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The Catalan looks as likely as he ever has to depart the Premier League champions – but who will end up replacing him at the Etihad Stadium?

The fallout from Manchester City being accused of breaching over 100 financial rules by the Premier League is only just beginning. But perhaps the most pressing, immediate concern for decision makers at the Etihad Stadium is what it means for Pep Guardiola's future.

In the past, their dynastic coach has made it clear that he would walk away from the club if they are guilty of any wrongdoing. While City claim to have a substantial body of evidence that will clear their name, reports have suggested that Guardiola is not likely to see out the remainder of his contract, which is currently set to expire in 2025.

Thus, the unthinkable could be about to become reality. Namely, Man City without Guardiola – the man who has scarcely done anything but win since taking over in 2016.

With succession planning seemingly underway, GOAL looks at who is most likely to take over from the Spaniard in Manchester…

(C)Getty Images8Mikel Arteta

Don't throw your phones across the room Arsenal fans, we're not saying this is a particularly realistic possibility!

Saying that, City would be fools to not at least sound out Arteta over a potential blockbuster return to the club where he worked as Guardiola's assistant for so long.

This would be the continuity choice, but the Spaniard would take some convincing. Arteta is building something very special in north London and is set to lead his team in the Champions League for the first time in 2023-24.

Would he really burn his bridges for a bigger transfer budget? Surely not.

AdvertisementGetty Images7Ange Postecoglou

This may feel like a left-field choice, but scratch beneath the surface and City appointing Postecoglou is not so preposterous.

The principle reason for his inclusion in this list is his experience working within the CFG (City Football Group) network of clubs. Before moving to Celtic in 2021, Postecoglou spent three fruitful years with Yokohama F. Marinos – CFG's flagship team in Japan – leading them to a J1 League title in 2019.

Since taking over in Glasgow, Postecoglou's reputation has been boosted considerably, with the Australian helping the Hoops wrestle back Scottish supremacy from Rangers. He is on course to register a second successive Premiership title this season, and his attractive style of play, as well as his propensity to have his full-backs tuck into midfield in possession, would make him a logical Guardiola successor.

The big issue here would be Postecoglou's ability to handle a dressing room containing far higher-profile players than he's used too – while his European record is scratchy at best. Saying that, being able to handle the Celtic pressure cooker as well as he has suggests he may be able to rise to the challenge.

Getty6Patrick Vieira

Another manager with FSG experience, former New York City manager Vieira has earned admirers for his work at Crystal Palace in recent seasons.

When he took over in 2021, the Eagles were heavily tipped for relegation, but the Frenchman recruited outstandingly, released the shackles imposed by Roy Hodgson and guided Palace to a comfortable mid-table finish and an FA Cup semi-final.

Things have been more challenging this campaign, but Vieira is still performing above expectations and could be offered a bigger job if he continues along his current path.

He cut his teeth as a coach with City's youth teams before taking over in New York, so is well acquainted with how the ownership like to do things.

It may seem unlikely right now, but a year or so down the line, Vieira may get the call up.

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Getty Images5Thomas Tuchel

Following his controversial Chelsea sacking Tuchel took some time off at a wellness retreat in India. While there he received several calls from clubs – and it is not hard to see why he is so in demand.

The Blues' struggles under Graham Potter suggest the German was pretty hard done by to get the sack, and he would be in contention for any job in European football.

A potential issue is that Tuchel could be off the market by the time City are eventually looking to fill their vacant managerial position. He has been heavily touted to take over at Tottenham should Antonio Conte decide to depart at the end of his current contract, while the Real Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich jobs may be coming up soon.

In addition, his infamously combative personality may ultimately put City off.

Antony and Jadon Sancho make up a Manchester United squad that was "the most expensive ever assembled" in football, according to a new UEFA report.

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Antony and Sancho signed for big feesUEFA reveals most expensive squad everDoesn't account for 2023-24 windowWHAT HAPPENED?

The report, taken by the European Club Finances and Investment Landscape, revealed Erik ten Hag's side to be worth £1.21bn ($1.52bn) by the end of the 2023 financial year. This beats the record in place since 2020 set by Real Madrid, whose illustrious team were worth an estimated £1.13bn ($1.42m) combined.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The signings of Antony and Sancho contributed heavily to that final 2023 sum. The Brazilian is yet to fully take off since signing for £82m ($103m) in 2022, while the England winger was recently loaned back to Borussia Dortmund after failing to live up to his £73m ($92m) price tag. Other noteworthy costs include £80m ($100m)-man Harry Maguire, signed back in 2019, as well as veteran Casemiro, for whom United splashed out £70m ($88m) in 2022. Indeed, the figures are damning when lined up with United's fortunes on the pitch, with the Red Devils still a long way off being able to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.

DID YOU KNOW?

However, that report does not take into account United's spending after the 2023 financial year, meaning £72m ($90m) Rasmus Hojlund, £55m ($69m) Mason Mount and £47m ($59m) Andre Onana are all omitted from that staggering total.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

UEFA's report adds that United's eye-watering sum is joined by Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea, as well as European giants Real Madrid, who all topped £1bn ($1.26bn) in squad values for 2023. Todd Boehly's Blues were recently told they could spend up to another £350m ($439m) in the coming window, if the right player sales are sanctioned.

Chelsea captain Millie Bright may have to miss her team's Women's Champions League clash against Paris FC because of a knee injury, Emma Hayes says.

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Defender had knee surgery in early 2023Chelsea being cautious with number of gamesBright could pull out of England teamWHAT HAPPENED?

The defender has featured prominently for Chelsea this season, making seven appearances across the Women's Super League (WSL) and Champions League. However, Blues coach Hayes says a knee issue she sustained before the World Cup earlier this year is still an issue as Bright must manage her workload after undergoing an operation.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT HAYES SAID

Hayes told reporters ahead of Thursday's European clash: "Millie's 50/50 for tomorrow. Having so many games in quick succession, we're managing her loading. She's very much in doubt for tomorrow. Preparation going into the World Cup wasn't ideal. She probably rushed herself back and she's also come back after the World Cup and quickly into the Chelsea season. Perhaps she needed a little bit longer. Her knee is a little bit angry at the minute. It is not anything too detrimental. We're just listening to her body. We're going to take decisions on a day-by-day basis."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bright was named in the England squad for the matches against Netherlands and Scotland next month. However, Hayes added that there is a "strong possibility" that the 30-year-old will have to pull out of the camp.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Chelsea host Paris FC at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League. The London side are second in their group after drawing their first game of the competition. The reigning WSL champions and current leaders will then face Leicester in the league on Sunday.

Denesh Ramdin, the West Indies wicketkeeper, has said the team’s confidence has not been hampered despite consecutive losses to India A to open their tour

Renaldo Matadeen06-Oct-2014Denesh Ramdin, the West Indies wicketkeeper, has said the team’s confidence has not been hampered despite consecutive losses to India A to open their tour. Despite a century from Ramdin, West Indians lost the second tour match by 16 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Even so, he said, the team was optimistic ahead of Wednesday’s ODI series opener against India with reinforcements such as ODI captain Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith and Andre Russell due following the end of the Champions League T20.”We are right where we want to be,” Ramdin said. “Bravo, Smith and Russell still have to slot in. That will give [Kieron] Pollard and [Darren] Sammy more finishing power at the end. Today, we kept losing wickets consistently. But we can take some confidence going into the next game.”It was a very good pitch for batting [today]. With the amount of seamers we have, they came and hit the lengths and the balls carried through quite nicely. They hit a couple of edges and I did what I had to do behind – cleaning up and I got five catches. We could have bowled better with the new ball.”Ramdin starred with an industrious 102, but was unhappy he hadn’t stayed at the crease long enough to finish the chase of 283. “It was a good day in terms of my glove-work and then batting and getting a good score,” he said. “But I wasn’t happy in terms of batting right down to the end and finishing off the game for the team.”Ramdin also praised Jason Holder and Sammy for their fifties but said the top order needed to support the middle order better. For the second match in a row, both openers fell cheaply. India A’s top order, on the other hand, sparkled once again, with Unmukt Chand scoring a century and Karun Nair a brisk 64 at No. 3.”It’s very important that our batters put runs on the board,” Ramdin said. “We have to get early wickets and put their middle and lower order under pressure.”Ramdin said the seamers would play a crucial role as the tour progressed, singling out Jerome Taylor as a potential trump card. He added that with Sunil Narine out, “guys would have to pull their weight more and come up with the goods.”

A round-up of the final day of action win the WCL Division Two tournament where Netherlands took the title

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jan-2015Having battled for second place, and promotion, Netherlands cruised to the WCL Division Two title with an eight-wicket win against hosts Namibia. Michael Rippon, the left-arm chinaman bowler, who had a spell on the Sussex staff, set up the victory by taking a career-best 5 for 37 to stifle Namibia’s innings. They had a decent base to work from at 121 for 2 in the 29th over, but Rippon removed Gerard Erasmus, who had laboured for 25 off 55 balls, and top-scorer Craig Williams (54). Namibia’s last eight wickets fell for 91 and they did not manage a single six.In reply, Netherlands were never under pressure. An opening stand of 93 in 16 overs broke the back of the chase and even though Rahil Ahmed and Stephan Myburgh fell in consecutive overs Namibia did not threaten to derail them. Captain Peter Borren combined with No. 3 Ben Cooper to add an unbroken 116 as the title was secured with nine overs to spare.The heart-wrenching disappointment felt by Nepal on missing out on promotion spilled over into the third-place play-off as Kenya fought back to claim a 15-run win. Nepal appeared well on course to lift their spirits as they reached 142 for 3 in 29th over chasing 209, but Elijah Otieno added to his two new-ball wickets by removing Gyanendra Malla (48) to send Nepal into a downward spiral. Malla had added 87 with Binod Bhandari after Nepal had been 35 for 3 following the first-ball loss of captain Paras Khadka. Bhandari fell shortly afterwards for 73, and Nepal’s middle and lower order could not keep their composure. There were still three overs unsued when they were bowled out.Kenya had been in significant trouble with the bat on 69 for 5, but managed to haul themselves up to a defendable total. Rakep Patel (32) and Nelson Odhiambo (48) added 71 for the sixth wicket while Nehemiah Odhiambo clubbed a handy 25 off 17 balls.Uganda took fifth place with a one-sided victory against Canada as they cantered to an eight-wicket win with nearly half their overs to spare. Canada slipped to 25 for 3 after choosing to bat and never recovered. The early damage was done by Jonathan Sebanja (3 for 26) and Franco Nsubuga, but it was left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo who stole the show – and claimed the Man-of-the-Match award – as he finished with 3 for 21 off his 10 overs. The chase was a brisk affair, sealed by the third-wicket pair of Lepono Ndhlovu (40 not out) and Phillimon Selowa (48 not out).

Waqar Younis, in a strongly worded and revealing report, has criticised the PCB’s decision of not giving him a say in the selection process and has also lambasted the leadership style of Shahid Afridi

Umar Farooq30-Mar-2016Pakistan coach Waqar Younis, in a strongly worded and revealing report, has criticised the PCB’s decision of not giving him a say in the selection process during his tenure and has also lambasted the leadership style of Shahid Afridi, which he felt left the players confused. He also recommended that players like Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal be made to re-earn their place in the national squad with performances in domestic cricket.A six-page report, a copy of which is available with ESPNcricinfo, covers an overview of his two-year term as coach and comprises 13 recommendations to help take Pakistan cricket forward. The report, which also touched on selection irregularities based on which Waqar reportedly resigned before the 2015 World Cup, was presented to PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and later to PCB’s fact-finding committee.The recommendations

Head coach should be the part of selection committee

Chief selector should be someone who has played modern-era cricket and has a positive vision

The selection criteria should include and emphasize fitness and fielding as the first priority

Dietitians to be involved during all camps and junior tours

NCA and other academies around the country need to become functional

Domestic cricket needs to be restructured. Fewer teams to play first-class cricket to improve the standard

The high performance manager’s post needs to developed to oversee all performances of coaches, selectors, trainers and physio at both international and domestic level

Ex-players to be involved at the domestic level to help youngsters

Emphasis on fielding and fitness at junior level

Pakistan A tours need to be organised on a regular basis to groom youngsters and give them overseas exposure

Selected players should be sent to various international academies to gain experience and exposure

Players should be educated regarding maintaining confidentiality. “What is said in the dressing room, stays in the dressing room.”

Bring in players who are proud of playing for Pakistan, not for themselves or for their own stature.

“My tenure has had mixed results with some good ones and others not so,” the report stated. “My aim for this report is not to shift the blame to any personal individual but to identify where things did not go right, where we could have improved, hindrances and recommendations which I hope are implemented for the betterment of Pakistan and its future.”I had made a lot of recommendations after the 2015 World Cup, including sending some boys back to first-class cricket for at least a season so they can regain their hunger for the game and rethink their approach and attitude to play for Pakistan but no recommendation was implemented. I had also recommended a certain selector who I believed had a vision for modernised cricket and changes in the domestic set-up but it was all overlooked.”Haroon Rasheed was made chief selector after the World Cup and since then there have been so many changes on every tour, at times I feel they were stop-gap decisions, but to develop a team, you need to believe in your decisions and give them time.”The report emphasised Umar Akmal’s troublesome attitude, recalling his move to abandon a focus on fitness and instead chose to catch a flight to the Caribbean without informing anyone, for his stint with the Guyana Amazon Warriors. “All the time he (Akmal) managed to retain his place back in the team. Is this the criteria we are setting for the selection of a new player? Andrew Symonds was a very talented player for Australia or Kevin Pietersen for England but due to their behavior they were dropped and never picked again irrespective of their talent.”Are we bold enough to take this step or do we fear the media or pressure from different people to play certain players? I can assure you that sacrificing one Umar Akmal will allow us to develop other players who can truly and proudly wear the star on their chest and represent Pakistan.”Reporting on Pakistan’s performance in the last five months, he wrote: “We lost to New Zealand, Asia Cup and the World T20 due to poor captaincy. Over several occasions, I had made it clear that Shahid Afridi was not performing with the bat, ball or as a captain but I was not listened to. Poor tactics, really cost us matches. A meeting was held after the New Zealand T20 series, where the boys emphasised that they felt confused with what the captain was telling them to do.”

Over several occasions, I had made it clear that Shahid Afridi was not performing with the bat, ball or as a captain but I was not listened to. There was no training by the boys during the PSL, it was more a holiday for them. They came to the Asia Cup tired and unfitWaqar Younis

“There was no training by the boys during the PSL (in Febuary), it was more a holiday for them. They came to the Asia Cup tired and unfit. Shahid Afridi didn’t attend few meetings, practice – and this is not how a captain leads from the front. It was unfair how he played Mohammad Nawaz during the game which destroyed the youngster’s confidence. He was so fixated on his own performance that he did not execute any game plan or use the right player at the right time. His sudden decision on changing the batting order or field placement did not help the team. He appeared to be under so much pressure and playing poorly as well, it really reflected poorly on the team.”The whole team morale was down because they all felt the pressure from the captain. No matter how many times I talk to the players, it is the captain who has to lead the boys on the field and execute the plan.”Waqar also discussed the sudden recall of Shehzad after his prior exclusion from the squad, instead of Khurram Manzoor. “This was a complete knee-jerking reaction, how can you consider a player in one tour when you have dropped him in a previous tour? What is the criteria to be selected? To gain support from the media and then bring back into the team, this is bullying and not a good example for others to follow.”Waqar also mentioned how Moin Khan, despite being a selector, was appointed by Najam Sethi as a manager to travel with the team during the 2015 World Cup. He said having Moin on the tour had undermined his role as head coach. “During 2015 World Cup and on the previous tour as well, Moin Khan use to take specific boys out till late night and also take them places to get free gifts which at times, undermined my authority. Umar Akmal continuously used to get Moin to request me for him, not to participate in training practice, similar to the incidents that took place with Imran Khan and also his ongoing whinging and complains with a number of other ex-players.”Moin and his wife were eventually caught at a casino in the early hours of a morning which eventually led to him being sacked and sent home in the middle or the tour. We cannot continue to allow incidents to occur to tarnish our image.”

Few teams have been able to keep the legendary attacker quiet, but his next opponent has been one of the best at doing so

Throughout his career, few teams have been able to really stop Lionel Messi. It's one of the reasons he's in this famous GOAT conversation, after all. No matter the level, no matter the competition, Messi's record speaks for itself. With the World Cup now in his back pocket, there isn't much left to hold against him.

Messi's record, however, isn't spectacular against everyone. A very small number of sides have been able to stop him, and one of them just so happens to be his next opponent in CONMEBOL's biggest game.

Fresh off a disappointing loss to one up-and-comer, Uruguay, Messi will lead Argentina against Brazil on Tuesday in a clash of South America's titans. Historically, Argentina are one of the few teams that can even compete with the famous Selecao. Brazil have more World Cups, but Argentina have more senior titles. It's a rivalry that's so good mostly because it has been so even.

It hasn't been for Messi, though. Brazil have largely been able to put a muzzle on the diminutive Argentine and, as they head into the next chapter of their historic rivalry, it may take the Messi magic that has often been missing for the world champions to escape the Maracana with a positive result.

GettyA historic rivalry

Few countries can put their resumes on the table against Brazil and Argentina, two of the premier national teams in the game since these sorts of competitions began.

On one side, you have Brazil, winners of five World Cups. They also have four Confederations Cups, two Olympic medals and nine U-20/U-17 World Cups to their name, as well as nine Copa America titles.

The one team with more Copas America? Argentina, who claimed their 15th title in 2021 with a famous victory in Brazil. That was Messi's first senior international trophy, and it paved the way for the success in Qatar one year later.

In terms of head-to-head, the two sides are relatively even. Brazil have won 43 of the 109 meetings between the two, with Argentina claiming 40. Until the Copa America final in 2021, though, Brazil reigned supreme when it mattered, winning six consecutive knockout clashes between the two dating back to 1995.

Argentina's win in the Copa America has only levelled up the rivalry, although it's one that has never really seen the best of Messi.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMessi's record vs Brazil

It doesn't need to be explained how good Messi's international record is, but we'll do it anyway: 106 goals in 125 caps, a World Cup, a Copa America, an Olympic Gold Medal, a World Youth Championship title. Messi's now done just about everything there is to do.

One of the few places he's struggled, though, is Brazil. It's not that his record is bad, because, realistically, it isn't. But, by his standards, Messi has struggled a bit when staring down the famous yellow shirts.

In 13 career games against Brazil, Messi has just five goals. An okay haul, sure, but not quite up to his usual standards. Argentina are just 6-6-1 in matches vs Brazil with Messi in the XI.

However, a look at those five goals offers a better glimpse into the real situation. Three of his five goals came in the same friendly: a June 2012 win in the U.S. Another came in a 2010 friendly in Qatar, an interesting preview of what was to come over a decade later. The last came in the 2019 Superclasico de los Americas, which was held in Saudi Arabia.

Messi has never scored against Brazil, either home or away, in South America. He's also never scored against Brazil in World Cup qualifying, and the Selecao is the only opponent he has not defeated in a World Cup qualifier.

Getty ImagesWhy Messi has struggled

There's a pretty easy answer to this question. It doesn't take much thought to figure out why Messi's goalscoring record isn't particularly great against Brazil, and that's because the Selecao are, in fact, very, very good.

There's never any sort of dropoff from Brazil, who have no rebuilding eras or generational shifts. It's a constant pipeline of talent flowing through the national team that keeps them permanently fixed to the top of the international game.

Defenders like Thiago Silva and Marquinhos would never have been too starstruck seeing Messi on the other side, nor is relative newcomer Eder Militao, a Real Madrid star. Legendary fullbacks like Dani Alves and Marcelo frequently made Argentina uncomfortable. A midfield shield like Casemiro, who has been at the top of that position for so long, is not one to be intimidated, either.

That's the easy answer: quality. From top to bottom, Brazil are always one of the most talented teams in the world. It hasn't been without controversy, though, with Messi once saying he believed there was something more foul going on.

After being eliminated at the hands of Brazil in the 2019 Copa America semifinals, Messi accused CONMBEOL of corruption in favor of Brazil. His accusation came after he was controversially sent off in Argentina's 2-1 win over Chile in the third place match, with Messi refusing to take part in the festivities after.

“We don’t have to be part of this corruption,” Messi said at the time. “They have showed us a lack of respect throughout this tournament. Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don’t allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit. I think the cup is fixed for Brazil. I hope that the VAR and the referees have nothing to do in this final and that Peru can compete because they have the team to do so although I think it’s difficult.”

Then-Brazil boss Tite hit back after Brazil's triumph.

"You have to have a little more respect and be careful," Tite said. "We played clean against Argentina. Messi was unfairly sent off against Chile. It was a yellow card. But be careful."

It only added a bit more spice to the rivalry, which remains as hot as any in South America due to the level on the field.

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GettyA mixed history at the Maracana

Prior to the World Cup in Qatar, the Maracana was the site of Messi's greatest international triumph. It was also the site of his greatest career disappointment.

The famous venue was the host of the 2014 World Cup final, Messi's first crack at winning that golden trophy. We all know how it went: Messi and Argentina had their hearts broken at the death, with Mario Gotze etching his name in history as Germany lifted the trophy.

Seven years later, it was Messi's turn, as an Angel Di Maria goal led Argentina to a stunning win over Copa America hosts Brazil. The sight of Argentina lifting Messi into the air was a defining moment of his career, even if it was soon usurped by the images of him in Qatar.

That fact wasn't lost on Messi, who believed it was divine intervention that put Argentina in the Maracana that night.

"Coincidences don't exist," he said in his prematch speech ahead of the 2021 Copa America final. "This tournament had to be played in Argentina and do you know why? Because God brought it here so we win here in the Maracana for all of us. So let's go out there with confidence, with cool heads, and let's win this trophy. Come on boys!”

The stadium remains the site of one of Messi's greatest moments and the worst of his career as he prepares for what may just be his last ever match at the Maracana.

The Scotland international was the most unlikely of heroes as the Red Devils pulled off an improbable comeback win after a dire overall display

As Alex Ferguson once said: "Football, bloody hell". On the day Old Trafford paid tribute to Ferguson's late wife Cathy, Manchester United pulled off the type of epic comeback they became famous for under the legendary Scottish manager.

And this time the hero was a Scotland international: Scott McTominay. The midfielder had only come off the bench in the 87th minute and his entrance looked like a desperate move from Erik ten Hag, who was on the verge of becoming the first manager to lose three games in a row at Old Trafford since Matt Busby in 1962.

But it proved an inspired change as McTominay pulled United level in the 92nd minute then headed home a Harry Maguire cross in the 96th minute, sending a disbelieving Old Trafford wild.

The win was all the harder to digest as United had played so poorly. They had given away a soft goal by Mathias Jensen after sloppy giveaway from Casemiro and a botched clearance by Victor Lindelof. Even leaving aside that poor goal, they had looked utterly void of belief and inspiration.

But McTominay, a boy made in United's academy, saved the day. And he may have saved Ten Hag's job as well.

GOAL rates Man United's players from an ecstatic Old Trafford…

Getty Goalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (5/10):

Made a real mess of the goal but made a couple of good saves in the second half.

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

One of very few players who looked like they could do something in attack.

Victor Lindelof (4/10):

Uncomfortable at left-back but it was from his usual position that he scuffed a clearance straight back to Brentford for the goal.

Harry Maguire (5/10):

Made his first league start of the season and looked shorn of confidence even though he didn't actually play that badly and set up the winner.

Jonny Evans (5/10):

Didn't do anything particularly bad but an obvious downgrade on the injured Raphael Varane.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Mason Mount (5/10):

Worked hard but had very little tangible impact. His set-pieces were poor and could barely get a shot on goal or make a decent cross.

Casemiro (3/10):

Cumbersome in possession and lethargic out of it. Gave the ball away for the goal and could barely keep hold of it. Deservedly hooked at half-time.

Sofyan Amrabat (4/10):

Made his first start in midfield after getting progressively worse at left-back. Didn't offer much of an improvement.

Getty Attack

Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

At least showed desire and offered some hope of a goal. Forced 'keeper Thomas Strakosha to make two fine saves.

Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

A huge drop off from Tuesday's striker's masterclass. Mistimed a first-half header which proved to be his only real chance.

Marcus Rashford (4/10):

His worst performance of the season. Didn't create even a hint of danger and looked utterly lost. Taken off for the third game in a row.

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GettySubs & Manager

Christian Eriksen (6/10):

An improvement on Casemiro and his passing gave the team some grip in midfield.

Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

Showed his usual fighting spirit and gave the team some much needed spark. Helped set up the equaliser.

Antony (6/10):

Battled and ran hard but as usual had no end product. His every touch was booed by Brentford fans.

Anthony Martial (6/10):

Gave Hojlund support for the final 20 minutes.

Scott McTominay (10/10):

Only came on in the 87th minute but saved the day. Twice.

Erik ten Hag (7/10):

His substitutions paid off at last and he enjoyed his best comeback win of his two seasons in charge.

A miserly stint of 4 for 37 by Kent allrounder Darren Stevens ensured that the hosts enjoyed an opening day in the sun against Essex in Tunbridge Wells

ECB/PA19-Jul-2015
ScorecardDarren Stevens helped dismiss Essex for 260 after they chose to bat•Getty ImagesA miserly stint of 4 for 37 by Kent allrounder Darren Stevens ensured that the hosts enjoyed an opening day in the sun against Essex in Tunbridge Wells. Stevens, who last week edged past the 300-wicket milestone in first-class cricket, sent down 12 maidens in his 23.5 overs spell to help dismiss the visitors soon after tea for 260 with wicketkeeper Sam Billings taking five catches behind the timbers.In the 12 overs through to the close, Kent reached 68 without loss with Rob Key on 19 not out and Daniel Bell-Drummond unbeaten with 46 off only 34 balls as the hosts go into day two trailing by 192.Despite heavy overnight rain play started on time with Essex batting first after winning the toss. Kent made two changes, welcoming back Rob Key and Mitch Claydon for Adam Ball and Matt Coles, while Essex named Ravi Patel, the on-loan Middlesex spinner.Despite seemingly ideal batting conditions, Kent winkled out two batsmen in the opening hour as Jaik Mickleburgh feathered one to the keeper and Nick Browne, after an attractive 30, played inside the line of a Calum Haggett offcutter to go leg before.Third-wicket partners Tom Westley and Ravi Bopara mounted a recovery operation either side of lunch but, after adding 110, top-scorer Westley aimed a back foot force against Hunn and sent back a sharp return catch to the bowler for 77.Bopara became Stevens’ first victim when he drove airily to snick to a diving Sam Northeast in the cordon then, just before tea, Essex dangerman Jessie Ryder was superbly caught at extra cover by Joe Denly, diving full-length to his left off the bowling of Mitch Claydon.Essex skipper James Foster, who has a superb batting record against Kent, was first to go in the final session when he nibbled at a Stevens outswinger to give Kent counterpart Billings another victim.Having posted a 77-ball fifty with seven fours, Ryan ten Doeschate then aimed a back-foot force against Stevens to edge to Billings, who was soon celebrating again when David Masters top-edged a heave across the line against Haggett. The same bowler then snaffled a sharp return one-handed catch by his right pocket to account for Graham Napier leaving Stevens to finish the innings by having Jamie Porter pouched by a tumbling Billings.”It was good at the Pavilion End with my wind at my back, at my age you need all the help you can, but at the Railway End it was that little bit tougher,” Stevens said. “It’s on the slow side, the pitch, but if you stand the seam up, bowl in the right areas and play the patience game you’ve a good chance of getting wickets.”They were two down at lunch and with Ravi and Westley looking comfortable, but we kept it tight and backed ourselves to bowl as many dot balls as we could and then await the rewards.”

Kings XI Punjab have not been the dominant team they’ve been over the past season, which might be helpful for Chennai Super Kings, who’ve not had the best luck against them

The Preview by Alagappan Muthu24-Apr-2015Match factsSaturday, April 25, 2015
Start time 2000 local (14:30 GMT)Big pictureKings XI have a batting line-up that’s a revolving door of big hitters. Only, it appears someone has forgotten to oil it properly. It had almost seemed too easy for them last season when Glenn Maxwell or David Miller would mistake a cricket match for a golf range. Big scores backed the opposition into a corner for the asking rate to induce claustrophobia. They’ve tried to recreate that method, but only pretty cameos have resulted.So they veered away from the new formula to an old recipe. And Shaun Marsh is spicy as ever in the IPL. His single-handed Super-Over victory against Rajasthan Royals might spark Kings XI to their dominant ways. It also means he has locked up one of the four overseas spots. If George Bailey is still unfit, the selectors will have to take a call between Miller and Thisara Perera again. Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson, although flying cold at the moment, can’t be risked on the bench.Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, haven’t had to tinker with their XI nor their strategy. However, they were overwhelmed by the Kings in the North three out of three times last season, including in the crucial qualifier. MS Dhoni’s men will fancy themselves on current form, though, especially with a bowling attack that is performing better in containing oppositions. Home conditions may not amount for much considering the MA Chidambaram Stadium discriminates equally against the bowlers. Prepare for a batting slugfest.Form guideChennai Super Kings WLWWW
Kings XI Punjab WLLWLWatch out for…Faf du Plessis is learning there is no Super Kings line-up without a floater. The top-three are fixed and the No. 4 position seems to rely on the match situation and MS Dhoni’s mood. Du Plessis displayed excellent presence of mind coming in at the 15th over against Royal Challengers last Sunday. He is also part of a core group of leaders in the side and a match-turning asset on the field.A stellar international season. First choice opener for the Indian Test side. But M Vijay, who rose to prominence in the IPL with Super Kings, has not found his footing yet with Kings XI. His innings have fizzled away before they have had a positive impact on the match. There will be an itch to set that right, and doing it against his former team might taste.Stats and trivia Glenn Maxwell has scored 65 percent of his runs in boundaries this season. The problem though is he has got only 62 of them. R Ashwin has conceded 8.16 per over and has only bowled his full quota in two out of five matchesQuotes “To be perfectly honest, I don’t think in any of the three disciplines we have done as well as we would like consistently”