Bumrah came away with figures of 4-0-29-0 on his return from injury
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-20256:24
The Patidar hand in RCB’s aggressive approach
Fifties from Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, and a finishing kick from Jitesh Sharma took Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) to 221 as they looked for their first win at Wankhede Stadium in 10 years. However, Mumbai Indians would be optimistic as the pitch was an absolute batting beauty with the small Wankhede boundaries to boot. Kohli, though, said that the pitch was not as straightforward as they made it look.Coming off 29 balls, this was Kohli’s fastest T20 fifty since 2019, and his first sub-30-ball fifty in the IPL since 2018. Kohli’s aggressive intent allowed Patidar to get a look at his first 10 balls but then he went from 8 off 10 to 64 off 32. Jitesh ended up with an unbeaten 40 off 19 to make sure RCB didn’t lose momentum in the end.Jasprit Bumrah made a successful return to competitive cricket with analysis of 4-0-29-0 even as others around him went for a plenty. Notable was Trent Boult’s most expensive analysis in the IPL: 4-0-57-2. He did get a first-over wicket for the 31st time, but that failed to dent RCB’s intent.Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal took 73 in the powerplay but left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur took Padikkal out for 37 off 22. A crucial spell of play was Hardik Pandya’s wide lines that not only defended the leg-side boundary but also resulted in the wickets of Kohli and Liam Livingstone. However, Patidar got the better of his counterpart with ramps, shots across the line and straight hits. He scored 33 off 12 Hardik deliveries; his other 12 balls went for 12 and brought two wickets.While the batters took apart Boult at the death, but this is when Bumrah bowled the 18th and the 20th over for six and eight runs to keep RCB from getting completely out of MI’s reach.
The MI captain, who missed their first game of the season, is back to face the team he led to the 2022 title
Himanshu Agrawal28-Mar-20252:59
Cricinformed: Rashid’s magic wearing thin
Big picture – Can Rashid put opening-game blues behind him?Hardik Pandya was at the receiving end of the home fans’ ire when he last played an IPL game in Ahmedabad. Last year, turning up as Mumbai Indians’ (MI) captain against Gujarat Titans (GT), a side he had led to a title and back-to-back finals before being traded out, Hardik was booed by fans who had once hailed him as a hero. And now, as it turns out, his first game in IPL 2025 is against GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium.After missing MI’s first game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) due to an over-rate penalty that carried forward from last season, Hardik is all set to return to action. His presence should help MI regain some of the balance and experience they may have lacked against CSK.Related
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That won’t be the only tale of shifting allegiances. Rashid Khan, GT’s go-to man since 2022, will be up against a side whose owners have him in their SA20, ILT20 and MLC dressing rooms. Like Rashid, his GT team-mate Kagiso Rabada also represents MI’s sister concerns MI Cape Town and MI New York.Rashid finished both IPL 2023 and 2024 with economy rates above eight an over, having only gone as high as 6.73 in six IPL seasons before that. He started this season by conceding five sixes against Punjab Kings (PBKS), who took him for 48 runs in four overs. GT conceded 243 in that game, on a flat deck in Ahmedabad.The surface shouldn’t be too much different against MI, whose batters should relish it after starting their season on a slow, spin-friendly pitch in Chennai.New loyalties – Robin MinzWicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz might have played for GT last year had he not suffered a bike accident just before IPL 2024. GT replaced him with BR Sharath, and Minz, since then, has moved to MI.Hardik Pandya endured a tough night on his last IPL visit to his old home ground•BCCITeam news and likely XIIsHow do GT fit in Washington Sundar? He started on the subs bench against PBKS, but was surplus to requirements. Rashid’s skill and experience make him indispensable, while R Sai Kishore was GT’s standout bowler against PBKS with figures of 3 for 30. As for the batting, the presence of Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia and Sherfane Rutherford, whom GT used as Impact Sub against PBKS, provide plenty of left-hand options in the top seven. So Washington might have to keep waiting for his chance. GT fell two big hits short of hunting down 244 against PBKS, and despite their bowlers getting carted around may not make too many changes to a line-up that nearly got them across the line.Gujarat Titans (probable): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 Sai Sudharsan, 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Arshad Khan, 9 R Sai Kishore, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Mohammed Siraj, 12 Prasidh Krishna.Against CSK, MI brought in left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur as their Impact Sub to replace Rohit Sharma. Figures of 3 for 32 gave Puthur, on T20 debut, instant recognition. So Pandya for Minz is likely to be MI’s only change, with the presence of Mitchell Santner and Deepak Chahar at Nos. 8 and 9 giving them depth on what will probably be another batter-friendly pitch.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Will Jacks, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Satyanarayana Raju, 12 Vignesh Puthur.Big questionBoth GT and MI have daunting batting line-ups capable of piling up huge scores, the former with an almost 50-50 mix of right- and left-hand batters. If Ahmedabad serves up another belter, another high-scoring thriller could be on the cards.In the spotlight – Shubman Gill and Suryakumar YadavDuring GT’s chase of 244 against PBKS, Shubman Gill bashed 33 off just 14 balls. He hasn’t historically started that quickly in T20s, but he stated before the start of the season that he wanted to take the responsibility of maximising the powerplay. While the early aggression was forced on him by the target PBKS set, it will be interesting to see his approach if GT bat first. It could have some bearing on his international selection too. He was named India’s vice-captain for the T20Is against Sri Lanka last year – the first time a full-strength India side had played T20Is after the World Cup – he hasn’t played that format since then, partly because India were resting all-format players with Tests and ODIs the main priority in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. Getting back in the T20I side won’t be easy, though, with Gill facing stiff competition from Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order.Suryakumar Yadav has only scored 119 runs in his last ten T20 innings, while playing for MI, India and Mumbai. Of those runs, 48 came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final against Madhya Pradesh. Leading MI against CSK, Suryakumar made 19 off his first 14 balls before slowing down against spin and finishing with 29 off 26. Ahmedabad, where the pitch is likely to be flatter, could be the perfect venue for Suryakumar to regain form.Will Shubman Gill keep pushing for quick starts in the powerplay?•IPLPitch and conditionsA hot day is expected in Ahmedabad, with a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius, but the temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-to-high 20s by the time of the match. No rain is expected, but dew is likely to make the pitch – which is expected to be flat to start – to get better for batting in the second innings. Gill had chosen to chase against PBKS with dew in mind, and GT came close despite PBKS piling up 243. Six of the eight games played in Ahmedabad in IPL 2024 were won by the side batting second.Key stats Ahead of GT’s match against PBKS, there was plenty of interest around the question of where their new recruit Jos Buttler would bat. He came in at No. 3, with GT choosing not to disturb their opening combination of Gill and Sai Sudharsan. It was only the second time in 107 IPL innings that Buttler had batted at No. 3. He’s done so 24 times in all T20s, though, and his srike rate in that position (147.64) is almost the same as his strike rate as opener (147.45). Despite expensive IPLs in 2023 and 2024 by his standards, Rashid remains among the tournament’s most effective bowlers. Among those with at least 150 wickets in the IPL, only Lasith Malinga has a better average, and only Sunil Narine a better economy rate. Rohit Sharma fell for his 18th duck in the IPL when he was dismissed without scoring against CSK. Among the 30 batters to have been out at least 100 times in the tournament, that is the joint-second-most ducks behind Glenn Maxwell (19). Mohammed Siraj is yet to dismiss Rohit in T20s. Across 10 innings, Rohit has scored 74 runs off 55 balls against Siraj, and hit him for seven fours and four sixes.Next three fixturesAfter hosting MI on Saturday, GT travel to Bengaluru and Hyderabad for back-to-back away games on April 2 and 6. They return home after that to play Rajasthan Royals on April 9.MI, meanwhile, have only a day’s gap between this game and their next one. They host Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, then fly to Lucknow to play Lucknow Super Giants on April 4, before returning home for a game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 7.
Leeds United have been dealt an injury “blow”, with a £40,000-a-week star set for a spell on the sidelines.
Leeds start Premier League season with 1-0 win over Everton
The Whites made a perfect start to life back in the Premier League on Monday evening, beating Everton 1-0.
Summer signing Lukas Nmecha scored the winner from the penalty spot late on, with Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Lucas Perri all making their debuts from the start.
Since then, Leeds have brought in Noah Okafor to bolster their attacking options even further. The Switzerland international has cost the Whites up to £18m, something which Farke was delighted with.
“He has really good pace, he’s a really good dribbler, really good on the offensive one-on-one. A strong player as well. I don’t want to pressure him too much because he’s not played one game, so I’ll let him deliver before, but from his skills, he has more or less everything to impress, and it’s up to him.”
Incomings
From
Fee
Noah Okafor
AC Milan
£18m
Anton Stach
Hoffenheim
£17.4m
Jaka Bijol
Udinese
£15m
Lucas Perri
Lyon
£13.9m
Sean Longstaff
Newcastle
£12m
Gabriel Gudmundsson
Lille
£10m
Sebastiaan Bornauw
Wolfsburg
£5m
Louis Enahoro-Marcus
Liverpool
Undisclosed
Lukas Nmecha
Wolfsburg
Free
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton
Free
Okafor is in contention to make his debut against Arsenal this weekend, however, one Leeds star won’t be at the Emirates.
Farke confirms Ethan Ampadu injury “blow”
When asked about Ethan Ampadu’s condition after he was replaced following a heavy challenge in the second half against Everton, Farke revealed some “bad news” for the Leeds captain.
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Ampadu, on £40,000-a-week, actually set a new Leeds record outside the Don Revie era following Monday’s win over Everton.
It is now 25 consecutive league games without losing for the skipper, and he’ll be hoping to continue that run when he returns.
Manchester United have been extremely active within the current summer window, already addressing the need for additions in key areas of the pitch.
Bryan Mbeumo is the biggest addition made by Ruben Amorim this summer, with the Cameroonian international moving to Old Trafford in a £71m deal from Brentford.
He arrives at the club with real excitement, after managing to find the net 20 times in his 38 Premier League outings for the Bees last time around.
Mbeumo
However, the prospect of the 25-year-old linking up with Matheus Cunha in attacking areas is certainly an exciting one, handing the side the attacking threat they’ve lacked in recent times.
Despite the two previous additions within the final third, further signings are expected between now and the end of the window, further highlighting the ambition of the current owners.
The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer
Benjamin Sesko has been one of the biggest names mentioned with a summer move to join United this summer, unsurprisingly so given his tally of 21 goals across all competitions in 2024/25.
Talks have already commenced over a move to land the 22-year-old this window, being a part of the club’s final shortlist to fill the void at the top end of the pitch.
However, he’s only one of two players currently in their sights, with Ollie Watkins another player currently being considered, according to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.
He claims that, like Sesko, the hierarchy are in constant talks with Aston Villa over a move for the 29-year-old, who’s seen as a Premier League proven option for Amorim.
The report also claims that Unai Emery doesn’t want to lose his talisman this summer after scoring 16 times in the league last campaign, subsequently placing a £60m price tag on his head.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect with Mbeumo
Mbeumo will be hoping to make his own impact at Old Trafford next season, wanting to carry over his tremendous form at Brentford that ultimately led to his big-money addition.
He’s capable of finding the back of the net on his own, but will also be able to provide others with the chances to bolster their own tallies after registering seven assists in 2024/25.
Such numbers made him the third-highest contributor in England’s top flight, highlighting the incredible talent Amorim has managed to get his hands on this window.
However, as previously mentioned, he’s unlikely to be the final addition in such an area of the pitch, potentially leading to a move for Watkins in the near future.
A deal for the Englishman could be an exciting one, but one that could allow him to thrive alongside the Cameroonian, just like he did during his own spell at Brentford.
The pair last partnered each other in the Championship back in the 2019/20 campaign, managing to register 40 league goals between them as the side fell at the final hurdle, suffering defeat in the play-off final.
Both ended the year in the top ten of the division’s top goalscoring charts, before taking different paths, which has led them to their current positions in their respective careers.
However, they could star together once again, with Watkins, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by ex-professional Stephen Warnock, able to be the recipient of Mbeumo’s impressive assist tally.
He managed to register 1.4 shots on target per 90, at an accuracy rate of 44% last season, and could be able to transform the fortunes of the side within the final third.
Games played
38
Goals & assists
24
Goals per shot on target
0.4
Progressive passes
1.1
Pass accuracy
72%
Progressive carries
1.9
Carries into final third
1.3
Aerials won
1.9
Fouls won
1.2
Watkins’ all-round ability is further reflected in his tally of 1.9 aerials won, having the ability in the air to add a new dimension to the Red Devils’ frontline throughout the upcoming campaign.
If the pair can rekindle their impressive partnership together at Old Trafford, the side will have every chance of rising up England’s top flight in Amorim’s first full campaign in charge.
It may prove to be a pricey addition, but it’s one that would provide the excitement the fanbase have lacked in attacking areas, making the Red Devils a force to be reckoned with once again.
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CA has signed a partnership with UNICEF Australia to promote the foundation’s campaign aimed at gender equality, while supporting female Afghanistan refugees
Alex Malcolm12-Nov-2024
Australia has played Afghanistan in the last three limited overs world events but has not played any recent bilateral cricket•Getty Images
It remains to be seen whether Australia will play any bilateral cricket against Afghanistan in the future after signing a partnership agreement with global children’s charity UNICEF Australia to promote the foundation’s ‘Until Every Girl Can Play’ campaign aimed at gender equality.CA will hold fundraisers for UNICEF Australia at the upcoming Perth Test and the women’s Ashes Test at the MCG in January having been particularly vocal on not scheduling men’s bilateral cricket against Afghanistan outside of World Cups due to the Taliban government’s stance on women’s rights. CA has cancelled three bilateral series with Afghanistan in recent years.According to the Future Tours Programme Australia is due to host Afghanistan in a men’s Test and three T20Is in July 2026. Whether that goes ahead remains to be seen.Related
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Hockley said CA is continuing to support a group of Afghanistan female cricketers who live and play in Australia. The group have asked the ICC to assist them in setting up a refugee team based in Australia in the absence of a national side.”Certainly over the last three years, they’ve been extremely well supported by really every level of the cricketing community, from clubs, state associations,” Hockley said at the MCG on Tuesday at the unveiling of the UNICEF partnership.”We’ve certainly sought support in the background. I’ve had the real privilege to meet and spend some time with the players, and certainly we are working behind the scenes on ways we can continue to support.”UNICEF Australia CEO Tony Stuart was asked whether CA should even play Afghanistan’s men in world events.”I keep out of the politics of this, because what has made UNICEF, I think, good at what it does, is it works with every country, 200 countries in the world, and to do that, you have to be neutral,” Stuart said.”We are the Red Cross of children, and what we do encourage, wherever we are in the world, is participation. We will continue to encourage that in Afghanistan. And I have to say, living in Australia, I’m so pleased to see so many of the Afghan women here in Australia and I hope in the future, they get the opportunity in some way to participate in the game.”
Newcastle United are preparing for life back in the Champions League in the 2025/26 season after a positive 12 months at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side ended the Magpies’ long wait for a trophy by lifting the EFL Cup, whereas they also finished in the top five in the Premier League to ensure a return to Europe’s biggest club competition.
As a result, PIF and co could be busy in the transfer market ahead of the new season, looking to ensure Newcastle can cope with their return to Europe.
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Now, Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted Newcastle’s starting line-up ahead of their first Premier League game against Aston Villa on August 16.
AI predicts Newcastle’s 2025/26 line-up 1 GK: James Trafford
Expected to finally arrive at St James’ Park this summer after months of rumours is goalkeeper James Trafford.
The Englishman starred at Burnley in 24/25, conceding just 16 goals in 46 games, and his ‘ball-playing ability suits Howe’s evolving style’, so he has been backed to cost £30m and start ahead of Nick Pope.
2 RB: Tino Livramento
After helping England win the U21 European Championships this summer, Tino Livramento is set to keep his place in the XI ahead of Kieran Trippier.
Grok says ‘Livramento has emerged as a dynamic option’ for the Magpies and is still under contract for another three years.
3 CB: Sven Botman
Described as a ‘cornerstone’ in Newcastle’s side, Sven Botman’s place in the side looks nailed on when he is fit.
The Dutchman only made eight Premier League appearances in 24/25, though, so he’ll be looking to put his injury woes behind him.
4 CB: Marc Guehi
Partnering Botman, Grok have predicted Marc Guehi to sign for Newcastle in a £46m deal this summer, despite interest from a number of other clubs.
The Crystal Palace captain has been on Howe’s radar for a long time now and may depart Selhurst Park with 12 months left on his contract.
5 LB: Lewis Hall
After making his loan move permanent in 2024, Lewis Hall has been a regular at left-back for Newcastle and has been predicted to keep his place in the XI.
Games
34
Assists
5
Yellow cards
4
Minutes played
2,661
Grok says Hall’s ’development into a key starter’ has been noticeable, chipping in with five assists last year.
6 CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Despite being linked with a move away from Newcastle once again this summer, Grok have predicted Bruno Guimaraes to remain at St James’ Park and play an important role once more.
The Brazilian’s ‘leadership and all-action style are vital’ in Howe’s side, and he still has three years remaining on his contract.
7 CM: Sandro Tonali
Alongside Guimaraes is a player he knows well in Sandro Tonali. The Italian ‘has proven indispensable’ under Howe and missed just two league games in 24/25.
Grok adds that Tonali’s ‘box-to-box energy complements Howe’s system’, but there may be no place for Joelinton in the XI.
8 AM: Eberechi Eze
Completing a three-man midfield in an attacking role is potential new signing in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with Newcastle keen on the Eagles star.
The Englishman has a release clause of £68m which may need to be triggered, and Grok have stated that Eze’s ‘versatility as a No. 10 or winger fits Howe’s fluid attack’.
9 RW: Mohammed Kudus
Another star linked with a move to Newcastle this summer is West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, who has been backed to start on the right-hand side for the Magpies.
With the Hammers open to offers in the region of £60m, PIF may need to act fast with Tottenham and Chelsea also showing an interest in Kudus.
10 ST: Alexander Isak
Arguably Newcastle’s most important piece of business this summer will be keeping hold of star striker Alexander Isak.
After qualifying for the Champions League, Grok thinks Isak won’t be going anywhere, labelling him as ‘untouchable’ at St James’ Park.
The ICC has confirmed that a review into the conduct of T20 World Cup 2024 will be carried out after the global body set up a panel with three of its board directors – Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo and Imran Khawaja – to oversee the review and submit findings later in the year.ESPNcricinfo had reported earlier that there was scrutiny on the extent of expenditure on the US leg of the tournament and the organisation of the Caribbean leg. The decision to appoint a review panel was taken at the ICC annual conference in Colombo from July 19 to 22, which was attended by all 108 members. The three-man panel will engage an independent consultancy to carry out the review, before reporting back to the board.The ICC also approved the expansion of the Women’s T20 World Cup to 16 teams in 2030. Eight teams had taken part in the inaugural tournament in 2009 and that number rose to ten in 2016. Ten teams will also take part in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October. The 2026 edition will have 12 participating teams, for which the cut-off date for qualification is October 31, 2024, before the expansion to 16 in 2030.For the next Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, the ICC said the allocation of the eight regional qualifying spots would be as follows: two teams each from Africa and Europe, one from the Americas, and three from Asia and East Asia Pacific (EAP) combined. Previously, Asia had two spots and EAP one.The ICC also announced that USA Cricket and Cricket Chile have been “formally put on notice” because both organisations are not compliant with ICC membership criteria. They have 12 months to make rectifications.”Neither member is considered to have in place a fit for purpose detailed governance and administrative structure and systems,” the ICC said in a release. “The ICC Americas office will work with Cricket Chile to support them in remedying their non-compliance. The board agreed that a normalisation committee comprising of board and management representatives will be set up to oversee and monitor USA Cricket’s compliance roadmap and the ICC board will reserve its right to suspend or expel the member for continued non-compliance.”
West Ham United could sell Mohammed Kudus this summer and are already making strides in the hunt for his replacement.
West Ham and Mohammed Kudus could go their seperate ways
The Hammers expect plenty of movement in both directions over the next few months and could be set to part ways with one of their best players if reports are to be believed.
Recently, Chelsea have made contact over a potential move for Kudus, and he is also said to be on the radar of Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Mohammed Kudus for West Ham against Nottingham Forest.
Intriguingly, the Ghana international has a release clause of £85 million that is open to top-flight clubs in England across the first ten days of July. However, it remains to be seen whether a saga involving the former Ajax man will develop at the London Stadium.
In the case of Newcastle, former scout Mick Brown believes they would try and land Kudus at a fee below his exit clause due to the premium involved in a prospective transfer.
“At £85million or whatever his release clause is, there’s no way Newcastle would do that deal. They’ll consider it if they can cut down that price tag, but they’re not sure about him. They’ve got other targets as well, so I think they’re more likely to go for them before Kudus.”
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If Kudus were to depart, the Hammers would need to act decisively on the market to secure an appropriate replacement, and they could well now be closing in on a smart acquisition if that turn of events were to occur.
West Ham 'well positioned' to sign Nicolas Gonzalez
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, West Ham are ‘well positioned’ to sign Juventus winger Nicolas Gonzalez and the Argentina international is likely to be on the move for £22 million this summer.
Seen as an ideal replacement for Kudus, the 23-year-old registered five goals and four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions last season. While he was not part of his country’s World Cup winning squad he is highly decorated at international level, winning two Copa Americas.
Capable of playing on either flank, as an attacking midfielder or through the middle, he is a versatile presence that could help to allieviate the burden on the likes of Jarrod Bowen when it comes to chance creation.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Kudus will need to leave first in order for a move to go through or if the finance would be available already in terms of being able to meet both his transfer fee and wages.
Either way, West Ham appear to be stepping up their hunt for attacking reinforcements and there will be plenty of excitement in East London if this one materialises.
Chelsea chiefs have been handed a potential discount after reportedly opening talks with the representatives of an “underrated” Brazil forward.
Chelsea braced for all-important Premier League final day
Enzo Maresca faces a vital Premier League final day clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and a win against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side would guarantee a place in the Champions League draw next season.
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This is the closest race for Champions League qualification we’ve witnessed in years, with just three points between both third and seventh in the table as we head into the final matchweek of 2024/2025.
3. Man City
68
4. Newcastle
66
5. Chelsea
66
6. Aston Villa
66
7. Nottingham Forest
65
As things stand, Chelsea are level on points with Newcastle and Aston Villa, with Maresca’s men sitting above the latter side in fifth on just goal difference. If Chelsea were to draw or lose away to Forest, it would hand them or Villa a crucial lifeline in the chase for a spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Amid some reports that Maresca’s long-term Chelsea future isn’t certain, sealing all three points is absolutely vital for the west Londoners this weekend, but it is easier said than done against a Forest side who are directly competing with them for a coveted place in the top five.
The result of this intense battle will also have a direct impact on Chelsea’s recruitment strategy this summer, amid reports they’re targeting a high-profile move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
Chelsea handed £29 million discount on Rodrygo
A report from GOAL earlier this week claimed that Chelsea have opened discussions with the 24-year-old’s representatives ahead of a “shock” bid, and this is backed up by CaughtOffside in another update.
However, the latter website reports that Rodrygo’s price tag will be around £101 million, which is actually a £29 million marked drop on the Brazil international’s previously mooted £130 million fee.
While still very expensive, it makes the transfer slightly more doable, and murmurs of a potential exit for the highly-rated forward are gaining more traction as Arsenal reportedly enter the race (Florian Plettenberg).
This price may well drop further if Rodrygo forces through an exit, but whatever his final price, there is no denying he’d upgrade any Premier League team.
“Rodrygo, so underrated,” said England midfielder and teammate Jude Bellingham when asked about the winger’s importance to Real.
“For me, he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. The things he can do with the football — we’ll be messing around, and he’ll flick the ball up somehow, and you’re like, ‘How do you do that?’. I’m trying to do it, twisting up my ankles and everything like that. He’s a pleasure to play with.
“He’s the one who sacrifices the most. It’s important to note that he does a lot for the team as well defensively on the right side, which isn’t his favourite. But he never complains, he just gets on with it.”
Manchester United lost for the 16th time in the Premier League this season when they were beaten 4-3 by Brentford away from home at the weekend.
The Red Devils have endured a dismal domestic campaign, under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, and are just two points ahead of 17th in the table.
There is the mitigation of their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League, though, and that may have had an impact on the manager’s team selection for this match, as the likes of Chido Obi Martin, Tyler Fredricson, and Harry Amass were named in the starting XI.
Obi Martin, 17, made his full Premier League debut and was given the full 90 minutes by Amorim, but was, unfortunately, unable to find the back of the net.
Meanwhile, Brentford’s forwards, Yoane Wissa, Kevin Schade, and Bryan Mbeumo caught the eye in an excellent win for the Bees against Manchester United on Sunday.
Mbeumo, in particular, is a player who is reportedly of interest to the club. It was recently claimed that the Brentford star and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha are both targets for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Why Mbeumo and Cunha are attractive targets for Manchester United
The headline is that both Mbeumo and Cunha are proven Premier League performers who have shown that they can contribute with goals and assists at that level on a consistent basis.
This suggests that they would be more likely to hit the ground running and be successful signings for Manchester United compared to a signing from abroad with no prior experience of the English top-flight.
Mbeumo has produced 18 goals and seven assists in 39 appearances in all competitions for Brentford so far this season, which speaks to the goal threat that he can provide at the top end of the pitch.
The Cameroon international has scored eight or more goals in each of the past four seasons in all competitions since the Bees were promoted to the top-flight.
Matheus Cunha
Meanwhile, Cunha has caught the eye with his performances for Wolves in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, as he has showcased his ability to score and create goals at an impressive rate.
Matheus Cunha (24/25)
Premier League
FA Cup
League Cup
Appearances
30
2
1
xG
7.94
N/A
N/A
Goals
15
2
0
Big chances created
12
2
0
Key passes per game
1.8
2.5
0
Assists
6
0
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Brazil international has racked up 17 goals and six assists for the Old Gold, including 15 goals in the Premier League.
These statistics show why Cunha and Mbeumo are both attractive options for United this summer because they have both provided their respective teams with plenty of goals and assists this season.
However, the Red Devils are also reportedly interested in an even more prolific forward from abroad who could come in to bolster the club’s attacking options.
Manchester United in regular contact over deal for Bundesliga star
According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are one of a number of clubs lining up a move for RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that fellow Premier League sides Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the Slovenian marksman, and that they had scouts in attendance to watch him score against Bayern Munich at the weekend.
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It states that a move to England to play in the Premier League is the most ‘likely’ outcome for the Leipzig sensation this summer, as his representatives are currently in talks with multiple clubs.
The Boot Room adds that Manchester United and Newcastle United are in regular contact with the player’s agents ahead of a potential swoop for his services in the coming months.
INEOS must push to win the race for Sesko, who is reportedly valued at £60m by Leipzig, because he is even more prolific than Cunha and Mbeumo and could be an excellent addition to Amorim’s squad.
Why Manchester United should sign Benjamin Sesko
Firstly, the Slovenia international is only 21 and would come in as a long-term option for the Portuguese head coach, as a player who has plenty of time left to develop and improve.
He is four years younger than both Mbeumo and Cunha, who are both 25, and this suggests that he has more scope to grow and progress as a footballer during his time at Old Trafford, whilst also having the quality to provide goals in the short-term.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
The 21-year-old marksman has also outscored the Brentford and Wolves forwards with a return of 21 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig this season, which shows that he is more prolific in the final third.
Sesko, who was once dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been in fine form for Leipzig in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League, showcasing his lethal finishing at the top level.
Benjamin Sesko (24/25)
Bundesliga
Champions League
Appearances
31
8
xG
9.87
3.57
Goals
13
4
Big chances created
5
0
Assists
5
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the £60m-rated ‘monster’ has been incredibly clinical in those two competitions, with 17 goals from between 13 and 14 Expected Goals.
Sesko has proven that he knows how to find the back of the net on the European stage and in one of Europe’s major leagues, as well as scoring four goals in the DFB Pokal, and this suggests that United would be signing a striker who is in-form and able to make an instant impact at Old Trafford.
Of course, he has not played in the Premier League, or in England at all, and that could make him a riskier addition than Mbeumo or Cunha, who are currently thriving in the division.
But his goalscoring record across all competitions and his age profile suggest that it would be a high-risk, high-reward, signing for the Red Devils, which is why they should take a gamble on him and attempt to win the race for the impressive young forward in the summer transfer window.
As bad as Shaw: Amorim must axe Man Utd dud after 4/10 Brentford display
Ruben Amorim must ring the changes for Manchester United’s next game.