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Liverpool are a club that boasts one of the richest histories in the English game, however, had only briefly returned to the pinnacle before they were dragged back down.

Fans had to wait 30 painstaking years before a Premier League title came to Anfield, with FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League victories having supplemented Jurgen Klopp’s success.

The hope is that, following a year of rebuilding and steady progression, this summer could mark the catalyst to once again pit them against the imperious treble-winning Manchester City.

If anyone can topple them, it is surely the Reds, who remain in a prime spot despite their tough recent campaign. After all, they are the only side other than Pep Guardiola's to boast a league title since 2017, having pushed them further than any other team.

Having already secured the acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister, the German tactician will be well aware that this is not enough to return them to the top alone.

Fortunately for fans, further reports have emerged this month continuing to link them with a swoop for Gabri Veiga.

Despite his €40m (£34m) price tag, he could actually pose another coup, especially given how his early-career form mirrors that of a true Anfield legend.

Could Gabri Veiga emulate any Liverpool legends?

Whilst one journalist, simply titled Rimedi, referred to the Spaniard as a “baby Kaka”, it is instead Steven Gerrard that it could be argued the 21-year-old truly imitates.

After all, in his prime, the Scouse general was actually an attacking midfielder, full of energy, passion, aggression and, above all, immense quality.

Viega seems like he is in possession of all of these attributes, having enjoyed a standout year for Celta Vigo in his homeland.

As a childhood fan of the club he stars for, the youngster’s tally of 11 goals and four assists in La Liga from midfield is a startling figure. When compared to other midfielders across Europe, he also ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

For comparison, although it was under the pragmatic stylings of Gérard Houllier, the former Aston Villa manager could only muster 15 goal contributions of his own across all competitions at the same age, 21. However, in his true prime he was a real offensive threat, even notching 38 goal contributions across just one year in the 2005/06 campaign.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig sought to outline the other qualities that have helped make Veiga shine, noting his strengths as: “pace, passing, technique, shooting, off-the-ball movement, bravery, work rate”.

These are all attributes that saw Gerrard earn such success early in his glistening career, in which Jamie O’Hara has told talkSPORT (via Anfield Watch) that he was “the best midfielder the Premier League has ever seen.”

Although Veiga is unlikely to reach those levels that very few ever have, his emergence as a similar type of bustling goal-scoring midfielder could help rebuild Klopp’s dynasty, to once again make them challengers for the elite competitions.

Chelsea are holding “contact and talks” regarding a deal to bring Gabri Veiga to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

Veiga is a central midfielder who currently plays his football for Celta Vigo in La Liga, having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to graduate from their academy. He’s now become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 55 senior appearances to date.

The Spaniard still has another three years to run on his contract at the Balaidos Stadium, but after establishing himself as his homeland outfit’s second top-performing offensive player last season, has been highlighted as an ideal transfer target by Mauricio Pochettino.

Reliable reporter Rudy Galetti revealed earlier this month that the Blues are one of several clubs to have “shown interest” in the 21-year-old, whilst Jacob Steinberg later claimed that a bid "could arrive soon”, and if the following update is to be believed, the two parties may already be discussing a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Are Chelsea signing Veiga?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Chelsea are currently in negotiations with Celta Vigo and Veiga regarding a move ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

“Gabri Veiga is ready for the next step now. He will leave Celta Vigo. His management is considering many options as he could become a future top player in central midfield. Contact and talks with CFC and others. Release clause of around €40m [£34m] – confirmed. Bayern is not involved.”

Should Boehly make a bid for Veiga?

Chelsea will know that Veiga only being 21 means he would be more of an investment for the long-term future of the club, but having already started to show what he’s capable of on the main stage, Todd Boehly should certainly consider tabling an offer to secure his services.

The Gol International client – the same agency used by Christopher Nkunku – posted 15 goal contributions (11 goals and four assists) in 36 La Liga appearances last season, form which saw him collect three man-of-the-match awards, but the central midfielder was also a threat even when the ball didn’t hit the back of the net.

The Spain U21s starlet was averaging 3.14 shot-creating actions per league game which was the second-highest number in his squad, via FBRef, so he’s always looking to produce moments of quality for his fellow teammates.

Veiga has been lauded an “electric” player by journalist Fabrizio Romano for his youthful pace and energetic nature, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Pochettino.

A round-up of the second day’s play from the quarter-finals of the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Dec-2016
ScorecardS Badrinath and Tanmay Agarwal frustred Mumbai in the middle session•ESPNcricinfo LtdTanmay Agarwal and S Badrinath, the captain, struck half-centuries as Hyderabad were 128 adrift of Mumbai’s 290 with seven wickets in hand at stumps on day two in Raipur. Agarwal and Badrinath added 105 for the third wicket to steady the innings after Mumbai, who lost five wickets for 40 this morning, reduced Hyderabad to 30 for 2 courtesy Abhishek Nayar’s twin strikes.B Sandeep then blunted the bowling for 64 deliveries to remain unbeaten on 10, along with Agarwal, as Hyderabad ended an attritional day on 166 for 3. Mumbai’s Siddesh Lad, unbeaten on 101 overnight, added nine, while Nayar added 13 before being dismissed for 59. CV Milind, the left-arm pacer, finished with 5 for 80, his second successive five-wicket haul, while Mohammad Siraj took four wickets.
ScorecardIshank Jaggi’s rich vein of form continued•K SivaramanJharkhand were in sight of the first-innings lead against Haryana courtesy half-centuries from Virat Singh and Ishank Jaggi at the Moti Bagh Stadium in Vadodara. Haryana, resuming on 251 for 7, lasted just 33 deliveries in which they added seven runs. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem added two wickets to his overnight tally to finish with 7 for 79. Jharkhand responded with 228 for 3 in 82 overs, with Virat and Jaggi having added 146 for the fourth wicket.
ScorecardBumrah’s four-wickets came as Odisha lost six batsmen in the space of 16 overs•Getty ImagesOdisha went from 83 for 1 to 101 for 7, courtesy Jasprit Bumrah’s four wickets for Gujarat, before Deepak Behera and Suryakant Pradhan added 72 runs for the eighth wicket to finish the day on 184 for 8 at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Stadium.Basant Mohanty started the day off by completing his 16th five-wicket haul in first-class matches as Gujarat were all out before lunch. Rush Kalaria fell for 73, thereby bringing an end to his 154-run partnership with Chirag Gandhi, who fell soon after with the team’s score at 238 for 8 before a late knock of 28 by Mehul Patel ensured Gujarat’s 263.After opener Ranjit Singh’s early exit, his partner Sandeep Pattnaik scored 43 runs in an 82-run partnership for the second wicket with Subhranshu Senapati, who scored 30. After Pattnaik fell with the score at 83 for 2, Odisha languished their advantage as they lost another five wickets for only 18 runs, with Bumrah triggering a slide. His scalps included those of captain Govinda Poddar and Odisha’s top-performer Biplab Samantray, whom he removed for ducks. Behera and Pradhan then hit 72 runs before the latter’s 27-ball knock ended. Mohanty (4) joined Behera (30) to see off play till stumps, trailing by 79 with two wickets in hand.

James Maddison is thought to be interested in joining Newcastle United this season with Leicester City on the verge of being relegated.

The 2016 Premier League champions need Everton to drop points on Sunday otherwise they will be relegated from the top flight for the first time since returning in 2015. If they are relegated this weekend, it may make it simpler for Maddison to secure a summer switch to St. James' Park.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?

According to the Shields Gazette, Leicester value Maddison at £50million, although the midfielder only has just over one year remaining on his contract.

Newcastle have had two bids for Maddison rejected in the past, but if the Foxes are unable to remain in the top flight, he may be available at a discounted price point.

Maddison is reportedly interested in a move to Newcastle and has already spoken to Kieran Trippier on international duty about playing for the Magpies. Callum Wilson also discussed the club with Maddison while they were at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has been open about his admiration for the Leicester playmaker, saying:

“I have full respect for him and his abilities. I have seen him grow from a Football League player to a Premier League player. He’s been brilliant.

"He has been a great advert for the Premier League, but he’s a Leicester City player – and I fully respect that. I’d never talk about another contracted player coming here. But he’s a player I do respect."

How many goals and assists has Maddison got this season?

It's no surprise clubs are interested in Maddison. Despite the lack of quality around him at the King Power Stadium this season, Maddison has still managed ten goals and nine assists, an extremely impressive return for a team in the relegation zone this late in the season.

With the quality already at Newcastle in the final third such as Wilson and Alexander Isak, who have netted combined 28 goals in the league this season, Maddison could thrive if he made the switch to St. James' Park, where he would play for a Champions League side and at 26, you could say he is reaching his prime as a midfielder.

The England international is one of the best creators in the Premier League, ranking eighth for chances created this season, so appears ready for a big move, and it looks as if that could be north to turn out for the Magpies.

أشاد وائل جمعة لاعب الأهلي السابق، بالحارس مصطفى شوبير بعد الأداء الذي قدمه خلال مباراة شباب بلوزداد، التي جمعت بينهما في بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وتعادل الأهلي سلبيًا مع شباب بلوزداد الجزائري، على أرضية ملعب 5 يوليو بالعاصمة الجزائرية، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من دور المجموعات.

وقال وائل جمعة في تصريحات عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “مصطفى شوبير أكد الكلام الذي يقال عليه بشأن مستواه، تصدى لخمس كرات، والشوط الثاني يعتبر أفضل لاعب في الأهلي، نقطة ممتازة في ظل الأداء السيئ”.

طالع أيضاً.. بالفيديو | الأهلي يتعادل سلبيًا مع شباب بلوزداد ويواصل الصدارة في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وأفاد: “توقعنا الأداء السيئ للأهلي نتيجة المشاكل الكثيرة في الفريق قبل المباراة، أرقام اليوم تعكس حال الفريق، الأهلي لم يسدد على المرمى مقابل 5 لشباب بلوزداد، الأهلي فاز بنقطة وكسب مصطفى شوبير”.

وأضاف: “كولر عاد لما قبل كأس العالم للأندية، لا أعرف لماذا صبر على موديست لمدة 85 دقيقة، لمس الكرة 3 أو 5 مرات فقط، وكهربا كان لابد أن يحصل على دقائق أكثر من ذلك”.

وأوضح: “نتيجة جيدة للأهلي تحافظ على آماله، خصوصًا المباراة الأخيرة على أرضنا، والأحمر حافظ على صدارة المجموعة”.

وأتم: “ما زالت مشكلة رأس الحربة متواجدة لدى الأهلي، ونشعر أننا نلعب منقوصين لاعب”. تعليق وائل جمعة على تعادل الأهلي مع شباب بلوزداد

Arsenal are “confident” that they will agree a new long-term contract with forward Reiss Nelson, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Reiss Nelson leaving Arsenal?

The Gunners winger is an academy graduate at the Emirates Stadium having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the first-team back in 2019, and despite having made 65 senior appearances since, his future has recently been up in the air.

The England U21s former international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season meaning that he will become a free agent on the market should he not put pen to paper on fresh terms, and his potential availability has been alerting a trio of potential suitors.

The Athletic report that Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, West Ham United and also AC Milan are all interested in striking a deal for the 23-year-old, despite him making zero starts in the top-flight this season, but it now seems to be the case that he won’t be going anywhere during the upcoming transfer window.

Have Arsenal offered Nelson a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Arsenal are closing in on an internal agreement regarding fresh terms for Nelson. He wrote:

“Arsenal proposal to Reiss Nelson: four year contract, option included for one more season — as revealed two days ago. Short term deal proposal was rejected in April, talks are now advancing for [a] long term contract. Parties are confident.”

Arsenal will know that Nelson hasn’t featured as much as he would have liked this season as a result of his thigh injury sustained in the early stages of the campaign, but he’s proven what he’s capable of when given the chance to play and he’ll be a key player for the future of the club so retaining his services is completely the right decision.

The Gunners’ “explosive” right-winger, as lauded by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has posted five goal contributions (three goals and two assists) in ten top-flight appearances this term whilst averaging 8.45 shot-creating actions per game which is higher than any other of his fellow teammates, via FBRef.

The Europa League participant, who pockets £15k-per-week, also provides Mikel Arteta with versatility having operated in eight different positions since first emerging onto the scene, and with Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka having both recently committed their futures in N7, it seems as if Nelson is about to follow in their footsteps.

Schedule

Sept 30: England arrive in Dhaka
Oct 4: Warm-up one-dayer, Fatullah
Oct 7: 1st ODI, Dhaka
Oct 9: 2nd ODI, Dhaka
Oct 12: 3rd ODI, Chittagong
Oct 14-17 Two two-day warm-up matches, Chittagong
Oct 20-24: 1st Test, Chittagong
Oct 28-November 1: 2nd Test, Dhaka

England are set to tour Bangladesh for the first time since 2010 for two Tests and three ODIs in October.In their third multi-format tour to the country, England, who are likely to arrive in Dhaka on September 30, will start with a warm-up one-day match in Fatullah on October 4.The first two ODIs will be played on October 7 and 9 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The teams will travel to Chittagong for the third.The visitors have been given back-to-back two-day warm-up games at the MA Aziz Stadium before the first Test begins on October 20 in Chittagong. The second Test will be held in Dhaka from October 28.Having played only T20s this year so far, this will be Bangladesh’s first ODI and Test series since last November. England will depart for their tour of India on November 2.*11.40am GMT, June 28: The full schedule was added, including the warm-up fixtures in Chittagong.

Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott has been showered with immense praise amid interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers over a summer transfer.

What's the latest on Alex Scott to Wolves?

O’Rourke has spoken in glowing terms about the 19-year-old, who has established himself as one of the Championship’s most elite prospects and has been tipped to continue on this frightening trajectory in the top flight.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about a possible transfer to the Midlands, he said:

“It would be a huge coup. I think he's going to be one of the most in-demand young players in the summer. Probably regarded as one of the best young players outside of the Premier League right now.

"Obviously, he did come in for a lot of praise from Pep Guardiola following Man City's FA Cup clash with Bristol City. A young, English player with huge potential. If Wolves can steal a march on their rivals and get a deal done for Scott, it could be a big fillip for them."

Why is Scott so highly rated?

Although Bristol City were comfortably defeated 3-0 by the reigning Premier League Champions, the playmaker still produced an encouraging and memorable performance that generated much acclaim from this esteemed opposition.

Guardiola described the prodigy as an “unbelievable player” and City winger Jack Grealish seconded this view, and labelled Scott as a “top, top talent.”

This was particularly special for the playmaker, who has been nicknamed as the “Guernsey Grealish”, due to his adoration for the former Aston Villa captain when he was growing up.

Considering all of that praise, he would be quite the coup for a side like Wolves, with Lopetegui frantically trying to bring one of English football's top talents to a team that reside at the bottom of the table.

Indeed, he has already shone against elite opposition and has immense potential with some impressive statistics that back up the eye test of Guardiola and co.

Indeed, since signing his first professional contract with Bristol City in March 2021, the 2022 UEFA European U19 Championship winner has made 87 senior appearances and registered 16 goal contributions.

One of his most attractive qualities is his boundless versatility, something that would be invaluable to Wolves, popping up as a defensive pivot, an attacking midfielder, and occasionally on the wing.

His ball recovery, close control, accurate passing, and astonishing work rate mean the engine has emerged as one of the accomplished forces within English football, who looks more than ready for a step up to the Premier League.

Thanks to his array of consistent displays, the coveted talent has seen his value skyrocket from £700k in May 2022 to £12m at the time of writing, according to Transfermarkt.

With rumours continuing to circulate regarding the uncertain futures of Portuguese pair Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes, the signing of Scott, with his endless energy and limitless potential, could be quite the coup when it comes to sourcing a potential replacement.

Aston Villa have five fixtures remaining of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign as they look to secure as high a finish as possible in a bid to nail down a place in Europe ahead of the new term that is set to get underway in August.

The Midlands outfit have experienced nothing short of a remarkable turnaround since the arrival of Unai Emery who has won 13 of his 22 games in charge, the most recent being the 1-0 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night. The Spaniard has also become the first manager in English top-flight history to have seen his team score in all of their first 20 games under a new boss, further highlighting the incredible impression he's made since taking to the dugout.

The Villa Park side absolutely have the right to get excited about what next season could look like under the stewardship of the 51-year-old, but even in the immediate short-term, they are currently in contention to seal qualification to the Europa League which is surely something that supporters would never have expected to be competing for if you would have asked them at the start of the term, so with that being said, here’s how we think their remaining handful of games will pan out.

Aston Villa fixtures

• 30 April: Man United (a)

• 6 May: Wolves (a)

• 13 May: Tottenham (h)

• 20 May: Liverpool (a)

• 28 May: Brighton (h)

Man United v Aston Villa

Following the 1-0 win over Fulham last night, the Villans will be pumped up, ready and raring to go when they make the trip to Old Trafford to take on Erik Ten Hag’s side on Sunday, with another three points for the visitors potentially definitive in the race for European football.

Emery has to ensure that his outfit maintain their confidence and positive run of form that they produced in midweek, and whilst they will be hoping to replicate their 3-1 victory from the reverse fixture in November, it won’t be an easy task to do the same in front of the United crowd.

But with this being an important match to Champions League-chasing Man United, they will not be able to take an in-form Villa lightly, and with an FA Cup final on the horizon, Villa may yet be able to land a psychological blow.

Prediction: Man United 1-1 Aston Villa

Wolves v Aston Villa

The Premier League fixtures are coming thick and fast for Aston Villa, whose next away game after United is versus Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Old Gold were in a vulnerable position and in danger of relegation but have since secured a much-needed victory over Crystal Palace, creating distance between themselves and the drop zone.

From a Villa perspective, this is likely to be considered a very winnable match against an inconsistent side, and another three points would allow them to continue their momentum and gain ground on their competitors around them in the table – which is what we expect on Saturday week.

Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa v Tottenham

On paper, Aston Villa facing Wolves, you’d expect to result in a comfortable victory, but the difficult tests return when they host Tottenham Hotspur in their next game back at home. Ryan Mason’s side will be desperate to change their fortunes after the heavy 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United as they compete to secure a top-four finish, so they could come out fighting – and with a completely different mentality.

The Midlands crowd are sure to be in great voice and prepared to get behind their team as ever, but this could prove to be the possible banana skin of the remaining fixtures during the run-in.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham

Liverpool v Aston Villa

Following what is sure to be an exciting and fast-paced contest against Spurs, Aston Villa hit the road once again, this time travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool who could still potentially qualify for some kind of European competition should they start picking up results.

Back in the reverse fixture in December, the Reds secured a 3-1 win, so Emery will be hoping that his side can head to Merseyside and gain revenge by turning the tables and picking up all three points, which on their day they are more than capable of doing.

And given the Reds' inconsistent form and that Villa may well have more to lose as they seek a first European berth in over a decade, Emery's men may yet spring a surprise.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-3 Aston Villa

Aston Villa v Brighton

Aston Villa’s final home game, and indeed the last fixture of the 2022/23 season, sees them come up against Brighton and Hove Albion who will also be hoping to secure a qualification spot in the Europa League, therefore making them one of their biggest rivals.

The Seagulls, however, could experience a lack of confidence during the run-in after crashing out of the FA Cup semi-final on penalties against Manchester United, so this is something that the Midlands outfit need to capitalise on, with the result likely to prove definitive when it comes to final standings for Emery.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Brighton

• Predicted run-in points: 8/15

• Predicted total points: 62

Leeds United picked up another vital three points on Tuesday evening as they came from behind to beat relegation rivals Nottingham Forest 2-1 at Elland Road.

What happened in Leeds vs Forest?

Leeds fell behind at home when Orel Mangala showed good composure to find the bottom corner inside the penalty box but swiftly responded through Jack Harrison, with the winger slamming home after Keylor Navas parried Marc Roca's strike.

It was 2-1 before the break as Luis Sinisterra danced his way around a number of defenders before smashing the ball into the bottom corner. That topped a wonderful display from the Colombian wide man who was simply an "absolute joke" throughout the clash, as per broadcaster Conor McGilligan.

The result lifts Leeds out of the bottom three all the way up to 13th, although recent weeks have shown just how changeable the table can be with one good or bad result.

Who was Gracia's best performer vs Forest?

While there were a number of strong performances on display on Tuesday evening, including that of Sinieterra, it was arguably Pascal Struijk who was Javi Gracia's unsung hero in the win.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old defender would earn a superb 7.9/10 rating for his performance, which ranked him as the second-best player on the pitch from both sides, with only that man Sinisterra (8.2) rated higher.

During the 90 minutes, the former Ajax prospect would contribute a phenomenal two interceptions, three tackles, three blocks and six clearances, in what was a defensive masterclass from the young centre-back.

With Leeds needing to throw their bodies on the line to protect a vital three points, Struijk produced one of his best displays of the season, as the £50k-per-week brute has averaged just 1.3 interceptions, three tackles, 0.5 blocks and 2.3 clearances per game so far this campaign, which emphasises just how impressive he was at Elland Road.

Yorkshire Evening Post writer Graham Smyth summed up the defender's display when he produced another crucial block in the dying moments, suggesting that he was "huge" for Leeds.

The Belgian-born ace wasn't just impressive from a defensive perspective, however, as he also produced a calm and composed passing performance which exemplifies his quality on the ball on what will surely have been a nervous night for everyone at Elland Road.

During the game, Struijk would complete 55/60 passes with a success rate of 92%, which again is a vast improvement on the 79.6% he has averaged in the Premier League so far this term.

When you consider that the centre-back also won 83% (10/12) of his duels in a physical game against Forest, he surely deserves to be lauded as Gracia's true hero on Tuesday night.