And is Deepak Chahar’s 6 for 7 the best bowling performance in any T20 match?

Steven Lynch19-Nov-2019Bangladesh’s openers both made 6 in each innings of the Indore Test. Is this unique? asked Sandeep Sachdeva from India

The short answer is yes: four identical scores by a team’s openers, as Shadman Islam and Imrul Kayes managed against India in Indore last week, does appear to be unique in Tests.I was quite surprised to find that there has never yet been an instance of both openers from one side bagging a pair in the same Test. Indeed, there has only been one instance of this by openers on opposing sides – by Graeme Wood for Australia and Bruce Edgar for New Zealand in Perth in 1980-81.The highest identical score in both innings of a match by an opener is a brace of 58s, by New Zealand’s John Morrison against England in Auckland in 1974-75.What’s the record for the most successive Tests in which a side has had a batsman score a double-century? asked Abhijeet Das from India

As you may have guessed, the record was established by India in the recent match against Bangladesh in Indore. That was the fourth successive Test in which one of their batsmen had reached 200: Mayank Agarwal’s 243 followed the series against South Africa, in which Rohit Sharma made 212 in Ranchi, Virat Kohli an unbeaten 254 in Pune, and Agarwal himself 215 in Visakhapatnam.India also had three double-centuries in successive Tests in 2016-17: Kohli hit 235 in Mumbai and Karun Nair 303 not out in Chennai against England, and Kohli added 204 in the next Test, against Bangladesh in Hyderabad. This equalled Sri Lanka’s run in 2004, when in successive Tests against South Africa in August, Mahela Jayawardene made 237 in Galle and Kumar Sangakkara 232 in Colombo; then Sanath Jayasuriya hit 253 against Pakistan in Faisalabad in October.Has anyone ever been out for 99 on his Test debut? asked Brian Farmer from England

This maddening fate has befallen three batsmen. The first was Australia’s Arthur Chipperfield, against England at Trent Bridge in 1934. He went to lunch on the second day with 99, but was out to the third ball after the interval.Next to fall for a debut 99 was the bespectacled West Indian Robert Christiani, against England in Bridgetown in 1947-48: it’s said he burst into tears in the dressing room afterwards. And Asim Kamal marked his first Test for Pakistan with 99 against South Africa in Lahore in 2003-04. Chipperfield and Christiani did later reach three figures in Tests – but the unfortunate Kamal never did.In all, 31 batsmen have been out in the nineties on their Test debut.Robert Christiani was one of three unfortunate batsmen to get out on 99 on debut, after which he supposedly burst into tears in the dressing room•Getty ImagesMayank Agarwal scored his second double-century in his 12th Test innings. Has anyone got two faster than this – apart presumably from Don Bradman? asked Tony Le Roux from Australia

Actually this is one scoring table in which Don Bradman wasn’t on top – his second double-century (334 against England at Headingley in 1930) came in his 13th Test innings, so Mayank Agarwal beats the Don by one. But another Indian remains ahead: Vinod Kambli, who had not long turned 21, scored 224 in his fourth Test innings, against England in Mumbai in 1992-93, and 227 in his next one, against Zimbabwe in Delhi a few weeks later. Kambli made two more centuries later in the year against Sri Lanka. After seven matches (and eight innings), he had 793 runs at an average of 113.28 – but never managed another Test ton, and his career fizzled out after only ten more matches, although that electric start ensured he finished with an average of 54.20.Were Deepak Chahar’s 6 for 7 the best bowling figures in any T20 match? asked Phil Rafferty from the Czech Republic

Deepak Chahar’s remarkable figures of 6 for 7 against Bangladesh in Nagpur recently were the best in T20Is, just beating Ajantha Mendis’ 6 for 8 for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe in Hambantota in September 2012. Mendis also took 6 for 16 against Australia in Pallekele in August 2011; the only other man to take six in a T20I is the Indian legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal, with 6 for 25 against England in Bengaluru in February 2017.There have been three better returns in all senior T20 cricket (as well as two other 6 for 7s). A new record was established during England’s Vitality Blast in August 2019, when Leicestershire’s Colin Ackermann took 7 for 18 against the Birmingham Bears at Grace Road.Chahar’s spell the other day also included the 12th hat-trick in T20Is, but the first for India.Use our
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Chelsea’s hunt for a new talisman feels as though it has been going on for an indefinite period, with Enzo Maresca yet to land the player who could catapult his side to success.

Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are just two names who have been on the club’s shortlist in recent weeks, but as of yet no deal has been agreed for any new striker.

As a result, Nicolas Jackson has been the man responsible for providing the goods at the top end of the pitch for the Blues in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

However, the Senegalese international has been missing since the start of February with an injury, leaving the Italian short of options at the top end of the pitch, opting to use various players in his absence.

That could all be about to change this summer, with the club already in the hunt to sign one striker, but they aren’t alone in their pursuit of the star who’s caught the eye this season.

Chelsea plot move for European star this summer

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are one of a number of Premier League sides who have gathered information on the situation surrounding Lille striker Jonathan David.

The 25-year-old also has admirers from the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City, with a real battle facing the Blues if they are to win the race for his signature.

The Canadian, who’s out of contract at the end of June, has notched a total of 23 goals and ten assists in his 42 outings this season, carrying a real threat within the final third.

The report claims that no concrete proposals have been made for the Ligue 1 star, with David wanting more time to evaluate his options before making a decision.

Given his form, he would be a superb addition to Maresca’s squad, potentially being the Italian’s own version of a striker who’s also been on their radar in recent months.

How Jonathan David compares to Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP striker Gyokeres has caught the eye massively over the last few years, with his goalscoring exploits undoubtedly the reason why clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress.

The Swedish international has notched a staggering 42 goals in 42 games across all competitions this campaign, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

The 26-year-old would cost the Blues a pretty penny this summer, with goalscorers in the modern game costing a small fortune – hence why the club have yet been unable to land a talisman for Maresca in the last few months.

It is reported that the former Coventry City man could be available for around £60m this summer, with London rivals Arsenal also keen to land his signature during the off-season.

However, when comparing his stats to David’s in 2024/25, the Swede has struggled to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition the Canadian would be on a free transfer.

The difference between the pair is very minimal, with FBref ranking the Lille forward as a similar player to the Sporting star, showcasing how much of a sensational addition he would be.

David, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, may have registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has matched Gyokeres for goals per shot on target taken this season.

How David compares to Gyokeres in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

David

Gyokeres

Games played

25

26

Goals & assists

17

36

Progressive passes

2.1

1.8

Pass accuracy

81%

79%

Take-on success

52%

28%

Passes into final third

1

0.7

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.5

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more progressive passes per 90 along with a higher take-on success rate – highlighting the all-around threat he poses within the final third, being the focal point Maresca has craved in recent months.

The opportunity to sign a player of David’s calibre on a free transfer very rarely comes around with the Blues hierarchy desperately needing to take advantage of the situation that has been handed their way.

The fanbase may prefer Gyokeres due to his goalscoring ability, but David has demonstrated his quality in all areas, potentially saving the club millions and allowing Maresca to spend the funds elsewhere in their hunt for Premier League glory next season.

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Posts ByDan Emery Apr 1, 2025

Leeds United have made an opening enquiry to sign a new Premier League player, according to a fresh transfer report.

Leeds latest as Farke drops Meslier for Darlow

The Whites are still pushing for Championship promotion under Daniel Farke, with Leeds in a current battle with Sheffield United and Burnley.

It looked like it could be a straightforward promotion after wins over the Blades and Sunderland back in February, however, Leeds have taken just six points from a possible 15 since.

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier was once again at fault last time out in a draw with Swansea City, and Farke has now taken the decision to drop Meslier for Karl Darlow. Talking at a recent press conference, Farke said: “I think I’m a big believer to have clarity on GK position. I’ve taken the decision – Karl Darlow will play on Saturday. Karl and Illan are aware.

“I think in general with a goalkeeper, it’s important you don’t change game to game. Especially with a promising GK like Illan. He took part in securing promotion a few seasons ago. He’s still young for a GK. It’s professional football and you have to deliver and handle the pressure. In the last weeks we felt he could have done a bit better.

“I’m in the position where I have to make a decision and protect him a bit. The spotlight is on him and the weight of the world is on him. That was my feeling this week. I have a really reliable option with Karl Darlow. A top class character. I see him every day in training – absolutely professional and loyal. He played two solid performances for Wales. he’s in a good rhythm. I’m convinced it’s the right decision.”

Should Leeds return to the top flight after a two-year absence, Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises could look to splash the cash to remain in the division.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 4, 2025

It has proven a tough task for the six promoted sides since 2023, however, Leeds are turning to experience to potentially help Farke.

Leeds make enquiry to sign Farke target Soucek from West Ham

According to Claret & Hugh, Leeds have made an opening approach over a deal to sign Tomas Soucek from West Ham United.

It is claimed that ‘Farke has identified West Ham midfielder Soucek as a player who can guarantee the Whites some top-flight goals’ and that any deal would require Leeds being promoted.

The report also adds that Leeds are ‘ready to offer him at least £30,000 per week more than his current wage’, which currently stands at £90,000 per week.

The 6 ft 4 midfielder, who can play in holding, central or attacking roles, could therefore earn £120,000 per week at Elland Road, however, he is currently settled at the London Stadium, where his deal runs until 2027.

Soucek stats at West Ham

Games

238

Goals

39

Assists

13

Yellow cards

33

Red cards

1

It appears as if Farke is personally keen on the Czech Republic international, and any deal would see the midfielder offer a physical presence as well as plenty of Premier League experience.

Liverpool could see their forward line change this summer and Arne Slot appears to be on the case as the Reds look to build on their impending Premier League title success.

Liverpool could let Darwin Nunez leave this summer

The transfer rumour mill is beginning to accelerate ahead of the window and the idea of Darwin Nunez potentially leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia has been floated amid interest from Al-Hilal among others in his services.

Enduring a frustrating campaign, the Uruguay international has registered seven goals and one assist in 41 appearances across all competitions, with Diogo Jota and the likes of Luis Diaz regularly being preferred from the start under Arne Slot.

Surprisingly, Nottingham Forest have reportedly tabled a £50 million offer for Nunez. Creating the potential for the Reds’ forward to stay in the Premier League, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will entertain the scenario of selling the former Benfica man to a divisional rival.

Either way, the 25-year-old isn’t the only prominent figure that could depart in the off-season. Mohamed Salah has yet to sign a new deal at Anfield and speculation surrounding his future is unlikely to die down while his situation remains unresolved.

Move over Szoboszlai & Trent: Slot has unearthed Liverpool's new Gerrard

This player has turned into Liverpool’s modern superstar.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 4, 2025

Seeking attacking reinforcements, Liverpool have positioned themselves to sign Union Saint-Gilloise forward Mohamed Amoura. The Belgian Pro League outfit have an option to sign him for for just over £15 million from Wolfsburg and could announce his signature before turning over a quick profit at £33.3 million if appropriate interest arises.

Nevertheless, the Merseyside giants could now be set to take a completely different course of action in their hunt for an exciting centre-forward addition.

Liverpool hold confirmed talks over Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike

According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have held confirmed talks with Hugo Ekitike’s representatives and will look to press ahead with a deal despite alternative discussions being held between his entourage, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Commended for his “superb flair” by Jacek Kulig, the France Under-21 international is said to be valued at £68 million by Eintracht Frankfurt. He isn’t the only name on the Reds’ shortlist, with Victor Osimhen, Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko also being explored.

Stat

Nunez

Ekitike

Goals

5

13

Assists

2

4

Shots on target

12

37

Chances created

9

36

Non-penalty xG

4.88

15.92

Clearly, Ekitike’s statistics suggest he could be a significant upgrade on Nunez. 19 goals in all competitions have made him one of Europe’s sought-after young forwards and he may now be ready to step up in an elite environment.

Liverpool will likely need a new first-choice striker for years to come, so the onus is now on FSG to grant Slot the funds needed to push a deal through. It should be noted that Nunez could be sold for over £70 million, per the outlet, which may hasten the process.

Aston Villa fans far and wide will be travelling to Paris right now ahead of their side’s huge Champions League first leg tie with Paris St. Germain tomorrow evening, confident that their team can pull off a fantastic result in the daunting French capital.

After all, Unai Emery’s Villans head into this clash against their manager’s former employers having won their last seven games in all competitions, meaning the likes of Morgan Rogers and Co will dive headfirst into the contest at the Parc Des Princes without fear.

Still, the rosey recent form Villa are able to boast doesn’t mean summer additions won’t be lined up, with a recent report suggesting that Emery and Co could now land a new defensive titan for £50m.

Aston Villa lining up move for £50m defender

As per a recent report from Football Insider, the Birmingham-based giants could soon plot an ambitious deal for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande.

Transfer Focus

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

Football Insider further reveals that £50m would be enough for the Portuguese side to consider parting ways with their star defender, with the Villans willing to splash that extortionate amount of cash on Diomande to get a statement deal over the line.

After all, the “monster” centre-back – as he’s been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – is very much an in-demand figure, with fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly keen alongside Emery’s outfit.

Winning Diomande’s services would be yet another indicator that Villa are progressing as a force to be reckoned with, therefore, with a hope on the end of the West Midlands side that the 21-year-old could be their very own William Saliba, having seen how imperious the Frenchman has become for the Gunners.

How Diomande could be Emery's own Saliba

Saliba would enter into the English game with a lot of similar hype attached to his name, costing the Gunners – then managed by Emery – £27m back in 2019, before actually making his debut under Mikel Arteta in 2022.

He has more than lived up to all the wild praise that has come his way, with Saliba near faultless with the ball at his feet this season in the Premier League by averaging a 94% pass accuracy per match, alongside showing off his multi-faceted game by bravely winning 4.6 duels on average.

Further capable of popping up with a crucial header – seen in Saliba’s growing goal count of seven in North London – Villa will pray that forking out £50m for Diomande pays off and they do end up winning their very own version of the French powerhouse.

Both players have notable similarities when assessing their numbers in the Champions League this season, via FBref, with Diomande equally a cool and calm customer on the ball like his Arsenal counterpart, who is also unafraid to launch himself into full-throttle challenges if needed.

Attempted passes

60.04

61.00

Pass completion %

93.2%

93.0%

Progressive passes

2.16

3.14

Progressive carries

0.36

0.14

Successful take-ons

0.48

0.14

Tackles

1.08

1.86

Interceptions

0.96

1.00

Blocks

1.20

0.86

Clearances

3.60

3.71

Aerials won

1.68

1.43

As can be seen looking at the table above, the in-demand Diomande is a very similar style defender to Saliba, with both players in question unerring when it comes to their quality of passing, but both also have a mean streak present.

Indeed, the 21-year-old Villa target even betters the Arsenal stalwart when it comes to some of their defensive basics, with Emery hopeful that the “aggressive” colossus – as he’s been lauded by football talent scout Antonio Mango in the past – can then cut it in the demanding Premier League.

Villa have already seen both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio boldly enter through the door recently, so a jaw-dropping deal for Diomande to join isn’t out of the realms of possibility, especially as Emery and Co go about strengthening more to bolster their reputation as one of the Premier League’s top sides.

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He’s a man in demand…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 6, 2025

The next seven matches of Ipswich Town’s voyage this season in the Premier League rest on attempting to restore some pride, with survival looking a very distant possibility at this moment in time.

12 points is now the sizeable gap between Wolverhampton Wanderers sat in 17th spot and the Tractor Boys stuck in that last relegation spot in the division in 18th, meaning upcoming games against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United this April are somewhat free hits.

If the Suffolk underdogs stand any chance at picking up a shock result at Stamford Bridge later today, they will need Liam Delap to be firing on all cylinders, with the ex-Manchester City man also eager to keep up his rich vein of goalscoring form before a likely summer departure.

Delap's goalscoring heroics this season

Even as Ipswich sink closer and closer to the relegation drop, Delap continues to be a blistering goal machine.

Indeed, Delap would initially gift his side the lead against Wolves before Vitor Pereira’s men mounted a comeback, with the 22-year-old also on the scoresheet the match before when Kieran McKenna’s side surprised AFC Bournemouth on their own patch.

These two strikes in quick succession have bumped up the clinical number 19’s goal count in the Premier League to a high 12, with one of those goals even coming about in the reverse fixture when Delap and Co unsettled Enzo Maresca’s visitors in a 2-1 victory.

Even if Delap is at his free-flowing best, Ipswich will know a staunch defensive effort will still be necessary to secure a surprise result in West London, with this defender – who has now become as undroppable as the £30m striker – also needing to be at his imposing peak.

The Ipswich "warrior" now as undroppable as Delap

It has been a deeply frustrating campaign at Portman Road, with terrific attacking displays often let down by porous defensive offerings, seen in Ipswich conceding a steep 65 goals across their 31 games to date.

But, there have been some standout performers at the back regardless of error-strewn performances regularly seeping into their game defensively, with Dara O’Shea one figure that’s managed to cement himself as a first-team regular.

Minutes played

90

90

Goals scored

0

0

Assists

0

1

Touches

54

71

Accurate passes

17/28 (61%)

41/51 (80%)

Clearances

14

10

Blocked shots

5

2

Interceptions

1

1

Tackles

1

1

Total duels won

5/6

7/12

Looking at the table above, O’Shea has managed to show off his well-rounded game as a defender versus Andoni Iraola’s Cherries and the Old Gold, with the Irishman putting in a far more back-to-basics display on the South Coast when tallying up 14 clearances in the slim away win.

Only losing out on one of his duels from six attempted too, the ex-West Bromwich Albion colossus definitely lived up to his previous “warrior” billing from one of his former managers in Valerien Ismael.

But, he also showed off his composed game against Pereira’s side when assisting the only goal of the afternoon, with his concrete presence in McKenna’s starting XI only growing stronger off the back of these standout showings, even as relegation looms large.

Not missing a single minute of Premier League action that has been available to him this year, the 6 foot 1 powerhouse also has bags of Championship experience under his belt with 70 career games at the level managed, meaning his minutes won’t deplete whatsoever when second-tier football likely returns to Portman Road.

Before that eventuality beckons, however, Ipswich will want to add as many points to their low top-flight tally as they can, starting potentially with a bolt from the blue result at Stamford Bridge.

Move advanced: Ipswich player who McKenna loves close to Portman Road exit

A transfer is thought to be at an advanced stage.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 8, 2025

Following a disastrous start to life at Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers are reportedly already considering sacking Valerien Ismael and could yet hire a former MLS manager in his place.

Ismael already under pressure at Blackburn

Coming in to replace John Eustace, who completed a shock move to Derby County, many would have been hoping for Ismael to pick up where the man he replaced left off. That has proved to be anything but the case, however. Since arriving, the former Watford manager has won once in eight games, which has seen Blackburn fall from play-off hopefuls to mid-table obscurity in the Championship.

Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Norwich City

01/03/2025

Derby County 2-1 Blackburn Rovers

08/03/2025

Stoke City 1-0 Blackburn Rovers

12/03/2025

Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Cardiff City

15/03/2025

Portsmouth 1-0 Blackburn Rovers

29/03/2025

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Middlesbrough

04/04/2025

Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday

08/04/2025

Luton Town 0-1 Blackburn Rovers

12/04/2025

After finally picking up the first win of his reign last time out, Ismael will be desperate to see his side kick on and finish the season strongly in the remaining four games.

The Blackburn boss told reporters after defeating Luton: “Congrats for the boys. Until the red card it was the gameplan we expected. In the first half we wanted to be really strong as we knew we had to face the challenge with a team who are fighting to survive.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

“They put a lot of balls in the box so you have to defend and show togetherness and we made it perfectly. In the transition we didn’t play well. We wanted to get more in behind but the main focus was to stay strong. That was the first step and the second one was to get behind them and we made it perfectly with the goal we scored.”

Even after that long-awaited victory, however, Blackburn may already be running out of patience and could reportedly turn towards a fresh candidate.

Blackburn considering Wayne Rooney

According to talkSPORT, Blackburn will now consider hiring Wayne Rooney if they decide to sack Ismael in the coming weeks, offering the former MLS manager a much-needed lifeline in the process. The Manchester United legend has endured a nightmare spell in the technical area in recent times, with his stint at Plymouth Argyle the last in a growing list of failed moves.

There’s no doubt that Blackburn would be taking a major risk. As disappointing as Ismael has been, it could be argued that he needs a full summer in charge before those at Ewood Park deliver their full judegment.

Blackburn must act with caution and not fall down the path that Birmingham City once followed by hiring Rooney. The Blues were play-off hopefuls under Eustace, but decided to welcome the Premier League icon nonetheless.

That same campaign they soon sacked their new manager and relegation followed. Blackburn, at all costs, should avoid taking the same risk.

It is right back to business for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou after their heroics in the Europa League on Thursday, with Champions League qualification chasers Nottingham Forest awaiting them on Easter Monday as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to upset his former club.

Tottenham enter first Europa League semi-final since 1984

Spurs edged past Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, courtesy of Dominic Solanke’s vital spot-kick, and Postecoglou’s side were forced to display some last-gasp pieces of defending to keep hold of their precious advantage on hostile away turf.

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Bodies were on the line over a dogged, mature display which we’ve scarcely witnessed at Spurs all season long, and Postecoglou was thrilled by the effort from his players, as Tottenham set up their first Europa semi-final since 1984.

“They’ve been so united in believing in what we’re trying to achieve here and that is what gave me heart all along that if we got our own slice of luck in terms of getting some players back that I really believed this team could achieve,” said Postecoglou on Spurs’ win over Eintracht.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

“That is what keeps driving me. It isn’t so much my belief in them, it’s their belief in what we’re doing and both players and staff have been outstanding. I am the front man for it but they take responsibility for it as well and all my decisions and everything I do, but not at any stage have I felt they lost any belief in me or what we’re doing.”

Postecoglou has been repeatedly tipped for the Tottenham axe following a dismal Premier League season, having already lost 17 top-flight matches, but their Europa League campaign represents a golden opportunity for the Lilywhites to make history and fulfill the Australian’s goal of winning silverware during his second term in charge.

All eyes are on the next round, where they will face off against fairy-tale semi-finalists Bodo/Glimt, but they must first take on both Forest and travel to Anfield for a clash against Liverpool.

Tottenham could be without James Maddison against Nottingham Forest

As Spurs prepare to host the former at home, Postecoglou has shared a pre-match update on star £170,000-per-week midfielder James Maddison.

Maddison was forced off against Eintracht after his nasty collision with goalkeeper Kaua Santos, which resulted in the away side being awarded Solanke’s decisive penalty.

The Englishman ultimately playing a crucial role in helping Tottenham to the semis, but as a result, Postecoglou has now confirmed that Maddison is a Tottenham injury doubt for Forest.

“It’s fair to say he’ll probably be a bit sore, so he’s probably a doubt for Monday,” said Postecoglou on Maddison’s condition.

“The rest of the group, again, they all worked hard, so they’ll be sore, but they should all be okay for Monday night. Sonny will still be out. He’s been dealing with a foot problem for a while, so now is as good a time as any to give him the right time to to get over it. He’ll definitely miss Monday. Everyone else should be okay.”

The 28-year-old has bagged 10 goals and 11 assists throughout all competitions, and he’ll likely be a sore miss against Forest, but with nothing to play for domestically, it is far more imperative that he’s fresh and ready for their European tie.

Tottenham Hotspur are now making moves to sign a striker, who they are planning to offer a place in the starting XI next season, according to a report.

Solanke's first season at Spurs

Dominic Solanke’s first season as a Tottenham player has been marred by a number of injury issues, having suffered with hamstring and ankle problems, but he hasn’t exactly been prolific in front of goal when fully-fit.

The striker started the Premier League season well, netting six goals prior to Christmas, but since then the Englishman has struggled to score as regularly, with just one league goal to his name in 2025.

With Richarlison also missing the majority of the campaign due to injuries, it would make sense for Spurs to bring in a more dependable striker in the summer transfer window, and a report has now revealed they could bring in a Premier League player on a free transfer.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 5, 2025

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are now making moves to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is looking increasingly likely to exit Goodison Park upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

Spurs are willing to offer Calvert-Lewin a ‘prominent’ place in the starting XI, having been impressed by his goalscoring ability and physicality, which indicates Solanke may be forced to drop to the bench, after a mixed debut season in north London.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League fixtures	Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)	April 13th
Nottingham Forest (h)	April 21st
Liverpool (a)	April 27th
West Ham United (a)	May 3rd
Crystal Palace (h)	May 10th

The Everton forward could offer the Lilywhites a different kind of threat in attack, and they believe he can rediscover his best form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having been hampered by a number of injury issues during his time with the Toffees.

Calvert-Lewin isn't what Tottenham need

The 28-year-old has impressed in the Premier League in the past, netting 16 goals for the Toffees in the 2020-21 campaign, at which point he was lauded as a “monster” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

If the Englishman were able to replicate those numbers for Spurs, he could be an excellent addition to the squad, but there are signs his best days are behind him, having scored just three goals in the Premier League this season.

Not only that, but the Sheffield-born striker’s injury issues are well-documented, having suffered a series of setbacks during his time on Merseyside, which will also be a concern for Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou has had to make do without Richarlison and Solanke for large parts of the current season, and another injury-prone striker isn’t what the manager needs.

Calvert-Lewin’s availability on a free transfer perhaps makes him a slightly appealing option, at least as a squad player, but he arguably should not be brought in as the first-choice striker, given his patchy goal and injury records.

Few Manchester United players in the modern era have been quite so polarising, quite so newsworthy as that of Paul Pogba, with the mercurial Frenchman enduring a turbulent six-year second spell at Old Trafford, to say the least.

Signed on an £89m deal back in the summer of 2016 – four years on from having left under Sir Alex Ferguson on a free transfer – the towering midfielder failed to truly justify that club record fee, despite scoring and assisting 87 goals in 233 games for the Red Devils in total.

Plagued by injuries in his final few seasons in Manchester, the World Cup winner was repeatedly touted for an exit by his then-agent, Mino Raiola, throughout his time at the club, while failing to build on the Carabao Cup and Europa League success from his first year back in English football.

The former Juventus man may not have been surrounded by the greatest United side of recent times, but neither has Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese playmaker epitomising everything that his ex-teammate could have been.

Deployed in a deep-lying role, as a number ten, or even on the flanks, Fernandes has repeatedly delivered the goods over the past five years, having now chalked up 95 goals and 82 assists in 277 games to date. There have been no excuses, no apparent desire to leave – the 30-year-old has relished the role of being United’s talisman.

Pogba, however, never took on that mantle, even despite his hefty price tag, with the Red Devils certainly needing to steer clear of any suggestion regarding a potential reunion.

The latest on Pogba's potential Man Utd return

Having been approaching the end of his contract in the climax of the 2021/22 campaign, Pogba’s United career petered out in a sorry manner as he was notably booed off by the Old Trafford faifthful during the 3-2 win over Norwich City, having then limped off just minutes into the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool away at Anfield.

That had looked like a fitting end to a disappointing chapter for the 91-cap France international, although there had been reports of late that an unwelcome homecoming was on the cards.

The 32-year-old has been out of action across the last 18 months or so due to a suspension for a doping breach, having endured a miserable return to Juve, following his United exit in 2022.

Now currently a free agent, Pogba was linked with a short-term switch back to Manchester in recent months, albeit with those claims subsequently quashed, amid the player’s own desire to join a club competing in the upcoming Club World Cup.

Forking out for the wages of a player who hasn’t played competitively since 2023 would make little sense too, with a final swansong in Saudi Arabia or MLS looking a more likely destination for the ageing star.

For all concerned, Pogba’s United story wisely looks to be resigned to the past, although Ruben Amorim and INEOS may be fearful of having found their next version of the 6 foot 3 hotshot among the current ranks.

Man Utd may have found Pogba 2.0

For all the criticism mentioned above – with club legend Gary Neville among those to admit that Pogba’s move “failed” – there were no doubt flashes of quality from the midfielder at times in a United shirt.

2021/22

20

1

9

2020/21

26

3

3

2019/20

16

1

3

2018/19

35

13

9

2017/18

27

6

10

2016/17

30

5

4

2011/12

3

0

0

Total

157

29

38

The elegant star notably dazzled in the 2018/19 campaign, amid Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, having scored 16 goals and registered a further 11 assists, after being pushed into a more advanced role by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Pogba also impressed down the left flank in the early knockings of 2021/22, having memorably chalked up four assists during the 5-1 thrashing of rivals Leeds United on the opening day.

Ultimately, however, a man signed to play in a midfield two never really looked comfortable in that role, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noting after his exit that ‘his physical stature suggested a defensive side to Pogba’s game that was not really there’.

Parallels between that signing from Serie A can certainly be made then with the relatively recent capture of Joshua Zirkzee, with the 6 foot 4 Dutchman arriving on a £36.5m deal from Bologna last summer.

Like Pogba – who registered 23 goals and assists in 2015/16 at Juve – Zirkzee had dazzled in Italy’s top-flight, having ended last term as the division’s Young Player of the Year, while even being likened to Ronaldinho by then-boss, Thiago Motta.

Much like the Frenchman, the former Bayern Munich was signed for one role but has largely been at his best elsewhere, having swiftly moved away from operating as a number nine and instead been deployed as one of Amorim’s two number tens.

That switch has proved fruitful, amid notable goals against the likes of Leicester City and Real Sociedad in recent months, although, like Pogba, the 23-year-old’s pace and physicality has been called into question, having been described as almost “admirably slow” by journalist Charlie Parrish.

As Italian football expert Mina Rzouki has also outlined, ‘it doesn’t help that Zirkzee’s physical stature suggests he ought to be a different type of striker’, again mirroring the towering Pogba, who was not, despite his appearance, a particularly dominant midfielder.

A player that seemingly “belongs to a different era”, in the words of Parrish, Zirkzee’s almost casual style also bears a resemblance to Pogba strutting his stuff in the centre of the park, with the pair both possessing that knack for gliding up the pitch with the ball at their feet. The silk is there, but is there the steel?

The Netherlands international, to his credit, has shaken off an early withdrawal against Newcastle United to earn almost cult hero status – something his midfield counterpart was never able to achieve – with there perhaps a sense that he can kick on under the Amorim regime in the coming years.

That nagging stylistic likeness to Pogba does persist, however, with the question remaining as to whether the £105k-per-week maestro can truly carve out a regular role for himself in this system, as well as whether he really is up to the task amid the rigours of the Premier League.

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