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Gloucestershire claimed a second successive LV= County Championship win as they beat Lancashire by 91 runs during an eventful final day at Old Trafford

Press Association13-May-2015
ScorecardCraig Miles picked up four wickets in Gloucestershire’s surprise win•Getty ImagesGloucestershire claimed a second successive LV= County Championship win as they beat Lancashire by 91 runs during an eventful final day at Old Trafford.Sixteen wickets fell in a day which saw Geraint Jones’s side set a target of 300 in a minimum of 70 overs shortly before lunch having declared on 275 for nine following the decision to not risk Liam Norwell’s injured finger with the bat.Lancashire fell to 22 for 4 before half-centuries for fifth-wicket pair Alviro Petersen and Alex Davies took them to 140 for 4 in the 33rd over, only to see Davies and then Petersen fall either side of tea for the addition of only eight more runs. Petersen and Davies hit 63 and 58 respectively, with the latter’s innings including three straight sixes against left-arm spinner Tom Smith.Lancashire, who retain top spot in Division Two following a first defeat in four, were ultimately bowled out for 208 inside 57 overs as Jones and company built on last week’s win over Essex with a 22-point haul. Craig Miles led the way with 4 for 58 and David Payne added 3 for 31.Reece breaks hand after dismissal

Lancashire’s out-of-form batsman Luis Reece is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken hand following his dismissal during Lancashire’s defeat against Gloucestershire at Old Trafford.
Lancashire head coach Ashley Giles said: “Luis has broken his hand, so he’s going to be out for a long time. That’s unfortunate, but it’s an opportunity for somebody else. I’m not sure yet how he’s done it. I will have to look into that situation.”

Eight wickets fell before lunch, including the first two in Lancashire’s second innings as they slipped to 11 for 2 following the departures of openers Luis Reece and Paul Horton. Reece, who has endured a miserable start to the season, was trapped lbw by Payne and Horton caught behind driving loosely at Miles.Shortly after lunch, Lancashire slipped further as Ashwell Prince and stand-in captain Steven Croft fell, leaving Lancashire four down and still 278 away from their target. Prince and Croft were both caught behind off Miles and Payne respectively.Petersen and Davies steadied the ship and then counter-attacked, with Davies taking a particularly liking to Smith. He hit 14 off Smith’s first over, including the first six, with the ex-Sussex man conceding 43 off his first five overs.The visitors were given a significant pre-tea boost when Davies miscued a pull at medium pacer Kieran Noema-Barnett to midwicket and when Petersen sliced Payne to cover, the game was Gloucestershire’s for the taking.Peter Siddle fell shortly afterwards to Norwell, caught behind off a top edged pull, but Jordan Clark and Nathan Buck continued to chase a home win. They hit three more sixes off Smith upon his return to the attack as the target dropped below 100 before departing in successive overs.Buck was caught behind off Norwell and Clark was trapped lbw by Miles, who wrapped up the win by bowling Simon Kerrigan.Gloucestershire started the day at 206 for 3, leading by 230, but they lost six for 69 to force a declaration following Norwell’s injury earlier in the match.Peter Handscomb was run out for 76 following a mix-up with Hamish Marshall, ending their fourth-wicket partnership of 134, before Jones was caught at mid-off off Kerrigan’s left-arm spin. Marshall fell eight short of his hundred when he was bowled by a Kyle Jarvis delivery which kept low. Siddle struck twice to finish with 4 for 39 in his final appearance.

Squad depth is key in this day and age, so Goal has taken a close look at just how well stocked the big guns really are

According to Jose Mourinho, four teams are capable of winning the Premier League this season.

"Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City B team," the Portuguese told when asked who could triumph in 2019-20. 

After winning back-to-back Premier League titles, Pep Guardiola's side are strong favourites to add another this campaign, with their squad depth further strengthened over the summer by the arrivals of Rodri and Joao Cancelo.

However, would their reserves really be capable of beating the Big Six's first-choice line-ups?

Taking injuries, potential departures before the close of the European transfer window and form into account, Goal has compiled an A and B team for every top-six club to see how Manchester City's second-string side stacks up…

Manchester City A team

The greatest side in Premier League history? After racking up a record-breaking 100 points in 2017-18, Pep Guardiola's men retained their crown last season by edging Liverpool in one of the greatest title races English football has ever seen.

City are now bidding to make it three in a row with a near-flawless line-up. Vincent Kompany's leadership will be missed at the back but the defence will be held together by the brilliant Aymeric Laporte, while Ederson is one of the game's best sweeper-keepers.

New signing Rodri should reinvigorate the midfield, Kevin De Bruyne is fit again and Raheem Sterling is just going from strength to strength, meaning the champions could actually be even stronger this season – a terrifying thought for the rest of the Premier League.

AdvertisementManchester City B team

What will scare City's rivals most, though, is the fact that their bench will once again be packed with world-class players.

Leroy Sane may be out injured until 2020 but he was by no means a guaranteed starter this season, which only serves to underline the champions' outrageous array of options.

Indeed, the likes of Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho would be regulars in almost every other side in the league.

Liverpool A team

That Liverpool didn't win the league last year says more about City's sustained excellence than any failing on the part of the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp's troops racked up a whopping 97 points, which would have been sufficient to finish top in all but two top-flight seasons.

Liverpool still ended up claiming a sixth European Cup, though, and their recent success has been founded upon a brilliant, Virgil van Dijk-led backline and the scintillating attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

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Liverpool B team

While it is often argued that Liverpool lack City's strength in depth, it is worth noting that a number of their reserves played a key role in their Champions League triumph, chief among them, Divock Origi.

James Milner is also capable of playing in nearly every position on the field, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez were both flying before suffering injuries, while Naby Keita is still expected to prove himself a world-class midfielder once he settles at Anfield.

GOAL breaks down what the U.S. could look like when the next major tournament rolls around next summer.

The U.S. men's national team's 2023 summer schedule is now over. They lifted a Nations League trophy, topping Mexico and Canada in memorable wins, but then a heavily-rotated team fell short in the Gold Cup. There's still plenty left to do this year, though, from Gregg Berhalter's first matches back in charge against Uzbekistan and Oman, friendlies against Germany and Ghana and then some Nations League matches to close the year.

There's plenty of soccer to be played this year, of course, and plenty of storylines left to unfold, from Berhalter's initial lineup decisions to a series of major transfers. Still, from the moment Panama's final penalty kick hit the back of the net in the Gold Cup on Wednesday night, all eyes turned towards one thing: the Copa America.

South America's premier tournament is coming stateside in 2024 and, while participants still haven't been confirmed as we await results from the Nations League, it's a safe bet to assume the U.S. will be there.

The Copa America is very much the USMNT's big moment this cycle, the one real chance for this team to get competitive fixtures on the road to 2026. With no World Cup qualifying necessary and big-time friendlies far less common than in years past, the U.S. won't have many big moments to truly prepare for the world's biggest tournament hitting home soil.

Because of that, the Copa America is paramount. Berhalter and co. will get the chance to go against opponents like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and the list goes on. Running the gauntlet of South American teams will be difficult, for sure, but there is confidence that the U.S. can make some sort of run when the tournament gets going next summer.

Picking a squad won't be easy, and much can change over the next year. There's also the added complication of the 2024 Olympics, which could see several of the USMNT's younger stars and seasoned veterans head to Paris rather than compete in the Copa America. It remains to be seen how the USMNT will balance it all, but the team's top stars will no doubt be on full display against South America's finest next summer.

With that said, GOAL takes a look at what the USMNT lineup could look like and which players could jump into the XI by next summer:

(Players with * are also Olympic eligible)

GettyGK: Matt Turner

This one is pretty obvious. Turner is the current USMNT No. 1 and he likely will be this summer.

Part of that is because of his play, as Turner continues to be fantastic every time he puts on a USMNT shirt. The other part is that, at the moment, there really isn't anyone to challenge him, as the rest of the goalkeeping pool isn't really playing at the highest level.

Still, we'll have to see how many games Turner plays between now and next summer as his role at Arsenal may have an impact on this race.

In contention: Zack Steffen, Gaga Slonina*, Sean Johnson, Ethan Horvath

AdvertisementGettyLB: Antonee Robinson

He's recently signed a new contract at Fulham, leaving no doubt about his future. Robinson is clearly comfortable at Craven Cottage, and that's good news as he looks ahead to the Copa America.

The key question, though, has to do with his backup. For some time, the U.S. has looked for someone to fill that role. It appears they have it in DeJuan Jones, who should get another opportunity in the fall.

In contention: DeJuan Jones, John Tolkin*

GettyCB: Tim Ream

We'll have to see if Father Time does ever catch up with him but, if it doesn't, he'll be there next summer.

The Fulham star was fantastic at the World Cup and even better in the Premier League last season, which is why he's still here even at age 35. There are younger options on their way up, of course, but if Ream can continue on at a high level, can the U.S. really move on?

In contention: Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty

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GettyCB: Chris Richards

If the Nations League was any indication, Richards is coming for this spot.

He'll need to kick on at Crystal Palace, for sure, but his performances earlier this summer offered a glimpse into how good he can be. He's been tabbed as a future USMNT star for years, and this may be the season where he proves it.

In contention: Cameron Carter-Vickers,Walker Zimmerman, Jalen Neal*

The gold Adidas Predator boots worn by David Beckham when winning his 100th cap for England are expected to sell for £10,000 at auction.

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Iconic figure made 115 appearances for his countryCaptained the Three Lions on 59 occasionsNow working with Lionel Messi in MLSGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Manchester United legend, who now works with Lionel Messi in MLS as co-owner of Inter Miami, reached a century of outings for his country when taking in a friendly date with France in Paris on March 26, 2008.

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Beckham, who would go on to earn 115 caps for the Three Lions, suffered a 1-0 defeat at Stade de France against the likes of Franck Ribery, Nicolas Anelka, William Gallas and Claude Makelele – with England having already failed to qualify for that summer’s European Championship.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

The night was a memorable one, though, as he became only the fifth Englishman to reach 100 international appearances. Said occasion was marked by a pair of custom boots that featured St George’s Crosses and the names of the three children that he had at the time with pop star wife Victoria – Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz.

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WHAT THEY SAID

The boots in question are now set to go under the hammer, with a starting bid tabled of £4,600. David Convery, head of sporting memorabilia at Northamptonshire-based Graham Budd Auctions, has said of the lot: “David Beckham is not only an iconic player, but you could also argue that he started the 'style revolution' with this type of golden boot. These boots are already attracting attention on a global stage and we wouldn't be surprised if they reached or even went beyond their estimated price.”

The final super squad has been released for FIFA 18, with players from Europe's big five leagues included after impressing for their clubs in 2017-18

EA Sports1Ciro Immobile – LazioST, 96AdvertisementEA Sports2Edinson Cavani – PSGST, 96EA Sports3Harry Kane – SpursST, 95ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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EA Sports4Luis Suarez – BarcelonaST, 97

Manchester United and Tottenham are reportedly leading the race to sign young Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer window.

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Several European elites interested in BranthwaiteRed Devils & Spurs leading the pack Ratcliffe wants two young centre-backs in the summer GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite interest from several top clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, and the reports that the Red Devils and Spurs are currently at the forefront in their pursuit of the 21-year-old defender. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly keen on adding two young center-backs to their squad in the upcoming transfer window. Branthwaite's profile aligns with their focus on homegrown talent, and his left-sided positioning addresses a specific requirement outlined by manager Erik ten Hag for defensive balance.

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While Branthwaite remains a primary target for Manchester United, the club is also exploring alternative options in the centre-back position. Players like Antonio Silva from Benfica, Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, and Leny Yoro from Lille are also under consideration.

DID YOU KNOW?

The potential transfer fee for Branthwaite could depend on Everton's league status by the end of the season. The Toffees are currently struggling in the Premier League and sit 18th in the table with 19 points. If they go down to the Championship, the Branthwaite could be sold at a discounted rate.

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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT?

United aim to compete at the highest level both in England and in Europe under Ratcliffe and the next summer could see an influx of new faces. Branthwaite could potentially be a replacement for Raphael Varane as the French defender is reportedly considering offers from the Middle East.

Quinton de Kock and Wayne Parnell are the two nationally contracted players who have opted to change franchises ahead of the 2015-16 summer

Firdose Moonda26-May-2015Quinton de Kock and Wayne Parnell are the two nationally contracted players who have opted to change franchises ahead of the 2015-16 summer. Both are leaving the teams where their careers began with De Kock moving from Lions to Titans and Parnell from Warriors to Cobras.De Kock’s shift is more surprising because he was quite close to Lions’ head coach Geoffrey Toyana, who oversaw an important phase of his career when he was trying to break into international cricket. After de Kock had an unsuccessful start with a particularly poor tour of Sri Lanka in 2013, Toyana spent many hours in the nets with him to hone his game. The results were stand out – de Kock reeled off three centuries in succession against India, became South Africa’s regular limited-overs opener and wicketkeeper and started his Test career as well.In the process, de Kock also earned IPL deals, first with Sunrisers Hyderabad and then Delhi Daredevils where he would have worked closely with Rob Walter, Titans’ head coach for two seasons after a long stint as South Africa’s fitness and fielding coach. Titans won their first trophy under Walter, the one-day cup in the 2014-15 season, after sharing the trophy with the Cobras the year before.Walter has two more years in charge and will be targeting more silverware. De Kock will add to a squad that has already poached another Lions player, Chris Morris and two other glovemen. Heino Kuhn and Mangaliso Mosehle may give him a break from being behind the stumps. The situation will not be too unusual for de Kock, who also found himself with a clutch of keepers at the Lions. Thami Tsolekile and Dominic Hendricks both play at Lions and have been retained for next season.At the coastal end of the country, Parnell travels from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town for “lifestyle” reasons according to his agent Donne Commins. While his move has left the Eastern Cape based franchise without one of their senior bowlers, it has added to the embarrassment of riches in the Western Cape. Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Rory Kleinveldt, Justin Kemp, Dane Piedt and Robin Peterson make up the international component of the Cobras attack while they also have promising youngsters in Dane Paterson and Mthokozisi Shezi, who, like Parnell, is a left-arm seamer.The only solace for the other franchises is that Cobras’ national players do not often turn out for them because of international commitments and Parnell is likely to be no different. When he is available, coach Paul Adams intends to use him as a “fully-fledged allrounder.”

May the Force be with you during A-League round 10…

The bizarre Star Wars-themed A-League round is here to coincide with the release of the movie 'The Last Jedi'.

To celebrate and get into the spirit, Goal has compiled a list of Star Wars-themed awards that could be given to clubs during this weekend's matches – which include the Sydney derby and Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United.

Thanks to Facebook group for the list of awards.

Slide on….

Getty Images1You Rebel Scum awardThe team that causes the biggest upset of the round.AdvertisementGetty Images2Padme Amidala "You're breaking my heart" award A player who scores a second-half stoppage time goal to get a result for their team.Getty Images3C-3PO awardThe player who contributes nothing for 90 minutes.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images4Jango Fett awardPlayer who loses their head.

Mikel Arteta has some big decisions to make when the Gunners host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday

Premier League leaders Arsenal return to action against Brentford on Saturday looking to put their defeat at Everton behind them.

That 1-0 loss at Goodison Park was the first Mikel Arteta’s side have suffered in the league since they were beaten 3-1 at Manchester United in September.

But Manchester City’s defeat at Tottenham on Sunday ensured the Gunners maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table, an advantage they would stretch to eight points should they beat Brentford this weekend.

So how are things shaping up at Arsenal ahead of the game? GOAL takes a look.

GettyArsenal team news

Gabriel Jesus has returned to Arsenal’s training ground this week to step up his recovery plan following knee surgery, but the Brazil International is still some way off being able to return to action.

Emile Smith Rowe has missed Arsenal’s last two games due to a thigh problem and is not expected to be fit to face Brentford this weekend. Reiss Nelson is fully fit and available again after his hamstring issue, but Mohamed Elneny is sidelined for the season due to a knee problem.

Thomas Partey was replaced after an hour against Everton last weekend, but that substitution was not believed to be injury related.

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Martin Odegaard: Arsenal’s captain had an off day by his high standards against Everton last weekend and the side suffered as a result.

When Odegaard plays well, Arsenal play well, so the Gunners will be looking to their skipper to inspire them to a much-improved performance to the one they produced at Goodison Park.

If Odegaard gets on the ball and finds space in the final third, it could be a long afternoon for the Brentford defence.

GettyTalking point

There is plenty of debate ahead of the game about whether Saturday is the time for Mikel Arteta to shake things up a bit.

The likes of Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli have been slightly off it in the past couple of weeks and could benefit from a rest, especially with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard pushing hard for a place in the starting XI.

Arsenal have their huge clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night looming large so if Arteta is ever going to rotate his starting XI, Saturday seems like the moment he will do it.

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Getty ImagesWhat has Arteta said?

The Arsenal manager knew his side under-performed against Everton, but was quick to offer his players support ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash at the Emirates.

“This is the moment I love my players more,” he said. “Now we stick together. This journey is going to be difficult and challenging, and there’s going to be bigger stones in the middle that we’re going to have to overcome that. And now we’re going to prepare really well in the week to get to Saturday in the right emotional level and right spirit to be perfect.”

Brighton are refusing to budge on their nine-figure valuation of the Ecuador dynamo, so the Blues may need to look elsewhere

Chelsea have a significant decision to make in the final month of the transfer window; with a gaping void in their midfield following the departures of N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, among others, they must choose whether or not to cough up £100 million ($128.5m) for Moises Caicedo or, finally, concede defeat in the pursuit of their primary target for another window.

The Blues' latest offer of £80m ($102.5m) was immediately knocked back by Brighton, who have remained firm on their valuation since the outset in negotiations and will command at least £20m more for the outstanding 21-year-old.

If Chelsea are unwilling to stretch that little bit further, the quandary facing them is whether the alternative options would elevate the midfield to anything like the same extent as Caicedo, who seems destined to become a top-level No.6.

Nevertheless, here are the defensive midfielders Chelsea could turn to if Brighton's dynamo drifts out of their reach…

Getty ImagesRomeo Lavia (Southampton)

If Caicedo moves out of reach, the man who will likely move to the top of Chelsea's defensive midfield shortlist is Romeo Lavia. The Belgian was outstanding despite relegation with Southampton last season, and is certain to move on this summer.

His ability to evade the press, ball-carrying ability and progressive passing make him the archetypal modern No.6, but competition from Liverpool and a steep £50m ($64m) price tag could prove to be stumbling blocks.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAmadou Onana (Everton)

Everton's Amadou Onana was among the hoard of players linked with Chelsea during the January transfer window after just half a season at Goodison Park, but that chatter has since fallen silent. Should Chelsea remain at loggerheads with Brighton over their valuation of Caicedo, then Onana will likely come back into consideration in the final month of the transfer window.

The 21-year-old would likely cost about half as much, and he has demonstrated that he possesses the technical ability and physicality to succeed in the Premier League.

Getty ImagesKhephren Thuram (Nice)

The embodiment of the old adage 'good feet for a big man', Khephren Thuram – son of France great Lilian – has been heavily linked with a move away from Nice the summer following a breakout campaign in Ligue 1.

Although his passing isn't quite at Caicedo's level, Thuram is adept with the ball at his feet and progressing play, and his rangy 6'4 frame means he is able to cover plenty of ground, and fast. Though he would be a less defensive option, he excels at reading the game and making timely interventions.

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Getty ImagesManu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Another young Frenchman who shone in 2022-23, Thuram's Under-21 international team-mate has become a key figure for Borussia Monchengladbach over the past two seasons.

The 22-year-old Frenchman is similarly adept in possession and is very comfortable carrying the ball of trouble and picking a pass. He also has that added physicality that would serve him well in the Premier League, often using his 6'1 frame to protect the ball. player who is also linked with Liverpool, a knee injury suffered at the U21 Euros could also be problematic.