O Botafogo define nesta quarta-feira seu próximo passo na Copa Sul-Americana. No jogo de volta do playoff para as oitavas de final, a equipe mede forças com o Patronato, às 19h, com o Nilton Santos.
Devido à sequência longa de jogos, o Glorioso optou por poupar atletas para a partida. Saiba no que ficar de olho no confronto de logo mais, no Niltão.
ELE NA ÁREA…
Gatito Fernández tende a ser titular do Botafogo pela primeira vez no ano. O goleiro não atua desde 7 de novembro de 2022, quando se machucou no início da vitória por 2 a 0 dos alvinegros sobre o Atlético-MG, pelo Brasileiro do ano passado.
Designado para lugar de Lucas Perri, que vem se queixando de dores no joelho, o camisa 1 tenta honrar o voto de confiança e mostrar que está em condições de ser uma alternativa para a meta. O ídolo tem o desafio de apresentar bom ritmo de jogo e ao mesmo tempo assegurar a classificação alvinegra.
HORA DE IMPOR RESPEITO
Philipe Sampaio teve boa atuação na partida contra o Patronato e, agora, se esmera para mostrar-se uma alternativa confiável para a equipe. Com a saída de Luis Segovia, Sampaio se torna a alternativa mais provável a Cuesta ou Adryelson. O zagueiro formará dupla com Victor Cuesta, único titular da formação vista como titular do Botafogo.
SEGOVINHA JOGA BOLA…
Nas graças da torcida, Matías Segovia tem oportunidade para mostrar seu talento desde o início da partida. O meia se empenha para dar desenvoltura ao setor ofensivo, em especial diante de um adversário que tecnicamente é mais fraco.
Seu desempenho contra o Patronato pode contribuir para que o atleta acirre a disputa pela titularidade com Júnior Santos e Victor Sá (que está retornando de lesão).
EM ASCENSÃO
Voluntarioso, Carlos Alberto tem mostrado poder de decisão em partidas com a camisa do Botafogo. Diante da torcida, o atacante pode mostrar serviço e ampliar suas chances de se tornar um “talismã”.
O Botafogo ainda pode dar brechas para outras opções no setor ofensivo. Gustavo Sauer e Lucas Fernandes tentam comprovar qualidade para ser opção a Eduardo. Na frente, Carlos Alberto vê o jovem Diego Hernández correr por fora.
ESTREIA DE BRUNO LAGE?
Bruno Lage comandou dois treinos pelo Botafogo e começou a conhecer o elenco que tem nas mãos. Mas, mesmo tendo obtido o visto de trabalho, sua presença ainda é incerta na beira do gramado.
Segundo a Rádio Tupi, o treinador não foi inscrito no BID da CBF devido à demora na validação da documentação do treinador referente à sua licença profissional na Uefa. O Alvinegro corre contra o tempo para inscrevê-lo nesta quarta-feira (19) e ele fazer sua estreia à frente do Glorioso à noite. Caso não dê certo, Lúcio Flávio ficará à frente da equipe.
Former Espanyol president Joan Collet was caught up in a physical altercation in the VIP area after the final whistle of the club's clash with Real Betis, capping a frustrating day for the Catalan club both on and off the pitch.
Collet in shocking brawl
Former Espanyol president Collet was involved in a brawl in the VIP area of the RCDE Stadium following the club's dramatic 2-1 La Liga defeat to Real Betis on Sunday, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo. Images circulating on social media show Collet caught up in a physical altercation that reportedly started after provocative behaviour from visiting supporters.
AdvertisementAFPWhat happened in the VIP area?
The incident is understood to have taken place just after the final whistle of a tense and ill-tempered match. Sources suggest that several Real Betis fans in the corporate section acted provocatively, leading to a confrontation with Espanyol supporters. Collet, who was president of the club between 2012 and 2016, initially appeared to be trying to calm the situation before becoming embroiled in the scuffle himself and was reportedly hurt in the process. The former president has since declined to comment on the events.
On-pitch tension boils over in dramatic finish
The off-field clash mirrored the high tension on the pitch, which culminated in a dramatic finale. Espanyol were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a 97th-minute penalty after a VAR review. However, captain Javi Puado saw his spot-kick saved by Real Betis goalkeeper and former Espanyol player Pau Lopez, condemning the home side to a frustrating defeat. The atmosphere was further charged by provocative gestures from López towards the home fans.
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Defeat leaves Espanyol mid-table
The 2-1 loss, with Pol Lozano's early goal cancelled out by second-half strikes from Cucho Hernández and Abde Ezzalzouli, was a bitter pill to swallow for Espanyol after coming so close to salvaging a point. The result sees the Catalan club drop to ninth in the La Liga standings, with 12 points from their opening eight fixtures. They have now lost two of their last three league games.
Arsenal are now leading the race for a “world-class” Barcelona star, who has the same agent as Viktor Gyokeres, with Mikel Arteta personally keen on a creative midfielder.
Gunners eyeing new midfielder despite Zubimendi masterclass
After suffering a setback against Liverpool before the international break, the Gunners responded in perfect fashion against Nottingham Forest, chalking up a 3-0 victory, with summer signing Martin Zubimendi looking particularly impressive.
The Spaniard bagged the opening and final goal against the Tricky Trees, finding the back of the net with a superb volley from the edge of the box, which saw the 26-year-old pick up the Man of the Match award.
Arteta is well-stocked in the engine room, with the manager clearly a big fan of Mikel Merino, having trusted the 29-year-old to start ahead of Declan Rice against Forest, saying: “Mikel [Merino] comes back after scoring four goals in two games with a really high emotional state and I want to use that when a player is in that moment.
“I want to play him because he is going to bring something different with the qualities that they have and Declan comes in and it will have an impact immediately or he will play the next game.”
However, according to a report from Spain, Arteta has set his sights on bringing in another creative midfielder in the January transfer window, with Arsenal now keen on a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The Gunners are said to be the leading candidates for De Jong’s signature, despite interest from the Saudi Pro League, with the Dutchman keen to remain at an elite European club, although ideally that would be Barcelona.
However, the 28-year-old, who cost the La Liga club €75m (£65m), is yet to agree a new contract with Barca, which means his current employers could look to cash-in this winter.
"World-class" De Jong could take Arsenal's midfield to next level
There are perhaps some doubts over whether the Gunners need another central midfielder, having signed Zubimendi in the summer, who has made a flying start to life at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal intensify interest in signing "special" gem ahead of Liverpool
He’s a future star…
ByTom Cunningham Sep 13, 2025
However, with Arteta’s side clearly at the stage where they can go deep into the Champions League, having reached the semi-finals last season, it makes sense to have a deeper squad, and De Jong could take their midfield to the next level.
Simone Inzaghi has suggested the Netherlands international could be one of the best players in the world in his position, saying: “Let me say that Frenkie de Jong is just sensational, he’s a world class player. Frenkie surprised me at same level as Lamine Yamal did.”
The Barca star, who is represented by HCM Sports management, the same agency as Gyokeres, has considerable experience at the top level, picking up 19 goals and 23 assists in 261 games for Barcelona, so it is exciting news that he could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium this winter.
In a shock to nobody, it’s been another busy summer of transfer activity for Chelsea this year.
The Conference League champions have backed Enzo Maresca in a significant way so far, offloading players deemed no longer good enough and replacing them with a host of exciting talents.
The likes of Jamei Gittens, Joao Pedro, Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap could all develop into world-beaters in West London, and with a few days left until the window slams shut, the Blues are closing in on even more signings, like Alejandro Garnacho.
Yet, if reports are to be believed, Chelsea are looking at bringing in another young attacker, someone the Argentine will love playing with.
Chelsea target dream teammate for Garnacho
Of all the transfer sagas Chelsea have been involved with this summer, the one that has felt like it’s dragged on the longest concerns Garnacho.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, after months of stories touting the Manchester United ace for a move to Stamford Bridge, it is finally happening, with a report revealing that his medical was planned to take place earlier today.
The 21-year-old might not be the final signing the West Londoners make this summer, though, as they’re now being heavily linked with another young talent, someone Garnacho will love playing with.
Manchester United's AlejandroGarnachoduring training
At least that is according to a recent report from Ben Jacobs, who claims that Chelsea are still very interested in Fermin Lopez.
In fact, the journalist has revealed that the Blues are now in “further talks” with the player’s camp, and that “initial club-to-club contact has also taken place.”
However, to sell the young attacker, the Spanish giants want a fee in excess of €60m, which is approximately £52m.
Yet, for a player as talented and promising as Lopez, that may be a fee worth paying, especially as he could be the perfect teammate for Garnacho.
Why Garnacho will love Lopez
It might sound rather simplistic, and it probably is, but one of the most significant reasons Garnacho will love playing with Lopez at Chelsea is his output.
Despite being just 21 years old for almost the entirety of last season, the Spanish ace was impressively effective for the Catalan giants.
For example, in 46 appearances, totalling just 2039 minutes, “creative” star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored eight goals and provided ten assists.
Lopez in 24/25
Appearances
46
Minutes
2039′
Goals
8
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.39
Minutes per Goal Involvement
113.27′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That means he managed to average a goal involvement every 2.55 games, or every 113.27 minutes, which is undeniably impressive for someone his age.
Moreover, it highlights the fact that he’s more than capable of providing plentiful goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates, which will be music to the ears of the United ace.
FC Barcelona'sFerminLopezin action with Athletic Bilbao's Mikel Jauregizar
More than that, though, it also makes it clear that he can be an effective goalscorer himself, which in turn could help improve the Argentine’s assist tally.
In addition to his raw output, another reason the Madrid-born gem will love playing with the 22-year-old is his positional versatility.
The reason is twofold, as on the one hand, the El Campillo-born phenom’s ability to play in midfield and on the wing means he’ll have plenty of opportunities to form a partnership with his potential new teammate.
On the other hand, it means he’ll be able to cover for him when he needs a rest.
Finally, the fact that the “spectacular” midfielder, as dubbed by former manager Xavi, is practically the same age as the former Atlético Madrid prospect means they’ll be able to grow and develop alongside one another, further cementing the potential partnership they could build.
Ultimately, while the price might be a little on the high side, Lopez looks like he could be an excellent signing for Chelsea and a brilliant teammate for Garnacho.
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Lahore Qalandars became the first team to beat Islamabad United in nearly 14 months, snapping a PSL-record ten-match winning streak, beating United by 88 runs. Qalandars, who were also the last side to beat United before this streak, had the path paved for them by a near-perfect T20 batting performance. Each of the top six scored between 22 and 44, four boasting strike rates in excess of 145, as they posted 209. It was followed by a professional bowling performance that picked up enough wickets at regular intervals to ensure – one partnership aside – that United’s response would not be a serious attempt at a chase.United made five changes to a side that had won each of their first five matches, but Qalandars came out hungrier. Mohammad Naeem has struggled for fluency all season, but signalled a shift with three boundaries on the trot against Ben Dwarshuis in the fourth over, which Fakhar Zaman followed up by with a pair of sixes against Naseem Shah. The team nature of the innings was epitomised by Fakhar launching Jason Holder for a six off the final ball of the powerplay, one ball after a superb bit of fielding saw Naeem run out.Hunain Shah, one of the players brought into the side, couldn’t stem the flow at the end of the powerplay as Abdullah Shafique helped himself to three boundaries in the over, but then again, no United bowler, barring perhaps Imad Wasim, could. Imad deceived Fakhar in the flight to send him back for a brisk 44 off 30 before striking again in his following over to remove Shafique.Sikandar Raza added the finishing touches to Lahore Qalandars’s innings•PCB
But Qalandars’ middle and lower order is becoming one of their strengths, and Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza took turns making United pay. Mitchell plundered 18 off the usually electric Holder while Billings helped himself to three sixes off five deliveries as United’s fielding discipline fell apart. The irrepressible Raza topped it off by ransacking Dwarshuis’ 19th over for 21 and Holder’s last for another 16 as 96 came off the final six.United are the last side to give up a pursuit of a large total, but the partnerships they usually put together in such situations never looked like forming. A 69-run stand between Andries Gous and Salman Agha offered a glimpse of United’s ability and mindset in games of this nature, keeping Qalandars honest as the asking rate was kept within the realms of possibility. But once Raza darted one through the defences of Agha in the 12th over, the mess it made of his stumps foretold United’s impending fate. Four balls later, Haris Rauf struck to remove Azam Khan, the first of four wickets for Qalandars’ quickest bowler.When he got Gous playing down the wrong line, he had sent United’s most established threat packing after an entertaining 27-ball 41, and unlike Qalandars, United couldn’t get the rest of their batters chipping in to burrow their way through to the total. Raza picked up another couple as the innings began to disintegrate, and when Rauf coaxed Naseem into carving one straight down third’s throat to wrap the game up, United had lost their last nine for 41.The magnitude of the win took Qalandars up to second place, with the team they had so thoroughly vanquished still sitting comfortably up top.
Celtic get a break from Scottish Premiership and European football this weekend as they prepare to take on Partick Thistle in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
The Hoops will be looking to seal their place in the last four of the competition in their efforts to retain the trophy that they won on penalties against their Glasgow rivals last season.
Brendan Rodgers’ side beat Falkirk 4-1 in the last round of the League Cup, thanks to goals from Dane Murray, Alistair Johnston, and Daizen Maeda, along with an own goal from Liam Henderson.
The Celtic boss did make a host of changes to his starting line-up for that clash, as the likes of Viljami Sinisalo, Johnny Kenny, Arne Engels, Murray, and Auston Trusty were given chances to impress.
This clash with Partick Thistle on Sunday provides the head coach with another opportunity to rotate his team and see what the players on the fringes of the squad have to offer, despite it being a quarter-final.
One player who feels like an almost guaranteed starter is summer signing Kelechi Iheanacho, who arrived on a free transfer from Sevilla the day after the deadline for the window passed.
Why Kelechi Iheanacho should start for Celtic
The Nigeria international made his competitive bow for the Scottish Premiership champions against Kilmarnock last time out, coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes.
Iheanacho came on to replace Maeda, who had scored the opening goal in the game, in the 70th minute and the hosts went on to equalise through David Watson, who powered home a header from a corner.
However, as shown in the highlights above, the left-footed ace kept his composure to score from the penalty spot in the 96th minute to win the match for the Hoops on his debut for the club.
Vs Kilmarnock
Kelechi Iheanacho
Minutes
20
Touches
9
Shots
3
Goals
1
Passes completed
3/5
Duels won
0/2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Iheanacho was keen to make an impact after coming on for his debut for the Scottish giants, as evidenced by three of his nine touches being shots.
He wanted to get on the scoresheet on his debut, clearly, and the penalty provided him with the perfect chance to get off the mark instead of it dragging on for any more matches.
The 28-year-old marksman should now be thrown into the starting line-up for this League Cup clash with Partick Thistle because it is the ideal chance for him to start and get 60 or 70 minutes under his belt to build his fitness back up.
His last competitive start at club level came for Middlesbrough against Norwich City in the English Championship in April, so it may take time for him to get back to his best from a physical perspective.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City marksman will be looking to get on the scoresheet again this weekend to force himself into contention to start against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on Wednesday night.
Iheanacho is not the only star who should be brought into the starting line-up against Partick Thistle on Sunday, though, as there is another rarely-seen talent who should be given a chance to shine.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Paulo Bernardo has only started one game in all competitions, against Livingston in the Premiership, and should finally be unleashed from the start for this League Cup clash.
Why Paulo Bernardo should start for Celtic
The Portugal U21 international only played 23 minutes off the bench against Falkirk in the last round of the competition, and he has been an unused substitute in the last three games in all competitions for the Hoops.
Bernardo, who has also only played once in the Premiership this season, has rarely been used by Rodgers this season, as the likes of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Benjamin Nygren, Luke McCowan, and Engels have been preferred ahead of him.
The Portuguese star, who was described as “tenacious” and a “baller” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, did play 1,272 minutes of action in the Premiership last term, per Sofascore, as he started 13 of his 28 outings in the division.
Bernardo, who scored a brilliant goal against Rangers in his first season at the club on loan from Benfica, produced two goals and three assists in those 13 starts, which shows that he can make an impact in possession.
24/25 Premiership
Paulo Bernardo per 90
Percentile rank vs CMs
xG
0.22
Top 7%
Goals
0.14
Top 20%
xG on target
0.23
Top 8%
xA
0.21
Top 11%
Chances created
2.20
Top 9%
Assists
0.21
Top 13%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, the central midfielder ranked highly among his positional peers as a scorer and a creator of goals per 90, which shows that he was an efficient player who made the most of the limited opportunities afforded to him by Rodgers.
On top of offering a threat in the final third from a central midfield position, the ‘tenacious’ talent also held his own in physical duels in the Premiership for the Hoops last season.
Bernardo averaged 2.76 tackles and interceptions per 90 for Celtic, winning 63.8% of his tackles and 53.8% of his overall duels, per FotMob, which shows that he was strong in the tackle and not easily bullied by opposition players.
Hatate, for comparison, only won 53.1% of his tackles and 43.8% of his duels, per FotMob, in the Premiership last season, which suggests that the Portuguese ace offered even more to the team out of possession.
These statistics suggest that Bernardo has the qualities on and off the ball to put in well-rounded performances in the middle of the park, but he has not had many chances to showcase his ability in the current campaign, with one start under his belt.
Therefore, Rodgers should drop Hatate to the bench to unleash the former Benfica man against Partick Thistle, to provide him with an opportunity to prove that he deserves more minutes, either as a starter or off the bench, in the weeks and months to come.
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Celtic must finally part ways with this flop who earns more than Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes that Chelsea should launch a sensational transfer swoop for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane. The Englishman's current deal at Allianz Arena includes a £57 million ($76m) release clause, which is reportedly set to come into effect at the end of the 2025-26 season. While the ex-Tottenham star is “extremely happy” in Munich, he has not ruled out returning to the Premier League at some stage.
Contract complexities at Bayern
Kane’s contract at Bayern runs until 2027, but his release clause could drop to £57m next summer. For it to be activated, Kane must inform Bayern of his intention to leave before January, with speculation about a potential return to England now raging.
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IMAGO / HMB-Media
Johnson: Chelsea is the perfect fit
Johnson has insisted that Chelsea should go all out for Kane if he decides to head back to his homeland. In an interview with the former Chelsea and England defender said: "I think if Harry Kane is ready to come back to the Premier League, it’s Chelsea who should make the move for him.
"They’re obviously crying out for that kind of player, the way they play. They’re a bit more focused on a central striker, and Arsenal would probably play too much tiki-taka to be the right club for him. Liverpool have Alexander Isak and Manchester City have [Erling] Haaland, so Chelsea makes the most sense if he leaves Bayern Munich."
Tottenham’s first-option clause
It’s worth noting that Spurs retain a first-option agreement on Kane as part of the 2023 transfer deal with Bayern. However, this only comes into play if Bayern agree to sell the striker and Kane himself wants a return to north London. Johnson has warned the striker off a potential reunion and instead advised him to join a club where he could win more regular silverware.
"I don’t think Harry Kane would want to go back to Tottenham. I think that story is finished for him and the club," he said.
"He left for a reason, to go and win trophies. He won’t really be able to do that at Spurs if he returns, so why would he go back now? I think for Kane, it doesn’t make sense, it would be like going back to a lit firework. It could blow up in his face. The situation is what it is, and he should keep moving forward in his career now."
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Kane focused on Bayern for now
Kane’s focus is firmly on Bayern for now, but hasn't closed the door entirely on a return to his homeland. He told reporters while away on international duty with England: “In terms of the Premier League, I don’t know. If you had asked me when I first left to go to Bayern, I would have said for sure I would come back. Now I have been there a couple of years I would say probably say that has gone down a little bit, not so much, but I wouldn’t say I would never go back. What I have learnt in my career is that different opportunities and different timings happen and things fall in place. Going back to my first point, with Bayern right now, I am fully all in with Bayern.”
Birmingham City might not be wrapped up with all their dramatic summer business just yet.
At the start of the frantic transfer window, you couldn’t move for rumours suggesting the Blues were going to splash the cash on another exciting talent, with the number of incoming signings standing at 12.
That tally could well sneak over to the 13 threshold before 7pm, as a late loan deal looks to be in the offing to boost Birmingham’s already flashy attack.
Birmingham to sign Premier League attacker
It would be fair to say the whirlwind activity has slowed down in recent times, however.
Expect the pace to pick back up, though, with Football League World revealing that the Blues are plotting a late loan move for experienced Sunderland forward Patrick Roberts, alongside also not giving up on winning the services of Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun.
The report states that Chris Davies wants more ammunition after a lacklustre showing in Birmingham’s recent 2-0 loss to Leicester City, with Roberts ticking the boxes.
Derby have also been interested this summer, but it looks as if the Championship newcomers are lone suitors now chasing after the 28-year-old with Sky Sports reporting on Monday lunchtime that the Blues are ‘set to sign’ the winger on loan.
How Roberts could be Gray 2.0
He might well end up being Davies’ second coming of Demarai Gray, offering the Blues another skilful, yet seasoned head up top.
After all, while he has fallen down the pecking order as Sunderland shot up to the Premier League, Roberts would still be a top asset for Birmingham to possess temporarily, based on his previous EFL heroics.
From 170 games at the notoriously punishing level, Roberts has amassed a healthy haul of nine goals and 22 assists, with nine of those goal contributions coming about just last season, before he was cast aside for Sunderland’s own quickfire business.
Gray has also proven himself to be sharp, tricky performer – much like Roberts down the right flank – whenever he’s plied his trade in the tough division, with eight goals and four assists next to his name from 76 Championship career outings.
Two of those assists have been tallied up since his return to the club, with Birmingham hopeful that the loan addition of another second-tier veteran can propel the Blues further into the promotion reckoning, after a largely positive return to the level so far, minus the disappointment of the 2-0 loss at the King Power Stadium.
Roberts at Sunderland in the Champ
Season
Position
Games
G/A
24/25
4th (promotion)
42
2 + 7
23/24
16th
32
0 + 2
22/23
6th
42
5 + 7
Sourced by Transfermarkt
After all, from his three seasons at the level with the Black Cats to date, Roberts has managed to steer the Wearside outfit to two triumphant playoff finishes, culminating in the glory of promotion at the end of last campaign.
Tony Mowbray would even herald his slick Englishman as “magic” during the 2022/23 season, irrespective of his side unfortunately slipping up in the lottery of the playoffs, with Davies now wanting a slice of Roberts at his very best to improve an attack already boasting Kyogo Furuhashi, Jay Stansfield, and the aforementioned Gray.
The West Midlands outfit has shown they can already cut it with the big boys of the EFL’s elite league, with just one defeat from their opening four league encounters.
But, landing Roberts, who is just fresh off a promotion success, could be a sublime addition to really take Birmingham to that next level, as his know-how, alongside Gray’s further experience, attempts to make back-to-back promotions an insane reality.
Birmingham hold talks to sign "valuable" £3m ace; waiting on "green-light"
CSK’s stand-in captain says they needed more bowling options in the powerplay as there was “too much pressure” on Ashwin
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-20252:04
‘What Dhoni is doing is extraordinary’
MS Dhoni believes Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) selection changes have made their bowling attack easier to manoeuvre. After the five-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The win helped them snap a five-match losing streak in IPL 2025, but they are still at the bottom of the points table.CSK’s turnaround started by leaving out two senior players, Devon Conway and R Ashwin, and giving 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed three overs each in the powerplay, which saw only 42 runs scored for the loss of two wickets, including that of Nicholas Pooran for just 8.”We made a few changes because we wanted to make sure our first six overs are slightly better because we need more bowlers in the first six,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation. “We were actually putting too much pressure on Ash. He has bowled two overs on wickets that were not doing a lot and the batsmen were just expressing themselves.Related
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“We made a few changes where we could have more bowlers who could bowl in the first six and, if needed – if the fast bowlers, somebody goes for runs – we have Noor [Ahmad], who can drop in with one over. I feel this looks like a better attack, there’s more manoeuvrability for the captain. I feel, as a bowling unit, we have done well. As a batting unit, I think we can do even better.”After CSK restricted LSG to 166, which LSG’s captain Rishabh Pant said was “10-15 runs short”, CSK’s new opening pair of Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra put on 52 in 29 balls that lay the platform for the visitors.CSK had been struggling to score like other teams in the powerplay and Dhoni had said after their previous game – when they scored just 103 for 9 against KKR – that their kind of line-up was not going to post 60-odd runs in the first six overs. CSK posted nearly that much – 59 for 1 on Monday.”We were not getting the kind of starts that we wanted when it came to us as a batting unit,” he said on Monday, “and the fall of wickets at the wrong time [has hurt us] to some extent, but one of the reasons could be that the Chennai wicket’s slightly on the slower side. So, out of the first five or six games that we have played, we have played more games [four out of six] over there.”The starts of the batting unit has done slightly better when you actually played outside. So, maybe we need to play on wickets that are slightly better, it will give the batsmen the confidence to play their shots because you don’t want to play timid cricket. But at the same time, you want to figure out what is your release shot and back yourself and hit that shot. Don’t pick an option that is not good for that wicket, but at the same time, it’s very important to express [yourself].”
Tottenham Hotspur are among the main contenders to sign a “tremendous” attacking midfielder, who has now been identified as a priority target.
Spurs looking to sign new attacking midfielder
It has been a solid start to the season for Tottenham, with Thomas Frank being left very impressed by his side’s performance in the 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, despite the fact they were unable to take all three points.
Frank said: “I think this is our best performance of the season. I actually think that overall, if there should have been a winner, it should have been us.
“So many crosses into the box, near chances, missed opportunities. We were physically strong and mentally strong, and that is so important if you want to achieve something.”
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The Dane thinks he could be a game-changing signing.
ByEmilio Galantini Sep 21, 2025
Summer signing Mohammed Kudus played a key role in Spurs clawing their way back into the game, with the Ghanaian grabbing two assists, having made a flying start to life in north London.
However, the Lilywhites remain keen on bolstering their attacking ranks even further, having now joined the race for Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has been identified as a priority target for the upcoming transfer window.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states Tottenham have emerged as one of the main contenders for Sancet’s signature. However, there could be rival interest from a number of other Premier League clubs.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa are also named as potential suitors for the attacking midfielder, who could be an expensive addition to the squad, given that there is a €80m (£70m) release clause included in his contract.
Sancet could be "tremendous" signing for Spurs
There are some doubts over whether the 25-year-old would be a necessary signing, given that a deal would be very costly, and Frank is already relatively well-stocked in attacking midfield, having signed Xavi Simons in the summer.
However, the Athletic Bilbao star clearly has the talent to be a success in north London, having received very high praise from sporting director Rafa Alkorta, who said: “Oihan is at a tremendous level. I’m very happy for him. I’ve known him for years, I’ve followed his career, and I think he’s a very important player, probably more important than he thinks, and what he needs is continuity and luck with injuries.”
The Pamplona-born attacker has shown a very good eye for finding the back of the net in recent times, bagging 15 La Liga goals last season, while also impressing with his passing ability over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90 (past year)
Non-penalty goals
0.50 (96th percentile)
Pass completion %
82.6% (88th percentile)
Progressive passes
5.22 (80th percentile)
Sancet could be a fantastic acquisition for Tottenham, but when James Maddison returns, Frank will be blessed with a number of attacking midfield options, so it may be best to invest the money into other areas of the squad.