Yorkshire bowled Glamorgan out for 209 to win by 186 runs and put themselves on the verge of a return to Division One with one round of matches to go.A draw and a couple of bonus points in their final game at home to Northamptonshire would clinch promotion, as they lead third-placed Middlesex by 15 points, 20 behind leaders Sussex, after taking the final three Glamorgan wickets in an hour.They were relegated by a single point two years ago and were handicapped by a points deduction last season, so there is an air of determination about Yorkshire as they target a return to the top level.”We played well, we have played well for a number of weeks now,” Yorkshire head coach, Ottis Gibson, said. “This week was important for us the way Sussex keep playing, keep winning, so to lose the toss and get put in meant the way we have played in the last three-and-a-half days we fully deserved our win.”Glamorgan’s focus turns to the One-Day Cup final against Somerset at Trent Bridge on Sunday as they try to bring silverware back to Sophia Gardens this season despite their Championship form, which has seen them drop to second from bottom in the table.”That was disappointing, really gutting,” Glamorgan coach, Grant Bradburn, said. “We take the loss on the chin up against very good teams in the last couple of weeks and we have not quite been sharp enough in all aspects. We don’t want to lose, of course, but we don’t mind losing if we are putting ourselves in a position to win.”James Harris and Asa Tribe started the morning knowing they had a mountain to climb, even if the target was to survive until forecast bad weather later in the day.Yorkshire opening bowlers Ben Coad and Matthew Fisher started the day with 13 wickets between them, so it was no surprise that they continued their partnership looking for the breakthrough.They had to be patient for half an hour before Fisher was able to get one to cut away and bowl Tribe for a patient 58, a significant step forward for the 20-year-old opener as he tries to establish a place in the Glamorgan line-up.Fisher was buoyed by his success and pinned Andy Gorvin lbw a few balls later to put his team close to the finish.”I have been begging for Fish and Coad to be fit together for a period of time and to have those two taking the new ball then you know they will challenge the opposition and take wickets,” Gibson said.Harris kept plugging away at the other end as he did his best to delay the inevitable, getting more aggressive in the final wicket partnership with Ben Morris which put on 41. Inevitably the fun came to an end as Harris was clean bowled by Jordan Thompson one short of a half-century.

A new era is set to begin this season for Everton. Led by club legend David Moyes, now well into his second spell in charge at the club, they will move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, after giving Goodison Park its farewell at the end of last term.

Indeed, the Toffees will go into the 2025/26 campaign in excellent form under the Scot. Since taking over on the 11th January this year, he has managed 20 games, winning eight, losing just five and drawing the rest. The final three games of the season saw Everton pick up a maximum of nine points.

Moyes’ side will have to wait before they can take to the pitch at their new home. Their first game is away to Leeds United, with Brighton and Hove Albion the first opponent to play at their new ground in the Premier League.

With the transfer window still very much open, Moyes will no doubt be looking to recruit players across the pitch and strengthen his squad. Carlos Alcaraz is the only addition so far this summer, with his loan move from Flamengo turning permanent for an undisclosed fee.

So, who will be joining Alcaraz in signing for the Toffees ahead of a historic season? Here is a look at what Everton’s dream squad could look like in 2025/26.

The goalkeepers A new number 2 alongside Pickford

It will come as absolutely no surprise that Everton and England’s number one, Jordan Pickford, will be going nowhere this season. The 31-year-old is very much at the top of his game and was a standout player for his side last term.

He had an impressive record, conceding just 44 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets in all 38 games in the top flight. He is a trusted lieutenant of Moyes, who managed him at Sunderland in his younger days.

However, the goalkeeper stocks at Everton are thin on the ground. Backup options Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia have already left the club. Thus, they are reportedly targeting Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers, as per Sky Sports. The South Coast side wanted £10m off Stoke City for Travers back in 2024, so it is safe to assume his price tag will be similar this summer.

The Irish goalkeeper played five times for the Cherries last season, pulling off this impressive save away to Aston Villa, before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough.

There, he kept four clean sheets in 17 games. He would certainly add Premier League experience and be an astute number two to Pickford.

Full list of goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford, Mark Travers

The defenders Depth at full-back after key contract extensions

One of the best pieces of news so far this summer for Everton is that Jarrad Branthwaite signed a new contract. He penned a five-year extension and is a key part of the project under Moyes. His commitment to the club must delight Toffees fans, given all the speculation of a move away.

He will likely be joined at centre-back by James Tarkowski. The pair formed a key partnership at the heart of the defence last term, playing 32 and 34 games respectively, according to Transfermarkt.

As for depth at centre-back, Michael Keane also signed a new contract this summer, and Jake O’Brien, who played lots at right-back too, last season. Club legend Seamus Coleman also put pen to paper on a new deal to remain at Everton for another season, and Nathan Patterson is also an option for Moyes at right-back.

They are still looking for a new full-back, with £8.5m left-back Anthony Caci of Mainz ‘a serious target’ according to TEAMTalk. He can play either side, but has most regularly played as a left-back as per Transfermarkt, making 102 career appearances as a left wing-back or full-back.

Indeed, it certainly makes sense that Everton are looking for a new addition on that side, with Ashley Young’s departure leaving Vitalii Mykolenko the only left-back at the club. Caci, for a bargain price, could strengthen in that area.

Full list of right-backs – Seamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson

Full list of centre-backs – RCB (James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien); LCB (Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane)

Full list of left-backs – Anthony Caci, Vitalii Mykolenko

The midfielders Plenty of new faces in midfield

The middle of the park is where Everton will seemingly look to add great depth to their squad. Idrissa Gueye is another player to extend his contract on the Blue half of Merseyside, and he was a standout player for his side last season.

As per FBref, he made more tackles and interceptions with 181 and more ball recoveries with 194 than any of his teammates.

Tackles and interceptions

181

5.32

1st

Blocks

48

1.41

2nd

Ball recoveries

194

5.71

1st

Progressive passes

145

4.26

1st

Passes into final third

154

4.53

1st

Moyes would surely like to add another ball-winner in the midfield, which is why Wilfried Ndidi is a key target. GiveMeSport suggest a £5m fee would be enough to get the deal done, for a midfielder with 220 Premier League appearances to his name. As football talent scout Jacek Kulig said, he is a “beast” in the centre of the park.

James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are also options for Moyes in midfield. The pair made 23 and 21 appearances respectively in 2024/25, but there is certainly a lack of experience in that area.

That is why an ambitious move for Aston Villa captain John McGinn could be on the cards. BBC Sport say they are ‘interested’ in the Scot, valued at £14m by Football Transfers.

It will be a tough deal to do, with Villans boss Unai Emery said to be ‘in no mood to part with’ McGinn, but he would certainly add to all areas of the pitch. Last season, he scored four times, including a stunner against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and grabbed six assists.

As we now know, the Toffees have signed Alcaraz permanently, and he surely becomes the first-choice number 10 under Moyes. He contributed to five goals last season.

However, keep an eye on young Harrison Armstrong, who ‘appears in a position to press his first-team claims’, according to The Guardian.

Full list of central midfielders – Idrissa Gueye, Wilfred Ndidi, James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, John McGinn

Full list of number tens – Carlos Alcaraz, Harrison Armstrong

The attackers Moyes' DCL replacement and two new RWs

One part of the forward line that seems sorted for the Toffees is the left wing. Their standout attacking player from last season, Iliman Ndiaye, will be vital again in 2025/26.

He scored 11 goals last term. The other player at Moyes’ disposal on the left is Dwight McNeil, who bagged five goals and assisted an impressive eight during the 2024/25 season.

On the other flank, the Toffees might look to make two new additions. The i Paper has linked two players who can slot in on the right, namely James McAtee of Manchester City for £25m, and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, who would cost upwards of £30m.

England under-21 international McAtee bagged seven goals in 27 games last term for the Citizens, as well as putting on a show in the Under-21 European Championship, which England won. He even grabbed an assist in the final. He can also play as a number 10.

As for Kubo, the 24-year-old played 52 times for Sociedad last term. He managed to score seven goals and grab four assists, playing mainly as a right-winger but also slotting in on the left at times, too.

Leading the line for Everton next season will be another new face, Thierno Barry of Villarreal. The Toffees have completed a £27m move for the 22-year-old French striker. Described as “menacing in the box” by football scout Antonio Mango, he bagged 19 goals in 41 games for the Yellow Submarine last term.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin now departed, that leaves Moyes with Beto, a man who bagged ten times across all competitions last season, and youngster Chermiti, who only played four games, as his options to compete with Barry.

Full list of right-wingers – Takefusa Kubo, James McAtee

Full list of strikers – Thierno Barry, Beto, Chermiti

Full list of left-wingers – Iliman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil

Moyes' best CM since Fellaini: Everton submit enquiry to sign £43m star

David Moyes has enjoyed plenty of quality midfielders at Everton, Marouane Fellaini chief amongst them, so could the Toffees sign another?

Jul 9, 2025

Chelsea are the champions of the world. Before the final against Paris Saint-Germain, rivals all across England and beyond laughed at the thought of Enzo Maresca beating this unbeatable super-team.

But beat them Chelsea did, in fact dismantling the Parisians 3-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. PSG, having won the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, were firm favourites, but they were brushed aside by an incisive and energetic Blues side.

Not a bad maiden campaign, all told, for Maresca, whose side will now rest ahead of a new term which promises so much.

Who was it, then, who inspired the Londoners to victory? Who else?

Cole Palmer, once again on the biggest stage, stood up when his team needed a talisman.

Cole Palmer's show-stopping performance vs PSG

Crowned the Player of the Tournament after notching three goals and two assists across six matches – all of which came in the knockout stage – Palmer has proved that class is permanent with some stunning showings.

His first-half brace against Luis Enrique’s side was dispatched in typically cool fashion, with all that was could running through the Three Lions superstar.

Palmer, 23, is unquestionably Chelsea’s main man, also assisting Chelsea’s conclusive strike.

We’ve seen many times Palmer’s ability to channel some level of performance possible only through the boots of a select few geniuses across the globe, but there’s another who has the potential to become something special for the Stamford Bridge side, and he showed as much against PSG.

In fact, he’s demonstrating the properties which suggest he could be Maresca’s own version of one Didier Drogba.

Maresca has found Chelsea's new Drogba

Chelsea signed a certain Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £60m deal a few weeks ago, and it’s been quite the whirlwind start to this new chapter of his career.

Aged 23, Pedro is one of the most talented developing forwards in Europe, and Chelsea must feel they have hit the jackpot already, with his confident efforts in the United States certainly emitting a Drogba-esque sense.

He collected and converted Palmer’s pass with a deft dink to put the scoreline beyond PSG’s reach, a goal that Drogba in his pomp would have been proud of. It was audacious, just as the Ivorian was throughout much of his time in west London.

As a result of his efforts in the final, The London Standard awarded him with an 8/10 match rating, praising his tenacity and intelligent running to outfox the opposing backline.

Clinical, energetic and willing to get stuck in, Pedro has already showcased his blend of artful quality, his sharp technicality, and indeed a focus on the defensive side of the game that is reminiscent of Drogba in his Chelsea prime.

Luiz Felipe Scolari once called the Ivorian striker “one of the best in the world” during his time at Chelsea, owing to his big-game ability, work rate and robust passing game.

Pedro’s got a long way to go before he establishes a reputation of similar proportions as a Blue, but he’s off to a flyer, embodying many of those aforementioned virtues across the past week or so.

Chelsea have earned themselves a well-deserved rest ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Maresca, indeed, has bagged two pieces of silverware and a spot in next year’s Champions League proper.

We’ve had a taste of Pedro’s quality in the final third, and though big-money strikers haven’t always made it work in Blue, this combative and complete Brazilian might just prove to be a reincarnation of Drogba.

£80m Gittens upgrade: Chelsea have looked at signing "one of the PL's best"

Chelsea are hoping to make several more signings in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 13, 2025

Liverpool have sold Jarell Quansah. Liverpool’s defensive graduate has played his part over the past few years, replacing Joel Matip after the Cameroonian’s knee injury and then going on to win titles and cement himself as a first-team star.

Praised by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his “complete package”, Quansah is the perfect profile for a modern centre-back; however, he struggled to replicate his form under Arne Slot’s last wing, on the backfoot from the offing after his half-time substitution last August, the new coach bemoaning his side’s success in the duel during his opening match in the dugout against Ipswich Town.

It’s the events of Liverpool’s triumphant 2024/25 season that have led to Quansah’s sale, but the 22-year-old can certainly hold his head high after winning the Carabao Cup and Premier League, notching 58 Reds appearances in total.

Beginners luck? Not likely. This is a wonderful talent who has now been signed by German club Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m. Liverpool have inserted a buyback clause.

Liverpool are having a fantastic transfer window, but they may yet have to contend with further exits to ruffle things up in Slot’s squad. Indeed, Luis Diaz is also being chased by one of the German Bundesliga’s heaviest hitters.

Why Luis Diaz could leave Liverpool

There’s a lot to be excited about if you’re of a Liverpool persuasion, but there’s no question that selling Diaz would be met with a measure of concern.

Bayern Munich have seen a formal approach rejected for the Colombian winger after Barcelona’s rebuffed bid at the start of June.

While Diaz’s contract expires in two years, there have been no concrete negotiations pertaining to a renewal. This has left the 28-year-old frustrated, for he earns a comparatively modest wage of £55k per week.

For FSG’s part, they are happy to run down Diaz’s contract, waiving any chance of banking a healthy fee and instead profiting from his performances on the pitch.

After all, Diaz is coming off his best campaign in a Liverpool shirt, notching 25 goal contributions and providing invaluable support as a makeshift centre-forward.

But there remains an interest in a long-term successor all the same.

Liverpool in talks to sign new winger

According to The Independent, Liverpool are one of the clubs in contact with Lyon winger Malick Fofana, although FSG know work is to be done if they are to win the race, for Nottingham Forest have had an official bid accepted already.

Lyon have been provisionally relegated from Ligue 1 for financial troubles, thus widening the opportunity for suitors to sign Fofana, 20, this summer.

He won’t go cheap though. The French giants have slapped a €60m (£51m) price tag on their rising star, and that figure may yet soar as Lyon seek to hold out and drum up as much interest as possible.

Why Liverpool should sign Malick Fofana

Sporting director Richard Hughes has been tracking Fofana for a while, and his style of football suggests he would be an ideal addition to emulate the success Diaz has enjoyed on Merseyside.

Fofana, who has already made his international debut with Belgium, has been praised for his “explosive” style of play by analyst Ben Mattinson, bearing pace and physicality that isn’t too far away from Diaz’s robust skill set.

Joining from Belgian team Gent for a fee rising to €22m (£19m) in January 2024, he’s certainly shown himself to possess a clinical eye, scoring 15 goals and supplying seven assists across 62 appearances, of which only 29 have been starts.

The majority of those contributions came last term, with Fofana’s 11-goal and six-assist haul marking the beginning of a prolific journey that could see him emulate Diaz at Liverpool.

When looking at how the two wingers ranked up across all competitions in 2024/25 for their respective clubs, there’s perhaps a curious point to be made regarding Fofana’s (and in sequence Diaz’s) output, more creative and marginally more prolific than his counterpart.

Add his unrelenting ball-carrying into the bargain and you’ve got a wide forward capable of playing the role which Diaz plies so effectively for the Anfield outfit. In March, Fofana freed himself from his teenage years; the best is yet to come.

But that’s not to say he hasn’t shown his quality against heavy hitters. Only a few months ago, he racked up an assist against Manchester United in that extraordinary Europa League knockout tie. The Red Devils went through but the Belgian winger added to his earlier success in the competition with an impactful off-the-bench performance.

Did we mention that across his 16 Ligue 1 starts last season, the left-sided, right-footed forward scored five goals, missing only four big chances, created six big chances and won 54% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore. Combative and creative, he’s the full package.

Stepping into the Premier League while still finding his feet as a professional would make Fofana a risk for Liverpool to make, but an educated one at that. He wouldn’t be expected to perform with the slick intensity that Diaz brings, not from the offing, but there’s no question he has the tools to replace and maybe even improve upon Slot’s South American sensation.

Liverpool’s boss has already demonstrated an incredible coaching aptitude on English soil, lifting the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo (who adds perfect competition on the left flank).

This is a talent of immense potential, and with so many clubs queuing up, Liverpool might want to take their shot before it’s too late.

Dream Diaz upgrade: Liverpool "discussing" move for "world-class" £85m star

Liverpool could be ramping up their pursuit of a new forward…

By
Robbie Walls

Jul 2, 2025

أعلن بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني لنادي مانشستر سيتي، عن التشكيل الذي سيخوض مباراة نابولي مساء اليوم الخميس، بالجولة الأولى من دوري أبطال أوروبا مرحلة المجموعات.

ويسعى مانشستر سيتي لبداية دوري أبطال أوروبا في نسخته الجديدة بقوة، وذلك من أجل السعي وراء الحصول على اللقب الثاني في تاريخ النادي الإنجليزي.

مانشستر سيتي يدخل لقاء اليوم بمعنويات كبيرة، عقب حسم ديربي مانشستر والانتصار على مانشستر يونايتد بثلاثة أهداف دون رد يوم الأحد الماضي في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

أقرأ أيضًا .. برناردو سيلفا مشيدًأ بصفقة مانشستر سيتي الجديدة: يشبه كورتوا كثيرًا

وشهد تشكيل مانشستر سيتي استمرار غياب عمر مرموش، في ظل عدم تعافي الدولي المصري من الإصابة التي تعرض لها خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الأخيرة مع منتخب مصر.

عمر مرموش لم يلعب في ديربي مانشستر وظل خارج قائمة مانشستر سيتي في نهاية المطاف.

وعوض  جيريمي دوكو، عمر مرموش في تشكيلة مانشستر سيتي الأساسية، حيث استمر المدرب بيب جوارديولا في الاعتماد على الدولي البلجيكي في مركز الجناح الأيسر.

أما فيل فودين فاستمر في المشاركة بشكل أساسي بعدما لعب بشكل مميز ضد مانشستر يونايتد، في حين يتشارك تيجاني ريندرز مع رودري خط الوسط. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام نابولي في دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: جيانلويجي دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: عبد القادر خوسانوف، روبن دياز، جوسكو جفارديول، نيكو أورايلي

خط الوسط: رودري، تيجاني ريندرز.

خط الوسط الهجومي: برناردو سيلفا، جيريمي دوكو، فيل فودين.

خط الهجوم: إيرلينج هالاند.

ويجلس على دكة بدلاء مانشستر سيتي كلًا من: ماركوس بيتينلي، نيكو جونزاليس، سافيو، أوسكار بوب، جيمس ترافورد، ماتيوس نونيز، ريكو لويس، ديفاين موكاسا، ستيفن مفوني، ناثان آكي.  

Things could have been very different for Tottenham Hotspur right now, had they failed to beat Manchester United in last season’s Europa League final.

But they did, and now, new manager Thomas Frank is piecing together a new Spurs side capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League and hunting down more silverware.

Frank has already been handed a wily new forward in Mohammed Kudus, with the fleet-footed winger signing from West Ham United for £55m.

The ambition hasn’t stopped there. Tottenham offered a release clause-triggering £60m for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White but have been accused by the Tricky Trees as having made an illegal approach.

Hope remains that a deal will cross the line in the coming weeks, but Frank and Daniel Levy are hoping to complete a few more transfers before the end of summer.

Why Spurs want Morgan Gibbs-White

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest enjoyed a standout season in 2024/25, qualifying for Europe after spending the previous years battling against the relegation zone.

Across 34 top-flight matches, the 25-year-old scored seven goals and supplied ten assists, but it’s his tenacity and influence, on the ball and without it, that have made him such a coveted name.

Hailed as a “leader” who is “always looking to progress the team” by pundit Glenn Murray, Gibbs-White has what it takes to add a layer to Tottenham’s team that was lacking for large patches last year.

It’s not as if he’s just a pass-focused player, either. The England international averaged 1.3 tackles and 4.5 successful duels per league game, as per Sofascore.

With Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur both potentially leaving this summer, as The Athletic have suggested, Frank may well be searching for yet another centre-midfielder to partner Gibbs-White.

Spurs line up new midfielder

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer, with the Brazilian having informed the Old Lady he wishes to return to the Premier League and is keen on a move to Spurs.

West Ham are the side pushing to complete a deal, however, while Forest and Fulham have both been credited with recent enquiries of their own. The competition is fierce.

Luiz, 27, joined Juventus from Aston Villa in a £42m deal one year ago, but he is available for a smaller £34m fee.

What Douglas Luiz would bring to Spurs

It’s been a year to forget for Luiz, who only started three Serie A matches across the entire 2024/25 campaign. However, given that he was previously described as “one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders” by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Spurs could do a lot worse.

Looking at Luiz’s struggles on the Italian scene, it’s clear that he has flattered to deceive. But context is important: Luiz failed to settle in Turin, and his campaign was further impeded by injuries.

Looking at the level he was performing at the year before, with Aston Villa in the Premier League, you can see why Tottenham are interested in completing a deal.

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

19 (3)

Goals

9

0

Assists

5

0

Touches*

70.1

27.3

Pass completion

89%

90%

Big chances created

10

3

Key passes*

1.5

0.8

Dribbles*

0.7

0.6

Ball recoveries*

5.5

1.6

Tackles*

1.7

0.9

Duels (won)*

4.2 (51%)

1.9 (55%)

One thing that’s interesting across both of Luiz’s recent campaigns is that he maintains an impressive crispness on the ball, not dribbling forward unceasingly but picking his moments. This bespeaks his tactical intelligence. Former teammate John McGinn even claimed once that he is a “world-class” player.

A dynamic and well-rounded midfielder, Luiz could be the perfect partner for Gibbs-White in the middle of the park, with the Forest man operating further ahead, maximising his creative qualities while the Brazilian dictates from deep.

Gibbs-White ranked last season in the Premier League among the top 12% of positional peers for goal-creating actions and the top 9% for through balls per 90, as per FBref, so while he has an impressive completeness and bite about him, Frank will no doubt look to maximise this shining part of his skill set.

Luiz could certainly help in this regard, not only adding some tough-tackling quality to the fold but some flair and uniqueness too.

Even though the 27-year-old played a nominal part in Juventus’ season, he still finished the campaign ranked among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

This goes to show that the players, contrasting but in concert with their emphasis on collecting the ball and enhancing their side’s fluency, could prove a deadly duo indeed, supplying the forwards and working hard to protect the defenders behind them.

Frank’s set-up can be defined by its transitional focus. He said that “adaptability is really important to him”, and in these two midfielders, the Danish tactician would find that he has contrasting parts who could both be fielded alongside each other or indeed act as the foil for the other, stepping in when called upon.

Such a breadth of options is something that Postecoglou lacked last year, and that’s in part down to injuries, but there’s no question that Luiz and Gibbs-White would enhance a Spurs side that is starting to show signs that it can take the next steps toward something special.

If Levy manages to pull off both these exciting midfield signings, it could be exactly what Frank’s system needs to kick on and challenge at the front end of the Premier League next term while pushing to succeed in the Champions League and maybe even win a bit more silverware too.

Dream Wharton alternative: Spurs working on deal to sign "outrageous" CM

Tottenham Hotspur are making a move for a star who could make them forget about Adam Wharton.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Arsenal are primed to go again next season, sights set on the biggest prizes. Mikel Arteta’s transfer efforts this summer certainly speak of ambition.

And there’s more still to come, even after deals for free-scoring striker Viktor Gyokeres and up-and-coming defender Cristian Mosquera are wrapped up, as is expected.

There’s space for a few more forwards, and the depth of such plans will become clearer upon the resolutions to the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both wide forwards rumoured to be expendable.

A playmaker would also go down well in north London. Arsenal had registered their interest in RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, but the Dutchman has instead been at the centre of Chelsea’s advancements, with that one now in the pipeline.

However, with Martin Odegaard settled in his senior role, Arteta will want to consider the ramifications a big-money signing might have on some of the exciting up-and-coming prospects.

Arsenal's teenage talents

Arsenal commenced their pre-season tour in Asia with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. A familiar scoreline, but also new parts which demonstrate Arteta’s vision advancing to the next stage.

Bukayo Saka being the goalscorer is nothing new, but the likes of Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri’s starring roles highlight the next batch of elite Hale End prospects arriving at Arteta’s door.

We, of course, know all about Nwaneri, he who emerged onto the scene as a youngster and settled into a role of seniority last year, scoring nine goals and supplying two assists across 37 matches in all competitions.

Against Milan this week, the 18-year-old operated from a central playmaking berth, and it made an interesting comment on his positional value away from the right wing.

However, Dowman made his senior debut against the Italians, emerging from the bench and replacing Saka beyond the hour mark. A symbolic switch if ever there was one.

Where Dowman, 15, is best suited positionally remains to be seen, but after Arteta hailed the attacking midfielder’s “incredible” first taste of action, the outfit will want to be wary of hampering his development.

Arsenal lining up another attacking midfielder

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal chiefs are locked in talks with the entourage of Eberechi Eze, who has immortalised himself at Crystal Palace after scoring the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final.

The 27-year-old has a £60m release clause in his contract and the Gunners are the firm favourites to complete a deal, should he be on the move this summer.

Eze, an England international of growing importance, could find himself at the centre of a concrete bid from Arsenal in short time, now that a move for Gyokeres has been wrapped up.

Why Arsenal want Eberechi Eze

In 2020, Eze joined Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for a £20m fee. He has since become “one of the best players in the Premier League”, in the words of teammate Tyrick Mitchell, posting 40 goals and 28 assists across 148 matches for the Eagles.

24/25

43 (40)

14

11

23/24

31 (26)

11

6

22/23

40 (30)

10

4

21/22

19 (7)

1

1

20/21

36 (31)

3

6

The Three Lions star is something special, all right, with his strong athletic build and winged feet making him a dangerous opponent for even the sternest defenders.

As per FBref, Eze ranked among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.

His average of 1.7 key passes, two dribbles and 4.8 successful duels per Premier League game last season, as per Sofascore, furthers the argument that he’s exactly what Arteta needs to add a dimension and ensure that the biggest prizes across multiple fronts can be chased next term.

The problem is that Eze’s arrival would spark congestion in the creative midfield position for Arsenal, and this could lead to the stunting of Dowman’s growth. Nwaneri’s midfield role against Milan suggests his future lies in the middle, while the acquisition of Noni Madueke will surely see him play on the right, Dowman’s other preferred role.

And given the prodigious potential that Arteta has in the teenage superstar, is this really the course of action that the club wants to head down?

Of course, some would argue that Dowman must be eased onto the major stage over the next few years, allowed to grow into his skin without the weight of responsibility that could foil so many youngsters.

But Odegaard is set to continue as the Emirates creator-in-chief over the coming years, and Nwaneri could be his deputy for an age.

Given that Dowman is so ilky and fleet-footed on the ball, bearing an age-belying confidence, you could make the comparison between him and Eze, so there is the fact that he would emerge onto the scene and be impeded by a more accomplished and complete positional rival who has a similar style of play.

And if Arsenal do push ahead with the signing of an out-and-out winger, which is a separate focus to that of Eze, then it would make sense for the Palace man to operate chiefly within a central berth. Thus, Dowman would indeed find himself further down the pecking order than he might hope for.

There’s no question that Eze is a “superstar”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, but is his signature really needed? It might feel like this is so, but Dowman is one of the most talented teenagers in world football, and he could break through to the Arsenal first team sooner rather than later.

More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"

The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 24, 2025

Manchester City are now leading the race for a “world-class” player, who is very keen on sealing a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to a report.

Guardiola keen on new goalkeeper amid Ederson concerns

Man City crashed out of the Club World Cup at the round of 16 stage, which left Pep Guardiola dissatisfied, and the manager is reportedly growing particularly tired of Ederson’s performances, with the Brazilian failing to reach his usual lofty heights.

Consequently, Guardiola is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with it recently being revealed the Blues are ready to submit a £51m bid for FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, who has been identified as one of their top targets.

However, Costa is not the only option on the shortlist, as James Trafford is also of interest, and contact has been made over a deal for the Burnley shot-stopper, with City looking to hijack their Premier League rivals, Newcastle United.

Newcastle have been in the driving seat in the race for Trafford’s signature for quite some time, and a report last week suggested the Magpies were closing in on a deal, but it now looks like he could re-join the Blues.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Etihad Stadium is the goalkeeper’s most likely destination this summer, indicating Man City are now leading the race, with Newcastle now at real risk of missing out on a deal entirely.

City have a £40m buy-back clause for their former player, although they are looking to negotiate a fee below that figure, given that £40m would be a large fee to shell out for a goalkeeper yet to prove himself at the very highest level.

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Posts ByBrett Worthington Jul 21, 2025

Crucially, the Burnley star is “very keen” on a return to the Etihad Stadium, which means it could be easy to negotiate personal terms if the Blues are able to agree a suitable fee with the Clarets.

"World-class" Trafford could be ideal Ederson heir

The 22-year-old, on £25,000-a-week, is clearly now ready to test himself at the top level, given that he performed remarkably well for Burnley in the Championship last season, shipping just 16 goals in 45 appearances and keeping 29 clean sheets.

The former City man clearly has plenty of self-belief too, having described himself as “world-class” last season, and the Englishman’s performances for the Clarets over the past year suggest he could certainly be at that level.

Statistic

Average per 90

Goals against

0.36 (99th percentile)

Save percentage

84.5% (99th percentile)

Save % (penalties)

100% (95th percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

64.4% (99th percentile)

Clearly, Trafford could be an ideal long-term replacement for Ederson, but he will have big shoes to fill, given that the Brazilian has been a fantatsic servant to City, winning six Premier League titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Big Picture

Australia have played like world champions, England have played like a team that has only just come together and are trying to figure out their next style of one-day cricket. Which is exactly the position of both sides.What will (or at least should) frustrate Harry Brook and Marcus Trescothick – stand-in captain and coach – is that England have had their opportunity in both games: at Trent Bridge they were 213 for 2 in the 33rd over before falling away to Australia’s collection of spinners and at Headingley they had the visitors 161 for 6 and 221 for 9 before Alex Carey swung the momentum.Related

• Could more crushing ODI failure be just what England need?

• Carey takes his chance to silence hostile Headingley

In both matches, Australia have found key performances from potentially unlikely sources, firstly with Marnus Labuschagne’s three wickets then Carey’s superb 74 off 67 balls from an opening that only presented itself due to Josh Inglis’ injury.With Australia struck down by illness ahead of Trent Bridge, it always felt as though that was going to prove a big missed opportunity for England and so it proved as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell returned at Headingley and combined to take 7 for 119. With an eye to the future, Aaron Hardie’s performance was also significant with 2 for 26.England have some of the building blocks to make their attempts at rejuvenation a success. Ben Duckett is in excellent form, Jamie Smith is a high-class batter whatever colour ball he is facing, Brydon Carse could yet replicate the Liam Plunkett role – even if Carse says it’s never been spoken about – Adil Rashid remains world-class (although replacing him is a concern) and there is a collection of quicks with genuine pace.However, at the moment they seem unable to quite find their groove, especially with the bat, with Brook’s comments about not caring whether batters are caught attempting to clear the boundary not yet carrying the weight of when Eoin Morgan backed his team’s ultra-aggressive mantra in 2015. There is time yet for the rebuild to come together; Chester-le-Street would be a good place to start to at least ensure this series remains undecided for a few more days.

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)
England LLLWL
Australia WWWWW4:07

The Huddle: Smith recalls his battle with Archer in Ashes 2019

In the spotlight: Phil Salt and Steven Smith

Phil Salt appears to have the task of playing the ultra-aggressive opener but he hasn’t looked entirely convincing in the first two matches. At Trent Bridge he seemed somewhat perplexed when bowled as he gave himself room against Ben Dwarshuis then at Headingley he was given a working over by Josh Hazlewood. He survived a review for a caught behind and was dropped at slip as he flayed at Hazlewood’s relentless short-of-a-length line around off stump before edging through to Carey. He will, no doubt, be fully backed to continue in the same vein but Australia’s quick bowlers are not easy to smash off their lengths.Back home, Steven Smith is at the centre of the key debate in Australian men’s cricket – or at least as much as these things raise attention during the September football final season – about where he will bat when India arrive for the Test series. For now he’s been at No. 3 and 4 in this series and would no doubt like a decent score. He looked in good touch in the opening game before offering a return catch to Liam Livingstone then was beaten by a superb delivery from Matthew Potts at Headingley. There is a good chance of a second rematch with Jofra Archer which always makes for compelling viewing.

Team news: Archer in line for return, Australia hopeful illness has passed

Archer would appear likely to slot back in having been given his expected rest at Headingley. Who he replaces will be interesting: Olly Stone bowled with good pace in Leeds, Potts was excellent and Carse adds some batting depth at No. 8. England felt potentially a seamer light in the last game, but without a true pace-bowling allrounder it’s hard to squeeze another option in.England: (possible) 1 Ben Duckett, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Will Jacks, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Jamie Smith (wk), 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Jacob Bethell, 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Matthew PottsBen Dwarshuis has flown home after picking up a pectoral injury which restricted him to just four overs on debut in Nottingham. However, other than that Australia are hopeful of having a full squad to select from for the first time in the series. If Inglis is fit it creates an interesting call to make after Carey’s success in the last match. Inglis could play as a specialist batter, but there isn’t room for that, either, unless there’s some rotation. The north of England in September may require an extra pace-bowling option with Cameron Green and Sean Abbott available.Australia: (possible) 1 Travis Head, 2 Matthew Short, 3 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 4 Steven Smith, 5 Marnus Labuschagne, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Aaron Hardie, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Adam Zampa

Pitch and conditions

Teams were forced to train indoors on Monday but the forecast for game day is a little better, albeit with the chance of showers. To say it will be mild might be stretching things. Overhead conditions could assist the bowlers although pitches at Chester-le-Street are usually pretty good for batting in one-day cricket.

Stats and trivia

• Starc needs one more wicket to move into fourth spot alone in Australia’s ODI tally. He equalled Mitchell Johnson on 239 during the previous game.
• England have two ODI centuries in the XI which played at Trent Bridge – one apiece for Duckett and Salt – while Australia had 28.
• England have a 3-1 winning record at Chester-le-Street against Australia. In 2018, Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh struck centuries but England comfortably chased 311 as Jason Roy made 101 off 83 balls. Only three players from that game will likely appear this time: Carey, Travis Head and Adil Rashid

Quotes

“There have been big changes, new batters, new bowlers. It will take time. It will always take time when it is a rebuilding process. We have got every base covered in terms of bowling, batting, keeping. Everything is there for us.”
Adil Rashid on England’s new era“There’s been a big emphasis on being flexible, being adaptable, there’s so many players who have cemented their spots – Travis at the top, Mitch [Marsh] through the middle then you’ve got Smith, Labuschagne – so it’s just about filling the roles as they pop up, whether it’s with the bat or ball, just being adaptable, jump up and down the order, and be able to contribute wherever possible.”

WA chase a historic four-peat, Tasmania hope to go one step better, while SA and Queensland start new eras

Alex Malcolm and Andrew McGlashan04-Oct-2024New South WalesCaptain Moises Henriques (Shield only)
Coach Greg ShipperdSquad Charlie Anderson (R), Sean Abbott (CA), Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins (CA), Joel Davies (R), Oliver Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hackney, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Josh Hazlewood (CA), Moises Henriques, Ryan Hicks (R), Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon (CA), Nic Maddinson, Blake Nikitaras, Jack Nisbet, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Will Salzmann (R), Tanveer Sangha, Lachlan Shaw (R), Steven Smith (CA), Mitchell Starc (CA), Chris Tremain, Adam Zampa (CA).CA = Cricket Australia contract | R = Rookie contractIn Nic Maddinson (Victoria), Josh Philippe (WA), Sam Konstas
Out Baxter Holt (WA), Blake MacDonald, Ross Pawson, Jason Sangha (South Australia), David WarnerLast season ThirdHow they shape upThere were signs of significant improvement last season and three wins in four matches either side of the BBL had them in contention for the final having suffered two heavy losses early in the season. They have made two of the most significant off-season signings with Nic Maddinson returning to his home state and Josh Philippe coming in from Perth. Philippe has already scored a hundred in the One-Day Cup and is motivated to resurrect his red-ball career. Maddinson, meanwhile, arrives on the back of a stellar finish to last season with Victoria and more such runs could put him in the national conversation.Even though runs were tough to come by last year, they still need more from the top order: only three regulars averaged over 30 last season. Elsewhere, it’s largely familiar faces. In Chris Tremain and Jackson Bird they have a potent new-ball attack if they are able to stay fit but Tremain is set for a late start due to neck and shoulder issues. It will be hoped that legspinner Tanveer Sangha can get some first-class cricket after a run of injuries.Related

Mature McSweeney making his mark in South Australia

Khawaja, Labuschagne, Head and Marsh named for first round of the Shield, Smith rested

'Feels like we're in rarified air' – WA face their toughest test in pursuit of history

Australia sweat on Green as selection for India becomes complicated

Indore to Hobart: Kuhnemann's journey to revive his red-ball career

Player to watchOllie Davies is one of the most exciting young batters in Australia. Last season, he found the formula to marry his tremendous ball-striking ability to the demands of red-ball cricket, finishing with three centuries and an average of 67.00 in a campaign where runs were at a premium across the country. It’s understood he was in serious consideration for the recent white-ball tour of the UK and is likely to be in the mix for Australia A honours. Having been allowed to bed in at No. 6, it may also be time for a move up the order.Australia impactNSW may see a little more of their multi-format international players than previous seasons. The big three quicks are expected to play at least one Shield match before the India series while Nathan Lyon is likely to feature in two, and perhaps three games, while he could also return late in the season after the tour of Sri Lanka. Steven Smith will also get an outing before the Test summer and there’s still interest over where he will bat although Cameron Green’s injury may have changed that dynamic. In theory, Adam Zampa will be available for a rare window of Shield cricket between the Pakistan white-ball series in November and the start of the BBL. Sean Abbott had an expensive ODI series against England but will likely remain in contention. Davies and Jack Edwards could push for the Australia A matches against India A which start late October.Marnus Labuschagne is the new Queensland captain•Getty ImagesQueenslandCaptain Marnus Labuschagne
Coach Johan BothaSquad Lachie Aitkin (R), Xavier Bartlett (CA), Max Bryant, Hugo Burdon, Jack Clayton, Liam Guthrie, Lachlan Guthrie, Lachie Hearne, Usman Khawaja (CA), Marnus Labuschagne (CA), Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Jem Ryan (R), Gurinder Sandhu, Jack Sinfield, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker (R), Bryce Street, Connor Sully, Mitch Swepson, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Tom Whitney (R), Jack WildermuthIn Angus Lovell, Lachlan Hearne, Callum Vidler, Lachlan Aitken, Jem Ryan, Tom Straker
Out Joe Burns, James Bazley, Blake Edwards, Aryan Jain, Matthew Kuhnemann (Tasmania), Will Prestwidge (Tasmania)Last season SixthHow they shape upIt’s a new era in Queensland with a new coach in Johan Botha and a new captain and vice-captain in Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Swepson, following a dismal last summer which saw long-time coach Wade Seccombe depart after they finished last in the Shield. Botha is not afraid to push change and has already done so with the leadership as well as asking former captain Usman Khawaja to open the batting in the Shield team after previously slotting in at No. 4. They have some injury issues in their bowling ranks with Xavier Bartlett nursing a side strain, while Gurinder Sandhu missed the first two One-Day Cup games with a calf issue. Michael Neser is returning from a calf problem in the pre-season but got through the One-Day Cup games unscathed. Queensland’s bowling was uncharacteristically lacklustre last year as they struggled to take 20 wickets and they did not have a single batter score more than 555 runs in the Shield season and only three managed 400 or more. They are looking for improvement in both areas with a particular focus on settling a young middle-order.Player to watchJack Clayton will be pivotal for Queensland with the bat. The 25-year-old left-hand batter was their leading run-scorer last year scoring two centuries at No. 4, but he was shuffled around the order through Nos. 3, 4, and 5 over the course of the season and only averaged 32.64. Queensland’s top order will be unsettled due to the possible comings and goings of Khawaja, Labuschagne and even Matt Renshaw with Australia A duty. Clayton will likely be a constant unless he gets an Australia A call-up himself. Much will rest on his shoulders as the bedrock of the Bulls’ middle-order when the Test players aren’t there.Australia impactKhawaja and Labuschagne will play the first two matches at least and Khawaja will likely play the third while Labuschagne may miss due to Australia’s ODI series with Pakistan. Labuschagne is unlikely to return until mid-March when the Champions Trophy is complete. Khawaja should be back in mid-February after Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka and might be available for the last couple of matches of the summer. Renshaw and Neser could be called into Australia A squads or even the Test squad as cover at various stages during November and December which could impact their availability, and Renshaw may be considered for Sri Lanka. Swepson is another who could be a candidate for Australia A cricket and the Sri Lanka tour. Bartlett’s return from injury is an unknown, but his progression into Australia’s white-ball ranks could see him picked for the Pakistan series in November if he is fit.Nathan McSweeney will lead South Australia•Getty ImagesSouth AustraliaCaptain Nathan McSweeney
Coach Ryan HarrisSquad Wes Agar, Kyle Brazell (R), Jordan Buckingham, Aidan Cahill (R), Alex Carey (CA), Harry Conway, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Travis Head (CA), Henry Hunt, Spencer Johnson, Thomas Kelly, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Harry Matthias (R), Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Nathan McSweeney, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Campbell Thompson (R), Henry ThorntonIn Jason Sangha (NSW), Mackenzie Harvey, Conor McInerney, Campbell Thompson
Out Jake Carder, David Grant, Isaac Higgins, Kelvin SmithLast season FifthHow they shape upSouth Australia’s Shield woes led to some significant leadership changes, with Ryan Harris taking over as coach and Nathan McSweeney being appointed captain on top of changes in the high-performance department with long-time general manager Tim Nielsen departing. They have once again recruited from interstate with Jason Sangha moving across from New South Wales and Mackenzie Harvey joining the squad after a strong season of grade cricket in Victoria. The batting remains the major Achilles heel in Shield cricket while the fast-bowling stocks are strong. McSweeney will lead the batting unit at No. 3. Henry Hunt had a lean summer, except for one big century, and missed the last three games with injury so his return at the top will help. They are hoping to settle the top six after cycling through endless combinations in the recent past. Jake Fraser-McGurk is set to bat at No. 6, if selected, after an unsuccessful attempt at opening late last summer. The bowling attack will be led by Nathan McAndrew and Jordan Buckingham. Offspinner Ben Manenti was excellent with the bat last summer scoring five half-centuries but he took just 13 wickets at 64.30, albeit Adelaide Oval has been a graveyard for Shield spinners in the drop-in pitch era.Player to watchNathan McSweeney will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders but the 25-year-old is relishing the challenge of captaining and batting No. 3. He is coming off his best domestic season to date, scoring 762 runs at 40.10 last summer including three centuries. He is on the Australia selectors’ radar having captained Australia A already, but his batting record isn’t quite at the level of some of the other Test batting candidates dominating the Shield at the moment. He is keen to emulate what Cameron Bancroft has done in WA and consistently deliver big runs for his side.Australia impactTravis Head may only play one Shield game before the Border-Gavaskar series with the imminent birth of his second child limiting his availability. Alex Carey was set to play the first three but his return to form in the ODI side may complicate matters as Australia’s first ODI against Pakistan coincides with the third Shield game. Fraser-McGurk is a likely candidate to play in the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan if the Test players are rested as expected. Spencer Johnson is already unavailable through injury but if he does return to fitness by November, he may well be called away to play white-ball cricket for Australia. McAndrew, Buckingham and McSweeney are all candidates to play for Australia A in two matches against India A, which could rule them out of the third Shield game and affect their ability to play in the fourth given the short turnaround between fixtures.TasmaniaCaptain Jordan Silk
Coach Jeff VaughanSquad Gabe Bell, Iain Carlisle, Nick Davis (R), Jake Doran, Kieran Elliot, Nathan Ellis (CA), Jarrod Freeman, Brad Hope, Caleb Jewell, Matthew Kuhnemann, Rafael Macmillan (R), Riley Meredith, Lawrence Neil-Smith, Aiden O’Connor (R), Mitch Owen, Nivethan Radhakrishnan (R), Jordan Silk, Billy Stanlake, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Mac WrightIn Matthew Kuhnemann (Queensland), Will Prestwidge (Queensland), Kieran Elliot, Rafael Macmillan
Out Sam Rainbird, Matthew Wade, Paddy DooleyLast season SecondHow they shape upLast season’s finalists look well-placed to be competitive again, especially with the recruitment of Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who will bolster their attack significantly. They have lost Matthew Wade, who has retired from first-class cricket. But he only played six games last year, although he scored a vital century in their record fourth-innings run chase against Queensland.The batting failed them in last summer’s final but they had a good year led by Beau Webster and Jordan Silk. Tasmania would be keen to see Caleb Jewell and Tim Ward return to their best at the top of the order.The attack remains their strong suit in home conditions especially, and Kuhnemann provides versatility when they play elsewhere. If they can get Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake fit enough to play more than the four games they managed between them last season, then that adds another dynamic. Nathan Ellis did not play a single Shield game last season but has a decent first-class record and could be available for a few games early in the season around his white-ball commitments for Australia.Player to watchIt will be hard for Beau Webster to back up last season’s heroics but if he can, he will almost certainly catch the selectors’ attention. He was the highest scorer in the Shield last season with 938 runs at 58.62 and took 30 wickets at 29.30. Sir Garfield Sobers, in 1963-64, is the only other player in Shield history to score more than 900 runs and take more than 30 wickets in the same season and only three other players have scored more than 800 and taken 20 wickets in a season. He had an excellent winter in the County Championship for Gloucestershire and started the summer with wickets in the opening two One-Day Cup games. Australia’s Test allrounders Green and Mitchell Marsh have clouds over their bowling capabilities. Webster’s bowling is more akin to Marsh’s than Green’s but his versatility and resilience could be an asset if he scores runs and takes wickets early in the season.Australia impactTasmania won’t be as affected by Australia call-ups as other states. Ellis is working his way back from a hamstring injury but will likely feature in Australia’s ODI and T20I series against Pakistan if fit. He didn’t play a Shield game last summer and isn’t central to their plans. Meredith falls in a similar category if he can recover from a side issue. Webster could play for Australia A in two games in late October/early November against India A that overlap with two Shield rounds. Jewell is another who may get called up for that series. Kuhnemann is unlikely to feature in those matches but is a great chance to go to Sri Lanka in February which could see him miss one or two games.Todd Murphy is hoping for a big summer•Getty ImagesVictoriaCaptain Will Sutherland
Coach Chris RogersSquad Austin Anlezark (R), Liam Blackford, Scott Boland (CA), Dylan Brasher, Josh Brown, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon (R), Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Jai Lemire (R), Reiley Mark (R), Glenn Maxwell (CA), Cameron McClure, Jono Merlo, Todd Murphy (CA), Fergus O’Neill, Tyler Pearson (R), Mitch Perry, Will Pucovski, Tom Rogers, Matt Short (CA), Peter Siddle, Will Sutherland, Douglas Warran (R)In Josh Brown
Out Travis Dean, Matt Fotia, Nic Maddinson, Tom O’Donnell, Wil ParkerLast season FourthHow they shape upVictoria are hoping to bounce back after back-to-back losses at the end of the season cost them a chance at a third consecutive Shield final. But they are bullish about their chances this summer with a similar group that is another 12 months older and building experience year on year. They do lose the prolific Maddinson at the top of the order, while Will Pucovski’s likely retirement also means there’s opportunities for younger players like Ashley Chandrasinghe and Campbell Kellaway. Pete Handscomb remains a rock at No. 4 and Matt Short, when available, has been an outstanding performer at No. 5. The attack is well balanced and they are building some depth. They will need it as Scott Boland’s availability will be limited while captain Will Sutherland is slowly building his workloads after a back injury and has already flagged that he will miss the odd game and be on restrictions when he returns. Fergus O’Neill and Peter Siddle will be bankers while a fully fit Todd Murphy balances the attack nicely after he was plagued by shoulder issues last year. The off-season development of Sam Elliott is also a positive and he will be vying for a spot alongside Mitchell Perry.Player to watchTodd Murphy performed superbly across the six Tests he played in India and England in 2023, including playing as the lone spinner in his last Test at The Oval when he took six wickets in Lyon’s absence. But his place as Australia’s No. 2 Test spinner and Lyon’s natural successor is under threat from Western Australia’s offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli after Murphy took just 17 wickets at 38 for Victoria last summer, while Rocchiccioli took 46 wickets at 27.60. Both men are vying for a spot on the Sri Lanka Test tour where Australia could play as many as three spinners in the same XI. Prior to that, though, Lyon turns 37 during the opening Test against India and although he wants to play until he is 40, his body and, more specifically his calf may have other ideas. If an opportunity arises sooner than Sri Lanka, Murphy will hope to be bowling well enough to get the call.Australia impactBoland’s management by CA will be the biggest hurdle for Victoria to navigate. He was only allowed to play six games last season despite not playing a single Test match. He will again be carefully managed coming off plantar fasciitis and a knee issue and might only play one of the first three before Australia A duties or the Test series. Short will be unavailable around Australia’s ODI and T20I series against Pakistan but also could be involved with Australia A. Marcus Harris is another who might be called into the Australia A series.Glenn Maxwell is usually assumed not to be available at all but the schedule does allow him the opportunity to play upwards of four Shield games either side of the ODI and T20I fixtures, but it seems more likely he will play one or two, if any. Sutherland could get a limited-overs call-up if fit in November while O’Neill is a chance to play for Australia A. Murphy might play one Australia A game but will almost certainly go to Sri Lanka later in the summer. Handscomb is another who might be called-up for the two-Test tour given he is one of the best middle-order players of spin in Australia.Aaron Hardie has a lot to gain this season•Getty ImagesWestern AustraliaCaptain Sam Whiteman
Coach Adam VogesSquad Cameron Bancroft, Mahli Beardman (R), Hilton Cartwright, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Keaton Critchell, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Jayden Goodwin, Cameron Green (CA), Sam Greer (R), Aaron Hardie (CA), Liam Haskett, Baxter Holt, Josh Inglis (CA), Bryce Jackson, Matt Kelly, Mitchell Marsh (CA), Hamish McKenzie, Lance Morris (CA), Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson (CA), Corey Rocchiccioli, D’Arcy Short, Charlie Stobo, Ashton Turner, Josh Vernon (R), Corey Wasley (R), Sam Whiteman, Teague WyllieIn Brody Couch, Keaton Critchell, Baxter Holt, Corey Wasley
Out Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew TyeLast season FirstHow they shape upThe defending champions shape up with a very similar squad to the one that has yielded a hat-trick of titles and they will be hard to beat again. No team has won four titles in a row since the Shield became a six-team competition in 1977-78. WA has faced plenty of challenges with injuries and international departures over the last three seasons, but this campaign looks like it could be their most challenging yet. With full availability, they have an international standard team. But they will need to rely on the depth of their squad. The attack is going to rely on Joel Paris, Matt Kelly and Cameron Gannon again as Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson’s availability is going to be limited at best due to careful management. Richardson is unlikely to play Shield cricket in the first half of the summer. Offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli has been a lynchpin across the three titles having played 24 of the last 25 matches. But his success may lead to higher honours with Australia A matches and a Sri Lanka tour this summer, meaning WA will need to find another option in either Cooper Connolly or recalling the uncontracted Ashton Agar.Batting wise, WA still have the most reliable and experienced opening duo in the competition in Cameron Bancroft and Sam Whiteman, who is now the official captain having captained the last two titles as stand-in for the absent Mitchell Marsh. Hilton Cartwright and Ashton Turner will be important, ever-present figures in the middle-order because there will be a lot of international players coming and going including Marsh, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis and possible Cameron Green if fit. The likes of Jayden Goodwin, Sam Fanning, Teague Wyllie and allrounder Keaton Critchell will get plenty of opportunities at various stages when the international players are absent or managed. Philippe’s move to NSW means Baxter Holt and Joel Curtis are vying for the back-up keeper’s role, although Curtis did replace Philippe at one stage last season.Player to watchCameron Bancroft will garner a lot of attention at the start of the summer due to the injury to Green but Aaron Hardie could be the player with the most to gain. He had an excellent white-ball tour of England and has shown his talent at Shield and Australia A level with both bat and ball. If he can score heavily in the early rounds, take wickets and increase his bowling loads while staying fit, a Test opportunity may present itself a lot sooner than many would have expected for him.Australia impactWA will have a revolving door of players coming and going and Whiteman may also have to manage bowling restrictions on certain CA contracted players during games. Green’s injury means his availability is unknown but he looks unlikely to bowl regardless. Marsh and Hardie may play the early rounds as batters only. Marsh will then be rested ahead of the Tests while Hardie could have Australia A, ODI and T20I duties in November. Inglis will also be unavailable after the first two rounds for the same reasons. Bancroft and Rocchiccioli are a strong chance to play for Australia A and Rocchiccioli could go to Sri Lanka following the BBL and miss the first two rounds of the new year. Morris could also be called into Australia A and possibly limited-overs teams in November. Connolly might be part of Australia’s ODI and T20I squads against Pakistan.