WHAT LAZIO DIRECTOR SAID

Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani considers his club to have enjoyed a lucky escape, telling of failing to meet the demands of a player that is still rebuilding his reputation: “We wanted Greenwood last year, then there was a hitch with the player – you all know what Greenwood’s problem was. An agent this year approached us with the idea of Greenwood moving to Italy. We gave him a deadline, from there an auction was unleashed and I thought I could go up to a certain limit.

“We offered £22m for 50 per cent of the player, we’re talking about €26m. He preferred to take another path and I say that the best deals are those that aren’t made. I want [Nicolo] Rovella, [Mattia] Zaccagni, players who love the environment where they work. I don’t want these mercenaries, it’s lucky not to make certain deals. I could sell myself for €50,000 more but I have values that my parents passed on to me. If he’s taken another path, we wish Greenwood the best of luck.”

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Greenwood, who won Getafe’s Player of the Year award last season, netted his first goal for Marseille in a friendly date with Pau FC. He is now working on a long-term contract through to 2029, with United including a sell-on clause in the deal that took him to Ligue 1.

Whilst promotion is far from a sealed deal just yet, with just one point separating three sides at the top, Leeds United have at least got the ball rolling when it comes to their plan of action should they make their Premier League return, which could involve the arrival of a player who knows all about the big stage.

Leeds transfer news

The Whites will first hope to keep hold of key players this summer, before ensuring that Daniel Farke has the squad needed to ensure Premier League survival, should they secure promotion this season of course.

49ers in "very tough" negotiation to sell Leeds player in permanent deal

He only arrived at Elland Road last season.

ByTom Coates Mar 19, 2024

With that said, reports have already name-dropped the likes of Joe Rodon, who has enjoyed an incredibly successful loan spell at Elland Road this season. On paper and on the pitch, a permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur makes perfect sense this summer. According to reports, meanwhile, Leeds are plotting a move to sign Sean Longstaff if they earn Championship promotion this season.

The Newcastle United midfielder has been one of the most consistent features of Eddie Howe's side but has now attracted the interest of Leeds and the 49ers, who reportedly want to secure what would be a deal worth around £15m this summer.

Reacting to the news, Carlton Palmer was full of praise for Longstaff. Palmer told Football League World: "He’s only got a year left on his contract, so this would be a very, very good signing. The 26-year-old has played 135 Premier League games, and he would be a good addition for Leeds United.

“It has been reported that Newcastle would want a fee of around £15m and that would fall into Leeds’ budget. This is what you’ve got to do, and Daniel Farke is doing exactly what a manager should be doing now.

"I think Leeds have a great chance of going up, so you have to be looking at players. You don’t want to be doing business late, you want to get the players in because it’s already tough enough for Championship clubs to remain in the Premier League when they get promoted.

“This would be a terrific signing for Leeds, a really strong signing for the football club. It’s one thing getting to the Premier League, but it’s another thing staying there.”

"Terrific" Longstaff would make survival difference

A player who's enjoyed the joys of qualifying for the Champions League and the pain of relegation battles, Longstaff is an ideal option to turn to for any club on their way to the Premier League.

At 26-years-old, this is also a player in his prime, rather than a youngster still seeking experience. He is someone who the likes of Archie Gray can learn even more from and potentially even partner in midfield- Gray's natural role.

What's more, for just £15m, Leeds would be getting themselves a bargain. There are not many other players on the market who have played Champions League football and regular Premier League football worth just £15m, making Longstaff a must-buy this summer. When the window opens, Leeds would be wise to make their move if they earn promotion this season.

In the last WBBL, Duffin scored 544 runs for the Melbourne Renegades

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Dec-2019

Jess Duffin, the senior Australia cricketer, will become the first elite women’s player to be covered under Cricket Australia’s new policy on parental leave after announcing news of her pregnancy to the cricket board.The update also means that Duffin will not be in contention for a spot in the Australia team for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, starting February 2020.Although 30-year-old Duffin last represented Australia in 2015, she was named captain of the team of the season at the last WBBL after scoring 544 runs at an average of 68 for the Melbourne Renegades, making her a serious contender for a spot at the World Cup. Earlier this month, she had also turned down the opportunity to represent Australia A in their upcoming tour. “I found out when I was about four weeks (pregnant),” Duffin told . “I was pregnant through the whole Big Bash. When those conversations came up [in the media about Australia selection], I thought, ‘well everyone is going to laugh when they find out’. Cricket Australia were obviously stoked, and were like ‘we know now why you didn’t play the Australia A stuff’.”Under Cricket Australia’s new policy – developed in conjunction with the players’ association – Duffin will get a 12-month paid parental leave and have a confirmed contract for the next summer. Until she gives birth – in July 2020 – Duffin will also be able to take up non-playing roles within Cricket Australia’s system, and is eligible to return to playing whenever she is ready. Duffin is a double-sport athlete who also represents North Melbourne in the AFLW.

An Arsenal fan based in the United States broke down in tears after English defender Ben White signed his Gunners shirt.

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• Arsenal fan broke down in tears
• Meet his heroes in Philadelphia
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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ardent fan caught up with the Arsenal players after their training session in Philadelphia as he got several Gunners stars, including new signing Riccardo Calafiori, Jorginho and Gabriel, to sign his jersey. However, when Ben White put his initials on the shirt, the fan could not control his emotions as he broke down in tears of joy.

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• WHAT THE FAN SAID ABOUT HIS REACTION

  The fan named Steve later shared some photographs of his meeting with the Arsenal players on X, as he wrote, "Hey, that’s me. Meeting so much of the squad yesterday was a dream come true. And yes I cried, sorry I love this club and couldn’t believe all the players I watch on a daily basis were right in front of me in my own city."

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  After being held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth in their first pre-season friendly, Mikel Arteta's side came back strongly to beat rivals Manchester United 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Rasmus Hojlund handed United an early lead, however, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli made sure that their club registered their maiden win in the US.

Glasgow Rangers saw their clash against Dundee in midweek postponed yet again, which gives the players a few extra recovery days.

Following the 3-3 draw against Celtic last weekend, the Gers now travel to Ross County on Sunday in a bid to secure three points in the Scottish Premiership.

They could trail the Parkhead side by four points going into the game, but their league title destiny is still within their own hands. If the Light Blues win all seven of their remaining matches, a first Premiership title since 2021 will be won.

Philippe Clement is now starting to get some of his key players back fighting fit ahead of the title climax, which could give the club a major boost.

Rangers team news vs Ross County

With the Dundee clash rearranged for next Wednesday, Clement spoke to the media ahead of the County game on Sunday, giving an update on the squad, saying:

“Diomande had an operation on his thumb after a contact in the Old Firm match, he will be missing this weekend.

“It's not a long-term one.”

It looks as though there are no further injuries and that Clement has a solid squad to pick his starting XI from.

The Belgian manager used his substitutes well against Celtic last weekend and this could see Rabbi Matondo unleashed in the starting lineup, as he seemingly deserves it.

Rabbi Matondo has shone in spells for Rangers this season

His debut campaign in Scotland ended with zero goals and just five assists across 28 matches in all competitions, hardly numbers that set Ibrox alight.

It looked as though Michael Beale was going to move on Matondo last summer, yet he knuckled down and enjoyed a solid pre-season which began to reap the rewards early on in the current campaign.

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3

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4

1.2

He scored his first goal for the club against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League qualifier first leg clash, before chipping in with two assists and a goal in the Premiership before suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out for the next 11 games.

By the time he recovered, Clement was the new man in charge, but the Welsh winger has managed to impress him in recent months.

Since the start of February, he has scored four times in the top flight, including wonderful efforts against both Hibs and Celtic in recent weeks, proving himself to be quite the impact player of late.

He came on for Fabio Silva with just 20 minutes remaining and caused the Celtic backline some problems as the match drew to a close.

With the Light Blues trailing 3-2 and their title hopes up in flames, Matondo received the ball on the left flank and cut inside to his right foot, unleashing a stunning curling effort that nestled into the back of the Celtic net, rescuing a point in the process.

There is no doubt the winger deserves a chance on the left wing from the very first whistle on Sunday, the question is, will Ridvan Yimaz be able to start at left-back in order to provide him with some support going forward?

Ridvan Yilmaz has missed the last few matches due to injury

The £12k-per-week defender suffered an injury whilst on international duty for Turkey during the recent break and has missed every Rangers match since, including the 3-3 draw with Celtic.

In his place, Dujon Sterling began the game at left-back, but having the Turkish international back in the starting XI will give Clement a major boost.

With Borna Barisic close to leaving the Gers following the expiration of his contract at the end of the season, Yilmaz has established himself as the number one choice on the left side of the defence.

Ridvan Yilmaz’s statistics this season for Rangers

An injury-hit debut campaign saw the 22-year-old make just 15 appearances for the Glasgow side in all competitions.

It was beginning to look like he was struggling to settle in Scotland, but after netting his first ever goal for the club during a League Cup tie against Livingston, he began to make more appearances.

It wasn’t until the start of 2024 that he really began to showcase his true talents to Clement, displacing Barisic at left-back and emerging as one of the most consistent performers in the team.

Since the turn of the year, he started seven league matches prior to suffering his injury, displaying some excellent attacking statistics.

Indeed, across 22 top flight games this term, Yilmaz has created six big chances, averaging 1.7 key passes per game while succeeding with 1.3 dribbles per game – a success rate of 64% – as the defender regularly bombs up and down the left flank, adding an extra threat.

The previous few months have convinced Clement that Yilmaz is the undisputed choice on the left side of the defence and his future could certainly be bright if he remains injury free.

The 50-year-old was also quick to praise the youngster, saying: "He has made a really big evolution – Ridvan is a fighter and we need fighters…"

This fighting quality has transformed him from an unassuming talent to a regular in the starting XI, proving that the Belgian can identify a talented player and get them performing at their best.

Against Ross County, he could unleash both Yilmaz and Matondo on the left flank in order to terrorise the opposition defence, as both players have shown plenty of attacking vigour throughout the season.

This is why the boss must finally unleash the Turkish international, who has not featured since the 14th of March, from the start on Sunday.

All that matters in the Highlands on Sunday is a win and three points, which would allow the Gers to keep up the pressure on Celtic, who will likely have stretched their lead at the top of the table to four points.

Having some important players back fit and raring to go could make all the difference, with Yilmaz and Abdallah Sima beginning to shrug off their injury problems of late.

The title race could go right down the wire this season, suggesting every single player must be at their best across the final seven games of the season in order to help the Gers claim their 56th league crown.

Adam Voges had no idea what day it was.The Perth Scorchers coach knew he was in Perth. It was Wednesday, a game day against the Melbourne Stars. But just one game in the midst of a brutal travel and playing schedule.The Scorchers are in the middle of five games in 10 days, including two return trips across the country to Hobart and Melbourne, having already made two of longest trips in the BBL, to the Gold Coast and Geelong, in the first seven days of the new year with a home game in between.Perth is the furthest outpost in the BBL, a three-hour flight from their nearest rivals Adelaide, and they do not play consecutive games either at home or on the road until the final week of the season.After a three-game winning streak, the heavy defeat against the Melbourne Stars should come as no surprise. The Stars flew to Perth on Monday two days out from the match, on the same day the Scorchers beat the Hobart Hurricanes in Hobart. The Scorchers then endured a four-hour flight delay in Melbourne prior to the second flight on their trip home on Tuesday ahead of the game on Wednesday. The Scorchers then have to front up again at the airport on Friday to travel to play the Stars in Melbourne on Saturday before flying home to host the Sydney Thunder on Monday.ALSO READ: Stars romp home after swatting aside feeble ScorchersVoges said the playing group have just endured as best they can. “Winning helps,” he told ESPNcricinfo ahead of the Wednesday’s game against the Stars. “The boys have been playing some really good cricket which I think has taken away a little bit of the schedule. We spoke about it at the start of the tournament that particularly this period was going to be tough. We tried to plan as best we could around recovery and the flights and that sort of stuff just to make sure it was as smooth as possible.”We couldn’t, unfortunately, plan for flight delays. The guys to their credit have been brilliant, they’ve just got on with it even though we got stuck a bit yesterday but they just got on with it really well. It’s been difficult. We’re tired no doubt, but the boys have been excellent.”The Scorchers have been reluctant to be critical of the schedule, as difficult as it has been. Requests for particular home fixtures in Perth, such as Boxing Day against the Sydney Sixers, as well as the new condensed season has played its part. They knew of their predicament well in advance and planned accordingly.”We’ve got massages after most flights,” Voges said. “We give the boys game days, that’s theirs. If they want to sleep all day before the game that’s really up to them. We try and get out for a walk and a stretch after every flight and have massages for the boys and we just focus really heavily on recovery after games particularly in this heavy period.”It builds resilience as much as anything. The confidence that comes with some good performances, there’s no doubt that that’s certainly helping. It’s a credit to all the players and all the staff who have spent a lot of time trying to get this right. We had three staff members at the airport yesterday with a van ready to take the kits to Perth Stadium just to make sure it’s all ready for them when they rock up today. Just the little things like that we’ve done really well. But the resilience in the group to get up and perform the way we have has been great.”There has been no chance to train during this stretch, something that the coach thinks might be helping.”Maybe that’s a blessing in one way,” Voges said. “We’ve literally just had to prepare ourselves to get up for 40 overs. We have a day off tomorrow and that will be a full day off before we jump on the plane again. Time to get some skill work hasn’t really happened. The boys have a bit of a hit before each game. I guess their mental approach has been really important in getting themselves up for each game.”But the travel has taken its toll on a group already hit hard by injuries and absences. Ashton Turner and Ashton Agar are both away with the Australian ODI squad, while Jason Behrendorff and AJ Tye have been unavailable all year through injury. Sam Whiteman was withdrawn prior to Wednesday’s clash after his second child was born much earlier than expected. Kurtis Patterson’s ongoing quad issues meant Perth had to call up Jaron Morgan from grade cricket to make his BBL debut against the Stars.After the mass exodus of title-winning players like Michael Klinger, Shaun Marsh, and Nathan Coulter-Nile, few gave the Scorchers much chance of being competitive this season yet they still sit third on the table.”I think the guys are buying into the game plan which has been really great to see,” Voges said. “The guys at the top, they know that they’ve got a bit of freedom to take the game on and I think Josh Inglis has played exceptionally well.”I think the partnership that he’s developed with Liam Livingstone has been a really important one. They haven’t always got us off to flyers but they’ve contributed in their own way. I think Mitch Marsh has been outstanding as captain and a leader.”Just seeing the things that we’re talking about being implemented out on the field has probably been the most pleasing part.”

Aston Villa suffered a poor 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in midweek which could derail the momentum they were building following the international break.

Despite trailing just 2-1 heading into the interval, Phil Foden scored twice more during the second half to condemn Villa to their eighth league defeat of the campaign.

With seven games left, they hold a two-point advantage over Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place, albeit Spurs have a game in hand.

The Midlands side takes on Brentford this afternoon and Unai Emery will likely rejig his starting lineup, dropping a midfielder who was poor against City.

Tim Iroegbunam’s game in numbers vs Man City

The youngster was given his first Premier League start of the season against the champions yet failed to really showcase his talent during the match.

The midfielder was deployed alongside Douglas Luiz in the heart of the midfield but completed just 12 passes during his time on the pitch, managing to take only 28 touches of the ball too, as he failed to really get involved.

Iroegbunam also won four of his ten ground duels contested, lost possession six times and succeeded with just one of his three dribble attempts, while being dribbled past on two occasions.

Accurate passes

12/14

Touches

28

Ground duels won

4/10

Tackles made

3

Possession lost

6

The midfielder was utilised due to John McGinn serving the last match of his three-game suspension, but with that ending, the Scot is in pole position to reclaim his position in the starting XI.

Iroegbunam will learn from this experience, but with much at stake over the coming weeks, unleashing McGinn against Brentford will be the most logical thing for Emery to do.

John McGinn’s season in numbers

McGinn was sent off against Spurs a few weeks ago due to a poor challenge on Destiny Udogie, subsequently receiving a three-match ban.

Prior to this, the former Hibs gem had played every single league match for the club, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists, proving to be one of Emery’s best players.

Not only that, but McGinn also ranks fifth in the squad for big chances created (9) in the top flight, along with ranking third for key passes per game (1.4), third for successful dribbles per game (1.6) and fourth for tackles per game (1.7), showing how effective he is across a range of metrics.

The £120k-per-week maestro had previously been described as a “relentless creature” by journalist Mat Kendrick during his first season at Villa Park, going from strength to strength ever since.

His availability ahead of the Brentford game will give Emery a massive boost as he aims for three points.

McGinn has shown time and time again – for both club and country – that he can make a difference when it really matters. The next seven games in the league are all must-win if Villa are to qualify for the Champions League next season.

With the Scot back in the starting XI alongside Luiz, Emery has his first-choice midfield partnership available and raring to go against the Bees this afternoon.

Chalkboard

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

Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel mimicked Jude Bellingham's iconic celebration after winning a gold medal at Paris Olympics.

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• Bellingham reacted to Belgian cyclist's celebration
• Olympic gold medalist mimicked iconic celebration
• Bellingham enjoyed an extended vacation after Euros

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Twenty-four-year-old Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel recreated Bellingham's iconic celebration of outstretched arms after winning the gold medal in the men's Road Race final at the Paris Olympics. The Real Madrid star later uploaded the cyclist's post as his Instagram story with a gold medal and a clap emoji.

  Jude Bellingham Instagram

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  Football fans have become used to seeing the English midfielder celebrate with his arms outstretched over the past season as it became quite a familiar sight at Santiago Bernabeu in the 2023/24 campaign. The player had earlier revealed that he does not recall the reason why he started celebrating his goals in that manner, although he has been performing it since his time at Birmingham City.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 21-year-old did not travel with the Los Blancos squad for their pre-season tour in the United States as he enjoyed an extended vacation after reaching the final of Euro 2024 with the Three Lions.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JUDE BELLINGHAM?

  Bellingham will be next seen in action for Carlo Ancelotti's side on August 14 as they play their first competitive match of the new season against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.