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O Goiás recebe o América-MG nesta quarta-feira (6), pela 38ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A bola vai rolar a partir das 19h (de Brasília), no Estádio da Serrinha, em Goiânia (GO), com transmissão do “Premiere”.

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✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Goiás x América-MG – 38ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro

Data e horário: quarta-feira, 6 de dezembro de 2023, às 19h (de Brasília)
Local: Estádio da Serrinha, em Goiânia (GO)
Onde assistir: Premiere
Arbitragem: Davi de Oliveira Lacerda (árbitro); Fabiano da Silva Ramires e Vanderson Antonio Zanotti (assistentes); Marcos Sousa (quarto árbitro); Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Junior e Clovis Amaral da Silva (VAR)

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

⚽PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

Goiás (Técnico: Mário Henrique)
Tadeu; Maguinho, Lucas Halter, Sidimar e Diego; Willian Oliveira, Morelli, Luís Oyama e Guilherme; Vinícius e Matheus Babi (Palacios)

Desfalques: Diego e Alesson (suspensos); João Magno, Higor Meritão, Hugo, Vinícius e Sander (lesões)

América-MG (Técnico: Diogo Giacomini)
Jori; Rodriguinho, Éder, Júlio e Danilo Avelar; Lucas Kal, Benítez (Breno), Martinez (Alê) e Juninho; Adyson e Renato Marques

Desfalques: Marlon e Matheus Henrique (suspensos); Aloísio, Felipe Azevedo, Iago Maidana, Mastriani, Mateus Pasinato, Matheusinho, Nicolas, Rodrigo Varanda e Wanderson (lesões)

Are Aston Villa starting to build some serious momentum?

Having failed to win any of their first six matches this season, scoring only two goals, the Villans have since won four on the spin, beating Bologna and Feyenoord in the Europa League, as well as Fulham and Burnley at Villa Park in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, chance creation remains a concern for Unai Emery, considering his team sit second-bottom of the Premier League when it comes to expected goals, above only Burnley, while only Fulham, Sunderland and Burnley have mustered fewer shots on target.

Back in January, the Claret and Blue Army addressed this by signing both Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford on loan; the Spaniard scored eight goals and registered one assist, while the England international netted four times and notched six assists.

However, both moved on to pastures new over the summer, so who could be this season’s Asensio, and why will he help unlock Villa’s primary star attacker?

Ollie Watkins' struggles for confidence

As the graphic documents, ever since he arrived from Brentford, Ollie Watkins has been a reliable goalscorer in a claret and blue shirt.

However, this season, the England international is seemingly struggling for confidence, seeing a very tame penalty saved by Bologna’s Łukasz Skorupski, before, to great relief, getting off the mark three days later against Fulham.

Nevertheless, when compared to last season, pretty much all of his statistics are down, as the table below outlines.

Goals

0.6

0.2

Shots

2.4

1.3

Shots on target

1.4

0.5

Shooting accuracy

59.7%

37.5%

Chances Created

0.9

0.7

Duels Contested

10

8.6

Touches

27.1

25.3

Touches in the box

6.3

4.5

As documented, every available metric for Watkins this season has plateaued, with the decrease in his shooting statistics the most stark drop off.

Of course, seven matches into the Premier League season, it is only a small sample size, while the fact Watkins’ touches as well as touches in the opposition penalty area have both decreased suggests that it is as much a service issue as a Watkins problem.

Last season, Watkins and the aforementioned Asensio formed an effective partnership, the former setting up the latter to score his second goal against Cardiff City in an FA Cup tie in February, but who is most likely candidate to break into the Villa team now and add that much-needed creativity?

Aston Villa's forgotten summer signing

After a summer of very little activity, restricted by Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, Aston Villa were certainly busy on deadline day.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Victor Lindelöf arrived as a free agent, Harvey Elliott joined from Liverpool, on loan with a £35m option to buy, so the move many missed was Jadon Sancho’s loan move, rescued from the Chelsea bomb squad at the 11th hour.

Still only 25 years old, it is now four years since the England international joined Manchester United for around £73m, and his career certainly has not panned out as hoped since.

Upon his arrival at Old Trafford, then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær praised his “tremendous pace, flair and creativity”, noting that he had “already achieved a great deal” for such a young player.

Well, after scoring only 12 goals in 83 appearances for the Red Devils, he has been loaned back to Borussia Dortmund and then Chelsea, spending last season at Stamford Bridge.

While he may not have been the world-beater he once was, Sancho was effective for the Blues, scoring five goals and accumulating ten assists across all competitions, including netting at Tottenham in the Premier League and then against Real Betis in the Conference League Final in Wrocław.

Given how little he has done since 2021, his most recent England cap coming against Andorra almost exactly four years ago, it is easy to forget just how exciting Sancho was when he first burst onto the scene at the Westfalenstadion.

Raj Chohan of BBC Sport praised his ‘incredibly mature decision-making’ in the final third, while Nick Wright of Sky Sports asserted that the ‘extraordinary talent’ was one of the very best young players in Europe.

During his best season in the Bundesliga, 2019/20, Sancho ranked third for goals, second for assists, first in terms of goals – xG, first for goal-creating actions, second for attempted take-ons and second when it came to carries into the final third.

Put succinctly, the Englishman was truly a phenomenon so, with Emery’s coaching, will Aston Villa get him back to that level?

Well, if they can, during that aforementioned 2019/20 Bundesliga season, Sancho created 19 big chances, thereby ranked behind only Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry.

For comparison, in the Premier League last season, the Villa players who created the most big chances were Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, both reaching 16.

Thus, getting Sancho back to his exhilarating best could be exactly what this team needs to unlock talisman Watkins. Like Asensio – and Rashford – before him, he could be the club’s new loan success story and revive his floundering career.

​​​​​​​

Forget McGinn: Aston Villa's "jewel" looks like the modern day Gareth Barry

Man in the middle of the park is Aston Villa’s modern Gareth Barry, key to their revival

ByWill Miller Oct 5, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos assinou, juntamente com a WTorre, enfim, na manhã desta quarta-feira (27) o memorando de intenção para construção do novo estádio do clube. A nova Vila Belmiro terá capacidade para 30.108 pessoas.O custo total previsto para as obras é de R$ 300 milhões, e a concessão para a WTorre será de 30 anos.

A construtora deixou claro que o estádio vai pertencer 100% ao Santos e que os valores para construção do estádio serão levantados com vendas de cadeiras cativas e camarotes, além do investimento financeiro da própria WTorre. O Peixe, por sua vez, não colocaria dinheiro para construção.

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Com a assinatura do memorando de entendimento, se inicia a fase de aprovações com os órgãos públicos e definições entre as partes, assim como a captação de verbas para investimento nas obras, por meio de pré-vendas de benefícios e patrocínios.

Vale destacar que os atuais donos das cadeiras cativas da Vila Belmiro permanecerão com suas cadeiras. Em shows, caso o palco seja central, a capacidade será de 35 mil pessoas. Em caso de palco no fundo (onde fica o gol), são estimadas 25 mil pessoas. O Peixe precisará gastar, durante os anos de concessão da WTorre, com energia, segurança e manutenção geral do espaço. A Nova Vila terá cerca de 63 lojas e contará com gramado sintético, assim como a maioria das novas arenas do futebol brasileiro.

Na área da imprensa, o projeto tem a presença de quatro estúdios para TV, 24 posições escritas e duas salas de coletivas de imprensa. O público total do estádio será de 30.108 mil pessoas, com campo sem cobertura, mas arquibancada 100% coberta. Com as obras completas, o Peixe deve levar os principais jogos para a Nova Vila Belmiro, incluindo clássicos e partidas intercontinentais. Isso, segundo a WTorre, ajuda a valorizar o espaço e, consequentemente, traz patrocinadores ao clube.

It is safe to say that Celtic supporters were not best pleased with how the board conducted themselves during the summer transfer window that slammed shut at the start of last month.

A section of the fanbase decided to protest the first 12 minutes of the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership in the first match after the window closed.

Some Celtic supporters also held up banners, with one reading “sack the board”, during the club’s 0-0 draw with Hibernian in the Premiership last weekend.

This shows that there is at least a section of the fanbase that is not happy with how the club is being run, which comes after they sold and failed to replace Adam Idah on deadline day, followed by the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer the day after the window.

Celtic have had four goalless draws in all competitions so far this season, including both games against Kairat in the Champions League play-off round, which speaks to their lack of quality recruitment in Brendan Rodgers’ attacking department.

However, few would argue that the signing of Sebastian Tounekti from Hammarby for a fee of around £5m on deadline day has been a good piece of business for the Hoops.

Where Sebastian Tounekti ranks among Celtic's summer signings

The Scottish giants made 11 additions to their squad during the summer window. That is, if we include Iheanacho, despite him being signed 24 hours after the window slammed shut.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Ross Doohan, Hayato Inamura, Shin Yamada, and Callum Osmand have all either rarely touched the pitch or not played a single minute for the first-team this season, which means that they are yet to prove themselves to be among the best signings of the window.

Kieran Tierney returning to Parkhead on a free transfer from Arsenal was a slam dunk of a signing. He is a proven player who knows what it takes to play for Celtic, which means that there was little risk attached to that deal.

Iheanacho, meanwhile, has had mixed success so far. The centre-forward scored goals against Kilmarnock and Red Star Belgrade, but he also missed two ‘big chances’ against Red Star and two ‘big chances’ against Hibernian, which shows that his finishing has been inconsistent.

Benjamin Nygren has a valid claim to be the best signing of the summer so far. The Swedish star is the club’s top scorer in the Premiership, with three goals, and is one of only four players to have registered an assist in the league, per WhoScored.

25/26 Premiership

Sebastian Tounekti

Celtic rank

Shots per game

3.5

1st

Key passes per game

3.0

1st

Dribbles per game

2.5

1st

Crosses per game

1.0

Joint-4th

Interceptions per game

1.0

Joint-4th

Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, Tounekti has pressed his claim forward to be heralded as the best signing of the summer in his first two appearances in the Premiership, already leading the way in the squad for shots, key passes, and dribbles per game.

The Tunisia international also opened his account for the Scottish giants with a strike in the 4-0 win over Partick Thistle in the League Cup last month.

Given that Nygren has added an end product to his performances in the Premiership, with one goal and two assists, Tounekti may have to settle for being the second-best signing of the summer so far.

The success that the Tunisian star has already had at Parkhead, though, could mean that one Celtic attacker is already on borrowed time at the club.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Hyun-jun Yang may have to look for a move away from the club during the January transfer window because of the success of Tounekti and what that means for the right-sided attacker moving forward.

Why Tounekti may have ended Yang's Celtic career

It is no secret that the South Korea international was close to moving on from the Scottish giants during the summer transfer window amid interest from EFL Championship side Birmingham City.

The Blues, who signed Kyogo Furuhashi in the summer, had a £3m deal lined up for the right-footed attacker, but they were not willing to wait around on deadline day and opted to sign another former Celtic winger, Patrick Roberts.

Tounekti’s arrival from Hammarby on deadline day came too late in the day for Birmingham to hold out, but that meant that the Tunisia international came through the door and Yang stayed.

A goal against Partick Thistle in the League Cup is his only goal contribution of the campaign so far, and he was left out of the matchday squad for the 0-0 draw with Hibernian last weekend.

Yang, who was described as a “raw” player by Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, has not done enough in his three appearances in the Premiership this season to suggest that he is going to win his place back in the team.

25/26 Premiership

Yang

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

0.36

Bottom 35%

Goals

0

Bottom 3%

Shots

2

Bottom 10%

xA

0.21

Bottom 35%

Assists

0

Bottom 3%

Chances created

1

Bottom 3%

Dribbles completed

1

Bottom 10%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the South Korean attacker ranks poorly among his positional peers in the division in a host of key attacking metrics.

Tounekti has created five more chances (six) and completed four more dribbles (five) than Yang in just two outings in the division, which speaks to the gulf in quality between the two players at the top end of the pitch.

Whilst Tounekti, of course, plays on the opposite flank to Yang, his arrival at Parkhead has meant that fellow summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha is having to get into the side by playing on the right wing, whilst star forward Daizen Maeda has also been shifted over to the right.

Therefore, Yang, especially given how close he was to leaving in the summer, is surely on borrowed time because of the success of the Tunisian star, as it has meant that he has dropped down the pecking order in his position as a result of other players having to move across the pitch.

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Unless the former Gangwon star can turn his fortunes around and start to prove that he can deliver consistent quality at the top end of the pitch, a January exit could be on the cards for the winger.

Uncapped left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam has been called up to face Zimbabwe in Chattogram next week

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Apr-2025Following a defeat in the first Test against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh have had to make changes to their Test squad ahead of the second match in Chattogram next week. Anamul Haque returns to the fold while Nahid Rana steps aside to fulfil PSL commitments.Anamul replaced Zakir Hasan, who didn’t play in Sylhet. He is in line to play his first Test match in nearly three years, forcing his way back into the reckoning with his recent form. Anamul is the highest scorer at the ongoing Dhaka Premier League 50-over competition, having hit four hundreds – three of them unbeaten – in his last ten innings. He will hope to use that form to make a better impression for Bangladesh in the longest format considering he has played only five Tests since making hist debut in 2013 and has a highest score of 23.Rana’s exit – he has been picked to play for Peshawar Zalmi – provides room for uncapped left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam. Tanvir has played 41 first-class matches to pick up 134 wickets at an average of 27.06. He has six five-wicket hauls with a best of 8 for 51.Bangladesh, who are 1-0 down, play Zimbabwe in the second Test of the two-match series from April 28.Bangladesh squad for second Test vs ZimbabweNajmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-capt), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Much focus is on Liverpool’s potential incoming signings on deadline day, but two players could also seal permanent moves away from Anfield.

Liverpool want Isak and Guehi on deadline day

It is threatening to be a memorable end to the summer transfer window for the Premier League champions, with Alexander Isak set to join in a British transfer record move from Newcastle United.

The Swede has been a key target for Liverpool all summer long, and it finally looks as though they will get their man, reportedly agreeing a £130m switch, beating the transfer record paid for Florian Wirtz earlier in the window.

Meanwhile, the Reds are also targeting a move for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, but the Eagles aren’t making it easy for them to sign their captain.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner has made it clear that they will only sell the England international if a replacement is brought in on time, but owner Steve Parish may not want to lose him for free next summer.

Away from Isak and Guehi, there is also outgoing business to ponder before the window slams shut, with a key update emerging in that respect.

Liverpool duo could depart before window closes

According to the reliable Paul Joyce of The Times on X, Joe Gomez and Harvey Elliott could leave Liverpool on deadline day, with the former potentially off to AC Milan and the latter being monitored by Aston Villa.

Gomez and Elliott are great squad options for the Reds, so them staying would be no bad thing, but there is also sense in allowing them to leave.

On £125,000-a-week-combined, the pair are far from regular starters for Liverpool, and if Guehi does arrive from Palace, Gomez’s minutes will likely become even more limited, despite an impressive late cameo in Sunday’s vital 1-0 win at home to Premier League title rivals Arsenal.

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Should the duo depart, it would take Liverpool and FSG’s sales to over £200m this summer, with the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Jarell Quansah among the most expensive departures.

Luis Diaz

Bayern Munich

£60.6m

Darwin Nunez

Al-Hilal

£45.9m

Jarell Quansah

Bayer Leverkusen

£30.3m

Ben Doak

Bournemouth

£19.9m

Caoimnhin Kelleher

Brentford

£12.8m

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid

£8.6m

Tyler Morton

Lyon

£8.6m

Nat Phillips

West Brom

£3m

Opinion on Elliott is likely to be more split than Gomez, given his age, but Wirtz’s signing has pushed him further down the pecking order, and he is at a point in his career where he needs to be a star player at a club.

Syed Abid Ali, who represented India in 29 Tests from 1967 to 1974, has died in California aged 83.A medium pacer who was renowned for his high standards of fielding and lightning-fast running between the wickets, one of Abid Ali’s greatest moments on the cricket field came with the bat: he hit the winning runs for India from No. 8 at The Oval in 1971 to give India their first series triumph in England.These runs came via a “square cut that never reached the boundary as it was engulfed by jubilant supporters charging onto the ground”, as had been reported on ESPNcricinfo.Abid Ali also played five ODIs between 1974 and 1975, which also happened to be India’s first five ODIs.Related

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He finished with 47 wickets from his 29 Tests, including career-best figures of 6 for 55 in his debut innings against Australia in Adelaide. His medium pace came with enough variations to test batters. He also recorded six Test-match fifties, including twin fifties in Sydney later in that debut series.It could be argued that he was an allrounder, given that those two fifties came as an opener, and he batted at the top of the order in 21 of his 53 Test innings and scored 1018 runs at an average of 20.36 in his Test career. Those fifties in Sydney included “cavalier treatment of the new ball,” the match report said. Overall, he batted across the order for India, everywhere barring Nos. 4, 10 and 11.Then, there were his impressive fitness levels and fielding. His ESPNcricinfo profile sums it up thus: “Abid Ali had the feet of a sprinter, the energy of a marathon runner and the will of a decathlete, but his misfortune was that he was born 20 years too early. His game was made to order for one-day cricket: he bowled brisk medium-pace, fielded outstandingly, and was a busy lower-order batsman who ran between the wickets as if on invisible skates.”His focus on fitness came at a time when it was not the norm in cricket, and helped him gain a reputation both as a close-in fielder and for his spot-on flat throws from the outfield. Former ESPNcricinfo columnist V Ramnarayan, who was a young cricketer in the Hyderabad domestic circles when Abid Ali was in his prime, wrote of him: “The punishing regimen of training he followed was often the subject of anecdotes, wildly exaggerated and embellished, but perfect entertainment in the evening after a long day at the ground.”Syed Abid Ali during his stint coaching UAE•AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images

He was also quite a bit of a character. Ramnarayan wrote: “He was demonstrative in an age when most bowlers tended to hide their emotions. His appeals to God when he beat the edge, and his sardonic grins at batsmen blessed by the Lord – unfairly in Abid’s opinion – were sights to see and remember.”He was once no-balled for throwing in a Test match against New Zealand in Christchurch, but his blatant chucking apparently came in protest against Gary Bartlett having taken a six-for with an action that the Indian team felt was suspect.Abid Ali never went on to establish himself as a premier name in Indian cricket, in part because he had the misfortune of being a bowler in the era of India’s famous spin quartet. He was a mainstay for Hyderabad, though, playing 212 first-class games across 20 seasons, taking 397 wickets at 28.55 and scoring 8732 runs with 13 hundreds and 41 fifties. He played his last Test match in December 1974, his last ODI in June 1975, and his last first-class game in 1978-79.”Shri Syed Abid Ali was a true allrounder, a cricketer who embodied the spirit of the game,” BCCI president Roger Binny said in a statement. “His contributions to India’s historic victories in the 1970s will always be remembered. His dedication and versatility made him stand out. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”After his playing days, Abid Ali went on to coach Andhra at the Ranji Trophy, and also had stints with UAE and Maldives. At the time of his death, he was living in Tracy, California, with his family.

The England batter doesn’t buy into the idea that Australia are weakened after their shock semi-final defeat at the T20 World Cup

Valkerie Baynes06-Jan-20251:31

Wyatt-Hodge’s Ashes prediction: ‘Whoever’s calmest will come out best’

Relinquishing the T20 World Cup has done nothing to weaken Australia’s standing in world cricket, according to Danni Wyatt-Hodge, the England batter who knows them best.She is set to contest her eighth Women’s Ashes series, and believes Australia’s batting depth, ruthlessness and home conditions will make them as dangerous as ever in the 2025 edition, which gets underway in Sydney this weekend.Since last year’s failure to reach the final of the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2009, Australia have won all five of their completed matches during the home summer so far – all ODIs – defeating India 3-0 and New Zealand 2-0. During that time, they unearthed the outstanding talent of 21-year-old opening batter Georgia Voll, who averages 86.50 and scores at a strike rate of 108.80, including a century in just her second international match, against India in December.The extent of Voll’s role in the Ashes remains to be seen after captain Alyssa Healy’s return from injury for the rain-affected tour of New Zealand in a batting-only capacity, with Beth Mooney keeping wicket. But Voll was drafted into the Ashes white-ball squads to replace injured allrounder Sophie Molineux after proving herself to be an excellent option for the hosts and a shining example of their still enviable depth, which also includes the more firmly established 21-year-old opener Phoebe Litchfield and 23-year-old allrounder Annabel Sutherland.So Wyatt-Hodge isn’t buying into any suggestion that Australia’s shock World Cup exit leaves them as a diminished side.Danni Wyatt-Hodge comes into the women’s Ashes after a strong finish to 2024 in South Africa•ICC/Getty Images

“No, not at all, they’re a quality squad,” Wyatt-Hodge said in Australia on Monday. “Anyone in their squad that comes in performs. Look at Georgia Voll, she’s had an outstanding start to her ODI career. Anyone in their line-up is capable of match-winning performances. So it’s going to be a massive challenge for us, but one that we really can’t wait for, and especially playing them in their conditions as well adds another challenge.”England proved that they could compete hard with Australia by winning both white-ball legs of the home series in 2023 after losing the Test, which meant points finished level on eight-all and Australia retained the trophy. During that series, Wyatt-Hodge was the second-highest run-scorer in the T20Is, trailing Mooney by just six runs.”We’re going to take confidence from what happened,” Wyatt-Hodge said. “But we’re starting a new Ashes, obviously it’s in their conditions as well. We all know how good the Aussies are, they’re a real quality team, full of world-class players, but we’re really looking forward to the big challenge ahead.”They bat so deep, don’t they, the Aussies? Anyone that comes in is capable of getting some valuable runs for their team. They’re just so ruthless, they just fight and fight till the end, and they are a very hard team to beat.”England went some way to overcoming their own World Cup disappointment when, having been knocked out in the group stages with an uncomposed performance against West Indies in October, they finished 2024 with a successful tour of South Africa. There, they comprehensively won the Test, swept the T20Is 3-0 and dropped just one of their three ODIs. Wyatt was the leading run-scorer in the T20Is and second on England’s batting charts for the tour overall.England won both white-ball legs in 2023 but Australia won the one-off Test and retained the Ashes level on points•Getty Images

On tight schedule: ‘We can’t moan about it’The 2025 Ashes kicks off with three ODIs from January 12, followed by three T20Is, and then a four-day pink-ball Test at the MCG, which is due to finish on February 2.The schedule of seven matches – potentially 10 days’ play – in the space of 22 days with plenty of travel in between has come under criticism from Jon Lewis, the England head coach, who would have preferred more time to prepare, particularly for the Test. The only warm-up fixture, however, will be a 50-over match on January 9 between England and a Governor General’s XI, where Healy hopes to test recovery on her knee while taking the gloves.”We can’t moan about it, just got to embrace it and make sure that we are prioritising our rest and once we’re on it, we’re on it,” Wyatt-Hodge said of the tight schedule. “We always speak about wanting to be calm and relaxed, but everyone’s different. Someone might need to be the opposite, so it’s going to be a matter of what works for you at the end of the day.”But there’s a lot of hype around the Ashes and the first game. There’ll be a few nerves around, but I think it’s just going to be a matter of who stays calmest for sure and then get your head down. I definitely play a lot better when I’m feeling chilled and calm and relaxed. Obviously I get nervous and there’s a few nerves around, but yeah, definitely whoever stays the calmest will benefit more.”

Aston Villa have now stepped up their interest in signing a Club World Cup star, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer, according to a report.

Villa set sights on new goalkeeper

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding the future of Emiliano Martinez, with former scout Mick Brown revealing that a number of Premier League clubs are in the race for the goalkeeper’s signature.

Brown said: “Martinez is a very good goalkeeper, and from what I hear there are a few clubs who have been made aware that he will be available this summer. One of those clubs is Chelsea, who have been looking to strengthen in that position.”

Speaking about Manchester United’s interest, Brown went on to add: “United are very much in danger of missing the boat over this one. They’ve held talks but a Chelsea hijack is looking likely.”

Aston Villa make enquiry to sign £60m star who scored in win at Villa Park

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ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

A move to Stamford Bridge could be of great appeal to the Argentina international, fresh off the back of the Blues winning the Club World Cup, and the Villans could look at a goalkeeper who excelled in the new-look competition as a potential replacement.

That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states Aston Villa are now stepping up their interest in Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor, who put in a number of eye-catching performances for the Brazilian side out in the USA.

Not only that, but Victor helped Botafogo secure the Brazilian Serie A title and Copa Libertadores last season, being named in the Team of the Year in both competitions, indicating that he could now be ready to test himself in Europe.

A deal for the 29-year-old would by no means break the bank, as he has a release clause of just £6m in his Botafogo contract, but there could be competition for the goalkeeper’s signature, with Manchester United also in the race.

"Incredible" Victor has earned Premier League move

It is little wonder that Carlo Ancelotti is considering calling the Botafogo star up for Brazil, given that he has performed extremely well across some key metrics for goalkeepers over the past year.

John Victor Stats

Average per 90

Goals against

0.76 (95th percentile)

Save percentage

80% (94th percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

47.8% (93rd percentile)

Botafogo defender Philipe Sampaio has also singled his teammate out for praise in the past, describing him as a “warrior” last December, with the shot-stopper going on to make some very impressive saves out in America at the Club World Cup.

Given Villa’s PSR concerns, Victor could be a fantastic low-cost addition to the squad, but Unai Emery will still be hoping that Martinez is willing to commit his future to the club.

After making their Marcus Rashford decision, Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive winger who had 15 goals to his name last season.

Aston Villa make Marcus Rashford decision

With the PSR deadline passed, sales made and UEFA’s decision to hand them a £9.5m fine confirmed, Aston Villa should finally know where they stand this summer. Whether that’s in good standing or a position of panic is the big question. So far, Unai Emery has avoided the sale of top stars after Villa sold Philippe Coutinho and their women’s team but as interest arrives in key man Ollie Watkins, that could yet change.

Meanwhile, when it comes to incomings of their own, those at Villa Park have also reached a decision regarding Rashford. The Manchester United man has been stripped of his number at Old Trafford and has now asked to leave the club, but it doesn’t look as though his next destination will be the Midlands.

Despite enjoying a fairly successful loan spell at the club last season, Aston Villa have decided against securing a permanent deal to sign Rashford, which would cost around £40m.

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Opening the door to alternative targets, it will now be interesting to see which direction Aston Villa head towards. Emery could certainly do with at least one attacking reinforcement after loan deals expired for both Rashford and Marco Asensio. Just who arrives as a result remains to be seen, however.

Names such as Semih Kilicsoy have already threatened to steal the headlines, but another name has now reportedly entered Villa’s radar in what would be a big-money deal.

Aston Villa battling to sign £50m+ Lookman

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are now battling to sign Ademola Lookman alongside Atletico Madrid and Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest. The talented winger would cost any NSWE as much as €60m (£52m) this summer, but it could be a price well worth paying if last season’s numbers are anything to go by.

Minutes

2,247

1,422

Goals

15

6

Assists

5

3

Expected Goals

10.3

4.8

With 15 of his 20 goals coming in Serie A last season, Lookman was the star of the show at Atalanta and would be an instant upgrade on Rashford. What’s most impressive about those numbers is how the Nigerian outperformed his XG by almost five goals, highlighting just how clinical he can be in front of goal.

Described as “dymamic” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Aston Villa should go all out to sign Lookman, who could finally become the Premier League star that many believed he was destined to be during spells at Fulham, Everton and Leicester City.

At 27 years old, the winger is at the peak of his powers and ready to return to England with a bang.