Tensions are running high in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.

In the bottom of the fourth inning Saturday night, Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski hit Blue Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez with a 96.4 mph four-seam fastball in the forearm.

Giménez dropped his bat and held his arms out wide while staring at Wrobleski on the mound. The reliever took a few steps toward Giménez, and that’s when chaos ensued on the field.

Both the Dodgers’ and Blue Jays’ benches cleared, and even the relievers in the dugout did their ceremonial trot down to the field to get closer to the confrontation.

Despite showing the early signs of a fracas, no shoves or punches were thrown, and every player remained in the game. Wrobleski struck out Nathan Lukes and got Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to line out to center field to get out of the fourth inning without giving up a run.

Through five-and-a-half innings of Game 7, the Blue Jays lead the Dodgers 3–2.

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Weverton foi liberado pelo Palmeiras, assim como a grande maioria do elenco, e retornará às atividades no dia 4 de janeiro visando o início do Campeonato Paulista. O clube estreará na competição no dia 11 do mesmo mês, fora de casa, diante da Portuguesa.

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Em outubro, o goleiro sofreu uma fissura na mão direita que o tirou de ação até o fim da temporada, incluindo a decisão da Copa Libertadores contra o Flamengo. Sem o camisa 21, a comissão técnica optou por promover Carlos Miguel, contratado na última janela de transferências, ao time titular.

Weverton seguia em processo de transição com integrantes do departamento médico e chegou a participar de atividades com bola, ainda com algumas restrições. Diferente do quarteto formado por Lucas Evangelista, Figueiredo, Felipe Anderson e Paulinho, o goleiro está liberado para um período de férias de aproximadamente 25 dias.

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Com isso, estará apto para brigar por posição com Carlos Miguel e ficará à disposição para a estreia da equipe na temporada, antecipada por conta da pausa no calendário para a realização da Copa do Mundo nos Estados Unidos.

Em janeiro do ano passado, o goleiro de 37 anos ampliou seu vínculo com o Palmeiras por mais uma temporada, com contrato agora válido até 31 de dezembro de 2026.

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+ Palmeiras intensifica tratamento de lesionados e define programação para 2026

Ao longo de 2025, o clube disputou 76 partidas por cinco competições distintas: Paulistão, Copa do Brasil, Brasileirão, Libertadores e Mundial de Clubes. O saldo foi de 45 vitórias, 16 empates e 15 derrotas. Weverton esteve em campo em 58 jogos, todos como titular, incluindo os cinco compromissos da campanha no Mundial.

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ECB confirms central contracts for 26 players, with four more on development deals

Matt Roller04-Nov-2025Ben Stokes has signed a fresh two-year England contract, providing the clearest indication yet that he intends to play in the 2027 Ashes series on home soil.Stokes, 34, has tapered his schedule significantly due to injury, to the extent that the only side he has represented in the past 12 months is England’s Test team. He has been sidelined with hamstring and shoulder issues this year and has not played a limited-overs international since November 2023, but his new contract suggests he has no plans to stop soon.Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, is under contract until the end of 2027 and Stokes’ new deal suggests that the coach-captain combination could continue for another two years. England have won 25 and lost 14 Tests since McCullum and Stokes took over in June 2022, but are yet to register a series win over a “Big Three” opponent ahead of the imminent Ashes tour to Australia.Related

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Stokes is one of 14 players to have signed a new two-year central contract, with a further 12 players under contract until October 2026 and four more signing development deals. The ECB announced the list on Tuesday, which director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, said reflected “the depth and strength of talent” in the English game.Five players have signed their first central contracts: Sonny Baker, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton and Luke Wood. A further six players were not offered deals after their contracts expired: Jonny Bairstow, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, and Chris Woakes, who has retired from international cricket.Key said that multi-year contracts – which were introduced two years ago – were designed to help the ECB manage workloads of all-format players and to ensure that, in the case of players in high demand on the franchise circuit, “England remains their priority”.England central contracts 2025-2026•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

These include Adil Rashid, whose new deal implies that he will continue until at least the 2027 50-over World Cup, while Sam Curran’s two-year contract marks a return to favour after he spent the first half of this year outside England’s white-ball squads. Jos Buttler has also committed to a two-year deal despite stepping down as white-ball captain earlier this year.Notably, several members of England’s Test side have only signed one-year contracts, leaving open the possibility of a post-series clear-out in the event of a heavy defeat in the upcoming Ashes. These include Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Mark Wood, who is now in the final year of the three-year contract he signed in 2023.Four seamers in the England Lions squad to tour Australia have been awarded development contracts for 2025/26: Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Tom Lawes and Mitchell Stanley. Hampshire’s John Turner, who missed most of the 2025 summer after a back stress fracture, has lost his development deal.”This structure allows us to support our players properly while maintaining strong squads across all formats as much as possible,” Key said.The most notable omissions from the contracts list are Tom Banton, an ever-present in England’s T20I side since Brook took over as white-ball captain, and Jordan Cox, who has been a regular squad member across formats in the last year.

England men’s central contracts

Two-year contracts: (until Sep 30, 2027) Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, Josh TongueOne-year contracts: (until Sep 30, 2026) Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Phil Salt, Luke Wood, Mark WoodDevelopment contracts: Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Tom Lawes, Mitchell StanleyLapsed contracts: Jonny Bairstow, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, Chris Woakes, John Turner

West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo is a planning a serious overhaul of his squad as he makes ‘big plans’, according to a former Hammers employee.

West Ham battling relegation with January crucial

The Hammers find themselves embroiled in a desperate fight for Premier League survival following one of their most turbulent campaigns in recent memory, with the January transfer window representing a potential lifeline for Nuno’s struggling side.

Currently languishing in 18th with just 11 points, they’ve endured a nightmare start that saw Graham Potter dismissed after recording the second-worst win percentage of any West Ham boss in Premier League history.

Worst West Ham managers in the Premier League	Win percentage
9. Sam Allardyce	30.7%
10. Julen Lopetegui	30%
11. Gianfranco Zola	27.8%
12 Graham Potter	26.1%
13. Avram Grant	18.9%
via StatMuse

Recent form under Nuno has offered some encouragement, but the Portuguese faces an uphill battle to drag his squad away from the relegation zone.

West Ham play Man United in a vital clash tonight, which has been made all the more important by Leeds United and Nottingham Forest’s victories this week, with Nuno desperate not to let the points gap at the bottom grow any further.

Securing a striker has also emerged as the club’s absolute priority ahead of the winter window.

Niclas Füllkrug’s disastrous spell appears destined to end after just 18 months, with the German international managing only three goals since his £27 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

His agent publicly admitted a January departure “makes sense,” and West Ham have already begun identifying replacements.

Union Saint-Gilloise forward Promise David is a very solid candidate in this regard.

West Ham hold talks with £20m star who has the same agent as Kyle Walker-Peters

The Hammers already have a productive relationship with his representatives.

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Emilio Galantini

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The imposing 6 foot 5 striker has notched 34 goals in 63 appearances for the Belgian champions and could be available for just £17.5 million, representing excellent value for the east Londoners, who are reportedly in pole position after making contact.

West Ham also want a new defender and midfielder, according to insiders like ExWHUemployee, and this has been backed up by another former worker of the club.

Nuno making 'big plans' at West Ham in transfer revelation

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-West Ham senior scout Mick Brown has claimed that Nuno is making ‘big plans’ for the transfer market and wants to bolster an array of key positions.

Brown went on to claim that West Ham also have their eyes on a centre-half, midfielder and a top goalscorer, so there is a lot of work for David Sullivan to contemplate if they manage to stay in the top flight.

In terms of the budget for January to pull off this overhaul, West Ham may not have much to play with, as reports suggest they’re set to operate with limited spending power.

For Nuno to realistically get his wish, it’ll likely be over multiple windows, but that will again be dependent on West Ham’s standing come May.

Manchester City have now reportedly offered Real Madrid a shock swap deal in an attempt to sign a young player that Pep Guardiola loves.

Man City targeting Real Madrid star

The big concern that Man City had in the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign was their list of goalscorers. When it wasn’t Erling Haaland, it was difficult to pinpoint just who would step up for Guardiola’s side. As we approach Christmas, however, to say that is no longer an issue would be an understatement.

Phil Foden has particularly stepped up as of late and even defenders such as Josko Gvardiol are getting in on the act, scoring twice in City’s last three Premier League games.

Full of praise for Foden after yet another excellent display on Saturday, Guardiola told reporters: “Phil is incredible.

“He is scoring a lot of goals. He came to me after the game and said he didn’t feel well today and look what happened how he runs, in behind, regain the ball. When he is in this momentum and this mood, he is a gift and a diamond. He is top.”

City have now cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to just two points as they look to make up for last season and get back on top in English football.

Man City now most interested in signing "pacy" £40m+ Arsenal target club chiefs love

The Citizens could get one over on their title rivals.

ByTom Cunningham 6 days ago

With 2026 around the corner too, several rumours are beginning to surround the potential business that the Citizens could complete and that includes a shock Real Madrid star.

Reports have claimed that Man City are targeting a move to sign Arda Guler from the Spanish giants, despite Foden’s recent resurgence. The Turkish midfielder has been one of few players to benefit from Xabi Alonso’s arrival in Spain and those at the Etihad are now reportedly ready to sacrifice one of their own stars to secure his signature.

Man City offer Real Madrid shock swap deal

According to reports in Spain, Man City have now offered Rodri in a swap deal to sign Guler from Real Madrid in 2026. Guardiola is reportedly a huge fan of the 20-year-old and could bid farewell to one of his most important players to get the deal over the line.

It would undoubtedly be the most unexpected deal of the year. Rodri may still be recovering from his ACL injury, but there is still no one better in his position when he is 100%. Would Man City really sacrifice their Ballon d’Or winner?

What’s more, the question must also be asked as to whether City even need Guler? With Foden and Rayan Cherki competing for that No.10 role, finding a place in their side for the Madrid star would arguably be fairly difficult. That said, he has been billed as “the next Kevin De Bruyne” by one journalist.

Nonetheless, it is a deal that Real Madrid are not willing to take at this time, and that should come as little shock after Alonso told reporters: “With his (Guler) quality, he’s a mix between Özil and Guti.

“Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special — that natural talent you can’t teach.”

Man City willing to launch £100m+ bid to sign 18-y/o star who's been compared to Yamal

Bangladesh recently beat Afghanistan in the Asia Cup, but they still have plenty of work to do with their batting

Mohammad Isam01-Oct-2025Bangladesh under new leadershipJaker Ali will captain Bangladesh in the absence of Litton Das, who has been ruled out of the series with a side strain. Jaker had also led Bangladesh in two matches in the Asia Cup, when Litton wasn’t fit, with Bangladesh losing both games. Before leading Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, Jaker had not captained at any level – domestic or Under-19. In those two matches in the Asia Cup, against India and Pakistan, Jaker managed scores of only 4 and 5, respectively.Related

Soumya Sarkar returns for T20I series against Afghanistan

Farooqi, Naib, Janat left out of for Bangladesh series

Bangladesh finally see the power of hitting sixes

There seems to be dearth of leadership options in Bangladesh’s T20I side, especially after the BCB discontinued with Mahedi Hasan as vice-captain after the UAE series in May.Senior fast bowler Taskin Ahmed might have been a leadership option, but he probably missed out because of workload management. There will be scrutiny on how Jaker juggles captaincy, wicketkeeping and batting against Afghanistan. Bangladesh have the option of reducing his load by handing the wicketkeeping duties to Nurul Hasan.Jaker Ali has had to juggle captaincy, wicketkeeping and batting•ICC via Getty ImagesBangladesh need to find the balanceBangladesh have finally understood the value of sixes in T20 cricket, but are they going too hard? They need to blend their six-hitting with strike rotation to make their batting work in the format. Against Pakistan, with a spot in the Asia Cup final at stake, they kept going for sixes and kept finding the boundary riders on the Dubai pitch that perhaps wasn’t conducive to that style of play.Bangladesh, though, had found the balance against Sri Lanka, when they chased 169, with Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy scoring half-centuries. Bangladesh also tend to fare better in bilateral series, and recently, they also beat Afghanistan in the Asia Cup.Afghanistan’s big selection callsAfter failing to qualify for the Super Fours in the Asia Cup, Afghanistan have rung in the changes, leaving out Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat and Fazalhaq Farooqi for both the T20Is and ODIs against Bangladesh in the UAE.Janat has managed only 68 runs in eight T20I innings this year, and hasn’t done much with the ball either. Naib, too, has slipped down the pecking order. Mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar is also not part of the main squad, but has been named as a reserve. Ghazanfar, however, has made the ODI squad.Rashid Khan will be leading Afghanistan’s spin attack against Bangladesh•Asian Cricket CouncilBut watch out for the uncapped pair of Wafiullah Tarakhil and Bashir Ahmad. Bashir is a tall left-arm seamer, who could be a like-for-like replacement for Farooqi, while Tarakhil has been rewarded for his strong domestic form. In the 2025 Shpageeza Cricket League, Tarakhil emerged as the third-highest scorer, with 298 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.25 and a strike rate of 155.20.Spin is kingDespite the changes, Afghanistan have immense spin-bowling depth in their T20I side, with Rashid Khan the leader of the attack, of course. Legspinner Rishad Hossain’s emergence has given Bangladesh’s attack a potent point of difference, but Afghanistan’s spinners have a better strike rate, economy rate and average than Bangladesh’s in T20Is since 2020. The battle between the two spin attacks could be a mouth-watering one.Afghanistan’s home venueAfghanistan have won 20 of the 30 T20Is they have played in Sharjah. They have won 14 out of 18 games batting first there, including the last six outings when they batted first. On the other hand, Bangladesh have won only one out of six T20Is in Sharjah. The severe heat in Sharjah will test the fitness of the players.

Celtic’s interim head coach Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Wednesday night’s clash with Dundee at Parkhead will be his final match in the dugout for the Scottish giants.

The experienced manager stepped in after Brendan Rodgers resigned at the end of October and has won six of his seven matches in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, to date.

Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy will then take over as the permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers and will face a baptism of fire at the weekend against league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

The French boss will be watching on from afar for the clash this evening and will have one last chance to assess the players who will soon be at his disposal before being tasked with organising them in training.

O’Neill will also be keen for his last game to be a memorable one, leaving Nancy with the team in the best possible position, by claiming all three points against Dundee.

The experienced boss may look to make some changes to his starting line-up from the side that beat Hibernian 2-1 at Easter Road on Sunday in order to secure the win this evening.

The Celtic players who could be dropped against Dundee

Football FanCast have already suggested that right-sided winger Luke McCowan should be dropped from the team after he failed to impress against Hibs at the weekend, with no shots on target or ‘big chances’ created, per Sofascore.

The former Dundee man has been tasked with filling in out wide in recent games, due to the lack of natural options in that position, but he was ineffective last time out, which could provide Benjamin Nygren with a chance to play in that role.

On the other side of the pitch, Marcelo Saracchi could make way for Kieran Tierney at left-back, as the two defenders have shared the workload so far this season in the Premiership.

Appearances

7

10

Starts

6

6

Minutes

405

609

Big chances created

2

2

Assists

1

2

As you can see in the statistics above, they have both started six league games this term, and it could be Tierney’s time to start this evening after coming off the bench against Hibs.

Another player who could be dropped from the starting line-up, alongside Saracchi and McCowan, is left-sided attacker Hyun-jun Yang, who played a part in Arne Engels’ goal with a deflected cross for the Belgian on Sunday.

Aside from that deflected cross, the South Korean forward offered little to the side in or out of possession on the left flank. Per Sofascore, he played 86 minutes without registering a key pass, a ‘big chance’ created, or a shot on target, as his part in Engels’ goal did not count as an assist.

The 23-year-old star, who scored against Feyenoord last week in the Europa League, also lost 75% (3/4) of his duels throughout the game, per Sofascore, which shows that he was not strong enough in his physical battles.

With this in mind, and the fact that they have Hearts to play on Sunday, O’Neill should ruthlessly ditch Yang from the starting line-up to provide another player with an opportunity to impress.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Dropping the South Korea international could allow the experienced boss to finally unleash rarely-seen winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha on the left flank against Dundee tonight.

Why Celtic should unleash Michel-Ange Balikwisha

The Belgian forward played 59 minutes across three substitute appearances in O’Neill’s first three games in charge, but has been an unused substitute for the last four matches in all competitions.

We are not privy to what goes on behind the scenes, in training and in tactical meetings, and the experienced boss will have his reasons for not giving Balikwisha much game time in recent weeks.

However, in a three-game week, this clash with Dundee ahead of the meeting with Hearts on Sunday provides the manager with a chance to give the summer signing from Royal Antwerp a start for the first time.

In fact, Balikwisha has not started a game for Celtic since the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock away from home in September under Rodgers, per Sofascore, which means that the winger has not had many opportunities to showcase his quality.

Hibernian

0

St Mirren

0

Kilmarnock

0

Falkirk

29

Hearts

30

Dundee

26

Motherwell

12

Hibernian

16

Kilmarnock

58

Rangers

65

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic winger started his first two games in the Premiership against Rangers and Kilmarnock, after signing from Royal Antwerp, but has not gotten a look-in since then.

There is more to come from Balikwisha in a Celtic shirt because his form for Royal Antwerp in Belgium suggests that he does have the potential to carry a threat at the top end of the pitch.

Per Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old wing wizard scored 30 goals and provided 17 assists in 145 matches for Antwerp, yet he has only managed two assists and no goals in 12 outings in all competitions for the Hoops.

The only way he will improve and adapt to Scottish football, though, is by playing matches and getting used to the intensity and physicality of the division, which he cannot do from the bench.

That is why O’Neill should give Balikwisha a rare opportunity to start against Dundee as a parting gift to Nancy, as it would provide the winger with another opportunity to develop as a Celtic player ahead of a fresh page under the next manager.

Therefore, the interim manager should ruthlessly drop and rest Yang from the starting line-up this evening, bringing the rarely-seen Belgian in to give him a chance to stake a claim for a place in the side moving forward.

Nancy could bin Celtic star who's been the biggest winner of O'Neill's reign

Incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy could drop this star who has been the biggest winner of Martin O’Neill’s reign.

1 ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2025

Liverpool's title defence lays in tatters after a woeful run of six defeats in 14 matches leaving them ninth in the Premier League table and Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has taken aim at the club’s senior players, saying none of them can take their place in the starting XI for granted. Mo Salah has had to sit out the start of Liverpool’s last two games and has been warned his performances must improve.

Reds suffer early season struggles

Liverpool have suffered seven defeats in their last ten matches across all competitions, a run that included a demoralising 4-1 Champions League home loss to PSV and a 3-0 League Cup elimination to Crystal Palace. A major focal point of their struggles is the performances of talisman Salah. Last season, he was Player of the Year, with 29 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League, but during this campaign, the 33-year-old has managed just four goals and two assists in 13 league appearances. His dip in form, coupled with a change in his role under boss Arne Slot, has led to him being dropped from the starting line-up for the recent games against West Ham and Sunderland. He looks a shadow of his former self, struggling with his finishing and overall impact, which reflects the team's wider problems and lack of cohesion. 

And while captain Van Dijk believes Salah will remain an important figure for the club, he has urged the Egyptian icon to raise his game. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportVan Dijk: 'I need him around as one of the leaders'

Van Dijk said: "It's not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform. Mo has been doing that but the manager made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club. I am pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we are trying to achieve because he is an amazing player and he has shown it consistently. But we are all trying to find consistency and he needs us to be in our best shape and we need him and that's what we are all trying to find."

He added: "He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that. I need him around as one of the leaders. I'm not worried. He's disappointed but that's absolutely normal as if you're not disappointed when you're not playing two games in a row then there is an issue as well."

Positive signs for Salah

While Salah has started on the bench for the Reds' last two fixtures, his Dutch boss has hinted he could be re-introduced for the match against Leeds on Saturday. Speaking to the press, Slot said: "I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us. He is always in my mind to either start or to come (off the bench). The chatter, yes (I understand it) because he deserves that, he has been so influential for me for six or seven years. It's completely normal for people to talk about it when he isn't (playing)."

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Getty Images SportTough test awaits at Elland Road

Liverpool face Leeds on Saturday evening with the hosts buoyed by the performance and 3-1 result against Chelsea in the week. And the Reds’ recent away record is woeful, having lost seven of their last 11 on the road. And, speaking ahead of the match, Slot said: "Leeds went very aggressive in one-v-one (against Chelsea) and then a low block to stop chances. It is difficult for us that style, and many other teams. We saw them coming back from two down to Manchester City, Phil Foden made the difference with a moment of magic there and against Chelsea Leeds were very strong. What to expect is what we have faced in many other games."

The summer transfer window saw Arsenal enjoy one of the most exciting transfer windows in their illustrious history.

Edu had left the club and Andrea Berta had arrived. The job he performed was incredible during his first window in charge of recruitment.

Viktor Gyokeres was the marquee addition but the likes of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have bolstered the forward line and ensured that Mikel Arteta can afford to rest and rotate a little bit more.

The defence was also strengthened, of course it was. Arteta loves a defender. Although, with both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes currently out injured, it’s probably just as well Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie signed.

So, what could January hold?

Where Arsenal could strengthen in January

Given the mass spending over the summer, it’s quite unlikely that Berta signs anyone throughout the winter.

That being said, with injuries ravaging the squad, it would not be a total surprise to see even more depth added.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s in the forward line where another player could arrive. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz have both been linked, as has someone from Real Madrid.

According to Caught Offside, both Liverpool and Arsenal are ‘preparing their bids’ for Brazilian winger Rodrygo.

The Gunners were linked with the Madrid star right throughout the summer window but he ultimately ended up staying at the Bernabeu.

A few months on and rumours of a Rodrygo move to north London are gathering pace again. Caught Offside state that as a result of the attacker’s limited game time this season, they are willing to sanction his exit if a bid of around £78m is made.

Liverpool and Arsenal both currently lead the race but you would sense a move to Anfield is more likely given the Gunners already have plenty of options in wide areas.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing for Arsenal

How we judge Rodrygo is a tricky one. This season, the 24-year-old has played 16 games but has only started three times in LaLiga. He’s failed to score and only registered two assists. It’s pretty evident why he’s searching for a way out of Madrid this winter.

Last term was a better one for the Brazilian, scoring 14 and supplying 11 goals for his teammates. That said, he failed to score in his final 13 league outings. Worrying signs.

At his best, however, he is “one of the best wingers in the world” in the words of analyst Spencer Mossman. He’s also a “world-class superstar” in the eyes of former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric. He’s certainly seen a few greats come and go in the Spanish capital.

It was only back in 2022/23 that Rodrygo, still a spring chicken in the world of football, scored 19 goals. He’s a goal threat and a creative outlet too. He’s rather similar to Eze in that regard.

While Rodrygo can play on either flank, it’s on the left, one of Eze’s best positions, where he’s most at home. Both fabulous ball carriers and comfortable in tight spaces, they are particularly alike with regard to their flair and the excitement they offer in the final third.

Goals

0.31

0.37

Assists

0.19

0.21

Expected goals

0.32

0.36

Shots on target

1.18

1.17

Key passes

1.93

1.95

Progressive passes

4.08

3.72

Shot-creating actions

4.64

4.42

Successful take-ons

2.32

2.47

Analysing their numbers over the last two and a half seasons, it’s clear to see just how alike the two dynamic forwards are.

Over several metrics they’ve been registering near identical numbers, specifically when it comes to shots on target, key passes and shot-creating actions.

Eze has been a breath of fresh air since joining Arsenal from Palace. That hat-trick against Spurs will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments from a north London derby. To sign a similar player in Rodrygo, therefore, is sure to delight supporters.

Creative, capable of scoring goals and fleet-footed, another Eze could be on their way to north London.

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Josh Tongue will be the favourite to come into the side for the pink-ball Test at the Gabba

Vithushan Ehantharajah29-Nov-2025

Mark Wood bowled 11 overs in the first Test•Getty Images

Mark Wood is set to miss the second Test at Brisbane as England look to preserve their prized fast bowler for the remainder of the Ashes.Wood was part of an all-pace attack in the opening Test at Perth, his first competitive appearance in close to nine months after returning from knee surgery in March that addressed medial ligament damage. It was also his first Test cap since August 2024, against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.England’s caution around Wood is understandable. At his best, he is the fastest bowler in the world. But his injury history, including recent troubles with his left knee, which requires heavy strapping, and the fact he turns 36 in January means they must constantly monitor his situation.Related

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Bazball's last stand: build your own Ashes fantasy adventure

Stokes: Calling England arrogant is a step too far

Speaking to Fox Cricket during the opening Test in Perth, Wood conceded he would “definitely not play five”.Wood was a doubt ahead of the first Test, having reported tightness in his left hamstring the week before at Lilac Hill after sending down eight overs – two four-over bursts – during the warm-up match against England Lions. He subsequently proved his fitness in the Perth Stadium nets, and bowled with great pace on the first day, clocking Cameron Green in the grille with a brutal 93mph/150kph bouncer.England’s defeat in Perth was swift enough that the match lasted only two days, with Wood bowling just 11 overs altogether, returning 0 for 44. Three of those came in the second innings as Travis Head’s bombastic century ensured Australia achieved their target of 205 in 28.2 overs.Conspicuous by his absence from England’s first training session at Allan Border Field on Saturday ahead of Thursday’s pink-ball Test, it appears Wood is being held back as the tourists seek to bounce back from going 1-0 down. Provided there are no complications, Wood could be back in contention for the third Test in Adelaide, which begins in 18 days.1:10

Ferguson: England didn’t challenge Head’s stumps enough

Wood was England’s best bowler on show on the 2021-22 tour (17 wickets at 26.64) and he took nine wickets in final Test at Hobart – England’s last pink-ball match in Australia. Nevertheless, he will be parked this week, with Josh Tongue likeliest to take his spot.Tongue is in prime position to state his case this weekend as part of a Lions side taking on the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day pink-ball match in Canberra. Tongue is one of three Ashes squad members, along with Matthew Potts and Jacob Bethell, who have been released to take part in the match. While Potts will also be considered to replace Wood, Tongue’s extra pace, steepling bounce and knack of bowling the odd worldie has him front of the queue.Wood admitted to being emotional after the eight-wicket defeat in Perth, even looking into camper vans to drive across the country from Western Australia to Queensland so as not to stew during the extra time off. Speaking on Saturday, Test captain Ben Stokes understood where his long-time friend was coming from.Josh Tongue will likely head the queue to be Mark Wood’s replacement•Getty Images

“He’s so passionate about what he does, some people take disappointment different to others,” Stokes said. “I’ve known Woody a long time, we’re good mates, not just because we play cricket together. He’s just as disappointed as anyone else in the dressing room, we’ve reflected this week, we’ve done all that and now we’re focused on what we’ve got to do here in Brisbane.”Meanwhile, Stokes admitted he was “completely wrong” to refer to former players as “has-beens”. Prior to the first Test, Stokes used the latter term when searching for the former after England’s preparations for the Ashes had come under fire for amounting to a single, three-day warm-up match against the Lions at Lilac Hill.Sir Ian Botham, Graham Gooch and Michael Atherton were three former England captains to take issue with the light lead-in to the series, with Michael Vaughan using his column in the to take umbrage with the comments. Asked if he regretted them, Stokes said: “You know exactly what I meant by that. Everyone knows it was a slip of the tongue.”I’ve explained that off record. I got the words I said there completely wrong. I think everyone knows that, I just never got asked about it on camera for me to say I got my words wrong. ‘Has-beens’ is a horrible word. It’s the only thing that managed to come out of my mouth in that moment.”God, I’m going to be one of those one day. It’s a complete wrong wording and I think everyone does know that it’s not at all what I meant by that.”