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O destino do Botafogona Copa Sul-Americana é colocado em jogo nesta quarta-feira (9). Às 19h, os comandados de Bruno Lage fazem o jogo de volta das oitavas de final da competição continental com o Guaraní, do Paraguai, no Estádio Defensores del Chaco.

Por ter vencido por 2 a 1 o primeiro jogo, o Glorioso tem a vantagem do empate. Vitória dos “aborígenes” por um gol força a decisão para os pênaltis. Caso o Guaraní vença por dois ou mais gols, obterá a vaga direta para as quartas de final.

+Como toda partida na Sul-Americana, o jogo será muito disputado e os mercados da Lance! Betting estão a todo vapor. Confira!

O Guaraní tende a adotar uma postura mais ofensiva para o embate. A equipe de Juan Pablo Pumpido deve depositar as fichas no trio de ataque formado por Camacho, Romeo Benítez e Federico Santander.

+Tem promoção exclusiva para você abrir sua conta agora! Aposte R$50 e receba mais R$50 de bônus. Clique aqui e aproveite!

O Botafogo, por sua vez, terá a baixa de Tiquinho Soares. O atacante sofreu uma lesão no ligamento colateral do joelho esquerdo e ficará cinco semanas afastado. O mais provável é que Janderson seja o titular no setor.

O comandante alvinegro, porém, deve promover variações na equipe para evitar desgastes musculares. Gatito Fernández será o titular da meta. Philipe Sampaio, Danilo Barbosa e Lucas Fernandes têm chances de iniciar a partida.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Líder!

FICHA TÉCNICA

GUARANÍ (PAR) x BOTAFOGO

Data e hora: 9 de agosto de 2023, às 19h
Estádio: Defensores del Chaco, em Assunção (PAR)
Árbitro: Felipe González (CHI)
Assistentes: Juan Serrano (CHI) e Miguel Rocha (CHI)
VAR: Rodrigo Carvajal (CHI)

Onde assistir: Paramount + e tempo real do Lance!

GUARANÍ (Técnico: Juan Pablo Pumpido)

Muñoz, Raul Cáceres, José Moya, Paul Riveros e Felipe Salomoni; Estivel Moreira, Barceló e Darío Ríos; Néstor Camacho, Romeo Benítez e Federico Santander.

BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Bruno Lage)

Gatito Fernández; Di Plácido, Philipe Sampaio, Cuesta e Marçal; Danilo Barbosa (Eduardo), Marlon Freitas, Lucas Fernandes; Júnior Santos (Gustavo Sauer), Janderson e Victor Sá.

Desfalques: Patrick de Paula, Rafael e Tiquinho Soares (lesionados) e Gabriel Pires (em transição)

سلطت تقارير صحفية الضوء على قرار الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول بجلوس محمد صلاح على دكة البدلاء أمام آينتراخت فرانكفورت ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وواجه ليفربول نظيره فرانكفورت الألماني مساء أمس الأربعاء، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق ليفربول فوزًا مهمًا على نظيره الألماني بخماسية مقابل هدف جعلته يستعيد ثقته مرة أخرى بعد عدم الفوز في 4 مباريات متتالية.

وكان آرني سلوت قد اتخذ قرارًا بجلوس محمد صلاح على دكة البدلاء أمام آينتراخت فرانكفورت للمباراة الثانية على التوالي بدوري أبطال أوروبا، بعد جلوسه أمام جالطة سراي في المباراة السابقة.

وقد دفع المدرب الهولندي بالنجم المصري محمد صلاح في الدقيقة 72 من زمن الشوط الثاني، وحاول لاعب ليفربول أن يسجل أو يهدد مرمى آينتراخت فرانكفورت ولكن دون نجاح.

اقرأ أيضًا | لاعب مانشستر يونايتد السابق: إثارة غضب محمد صلاح ليست بالأمر السيئ

وقالت شبكة “بي بي سي” سبورت إن عدم إشراك محمد صلاح أساسيًا في المباراة والفريق بحاجة شديدة إلى الفوز كان قرارًا جريئًا من المدرب آرني سلوت.

وأضافت أن صلاح سجل 52 هدفًا في دوري أبطال أوروبا، وهو أمر رائع لقائد منتخب مصر خاصةً أن باقي لاعبي ليفربول مجتمعين لديهم 31 هدفًا في البطولة ذاتها.

لكن بالنسبة للاعب سجل 29 هدفًا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز الموسم الماضي، لم يكن صلاح في أفضل حالاته هذا الموسم، حيث سجل هدفين فقط في ثماني مباريات حتى الآن.

وأوضحت الشبكة البريطانية أن تراجع مستوى صلاح يؤثر بشكل واضح عليه، حيث ظهر الدولي المصري متلهفًا للتسجيل عندما دخل بديلًا أمام فرانكفورت في آخر 16 دقيقة، وسدد من زاوية صعبة في حين كانت التمريرة العرضية إلى فلوريان فيرتز خيارًا أفضل، كما سدد الكرة فوق العارضة.

واختتمت أنه مع احتمال غياب إيزاك عن الملاعب لفترة، من المرجح أن يحصل صلاح على فرصة لإثبات أنه لا يزال اللاعب الأهم في ليفربول، حيث يتطلع الريدز إلى مواصلة تكرار هذا الفوز في مواجهة برينتفورد يوم السبت المقبل.

GOAL ranks the top soccer players from each of the country's four regions, including USMNT players both past and present

From Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to Brian McBride and Christian Pulisic, decades of groundwork have given rise to great American soccer players. With the 2026 World Cup less than nine months away, the United States has steadily progressed into a genuine force in the global soccer scene. 

Some regions in the U.S. have deeper player pools than others, so who is the best of the best? And who were some of the top players from those soccer-rich states that didn't make the cut in the top of three, given the stiff competition?

GOAL ranked the top three men's soccer players from each of the 50 states, and now ranks the best from each region.

STATE RANKINGS: Northeast | South | Midwest | West

• Getty Images
  

  Northeast: Christian Pulisic

  Hometown: Hershey, Pennsylvania

  Clubs played for: Dortmund, Chelsea, AC Milan

  USMNT caps: 80

  Why he's No. 1: The East is arguably America's premier soccer region when it comes to producing talent. From legendary players such as Tim Howard and Jozy Altidore to Bruce Arena, a Hall of Fame manager, the region is stacked. What sets Pulisic apart is his unprecedented club success in Europe. 

  He is the face of AC Milan, traditionally one of Europe's top six clubs, and he's the only player U.S. player to win the Champions League. While his USMNT legacy might not be as strong as some of the legends, his talent is undeniable. As analyst and former USMNT star Stu Holden once said, success seems inevitable for the 27-year-old. 

  "I think he'll go down as the best U.S. Soccer player by the time he's done, and he might be already in terms of what he's achieved on the club level," Holden told GOAL. "Talent alone, he will be the best U.S. Soccer player of all-time." 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midwest: Brian McBride

  Hometown: Arlington Heights, Illinois

  Clubs played for: Wolfsburg, Columbus Crew, Preston North End, Everton, Fulham, Chicago Fire 

  USMNT caps: 96

  Why he's No. 1: The race for best player in the Midwest involves three players: Brian McBride, Tim Ream, and Cobi Jones. While Jones is widely considered to be a top-five all-time USMNT player, Ream has also had long-term success, largely in England's second division, and a late career breakout.

  But ultimately, it's McBride, who is neck and neck with Altidore as the best striker in national team history. 

  McBride was a revolutionary talent for the USMNT, playing in three World Cups and becoming the first American to score in two tournaments. On the club level, it's hard to imagine Pulisic or Clint Dempsey being entrusted to be the faces of European clubs without McBride blazing the trail.

  He is the first American with back-to-back double-digit scoring seasons, accomplishing that in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 campaigns for Fulham. The striker's work rate and role in keeping Fulham in England's top flight during his five seasons for the club elevated him to iconic status – he even had a bar named after him at Craven Cottage.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  South: Clint Dempsey

  Hometown: Nacogdoches, Texas

  Clubs played for: New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham 

  USMNT caps: 141

  Why he's No. 1: Clint Dempsey's path to success wasn't always easy. He grew up in a small town, 140 miles from Houston. Dempsey famously mentioned if it wasn't for his parents driving hours at time to attend camps and practices, he wouldn't have been a professional player. Thankfully for U.S. fans, they did. 

  Dempsey wasn't fleet of foot, didn't have a locked-in position, and wasn't necessarily prolific at any particular skill, but as Arena famously once said "He tries sh*t." The Texan was gritty, relentless, and persistently had a chip on his shoulder that helped him to defy the odds. 

  He once famously used criticism from then-manager Roy Hodgson as motivation to help Fulham – traditionally one of European soccer's smallest clubs – stun Italian powerhouse Juventus in the Europa League with arguably the best goal scored by an American on the continent.

  The goal, a lobbed chip, had no business going in. But it did. In many ways, that moment was symbolic of Dempsey's career. He also had incredible success on the national team, winning three Gold Cups. He is on the short list of America's greatest soccer players. 

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  West: Landon Donovan

  Hometown: Ontario, California

  Clubs played for: Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, Leon

  USMNT caps: 157

  Why he's No. 1: Dempsey has a case. So does Pulisic. But in the end, Donovan is the best player in American soccer history, due to his consistent success on the national team level, paired with his dominance in MLS. At the peak of his powers, Donovan was the face of U.S. Soccer, a box office draw that put fans in seats.

  He is tied with Dempsey for all-time national goals with 57 and holds the record for assists with 58 – the next closest is Michael Bradley with 22. Donovan had a way of delivering in key moments for the U.S., from the Go Go USA goal against Algeria to a being a consistent thorn in Mexico's side over nearly two decades. 

  Yes, there's an argument that he should have tested himself more on the global stage, instead choosing to stay in MLS while others continually played in Europe. And he frustrated some with his decision to retire from international soccer, and then try to play in the 2014 World Cup.

  But ultimately, he is the closest thing the U.S. had to a world-class outfield player – with Pulisic still in contention to take that title. 

He is “out indefinitely” according to Punjab Kings’ fast-bowling coach James Hopes

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-20254:02

What are Punjab Kings’ options in Lockie Ferguson’s absence?

Punjab Kings (PBKS) fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been all but ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025, their fast-bowling coach James Hopes has said.Ferguson had hobbled off the field in their previous game, against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday after bowling just two balls.”Ferguson is out indefinitely, and the chances of us getting him back by the end of the tournament are very slim, I would have thought,” Hopes said ahead of PBKS’ match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mullanpur on Tuesday. “I think he has sustained a pretty serious injury.”Ferguson had pulled up after the second delivery of the sixth over against SRH and was seen holding the side of his left leg just below the hip. He had to leave the field after consultation with the physio and did not return to bowl again as SRH pulled off the second-highest successful chase in IPL history with eight wickets in hand.He had only just recovered from a hamstring injury that he had picked up in the ILT20 in the UAE, which forced him to miss the Champions Trophy in February. This is the third time since November 2024 that Ferguson has been injured. Before his hamstring issue in the ILT20, he had suffered a calf injury, which forced him to miss the ODIs against Sri Lanka late last year.In his three-and-a-bit games this season, Ferguson has five wickets at an economy rate of 9.17.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) bid to get to 16 points and strengthen their chances of a top-two finish in IPL 2025 might take a hit, with a rain threat hanging over their home game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday.There have been sporadic spells of rain of varying intensity in Bengaluru over the last two days, and there is a 70% chance of rain on Saturday, with the met department predicting that “rain or thundershowers would occur towards afternoon or evening” on May 3.The weather played a part on match eve as well, interrupting the training sessions of both teams. CSK started their training around 3pm but could only practice for about 45 minutes before rain intervened. The players then resumed training at 4.30pm. RCB held their practice session later, starting around 5pm.Related

• Suyash Sharma reveals surgery for hernia nearly stopped him from starting IPL 2025

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• Hussey: 'We're not going to panic and throw everything out'

• It's RCB vs CSK again, but will IPL's tastiest fixture have the same edge as before?

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal batted for close to 45 minutes to an hour before it started hosing down, but this time the rain did not relent for three hours and RCB’s practice session had to be cancelled. There was also a thunderstorm and occasional lightning throughout the evening, which caused waterlogging in many parts of the city.While CSK have already been knocked out of contention for the playoffs, after managing just two wins in their first ten games, this is a crucial game for RCB. They are currently third on the points table with seven wins and three losses. A win on Saturday will lift them to the top spot.There was already a rain-shortened match in Bengaluru last month when the RCB-Punjab Kings (PBKS) game was reduced to 14-overs-a-side.This is the first time that RCB will face CSK in Bengaluru since their high-octane clash in IPL 2024, when RCB’s 27-run win helped them scrape through to the playoffs. When the two sides met earlier this season in Chennai, RCB won by 50 runs.

Four draws from four in the Premiership, amid a dismal Champions League exit, has ensured that the jury is still out on Rangers boss Russell Martin, with the former Scotland international facing an uphill task to win over the Ibrox faithful.

That said, regardless of whether or not the under-fire coach is the right man for the job, the Gers are evidently in need of further reinforcements before the window slams shut, with the centre-forward berth a particular area of concern.

Indeed, the Light Blues have seen Hamza Igamane already catch fire at new club Lille, amid a stunning brace on debut in Ligue 1, while Martin admitted that Cyriel Dessers has likely played his last game for the Glasgow giants.

With Danilo also continuing to underwhelm, amid his return of 13 goals in 58 games in Scotland, the pressure is on new man Bojan Miovski to hit the ground running. To ease that burden, however, a new addition now looks to be imminent.

Latest on Rangers' deadline day dealings

There is much to be done and little time to do it in, with reports emerging on Sunday evening that Rangers are in the race for Crystal Palace starlet Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, having been linked with the 22-year-old throughout the summer window.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Portuguese journalist Sebastião Sousa-Pinto has revealed that Everton striker Youssef Chermiti is heading to Scotland amid his impending Ibrox switch, with the final touches being made on that deal.

As per Sousa-Pinto, that switch – which previously had looked set to be an initial loan – will be a permanent deal for a fee in the region of €15m (£12.7m), eclipsing the £12m previously dished out on Tore Andre Flo.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Such a hefty price tag would heap instant expectation on the former Sporting CP man to perform, with there perhaps concerns that the 21-year-old could head in a similar direction as that of Adam Idah at rivals Celtic.

Why Rangers could be targeting their own Adam Idah

In one of the more surprising moves of the window so far, Swansea City have pounced to take Idah back to the Championship on a £7m deal, thus ending his turbulent 18-month stint at Parkhead.

Signed on an initial loan deal in January 2024, the Republic of Ireland international was an instant hit in Scottish football, having scored nine goals in just 19 games during that temporary spell, including the winner in the Scottish Cup final.

While 20 goals followed in all competitions last term, following a £9m permanent switch, the 24-year-old divided opinion among those of a Hoops persuasion, having since failed to score in the early weeks of the new campaign.

Despite his early hot streak, the ex-Norwich City man has perhaps returned to his former levels, having arrived in Glasgow after registering just 17 goals in 116 senior games at Carrow Road, as per Transfermarkt.

There could well be fears of Chermiti enduring similar struggles at Ibrox, with Martin and co gambling on a player who has also yet to prove himself at first-team level, after failing to score at all in 24 games for the Toffees.

Chermiti – 24/25 PL stats
Stat (*per game)	Record
Games	4
Starts	0
Goals	0
Big chances missed	0
Assists	0
Big chances created	0
Key passes*	0
Total duels won*	50%
Aerial duels won*	67%
Successful dribbles*	0.3
Stats via Sofascore

While the young marksman did net three times in 22 first-team outings in Lisbon, there remains little evidence that he can thrive at the elite level, with analyst Kai Watson even suggesting that he could be “[Umar] Sadiq 2.0”.

A player believed to have been “inspired by [Alexander] Isak”, as per The Athletic, Chermiti is yet to showcase that he can get anywhere close to the levels of the Liverpool-bound £130m sensation.

Of course, much like Idah in his early Celtic days, the Portuguese giant could surprise a few if he makes an immediate impact under Martin, although he will have to go a long way to repay his hefty transfer fee.

As was the case with Idah, the pressure on a young, marquee striker can be overpowering – time will tell to see whether the same applies for Chermiti.

Imagine him & Miovski: Rangers make last-gasp offer for "devastating" star

Rangers have reportedly made a last-gasp offer to sign a star who could shine alongside Bojan Miovski.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 1, 2025

Despite a lack of recent success, Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash in recent years, bringing in a number of players for £30m or more.

Numerous managers have been backed in the transfer market, with a plethora of stars being attracted to the project on offer in north London. But who is Spurs’ record arrival? We’ve taken a look at Tottenham’s 10 most expensive signings.

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

Dominic Solanke

£65m

Bournemouth

2024

Tanguy Ndombele

£62.8m

Lyon

2019

Richarlison

£60m

Everton

2022

Mohammed Kudus

£55m

West Ham

2025

Xavi Simons

£52m

RB Leipzig

2025

Brennan Johnson

£47.5m

Nottingham Forest

2023

Micky van de Ven

£43m

Wolfsburg

2023

Cristian Romero

£42.5m

Atalanta

2021

Davinson Sanchez

£42m

Ajax

2017

Archie Gray

£40m

Leeds United

2024

Pedro Porro

£40m

Sporting CP

2023

James Maddison

£40m

Leicester

2023

Mathys Tel

£30m

Bayern Munich

2025

Moussa Sissoko

£30m

Newcastle

2016

Sergio Reguilon

£27.5m

Real Madrid

2020

Giovani Lo Celso

£27.2m

Real Betis

2020

Steven Bergwijn

£26m

Ajax

2022

Roberto Soldado

£26m

Valencia

2013

Erik Lamela

£25.8m

Roma

2013

Dejan Kulusevski

£25.6m

Juventus

2023

Here’s a detailed look at Tottenham’s 10 most expensive signings… 10 Archie Gray £40m from Leeds United

Archie Gray appears to be a star in the making which resulted in Ange Postecoglou and Spurs spending big on his services from Leeds United in 2024.

As part of a deal for the youngster, Leeds signed Joe Rodon, but it looks as if a total package for Gray cost up to £40m.

9 Davinson Sanchez £42m from Ajax

Centre-back Davinson Sanchez was a club-record signing when he arrived from Ajax for £42m in 2017.

Mauricio Pochettino was the man in charge when Sanchez moved to England and the Colombia international made more than 200 appearances for the club before leaving for Galatasaray in 2023.

8 Cristian Romero £42.5m from Atalanta

Another defender who cost Spurs big money is Cristian Romero, who arrived from Atalanta in 2021.

The Argentinian has shone for club and country, winning the Copa America and being voted Serie A’s best defender, which prompted Tottenham to spend £42.5m.

Daniel Levy may well have overseen things, but it was perhaps the best thing Nuno Espirito Santo did for the club during his short spell in charge.

7 Micky van de Ven £43m from Wolfsburg

Centre-back Micky van de Ven, who made the move to north London in 2023, signed from Wolfsburg for just under an initial £35m, with the total fee potentially rising to £43m.

He quickly impressed in the Premier League with his pace and power at the back, and all going well, Van de Ven will at least be with Spurs until 2029.

6 Brennan Johnson £47.5m from Nottingham Forest

A deadline day signing in September 2023, Brennan Johnson cost Tottenham £47.5m from Nottingham Forest.

The Wales international, capable of playing anywhere across the front three, signed a contract through to 2028 and will be hoping to repay that fee over the coming years.

5 Xavi Simons £52m from RB Leipzig

After missing out on Eberechi Eze to rivals Arsenal, Spurs then moved to hijack Chelsea’s deal for Xavi Simons in the summer of 2025.

The Dutch attacker signed a five-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and took the number 7 shirt after Heung-min Son left for the USA.

4 Mohammed Kudus £55m from West Ham

Another marquee arrival following Spurs’ Europa League triumph in 2025 was Mohammed Kudus.

Signed from London rivals West Ham, Tottenham forked out £55m for the Ghanaian winger and handed him a six-year deal on £150,000-a-week.

3 Richarlison £60m from Everton

After eye-catching spells in England with Watford and Everton, Tottenham decided to spend an initial £50m on Richarlison in 2022, with his transfer potentially totalling £60m including add-ons.

The Brazilian’s first season was a struggle, scoring just once in 27 Premier League games. However, he has shown glimpses of brilliance in north London and is under contract until 2027.

2 Tanguy Ndombele £62.8m from Lyon

Midfielder Tanguy Ndombele became Tottenham’s record signing when he joined in 2019, but his move from Lyon didn’t work out.

Signed by Mauricio Pochettino just months before the Argentinian manager was sacked, it proved to be a poor misjudgement from the Spurs boss.

The Frenchman signed a six-year contract and cost a whopping £55m, while his deal could have reached £62.8m with add-ons. However, after making 91 appearances and struggling in England, Ndombele had his contract terminated in 2024.

1 Dominic Solanke £65m from Bournemouth

Tottenham’s record signing is striker Dominic Solanke, who arrived from Bournemouth in the summer of 2024.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool attacker could end up costing £65m with add-ons, with Solanke under contract until 2030.

Skipper’s unbeaten 97 followed Derbyshire losing their last six wickets for 80

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay19-Apr-2025Northamptonshire skipper Luke Procter led from the front as his team fought back on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire at Derby.Procter made an unbeaten 97 and shared an opening stand of 143 with Ricardo Vasconcelos who passed 50 for the first time this season, scoring 82 off 117 balls, as the visitors closed on 236 for 3 in reply to Derbyshire’s 307.Procter also finished with figures of 3 for 61 with Justin Broad claiming 4 for 60 as Derbyshire lost their last six wickets for 80 runs, including Brooke Guest who top scored with 91.Northamptonshire’s bowlers had something to prove after a below par performance on the first day and they delivered a much improved display in terms of control and discipline.Guest had played a counter-attacking innings which had disturbed the bowler’s lines and he resumed with a crisp straight drive down the ground against Liam Guthrie to move into the nineties.But Guthrie had the last word when Guest went to drive a widish ball and dragged it into his stumps to give the visitors the early breakthrough they needed.When Broad replaced Guthrie, he found some inswing to trap Anuj Dal in front and then beat Martin Andersson’s loose drive to reduce Derbyshire to 267 for 7.Zak Chappell edged a forcing stroke behind to give Broad his third victim of the morning and Derbyshire were in danger of falling below 300 when Luis Reece was caught down the legside aiming to pull Guthrie.Blair Tickner secured a second bonus point when he pulled Dom Leech to the ropes before Procter took the new ball and had Jack Morley caught behind.It was a good session for the visitors who dominated the afternoon with Vasconcelos and Procter batting through to tea. Vasconcelos was close to being lbw to Tickner early in his innings but after a sketchy start, a glorious on drive off the New Zealand paceman showed his confidence and touch was returning.As well as he and Procter batted, it was not a good session for Derbyshire’s bowlers who failed to maintain the consistent lines to build pressure. An off drive off Andersson brought Vasconcelos his 10th four and took him to 50 before he whipped Reece to the midwicket boundary to bring up the 100 stand which came from 135 balls.Procter completed his half-century after tea and when Wayne Madsen could not cling on to a fierce chance at second slip off Tickner when Vasconcelos was on 76, it threatened to be expensive.It certainly looked that way when the opener pulled the next delivery for four but when Tickner tempted him with a wide-ish ball, he slashed it to gully where Andersson made no mistake.Vasconcelos knew he had thrown away the chance of a hundred and had to drag himself from the crease but he and Procter had given their team a good platform to build on.Procter was building another partnership with George Bartlett until Chappell got enough lift off a length to have the latter caught behind and James Sales never got going, playing across a full ball from Reece.Derbyshire were much better in an extended final session but Procter and Rob Keogh reduced the arrears to 71 before bad light ended play.

There is no getting away from the fact that it’s been a horror start to the season for West Ham United this year.

The East Londoners were knocked out of the League Cup at the first time of asking by Wolverhampton Wanderers and have lost four of their five Premier League games, scoring just five goals and conceding 13.

So, when taking this into account, plus last season’s dire form, which saw his side lose nine of 19 games, it was no surprise to see Graham Potter finally given the sack on Saturday.

Matches

25

Wins

6

Draws

5

Losses

14

Points

23

Points per Game

0.92

Goals For

30

Goals Against

41

In his place, the Hammers have hired Nuno Espírito Santo, who recently enjoyed a brilliant stint with Nottingham Forest, taking them from relegation candidates to European football in a season and a half.

The Portuguese manager is known for playing slightly more defensive football than the Englishman, but his ability to turn his teams into counter-attacking machines could bring some real excitement – and success – back to the London Stadium.

However, before Nuno has a chance to greet the home fans, he faces the daunting task of taking on Everton at their brand-new stadium, which will be no easy task given their current form.

West Ham and Nuno's record vs Everton

Since their first competitive encounter all the way back in February 1907, West Ham have played Everton a whopping 153 times. Unfortunately, the Hammers have won just 45 of those games, drawn 33, and lost the other 75.

However, their recent record against the Toffees has been far more encouraging, with just one loss in their last five games, two wins and two draws.

Those two draws came last season, with ex-boss Julen Lopetegui overseeing a drab 0-0 draw at home in November, and then Potter leading his side to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park courtesy of a 67th-minute strike from Tomáš Souček, which was matched by a 91st-minute strike from Jake O’Brien.

03/25

Away

1-1 Draw

11/24

Home

0-0 Draw

03/24

Away

3-1 Win

10/23

Home

1-0 Loss

01/23

Home

2-0 Win

Unfortunately, while the Irons’ overall record against West Ham is far from ideal, Nuno’s isn’t any better.

Across his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Forest, the São Tomé-born tactician has overseen nine matches against the Merseysiders, winning three, drawing one and losing the other five.

Now, his teams have scored 13 goals and conceded just 12 in those games, but it’s still a worrying record, especially when taking into account the fact that the Tricky Trees lost at home to David Moyes’ side in April this year.

However, today is the start of a new project for Nuno and West Ham, and there is every chance the former Forest boss can pick up all three points, and this is the line-up he could do that with.

West Ham's predicted line-up

Souček is still out due to the straight red card he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is still out with a stomach issue.

However, apart from them, Nuno should have a full contingent of players to pick from to fill out his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation for tonight’s hugely important game.

Starting between the sticks has to be Alphonse Areola. The Frenchman wasn’t great against Crystal Palace last week, but Mads Hermansen has had a horror start to his Irons career, and the new boss won’t want a goalkeeping error to cost him in his first game.

The full-back pairing has to be Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf. The former has to start due to Wan-Bissaka’s stomach issue, and the latter has been one of the few players who have looked good this season, already providing three assists in five league games.

Things could change quickly under the new regime, but for the game tonight, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos will likely keep their places in the team as they’ve started the last three games together.

Now, we get to the first significant change to the team in the midfield, with the “average” James Ward-Prowse, as dubbed by one analyst, being left on the bench for summer signings Matues Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa to come in as the deeper midfield two.

The former Southampton star barely got any game time when he was on loan with Forest last season, and considering his truly dreadful start to the campaign, it would be baffling to see him start tonight.

Moreover, the former AS Monaco gem possesses the tenacity, energy, and mentality to do the necessary dirty work. At the same time, the Portuguese ace can bring more ball quality from deep, helping to create a wonderfully balanced double pivot.

Starting in attacking midfield will undoubtedly be the mercurial Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian hasn’t been at his best so far this season, but he’s still been able to score three goals in five games.

Moreover, the manager helped Morgan Gibbs-White rack up 17 goal involvements in 38 games last year, so there is no telling what he’ll be able to do with the former Lyon star.

It’ll come as no surprise to anyone to see Jarrod Bowen out on the right this evening, as even though the rest of the team have struggled this season, the former Hull City star has scored two goals and provided an assist in his six appearances.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old game-changer was able to rack up a sensational haul of 24 goal involvements in just 36 appearances last year, so he is going nowhere.

Appearances

36

Minutes

3138′

Goals

14

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.66

Minutes per Goal Involvement

130.75

On the opposite flank, it’ll probably be another start for Crysencio Summerville. The former Leeds United gem certainly needs to work on his output, but there is no denying that he makes things happen off the left, and his rapid pace could be perfect for the counter-attacking football the new boss is known for.

Finally, while some might want to see Niclas Füllkrug return to the team, it will likely be Callum Wilson who starts up top. The former Newcastle United star certainly has his drawbacks, but unlike the German, he has a goal to his name this season and a track record of scoring when fit.

Ultimately, it may well still be incredibly early on in the season, but West Ham’s game against Everton tonight feels like a massive one, not just because it’s a chance for the team to put a stop to their downward slide, but also because it’s a chance for Nuno to properly introduce himself to the fans and show them what he’s about.

The international break may have come at a perfect time for Tottenham Hotspur, subsequently handing Thomas Frank an extended period to work closely with his first-team squad.

After winning both of the first two Premier League games of 2025/26, the Lilywhites fell to a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth on home soil in the game before the break.

Such a showing was an uncharacteristic one from the Dane’s side, only registering five shots in 90 minutes, one of which, from Lucas Bergvall, was on target.

However, this evening’s clash against London rivals West Ham United hands the side the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways, facing a side who have already conceded eight times in England’s top-flight in their first three outings.

Such a fixture has proved fruitful for Spurs over the last couple of years, with Frank hoping that he’s able to replicate such feats in the clash at the London Stadium.

Spurs’ recent history against West Ham United

In the last eight meetings with West Ham across all competitions, dating back to December 2021, Spurs have only tasted defeat once – often getting the upper hand over the Hammers.

The last clash took place in May, with the Lilywhites only able to secure a 1-1 draw with Graham Potter’s men, with Wilson Odobert’s goal cancelled out by Jarrod Bowen.

However, the previous outing back in October saw the side dominate under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance, coming out of the clash as 4-1 victors in North London.

Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Heung-min Son and an own goal from Alphonse Areola secured all three points and further strengthened the Lilywhites’ dominance in such a fixture.

There’s no denying that given the contrasting form of the two clubs so far this campaign, Frank’s men will enter the clash as favourites, which could see one player have a point to prove.

The Spurs star who would be perfect for Kudus against West Ham

Mohammed Kudus joined Spurs this summer in a £55m transfer, arriving at the club from today’s opposition, West Ham, something which will no doubt add further spice to the local derby.

The Ghanaian was seen as one of the Hammers’ star men, previously scoring against the Lilywhites in such a clash, but thankfully for the club’s supporters, he will be on their side this time around.

After leaving the Irons in the summer window, the 25-year-old will certainly have a point to prove – hopefully finding the net for the first time after his big-money transfer.

He’s often been the provider for others this season, as seen by his tally of two assists in three outings, but he could be about to be bolstered in his efforts to open his account in North London.

Xavi Simons completed a late move to join Spurs in the transfer window, joining the club in a £52m transfer from German side RB Leipzig to bolster the attacking midfield department.

The Dutchman has undoubtedly arrived with high hopes, given the transfer fee, but also his numbers from last season – which saw him register 19 combined goals and assists in 2024/25.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, with many of which aiding Kudus in his chances of haunting his former employers at the London Stadium this evening.

Xavi Simons – stats in the Bundesliga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	25
Goals & assists	17
Pass accuracy	83%
Chances created	2.2
Successful dribbles	1.4
Tackles won	75%
Duels won	5.7
Stats via FotMob

Simons, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Rafael van der Vaart, managed to notch a total of 2.2 chances created per 90, along with 1.4 successful dribbles per 90.

Such numbers are impressive alone, showcasing his ability to transition the ball into dangerous areas, but he’s also managed to put an end product to such mazy runs.

He completed 83% of the passes he attempted, with 4.8 of which per 90 played into the final third – numbers which could provide Kudus with the ammunition needed to threaten the opposition.

The prospect of the pair linking up together is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with such a duo having the tools to push Frank’s men closer to victory against the Hammers.

If the Ghanaian is to open his account and inflict more pain on Potter’s side, it’s crucial that the Dane hands a debut to Simons, with the Dutchman having all the tools to create endless opportunities in attacking areas.

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