Nottingham Forest are reportedly in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a deal to sign Gio Reyna on an initial loan until the end of the season. The Premier League side want to include an option to buy, rather than an obligation, at the end of the season.
Nuno and co. are apparently working hard to get the deal done, but on Tuesday night it was suggested that details still needed to be finalised before that could happen. Forest's 3-2 defeat to Brentford last weekend saw the Bees leapfrog them in the table and push them down to 16th, just four points above the relegation zone, and 18th-place Luton have a game in hand. News of a breakthrough in the pursuit of Reyna, then, will be warmly welcomed at the City Ground.
Reyna agrees to join Forest
According to Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Forest have now reached an agreement with Reyna over the deal. They have come to a "total verbal" understanding, harnessing the "top relation" between his agent Jorge Mendes and manager Nuno.
The player is "keen to leave" Signal Iduna Park this month, but Forest still need to strike a deal with Dortmund as talks continue. The hope is that, if all goes well, they can finalise the transfer "in the next days" as we approach the 1 February deadline.
Sancho may lend Forest helping hand
Nuno was always likely to offer something of a trump card in this pursuit given that he himself, like Reyna, is a client of Mendes' Gestifute agency. His representatives therefore have a vested interest in getting a deal done.
Reyna joined Dortmund from the New York City FC academy in 2019 and has gone on to make 120 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals and providing 17 assists. Having missed the start of the campaign through injury, he's played 13 times this season and featured in 10 of their last 12 Bundesliga games. However, his only league start in that sequence came in a 3-3 draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt in late October, where he was substituted at half-time.
To make matters worse, Dortmund have just brought back Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, narrowing his path to gametime even further. Reyna, who can play as either an attacking midfielder or a winger, has logged just 18 league minutes since Sancho arrived. He may have been hopeful of fighting his way back into the side before that deal, but you can understand why he now wants out.
Nottingham Forest now offered chance to sign Michy Batshuayi for Nuno
Nottingham Forest could bring him back to England…
BySean Markus Clifford Jan 14, 2024
At the international level, Reyna has already reached 24 caps for the United States even at the age of 21, scoring seven times. The former US Soccer Young Player of the Year, he's twice been named in the Best XI following the CONCACAF Nations League Finals (2021, 2023). Forest, then, would be getting one of the very best American talents in the game, provided they can persuade Dortmund.
Em oito meses, a parceria entre o Banco de Brasília e Flamengo alcançou chegou à marca de 200 mil contas abertas no Nação BRB FLA, o banco digital fruto do acordo entre o clube e a empresa. Segundo comunicado do Rubro-Negro, o Nação BRB FLA está presente em 27 países e em 70% dos municípios brasileiros.
Presidente do BRB, Paulo Henrique Costa, e Gustavo Oliveira, vice-presidente de Comunicação e Marketing do Flamengo, celebraram os números alcançados na última semana.
– Em apenas oito meses, o Nação BRB FLA já é considerado um banco digital completo, com um portfólio de produtos e serviços robusto e com opções personalizadas e exclusivas disponíveis aos seus clientes – afirma o presidente do BRB.
– Esta é mais uma marca importante para nossa parceria com o BRB, mas sabemos que este trabalho tem um enorme potencial para crescer ainda mais com a força da Nação Rubro-Negra. A sociedade entre Flamengo e BRB desenvolveu um produto de primeiríssima linha. Por isso estamos muito felizes em poder convocar nosso torcedor a abrir sua conta, aproveitando todos os serviços e benefícios e ainda ajudando nosso clube do coração – disse Gustavo Oliveira.
As 200 mil contas abertas no banco digital Nação BRB FLA representam mais de 55% das contas do BRB. Nos próximos meses, novidades estão programadas para os clientes. Em abril, um novo cartão pré-pago, o Octa, estará disponível aos clientes do banco digital. O novo pré-pago é comemorativo ao octacampeonato do Brasileirão, recém-conquistado pelo Flamengo.
Também no próximo mês está previsto o lançamento da plataforma de relacionamento + Mengão. Por meio dela, os clientes torcedores do banco poderão resgatar e trocar pontos adquiridos por produtos e serviços.
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With Newcastle United currently on a run of four successive defeats in the Premier League, it is clear to see that there is still a real need for improvement at St James' Park, with the Magpies having failed to build on last season's top-four finish.
Currently languishing in mid-table, one particular issue for Eddie Howe's side has been the lack of depth in key positions, with quality options limited outside of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar at the heart of the defence.
jean-clair-todibo-sven-botman-newcastle-opinion
With Schar – and club captain Jamaal Lascelles – also now into their 30's – a more youthful partner for Botman may be required before too long, hence the club's interest in a promising talent who is currently shining in Portugal.
Newcastle eyeing move for centre-back starlet
According to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, via Sport Witness, Newcastle are believed to be one of several clubs who have sent scouts to watch Sporting CP defender, Ousmane Diomande in action at AFCON this month, ahead of a potential swoop.
The report suggests that while striking a deal for the Ivory Coast sensation is likely to be 'impossible' before the close of the winter window, a summer departure from the Lisbon side cannot be ruled out, raising hopes for Howe and co.
Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
That being said, the piece does claim that a move could be agreed this month if any suitor is to meet the 20-year-old's €80m (£69m) release clause, with it yet to been whether the northeast side would be willing or able to sump up the required cash over the coming days.
How Ousmande Diomande would fit in at Newcastle
Not only would the former Midtjylland man be able to offer a long-term partner to the "incredible" talent this is Botman, as described by pundit Leon Osman, but he could also prove hugely beneficial to influential right-back, Kieran Trippier, amid the Englishman's woes of late.
With Trippier looking set to stay put at St James' despite hefty interest from Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, the focus for Howe will be on getting the best out of the 33-year-old once again, amid a "disastrous" run for the defender in recent times – as per journalist Harry De Cosmo.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man was notably at fault for two late goals in the defeat to Everton last month after being caught in possession, having also gifted the ball to Mykhaylo Mudryk in the Carabao Cup quarter-final loss to Chelsea.
It was also the veteran defender who failed to prevent Oscar Bobb from prodding him at the back post as Manchester City snatched victory at the death just a few weeks ago, with such errors proving rather costly amid the club's dire run.
The addition of Diomande, therefore, could be just the solution at right centre-back, with the "rapid" youngster – as hailed by writer Zach Lowy – possessing remarkable recovery speed to be able to bail the full-back out when required.
Also dubbed "physically imposing and aerially dominant" by Lowy, the 6 foot 3 menace's defensive prowess could allow Trippier the chance to focus on his primary strengths of running the show in the final third, with the Three Lions star having created ten 'big chances' this season – the joint-fifth most of any player in the division.
Having also been described as "cool and collected carrying the ball out of pressure" – as per Lowy – Diomande is unlikely to play those around him into trouble, instead feeding Trippier et al at any opportunity, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 6% among his peers in league's comparable to the Primeira Liga for progressive passes per 90.
Newcastle could make "monster" signing to be their new Cabaye
Newcastle could welcome their next version of Yohan Cabaye to the club this year.
ByMatt Dawson Jan 28, 2024
To have such an all-round "elite talent" – as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – alongside him could be just what Trippier needs to shake off this recent poor run.
Jurgen Klopp would typically play down the notion that his side are firmly at the front of the Premier League title race, but with each passing matchweek, the chances of gleaning the glinted trophy increase.
Liverpool were abject last season; limp and listless, a fifth-place finish spelt the end of an illustrious run in the Champions League and forced Klopp to enforce sweeping changes to the midfield – something that, frankly, was long overdue.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
It wasn't that the Anfield bosses were… circumspect, but perhaps a little too fixated on landing the perfect player to enhance the existing ranks, though last summer the right moves were made to charge the pursuit of silverware this season.
And now, past the Premier League season's midpoint, Liverpool are to travel to AFC Bournemouth to maintain their grasp on the top position, though given that the Cherries have won seven and lost just one of their past nine outings across all competitions, this won't be easy.
Liverpool team news vs Bournemouth
Klopp is juggling more than a few absences at present, though the German will still be convinced that his available members have what it takes to level the Vitality Stadium with all three points.
Victory this afternoon will take the Reds five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, albeit having played an extra match.
Liverpool: List of Absences
Player
Reason
Expected Return Date
Joel Matip
ACL injury
01/09/2024
Stefan Bajcetic
Stress response
24/02/2024
Thiago Alcantara
Groin/Hip injury
24/02/2024
Kostas Tsimikas
Shoulder injury
04/02/2024
Andrew Robertson
Shoulder injury
04/02/2024
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Knee injury
30/01/2024
Dominik Szoboszlai
Thigh injury
30/01/2024
Wataru Endo
No return date
Asia Cup
Mohamed Salah
No return date
African Cup of Nations
With an extended list of absentees, Liverpool will need to produce a cohesive and fluent performance against Andoni Iraola's men, with the likely return of Alexis Mac Allister to the starting fold in the Premier League coming at the perfect time, having now recovered from a knee injury.
Why Alexis Mac Allister must start vs Bournemouth
Liverpool signed Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for a bargain fee of £35m in June, with the dynamic midfielder basking in a brilliant 2022/23 campaign that saw him win the World Cup with Argentina and lead the Seagulls toward European qualification for the first time in the club's history.
Liverpool's weary midfield was at the epicentre of the struggles last term and Mac Allister, energetic, intelligent and enterprising, was viewed as the perfect fit to rekindle the fire at the heart of Klopp's system.
He hasn't played quite the role that he might have expected, deployed as the holding midfielder across 18 of his 21 appearances, but he has been vital for the fluency and progression.
As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old has completed 88% of his passes in the top-flight this term, averaging 2.1 tackles and 5.9 ball recoveries per match and succeeding with 64% of his attempted dribbles.
Asserting control against a Bournemouth team that will look to break with a high-intensity approach and inflict damage on the counter will be paramount, and Mac Allister offers the technical control to ensure that Liverpool make good use of their best qualities and craft openings to kill the game off.
Alexis Mac Allister: Key Characteristics
Strengths
Weaknesses
Passing
Discipline
Dribbling
Tackling
Direct free-kicks
*Sourced via WhoScored
Indeed, as per FBref, the £150k-per-week dynamo ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for shots taken, the top 20% for progressive carries and the top 19% for progressive passes and successful take-ons per 90.
While fellow summer signing Wataru Endo's industriousness and tenacity in his defensive midfield duties have allowed him to serve well in Mac Allister's absence over the past month, there is a gulf in technique between the respective players and the latter will be essential in ensuring Liverpool grab all the goods on the south coast.
On the note of absentees, influential vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold is also still in a period of convalescence after injuring his knee in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal earlier in the month, and, with Joe Gomez deputising at left-back, youngster Conor Bradley could be in line to continue his exciting run of form.
Conor Bradley could shine again
Hailed for his "eye-catching cameo" at the Emirates Stadium by The Athletic's James Pearce, Bradley was handed his first domestic start of the season several days later as Liverpool hosted Fulham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, producing an arresting display down the right channel and being crowned the Man of the Match.
During that game, the 20-year-old made six tackles, won ten ground duels, completed 88% of his passes, made two key passes for his teammates and succeeded with two dribbles, performing admirably against the fleet-footed Antonee Robinson.
Having spent the 2022/23 term on loan in League Two with Bolton Wanderers, earning the club's Player of the Season award after achieving promotion, Bradley was touted for a senior role this season but was struck with injury in pre-season and only made his first appearance at the end of November, against Union Saint Gilloise in the Europa League.
Calm and composed in possession and eager to join attacking surges when the opportunity permits, Bradley has the trappings of a rounded full-back and will relish the opportunity to impress in the Premier League.
It's a big ask to entrust a relatively untested youngster with a starting berth in a big match, but Klopp has full confidence in Bradley's abilities and he has already demonstrated his potential against high-class opposition earlier this month, receiving effusive remarks after efforts against Arsenal and Fulham.
Unleashing the promising full-back – as well as Mac Allister – could prove the perfect formula to help ruin Bournemouth's day, and their fine recent run, at the Vitality Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur are "on the verge" of a surprise signing as Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg breaks some transfer news this morning.
Postecoglou chasing early January deals
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou made clear last month that the north Londoners will attempt to seal their January business early, as the head coach wants to bed new recruits into the squad nice and quickly.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.
By
Luke Randall
Feb 1, 2024
Indeed, Tottenham are linked with signing a centre-back, midfielder and forward this month, with Postecoglou recently saying he's "hopeful" of sealing new players soon after the winter window opens.
"Obviously if we can do business early it's great for us, not just because of losing [Cristian] Romero but there's a whole month there – why waste it?," said Postecoglou on Spurs' January transfer plans.
"If you can bring them in early, even if they don't play you can bed them into training and our style of football because it's not like we're going to sign somebody and they'll hit the ground running. Maybe they could.
Spurs rumoured centre-back targets for January
Latest update
Trevoh Chalobah
20th December
Jean-Clair Todibo
20th December
Morato
19th December
Radu Dragusin
16th December
Sebastian Caceres
14th December
Jarrad Branthwaite
13th December
"Whereas if you leave it towards the end of January, it's potentially not until mid to end of February when they get up to speed, depending where they're coming from, the league they're coming from. So there's a whole lot of moving parts. So yes, I'd love to do something early in the window but even me saying that puts a challenge on us – because other clubs know we want to do something early.
"You've got to play the game, we'll see what happens but I'm hopeful it will be much earlier than the end of the window before we bring someone in."
Spurs have been heavily linked with a move for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin. Postecoglou's side, in their desperate search for a new centre-back, are thought to be making headway and want a deal done soon.
Tottenham are advancing in talks to sign Dragusin after agreeing personal terms (Fabrizio Romano), but according to Sky reporter Plettenberg, there has been quite an unexpected transfer development out of N17 just this morning.
Timo Werner "on the verge" of joining Tottenham
According to the journalist, RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner could be a Spurs player very soon.
It is believed Werner is "on the verge" of joining Tottenham on loan and "final negotiations" are taking place today.
The Germany international can play anywhere across the attacking midfield area and further forward. Werner has scored two goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season.
Although the visitors chased down the target with seven wickets to spare, Mitchell Starc’s return to action provided some good news for Australia
The Report by Andrew McGlashan08-May-2019
Steven Smith tumbles while playing a shot•Getty Images
An increasingly confident innings from Steven Smith and the return to action of Mitchell Starc provided the good news for Australia, but it was a distinctly mixed day as they were comfortably beaten by the New Zealand XI who secured a seven-wicket victory in Brisbane on the back of Will Young’s 130.Pace bowler Jhye Richardson was also ruled out of the World Cup and David Warner fell for a duck on his return to opening the batting before the visitors, without ten of their main squad, reached their target of 278 with 16 balls to spare. It followed the Australians’ batting collapse in the opening match when they scrambled to a one-wicket win.Smith’s 89 not out off 77 balls, coming at No. 5, was his highest score in a 50-over match – albeit an unofficial one – for more than two years since an unbeaten 108 against Pakistan in January 2017. Glenn Maxwell, with a crisp 52 off 44 balls, and Usman Khawaja also made half-centuries.The uncapped Young, who faces up to nine months on the sidelines due to upcoming shoulder surgery, was the star of the chase reaching his century off 110 balls. He added 133 for the second wicket with George Worker, after Starc had struck third ball to castle Hamish Rutherford, then put on 130 for the third with captain Tom Latham who made an unbeaten 69.Starc, playing his first competitive match since the final Test against Sri Lanka in February, bowled with impressive pace – clocking 148kph during his first spell – and returned to spear a rapid yorker through Worker. He was limited to two short spells after the lengthy time on the sidelines, finishing with for 2 for 14 from five overs, but looks primed to lead Australia’s attack at the World Cup.However, in the absence of the rested Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa, the rest of the attack was somewhat pedestrian. Kane Richardson, who has replaced Jhye for the World Cup, went wicketless for the second match running, neither Sean Abbott or Michael Neser, who are both part of the A squad could make an impact, and Nathan Lyon was milked for 54 from his ten. Without Jhye and Josh Hazlewood, a lot appears to rest on Starc and Cummins.The Australians batted first by agreement having bowled in the opening match when there was a toss. It was tough going early on against excellent new-ball spells from Hamish Bennett and Doug Bracewell. Warner drove Bracewell to cover in the second over and captain Aaron Finch was caught behind as the Australians managed 2 for 29 in the first ten overs.Khawaja, who was dropped on 6 at square leg, and Shaun Marsh rebuilt and steadily increased the tempo before Marsh was caught behind. Khawaja went to his half-century off 64 balls but his innings was then cut short by a stinging catch at short midwicket by Jimmy Neesham who grabbed onto a powerful pull shot.Smith and Maxwell then added a brisk stand of 81 for the fifth wicket which was dominated by the latter as Smith continued to find his feet. When Maxwell fell after threatening to really cut loose in the final ten overs, Smith took charge of the closing stages, tallying four sixes including increasingly inventive strokeplay as he plundered 39 off his last 17 deliveries. The innings was warmly applauded in what is becoming a successful week for him.However, overall the Australians have been short of their best in the first two matches of the week and will be keen for a dominant finish before getting on the plane on Friday night.
The top men's players to watch at TST 2024: From celebrities to former European greats
TST 2024 has arrived, and in year two of The Soccer Tournament, the stars are out and in abundance. Ex-European greats such as Sergio Aguero and former NFL stars such as JJ Watt are among the headliners who will be playing in this year's competition in Cary, N.C.
The Soccer Tournament debuted last year, and in an expanded field for 2024, 48 teams will be competing in a World Cup-style Group Stage bracket in a winner-takes-all format for a cash prize of $1 million to the winning team.
With this year's tournament featuring bolstered rosters and a talented array of players, GOAL takes a look at six of the most exciting athletes in the men's field…
GettySergio Aguero
The Manchester City and Argentina legend is coming out of retirement to take the pitch once again this summer, much to the amazement of many.
scored 260 goals across 390 appearances for the Cityzens while netting 41 times in 99 appearances for his national team.
He will be joined by eight players from Independiente de Avellaneda, former Napoli and La Albiceleste international Mariano Andujar and ex-Arsenal forward Alexander Del Castillo.
Perhaps the most clinical striker TST has seen, the Argentine will be the most imposing attacker teams will have to deal with this tournament.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLuis Nani
"Nani, Nani, Naniiii, Oh he's Nani of MUFC, he comes from Portugal, he's gonna score us a goal, oh he's Nani of MUFC…" The chants on broadcasts from his time at Manchester United still echo.
The Portugal great and former Red Devil star is back. The dynamic winger with an eye for goals will return to the pitch at TST 2024, and he's bringing talent with him.
Ex-Italy star Mario Balotelli will play on the field with him, along with ex-US international Dom Dwyer and mutliple former Potugal stars.
USA TODAY SportsSebastian Giovinco
The former MLS MVP with Toronto FC, Italian national team star and Juventus forward is set to play in TST 2024 alongside former Canada star Dwayne De Rosario and ex-USMNT stars Jimmy Conrad and DaMarcus Beasley.
The Italian, known for his trademark freekicks and long-distance efforts, will be a menace on the pitch for opposition this tournament.
The two-time MLS All star netted 83 goals in 142 appearances across four seasons and will look to make a run towards the Golden Boot this tournament.
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Getty ImagesJJ Watt
The Burnley co-owner and NFL legend is set to play in TST 2024 for the Clarets men's team as they make their TST debut. The former Houston Texan and Arizona Cardinal and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is looking to light-up the tournament with his size, speed and ambition.
It will be a spectacle for all parties when the former NFL defensive end takes the pitch.
A Portuguesa estreou no Campeonato Carioca com duas vitórias para cima de Vasco e Fluminense. Com o elenco reforçado e de olho na classificação para a próxima fase da competição, o clube segue ativo no mercado buscando contratações pontuais dentro de seu plantel.
Com passagens por Santos e Flamengo, o meia Patrick, de 23 anos, foi o último reforço anunciado pela equipe. Feliz com a oportunidade de vestir o manto da lusa, o jogador deu sua primeira declaração como reforço da Portuguesa.
– Estou muito feliz de receber essa grande oportunidade na Portuguesa. Desde que a negociação se iniciou esperei o desfecho o mais rápido possível e agora quero corresponder às expectativas dentro de campo. Vou trabalhar bastante para que chegamos ao nosso objetivo no Campeonato Estadual – destacou.
Natural do Rio de Janeiro, Patrick estava no Red Bull Brasil antes de firmar vínculo com seu novo clube e segundo ele, as primeiras impressões do elenco lusitano foram as melhores possíveis em seus primeiros dias na capital carioca.
– Nosso time tem bastante qualidade e já demonstrou isso nas primeiras rodadas do Carioca. Temos que continuar focados para manter esse ritmo e fazer um excelente jogo na próxima partida. De passo em passo vamos em busca do título – completou.
Com 100% de aproveitamento em duas rodadas, a Portuguesa volta a campo no próximo domingo diante do Madureira. A partida acontece no Conselheiro Galvão, às 15h30.
What else could possibly go wrong for South Africa? A month ago, they were hiking up Table Mountain together as part of their pre-tournament team building, the sun on their backs in one of the most beautiful corners of the world, the World Cup a glittering dream ahead of them. Full of excitement and potential.The reality has been somewhat more harsh and the pointy end of the tournament has come right at the beginning for them. Losing three matches in a row is bad enough, but they’ve also said a tearful goodbye to Dale Steyn, and seen Lungi Ngidi sidelined by injury. They are dealing with the disruptive complexities of AB de Villiers’ 11th hour comeback attempt, in the full glare of the public, in the middle of a World Cup. And now a team that hates must-win knockout games has, essentially, six of them in a row. It’s a perfect storm.West Indies, meanwhile, are not fussed. You might even say they were a little too blasé in their efforts after they let Australia off the hook at Trent Bridge. But they at least have points on the board, and a healthy dollop of confidence, after the demolition of Pakistan that kick-started their campaign. The biggest story out of their camp in the last week – apart from the absorbing theatre of Chris Gayle’s battle against Starc, Gaffaney and the DRS – has been their opening bowler’s salute celebration going viral IRL. What fun! The most chilled-out team at this tournament is about to meet a side that would be forgiven for freaking out right about now, and whatever the result, this contest is likely to make for compelling viewing.”Score more runs,” was the succinctly obvious remedy offered by Chris Morris after the defeat to India on Wednesday, and South Africa have indeed been let down by their batting in all three games so far. That much is suggested by the fact that Kagiso Rabada currently tops their tournament batting averages, and it’s in the middle order that de Villiers was attempting to waltz back into that South Africa have the most room for improvement.MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma appeal for an LBW dismissal against JP Duminy•IDI via Getty Images
JP Duminy has failed two times out of three, while David Miller keeps getting himself in and then immediately getting out. A turnaround for Duminy would be particularly timeous as he is in the last stretch as an ODI cricketer and will retire from the format after this tournament.West Indies have a few vulnerabilities of their own. They have been two down inside the Powerplay in both their innings so far, and against Australia their early blitz with the ball was let down by missed chances in the field and, later on, soft dismissals with the bat.The situation for South Africa is precarious. Victory against one of cricket’s most slippery teams is an absolute necessity if their campaign is not to go up in flames. West Indies’ biggest challenge could be to overcome their own inconsistencies.
Form guide
South Africa: LLLWW (Last five completed matches, most recent first) West Indies: LWLLW
In the spotlight
Imran Tahir is South Africa’s second-highest wicket-taker in World Cups, but after striking dramatically with the second ball of the tournament, his trip to England hasn’t been particularly successful. He has only taken three more wickets across three innings subsequently, and his average (44) and economy rate (5.86) are comfortably his worst at any World Cup. South Africa desperately need a turnaround, and it could start with Tahir, who has enjoyed himself against West Indies in the past. He made his ODI debut against them at the Feroz Shah Kotla at the 2011 World Cup, claiming 4 for 41 in that game, and has continued in much the same vein in subsequent battles. He has now taken 26 wickets against West Indies in eight matches, while his average of 12.69 against them is his best against a top 10 ranked team in ODIs.Chris Gayle hits a pull shot•Getty Images
The loss of early wickets hasn’t hurt West Indies irreparably just yet, but being one or two down early could send their campaign skittering off the rails later on down the line. They’ve tried two different opening pairings in two games, thanks to Evin Lewis’ hand injury, but does it really matter who is at the other end when Chris Gayle is batting? There will be no Steyn to trouble him with the new ball, and if Gayle can survive Kagiso Rabada’s early onslaught he could be very hard to rein in. “Chris is Chris, he will know what he needs to do,” said assistant coach Roddy Estwick on the eve of the match. If he does what he needs to, all else will follow much more easily for West Indies.
Team news
There are a few different ways South Africa might look to re-shuffle their playing XI, and they will have to decide whether to play an extra batsman, an allrounder, a fresh seamer, or a second spinner. Tabraiz Shamsi went wicketless against India, while Dwaine Pretorius might find it hard to get into the side ahead of either Andile Phehlukwayo or Morris. Aiden Markram, who also offers a little with the ball, could slot back into the top three, and the decision could come down to whether South Africa believe Markram will score more runs than a specialist bowler – Beuran Hendricks – would save with the ball.South Africa (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 David Miller, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Chris Morris, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Beuran Hendricks, 11 Imran TahirAndre Russell didn’t train the day before the match, but the team management insisted he was fit and would be available to play against South Africa. If Russell is fit, there seems little reason for West Indies to tinker too much.West Indies (probable): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Shai Hope (wk), 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Jason Holder (capt), 7 Andre Russell, 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Ashley Nurse, 10 Sheldon Cottrell, 11 Oshane Thomas
Pitch and conditions
The pitch is expected to be a belter – something more akin to the track upon which England and Pakistan scored 734 runs a month ago , rather than the one South Africa and India scrapped 457 runs on last Wednesday. There are, however, showers anticipated, so it could be an on-off sort of day in Southampton.
Strategy punts
Legspin is West Indies’ kryptonite. Five of the West Indies top eight average under 25 against legspin and Tahir might be most effectively deployed as a counter-measure to the big hitters in their lower middle order. Andre Russell has been dismissed twice in the 11 balls he has faced from Tahir in ODIs, while Carlos Brathwaite has also been out twice in the space of 17 deliveries he’s faced from him. Neither has managed a boundary off Tahir in this format.
Perhaps an unhappy South African top order needs a reshuffle? An underperforming JP Duminy could move up to No. 4, the position at which he has scored two of his four hundreds and averages 46.7 across 33 innings. This would mean Miller slipping down to No. 6 – a position where he has much better numbers than Duminy, generally scoring much more quickly, especially at the start of his innings. Another option might be to shunt Markram up to open the innings, a position in which he averages 40.8, with Amla coming in at No. 3. That would also allow Amla to escape the ravages of the new ball, against which he has struggled in 2019.
Stats and trivia
No West the Indies batsman has made an ODI hundred at this ground, but Gayle came mighty close, scoring 99 against Bangladesh during the Champions Trophy almost 15 years ago.
Not since 2003 have West Indies beaten South Africa in a World Cup match.
Chris Gayle needs 15 runs to reach 1,000 against South Africa in ODIs
South Africa and West Indies have played only three ODIs against each other since the last World Cup.
Quotes
“Andre will be fine… he is a warrior, he is a soldier, he is a strong man mentally and he has been for us – we didn’t expect him to bowl as much as he is doing.” “Unfortunately we’ve had quite a few problems in this tournament regarding injury. We have to deal with what we have. There’s no point in complaining about it.”