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Despite their improvements this season, the Gunners have lot to sort out ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign

Arsenal face a huge summer as they look to build on the impressive season they have enjoyed under Mikel Arteta. With some high profile arrivals and departures expected, it’s going to be a big few months for the Gunners leading up to the 2023-24 campaign, when they will not just be competing in the Premier League, but in the Champions League as well.

From player contracts, to new signings, there are plenty of situations that need resolving before the new season gets underway in August.

Below, GOAL takes a look at some of the most pressing matters facing Arsenal over the coming weeks…

Getty ImagesSaliba’s contract 

Arsenal have done some great work when it comes to getting key players tied down to new long-term deals. Gabriel Magalhaes started things off earlier in the season, then Gabriel Martinell followed suit, and in the past fortnight extensions have been announced for Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka.

But despite talks having been ongoing throughout the season with William Saliba’s representatives, the centre-back has yet to put pen to paper on a deal of his own.

And with just 12 months of his current contract remaining, that is something that has to be resolved quickly this summer for Arsenal to avoid being placed in a difficult position with the France international, who could walk away on a free transfer at the end of the 2023-24 season.

That’s why it’s imperative that contract talks come to a swift conclusion over the coming weeks.

AdvertisementGettySign Rice and replace Xhaka

An overhaul of the midfield is going to be one of the key parts of Arsenal’s summer, with their attempt to land Declan Rice at the heart of it all.

With Granit Xhaka set for Bayer Leverkusen, a new face is needed and Arsenal have identified Rice as a priority. He will not be the only midfield arrival, as there is also interest in Moises Caicedo, Mason Mount and Ilkay Gundogan, but the West Ham skipper is the man who Mikel Arteta really wants.

It would be a huge signing for Arsenal if they can get it done, one that would send a message of intent out ahead of the rest of the summer.

Sort out Smith Rowe’s future

Emile Smith Rowe remains a hugely popular figure at Arsenal, which is why his continued absence from the team on a weekly basis causes so much debate. Given what he produced last season, it’s understandable that fans are confused as to why the attacking midfielder is being constantly overlooked by Arteta.

So Arenal need to make a decision this summer when it comes to Smith Rowe, because his current situation is not helping anybody. If Arteta does not see his part of his long-term plan, then he should be moved on, with the money that comes in being reinvested elsewhere.

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GettyMake a decision on Balogun

Another player who Arsenal must decide on is Folarin Balogun. After enjoying such an incredible season on loan with Reims in France, Balogun is due for talks with Arsenal over his future this summer.

He has already made it known that he wants to be playing regular first-team football next season and at present that looks unlikely at Arsenal. And with Balogun having just two years left on his contract, another loan spell will not do the club any good, unless he signs an extension before he went out.

That scenario looks all but impossible, so it feels like the best thing Arsenal can do this summer is get as much money for Balogun as they possibly can. His stock is incredibly high right now and with several clubs understood to be interested, the young forward should bring in a very big transfer fee.

Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo gave the Reds a two-goal lead early on against Newcastle but their goalkeeper proved to be vital in securing the victory.

Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were decisive as Liverpool picked up a 2-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday.

The Reds found themselves with a comfortable lead just 17 minutes into the clash and the job of holding onto it was made easier when Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was sent off for a bizarre handball.

It was certainly not a stroll for Jurgen Klopp's team, however, as Allan Saint-Maximin led the charge for the hosts. Indeed, Alisson had to be at his best to keep the Magpies out with a string of saves, while he also had a hand in Pope's red card with his quick-thinking setting Mohamed Salah away on the counter.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from St James' Park as the improvement continues for Jurgen Klopp's men…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson (8/10):

A solid performance with some excellent saves. His big punt up the field resulted in Nick Pope's slip up and red card.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

Found Darwin Nunez with a sublime pass to set up the opening goal.

Joe Gomez (5/10):

Had a tough time up against Allan Saint-Maximin, who was a big threat, and his passing wasn't up to scratch.

Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

Was kept busy as Newcastle kept attacking but dealt with most trouble well and was comfortable on the ball.

Andrew Robertson (6/10):

Pushed up to help out in attack as Liverpool tried to kill the game off but not at his best in this match.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Jordan Henderson (7/10):

A tame performance from the England international. Sloppy in possession, Newcastle were able to cut through him too easily.

Fabinho (5/10):

Not at his best in this game. Was booked after 20 minutes and just seemed behind the pace of the game.

Stefan Bajcetic (7/10):

Had a role in the build-up to the second goal with a nice turn and drive, looked better than his experienced midfield team-mates before going off early.

GettyAttack

Mohamed Salah (7/10):

Put through a glorious pass to set up Gakpo for his team's second goal and was a constant threat for the visitors.

Cody Gakpo (7/10):

Timed his run perfectly and finished well to net his second goal for the Reds but was taken off early.

Darwin Nunez (8/10):

His touch and shot for the opening goal were sublime and he was a lively figure until he went off injured before the hour mark. That'll be a big worry for the Reds ahead of the Real Madrid tie.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Roberto Firmino (5/10):

Sloppy in possession after coming on for Darwin Nunez and failed to really threaten the Newcastle goal.

James Milner (7/10):

A quality performance from the veteran midfielder after he was brought on less than 15 minutes into the second half.

Diogo Jota (6/10):

Back in Premier League action for his second appearance since October but still not up to full fitness. Missed a good chance with a header late on and then had a tame effort blocked.

Harvey Elliott (6/10):

Came one for Henderson before the hour mark and looked sound in midfield.

Jurgen Klopp (7/10):

His team were up for the fight immediately and were already sitting comfortably within 20 minutes. He set them up well and acted quickly to switch it up in the second half to prevent his team getting stale and save some players for the Real Madrid clash in midweek.

Morocco are gearing up for a battle with Real Madrid for the rights to host the 2030 World Cup final, it has been reported.

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Spain, Portugal & Morocco to hostFinal venue yet to be announcedMadrid and Morocco both candidatesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2030 edition of the tournament will be held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu has been regarded as the most likely destination for the final, but reports the African nation has made a bid to pip the Spanish capital to it.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The trio of host nations were announced earlier this month. It is the first time that three countries from two continents have hosted the tournament.

However, the competition will spill over to another continent and three more countries, as commemorative matches will take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.

WHAT THEY SAID

FIFA has not yet made a decision on where the final will be held, but it had been expected that Madrid's stadium would win out. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti backed the plan, saying earlier this month: "The World Cup final has to be in Madrid, because it’s the capital of Spain, and in the Bernabeu because it will be the best stadium in the world. I think it’s very good for Spanish football and for this country. The happiness of this news isn’t going to be affected by some games being played in South America, Portugal or Morocco, it’s very good news."

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

FIFA still has to declare where the final for the 2026 World Cup final will be held, too. That competition will be stretched across Canada, United States and Mexico.

Shahid Afridi has said that Misbah-ul-Haq was the “best choice as Pakistan captain” for the upcoming World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2014Shahid Afridi has said that Misbah-ul-Haq was the “best choice as Pakistan captain” for the upcoming World Cup. His comments in support of Misbah’s captaincy came through a PCB media release after Shaharyar Khan, the PCB chief, had expressed disappointment with Afridi’s remarks in a post-match conference after the third ODI.”Let me state at the very outset, Misbah is the best choice as Pakistan captain for the ICC World Cup 2015,” Afridi’s statement said. “I have always backed him to the optimum whenever I have played under him, just as he had when I had the honour to captain the Pakistan team.”I have already had the pride and honour to captain Pakistan several times. Trust me, it is no bed of roses, and all of us who have captained Pakistan, including Misbah, are fully aware of it. We get nothing more out of it than pride and honour; seldom do we get bouquets but more often brickbats.”I have said this before, and I reiterate, that I shall continue to serve Pakistan Cricket and fully support Misbah to the best of my ability.”This is my final statement on the issue”.Afridi, in the post-match press conference, had mentioned that he came to know about his being named the stand-in captain through the media. And when asked if he would like to continue as the one-day captain until the World Cup, Afridi had said, “I think whoever is captain – Misbah or me – we should know about it. If I am to captain in the World Cup then I should know about it.”

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza wants to put aside all the talk about conditions in Australia and New Zealand and turn the team’s attention to performing at the highest stage in international cricket

Mohammad Isam22-Jan-2015Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza wants to put aside all the talk about conditions in Australia and New Zealand and turn the team’s attention to performing at the highest stage in international cricket. He has asked the rookies to emulate the established players, and for the established to put themselves on show at their third World Cup.On their last day of training at the Shere Bangla National Stadium before leaving for Brisbane on January 24, Mashrafe was fervent about his side’s need to avoid negativity and play as a team rather than focus on individual targets.Bangladesh have nine World Cup first timers among whom Nasir Hossain, Anamul Haque, Al-Amin Hossain, Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny have impressed since their ODI debuts. All nine newcomers made their debut after the 2011 World Cup, and the captain believed that some among them will follow the 2007 trio of newcomers – Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim – to have a breakout tournament.”Condition is actually a mental issue, depending on how someone views it individually,” Mashrafe said. “If a player wants to take the recent run-making in Australia positively, it might help him score runs when he goes there. Everyone is excited to play in the World Cup, and is ready to perform in front of big players. The junior players have more energy to do well, they play without much baggage.”We had Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur starring in 2007. Now we have the likes of Soumya (Sarkar), Bijoy (Anamul) and Mominul (Haque) among several others who are playing in their first World Cup. I am sure they are thinking along the same lines.”Hathurusingha wants Tamim to play at least two warm-ups

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha has said that he would be happy to see Tamim Iqbal play in two of the four scheduled warm-up games before the World Cup. Tamim had arthroscopic evaluation and surgery on his left knee on December 29.
Apart from Tamim, Bangladesh have picked Anamul Haque and Soumya Sarkar as openers with the latter being the back-up. Hathurusingha said that the adaptation of the two youngsters to Australian conditions will be important, in the event of Tamim’s absence.
“Tamim is coming back from injury, he is on our plan,” Hathurusingha said. “We are probably looking at this stage that he is playing at least two games before we play our first match (against Afghanistan). If we can get him to stick to that plan, I am happy with that. When you talk about Bijoy and Soumya, they are very talented players. How quickly they adapt to the condition, it’s going to be a big factor.”
When asked whether he would be happy to select Tamim if he is not fully fit, Hathurusingha plainly said: “If he is not 100 per cent, he is not playing.”

At the same time, Mashrafe put the onus on his three lieutenants – Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur – to put up significant performances in a tournament that hasn’t had many single-handed shows from the trio.Shakib is Bangladesh’s highest run-getter and second-highest wicket-taker in World Cups while Tamim is the only other player to have crossed the 300-run mark in the tournament for Bangladesh though he has only had a single performance of note: against India in 2007. Mushfiqur also did well in that game against India but averages 21.20 after an ordinary tournament in 2011.Mushfiqur, however, has been in good form since he was almost dropped after the 2011 World Cup while Shakib has been the most consistent performer since 2009. Tamim has only recovered from a lean patch, and is going through rehabilitation from a knee injury. Mashrafe said that Mushfiqur’s runs, Shakib’s wickets and Mahmudullah’s return to form will help the team.”Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur have been performing for as long as they have been in the Bangladesh team. Every player goes through good and bad patches. I also feel that it is their time and stage to do well. They will get more attention if they do well in the World Cup. They don’t have to take extra pressure, since this is not the end.”I can speak of Mushfiqur among notable batsmen. He has the capability to stand toe-to-toe with the best batsmen in the world. He has done well for the past couple of years. Shakib can bowl well in any wicket, it doesn’t matter to him whether it spins or not. (Mahmudullah) Riyad is back in form.”The Bangladesh captain felt that there was no end to expectations from his side but indicated that rather than thinking about them, performance should count more.”There is a lot of expectation from many, but they are not saying it out loud. Maybe at the end of the World Cup, they will say that we should have reached further. There is no end to expectation, but if we do well, the hope about the team will keep increasing. Without thinking much about it, we should focus on playing well. We will feel better if we can do well in a global event.”Mashrafe also pointedly asked some of his teammates to think of the team first rather than focusing on individual performances. Anamul has said he would like to be among the top ten batsmen in the tournament while Taijul Islam wants to be among the top bowlers.”Whether someone wants to be in the top ten is their personal goal, but even if someone doesn’t make it in the top 20 and the team does well, that’ll matter more to me. We will be happy if that happens, people will remember it forever and we will become part of history.”There are a lot of ups and downs in performance so it might not help a player’s career if he is in the top ten. His form might dip in the six months after the World Cup, so I feel it is important for individual players to focus on the team.”Coach Chandika Hathurusingha said that he was pleased with how the team had shaped up during the home leg of their training camp ahead of the World Cup. Bangladesh trained from January 12 with only a two-day break in the middle. He said that the two extra warm-up games will be vital to their build-up to the tournament proper.”I am very happy with the talent that we have and the improvement we have shown in the last six months in terms of skill development as well as attitude and their commitment,” Hathurusingha said. “I was really pleased about what we did in practice in match scenarios. It gives us a lot of confidence. Players are also feeling good about their own game.”I think in the Brisbane stint, as well as the four (practice) matches, it will give us a good indication about where we are. It’s all about getting used to the conditions and execute our plans. So those two matches in Brisbane are important.”

Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum smashed 72 runs in the Powerplay to set up a thrilling last-ball win for Gujarat Lions over Rising Pune Supergiants

The report by Shashank Kishore29-Apr-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsDwayne Smith hit nine fours and a six in his 37-ball 63 that gave Lions a headstart in a steep chase•BCCIThis match should have never gone down to the last ball. But a combination of poor shot selection and frantic running between the wickets from Gujarat Lions kept the game alive till the end. On a night when Supergiants’ No. 3 Steven Smith scored a century and Dwayne Smith countered with a 37-ball 63, it was birthday boy James Faulkner who sealed Lions’ chase of 196 with three wickets in hand. This win meant Lions consolidated their top spot in the league standings with their sixth win in seven matches.Steven Smith’s surgical placement, fast hands, quick feet and strong wrists fetched him a maiden T20 century that would have been match-winning on most nights. But it was put to shade by Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith, who needed only 8.1 overs for a 93-run opening partnership. The blazing start allowed Suresh Raina (34) and DineshKarthik (33) the luxury of playing themselves in and taking the game deep.When Karthik holed out to Ajinkya Rahane at deep midwicket, Lions needed 30 off 22 with seven wickets in hand. But legspinner M Ashwin gave away only four runs in the 18th over, Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja were knocked over in the 19th and the pressure mounted.With eight runs to defend, Thisara Perera was given the final over. Faulkner held his shape and swung a leg-side full toss into the square leg boundary. The next delivery was far outside off stump and the second was driven to cover for a single. Raina was bowled off the third ball and Ishan Kishan was run out off the fourth. But Faulkner kept his composure to deliver the finishing blow.The pace was similarly frenetic t the start of the chase. McCullum hammered four boundaries in the third over, from Albie Morkel. Dwayne Smith punished Ashok Dinda and R Ashwin for two fours each as Lions racked up 72 runs in the Powerplay.With his quicks and spinners leaking runs, MS Dhoni turned to Rajat Bhatia whose canny medium pace accounted for McCullum in the ninth over. Dwayne Smith was unfazed, however, swinginganything in his hitting arc to deep midwicket and long-on. With nine fours and a six, there was an air of authority to his batting until he inside-edged a Perera yorker onto his stumps. By then, the equation had been brought down to 81 off 55 balls with eight wickets left. A level-headed half-century stand between Raina and Karthik and a timely cameo from Faulkner finished the game.So Steven Smith ended up on the losing side again. That didn’t look likely when he was toying with the Lions bowlers during a 111-run partnership with Rahane after Supergiants had been put in to bat.Steven Smith made 101 off 54 balls, having built his innings with deft, back-foot flicks and powerful, front-foot drives. With Lions bowling too short and overcompensating later, Smith had straightforward choices to make. The visitors’ generosity peaked in the 10th over when T20 debutant and chinaman bowler Shivil Kaushik bowled Steven Smith off a no-ball and the resulting free-hit lofted for six.Then Rahane, like his new opening partner Saurabh Tiwary, was brilliantly run-out to leave Supergiants at 124 for 2 in the 14th over. Dhoni came in and slugged an unbeaten 30 off 18 to push the total towards 200, which should have been match-winning but Supergiants wilted under pressure.

The departing Blues boss has insisted she will have a say in selecting her successor, but who are the best candidates for the role?

It’s difficult to imagine Chelsea without Emma Hayes. After all, the two have worked in tandem to deliver unprecedented success. When Hayes took over, the Blues’ women’s team had never won a major trophy. Now, they have won 15. How on earth do you replace her?

That’s the difficult task that this club has now. As confirmed on Tuesday, Hayes will leave Chelsea at the end of the season, set to become the new head coach of the United States women’s national team. The news was a shock when it arrived, but it was always going to come to this at some point – and it at least gives Chelsea a good six months or so to find that perfect successor.

They’ll have some help, too. “I think it’s really important, if possible, to create a succession plan for me, much like we do with the players,” Hayes said on Friday. “I will work with the club in the succession plan and do everything I can to make sure there is as good at transition as possible so that my successor can have the same level of success I had.”

There have already been a handful of names linked with the job, one that will certainly appeal to many because of the budget available, the incredible support from the club and the extremely talented squad that will be inherited.

So, who could follow Hayes as the new Chelsea manager? GOAL picks out some of those worth a look-in…

Getty ImagesCasey Stoney

One of the first to be linked with the job has been Casey Stoney, the former Manchester United head coach who has done tremendously well since taking charge of the San Diego Wave in the NWSL in 2021. Under Stoney, the Wave became the first expansion team to reach the NWSL play-offs in its first season in 2022, and this year, the team won its first major honour, the Shield, by topping the standings.

The 41-year-old knows the Women’s Super League inside out, having played in it for many years and then done a fantastic job laying the foundations for United’s women’s team by taking charge of its first three seasons. She is even a former Chelsea player, having represented the club for four years before the WSL era. But is she ready to leave the U.S. so soon?

After all, Stoney has only been in San Diego for two years and has already delivered big things. There’s a really exciting project building there and it would be a big decision for her and her family to relocate again so drastically and so soon.

But Chelsea is a huge job and a huge opportunity. It could certainly be enough to persuade the former England international to return to London.

AdvertisementGettyLaura Harvey

Another name from the NWSL, Laura Harvey has been in the U.S. for the last 10 years and has enjoyed a lot of success, winning three Shield titles with OL Reign and leading them to three Championship games, including the one that took place in San Diego this past weekend.

Harvey was born in England and had spells with Birmingham and Arsenal, winning six trophies with the latter before choosing to move across the pond back in 2013. Her experience in her home country came a while ago now, but she still has plenty of knowledge to tap into. The game has grown a lot in England since she left the Gunners, too, as the WSL is now a fully professional league and one of the best in the world.

It's no surprise that Harvey is being linked with Chelsea – she’s been mentioned for the England job in the past, even – and it would certainly make sense if she was ready for a new challenge after so long in the United States. This is a manager that knows how to build a project for the long-term, she refines a clear team style and is hugely respected.

But having lost all three of those NWSL Championship games that she has reached with the Reign, the 43-year-old still has unfinished business. Could that see her stick around? Or would the pull of a club like Chelsea be too much?

Getty/GOALLluis Cortes

Rounding out the three main names being linked with the job in these early days is Lluis Cortes, the former Barcelona boss who led the Catalans to a first-ever Women’s Champions League title. Cortes left his post as head coach of the Ukraine women’s national team earlier this year, so would be available right away. That could certainly help with some of that succession planning, if Chelsea were able to get the 37-year-old in before Hayes departs.

Cortes played a huge role in the development of many of Barca’s stars – including 2023 Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati – and knows all about not only the expectation of the very highest level, but how to deliver under that pressure, too.

What may be of concern are the comments from Cortes when he stepped down at the end of a sparkling 2020-21 season that saw Barca win the treble. “Right now, I don’t feel have the energy to keep leading this team,” he said, having been in charge for two seasons. “The best team in the world needs a coach who can drive them, be contagious and transmit strength to the group, and I don’t feel able to do that right now.

“It has been a very draining year, and the main reason for that is the time. It has been very long. What this team needs to carry on winning and competing is different changes, and I am convinced one of those is for me to step aside and put the club and the team ahead of everything.”

If Chelsea want to appoint someone to lead this team for the long-term, then does Cortes have the energy to do that? He left Barca when the world was still in the midst of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Could the impact that had on everyday life and on football have played a role in him being so drained by the Barca job?

Cortes is one of the best coaches in the game and should at least be considered for the post, but the Blues will want to make sure the person they appoint is capable of leading this team for several years.

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Getty ImagesSonia Bompastor

If Chelsea want a coach who is a serial winner and has proved their worth at the highest level, then Sonia Bompastor certainly ticks those boxes. The 43-year-old had two trophy-laden spells with Lyon as a player and she has since translated that success into her managerial career, winning the Champions League with the club in her first full season in charge.

Bompastor knows what it takes to win at the elite level of the game, but she also has another valuable experience under her belt, having been Lyon’s academy director for eight years before becoming head coach. As a result, she knows what those young players need to progress to the senior level and has helped to develop many of them during her two years in charge of the first team.

Chelsea have an extremely fruitful academy packed with talent and Bompastor could help to unlock the potential of that, with the Blues not always giving those youngsters tons of opportunities simply because of how stacked the first-team squad is.

The big question, though, is whether or not Bompastor would be ready to leave Lyon. It’s a club she loves and has spent a lot of time with, and she is only in her third full season as a head coach. It doesn’t feel like she’s quite finished there yet, even if to take over at Chelsea would be an enticing proposition.

Bruno Fernandes' behaviour as Manchester United captain has again been questioned, with ex-forward Andy Cole labelling his actions "disrespectful".

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Fernandes' captaincy often questionedCole labels actions "disrespectful"But feels there is no better options to leadWHAT HAPPENED?

Erik ten Hag's side have thus far endured a 2023-24 campaign to forget, with their sixth-placed standing papering over many cracks both on and off the pitch. Fernandes has been one of many United players denigrated, not least for his petulant actions as club captain. Red Devils legend Andy Cole believes such behaviour shows "disrespect" towards his team-mates – although he also pointed towards a lack of captaincy options beyond the Portugal star.

AdvertisementWHAT COLE SAID

Speaking in an interview with Betfred, the ex-United forward said: "There’s talk about Bruno Fernandes not being the right choice for captain, but if you look around the Manchester United dressing room currently, then who else would you give the captaincy to instead? There’s not four or five standout contenders. Bruno leads in a different way and I understand it. I can also understand that people don’t want to see a captain waving his arms about in frustration, which I personally believe is disrespectful to his teammates, but at this moment in time, he’s the man and he will captain the side in a way which he believes is beneficial to himself and his teammates.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fernandes' weaknesses as a leader were clear to see while on recent international duty, as he was met with some bemused responses from Portugal team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva following a half-time discussion. Fernandes did, however, provide a vital spark against Iceland on the pitch, and United fans will be hopeful he can transfer this form to club level and turn around what has been a disappointing start to the campaign.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?

After completing a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign under Roberto Martinez, the United skipper will return to work under Ten Hag as his United side prepare to take on Everton on Sunday. The Dutchman will be hoping to make it three straight victories in the league against a side who will be rallied by their severe points deduction.

Zimbabwe’s four-run loss in the first ODI suggests the hosts will continue to competitive against an Indian side missing its senior players

The Preview by Liam Brickhill11-Jul-2015Match factsSunday, 12 July
Start time 0900 local time (0700 GMT)Big pictureIt was expected that the absence of India’s senior players might reduce the gap between India and Zimbabwe in terms of competition, and the first ODI proved to be Zimbabwe’s narrowest ever home defeat. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s last-over mettle meant Elton Chigumbura never really had the chance to target the boundary, and India will be buoyed by their 1-0 series lead.They will, however, also have a few issues to iron out. Apart from Ambati Rayudu and Stuart Binny, who shored up the innings with a record 160-run stand, the batting looked docile and the performance of the middle order will be a worry. India’s bowling is in rather better order, and the spin pair of Harbhajan Singh and Axar Patel will only gain in potency as the pitches tire in the matches to come.Despite another honourable loss, the margin of defeat suggests Zimbabwe will continue to be competitive. The team balance may be affected by the absence of Tinashe Panyangara, who suffered a minor side strain in the first match and will sit out on Sunday, but Zimbabwe still have the resources to run India close, particularly if their own middle order plays to potential.The new playing conditions didn’t seem to have a huge effect on team tactics on Friday. Both sides kept close-in catchers for most of the match, and India were still able to plunder 90 runs from the last 10 overs despite the presence of five fielders on the boundary. The rules appeared to make it easier to defend a total, however, so the toss may not be as great a factor in these matches as it has been in previous winter series in Zimbabwe.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Zimbabwe: LLLLL
India: WWLLLIn the spotlightAmbati Rayudu clearly enjoys Zimbabwean conditions. He made an emotional half-century on debut here two years ago – his 63 easing India to a six-wicket win – and started this tour in even more impressive fashion. Rayudu weathered Zimbabwe’s spirited charge with the new ball before shifting gears towards the end of the innings, finishing with a career-best 124 not out. His adhesive qualities may well be needed once again as India look to seal the series.Elton Chigumbura has undergone various incarnations in his decade as an international cricketer. He’s batted as low as No. 9 in the one-day side, but when he was shorn of his pace by a back injury in 2006 his batting contributions started to gain importance. Now Zimbabwe’s No. 4, Chigumbura has taken to the move up the order with aplomb. He started with 54 in the first T20 against Pakistan in May, and has now added two centuries in the same position in ODIs.Team newsTinashe Panyangara pulled up short with a side strain in his 10th over in the first ODI and will sit out Sunday’s game. While there isn’t a clear like-for-like replacement in the squad, Prosper Utseya may be an option, especially as he will help Zimbabwe control the middle overs of the innings, where they let things slip in the first match.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Vusi Sibanda, 2 Chamu Chibhabha, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Elton Chigumbura (captain), 5 Sean Williams, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Richmond Mutumbami (wk), 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Donald Tiripano, 11 Brian Vitori.India have little reason to change their playing XI, and the contingent of middle order hopefuls will be eager to capitalise on another chance to showcase their talent.India (probable): 1 M Vijay, 2 Ajinkya Rahane (captain), 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 Manoj Tiwary, 5 Robin Uthappa (wk), 6 Kedar Jadhav, 7 Stuart Binny, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Axar Patel, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Dhawal Kulkarni.Pitch and conditionsThe first hour will remain a challenging one for batsmen against the new ball, but the opening match showed there was profit in occupying the crease. Without the merest hint of rain about, the pitch will remain dry and is expected to ease out during the day.Stats and trivia Ambati Rayudu has been dismissed only twice in four innings in Zimbabwe and has scored 225 at an average of 112.5. In nine innings at No. 4 for Zimbabwe, Elton Chigumbura has scored 427 runs at an average of 61.00 and a strike rate of 95.73. In the eight ODIs that have been played at Harare Sports Club in the month of July, the average first innings score is 245. Chasing doesn’t seem to be an advantage either, with a 4-4 split in wins batting first and second.Quotes”If we get a chance to bat up front again early in the morning it’s crucial, with the Dukes ball that does swing and seam a bit, that we’ve got to give the bowlers a lot more respect.”
.”Obviously when you play at this level the main thing is to be consistent, and I’m going to try by all means to ride on the way I’m playing at the moment.”

American coach Jesse Marsch has shared an update on where his future lies after being sacked from Leeds United last season.

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Ex-Leeds boss currently living in ItalyTaken up pundit role for CBS SoccerBelieves coaching future 'lies in Europe'WHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of Milan's UCL tie vs Borussia Dortmund Tuesday – where Marsch was on the ground reporting for CBS Soccer – studio analyst Kate Abdo asked Marsch where his future relies. He initially replied that "I'm a TV personality now," before offering a more considered answer.

AdvertisementWHAT MARSCH SAID

"I'm focused on what I'm doing here in Europe, which is trying this (punditry work), but I really still think that my future lies here in Europe and finding good clubs to coach here. I'm a little bit more of someone who enjoys the daily grind of being part of a team, and I feel like that's the way to really impact a group. So I mean, let's see what happens. You never know you can never say never, but I'm really happy living here in Europe. I'm really happy with with the challenge of getting to know new cultures, languages, teams leagues… Champions League, right there's nothing for me bigger than Champions League."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Marsch was removed from his post as Leeds boss on February 6 last year, and after being linked with the USMNT job, has since taken up a pundit role with CBS Soccer. Living in Italy, the American has featured on the touchline on numerous occasions this season for Milan matches, analysing USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. On Tuesday, he spoke more on than just the UCL, including the state of the USMNT and what Gregg Berhalter needs to do to be recognized as one of the world's elite teams.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MARSCH?

The ex-Leeds boss has stated how content he is in Europe, with the American sharing his desire to stay on the continent. Whether it's punditry work – which he shared how happy he is doing – or finding a role within a top club, he has no plans to leave.