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Liverpool are in uncharted waters, with these deep fathoms threatening not only the future of Arne Slot, who won the Premier League a matter of months ago, but that of Mohamed Salah, one of the greatest players in the club’s history, too.

Where is the respite? At the moment, Liverpool can’t catch a break, fumbling a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at Leeds United on Saturday after previously drawing against well-worth-their-money Sunderland at Anfield. All told, the Reds have won only two of their past ten league fixtures, losing six.

But Liverpool have sculpted this disaster themselves. They have patented a startling ability to wreak havoc on their own progress, with tactical imbalances sparking crises of confidence, sparking mutiny.

Salah’s flaming interview at Elland Road will go down in the history books, and though FSG have since underlined their faith in Slot’s stewardship, the severity of this crossroads cannot be understated.

The latest on Slot's Liverpool future

Slot is in an unenviable position, with Salah’s outburst proving the latest and most damaging in a long line of mishaps since the summer.

While FSG retain the faith in the 47-year-old, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title last year after Jurgen Klopp stepped down, there’s an acceptance that results are needed quickly if something is to be salvaged from this campaign.

The fact of the matter is that Slot’s Liverpool started wobbling well before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and he now needs to show that he can sort out the defence and restore balance to the team. He needs to show that quickly.

27

Games

52

23

Wins

26

3

Draws

10

1

Losses

16

2.66

PPG

1.69

73

Goals scored

91

27

Goals conceded

69

Liverpool are in big bother, and though FSG have been steadfast in their backing of the Dutchman, their leniency will only stretch so far, especially when there is such an exciting successor for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to consider.

Liverpool could hire Slot upgrade

Last week, it was reported that FSG have been considering Julian Nagelsmann as a candidate to replace Slot, should the Reds coach be sacked, though they will face a tough task in wrestling him away from the German national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming large.

Nagelsmann, 38, is among the world’s finest young coaches, having managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in his homeland.

Would he be willing to park his international ambitions? Probably not. That’s why it’s anticipated he could be lined up ahead of the start of next season, meaning Liverpool would need to find an interim boss if Slot is dismissed before the end of the term.

What Nagelsmann would offer Liverpool

Nagelsmann has been described as the “best young coach in Europe” by journalist Josh Bunting, and though he’s the junior of practically all of the game’s standout managers, he’s hardly inexperienced, with a keen tactical mind that could be the remedy to a Liverpool team who have fallen by the wayside.

This is a fluid and interchangeable tactician. Nagelsmann employed a counter-pressing system at Leipzig before changing to a more dominant playing style at the Allianz Arena. He recognises the quirks and whims of the players at his disposal, and he crafts a system that caters to his troops.

Journalist Kai Iliev has even named him a “world-class manager” for his ability to fix a range of flaws within Germany’s national set-up. Now they are contenders. Now they believe again.

Liverpool could do with a bit of that, right? The appointment of Nagelsmann might even play into keeping Salah at the club; with the Egyptian King’s relationship under Slot having broken down, something has to give.

Liverpool, of course, will now back Salah over Slot. To do the contrary would result in anarchy. But this latest splinter in an outfit splitting wide open is not the root cause. Slot’s system is in a tailspin, and if he cannot establish form and fluency quickly, he will find that he has exhausted all the credit in the bank, and Edwards and Hughes will be forced into making a tough call.

The German coach’s principal 4-2-3-1 set-up would accommodate new signing Florian Wirtz and allow Salah to arc inwards once more and find passages into the danger area. This season, the 33-year-old has only posted five goals and three assists across all competitions.

Who could have expected this when Liverpool lifted the Premier League title? Salah was not the main man but the author of his long-term outfit’s illustrious success.

It’s not controversial to suggest that many, many Liverpool supporters would be dejected if Salah were to leave this winter, and it would be sure to put more than just a dampener on Slot’s reign at the Anfield helm.

If results do not continue over the coming weeks – with Salah off to AFCON after Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend – FSG will have to face the reality of theirt spiraling situation and make a change.

Could that prompt Salah to stay? Working under Nagelsmann on Merseyside, it just might, though whether the Reds are able to keep the African legend appeased and reach a decision that would see him remain at the club he has served so well over the past nine years remains to be seen.

In any case, this is a staggering, stomach-sinking situation, one that nobody could have foreseen, and Liverpool’s powers that be need to make sure an upswing is found – quickly.

Sell him before Salah & Konate: FSG must bin Liverpool's "major issue"

Liverpool have collapsed this season, and some tough decisions need to be made.

1 ByAngus Sinclair 2 days ago

Bayer Leverkusen have named Malik Tillman as their successor to Florian Wirtz by officially handing him the No.10 shirt following the German's move to Liverpool.

Wirtz left Leverkusen for LiverpoolTillman brought in to replace midfielderHanded No.10 shirt by Ten HagFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Leverkusen have had some major rebuilding to do this summer after losing Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and head coach Xabi Alonso, and they have put their faith in former PSV midfielder Tillman to take on the former's role under Erik ten Hag.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The No.10 shirt is symbolic in the game of football and bears a lot of responsibility. That heavy burden will fall onto the shoulders of the USMNT youngster as Leverkusen look to continue on their upwards trajectory, having finished as runners-up behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last term.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tillman came through the Bayern academy but spent time out on loan at several clubs, including Rangers. Last season for PSV, he bagged 21 goal contributions across all competitions on the way to winning the Eredivisie title.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR TILLMAN?

Having recently returned from Gold Cup duties with the USMNT, Tillman is hoping to hit the ground running at Leverkusen after his move and fans will be behind him all the way, with the club even offering free printing of his name and number for the next few days, in a similar move to Arsenal for striker signing Viktor Gyokeres.

Zak Chappell lifted Derbyshire’s hopes of securing an elusive County Championship victory at Derby by demolishing Glamorgan on the opening day of the Division Two match.The fast bowler took 6 for 47, his best figures for the county, as the visitors were bowled out for 168 with Timm van der Gugten top scoring with an unbeaten 46.Glamorgan were 32 for 6 before Dan Douthwaite and van der Gugten led a mini recovery but Derbyshire closed on 119 for 2 with Harry Came not out 58. It leaves them in a strong position to push for a first Championship victory at the County Ground since they beat Sussex in August 2019.On a morning more in keeping with October, Derbyshire’s decision to bowl first on a grassy pitch paid immediate dividends with three wickets falling in the first five overs.In blustery conditions, Glamorgan’s top order had no answer to Chappell’s relentless accuracy and Luis Reece’s swing as they slumped to 9 for 3. Ben Kellaway’s promotion to opener was short-lived and he followed a pair on his first-class debut last September by edging a ball from Chappell that moved away late to register another duck in his third red-ball innings.In fairness, his more experienced team-mates fared little better with Billy Root bowled by a Reece delivery that kept low before Sam Northeast pushed forward to Chappell and was caught at second slip.Kiran Carlson played across one from Chappell that appeared to be going down before Reece got some late swing to have Colin Ingram caught behind. When Chris Cooke was caught behind down the leg side off one of the few bad balls Chappell bowled, Glamorgan were in disarray and grateful for the rain which resulted in an early lunch.Chappell, who passed 50 wickets in all formats for the season, left the field with outstanding figures of 4 for 9 from 6.4 overs but after the resumption they were dented when Douthwaite hit him for three fours in an over.With van der Gutgen playing solidly, the pair added 55 from 97 balls in relative comfort before Pat Brown removed Douthwaite with a snorter that nipped away late to take off stump.Chappell celebrated his fifth wicket when Mason Crane fenced at one to give Brooke Guest his fourth catch but Fraser Sheat on his debut looked capable until he top edged a pull to midwicket.Ned Leonard marked the first match of his loan spell from Somerset by helping van der Gugten take Glamorgan past 150 and drove Jack Morley’s second ball for six before he tried again next ball and holed out to long-on.Van der Gugten matched Chappell’s discipline with a probing spell but Sheat and Leonard could not exert the same pressure. Reece and Came shared an unbroken treble-century stand against Glamorgan last season but this time they managed only 21 before Reece was defeated by a full-length ball from van der Gugten.Guest played a loose stroke, clipping Leonard to midwicket with the score on 41, and Came should have gone on 28 but Ingram at first slip dropped an edge of Leonard.Came took advantage, seizing on any width to reach an 84-ball fifty which contained 10 fours, and with Wayne Madsen motoring to an unbeaten 41, they added 78 before bad light ended play.

As speculation continues to arrive about Sandro Tonali’s future, Newcastle United are reportedly in pole position to sign a midfield star who could replace the impressive Italian.

Juventus interested in Sandro Tonali

When Newcastle were without Tonali at the start of the season, it showed. Eddie Howe’s side struggled in pursuit of Champions League qualification and were lacking that added power in the middle of the park. Ever since the return of the Italian, however, the Magpies have dominated the majority of their midfield battles and formed quite the trio between Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

Starts

28

38

29

Progressive Passes

128

271

116

Tackles Won

32

47

35

Ball Recoveries

117

188

149

The perfect blend of combative midfielders and those who have the ability to step onto the front foot, not many can stand in the way of Newcastle’s bulldozing midfield three at their best.

As a result, interest was always likely to arrive with reports in Italy now indicating that Juventus are interested in signing Tonali in this summer’s transfer window. The Italian giants are seemingly looking to bring the midfielder back to the Serie A for the first time since he left AC Milan in what should send alarm bells ringing around St James’ Park.

Jamie Carragher has been among those to praise the Newcastle midfielder this season, even including him in his Monday Night Football Team of the Season. The Sky Sports pundit said when asked why: “I went for Tonali because Newcastle look like they are going to finish third in the Premier League.

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“I don’t think many people would have predicted that. They’ve won a trophy for the first time in 70 years. But they actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.”

Of course, it remains to be seen whether Tonali will give into the temptation of Italy, but it seems as though Newcastle have a much-needed plan in place nonetheless.

Newcastle now leading race to sign Matteo Guendouzi

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio this summer. The former Arsenal midfielder is reportedly valued at just €40m (£34m) and could now be on his way back to the Premier League if Tonali decides to leave St James’ Park.

Starts

28

37

Progressive Passes

128

316

Tackles Won

32

21

Ball Recoveries

117

173

Not only does Guendouzi progress play better than Tonali, he has also outperformed the impressive Guimaraes in that department. Since leaving the Premier League with a whimper, the Frenchman has simply discovered another level to his game.

Earning plenty of praise ever since his time at the Emirates, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Guendouzi a “fantastic signing” by Marseille in 2021 and the midfielder has only proved to be equally as fantastic at Lazio.

A third FA Cup victory in six years for Manchester City might not make up for a dismal 2024/25 campaign, but it could plant the seed for rejuvenation under Pep Guardiola next term.

Losing Rodri so early on in the season proved to be the catalyst for the club’s worst run of form since the Spaniard took over in the summer of 2016.

This ensured none of the big prizes would be heading to the Etihad. But it wasn’t just losing Rodri that impacted the club. As a group, the team underperformed as the most successful era in the club’s history drew to a close.

Phil Foden has gone from 40 goal contributions last season to registering just 16 throughout 2024/25 in what has been a steady decline.

Elsewhere, Jack Grealish has also been poor, recording only eight goal contributions all season, while even Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t quite been his influential self as he shows signs of slowing down.

One of the biggest disappointments was Erling Haaland. The Norwegian had scored 52 and 38 goals across his first two seasons at the club, but has failed to hit those sorts of numbers this term.

Why Erling Haaland has struggled for Man City this season

The striker certainly began the campaign with a bang. Across his first five Premier League games, Haaland netted an impressive tally of ten goals.

This included back-to-back hat tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. At this point, it appeared as though no one was going to prevent him, or City, from powering to another top-flight title.

Between the start of October and the end of 2024, however, Haaland managed to find the back of the net just three times. Even though his form picked up between January and March, an ankle injury sidelined him for a few games, and he hasn’t scored since March 30.

To put it into context how much of a drop-off the forward has endured this term, he has averaged a goal every 123 minutes in the Premier League this season, compared to every 95 minutes last year.

Metric

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

37

27

21

Goal conversion percentage

29%

22%

20%

Shots per game

3.5

3.9

3.6

Goal frequency (minutes)

77

95

123

Assists

8

5

3

Via Sofascore

Furthermore, Haaland’s goal conversion rate has dropped from 22% to 20% while he is averaging fewer shots per game (3.9 vs 3.6). These statistics might not indicate a serious drop-off, but considering he is about to end the season with his worst goal tally at a club since the 2021/22 season, there is a problem.

With Guardiola keen on bolstering his squad this summer, it looks as though he is eyeing a move for one of the finest wingers in Europe.

Could his potential arrival revive Haaland next season?

Man City eye move for Real Madrid superstar

City’s main transfer target this summer appears to be Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. His agents apparently flew to England recently, but it is unclear whether they spoke to City about a move when the window opens.

It would be a major coup if they could secure his signature, but is another one of Europe’s finest being earmarked for a move to the Etihad?

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, City have contacted Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo in the hopes of bringing him to England.

The Brazilian will likely wait until Madrid have appointed a new manager following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to take over as the Brazil manager.

The right offer could certainly tempt the La Liga giants into a sale, with a price tag set at around the €100m (£85m) mark, then the winger could be on the move.

Much will depend on how much Guardiola is willing to spend on the player, especially if he is successful in a deal to sign Wirtz, but City are lining up a swoop for the Brazil international.

Rodrygo on the right flank could certainly provide some much-needed attacking dynamism to the first-team, and he would work wonders for Haaland.

Why City should sign Rodrygo

Across 267 games for Madrid, the 24-year-old has registered 118 goal contributions – 68 goals and 50 assists in all competitions.

These goal involvements have helped the club win two La Liga crowns and two Champions League titles, but it looks as though his time in the Spanish capital might be coming to an end.

Capable of scoring goals in the biggest and most important games, he was hailed by journalist Dougie Critchley as being a “big game player” and this is someone Guardiola would surely love to have at his disposal next term.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues, the Brazilian ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes, progressive carries, touches in the opposition penalty area, and progressive passes received per 90.

Additionally, he also ranks in the top 9% for assists and top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90 across the previous 365 days.

These qualities could be a dream for the Norwegian sensation. With Rodrygo getting into dangerous positions so often, especially in the attacking penalty area, Haaland would be the one to benefit, being offered countless chances in front of goal.

In La Liga this season, the Madrid winger has created five big chances while averaging 1.6 key passes per game. Add in the fact he succeeds with 1.6 dribbles – a success rate of 52% – per game, and it is clear to see exactly what he could offer to City from this summer onwards.

He and Haaland would make for a dream partnership that Guardiola would hope not only gives the club a chance at reclaiming back the Premier League title, but also for another chance of winning the Champions League.

A lot of factors will have to work in City’s favour for a move to go ahead, but as the Spaniard knows, he cannot afford for his team to perform so poorly throughout 2025/26.

With Rodri set to return from injury soon, plus new signings like Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush settling in nicely, City have the tools ready to begin a brand-new era at the Etihad.

Adding Rodrygo would be the icing on the cake.

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Nottingham Forest are making a strong move to sign an international forward with Champions League experience.

Nottingham Forest back in Champions League spots after 2-1 win at Tottenham

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side showed their top four credentials by winning 2-1 at Spurs on Monday evening. Forest went into the meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium outside the top five Champions League spots after wins for Manchester City and Chelsea over the weekend.

However, early goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood settled the nerves and ensured the Reds would go back up into the Premier League top four.

Talking after the win at Tottenham, Espirito Santo said: “We have a clear way to play and when we found ourselves in our identity. We had goals [against Tottenham] but also they created chances in the second half and we had to hold on to what we had. We’ve been able this season to compete well and fight for every ball.”

Attention now turns to the weekend and an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Pep Guardiola’s Man City side as Forest look to add silverware to what has been an outstanding season.

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Dan Emery

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Away from the pitch, owner Evangelos Marinakis looks to be making preparations ahead of the summer transfer window where Forest could be readying themselves for Champions League football.

Now, Forest are moving behind the scenes to sign a player who has Champions League experience.

Nottingham Forest making strong moves to sign Alexis Saelemaekers

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Alexis Saelemaekers from AC Milan.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at AS Roma, however Forest are making a strong move to sign Saelemaekers, with Milan wanting €20m (£17m) to sell for good. Should Forest qualify for the Champions League, the report states that it could be crucial in a move for Saelemaekers.

A Belgium international, Saelemaekers can play as a right or left winger and is valued at €20m by Transfermarkt. Interestingly, the attacker also shares the same agency as Forest right-back Neco Williams and has actually scored twice in the Champions League in his career.

Similar players to Alexis Saelemaekers	Club
Alex Grimaldo	Bayer Leverkusen
Dejan Kulusevski	Tottenham
Kenan Yildiz	Juventus
Jacob Ramsey	Aston Villa

Roma boss Claudio Ranieri hailed the Forest target earlier in the season, saying: “Saelemaekers is an international player, a good player who can play different roles. I needed him on this wing to execute certain plays, and he is doing well in interpreting what I want from him.

“So, this is my comment: he is fine like this. But this does not mean that it will always be like this, because, from game to game, coaches make choices, maybe change their minds and evaluate other solutions.”

Now, it looks as if a move to the City Ground could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, providing things go to plan for Forest in the final stages of the season.

Aston Villa will have to go for broke when they welcome PSG to Villa Park in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

The Premier League side trails 3-1 after the first leg and, given how dominant the French side has been this season, it will be an extremely tall order for Unai Emery to mastermind a 3-0 win which will secure progress into the last four.

The club take on Southampton in the top flight this weekend. However, Emery will likely make a change or two, especially considering how important the second leg is.

Morgan Rogers shone against the Ligue 1 outfit, but the manager should rest him up ahead of the second leg.

How Morgan Rogers performed against PSG

Despite the 3-1 loss to the current French champions, Rogers was one of Villa’s shining lights. The Englishman opened the scoring after 35 minutes at the Parc des Princes with a nice little finish inside the box to give the away side a confidence boost.

Elsewhere, Rogers also created a big chance, made one key pass, attempted four dribbles – succeeding with one – and was fouled twice during his time on the pitch.

Southampton have already been relegated from the top flight after a dismal season. With this in mind, Emery must ruthlessly ditch Rogers from his starting XI in order to unleash a player who hasn’t had many chances to shine since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in January.

Donyell Malen, however, scored in their last two league outings, against Brighton and Nottingham Forest respectively, indicating that he deserves another chance this weekend.

Why Donyell Malen must start against Southampton

The Netherlands international wasn’t included in Villa’s Champions League squad for the knockout rounds, hence why it makes perfect sense to bring him back into the starting XI this weekend.

Across nine league matches, Malen has scored twice, while having a 22% goal conversion percentage and has even missed two big chances, suggesting he might have had another goal or two with more accurate finishing.

Donyell Malen’s statistics this season (league only)
Metric	Bundesliga	Premier League
Goals	2	3
Assists	0	0
Big chances created	0	1
Shots on target per game	0.8	0.4
Goal conversion percentage	22%	16%
Via Sofascore

During his spell in the Bundesliga, Malen received high praise from his former teammate Mario Götze, who said: “Donyell is extremely fast and very dangerous. If he has a chance, it’s usually a goal, too.”

In the first half of the season for Dortmund, Malen scored five goals for the German side, including one against Real Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League.

Hardly the most prolific tally in the world, yet when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Malen currently ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.64) and in the top 9% for total shots per 90 (3.47) over the previous 365 days.

These statistics make him the perfect choice for Emery against the Saints. Not only will it give Rogers a rest ahead of the second leg, but unleashing Malen will give him the chance to score for the third Premier League game in a row.

Therefore, the Spanish must axe the England international from the starting XI for his own good, rather than for performance-related reasons, to bring the January addition in.

Emery struck gold on Aston Villa star worth more than Doue & Kvaratskhelia

Aston Villa made a brilliant investment with this player

By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 11, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers all but confirmed their place in the Premier League for another season with a 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Old Gold are now 14 points clear of Ipswich Town in 18th place with just six matches to go, which means that it would take a ridiculous set of results to send them down at this point.

They could lose one of their key players in the summer transfer window, though, as Matheus Cunha – scorer of the fourth goal against Spurs – has been linked with a move away from Molineux.

Why losing Matheus Cunha would be a blow for Wolves

Selling the Brazil international, who has been linked with the likes of Spurs, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester United for a fee of £75m, would be a big blow for Wolves.

This is because of the immense quality that the former Atletico Madrid magician has provided at the top end of the pitch in the Premier League so far this season.

Cunha has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 27 appearances for Wolves, and no player in the squad has delivered more goals and assists combined than his tally of 18, which is why losing him would be such a blow to the team.

Vitor Pereira, however, may already have a surprise replacement for the Brazilian gem in the form of Fabio Silva, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas in LaLiga.

Why Fabio Silva could be a surprise Matheus Cunha replacement

After the Portuguese youngster scored four goals in 20 matches on loan at Rangers in the second half of last season, Wolves may have sent the attacker to Spain without too many expectations over his performance.

The 22-year-old starlet’s form for Las Palmas in LaLiga this season, however, has come as a surprise, after his lack of output for the Scottish giants last term, and he could return to Wolves this summer as a new player.

Silva, who was described as a “joy to watch” by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, has played as part of a front two with Oli McBurnie, which means that he could play a similar role to Cunha, playing behind the physical presence of Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Starts

21

xG

8.80

Goals

10

Minutes per goal

179

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

As you can see in the table above, the Portugal international also has a similar level of production to Cunha, with 13 goal contributions in 21 starts, compared to the Wolves star’s 18 goal contributions in 24 starts.

The Old Gold loanee, who has scored against Real Madrid and Barcelona in LaLiga, has provided a clinical edge in front of goal, outperforming his xG, whilst also delivering some creativity in the final third.

These statistics suggest that Silva has improved since joining Las Palmas, with his improved output in comparison to his time at Rangers, and that he could be ready to return to Wolves to compete for a first-team spot next season.

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This means that the Portuguese youngster could emerge as a surprise replacement for Cunha, should the attacker depart this summer, after his unexpected development in Spain this season.

تعادل نادي حرس الحدود مجددًا مع النادي الأهلي، بتسجيله الهدف الثاني في المباراة المقامة بينهما الآن، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، لتصبح النتيجة 2-2.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع حرس الحدود، في إطار الجولة الثامنة من عمر مواجهات بطولة الدوري المصري، على ملعب الكلية الحربية.

وسجل إسلام أبو سليمة لاعب نادي حرس الحدود، هدف فريقه الثاني في الدقيقة 53 بعد متابعة لكرة عرضية مرسلة من ركنية من الجانب الأيمن وارتطمت في طاهر محمد طاهر وسكنت شباك مصطفى شوبير. هدف حرس الحدود الثاني أمام الأهلي

طالع | ترتيب هدافي الدوري المصري بعد هدف تريزيجيه أمام حرس الحدود

وكان النادي الأهلي تقدم عن طريق جراديشار في الدقيقة 3 وتعادل الحدود بواسطة لاعبه محمد حمدي في الدقيقة 8، قبل أن يسجل محمود حسن تريزيجيه هدف المارد الأحمر الثاني في الدقيقة 45+3 من الشوط الأول للمباراة.

When you’re in South Africa, it’s all about scaling the heights

Sidharth Monga29-Jan-2018December 31
Hardly anyone out and about in Cape Town. Walk up Table Mountain on the gentlest trail route, the Pipe Track, which goes around the mountain. Still has breathtaking views of the sea and the Twelve Apostles. Called Pipe Track because along it run pipes that were built in the 19th century to carry water from Disa Gorge in the mountain’s back table to various parts of Cape Town.Drink cold, sweet water from a fresh stream. Look at the cable car in the distance. Admire the adventurers who don’t need the cable car to get to the top. Watch enviously as parasailers fly like birds in the clear blue sky.January 1
Two hikers – one of them a tour guide and an expert climber – fall from just below the upper cable car station of Table Mountain. The same spot I looked at yesterday. Hundreds of visitors wait as the cable car goes on a rescue mission. Read that friendly looking Table Mountain can at times be deadlier than even Mt Everest. Major cause of fatalities is underestimating weather changes , travelling without protection from cold, and without water or route maps. Realise I went up without all three. Feel a cough settling in.January 2
India have barred fans from watching and media from filming their nets. Security at Newlands says it is the team management’s instructions. Remember defending this team in England on a BBC lunchtime talk show on the sidelines of a tour game in Derby against the same charges. Such bans on watching net sessions come about in these countries only when India are in town. Either the team takes the love it gets for granted or fans of Indian cricket are too intrusive when allowed to watch the nets. As is usually the case, the truth is a mix of both.January 3

Evan Flint has been doing Newlands pitches for close to a decade now. Loves talking about Travis, his Staffordshire terrier. Often brings him to the ground. Faf du Plessis has asked for a certain pitch, which is difficult to deliver thanks to the long drought in Cape Town. Flint uses bore-hole water to grow grass on the pitch. His first duty today: fix the Indian flag. India’s patriotic support staff points out that the flag is inverted: green is on top, saffron bottom.

Delirious with fever. Try to be like organically minded Capetonians and not take paracetamol, and let it subside naturally. Unable to sleep, google about fever

January 4

India choose to not train on the day before the big Test. Sanjay Bangar, the batting coach, is driven in for a press conference more than one hour after the scheduled time. Local media lets him know what they think. The Indian media, which has seen worse, are blase.Faf du Plessis says this is the most difficult selection he has had to make as captain. Turns out later it is a fiery spell from Dale Steyn in the nets the day before that has made it difficult. Original plan might have been to go with three seamers – Steyn not among them – but things could change.Delirious with fever. Try to be like organically minded Capetonians and not take paracetamol and let it subside naturally. Unable to sleep, google about fever. Learn that if fever stays, it could be fatal or damage brain cells. Pop a couple, unwilling to lose life or, more importantly, brain cells on eve of big Test.January 5
India make shock selection of Rohit Sharma over Ajinkya Rahane. Were forced, it will emerge later, to pick Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Ishant Sharma, who hasn’t fully recovered from an illness. Fulfill promise of playing Hardik Pandya after grooming him for the last year. On a green pitch, Bhuvneshwar Kumar gives India the perfect start, but AB de Villiers counterattacks stunningly to help South Africa to 286. India lose three before stumps, shots born of discomfort against bounce. Did they miss some extra training days?Watch not from press box but viewing gallery outside commentary boxes. Disconcerting cold wind but better than being behind glass. Miss presence of Robin Jackman, who would sit here between commentary stints, smoking, solving crossword after crossword.January 6

Pandya delivers on promise with bat, scoring 93 after India are reduced to 92 for 7. Ridiculed because of silly comparisons with Kapil Dev, Pandya is more like MS Dhoni the Test batsman. Walks down wicket to cut seam, doesn’t mind wearing a few, finds a way. South Africa still strong with 77-run first-innings lead.The Gumtree wall in Johannesburg: put your flyer up today and it’ll be papered over twice by tomorrow•Sidharth Monga/ESPNcricinfo LtdHave my West Indies hat snatched away by Michael Holding. Not proud of the regional team anymore.Wind him up with: “But Mikey, they are the defending World T20 champions.””I am talking flippin’ cricket.”January 7
Rains all day but not the kind that will fill water tanks in the drought-hit city. Annoying drizzle that doesn’t allow any play. Spend time talking cricket with Daryll Cullinan. Tell him how Newlands allows people to whom the ground meant a lot to have their ashes spread on outfield. Says he wants his ashes spread on the pitch of his school ground.Learn how Makhaya Ntini developed his jump away from the stumps in his delivery stride. Used to bowl in tackies as a youngster because he couldn’t afford cricket boots. Had to avoid landing on hard pitch.January 8
With moisture trapped underneath, the Newlands pitch becomes unplayable again, after having flattened out on day two. South Africa are bowled out for 130 but India fail to chase 208. Lots of hope as innings begins, but on this pitch, really difficult. Paying price for mistakes on day one. So much build-up, so much anticipation – they don’t give themselves the best chance to compete.January 9
Cape Town could be the first big city in the world to run dry. Households are allowed 87 litres of water per person per day. Showers restricted to two minutes. Collect overflow of showers in buckets to flush toilets with. Advised to not flush after peeing. “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.” Forget washing cars or watering lawns, although the rich suburbs are full of manicured green gardens.

Watch from the viewing gallery outside commentary boxes. Miss presence of Robin Jackman, who would sit here between commentary stints, smoking, solving crossword after crossword

Go past fresh-water stream every day on my way to Newlands. People drive there with containers and fill them up with water. Some cheeky restaurants refuse to serve tap water in the name of conservation. I’m forced to buy bottled water in a city known for its tap water.Day zero has been advanced from April 29 to April 22. When day zero arrives, tankers will bring water to neighbourhoods and people will have to fill their containers. Much like coloured townships had to do during apartheid.January 10
Fly to Johannesburg. Seated in row ahead of Sunil Gavaskar. First question: did the team train yesterday? Cullinan also believes India should have used the day by batting on the same surface. Must be some truth to this old-world wisdom, no matter how fashionable it is to mock it. For the record, those who didn’t play in the XI did train the day after the Test but not on the match pitch.Both on wrong flight and should have gone to OR Tambo, me to catch the Gautrain to Centurion, Mr Gavaskar to fetch Mrs Gavaskar, who is flying in the same day. “Anyway, as Mr Dalmiya used to say, that is the that,” he says.January 11

Gautrain from Rosebank to Centurion, venue of the second Test. Comfortable, and cuts down travel time by half over the road trip, yet not crowded. Possible reason: cuts cost only to 25%; an Uber costs about R240, Gautrain R55 one way.Hugh Masekela, the father of South African jazz, died in January•Getty ImagesNo chewing gum allowed in trains. Inspector forces people to throw gum in bin in case they have taken it past the entrance undetected. India needs chewing-tobacco inspectors. Everywhere.January 12
“It’s funny how things change in a matter of weeks, or just about five days. Before the first Test no one thought that he should be in the XI, and now suddenly people are looking at the other option.”Virat Kohli’s words about Rahane’s exclusion and the clamour for his inclusion on the eve of the second Test. If the media knew Rahane wasn’t playing the first Test, there would have been a definite outcry. If Kohli is talking about the team management and support group, you wonder if anybody challenges him with contradictory views at all.January 13
Centurion. Possibly the best cricket-viewing experience. People don’t go up into the stands here. They are at street level. Grass banks, decks, pool, it has everything for a comfortable day of cricket. Definitely the best press box in the world, right behind the bowler’s arm. So low that sometimes it feels a bouncer could reach you. Okay, maybe on the bounce, but still.Not on this pitch, though. It is definitely slower and lower than the usual Centurion pitches. South Africa win the toss but lose the advantage with two run-outs in the final session. R Ashwin bowls 31 overs in the day for under three an over and three wickets. South Africa fume behind doors.January 14
Lungi Ngidi. Son of domestic workers. Is on Test debut, and runs out Cheteshwar Pujara even before getting to bowl. When he does bowl, he has Kagiso Rabada at the other end. Were rivals in school cricket. Once, Rabada helped St Stithians bowl Ngidi’s Hilton out for 90, but Ngidi had them 90 for 8 with one player in hospital and another fearing a broken arm. Now the two of them, young, confident black men in an apartheid-ravaged country, are bowling for South Africa in tandem. One is the No. 1 Test bowler in the world, the other looks like a veteran of Test cricket already. Ngidi nearly gets Kohli lbw with the first ball of a new spell after others have spent whole spells trying to beat his outside edge.

“I have to ask you something. It’s not cricket.” Sunil Gavaskar in the corridor outside the media centre. “You were eating papaya in the morning. Did you eat the seeds too?”

January 15

Famous Highveld electric storm. Haven’t ever been to a match in Centurion without a storm hitting. The lightning is spectacular. As we wait, “I Love Pretoria Girls” by Desmond and the Tutus plays on the PA. When asked why they love Pretoria girls, the band once said: “They have got your back in sticky situations.”In a sticky situation of 3 for 2, de Villiers has got South Africa’s back once again as he takes them to 90 for 2 at stumps.January 16
“I have to ask you something. It’s not cricket.” Sunil Gavaskar in the corridor outside the media centre. “You were eating papaya in the morning. Did you eat the seeds too?””No,” I say, amazed he observed such a thing from his commentary box. Then again, he is known for making these small observations.”I was told I could eat them, but now someone has told me it might be unhealthy.”Go to Google again, and relieve his mind, telling him he is fine.India are not fine, losing three wickets, including Kohli’s, by stumps.January 17
Kohli is hurt, badly hurt, at having lost this Test and with it the series. Press conference unseemly, but at the end of the day, he is not captain for his press conferences. Good to see he is hurt, though. So hurt he is ready to sledge you should you question his selections and convictions. For too long India have been blase about away defeats.Looking up the hollow core of the iconic, once-notorious Ponte City skyscraper•Sidharth Monga/ESPNcricinfo LtdJanuary 18

Adè van Heerden. Miss South Africa. Present at the launch of the Pink ODI, to be played on February 10 at the Wanderers, to raise funds and awareness to fight breast cancer. Is a doctor and was a lieutenant at the Military 2 Hospital in Cape Town. Also an ultramarathoner, where she runs 89km. India match perfect for her to get involved in cricket: her dad loves Indian food and has built four at home, and when her dress tore on the day of the Miss World pageant, she borrowed one from her friend and Miss India, now Miss World, Manushi Chhillar.January 19
Catch Tu Nokwe perform at The Orbit in Braamfontein. Learnt music when her father would take her and her sisters along when he performed with his swing jazz band at weddings. Her mother was a soprano. Nokwe acted in , the TV series and movie on the famous Zulu king. Sings, plays guitar. Her music is contemporary African, with jazz and funk influences. Used to teach music to township kids before moving to London. To listen to her renditions of apartheid songs – songs with secret meanings that only slaves could understand – is to be transported to the country South Africa once was.January 20
Back to Johannesburg for good. They love making fun of Cape Town’s water situation. Funnily enough, four years ago, during the India cricket tour, Johannesburg had a drought and day zero was not too far away. Then it rained out of the blue. Was told of an African belief that it rains when great men die. If it doesn’t rain, the dead man was probably not great. It rained every day for five days back then. An ODI was washed out. The night before the rain began, Nelson Mandela died.January 21
Go up the fascinating Ponte City in Berea. Tallest residential building in Africa, built in 1975. Originally constructed for wealthy white people but became home to liberal travellers who were against apartheid. Am told black women rented flats here and in other buildings around, but would pretend to be maids to avoid police. Homosexuals were accepted. Mixed-race babies were common. The place fell into the hands of criminals in the 1980s and was reduced to a slum. Garbage piled up in the hollow central core. Gangs operated from the building. Law enforcement could not enter, and used to fly past in helicopters to keep an eye on things. Legend has it that the windows with black curtains had gangsters behind them, red ones prostitutes, and white ones families.When the building was reclaimed in the early 2000s, hoping to get it ready in time for the football World Cup, they discovered, among other things, dead bodies in the garbage. The place was called Suicide City at one point because of how many people jumped off. Then “Coca Cola building”, because of the sign advertising the soft drink on top. The sign now is for Vodacom, and Ponte City is also known as the Vodacom Building. Running joke: the Vodacom signal is weakest here.

Legend has it that the windows with black curtains had gangsters behind them, red ones prostitutes, and white ones families

Is now a proper residential building with strict rules. Fingerprint recognition at entry gates. No visitors apart from registered residents post 7pm. Wary of letting things get out of hand again.January 22

Gumtree. A classifieds wall in Hillbrow, one of Johannesburg’s “grey” areas – a reference to the mix of black and white. People of this inner-city neighbourhood paste flyers with their requirements on the wall. And then on top of older ones. Most of them are for rooms to let. Balconies to let too, which have been enclosed to become rooms, like in Bombay flats.January 23
Pitch for the third Test, at the Wanderers, is hard, green, and has cracks. If India were to stick a requirement for a pitch on Gumtree, it would be for something like this. It brings their pace bowlers into play big time. Of course it is challenging, but Kohli and India look forward to the challenge. Also talk about how they have never lost at Wanderers. “Something about this ground,” Kohli says.January 24
India bring Rahane back, and make the bold move of batting first despite the pressure their batsmen are under. They bat with courage and skill to end up with 187, which is definitely above par. South Africa rue two dropped catches that allow Kohli’s otherwise excellent knock to go past 50. Cheteshwar Pujara goes 53 balls without opening his account but ends up with a highly valuable fifty.Hugh Masekela died yesterday. Father of South African jazz. Known for anti-apartheid songs. “Bra” Hugh’s music plays on the PA during breaks. Rains in the evening. Must have been a great man.January 25

Hashim Amla goes one better than Pujara and Kohli: plays with the control of Pujara and strike rate of Kohli. His 61 keeps South Africa on the path to a lead but then they collapse to give up the advantage and end with just a seven-run advantage. Quality of pitch now being questioned. Not fair to label just Nagpur and Pune extreme.January 26

M Vijay is hit five times in one session but fights through for 25 runs. Kohli is rapped on the gloves. In the evening, Dean Elgar is hit four times, the fourth one causing a suspension of play. South Africa caught between a rock and a hard place. Can save Test if they don’t show keenness to continue, but if the match is abandoned, the Wanderers could lose all fixtures for one year. Leave matters in match referee’s hands. Play set to resume next day. Only fair because India have already braved dangerous pitch and are now sensing a rare Test win. Time to pause and think of skill required to negotiate high-speed bowling on good surfaces, let alone this one, with exaggerated bounce and seam movement.January 27
After Amla and Elgar bring back memories of India’s last Test at the Wanderers, when South Africa nearly chased down 458, India rush back into the game, inducing a collapse of 9 for 53. Elgar fights bravely and carries his bat with 86 runs. Kohli’s belief in his team and his methods is vindicated, but after the euphoria, there is a feeling of missed opportunities. What if Rahane had played earlier? What if Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India’s second-best batsman and best bowler in the series, had not been dropped for the second Test? What if India have prepared better? What if they had got their slip catching in order? We will never know.