Goal.com correspondent Neil Jones expects a Liverpool centre-back change ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash with Villarreal. 

The lowdown: Big game player

Having arrived at Anfield from RB Leipzig for £36million in 2021 (Sky Sports), Ibrahima Konate has already gone from strength to strength in a short spell on Merseyside.

Signed following a wretched 2020/21 campaign with central defensive issues in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, the Frenchman was expected to act as an understudy to a returning Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

However, Konate has already been thrown in at the deep end on numerous occasions, starting against Manchester United at Old Trafford, in the FA Cup semi-final success over Manchester City and in both legs of the quarter-final victory over Benfica.

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Now, Klopp could be about to show the 22-year-old even more faith…

The latest: Jones drops starting XI claim

Taking to Twitter when citing an in-depth report on the centre-back, Jones suggested that Konate is in line to start when the Reds face Villarreal at Anfield.

“I may be wrong, but I expect Ibrahima Konaté to start for Liverpool tonight. As debuts seasons go, his has been more than decent, and with the promise of even better things to come.”

Meanwhile, a report from the Liverpool Echo has noted that neither Kostas Tsimikas nor Roberto Firmino were spotted in Tuesday’s training session and both could be out of contention for the European showdown.

The verdict: No dramas

Previously, the prospect of breaking up such a well-oiled partnership of Matip and Van Dijk might’ve sent shivers down the spine of even the most hard-faced Liverpool fan. However, such is the impact and quality of Konate, that the thought of the 13-cap France Under 21 colossus being involved from the outset has become the norm.

So far this season, the man once hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Kevin Campbell has made 22 appearances across all competitions, completing 55.6 passes, winning 4.4 aerials duels and making 3.5 clearances per game on average whilst earning a 7.08 rating from eight Premier League outings in the process (Sofascore).

Such is the wealth of options currently at Klopp’s disposal and the quality of recent recruitment, almost whoever is asked to lineup will almost undoubtedly do so with a high level of performance and Konate’s early showings at Anfield mean the powerful defender is certainly no exception.

In other news, an expert has made a Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

أعلن منتخب إنجلترا، اليوم الأحد، غياب رحيم ستيرلينج، عن مباراة السنغال، في كأس العالم 2022.

ويلتقي المنتخبان في رابع مباريات دور الـ16، على ملعب البيت، في التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

طالع أيضًا.. المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ8 من كأس العالم 2022

وكتب الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم في تغريدة له على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “تويتر”: “رحيم ستيرلينج غير متوفر في اختيارات الأسود الثلاثة لمباراة اليوم، لأنه يتعامل مع مسائل عائلية”.

Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter. pic.twitter.com/CR6cU8J0wE — England (@England) December 4, 2022

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly now in ‘contact’ to sign Mitchel Bakker for Newcastle United this summer.

The Lowdown: January offer

It was reported back in the January transfer window that the St. James’ Park faithful were close to signing Bakker from Bayer Leverkusen after making an offer, but the deal hit a stumbling block.

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His representatives even reportedly travelled to the North East in order to try and push through the move, but in the end nothing materialised, and Bakker remains at Leverkusen.

The Latest: ‘Contact’ made

As per SportBILD (via Sport Witness), ‘contact’ with Bakker and his management over a potential move to Tyneside is still ongoing after the January bid, and they are now ready to ‘make a new offer’ for him in the summer.

It is not clear whether his valuation is the same as it was last window, but nonetheless it seems as if the Magpies are now lining up a new bid.

The Verdict: Depends on Targett

It has been reported that the Toon will look to sign Matt Targett from Aston Villa on a permanent deal after impressing while on loan, meaning that they would have the left-back spot covered, and so signing Bakker as well would not seem like a smart move.

However, if any deal for Targett fell through, then the Dutchman could be a great alternative.

Described as a player who has ‘pace and strength’ as well as ‘footballing ability’ (via The Chronicle) by Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller, the six-foot-one menace would suit Premier League football very well, and at just 21 years of age, he has a lot of potential.

Nonetheless, the club have to see what happens with Targett first of all, before pursuing a deal for the Bundesliga left-back.

In other news, find out who is now ‘close’ to returning for NUFC here!

MatériaMais Notícias

O presidente da Comissão de Arbitragem da Federação Mineira de Futebol (FMF), Giuliano Bozzano, admitiu nesta sexta-feira que o auxiliar Ricardo Junio de Souza errou ao anular um gol legítimo do América na primeira partida da semifinal do Campeonato Mineiro, vencida pelo Atlético, por 1 a 0, no Independência, em Belo Horizonte.

O assistente entendeu que o lateral-direito Norberto, do América, tocou de cabeça na bola antes da finalização de Aylon, o que deixaria o atacante em condição de impedimento.

-Acho que a arbitragem teve erros pontuais em momento importantes. Por isso, a arbitragem acabou tendo uma grande repercussão – disse Bozzano ao “Superesportes”.

Além do América-MG, o Cruzeiro também apresentou queixas a arbitragem na partida contra o Tupi pela semifinal do Campeonato Mineiro. O presidente Wagner Pires de Sá atacou os árbitros.

RelacionadasPonte PretaPonte Preta anuncia contratação de Doriva como novo treinadorPonte Preta23/03/2018

An injury expert has been left wowed by what he has now heard from Leeds United before they play Manchester City at home in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Bamford return close

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Jesse Marsch has revealed that Patrick Bamford is expected to be ‘on the pitch next week’, after seeing his return from injury cut short back in March.

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He also said that the striker has been using an anti-gravity treadmill at Thorp Arch, in order to hurry his rehabilitation.

The Latest: Dinnery reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Ben Dinnery, renowned injury expert who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in both medicine and data analysis, was left wowed by Bamford’s use of the anti-gravity treadmill, claiming that it is a ‘phenomenal’ piece of equipment:

“The anti-gravity treadmill can reduce your body weight by up to 100 per cent.

“That allows players to maintain their fitness without compromising the body’s biomechanics.

“You can effectively train and run more or less pain-free. Then you transition to increased body weight and eventually onto the field.

“It makes the process a lot quicker. They are a really phenomenal bit of kit.

“The pressure has lifted on Bamford given that Leeds have all but secured their top-flight status.

“But he probably has something to prove to himself and will want to finish the season on a high.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Of course, the fact that Bamford is seemingly speeding up his recovery is no doubt a big boost for Marsch and his team.

Before he first injured his ankle in September, he had scored one goal and made two assists already in the top flight, and scored again on his first return from injury in the 2-2 draw at home to Brentford in December (Transfermarkt).

He has not been able to put a consistent run of games together, but when he has played, more often than not he has contributed.

Nonetheless, with the Whites still fighting off relegation, Bamford could be crucial for the run-in.

In other news, find out what huge LUFC injury blow has now emerged here!

A twist in the ongoing saga of West Ham United star midfielder Declan Rice has now been backed by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee.

The Lowdown: Rice twist reported…

There have been numerous claims over Rice and whether or not he could depart the London Stadium this summer.

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While journalists Dean Jones and Scott Saunders first claimed that the 23-year-old is more open than ever to a Rush Green exit, Hammers insider Claret & Hugh stated that David Moyes’ star man is committed to the cause for 2022/2023 at least.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared another twist on Friday evening – breaking news that Rice has turned down a third contract offer and is ‘now open to a move this summer’ (Twitter).

The Latest: Ex backs development…

Now, backing this big update on the England international, West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has dropped a three-word message – simply stating ‘yes it is’ when asked if the rumour was true.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes?

While this doesn’t come as the best news for Irons supporters, GSB’s unwavering stance that he is ‘untouchable’ has been backed by Sky Sports – who claim that West Ham will not budge in the next window.

This provides a glimmer of assurance for Moyes and co as they gear up for what will be a very interesting Premier League campaign next year.

West Ham will apparently be backed with a £150 million kitty in the summer and intend to show Rice their ambition, so it remains to be seen whether the starlet could eventually change his stance depending on developments, and even if he doesn’t it is clear at this point GSB will only sell for a colossal figure.

In other news: Agreement reached: ExWHUemployee also has some promising player news for West Ham supporters! Find out more here.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
M Vijay was not at his most fluent, but barring that India had few worries in Vadodara•AFP

New Zealand’s one-day woes continued into a ninth straight game as their batting failed to cope with moist early-morning conditions in Vadodara. Zaheer Khan, coming back after injury, and Munaf Patel swung and seamed the ball all right, but New Zealand will look back at how unremarkable their response was. With the pitch easing out in the afternoon, Gautam Gambhir made the chase look ridiculously easy, becoming only the eighth captain to score centuries in back-to-back ODIs.From the time he won the toss and put New Zealand in, Gambhir hardly put a foot wrong, keeping his perfect captaincy record and India’s unbeaten home season intact. New Zealand’s openers gifted their wickets, the middle order went into a shell, and even though James Franklin and Nathan McCullum added 94 for the eighth wicket, it was never going to be enough. Not with Gambhir making room and peppering the off side with drives and cuts, bringing up his fifty in 30 balls, out of India’s 64 then.Watching Gambhir bat, the struggle New Zealand went through early in the morning seemed far away. Brendon McCullum, making a comeback himself, laid out a welcome mat for Zaheer, guiding a widish delivery straight to second slip. Martin Guptill ran himself out soon after.Between those dismissals, Williamson set the template for the day. His front foot went across to the first ball he faced. It swung in enough down the leg side to be called a wide, but Williamson had fallen over trying to correct the movement. Neither Williamson nor Ross Taylor could get rid of that tendency during their short stays. Taylor’s wicket, though, came in a tame fashion as he tried drive Zaheer on the up. The shot was played away from his body, and an inside edge ensued.Taylor’s No. 4 position has been a matter of debate, with arguments that he should take more responsibility and bat at No. 3. Williamson’s inability to counterattack only seemed to highlight that notion. For the third game running, he got off to a slow start, and did little to hit Munaf off his plan.Munaf loves to bowl back of a length, just outside off, and wobble the ball slightly either way. He tends to get a bit rattled when somebody uses that predictability to come down and hit him. In this series, though, no one has come close to doing that. And once Williamson allowed Munaf to do what he wanted, that lbw call seemed a matter of time with the batsman regularly falling over.Modern captains tend to go into the containment mode once the 15th over ends irrespective of how many wickets they might have got. Gambhir, who had put New Zealand in, was refreshingly old-school. When he saw R Ashwin turn the first ball, he set Test-match fields for Scott Styris and James Franklin. Yuvraj, at leg slip, soon came into action taking a sharp low catch to send Styris back. Daniel Vettori did a B McCullum, guiding Yusuf Pathan straight to slip for another sharp catch for Yuvraj, who later returned to leg slip to get rid of Gareth Hopkins too.Having fallen behind the over-rate, though, Gambhir omitted to use four of Zaheer and Nehra’s overs. Facing part-time spinners on a pitch that had eased out a bit, Franklin and N McCullum had little trouble building a partnership. It was almost as if Gambhir was not concerned at all by their stand.The way he turned out with the bat, Gambhir need not have worried either.After having been at the wrong end of Gambhir’s off-side play in Jaipur, New Zealand tried to cramp him up, and found that Gambhir was equally adept at scoring through the on side. He flicked the second ball he faced fine for a boundary. In Kyle Mills’ next over, he picked the gap between mid-on and midwicket. In Mills’ next, Gambhir started making room and went into his favourite off side. He capitalised on the correction on the next delivery, moving to 23 off 11.Andy McKay got the same treatment: wide ball, four; too straight, four; wide again, four. With time, Gambhir’s favourite chips over extra cover and midwicket came out too. He might have seemed to slow down after reaching his fifty, but he took only 58 further deliveries to get to the hundred.M Vijay didn’t struggle like he did in Jaipur, but had to stay content with being the lesser partner in the opening stand. And like he did in Japiur, Virat Kohli came out and scored a half-century in the company of his captain as India cantered home.

The ECB have added Steve Gale and Steve O’Shaughnessy to the First Class Umpires List for 2011 following the retirements of Barry Dudleston and Vanburn Holder last season

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2010The ECB have added Steve Gale and Steve O’Shaughnessy to the list of first-class umpires for 2011 following the retirements of Barry Dudleston and Vanburn Holder last season.Steve O’Shaughnessy played first-class cricket for Lancashire and Worcestershire between 1980 and 1989, and has been umpiring since 2007. He is delighted to now get the chance to umpire first-class games. “I am thrilled to be given this promotion and am looking forward to having the chance to further my career as an ECB official,” he said.Steve Gale, meanwhile, is promoted after spending three seasons on the Reserve List following a playing career representing Shropshire in Minor Counties cricket between 1975 and 1987. ECB umpires’ manager, Chris Kelly said: “We are pleased to welcome both Steve Gale and Steve O’Shaughnessy onto the Full List for 2011. Their commitment and attitude on the Reserve List has been outstanding and their promotion is the result of some exceptional performances in County Championship matches.”In addition, three new umpires have been added to the Reserve List for 2011: Alex Wharf, who played 13 ODIs for England between 2004 and 2005, Billy Taylor and Russell Evans. Wharf and Taylor retired from first-class cricket at the end of the 2009 season and Evans was contracted by Nottinghamshire between 1985 and 1990.”We are pleased to welcome Billy, Alex and Russell onto the Reserve List for 2011 which maintains the number of umpires available at this level,” said Kelly. “There is now plenty of competition for places on the Reserve List and these three have shown that they are in an excellent position to take their officiating forward.”ECB Full List 2011: Rob Bailey, Neil Bainton, Mark Benson, Martin Bodenham, Nick Cook, Nigel Cowley, Jeff Evans, Steve Gale, Steve Garratt, Michael Gough, Ian Gould, Peter Hartley, Richard Illingworth, Trevor Jesty, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Jeremy Lloyds, Neil Mallender, David Millns, Steve O’Shaughnessy, Tim Robinson, George Sharp, John Steele, Peter Willey.ECB Reserve List 2011: Paul Baldwin, Ismail Dawood, Mark Eggleston, Russell Evans, Andy Hicks, Graham Lloyd, Steve Malone, Martin Saggers, Billy Taylor, Alex Wharf.

أكد قائد ولاعب وسط منتخب كرواتيا، لوكا مودريتش، صعوبة مباراة البرازيل في الدور ربع النهائي من بطولة كأس العالم قطر 2022.

وتلتقي البرازيل وكرواتيا يوم غدًا الجمعة، في تمام الساعة الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “المدينة الرياضية” في مدينة “الريان” القطرية، بقيادة الحكم الإنجليزي الدولي مايكل أوليفر.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | قطة تقاطع مؤتمر فينيسيوس الخاص بمباراة البرازيل وكرواتيا

وتحدث مودريتش عن مباراة الغد في مؤتمره الصحفي، وقال: “أصعب مباراة لنا في كأس العالم، البرازيل مرشحة دومًا للفوز باللقب”.

وتابع: “في تلك النسخة هي أيضًا الأوفر حظًا، علينا أن نحافظ على أسلوبنا ونبذل قصارى جهدنا في تلك المباراة، لقد اُثبتنا مدى قوتنا العقلية بعد مباراة كرواتيا ولعب الوقت الإضافي وركلات الجزاء وهي ما اعطتنا الثقة الكبيرة”.

وعن مواجهة زملاءه في ريال مدريد مع البرازيل: “يمكننا أن نكون أصدقاء بعد المباراة، الجميع يقاتل من أجل بلده”.

وفينيسيوس: “لدينا مهمة صعبة لإيقافه غدًا، الجميع يعرف مدى إمكانياته، لكن إذا كان بإمكاني المساعدة لوقف خطورته، فسأقوم بذلك بالتأكيد، نحن جميعًا هنا للدفاع عن اسم بلدنا”.

وأضاف في النهاية: “من الجيد أن أسمع فينيسيوس يمدحني، خاصة من لاعب قد تطور كثيرًا منذ انضمامه إلى ريال مدريد”.

An exciting Newcastle United injury lift has emerged over the weekend regarding two first-team players…

What’s the talk?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has reacted to Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson both making their long-awaited returns from their respective knocks.

Both players came off the bench in what turned out to be a disappointing afternoon for the Toon army as they lost 5-0 to Manchester City at The Etihad in the Premier League.

After the match, The Chronicle quoted Howe as saying: “Massive boost for everyone connected at Newcastle to see them back. We have missed them.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The supporters will surely be buzzing with both of them being back in action for the Magpies for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it means that Trippier and Wilson can both have a say in where Newcastle finish in the league table. They are currently one point off the top half of the table and this means that they are in with a realistic chance of landing in the top-10 if they can pick up results against Arsenal and Burnley.

Both players being fit and available will be a boost because they have proven that they can put in top performances for the club. Trippier has averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.42 since arriving from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window and has scored two goals for the club to date, showing that he can make an impact in the final third whilst putting in sublime all-round displays from full-back.

Wilson, on the other hand, has scored 18 Premier League goals since the start of last season. He has found the back of the net six times in 14 starts this term after managing 12 goals and five assists in 23 starts in 2020/21, which shows that he is capable of being a match-winner for the Magpies with his knack for scoring goals.

Therefore, both players have the requisite quality to have a major say in Newcastle’s last two matches of the campaign. They can help the team to finish in the top half and that would be an exciting way to end Howe’s first season at the club.

The fans will also be buzzing with their availability as it means that they will be getting game time under their belt ahead of 2022/23. It means that they will not be arriving for pre-season with more work to do than the others as they have been fully integrated back into the group this month.

AND in other news, Forget Dubravka: £23k-p/w NUFC lightweight who lost 75% duels let Howe down badly…