Precisando reverter um placar de 2 a 1 diante da LDU pelas quartas de final da Copa Sul-Americana, o São Paulo conta com um trunfo importante na busca pela vaga às semifinais da competição: o estádio do Morumbi, palco do jogo de volta do duelo.
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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Tricolor com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF
Um levantamento feito pelo perfil do Twitter ‘SPFC Estatísticas’ aponta que o Tricolor tem treze classificações consecutivas em competições de mata-mata atuando em seu estádio. A última queda aconteceu em 2020, após empatar em 0 a 0 com o Grêmio, pela Copa do Brasil.
O fato curioso fica por conta da única derrota presente na série, por 3 a 1 diante do Sport, nas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil deste ano. Ainda assim, o São Paulo avançou após disputa de pênaltis. Todos os demais jogos terminaram com vitória do Tricolor – 12 no total (veja a sequência de jogos no fim da matéria).
Nesta temporada, a força do São Paulo no Morumbi também tem sido determinante para as boas campanhas na Copa do Brasil e na Copa Sul-Americana. Além da pressão exercida no início das partidas, foi graças ao apoio da torcida que o São Paulo reverteu os placares negativos diante de San Lorenzo (ARG) e Corinthians.
+ Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!
O rendimento fora de casa, no entanto, tem deixado a desejar. Nas últimas onze partidas atuando como visitante o Tricolor conquistou apenas duas vitórias. Tal fato tem incomodado o técnico Dorival Júnior, que exigiu uma mudança de postura de seu elenco com relação aos jogos longe do Morumbi.
Na busca pela 14ª classificação consecutiva atuando no Morumbi, o São Paulo recebe a LDU nesta quinta-feira (31), às 19 horas (hora de Brasília). Qualquer vitória por dois gols de diferença leva o Tricolor adiante na competição. Vitória simples ou qualquer outro placar por apenas um gol de diferença leva a decisão da vaga para a disputa de pênaltis.
*IZABELLA GIANNOLA colaborou sob supervisão de João Marcos
A “era” Bruno Lage oficialmente teve início no Botafogo. Com a presença do português, a equipe se reapresentou na tarde desta quinta-feira (13), no CT Lonier, de olho na preparação para o confronto com o RB Bragantino, pela décima-quinta rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.
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Nesta primeira atividade, todo o grupo conversou com o novo treinador alvinegro. Nomes como Gabriel Pires, Marçal e Tiquinho Soares eram conhecidos do português.
+ Apresentado no Botafogo, Bruno Lage planeja ‘transição pacífica’ para manter equipe em alto nível na temporada
A princípio, Lage e sua comissão técnica trabalharão ao lado do interino Cláudio Caçapa nos próximos dias. O objetivo é que que haja uma transição de maneira “pacífica” e leve para o time.
+ Comissão técnica de Bruno Lage no Botafogo: conheça auxiliares e analistas
A tendência é que Caçapa siga na beira do campo diante do RB Bragantino, enquanto o novo treinador aguarda a regularização de sua documentação trabalhista. A atividade desta quinta-feira foi comandada por Cláudio Caçapa e Lúcio Flávio.
O estafe teve uma reunião à tarde para definir como o planejamento deve acontecer nos próximos dias. O Botafogo encara o RB Bragantino no sábado, às 21h, no Nilton Santos.
Aston Villa are now dark horses in the race for an “amazing” striker, after recently opening talks over a deal, and there is a feeling he would be keen on the move.
Villa keen on new striker after Watkins' slow start
The new Premier League campaign is still at a very early stage, but it would be fair to say Ollie Watkins hasn’t exactly hit the ground running, having failed to score in his opening three games, most recently struggling against Crystal Palace.
The 29-year-old missed one big chance and had just 24 touches of the ball in the 3-0 home defeat against the Eagles, the second-lowest number of any Villa starter.
As such, Unai Emery may be tempted to play Evann Guessand in a central role against Everton on Saturday, while there have also been reports that the Villans could look to bring in a new centre-forward during the January transfer window.
Aston Villa plan move to sign "colossal" star who has £34m+ release clause
The Villans could look to capitalise in the January window.
BySean Markus Clifford Sep 8, 2025
Earlier this week, it emerged that Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is a target for Emery’s side, and there has since been another update on their pursuit of the striker.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are now dark horses in the race for Mateta, who is thought to be excitied over the idea of a move to Villa Park, given the centre-forward’s ambitions of playing in Europe.
In fact, talks have already been opened with Palace intermediaries, with Villa trying to gauge whether it will be possible to get a deal done this January.
That said, it could be difficult to get the move over the line, given that Oliver Glasner’s side have little interest in sanctioning a departure, and they could demand upwards of £60m+ if the striker is tied down to a new deal.
"Amazing" Mateta has earned move to Europa League club
Palace will be disappointed not to be playing in the Europa League themselves this season, missing out due to issues surrounding multi-club ownership, but the 28-year-old has earned the opportunity to test himself in the competition.
Over the past two seasons, the former Mainz striker has been particularly impressive, maintaining a fantastic goal and assist record in the Premier League.
Season
PL appearances
Goal contributions
2023-24
35
22
2024-25
37
16
Glasner also clearly holds his first-choice centre-forward in high regard, saying last season: “With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box. He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”
Emery will be hoping the likes of Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott can make an impact going forward, but if the manager still feels a striker is required in January, Mateta could be a fantastic option.
There is already evidence that the 46th edition of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League will be the most open competition of the last 15 years. The top seven teams – all on four points each – have already dropped points in the first round that began on March 3. Defending champions Abahani Limited are among the top six teams, although many felt that they would have financial constraints in the 2024-25 season, given their political links with the Awami League.Prime Bank Cricket Club have begun the league spectacularly, becoming the first side to reach a 400-plus total in a List A game in Bangladesh. There have been two other 300-plus totals in the first three rounds, but there have been also been two sides getting bowled out for under 100 runs.Coming hot on the heels of Bangladesh’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, the spotlight will be on if the Dhaka Premier League, known as the country’s most important domestic competition, can provide some new performers.
Best batters
Mohammad Naim continues to be the standout batter of the season in domestic cricket. He struck a career-best 176 against Brothers Union in the game in which Prime Bank racked up 422 for 8 in 50 overs. Naim has limited his strokeplay, concentrating mainly on three or four shots to get him the runs. The most impressive factor is his growth as an accumulator, picking ones and twos regularly.
Best bowlers
Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam has taken three wickets in each of the first three matches for Legends of Rupganj. His 3 for 15 (against Shinepukur Cricket Club) and 3 for 23 (against Gazi Group Cricketers) were impressive spells. Tanvir couldn’t quite do well in the BPL, so he must be eager to bounce back in the Dhaka Premier League. Tanvir reached 150 List A wickets, and completed 100 matches in the format on March 10.
Best match
Prime Bank started the season with a tight contest, beating Rupganj Tigers by three wickets. Batting first, Rupganj were bowled out for 216 in 48.4 overs. Prime Bank, however, slipped to 23 for 4 in the third over. Openers Naim and Sabbir Hossain were dismissed for ducks, before Zakir Hasan fell in the second over. When captain Irfan Sukkur was run-out, Prime Bank were in big trouble.But Shamim Hossain held things together with an unbeaten 98 off 83 balls that included ten fours and four sixes. He added 110 runs for the unbroken eighth-wicket stand with Khaled Ahmed, who contributed with 28 from 37 deliveries. Shahadat Hossain also struck a quick fifty from No. 4.
Points to ponder
Apart from the top seven teams all reaching four points each, Gulshan Cricket Club, Partex Sporting Club, Shinepukur and Brothers Union have two points each. Rupganj Tigers remain the only team yet to open their account after three losses.
Players to watch
Brothers’ 21-year-old batter Mahfijul Islam struck a century and a half-century in the first three games to be the top-scorer at this stage of the competition. Parvez Hossain Emon, having returned from the Champions Trophy, also struck a century and a fifty.
He “will be exploring new opportunities” in the world of cricket and the “business side of it”
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Dec-2024
Ankit Rajpoot finishes with 248 first-class wickets•BCCI
Uttar Pradesh fast bowler Ankit Rajpoot has announced his retirement from Indian cricket.Rajpoot most recently represented UP in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, where he went wicketless across two matches. He made his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2012-2013 season and took 248 wickets in 80 first-class games, at an average of 29.25. He also picked up 71 List A wickets from 50 games at 26.94, and 105 in 87 T20s at 21.55 with an economy rate of 7.75.He represented Chennai Super Kings (2013), Kolkata Knight Riders (2016-17), Kings XI Punjab (2018-19), Rajasthan Royals (2020) in the IPL, picking up 24 wickets in 29 matches at an average of 33.91 with an economy rate of 9.23. He was part of the Lucknow Super Giants squad in 2022 but didn’t get a game.”Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from Indian Cricket,” he wrote on social media. “My journey from 2009-2024 has been the most wonderful period of my life. I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for India, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur Cricket Association, IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings 11, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants.”To all my team-mates, coaches, especially thanks to physio Dr Saif Naqvi, my coach Shashi sir and support staff; it has been an absolute privilege to played with you all, and, I thank you all for helping turn my dream into reality. To all my fans who have supported me through the ups & downs, I will forever cherish the moments I spent with you all and your support has always been a source of motivation for me. I would like to thank my family & friends for their unconditional love and support throughout my career. They have been my backbone and without them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have today.”I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in a new and different environment. I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a Cricketer and I look forward to this new chapter in my life. I wish the best of luck to all the teammates from the various teams I’ve been a part of.”
With just a fortnight to go before the Premier League season begins, the club still hasn’t secured a new striker, and the situation is becoming increasingly complicated.
Alexander Isak, the club’s current star forward, has made it clear he wants out.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsak
After skipping the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia and instead training at former club Real Sociedad’s facilities, doubts around his commitment have intensified.
Though he has since returned to Tyneside, uncertainty lingers.
Liverpool remain interested, and any sale is expected to cost suitors in excess of £150 million. In response, Newcastle have prioritised the signing of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško.
The Slovenian international is viewed as the ideal long-term successor, with the club submitting an €80 million bid over the weekend.
However, the offer fell short of Leipzig’s valuation, and with Manchester United also circling, the player has yet to commit.
According to multiple reports, Newcastle have now issued an ultimatum to Šeško’s camp, requesting a final decision within 24 hours.
Benjamin Sesko
Given the looming deadline and rising frustration behind the scenes, the Magpies are now actively exploring alternatives.
One name under serious consideration offers a proven Premier League pedigree, consistent output, and a track record of durability – all at a potentially lower cost.
Premier League-ready alternative being considered
According to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope, Ollie Watkins has been identified as one of the names under consideration by the Magpies. PSG’s Goncalo Ramos is also in the mix, should Newcastle be ‘frustrated’ in their move for the likes of Watkins and Šeško.
The 29-year-old striker has emerged as one of English football’s most reliable forwards and is considered by some within the club as a more sensible, Premier League-ready investment than the talented but untested Šeško.
Watkins is coming off a stellar campaign at Aston Villa.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Fresh from helping Unai Emery’s side reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the England international hit 16 league goals last season, marking his third consecutive campaign of 15+ Premier League goals.
That kind of consistency is rare, even more so when paired with excellent fitness: Watkins has missed just three league matches through injury since he joined the Midlands club. He would be the perfect signing…
Why Watkins could be better than Sesko
Emery has called him “one of the best strikers in Europe,” and it’s not hard to see why. His blend of pace, intelligent movement, and selfless work rate makes him a natural fit for high-pressing, attack-minded teams like Newcastle.
Villa’s current financial position may make a sale possible.
With the club needing to stay within Profit and Sustainability guidelines, they’ve already sanctioned the €77m (£64m) sale of Jhon Durán to Saudi Arabia.
Al Nassr'sJhonDurancelebrates with Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo after the match
Emiliano Martínez could be next, and although Watkins isn’t officially on the market, a sizable bid may tempt the club to cash in.
While Šeško represents potential, Watkins offers proven value and immediate impact, a combination Newcastle might need more than ever.
Last season, according to FBref, Watkins registered 24 goal involvements, compared to Šeško’s 18. In terms of non-penalty expected goals, Watkins again comes out on top: 13.2 vs. Šeško’s 8.4.
While Šeško had marginally more shots per 90 (3.10 vs. Watkins’ 2.84), both players posted the same shot-on-target percentage (43.9%), indicating similar efficiency in front of goal.
The Premier League star also outperformed his rival in progressive carries per 90 (1.90 vs. 1.78) and pass completion (72.4% vs. 67.6%).
In terms of durability, there’s no comparison. Watkins’ availability is one of his biggest strengths, having featured in 184 out of a possible 190 Premier League games for Villa.
Newcastle, who have previously suffered from squad depth issues, would benefit massively from a forward who is virtually always ready to play.
Financially, too, Watkins may be the more pragmatic option. Leipzig have little reason to sell on the cheap.
With Šeško under contract until 2029 and attracting bids from multiple Premier League clubs, the final fee could exceed €90m.
Watkins, despite his importance to Villa, would likely cost significantly less, with a £60m fee having been touted.
Then there’s the stylistic question.
Watkins has operated successfully in a high-intensity, pressing system under Emery.
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
His defensive work from the front, movement between the lines, and ability to stretch backlines all align well with Eddie Howe’s tactical preferences.
In contrast, Šeško is still refining his hold-up play and has yet to prove himself against elite-level Premier League defences.
While signing Šeško might signal a bold, ambitious move, Watkins represents something even more valuable in the short term: certainty.
Goals and minutes – all backed by hard evidence rather than projection.
If Newcastle want a forward to carry them through a transitional summer and lead them into a critical new campaign, they may already have their man.
Leeds United supporters had the chance to see all of the club’s new signings in action on Saturday as they featured against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.
The scoreline was far from exciting, as the two teams held each other to a 0-0 draw, but Sean Longstaff, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Lukas Nmecha, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Jaka Bijol all played minutes.
Daniel Farke’s squad is also set to be bolstered by the arrival of defensive midfielder Anton Stach, after the club reportedly agreed a deal worth around £17m to sign the German star from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim on a permanent transfer.
This means that Leeds will have signed two centre-backs, a left-back, two defensive midfielders, and an experienced centre-forward in the summer transfer window.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match
As Nmecha arrived on a free transfer, Leeds have yet to spend a transfer fee on a new attacker to come in and bolster their side ahead of the Premier League campaign.
The Championship champions have been linked with plenty of forwards, though, and one obvious link that predictably emerged earlier in the summer was one to Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia.
Why Leeds may want to sign Emiliano Buendia
The Argentina international worked under Farke during his time at Norwich City and it was reported in January that Leeds were eyeing up a loan move with an option to make it permanent in the summer, as they were pushing to secure promotion out of the Championship.
That move did not materialise at the start of the year, though, and Leeds have once again been linked with an interest in signing the attacking midfielder to improve their options in the number ten position.
Buendia is a target that makes sense for Leeds because of their need for a replacement, or at least competition, for Brenden Aaronson, as well as Farke’s pre-existing relationship with the player.
The 28-year-old star scored 24 goals and provided 41 assists in 121 appearances for the German head coach with the Canaries, winning the Championship title in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.
This suggests that Farke knows how to get the best out of the right-footed magician, who thrived as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Norwich in his three seasons there, and that is why this could be a signing that makes a lot of sense this summer.
Appearances
41
0
34
Games missed through injury
0
69
0
Goals
5
0
5
Big chances created
8
0
2
Assists
3
0
0
As you can see in the table above, though, it would be a risky signing because he has not been at his best at the top end of the pitch in the last three seasons, missing the entire of the 2023/24 campaign with an ACL injury.
Instead of taking a risk with Buendia, who may not be able to recapture the form he displayed at Norwich, Leeds may look elsewhere, amid reported interest in another former Canary.
Leeds pushing to sign Brazilian attacker
According to Turkish outlet Fotospor, Leeds United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Galatasaray central midfielder Gabriel Sara this summer.
The report claims that the Championship champions and fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are ‘constantly’ pushing to sign the Brazilian talent to bolster their respective midfields.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It adds, though, that Galatasaray are not actively looking to cash in on the left-footed star, and that it will take an ‘incredible’ offer to tempt them into selling Sara, who they claim has won over the supporters with his performances on the pitch.
No price tag is mentioned in this latest report but Fotomac claimed earlier this summer that it would take a fee of around £26m to sign the former Norwich man, amid interest from Manchester United.
AZ Alkmaar's Sven Mijnans in action with Galatasaray'sGabrielSara
It is now down to Leeds to put the money on the table to convince Galatasaray to sell Sara and to beat Aston Villa and Manchester United to his signature, as the £26m-rated star has the potential to be Farke’s new Buendia.
Why Sara could be Farke's new Buendia
Poetically, Farke could find his next Buendia by signing the player Norwich eventually signed to replace the Argentine star as their chief creator.
The Canaries sold him to Aston Villa in 2021 and did not directly replace him until they signed the creative Brazilian from São Paulo the following summer.
As you can see in the graphic above, Sara racked up a staggering haul of 13 goals and 12 assists from midfield in the 2023/24 campaign for Norwich, which was the first time any player hit double figures for both goals and assists since Buendia produced 15 goals and 16 assists in the 2020/21 season.
Like the Argentine whiz, the Galatasaray star is an attacking midfielder who has the quality on the ball to make a big impact in the final third, as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Sara, who analyst Ben Mattinson claimed has a “magical left foot”, joined the Turkish giants off the back of his incredible season in the Championship with Norwich, and enjoyed a strong debut year in the Super Lig.
Appearances
30
Goals
2
Big chances created
12
xA
7.62
Key passes per game
2.3
Assists
8
Pass accuracy
83%
As you can see in the table above, the £26m-rated star did not provide goals on a regular basis, but his creativity was on full display yet again, creating 12 ‘big chances’ for his teammates.
His form for both Norwich and Galatasaray suggest that Sara has the potential to be a huge creative threat for Leeds in the Premier League, with his ability to consistently unlock the opposition’s defence to create high-quality opportunities for the forwards ahead of him.
This is why he could be Farke’s new Buendia, who registered 41 assists for the German at Norwich, and why the club should continue to push for a deal for him this summer.
It is now down to the club to thrash out a deal to bring the left-footed creator to Elland Road this summer, as he could be an exciting addition to the squad.
Farke's own Joelinton: Leeds made contact over deal to sign £22m "monster"
Leeds United have made contact over a potential deal for a star who could be their own Joelinton.
If there is one thing Arsenal need to add to their squad ahead of next season, it’s goals.
Despite coming second in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s side scored 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool and three fewer than third-placed Manchester City.
Fortunately, the club appear keen to address the problem this summer, as over the last few weeks, and particularly the last seven days, the Gunners have been linked with a host of incredible attacking talents.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
One of those who has been heavily touted for a move to the Emirates for some time now is Benjamin Sesko, and while he would be a great addition to the team, another, potentially better signing has now been linked with the North Londoners.
Arsenal target attacking superstar
With the Gunners clearly lacking something in attacking areas compared to their competitors, it’s not been much of a surprise to see the club being linked with several brilliant goalscoring players in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and the aforementioned Sesko.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has a release clause worth around £68m in his current deal, and while that’s no small fee, it feels about right for a 27-year-old Premier League-proven England international, who scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games this season.
The latter could end up costing the North Londoners around £70m this summer, and like the Crystal Palace star, he enjoyed a strong campaign this season, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig.
However, while the Slovenian international would be a good signing for Arteta and Co, another, even more exciting player has now been linked with the club: Morgan Rogers.
Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal remain interested in the Aston Villa star and are currently ‘exploring’ a deal for him.
A potential price for the England international is not mentioned in the story, but according to stories from late last week, he could be available for around £70m this summer.
It might be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but Rogers has shown he’d be worth the effort, and we even think he’d be a more exciting signing than Sesko.
Why Rogers would be a better signing than Sesko
The first reason why Rogers could end up being a better signing for Arsenal than Sesko is that, although he’s also just 22 years old, he has already proven himself in the Premier League.
Morgan Rogers
If the Gunners were fighting for a top-four finish, or even heading into their first title race, then perhaps signing a young and relatively unproven striker wouldn’t be such a concern.
However, that’s not the situation they find themselves in; instead, they need someone who can help them win something as soon as possible, which might not be possible if the Leipzig star needs half a year to settle in.
Moreover, while the Slovenian poacher could help solve Arteta’s centre-forward problem, that’s all he could help with.
In contrast, the “superb” Villa star, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, is more than comfortable playing off either wing and in attacking midfield, which could provide the manager with so many tactical options.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in action with Brighton & Hove Albion'sIgorJulio
Finally, when we take a look under the hood at the pair’s underlying numbers from this past season, it becomes even clearer that the former Manchester City youth product is the far more complete player.
For example, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, comes out on top in purely offensive metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists and key passes, as well as some defensive ones, including tackles won and blocks, all per 90.
Rogers vs Sesko
Statistics
Rogers
Sesko
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.42
0.40
Progressive Passes
3.55
1.74
Progressive Passes Received
5.43
5.34
Progressive Carries
3.29
1.78
Expected Assists
0.15
0.06
Key Passes
1.47
0.72
Passes into the Final Third
2.11
0.95
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.62
0.34
Shot-Creating Actions
3.04
1.93
Goal-Creating Actions
0.46
0.34
Tackles Won
0.64
0.11
Blocks
0.75
0.57
Interceptions
0.17
0.19
Carries into the Final Third
1.97
1.10
Carries into the Penalty Area
0.95
0.53
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
This demonstrates that, across the board, the Englishman could and almost certainly would contribute far more to the Gunners next season.
Therefore, while Arsenal should be looking to sign both Rogers and Sesko this summer, the former would undoubtedly be the better buy.
A big upgrade on Eze: Arsenal discussing move to sign £80m "nightmare"
The international attacker would be brilliant for Arsenal.
Ben Allison claims three wickets as Pepper, Cox aid 167-run chase
ECB Reporters Network20-Jun-2024Essex 170 for 2 (Elgar 60*, Pepper 44, Cox 41*) beat Hampshire 166 for 7 (Weatherley 48, Fuller 39*, Allison 3-39) by eight wickets Dean Elgar showed off all his variations with his third fifty of the Vitality Blast to give Essex a comfortable fourth victory of the competition.South African Elgar never looked fussed in chasing 167, as his 60 not out made in conjunction with the swashbuckling of Adam Rossington’s quick-fire 18, Michael Pepper’s swaggering 44 off 24 and Jordan Cox’s slow-burning unbeaten 41.Hampshire had been dragged a middling score by a late James Fuller flurry of 39 off 16, after Joe Weatherley had stoically struck 48, but as was the case in last year’s rain-affected semi-final, it wasn’t enough.After losing James Vince and Ben McDermott within three balls of each other in identical swings to deep square, the Hawks seemed to tempo their innings towards a 160 total having been stuck in.Weatherley and T20 debutant Fletcha Middleton ticked the runs along but never appeared in too much rush during a 47-run alliance.One reason for Hampshire’s tardiness either side of the powerplay was the dead-eye accurate spell from Simon Harmer – who on his 100th T20 appearance for Essex didn’t concede a boundary in his four overs.The regular wicket-taking came from others though, with Paul Walter strangling Middleton down the legside to end that partnership, and Matt Critchley stopping Toby Albert and Benny Howell from getting going.Weatherley only scored four boundaries in his 48 but never looked bogged down. He was only denied a half-century when a straight drive smashed the non-striker’s stumps and he was lbw to Ben Allison next ball – Allison ended up with three for 44.At 117 for six with 20 balls to go, it looked like Hampshire had undercooked their scoring – but Fuller entered to blast some crucial death over runs.He played the biggest hand in the final three overs going for 14, 13 and 17 runs – with five six included and the total now looking closer to par.Hampshire had an all-pace attack – with Liam Dawson ill and missing a Hawks T20 after 43 straight appearances – and learned the lesson of the faster you bowl, the further it goes.Adam Rossington started to prove that theory by pumping Michael Neser for six, six, four before the Australian took the pace off and found Rossington chipping to mid-off.Elgar had already swatted Chris Wood straight back over his head for six and took the quick run-scoring lead with his elegant risk-free hitting.His fifty off 34 balls relied more on the meaty middle of his bat than extravagant or inventive shots, with Pepper more than matching his rate.Pepper strode past 250 runs in this season’s Blast – surviving a drop on three – before his 80-run stand, off 47 balls, with Elgar was ended when he swished to long on.Cox showed no interest in the six-hitting of his predecessors to make sure no collapse was forthcoming to put on an unbroken 59 with the ever-nonplussed Elgar.He did open up with the winning post in sight with a couple of sixes off John Turner, as victory was secured with 20 balls to spare – with Cox classically driving to the boundary for an eight-wicket win.
Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing a £30m defender, who’s also a target for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, according to a report.
Palace looking to strengthen with Europe on the horizon
Not only did Palace win the first major piece of silverware in their history courtesy of the 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, but they also secured qualification for the 2025-26 Europa League, which could be quite the adventure for supporters.
This week, however, it was revealed the Eagles may not get to play in the competition, given their multi-club ownership model, although John Textor is willing to sell his shares in the club on the cheap to allow them to compete.
A meeting has been held to discuss the south Londoners’ involvement, but UEFA are yet to make a decision, meaning it is still very much up in the air whether Oliver Glasner’s side will be allowed to play in the prestigious competition.
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It is thought that a decision will be made in around a week, which means the hierarchy must continue planning for the summer transfer window in the meantime, and they have now set their sights on a Bayern Munich target.
Indeed, according to a report from L’Equipe (via Get French Football News), Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, having identified him as a priority target for the summer.
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However, there could be competition for Esteve’s signature, with Everton stepping up their interest in recent days, while the Bundesliga champions are also thought to be keen, although not to the same degree as Palace.
Having played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, the Clarets should be in a strong position to command a good fee for the centre-back, and previous reports have suggested they could hold out for around £30m.
"Phenomenon" Esteve could be ideal Guehi replacement
This summer will be the Eagles’ last chance to cash-in on their captain, with his contract set to expire next June, meaning Glasner could be faced with the momentous task of finding a replacement for the Englishman.
Of course, no Palace fan will want to see Guehi leave, but there are indications the Frenchman could be an ideal replacement, given the role he played in Burnley’s promotion last season, featuring in all 46 Championship games as his side shipped just 16 goals.
The 23-year-old is also at a good age to be a long-term success at Selhurst Park, and he has been praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described the defender as a “true athletic phenomenon with some really good ball skills.”
Should they be allowed to compete in Europe, Crystal Palace will be in a good position to attract some top players this summer, and there are plenty of signs Esteve is in that category.