Leicestershire Foxes bounced back from defeats to Yorkshire and Derbyshire on the road with a comfortable home victory over Worcestershire Rapids to keep themselves among the North Group contenders at the halfway point of the Vitality Blast campaign.Chasing a modest target of 151, the home side were victorious by six wickets with 17 balls to spare. Sol Budinger made 30 with three of his team-mates contributing 26, captain Louis Kimber’s coming off just 12 balls and including the winning runs.Allrounder Ben Mike, making a belated start to his Blast campaign after suffering an injury in April, was impressive in taking 3 for 14, with left-arm spinner Liam Trevaskis picking up 2 for 25 after Gareth Roderick had top-scored with a career-best 49 off 29 balls in a below-par effort by Worcestershire, who have two wins and four defeats so far.Rapids’ disappointing show with the bat followed a curious opening powerplay that included a wicket-maiden from Mike but nonetheless rewarded the visitors – missing captain Brett D’Oliveira with a foot injury – with a score of 54 for 2 after opting to bat first on a green-tinged pitch.Jake Libby was caught at midwicket off Mike after Ed Pollock, having struck Matt Salisbury for two towering leg-side sixes, had ran himself out, stranded by such a distance as Libby wisely chose not to chance a single to backward point that there was time for the ball to reach the bowler via the wicketkeeper and still beat his dive, but Roderick found some momentum.Having supplemented an early scooped six off Logan van Beek with seven fours, he was one short of a first fifty of the season when leg before in the 10th to Trevaskis, ending a 53-run stand with Adam Hose.Roderick thus looked to have given the Rapids innings a decent platform, yet they spiralled from 87 for 2 to 118 for 7.Hose miscued Trevaskis to extra cover, Mike dropped Matthew Waite at deep backward square on 1 but then dismissed Ethan Brookes and Ben Dwarshuis with consecutive balls, the former brilliantly caught by Rishi Patel on the fine leg boundary, the latter straightforwardly at mid-off, before Tom Hinley was bowled by Rehan Ahmed. Tom Taylor’s unbeaten 20 dragged the total to 150.Australian left-arm quick Dwarshuis was lifted effortlessly over the leg-side boundary by Patel and powerfully over long-on by Budinger but had the latter caught behind off a slower ball as Leicestershire emerged from the opening six at 50 for 1, substitute wicketkeeper Henry Cullen wearing the gloves after Roderick suffered an injury batting.Patel, Shan Masood and Rehan found fielders, at long-off, mid-on and deep extra cover, respectively, after matching Budinger in making starts but failing to go on, yet the Foxes were always comfortably ahead of the game, with just 26 needed from 29 balls after Rehan’s demise.Kimber and Ben Cox required only 12 of them to get the job done, the captain hitting the winning boundary.

Harry Kane. The greatest goalscorer in Tottenham Hotspur history. Perhaps their greatest ever player too.

The prolific striker left Spurs behind in 2023, finally departing after scoring a swashbuckling 280 goals in 435 games for the Lilywhites.

For too long, Kane had failed to win a trophy, to pick up an award that his performances for well over a decade deserved.

That curse continued during his first campaign in Germany. Now of Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen topped the German heavyweights’ monopoly on the title.

Kane’s first piece of silverware finally came last term, his side victorious in the league. England’s greatest centre-forward has his major trophy, he can rest easy.

However, might there be thoughts of returning to Spurs?

Spurs targeting £86m Harry Kane alternative

Reports emerged late last month that Spurs were ready to launch a move to re-sign their former talisman if given encouragement on the player side.

Kane’s contract in Munich ends in 2027 and there is a release clause of £56.7m in his terms that could reportedly be activated at the end of the current season.

Sadly for those of a Tottenham persuasion, a move looks to be unlikely. Speaking to the press this week, Kane revealed that he could definitely see himself remaining in Germany.

With that move off the table, if Spurs have desires of improving their forward line, something they need to do given the injury-prone Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, an alternative will be required.

Reports from Spain this week suggest that Porto striker Samu Aghehowa could be that man.

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Indeed, it is claimed that Spurs are one of the major contenders to sign the Spanish striker in 2026, but they do face a few obstacles.

The first is Samu’s £86m release clause. The second is competition from further Premier League clubs, primarily Aston Villa and Newcastle.

His former club, Atletico Madrid, are also keeping a close eye on his development, perhaps regretting the decision they made to sell him to Porto.

Why Samu is such an exciting striker

Kane is the best goalscorer Spurs have ever seen, but he’s remarkably taking his game to new heights since moving to Germany.

Spurs

435

280

England

107

74

Bayern

106

103

Millwall

27

9

Orient

18

5

Leicester

15

2

Norwich

5

0

Last term, the England international bagged 41 goals in 51 games. This season, he’s in the form of his life, netting 18 times in ten outings. It’s Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo levels in their pomp.

Such form has seen calls for Kane to win the Ballon d’Or, but as the player himself has admitted, he may well need to win the Champions League or World Cup to be in the conversation. Wouldn’t that be something, eh?

Despite that, Kane is now 32 and while he only looks like he’s getting better in front of goal, there is no resale value here for Spurs and you do have to doubt just how long he will be able to do it at this rate of knots.

Spurs fans will no doubt lust after his return to north London but it’s not exactly a signing for the future. Samu, however, certainly would be.

He’s no mug in front of goal either. Just 21 years of age, the Spain international scored on 27 occasions in 45 fixtures throughout 2024/25.

The young attacker has been similarly rampant this season, scoring five goals in eight fixtures. As European football expert, Zach Lowy, has alluded to, Samu “has everything it takes to be one of the best strikers in Europe.”

Lowy mentions that while Porto’s star man is certainly still “rough around the edges” at his age, he holds the ball up brilliantly and chases the ball down “like a madman”.

Combine that with his ability to score goals on a regular basis and you have a complete package ready to take one of Europe’s top five leagues by storm.

There is a reason Chelsea nearly signed him too. They’ve been busy hoovering up some of the best young talent in the world in recent years and had agreed a deal worth £35m before the move collapsed. That could be to Spurs’ gain if they do seal Samu’s signature next year.

Some might be concerned about the fact that the striker is unproven in a major league. Viktor Gyokeres has had an indifferent start at Arsenal since swapping the Portuguese top-flight for the Premier League.

He was more prolific than Samu, too, notching 54 goals last season, but it’s key to remember that the Spurs target is younger. His future in the game looks immense and while it’s a stretch to suggest he’d replicate Kane, he can certainly help them forget about making a move for a player who will be in his mid-30s by the time his contract in Germany expires.

Samu, on the other hand, will still only be 23. He has the world at his feet and he’s ready to dominate European football for years to come.

Spurs sold "phenomenal" striker for just £7m, now he's as prolific as Kane

The incredible striker Spurs sold is starting to play like Harry Kane.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 7, 2025

Lamine Yamal has risked the wrath of Real Madrid supporters once again after the Barcelona forward sent out a defiant message ahead of the first Clasico of the season. Having already received scorn from the Blaugrana’s bitter rivals, the 18-year-old decided to prod them for a second time before Sunday’s mouth-watering fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  In-form Barcelona and Real lead the way at the top of La Liga

  All eyes will be on Madrid this weekend when Barcelona and Real renew hostilities in La Liga. The Spanish giants have set the pace in 2025-26, occupying the top two spots in the table. Xabi Alonso’s Real sit at the summit after winning eight and losing one of their nine league games this term, while Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are second and just two points behind, having won seven from the same number of fixtures. The Catalan side drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano on 31 August, before losing 4-1 to Sevilla earlier this month.

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• Yamal stokes fire with tongue-in-cheek remark about Real

  While the fixture does not need any extra hype, extra spice has been added following pre-match comments from Yamal. Igniting controversy before a ball has been kicked, the wonderkid – speaking during a broadcast on Kings League – made tongue-in-cheek remarks about Real, which have not gone down well at the Bernabeu.

  In comments which went viral on social media, when asked by Ibai Llanos – owner of Kings League side Porcinos FC – whether his team reminded him of Real, Yamal said: “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…”

  Prompting laughter from those on the stream, Llanos, a well-known Real supporter, immediately pushed back by asking: “Real Madrid steals?”

  Laughing nervously, Yamal then said: “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”

• AFP
  

  Spain star goes one step further with new social media post

  Not content with his cheeky remarks, Yamal has lit the touch paper once again by taking to social media to send a bold message before El Clasico. In a post on his Instagram stories, the Spain international uploaded a picture which sees him blurred out and a sea of angry Real supporters brought into focus. Yamal was victorious in all four Clasico fixtures last season as Barcelona defeated Real twice in La Liga, while they also got the better of their old foes in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

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• Wonderkid on song as Barcelona downed Olympiacos in midweek

  Yamal and Barcelona head into Sunday’s Clasico in great spirits following their comprehensive 6-1 win over Greek side Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday. The winger recorded one goal and one assist as Flick’s side got back on track in Europe’s elite club competition, having suffered a late 2-1 defeat against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in their second fixture. Barcelona opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on 18 September, with in-form forward Marcus Rashford scoring twice.

Important stands with Matt Critchley and Simon Harmer prevent Hampshire taking control with ball

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 22-Jun-2025

Charlie Allison made it back-to-back centuries as he steered Essex into a commanding position on the first day of the Rothesay County Championship match against Hampshire at Chelmsford.Before his 140 against Surrey last month, Allison’s highest first-class score was 28. But the 20-year-old right-hander followed up his Oval heroics with 101 when the Championship resumed after its break for the Vitality Blast.He was the senior partner in a 107-run seventh-wicket stand with Simon Harmer, 16 years older, that carried Essex towards 292 for 8 at the close after they chose to bat. He also put on 66 for the fifth wicket with Matt Critchley, whose 71 came from 104 balls and included nine fours and a six.Kyle Abbott took his season’s tally to 35 wickets with three Essex scalps, but Hampshire let slip their morning advantage as a blustery, overcast day gave way to bright evening sunshine.Initially, it looked as if Essex’s travails of late – one win across both formats this summer – were being lain bare on a green wicket that gave encouragement to Hampshire’s seam attack. By midday Essex had lost three of their top four. Paul Walter mistimed a flick off his legs low to a diving square leg, Dean Elgar was beaten for pace by James Fuller and Jordan Cox ducked into a short ball from Eddie Jack and spliced the ball high to third slip.The premature departures did not preclude Essex handing county caps to the latter pair during the lunch interval. Former captain Graham Gooch handed one to Elgar while Cox received his from Jason Gallian, previously his cricket master at Felsted School, now chairman of the cricket committee.Back in the middle, Critchley was putting behind him his struggles with the bat in the Vitality Blast. He contributed 38 of the 53-run fourth-wicket stand with Tom Westley that included a six over long leg off Liam Dawson and a well-timed sweep for four, also off the England white-ball spinner.Westley was more circumspect, though the four fours in his 77-ball 28 were venomous in their execution and included one from his first ball through midwicket off Abbott and an imperious pull against Fuller. However, he departed lbw to one from Abbott that might otherwise have just clipped the top of the stumps.Under gathering grey clouds, Critchley reached his half-century from 84 balls amid a flurry of boundaries, the milestone four pulled through midwicket off Felix Organ. Another time he went in tiptoes to late-cut Jack to the third-man rope.Allison kept pace with Critchley and he launched Dawson effortlessly over extra cover for a six that brought up the fifty partnership in 13 overs. Later he hit another straight over the same bowler’s head. However, the stand was worth 66 when the wily Dawson had Critchley playing over a shorter-pitched delivery that looked as if it might have missed leg stump.Abbott had figures of 3 for 12 from 13 overs when he had Michael Pepper edging to the wicketkeeper. But that just brought together Allison and Harmer for a patient partnership that steadied Essex and ultimately gave them a measure of control.Harmer brought up the hundred partnership in 33 overs when he swatted Jack to the midwicket boundary. But with Allison on 99, he turned the ball to square leg, the pair hesitated and Harmer sacrificed his wicket as Jack’s throw went to the bowler’s end.Allison duly reached his century from 188 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, but one run later he dragged on to Organ and was bowled off the last ball of the day.

Hope and Carty also fired as West Indies posted 256 for 5, their second-highest T20I total, on their way to a 62-run win

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2025The sightscreen was punched, the trees were shaken, the crowd ran for cover, and the ball was lost. All this happened multiple times in Bready, as West Indies crashed 20 sixes on their way to 256 for 5, their second-highest total in the format. This despite scoring only 11 runs in their first two overs.Evin Lewis (91 off 44 balls), Shai Hope (51 from 27), and debutant Keacy Carty (49* off 22) led the way for West Indies, who beat Ireland by 62 runs to win the three-match series 1-0 after the first two games were washed out.Only twice before in the history of all T20 cricket had a higher total been successfully chased down, and despite a bright start, Ireland’s chase lost steam in the face of required-rate pressure.Paul Stirling hit the first three balls of Ireland’s innings for boundaries, and Ross Adair and Harry Tector added 101 for the second wicket. But Tector’s wicket in the 11th over sparked a collapse of 3 for 2, and Ireland faded away. Akeal Hosein recovered brilliantly from Stirling’s early assault to finish with 3 for 27 from his four overs.Harry Tector and Ross Adair added 101 for the second wicket•Sportsfile via Getty ImagesAfter West Indies were sent in, openers Lewis and Hope laid the perfect platform to push for a massive total. They smashed 70 in the powerplay, and of those six overs, left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys’ two only went for seven runs.Humphreys bowled the first and the last overs of the powerplay, and in between, Lewis and Hope slapped Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy and debutant Liam McCarthy for six fours and five sixes.Both batters reached their half-centuries with sixes. While Lewis got to the landmark off 29 balls when he heaved Liam over deep square leg, Hope took only 24, launching Ben White down the ground.Barry broke the opening stand at 122 when he had Hope caught at long-on in the 11th over. Rovman Powell and Lewis followed soon after, as West Indies lost 3 for 30 in 11 balls. But there was no let-up in the scoring, as Carty carted four fours and four sixes in 22 balls, while Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd provided sharp cameos. Of West Indies’ total of 256, 200 runs came in boundaries.Liam conceded 81 in his four overs, the most by a debutant in T20Is. Humphreys, on the other hand, stood out with figures of 2 for 16 in four overs. They could have been even better, if Tector had held on to a simple chance at deep cover in the eighth over, when Lewis was on 44. That miss ended up proving costly. Although he missed out on what would have been his third T20I hundred, he built the base for a comprehensive win.

Tottenham Hotspur are now determined to open talks to sign a “spectacular” attacker in the January transfer window, with a £35m bid planned.

Spurs looking to sign new attacking midfielder

Tottenham’s pursuit of a new attacking midfielder lasted for the majority of the summer, before finally getting a deal for Xavi Simons over the line at the end of August, with the Dutchman arriving from RB Leipzig.

With James Maddison ruled out due to an ACL injury, it was clear that Spurs needed to bring in another option in that area of the pitch, but Simons has been utilised as a left-winger so far, with Thomas Frank recently explaining the decision to play the 22-year-old out wide.

Tottenham expected to open talks to sign "incredible" £27m star in January

Tottenham expected to open talks to sign “incredible” £27m star in January.

ByDominic Lund Sep 21, 2025

When asked whether the decision to deploy the former RB Leipzig man out wide was made to introduce him gently, Frank said: “No, I think it’s how we let the team grow and develop,

“Where we came from in the summer. I was thinking the other day, I don’t think I said it, that we last year and the last two seasons, but definitely the last year, it was like Kulusevski, Son, Maddison, Solanke. None of them is available. So it’s a completely new front four.”

As such, there may still be room for Spurs to bring in another attacking midfielder, and they have now set their sights on bringing in a La Liga star in the January transfer window…

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Tottenham are now determined to open talks over a deal for Real Sociedad star Brais Mendez, expressing a strong interest in securing his signature.

Such is their determination to sign Mendez, the Lilywhites have planned a bid, which could amount to €40m (£35m), with the Spanish club said to be in a position where they need to listen to offers.

"Spectacular" Mendez could excel at Tottenham

Claudio Giráldez has spoken very highly of the Real Sociedad star in the past, saying: “He’s a player I like. He’s having some brilliant seasons, with spectacular developments in his game. He’s very complete.”

The 28-year-old certainly deserves the plaudits, having impressed in La Liga over a sustained period of time, picking up 37 goals and 29 assists in the competition, across spells with Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo.

The Spaniard, and fellow transfer target Oihan Sancet, also excel with their long-range shooting, regularly finding the back of the net from outside the box.

Mendez clearly has the talent to succeed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, so it is exciting news that an approach could be made during the January transfer window.

استقرت قناتا أون سبورت وأبوظبي، الناقلان الرسميان لمباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا، ضمن منافسات مسابقة نصف نهائي بطولة السوبر المصري، على معلقي اللقاء.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع سيراميكا كليوباترا، في إطار منافسات الدور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس السوبر المصري المقام في الإمارات.

طالع|مصطفى شوبير: هدفنا إضافة لقب جديد لخزائن الأهلي

ويشارك النادي الأهلي “بطل الدوري المصري الموسم الماضي” في بطولة السوبر المصري في الإمارات، بجانب أندية الزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا.

وفي نصف النهائي الآخر، يلعب الزمالك وبيراميدز، غدًا الخميس، في موقعة ينتظرها عشاق الكرة المصرية، حيث يسعى الفريقان لخطف بطاقة التأهل إلى نهائي السوبر المصري. معلقا مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا في نصف نهائي السوبر المصري 2025-2026

أسندت قناة أبو ظبي التعليق على المباراة إلى فارس عوض، بينما يعلق أيمن الكاشف على اللقاء عبر قناة أون سبورت.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras está de olho na semifinal da Libertadores, contra o Boca Juniors, mas o planejamento para 2024 segue sendo feito. Um dos alvos do clube para a próxima temporada é Bruno Henrique, atacante do Flamengo. A negociação não é fácil, mas o estafe do jogador já sabe do interesse palmeirense. Acontece que para as conversas avançarem e o plano ser colocado em prática, o Verdão aguarda uma parte importante do processo, que é o desdobramento das tratativas com o Rubro-Negro.

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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Fé no maestro! Na Lance! Betting, a odd é de 6.25 para Veiga marcar e o Palmeiras vencer na Argentina. Sua aposta de R$10 retorna R$62,50!

Lucre com a Série B! Basta uma vitória do Mirassol e um empate entre Londrina e Sampaio Corrêa para a sua aposta de R$10 retornar R$51!

A expectativa era de que após a final da Copa do Brasil, torneio no qual os cariocas ficaram com o vice-campeonato, houvesse uma nova rodada de conversas entre os representantes do atleta e do clube. Mas até aqui essas reuniões não aconteceram. A situação está parada, ou seja, Bruno tem contrato somente até o fim de dezembro e ainda não tem nada certo para o próximo ano, quando fica livre no mercado.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

O principal entrave nas negociações entre o atacante e o Flamengo é o tempo de contrato. BH quer um vínculo mais longo, enquanto o clube quer algo mais curto. Além de, é claro, alguns ajustes financeiros que não parecem perto de um denominador comum.

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Por parte do Palmeiras, há total noção do que está acontecendo. Já foi informado ao estafe de Bruno de que há o interesse em trazê-lo para a próxima temporada, mas nenhuma proposta foi apresentada por enquanto, apenas foi exposta a intenção.

+ Boca Juniors x Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, escalações e horário do jogo da semifinal da Libertadores

O plano do Verdão é apresentar uma situação irrecusável para o atacante flamenguista, que não deixe margem para “perder” a contratação, algo que os representantes do atleta também já foram informados. Evidentemente não haverá “loucuras” fora da realidade do clube, mas sim termos que não façam o reforço escapar por detalhes que poderiam ter sido ajustados.

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No entanto, isso vai acontecer apenas quando se esgotarem as possibilidades com o Flamengo. O Alviverde entende que é natural que um jogador com identificação com um clube ouça até a última proposta feita por seu atual empregador. Assim que os representantes de Bruno sinalizarem que não há mais conversas por lá, os palmeirenses entrarão de vez no negócio com o objetivo de concluí-lo rapidamente, sem novela.

+ Abel Ferreira recebe visita de velho conhecido durante treino do Palmeiras em Buenos Aires

Aos 32 anos, Bruno Henrique já pode assinar um pré-contrato com qualquer clube. No planejamento do Palmeiras, ele é um exemplo do perfil de reforços que são pretendidos para a próxima temporada. Do ponto de vista do time, ele poderia ser um substituto perfeito para para Dudu, que voltará somente em meados de 2024. Além de, evidentemente, ser um jogador pronto, que não dependeria de adaptação ou amadurecimento.

Tudo sobre

Bruno HenriqueFlamengoPalmeiras

West Ham travel to Everton on Monday, but Graham Potter will not get the chance to use the trip to Goodison Park as a shot at redemption after he and his coaching staff were let go on Saturday.

The managers who West Ham are considering to replace Graham Potter

Nuno Espírito Santo, Slaven Bilic, Scott Parker, Marco Silva, Sean Dyche, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick have all been mentioned as managerial candidates for the potential West Ham job recently.

Potter, who had overseen four defeats from five Premier League games at West Ham this season, conceding more goals than any other top-flight side, has seen time run out. Reports had hinted at a stay of execution for the 50-year-old until the Arsenal match, but David Sullivan and the West Ham board have decided to call time on his reign.

It’s been just over nine months since Potter took over from Julen Lopetegui in the dugout, with the former Chelsea and Brighton boss recording one of West Ham’s worst Premier League win percentages in that time — behind only Avram Grant — who relegated the east Londoners in 2011.

According to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, while Nuno is demanding a long-term contract with reported big wages, the Portuguese is believed to be in pole position for the job. Other top contenders include Bilic, who is already planning his coaching staff in the event he’s appointed (ExWHUemployee), and now, Gary O’Neil.

The latter is a free agent after leaving Wolves last season and has a connection with West Ham already, having made 56 appearances for them as a player. O’Neil does have his credentials too, despite being sacked by his last club.

His work at Molineux and Bournemouth is “highly respected” in Premier League circles, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, given O’Neil worked wonders at times with limited resources and helped to save the Cherries from what looked like a near-certain relegation in 2022/2023.

Gary O'Neil keen to replace Graham Potter as West Ham hold manager talks

Now, as per journalist Pete O’Rourke, O’Neil is believed to be keen on joining West Ham as the club hold talks with managerial candidates behind-the-scenes.

O’Rourke highlights that Nuno remains the favourite, but says O’Neil is actually Sullivan and the board’s second choice behind the ex-Nottingham Forest hero.

The 42-year-old may not ‘wow’ supporters as a favoured candidate, though there is reason to believe he could steady the ship, at least on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

Gary O'Neil's credentials for the West Ham job

After taking over from Scott Parker at Bournemouth in 2022, O’Neil won 10 of his 34 league games in charge that season, guiding them to a 15th-placed finish.

Parker was shown his P45 following a 9-0 loss to Liverpool, which still stands as the joint-biggest defeat in Premier League history, but O’Neil managed to go unbeaten over his first six games in charge of Bournemouth thereafter.

As a result of his impressive start, the tactician was awarded a one-and-a-half year contract during the World Cup break, and steered the south coast side comfortably clear of relegation.

O’Neil also impressed in his first season at Wolves, guiding them to an FA Cup quarter-final and 14th-placed finish under very challenging circumstances, with the Old Gold selling a host of key players and bringing in few quality options to replace them.

However, O’Neil seriously struggled to build upon that in his second year and was sacked midway through 24/25 after a defeat to Ipswich.

With a drop to the Championship staring West Ham in the face right now, O’Neil could be an adept solution to steady the ship, but only on an interim basis.

Two days prior to El Clasico, Hansi Flick finds his Barcelona contingent in dire straits as they are hit with yet another injury setback. This time, it's their Brazilian lynchpin Raphinha, who missed training on Friday, and doubts have been cast over his involvement against Real Madrid on Sunday.

Raphinha misses training amid hamstring concerns

With three goals and two assists in six La Liga matches, Raphinha was off to a blistering start this season, carrying on the red hot form that brought him a fifth-place in the Ballon d'Or rankings for last season. However, he was sidelined with a hamstring injury in late September and missed one month of action. According to , he entered the club's training ground on Friday but did not join his team-mates as the session began. Instead, he will undergo tests amid fears of a relapse on his hamstring issue as the club await further news before making a decision on his availability for Sunday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu. , meanwhile, claims that he has already been ruled out by the Catalan side and if their suspicions are confirmed, he faces another month on the sidelines.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKounde also a worry for Barcelona

Apart from Raphinha, full-back Jules Kounde's participation in Sunday's mega encounter hangs in the air. He too, did not train on Friday after feeling some physical discomfort for a few days after sustaining a knock and has been confined to working out in the gym for the past two days. His involvement depends on the final training session on Saturday, and if he is not declared fit by the medical team, Flick may have to call on Ronald Araujo or Eric Garcia to compensate for his absence. Dani Olmo, Gavi and Joan Garcia are all absent.

Barca welcome back De Jong and Torres

Frenkie de Jong and attacker Ferran Torres are back in the mix for Barca. While the Dutch midfielder was suffering from gastroenteritis, Torres has completely recovered from the muscle injury he sustained while with the Spain national team. After spending the 6-1 win against Olympiacos on the bench, it is not known if he is ready to start in the Spanish capital. De Jong, a vital cog in Flick's team and held in high regard, will be expected to start on Sunday. 

Polish forward Robert Lewandowski will not be available; however, his recovery is going smoothly, and he could be back before the Catalans face Elche in early November.

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Getty Images SportClasico clash coming up for Hansi Flick's men

Like they did against Olympiacos midweek, Barca could opt to use Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal on the flanks and Marcus Rashford as the centre-forward. The English international scored twice in the Champions League win, and has now 11 goal contributions for the Catalan club. Swedish winger Roony Bardghji, who provided an assist against Olympiacos, could also be an option on the flanks. 

The six-star performance against the Greek side has lifted the morale inside the camp and provided a boost to the players ahead of taking on the league leaders Madrid, who have two points more than them. A win in the Clasico could boost the players' motivation and also put them in pole position for the time being. Last season, Barca managed to defeat Los Blancos in every encounter, a feat that is usually not seen. This term, under new manager Xabi Alonso, Madrid have started their La Liga journey pretty well, with eight wins and a loss so far.