Gabe Bell took four wickets to earn a handy first-innings lead which Ben McDermott’s half-century helped extend

Alex Malcolm28-Nov-2018

Gabe Bell delivers the ball•Getty Images

Four wickets to Gabe Bell and three to debutant Alex Pyecroft has given Tasmania the upper hand against South Australia at Bellerive in Hobart.The Redbacks were bowled out for just 136 on day two, with only four players reaching double figures, to concede a first innings deficit of 49 before the Tigers cruised to 3 for 120 in their second innings.Test incumbent Travis Head was the only Redbacks batsman to provide any lengthy resistance making 49, while Jake Lehmann contributed 28.Bell started the rot removing Jake Weatherald and Callum Ferguson with two cracking deliveries as the surface continued to aid the seam bowlers.Pyecroft, 26, took his first Sheffield Shield wicket claiming Conor McInerney caught and bowled. Head and Lehmann then steadied with a 63-run stand before Pyecroft again intervened with Lehmann edging to first slip.That triggered a collapse as South Australia lost 4 for 7 in 18 deliveries with Pyecroft and Jackson Bird taking two wickets each. Head stood firm reaching 49 from 100 balls before he was given out caught behind attempting to cut. He was none too pleased with the umpire’s decision. The Redbacks were all out inside 52 overs with Bell returning to claim the last two scalps.The Tigers second innings started poorly. Alex Doolan was trapped infront by Daniel Worrall in the third over, but Ben McDermott and Jordan Silk put together and 85-run stand to increase the lead. McDermott became the first player in the match to reach fifty, but he fell shortly after edging Worrall to the keeper.Jake Doran was also caught behind off the third last ball of the day to Worrall. George Bailey copped a nasty blow on the thumb first ball, the penultimate of the day, but he survived the last from Worrall. Silk remained 49 not out and Tasmania will look to extend their lead on day three.

MatériaMais Notícias

Palmeiras e Santos fazem a final da Libertadores no próximo dia 30, em jogo único, no Maracanã. Será o maior confronto da história entre as equipes e o primeiro válido pelo torneio continental.

Retrospectiva-2020: Palmeiras tem título, troca de técnico e garotada em alta

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Chamado de Clássico da Saudade por conta dos épicos embates entre o Palmeiras de Ademir da Guia e o Santos de Pelé nos anos 1960, o duelo que decidirá a final da Libertadores de 2020 será o auge de uma rivalidade que vem crescendo exponencialmente nos últimos anos.

Em 2015, o Verdão e o Peixe voltaram a se encontrar em uma final de Campeonato Paulista pela primeira vez desde o histórico Supercampeonato de 1959. Na ocasião, o Santos acabou sendo campeão após vencer a decisão por pênaltis. Foi a única vez que o Palmeiras perdeu uma taça para seu rival em uma final direta.

A redenção veio rapidamente e com juros. No final do mesmo ano, as duas equipes fizeram também a final da Copa do Brasil, naqueles que, até o dia da final da Libertadores, são os dois jogos mais importantes da história entre ambos. Amplo favorito, o Santos venceu o primeiro jogo por 1 a 0 em seus domínios, ainda desperdiçando um pênalti e um gol inacreditável com o atacante Nilson.

No jogo de volta, no Allianz Parque, vitória por 2 a 1 com dois gols de Dudu. Nos pênaltis, Fernando Prass foi o herói ao defender uma cobrança e depois ao marcar o gol decisivo. O Palmeiras foi tricampeão da Copa do Brasil e vingou o Paulistão perdido no início da temporada.

Em 2016, no ano seguinte, o Palmeiras levou a melhor sobre o Santos novamente no âmbito nacional, mas dessa vez no Brasileirão. O Alviverde se sagrou campeão da maior competição do país pela nona vez, enquanto o Alvinegro teve que se contentar com o vice-campeonato.

Nos anos subsequentes, diversos embates acalorados pelo Brasileirão e por estaduais, além de provocações de lado a lado, incluindo a polêmica transferência de Lucas Lima, do Santos para o Palmeiras, em 2018. O meia não chegou a um acordo para a renovação de seu contrato na Vila Belmiro e acertou com o Alviverde.

Em 2021, a rivalidade entre Palmeiras e Santos transcendeu as fronteiras nacionais e se expandiu para o âmbito continental. As equipes farão a final da Libertadores após eliminarem nas semifinais River Plate e Boca Juniors, respectivamente.

Pela primeira vez, desde 2000 – ano no qual o torneio passou a ter oito grupos com quatro equipes e a presença do campeão na fase de grupos – as duas melhores campanhas da primeira fase se encontraram na grande decisão. É a terceira final entre equipes brasileiras, mas a primeira entre rivais do mesmo estado.

No retrospecto geral do clássico, a vantagem é palmeirense. São 330 jogos, com 138 vitórias do Palmeiras contra 105 do Santos, além de 87 empates. O time Alviverde já balançou as redes 561 vezes e sofreu 474 gols. Na atual temporada, foram três jogos – dois empates e uma vitória do Verdão. Vale lembrar que os dois times também são os maiores campeões nacionais: dez títulos para o Palmeiras e oito para o Santos.

Jamais um time brasileiro foi campeão da Libertadores no Maracanã. O Palmeiras, que conquistou a Copa Rio de 1951 no local, poderá voltar a ganhar levantar uma taça no maior estádio do país depois de 70 anos.

Chelsea started their Premier League campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw with Liverpool, and off the back of that, there was an element of hope that this year would see the side progress under Mauricio Pochettino and improve upon last season's 12th-place finish.

However, 15 games into the season, the fans are having to endure another tumultuous period under their new manager and, off the back of thumping defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United, are threatening to finish even lower than 12th come May.

To pull themselves out of this nose dive, Todd Boehly and Co must once again stick their hands in their comically large pockets and buy the right attacking reinforcements in 2024.

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Mauricio Pochettino’s late-season revival was too little, too late for Chelsea…

ByAlex Roberts May 21, 2024

What the club needs is another generational signing, like their purchase of Eden Hazard from Ligue 1 back in 2012. As it just so happens, the club have recently been linked to an incredibly exciting and dynamic winger from France, Rayan Cherki.

Chelsea transfer news – Rayan Cherki

According to French publication FootMercato (via SportWitness), 'the door is not closed' on Chelsea's summer transfer target Rayan Cherki for a move in the new year.

Lyon were not keen on selling the youngster in the summer, but with his contract set to run out in summer 2025 and his supposed unwillingness to sign an extension given the club's woeful form that sees them prop up the bottom of the table, selling him in the new year is the only way for the club not to lose too much value in the player.

The publication has reported that a fee in the region of €20m – about £17m – could be enough, which could be a real bargain for a player with his potential.

Described as a "generational talent" by French journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos, if Chelsea want to get back to dominating England and Europe, they could do a lot worse than investing in someone who could well be the next Hazard.

Rayan Cherki could be the next Eden Hazard for Chelsea

The primary similarities between the two players are fairly straightforward.

Both Hazard and Cherki cut their teeth at storied clubs in Ligue 1, LOSC Lille in the former's case and Lyon in the latter's. Both players would be highly rated youngsters making their way from France to west London – should the move happen – and finally, both players have spent time as attacking midfielders but thrive out on the left.

When you take a look at Cherki's underlying numbers, his incredible talent becomes even more apparent.

According to FBref, which compares players across Europe's top five leagues and European competitions, the "magnificent talent", as described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranks in the top 6% of players in his position for progressive passes, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 8% for touches in the oppositions penalty area, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, and the top 10% for progressive carries, all per 90 over the last 365 days.

Moreover, when you compare his performances last season to Raheem Sterling's, the argument for signing the young Frenchman practically makes itself.

Cherki

Sterling

0.58

0.51

6.39

3.86

6.92

2.81

1.01

0.76

3.80

1.86

6.15

3.23

77.1%

75.0%

These statistics show that the young whiz is similar to Hazard, who averaged 2.2 key passes and 3.2 dribbles per game across his career, in that they both love to beat players with the ball at their feet whilst also being able to create and score goals from out wide at an impressive rate.

In practically every meaningful attacking statistic last season, the Lyon youngster thoroughly outclassed his potential new teammate, and if he could do that at his young age, what could he do in a better team with a coach like Pochettino, who is renowned for his work with younger players.

If the reports are correct and Chelsea can sign Cherki for just £17m, then it seems like a deal far too good to pass up, as if they don't sign him, a rival surely will.

Chelsea have seen several generational talents slip underneath their grasp and hearing about their misfortune in that regard isn't for the faint-hearted.

Whether that is letting go of Declan Rice as a 14-year-old or having a 16-year-old Jamal Musiala get snatched from them by Bayern Munich, the Blues have endured their fair share of heartache when it comes to watching some of their academy graduates prosper elsewhere.

Rice and Musiala have since transformed into world-class talents since departing Stamford Bridge, reminding Chelsea what they could have had so to speak, which is something Kylian Mbappe has also done.

The Blues famously rejected the opportunity to sign him as a 13-year-old and now they're looking to reverse that gut-wrenching decision by miraculously signing him in January.

Chelsea transfer news – Kylian Mbappe

According to Gazetta dello Sport – as relayed by French outlet Le 10 Sport – Chelsea and Liverpool are gearing up to offer the French superstar a huge contract offer with his Paris Saint-Germain future up in the air.

Mbappe's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and unless he extends his deal with the Parisiens, foreign clubs will be eligible to begin pre-contract talks with him over a free transfer in the summer from January 1st.

Whilst Real Madrid have been long considered favourites to capture the 24-year-old, Premier League clubs are set to rival the Spanish giants for his signature and offer him close to what he earns at PSG, which is reportedly £1.2m-per-week.

If the Blues were somehow able to land arguably the best player on the planet on a free transfer, he would not only become one of their greatest-ever transfers, but he'd have an opportunity to eclipse the legacy that the sensational Eden Hazard forged at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian – like Mbappe – began his career in Ligue 1 with Lille, but established himself as one of the Premier League's most talented players with 110 goals in 352 appearances for Chelsea, yet the Frenchman would surely blow his impact out of the water, especially in the goal-scoring department.

Kylian Mbappe vs Eden Hazard's goal record

It is difficult to put into words how good Kylian Mbappe is, but considering he's already reached 300 career goals at the age of 24, doing so quicker than the greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, his talents need no introduction.

Kylian Mbappe

24 years, 333 days

Lionel Messi

25 years, 125 days

Neymar

25 years, 238 days

Cristiano Ronaldo

27 years, 89 days

All stats via GiveMeSport

To put the above into perspective, when Ronaldo was Mbappe's age, he had scored 158 career goals. This is a stat that not only proves how the Portuguese superstar got better with age but one that depicts the near-unstoppable scoring talents of the PSG star.

For as long as he continues to outperform some of the greatest footballers to ever live, the plaudits will continue to stream in for the goalscoring machine, who has been lavished by many legends of the sport.

His fellow countryman, Thierry Henry, once said: “What this kid is doing is really out of this world,” while many, including his national team manager, Didier Deschamps, have labelled him as "world-class".

Given the above, it's no surprise that Mbappe, who has plundered an eye-watering 15 goals in 15 appearances for the French giants this term, has also outscored Hazard already, despite being eight years younger.

The Belgian retired this year after scoring 167 goals in 623 career appearances, which is a respectable record for any wide player, however, considering the 74-cap international has nearly doubled that particular tally, there is no doubt he'd instantly transform Chelsea into a title challenger and in turn, smash any record that Hazard set in west London.

Also a player that former PSG boss Pochettino knows well – having scored 67 goals and contributed 34 assists in just 75 games under the Argentine – Mbappe could surely flourish in a Blues jersey in the near future.

Sunderland are rivalling a number of other clubs for the signing of an attacking ace who is in electrifying form this season, according to a fresh transfer update.

Sunderland eyeing January signings

The Black Cats are one of many clubs who are likely to consider new signings once the January transfer window opens, as they look to add a sprinkling of extra quality and depth to their squad. The second half of the season will be relentless for Tony Mowbray's side as they hunt for promotion – international breaks make it more stop-start before Christmas – and some new faces could be needed to maintain Sunderland's momentum in their Championship playoff push.

The Black Cats have certainly been linked with plenty of players in recent weeks, with AFC Wimbledon's Ali Al-Hamadi reportedly wanted by Sunderland, and Uruguayan attacker Luciano Rodriguez also believed to be a target at the Stadium of Light.

It would be a surprise if no signings were made by Mowbray, especially if he was to lose a key player such as Jack Clarke in January, and now another name has been thrown into the mix as a possible addition.

Sunderland want Kwame Poku

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Sunderland are in the mix to sign Peterborough United attacker Kwame Poku, with other clubs also keen on snapping him up.

"Sources have told TEAMtalk that Sunderland, West Brom, Millwall, Ipswich, Bristol City and Stoke are among the clubs looking at him.

"Poku’s attacking production as well as his versatility will both be attractive assets for sides that feel he’s ready to take the step up. Indeed, the 22-year-old can play on either wing, and has also been known to play through the middle of the attack and in an attacking-midfield role, owing to his abilities both as a provider and a finisher."

Poku is having a fantastic season for Peterborough to date, proving to be one of the most reliable sources of end product in League One since August. The Sunderland transfer target has scored and assisted six times apiece in the league in 2023/24, coming in 14 starts in the competition, and he has been handed three Man of the Match awards by WhoScored.

Still only 22, Poku has been a highly thought of player for some time now and is finally starting to add end product and maturity to his potential, with former Colchester United manager John McGreal once saying of him back in 2020:

"We have to be careful about how we talk about the boy, because he’s only 18 years of age and we don’t want to get fixated on him. We need him to keep away from the media spotlight and stuff at the minute and pick and choose when we can get him into that as well, because he’s a huge talent."

Poku could bring that extra firepower that is needed in Sunderland's squad during the end of the season and beyond, while his age means he should only continue to get even better in the coming years. If the Black Cats could seal a move for him, it would be an inspired piece of business.

An extraordinary display of power and precision from Matt Renshaw saw Brisbane Heat defeat Adelaide Strikers in Adelaide on Sunday, the visitors chasing down a competitive 177-run target with eight balls to spare.After a horrific start, which saw the Heat slump to 3 for 18, Renshaw’s 90 not out from 50 deliveries wrested the game away from the Strikers, who now find their season over in terms of higher honours.Leading into the match, it was last chance saloon for the two teams, both of whom were closer to the foot of the table than the summit. A win would keep one team with an outside chance of a semi-final slot, while a loss would confirm curtains drawn.On a hot Adelaide night and a wonderful batting wicket, Chris Lynn won the flip and sent the Strikers in.Strikers stutter at the start
It was a horror start for the Strikers, losing Jake Weatherald and Jake Lehmann in the opening two overs. Weatherald was first to go, top-edging a rank short ball from Renshaw to Lynn at backward point, before Lehmann carved Josh Lalor straight to Alex Ross on the point boundary. Both were disappointing dismissals, and put the home side on the back foot in the game’s early phase.ALSO READ: Michael Klinger announces BBL retirementAlex Carey and Colin Ingram commenced the rebuild, but it was only partial. With the score on 42 in the final over of the Powerplay, Carey scooped a full Ben Cutting delivery straight to point. At the end of the six overs, the Strikers were 3 for 43.Jonathan Wells arrived and immediately found his busy disposition, combining well with Ingram, who had started to hit the short boundary with regularity. Six overs into their partnership, Strikers captain Ingram tried to find the short boundary again but this time failed. He was taken by Brendon McCullum, giving Lalor his second.Strikers turn the tide
When Wells followed, bowled by a superb Mitchell Swepson wrong ‘un, the Strikers faced an uphill battle to post a competitive total. McCullum then nearly instigated the catch of the tournament – athletically taking one on the boundary, then performing a swivel-flick of the ball to Cutting, who dived forward to take it – before confirming that he’d touched the rope, rendering the ball a six.It signalled a slight turning of the tide for the Strikers, who upped the ante through Harry Nielsen (21 off 16), Michael Neser (18 off 13), Rashid Khan (19 off six) and Cameron Valente (19 off eight) and delivered a huge 67 runs from their final 30 balls. It meant they finished on a healthy 8 for 176; a total approaching par.Renshaw delivers mighty blows
When the Heat batted, the Strikers continued where they had left off, claiming two wickets at greater pace than they had lost. Cutting, promoted to open, swung early and wildly, miscuing a pull shot that was well taken by Rashid running back with the flight of the ball. It brought Lynn to the crease, but he departed after two balls, slashing at Valente and edging it through to Carey.Max Bryant was next to go. Peter Siddle delivered full, Bryant played across the line, and the ball struck the youngster on the knee roll. Siddle appealed impressively, and the umpire complied. Replays showed the ball was missing leg by quite a distance, but it mattered not. It left the Heat 3 for 18 and a mountain to climb.But the entrance of McCullum and Renshaw shifted the momentum. Both unveiled a raft of shots on both sides of the wicket, reaching a crescendo when Renshaw took Valente for 20 from the last over of the Powerplay, leaving the Heat 3 for 56 at the end of that phase, some 13 runs ahead of the Strikers at the same juncture.From there, Renshaw accelerated. Playing with an almost unseen belligerence, he flicked, whipped, and crunched the Strikers attack to all parts, racing to his half-century from 26 deliveries. Few people would have expected McCullum to play second fiddle to a blazing Renshaw, but it proved different on the night. When McCullum departed, LBW to Rashid for a comparatively sedate 51 from 39 balls, Renshaw was already in the 70s.McCullum’s exit proved no problem for the Heat, as Ross came in and swept aggressively to continue the Heat’s dominance. What originally seemed a marathon was eventually rendered a stroll, as the visitors walked in the total with lots to spare.

‘If I get there, fantastic, it’s a dream come true, but if it’s not then there are things to work on and get to the next one’

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-20191:47

Looked up to McCullum during childhood – Seifert

When Tim Seifert was told he’d be opening in the first T20I in Wellington, he went and looked up videos. Not unusual, but then he didn’t go watch his own videos or those of India’s bowlers.”Kinda funny when I got told that I’ll be opening the innings,” Seifert told , after setting up New Zealand’s 80-run win with an explosive 43-ball 84, “I YouTubed Brendon McCullum and watched some of his innings.”In his post-match press conference, Seifert said he had watched quite a bit of McCullum growing up.”Yeah, obviously. I’d be lying if I said Baz wasn’t one of my heroes growing up,” Seifert later said, at his post-match press conference. “Obviously you try to be yourself out there, but I definitely have looked at Baz throughout my childhood.”There were shades of McCullum to some of Seifert’s shots on Wednesday, particularly in the gallops down the track to the fast bowlers and the fast-hands slaps through cover point. There were also flourishes that were all his own, like a switch-hit boundary off Krunal Pandya’s left-arm spin.”I kind of just looked at the field and, you know, it’s all in the moment. I don’t really practice it or anything, it’s just kind of in the spirit of it, but I just thought of his angle, and obviously got him slog-sweeping a couple of times, so I thought he maybe might slow it up. Yeah, it’s kind of a little punt you take, but it’s T20 cricket for you.”Tim Seifert plays a reverse scoop•Getty ImagesSeifert’s runs have come at a crucial time for him, when New Zealand are exploring their wicketkeeping options for the World Cup later this year in England.Seifert made his ODI debut in January, when New Zealand rested regular keeper Tom Latham for the home series against Sri Lanka. He got to bat twice in the three ODIs, making his entrance in the 45th over on both occasions and contributing 22 off 17 and 11 off 10 in two 300-plus totals.When Latham returned for the ODIs against India, Seifert didn’t find a place in the squad.With each team allowed a squad of only 15 players at the World Cup, taking a reserve keeper can sometimes become a luxury. New Zealand coach Gary Stead has recently spoken of the possibility that Henry Nicholls, who has rarely kept wicket at any level in recent years, could play that role behind Latham.Seifert’s 84 may or may not have tilted the team management towards taking a specialist back-up keeper, but for now he isn’t worrying too much about the World Cup.”I just go out, do what I do, and hey, if that gets me over the line, brilliant, you know, but still being young, you know, [I’ve] still got time on my side,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to be at this World Cup, but if I get there, fantastic, it’s a dream come true, but if it’s not then there are things to work on and get to the next one.”

Having had a turbulent run of results in September, losing four games on the spin by an aggregate scoreline of 11-2, Southampton have managed to claw themselves back into the conversation for automatic promotion.

However, draws against Huddersfield Town and Watford in recent weeks have hindered the Saints in their attempt to claw back some ground on the top two, with Russell Martin's side still showing glimpses of inconsistency.

Nevertheless, an upcoming trip away at Coventry City on Wednesday will be yet another test for the resolve of Martin's men in their hopes of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking, while avoiding the lottery of the playoffs.

Three points is a must for the south coast side and the boss will need to ensure he's selected the right starting eleven to return with all the spoils. With that in mind, here is Southampton's predicted lineup ahead of their trip to the CBS Arena…

1 GK – Gavin Bazunu

After Southampton's defence recently kept back-to-back clean sheets in the Championship, Martin praised goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, claiming he was part of the "fulcrum" of the team. The Republic of Ireland international did struggle to get to grips with the number one spot last term when the Saints were in the Premier League but is now starting to find his feet in goal.

Backup goalkeeper Alex McCarthy hasn't featured in a single game for Southampton this season and this will likely not change as Bazunu is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup.

2 LB – Ryan Manning

Ryan Manning didn't have his best game against Watford on Saturday. The Irish fullback had 80 touches of the ball during the match but managed to play just one accurate cross, having also failed to complete a single long ball. Additionally, Manning didn't win a single aerial duel and lost 56% of his total ground duels, as per FotMob.

However, the 27-year-old has averaged a 7.04 Sofascore rating this season and his performance at Vicarage Road could have been just a bad day at the office, meaning he will keep his place against Coventry tonight.

3 CB – Jan Bednarek

Jan Bednarek was arguably Southampton's best player against the Hornets at the weekend. The Poland international completed eight passes into the final third throughout the match and made nine clearances, four interceptions and five ball recoveries, while also winning 67% of his aerial duels against the 6 foot 2, Mileta Rajovic.

Martin will undoubtedly look to keep the former Aston Villa loanee in the team, particularly as a result of Coventry's aerial prowess with Haji Wright and Ellis Simms.

4 CB – Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Much like his defensive partner, Taylor Harwood-Bellis was outstanding at the back at the weekend, making more passes than any other player on the pitch with 91, ending the game with a 93% passing accuracy, having also played 14 passes into the final third.

The Manchester City loanee looked excellent alongside Bednarek and Martin won't want to upset the apple cart by dropping either of the two at the CBS Arena tonight.

5 RB – Kyle Walker-Peters

Martin has a few options that can play at right-back, including James Bree and loan signing Mason Holgate, although the latter will reportedly be recalled by Everton in January. However, the best option on the right of the defence is Kyle Walker-Peters.

Related Southampton could now lose “brilliant” loanee over lack of playing time

His parent club aren’t happy with Russell Martin’s decisions.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Dec 11, 2023

The fullback was very solid on Saturday once more, making four clearances, two interceptions and nine ball recoveries for the Saints and will likely keep his place in the starting lineup once more.

6 LCM – Stuart Armstrong

Stuart Armstrong didn't have his best game for the Saints on Saturday and struggled to have any real impact on the match. The Scotland international had merely one shot on goal, accumulated a lowly expected assists number of 0.05 and had just two touches in the opposition's box.

While it wasn't his strongest display for the club, Armstrong has been a valuable member of Martin's team this term, having made 15 starts in the Championship already which could increase to 16 tonight.

7 DM – Shea Charles

Shea Charles did reasonably well in possession at the weekend for Southampton. The 20-year-old made five passes into the final third and was quite comfortable on the ball, completing 95% of his 53 passes. However, the youngster struggled defensively, being dribbled past five times while winning merely 25% of his ground duels during the game, as per FotMob. He even picked up a yellow card for his troubles.

Nonetheless, after two superb performances against Cardiff City and Bristol City following the November international break, Martin will likely persevere with his £10m summer signing for another match.

8 RCM – Will Smallbone

Like his midfield partners, Joe Aribo also struggled against the Hornets on Saturday afternoon. The Nigerian failed to record one key pass or have a single shot at goal, while also losing possession of the ball nine times before being replaced by Will Smallbone late in the game.

Smallbone has been a regular starter under Martin so far. In fact, 15 of his 17 total appearances in the Championship have come from the starting lineup and the Irishman will likely return in place of Aribo tonight.

9 LW – Che Adams

Che Adams was one of Southampton's better performers away at Vicarage Road at the weekend. The Scotland international alone registered 0.35 of Southampton's 0.8 xG during the game and managed to bag his side's only goal a little over ten minutes after the interval. This was his fourth of the season which will potentially be rewarded with yet another start for the Saints.

10 ST – Adam Armstrong

Adam Armstrong is quite possibly the easiest player to predict will be in the starting lineup. The 26-year-old is Southampton's top scorer and creator this season with 12 goals and five assists, having started every single game under Martin in the league. There's little to no chance Armstrong sits this one out.

Given Carlos Alcaraz's struggles at the weekend, the prolific goalscorer could return to his preferred spot up top as the lone striker, which brings us to our next prediction.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta speculated that his club could ask for a replay of their fixture with Real Madrid after refereeing controversy.

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• Lamine Yamal "ghost goal" disallowed
• Laporta called for extensive review
• Madridw won with late Bellingham goal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The disgruntled Barca president released a scathing statement on Monday, claiming that his club would look into a potential replay of Sunday's Clasico after a controversial refereeing decision denied his side a goal in the first half. Yamal's near-post flick seemed to have come close to crossing the line, but La Liga's lack of goal-line technology made replays inconclusive.

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• WHAT LAPORTA SAID ABOUT THE INCIDENT

  In a four-minute long statement, Laporta outlined a number of his grievances: "Yesterday, there were several debatable plays but among all of them there is one that is essential and that can lead to a change in the final result of the game. I am referring to the so-called Lamine ghost goal. As a club we want to be sure about what happened and that is why I inform you that from FC Barcelona we will immediately request the Technical Committee of Referees and the Spanish Football Federation to provide us with all the images and audio generated by the play."

• WHAT LAPORTA SAID ABOUT BARCA'S RESPONSE

  Laporta also threatened a potential replay: "If it is confirmed that it was a legal goal, we will go further and do not rule out asking for a replay of the match, just as has happened in a European match due to a VAR error. Finally, I want to emphasise that although we will focus on this play, we also disagree with various actions during the course of the match that, although they could be consulted in the VAR, this tool was ignored by the referee in an incomprehensible way."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal's no-goal proved to be a crucial moment in the scope of the game. It would have given Barca a 2-1 lead before half-time, and a commanding position heading into the second half of the fixture.

Michail Antonio has revealed what Jurgen Klopp said to Mohamed Salah in their touchline row during Liverpool's draw with West Ham.

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Liverpool see title hopes hit at West HamSalah and Klopp also argue on touchlineAntonio reveals what Liverpool boss saidWHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool's 2-2 draw with West Ham was overshadowed by an explosive touchline row between star forward Salah and manager Klopp. The Liverpool boss tried to play down the incident after the costly draw, but Salah fuelled talk of a bust-up by saying there would "be fire" if he revealed what he really thought.

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Many theories have already emerged regarding what sparked the row. Alan Shearer has claimed Salah was annoyed about not starting the game, while footage has suggested the row started after the Egyptian turned down a customary handshake and hug from his manager. Antonio says the West Ham players have been talking about it and have come up with their own thoughts on the spat.

WHAT ANTONIO SAID

Antonio told the Footballer’s Football Podcast: "Basically – this is not inside information, nobody has told me anything – but what I have heard is what the boys have been talking about on the training ground.

"As the [Liverpool] players come on, Klopp always gives them a big hug and says 'good luck', but when Mo came on he walked in a different direction and was doing his shinpads and stuff like that. Klopp has put his hand out to him and his hand was there for a bit and as Mo stopped doing what he was doing, he just slapped his [Klopp's] hand as a high five.

"Obviously Klopp didn’t like that and he was like, ‘do you want to sit back down?’, basically saying, 'do you want to go on?'. And nobody has told me what Mo said back."

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The row has leld to speculation that Salah could follow Klopp out of the Liverpool exit door in the summer. Meanwhile, the pair will return to action Sunday against Tottenham in the Premier League with the Reds having seen their title hopes hit after dropping points to Everton and West Ham in their last two games.