Kent post 566 for 8 declared but visitors make steady start in response

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay30-Jun-2025Northamptonshire 140 for 1 (Vasconcelos 87*) trail Kent 566 for 8 dec (Bell-Drummond 158, Finch 118, Guthrie 3-92) by 426 runsDaniel Bell-Drummond and Harry Finch both made centuries for Kent on day two of their Rothesay County Championship match with Northamptonshire at Canterbury, but with the track resembling a bowlers’ graveyard the match looks destined to end in a draw.The visitors had reached 140 for 1 at stumps, a deficit of 426, with Ricardo Vasconcelos unbeaten on 87 and Calvin Harrison 41 not out. Matt Quinn took the only wicket, getting Luke Procter for 8.Earlier Kent declared on 556 for 8, Bell-Drummond hitting 158 in a stand of 208 with Finch, who made 118. Liam Guthrie took 3 for 29, but Northants’ bowlers laboured throughout with the Kookaburra ball and Kent’s didn’t fare much better.The visitors actually stared the day with an early wicket when Joey Evison, who was 29 not out overnight, became the first victim, going for 37 in the fourth over: after driving Guthrie for a textbook four through mid-off, he was caught behind off the next delivery.That, however, was the highpoint for the visitors, whose chief tormentor was all too familiar.Bell-Drummond hit an unbeaten triple-century at Northampton in 2023 and he reached three figures by scrambling for a single off Harrison. Finch brought up his half-century in the next over when he went down the wicket to Yuzvendra Chahal and hit him for four over long-on.It was 446 for 5 at lunch at which point there was a mini-rumpus on the outfield, where Northants officials were reportedly remonstrating with the match referee, allegedly because of their frustrations at having to use a Kookaburra ball on a lifeless surface.Few others in a crowd of 2263 were complaining. Finch reached his sixth first-class hundred when he pulled Saif Zaib to the backward square leg boundary for four and a single from Harrison took Bell-Drummond to 150, before he finally went caught behind trying to sweep Zaib.Finch went in the next over, trying to reverse-sweep Harrison and falling to a sharp one-handed grab by Justin Broad at first slip, but Kent batted on until Matt Parkinson was lbw for 4 trying to sweep the same bowler.Kent declared, tea was taken and Quinn, having missed all of last season and broken down nine balls into pre-season, marked his return to the first team by getting Procter caught behind in the seventh over: if anyone was due some luck it was Quinn and replays suggested there was daylight between bat and ball.It was an isolated success. Vasconcelos raced to 50 from 51 balls and although Kent followed Northamptonshire’s lead yesterday in at least managing to slow the scoring rate slightly, it felt like the only way a batter would get out was by chucking their wicket away – neither did.

MatériaMais Notícias

Germán Cano voltou a marcar pelo Fluminense. E em dose dupla. Na quarta-feira (27), o argentino fez os dois gols do Tricolor no empate em 2 a 2 com o Internacional, no Maracanã, pela partida de ida das semifinais da Libertadores 2023. O centroavante se isolou ainda mais na artilharia da competição e, de quebra, ficou a apenas um de se tornar o maior goleador do clube na história da disputa ao lado de Fred.

Contratado em 2022, Cano estufou as redes apenas três vezes na edição passada da Libertadores, muito em razão da eliminação precoce da equipe. Já nesta temporada, são 11 tentos anotados na principal competição do continente e o time segue mirando a taça. Na história, somente Fred, com 15 gols, marcou mais vezes com a camisa tricolor na disputa sul-americana. O ex-camisa 9, porém, entrou em campo 29 vezes, enquanto que o atual goleador atuou em somente 14 jogos – média de uma bola na rede por confronto.

Essa, inclusive, pode ser a primeira vez que um jogador do Fluminense termina a Libertadores no topo da artilharia. Paulinho, do Atlético Mineiro, é o atual vice-artilheiro, com sete gols. No entanto, o Galo já está fora da disputa. Dos atletas dos times que seguem na briga pelo título, Artur, do Palmeiras, é quem mais se aproxima de Cano. O palmeirense, porém, fez apenas cinco até o momento – menos da metade do argentino.

O próximo duelo do Fluminense pela Libertadores será no dia 4 de outubro, no Beira-Rio, pelo jogo de volta das semifinais, contra o Inter. Uma vitória simples colocará o Tricolor na grande decisão da competição.

MAIORES ARTILHEIROS DO FLUMINENSE NA HISTÓRIA DA LIBERTADORES

1º – Fred – 15 gols em 29 jogos
2º – Cano – 14 gols em 14 jogos
3º – Thiago Neves – 7 gols em 28 jogos
4º – Washington – 6 gols em 12 jogos
5º – Rafael Moura – 5 gols em 15 jogos

RelacionadasFluminenseVÍDEO: Felipe Melo sonha com título da Libertadores com o Fluminense, mas prega respeito ao InternacionalFluminense28/09/2023FluminenseANÁLISE: Fluminense é guerreiro e sai vivo do Maracanã sonhando com a final da LibertadoresFluminense28/09/2023FluminenseVÍDEO: Técnico do Fluminense, Fernando Diniz se irrita com pergunta e discute com repórterFluminense28/09/2023

Tottenham Hotspur swooped to appoint Thomas Frank as their new head coach ahead of the summer transfer window after they opted to remove Ange Postecoglou from his post.

The Australian manager won the Europa League at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, beating Manchester United in the final, but that was not enough for him to save his job.

Daniel Levy, who has since moved on from his role as chairman, parted ways with Postecoglou and snapped Frank up from Brentford, where he had won promotion to the Premier League and established the Bees in the division.

Four wins, two draws, and one defeat in the first seven matches of the top-flight campaign suggest that Spurs made a good decision when they changed managers this summer.

In his unveiling, the club’s official website noted that one of the reasons why Frank landed the job was that he has a proven track record in developing players.

Tottenham will now be hoping that he can work wonders with the plethora of talented young players at his disposal in North London, as he did with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade, and Yoane Wissa at Brentford.

Ranking Tottenham's most valuable U21 players

Whilst Frank could develop players of any age, the powers that be at Spurs may hope that he can develop the U21 players at the club to help them grow in value.

Tottenham have a rich history of developing and selling players. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, both sold to Real Madrid, are notable examples, whilst Harry Kane came through the youth ranks before moving on to Bayern Munich in 2023 as the club’s all-time record goalscorer.

The Lilywhites may not have their next Kane in the making at the club at the moment, but they do have several impressive young stars who could have bright futures under an outstanding coach like Frank.

Spurs have four players aged 21 or under in their squad who are currently valued at £17m or more by Transfermarkt, which shows that several impressive young talents are waiting to explode in North London.

Lucas Bergvall

19

£33m

Archie Gray

19

£33m

Mathys Tel

20

£30m

Wilson Odobert

20

£17m

Kota Takai

21

£2m

Dane Scarlett

21

£2m

As you can see in the table above, Lucas Bergvall is the joint-most valuable U21 player in the squad, and he has emerged as an early favourite under Frank.

The Sweden international has started four of his six appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist, which shows that the manager has taken a liking to him.

Spurs will be hoping that Bergvall benefits from this exposure to regular starts in the top-flight to emerge as a star for Frank in the middle of the park.

Archie Gray is currently valued at £33m, the same as the Swedish starlet, but he has only made two appearances and started once in the Premier League so far this season.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Whilst Bergvall is seemingly Frank’s favourite U21 player at the club at the moment, the England U21 international has the potential to develop into a Bukayo Saka-esque talent for Tottenham if he gets more game time in his favoured position.

How Archie Gray can become Tottenham's Bukayo Saka

At the start of Saka’s Arsenal career, Mikel Arteta played the English star at left-back 21 times, in central midfield five times, and at left midfield 29 times, per Transfermarkt.

This shows that the left-footed youngster had to play in several roles before nailing down a regular spot in his favoured position on the right flank, where he has scored 47 goals and provided 40 assists in 137 starts.

Gray has suffered through his versatility throughout his senior career to date. 30 of his 49 starts for Leeds came at right-back. 34 of his appearances for Spurs have come at right-back, centre-back, or left-back. Meanwhile, he has started just 13 matches as a central midfielder, his favoured role, in that time, per Transfermarkt.

13 starts as a central midfielder, the position he grew up playing at academy level, in more than two years as a first-team player for Leeds and Spurs shows that he has not had many opportunities to develop in his long-term position.

Gray finally had the chance to play in central midfield for England’s U21s against Moldova last week and caught the eye with an impressive and well-rounded display in the middle of the park.

Minutes

90

Pass accuracy

94%

Long pass accuracy

100% (3/3)

Dribble success rate

100% (3/3)

Ball recoveries

5

Ground duels won

3/4

Aerial duels won

1/1

As you can see in the table above, the 19-year-old star put in a sublime performance in and out of possession, as he was effective as a passer and a dribbler, whilst also being almost perfect defensively.

This shows that he has the potential to deliver quality displays as a midfielder, despite playing so many other positions ahead of his best one at senior level to date.

Gray, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed was “born to play football”, could realise his potential at Tottenham if Frank plays him in his best role for an extended run of matches.

Analyst Ben Mattinson once claimed that the England U21 international is a “future £100m CM”, and it is not a crazy prediction when you consider that he is currently valued at £33m, having barely played in his natural position.

Gray has 30 matches of Premier League experience under his belt and has won the Europa League with Spurs, but the next step is for him to nail down a regular spot in the XI in the middle of the park.

Frank could, then, unearth his own Saka-type player as the former Leeds starlet could follow in the Arsenal superstar’s footsteps by transitioning from playing out of position at full-back to being a star in his natural position.

18-year-old Spurs gem is a "superstar" with more talent than Vuskovic

Tottenham Hotspur have a whole host of exciting youngsters to watch out for.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 13, 2025

Despite the recent failings on the pitch for Manchester United, captain Bruno Fernandes has often been a shining light and producing numerous moments of magic.

The Portuguese international saved the Red Devils from a catastrophic campaign, ending the 2024/25 campaign with a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions.

The 30-year-old has continued his excellent form into the new season, already netting two goals in the Premier League – with his latest securing a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim’s job would certainly have been on the line had it not been for his compatriot’s contributions in the final third, with the former Sporting CP talent certainly the club’s most important player in recent years.

However, the same can’t be said for one of his teammates, with the first-team talent unable to make the desired impact, with part of his failures potentially down to his squad number.

The curse of the Man Utd #7 shirt

Over recent years, United’s number seven shirt has often been one that has brought huge pressure onto the players who have worn such an iconic shirt.

Talents such as Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay and Ángel Di María have all succumbed to the pressure, subsequently leaving Old Trafford after disappointing spells at the club.

Mason Mount is the latest player to try and break such a curse, but like the aforementioned trio, he’s also struggled to make the impact he would’ve wanted upon his move to the Theatre of Dreams.

The 26-year-old joined in a £60m deal back in the summer of 2023, but he’s been restricted to just 52 appearances in his two-year spell in Manchester – with injuries massively halting his progress.

He’s suffered five separate injuries during such a period, missing a total of 52 matches in all competitions – subsequently being ruled out of 50% of games since joining the Red Devils.

Even when fit, the former Chelsea star has struggled to meet expectations, only registering six combined goals and assists – a record of just one contribution in every eight matches he’s featured in.

As a result of his lack of impact and constant injury issues, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Englishman drop down Amorim’s pecking order – potentially seeing one player take the number seven shirt in the near future.

The United star who could be Amorim’s next #7

As previously mentioned, Bruno has often been the man to come up with the magic for United, but it’s safe to say his responsibility has been taken off his shoulders in 2025/26.

The hierarchy backed the manager for his quest for success, spending over £200m on new additions to improve the options within the final third.

Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were just two of the additions made during the off-season, with the latter being the most expensive of the bunch – arriving in a deal totalling £74m including add-ons.

Fellow summer addition Bryan Mbeumo has already managed to star for the Red Devils, scoring twice in his first appearances for the club after joining from Brentford.

The 26-year-old arrived with huge expectations after netting 20 league goals for Brentford last campaign, but has already kick-started his United career with a bang.

His strike against Burnley helped secure Amorim’s side their first Premier League win of the new campaign – subsequently winning the club’s Goal of the Month award in the process.

Mbeumo, who’s been dubbed a “superstar” by one analyst, has also produced numerous impressive underlying stats which further highlight his quality start to life in Manchester.

Games played

6

Goals scored

2

Pass accuracy

80%

Successful crosses

2.1

Chances created

1.9

Dribble success

60%

Fouls drawn

1.7

Shots on target

1.3

He’s created 1.9 chances per 90 to date, along with a 60% dribble success rate – highlighting his ability to transition the ball into dangerous areas before teeing up a teammate.

The Cameroonian has also drawn 1.7 fouls per 90, whilst completing 2.1 successful crosses per 90, with such numbers further showcasing how much of an impact he’s had since his big-money transfer.

Should he continue his impressive form in Manchester, there’s no reason as to why the attacker can’t follow in Bruno’s footsteps and lead the club back to their former glory.

It looks as though he’s currently the best addition since the Portuguese international, with the pair potentially forming a deadly partnership together in the near future.

As a reflection of his immediate impact, Mbeumo should be handed the number seven shirt, with the Cameroonian talent arguably the perfect man to break the current curse at Old Trafford.

Outperforming Mainoo: Man Utd must regret losing "sensational" star for £0

Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one young talent to leave the club on a free.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 23, 2025

Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich contract reportedly includes a €65 million release clause that can only be activated within a specific window — keeping Premier League clubs on alert. The England captain’s prolific form in Germany has strengthened Bayern’s stance, though speculation over a potential return to England refuses to go away.

Kane’s contract clause puts timeline on potential exit

Kane’s stunning form in Germany has not just cemented his place among Europe’s elite but also reignited curiosity about his long-term future. The 32-year-old forward, who joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, has a €65m (£57m/$76m) release clause written into his contract, but it comes with strict conditions.

According to , Kane can only trigger the clause if he notifies Bayern by the end of January 2026, opening the door for a summer move that same year. Beyond that deadline, the option becomes void, effectively tying him to Munich until his current deal expires in 2027 unless both parties agree otherwise.

The clause’s structure reflects the Bavarians' evolving approach to transfers. Once known for their resistance to release clauses, the club have gradually softened their stance to attract top-tier players like Kane, whose arrival immediately transformed their attack. The England captain has responded with 12 goals in just eight Bundesliga matches and 20 across all competitions so far this season.

AdvertisementGettyBayern calm despite clause amid Kane’s red-hot form

Despite the potential exit clause, Bayern remain relaxed about the situation. Club sources have indicated confidence that Kane is happy in Munich, both professionally and personally. His arrival in 2023 not only revived Bayern’s domestic dominance but also helped re-establish their status among Europe’s top attacking forces.

The striker has led Kompany’s side to an unbeaten start in both the Bundesliga and Champions League, scoring at a record-breaking pace while integrating seamlessly into Bayern’s system. His consistency in front of goal has silenced critics who questioned his decision to leave the Premier League, while internally, Bayern view him as the cornerstone of their long-term project.

“We can certainly talk about that,” Kane said when asked about a new deal after scoring a brace against Werder Bremen on September 26. “I have almost two years left. It’s not like I’m in the final year of my contract and anyone is panicking. I’m fine. The club is fine. I think they’re happy with me, and I’m happy with them. Those discussions can take place.”

English striker's family life flourishing in Munich

Off the pitch, the striker's contentment in Munich has been a key factor in Bayern’s calmness over his contract. His wife, Kate, and their four children have reportedly settled well in Germany, enjoying a quieter lifestyle than in England. The couple, who married in 2019, appreciate the privacy Munich offers compared to life in London.

Reflecting on his family’s adjustment earlier this year, Kane said: “The way the people welcomed us was extraordinary. It touched us deeply as a family – not just me, but all of us. The children go to school and love it. My wife feels very comfortable too. We truly enjoy every second.”

That level of comfort, combined with the club’s success, has made the idea of an early return to England less likely, at least in the short term.

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Premier League return still a long-term dream

Still, speculation about a Premier League return continues to hover around Kane, primarily due to his long-stated ambition to surpass Alan Shearer’s all-time record of 260 goals. The England captain is just 48 goals short after netting 213 times for Tottenham before his move to Bayern.

Several top English clubs including former employers Spurs are expected to monitor his situation closely should the release clause become active. A Premier League comeback would offer Kane the chance to cement his legacy as the division’s greatest scorer, though his current form in Germany suggests he remains fully focused on Bayern’s objectives for now.

Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has claimed Ruben Amorim “obviously doesn’t appreciate” one of his brightest players.

Amorim looking to put own stamp on Man Utd squad

Amorim has made it abundantly clear that he is not willing to change his three-at-the-back system, despite it not yielding the results he would’ve been hoping for, with Man United making a slow start to the Premier League campaign.

The summer transfer window presented the 40-year-old with his first real opportunity to put his own stamp on his squad, and he opted to strengthen in attacking areas for the most part, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha among the most high-profile signings.

However, one position in which Amorim was ultimately unable to strengthen is central midfield, which he could look to rectify in January, amid links with the likes of Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

United’s interest in a new central midfielder comes amid Kobbie Mainoo receiving very little game time, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes predominantly being given the nod in the engine room.

Now, Sheringham has claimed that Amorim is simply not a fan of Mainoo.

Mainoo should be given chance against Brentford

It is clear the £70m-rated midfielder isn’t held in the highest of regards by the United boss, having failed to start a single Premier League game this season, but the 20-year-old should be given the opportunity to prove himself against Brentford.

It is very difficult for any player to show what they can do if they only appear as a substitute, and the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium could be the perfect chance for the Englishman to make a statement, given that Casemiro is suspended.

Man Utd targeting "incredible" 4-2-3-1 manager who's won three league titles

The Red Devils have identified an “incredible” manager as a replacement for Ruben Amorim.

4

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 23, 2025

However, it remains to be seen whether the midfielder is given the nod, given that he is clearly below Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order, with the Uruguayan being brought on at half-time after Casemiro saw red against Chelsea.

With a place in England’s World Cup squad next summer on the line, it is little wonder Mainoo is agitating for a move, and he is likely to grow even more frustrated if he’s once again benched against Brentford.

He replaces Shanto and will take over the reins from the Sri Lanka series next month

Mohammad Isam12-Jun-2025

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has captained Bangladesh in four ODIs in the past•Randy Brooks

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been appointed Bangladesh’s ODI captain for the next 12 months. He will take over from the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka next month.Mehidy’s ODI appointment means Bangladesh now have three different captains in the three formats. Mehidy took over from Najmul Hossain Shanto, who remains the Test captain, while Litton Das is the T20I captain.”It is a huge honour for me to be entrusted with this responsibility by the board,” Mehidy said. “Leading the country is a dream for any cricketer and I am grateful for the confidence the board has shown in me. I have every faith in this team. We have the talent and the belief to play fearless cricket. I want us to perform with confidence, play without inhibition, and continue giving our best for the country.”Related

Shanto reinstated as Bangladesh Test captain until end of WTC cycle

Rebuild, resurrect, recalibrate – Mehidy has an unenviable task as ODI captain

Mehidy wants to bring hope back in ODIs for Bangladesh

Shanto banks on Bangladesh's away form, squad flexibility for fresh WTC campaign

Mehidy led Bangladesh in four ODIs last year when Shanto was injured, first against Afghanistan and then in the West Indies. Bangladesh lost all four games. Mehidy also stood in as Test captain in the series against West Indies, helping Bangladesh draw the second Test in Jamaica after they lost the first Test. He has played 105 ODIs and is the fourth Bangladesh player to do the double of 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in the format.”The board felt that Miraz’s consistent performances with the bat and ball, his ability to fight and inspire the team, and his energetic presence on and off the field make him an ideal candidate to lead the ODI side during a transitional time,” BCB’s cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen said. “We believe he has the temperament and maturity to take Bangladesh forward in this format.”Abedeen said that Shanto, who was appointed Bangladesh captain in all three formats in February last year, would continue to be in the leadership group.”We take this opportunity to thank Shanto for the positivity and character he has demonstrated as captain,” he said. “He remains very much a part of the leadership group and we know how important his batting is to the team.”Shanto led Bangladesh to four wins in 13 ODIs since 2023. Bangladesh won the ODI series against Sri Lanka last year but lost to New Zealand and Afghanistan. Bangladesh also exited the Champions Trophy in the first round earlier this year.Mehidy’s appointment also comes with the 2027 ODI World Cup not far away. Bangladesh are currently ranked No. 10 in the format. They need to be among the top-eight teams to earn automatic qualification for the World Cup.

Sunday's Major League Baseball action gets kicked off at 10:10 a.m. EST between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, and it concludes with two of the best teams in baseball — the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers — facing off on Sunday night.

With every team in the league in action, bettors can wager on 15 different games on Sunday.

Here's a moneyline pick for each of the, along with a short breakdown of each game:

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction and Pick

We've got a pair of pitchers with over 5.00 ERAs squaring off in this game, although Jose Quintana has led the Mets to a win over the Phillies once this season.

Philly is top five in MLB in OPS this season, and it comes into this game on a four-game winning streak. I'll ride with the hot team at home as a slight favorite.

San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers Prediction and Pick

The defending World Series champs should have an advantage on Sunday with Nathan Eovaldi (2.70 ERA) on the mound against Keaton Winn (3-6, 6.17 ERA).

The Giants are just 3-6 straight up in Winn's starts, and Eovaldi has been decent since returning from the IL, allowing just three runs across 8.2 innings of work. I lean with him to get the win on Sunday.

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Prediction and Pick

The Atlanta Braves are starting 2023 first-round pick Hurston Waldrep on Sunday — his MLB debut — against Washington's DJ Herz, who allowed four runs in four innings in his debut against the New York Mets.

Atlanta's offense, even without Ronald Acuna Jr., is better than this Washington group, and the Braves outrank the Nats in bullpen ERA. With both 'pens likely getting heavy usage in this one, I'll lay the juice with the Braves.

Minnesota Twins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction and Pick

Pirates starter Jared Jones has just one start all season where he's allowed over three earned runs, and he should have the edge against Minnesota's Bailey Ober (4.94 ERA).

Both of these teams are 5-7 in these starters respective outings, but Jones has beenb lights out at home, posting a 1.95 ERA in six starts. Trust him in this afternoon matchup.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction and Pick

Zack Littell led the Rays to a win over the Orioles in his last start, but it wasn't pretty. He gave up 11 hits across six innings (only three runs), pushing his WHIP up to 1.28 on the season.

He takes on Grayson Rodriguez (6-2, 3.28 ERA), who has led the O's to a 7-3 record in his 10 starts. Given the Rays struggles at home (17-20 straight up), I don't mind the Orioles (20-10 on the road) as slight favorites in this game.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Miami Marlins Prediction and Pick

There isn't much to love betwene Miami's Trevor Rogers (5.68 ERA) and Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco (5.66 ERA), but there is one stat that stands out to me.

Miami is just in Rogers' outings this season. I can't back this struggling Marlins team to get the win today.

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction and Pick

Cubs rookie Shota Imanaga appears to be coming back to earth, allowing 12 runs (eight earned) over his last two starts to shoot his ERA up to 1.88 on the season.

Meanwhile, Reds starter Frankie Montas is coming off his best outing of the season — seven innings of one-hit ball against the Colorado Rockies.

The Reds actually outrank the Cubs in OPS this season, so don't be shocked if they still one at home today.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction and Pick

AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal has been money for the Tigers all season, posting a 1.97 ERA and leading the team to a 9-3 record across 12 starts.

He takes on Milwaukee's Bryse Wilson, who has pitched decently in 2024 but could be due for some regression due to his 4.77 expected ERA. I'll take Detroit here.

Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals Prediction and Pick

Kansas City Royals starter Cole Ragans has just two starts this season where he's allowed more than three earned runs, and I give him the slight edge over Mariners youngster George Kirby.

Seattle ranks just 24th in MLB in OPS, so I'm worried about it scoring enough against a Royals team that has thrived at home, going 24-10 straight up.

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox Prediction and Pick

I can't bet on the awful Chicago White Sox, especially with Chris Flexen (5.19 ERA) on the moound. Chicago is just 2-11 straight up in his 13 starts this season.

Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals Prediction and Pick

I don't love either starter in this matchup, as Andre Pallante was rocked for St. Louis in his last outing, pushing his ERA over 6.00 on the season, and Ty Blach has been subpar (4.54 ERA) for Colorado.

These teams are both in last place with ugly run differentials, so why not take a shot on a road dog in this matchup?

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Prediction and Pick

Justin Verlander hasn't been his best in 2024, but Houston is starting to play better, going 6-4 in its last 10 games to move just half a game back of second in the AL West.

The Angels (last in the AL West) are sending Patrick Sandoval (5.00 ERA) to the mound, and he may struggle against a Houston offense that ranks 10th in MLB in OPS against lefties.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland A's Prediction and Pick

Oakland has been decent at home (15-19 straight up) this season, and it may have the pitching advantage with Mitch Spence (3.86 ERA) taking on Bowden Francis (9.00 ERA) in a battle of young arms.

The Jays also rank 29th in MLB in bullpen ERA, so I don't have much faith in the arms after Francis being trustworthy enough to back the Jays as favorites.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres Prediction and Pick

The D-Backs are going with an opener in this game, which makes them an automatic fade in my eyes. Arizona will have to use a lot of its bullpen, which ranks 25th in MLB in ERA this season.

That puts the Padres and Adam Mazur (1.50 ERA), who is making his second career start, in a good spot to grab a win at home.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees Prediction and Pick

Los Angeles' Tyler Glasnow and New York's Luis Gil have been two of the best pitchers in baseball this season, but I think the Dodgers pull off the series sweep of the Yanks on Sunday.

New York's offense has sputtered without Juan Soto, and the Dodgers hung 11 runs on New York on Saturday. If we're trusting an offense to get to a bullpen, I think the Dodgers have the slight edge right now.

Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel are poised to stay at the Emirates Stadium after they both committed their futures, with Mikel Arteta gifted a huge boost by their ongoing presence in the Gunners backline.

William Saliba agrees new Arsenal deal after Gabriel

Gabriel put pen to paper on an extension all the way back in June, which will keep him at the club until 2029, and it was one of Andrea Berta’s first major contract announcements after he replaced Edu in March.

Now, after months of uncertainty, talks and a rejected first proposal, his central defensive partner Saliba has also agreed to pen a new deal.

William Saliba’s defensive numbers for Arsenal in the Premier League — 2025/2026	Stats
Appearances	4
Minutes played	275
Clean sheets	2
Tackles made	8
Interceptions	3
Ground duels won	21/29
Aerial duels won	10
Clearances	18
via Footy Stats

Real Madrid were lingering in the background with the Frenchman’s previous contract due to expire in 2027, but Arteta was handed some very good news this week when news broke of Saliba’s decision to stay.

The 24-year-old is set to sign an extension until 2030, with journalist Dean Jones reporting that it could make Saliba the club’s highest earner on around £300,000-per-week.

It is a serious statement of intent from Berta, who has sent a clear message to the rest of Europe that Arsenal will no longer be bullied into selling their best players.

Since the very start of 2022/2023, Saliba and Gabriel have established themselves as one of the best centre-back partnerships in world football, and keeping both of them comes as an absolutely massive boost for Arsenal.

Now, as per reliable club insider ‘HandOfArsenal’ on X, the pair actually had a secret pact all along, and Berta is lining up another statement move immediately after securing Saliba.

Saliba and Gabriel's secret Arsenal pact as Berta lines up Saka deal

It is believed that the centre-backs agreed to stay at Arsenal and win trophies for many years, with the pact happening as far back as the summer. Meanwhile, Berta is swiftly set to commence work on agreeing a new deal with star winger Bukayo Saka.

With Saliba and Gabriel’s intentions crystal clear, it is believed that Arsenal won’t run into too much trouble with regard to Saka either.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs and GiveMeSport, Saka has made it clear he wants to sign an extension with Arsenal, so it is up to Berta to negotiate the required terms and keep their £195,000-per-week star.

Noni Madueke’s knee injury means that Arteta will need to call upon Saka much more regularly than he’d like, considering the England international is only just back from injury himself, but his importance to Arsenal cannot be understated.

Hannah Hampton has been ruled out of England's clash with Brazil on Saturday, meaning Sarina Wiegman will hand out a debut to another goalkeeper in the Lionesses squad this weekend. Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse are both in contention for that opportunity, as is Sophie Baggaley, who has been called into camp in light of Hampton's injury.

Hampton injury news: Goalkeeper to miss England vs Brazil

Wiegman revealed the news in her press conference on Friday, explaining that Hampton has sustained a "small elbow injury" that doesn't – as of right now – rule her out of England's second fixture on Tuesday, against Australia, or mean she has to leave the camp, but it does leave her unavailable for the game against Brazil on Saturday at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. "She'll be assessed and we'll see how that goes until Tuesday," Wiegman added.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesEngland debut incoming: Who will Wiegman pick to start in Hampton's place?

It will either be Keating, Moorhouse or Baggaley who gets to stand in between the sticks for the first time for the Lionesses this weekend, then. It would be a particularly sentimental moment for Keating, who plays her club football for Man City and was born and raised in the area. Her selection would perhaps be the most logistical one for the long-term, given she is only 21 years old and seen as an exciting prospect for the future.

Moorhouse, meanwhile, would be seen by some as the safer pick, particularly with Keating sometimes prone to errors amid her youth and experience. The 30-year-old plays her football in the U.S. with the Orlando Pride, who she helped do the double last year by clinching the NWSL Shield and Championship. She's got that experience of big stages in her favour, then.

Baggaley, though an important call-up and a goalkeeper with plenty of high-level games under her belt, would be more of a surprise pick, given she has not been as involved in the England set-up in recent times as Moorhouse and Keating, who were part of the squad that won the European Championships this past summer.

"I have made the decision," Wiegman said of her starting goalkeeper on Saturday. "But, as always, we have to get through this [last training] session and then, of course, I inform the team first before I inform [the media]."

More Lionesses injury news as Wubben-Moy added to list of absentees

Hampton was not the only player Wiegman revealed to be unavailable for Saturday's game either, as she also announced on Friday that Lotte Wubben-Moy has left the camp and is recovering at home after feeling unwell. It is a further blow to a defensive department which is already without captain Leah Williamson, due to injury; Millie Bright, who announced her international retirement earlier this month; and Katie Reid, the talented teenager who was called up after impressing in Williamson's absence at Arsenal, but had to withdraw from the squad due to a groin problem.

It has further reduced Wiegman's options for that right-sided centre-back role, where there is a real opportunity for at least one player, if not two, in this camp. Alex Greenwood has seemingly nailed down the left-sided position and it will likely be either Esme Morgan or Jess Carter alongside her on Saturday, with a safe prediction that one plays against Brazil and the other starts on Tuesday when England face Australia. Grace Fisk was called in to replace Reid earlier this week but she would be a surprise pick given she wasn't in the initial squad and remains uncapped. Maya Le Tissier would be another option but Wiegman has made it clear that she sees the Manchester United captain as a right-back, not a centre-back, in her team.

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Getty ImagesInjuries impact England team selection in several areas as Brazil & Australia visit

It's not just in defence, where Lucy Bronze and Niamh Charles are also only just back from injuries, that the Lionesses have concerns for this camp, either. Jess Park and Grace Clinton have both withdrawn from the squad over the course of the last week, while Lauren Hemp and Lauren James were not included due to injuries. It means there are limited options in the wide areas in particular, though England do still have dependable options such as Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead to call upon.

Still, with so many players missing, it increases the chances of seeing some experimentation from Wiegman across these two friendlies as the Lionesses begin a new tournament cycle, with qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup to start in the New Year.