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‘Milestones and numbers don’t matter to me’ – KL Rahul

While KL Rahul struck his second consecutive half-century of the tour, captain Virat Kohli and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja also struck form with fifties on the second day of the warm-up match against West Indies Cricket Board President’s XI in Basseterre. All of India’s batsmen except Shikhar Dhawan, who made a fifty in the first match, scored in double digits as the visitors made 364 to lead the hosts by 184 in the first innings. They looked set to score more when Rahul and Kohli were batting but offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall’s five-for restricted them.Resuming the second day at 93 for 3, the Indians were led by Rahul who marched from his overnight 30 to score 64 before retiring out. Rahul and Kohli put on a partnership of 88 for the fourth wicket as Kohli scored 51. But the captain was dismissed soon after Rahul retired, lbw to Cornwall, who had also dismissed Cheteshwar Pujara the night before.”That was the purpose of coming here early to get used to the wickets and conditions and I’m really happy with the way I’ve batted in the last two innings,” Rahul said after the day’s play. “The wickets here have been hard, the weather is hot and humid so it’s not very easy to go out there and get runs but [I’ll] try to use these two innings and the time before the Tests to prepare well for the Test series. So I’m really happy with the way I’m prepared.”Out here it was a little slow and the outfield’s heavy and the ball is getting really soft after 20-30 overs, so getting runs is kind of hard.”Ajinkya Rahane then led the visitors past 250 as Stuart Binny was caught behind for 16 off Cornwall. Rahane too fell to the same bowler for 32. The Indians were 254 for 7 and Wridhhiman Saha’s run-out made it 298 for 8. The innings was revived by Jadeja, who came in at No. 9, as he scored 56 off 61 with eight fours. He first put on 44 with Saha and then 47 with R Ashwin, who scored a patient 26 off 61. Jadeja was eventually caught and bowled by Cornwall, who finished with 5 for 118.”The pitch is offering a little bit so you have to be consistent with your lines,” Cornwall said. “No nerves whatsoever [against a strong batting line-up], I back my skills to do what I have to do and at the end of the day we’re playing a game of cricket, so they have to bat and I have to put the balls in the right areas.”It is very special, they are top quality batsmen, you have to do your best against them. This will take me a long way. Once you perform against the best, it will always urge you to perform better. This game taught me a lot – I think patience and the way some of these guys carry themselves. It kept me to go and improve on my game.”The hosts batted for eight overs before stumps and lost opener Leon Johnson, caught and bowled by Ashwin, for 17 in the last over of the day. They were 26 for 1 at the end of the day and trailed by 158 runs.

West Ham United return to the London Stadium this evening as they face Manchester United in their ongoing fight against relegation from the Premier League.

Saturday's results mean that the Hammers are still just four points clear of the bottom three and cannot be considered safe, but a positive result against Erik ten Hag's side would definitely put them in a strong position ahead of the final three games of the season.

David Moyes' side were soundly beaten by champions-elect Manchester City in midweek to make it three defeats in a row, although they were without the likes of Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Nayef Aguerd due to illness.

All three are expected to return this evening, however, which will surely boost the east London side's chances of securing a vitally important three points.

How should West Ham line up against Manchester United?

Lukas Fabianski has been Moyes' first-choice for the vast majority of the Premier League season and the experienced shot-stopper looks unlikely to lose his place in between the sticks this evening.

Vladimir Coufal was forced off with a hamstring injury in the defeat at the Etihad on Wednesday night so looks unlikely to be fit for the visit of United, which suggests that Thilo Kehrer will move to right-back as his replacement.

The Germany international should move from centre-back to the full-back position, which allows Nayef Aguerd to return to the side in the first of four changes, partnering Angelo Ogbonna in the heart of the Hammers defence in the absence of the stricken Kurt Zouma.

Moyes has a big decision to make at left-back, where he has alternated between Aaron Cresswell and Emerson throughout the campaign, but it is the Italian defender who should get the nod for this one.

Against a dangerous counter-attacking United attack, Cresswell's lack of pace could prove a problem for West Ham, as was seen with his "desperate" defending last season – as per Dean Ashton. Indeed, that came as he inexplicably earned a red card in the crucial Europa League away tie against Eintracht Frankfurt.

In midfield, changes seem like a must as Flynn Downes once again showed little to suggest he was a worthwhile purchase having 'frustrated Moyes' – as per Jonty Colman – versus City. That performance wouldn't have helped his cause with the Englishman still yet to register a goal or assist so far this term.

Rice and Soucek return after illness, with Lucas Paqueta moving back into the attacking-midfield role which has seen him notch goals against Bournemouth, Liverpool and KRC Genk in recent weeks.

Said Benrahma can offer magic in the attack, so he comes in for Pablo Fornals on the left-hand side, with Jarrod Bowen unsurprisingly keeping his place on the right.

They support the in-form Michail Antonio up front, in the hope that he can inspire the Hammers to a much-improved display this evening.

Predicted West Ham XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski, Kehrer, Aguerd, Ogbonna, Emerson, Soucek, Rice, Paqueta, Bowen, Benrahma, Antonio.

Arsenal could table a bid to match Real Valladolid's £20 million asking price for right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners are on the look out for fresh summer signings as manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu look to build upon this stellar campaign and keep pace with England's elite.

Arsenal are still firmly in the hunt for a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, but with City currently in the lead and possessing a game in hand, Arteta has it all to do.

The Blues are in imperious form right now and Arsenal must be perfect to even stand a chance at pipping Pep Guardiola to top spot.

If Arsenal cannot usurp the current champions, efforts must be made to refresh the current squad and give them every fighting chance next season. Midfielders are top of Arteta's priority list, according to reports, with West Ham star Declan Rice and Brighton's Moises Caicedo among the targets.

In defence, it is also believed that the north Londoners want central defensive back up, especially considering how much they have struggled without William Saliba since his injury. As a result, Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is reportedly on the agenda.

Writing in a column for Football Insider, reporter O'Rourke has more transfer news for supporters, namely that Arteta also wants a new right-back as he plots a behind-scenes shake up.

Valladolid star Fresneda is apparently a target, and even though Borussia Dortmund currently lead the race for his signing, Arsenal are apparently big admirers.

Arsenal could also "could table a bid this summer to match the £20 million asking price" from Valladolid, as Arteta wants an attack-minded full-back to add energy from out wide.

The reasoning behind this interest is apparently a tactical switch-up from Arteta, as the Spaniard is aiming to move Ben White into a more central role for next year.

What could Fresneda bring to Arsenal?

Despite his young age, the 18-year-old is a fixture in Valladolid's starting eleven, making 20 appearances and featuring among Paulo Pezzolano's most selected La Liga players (WhoScored).

Fresneda can contribute defensively to a very effective degree as well as going forward, with the teenager ranking among Valladolid's best for successful tackles made and clearances per 90 (WhoScored).

Lauded for his "beastly" crossing ability by members of the media, the defender could well be a brilliant investment on Arsenal's part for just £20m.

Arsenal are 'willing to pay' the 'jaw-dropping' price tag to sign Declan Rice from West Ham this summer, according to reports.

What's the latest on Rice leaving West Ham?

The England international has been heavily linked with a move away from east London, with Irons boss David Moyes facing a real battle to keep his club captain. Indeed, Rice is set to be a highly sought-after player when the transfer window opens, as Mikel Arteta, Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool are all apparently set to battle for his signature.

Currently in pole position to clinch their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, Arsenal and sporting director Edu are already thought to be planning ahead on how best to strengthen Arteta's options ahead of the next campaign.

Rice is thought to be a top target for the Gunners, despite the January signing of midfielder Jorginho from Stamford Bridge – and reports have suggested it is inevitable the midfielder will depart West Ham in 2023.

Now, an update by journalist Pete O'Rourke, writing in a Football Insider column, says Arsenal are absolutely determined to sign the 24-year-old. It is believed that the north Londoners are 'willing to meet' Rice's 'jaw-dropping' price tag of £100 million+, with Arteta being a 'huge admirer' personally.

The Arsenal boss also believes his side have a potential ace up their sleeve – with the theory that clinching this 22/23 domestic crown will put them in the 'driving seat' to capture Rice.

What could Rice bring to Arsenal?

The former Chelsea academy starlet has been a revelation for Moyes and a key, key player in their last two European qualification campaigns. As per WhoScored, Rice is as pivotal as ever to West Ham – standing out as their best-performing player by average match rating whist playing more league minutes than any of his teammates.

Called 'sensational' by members of the media, the Hammers midfielder has also registered more interceptions per 90 in the English top flight than any West Ham player – all while averaging the highest pass accuracy (88.9%) out of any regular in Moyes' side (WhoScored).

Stats like this indicate he could add both composure and an element of defensive solidarity to Arteta's team next season, with defensive midfield players thought to be high on Arsenal's agenda.

Former England star Joe Cole was also ecstatic in his praise for Rice at international level during the most recent break, calling him the 'best player' by a mile against Italy.

West Ham United have been linked with signing Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the past and with the Englishman set to depart Anfield on a free transfer this summer, David Moyes could bring him to the London Stadium.

Should the former Arsenal man sign for West Ham ahead of next season, it could allow the Scottish manager to get rid of Flynn Downes, who has struggled to adjust to the demands of Premier League football since signing from Swansea City in the summer of 2022.

Could West Ham sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain?

West Ham were linked with signing the former England international last summer but failed to get a deal over the line, and it would not be a surprise to see them reignite that interest now that the midfielder will be available on a free transfer.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that both Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will definitely leave Liverpool upon the expiry of their contracts this summer, so the Hammers could bring in an experienced Premier League player for no transfer fee, if they reignite their interest in his signature.

And that they must.

The 29-year-old, who earns around £120k-per-week at Anfield, has clocked up 234 Premier League appearances during his career, notching 20 goals and 34 assists, while he also has experience in Europe and internationally, earning 35 caps for England.

Injuries have obviously impacted his time with Jurgen Klopp's side, with a cruciate ligament rupture in the 2017/18 season the first of many spells on the sidelines for Oxlade-Chamberlain but he has shown that when he is fully fit, he can be a top player in the Premier League.

He would register three goals and seven assists in his first season at Anfield, averaging a solid 6.88 rating from WhoScored for his performances, and he has regularly popped up with important goals in the seasons since then, despite losing his regular starting spot under Klopp.

He would certainly play his part in Liverpool's title win in 2020, with the midfielder coming off the bench to great impact in the 3-2 win over West Ham in February of that year.

Journalist David Lynch said: "What an incredible impact Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made on that game. His midfield drive was everything #LFC lacked prior to his introduction and completely shifted the momentum of the match."

West Ham have arguably lacked a player capable of making such an impact from the bench this season, with Moyes rarely differing from a midfield partnership of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, which has perhaps been key to the Hammers' demise.

Downes was brought in for a £12m fee last summer and was expected to compete for a starting role in midfield but has managed just four starts and eight substitute appearances in the top flight so far this campaign, despite the perceived decline of Soucek.

Therefore, the arrival of another established midfielder such as Oxlade-Chamberlain could limit his opportunities further, and Moyes could be forced to get rid of the 24-year-old who has made so little impact in his West Ham career thus far.

Wolves will be looking to further distance themselves from the Premier League’s bottom three when they travel to take on Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Julen Lopetegui’s side picked up another vital three points in their battle against relegation when they beat Tottenham 1-0 at Molineux but they face another tough test against another top-four hopeful this afternoon.

However, with Eddie Howe’s side having struggled of late, while the Old Gold have looked much improved following the World Cup break, there is certainly the opportunity to leave St James’ Park with something.

How will Wolves line up against Newcastle United?

Here is how Football FanCast expects the Spanish manager to line his side up on Sunday, with three changes from the side that started against Spurs.

Sa, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Ait-Nouri, Neves, Lemina, Nunes, Traore, Sarabia, Jimenez.

After another clean sheet against Spurs, Jose Sa looks unlikely to lose his place in between the sticks for the visit to Newcastle.

Similarly, Craig Dawson and Max Kilman will continue their blossoming partnership in the heart of the Wolves defence, with Nelson Semedo keeping his place on the right, while Rayan Ait-Nouri comes in for Jonny on the left to provide some more attacking impetus.

Ruben Neves, Mario Lemina and Matheus Nunes have the makings of an impressive trio for the Old Gold and Lopetegui looks unlikely to change the midfield three that has worked well for his side in recent weeks.

After scoring the winner against Spurs, Adama Traore should be handed a start, coming in for Pedro Neto after the Portuguese winger struggled to have much impact on his return from injury last time out, producing no shots or key passes.

Pablo Sarabia also keeps his place in the side but moves to the left to accommodate Traore, and he supports the previously described “world-class” Raul Jimenez – as he was dubbed by Ilkay Gundogan – in attack.

The Mexican made another positive impact from the bench against Spurs and is set to start this time out due to Diego Costa’s injury ruling him out.

Although it’s been a year since a striker scored for Wolves in the top flight, Jimenez has shown he is more than a goalscorer with industrious and hard-working displays against Fulham and Spurs, so he should be given the nod at St James’ Park this afternoon.

Manchester United are continuing to monitor Roma striker Tammy Abraham ahead of a potential summer move, according to a new transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Abraham linked with United move

The Red Devils will surely be on the lookout for a new centre forward at the end of the season, with a top-class signing required in that area of the pitch.

One player who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford is Abraham, who has scored 34 goals in 87 appearances for Roma since arriving from Chelsea.

Abraham’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2026 but it could be that he is allowed to leave this summer, given he has not always been a guaranteed starter this season.

The Latest: Reds still monitoring striker

According to The Athletic‘s James Horncastle, United are still eyeing a possible move for Abraham and have even sent officials to see him in action on a regular basis:

“Manchester United scouts have also been in regular attendance at Roma’s games to monitor Abraham’s progress this season, but Chelsea have first refusal and Roma are obliged to inform them if someone comes in and matches the buy-back clause.”

The Verdict: Can do better than him

Abraham is a good player, without question – Dean Ashton called him an ‘incredible athlete’ in the past – but United need to be looking at a higher calibre of striker this summer.

This is still someone who Chelsea didn’t deem good enough to keep hold of, while several players are ahead of him in the pecking order for England, including Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Callum Wilson.

Given the money United will have to spend, they need to bring in a genuinely world-class striker such as the much-linked Victor Osimhen, who has 19 goals to Abraham’s six in Serie A this season.

Abraham would be a strong addition as a squad player, but if United are looking at him as a regular starter next season, it feels like a signing that would be a big risk.

Leeds United enjoyed a fine performance in midweek but have cause to feel disappointed after relinquishing a 2-0 lead at Manchester United to draw 2-2.

It was still a solid point on the road in their pursuit of Premier League safety, made even more impressive by the fact that they did so without yet hiring a replacement for Jesse Marsch, who was sacked two days previously.

Michael Skubala is set to once again take the reins as they welcome the Red Devils to Elland Road today, hoping that they can build upon their fine performance rom Wednesday to this time gain all three points.

However, the Whites will have to do so without a couple of midweek starters, as both Luis Sinisterra and Pascal Struijk were forced off through injury at Old Trafford, and the latter’s likely replacement might worry the Yorkshire faithful.

The player who was brought on at Old Trafford to replace the Dutchman was Junior Firpo, who has received scorn for his poor performances since signing for €15m (£13m) in 2021.

Will Firpo play against Manchester United?

He will likely have to start now, given Leeds’ lack of action in the January transfer market to fix such a problem position.

Having been brought in to hold down their left-back spot for the foreseeable future, the 26-year-old has now seen his career stall under both Marcelo Bielsa and Marsch.

In his debut season in Yorkshire he was handed a 6.6 Sofascore rating, which has dropped to 6.3 in the current campaign. 

He offers little going forward, with just four goal contributions in 36 games, and he is not solid enough defensively to warrant such impotency. As per WhoScored, only one other Leeds player has a worse record for being beaten in dribbles, with a rate of 1.2 per game.

It is a searing indictment of his status within the squad that Struijk, a natural centre-back, has often been preferred to him at left-back.

Journalist David Anderson even told GIVEMESPORT that he thought the defender causes more problems than he solves, claiming last year: “All he seems to do is get booked all the time. I think he’s up to 10 yellow cards or something. You don’t expect that from a player coming from Barcelona; you expect a bit of class, a bit of maturity, a bit of leadership, and he’s provided none of that, really.

“I think he’s been a big let-down. You’re looking around that changing room thinking, ‘Who’s going to step up and do it for us now?’ And you’d be looking at someone like him, but he’s just not. In fact, if anything, he’s been more of a liability for Leeds.”

Erik ten Hag will be well aware that Firpo is likely to start, and given how he has already let down his two managers, he will surely now look to exploit that flank.

Alas, Skubala will probably have little option other than to hope that the 26-year-old might just come good against the Red Devils.

Leeds United’s managerial vacancy is drawing lots of speculation, with the latest report hosting an eye-catching claim…

What’s the latest?

That comes from Spanish publication AS, who claim that director of football Victor Orta is considering offering his compatriot and Real Madrid legend Raul his first foray into senior management.

The report states that the Whites have made an approach to see if the Spaniard can be tempted away from Los Blancos’ B team, where he currently is earning vital experience.

Whilst he has initially knocked them back, this acts as a marker of interest in the 45-year-old who went straight back to the Santiago Bernabeu after retiring as a player to begin his coaching career. It is clear where he sees his future.

Orta must avoid Raul

In their hour of need, now is not the time to take such a monumental risk.

Raul was a sensational player; that much no one would deny. The legendary marksman made 741 appearances whilst in the Spanish capital, scoring a monumental 323 goals and assisting a further 114.

He wrote himself into folklore at one of the most prestigious clubs of all time and earned widespread praise from a myriad of legends. Even Luis Figo once claimed:

“I think he is the greatest player to have ever played the game. He walks on the turf and astounds. It is utterly amazing.”

Zinedine Zidane doubled down on this, by also noting:

“He is a role model for anyone who sets foot on the field to play.” 

Whilst he could translate this maturity and leadership into a managerial role, he is yet to prove anything on the biggest stage that suggests he could succeed at Elland Road.

There is little data to indicate what philosophy he might employ or his man-management style, his ability can only really be gauged based on random testimony.

One of his former players, Miguel Gutierrez, did laud Raul as someone who improved him significantly as a footballer. He outlined his principles by claiming:

“Raul is a very demanding coach, he has made me improve a lot. I played with him in the Youth League, as well as Castilla, and he has made me grow a lot as a footballer and on a personal level”.

However, when actually looking at his results across his short stint in a coaching role, it makes for uninspiring viewing.

Across his 117 games at the helm, he has managed 52 wins with 35 draws and 30 losses, via Transfermarkt. This might seem impressive at first but realistically, it disappoints when considering he commands one of Spain’s most illustrious youth setups.

With little to support his suggested appointment, whilst they stare relegation in the face, Orta must not return to convince Raul to take this plunge.

Aston Villa have recently been linked with an audacious move for Everton winger Anthony Gordon, in a deal which could make a marked impact on the Midlands outfit’s squad.

The Everton winger was subject to a £45m bid from Chelsea in the summer, but the Merseyside team rebuffed the intense interest in his signature.

And now, according to 90min, the Toffees are willing to cash in on one of their most coveted assets, with the likes of Villa, Newcastle and Leicester interested in making a move.

While Everton manager Frank Lampard had previously been confident that the 21-year-old would pen a new deal at Goodison Park, negotiations appear to have stalled, and with the outfit facing yet another fight to stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier League, the funds received for a prospective deal could be used to fortify further departments of the struggling squad.

Imagine him & Watkins

Emery has bolstered the squad across several areas of the pitch since the opening of the January transfer market, with deals for Alex Moreno and Jhon Duran already cemented and still with over a week before the window closes at the end of the month.

The recent news would represent a shrewd and potentially fruitful acquisition by Villan technical director Johan Lange, with Gordon impressing for Everton despite their woes over the past two campaigns.

Indeed, the Blues narrowly secured their status as a top-flight outfit with a burst of good form at the end of the previous term, while this season an expected upturn has not materialised, with only Southampton below the club in the Premier League relegation zone after 20 matches.

With a more cohesive, confident crop, Gordon could finally find his feet on a platform that would allow him to demonstrate his capabilities as an exciting and efficient talent.

This season, only Demarai Gray’s five strikes better Gordon’s three goals, illustrating just how depleted Everton’s attacking potency is, but the signs surrounding his skill set are promising regardless.

As per FBref, Gordon ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues for blocks and the top 3% for tackles, with his relentless defensive work providing respite for his flagging defensive teammates.

And still averaging 1.6 shots and 0.5 key passes per showing, the Liverpudlian is an effective offensive outlet for a side that look barren in their efforts to bypass defensive walls.

Should he don the Claret & Blue shirt in short time, the £13k-per-week star could form a deadly partnership with Ollie Watkins, who clinched the winner against Southampton in Villa’s most recent showing.

Watkins ranks poorly among his positional peers over the past year, in the bottom 27% for rate of goals and only the top 36% for rate of assists, but with Gordon adding a defensive sheen from a defensive standpoint, as well as adding a layer of direct firepower and creativity to the frontal efforts, he could finally rekindle the form that saw him clinch 25 goals across his first two league seasons with Villa.

Hailed as “frightening” by Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard, Gordon – who possesses an expected transfer value (xTV) of around £23m – would certainly bring that fear factor to the Midlands.

Importantly, they could finally offer him a platform to exhibit his prowess in a squad pushing for a finish among the more prominent teams in the Premier League, rather than scraping for survival against the stragglers.