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Sialkot Stallions, 25 wins, 2006-10
Competition: National T20 CupLong before Shoaib Malik became a sought-after allrounder in T20 leagues around the world, he was a serial match-winner for his regional T20 side in Pakistan: Sialkot Stallions. Stallions’ stunning streak comprised five consecutive National T20 Cup titles, a feat unlikely to be bettered given how competitive the circuit has become in modern times. If the low-profile nature of a domestic T20 competition makes it sound like a mean feat, its superlative nature is emphasised by the fact that no other T20 side has come anywhere close in the decade since then.With a core comprising players who featured in Pakistan’s run to the inaugural World T20 final in 2007 – Malik, Imran Nazir, Mohammad Asif and Abdur Rehman – they were clinical in dispatching all comers through that five-year run. A significant part of their winning streak came under Nazir’s leadership, when they won all 13 of their games between 2006 and 2009. Stallions’ streak made them the first Pakistan side to be invited to the Champions League, in 2012, where they did not make it past the abbreviated qualifying stage. They would go on to win the 2011-12 edition under Malik, but that was the end of their golden age.Karnataka, 15 wins, 2018-19
Competition: Syed Mushtaq Ali TrophyIt is rare in any T20 competition these days for a side to go through an entire tournament without being beaten, but that’s exactly what Karnataka did in the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 competition, away from the glitz and hype of the IPL. While they are blessed with a number of players who have made the step up to India colours, it was Karnataka’s youngsters who stepped up through the tournament. The tournament’s top run-getter Rohan Kadam and their highest wicket-taker V Koushik were both stars from the local Karnataka Premier League, while big names like Mayank Agarwal, Manish Pandey and Karun Nair stepped up in big games towards the business end.The 2019-20 edition of the tournament kicked off on Friday, and there was no change in the team’s attitude – ruthless and clinical – as they ran out nine-wicket victors in Visakhapatnam. Abhimanyu Mithun and Shreyas Gopal picked up two wickets each to stop Uttarakhand at 132 for 6, and Kadam, continuing his own streak, hit 67 not out and Devdutt Padikkal, another promising youngster, hit 53 not out to seal the chase in 15.4 overs. Luck ran out against Baroda, though, as captain Kedar Devdhar’s quick half-century and left-arm quick Meriwala’s five-wicket haul trumped Karnataka.Otago, 15 wins, 2012-13
Competitions: New Zealand Domestic T20 (HRV Cup), Champions League T20Otago, led by the vastly experienced Derek de Boorder, were a cut above the rest of the teams in the six-team competition at home, starting with a 24-run loss to Northern Districts but then recording nine consecutive wins in the league stage and then topping Wellington by four wickets in the final.That took their streak to ten in a row, which they extended to 15 after reaching India later in 2013 for the Champions League T20 tournament.They started in the qualifiers. First up, Brendon McCullum hit a 65-ball 83 not out to give them victory against Faisalabad Wolves, then came a Ryan ten Doeschate starrer, as he picked up two wickets and then smashed 64 in 32 balls in a big win over Kandurata Maroons, and the other McCullum, Nathan, then led a brilliant bowling display to give Otago victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.All those games were played in Mohali, and Otago made it 14 when they beat Perth Scorchers in Jaipur in the main competition next, Neil Broom’s 117 not out in 56 balls leading their cause. It could have been tricky for them had their match against eventual champions Mumbai Indians – before the one against the Scorchers – not been washed out, but they did go on to win the one-over eliminator against Lions to get to 15 after that before going down to Rajasthan Royals.Kolkata Knight Riders, 14 wins, 2014
Competitions: Indian Premier League, Champions League T20Kolkata Knight Riders were down and out in IPL 2014 with four points after seven matches when the tournament’s most storied winning streak began. Away from their familiar home conditions at Eden Gardens till the 47th game of the tournament, thanks to the 2014 parliamentary elections, they struggled to get going, first in the UAE and then at different makeshift venues around the country. Robin Uthappa, shifted up to the top of the order, smashed his way to the top of the run chart, Morne Morkel and Umesh Yadav led the pace attack, while the spinners – Sunil Narine, Shakib Al Hasan and Piyush Chawla – starred with the ball to revive their winning formula.If they were unstoppable in the latter stages of the IPL, their continued dominance in the Champions League makes the case for this to be the most comprehensive winning streak in T20 franchise history. They beat the champions of Australia (Perth Scorchers), Pakistan (Lahore Lions) and South Africa’s second-best team (Dolphins) on their way to the final, where Chennai Super Kings ended their run at 14 games.

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A eliminação do Vitória no Campeonato Baiano promete chacoalhar os bastidores do Leão no decorrer das próximas semanas.

+ Final da Champions com torcida? Veja como anda a liberação de público pelo mundo

Sem a Copa do Nordeste pelo caminho, o elenco de Rodrigo Chagas atuou com força máxima no estadual e ficou fora da semifinal.

Um dos líderes do elenco, o zagueiro Wallace, não se escondeu após a eliminação e deu uma declaração forte.

‘Continua sendo inadmissível. Mas, infelizmente, nesses últimos anos, o Vitória está com uma cultura de se apequenar. Infelizmente… Eu lamento o clube estar nessa situação. Passa muito por quem veste a camisa, porque o cara tem que se responsabilizar e saber da grandeza que o Vitória já foi. Hoje, a gente tem dado demonstrações, pelos resultados que tem tido, tem se tornado mais um time sem condições de disputar uma Série B com condições de subir’, declarou à TVE.

Queda livre

Historicamente, o Vitória é um dos clubes mais fortes da região nordeste, mas que após a queda para a Série B em 2018, não conseguiu voltar e brigou para fugir da Série C nos últimos dois anos.

Na Copa do Nordeste, torneio que é um dos mais vencedores, o Leão foi eliminado pelo Ceará sem muita resistência na semifinal.

No Campeonato Baiano, o time não sabe o que é ser campeão desde a temporada 2017.

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Glasgow Rangers are still on course to secure a remarkable treble and considering where the Ibrox side were back in September under Michael Beale, winning the Premiership this term could be on of their finest achievements.

The Gers lost three of their opening seven league matches under the current Sunderland manager, and he was eventually sacked, with Philippe Clement coming in to replace him.

While the football was not pretty and Beale failed to lead the club to a trophy during his disappointing ten-month stint, the Englishman did manage to make a few decent signings for the club.

Jack Butland, Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin were all signed by Beale and have contributed well, most notably the former two.

Might he have missed out on another fine talent during his early stages in charge, however which could have transformed the second half of the 2022/23 campaign?

Rangers missed out on Cole Palmer in 2023

Having taken over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst towards the end of 2022, Beale led Rangers to nine wins and a draw in his first ten matches, but he was looking to bolster the team during the final weeks of the January transfer window.

According to the Sun, Rangers had a loan deal for Cole Palmer rejected by Manchester City during the dying embers of the transfer window as he still had a part to play under Pep Guardiola during the second half of last season.

Several other clubs also missed out on the chance to secure the talented Englishman on loan, and it certainly looked like an ambitious move by Beale at the time, yet if Palmer had joined, he would have vastly improved the Ibrox first team squad, no doubt about that.

The youngster went on to make a handful of appearances for City towards the end of the season, and he claimed winners medals in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League indicating that it was clearly the best move for him to remain with the club.

Despite looking like he had a promising future at City, Palmer was sold last summer to Chelsea and the move looks like it has certainly benefited the youngster, especially as he has secured more regular game time.

What happened to Cole Palmer

The 21-year-old joined the Stamford Bridge side for a £40m transfer fee prior to the start of the 2023/24 season, and it looks as though it could be a shrewd investment, especially judging by his start to life in London.

Lauded as “exceptional” by former boss Guardiola, Palmer looks destined to reach the very top of the game if he maintains his current form – now valued at €100m (£86m) by CIES Football Observatory.

So far this term, the Englishman has scored 12 goals for the Blues while chipping in with nine assists, and he is excelling, having been given regular opportunities by Mauricio Pochettino in the starting XI.

Indeed, among the Chelsea squad, Palmer is even ranked first for goals and assists (16), along with also leading the rest of the team with regard to shots on target per game (one), big chances created (eight) and key passes per game (1.5), clearly showcasing that he is now one of the finest players in the squad.

Not only that, but Palmer is also ranked in the top 10% when compared to his positional peers for progressive passes per 90 (6.3), along with ranking in the top 10% for assists per 90 (0.36) and the top 24% for shot-creating actions, indicating that not only is he shining for his team, but his performances also rank him highly when compared to players in a similar position across Europe’s top five leagues.

These statistics certainly build the narrative that he would have been a huge success if he had joined Rangers last season, even if it was only on a temporary basis, and he may well have been an upgrade to Cantwell.

Todd Cantwell’s season in numbers

Who knows what might have happened had Beale secured Palmer on a six-month loan deal, and he impressed during his spell in Glasgow. Could the Gers have signed him up for a further season-long deal?

It seems highly unrealistic, but if the club did, there is no doubt the 21-year-old would have been a far better option to call upon than Cantwell this term.

The former Norwich City starlet has improved in recent weeks and has now scored five league goals in his previous eight top-flight matches, taking his tally to six goals for the campaign.

This is still six behind the tally of Palmer, however, while Cantwell currently ranks fourth among the Ibrox squad for goals and assists (eight) in the Premiership, along with ranking sixth for shots on target per game (0.8), eighth for big chances created (three) and seventh for key passes per game (1.6), proving that while he springs to life during matches, at times, he can be inconsistent and this is something which needs to be worked out.

Against Ross County on Wednesday evening, however, the 25-year-old was sensational as he shone in his preferred number ten position.

Rangers gem who lost the ball 32x outperformed Cantwell vs Ross County

Rangers defeated Ross County 3-1 at Ibrox in what was a night of plenty missed chances

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 15, 2024

Cantwell not only made four key passes during the clash, but he also created two big chances, had a total of four shots and succeeded with two of his four dribble attempts.

The only thing which was missing was a goal or an assist, but his performance was pleasing on the eye and Clement would surely have been delighted to see him perform at such a high level.

6

5

4

3

5

3

1.3

1.6

0.6

1.1

While missing out on Palmer was a blow for Beale last season, the Englishman has gone on to brighter things since joining Chelsea for £40m last summer, embracing the challenges of being a regular in the starting XI.

His recent success proved that Rangers had a mare on the youngster who is now thriving in the top flight, and he may have made all the difference as the Gers stumbled during the end of the 2022/23 season.

If he continues shining under Pochettino, he could soon see himself plucked from Chelsea as he has all the required attributes to shine for much bigger clubs. There is absolutely no doubt about that.

Sussex beaten for only the second time this season as Essex keep faint knockout hopes alive

David Hopps22-Aug-2019Sussex supporters packed into the tight confines of Hove on another sell-out T20 night had relished news of the Ashes exploits of Jofra Archer, but for once they had to make do with vicarious pleasures as they watched their side’s hold at the top of South Group weakened by a nine-run defeat against Essex.The South Group is now as congested as, well, most of the south, with Essex, who began the night in eighth place, still retaining hopes of a late rush into the top four. Only Glamorgan and Surrey can be discounted.Essex’s 168 for 5 represented a challenging target for a side that bases its success around a powerful bowling attack, but David Wiese’s 66 from 36 balls – with Laurie Evans his most productive sidekick – took them within 39 with 28 balls remaining when he was sixth out, sweeping at Simon Harmer.Wiese, one of T20s most experienced campaigners, has entered his Tarantino villain phase with vigorous beard, long hair and determined chew. His free-flowing straight six off Aaron Beard, backed up by two boundaries from misfields, had just taken 17 off Beard’s last over, but he was unable to rescue the game.Essex have the worst T20 record in the country in recent seasons (Sussex have the best), but they dug in well here, despite some shoddy fielding. All their bowlers played a part from Cameron Delport, who had bowled only three overs of medium-paced mix-ups all season but who slipped in two overs without much damage, and the diminutive Australian leggie Adam Zampa, complete with perfectly matching yellow headband, who had Will Beer caught at extra cover at the start of his last over with 23 needed off 18.But it was Mohammad Amir, whose return of 4 for 29 stood out for Essex: another fine over, the 19th, included the dismissal of Chris Jordan, a flat-bat to Ravi Bopara at deep midwicket when the game was still there for the winning.Sussex’s openers, Phil Salt and Luke Wright, were also picked off during Amir’s first two overs. Salt is a batting roulette wheel, capable of extravagant success and failure, and he toe-ended to mid-on. Wright could not control a pull at a ball he might have cut and spliced to mid-off.Alex Carey has claims to be Australia’s best batsman-keeper, but can’t get in the side even though they are picking two of them: he fell to Beard as Bopara fell backwards at cover to take a catch that he claimed more confidently than he caught.Poor old Harry Finch is having a season to forget. He has made a pair in his last two Championship matches, divided by a prolonged spell in the 2nd XI. His first T20 outing of the summer with Delray Rawlins absent with Bermuda brought another duck, first ball, as he was lbw trying to reverse-sweep Harmer.Essex’s general lack of success is hard to understand, especially now that Delport adds a rough-hewn power to the top of their order. They were looking sacrificial at 84 for 4 in the 12th over, but a stand of 82 in eight overs between Dan Lawrence and Bopara ensured a score to be reckoned with.Sussex are not just managing without Archer. Tymal Mills is expected to miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture and legspinner Rashid Khan has moved on, but their ambition has been seen in the short-term acquisition of the Australian Jason Behrendorff, who took five wickets against England in a World Cup group game in June, for their last four group matches.Behrendorff did not take a wicket but made his mark instead with the run out of Adam Wheater and a straightforward catch at long-off when Tom Westley, after making 34 from 25 balls, tried to get after the legspin of Beer. Beer is not quite the regular he was but his record in 107 T20s is a strong one and he followed up an impressive return of 3 for 22 against Surrey with 2 for 19.Lawrence and Bopara broke Sussex’s grip, however, with a stand of 82 in eight overs. Lawrence does not possess prodigious strength and his attempts at innovation did not always come off – especially against the wiles of Reece Topley – but his unbeaten 59 from 43 dominated Essex’s innings, helped for four sixes, more or less straight, against Wiese and Danny Briggs.Even more energising was Bopara’s 45 from 24 balls. One six over the off side against Topley had him grinning with the umpire Alex Wharf about the audacity of a shot that he would have found wondrous enough at his peak. It took a magnificent tumbling catch at long-off by Jordan to silence him with two balls remaining.

There's no two ways about it: Manchester United look lost.

Erik ten Hag's team currently sit ninth in the Premier League, but by the time the weekend arrives, they could be as low as 11th.

Their saviour seems to be in the form of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS and Omar Berrada, with the United faithful now hoping and praying that they can invest in some new talent.

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ByMatt Dawson Jan 23, 2024 Man United want to bolster their attack

According to Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, Man United have made an approach to sign Joshua Zirkzee.

The journalist stated in the report: "Zirkzee is a really interesting one for the summer. Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are three to watch from the Premier League.

"Manchester United are the ones that have had some kind of formative approach, certainly on the player side. Arsenal and Spurs haven't moved yet, but that may change in the summer. There is a release clause, and if Bologna are to be believed, it only applies to Bayern and is €40m [£34m]."

Jacobs goes on to mention that a winter move has been ruled out. For any club (excluding Bayern) hoping to bring him in over the summer, they will have to part ways with £50m as per prior reports.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 Zirkzee's potential role at Man United

Marcus Rashford is the most talked-about player in the world this week after controversy sparked over him missing training last week. To add even more to the situation, INews have announced that PSG are interested in signing the United number ten this summer.

Unfortunately for Rashford, what makes the situation worse is the fact that he's having a troubled season on the field, netting just four goals in 20 Premier League games. Therefore, the boss could look to move the England star on in the summer, with Zirkzee joining the club as his replacement.

The former Bayern Munich striker has been superb this season for Bologna, scoring eight goals in 19 league starts while also providing two assists. In short, he has been the focal point of his side's rise up to eighth in the Serie A.

Nonetheless, let's look at the role that Zirkzee could play at United and a handful of statistics from this season that prove he would be a smart acquisition. The numbers below compare the powerful Dutch striker him to his positional peers in Serie A.

Goals

0.43

Top 32%

xG

0.31

Bottom 59%

Touches

43.05

Top 14%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

19.99

Top 9%

Successful take-ons

1.50

Top 16%

Although Bologna are achieving great things this season, they are far from a dominant side in the Serie A, so for Zirkzee to be boasting those goal-scoring numbers is rather impressive. Just over a third of their goals this season in the league have come via the Dutch forward, which proves how influential he is. Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig labelled the attacker as "prolific," and the fact that he outperforms his xG by 0.12 each game underlines that he's clinical.

During his time at Ajax, Ten Hag built a specific system around the qualities of Dusan Tadic, which saw him play anywhere across the front line in a free-roaming role. This is potentially what he could envision for Zirkzee.

Indeed, the 6 foot 4 attacker has all the necessary traits to flourish in the unorthodox position due to his ability to identify space to get involved in play, drop deeper to create overloads, and use his dribbling to unlock defences. His high overall touches, touches in the middle third of the pitch and successful take-ons serve as evidence to that.

Overall, Zirkzee gives Ten Hag plenty of options in terms of squad selection due to his ability to perform in multiple game states and roles. If Rashford were to swap Manchester for Paris, then the Netherlands ace could be the perfect replacement.

The January transfer window has seen very little activity from Manchester United, but that could change during the final week before the deadline.

Erik ten Hag is keen to reinforce his squad, which has been far from consistent this season. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may want to start his Man United adventure with a statement next summer.

Man United's search for a new attacker

According to a report this week from Spanish news outlet Sport, Real Madrid are willing to sacrifice Vinicius Junior in order to fund a move for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.

This has led to reports via Football365 suggesting that United could look to offer a whopping £172m for the Brazilian in the summer.

Although the move occurring is more than unlikely, Ineos could look for a world-class player to rebuild their Red Devils project around.

Related January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

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Posts ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 The stats that show Vinicus would boost Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and the pressures of leading the line for Man United since joining from Atalanta for £72m in the summer, with the 20-year-old scoring two goals and providing one assist in 16 Premier League appearances.

However, the Dane has shown plenty of promise, with his finishing letting him down at times, as shown by his nine big chances missed this season.

On the other hand, the striker has been excellent in the Champions League, scoring five goals, and he has now bagged in his last two Premier League games against Aston Villa and Spurs.

The potential signing of Vinicius Jr would boost Hojlund's output massively, and the table below shows a handful of the Real Madrid star's stats from the past year that serve as evidence of that.

Vinicius' vs att. mids and wingers in Top Five Men's Leagues and European competitions

Stats (per 90)

Vinicius

Percentile rank

Goals

0.42

Top 10%

Assists

0.42

Top 2%

Shot-creating actions

5.21

Top 10%

Touches (Att pen)

9.52

Top 1%

Successful take-ons

4.28

Top 1%

Carries into penalty area

4.97

Top 1%

Stats via FBref

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has previously described Vinicius as "unstoppable" and based on the stats above, it is extremely difficult to disagree with that statement.

The number seven is a dribbling demon whose creativity is infinite, as he is untouchable when weaving through the opponent with his direct approach and insane agility, as highlighted by his carrying and dribbling statistics.

The sheer amount of creation coming from Vinicius would provide Hojlund with more opportunities in front of goal, as he is currently living off scraps, underlined via his xG ranking in the bottom 13% for Premier League strikers.

Furthermore, opponents would have to change their game plan to deal with Vinicius, doubling up on him at times, and his ability to drag players out of position would give the Dane much more space to work with in the box.

Vinicus is also among the best goalscorers in the world, as per his rank in the top 10% for goals scored. Although indirectly, the 23-year-old would become the main focal point of Ten Hag's side, ultimately taking the pressure off Hojlund to score all the goals in a similar way to how Mohamed Salah took the responsibility off Roberto Firmino at Liverpool.

Overall, United wouldn't only be signing a star who would improve them instantly, but they would also be acquiring a future "legend in the making," as per the aforementioned Kulig, which could make the £172m a superb investment.

A "very important" West Brom player could now return from injury during the festive period, according to a key fitness update from journalist Matt Maher.

West Brom transfers & injuries

Anyone of a Baggies persuasion should be feeling relatively positive about on and off-field matters currently, with things heading in the right direction, including with the proposed takeover of the club.

Carlos Corberan's side look right in the promotion mix ahead of the second half of the season, too, sitting in the Championship play-off positions and hope to remain that way up until May. An automatic promotion place isn't out of the question, although there is a fair amount of ground to make up on both Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

New signings in the January transfer window could be perfect for West Brom, giving them extra quality and depth as the fixtures come thick and fast – and they have been linked with plenty of players recently.

The Baggies are believed to be interested in signing Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley on loan, for example, with the right-back seen as someone who can come in and make a difference, earning first-team action rather than not featuring at Anfield.

However, injuries have hampered West Brom, with striker Daryl Dike a long-term absentee, and midfielder John Swift also someone who has been missing of late.

Daryl Dike set for West Brom return

Taking to X on Friday, Maher claimed that Dike could be back in the fold for West Brom before the festive action reaches its conclusion, acting as a major boost for Corberan.

"Finally some good news for Carlos Corberan and #wba on the injury front. John Swift available for Middlesbrough, while Daryl Dike could return before the end of the festive period. Striker, out since April, took part in full training today."

Having Dike available again is a major shot in the arm for Corberan, who will need as much firepower as possible this season if his side are to ensure that they at least have a crack at the play-offs.

The American's time at The Hawthorns has been hugely frustrating to date because of fitness issues, with only 27 appearances and seven goals coming his way. The 23-year-old is someone with so much potential, and he has shown in the past what an impact he can make in the Championship, netting 16 times in 44 matches in the competition.

Corberan has spoken of his admiration for Dike in the past, lauding his importance to the cause earlier this year, saying:

“He had a long-term injury but he’s a very important player for us. “The fitter he is, the better it is for the team. The more he trains, the better condition he’s in to perform."

West Brom could sign £1m-rated "huge talent" to improve Thomas-Asante's fortunes

West Brom could get the best out of Thomas-Asante this winter by signing this £1m-rated “huge talent”.

By
Adam Scully

Dec 20, 2023

The ten-cap and three-goal USA international has had such an unlucky time with injuries in his career, but if he can just enjoy an extended period on the pitch, he could yet flourish for West Brom, hopefully inspiring them back into the Premier League.

Glasgow Rangers face their most important match of the season so far as they take on Aberdeen in the League Cup final at Hampden this afternoon.

The Ibrox side haven’t won the competition since a 2-1 victory over Celtic in 2011 and the 12-year wait must end this weekend.

Philippe Clement’s men warmed up for the clash by defeating Real Betis 3-2 in Seville and this will give them plenty of confidence heading into the tie.

One thing is for certain, Sam Lammers must drop to the bench for the final as he struggled in midweek.

Sam Lammers’ game in numbers vs Real Betis

The Dutchman played the full 90 minutes yet took only 36 touches and completed just 16 passes all match, indicating how wasteful he was when the ball was at his feet.

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The 26-year-old also managed to lose possession 15 times during the encounter and this can't be afforded against Aberdeen today.

Lammers failed to generate any sort of attacking contribution as he failed to take a single shot along with delivering just one successful cross, and he must be dropped to the bench.

Todd Cantwell missed the Europa League clash due to personal reasons, but he will hopefully be back available and should be unleashed against the Dons.

Todd Cantwell’s season in numbers

The £22k-per-week gem hasn’t quite enjoyed the most fruitful of seasons in front of goal, scoring just once across all competitions, although he has managed to register four assists.

There were a few occasions where Clement deployed him on the right wing and this didn’t exactly suit his skill set, and it culminated in the Englishman being subbed after just 36 minutes against Aris Limassol last month.

Following that match, he reverted to his preferred number ten role, and it worked wonders against St Mirren just a few days later as he made four key passes and created a big chance during the win.

Lauded as a “god given” talent by his former youth coach Gary Cockaday during his early years spent at Norwich City, Clement will be hoping he is raring to go this afternoon.

The Gers don’t have the best of records against Aberdeen this term, failing to win either of their domestic clashes so far and the 3-1 loss at Ibrox back in September proved to be the final straw for Michael Beale.

His sacking has allowed Clement to take over, and he has reinvigorated a stagnating side and, with one crucial victory already this week, another win at Hampden today would boost the club heading into the next few games.

Cantwell must be given the nod over Lammers and he ranks fourth across the squad for key passes (1.6) and for successful dribbles (1.1) per game in the top flight this season.

While not at his sparkling best, Cantwell has shown flashes of his talents under the Belgian and with the chance to win his first trophy with the Light Blues, the 25-year-old will surely be up to the task.

It's now been reported that West Ham could lose a "big voice" in the January transfer window as "many clubs" circle to sign him next month.

Players who could leave West Ham in 2024

The Hammers could see a wave of figureheads depart east London for nothing in the summer of 2024, including manager David Moyes.

Moyes is unlikely to be offered a new West Ham contract, according to reports, while goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, defender Ben Johnson, young star Divin Mubama, midfielder Conor Coventry, prospect Joseph Anang, left-back Aaron Cresswell, and veteran centre-back Angelo Ogbonna could also leave upon the expiry of their deals.

West Ham favourites to sign forward with £25m transfer "there to be done"

Co-chairman David Sullivan and transfer chief Tim Steidten are reportedly planning targets ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 9, 2023

Star regular Tomas Soucek is officially on that list as well, but some reports suggest he's actually put pen to paper on a new long-term deal in secret. Indeed, Soucek has signed a new West Ham deal till 2027 which is yet to be formally announced (Daily Mail).

While the Czech Republic international won't be going anywhere, it would seem, the same cannot be said for out-of-favour defender Thilo Kehrer.

The German, who put pen to paper on a move to West Ham from PSG in the summer of 2022, has barely featured under Moyes this season.

This is despite West Ham's manager previously revealing Kehrer is actually a "big voice" in the Irons dressing room, not to mention a real personality who was "stepping up" behind-the-scenes at one point.

"Amazingly, I already see Thilo Kehrer stepping up in the dressing room, big personality, big voice," said Moyes on Kehrer last year (via The Standard).

"I said about players taking time to adapt, and it may sound like a manager’s excuse, but I actually think he has adapted really well.

“He has had a couple of moments but you would have to say he has come in and played well and showed in the dressing room he has a voice and trying to help the players.”

Playing just 18 Premier League minutes over 23/24 so far, it appears Moyes' opinion of the defender has changed since then.

Kehrer, for his part, is now said to be eyeing up an exit from the London Stadium as we approach January.

Kehrer now eyeing up West Ham exit

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, writing via X, Kehrer is now open to leaving West Ham as his agents even start to sound out the market for potential landing spots.

The 27-year-old is apparently being chased by "many clubs", who have already made an approach to sign him.

IIt appears Kehrer, after just over one and a half seasons in claret and blue, could now end up departing in what would arguably go down as another failed transfer.

تحدث مروان عطية لاعب فريق الكرة بـ الأهلي على أصعب المباريات التي خاضها خلال الموسم المنقضي في الدوري المصري مع القلعة الحمراء، موضحًا رأيه في مباراة القمة المقبلة أمام الزمالك في السوبر الإفريقي.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي أمام منافسه الزمالك في السوبر الإفريقي يوم 27 سبتمبر المقبل بالمملكة العربية السعودية.

وقال مروان عطية في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون تايم سبورت: “على قدر المستطاع أحاول قضاء الإجازة وأفصل لأن الضغوطات كانت كبيرة جدًا، وقدرنا نحقق انجازات كبيرة في الموسم الماضي، وبإذن الله نسعد جماهير الأهلي، الحمد لله على نعمة النادي الأهلي شيء كبير”.

وأكمل: “الأهلي وشخصيته عندما يكون هناك ضغوطات كبيرة نكون على قدرها، وأي أحد يدخل الأهلي يعتاد على هذا الضغط ويكون مسؤول، نرتب ونحضر بشكل جيد للدوري ولدوري أبطال إفريقيا”.

وبسؤاله عن المباراة الأصعب هذا الموسم؟، أوضح: “مباراة بيراميدز التي فزنا بها بنتيجة 3-2 من أحلى المباريات التي تشعر فيها أن الدوري صعبا”.

وحول هل كان لديك عروض من الدوريات العربية؟، أوضح: “تلقيت عروض بالفعل ولكن تركيزي مع النادي الأهلي”.

وبشأن ما حدث في مباراة سموحة والأهلي من قبل الجماهير؟، أردف: “تركيزي يكون في المباراة ولم أركز فيما حدث من قبل الجماهير، انتهى اللقاء وخرجت من الملعب مباشرة”.

طالع | محمد الشناوي يكشف سبب رفض لاعبي الأهلي الاحتفال مع الجمهور بعد مباراة سموحة

وتابع: “محمد عبد المنعم أفضل مدافع في مصر وإفريقيا وسأفتقده، وأتمنى له التوفيق”.

وعن توقعاته لمباراة الأهلي والزمالك المقبلة في كأس السوبر الإفريقي؟، أوضح: “مع احترامي لنادي الزمالك فريق كبير، ولكن سنفوز إن شاء الله”.