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West Ham are now reportedly ready to back new manager Nuno Espírito Santo by making a January bid to sign one former Chelsea forward, with David Sullivan and the Hammers board showing full faith in their new tactician.

Nuno takes charge of first West Ham game after signing three-year deal

Despite previous reports that Sullivan was keen to re-hire Slaven Bilic on a short-term contract until the end of the season (Pete O’Rourke), West Ham ended up committing to Nuno.

As per talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, vice-chairman Karren Brady was key in driving the move for West Ham’s new manager, and the Baroness did such a good job that the east Londoners agreed to hand him a long-term three-year deal.

Nuno was demanding significant wages to join West Ham too (Sport Boom), but they managed to navigate the finances of a deal to swiftly secure a replacement for Graham Potter just hours after they announced his departure.

Nuno took training that same day and was in the dugout for his first West Ham game on Monday night, wasting no time in stamping his authority by dropping midfielder James Ward-Prowse from the matchday squad.

The 51-year-old watched on as his side displayed grit against David Moyes’ Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, coming back from 1-0 down to secure a 1-1 draw courtesy of Jarrod Bowen’s expertly-taken equaliser.

West Ham arguably looked far more robust defensively in comparison to Potter’s final few games in charge — even if Konstantinos Movraponas didn’t cover himself in glory for Everton’s opener — with centre-back Max Kilman and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola ending the 90 minutes as their joint-best performers according to WhoScored.

Everton 1-1 West Ham – best players of the match

Match rating

Michael Keane

8.0

Max Kilman

7.3

Alphonse Areola

7.3

Jarrod Bowen

7.3

James Garner

7.1

via WhoScored

After Nuno transformed former club Nottingham Forest from relegation candidates to a European side, West Ham officials are now hoping that he can replicate those same heroics at the London Stadium.

Their three-year deal for the manager is a clear indicator that West Ham are serious about Nuno, and according to reports from Spain, the club are prepared to support him in January.

West Ham ready to back Nuno with £43m bid for Christian Pulisic

Indeed, one Spanish media source reports that West Ham now hold a serious interest in AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic.

The USA international has started 2025/2026 in fine form, scoring six goals and bagging a further two assists in all competitions, and put in a match-winning display as Milan beat Serie A champions Napoli 2-1 on Sunday.

Pulisic can play out wide, as a second striker and at centre-forward, adding to the appeal of his potential arrival back in London.

West Ham are in dire need of a proven goalscorer who can provide Nuno with a quality alternative to injury-prone duo Niclas Füllkrug and Callum Wilson. Pulisic would be a stellar option in that regard, especially considering his Premier League experience.

It is believed that West Ham are prepared to bid up to £43 million for Pulisic in January, with the player’s contract expiring in 2027.

However, the Rossoneri are confident they can convince Pulisic to commit his future at the San Siro, and it’s made all the more possible by their excellent start to the season.

If Milan do continue in this fashion, it will be difficult to convince Pulisic to up sticks and swap a potential title race to join West Ham, with both sides in very different scenarios right now.

That being said, the 27-year-old would be an absolute coup, not to mention a serious statement of intent. Pulisic also racked up 17 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season, including strikes against the likes of Inter Milan and Liverpool.

Things keep getting worse and worse for West Ham United.

Following sizable fan protests outside the London Stadium on Saturday, Graham Potter led his side out against Crystal Palace, desperate for a win.

Unfortunately, the Englishman oversaw yet another disappointing loss at home, and while the club may indicate a willingness to support him, it feels like a matter of when, not if, he is relieved of his duties.

One of the names touted to replace him over the last week has been Slaven Bilic, although another coach, someone appreciated by José Mourinho, is also reportedly in the picture, and would be a far better hire.

West Ham hunt for Potter replacements

Given the way West Ham have started the season, it’s hardly a surprise to see them linked with a host of potential Potter replacements.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

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One such replacement who was heavily linked with the job a couple of weeks ago was Frank Lampard, although despite his decent start to the campaign with Coventry City in the Championship, we can’t imagine many fans would be too pleased with his appointment.

Another name that has come up a lot lately is the aforementioned Bilic, whose last job saw him take charge of Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Fateh between July 2023 and August 2024.

However, there is a far better candidate currently being linked with the club, someone who could make a world of difference this season and beyond.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Telegraph, which claims West Ham are interested in Nuno Espírito Santo.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the East Londoners have already sounded out the former Nottingham Forest head coach about the job.

It could prove challenging to convince the Portuguese coach to take the role before the end of the season, but West Ham should do everything possible to persuade him, as he’d be a significant upgrade on Potter and Bilic.

Why Nuno would be an upgrade on Bilic

Now, there is every chance that Bilic would come in and do a good job for West Ham.

After all, while not widely successful, his first stint with the club was far better in terms of results and style of play than Potter is managing at the moment.

However, with that said, we still reckon Nuno would be the far better hire, and there are a couple of reasons why.

Bilic’s recent jobs

Team

Joined

Left

Al-Fateh

07/23

08/24

Watford

09/22

03/23

Beijing Guoan

01/21

01/22

West Brom

07/19

12/20

Al-Ittihad

10/18

02/19

All Stats via Sofascore

Firstly, he has not had much joy in management over the last five years or so, getting fired from his job in the Saudi Pro League for underachieving, being fired by Watford before that and then, before that, he spent an underwhelming year managing Beijing Guoan.

In other words, it has been quite some time since he has succeeded in a job, much less one in a high-quality league.

Nuno, on the other hand, was appointed manager of Forest when they were staring down the barrel of relegation back to the Championship.

Yet, within a season and a half, the “incredible” manager, as dubbed by Sky Sports’ Sam Obaseki, had led the Tricky Trees into Europe.

The second reason the São Tomé-born tactician would be a better hire than Bilic is that he’s proven himself with two teams in the Premier League.

He may have struggled with Tottenham Hotspur, but the 51-year-old manager, who Mourinho described as “fantastic,” led Wolverhampton Wanderers up from the second-tier and into the Europa League within a relatively short space of time.

Therefore, while Bilic could work out, Nuno has a more impressive recent track record to fall back on, as well as evidence of him dramatically improving two teams in the Premier League.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 22, 2025

Chelsea’s transfer business for 2025 has officially concluded with the end of this year’s summer window, and some intriguing stories are coming to light on who else BlueCo were looking at but couldn’t quite get over the line.

Enzo Maresca’s side surpassed the £280 million mark with their summer spending, but BlueCo’s hustle when it came to selling players meant that the club registered a positive net spend of around £3 million — raising £288m in outgoing transfers by the final count (BBC).

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu, Renato Veiga, Alfie Gilchrist, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Ben Chilwell all departed the west London club permanently, with a host of top players joining in their stead.

Joao Pedro

Noni Madueke

Jamie Gittens

João Félix

Jorrel Hato

Djordje Petrovic

Liam Delap

Lesley Ugochukwu

Dario Essugo

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Mamadou Sarr

Renato Veiga

Estevao

Armando Broja

Kendry Paez

Carney Chukwuemeka

Alejandro Garnacho

Mathis Amougou

Basir Humphreys

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Marcus Bettinelli

Christopher Nkunku

Nicolas Jackson

Alfie Gilchrist

Lucas Bergstrom

Chelsea’s record loan deal for Jackson, who eventually joined Bayern Munich on deadline day after a whirlwind few days for the Senegalese, now includes an obligation to buy for around £70.5 million in 2026 — which is poised to bring in even more cash to the Stamford Bridge coffers next year.

The window was a solid one for Chelsea, who injected some crucial new attacking options, but it wasn’t perfect, as Maresca asked for a centre-back behind-the-scenes only to see his wish unfulfilled.

Chelsea also saw their deal for Xavi Simons hijacked by Tottenham, whilst their bid for Barcelona star Fermin Lopez as an alternative to the Dutchman ultimately fell through after the 22-year-old made his intentions clear.

Before the deadline, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton was also on their radar as a midfield target.

Chelsea held talks over signing Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton

That is according to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, who reports that Chelsea and Real Madrid had conversations about signing Wharton in August.

However, both sides were met with a brick wall, with the England defensive midfielder, valued at a staggering £100 million, deciding to stay at Palace and battle for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad.

The 21-year-old made 20 Premier League appearances for Palace last season, and it would’ve been more if not for the lengthy spell out after surgery on his groin and ankle problems.

Wharton’s fantastic 2024 performances earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s setup for Euro 2024, with the former Blackburn Rovers starlet marking himself out as one of England’s most exciting up-and-coming talents.

He’s even earned comparisons to Declan Rice already, so a future swoop from Chelsea for the player could be one to keep an eye on.

Michael Neser, the forgotten man of the Australian Test pace attack, reminded everyone of his capabilities at Tasmania’s expense.He ripped through the home team’s top order in their Sheffield Shield match on Friday, taking the first six wickets of the Tasmania first innings in a devastating nine-over spell after lunch – all the wickets coming in the space of 39 balls.Related

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Replying to Queensland’s first innings of 425 for 9 declared, Tasmania collapsed after lunch from 86 without loss and were dismissed for 161 at Bellerive Oval. Tasmania followed on and were still 194 runs behind with two days left.While Queensland and Tasmania started this penultimate round as the bottom two teams, a big win would keep one of them in the hunt to make the final against SA.Following Usman Khawaja’s century on Thursday, Neser’s command performance confirmed Queensland have the game by the throat.He snared 6 for 37 from 15 overs. It is his third Shield game back after a hamstring injury in November while playing for Australia A cruelled his hopes of a Test return this summer.The 34-year-old has played only two Tests, most recently against the West Indies in late 2022. Neser has had to bide his time, stuck in Australia’s pace-bowling queue behind Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.He was faultless on Friday, always looking dangerous even when Tasmanian openers Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Jake Weatherald built their solid stand.Neser bowled Weatherald for a top score of 55 and took a wicket in each of his next three overs. When he trapped Radhakrishnan lbw for 39 and bowled Beau Webster, Tasmania were 122 for 6 and Queensland were in the box seat.Mark Steketee had Radhakrishnan caught behind for 24 late on day two, with Weatherald unbeaten on 39.Gabe Bell and Webster took three wickets apiece in Queensland’s first innings.

Newcastle United remain one of the most dangerous and dynamic teams in English football. A frustrating summer transfer window won’t change that.

Let’s not forget that last year Eddie Howe’s Magpies won the Carabao Cup (beating Liverpool in the final at Wembley) and secured a seat in this season’s Champions League proper, their second in three years.

And let’s not forget that that success came off the back of a frustrating summer transfer window, with four bids not enough to convince Crystal Palace to sell Marc Guehi and efforts also fruitless in a bid to sign Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

But persistence is so often a virtue in the football industry, and Elanga now plays in black and white, while interest in Palace’s Guehi remains, albeit with Liverpool holding the lead in the race for the England defender.

The Reds. Monday night can’t come soon enough. It’s bound to be a cauldron of chaos at St. James’ Park as United welcome the Premier League champions, who are hoping to sign Howe’s wantaway talisman, Alexander Isak.

Should they succeed, Newcastle will need one or two replacements.

The latest on Alexander Isak

Isak’s future remains undetermined, but it’s difficult to envisage a way back for the Sweden international, who has removed himself from Howe’s first-team plans as he focuses on pushing through a move to Merseyside before the transfer deadline.

Liverpool have already seen a formal offer worth an initial £110m knocked back, and they are ready to go again when, or if, given the green light by the Magpies.

Efforts continue for a successor. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is on strike as he looks to force through a move to Tyneside, while interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos has surfaced of late.

But there’s another player dwelling in the Premier League who might prove to be the pick of the bunch, with more potential than the pair of them as an elite star in English football.

Newcastle lead race for Isak heir

According to reports in Italy, as translated by Sport Witness, AC Milan have made contact with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, although Newcastle hold the lead in the race for the Senegalese striker.

Jackson, 24, has been marked as surplus to requirements following the latest overhaul at Stamford Bridge, and he’s been valued at £60m by the Blues, with Aston Villa’s movements also suggesting interest this month.

It is stressed that any potential deal for Jackson hinges on Isak moving to Liverpool or remaining on Tyneside for the upcoming year.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Why Nicolas Jackson could succeed at Newcastle

Two years ago, Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in La Liga for a £32m fee. Across his two years in the Premier League, it’s fair to say he’s ebbed and flowed, showing flashes of high-class ability that’s seen him described as “special” by journalist Rahman Osman, before being pulled back by wayward finishing and questionable decision-making.

But perhaps we’re selling him short. Jackson might have some work to do in regard to his finishing, but he’s a mobile and hard-working striker who thrives in transition, which just so happens to be one of Howe’s biggest tactical strengths.

Based on data from FBref, Jackson ranks among the top 18% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 15% for pass completion and the top 18% for progressive carries per 90, with such statistics even seeing Isak listed as one of his most comparable players.

Of course, Jackson is not Isak, but he’s got the making of an elite striker, one who could stretch beyond that of the aforementioned Wissa and Ramos.

Jackson – League Stats by Season (past 4 years)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals + Assists

24/25 – Chelsea

30 (28)

10 & 5

23/24 – Chelsea

35 (31)

14 & 5

22/23 – Villarreal

26 (16)

12 & 4

21/22 – Villarreal

9 (0)

1 & 0

Data via Transfermarkt

Signing Ramos, who stars for perhaps the best team in the world right now, is an attractive thought, but would he be the right signing?

The Portugal striker, 24, only started 12 times in Ligue 1 last season, and he scored ten times. Pretty good stuff, but Sofascore record that he also missed 18 big chances, also missing five big chances in the Champions League, scoring three goals there.

Playing on the faster-paced, higher-octane Premier League landscape, might Ramos fall by the wayside? Certainly, his ball-striking leaves something to be desired, though there’s no denying that his movement and energy would add something to Newcastle, having posted 34 goals and eight assists across 88 matches for PSG, also bagging nine times for Portugal across 16 caps.

With Wissa, it’s a little different. The 28-year-old Brentford frontman has been a target for Newcastle all summer and is intent on leaving the Gtech and joining Howe’s cause in the coming weeks.

This move is irrespective of the Isak quandary, and the DR Congo star would be expected to bring an instant clinical touch to the Tyneside squad after scoring 19 goals across the 2024/25 Premier League season.

But he’s very much at the heart of his prime years, and he doesn’t have significant development still to undertake on a personal level.

Jackson, however, has spent two years fostering his talents at Chelsea, and might not rise a level or two if entrusted with a starring role at Newcastle, where he would find all he needs to marry his skill set with Howe’s teachings and reach a level not too far away from that which Toon fans have been treated to over the past three years.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 18, 2025

Newcastle United may have signed Anthony Elanga this summer, but that is the only highlight for Eddie Howe thus far.

Moves for no.1 target Joao Pedro and striking sensation Hugo Ekitike failed in recent weeks while Howe was also keen on signing Bryan Mbeumo, but it appears as though Manchester United have snatched him away from the Magpies.

The Cameroon international would have been an excellent versatile option for Howe next season, as he can play across the front three.

As such, he will have to explore other options ahead of the new season.

Newcastle's forward search

Benjamin Sesko and Julian Alvarez have both been linked with moves to Newcastle in recent days. Either one would make for a magnificent signing, no doubt about that.

With everything, the transfer fees could be the biggest problem regarding either deal. This could mean Howe might have to turn elsewhere to sign another forward.

According to Africa Foot, Newcastle have entered the race to sign Evann Guessand, now set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

It’s claimed that the Toon have recently opened talks with the player’s entourage as they now explore whether to formalise their interest in the player.

He would only cost a reported £22m, which could enable Howe to move for other targets while simultaneously improving his attacking options.

Guessand, given his positional flexibility, could even be Howe’s own answer to Mbeumo should he sign for the Toon this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Why Newcastle must sign Evann Guessand

While the signing of Elanga is a promising one, giving Howe some depth on the flanks, it is evident another centre-forward is required.

Callum Wilson left the club upon the expiration of his contract, leaving just Alexander Isak and William Osula as the only recognised strikers at the club.

Last season for Brentford, Mbeumo scored 20 goals and grabbed nine assists. He spent the season operating either as a main striker or on the right flank, showcasing his versatility.

Guessand may not have matched this tally of 29 goal contributions, but he still scored 13 goals and recorded ten assists in all competitions for Nice.

Guessand’s career statistics for Nice
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
24/25	42	13	9
23/24	38	7	2
21/22	25	1	3
20/21	3	0	0
19/20	1	0	0
Via Transfermarkt

Like the Brentford star, the Ivorian played either as a striker or on either wing for the French club, and this sort of flexibility could give Howe a major boost.

Guessand’s performances in Europe last season will offer Howe more positives. Indeed, the attacker shone when compared to his peers in the Europa League.

According to FBref, not only did Guessand rank in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90 (2.67), but he also ranked in the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area (7.21) per 90. That’s certainly an Mbeumo-esque set of traits.

He also ranked in the top 12% for aerials won and in the top 16% for tackles per 90, highlighting that he is solid off the ball and is always looking to win it back for his team. While Mbeumo may not be prolific in the air, his work-rate is also exemplary.

U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed the 24-year-old as “electric” earlier this season, and considering he could be available for £22m, it makes perfect sense for Howe to move ahead with a move.

Newcastle might have missed out on Mbuemo, but in Guessand, they could have the next best thing.

Even better than Sesko: Newcastle agree personal terms to sign £50m striker

Newcastle United would love to welcome in this £50m striker who is even better than Benjamin Sesko.

2

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 20, 2025

Kane Williamson has recovered from the groin injury which kept him out of New Zealand’s tour of India to take his place in the squad to face England while Wellington allrounder Nathan Smith has been handed his first Test call-up.Uncapped seamer Jacob Duffy is also part of the squad with Bear Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) unavailable due to injury. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets in Pune, will come into the group for the second and third Tests in Wellington and Hamilton. The opening Test takes place in Christchurch from November 28.Related

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Smith, 26, made his international debut in the first ODI against Sri Lanka earlier this week. In last season’s Plunket Shield he was the leading wicket-taker with 33 at 17.18 and in September was awarded a central contract. He also took 27 wickets at 21.14 for Worcestershire in last season’s County Championship alongside scoring three half-centuries.Ajaz Patel, who claimed 15 wickets against India, has not been included which means his record of taking all 85 of his Test wickets away from home will remain intact for now.Williamson’s return to fitness could put pressure on Will Young, player of the series in India, to retain his place in the XI.It was announced earlier on Friday that Tim Southee would retire from Test cricket after the England series unless New Zealand make the World Test Championship final.The 3-0 win in India has given them a chance of reaching the final again although even with a whitewash of England would not guarantee it.”It’s obviously a big series for the side in terms of the World Test Championship and to also now be farewelling someone like Tim Southee, only raises it up further,” Sam Wells, the New Zealand selector, said. “Tim has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the great Black Caps.”I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series. It’s also an exciting time for Nathan to be brought into the Test squad for the first time. Nathan is an exciting talent with a proven first-class record and I’m sure he will bring a lot of skill and energy to the group.”

New Zealand Test squad vs England

Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (Tests 2 and 3), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young

The former Australia captain replaces Jason Gillespie after the state and BBL roles were split

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2024

Tim Paine was an assistant coach for Adelaide Strikers last season•Getty Images

Former Australia captain Tim Paine has been named Adelaide Strikers’ new BBL head coach less than two years after he finished his professional career.Paine, who was Jason Gillespie’s assistant last season, will take the role vacated by Gillespie’s departure with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) deciding to split the state and BBL jobs. Last week Ryan Harris was confirmed as South Australia’s new head coach.Related

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Paine has moved rapidly through the coaching system. He is currently working with NT Strike in the Top End T20 series, last season was an assistant to Adam Voges for Australia A and has also worked with the Under-19 set up and the women’s team. He had previously spoken about his interest in the BBL role if the two men’s coaching jobs were broken up.”I am honoured and excited by the opportunity to coach such a well-established and strongly supported club, and I can’t wait for the start of BBL|14 in December,” Paine said.”After spending time in Adelaide last year, I believe the Strikers team and the whole of South Australian cricket has huge potential and I’m looking forward to being part of taking it forward and winning a few trophies.”Last season Strikers went on a late run with four consecutive victories to squeeze into the finals where they defeated defending champions Perth Scorchers in the Knockout before falling to eventual winners Brisbane Heat in the Challenger.Paine’s international career ended controversially when he resigned on the eve of the 2021-22 Ashes.His first major duty will be overseeing the BBL draft alongside Strikers’ captain Matt Short on September 1. The club have yet to confirm a pre-draft signing and will have picks 5, 11, 20 and 29.Rashid Khan has been a long-time figure at Strikers and had been due to return last season before being ruled out through injury. He will be part of MI Cape Town in the SA20 which overlaps with the BBL during January and it has yet to be confirmed whether he will nominate this year.Strikers will be boosted by Chris Lynn being available for the entire tournament after he signed a new one-year deal having previously left the BBL early to play in the ILT20.Current Adelaide Strikers BBL squad: James Bazley, Jordan Buckingham, Cameron Boyce, Brendan Doggett, Chris Lynn, Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, D’Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald

Match details

Nepal vs Sri Lanka
Lauderhill, Florida, 7:30pm local time

Big picture: Nepal’s best chance of beating Sri Lanka

So, you’re saying there’s a chance? That will be the essence of Sri Lanka’s thinking from here on as they seek to keep alive their dwindling hopes of Super Eight qualification in the T20 World Cup 2024.After two defeats in two – to South Africa and Bangladesh – the former world champions are now firmly in must-win territory. As things stand, nothing but outright victories against Nepal and Netherlands will suffice, and even then, Sri Lanka will need at least one (ideally both) of those sides to beat Bangladesh. It’s an unlikely scenario certainly, but one an entire nation will be aiming to manifest into existence.Related

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Going in their favour will be the fact that the drop-in pitches, and the inherent unpredictability they bring, are now firmly in the rearview mirror. Indeed, Sri Lanka’s batters, like those of several other sides, have struggled to deal with some of the undercooked surfaces on offer in New York and Dallas, and will no doubt see the scarcely-utilised but relatively more seasoned tracks in Lauderhill as a welcome change.In fact, Sri Lanka will go in with a wealth of information by comparison, having played both their warm-up games there. They will also be able to gather info from the India-West Indies series held there late last year, while it’s a neat fact that Sri Lanka themselves were among the first teams to play in Lauderhill all the way back in 2010.As such their only real worry might be factors well beyond their control as their tournament fate might well be at the hands of the weather gods, with rain a mainstay in Florida as of late – a washed-out match and the subsequent shared points will almost extinguish any lingering hopes of qualification.As for Nepal, qualification to the next round was always a fanciful notion, especially having been pitted in a dreaded group of death. Such was their plight, their opening game against Netherlands was already one they could ill afford to lose and following that result they were left needing to beat at least two of Sri Lanka, South Africa or Bangladesh to be in with a shot at qualification.They now come against an opponent they have never faced, and one that possesses a bowling attack with the sort of variety that is tough to prepare for at the best of times. That said, this is a Sri Lankan outfit that is out of sorts in terms of their batting, and on the biggest stage you will rarely be presented with a more opportune moment of grabbing a historic upset.Nepal will want their second-highest wicket-taker in Karan KC to step up•ICC/Getty Images

Form guide

Nepal LLLWW
Sri Lanka LLWLW

In the spotlight: Karan KC and Nuwan Thushara

Sandeep Lamichhane is no doubt a massive miss, and someone whose absence hindered Nepal significantly in their opening game loss to the Netherlands as well. But in the experienced Karan KC – their second-highest T20I wicket taker – they have someone that can pose questions to Sri Lanka’s top order, and potentially expose their soft underbelly. Karan, to be fair, hasn’t been at his wicket-taking best in recent times but he has a pedigree for grabbing hauls and Nepal will be hoping the next one is just around the corner.While Sri Lanka’s struggles are well documented across their opening two games, one area in which they’ve excelled with is the ball. That has been primarily down to their success in the powerplay, where the slingy Nuwan Thushara has proved a handful for opposition batters. With his ability to swing the ball late and his unusual trajectory, he nearly single-handedly stole a win against Bangladesh. Nepal’s batters will have no doubt done their homework but facing him will be a whole new proposition.

Team news

There’s been a fair bit of rain in Lauderhill, which means potentially some moisture in the surface. It would be unsurprising then for Nepal to stick with their seam-heavy combination.Nepal (probable XI): 1 Kushal Bhurtel, 2 Aasif Sheikh (wk), 3 Anil Sah, 4 Kushal Malla, 5 Rohit Paudel (capt), 6 Dipendra Singh Airee, 7 Gulsan Jha, 8 Sompal Kami, 9 Karan KC, 10 Abinash Bohara 11 Sagar DhakalNuwan Thushara has been successful for Sri Lanka in the powerplay•ICC/Getty Images

The potentially seam friendly conditions in Florida could see Sri Lanka opt to bring in a third frontline seamer in either Dushmantha Chameera or Dilshan Madushanka – neither of whom has featured in the competition yet – in place of Maheesh Theekshana.Sri Lanka (probable XI): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamindu Mendis, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Angelo Mathews, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga (capt), 9 Maheesh Theekshana/Dilshan Madushanka, 10 Matheesha Pathirana, 11 Nuwan Thushara

Pitch and conditions

Sri Lanka’s warm up games in Lauderhill saw runs and all indications currently are that the pitch for this game will assist the batters. Rain, however, is set to play spoilsport with Sri Lanka already having had a training session on Monday curtailed by the inclement weather. Tuesday’s forecast is not any better with thunderstorms expected throughout the evening, so this could be fairly stop-start affair.

Stats and trivia

• Nuwan Thushara’s strike rate of a wicket every 9.4 deliveries is the best of any bowler from a Full Member nation to have taken at least 10 wickets in T20Is since January 2023
• Eleven of the 15 completed matches in Lauderhill have been won by the side batting first
• The average score in Lauderhill is 160. The average first innings score is 168.

Quotes

“I think the gap is very good, especially to prepare ourselves, especially after we lost against Netherlands. We have utilised three, four net sessions here and we are very well prepared for tomorrow’s game.”
“I think the morale is there, the spirit is there. It’s just one missed opportunity. Otherwise, if you want to judge anyone, how they feel, just see them how they bowl and how they field.”

Questions have been asked about Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during his spell in charge after being appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor last summer.

The Italian led Leicester City back to the Premier League, but jumped ship to take over at Stamford Bridge, with many wondering whether he would be the right man for the job.

However, nearly 12 months on from his appointment, he’s exceeded all expectations, showcasing he’s the right man for the job based on his success to date.

The 45-year-old has secured the Blues a place in the Champions League for next season, whilst also claiming Europa Conference League glory against Real Betis on Wednesday night.

It’s been a campaign to remember for Maresca, but if he wants to continue his progress in the role, he will need added funds provided by the hierarchy to help him in his quest.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of hours, Chelsea have made huge strides in a deal to sign Liam Delap, with the 22-year-old agreeing to a move to join the Blues this summer.

It was confirmed that he has rejected offers from multiple other Premier League sides, leaving Maresca’s side to trigger his release clause and complete the formalities before announcing his move to West London.

However, despite the progress made on a deal for the Ipswich Town star, another name in the form of Viktor Gyokeres has once again entered the mix, according to Record Portugal.

The report claims that the Blues have made an enquiry to sign the 26-year-old this summer, after his stupendous record of 54 goals in just 52 matches across all competitions.

It also states that they face stern competition from Juventus for the Swedish international’s signature, with Sporting CP demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with the talisman this window.

Why Chelsea’s £60m target would be a better signing than Delap

With Delap’s move appearing to be moving closer to completion, Maresca could finally be about to land the new striker that he’s been craving in recent months.

Nicolas Jackson has been his main talisman since his arrival, with the Senegalese international scoring 10 times in the Premier League during the Italian’s first year in charge.

Such a record is respectable, but if the side are to reach the next level under his guidance, they will need that proven goalscorer to fire them towards the top end of the table.

Delap has shown he’s capable of doing just that, scoring 12 times in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, with such a record being an impressive one given their relegation this season.

However, when comparing his stats to those of Gyokeres, the Swede has showcased that his performance levels are night and day – proving that he would be a far better addition than the Englishman.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has massively outscored him in 2024/25, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing the clinical nature he possesses.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also registering more progressive carries per 90 – having the skillset to hand other players around him the best chance of improving their own tallies.

How Gyokeres compares to Delap in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Gyokeres	Delap
Games played	33	37
Goals & assists	46	14
Shot-on-target accuracy	52%	43%
Pass accuracy	72%	61%
Progressive carries	4.3	2.1
Take-ons completed	1.9	1.3
Aerials won	51%	42%
Fouls won	2.5	1.7
Stats via FBref

Gyokeres has also won more of the aerials he’s entered and draws more fouls, offering Maresca that focal point he’s craved, something which Delap may struggle to provide.

Given the progress on the deal for the Ipswich talisman, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to complete a deal for Gyokeres, or they could potentially miss out on his signature.

Nothing suggests that the club may not target both talents in the coming months, handing the Blues an added dimension in forward areas that could bolster their title charge in 2025/26.

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