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Fulham are now planning to make a move for Brendan Rodgers, amid a new update on Marco Silva’s future at Craven Cottage.

Silva is going through a tricky period in the Premier League, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Everton prior to the international break, which leaves his side in 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone.

With the 48-year-old’s contract coming to an end in the summer, there has been speculation about his future, but it seems as though the club hierarchy is keen to keep hold of him, having recently tabled a new contract offer.

However, with the former Everton boss still yet to put pen to paper, there could still be a twist in the tale, and it has now been revealed that an ex-Premier League manager is set to be approached, having recently resigned from his previous role.

Fulham set to sound out Brendan Rodgers amid Marco Silva uncertainty

According to a report from Football Insider, Silva’s future in west London is still in major doubt, which means Fulham are now set to sound out Rodgers over a move to Craven Cottage, with the Northern Irishman still out of work after leaving Celtic last month.

The Cottagers are planning to hold talks with the 52-year-old, who is vastly experienced in the top flight, having managed Swansea City, Leicester City and Liverpool in the past.

Having offered Silva a new deal, there is still a chance he remains in west London, but there are some issues to iron out, with the manager eager to be backed in the transfer window, following a quiet summer, during which Kevin was the only major addition.

It would be a shame to see the Portuguese manager move on, given the fantastic job he has done at Craven Cottage, stabilising Fulham as a top-flight club after guiding them to promotion from the Championship.

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That said, should Silva decide to leave, Rodgers could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an “unbelievable” manager by Jamie O’Hara as a result of the work he did during his time at Leicester.

The ex-Foxes boss won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his time at the King Power Stadium, two of 13 trophies he has lifted as a manager, having also been extremely successful at Celtic.

However, while the Cottagers’ current league position is concerning, their current manager has proven time and time again that he is capable of keeping them in the top flight, so it would be a risk to replace him.

Every manager currently working in the Premier League has been ranked Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

Every current Premier League boss ranked from best to worst.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 8, 2025

No reason was given for the move, even as it came a day after Pakistan lost to India in Asia Cup final

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Sep-2025The PCB has suspended all no-objection certificates for players who want to participate in T20 leagues outside Pakistan.Sumair Ahmad Syed, the board’s chief operating officer, sent a notice on September 29, informing players and agents of the decision.”With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out of country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the notice, seen by ESPNcricinfo, read.No reason has been given as to why this action was taken. Reports have suggested the PCB aims to tie NOCs to a performance based system, the criteria for which has not been made public. The goal, from the board’s perspective, is for players to incentivise national and domestic performances. However, there is no information on how long such an evaluation will take before the current suspension on NOCs is lifted.The move came a day after Pakistan’s tight loss in the Asia Cup final to India in the UAE, but from a tour in which they also won a T20I tri-series. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier domestic first-class competition, is also due to start in October, having been delayed from its original start date of September 22.The details around the NOCs and any possible exemptions, or how long they last, are not yet known.Seven Pakistanis, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi, are due to play in the BBL this season, which begins in December. There are also 16 Pakistan players in the shortlist for the ILT20 auction, which is due to take place on October 1 in the UAE. Three of those include Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.

Fraizer Campbell has told GOAL, during an exclusive interview, why “incredible specimen” Cristiano Ronaldo could play on for several more years and start moving towards the age of 50. The Portuguese GOAT is still going strong at 40 and has signed a new contract at Al-Nassr. While he has dropped the odd retirement hint, that path is not expected to be trodden any time soon.

• Ronaldo targets: 1,000 goals & play alongside Cristiano Jr

  Ronaldo is now tied to terms in the Saudi Pro League through to the summer of 2027. He is determined to reach 1,000 career goals, while it has been suggested that he could look to play on long enough to grace the same team as eldest son Cristiano Jr.

  He recently joked that he has another 10 years left in him, which may be possible given the superhuman standards that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has set down the years. Former Manchester United team-mate Campbell sees no reason why the evergreen frontman would consider hanging up boots while seemingly remaining at the peak of his powers.

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  Why retire? Ronaldo could play on for several more years

  Speaking in association with , Campbell told GOAL when asked if Ronaldo will continue beyond the age of 42 and towards 50: “It’s one of those, it’s entirely down to him. It’s not going to be your usual ‘my body’s aching and I can’t do this anymore, I’m constantly getting injured’. He’s so dedicated still. If he wanted to play for another three, four, five years, I’m sure he’s more than capable of doing it. It’s incredible to see such a specimen keep going.”

  Campbell added on Ronaldo’s 1,000-goal target, with those numbers considered to be untouchable even for the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe: “It’s mindblowing. I was talking with someone the other day and I don’t think I played in 1,000 games! For him to score 1,000 goals, it’s that high of a standard that’s it’s hard to fathom and get your mind round how one person can do that. But, he’s touching distance to 1,000 goals and it’s incredible. But that’s just him all over – it’s credit to him, his dedication, his work rate. He’s an extraordinarily talented footballer.”

• What makes Ronaldo special? Former team-mate explains

  Campbell saw Ronaldo taking his first tentative steps towards superstardom with Premier League giants United. They transformed him from a tricky winger into a prolific forward, with those at Old Trafford never in any doubt that he was destined to reach the top.

  Quizzed on what made CR7 special, Campbell said: “Loads of things! He was the first out on the training pitch and last in. He lived and breathed football. Everything that he did was in preparation for either his next training session or his next game.

  “Like we all do when we first start playing football, he had that enthusiasm for learning and getting better. He used to go off at the end of a training session with a ball and go all round Carrington – the 14 pitches – doing dribbling. You could see that he was determined to be better. As we’ve all seen in the years after that, he carried on and is still doing it to this day.”

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  Trophy tilts: Domestic & international honours up for grabs

  Campbell went on to say of demanding characters such as Roy Keane and Gary Neville helping to push Ronaldo towards greatness: “I think you have to give credit to the environment because the standards at Old Trafford and Carrington back then were through the roof. I remember as a young lad going into training, just the boxes at the start of the session were intense. You had to do right because you had the likes of Roy Keane, Gary Neville that were making sure that everyone was up to standards, up to scratch.

  “I think that helped young players like Cristiano – knowing that he has to be on top form constantly. It was a challenge. Young footballers like to be challenged and he was getting that daily by all of the old boys at United. I think the environment definitely helped him progress as a player and continue his long career.”

  Ronaldo has registered 10 goals through 11 appearances for Al-Nassr this season, as they chase down domestic honours. He is – with 225 caps and 143 international goals to his name – expected to form part of Portugal’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, as he takes aim again at the one major honour to have eluded him.

Liverpool are in uncharted waters, with these deep fathoms threatening not only the future of Arne Slot, who won the Premier League a matter of months ago, but that of Mohamed Salah, one of the greatest players in the club’s history, too.

Where is the respite? At the moment, Liverpool can’t catch a break, fumbling a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at Leeds United on Saturday after previously drawing against well-worth-their-money Sunderland at Anfield. All told, the Reds have won only two of their past ten league fixtures, losing six.

But Liverpool have sculpted this disaster themselves. They have patented a startling ability to wreak havoc on their own progress, with tactical imbalances sparking crises of confidence, sparking mutiny.

Salah’s flaming interview at Elland Road will go down in the history books, and though FSG have since underlined their faith in Slot’s stewardship, the severity of this crossroads cannot be understated.

The latest on Slot's Liverpool future

Slot is in an unenviable position, with Salah’s outburst proving the latest and most damaging in a long line of mishaps since the summer.

While FSG retain the faith in the 47-year-old, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title last year after Jurgen Klopp stepped down, there’s an acceptance that results are needed quickly if something is to be salvaged from this campaign.

The fact of the matter is that Slot’s Liverpool started wobbling well before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and he now needs to show that he can sort out the defence and restore balance to the team. He needs to show that quickly.

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1

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16

2.66

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69

Liverpool are in big bother, and though FSG have been steadfast in their backing of the Dutchman, their leniency will only stretch so far, especially when there is such an exciting successor for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to consider.

Liverpool could hire Slot upgrade

Last week, it was reported that FSG have been considering Julian Nagelsmann as a candidate to replace Slot, should the Reds coach be sacked, though they will face a tough task in wrestling him away from the German national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming large.

Nagelsmann, 38, is among the world’s finest young coaches, having managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in his homeland.

Would he be willing to park his international ambitions? Probably not. That’s why it’s anticipated he could be lined up ahead of the start of next season, meaning Liverpool would need to find an interim boss if Slot is dismissed before the end of the term.

What Nagelsmann would offer Liverpool

Nagelsmann has been described as the “best young coach in Europe” by journalist Josh Bunting, and though he’s the junior of practically all of the game’s standout managers, he’s hardly inexperienced, with a keen tactical mind that could be the remedy to a Liverpool team who have fallen by the wayside.

This is a fluid and interchangeable tactician. Nagelsmann employed a counter-pressing system at Leipzig before changing to a more dominant playing style at the Allianz Arena. He recognises the quirks and whims of the players at his disposal, and he crafts a system that caters to his troops.

Journalist Kai Iliev has even named him a “world-class manager” for his ability to fix a range of flaws within Germany’s national set-up. Now they are contenders. Now they believe again.

Liverpool could do with a bit of that, right? The appointment of Nagelsmann might even play into keeping Salah at the club; with the Egyptian King’s relationship under Slot having broken down, something has to give.

Liverpool, of course, will now back Salah over Slot. To do the contrary would result in anarchy. But this latest splinter in an outfit splitting wide open is not the root cause. Slot’s system is in a tailspin, and if he cannot establish form and fluency quickly, he will find that he has exhausted all the credit in the bank, and Edwards and Hughes will be forced into making a tough call.

The German coach’s principal 4-2-3-1 set-up would accommodate new signing Florian Wirtz and allow Salah to arc inwards once more and find passages into the danger area. This season, the 33-year-old has only posted five goals and three assists across all competitions.

Who could have expected this when Liverpool lifted the Premier League title? Salah was not the main man but the author of his long-term outfit’s illustrious success.

It’s not controversial to suggest that many, many Liverpool supporters would be dejected if Salah were to leave this winter, and it would be sure to put more than just a dampener on Slot’s reign at the Anfield helm.

If results do not continue over the coming weeks – with Salah off to AFCON after Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend – FSG will have to face the reality of theirt spiraling situation and make a change.

Could that prompt Salah to stay? Working under Nagelsmann on Merseyside, it just might, though whether the Reds are able to keep the African legend appeased and reach a decision that would see him remain at the club he has served so well over the past nine years remains to be seen.

In any case, this is a staggering, stomach-sinking situation, one that nobody could have foreseen, and Liverpool’s powers that be need to make sure an upswing is found – quickly.

Sell him before Salah & Konate: FSG must bin Liverpool's "major issue"

Liverpool have collapsed this season, and some tough decisions need to be made.

1 ByAngus Sinclair 3 days ago

All the key numbers as West Indies secure a series victory in thumping style

Sampath Bandarupalli13-Aug-20251991 – The previous instance of West Indies winning an ODI series against Pakistan – a three-match series in Pakistan, which they won 2-0. Pakistan were unbeaten in 11 series before losing the latest one, including winning their previous ten series.West Indies have now won each of their last four ODI series at home, having defeated Bangladesh last year and England in 2023 and 2024. Only once before had West Indies won four (or more) consecutive bilateral ODI series at home – nine between 1981 and 1990.2011 – West Indies also registered their first series win against Pakistan in any format since winning the one-off T20I at home in 2011. Pakistan went undefeated in 16 series against West Indies across formats in this period.The previous instance of West Indies winning a series consisting of more than one match against Pakistan was back in 2000, during a Test series at home. Pakistan won 20 of the 24 series in between, while another four ended in a draw.202 – West Indies’ win margin in the third ODI against Pakistan. It is only the fourth instance of West Indies winning by a margin of 200-plus runs in men’s ODIs. It is also only the fourth such defeat for Pakistan in the format.6 for 18 – Jayden Seales’ bowling figures at Tarouba are the third-best for West Indies in ODIs. The two better efforts came in the 1980s: 7 for 51 by Winston Davis against Australia in the 1983 World Cup, while Colin Croft took 6 for 15 against England in 1981.Seales’ figures are also the best by any bowler against Pakistan in this format, surpassing Dale Steyn’s 6 for 39 in 2013.Four of the six batters that Seales dismissed bagged a duck. Only one West Indies bowler had four batters dismissed for a duck in an ODI before Seales: Joel Garner against England in the 1979 World Cup final.18 – Hundreds for Shai Hope in ODIs, the third-most for West Indies, going past Desmond Haynes (17), and is now behind only Chris Gayle (25) and Brian Lara (19).Hope required 137 innings to score 18 hundreds in ODIs. Only Babar Azam (97), Hashim Amla (102), David Warner (115) and Virat Kohli (119) got there quicker.13.46 – Run rate of the partnership between Hope and Justin Greaves, who added an unbeaten 110 in only 8.1 overs. It is the second-highest run rate for a century stand for West Indies in ODIs – where balls faced by a partnership data is available.The unbeaten 110-run stand between Hope and Greaves is also the third-highest for West Indies for the seventh or a lower wicket in ODIs.92 – Pakistan’s total in the third ODI against West Indies, the tenth instance of them being bowled out under 100 in an ODI; four of those against West Indies.Pakistan’s previous sub-100 total in an ODI was 74 all out against New Zealand in 2018, while the last sub-100 total against West Indies by any team was 70 all out by Bangladesh in 2014.28 Difference between Pakistan’s total and Hope’s score in the third ODI. Only one West Indies batter had a higher difference between his score and the opposition’s total in an ODI: 54 by Richie Richardson, when he scored 109 at Sharjah in 1986 against Sri Lanka, who were later bowled out for 55.

Arsenal take on Chelsea this weekend in a blockbuster Premier League clash which could help to define this year’s title race, and Mikel Arteta has provided some team news ahead of the clash.

Arsenal take on Chelsea in mouth-watering Sunday encounter

Arsenal’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening has catapulted the Gunners into Sunday’s London derby with serious momentum.

Arteta’s side complemented their 100 per cent Champions League record with a dominant display that overwhelmed the Bundesliga champions, who were unbeaten in all competitions before their defeat at the Emirates.

It was a massive performance by Arsenal on a real night to remember, but attention now turns immediately to Stamford Bridge, where the league’s top two meet in what represents a genuine six-pointer.

Arsenal arrive at Chelsea’s home ground boasting a formidable recent record against their London rivals.

The north Londoners are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Chelsea, recording five wins and two draws over that mightily impressive run.

Chelsea currently sit six points behind Arsenal, meaning victory for the hosts would reduce that gap to three and reignite their title challenge.

However, a triumph for Arsenal would establish a potentially insurmountable nine-point cushion over their closest challengers, effectively ending Chelsea’s realistic hopes of catching the leaders barring a miracle.

Both sides enter the fixture riding waves of confidence following midweek European statements.

Arsenal hold 'initial talks' to sign Real Madrid target who Arteta thinks is 'ideal'

The Gunners are moving in ahead of January.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 28, 2025

Chelsea demolished Barcelona 3-0 with teenager Estevao producing a moment of magic to live long in the memory, while Arsenal’s dismantling of Bayern demonstrated their credentials as genuine Champions League contenders.

Captain Martin Odegaard made his long-awaited return from injury after coming on as a late substitute, gifting Arsenal a major boost ahead of Chelsea after both Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli also made their comebacks recently.

Supporters are now waiting for updates on Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Leandro Trossard, with the latter subbed off against Bayern after picking up a knock.

Mikel Arteta shares Gabriel injury update out of Arsenal

Now, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta has provided some news.

Arteta confirms that Gabriel will miss Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea after a further scan, with the Brazilian still not ready to take part.

Being without the “underrated” star for a little while longer is unfortunate, but there is some positive updates.

The Spaniard says that there is a ‘potential chance’ that Trossard could be available to play Chelsea, and refuses to rule out Gyokeres and Havertz playing a part too, with all three subject to late fitness tests.

When asked about Havertz and Gyokeres, Arteta explained:

As things stand, the Arsenal trio all have a chance for the matchday squad tomorrow, it would seem, which comes as a massive boost given their real shortage of attackers in the last two months.

Havertz hasn’t played since the start of the season due to a knee injury, while Gyokeres has been sidelined since Arsenal’s 2-0 win away to Burnley.

Christian Pulisic hailed Mauricio Pochettino’s effort to instill a more combative, unity-focused identity in the U.S. Men’s National Team, saying that emphasis on fighting for one another is already showing in camp. The AC Milan forward added that the 2026 World Cup continues to fuel both his personal ambitions and the team’s desire to inspire the next generation of American players.

Getty Images SportPochettino’s culture change

Pulisic framed Pochettino’s influence as cultural and tactical, arguing the Argentine coach wants the USMNT to mirror the collective toughness seen in elite international teams. 

“I mean I would say when we’re in camp and leading up to games, I think he has a real focus on just the fighting spirit of the team,” Pulisic told CBS Sports Golazo. “I think kind of with the South American background too, the Argentinian is very, I mean, you can see when they play. They have the best player, potentially ever, but they have 10 other guys around them to run through a brick wall and do all those things.

“And I think that’s kind of what he wants to instill within the team. And that fighting kind of nasty spirit, and I think that’s his main focus.”

While Pulisic acknowledged it is hard to measure a wholesale transformation without a steady run of competitive matches, he believes the seeds of that identity are beginning to take hold.

 “I think it has, it’s tough without the competitive, the more competitive games. [of World Cup qualifying] to really know," Pulisic said. "I think even in some of the friendlies we’ve played, I feel like the team does have a togetherness about them. And I feel very positive about where we are going.”

AdvertisementWorld Cup as motivation

Beyond tactical change, Pulisic described the 2026 World Cup as a personal driving force: a chance to help elevate the game in the United States and to give young American players tangible role models to emulate. 

“Like truly, it’s one of my biggest inspirations is to kind of push the game back in the US and especially to inspire the next generation,” Pulisic explained. “I mean, like we talked about, having an American player in Europe and being able to look up to a guy who’s doing incredible things, it pushed me so much to want to do that, to want to be that much better. To believe and see, ‘Okay, he’s done it now, I can do it too.’

“And I hope that some people have watched me play and maybe thought that….I hope that I can inspire a lot of people around the world especially American kids because it’s a an incredible life, an incredible journey that I’ve been on. And I hope that people can see that.”

GettyOut of USMNT’s November 2025 international camp

The American forward won’t be with the USMNT for the November international break as he continues his recovery back to full fitness.

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(C)Getty ImagesU.S. balance expectations

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, Pochettino faces the challenge of balancing player development with tactical implementation. The November international window represents one of the limited opportunities remaining for the coach to work with his full squad before the tournament begins.

The offspinner has put her career in veterinary science on hold to live her cricket dream

Shashank Kishore16-Oct-2024Eden Carson, 23, imagined being a reel sensation for things more serious than just a sheepish grin. But when she woke up on Monday, her Instagram blew up with “tons of stories” that she had been tagged in for being tongue-tied and grinning away when asked of New Zealand’s semi-final entry at the T20 World Cup.”When that interview [to TV presenter Laura McGoldrick] first happened, I don’t think it really set in that we’d made the semis,” Carson tells ESPNcricinfo. “I was just so proud and overwhelmed with joy that we’ve got this far, because I know a lot of people probably didn’t think we would get here.”Quickly realising the light-heartedness of the question, Carson breaks the seriousness and continues. “I’ve seen that reel a few times. The morning after, one of the girls was like, ‘oh you’ve been in my feed a lot’ and I was like ‘one reel of me giggling in that interview is all over the internet and stories’, so yeah, it’s just been there haunting me [laughs] at the moment.”Related

• 'I want to bowl it' – Bates' final over leaves resurgent New Zealand one step from glory

• Australia to give Healy as much time as possible to be fit for semi-final

• Grounding, poems and bird videos – how Paul Adams is inspiring South Africa

• The Soph and Suze show – New Zealand's hit sitcom seeks one last high

• October 17 at T20 World Cup: Unbeaten Australia take on SA in 2023 final rematch

Carson probably doesn’t realise she isn’t the only one haunted. India were, too, when she damaged them big time in the opening game by picking up the wickets of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana with her offspin. It helped break New Zealand’s 10-match losing streak, while also throwing India’s tournament hopes into jeopardy.That performance set the tone for Carson, who has been Sophie Devine’s go-to powerplay bowler. Four of her five wickets in the tournament have come in this phase, her economy a miserly 5.44. And of the wickets she has picked up far, Mandhana’s has been her favourite.”I went into that game really wanting her wicket, especially because I was a match-up to her,” Carson says. “I was nervous in that first game because I hadn’t played India before. We knew a lot was riding on that game and if we could beat them, it’d help us big time. One of the girls actually told me ‘hey, you need to remember they haven’t faced you either’, and then I was like, that’s fair. So it’s kind of a two-way street really.”Carson feels like “I belong a lot more” now than she did when she first earned a New Zealand call-up ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. She celebrated her initiation with a bronze medal finish. Carson now has a chance of better that in UAE, at the T20 World Cup.”I have a lot more of a bowling routine now,” she says. “Like taking deep breaths when I’m at the top of my mark. I know what ball I’m going to be bowling. The outcome I want and the ball that I can’t bowl to my field and things like that.”Through the weight of her performances over time, Carson has been able to justify to herself the decision to put “everything else on hold.” She is a qualified veterinary nurse who also until recently worked at a dairy farm at home in Ranfurly, a town in New Zealand’s south island.Carson’s family runs a sheep and beef farm, but a desire to “prove” to her dad she can be “more than handy” at a farm got her to milk cows and work at a dairy farm owned by a family friend. That gig helped Carson earn extra income while studying and coming through the ranks playing domestic cricket in Otago.”My days would begin really early – I’d milk the cows early, and some days when I had morning training, I’d be like ‘so sorry, can’t get the cows in’ and head off to Dunedin, which is like an hour-and-a-half away from home. Our family friends were really adjusting; even now whenever I’m off cricket I often drop by to meet them.”Eden Carson played a key role in detailing India’s campaign early on•ICC/Getty ImagesIt’s at the farm that Carson’s love for animals grew. It had a massive influence on her choosing to pursue a degree in veterinary science, which she completed recently.”I think being on a farm has really driven that as well,” she says. “Just having lots of pets at the farm is fun. I always say I’m going home to see my parents, but it’s mainly to see my cats [laughs]. I was happy to be able to finish my studying just to have a back-up after cricket as well because you know cricket’s not going to be forever as well.”Carson, who has an annual retainer from New Zealand Cricket, now lives in Dunedin with her aunt to focus on the game. While cricket remains her primary focus, she has also branched out to learn the Māori language to keep up with her roots and culture – her mother is Māori.”I’ve loved it so much and I’ve had a lot of motivation to be able to learn it, even though it is quite hard,” she says. “Also being on tour makes things busy, but I’ve been staying on top of things which is good. But I’m really enjoying it at the moment.”Carson dreams of being the “world’s best offspinner”. Having gone through some technique changes “like getting more body into the ball, because my back was failing me a little bit earlier”, she is confident of ticking off her boxes.”I like Ash Gardner, she’s one of the best allrounders, but recently I follow Charlie Dean as well,” Carson says. “She’s one of the better off spinners as well; some people might not agree but I do. Just like watching her action and the variations she has. She’s also a great fielder and batter, so yeah.”For now, there’s just one thing on her mind. A World Cup trophy.

Dambulla will play host to all three matches, with the fixtures acting as preparation ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup

Danyal Rasool02-Dec-2025Pakistan will begin their build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup with a three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka next year, during early January. The Salman Agha-led side will travel to Dambulla in Sri Lanka, where all three matches will be played on January 7, 9 and 11.The short tour is Pakistan’s first white-ball assignment of the new year, and the PCB said it “will provide the side with valuable match practice ahead of next year’s global event”. Pakistan are playing all their World Cup games in Sri Lanka.Over the past six months, the PCB has heavily prioritised fielding the national team for as much T20I cricket as possible. Since the end of the PSL in May 2025, Pakistan have played home and away series against Bangladesh, a series in West Indies, two tri-series, the Asia Cup, and a home series against South Africa. They were victorious in all but the away series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup, where they lost the final to India.Related

• T20 World Cup: India grouped with Pakistan, England with West Indies

Sri Lanka have just concluded a three-week tour of Pakistan too, which saw them play three ODIs and a tri-series, with the latter also featuring Zimbabwe.Aside from the T20Is in Sri Lanka, Pakistan also have a three-match home series against Australia in the final week of January, before they return to Sri Lanka for the World Cup, which begins on February 7. Pakistan have been placed in Group A for the World Cup and their group fixtures, played in Colombo, will be against India, Namibia, Netherlands and United States.

Borussia Dortmund skipper Nico Schlotterbeck is confident of his team reaching the Champions League last-16 after they thrashed Spanish side Villarreal in the continental competition on Tuesday. The German side ran out 4-0 winners on home soil to keep them fourth in the European table, boosting their hopes of avoiding a knockout play-off tie.

• Dortmund dismantle Villarreal

  Dortmund thrashed Villarreal at home in their fifth Champions League game of the season. Striker Serhou Guirassy found the net twice, while Karim Adeyemi and Daniel Svensson found the net to help their side cruise past a 10-man Villarreal side. The victory keeps them high in the Champions League table and level on points with Chelsea and Manchester City after five matches, with Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Inter just two points above heading into their matches on Wednesday evening. 

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  Schlotterbeck happy for the goal difference

  The victory not only injected confidence into the side, but also provided a significant boost to their goal difference after keeping a clean sheet for the first time this month. With three games to go of the League phase of the competition, Schlotterbeck feels they have a good chance of staying in the top eight.

  "It's not easy, because I think you need 16 to 17 points," he said. "There are now three games left, two of them at home. I think if you win both at home, you're through. We have now also scored four goals. I think such a goal difference can also do good in the end. And for the first time we have now kept a clean sheet, we have already allowed a lot in the Champions League, so today is an all-round successful day."

  Striker Guirassy, who scored on the stroke of half-time and again in the 54th minute, was praised by the skipper. 

  "We came out of half-time better, that was important. In general, we hardly allowed anything and in the second half it was really good. Serhou didn't have an easy time either. He gets the trust from us and you have to stand there as a striker," Schlotterbeck commented.

• Guirassy and Svensson share their thoughts

  Guirassy was the man of the hour for Dortmund, as he piloted them to a crucial continental victory. The Guinea striker said: "It was an important win against a good Villarreal side. We are very happy with this result because it was important to win after the defeat against City. But Villarreal are a strong team. Some situations in the game went in our favour and we are satisfied tonight. It’s always nice to score goals. I’m happy that I can help the team. You can’t always score goals. We have to keep working hard."

  Svensson, who arrived this summer from Nordsjaelland after spending the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund, scored his second goal of the tournament. Delighted, he said: "We had planned to go into the game with a lot of energy. It was still a tough first half, but then we kept up the pressure. In the second half, we were a bit lucky with the penalty and the red card, of course, but overall it was a solid performance. It’s always nice to score a goal."

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• AFP
  

  Two successive Bayer games await Dortmund

  Niko Kovac's Dortmund will turn their focus to the Bundesliga for the time being. They have a double-header against Bayer Leverkusen coming up, visiting Kasper Hjulmand's side for a Bundesliga clash on Saturday before hosting them in the DFB-Pokal on December 2. 

  A win would see Schlotterbeck & Co. leapfrog Leverkusen in the table into third place, though they could even end up second if RB Leipzig's result against Borussia Monchengladbach goes their way. Three points will be no easy task, however, given Leverkusen head into the game off the back of the Champions League win against Manchester City this week.