Somerset out of contention for knockouts after slipping to heavy defeat between showers

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay07-Sep-2025Sisters Kathryn and Sarah Bryce scored half-centuries to guide The Blaze to a 44-run bonus point victory over Somerset on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in a rain-shortened Metro Bank One Day Cup match at Taunton Vale Sports Ground.Sarah Bryce top-scored with 68 from 54 balls, hit 12 fours and shared in an opening stand of 76 inside 10 overs with Georgie Boyce as The Blaze posted 252 for 6 in a contest reduced to 33 overs-a-side. Kathryn Bryce then made 63 not out from 60 balls with eight fours, staging a partnership of 72 with Orla Prendergast, who weighed in with a forthright 46. Charlie Dean did her best to keep Somerset in contention, returning figures of 3 for 50 from seven overs.Chasing a revised target of 214 in 26 overs, Somerset never recovered from the wreckage of 9 for 4, Cassidy McCarthy taking three wickets in a devastating eight-ball burst that all but settled the outcome during the powerplay. Amanda-Jade Wellington raised a defiant 28-ball 53 and Fran Wilson hit 33, but McCarthy finished with 3 for 12 as the home side were bowled out for 169 in 22.2 overs.Victory cemented The Blaze’s position in the top three and materially improved their prospects of making the final stages of the 50-over competition, but Somerset are now out of contention with two games remaining.Making the most of short boundaries and a quick outfield, Boyce and Sarah Bryce accrued 11 boundaries on their way to 61 without loss from a seven-over powerplay after being put in on a drying surface. When the seamers struggled to contain the flow of runs, Somerset turned to spinners Dean and Wellington in an attempt to turn the tide.England international Dean struck in her second over, persuading Boyce to drive to mid-off and depart for a run-a-ball 31 with the score 76 for 1 in the 10th over. But there was no dislodging Sarah Bryce, who went to an assured half-century from 40 balls with 10 fours, the Blaze wicketkeeper-batter growing in stature all the time.There was a sense of relief within Somerset ranks when offspinner Chloe Skelton bowled Bryce in the act of cutting in the 18th, her dismissal providing the home side with much-needed respite. Thereafter, Prendergast and Kathryn Bryce proved adept at finding the gaps, the pair combining clever placement and forceful running in staging a third-wicket stand of 73 in eight overs.Ireland international Prendergast seized on anything wide or short of a length, pulling Alex Griffiths for the first six of the innings and then driving Skelton for four as returning rain rendered control difficult for the bowlers. She had raised 46 off 31 balls and helped herself to five fours and a six when she skied a catch to backward point off the bowling of Wellington as The Blaze slipped to 195 for 3.Somerset continued to fight back, Dean bowling the dangerous Georgia Elwiss and then pinning Ella Claridge lbw to further reduce their opponents to 212 for 5 in the 29th. But Kathryn Bryce continued to carry the fight to Somerset, raising her 50 via 52 balls with her sixth four and putting on 34 for the sixth wicket with Michaela Kirk, who contributed a useful 17 from nine deliveries.A further downpour caused seven overs to be lost and, when Somerset resumed their innings, they were required to score a further 209 at 8.36 an over. Their task quickly became even more difficult, Bex Odgers pulling McCarthy’s first ball to square leg and fellow opener Niamh Holland nicking a catch behind off the bowling of Grace Ballinger.Generating pace and swing aplenty, McCarthy bowled Sophie Luff and Dani Gibson with successive deliveries, at which point she had taken three wickets in eight balls and the home side were deep in trouble on 9 for 4. Kirstie Gordon then had Dean held by Kirk on the midwicket boundary as Somerset slumped to 22 for 5.Wilson and Wellington did their utmost to make a game of it thereafter, staging a face-saving alliance of 69 in 6.5 overs in the late-afternoon sunshine. Not afraid to play expansive strokes, these two raised a quickfire 50 from 33 balls in a blaze of boundaries, Wellington plundering five consecutive fours off the bowling of Prendergast to put the visitors on the back foot for the first time.Elwiss accounted for Wilson, caught at short fine leg, but the defiant Wellington went on to post a rapid 50 from just 26 balls with 10 fours. She was run out by Kathryn Bryce soon afterwards, her dismissal signaling the end of meaningful West Country resistance.

Former India great set to become the first capped male Indian player to play in the BBL with Thunder, Hurricanes, Sixers and Strikers all chasing him

Alex Malcolm and Sidharth Monga23-Sep-2025R Ashwin is set to become the first capped male India player to play in the BBL with four clubs vying for his services to play in the latter stages of the upcoming season.It is understood that Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers are the four teams chasing Ashwin’s signature in what is set to be a major coup for the BBL. Thunder and Hurricanes appear to be the frontrunners for the India great with a deal likely to be finalised later this week.No internationally capped India male player has played in the BBL previously, but Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL earlier this year has opened the door for him to play franchise cricket overseas for the first time.Related

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• R Ashwin brings curtain down on 'my time as an IPL cricketer'

• Afridi, Rizwan and Rauf among top picks at BBL overseas drafts

• All the BBL and WBBL squads for 2025-26 season

• CA exploring BBL investment 'unashamedly' to be second behind IPL

Only retired Indian players are allowed by the BCCI to participate in overseas T20 leagues. Earlier this year, Dinesh Karthik played for Paarl Royals in the SA20. In 2023, Ambati Rayudu turned up to play for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL, and then in January 2024 with MI Emirates in the ILT20. Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan featured for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Two years ago, Suresh Raina was part of Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10.Ashwin has already committed to the first-ever ILT20 auction in the UAE, which will take place next Tuesday. If bought, he will play out the ILT20, which has changed dates for the upcoming season and will now run from December 2 until January 4.The BBL begins on December 14, and the home-and-away part of the season runs until January 18. The finals will be held between January 20 and 25. It means Ashwin will be available for three-four games at the end of the season for one of those teams, plus finals should the team he signs with qualify. ESPNcricinfo understands that his deal will also include the BBL for the 2026-27 season.BBL clubs can only play three overseas players in their XI. Each of the clubs has already locked three players in via the league’s pre-signing rules and the June overseas draft. Clubs can sign an additional four overseas replacement players, meaning they can have up to seven on their list, but only three can play at any one time. Also, if any of the teams release an international player for SA20, Ashwin could fit in as a replacement for him.The league rules state that replacement overseas players have to nominate themselves for the draft, which Ashwin did not as he had not retired from IPL cricket at the time. But there is an exemption for overseas players to be allowed to play in the BBL if their circumstances have changed. Former New Zealand batter Martin Guptill was previously signed by Melbourne Renegades in 2022-23 after retiring from international cricket despite missing the inaugural BBL overseas draft. England star Nat Sciver-Brunt was allowed to play for Perth Scorchers in the WBBL after being cleared by the ECB, having initially been ruled out of nominating for the draft due to injury.The club that signs Ashwin will still have to fit his salary inside their overall purse, much of which will already have been allocated for most squads, but there will likely be an additional marketing agreement with Cricket Australia that will not count towards the salary cap for the team that lands him.Teams can also go over the cap by 5% in a particular year with approval from the league’s technical committee, provided that it is offset over a three-year period.

India’s T20I captain has not been in good form in T20 internationals this year

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Nov-2025India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been named in Mumbai’s squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting on November 26. Allrounder Shardul Thakur will lead the 17-member squad, which also includes Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Ajinkya Rahane and Ayush Mhatre.Suryakumar’s inclusion in Mumbai’s T20 side comes ahead of India’s T20I series against South Africa from December 9. Despite a prolific IPL for Mumbai Indians – 717 runs at a strike rate of 167.91 this season – he hasn’t been among the runs in international cricket, scoring only 184 runs in 15 innings in 2025 at an average of 15.33 and strike rate of 127.77.India play ten T20Is at home – five each against South Africa and New Zealand – ahead of a T20 World Cup they will be co-hosting with Sri Lanka in February and March 2026.Related

• Varun named Tamil Nadu captain for Mushtaq Ali Trophy

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Like Suryakumar, Dube will also be looking for match practice. He has batted in only six out of 11 T20Is across the Asia Cup and the series in Australia, scoring 76 runs off 60 balls in those games.Mumbai are the defending champions of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, having beaten Madhya Pradesh in the final in 2024-25. This season, they start their campaign against Railways in Lucknow.

Mumbai squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26

Shardul Thakur (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Siddhesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Sairaj Patil, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Atharva Ankolekar, Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Tushar Deshpande, Irfan Umair and Hardik Tamore (wk)

Newcastle fans were left with their heads in their hands once again as they watched the performance of Joelinton against Leicester City.

The Brazilian featured in his 21st league game of the season and failed to find the target once more, meaning he has contributed just one goal in his attempt to pay back his £40m transfer fee.

That price is now seeming like a big waste of money as Joelinton has been unable to influence matches playing up-front or on the wing, with his latest display drawing significant criticism from fans.

Such remarks are understandable but in the striker’s defence he is not often blessed with goalscoring opportunities. He has averaged 1.5 shots per league game this campaign and Newcastle achieved just 23% possession against Leicester, which was a big part of why he has struggled.

Andy Carroll has started in recent games but he is yet to find the net in the Premier League, and that leaves Bruce with a difficult decision to make in terms of who should lead the line.

Some supporters have called for Joelinton to be dropped or sold but the Magpies’ other three strikers have contributed just one goal all season.

A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…

That means Bruce will likely have to rely on his number nine unless he is able to sign a new player this month, which could be possible as Dwight Gayle has been linked with a move away.

In transfer news, it has been reported that Bruce is keen on a player who could replace Joelinton, a man who already has 28 goals this season.

Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin has admitted he turned down a return to the Premier League this summer, as reported by The Shields Gazette.The England international was the subject of increased transfer speculation during the transfer window, with Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester United all linked with a move for his signature.But with QPR refusing to consider bids ofÂanything less than £15million for the front man, a move never managed to materialise.WANT MORE? >> West Ham transfer news | Newcastle transfer newsAnd Austin has admitted he did indeed receive an offer from a Premier League club, but decided to turn it down in favour of remaining with the Championship outfit.He said: “I turned down a move [to the Premier League] which wasn’t right for me and my family.”I didn’t feel it was right for me to go, so I stayed at QPR.”The club in question remains a mystery, but it was widely believed West Ham were serious about bringing him to east London before the Hammers’ chairman David Sullivan publicly admitted they wouldn’t pursue a move for Austin because he has “no ligaments in his knee” and “when he played against us last season he wasn’t very good.”And just a few hours before the end of the transfer window, Austin confirmed via his Twitter page that he would indeed be staying at Loftus Road.

Austin scored 18 Premier League goals last season, but failed to prevent the west London club from being relegated to the Championship.

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The rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham always throws up feisty encounters, in typical London derby style. But there is much more at stake than simply local bragging rights as the Hammers head down to White Hart Lane on Sunday – kickoff at 4pm – with just one position and three goals separating both sides in the Premier League table.

Indeed, the Lilywhites and the Irons are both gunning for European football this season so placed in 5th and 6th respectively, this Premier League clash is an official six-pointer – with a potentially huge bearing on final standings come the end of May.

Tottenham are undefeated in their last eleven league games and also have the home advantage, but Slaven Bilic’s side have already claimed wins against Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool this season and boast the better record in terms of recent encounters, recording three wins and one draw from their last six outings against the north Londoners.

With that in mind, Sunday’s match could come down to who dominates the key individual battles. Here’s FIVE we at Football Fancast think will decide the outcome.

DELE ALLI VS CHEIKHOU KOUYATE

Following his superb strike and Man of the Match performance against France in midweek, all eyes will be on Dele Alli this Sunday – English football’s latest darling.

Indeed, the teenager’s performances at the heart of Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield have been miraculous this season, considering he was plying his trade with MK Dons in League One before the summer.

An all-action, well-rounded midfielder, the 19-year-old offers great balance between defence, attack and ball retention alongside tactical flexibility, having performed well in both deep-lying roles and the No.10 position for the Lilywhites.

He and Moussa Dembele often swap around mid-match and that will likely be the case on Sunday if the Belgium international recovers from a calf injury as expected, meaning Alli will spend much of his time going toe-to-toe with Cheikhou Kouyate – West Ham’s defensively tuned dynamo.

He’s been amongst the Hammers’ best performers this season, claiming three goals and one assist in eleven appearances, and has an interesting role in their midfield.

Although Kouyate is commonly considered a defensive midfielder, this term averaging 3.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per match, he likes to break forward when possible as the more energetic accomplice to Mark Noble.

But playing away from home against local rivals, safety must come first for Kouyate on Sunday. Alli’s consistently proved his quality in recent weeks, especially in front of goal, and needs to be kept under lock and key.

HARRY KANE VS WINSTON REID

After a slow start to the season, Harry Kane of the Lane appears to be operating at full throttle once again, scoring five goals in his last three Premier League outings – including a hat-trick against Bournemouth and a strike in the North London derby two weekends ago.

The 22-year-old is already a very complete striker, this season averaging 3.8 shots, 1.2 created chances, 1.7 successful dribbles and 1.9 successful aerial duels per match, but it’s his mix of intelligence and enthusiasm that has made Kane one of the Premier League’s most feared front men in such a short space of time.

But West Ham’s Winston Reid is no novice and will be more than aware of the threat Kane poses after seeing him score a last-second equaliser in the same fixture last season.

Although the 27-year-old is most commonly praised for his athleticism, he’s an international captain with over 100 Premier League appearances under his belt and that experience will be vital to nullifying Kane’s subtle movements in the final third.

MANUEL LANZINI VS ERIC DIER

With the shining star of West Ham’s season so far, Dimitri Payet, ruled out for the next three months after picking up an ankle injury against Everton, I’m tipping fellow summer signing Manuel Lanzini to take his place at the top of midfield.

The Argentine has spent most his loan spell on the wing but provided two goals and one assist at No.10 earlier this season and is easily the Hammers’ next-best creative threat after Payet, with two tricky feet, good vision and a clinical eye for goal.

Slaven Bilic is particularly fond of the 22-year-old, even comparing him to Luka Modric, and I’m sure he’ll have no reservations about placing Lanzini in such an important role.

That being said, Tottenham’s resident play-breaker Eric Dier is enjoying a phenomenal season and was arguably as impressive as Alli for England on Tuesday night, albeit in a considerably subtler manner.

He’s been the biggest contributor to Spurs’ strong defensive record – ten conceded in twelve games – providing gritty protection in front of centre-backs Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld with averages of 3.1 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 2.4 successful aerial duels per match.

The 21-year-old has already outmanoeuvred Everton’s Ross Barkley, Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil this season to name a few – so Lanzini will have to be at the top of his game.

ANDY CARROLL VS JAN VERTONGHEN AND TOBY ALDERWEIRELD

On the mend from an upper leg injury, we could see last season’s top-scoring Hammer Diafra Sakho return to the first team line-up on Sunday. But for both fitness and tactical reasons, I would stick with Andy Carroll despite isolated performances prior to the international break.

The arrival of Toby Alderweireld has immeasurably improved Tottenham defensively this season. He’s the consistent, dependable centre-back Jan Vertonghen has eternally craved since moving to White Hart Lane in summer 2012 and the subliminal understanding between the two Belgium internationals, who previously partnered each other at Ajax, has already impacted Spurs’ results for the better.

But if the Belgian pair are flawed by one intrinsic weakness, it’s a lack of height and dominance in the air, with both measuring in at 6 foot 2. Although he failed to get on the scoresheet in the north London derby, Olivier Giroud’s aerial threat caused more problems as the game went on – especially from set pieces.

Measuring in at 6 foot 4 and famed for his imperious leap, Andy Carroll could cause similar problems this weekend if he performs to the level we all know he’s capable of. The good news for Spurs, however, is that Slaven Bilic hasn’t quite got to grips with how to get best use from the England international just yet.

HEUNG-MIN SON VS AARON CRESSWELL

With Erik Lamela suspended and potentially injured for the West Ham meet, its more than likely summer signing Heung-Min Son will take his place on the right hand side.

Mauricio Pochettino has preferred Christian Eriksen on the left in recent weeks and overall his options are relatively limited, with Nacer Chadli injured and Andros Townsend in the doghouse after a bust-up with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner.

The South Korea international has already given a glimpse into what the future could hold for him at White Hart Lane, claiming three goals and one assist in his first six outings for Spurs, but much more is expected of the £22million acquisition with a preceding reputation from his prolific spell at Bayer Leverkusen.

But defensive contribution could be more important than the 23-year-old’s attacking qualities on Sunday. Although the Lilywhites will expect to dominate in the comfort of their home ground, left-back Aaron Cresswell is one of the Hammers’ biggest creative threats, averaging 1.3 created chances this season, and will look to join the attack when possible.

For both players, it is a question of balancing responsibilities. Cresswell’s deadly left foot – especially with Andy Carroll lurking in the box – means Son can’t allow him the room to cross even from deep positions.

Likewise, however, should the 25-year-old venture too far forward, the Spurs star possesses the speed and technical quality to punish West Ham on the counter-attack.

Mauricio Pochettino boasts the best record of any manager when it comes to developing young players; and by quite a distance at that.

Don’t let Poch’s success dishearten you, mind, because Football Manager gives you the chance to prove to yourself, and anyone who will listen to your stories, that you can spot and bring through the best young talent as well.

Spurs already have more than their fair share of wonderkids around their squad, but you can never have too many superstar teenagers, can you?

Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Harry Kane and Nabil Bentaleb can all become top class players in their own ways, but its hard to resist adding a few more potential world beaters to such a talented squad.

You may look to replace Mason, Chadli and Fazio – and you’d be right to do so – so you will need plenty of alternatives for your young squad.

Here are FIVE of the best young players for Spurs to aim for…

Ruben Duarte

With Ben Davies and Danny Rose already playing at close to their respective potentials, there must be some worth in finding a left-back who can exceed their abilities.

Duarte is not as adventurous as Rose, but the Spaniard is a highly reliable defender who will have a tackling rating of above 15 by the time he reaches his peak.

Espanyol will not be too demanding when it comes to a fee, so Duarte could be the ideal man to shore up the left hand side of the Spurs defence to allow Son more freedom to attack.

Ezequiel Ponce

It has been well publicised how little back-up Harry Kane has at Spurs this season and Ponce could be one cheap way to fix that.

Immediately, Ponce will not challenge Kane for his starting berth, but within a couple of seasons the Argentine will be ready to make the number 9 role his own. Ponce is comfortable playing back to goal or running the channels, much like Kane, and would be the perfect player to develop and slot into Kane’s position without changing your tactical system.

Ponce’s low first touch rating may be of concern, and rightly so, but you won’t find many cheaper players with this sort of potential.

Lincoln

Similar to many Brazilian wonderkids, Lincoln is a highly gifted, highly versatile attacking midfield player. Whether you want to utilise this starlet on either flank, or see if he can produce form like Christian Eriksen in the 10 role, Lincoln will develop into a superstar.

Early signs of his creativity can be seen from the beginning of your save, and he is undoubtedly a bargain transfer considering that you can pick him up for under £3million.

If you are sick of Townsend and N’Jie’s lack of productivity, invest the time and money in Lincoln to reap the rewards.

Predrag Rajkovic

It may seem a bit unorthodox to suggest signing a goalkeeper when Spurs have Hugo Lloris, but this young stopper has the potential be at least as good as the French number 1.

Within a few seasons, the Maccabi Tel-Aviv ‘keeper will be one of the best in Europe and is currently putting in remarkable Champions League performances as a teenager.

If Lloris is to ask for a move to a bigger club, as he often does, Rajkovic would slot perfectly into the side.

Sergi Samper

Previously linked with the Lilywhites in the real world, Samper is a steal if you can convince him to move.

The Barca youngster’s low release clause will have half of Europe interested, but Samper would fit nicely into Spurs’ midfield alongside the industry of Dembele and the box-to-box play of Alli.

If you opt to sign Samper, make sure you don’t neglect the importance of Eric Dier in your squad and keep a space open for him elsewhere.

The prospect of Samper feeding the ball to Eriksen is just too good to miss out on…

Check your advent calendars, boys and girls! It may feel like only yesterday you opened that first door to unveil a delicious lump of chocolate on December 1st, but we are now just eight days away from Christmas.

Children up and down the country will be spending the next few days making sure their Christmas wishlists are perfect in time for Santa Claus’ visit on December 25th – but it’s a little-known fact that Premier League managers partake in the annual tradition as well.

After all, who is in need of some Christmas magic and festive cheer more than the unfortunate souls working in the endlessly chaotic and dramatic world of the English top flight? That goes double for Louis van Gaal, whose future at Old Trafford has been thrown into serious doubt since Manchester United were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Wolfsburg last week.

But the Dutchman is certain he’s been a good boy this year – so certain in fact, that he’s given us a sneak peak of his Christmas wishlist. Unsurprisingly, it’s bursting to the brim with Bundesliga stars.

RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

With resident left-back Luke Shaw potentially out until the end of the season after breaking his leg in September, a new No.3 certainly wouldn’t go amiss this Christmas.

In that regard, it’s hard to look past Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodriguez, who has emerged as one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe, let alone the Bundesliga, over the past few seasons.

Indeed, the Swiss international has claimed 13 goals, 29 assists and an incredible 180 created chances in his last 96 Bundesliga outings – the majority of which have been sourced from his world-class set piece deliveries.

Aged just 23, many top clubs have taken note of the 32-cap international’s impressive rise since arriving at the Volkswagen Arena from FC Zurich in January 2013.

But with three-and-a-half-years remaining on his current terms, Wolfsburg are unlikely to sell any time soon unless a monumental markup is involved.

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG

Having scored the fewest goals of any side in the Premier League’s top six this season, with strike force Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial netting just five times between them, I’m sure Louis van Gaal would be delighted to find a more dependable goal threat under his tree this Christmas.

Enter Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who boasts the most league goals of any player involved Europe’s five leading top flights this season – a whopping 16 in 18 Bundesliga outings.

That brings the Gabon international’s total for the Black-Yellows to 68 in 119, but it’s the athletic element to Aubameyang’s game that could make him such an important addition to the United squad – possessing the penetrative pace and power they currently lack in the final third.

Dortmund reportedly value the 26-year-old at around £42million, but convincing them to sell midseason – especially considering they’re just five points behind league leaders Bayern Munich – will require a substantial premium on top.

MATS HUMMELS

Manchester United have spanned the globe searching for a viable alternative, yet no player addresses their need for a world-class ball-playing centre-back better than Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels.

The German international boasts an aerially dominant 6 foot 3 frame and an exceptional reading of the game, but it’s his Franz-Beckenbauer-esque ability to instigate attacks from deep positions, with ranging passes and surging runs on the ball, that Louis van Gaal craves most.

As a World Cup winner, Bundesliga winner and former Champions League finalist, the 27-year-old’s vast experience would be another integral asset to United’s relatively youthful backline.

The Dortmund skipper has snubbed the Red Devils’ sustained interest for the last two summers, but a little Christmas magic might see LVG finally get his man, especially considering Hummels’ contract expires at the end of the season and he’s reportedly had a few bust-ups with manager Thomas Tuchel in recent weeks.

ARJEN ROBBEN

Louis van Gaal has made no secret of his desire to sign a ‘speedy, creative’ winger and old ally Arjen Robben fits the bill perfectly.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man has made a career from combining scintillating dribbling speed with lethal long-range shooting, racking up 113 goals in 203 appearances for Bayern Munich.

He was one of the Netherlands’ leading performers under LVG’s direction at the 2014 World Cup, excelling in a one-man counter-attacking role alongside Robin van Persie, and would certainly add an injection of direct dynamism to United’s current wide options.

With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, this is undoubtedly the right time to make Bayern consider Robben’s long-term future at the Allianz Arena with a January bid.

But already aged 31, the veteran wide-man could become one of those presents that is unfortunately forgotten about by the time next Christmas comes around. Proneness to injury is another legitimate concern.

THOMAS MULLER

Make no mistake about it, all Louis van Gaal really wants this Christmas is a 6 foot 1 Bayern Munich forward named Thomas Muller.

Manchester United have made countless attempts to sign the world-class German since LVG took the Old Trafford helm in summer 2014 and it’s not hard to see why. He’s one of the most unique and talented attacking threats in world football, famed for blending physicality, industriousness and versatility with a consistent supply of goals.

Indeed, the 25-year-old has served the Bavarians as a striker, a No.10, a winger and even a central midfielder during his 329 appearances across all competitions, racking up 140 goals in the process. He’s also netted 10 times at the last two World Cups, claiming the Golden Boot in 2010 and firing Die Mannschaft to the title in 2014.

Having got his big break at the Allianz Arena under van Gaal, the Dutchman is desperate to bring the multipurpose attacker to United. Unfortunately, however, he’s on the verge of extending his Bayern contract until 2021.

It was a baptism of fire for Remi Garde when he took over at Aston Villa. His very first game at Villa Park was against a Manchester City side who were on rampant form. There was a raucous atmosphere in the Fabian Delph derby, and perhaps the Villa fans will come to the game with toy snakes once again.That day, though, Villa managed a commendable goalless draw. They looked solid at the back and were a threat going forward on occasion, too. Since then, Villa have improved, but they’re still bottom of the table and still look utterly doomed. Last season’s FA Cup finalists may be preparing for life in the Championship next season, but perhaps the cup is just the distraction they need in order to regain some confidence and end the season well. If you can’t gain confidence from beating Manchester City in the Cup, then where can you get it?City, meanwhile, are just coming off the back of a hard-fought game against Everton in midweek where they managed to progress to the Capital One Cup final, but at the cost of losing Kevin de Bruyne, possibly for the rest of the season given the time it will take to get him back to match fitness.Fatigue and injuries have been a problem for City this season already, but their biggest problem has, at times, looked like apathy. Will they be up for an FA Cup fourth round match away to the bottom side? If they are, it could be a thrill to watch, but City’s away form has been dismal this season, and a lot of that might have to do with the attitude of the squad, especially when faced with away games.It would hardly be a traditional Cup upset, but if Villa could pull it off, surely it would be unexpected – but with City’s attitude and form problems away from home, it would hardly be a shock.Here are the teams:

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They may not receive the largest headlines or the biggest pay cheques, but full-backs have become arguably the most important players on the pitch over the last few decades.

It’s one of the few positions where you actually get time on the ball in attacking areas and the mentality of the full-backs tends to correspond to the mentality of the team; whether they’re pushing up to support the attack, sitting deep to protect their centre-halves or balancing their duties somewhere in between.

Similarly, full-backs in the modern game – and particularly since Barcelona’s four years of unparalleled dominance under Pep Guardiola – now operate almost as the wide men, providing width in attack to let the wingers tuck in and get closer to the goal.

Unfortunately for Guardiola, however, the Manchester City squad he’s about to inherit from Manuel Pellegrini isn’t exactly overflowing with top-class full-backs. Pablo Zabaleta appears a little beyond his best, Bacary Sagna is decent if unspectacular and Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy just haven’t been up to task this season. Rather tellingly, they’re now all aged 30 or over.

So with that in mind and energetic full-backs a particularly important part of the Guardiola philosophy, we at Football Fancast have been running the rule over five more youthful replacements to City’s ageing clan. Which of these full-backs would be the ideal signing to kick off the Guardiola era at the Etihad?

DAVID ALABA

David Alaba has already been linked with a summer move to Manchester City and the Bayern Munich defender would be a fantastic swoop for Guardiola’s first transfer window.

Indeed, the 23-year-old is already up there with the best left-backs in world football – in fact, many would claim he’s at the top of the pile – but his qualities are by no means restricted to the no.3 position.

He’s featured regularly at centre-back, left midfield, left wing-back and central midfield throughout his career, filling the latter position frequently during his 42 outings for the Austrian national team, and is one of the most well-rounded footballers in the game today.

Guardiola loves his multi-purpose players and is clearly a big fan of Alaba, issuing the versatile starlet 103 appearances during three campaigns at the Allianz Arena helm.

The tabloids rate the Vienna-born utility man at around £40million and with two years remaining on his contract, the summer represents City’s best chance of convincing Bayern to sell.

HECTOR BELLERIN

Arsenal players have a knack of jumping ship to Manchester City and I’m sure supporters of the latter club will be hoping young right-back Hector Bellerin is prepared to follow that trend.

The rip-roaring performances of Dani Alves were crucial to Pep Guardiola’s successes at Barcelona and the Gunners starlet is a similar kind of mould, as a converted winger blessed with incredible speed, technical quality and a willingness to contribute going forward.

Indeed, he’s emerged as one of the most exciting full-backs in world football since becoming an Arsenal regular last season, providing penetrative pace on the overlap and cover for the notoriously slow Per Mertesacker, and is still just 20 years of age.

I feel Guardiola can get even more out of the Spain U21 who, as a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, will surely be desperate to work with the former Nou Camp boss.

Of course, whether Arsenal would be open to selling remains the ultimate question mark. Bellerin’s contract doesn’t expire until 2019 and they’ll be desperate to keep hold of one of their most exciting young players.

Ricardo Rodriguez

Few full-backs in Europe have matched Ricardo Rodriguez’ potent output over the last few seasons, notching up 13 goals and 20 assists in his last 100 Bundesliga outings for Wolfsburg.

His dead-ball mastery is a predominant source but the Switzerland international’s impact on open play should not be overlooked, averaging 1.9 created chances, 1.9 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per match this season.

The 23-year-old isn’t the quickest compared to some of the other names on this list but his technical quality certainly fits into the Guardiola philosophy – he’s almost the Bundesliga’s answer to Everton and England star Leighton Baines.

After four solid seasons at the Volkswagen Arena, the timing feels right for the 33-cap international to move on. Plenty of top European clubs are interested but under contract until 2019, Wolfsburg are in a strong position to command a hefty fee.

Rodriguez could realistically set the Citizens back around £30million.

ALESSANDRO FLORENZI

A similar mould to David Alaba, albeit on the opposite side of the pitch. Indeed, Alessandro Florenzi has featured as a central midfielder and a winger throughout his Roma career but produced arguably his best form since becoming their resident No.2 last season.

The Italy international’s technical quality is evident enough through his Puskas award nomination last year – even making it onto the three-man final shortlist – for his unforgettable long-range strike against Barcelona.

He also reads the game incredibly well going forward – almost like a midfield playmaker – but the 24-year-old’s industry, energy and tenacity equally stand out and is making him a real fan favourite at the Stadio Olympico. He even wore the captain’s armband against Real Madrid last night.

A number of major clubs are already looking at the versatile Italian, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona. But Rome-born and a product of the Giallorossi academy, many expect him to follow the paths of Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti by rejecting interest to become a one-club man.

SERGE AURIER

He may be one of the most unpopular players in Europe at the minute, having made derogatory remarks about Laurent Blanc and some of his PSG team mates on camera, but Serge Aurier was enjoying incredible form before the scandal broke last weekend.

Indeed, he’s averaged 3.9 tackles, 3.6 interceptions, 1 shot and 1.2 successful dribbles per match in Ligue 1 this term and produced similar statistics in the Champions League – where he’s also found one goal and one assist from just three outings.

Admittedly, the Ivory Coast international isn’t much of a technician compared to the other names on this list and therefore, probably the least suited to the Guardiola philosophy.

But he’s a phenomenal athlete, a smart and incredibly versatile defender, who has featured as a full-back, a wing-back – on both sides of the pitch – and a centre-half throughout his career.

Aurier represents a more balanced option that could take Guardiola’s fancy and the aforementioned scandal could well force PSG to sell in the summer. He’s currently suspended indefinitely.