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There’s rain forecast throughout the day but if we get a game, expect conditions to suit spin as the game goes on

Madushka Balasuriya17-Oct-20253:12

Preview: Pakistan search for their first win

Big picture – Pakistan’s battle to stay alive

It’s that time of the tournament where the calculators come out as qualification permutations start being meted out in earnest. Heading into this game, of the two sides New Zealand are the ones with qualification for the semi-finals still in their hands; wins in their next three and they’ll be on an unassailable nine points – easier said than done, though, as India and England await after their bout with Pakistan.For Pakistan, things are a little trickier. Not only are they firmly bottom of the table with a solitary point, they also have the worst net run rate. All that said they’re still not mathematically eliminated, though with South Africa and Sri Lanka to follow after New Zealand, three wins in three would be a monumental feat. And even that would not guarantee qualification, with other results needing to go their way.But for the time being all these sides can do is focus their attention onto matters on the field. Pakistan will know that they haven’t been as bad as results suggest. Yes, their three defeats have been pretty comprehensive, but two were to pre-tournament favourites India and Australia. And against England, it was only rain that halted their push towards a first win.Related

• Fatima Sana – a captain burdened, a fast bowler unrestrained

Fatima Sana has led from the front, picking up nine wickets across the tournament, and in her, Pakistan possess a potent weapon against most top orders – amplified by the fact that batting in Colombo has been at its most perilous in the first half of the innings. And in Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu they boast a pair of spinners that would challenge any batting line-up.Their batting, however, has let them down at this World Cup, and it’s here that New Zealand will seek to gain an advantage. New Zealand have shown glimpses of their prowess with both bat and ball across this tournament, but are yet to string it all together. They bundled out Bangladesh cheaply, but failed to consistently challenge batters in their matches against Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka.On the batting front too, there have been good performances – especially from Sophie Devine – but none that have managed to blow the opposition away. These will be areas they will be desperate to improve on, and a down-on-their-luck Pakistan might be just the opposition they would be eyeing to sharpen their blades.

Form guide

New Zealand WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)

Pakistan LLLWL

In the spotlight – Baig and Tahuhu

Fatima Sana has been doing the business with the new ball, but her new ball partner Diana Baig has struggled to hold down the fort at the other end. Baig, to be fair, has had a fairly prolific 2025, picking up 17 wickets so far in 12 WODIs. It is, in fact, the most successful calendar year of her career, but her economy rate has been on the high side – in a series against South Africa last month she conceded 8.83 an over, and even in a dominant performance against England she went at 8.33. With their batting misfiring, Pakistan will know they can ill-afford to leak runs.Lea Tahuhu took seven wickets across New Zealand’s opening three matches at this World Cup – her only three matches in 2025, in fact – but found herself on the bench against Sri Lanka. That decision was based on Chamari Athapaththu being perceived to have a poor match-up against left-arm seamers like Bree Illing. Pakistan are one of Tahuhu’s favoured opponents, with her economy rate across 11 WODIs against them just 3.70, so expect her to be back in the XI and with a point to prove.2:14

Sawyer: ‘We’ve got to be really wary of the Pakistan attack’

Team news

Tahuhu is likely to be back in the XI, having sat out the washed-out match against Sri Lanka on tactical grounds.New Zealand XI (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze, 8 Jess Kerr, 9 Rosemary Mair, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Lea Tahuhu.Pakistan haven’t been shy about changing up their XI, particularly their batting order. But considering the washout against England, they might stick to an unchanged side.Pakistan XI (probable): 1 Omaima Sohail, 2 Muneeba Ali, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Aliya Riaz 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Sidra Nawaz (wk), 7 Fatima Sana (capt), 8 Rameen Shamim, 9 Diana Baig, 10 Nashra Sandhu, 10 Sadia Iqbal

Pitch and conditions

More of the same from Colombo as far as the weather is concerned, with rain forecast throughout the day. If we do get a game, expect the pitch to suit spin as the game goes on.

Stats and trivia

• Suzie Bates is 75 runs away from 6000 in ODIs. She is also 68 runs away from surpassing Charlotte Edwards to become the second-highest run-scorer in WODIs.
• Bates has scored 874 runs at an average of 72.83 against Pakistan, only bettered by Stafanie Taylor’s 1287.
• New Zealand hold a 15-1 win-loss record over Pakistan in WODIs, with their last defeat coming in 2017.

Quotes

“They’ve [Pakistan have] put some teams in some real tough spots, I think they had Australia 6 for 60. And then obviously the other night England was 7 for 70. So, their bowling attack is one that we’ve got to be really wary of. They’ve really challenged a couple of weeks or two of the top nations. So, yeah, been impressed in particular with their bowling.”
“We have a chance to go in[to the] semis if we win the next three matches. So maybe the scenario is open, so maybe we will win the three matches.”

Jeff Kent is headed to Cooperstown.

The former second baseman has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2026 after a 17-year career with the Blue Jays, Mets, Cleveland, Giants, Astros and Dodgers from 1992-2008. Kent first became eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2014, and is now making it in over a decade later.

Related: Analyzing the Best Contemporary Era Hall of Fame Candidates: Jeff Kent

Over his career, Kent was a five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger. The former Cal Bear was a 20th-round draft pick by the Blue Jays in 1989, and finally made it up to the big leagues in 1992. He played for the Blue Jays during their 1992 World Series campaign, but was traded to the Mets before their postseason run.

Kent had the best stretch of his career with the Giants, when he was a three-time All-Star and the National League MVP in 2000 as he slashed .334/.424/.596 with 33 home runs and 125 RBIs. The Giants have honored him by making him a member of their Wall of Fame. Throughout his career, Kent hit .290 and compiled a total of 2,461 hits, 1,320 runs, 377 home runs and 1,518 RBIs.

“I’ve used all my cry rags already. The emotions are overwhelming. Unbelievable. Didn’t even expect it for me,” Kent told MLB Network. “There are so many quality guys … a lot of guys that the committee had to argue through and vote for. Grateful that they considered me and gave it a shot for putting me in. 

Meanwhile, candidates including Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, Gary Sheffield and Fernando Valenzuela did not receive enough votes to be elected into the Hall of Fame. Bonds, Clemes, Sheffield and Valenzuela all received fewer than five votes, and will not be eligible for the Hall of Fame again until 2031.

Brazilian icon Hulk produced one of the goals of the season as he unleashed an outrageous long-range free-kick for Atletico Mineiro against Vasco da Gama, instantly sparking Puskas Award conversations. The veteran forward launched a trademark rocket from distance to help fire his side towards a dominant 5-0 victory and cap off their Brasileirao campaign in spectacular fashion.

• Hulk turns back the years with incredible long-range free-kick

  Hulk stunned the Arena MRV with an extraordinary long-range free-kick that flew past the Vasco da Gama goalkeeper and doubled Atletico Mineiro’s lead in the 32nd minute. Stepping up from about 35 yards out, he generated immense power and precision, sending a rising missile into the net that left the keeper frozen. It was a vintage strike from the 39-year-old and a crucial early blow as Galo rolled toward a commanding 5-0 victory to secure Copa Sudamericana qualification.

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• Watch Hulk's spectacular strike…

• Atletico Mineiro seal Copa Sudamericano spot with 5-0 win

  The goal came during a match in which Atletico Mineiro completely dominated a weakened Vasco side, piling on pressure from the opening whistle and showcasing the intensity Jorge Sampaoli demanded to close the season. Hulk himself had already struck the post twice before finally unleashing the unstoppable free-kick that was a reminder of the most iconic strikes of his long career. The moment instantly circulated across Brazilian media and global social platforms, as supporters floated the possibility of a Puskas nomination.

  The Galo continued to show their superiority throughout the second half, enjoying over 70% possession and overwhelming Vasco until the final whistle as Dudu added a brace and Victor Luis scored an own goal. Hulk’s contribution came as part of a resurgent conclusion to his 2025 campaign, once again reinforcing his role as Atletico’s emotional and attacking leader despite his advancing years.

  Beyond the immediate impact, the goal also re-energised discussion about Hulk’s long-term future, as he enters the final phase of a contract set to expire in 2026. Although he remains central to Atletico’s identity, increasing external interest, particularly from MLS, has introduced questions about whether 2026 or 2027 may mark the final chapter of his time in Belo Horizonte. With over 100 goals for the club and legendary status cemented, every performance he delivers now comes with added meaning as fans savour the twilight of a remarkable career.

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  Hulk yet to make decision over Atletico Mineiro future

  Atletico Mineiro will now begin preparations for their 2026 Copa Sudamericana campaign, with Hulk expected to play a major role unless his future takes a dramatic turn. The club plan internal discussions early in the year to evaluate whether they will pursue an extension or prepare for a phased transition away from their iconic No.7. For Hulk, the coming months may determine whether he continues writing history at Galo or explores what could be the final move of his storied career.

There is also a battle of wristspinners to look out for

Shashank Kishore and Danyal Rasool13-Sep-20251:12

Chopra: Varun and Kuldeep’s eight overs are key

The superstars face off

When Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Shubman Gill with 100,000 people watching in Ahmedabad at the 2023 World Cup, he felt “you could’ve heard a fly buzzing, such was the silence.”Gill, now India’s all-format superstar, is touted to be a captain-in-waiting across formats, having slipped almost effortlessly into the role in Test cricket.Related

• New-look India and Pakistan set to renew old rivalry

• Mohammad Nawaz reinvents himself just in time for India

• Hasan Nawaz brings the muscle to Pakistan's middle

• India batting coach Kotak: Nothing in mind apart from cricket

• India vs Pakistan, minus the fervour

After two difficult years battling back injuries, form slumps, and seeing T20I captaincy come and go, Afridi seems to have rediscovered the menace that once made him Pakistan’s most feared quick: the late in-swing, the skiddy pace, the ability to rip out top orders, like he famously did when Pakistan beat India at the 2021 T20 World Cup on these shores.The two, no strangers to stare downs or sharp words stretching back to their Under-19 World Cup days, will cross paths again on Sunday, for the first time in T20Is.

The battle of the wristspinners

In any other team, Kuldeep Yadav would be an all-format player. In India, though, he has had to make peace with being a white-ball specialist. His four-wicket haul against UAE, after spending the entire summer on the sidelines in England, may have been a neat little prelude.Kuldeep knows this stage well. No one can forget that ball to Babar Azam at the 2019 World Cup, bowling him through the gate and leaving even the late Shane Warne guffawing in admiration.Abrar Ahmed gives Shubman Gill a send-off at the Champions Trophy•Associated PressAlongside him is Varun Chakravarthy, whose career arc could fill a Tamil blockbuster. The ex-architect and film hopeful was dropped soon after India’s early exit at the 2021 T20 World Cup. He wondered if he would ever wear India colours again. But since the last T20 World Cup, which he didn’t even make, no bowler has taken more T20I wickets than Varun’s 32.Pakistan have their own mystery spinners. Sufiyan Muqeem, the left-arm wristspinner, came through the ‘A’ system, has been one of their brightest prospects and is the first Pakistani, at No. 10, in the above list. He is quicker through the air than Kuldeep, more in the mould of Noor Ahmad.Muqeem was instrumental in Pakistan’s win over India at the 2023 Emerging Asia Cup and now has a chance to do it on the big stage. He isn’t a regular yet, but one dazzling ball or spell, like Abrar Ahmed’s ripper that breached Gill’s defence at the Champions Trophy earlier this year, could change that.Varun-and-Kuldeep versus Muqeem-and-Abrar is a fascinating subplot.It will not be easy for Mohammad Haris to take on Jasprit Bumrah•Getty Images

Bumrah against Haris – facts or feelings?

Mohammad Haris, like Sam Konstas, is not better at his craft than Jasprit Bumrah is at his. But the Australian rode his luck in an astonishing Test innings on debut against Bumrah, reverse-scooping him twice for a six and smashing 18 in the most expensive over of the fast bowler’s Test career and Haris could do something similar here in the T20 format.Like Konstas, Haris too will be facing Bumrah for the first time and, like Konstas, he too has a penchant for high-risk shot-making. In just his second T20I, Haris reinvigorated Pakistan’s flagging T20I World Cup campaign in 2022. He took on South Africa’s elite pace bowlers, smashing Kagiso Rabada for 17 in an 11-ball knock that produced 28.Scoring only 54 runs in 11 innings before Friday’s Asia Cup game against Oman demonstrates how that approach fails more often than not. However, Haris’ conventional technique is nowhere near good enough to take on a bowler of Bumrah’s quality. So expect him to try to lash, thrash, paddle and scoop his way to a cameo, because that is all Pakistan need from him, just like they did at the SCG three years ago. But if facts and logic have their way, it might not come off.Can Hasan Nawaz tackle elite spinners?•Associated Press

Hasan Nawaz vs India’s spin elite

Hasan Nawaz has emerged as Pakistan’s bludgeon outside of the powerplay. Having tinkered around with his batting position, Pakistan have begun using him when the field spreads out, where his 2025 T20 strike of 174.09 is below only Dewald Brevis and Tim David’s.Notably though, Hasan’s strike rate drops down to 150 against spin, as opposed to 173.48 against pace. He takes on each kind of bowling – he has his 17 T20I sixes against each – so the quality of spin appears to be making a difference.Against Afghanistan in the recent tri-series, he scored 33 in as many balls across three innings, with Noor and Rashid Khan taking turns to dismiss him. India’s spin trio of Axar Patel, Varun and Kuldeep is very much in the same elite mould, and adept at asphyxiating an innings through those middle overs.We’re likely to see spin come on as soon as Hasan comes to the crease, and whether he can prove himself against that colossal challenge may be a hinge point for this contest.

Chelsea are in conversation with the representatives of a defender as midfielder Moises Caicedo offers his opinion on the potential transfer, according to a new report.

Chelsea play Bournemouth after Leeds United blow

Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon desperately seeking a response to their shock midweek defeat at Leeds, with Enzo Maresca’s title credentials under scrutiny after a damaging loss that left them nine points adrift of Arsenal.

The Blues suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss at Elland Road on Wednesday, falling two goals behind by halftime before Pedro Neto’s second-half strike proved insufficient.

The defeat represented their second loss to newly-promoted opposition this season, raising fresh doubts about their ability to maintain consistency and challenge Mikel Arteta for the Premier League.

Bournemouth present a challenge despite their own recent struggles.

The Cherries have endured a miserable November without a single victory, collecting just one point from four games while conceding 12 goals.

Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Everton extended their winless streak to five matches and marked their first loss at the Vitality Stadium all campaign.

Andoni Iraola’s side have plummeted from second to 14th during this barren spell, though they remain only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with significant room for optimism.

The hosts have collected 14 of their 19 Premier League points on home soil this season, establishing the Vitality as a fortress until Everton’s breakthrough.

Chelsea arrive as clear favourites based on superior stats and historical dominance, having won 15 of 23 meetings between the two clubs.

However, the visitors face selection headaches, with Caicedo still serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

The Ecuadorian’s absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role protecting the defence, and Caicedo’s presence was sorely missed against Leeds.

Fabrizio Romano says 24-year-old has now played his last game for Chelsea

He doesn’t have a future in west London.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 4, 2025

Chelsea boast the division’s best away attacking record with 15 goals in seven games, averaging over two goals per match. Yet, their vulnerability without Caicedo was exposed ruthlessly by Leeds, with the midfield lacking its usual protection.

While the £150,000-per-week star continues to sit out, he’s at least making himself useful in other ways.

Chelsea hold talks with Joel Ordonez as Moises Caicedo offers opinion

That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report on Chelsea’s serious interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Chelsea have renewed contact with Ordonez’s representatives in recent weeks as they intensify their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with Caicedo also offering behind-the-scenes ‘thoughts’ about his former Independiente del Valle teammate.

The west Londoners are said to have tracked him since before his 2023 move to Belgium, maintaining long-standing interest in the player.

Caicedo and Ordonez developed their friendship during their time together at Independiente’s famed South American academy, and have remained close through international duty.

The Chelsea midfielder now appears to be playing agent, giving his verdict on Ordonez to the club’s hierarchy.

Liverpool represent significant competition for Ordonez’s signature, though.

Arne Slot’s side have monitored him closely over the past year as they desperately seek solutions to their defensive crisis. The Reds initially prioritised Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but understand he will not depart Selhurst Park during January, forcing them to explore alternative options.

Crucially, both Club Brugge and Ordonez himself are open to a winter transfer, with England emerging as the most likely destination.

Fresh discussions between the player’s camp and Chelsea have taken place recently, building on months of established communication channels, but Man City and Tottenham are also keen.

City and Spurs have shown admiration for Ordonez, closely assessing him in recent weeks as they evaluate their own defensive requirements.

However, Chelsea and Liverpool currently lead the race after laying more groundwork, and perhaps Caicedo’s presence could prove key here in the race for Ordonez’s signature.

The Dodgers forced a Game 7 with a drama-filled 3–1 victory in Game 6 on Friday night. Shortly afterwards, it was reported that Los Angeles was going to start two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani on the mound for the winner-take-all Game 7 at Rogers Centre.

Ohtani, the best player in baseball, had a chance to shine bright on the biggest stage MLB can offer.

Here’s a look at how Ohtani fared—both at the plate and on the mound—in the Dodgers’ dramatic 5–4 comeback win in Game 7 to secure their second straight World Series title.

Pitching

Ohtani had a rough night pitching in Game 7.

The two-way superstar was pulled from the mound in the third inning after allowing three runs on five hits and two walks in 2 1/3 innings. He tallied three strikeouts before exiting the game.

Ohtani retired the Blue Jays in order in the first inning and escaped a furious rally in the second by striking out Andrés Giménez with the bases loaded.

The third inning is when trouble emerged. Ohtani allowed a leadoff single to George Springer, who moved over to second base on Nathan Lukes’s sacrifice bunt. After a wild pitch moved Springer to third, Ohtani intentionally walked Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to try to set up the double play.

On the very next pitch, Blue Jays second baseman Bo Bichette hammered an 88.7 slider 442 feet into the center field seats for a 3–0 lead.

Ohtani was yanked from the mound after that swing, and Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski came in to close out the third inning.

Hitting

In 11 drama-filled innings of Game 7, Ohtani went 2-for-5 with a walk at the dish.

Ohtani led off the game in the top of the first inning with a single to center field measured at 100.2 mph off the bat. The next two batters, Will Smith and Freddie Freeman, moved him over to second and then third base, but he was stranded there when Mookie Betts grounded out to end the inning.

In the third inning, Ohtani came up with two outs and nobody on base. He hit a screaming line drive to left field—measured at 104.4 mph—but Nathan Lukes caught it for the third out.

Then in the top of the fifth, Ohtani got on with another single, putting two men on with one out in the inning, but the Dodgers couldn’t turn the opportunity into runs.

Ohtani walked in the seventh inning and was stranded on the basepaths when Freddie Freeman grounded into a double play. In the ninth, Ohtani flew out to left field. And in his final at-bat of the season, Ohtani got jammed and grounded out to second base in the 11th.

In 17 games this postseason, Ohtani batted .265/.405/.691 with three doubles, one triple and eight homers. He went 9-for-27 with three doubles, three homers and a .333/.500/.778 slash line in seven World Series games.

Liverpool are considering a move for PSG star Bradley Barcola as they eye up Mohamed Salah replacements. Salah heavily criticised Reds boss Arne Slot in the wake of Saturday's 3-3 draw at Leeds on Saturday night having been dropped to the bench for the third league game running. Rumours suggest that the Egypt international will now look to leave Anfield next month.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Salah claims he's been 'thrown under the bus'

  Salah only signed a two-year contract extension at Anfield earlier in the year after playing a starring role in Liverpool's title triumph. Indeed, the Egyptian forward scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists for the Reds last season, and was duly rewarded with a new deal.

  However, Salah has struggled to match last season's exploits having scored four goals and provided two assists in his opening 13 league outings. And having started the last three games on the bench, the 33-year-old is now tipped to leave the club next month.

  Salah was heavily critical of head coach Arne Slot in the wake of Saturday's 3-3 draw at Leeds having claimed he's been "thrown under the bus" and intends to say farewell to the club's fanbase when Liverpool face Brighton next weekend. "I can’t believe it, I’m very, very disappointed. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season," Salah said after the six-goal thriller at Elland Road.

  "Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame."

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• Barcola emerges as a target for Liverpool

  And Liverpool are making contingency plans as they look to replace Salah in the New Year, with Bradley Barcola among those on the club's radar. Barcola has started nine of PSG's 15 league games this season, scoring five times in the process.

  PSG are currently in the midst of handing out contract extensions for a number of first team stars, with the French winger among those to have been offered a new deal. Barcola, though, is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract, with Liverpool waiting in the wings as they consider a swoop for the 23-year-old.

  However, the young France international is yet to commit his future to the Parisian powerhouse, despite offering Barcola a hefty pay rise, which would make him one of the club's highest earners. Indeed, Barcola isn't completely satisfied with his situation at the Parc des Princes with the forward behind the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue in the pecking order under Luis Enrique when every player is available.

• AFP
  

  Arsenal to rival Liverpool for PSG forward

  The impasse over talks has opened the door slightly for the Reds, who are now considering a January move for Barcola. Liverpool, though, wouldn't have a straight shot at Barcola, with Arsenal reportedly keen on the PSG star.

  The Gunners enjoyed a hefty recruitment drive over the summer, bringing in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. However, with question marks over Gabriel Martinelli's future at the Emirates, Arsenal may look to Barcola as they consider bolstering their frontline in the New Year.

  Arsenal saw their title push take another hit at the weekend as they fell to a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. Matty Cash had fired the Villans ahead with 10 minutes of the first half remining, but the Gunners were level shortly after the restart through Leandro Trossard. Villa, though, went on to claim all the spoils late on as Emiliano Buendia bagged a last-gasp winner, which means Mikel Arteta's men have now won only two of their last five league matches.

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• Salah to link up with Egypt later this month

  Salah's penultimate game for Liverpool could come in midweek when the Reds face Italian giants Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Liverpool are then in action against Brighton on Saturday, in what could prove to be Salah's final match on Merseyside.

  Salah will join up with the Egypt national team later this month for the Africa Cup of Nations. The competition gets underway in Morocco on Sunday, 21st December and concludes on Sunday, 18th January.

  Egypt are one of the favourites to win a record setting eighth AFCON title in Morocco, which would see Salah miss six games for Slot's side should he still be a Liverpool player by the time the tournament draws to a close. The forward has been linked with a January switch to Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray, while a move to the Saudi Pro League has also been mooted.

Tottenham Hotspur improved after the break, but the damage had been done following Fulham’s early flurry in north London, two goals to the good after six minutes.

Thomas Frank spoke before the game about the importance of starting with confidence, but the performance was anything but assured, with Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith remarking that it was “chaos in Tottenham’s defensive line” early on.

It wasn’t just the defenders who flattered to deceive, though, with Guglielmo Vicario’s ill-judged rush from his box to deal with a clearance leaving Harry Wilson to curl home and double the Cottagers’ lead just moments into the match.

Guglielmo Vicario is letting Spurs down

Vicario has been an astute piece of business for Tottenham over the past several years, but he has left plenty to be desired this season, with his error-strewn performance against Fulham sadly not an outlier, his costly mistake the third of the Premier League campaign, and 11th since he arrived in 2023.

There is a case to be made that the Lilywhite defenders needed to drop back and protect the yawning goalmouth, but Vicario, 28, has much to answer for, only making one save besides, as per Sofascore.

Whether Vicario reprises his starting berth between the sticks going forward is another matter, but it’s certainly one Frank will chew on as he looks to arrest this slump and bring Spurs back into the ascendancy, stringing together some strong winter form to challenge for a reprisal of their ongoing Champions League campaign.

However, changes clearly need to be made, and Frank does not have long to enact any shuffling, with Newcastle United awaiting at St. James’ Park on Tuesday evening.

There may actually be an outfield Tottenham star who must be dropped for that crucial top-flight clash, having lacked dynamism in the middle of the park this season.

5/10 Spurs star was as poor as Vicario

The boos chorused around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at full-time, and Joao Palhinha was among the dejected players in white after a disappointing midfield display that saw him hooked on the hour mark.

The loanee, brought in from Bayern Munich in the summer, was ineffective against his former London outfit, with football.london criticising ‘one of his shakier performances’ and branding him with a 5/10 match rating.

Vicario might suffer from crises of judgement, but Palhinha is beginning to solidify as a centre-midfielder lacking in key areas; namely, he is limited in possession and he is not mobile enough.

As per FBref, the Portugal international ranks among the bottom 9% of Premier League midfielders for progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

These flaws were accentuated against Marco Silva’s side, who only had 37% of the ball but made it count. Palhinha’s inability to break lines and influence in the attacking half played into this.

You would hope, at least, that the tough-tackling midfielder would win his tackles, but Palhinha’s one attempted tackle saw him come up short, lunging into the grass.

The fact that the 30-year-old failed to create a chance and made just the one recovery further emphasises the poor display, too one-dimensional and sedentary in the middle of the park.

Tottenham need more energy and electricity and enthusiasm. Sure, key playmakers are sidelined, but this isn’t good enough.

Change is needed, and it might be time for Frank to repackage his engine room with a new combination.

Frank can unearth his own Dembele by unleashing "generational" Spurs gem

Tottenham can unearth their next Mousa Dembele against Fulham this weekend by unleashing this star.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 29, 2025

Nadine de Klerk makes a special appearance as Valkerie Baynes and Firdose Moonda build up to the World Cup semi-finals

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Oct-2025The final four teams of the Women’s World Cup have been decided, and as it often has been in recent times, one of them are overwhelming favourites to go on and win the whole thing — even if they do take on hosts India in the semi-finals.Can Australia – who have even turned crises into comfortable wins this World Cup – continue their perfect record (marred only by a washout)? Will India get revenge for the league-stage defeat in their bid for a maiden World Cup title? And will South Africa recover once again from a sub-100 score against a strong England side?Nadine de Klerk joins Firdose Moonda, Valkerie Baynes and S Sudarshanan as a special guest as in the latest episode of ESPNcricinfo’s Powerplay podcast where we build up to the semi-finals: