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كشفت تقارير صحفية إيطالية، أن الفرنسي زين الدين زيدان، مرشح لخلافة روبرتو مانشيني، المدير الفني لمنتخب السعودية الأول لكرة القدم.

روبرتو مانشيني يعاني مع المنتخب السعودي بتصفيات كأس العالم لقارة آسيا، المؤهلة لمونديال 2026، الذي سيقام في أمريكا وكندا والمكسيك.

طالع أيضًا.. ترتيب مجموعة السعودية في تصفيات كأس العالم بعد التعادل أمام البحرين وانتهاء الجولة الرابعة

صحيفة “كورييري ديلا سيرا” الإيطالية، أكدت بأن زيدان مرشح لخلافة روبرتو مانشيني، بعد تفكير الاتحاد السعودي في إقالة الإيطالي، بسب سوء النتائج، والتعامل مع الجمهور عقب مواجهة البحرين الأخيرة.

وينتظر الاتحاد السعودي للتوصل إلى اتفاق مع مانشيني، بشأن تعويضات تصل لـ 30 مليون يورو، من أجل فسخ التعاقد.

زين الدين زيدان يغيب عن كرة القدم منذ عام 2021، بعدما رحل عن تدريب ريال مدريد في فترته الثانية التي كانت من مارس 2019 وحتى نهاية موسم 2020-2021.

زيدان فاز ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا 3 مرات مع ريال مدريد، في أعوام 2016 و2017 و2018، كأول مدرب يفعل ذلك الأمر في تاريخ المنافسة.

وانتظر زيدان أن يتولى قيادة المنتخب الفرنسي لخلافة ديديه ديشامب، ولكنه لم يتمكن من ذلك بعد تجديد الثقة في الأخير، عقب بطولة كأس العالم الماضية.

New Zealand will be looking to seal just their second series clean sweep in a three-match T20I series, and their first away from home

The Preview by Madushka Balasuriya05-Sep-2019Big PictureWith the series already wrapped up, New Zealand have the chance to seal just their second series clean sweep in a three-match T20I series, and their first away from home. However, they have an issue to deal with: a spate of injuries has thinned the squad to just eleven fit, available players. With Hamish Rutherford having flown in for the out-of-commission Martin Guptill, and Ross Taylor quite possibly still carrying an injury but having little choice but to soldier on, the technical make-up of the side will remain unchanged.For Sri Lanka the injuries will hurt a little more. Kusal Mendis, who had looked back to his best in the first two games following a push to the top of the order, will be a big loss. That said, his likely replacement Danushka Gunathilaka has also looked in good form off late, and will be eager to capitalise on a rare opportunity back in the XI.The other concern for the home side is the potential loss of Shehan Jayasuriya, which while on the face of it doesn’t look too damaging, it does throw the team balance off somewhat. Jayasuriya had provided Sri Lanka with middle-order stability and an extra spin-bowling option. With no other spinner in the squad, Sri Lanka will be forced to go in with a possibly superfluous seaming option.Injury worries aside, Sri Lanka will be keen to end the series on a high. They came close in the first two games, but were second-best in the crunch moments. Against a New Zealand outfit that seems to just know how to win, those defeats would have been tough but important lessons – ones that Lasith Malinga will be hoping his young charges have taken note of.Form guideSri Lanka (last five results, most recent first) LLLLL
New Zealand WWWLW
In the spotlightAt one point during the last two years, Danushka Gunathilaka was a shoo-in for both of Sri Lanka’s limited-overs squads, but a string of disciplinary issues saw him temporarily exiled from the national fold. However, recent domestic performances indicate he may be close to his best. While his checkered disciplinary record may yet take some remedying, he can certainly make the process go faster with a performance here.Hamish Rutherford last played a T20 international for New Zealand in 2013, he last played a game for them in 2015. With New Zealand slated to play five T20Is next month in England, in many ways this is a free hit for Rutherford. Impress and you’re in contention for a spot you didn’t even know was available, fail and things just go back to as they were.Team newsSri Lanka will likely be without both Kusal Mendis and Shehan Jayasuriya following their collision in second game. Mendis had been one of the few Sri Lankan batsmen to consistently have the better of New Zealand’s attack. Danushka Gunathilaka, who had impressed in the warm-up game, will probably be his replacement. Fast-bowling allrounder Lahiru Madushanka meanwhile will likely pip Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara to the XI, owing to the former’s proficiency with the bat.Sri Lanka (possible XI) 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Kusal Perera (wk), 3 Avishka Fernando, 4 Niroshan Dickwella, 5 Dasun Shanaka, 6 Wanindu Hasaranga, 7 Isuru Udana, 8 Lahiru Madushanka 9 Akila Dananjaya, 10 Lasith Malinga (capt), 11 Lakshan SandakanBoth teams have been rocked by injuries, though New Zealand will probably be the happier of the two sides on that front. Ross Taylor has just about been ruled fit to play, which will be a relief to all involved after his injury replacement in the last game, Tom Bruce, picked up a knock himself. Bruce will be subjected to a fitness test before the game.New Zealand (possible XI) 1 Hamish Rutherford/Tom Bruce, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Tim Seifert (wk), 4 Colin de Grandhomme, 5 Ross Taylor, 6 Daryl Mitchell, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Scott Kuggeleijn, 9 Seth Rance, 10 Tim Southee (capt), 11 Ish SodhiPitch and conditionsThere was more in the surface for the batsman in the second game in Pallekele on Tuesday, though there was still plenty in it for the bowlers – the spinners in particular enjoying themselves. With ground staff having had two days to work on the wicket, expect yet another even contest between bat and ball. Rain, as always, is a possibility.Stats and trivia With Lasith Malinga having become the highest wicket-taker in T20Is, Sri Lanka now top the wicket-taking charts in all formats, with Muttiah Muralitharan leading in Tests and ODIs If Sri Lanka lose, it will be their fourth T20I loss in a row at home, making it their joint-worst streak in the format at home On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s record of seven wins and four losses in 13 matches in Pallekele is their best at any venue

Tottenham Hotspur remain active in the market as they look to add another player to their squad before the January transfer window slams shut on Thursday.

Tottenham's search for a midfielder

Spurs have snapped up Timo Werner, on loan from RB Leipzig, and Radu Dragusin, on a permanent deal from Genoa, to bolster their side so far this month. However, Daniel Levy is still working to bring in a new central midfielder for Ange Postecoglou, who currently has the likes of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to pick from.

Recent reports claim that the Lilywhites are in talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign England international Conor Gallagher from their rivals.

The report states that Tottenham want to sign a central midfielder as a priority and they appear to have identified the Blues captain as their top target. However, Mauricio Pochettino's side are demanding a staggering £80m for their skipper and it remains to be seen whether or not Spurs are willing to meet their demands.

Joshua Kimmich transfer update

The same report adds that Spurs could make a sensational late swoop to sign Bayern Munich and Germany star Joshua Kimmich if they fail to land Gallagher. Football Insider claim that the 28-year-old maestro, whose current contract is due to expire at the end of next season, could be allowed to depart the Bundesliga giants.

They run the risk of losing him for nothing next year if they do not cash in on him in this window or the summer, if he does not put pen to paper on an extension, and Tottenham could take advantage of this situation by moving for his signature. The outlet reveals that Bayern would be willing to part ways with their star midfielder for a fee of up to £60m, although they claim that it could also be as low as £40m.

Kimmich would be a dream alternative to Gallagher as the experienced star could offer far more quality and control in possession for Postecoglou in the middle of the park.

As you can see in the table above, the Germany international excels when it comes to progressing play into dangerous areas for his teammates to either score or create for another player to score. The £60m-rated midfield general, who was once lauded as "phenomenal" by Jose Mourinho, has also made 6.1 ball recoveries per match in the Bundesliga this season, compared to Gallagher's 6.9 per outing in the Premier League for Chelsea.

This suggests that there is not a significant difference in their defensive work for their respective clubs, whilst Kimmich offers far more on the ball for his team.

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By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

Therefore, the Bayern star could be a dream alternative to the England international due to the qualities he could provide in possession to build up attacks effectively and consistently from a number six or eight position under Postecoglou.

Tim Paine gloves four catches for Aussies as Lions pair post unbeaten fifties to force draw

Daniel Brettig in Canterbury17-Jul-2019
Australia’s Test captain Tim Paine got his gloves warm with four catches as the tourists’ push for a victory over the England Lions was stymied by Sam Hain and Sam Curran on the day England’s pre-Ashes squad was named.Set 383 for victory from a minimum 85 overs, the Lions were teetering at 154 for 5 when Mitchell Marsh plucked Sam Northeast’s off stump in the last over before tea, but Hain and Curran were able to endure in the evening session and leave the visitors frustrated after an unbeaten stand worth 113.With the Australians not fielding a full-strength bowling attack, the ability of Josh Hazlewood or James Pattinson to impact on proceedings could only be imagined, and while Michael Neser enjoyed some fruitful early spells by finding three of the edges that Paine was able to clasp, the touring side’s ambitions to make an early impression on a team composed of numerous England prospects were gradually thwarted, ending as Curran and Hain kept the second new ball out.Jon Holland, having bowled economically and well in the first innings, would have been disappointed to go wicketless while also being milked for regular runs. His England Lions counterpart Jack Leach had started the day by claiming two more wickets to finish with 5 for 109 when Paine declared.Matthew Wade was a notable absentee from play throughout, not resuming his innings with the bat and then being seen only fleetingly as a drinks runner during the fourth innings as he continued his recuperation from a nasty blow to the elbow when batting on day three.The Australian squad will now travel from Canterbury to Southampton where they will be joined by members of the World Cup squad for a massed camp culminating in a final Ashes warm-up match between two Australian sides. Lewis Gregory, Curran and Leach, meanwhile, will join England’s squad for the Test against Ireland at Lord’s.

Manchester United's season has been impacted by injuries and underperforming individuals.

However, the United faithful's biggest concern will be their team's lack of identity with boss Erik ten Hag having failed to really set the world alight with his management this season.

Indeed, the Red Devils are currently eighth in the Premier League, and therefore, the Dutchman will look to bolster his squad in an attempt to salvage the rest of the season.

Man United eyeing Championship star

According to The Standard, Man Utd are interested in signing Hayden Hackney from second-tier club Middlesbrough.

The Championship side recognises that the youngster will be on the move soon, but it is more likely to be in the summer than this month with a host of suitors for the player.

Joining the Red Devils in their pursuit of the player are the club's two rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Those interested will have been keen to note that the midfielder scored against Premier League opposition just this week as Boro beat Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

The player is estimated to be worth around £6m, as per Football Transfers.

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ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 How Hayden Hackney compares to Michael Carrick

During his 12-year career at Man United, Michael Carrick was often underappreciated by spectators and fans, but not by those playing alongside him.

The defensive midfielder made 464 appearances in a United shirt, yet it is only recently that he has been recognised as one of the "most underrated" players – as was noted by author Michael Cox – to wear the Red Devils badge.

Today, Carrick is the manager of Middlesbrough, where he has coincidentally overseen and influenced the development of Hackney, who has become a “special player," as per football writer Ben Mattinson, under the 42-year-old's guidance.

The 21-year-old has become a key cog in Carrick’s system, and Hackney has mainly played as a Carrick-esque defensive midfielder in a double pivot, featuring 22 times across all competitions.

Despite not being known for his ability in front of goal, his two goals and one assist prove he can come up with a contribution in the final third every now and again, just like his boss did at United, netting 24 times during his stay at Old Trafford.

Nonetheless, the table below shows Hackney’s stats from the 2023/24 Championship campaign. As you can see, Hackney is one of the best controllers in the division.

Passes completed

67.42

Top 6%

Passes into final third

9.01

Top 1%

Progressive passes

8.19

Top 1%

Shot-creating actions

3.50

Top 18%

Touches

87.19

Top 5%

Tackles

1.75

Bottom 57%

Ball recoveries

7.69

Top 7%

His technical ability, eye for a progressive pass, and capability to dictate the play are immense, and when the ball is at his feet, he can simply do anything. The above is very reminiscent of his boss, who was known as a 'master of passing' by Paul Hayward of the Guardian. United have missed that type of classy midfielder since Carrick’s departure.

Although he isn’t the most tenacious player out of possession, Hackney reads the game extremely well, which allows him to recover the ball for his side.

However, his biggest trait is arguably his “fearless” attitude, as per scout Antonio Mango, which is highlighted by the fact that Carrick has handed him the captain’s armband at just 21.

Overall, there is no cap on how good Hackney could become, but if he did join United he would most certainly become Carrick 2.0 for the Red Devils. Therefore, Ten Hag must sign the 5 foot 10 engine.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na goleada de 4 a 1 contra o Brasil de Pelotas pelo Campeonato Gaúcho, o meia Pedro Lucas, joia do Grêmio, fez a sua estreia no time profissional. Ele começou no banco e entrou aos 27 minutos do segundo tempo na vaga de Thaciano em situação que ele, certamente, não esquecerá.

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>Classificação do Campeonato Gaúcho após a 1ª Rodada

– Foi um momento muito especial. Sempre sonhei em jogar profissionalmente pelo Grêmio e tive a honra de realizar esse sonho. Agradeço muito a Deus por isso, aos meus familiares e amigos que sempre me apoiaram, além do Grêmio e a torcida por sempre acreditar em mim. Agora vamos trabalhar firme para ganhar mais oportunidades e fazer uma boa temporada. Sei da responsabilidade que temos em vestir essa camisa e por isso vamos fazer de tudo para dar alegrias ao nosso torcedor – afirmou o atleta que já tinha sido relacionado para o último jogo do Brasileirão contra o Bragantino no interior paulista.

Nos bastidores do clube, o jogador é tratado como a próxima grande revelação do clube gaúcho. Atuando no Grêmio desde março de 2014 e com contrato até 2024, ele já conquistou títulos importantes na carreira como é o caso do Mundial Sub-17 pela Seleção Brasileira em 2019.

Desde os 12 anos no Tricolor Gaúcho, Pedro Lucas também foi o camisa 10 da equipe na campanha do vice-campeonato da Copa São Paulo, em janeiro do ano passado. O jogador, quando mais jovem, treinou no Real Madrid, apadrinhado por Ronaldo, e recebeu elogios de Zico pelo seu estilo de jogo.

Manchester United have highlighted their number one target for the upcoming window, with Erik ten Hag demanding that the board bring them to the Premier League, according to a fresh report.

Rasmus Hojlund's underwhelming start

Over the summer, Rasmus Hojlund joined the club from Atalanta, but having scored just one goal so far this season in the top flight, it’s fair to say that he’s not hit the ground running as well as he or anyone associated with the club would have hoped (Transfermarkt – Hojlund statistics).

With Anthony Martial’s deal also set to expire at the end of the season (Man United contracts), Ten Hag is understandably looking to dip into the market to find a new centre-forward, and his search appears to have led him to Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy.

Man Utd ready to take concrete steps to sign "magnificent" £26m player

The Red Devils are looking to bolster their ranks in the centre of the park.

ByChloe Chadwick Dec 30, 2023

The Guinea international has firmly established himself as Sebastian Hoeness’ best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.87 (WhoScored – Stuttgart statistics), and his impressive performances have caught the eye of the hierarchy.

The Red Devils reportedly sent scouts to watch the 27-year-old live in action earlier this month, and the representatives who were in attendance must have been impressed with what they witnessed if the following update is to be believed.

Man United lining up move for Guirassy

According to Football Insider, Man United are seriously interested in Guirassy, who is thought to have an £18m release clause – though any possible deal taking place involving Stuttgart's talisman is likely to depend on the opinion of the club's new ownership.

"Man United have made VFB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy a top target ahead of the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider. The 27-year-old striker is available next month at a cut price of £18million thanks to a release clause inserted in his contract.

"The Dutchman views Guirassy as a good fit for his tactical style at Old Trafford and is pushing United’s recruitment team to get a deal over the line. However, all transfer business at United now requires approval from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team after they gained sporting control from the Glazer family this month."

Guirassy is on an "outrageous" hot streak

In the German Bundesliga this season, Guirassy has posted a remarkable 18 contributions, 17 goals and one assist, from just 14 appearances, showing how prolific he can be in the opposition’s box, where he’s constantly posing a threat to defences (Transfermarkt – Guirassy statistics).

Standing at 6 foot 1, Arles’ native has recorded 45 shots over the course of the current campaign, which is more than any other of his fellow teammates, displaying what a standout performer he is in the attacking areas of the pitch compared to his peers (FBRef – Stuttgart statistics).

As described by The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor, Guirassy is currently on a run of “outrageous” form, and while his club won’t want to lose him, Man United arguably need to capitalise on his release clause by paying the fee needed to prise him away from the MHP Arena.

The big picture

The result of the Test series may be as disappointing for Mickey Arthur as it was gratifying for Otis Gibson, but in a World Cup year, it is the limited-overs results that will truly stand out. To that end, South Africa, desperate to finally snap their global tournament jinx, made an inauspicious start to their year, falling to a defeat they primarily owed to their own batting conservatism. It gave Pakistan, far better suited to the Port Elizabeth pitch than the hosts, the chance to break their duck on tour, condemning South Africa to their fifth ODI defeat in six matches between the two teams.It is an odd defeat for South Africa to analyse, particularly given the batting scorecard, and the positives to be drawn from it. Hashim Amla roared back to form with a classy hundred, while Rassie van der Dussen enjoyed an excellent debut, pacing his innings better than any of his counterparts. As far as the bowling went, Imran Tahir was perhaps slightly removed from his brilliant best, while the faster bowlers were never likely to enjoy much assistance from the Port Elizabeth surface.Faf du Plessis and his men will be likelier to find Durban more conducive to their skillset, though by no means is it as quick and bouncy as the ones in Centurion and Johannesburg. The increased pace and bounce it offers compared to Port Elizabeth will buoy Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier plenty, with Pakistan, who never themselves looked like taking too many wickets, also challenged to raise their game.Pakistan couldn’t have asked for a better start to the series, eager for a clean break from their ODI form in 2018, where they began the year with a whitewash suffered against New Zealand and finished with just one top eight win all year. Having matched that number in just one game, they will feel eager to move into a commanding position in the series at a ground where they have won their last two ODIs against South Africa.Mohammad Hafeez hitting the ground running allows Pakistan to balance their side once more, with the allround ability of Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf meaning they bat far deeper than their Test match side. Fakhar Zaman missing out in Port Elizabeh will have frustrated them, but Imam-ul-Haq’s return to form was timely, while Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali never allowed South Africa to get away in the first innings. There might still be plenty Pakistan have to work on, but reassuringly, there’s a lot they have to work with.

Form guide

South Africa LWLWW
Pakistan WWLLL

In the spotlight

For all of their brilliantly skilled batsmen and raw, fierce pacers, Imran Tahir could be the singular factor that helps South Africa break their World Cup duck in England. Without question, this is the biggest year of his career, his last realistic chance at a World Cup. It is a career that began in Pakistan over two decades ago, and while it has been a glorious success, it still requires a defining moment of fulfillment. Playing against the country he grew up wanting to play for, he hasn’t quite enjoyed as much success in South Africa as in the UAE. But here in Durban, he will have a better chance of success than when the series moves to Cape Town and Gauteng. His ODI average against Pakistan is 28, four runs up from his career average of 24. But in this of all years, against this of all teams, Tahir will be desperate to raise his game, and if there’s one player in world cricket who can make things happen by sheer force of will, it is the South African legspinner.Pakistan’s victory masked somewhat Sarfraz Ahmed‘s continuing struggles in the two longer formats. Two half-centuries in the Tests have been blighted by what are now five single-digit scores on this tour. He has now been captain for precisely one third of his ODI career – 33 out of 99 matches. In that time, he averages 26.46 with the bat; he had averaged a shade under 35 when appointef. He has scored just 3 half-centuries as captain, only once in a winning cause, and surpassed 30 just once more. As evidence of his dwindling influence with the bat, Sarfraz has – in 17 of those 33 matches – either not come out to bat at all, or remained unbeaten on a score under 25. With the World Cup approaching, Pakistan cannot afford to be carrying any passengers, and Sarfraz will know that better than anyone else when he steps out.

Team news

South Africa are still without Dale Steyn and Quinton de Kock, which means Heinrich Klassen will continue in the keeper’s role, with not too much alteration expected in the bowling department. Tabraiz Shamsi may come in if the hosts feel an extra spinner may help them on the surface, while Aiden Markram, who sat out of the first game, is an option replace Reeza Hendricks.South Africa (possible): 1 Aiden Markram/Reeza Hendricks, 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 David Miller, 6 Heinrich Klassen (wk), 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Dwaine Pretorius/Tabraiz Shamsi, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Duanne Olivie, 11 Imran TahirPakistan are likely to field the same side for the second ODI.Pakistan (possible): 1 Imam-ul-Haq, 2 Fakhar Zaman 3 Mohammad Hafeez, 4 Babar Azam, 5 Shoaib Malik 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt./wk), 7 Shadab Khan 8 Imad Wasim, 9 Fahim Ashraf, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Usman Shinwari

Pitch and conditions

It was suggested the ODI pitches may have less spice than the ones in the Tests, but even so, Durban does tend to keep the quicks interested. With the ground so close to the ocean, conditions can often be impacted by the tides. What appears certain is it will interest spinners more than the pitches the remaining three ODIs will be played on.

Stats and trivia

• Pakistan have a winning record against South Africa at Kingsmead, having triumphed in three of the five ODIs the two sides have contested here
• Despite three half-centuries and a hundred in ten matches at his home ground, Hashim Amla’s average in Durban is just 39.50, almost 11 runs fewer than his career ODI average of 50.34
• Only two of the current Pakistan side played in the last ODI between the sides in Durban in 2013. On that occasion, Mohammad Hafeez became just the fourth batsman to be dismissed obstructing the field in ODIs, and the first under new rules

MatériaMais Notícias

Em alta pelos dois gols nos últimos dois jogos, acompanhados por ótimas atuações, Mateus Vital foi o escolhido para dar entrevista coletiva virtual no Corinthians. E, como não poderia deixar de ser, um dos principais temas da conversa foi o Dérbi contra o Palmeiras, na próxima segunda-feira, no Allianz Parque. Duelo e local que trazem boas lembranças ao meia-atacante.

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TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui

GALERIA
> Veja os jogadores que participaram dos gols do Corinthians na Era Mancini

Ao ser questionado sobre o clássico e o bom momento do adversário, Vital destacou a confiança para essa partida e colocou os rivais em igualdade de condições, não só pelas últimas apresentações, mas por todo o conjunto.

-Todos tem notado nossa grande evolução nos jogos, é nítido, a cada jogo a gente vem evoluindo em todos os aspectos, seja tático, físico, em tudo. A gente sabe que o Palmeiras vem vivendo um grande momento, finalista de duas competições importantes aqui no nosso país, e a gente chega muito confiante também, não só pelo último jogo, mas pelo que a gente tem feito pela nossa evolução, então a gente chega bastante confiante.

Apesar de considerar um “jogo à parte”, Mateus Vital pondera que vale os mesmos três pontos da última vitória contra o Fluminense. Além disso, ele garante que o elenco tem experiência e maturidade suficientes para não se empolgar com um triunfo, nem se abater com uma possível derrota, o que poderia prejudicar a continuidade da ascensão e do bom momento do time.

-A gente sabe clássico é um jogo à parte, mas que vale os mesmos três pontos, temos que ter isso na nossa cabeça, sabemos jogar esse tipo de jogo, e vamos para lá para conquistar os três pontos, que é o que nos interessa – comentou Vital, antes de completar:

-Nosso grupo é bastante maduro quanto a isso, o que a gente já tomou de porrada aí no ano passado, e a gente não ficou para baixo, e nos últimos jogos a gente também não se empolgou. Temos muitos jogadores experientes, que podem nos dar esse respaldo para que a gente não se abaixe e também não se empolgue. A gente sabe que é um jogo muito importante por ser um clássico contra o Palmeiras, um dos nossos maiores rivais, mas que vale os mesmos três pontos, não seis, vale o mesmo que foi contra o Fluminense. A gente tem que ter isso na nossa cabeça e a gente tem bem claro, para que a gente vá lá e possa conquistar esses três pontos, que serão tão importantes quanto os do Fluminense – completou o meia-atacante.

Para Mateus Vital, o clássico contra o Palmeiras sempre traz lembranças boas. Foi dele a jogada e a assistência para o gol de Rodriguinho, que deu a vitória ao Corinthians no segundo jogo da final do Paulistão-2018, título que o time conquistaria vencendo o rival nos pênaltis, diante de um Allianz Parque lotado.

-Difícil esquecer, isso vai ficar marcado para sempre na minha história e na do clube também, foi um título muito importante na casa de um dos maiores rivais, que é o Palmeiras. Então toda vez que tem esse jogo com certeza vem na memória essa grande jogada que eu fiz na assistência para o Rodriguinho. Tinha acabado de chegar aqui no Corinthians, fui muito feliz naquele lance, pude ajudar a equipe a sair com o título ali, graças a Deus pude conquistar meu primeiro paulista com a camisa do Corinthians – concluiu.

O Timão enfrenta o Palmeiras na próxima segunda-feira, às 19h, no Allianz Parque, pela 28ª rodada do Brasileirão-2020, em jogo atrasado. Atualmente, o Alvinegro ocupa a oitava posição na tabela de classificação, com 42 pontos.

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Somerville was born in Wellington before moving to Australia as a child then returned across the Tasman where he made his debut for Otago in 2005

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Nov-2018

Offspinner Will Somerville, who moved back to New Zealand earlier this year after three years playing for New South Wales, has been called into the national squad for the Test series against Pakistan after injury ruled out Todd Astle.At 34, Somerville would slot into New Zealand’s top ten of oldest Test debutants should he make his first appearance during the three-match series.Somerville was born in Wellington before moving to Australia as a child then returned across the Tasman where he made his debut for Otago in 2005. Having completed his education, he then hopped back to Sydney where he eventually made his New South Wales debut in 2014 and in the 2016-17 season claimed an impressive 35 wickets Sheffield Shield wickets.However, earlier this year he asked to be released from his NSW contract having been encouraged that there could be a route to higher honours in New Zealand.”We’ve been keeping a close eye on Will and like the look of his all-round game and skill-set,” selector Gavin Larsen said. “He bowls with good control and variation, while his added height means he gets that extra bit of bounce.”He’s also a handy batsman down the order, as he showed with his half-century in the most recent round of the Ford Trophy. The Test squad already has a legspinner in Ish Sodhi and a left-arm spinner in Ajaz Patel, so we think Will’s right arm offspin will balance out the attack nicely.”For Astle, the knee injury he sustained during the T20 leg of the tour means his hopes of adding to three Test caps will have to wait. Earlier this year he was ruled out of the second Test against England, in Christchurch, having picked up a side strain following an impressive performance in Auckland.”Despite a period of rest, Todd’s knee has, unfortunately, not responded as well as we had hoped,” Larsen said. “The best course of action for Todd is to get home and get it looked at, with an eye to returning in the home summer.”He worked really hard over the winter and is in some of the best shape of his career, so for this to happen is a cruel blow.”