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Sunderland have a couple of massive games ahead of them as the Black Cats are preparing to take on Sheffield Wednesday in two play-off semi-final clashes.

The first showdown is set to take place at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening before Alex Neil takes his side to Yorkshire for the second leg on Monday.

Sunderland’s previous game saw them pick up a 1-0 win over Morecambe on Saturday thanks to a goal from Nathan Broadhead in the tenth minute.

The Wearside club have now not lost a game in the league since their 2-1 defeat against MK Dons back in February during the early days of Neil’s reign in charge of the side.

Looking ahead to the first-leg clash between the two sides aiming to reach the Championship, it seems as though the home side may have been handed an early injury boost that could increase their chances of securing a positive result.

What’s the news?

According to Chronicle Live, Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan picked up a muscle injury during the late stages of their recent 4-1 win over Portsmouth.

This could be crucial for the Black Cats with the Owls midfielder proving one of their most influential players so far this term.

Great news for Neil

With 45 league appearances under his belt in this campaign, the 32-year-old has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists along the way, suggesting that the Yorkshire side will be without a vital attacking presence if his muscle problem keeps him out any longer.

To further highlight his creativity and how much of an attacking danger he is, only Sean McConville has completed more crosses (391) than the Owls captain (287).

Having racked up more minutes for Wednesday than any other player, the midfielder is currently listed as the highest-rated member of Darren Moore’s squad according to WhoScored.

As well as this, his rating of 7.21/10 makes the Scotsman the 13th-highest rated player in the entire league.

Taking all of this into account, potentially being without the veteran in their side for Friday’s showdown will surely be a big blow.

From Sunderland’s point of view, however, the prospect of not having to deal with Bannan’s attacking talents would be great for Neil and his chances of seeing the Black Cats pick up a positive result.

Moving forward, whether the Owls star is fit enough to play or not, the 40-year-old will undoubtedly be wanting his side to go out and secure a win no matter what.

In other news: “Been offered a deal”: Journalist drops summer claim that’ll delight SAFC supporters

Jose Mourinho has faced Lionel Messi many times throughout his career and admits the Argentina star has made him grow as a manager.

Mourinho talks rivalry with MessiAlso shares verdict on GOAT debateFenerbahce boss in UCL action nextFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever to have graced the game and has come up against Mourinho many times during his career. The Argentine even made his first-team debut for Barcelona in a friendly against Mourinho's Porto all the way back in November 2003.

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Mourinho had to try and find ways to stop Messi and Barcelona during his time as manager of Real Madrid in La Liga. He also came up against Messi in the Champions League in epic battles with Chelsea and Inter. Messi may have proven to be a fearsome opponent, but Mourinho admits he helped improve his managerial skills.

WHAT MOURINHO SAID

Mourinho was asked by to name the player who has helped him grow the most and replied: "Messi, because every time I played against him he forced me to think a lot.” 

However, the legendary boss then responded angrily when asked to share his thoughts on the GOAT debate: "I think it's unfair, and when I hear someone say it, I feel something I don't like. The younger generations know, but they don't know Pelé, Eusébio, or [Franz] Beckenbauer in depth, and then compare their football to today's and today's conditions… There are even some slightly comical details. 40 years ago, when it rained, the ball weighed 10 kilos, now it flies." 

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Messi's move to the MLS with Inter Miami means the two icons of the game are unlikely to meet again on the pitch. Meanwhile, Mourinho is currently trying to secure a full Champions League campaign for 2025-26 with Fenerbahce. The Turkish side take on Benfica in the first-leg of their play-off tie on Wednesday.

Promotion-chasing Gloucestershire dismiss the hosts for 221 before limping to 87 for 4 in reply

Jon Culley at New Road16-Sep-2019Gloucestershire 87 for 4 (Barnard 3-16) trail Worcestershire 221 (Wessels 72, Higgins 4-55) by 134 runs
Only Leicestershire have endured a longer exile from county cricket’s first division than two of the contenders for promotion this year. Gloucestershire and Glamorgan were both relegated in 2005, the last season of three up and three down before it was decided that the clubs in the upper tier should feel a little more secure.The converse of that has been an increased degree of difficulty for the teams trying to make the transition in the opposite direction. Clearly, the change has disadvantaged this trio in particular, in which case Gloucestershire, in third place going into the final two rounds, will feel they ought not to miss the opportunity.They meet second-placed Northamptonshire at Bristol next week, which might yet have one promotion place riding on it depending on how the table looks in a few days. Win this one first, however, with Northamptonshire and another contender, Durham, locking horns at Wantage Road, and the prize could be within touching distance.Momentum is said to count for a good deal at this stage of the season and although they were beaten by Sussex last week, Gloucestershire had won three matches in a row before that one. They defeated Worcestershire by 13 runs in a thrilling finish at Cheltenham in July, a result which ended any lingering hope that Worcestershire themselves might still sneak into the race.Yet after an opening day largely dominated by seamers under a cloudy sky, Gloucestershire had control for a while only to have it taken from them in a difficult final session in which Ed Barnard undermined them three times by taking wickets with the last ball of an over. Any optimistic notions entertained in the visitors’ dressing room that the home side might have been distracted in their anticipation of defending their Vitality Blast crown at Edgbaston on Saturday, a date that Gloucestershire had pencilled into their diary before Derbyshire surprised them in the quarter-final at Bristol, proved without foundation.Gloucestershire’s bowlers had given them the upper hand in the first session, delayed by one hour after a damp morning, to the extent that when Ben Cox was out four overs after lunch, falling to the second of two fine catches by Tom Smith at third slip, Worcestershire were 71 for 5. Ryan Higgins, the allrounder whose runs and wickets are a large element of why his side are in contention, had taken three, going round the wicket to pin the left-handed Hamish Rutherford leg before and two balls later bringing one back sharply to bowl Alex Milton, who shouldered arms.Without Moeen Ali, taking time out to nurse some minor “niggles” ahead of Saturday, Worcestershire’s often fragile batting appeared in danger of caving in rather rapidly.That they did not was down to Riki Wessels, whose approach to batting is consistently to attack. It comes off less frequently in the red-ball game than it did in white-ball cricket in his pomp but on this occasion it did, bringing him a 58-ball half-century and 72 off 89 deliveries before, attempting the reprise the slog-sweep that had brought him six off Higgins earlier, he found Ben Charlesworth on the square-leg boundary.After a brief experiment opening, Wessels is back in the middle order and looks more comfortable there. His sixth-wicket partnership with Barnard (30) gave the innings some substance. With the game evolving quickly, Gloucestershire had their three bowling points – their first objective – in the 48th over, but Joe Leach and Adam Finch built on the impetus provided by Wessels enough to ensure it was the basis of a genuine recovery. Higgins, with 4 for 55, had been Worcestershire’s most dangerous opponent with the ball. Shannon Gabriel, the West Indian Test fast bowler brought in for the final push, proved as ineffective as he had against Sussex.The downside for Gloucestershire of bowling the home side out by tea was two hours of batting in light that did not really brighten until the last throes. James Bracey and Chris Dent weathered the new-ball threat but when Barnard came into the attack as first change, he immediately broke through as Bracey was caught behind and Dent edged to third slip.Mitchell took his first Championship wicket of the season by having Smith leg before and Barnard combined again with Cox to leave Gloucestershire four down for 56, before Gareth Roderick and Charlesworth survived until the close.Umpire Nick Cook, who was suffering from a sore knee, was replaced by Mike Burns mid-way through the afternoon session.

Lionel Messi has been lauded for avoiding the same MLS “excuses” as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, with the Inter Miami superstar still “driven”.

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All-time great headed to Florida in 2023Remains as committed as everEngland internationals accused of slackingGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his way to the United States in 2023 when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. Any questions of his passion waning on the back of a World Cup win with Argentina were quickly answered when inspiring a Leagues Cup triumph in Florida.

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Messi has continued to star in 2024, breaking more records while reaching double figures for goals and assists, with the iconic Argentine showing no sign of slowing down ahead of turning 37. His desire to compete and be the best continues to shine brightly, with the odd rest in Florida being forced upon him.

GettyWHAT RONGEN SAID

He did not sit out a recent 13-hour round trip to Vancouver through choice, as he was omitted from Inter Miami’s travelling party, and former MLS boss Thomas Rongen is delighted to see Messi steering clear of the complaints that other prominent figures have made. He has told : “Anywhere he goes, he’s driven, he has a mental strength after playing at the highest level for many, many years. It should be exhausting, I remember Gerd Muller was pretty much done when he hit 35. But stuff like the travel he’s dealt with quite well, it’s always surprised players coming to America, and sometimes it’s an excuse, like Gerrard and Lampard used, ‘oh this country is so big, it’s why I’m not performing well,’ but he never has excuses.”

WHAT NEXT?

Former England internationals Gerrard and Lampard spent time in the States with the LA Galaxy and New York City FC respectively. Messi has captured the imagination in MLS like few before him, with there already talk of him chasing down MVP honours when returning to Miami from Copa America duty with his country.

The summer transfer window has been open for the best part of two months and Celtic are yet to add a natural winger to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

Benjamin Nygren, who has played on the right flank, was brought in on a permanent deal, but the versatile star has been playing in central midfield throughout pre-season.

This means that the Hoops still have not replaced Portuguese forward Jota, who may not return to action until January or February of next year.

The former Rennes winger suffered an ACL injury at the start of May against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership and has been ruled out for up to nine months.

Why losing Jota is a blow for Celtic

That injury came as a big blow for Celtic because they had only brought him back to Parkhead in the January transfer window, signing him from Rennes 18 months after they sold him to Al Ittihad.

The 26-year-old forward scored four goals and provided two assists in seven starts in the Premiership after returning to the club, hitting the ground running in his second spell.

Jota’s form on the left flank also freed up Daizen Maeda to play through the middle as a number nine, which is another reason why losing him to a long-term injury is a blow for the Hoops.

The Premiership champions and Rodgers can finally replace the Portuguese star, who has been out injured for almost three months now, by signing reported transfer target Jakob Breum, who is another right-footed left winger.

Why Celtic should sign Jakob Breum

Celtic should continue to pursue the Danish star, who is valued at around £7m, after having a bid rejected for him because he could be a fantastic replacement in the short-to-medium term for Jota.

The Go Ahead Eagles star was described as an “underrated creative winger” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and his statistics in the Eredivisie last season suggest that he could be even more of a creative threat than Jota for the Hoops.

Breum, who scored against Al Duhail in a friendly on Saturday, averaged 1.7 key passes per game and delivered five assists in 26 league games for the Dutch, which shows that he likes to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis.

Appearances

26

11

xG

6.27

N/A

Goals

10

4

Minutes per goal

206

143

Big chances created

6

3

Key passes per game

1.7

1.2

Assists

5

2

As you can see in the table above, he averaged more key passes per match than Jota did in the Premiership, despite playing for a team that only finished seventh in the league.

Playing in a dominant Celtic team that is constantly winning, as they have won the league title in each of the last four years, could help to get the best out of Breum and his attacking qualities, as he would have more opportunities to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.

That is what makes his statistics for Go Ahead Eagles really stand out in comparison to Jota’s, as he made a similar impact whilst having less to work with from his team’s play, given their standing in the division.

At the age of 21, he also has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, and could be a long-term option for the Hoops even after Jota returns at the start of next year.

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However, his form last season suggests that the winger would come in as a fantastic short and medium term signing first and foremost so that Celtic can finally replace Jota with another left-wing option.

Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Lutho Sipamla ran through the hosts’ line-up, reducing them to 161 for 3 to 178 for 9, picking three wickets each

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Sep-201925 overs a sideShikhar Dhawan showcased his fluency with a 52 off 43, but that was not enough for India A as they lost to South Africa A by four runs after failing to chase a DLS-adjusted target of 193 in the fourth one-dayer in Thiruvananthapuram. South Africa A quicks Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Lutho Sipamla ran through the hosts’ line-up, reducing them to 161 for 3 to 178 for 9, picking three wickets each.Resuming from 57 for 1 on the reserve day, needing 136 from 104 balls, India’s second-wicket pair of Dhawan and Prashant Chopra added a 79-run stand before Sipamla struck to remove the latter. Dhawan, who had scored more freely the previous day, played with more caution but fell shortly after bringing up his fifty to Jansen.With the asking rate climbing, Shivam Dube joined captain Shreyas Iyer, and the duo went for some big hits, including scoring 23 runs off a Sipamla over in their 51-run stand. But in the very next over, they both lost their wickets within a space of three balls to Nortje.Shikhar Dhawan steers one into the leg side•Getty ImagesA collapse ensued as the next four batsmen fell in the space of 20 balls. Rahul Chahar at No. 9 battled alone, but couldn’t take India over the line as they finished at 188 for 9 at the end of 25 overs.Earlier, the visitors rode on Reeza Hendricks’ unbeaten 60 off 70 to post 137 for 1 in 25 overs.Opener Matthew Breetzke was the only one dismissed, for a 31-ball 25 that included two sixes and a four, legspinner Chahar accounting for him. Heinrich Klaasen blasted a 12-ball 21 that included three sixes to provide a late impetus. Klaasen arrived after captain Temba Bavuma retired hurt on 28.So far all four matches of the series, in which India A already have an unassailable lead, have been rain-affected.

Whilst Liverpool struggled with injuries, their academy stepped up at the most important moment to play a part in their last-gasp victory over Chelsea to win the Carabao Cup final. And now, the Reds could be about to add to their list of impressive youngsters in the form of a South American gem.

Liverpool transfer news

By the time that Virgil van Dijk rose highest to head home Kostas Tsimikas' corner in the 118th minute, Liverpool had as many as six academy graduates on the pitch. Jarell Quansah, Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns, James McConnell, Harvey Elliott and Caoimhin Kelleher all shared the celebrations in what is an ultimate reflection of the legacy that Jurgen Klopp leaves behind.

That said, it's not just in their own academy that Liverpool can find gems for the future. With a new era set to begin when Klopp departs at the end of the season, the Reds could turn their attention towards reinforcements from elsewhere. And that includes South America – a place where the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo have emerged to star in the Premier League.

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Whilst Brighton & Hove Albion were the initial benefactors of Mac Allister and Caicedo, it could be the Reds who next reap the rewards, cutting out the Brighton-shape middle man. According to Brazilian media, Liverpool have sent representatives to Brazil to hold talks with Luis Guilherme and his agent, with a bid now expected in the coming days.

After initial reports suggested that Liverpool were in pole position to land Palmeiras' 18-year-old, those at Anfield are seemingly pushing ahead with their deal, which could cost around €35m (£30m), despite the midfielder's reported €55m (£47m) release clause. A player for the future, Guilherme may quickly prove to be a bargain buy for the Reds.

"Fast" Guilherme can spearhead next Liverpool era

As Liverpool prepare for life without Klopp, they could yet turn to Xabi Alonso with reports indicating that contact has already been made ahead of potentially welcoming the Bayer Leverkusen boss. If it is to be the Spaniard, then his 3-4-2-1 system, which uses two advanced midfielders, will shape Liverpool's direction when it comes to incomings this summer. And that's where Guilherme would come in.

The young Brazilian – an advanced midfielder who can also play as a winger – could thrive in the role that Alonso has used to get the best out of Florian Wirtz this season to hand Liverpool an instant star.

The teenager certainly has his fans in Brazil too, with Transfermarkt Area Manager Brazil Marcos Watts saying via Transfermarkt: “Luis Guilherme highlights the success of Palmeiras’ youth academy. Only 17, he is already capable of being influential as a no.10 in Brazil’s Série A and is also capable of playing as a winger. He is one of Brazil’s biggest talents.

“He is very fast—both physically but also mentally—and has an excellent left foot. If he keeps developing along the same path, then he is more than capable of becoming a top player in Europe. I think there is a chance he could become the future no.10 of the Seleção.”

Emi Martinez swapped lewd for love in his Copa America Golden Glove celebration, with the Argentina goalkeeper sounding a trophy warning to rivals.

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More individual and collective honoursRetains hunger to win even moreHoliday time after Olympic dream dashedWHAT HAPPENED?

The shot-stopper is a now a two-time winner of the prestigious Copa crown, having first helped the Albiceleste to continental glory back in 2021. Martinez starred at that event, with his penalty-saving reputation being enhanced.

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More heroics were delivered at the 2022 World Cup, en route to a global title, with wild celebrations sparked at the end of each triumph. Martinez became famed for a bizarre routine that saw him hold the Golden Glove to his crotch on that occasion.

WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

There were no such theatrics after helping Argentina to a 1-0 win over Colombia in 2024, with Martinez telling of the insatiable appetite for success that exists within Lionel Scaloni’s squad: “Being a two-time champion is a very nice thing for this team, for this country. We wanted to give the people another joy, we put a lot of effort into it. They thought that by winning titles we were going to relax, but we showed once again the kind of team we are.”

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Martinez, who is now preparing to head off on a family vacation, added on focus now being shifted towards the next piece of silverware that is up for grabs – and another that Argentina claimed in 2022: “We are now playing the Finalissima against Spain and we have the chance to win another title. It has been shown that we have everything.”

After welcoming veteran defender Ashley Young, Ipswich Town are now reportedly prioritising a summer swoop to sign a La Liga forward and welcome a much-needed replacement for Liam Delap.

McKenna: Young's "achievements speak for themselves"

At 39 years old, Young has made the latest move in a career that has seen him with the Premier League, Serie A, and become one of the most experienced players that English football has to offer. Dropping down to the Championship, the former Inter Milan man will be hoping to ensure that Ipswich complete an instant return to the Premier League.

Speaking to the club website after welcoming Young, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “Ashley has had a fantastic career and his achievements speak for themselves. He has maintained an extremely high level of professionalism and competitiveness through his career and he is still playing at a very good level.

“We feel his leadership and experience will be valuable to the group this season and he is very hungry to contribute on and off the pitch. It’s a very strong signing for the group and the club.”

The defender himself, meanwhile, also had plenty of praise for McKenna after putting pen to paper. He said: “He’s a winner and you see that on the training pitch.

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“On the sidelines at the games, I get to see that day in, day out. He was a massive pull. Obviously, I worked with him at [Manchester] United. I knew his beliefs, I knew what he wants to do with the club, I’ve seen what he’s done with this club as well.”

After adding crucial experience to their side, however, Ipswich’s summer business looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve set their sights on a replacement for ex-star striker Delap.

Ipswich prioritising Romero move

According to reports in Spain, Ipswich are now prioritising a deal to sign Isaac Romero, who would be arriving to replace the departed Delap this summer. Sevilla are reportedly open to the forward’s departure, which should hand those at Portman Road the chance to come swooping in at the right price.

The 25-year-old striker struggled to adapt to La Liga last season after scoring 11 goals in 15 games in Spain’s second tier in the campaign prior and could now be on his way out of the club.

If his agent’s eye for marketable talent is anything to go by he’s certainly got potential however – his AS1 group also represent £115m Chelsea star Moises Caicedo, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

On paper, his arrival would be a risk for Ipswich but perhaps one worth taking. At his best, Romero starred in Spain’s second division and a return to a similar level may yet see him rediscover that clinical form.

Whilst Romero won’t steal the same headlines as Delap’s arrival did last summer, he could prove to be the clinical goalscorer that McKenna desperately needs in the Championship next season.

Inter Miami are set for another blow as Uruguay's Luis Suarez will join team-mate and Argentina icon Lionel Messi at this summer's Copa America.

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Copa America runs from June to JulyMessi to play for Argentina in tournamentMiami team-mate Suarez gets Uruguay call-upWHAT HAPPENED?

Days after Messi was named in Argentina's squad for the Copa America, which takes place in the United States and runs from June 20-July 14, 37-year-old Suarez has made it into Marcelo Bielsa's 26-man group for the upcoming tournament – despite ongoing knee issues for the striker.

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Inter Miami currently sit top of Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference but not having Messi and Suarez for the best part of a month will be a big blow for them. Suarez has scored 12 goals and bagged five assists in the MLS this season and Messi has found the net on 12 occasions and turned provider nine times – so losing both could greatly impact the club's campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

Argentina kickstart their campaign on June 20 when they entertain Canada and also have Peru and Chile in their group. Conversely, Uruguay take on tournament hosts the US, Panama and Bolivia in their group.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Before the Copa America begins, Argentina take on Ecuador on Sunday night in a friendly, followed by Guatemala on June 14. Uruguay, on the other hand, are not in action again until their tournament opener against Panama on June 23.