Football is a fickle game, with October’s Premier League Manager of the Month, Ruben Amorim, now again facing scrutiny regarding his position at Manchester United.

Three draws, one defeat and a solitary win from the last five league outings has sparked concern that this United side is drifting back into old habits, fresh from a worst-ever Premier League campaign last time out.

Boos rang out at the full-time whistle following the 1-1 draw with relegation strugglers West Ham United in midweek, just ten days on from another abject Old Trafford display up against ten-man Everton.

A creditable comeback win against Crystal Palace may have been sandwiched in between those two frustrating results, although even at Selhurst Park, the performance was drab and dour, with club legend Roy Keane noting that the displays have been “desperate” across the last three or four games.

Still in the mix for European contention in eighth, it isn’t time to panic just yet – but could more drop points against bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday change the situation?

Why Ruben Amorim's future at Man Utd remains uncertain

Even amid the depths of the defeat to Grimsby Town, INEOS have appeared to back their man to the hilt, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe even suggesting earlier this season that Amorim would be given three years to make his mark in Manchester.

There has been gradual improvement this year – while the lack of attacking quality and depth must also be factored in to any criticism – although the Portuguese’s stubborn 3-4-2-1 system continues to grate on supporters.

Unwilling to take the handbrake off, even at home to both Everton and West Ham, the 40-year-old notably made four defensive-minded changes last time out, overlooking the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey on the home bench.

The treatment of Mainoo, in particular, has riled up the United faithful no end, a fact only enhanced by Amorim choosing to laugh off suggestions that the Englishman could have been an attacking change against the Hammers.

Yet to start a single league game in 2025/26, the 20-year-old is believed to be itching for a loan move in January, with his standing under the new boss having perhaps been evident right from the off, as Amorim selected Casemiro and Christian Eriksen ahead of him on that November night at Portman Road.

Quite what INEOS make of the handling of Mainoo remains to be seen, although there are whispers that the United hierarchy are plotting potential replacements, with reports this week indicating that the club are monitoring Palace boss, Oliver Glasner.

Also being eyed as a possible successor to under-fire title winner, Arne Slot at Liverpool, Glasner is a man in demand. Could the “incredible” coach – as hailed by Pep Guardiola – be the man to get United back on track, while reviving Mainoo in the process?

Why Glasner's appointment could be perfect for Mainoo

It would be somewhat ironic if United were to turn to one of the few managers Amorim has actually bettered this season, although the caveat to that result was the Eagles’ Conference League involvement just days earlier, having visibly tired as the game progressed.

Initially indeed, there looked like being only one winner in south London, with Jean-Philippe Mateta squandering a handful of chances, while Eddie Nketiah saw his one-on-one attempt denied by Luke Shaw.

Adam Wharton, too, could only fire his effort straight into the gloves of Senne Lammens, with the promising Englishman having run the show in that opening 45, amid suggestions that Casemiro looked “haunted” up against the elegant left-footer.

Wharton vs Man Utd

Stat

Record

Minutes

78

Touches

48

Pass accuracy

79%

Key passes

1

Big chances created

0

Total shots

1

Total duels won

5/7

Balls recovered

7

Tackles

3/3

Stats via Sofascore

Wharton ranks highly among the biggest success stories of Glasner’s fruitful, FA Cup-winning tenure to date, having arrived as a player of potential from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024, prior to now solidifying himself as a £100m-rated asset and a leading target for those at United.

While a reunion might be in order if Glasner does take charge at Old Trafford, perhaps a cheaper outcome might be for the German to work his magic on United’s own England sensation, Mainoo, with the Red Devils still waiting to see their academy graduate thrive in that Wharton role in a midfield pairing.

In the case of both Three Lions starlets, when looking at their respective 2024/25 Premier League seasons, the statistics don’t jump off the page, with neither man an elite ball winner, nor necessarily a goal or assist machine.

What they are both adept at is providing that forward-thinking approach in midfield, albeit in slightly different ways.

Indeed, Wharton ranked in the top 7% of midfielders last term for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, while Mainoo ranked in the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90.

Wharton looks to thread the pass, while Mainoo has the magic to drive himself up the pitch. Either way, both are “generational” rising stars – as Mainoo has been lauded by Rasmus Hojlund – who should be the centre of the Premier League and England across the next decade.

And so, having helped his own midfield sensation blossom at Selhurst Park, could Glasner repeat the trick again at Old Trafford?

Related Not Mainoo: Amorim's use of Man Utd's "best player" is a sackable offence

Ruben Amorim’s questionable decisions as Manchester United boss could land him in hot water with INEOS.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Dec 6, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are stuck in a cycle of repeated mistakes, time and time again struggling to establish a winning formula on home turf and struggling also to weave Thomas Frank’s tactics into their identity.

Much has been made of Spurs’ attacking problems this season, but defensively, there are imbalances too. The north Londoners’ xGD (Expected Goals Difference) stands at -6.8, marking them 18th in the division for that metric.

Despite adding a range of talented additions to their ranks after winning the Europa League last season, the residual issues that stemmed from a torrid Premier League campaign remain, and Frank has to show that he has what it takes to wipe out the recurring patterns that are threatening an exciting season.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons were welcomed to the ranks, but Frank has yet to pull it all together

The potential Frank replacements ENIC should consider

It has been reported that Frank is not under immediate pressure in the Tottenham hot seat, but after picking just two points up from his past five outings, the Spurs boss will know that results need to improve, especially with the win over Burnley in August standing as a lonely win down N17.

Kudus might be the joint-top assist maker in the division so far, but Tottenham’s creativity is a big concern, and ENIC Group may have the perfect replacement they can fall back on.

Back at the start of the summer, ESPN reported Tottenham had whittled their shortlist down to two candidates, Frank being one, Fulham manager Marco Silva being the other.

The Portuguese tactician is a well-seasoned Premier League manager, having led 221 matches across four different tenures.

Known for establishing stability and a clear tactical vision, the 48-year-old has earned his share of praise, with pundit Jamie Carragher among those to suggest Silva may well be a tailor-made fit for the Lilywhites.

Why Carragher has "always seen" Silva at Spurs

Carragher remarked on The Overlap this week that he has “always seen Silva at Tottenham”, with his blend of pragmatism and shrewd ideas potentially instilling the secure and balanced foundations the club have been lacking in recent years.

Implementing a 4-2-3-1 formation, Silva, whose Cottager side beat Tottenham away from home only last weekend, seeks to strike a balance between possession-based play and counter-attacking football, with both sides of that coin on show against Spurs.

There is an emphasis on overlaps and wide play that could also give rise to Kudus’ qualities. The Ghanaian – who England fans will be threatened by at the 2026 World Cup next year – has made a positive start to life in north London, but there’s a sense that there is more to come from the versatile wideman.

As per FBref, the 25-year-old ranks among the top 3% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for successful take-ons per 90.

Matches (starts)

13 (13)

Goals

2

Assists

5

Touches*

52.4

Shots (on target)*

1.5 (0.5)

Accurate passes*

20.9 (87%)

Chances created*

1.6

Dribbles*

3.1

Ball recoveries*

5.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.9

Duels won*

6.5

Kudus needs to score more, and he also needs to make more of his inherent creative skills. Silva’s system could help achieve this.

Transfer reporter Dean Jones has even gone as far as to label Silva a “genius”, with his subtle and nuanced approach to the managerial game something Spurs may need to adapt to different situations and rediscover their fluency both in defence and attack.

Whether Tottenham decide to cut their ties with Frank down the line will be a matter of time and perserverance, but should an upswing fail to materialise, Silva could be the shrewd successor to finally take this team to a sustainable level at the top.

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ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

Eddie Howe didn’t name a weakened Newcastle United side against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday in the Champions League, despite the Tyne-Wear Derby looming large.

Indeed, the 48-year-old went full strength, as he picked the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon, even as his team’s tense showdown with Sunderland comes onto the overloaded fixture list on Sunday.

Going all out with his team selection didn’t mean a convincing win was forthcoming, though, as Newcastle’s frailties away from St James’ Park reared their ugly head once more in a 2-2 draw at the BayArena.

Unfortunately, many of Howe’s top performers throughout the season struggled in Leverkusen, as an 88th-minute equaliser from Alejandro Grimaldo proved to be a sickening end to a night that was meant to boost the Toon’s confidence, before travelling to the Black Cats.

Newcastle's worst performers vs Leverkusen

It was a well-worked move that saw the Spanish defender slot home past Aaron Ramsdale, but the lax marking of the full-back will have angered Howe at the full-time whistle, as Tonali looked nowhere near his energetic best once more.

The Italian just casually jogged about the pitch when the move was being orchestrated, with the ex-AC Milan man also falling victim to a sluggish display on the ball when giving up possession eight times.

As journalist Luke Edwards put it at the close of the 2-2 draw, he’s meant to “bring control” to contests late on, but looked haphazard on the flip side.

Moreover, Howe could now be second-guessing whether Malick Thiaw should start what will surely be a heated contest at the Stadium of Light, with the clumsy German fortunate not to receive a red card when bringing down Patrick Schick early into the first half, just before he could fire a shot at Ramsdale’s net.

Thankfully, the 24-year-old evaded the referee’s wrath, with the hope that he can get back to his rock-solid best on Wearside, having further come up short uncharacteristically on three of his eight duels away from St James’ Park.

Guimaraes was also left red-faced during the clash when he unfortunately put an own-goal past an unsuspecting Ramsdale, but he did more than enough at BayArena to keep his first-team spot, as seen in him notching up a hefty five key passes, as per Sofascore.

The same, however, can’t be said for one of his declining teammates…

The Newcastle star who must now be axed

Hailed as an “unbelievably frustrating” night from a Toon persuasion by Sky Sports’ Andy Sixsmith, it will be intriguing to see what changes Howe makes to his starting XI now for the demanding Tyne-Wear face-off to come.

Chalkboard

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

Joelinton dropping out feels like an obvious alteration, as the underperforming number seven limped off with a clear injury issue on the hour mark.

To make matters worse for the waning Brazilian, his replacement, Lewis Miley, scored within 14 minutes of his introduction into the lively game, leading one content creator to state that the young Englishman has now “claimed his starting space.”

Even if the lethargic South American didn’t have his injury issue to contend with, he would likely be fearful of the axe when looking at his poor numbers from the Leverkusen score draw in more detail, as the 29-year-old, who used to be known for his verve and determination centrally, ended up only winning two of his nine duels on the night.

On top of that, he also very much fell victim to fading in and out of the match, having come off at the hour mark with only 33 touches accumulated, unlike his midfield partners in Guimaraes and Tonali, who amassed a weighty 121 touches between them.

Even Ramsdale in between the sticks would tally up more touches, ending the 2-2 affair with a slightly higher 39.

Having lost his spark in the Premier League this season, too, with zero goals or assists next to his name from 13 league outings, it does feel like a straightforward swap to bring in Miley for some freshness against Sunderland, as the homegrown prodigy licks his lips at the prospect of facing the Toon’s fiercest rivals.

Dropping Joelinton is unlikely to be the only tweak at the Stadium of Light, as Howe does everything in his power to pick the strongest XI that hands his team the bragging rights on Sunday.

As bad as Tonali: £75k-p/w star had his worst game in a Newcastle shirt

This Newcastle star struggled in their 2-2 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen

By
Joe Nuttall

4 days ago

Liverpool have now reportedly joined the race to sign a rising star who could replace Ibrahima Konate, having already sent their scouts to watch the defender in action.

What next after Salah's explosive rant?

Just when they thought it couldn’t get any worse, Mohamed Salah found himself strolling through the mixed zone towards the first microphone available. And this was no friendly catch-up. The Egyptian unleashed a sensational rant, accusing Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” and claiming that there is no longer a relationship with manager Arne Slot.

So, where do Liverpool and Salah go next? The Egyptian has trained today and a decision is yet to be made as to whether he travels to face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, some teammates were expecting his rant and those higher up at Anfield knew it was only inevitable that the chances increased that he’d speak out with every passing week on the bench.

Slot maintains the backing of Anfield chiefs, however, who view his decision to drop Salah as a selection choice which was unlikely to be long-term.

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ByDan Emery Dec 8, 2025

What’s more, as reported by the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, the relationship between Slot and Salah is genuinely broken at present and the Egyptian simply does not see a future at Liverpool whilst the Dutchman is in charge.

It’s the lowest moment of Liverpool’s season so far and one that they could certainly do without as the fixtures come thick and fast. Alas, business goes on for FSG, who have reportedly joined the race to solve another one of Slot’s glaring problems at Liverpool.

Liverpool join race to sign Jeremy Jacquet

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool have now joined the race to sign Jeremy Jacquet, who has impressed their scouts at Stade Rennais.

The Reds have already made checks on the 20-year-old defender and could welcome his arrival to replace Konate in 2026. The Frenchman is in the worst form of his Liverpool career and has already played himself out of a potential move to Real Madrid. Now, with his contract still on course to expire in the summer, he could still leave as a free agent.

Dubbed “physically imposing” by Como scout Ben Mattinson back in May and as “an insane centre-back in the making” by Jacek Kulig, Jacquet has only come on leaps and bounds ever since. At 20 years old, he’s someone that should be on the radar of several top clubs.

For Liverpool, that physicality would be key. The Reds have been bullied far too often this season with Konate at the scene of the crime all too often.

Salah replacement: Liverpool keen to sign "one of the best wingers in Europe"

أثنت صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو المقربة من نادي برشلونة على لاعب الفريق، وذلك في انتصار الفريق الكتالوني أمس الثلاثاء على أتلتيكو مدريد بالدوري الإسباني.

وحسم برشلونة قمة الجولة الـ15 من الدوري الإسباني، وذلك بعدما حقق الانتصار على أتلتيكو مدريد بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف على ملعب كامب نو.

وشارك بيدري جونزاليس لأول مرة مع برشلونة بشكل أساسي منذ عودته من الإصابة، والتي كان يعاني منها وأبعدته عن صفوف البارسا لمدة تجاوزت الشهر.

بيدري لعب كبديل خلال مباراة برشلونة أمام ديبورتيفو ألافيس يوم السبت الماضي، والتي انتهت بفوز برشلونة 3-1، قبل أن يلعب بشكل أساسي أمس.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بالدي بعد فوز برشلونة على أتلتيكو مدريد: نشعر بـ”قلة تقدير”

وأشادت موندو بمستوى بيدري في مباراة أتلتيكو مدريد، حيث صنع اللاعب الشاب هدف برشلونة الأول والذي جاء عن طريق رافينها.

وأشارت الصحيفة، إلى أن عودة بيدري إلى تشكيلة برشلونة الأساسية أتت تأثيرها سريعًا مع البلوجرانا، حيث كان الفريق الكتالوني يفتقد إلى قوته وقدرته على السيطرة على الخصوم وخلق الفرص.

وخشى مدرب برشلونة، هانز فليك، على بيدري من الإصابة ليقوم باستبداله في آخر 20 دقيقة من المباراة ضد أتلتيكو مدريد ليحل محله مارك كاسادو.

وأبرزت موندو أرقام بيدري في المباراة، والذي أكمل 60 تمريرة صحيحة من أصل 64 تمريرة ولمس الكرة 70 مرة، كما قام بالربط مع زملائه في برشلونة في الثلث الأخير من الملعب 14 مرة، في حين أكمل ثلاث مراوغات ناجحة من أصل ثلاث محاولات.

ولم يكتفي بيدري بتأثيره الهجومي فقط ضد أتلتيكو مدريد، حيث تحدثت موندو عن دور اللاعب الدفاعي والذي استعاد الكرة أمس 8 مرات كثاني أكثر لاعب في الملعب يستعيد الكرة بعد زميله في برشلونة، لامين يامال برصيد 9 مرات.

وينتظر برشلونة مباراة صعبة الأسبوع المقبل ضد ريال بيتيس، وذلك لحساب منافسات الجولة ال16 من الدوري الإسباني في لقاء صعب لرفاق بيدري.

MatériaMais Notícias

O jogo de volta da semifinal da Copa do Brasil aconteceu neste domingo (14), às 18h. O Corinthians bateu o Cruzeiro por 5 a 4 nos pênaltis, depois de um 2 a 1 favorável ao celeste no tempo normal. Com o passaporte já carimbado para a final, o Timão também garantiu mais R$ 9.922.500 milhões com a classificação.

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Na final, o Corinthians já tem garantido mais R$ 33,075 milhões caso seja vice campeão. Ficando em segundo, o valor acumulado em premiações durante toda a competição será de R$ 51,376 milhões. Se vencer o título da Copa do Brasil, o Timão garante mais R$ 77,175 milhões, totalizando R$ 91,801 milhões.

Como funciona a premiação da Copa do Brasil?Premiações da Copa do Brasil 2025 a cada fase1ª fase: R$ 1.543.5002ª fase: R$ 1.874.2503ª fase: R$ 2.315.250Oitavas de final: R$ 3.638.250Quartas de final: R$ 4.740.750Semifinal: R$ 9.922.500Final (vice-campeão): R$ 33.075.000Final (campeão): R$ 77.175.000

É preciso levar em consideração que Cruzeiro e Corinthians entraram na competição já na 3ª fase.

➡️ Acompanhe os negócios no esporte em nosso novo canal. Siga o Lance! Biz no WhatsApp

Como foi o jogo

Texto de Thiago Braga

Cruzeiro e Corinthians fizeram uma semifinal eletrizante neste domingo (14). Na Neo Química Arena, o time mineiro dominou a partida até o início do segundo tempo, abriu 2 a 0 no placar, dois gols de Arroyo, mas viu o Corinthians diminuir com Matheus Bidu na etapa final. O 2 a 1 levou a decisão para os pênaltis.

continua após a publicidade

Precisando de dois gols para sair de São Paulo classificado, o Cruzeiro tomou a iniciativa. Controlava o jogo, tentava construir jogadas ofensivas, mas esbarrava na marcação alvinegra.

O Corinthians ameaçava nas bolas paradas e nos contra-ataques. Até que o Cruzeiro conseguiu uma escapada rápida pela esquerda, a bola chegou em Matheus Pereira na área, que acertou um voleio que tinha destino certo, mas a bola parou em uma linda defesa de Hugo Souza. Minutos mais tarde. Matheus Pereira encontrou Kaio Jorge na área. O centroavante cruzeirense obrigou Hugo Souza a mais uma boa defesa. Sinisterra, aposta do técnico Leonardo Jardim, saiu machucado. Arroyo entrou em seu lugar.

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Aos 40 minutos, porém, não teve jeito. William acionou Christian na direita. Ele cruzou, Arroyo se antecipou a Matheuzinho e cabeceou sem chance para Hugo Souza. O gol acordou o Corinthians, mas o time seguia com dificuldade em criar jogadas ofensivas. E as equipes foram para o intervalo com o Cruzeiro vencendo.

Dorival Júnior veio com uma mudança importante para o segundo tempo. O técnico do Corinthians tirou Carrillo e colocou Rodrigo Garro e sacou Martínez para a entrada de Raniele. Mas a partida recomeçou com a mesma tônica do primeiro tempo. E o Cruzeiro ampliou a vantagem aos sete minutos. Kaio Jorge escapou livre atrás da zaga dos donos da casa e rolou para Arroyo marcar novamente. A alegria cruzeirense durou pouco. Aos 11 minutos, André Ramalho escorou cobrança de falta de Maycon e Matheus Bidu cabeceou para diminuir o placar.

O gol deu novo ânimo aos donos da casa, que passaram a pressionar o goleiro Cássio, sobretudo com as bolas paradas, agora sob a responsabilidade de Rodrigo Garro. Em uma dessas cobranças de escanteio, a zaga do Cruzeiro deixou Bidu livre, e o lateral acertou o travessão após linda bicicleta.

O Cruzeiro, que dominava o jogo, ficou perdido em campo, enquanto o Corinthians explorava a velocidade de Yuri Alberto para tentar ficar com a bola no campo de ataque.

Após a metade do segundo tempo, as duas equipes passaram a controlar a posse sempre que tinham a bola, evitando correr riscos desnecessários. Em uma última tentativa de empatar o jogo e evitar os pênaltis, Dorival tirou o volante Maycon e colocou o atacante Vitinho. No final, o Timão voltou a pressionar. Nos acréscimos, Leonardo Jardim colocou Gabigol no lugar de Kaio Jorge, Wanderson no lugar de Arroyo e Wallace na vaga de Matheus Henrique. Só que as mudanças não surtiram efeito e a decisão foi para os pênaltis.

Matheus Pereira abriu as cobranças e marcou. Yuri Alberto bateu o primeiro para o Corinthians, e Cássio defendeu. Wanderson colocou o Cruzeiro em vantagem e Memphis marcou o primeiro para os donos da casa. William cobrou e fez 3 a 1 para o Cruzeiro. Garro foi para a bola fazer a terceira cobrança do Corinthians e diminuiu para 3 a 2. Lucas Silva marcou o quarto do Cruzeiro e jogou a pressão para Vitinho, que não podia errar. O atacante cobrou no cantinho e marcou o terceiro do Timão. Gabigol precisava marcar para colocar o Cruzeiro na final, mas cobrou fraco e Hugo Souza defendeu. Gustavo Henrique cobrou na sequência, empatou em 4 a 4 e levou a decisão para as cobranças alternadas.

Wallace, que entrou nos acréscimos, cobrou mal e Hugo Souza defendeu. Breno Bidon foi para a cobrança e marcou o gol da classificação, fazendo a Neo Química Arena explodir em êxtase.

Tudo sobre

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Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign a centre-back who’s having a “monstrous” season, amid a new update on Marc Guehi’s future.

Guehi underlines his importance to Palace once again

Palace are under no illusions as to just how important Guehi is, having cancelled their captain’s move to Liverpool on deadline day, and he once again put in a top performance against Fulham last time out.

The Eagles bounced back from the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United by securing a late 2-1 win at Craven Cottage, with the centre-back scoring a late winner and receiving a 7.9 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player.

The 25-year-old has been a real threat going forward in the Premier League this season, having found the back of the net twice and chipped in with three assists, with his latest goal sending Oliver Glasner’s side up to fourth in the table.

However, according to a new update from TEAMtalk, Guehi is set to either leave for a cut-price fee in the January transfer window or on a free transfer in the summer, and Crystal Palace have now identified Lens’ Samson Baidoo as a potential replacement.

Baidoo’s stand-out performances in Ligue 1 this season is one of the reasons Lens have defied expectations and currently sit top of the table, meaning he has now attracted the attention of a number of clubs, with West Ham United also keen.

Lens have the second-best defensive record in Ligue 1 this season, and the 21-year-old has also impressed on an individual basis, exhibiting plenty of signs that he could be a shrewd addition for the Eagles…

Baidoo enjoying "monstrous" season in Ligue 1

Journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos has been extremely impressed by the youngster’s showings since moving to Ligue 1 in the summer, lauding him as a “beast”, while also stating the starlet is having a “monstrous” season and may not be at Lens for long.

Crystal Palace keen on £11m "absolute star" wanted by two Champions League clubs

The Eagles have joined the race for a new forward.

ByDominic Lund Dec 4, 2025

The Austrian has proven himself from a defensive point of view over the past year, while also, much like Guehi, catching the eye going forward, which suggests he could be a like-for-like replacement for the England international.

Samson Baidoo’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Non-penalty goals

0.12 (94th percentile)

Assists

0.06 (85th percentile)

Blocks

1.88 (97th percentile)

Tackles

1.94 (84th percentile)

The Graz-born defender is enjoying a fantastic debut campaign in Ligue 1, which suggests he may soon be ready to test himself in the Premier League, but Lens should be in a strong negotiating position, as the starlet is under contract until 2030.

Of course, Crystal Palace will be very reluctant to see Guehi leave, and with Glasner’s side making a push for Europe, they shouldn’t sanction a January departure, but Baidoo could be a fantastic replacement next summer.

It was a must-win game for both India A and Oman. Only one of them could fill in the remaining semi-final slot from Group B in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. After being asked to bat first in Doha on Tuesday, Oman started with 52 runs in the powerplay. But just 83 more in the remaining 14 overs meant India A had to chase only 136, which they did comfortably as Harsh Dubey repaid their faith after being promoted to No. 4.Dubey finished on a patient 53*, his maiden T20 fifty. He took 44 balls to score those runs, but made up after a slow start. With just eight runs off his first 14 balls, he bashed 45 in his next 30 deliveries. Dubey broke the shackles by pulling Samay Shrivastava in the ninth over for his only six, but it was the sweep shot which he kept using to maximum effect.Dubey added 66 for the fourth wicket with Nehal Wadhera, who fell with just two more runs required to win. The target, though, could have been much higher had Dubey (1 for 30), who was the Player of the Match, and Suyash Sharma (2 for 12) not slowed Oman down with the ball. Their four overs after the powerplay fetched just 19 runs on a slow pitch where the ball gripped and turned.Oman’s captain Hammad Mirza had thumped 32 runs in 16 balls out of the 37 that were scored in the first four overs. No other Oman batter found the going so smooth, though. Wasim Ali scored 54* in 45 deliveries as he held one end up, even as India A also used part-time spinner Naman Dhir, whose two overs got him 1 for 5.As a result of the win, India A finish second in their group, and will meet the topper of Group A in the semi-final.

Rahane, Sarfaraz and Suryakumar’s efforts go in vain; Shami picks up 4 for 13 against Services

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Dec-2025

Samson, Sharafuddeen and Asif propel KeralaSanju Samson, Sharafuddeen and KM Asif were the stars as Kerala handed Mumbai their first loss of the season, beating them by 15 runs in Lucknow.Samson, who is back to opening the innings this season, laid the platform with 46 off 28 balls. Vishnu Vinod struggled in the middle and managed only 43 not out off 40 balls, but Sharafuddeen’s unbeaten 35 off 15 took the side to 178 for 5.Sharafuddeen then removed Ayush Mhatre in the first over of the chase but Ajinkya Rahane (32 off 18) and Sarfaraz Khan (52 off 40) kept Mumbai going. By the time Sarfaraz got out, Mumbai needed 80 from eight overs. Suryakumar Yadav brought it down to 31 required from three. But Asif’s three wickets – including Suryakumar’s for 32 off 25 – in the 18th over derailed Mumbai. They needed 18 from the final over with two wickets in hand. Asif took only four balls to wrap up the innings and complete his five-for.File photo: Ayush Badoni had a solid outing with both bat and ball•PTI

Badoni seals Delhi’s win over KarnatakaAyush Badoni’s 35-ball 53 and 4 for 12, backed up by Priyansh Arya and Tejasvi Dahiya’s fifties, helped Delhi get the better of Karnataka by 45 runs in a high-scoring Group D contest in Ahmedabad. Batting first, Delhi thumped 232 for 3 in their 20 overs. Devdutt Padikkal then hit a 38-ball 62 while R Smaran struck 72 off 38 balls, but with little support from the others, Karnataka were bowled out for 187 in 19.3 overs.Delhi lost opener Yash Dhull in the second over to Vidyadhar Patil but Arya and Badoni forged a 110-run stand in 9.2 overs for the second wicket. Arya struck six sixes and two fours in his 33-ball 62 while Badoni hit four fours and two sixes.When both batters fell within two overs of each other, Karnataka may have sniffed a chance of a comeback, but Dahiya and Nitish Rana gave them none. They added 105 runs for the fifth wicket in just 41 balls. Dahiya hit five sixes and three fours in an unbeaten 19-ball 53 while Rana remained 46 not out.Karnataka lost wickets regularly in the chase. BR Sharath fell in the opening over to Ishant Sharma, while Mayank Agarwal was removed by Digvesh Rathi inside the powerplay. Rathi also picked up Karun Nair as Karnataka slipped to 48 for 3 in seven overs. Smaran and Padikkal gave Karnataka hope with a 76-run stand for the fourth wicket, but once Padikkal fell to Ishant, the end was nigh.Badoni then wrecked the Karnataka middle order, picking up four wickets in two overs. Prince Yadav closed the innings with two wickets, giving Delhi crucial points after their loss against Tripura.File photo: Raj Limbani picked up 3 for 5 in 2.1 overs•ICC/Getty Images

Limbani, Sheth star as Baroda crush GujaratFast bowler Raj Limbani picked up 3 for 5 in 2.1 overs and allrounder Atit Sheth 2 for 14 in three as Baroda crushed Gujarat by eight wickets in Hyderabad. Hardik Pandya also had a decent outing a day after being named in India’s T20I squad to face South Africa, picking up 1 for 16 in four overs, which included a maiden, and scoring 10 off six from No. 3 in the small chase.The match, originally scheduled to take place at the Gymkhana Ground, was relocated to the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. “Fan turnout, enquiries, and crowd movement exceeded our projections by a huge margin, “a senior organising official told PTI. “To ensure safety and smooth match operations, we decided to shift the match to the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.”Sent in, Urvil Patel and Aarya Desai added 29 runs for the opening wicket, but it all went downhill thereafter for Gujarat. Hardik removed Urvil for 7 with Desai falling the very next ball to Limbani. Dhrushant Soni was run out, Rasikh Salam removed Saurav Chauhan, and Krunal Pandya too picked up a wicket. Sheth then picked up two lower-order wickets before Limbani had Hemang Patel caught and bowled as Gujarat were bowled out in 14.1 overs.Shashwat Rawat and Vishnu Solanki were quick in the chase, adding 55 runs in just five overs. Hardik struck two fours in his innings, while Rawat remained unbeaten on 30 off 19 to seal Baroda’s chase in 6.4 overs. Legspinner Ravi Bishnoi was the only Gujarat bowler to take a wicket, returning 2 for 26 in 1.4 overs.File photo: Mohammed Shami was named the Player of the Match•Garima Agarwal/CAB

Shami, Akash Deep headline Bengal’s winMohammed Shami picked up his second-best T20 haul of 4 for 13 in 3.2 overs, while Akash Deep returned 3 for 27 as Bengal defeated Services by seven wickets in Hyderabad. Sent in, Services were bowled out for 165 in 18.2 overs. Abishek Porel and Abhimanyu Easwaran then struck quick fifties as Bengal got over the line in 15.1 overs.Shami got Gaurav Kochar with the first ball of the game before dismissing Ravi Chauhan for a nine-ball 26 in the third. Akash Deep then got into the act, removing Nitin Tanwar inside the powerplay. Mohit Ahlawat and Vineet Dhankhar added 67 for the fourth wicket but both fell in back-to-back overs. Akash Deep then picked up Pulkit Narang and Sandeep Nishad before Shami ended the innings, adding two more wickets to his tally.Bengal lost opener Karan Lal in the second over, but Porel and Easwaran kept the chase going with a 93-run stand in 50 balls. Porel struck eight fours and two sixes in his 56 off 29 balls, while Easwaran scored 58 off 37. Yuvraj Keswani (36* off 19) and Akash Deep (14* off five) ensured Bengal got over the line with 29 balls to spare.R Sai Kishore steered TN’s innings with a half-century•TNPL/TNCA

Sai Kishore, Jagadeesan wipe Tripura outNarayan Jagadeesan and R Sai Kishore dug Tamil Nadu out of a deep hole to eventually help them beat Tripura comfortably by 61 runs in a Group D game in Ahmedabad.Sent in, TN slipped to 26 for 4 in the sixth over, which included B Sai Sudharsan falling for just 5. But Jagadeesan and Sai Kishore added a 119-run stand for the fifth wicket in 11.1 overs to take them to safety. Jagadeesan smashed six fours and four sixes in his 49-ball 83 while Sai Kishore hit an unbeaten 39-ball 87 with three fours and eight sixes. He also added 59 runs in 20 balls with R Rajkumar as TN zoomed to 204 for 5.In reply, Tripura were never really in the chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Vijay Shankar, playing against his former side, top-scored with 39, while Manisankar Murasingh struck a 23-ball 33 as Tripura were bowled out for 143 in 18.5 overs.

If you're in the process of building a dynasty in EA Sports FC 26, you will need to invest in young talent – GOAL has you covered.

If you're kicking off a new save in EA Sports FC 26 Career Mode, you simply need to have an eye on the future and that means signing the best young players available. Whether you are a major club looking to secure the talent of the next Lionel Messi or a smaller team looking to make a profit by serving as a stepping-stone, buying high-potential young players is a key aspect of the game.

Here, GOAL brings you the best young players to sign in every position – from strikers and midfielders to defenders and goalkeepers – to help you get off to a flying start in Career Mode.

KEY:

Essential FC 26 reading

• Guide to EA Sports FC 26 web app & companion app
• The best 50 men's players in EA Sports FC 26
• The best 26 women's players in EA Sports FC 26
• EA Sports FC 26 soundtrack: Full list of songs & artists
• Every team & competition in EA Sports FC 26

Get EA Sports FC 26 at AmazonBuy now!

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  Best young strikers & forwards in EA Sports FC 26: Wonderkid CFs & STs

  Player	Club	Age	POS	CR	PR
  Endrick	Real Madrid	19	ST	77	91
  Francesco Camarda	Lecce	17	ST	65	87
  Mathys Tel	Tottenham	20	ST	77	86
  Eli Junior Kroupi	Bournemouth	19	ST	74	85
  Conrad Harder	RB Leipzig	20	ST	74	85
  Charalampos Kostoulas	Brighton	18	ST	72	85
  Chido Obi	Man Utd	17	ST	65	84
  Christian Kofane	Bayer Leverkusen	19	ST	68	84
  Marc Guiu	Chelsea	19	ST	71	84
  Francesco Pio Esposito	Lombardia	20	ST	72	84
  Jeronimo Domina	Union Santa Fe	19	ST	70	84
  Nelson Weiper	Mainz	20	ST	70	84
  Santiago Castro	Bologna	20	ST	76	84
  Kaye Furo	Club Brugge	18	ST	63	83
  Kaua Elias	Shakhtar Donetsk	19	ST	71	83

  Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Endrick remains the best young striker in EA Sports FC 26, having also been deemed the forward with the most potential in FC 25. His rating at the beginning of the game is 77, but he has an exceptionally high ceiling of 91 – a rating which, if reached, would place him at a similar stature to players such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

  AC Milan youngster Francesco Camarda, who is on loan at Lecce in the game, follows Endrick in the potential stakes, with a possible rating of 87, putting him slightly ahead of Tottenham's Mathys Tel, whose potential is 86. Manchester United fans will be excited to see how Chido Obi develops, with the teen boasting a potential rating of 84 in the game.

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  Best young midfielders in EA Sports FC 26: Wonderkid CAMs, RWs, LWs, CMs & CDMs

  Player	Club	Age	POS	CR	PR
  Lamine Yamal	Barcelona	18	RM	89	95
  Desire Doue	PSG	20	RW	85	91
  Joao Neves	PSG	20	CM	85	90
  Estevao	Chelsea	18	RM	78	89
  Jorthy Mokio	Ajax	17	CDM	70	89
  Kenan Yildiz	Juventus	20	CAM	79	89
  Arda Guler	Real Madrid	20	RM	81	89
  Rodrigo Mora	Porto	18	CAM	76	89
  Rio Ngumoha	Liverpool	17	LM	68	88
  Franco Mastantuono	Real Madrid	18	CAM	77	88
  Geovany Quenda	Sporting	18	RM	76	88
  Antonio Nusa	RB Leipzig	20	LM	76	88
  Pablo Garcia	Real Betis	19	RM	68	87
  Assane Diao Diaoune	Como	20	LM	76	87
  Lucas Bergvall	Tottenham	19	CM	77	87
  Ethan Nwaneri	Arsenal	18	RW	76	87
  Warren Zaire-Emery	PSG	19	CM	80	87
  Arthur Vermeeren	Marseille	20	CM	77	87
  Julien Duranville	Borussia Dortmund	19	RM	72	87
  Kees Smit	AZ	19	CAM	72	87
  Lennart Karl	Bayern Munich	17	CAM	63	86
  Ayyoub Bouaddi	LOSC Lille	17	CM	75	86
  Konstantinos Karetsas	Genk	17	CAM	70	86
  Maher Carizzo	Velez	19	RM	72	86
  Joao Costa	Al Ettifaq	20	RM	71	86

  It will come as little surprise to learn that Lamine Yamal is the best young midfielder in EA Sports FC 26 and, given that he is just 18, he will likely be so for the next few years. The Barcelona wonderkid is already one of the best players in the game and boasts a potential rating of 95, which means he is capable of emulating talents such as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

  Paris Saint-Germain duo Desire Doue and Joao Neves follow Yamal, with potential ratings of 91 and 90 respectively, while the likes of Chelsea's Estevao (PR: 89) and Ajax defensive midfielder Jorthy Mokio (PR: 89) will be sought-after talents, especially if you are in control of a bigger club. Liverpool's exciting winger Rio Ngumoha leads an array of 17-year-old talents in our list, with the Anfield sensation possessing a potential rating of 88.

  Other intriguing talents within that 17-year-old cohort, include Bayern Munich youth Lennart Karl (PRL 86), Lille central midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi (PR: 86) and Genk's Greek CAM Konstantinos Karetsas (PR: 86).

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Best young defenders in EA Sports FC 26: Wonderkid CBs, LBs & RBs

  Player	Club	Age	POS	CR	PR
  Dean Huijsen	Real Madrid	20	CB	82	89
  Jorrel Hato	Chelsea	19	LB	78	89
  Pau Cubarsi	Barcelona	18	CB	82	88
  Givairo Read	Feyenoord	19	RB	75	88
  Finn Jeltsch	Stuttgart	19	CB	72	87
  Myles Lewis-Skelly	Arsenal	18	LB	78	87
  Luka Vuskovic	Hamburg	18	CB	72	87
  El Chadaille Bitshiabu	RB Leipzig	20	CB	75	87
  Pietro Comuzzo	Fiorentina	20	CB	74	86
  Leny Yoro	Man Utd	19	CB	78	86
  Joaquin Seys	Club Brugge	20	RB	73	86
  Joane Gadou	RB Salzburg	18	CB	66	85
  Yarek	PSV	20	CB	73	85
  Pau Navarro	Villarreal	20	CB	70	85
  Jan-Carlo Simic	Al-Ittihad	20	CB	70	85
  Diego Leon	Man Utd	18	LB	64	85
  Martim Fernandes	Porto	19	RB	75	85
  Josh Acheampong	Chelsea	19	RB	70	85
  Tobias Palacio	Argentinos Juniors	18	CB	69	85
  Ayden Heaven	Man Utd	18	CB	69	84

  The two best young centre-backs in EA Sports FC 26 both play for Spain, but on either side of the Clásico divide. Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen (PR: 89) and Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi (PR: 88), look set to form the defensive foundation for La Roja for years to come. German youth Finn Jeltsch and Croatian centre-half Jusko Vuskovic aren't far behind, with each boasting a potential rating of 87.

  Chelsea's Jorrel Hato is the best young left-back in the game, while the best young right-back is Givairo Read, who plays for Feyenoord. Manchester United should be well set for the future, with Leny Yoro, Diego Leon and Ayden Heaven all among the brightest young defensive talents in the game.

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• Best young goalkeepers in EA Sports FC 25: Wonderkid GKs

  Player	Club	Age	POS	CR	PR
  Guillaume Restes	Toulouse	20	GK	78	86
  Matthieu Epolo	Standard Liege	20	GK	73	85
  Dennis Seimen	Paderborn	19	GK	66	84
  Mike Penders	Strasbourg	20	GK	73	84
  Lucca Brughmans	Genk	17	GK	59	82
  Tiago Pereira Cardoso	Borussia Monchengladbach	19	GK	67	82
  Robin Risser	Lens	20	GK	72	82
  Ewen Jaouen	Reims	19	GK	68	82
  Mathys Niflore	Dunkerque	18	GK	63	81
  Joeri Heerkens	Ajax	19	GK	64	80

  While he is getting to the older end of the wonderkid grouping, Guillaume Restes continues to be the best young goalkeeper in the game. However, the Toulouse shot-stoppers's potential has dropped from 88 to 86 in EA Sports FC 26. Matthieu Epolo has a similar ceiling (PR: 85), while German goalkeeper Dennis Seimen is still among the best young net-minders around.

  France appears to be a fertile ground for goalkeeper talent, with the likes of Robin Risser, Ewen Jaouen and Mathys Niflore all plying their trade in the country.