Sri Lanka are still unsure whether their key spinner Ajantha Mendis will be fit to play their first Super Eights match against New Zealand on September 27. Mendis, who is suffering from a side strain, is scheduled to practice with the team today, and a call on his participation will be taken before the game.Mendis picked up the injury in Sri Lanka’s opening game against Zimbabwe on September 18, but completed his overs after being treated on the field. He has since then been under treatment and was left out of Sri Lanka’s final group match against South Africa on September 22; Sri Lanka lost that rain-curtailed game by 32 runs. Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lanka captain, had said Mendis’ omission from the South Africa match on Saturday had simply been precautionary but, despite having eight days to recover, Mendis is yet to regain full fitness.”We are monitoring his progress carefully. We took an MRI scan on his left side and it showed a slight tear,” Charith Senanayake, the Sri Lanka manager, said on Tuesday. “These injuries are quite common with fast bowlers, but because Mendis bowls at a fast pace may have strained himself,” he said. “Mendis bowled a few overs at the nets today, but we will monitor him carefully and take a call whether he is fit enough to play against New Zealand.”Mendis marked his return to international cricket after a back injury had kept him out for eight months in Zimbabwe game with the best bowling figures by a bowler in T20 cricket with six wickets for eight runs.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, today is the day of the final negotiations between Barcelona and Valencia for the transfer of Rodrigo Moreno and the Catalans are moderately optimistic.
What’s the word, then?
It seems that at the moment the biggest problem in this potential transfer regards the economics of the deal.
There is some confusion over the price, but it seems Barcelona sources suggest the player is valued around €50m (£42.3m), while Valencia are still talking about a figure in excess of €60m (£50.7m).
However, in order to reduce the asking price for the centre-forward, the Catalans would reportedly be ready to sacrifice one of their own youngsters, either from Barcelona B or simply include the first-team player Moussa Wague.
Someone’s got to own them: Who do these incredibly unwanted PL records belong to?
Mundo Deportivo note that even if that was the case, money could still pose some trouble – the Blaugrana would like a loan without a mandatory purchase while Valencia would prefer a permanent transfer – possibly even in instalments – or with the mandatory purchase clause inserted in the deal.
Verdict
One way or the other, today should be the day we finally discover Rodrigo’s fate.
As things currently stand, the two clubs are not on the same wavelength and the economic side of the deal could pose a problem in the final days of the January window.
But maybe that is a blessing in disguise for the Catalans. After all, sacrificing young talents for a centre-forward who doesn’t match the profile they need simply doesn’t make sense.
Rodrigo is not a prolific goalscorer as he has only scored four goals in the ongoing campaign but is more of a creator with ten assists to his name. At Valencia, he often drops deeper or even drifts wide, but Barcelona need a body in the box and someone to make darting runs in behind the defence – not someone who will drop into a creator role.
With all that said, maybe this would be too big of a price to pay for the wrong man.
In other news, one other Barcelona youngster might be on his way out of the club and into Serie A…
West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna has been linked with a move to Italian outfit Bologna by La Gazzetta dello Sport, via reporting by Calcio Mercato, which could present Reece Oxford one last chance for a West Ham future.
What’s the word?
La Gazzetta dello Sport are claiming that Bologna are close to reaching an agreement with West Ham, that will see Ogbonna move to the Serie A in January.
It is not reported how much the potential transfer will see the Irons net, having spent £22.5million for Issa Diop and a further £3.6m for Fabian Balbuena in the summer.
The strong form displayed by the duo since their arrival at the London Stadium has seen Ogbonna’s minutes on the field reduced significantly, starting just four times in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s trip to Burnley.
The 13-cap Italy international had been a regular in the line-up when fit since joining from Juventus in 2015 for £9.9million – making a total 108 appearances in claret and blue.
TransferMarkt now value the 30-year-old at £7.2million, although his contract does not expire until 2022.
Check out the video below to see Playmaker FC’s American Soccer Fan give his take on all six ‘field goals’ in West Ham v Burnley…
One last chance for Oxford
Ogbonna’s potential exit is not the only departure on the cards at the London Stadium, with the Mirror suggesting that Arsenal and Everton are considering bids for youth sensation Oxford.
The 20-year-old burst out of the youth ranks to make his senior debut in July 2015 – featuring against Andorran minnows Lusitans in the Europa League – and become the club’s youngest-ever player at the age of 16.
His career has not progressed in the same fashion since the first qualifying round match in July 2015, with the former prodigy only handed a further 16 appearances for the east Londoners.
A potential departure for the experienced Ogbonna, however, could force Pellegrini to offer his outcast defender an olive branch with the potential to save his faltering Hammers career.
The 6 foot 3 defender, who can also play in defensive midfield, will also have to put some groundwork in, after displeasing his Chilean coach following an interview with the Sunday Times, in which he claimed he should be getting the same chances as fellow youngsters Declan Rice and Grady Diangana.
Who should Pellegrini keep at West Ham? Let us know in the poll below…
Everton supporters have been pretty despondent in recent times after seeing their side bow out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Marco Silva’s men went into their meeting with fellow Premier League outfit Southampton off the back of beating Fulham 3-0 in the league to return to winning ways, and thus were full of confidence ahead of the visit of Mark Hughes’ team. And despite drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Theo Walcott cancelling out Danny Ings’ opener for the visitors, the Toffees succumbed in the succeeding penalty shoot-out to exit the competition at the third round stage.
Thus, there have been many disappointed Evertonians up and down the country in recent times, several of whom are likely to be wondering what changes Silva may seek to make ahead of their trip to Leicester City this afternoon.
Claude Puel’s Foxes have shown glimpses of promise this season in winning four and losing the other three of their opening seven league games, and head into today’s clash having won their last two league games against Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United.
And influential ace James Maddison, who earned a call-up to the senior England squad this week, played a vital part in both of those successes, which is why Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye will have to produce a season’s best display at the King Power Stadium today if the Toffees are to get all three points.
Ultimately, the 29-year-old appears to be the main man in the Everton midfield having started six of their seven Premier League games this term, missing the draw with Huddersfield Town only as a result of injury, and as such is almost certainly going to start this afternoon against the Foxes.
And given his tenacity and combativeness in the middle of the park, in that he makes more tackles and interceptions than any other Everton player, Silva may task him with keeping a close eye on Leicester’s Maddison, to ensure that the Englishman doesn’t find those pockets of space from which he can be hugely devastating.
Add in his excellent ability from set pieces, and Gueye will also need to be disciplined in the tackle in a bid to not give away any needless fouls – overall, the Senegal international has to be at the top of his game to minimise Maddison’s influence.
And if the £18 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt) can do that with a season’s best display this afternoon at the King Power Stadium, Silva’s men could well come back to Merseyside with all three points.
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in bringing Andros Townsend back to the club in this summer’s transfer window.
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Townsend scored four times in 13 Premier League appearances for Newcastle in the second half of the 2015-16 season before moving on to Crystal Palace shortly after.
The 5ft 11in attacker featured in 36 of Palace’s 38 Premier League matches this term, but it is understood that the Eagles would be prepared to sell for the right price this summer.
And Newcastle are interested in doing business once again, as covered by The Shields Gazette.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”271323″ player=”12034″ title=”Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus on Football Manager”]
The club’s supporters have been reacting to the transfer speculation on social media, and it would be fair to say that they have differing opinions on whether it would be a good deal.
Indeed, there are plenty who would be happy to take the 26-year-old this summer, but there are also those who have doubted the deal.
A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Newcastle fans, who have also commented on links to a certain Netherlands international, can be seen below:
According to reports in The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are ready to hijack Leicester City’s £25m move for Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, in order to speed up Kyle Walker’s move to the Etihad.
What’s the word, then?
Well, City boss Pep Guardiola is keen to sign Walker after releasing Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna at the end of their contracts last month, but the move is stalling over Spurs’ £50m asking price for the England international, according to The Sun.
However, a compromise may be found in a cash-plus-player deal as The Sun says Mauricio Pochettino is interested in signing Iheanacho to provide some competition for Harry Kane next season, although Monaco and Borussia Dortmund are also keen.
All three clubs will face competition for the striker from Leicester though, as Sky Sports believe that the Foxes are closing in on the Nigerian having agreed a deal in principle for the 20-year-old.
How did Iheanacho do last season?
Britain Football Soccer – Manchester City v Stoke City – Premier League – Etihad Stadium – 8/3/17 Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi reacts after a missed chance as Kelechi Iheanacho looks on Reuters / Phil Noble Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account re
Despite an impressive breakthrough 2015/16 campaign when Manuel Pellegrini was manager, the Nigeria international found first team chances harder to come by under Pep Guardiola last term.
The 20-year-old was the third-choice striker behind Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero when the trio were all fit, and he ended the campaign with seven goals and three assists in 29 appearances in all competitions, although the majority of those outings came from the substitutes’ bench.
Would he be a good signing for Tottenham?
He certainly would be.
While Harry Kane is a brilliant striker, Spurs have lacked real competition for the England international with Vincent Janssen struggling to make an impression following his arrival at White Hart Lane last summer.
With the fixture congestion that will come next term with the north London outfit’s participation in the Champions League group stages, as well as adapting to their new Wembley home, they will need sufficient cover as Kane won’t be able to play every game.
Would Spurs be keen on a cash-plus-player deal?
It’s difficult to say.
While Levy may prefer to get the £50m for Walker, if the player really wants out and Pochettino is keen on signing Iheanacho anyway, then it could prove to be a good move for all parties.
Southampton have grabbed a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a late Shane Long goal against Norwich City on Wednesday night.
Fans have taken to Twitter to give their reaction to the game, with many frustrated by the drab affair at St Mary’s, blaming manager Claude Puel.
There was a lack of atmosphere in the ground as well, with only around 13,500 fans in attendance for the third-round replay.
It looked destined for extra time after both sides spurned opportunities to take the lead, but there was relief for the Saints when Long got a scrappy effort over the line in the 91st minute.
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Puel’s side face a tough clash against 12-time winners Arsenal in the next round, but they are still in the hunt for silverware.
They also have one foot in the EFL Cup final after recently taking a 1-0 advantage in the first leg of the semi-final against Liverpool.
Despite progressing in the FA Cup, plenty were concerned by the performance.
Ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville has moved to distance himself from a potential switch back to his old club to succeed under-fire manager Louis van Gaal.
The former defender, 40, recently took his first step into management after succeeding Nuno at Valencia on an interim basis and is largely expected to be a success given his work as Roy Hodgson’s assistant in the England camp and his expert analysis as a Sky Sports pundit.
However, with his role a temporary one in La Liga and Van Gaal under a vast level of pressure following his side’s recent slump, some have speculated that ‘G-Nev’ could be in line to return to his old stomping ground in the not too distant future.
However, Neville has moved to quell growing speculation, telling the Telegraph that he has no desire to take over at Old Trafford, or England, any time soon:
“Me being the England manager in six months or me being the Manchester United manager in six months – I can assure you it’s not going to happen,
“And it shouldn’t happen. Simple as that. I am removing any doubt that anybody should be thinking in that way.
“You see these things and it’s nonsense. Honestly, nonsense. I am happy here doing what I am doing. I am happy working under Roy. I have not been back to Manchester United for years. I am happy where I am.”
Neville went on to state that his decision to move to Valencia is not one he made with a view towards launching himself at United or England, who may be on the lookout for new head coaches in 2016:
“The idea that I have taken this job so I can pounce on one of those other two jobs – it’s absolutely not true. You can rest assured of that.
“It’s not going to happen in terms of people offering it to me and it’s not going to happen in terms of me taking it. I want to be absolutely clear on that.”
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney says he would jump at the chance to join Pep Guardiola's coaching staff at Manchester City.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Rooney on lookout for new coaching role
Admits he would join Guardiola's staff
Ex-striker sacked after 15 games at Birmingham
WHAT HAPPENED?
The ex-United and England striker has already started his career as a head coach, but he would not hesitate if offered the opportunity to study under Guardiola, even if it meant joining his old team's arch-rivals. The 38-year-old highlighted Mikel Arteta's progress at Arsenal after a spell as Guardiola's assistant to justify his claim.
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WHAT ROONEY SAID
Asked if he would accept a job as an assistant, Rooney told the podcast: "It depends. If Pep Guardiola comes in and asks me to be his assistant, you’d walk there! But you see what Arteta is doing now and I strongly believe a lot of that is from learning what Guardiola was doing and so it depends on what the situation is.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Rooney has had three stints as a manager since ending his playing career. He started with a year-and-a-half spell at Derby before heading to MLS to take over as D.C. United boss, winning just 14 of the 53 games they played in that time before he left in October last year and ended up at Birmingham. Rooney's period with the Championship side was a dismal one, though, as he was sacked by NFL legend Tom Brady and his fellow Birmingham board members after just two wins in 15 games.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?
Rooney is still on the hunt for a new club and has indicated he would accept a job at a lower level in order to work his way up, adding: "Of course, my playing experience will help me, but I’m right at the bottom from a managerial point of view, and I want to work my way up. I’m not relying on what I’ve done as a player to get me into places that I shouldn’t be."
An all-you need to know guide on where to watch the English Carabao Cup
Editors choice
ESPN+
Full and exclusive coverage of the EFL Cup from the 1st round through to the final.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR capabilities: No
Monthly from
$9.99
Get ESPN+Comprehensive coverage
fuboTV
Full access to ESPN channels and the most comprehensive range of other soccer coverage on the market today.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 10
DVR capabilities: No
Monthly from
$74.99
Get fuboTVBest TV provider
DirecTV
ESPN channels are available through DirecTV's Entertainment Plan.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 20
DVR capabilities: Yes
Monthly from
$64.99
Get DirecTVBest value
Sling TV
ESPN is available via the Sling Orange plan along with a host of other news and entertainment channels.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR capabilities: 50 hrs
Monthly from
$40
Get Sling TVEditors choice
ESPN+
Full and exclusive coverage of the EFL Cup from the 1st round through to the final.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR capabilities: No
Monthly from
$9.99
Get ESPN+Comprehensive coverage
fuboTV
Full access to ESPN channels and the most comprehensive range of other soccer coverage on the market today.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 10
DVR capabilities: No
Monthly from
$74.99
Get fuboTVBest TV provider
DirecTV
ESPN channels are available through DirecTV's Entertainment Plan.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 20
DVR capabilities: Yes
Monthly from
$64.99
Get DirecTVBest value
Sling TV
ESPN is available via the Sling Orange plan along with a host of other news and entertainment channels.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR capabilities: 50 hrs
Monthly from
$40
Get Sling TVEditors choice
ESPN+
Full and exclusive coverage of the EFL Cup from the 1st round through to the final.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR capabilities: No
Monthly from
$9.99
Get ESPN+Comprehensive coverage
fuboTV
Full access to ESPN channels and the most comprehensive range of other soccer coverage on the market today.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 10
DVR capabilities: No
Monthly from
$74.99
Get fuboTVBest TV provider
DirecTV
ESPN channels are available through DirecTV's Entertainment Plan.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 20
DVR capabilities: Yes
Monthly from
$64.99
Get DirecTVBest value
Sling TV
ESPN is available via the Sling Orange plan along with a host of other news and entertainment channels.
Installation required: No
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR capabilities: 50 hrs
Monthly from
$40
Get Sling TV
The EFL Cup is one of the premiere competitions in the English Football League, combining the top flight with the rest of the Football League in a thrilling knock-out competition.
Known as the Carabao Cup, it's a route into Europe for the winners and a chance for the minnows to go head-to-head with Premier League giants, and even claim a prize scalp. But how can you stream the EFL Cup across the season? Here's all the information you need to know…
Which channels have the rights to EFL Cup soccer?
At present, the only way you can stream the Carabao Cup, as it is also known, is through ESPN+. The subscription service broadcasts at least 30 EFL Cup games per year, with select games also available across the ESPN network.
The split of those 30 games, includes 25 games in rounds one to five, with two legs of both semi-finals, as well as the final, held at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
Best TV Packages to watch EFL Cup Soccer in 2023
If you're looking to watch the likes of Manchester United, neighbours Manchester City, Arsenal or any other team in the Carabao Cup, then there are a couple of options available, depending on how much action you wish to watch.
Upcoming English Carabao Cup ESPN+ schedule
Date
Game
Kick Off
Location
Tue Sep 26Ipswich Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers12:45 PT / 15:45 ETPortman Road, IpswichTue Sep 26Manchester United vs Crystal Palace13:00 PT / 16:00 ETOld Trafford, ManchesterWed Sep 27Aston Villa vs Everton12:45 PT / 15:45 ETVilla Park, BirminghamWed Sep 27Brentford vs Arsenal12:45 PT / 15:45 ETGtech Community Stadium, BrentfordWed Sep 27Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion12:45 PT / 15:45 ETStamford Bridge, LondonWed Sep 27Liverpool vs Leicester City12:45 PT / 15:45 ETAnfield, LiverpoolWed Sep 27Newcastle Utd vs Man City13:00 PT / 16:00 ETSt James' Park, Newcastle
ESPN+Get ESPN+ today
The best option is going straight to the broadcaster itself. The ESPN+ streaming service is the only place you'll be able to watch every available game, from the First Round through to the Carabao Cup Final. You'll be able to watch all 30 games, for a subscription fee of $9.99 per month, as well as a host of other games from across Europe and ESPN's on-demand content.
Alongside the EFL Cup, ESPN+ also has rights to the English Football League, meaning you'll be able to watch live league games of the likes of Leicester City and Leeds United, while the FA Cup, England's other main domestic cup competition can also be streamed through the platform.
But it isn't just sides like Brighton and Crystal Palace you can tune in for, ESPN+ also offers streams of La Liga, Bundesliga and Dutch Eredivisie soccer right across the season as teams right across Europe battle it out for silverware.
Watch the EFL Cup on ESPN+ todayFind the best deals
fuboTVGet the best deals
Unfortunately, there are few other options to be able to stream every EFL Cup game available to customers in the United States. However, there are packages that do include ESPN, which will mean you'll be able to watch some games, including most likely the Carabao Cup Final.
It comes at a cost though, with FuboTV's cheapest package being $74.99 per month. With that, though, you will have access to a large number of leagues, including the Premier League on NBC Sports, meaning you won't just be able to watch Newcastle United or West Ham in Carabao Cup action, but right across the domestic season.
With FuboTV's Pro Package, you'll receive around 160 TV channel options, many of which have soccer streams. So, while it may not be great for Carabao Cup action, it's perfect for soccer fans who want to stream games daily from across the world.
Start a FuboTV subscription todayFind the best deals
DirecTVFind the best deals
Similarly, DirecTV will also provide you with the ESPN channels, but not ESPN+. Packages are priced a little higher than FuboTV at $89.99 per month, and the main benefit is again other soccer leagues rather than just Carabao Cup matches. It does mean you will be able to watch the likes of the Premier League year round though, with dozens upon dozens of matches to stream from when the season gets going in August and September, right through to May…
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Starting at $40 per month for the Orange package, you'll again receive ESPN but not their online streaming platform, meaning EFL Cup games will be limited. It's at a cheaper cost though and you will also receive TNT Sports, which offers further sporting events.
The Blue package can be added for an additional $15 per month, providing access to channels such as Fox, and NBC which again will open up the Premier League for you.
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