Bhuvneshwar returns to first-class cricket after six years with a five-for

The UP fast bowler helped his side fight back after they were bowled out for 60 by Bengal

PTI and ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jan-2024Bhuvneshwar Kumar blew away the Bengal top order in a dream Ranji Trophy comeback as his 13th first-class five-for helped Uttar Pradesh bounce back after being shot out for just 60.Asked to bat on a green top after a delayed start at home in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh’s first innings lasted just 20.5 overs. Mohammed Shami’s younger brother Mohammed Kaif was the star for Bengal, claiming 4 for 14 in his 5.5 overs.But what unfolded thereafter was a Bhuvneshwar masterclass as he marked his first-class return by claiming 5 for 25 from 13 overs, three of which were maidens. Bhuvneshwar, 33, who last played a Test in January 2018 against South Africa, dismissed Sourav Paul (13) and Sudip Gharami (0) in the space of three balls. He then returned to take the wickets of Anustup Majumdar (12), captain Manoj Tiwary (3) and Abhishek Porel (12) in the same spell.

With India’s five-match home Test series against England on the horizon and doubts lingering over Shami’s return, it remains to be seen if the selectors are prompted to reconsider Bhuvneshwar after Friday’s show. Bengal’s Mukesh Kumar, who is on national duty with the T20I team, remains ahead of him in the pecking order.At stumps, Bengal were 95 for 5. Opener Sayan Ghosh, playing the lone vigil with a dogged 37 off 87 balls, was the last recognised Bengal batter left. He has Karan Lal for company, batting on 8.Rahane bags a duck in Mumbai vs AndhraAndhra’s 20-year-old seamer Nitish Kumar Reddy grabbed 3 for 20, including the prized wickets of Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer, to restrict Mumbai to 281 for 6 at stumps.Reddy dismissed Mumbai captain Rahane, who missed the Ranji Trophy opener with a stiff neck, for a golden duck and then denied Iyer a half-century by two runs in his comeback match. Returning to the Mumbai XI for the first time in the Ranji Trophy since the 2018-19 season, Iyer entertained with a run-a-ball 48, which included seven fours.Iyer, who struggled for form in the two-match Test series in South Africa, could not convert his start and became the fifth wicket to fall for Mumbai.

Com visita ilustre de ídolo, São Paulo inicia preparação para a final da Copa Sul-Americana

MatériaMais Notícias

Após dois dias de folga, a reapresentação do São Paulo contou com uma presença especial. Luis Fabiano, um dos grandes ídolos do clube, visitou o CT da Barra Funda e foi fotografado ao lado de Rogério Ceni.

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> Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro e simule os próximos jogos

Na última terça-feira (20), alguns jogadores, como Éder e Luan, marcaram presença no Centro de Treinamento. Já esta quarta-feira (21) contou com o retorno de todo o elenco com foco no duelo de domingo (25) contra o Avaí, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. A partida será a última antes da final da Copa Sul-Americana, que será disputada no dia primeiro de outubro.

+Novo San Siro vai custar mais de R$ 6 bilhões: veja imagens do megaprojeto de Inter e Milan

Na primeira atividade ministrada por Rogério Ceni, as equipes passaram por um aquecimento e depois partiram para as atividades técnicas.

Luan, que apresenta uma boa recuperação da sua lesãono músculo adutor da coxa esquerda, integrou o treinamento junto ao restante do elenco, como já acontece há alguns dias.

Esta foi a primeira semana em quatro meses que o São Paulo conseguiu ficar sete dias sem jogos. O time foi o que mais atuou nesta temporada, com 65 partidas até o momento. A última vez que a equipe de Ceni teve o “luxo” de uma semana inteira focada em treinamentos foi entre o fim de maio e começo de junho.

Luis Fabiano esteve presente no CT da Barra Funda para acompanhar um evento promovido pela Conmebol. O jogador esteve na campanha do último título internacional que o São Paulo ganhou, em 2012, que foi justamente a Copa Sul-Americana.

O ex-atleta estabelece uma ótima relação com o clube e seus ex-companheiros. Sem atuar profissionalmente desde 2017,O São Paulo iniciou as negociações com Luís Fabiano para que o atacante, um dos principais ídolos da torcida tricolor neste século, faça uma partida de despedida no Morumbi em um evento festivo em janeiro do próximo ano.

Conforme já adiantado pelo LANCE!, a ideia teria partido do próprio presidente Julio Casares e contaria com a presença de outros ex-ídolos do Tricolor.

– Seria uma ação de marketing efetiva para angariar assinantes para o serviço – disse uma fonte ao L!.

O Tricolor encontra o Avaí pelo Brasileirão neste domingo (25), às 20h (no horário de Brasília), no estádio do Morumbi.

تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام بوروسيا دورتموند اليوم في كأس العالم للأندية

يخوض فريق ريال مدريد مباراة قوية ضد نظيره بوروسيا دورتموند، مساء اليوم السبت، في إطار منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، نسخة 2025، التي تستضيفها أمريكا في الوقت الحالي.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد مع بوروسيا دورتموند، في خضم منافسات ربع نهائي كأس العالم للأندية، على ملعب “ميتلايف”.

وتمكن ريال مدريد من الحصول على بطاقة التأهل إلى دور ربع نهائي البطولة بعدما فاز بصعوبة على يوفنتوس، في دور الـ16، بهدف دون رد، سجله جونزالو جارسيا.

أما بوروسيا دورتموند فقد حقق فوزًا على مونتيري بهدفين لهدف، في دور الـ16 من البطولة.

تشكيل ريال مدريد أمام بوروسيا دورتموند في كأس العالم للأندية.. موقف مبابي تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام بوروسيا دورتموند في كأس العالم للأندية

حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: روديجر، تشواميني، هويسن، ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد.

خط الوسط: جود بيلينجهام، فالفيردي.

خط الوسط الهجومي: أردا جولر، جونزالو جارسيا، مبابي.

خط الهجوم: فينيسيوس جونيور. 

يُمكنكم متابعة أحداث ونتائج مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

Celtic struck gold on "fantastic" star who's worth more than Maeda & Jota

Celtic were left disappointed on Sunday when their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table was cut down to 13 points by their rivals at Parkhead.

The Hoops came from 2-0 down to draw the game level at 2-2 in front of their home fans, hoping to then push on for a winner to send them 19 points clear of Rangers.

Unfortunately, however, Morocco international Hamza Igamane hammered in a thunderous volley into the top corner of Kasper Schmeichel’s goal in the 88th minute to secure all three points for the away team.

It was a bad day at the office for the Hoops, who are still on course to win the Premiership title with ease, as several of their key players failed to step up and perform.

For example, Nicolas Kuhn was substituted at half-time after he failed with three of his four dribble attempts in the first half, and did not contribute to any goals.

Jota, who returned to Parkhead after an 18-month absence in the January transfer window, did do his best to make a difference at the top end of the pitch, though.

Jota's form since returning to Celtic

The Portuguese forward was shifted out on to the right flank for the second half against Rangers, after playing on the left in the opening 45, and made an almost instant impact by beating Ridvan Yilmaz down the line and delivering a brilliant cross for Daizen Maeda to score.

Jota managed one goal and one assist in ten matches for Rennes during the first half of the season before his return to Parkhead, which meant that the Hoops were signing a player in poor form and struggling with confidence in front of goal.

As you can see in the graphic above, the winger was full of confidence in the final third during his first spell in Glasgow, and he has tapped into that once again to thrive on the pitch for Brendan Rodgers this year.

The assist for Maeda’s goal against Rangers on Sunday was his fifth goal contribution in seven appearances in the Premiership in 2025, with three goals and two assists to his name.

Appearances (starts)

7 (four)

Goals

3

Conversion rate

27%

Big chances created

3

Assists

2

Successful dribbles

1.1

As you can see in the table above, Jota has been incredibly productive, despite only starting four times, with three goals and three ‘big chances’ created.

Market Movers

Despite his impressive form on the pitch for the Scottish giants this season, the former Benfica starlet is only the seventh-most valuable player in the Celtic squad, as per Transfermarkt, with a value of £7.6m.

Where Jota ranks among Celtic's most valuable players

The Hoops have built a valuable squad that has six other players who are currently worth even more than the Portuguese sensation, who was bought for £25m by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad just 18 months ago.

One of those players is Maeda, who scored from Jota’s assist, as the Japan international has been in phenomenal form for the Hoops so far this term.

The Japanese marksman has racked up 28 goals and nine assists in all competitions for Celtic, whilst operating on the flank or through the middle as a striker, and he is currently the fourth-most valuable player at the club.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

£11.6m

Arne Engels

£10.1m

Nicolas Kuhn

£10.1m

Daizen Maeda

£9.3m

Reo Hatate

£9.2m

Alistair Johnston

£8.4m

Jota

£7.6m

Auston Trusty

£6.3m

Greg Taylor

£5.5m

Callum McGregor

£5.5m

As you can see in the table above, Nicolas Kuhn, Arne Engels, and Cameron Carter-Vickers are the three most valuable stars at Parkhead at this moment in time.

Celtic signed Engels from Bundesliga outfit Augsburg last summer and have already hit the jackpot with the Belgian star, who has hit the ground running in Glasgow this season.

Why Celtic have hit the jackpot with Arne Engels

Firstly, his market value has soared during his short time at Parkhead to date. Transfermarkt valued the central midfielder at €9m (£7.5m) at the time of his move from Germany last year.

He is now worth £10.1m, as per Transfemarkt, and this suggests that the Hoops have landed a young talent, at the age of 21, who is improving week-in-week-out and now worth even more than both Jota and Maeda.

Arne Engels

Celtic have also struck gold with Engels because of his performances on the pitch for the Hoops this season. He has not taken much time to adapt to life in Scotland, as the youngster has emerged as a star performer in the middle of the park.

Engels, despite his age and inexperience, has been relied upon by Rodgers as the go-to penalty taker, scoring eight of his nine spot-kicks for Celtic this term.

The Belgium international has outscored Jota, with ten goals in all competitions, and has offered a creative presence at the top end of the pitch, with 12 assists for the Scottish giants.

Appearances

10

Goals

1

Big chances created

3

Assists

3

Tackles + interceptions

2.4

Duel success rate

59%

As you can see in the table above, Engels also excelled in the club’s run to the last 16 in the Champions League, thanks to his ability in and out of possession in midfield.

The Belgian starlet, who was described as “fantastic” by captain Callum McGregor, has the defensive awareness and mobility to win the majority of his duels and disrupt opposition attacks on a regular basis, whilst also having the composure and creativity on the ball to make things happen for his side.

Overall, Celtic have already hit the jackpot with the former Augsburg star because they have unearthed a midfield talent who can score crucial goals and create chances for his teammates on a regular basis, whilst also offering defensive quality on the European stage.

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The 21-year-old talent’s soaring market value also shows that Celtic have signed a player who has the potential to be sold on for a healthy profit in the future, as his value continues to rise alongside his fantastic performances on the pitch for the club.

Aston Villa stepping up chase to sign £42m sensation now outscoring Watkins

In a move that would replace Jhon Duran, Aston Villa are now reportedly stepping up their chase to sign a £42m striker who’s outscored Ollie Watkins so far this season.

Aston Villa transfer news

After a blockbuster January transfer window saw the likes of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio arrive on loan, Aston Villa looked destined to take the top four race by storm, but defeat against Crystal Palace has since stopped them in their tracks. It wasn’t just any defeat, either. The manner in which Unai Emery’s side were brushed aside should concern the Spaniard, who watched on as Palace earned a 4-1 victory.

It’s a game which could have been ready-made for Duran to step off the bench and change for the Villans, begging the question as to whether those in the Midlands need to invest in a replacement for their former super-sub.

When the summer arrives, those at Villa Park should certainly have money to spend after opting for loan moves rather than permanent buys in the January transfer window, and that could yet see one star man arrive.

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now stepping up their chase to sign Samu Omorodion Aghehowa from Porto, who valued their forward at €50m (£42m) this summer.

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More frustration for Emery…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 26, 2025

Amid interest from West Ham United and Chelsea, Villa certainly have a battle on their hands if they want to secure their Duran replacement and a player who would complete their attack once again.

At just 20 years old, Aghehowa has been one of the signings of the season at Porto, having arrived from Atletico Madrid for a reported £12.7m before the season got underway. Stealing headline after headline ever since, Samu could now be on the move once again in the coming months.

"Powerhouse" Samu can compete with Watkins

Just as Duran did, Samu would push Watkins all the way for a starting place at Villa Park. As goalscorers go, there haven’t been many better than the Porto star this season. Not even Watkins, himself, boasts a better record than Aghehowa’s 19 goals in all competitions throughout the current campaign – highlighting just how clinical he has been.

Starts

15

24

Goals

13

12

Assists

3

6

Dubbed an “absolute powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson earlier this season, Samu would offer Emery an ideal alternative than the more creative and neat Watkins.

In games such as Villa’s thrashing at the hands of Palace, an alternative option can make all the difference as Emery should be well aware of from Duran’s impact before his January exit.

Replacing that impact could be the key to unlocking Champions League football once again next season. As the fixtures come thick and fast, competition between Watkins and a pure goalscorer would be no bad thing.

For just £42m, those at Villa Park would be wise to make their move and secure Omorodion’s signature sooner rather than later.

جونزالو بعد تعادل ريال مدريد والهلال: شعور حلو ومر.. وفالفيردي لم يخطئ وحده

تحدث لاعب ريال مدريد الإسباني جونزالو جارسيا، عقب مباراة فريقه أمام الهلال السعودي في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية المقامة في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

والتقى الهلال مع ريال مدريد مساء يوم الأربعاء، في الجولة الأولى لدور المجموعات بمنافسات كأس العالم للأندية، وسجل جونزالو هدف تقدم ريال مدريد، قبل أن يتعادل الهلال من ضربة جزاء، وحسمت المباراة بهدف لمثله.

وقال جونزالو في تصريحاته إلى “DAZN”: “إنه شعور حلو ومر في آنٍ واحد، لأننا كنا نرغب في الفوز، أردنا أن نبدأ بنتيجةٍ جيدة، لكننا قاتلنا حتى النهاية وحاولنا، لكن الهلال قدم مباراة رائعة”.

وأضاف بشأن التعادل في المباراة الأولى لفريق ريال مدريد في البطولة: “النقطة ستكون إيجابية بالنظر لما تبقّى، أنا واثق من ذلك”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كورتوا ينتقد أداء ريال مدريد أمام الهلال: ارتكبنا غلطة سخيفة

وعن ركلة الجزاء التي أهدرها فالفيردي، أفاد: “لقد كانت مؤسفة، لكننا جميعًا أخطأنا هنا، أنا أولهم، فقد أتيحت لي عدة فرص، لا بأس، فيدي سيسجل ركلات الجزاء القادمة، كانت خسارة، لكننا متحمسون لخوض المباراتين المتبقيتين”.

وعن تجربته في أول مباراة أساسية له، أردف: “اللعب مع ريال مدريد دائمًا شرف كبير، أنا هنا منذ أن كنت صغيرًا، وأن أتمكن من اللعب هنا، وأن أسجل في أول مباراة أبدأها أساسيًا، فهذا شيء لا يُصدق على الإطلاق”.

سيلاقي ريال مدريد خصمه باتشوكا في الجولة الثانية، ثم يواجه سالزبورج في الجولة الثالثة بدور المجموعات.

Newcastle join race to sign "amazing" striker who’s already scored at SJP

Looking ahead towards the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign an in-demand striker who has scored at St James’ Park in the past.

Newcastle transfer news

It could yet be a big summer for the Magpies, who have plenty of work to do on the incoming front and even more work to do if they lose Alexander Isak. One of the Premier League’s best strikers, the Swede has unsurprisingly attracted the reported interest of both Liverpool and Arsenal, which could yet culminate in the biggest move of the summer.

Of course, Newcastle will be hoping that’s not the case and they manage to keep hold of Isak amid such interest. They could certainly do with generating some spending power if they want to steal the headlines with reinforcements of their own, however.

With quite the decision to make, those in Tyneside have reportedly turned their attention towards Serie A. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Tammy Abraham from AS Roma.

Newcastle are now "calling constantly" for updates in race to sign £55m ace

He’s enjoying an excellent season…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 19, 2025

The former Chelsea striker has spent the season on loan at AC Milan but has failed to earn a starting role which has only become harder to grasp since the arrival of Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord in January.

Now, as a result, he could be on his way back to the Premier League and to a ground he’s already scored out. Finding the back of the net in a 2-0 victory for Chelsea in the 2020/21 season, Abraham could yet find himself wheeling away in celebration more regularly at St James’ Park next season.

"Amazing" Abraham could replace Wilson

Whilst Isak continues to steal headline after headline, Callum Wilson has continued to struggle on the injury front to leave Newcastle without any back up for their Swede. It’s something which has already proven to be an issue once this season when Anthony Gordon was forced to lead the line for Eddie Howe’s side and it’s something the former Bournemouth boss won’t want to see a repeat of in the next campaign.

That’s where Abraham could come in. With Wilson currently on course to leave as a free agent, Abraham could emerge to replace the experienced forward to provide ideal depth behind Isak. In a similar role at Milan, the former Chelsea striker has scored eight goals despite making just 13 starts in all competitions.

At his best, Abraham has earned plenty of praise during his time in Italy, including from former Roma manager Jose Mourinho. The so-called ‘Special One’ told reporters, via BBC Sport, in 2022: “Today he was my Tammy.

“He played how I wanted him too. He won everything, he kept the ball, he provided an outlet, he won the first ball and he gave us an option in behind to push them back. We always talk about strikers when they score and obviously tonight was Paulo’s night, but Tammy was amazing.”

'I've gone past my boyhood crushes!' – Ange Postecoglou insists he has no love left Liverpool as Tottenham plan to ruin title party

Ange Postecoglou supported Liverpool growing up, but the Tottenham boss has no desire to facilitate a title celebration at Anfield on Sunday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Liverpool welcome Tottenham to Anfield on Sunday
  • Reds need just a point to win title
  • But Postecoglou has no desire to help them
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Postecoglou insisted his boyhood affection for Liverpool will have no impact on his desire to prevent them from winning the Premier League title this Sunday, with the Reds needing just a point against Spurs to secure a record-tying 20th English championship. Postecoglou has previously spoken of his admiration for Liverpool but emphatically dismissed any notion of mixed emotions should Tottenham delay their celebrations.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The title race is all but over after Arsenal once again dropped points in midweek. The Gunners were held to their 13th draw of the season in a London derby with Crystal Palace, putting Liverpool on the cusp of history. 

    Destined for a bottom-half finish in a season that could cost Postecoglou his job as manager, Spurs’ focus for the rest of the campaign is on attempting to clinch Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League. Spurs face Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the semi-finals on Thursday, but Postecoglou made it clear nothing will stop him seeking a result at Anfield.

  • WHAT POSTECOGLOU SAID

    Asked if his previous fondness for Liverpool would have any impact on his emotions, Postecoglou told a press conference: "I’m a 60-year-old adult, I’ve gone past my boyhood crushes. It’s got no impact whatsoever. I have great admiration for the football club. Yes, I supported it when I was younger, but that was 50-odd years ago so we’ve well and truly moved on since then."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

    Sunday’s game may be defining for Liverpool, but it is unlikely to have much influence on Postecoglou’s long-term future. There is already talk he could be sacked by Tottenham even if they win the Europa League, but any hope of him staying in a job likely rests on that competition. As such, Postecoglou may need to be smart in how he manages his team against Liverpool to ensure the squad is in the best shape possible for the first leg with Bodo/Glimt.

Everything you need to know about 11v11 formations: Demystifying football's tactical battlefield

Everything you need to know about football's most-used 11 versus 11 formations

Football is a game of inches, seconds, and tactical masterminds. While individual brilliance often steals the headlines, it's the unseen hand of formations, the strategic blueprints dictating player positioning and movement, that truly shape the beautiful game.

Understanding formations is key to unlocking the tactical nuances of football. In this article, we delve into the ever-fascinating world of 11-a-side formations, focusing on the "Big Three" – the 4-4-2, 5-4-1, and 4-3-3 – systems that have dominated the sport at various levels, from grassroots to the grand stage of the Premier League.

  • The balanced 4-4-2: England's classic

    A stalwart of the English game, the 4-4-2 is a formation synonymous with balance. Favoured for its simplicity and adaptability, it's the tactical bedrock upon which many young footballers cut their teeth.

    As the name suggests, the 4-4-2 deploys four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards. This balanced approach provides a solid defensive foundation while offering sufficient attacking potency.

    Strengths

    Solidity: With four defenders and four midfielders, the 4-4-2 offers a compact shape, making it difficult for opponents to break through the lines.

    Flexibility: The midfield four can readily transition between attack and defence, providing support across the pitch.

    Simplicity: The 4-4-2 is relatively straightforward to understand, making it ideal for developing teams.

    Weaknesses

    Overload Vulnerability: Against formations with five-man midfields, the 4-4-2 can be outnumbered in the centre of the park.

    Forward Reliance: The effectiveness of the 4-4-2 hinges on the quality and understanding of the two forwards.

    Ideal For

    Teams with a well-rounded squad lacking standout individual brilliance.

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  • The resilient 5-4-1: Defence wins championships

    In an age of attacking football, the 5-4-1 stands as a testament to the enduring power of defensive resilience. As its name suggests, this formation prioritises defensive solidity above all else.

    Five defenders, including versatile wing-backs, provide a formidable barrier in front of goal, while four disciplined midfielders shield the backline. A lone striker leads the line, often tasked with holding the ball up and bringing teammates into play.

    Strengths

    Defensive Wall: The five-man defence makes it extremely difficult for opponents to penetrate, particularly through central areas.

    Counter-Attacking Threat: With pacey wing-backs and a target man upfront, the 5-4-1 can be surprisingly dangerous on the counter.

    Weaknesses

    Lack of Firepower: With only one recognised striker, goals can be hard to come by for teams employing the 5-4-1.

    Midfield Battle: Against teams with three central midfielders, the 5-4-1 can find themselves overrun in this crucial area.

    Ideal for

    Teams looking to frustrate superior opposition or grind out a result.

  • The attacking 4-3-3: Goals galore

    The 4-3-3 is the embodiment of attacking football. With a focus on fluid movement, intricate passing, and relentless pressing, this formation is designed to overwhelm opponents with a wave of offensive pressure.

    The 4-3-3 typically deploys a three-man central midfield, with one holding player and two more attack-minded midfielders. The width is provided by two inverted wingers who cut inside, aiming to create scoring opportunities or take on defenders one-on-one.

    Strengths

    Attacking Prowess: With three forwards and two attacking midfielders, the 4-3-3 possesses exceptional firepower.

    Midfield Dominance: The three-man midfield provides numerical superiority in the centre of the pitch, facilitating possession-based football.

    Weaknesses

    Defensive Vulnerability: The attacking nature of the 4-3-3 can leave gaps at the back, particularly against swift counter-attacks.

    Reliance on Wingers: The effectiveness of the 4-3-3 hinges on the quality and creativity of its wingers.

    Ideal for

    Teams possessing technically gifted players and a desire to dominate possession.

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  • Choosing the right formation: Finding the perfect fit

    There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to formations. The ideal system depends on a multitude of factors, including the strengths and weaknesses of the squad, the opponent's playing style, and the tactical philosophy of the manager.

    The 4-4-2 offers balance and simplicity, the 5-4-1 prioritises defensive resilience, and the 4-3-3 is a blueprint for attacking dominance. Understanding the nuances of each formation is crucial for any football enthusiast seeking to deepen their appreciation for the tactical tapestry of the beautiful game.

Josh Bohannon, Luke Wells turn Lancashire's fortunes around

Lancashire 145 (Henry 5-45, Saini 3-63) and 377 for 5 (Bohannon 134, Wells 98, Jones 53*) lead Kent 270 (Leaning 90, Stewart 64, Denly 59, Bailey 6-64) by 252 runsA century from Josh Bohannon and 98 from Luke Wells were the highlights of an extraordinary turnaround in fortunes for Lancashire on day three of their LV=Insurance Division One clash with Kent at Emirates Old Trafford.The opening two days had seen wickets tumble on a regular basis with the hosts beginning their second innings late on Tuesday evening 125 runs behind Kent’s total of 270 and seemingly right up against it on a used pitch which has proved helpful to both teams’ seam bowlers.But in total contrast to what had gone previously just five wickets fell throughout the day as Wells and Bohannon put Lancashire in a position to potentially win, going into the final day with a lead of 252 runs and five wickets in hand after they closed on 377 for 5.Resuming on 2 for 0, batting instantly looked easier for Wells and fellow opener Keaton Jennings with both Matt Henry and Navdeep Saini lacking the bite and accuracy they had enjoyed during Lancashire’s first innings.The opening pair had built a partnership of 54 off 14 overs and it was something of a surprise when Nathan Gilchrist made the breakthrough tempting Jennings to edge stiffly to stand in captain Jack Leaning at second slip for 14.The wicket brought Bolton-born Bohannon to the crease and with both he and Wells enjoying recent centuries, the stage was set for a partnership that could define the match, should Lancashire somehow prevail.Wells took the role of aggressor, moving to 50 for the fifth time in the Championship this season from 69 balls including five fours and so effective was the partnership, that Leaning was forced to turn to the part-time bowlers Joe Denly and Daniel Bell-Drummond as his side’s lead began to disappear.Wells and Bohannon continued to score freely after lunch with the latter’s innings full of his trademark pushes through mid-on as Kent began to look increasingly ragged as the afternoon wore on.Bohannon had just reached his half-century when Wells fell agonisingly short of a 22nd first class ton when he edged Saini to a diving Leaning at second slip as the second-wicket partnership ended on 117.Despite the breakthrough there was little respite for Kent as Steven Croft joined Bohannon who was reminding everyone why earlier in the season he was being tipped by many to play for England’s Test side this summer.Lancashire had built a lead of 139 when the 25-year-old brought up his sixth first class century and third of the season off 186 balls with 14 fours with the vital knock coming straight after his match-winning hundred at Northampton last week.Croft, captaining the side due to Dane Vilas’ injured finger, was happy to play second fiddle to Bohannon and the pair had compiled a partnership of 109 for the third wicket when Henry got a delivery to jag back and bowl Croft for a patient 42.Rob Jones was next to enter the fray and he and Bohannon looked to up the scoring rate against a beleaguered attack that was becoming increasingly reliant on Bell Drummond’s accuracy rather than Saini’s waywardness.Bohannon eventually fell for 134, feathering a delivery from Grant Stewart to replacement wicket keeper Ollie Robinson by which time the lead was 228 and showing no sign of slowing down with the only respite coming when Leaning trapped Washington Sundar lbw for 10 just before the close.There was just time for Jones to reach his half-century from 73 balls and with the incoming George Lavelle unbeaten on three, Lancashire will look to bat on tomorrow morning before a positive declaration.

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