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Mauricio Pochettino will be working tirelessly this summer to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around following their woeful Premier League campaign this term, finishing in the bottom half of the table.

The Blues have conceded 46 goals in 37 games thus far, and it is clear that the defence needs some improvement, despite the talents of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in their ranks.

Pochettino will surely stick with the duo next term; however, it could be a different story for Kalidou Koulibaly, who has failed to impress upon his £33m switch from Napoli last summer.

He has started just 20 league games for the club and kept only five clean sheets as part of the defence, as well as ranking 6th for tackles made per game and third for cautions.

He was even dubbed a “liability” by journalist Bruno Brown earlier this year, so could Pochettino ditch the Senegalese defender after only one season in London? Only time will tell.

With the Stamford Bridge outfit seemingly keen on making a move for Barcelona centre-back Jules Kounde, he could well find himself down the pecking order.

Could Chelsea sign Jules Kounde?

According to Diario Sport, Kounde is ready to leave the Spanish giants as he hasn’t been utilised in his preferred position by Xavi, and with this in mind, Chelsea could potentially make a move during the summer.

A fee of €75m (£65m) could be enough to tempt Barcelona to sell the Frenchman and Pochettino would certainly strengthen his defence by luring the player to England.

Across 27 La Liga matches, the 24-year-old received a Sofascore rating of 7.11/10 and he has showcased his passing ability by making 54.9 passes per game (89% success rate) while averaging 77.9 touches each match, indicating that he is extremely comfortable on the ball and likes to build attacks from the back.

The defender also ranks highly compared to other centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year when it comes to attempted passes (top 7%), progressive carries (top 2%) and progressive passes (top 2%) – further backing up his ability to work the ball out from the defence effectively, and Pochettino could use this to his advantage next season.

Former French World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf dubbed the Barcelona star as a “warrior” previously and heading into 2023/24, the Argentinian coach will be looking to build a team which is full of players hungry for glory and Kounde could be the perfect signing for the Blues.

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs who are interested in signing Leicester City playmaker, James Maddison, with the Englishman looking set for a summer exit from the King Power Stadium.

What's the latest on James Maddison's future?

According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils – as well as both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur – are said to be keen on signing the 26-year-old, with the report suggesting that it is now looking 'inevitable' that the former Norwich City man will move on at the end of the season.

The piece adds that the two-cap ace 'is set to be sold' even if the struggling Foxes are able to stave off relegation, with any potential suitor needing to cough up between £45m and £60m if they are to secure his services, with just over a year left to run on the player's current deal.

The Coventry-born gem does appear to have been a long-term target for those at Old Trafford, with Manchester Evening News reporting back in February 2020 that Maddison was the club's 'prime playmaker target' for that forthcoming summer, with the player himself said to have been keen to make the switch.

How would Maddison fit in at Man United?

While the highly-coveted talent is part of a Leicester side that has been desperately underwhelming this season – with a return to the second tier potentially on the cards for the Midlands side – the midfield maestro has still been something of a shining light, with nine goals and seven assists in 25 Premier League games so far this term.

That follows what was a standout 2021/22 campaign for the clinical "magician" – as hailed by Statman Dave – as he contributed 30 goals and assists in 53 games across all fronts, including 20 goal involvements in the top flight alone.

Although Maddison has done much of his damage off the flanks of late, the versatile asset could also slot into Erik ten Hag's side in a creative, midfield berth, ensuring he could represent a potential upgrade on experienced ace, Christian Eriksen.

There's no denying that the latter man has been an astute capture since his free transfer arrival last summer – having racked up two goals and nine assists in 38 appearances to date – although there may be concerns over the 31-year-old's ability to be a long-term solution in midfield, particularly amid his recent, difficult return from injury.

The Denmark international was notably replaced on the hour mark in the FA Cup semi-final clash with Brighton and Hove Albion after being restricted to just 26 touches on the day, while having also 'shook his head in frustration at his own performance' against Aston Villa on Sunday, according to MEN's Samuel Luckhurst.

As such, turning to Maddison could potentially represent something of a long-term, midfield upgrade, with the England international's dynamic quality showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 12% among his European peers for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons, while Eriksen, by contrast, ranks in just the top 35% and the bottom 19% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Equally, Maddison's innate creativity is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes received – further rubberstamping his forward-thinking and probing approach – while the current United man ranks in just the top 33% in that regard.

The Leicester sensation also potentially offers more in a defensive sense having averaged 1.6 tackles per game in the league this season, while Eriksen has averaged just 0.6 for that same metric, further proving what a potential upgrade Maddison could be for Ten Hag.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed Chelsea haven't quite finalised the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as they still have to agree on details such as the length of his contract.

What's the latest Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino news?

It's widely understood and has been reported that the Argentine is now the clear favourite to take over from Frank Lampard at the end of the season.

Indeed, despite past links to the likes of Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann since Graham Potter was sacked, it sounds as though the Blues have finally landed their man.

However, while talking on the latest episode of the Here We Go podcast, Romano did explain that it's not quite been formalised just yet.

Even so, it doesn't sound as though there is any reason for Chelsea fans to panic, with most of the key details relating to the project agreed upon.

The journalist explained: “The agreement is really close. Now it's also about the contract. So why the deal is not in place or completely not announced yet [is] because they are working on the final crucial points of the contract.

"So now it's about the details of the contract. Because the main points of the project, they already discussed that and everything is almost ready between Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea.

"Now it's about the contract – length of the contract, clauses, these kinds of things. So the discussion is ongoing. We wait, but all sources are very confident on this appointment."

What's been said about Pochettino joining Chelsea?

This news of a deal with the 51-year-old not quite being wrapped up just yet might concern some supporters who must be desperate to have some sense of clarity over the manager's position at their club – especially amid the turgid form since Lampard took over as interim.

But with the Englishman hired to guide the Blues for the rest of the season, there's no rush for either Pochettino or Chelsea with regard to the finer details of his contract.

And so, by the sounds of it, once a few more specifics have been ironed out, the club will be able to officially announce the Argentine – though that could take a little while yet.

Pundit Gary Neville certainly seems to think it's a good move. He told The Overlap (via The Chelsea Chronicle) “I think he is a really talented coach. I think Chelsea next year could really surprise us. Pochettino will bring the club together because he will; he’s likeable, and the players will respect him enormously,”

“I think he’ll do a very, very good job next season. He’ll cover a lot of the stuff that’s going on behind the scenes is my prediction. If they get him, I think you’ll have a very good season next year.

“Those players are perfect for Pochettino; they are talented and young, but they just need direction.”

Liverpool are one of a number of top clubs eyeing up a potential move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Wirtz a huge talent

The 19-year-old has emerged as arguably one of the most exciting young players in the Bundesliga in recent years, already becoming an important figure at Leverkusen.

Wirtz has made 91 appearances for his current club, despite his tenders years, with an impressive tally of 21 goals and 28 assists coming his way in the process, outlining his end product.

This season, the German has scored twice in the Europa League and assisted four times in the league, as his reputation continues to be enhanced all the time.

Wirtz’s performance appear to have caught the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs, which is where Liverpool come into play, as Jurgen Klopp eyes up significant midfield reinforcements this summer.

The Latest: Liverpool in the mix

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Romano claimed that the Reds are monitoring Wirtz’s current situation, even though Leverkusen are extremely hesitant to sell him at this point in his career:

“Florian Wirtz, attracting lot of interest as one of the best talents in the world – but Bayer Leverkusen remain convinced he will stay at least until 2024

“Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool keep following the situation — the race is 100% open.”

The Verdict: Could be a special signing

The thought of Wirtz in a Liverpool shirt is a mouthwatering one, considering his reputation as arguably one of the standout midfielders of his generation, perhaps alongside fellow Reds target Jude Bellingham.

Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has even compared the teenager to Lionel Messi, in terms of his use of the ball, which is about the highest compliment possible in football.

Predominantly an attacking midfield who can move wide at times, Wirtz already has four caps to his name for Germany and is someone who could added much-needed guile and youth in the middle of the park at Anfield.

Too often, Liverpool’s midfield can look one-dimensional, with no current central player scoring more than once in the Premier League this season, so he would add a spark in that area.

Whether or not he can be prized away from Leverkusen remains to be seen, though – his current deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2027 – but if the funds are there and a big offer can be tabled, the Reds would be acquiring the services of an exceptional talent.

Mark Goldbridge doesn’t want the Elliott Investment Group to be buying Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Competition is starting to emerge

It looked as though the two likely frontrunners to buy Man United were Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Qatari group led by Sheikh Jassim, but an American hedge fund group has recently surfaced and been put through to the second phase.

Elliott Investment Management is now directly competing with the other two groups and any other interested parties that aren’t yet in the media domain to buy the Red Devils.

However, it has been reported that they are willing to do the takeover in a different way to the other two groups, as they’re willing to offer equity investment or help to rebuild and develop Old Trafford.

The Latest: Elliott Investment is not what Man United need

While speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, Goldbridge has labelled this latest interest from the Elliott Group as a ‘nightmare situation’ for Man United fans.

He said: “It’s almost a case of the good, the bad and the ugly, here – and I’m not talking about the Glazers. I’m talking about the situation that we’re in. The Elliott Group really do concern me.

“[Journalist] Simon Stone has mentioned that they don’t want to buy Manchester United; what they’re looking for is equity investment or help to rebuild the stadium. Both of these situations are investments. We’ll talk about what that investment is, but for me, it’s a nightmare situation for Manchester United.”

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The Verdict: Could be deja vu all over again

The fact that the Elliott Group is looking to buy the club via equity investment should set alarm bells ringing for Man United fans, as that is essentially what the Glazers have been doing for the past 17 years.

Therefore, they should be pushing against this and making their voices heard about how this and any other potential hedge fund groups should not be allowed to run the Red Devils, and that it must be a straight takeover bid.

That’s exactly what the Qatari bid would offer the Glazers and Man United, as Sheikh Jassim only wants 100% control of the club and is thought to be willing to walk away from any potential deal if it can’t be done on their terms.

Stats highlights from Adam Gilchrist’s international career

S Rajesh26-Jan-2008
Adam Gilchrist: Nearly 15,000 international runs and more than 850 dismissals behind the stumps © Getty Images
Records never meant a whole lot to Adam Gilchrist, which makes it even more incredible that he achieved the kind of numbers he did through his 11-year international career. Nearly 15,000 runs in international cricket, plus 868 victims behind the stumps are impressive returns for a player who will go down as one of the greatest entertainers the game has ever seen.His ODI record was impressive, but it was as a No. 7 batsman in Tests that he really worked his magic. He averages marginally less than 48, and it was only in the last two years that the average dipped below 50. As a wicketkeeper-batsman he had few peers – the only one to score more than 2500 runs and finish with a 50-plus average was Andy Flower of Zimbabwe. None of them, though, got anywhere close to Gilchrist’s remarkable strike rate of nearly 82 runs per 100 balls. In fact, his strike rate is the highest among all batsmen with at least 2000 Test runs.

Best wicketkeeper-batsmen in Tests (at least 2500 runs; only in games in which they’ve kept wicket)

Batsman Tests Runs Average Strike rate 100s/ 50s

Andy Flower 55 4404 53.70 44.78 12/ 23 Adam Gilchrist 96 5556 47.89 81.97 17/ 26 Kumar Sangakkara 47 3093 41.24 52.01 7/ 11 Alec Stewart 82 4540 34.92 49.69 6/ 23 Alan Knott 95 4389 32.75 44.43 5/ 30In one-dayers he took it a notch higher, scoring at almost a run a ball at a healthy average of 36. Among wicketkeeper-batsmen with at least 2500 runs, only two have a higher average.

Best wicketkeeper-batsmen in ODIs (at least 2500 runs; only in games in which they’ve kept wicket)

Batsman ODIs Runs Average Strike rate 100s/ 50s

Mahendra Singh Dhoni 96 2838 43.66 94.72 3/ 17 Kumar Sangakkara 164 5124 37.95 75.96 4/ 39 Adam Gilchrist 272 9088 35.77 96.89 15/ 51 Andy Flower 186 5845 34.58 73.71 4/ 46 Alec Stewart 138 4017 33.47 70.06 4/ 26Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi has been slightly more explosive in ODIs, but he has only managed an average of 23.48. Gilchrist, on the other hand, married quick scoring with a fair degree of consistency as well.

Best strike rates in ODIs (at least 4000 runs)

Batsman ODIs Runs Strike rate

Shahid Afridi 251 5284 110.38 Adam Gilchrist 277 36.03 96.90 Virender Sehwag 178 5231 96.88 Andrew Symonds 180 4671 93.43 Sanath Jayasuriya 403 12,207 90.40 Viv Richards 187 6721 90.20 That he relished the big stage is obvious from his performances in the three World Cup finals he played in, in 1999, 2003 and 2007. He scored half-centuries in the first two, but the last was easily the most memorable, as Gilchrist slammed 149 off a mere 104 balls in a knock of stunning audacity. Gilchrist is one of only three batsmen to aggregate more than 150 runs in World Cup finals, and his average (86.67) and strike rate (138.29) indicate just how much he enjoys the big occasion.The stand-out feature of Gilchrist’s batting has always been his ability to score quickly, and find the boundaries with ease. His 57-ball century against England in Perth in 2006 remains the second-fastest Test hundred, and of the 43 fifty-plus scores he made in Tests, 20 came at a strike rate of more than 90, while only seven were at a rate of less than 70.Gilchrist remains the only batsman to hit 100 sixes in Tests – he achieved the feat when he clouted Muttiah Muralitharan for his 99th and 100th hits over the boundary in Hobart last year. (Click here for more on Gilchrist’s six-hitting ability, and here for a list of highest six-hitters in Tests.)His skills in front of the stumps was only one aspect of Gilchrist’s contribution to the team: he was immense behind the stumps as well. His 414 dismissals in Tests and 454 in ODIs are both records. Of the nine instances when wicketkeepers have pouched six dismissals in a single ODI innings, Gilchrist accounts for five of those. Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee have benefited the most from Gilchrist’s presence behind the stumps: c Gilchrist b McGrath has happened 90 times in Tests, which is second only to the 95 instances when batsmen were caught by Rodney Marsh off Dennis Lillee.The other outstanding aspect about his career was his ability to be ready for battle every time he was needed by Australia. Since his Test debut in 1999, Gilchrist played every single Test for Australia. His 96 games in a row is the fourth-highest in the all-time list, and easily the highest by a wicketkeeper.

The Barbados Test demonstrated the lesson that some Test match victories cannot be obtained without first risking defeat

Daniel Brettig at Kensington Oval12-Apr-2012In the Kensington Oval gloaming, familiar to all who had been here for the unhappy conclusion to the 2007 World Cup final, Australia’s cricketers gave themselves a far more edifying memory of victory in Barbados. In doing so they also gave the world a stirring reminder of Test cricket’s capacity for the wondrous. The heroes in the dying light were Michael Hussey, Matthew Wade, Ryan Harris and Ben Hilfenhaus, all scrounging out priceless runs as the target of 192 was reached in 47 overs. The theoretical final hour had not yet begun, but given the retreat of the sun behind the Greenidge and Haynes Stand, there would scarcely have been time for another six balls.The man who deserved as much credit for the result, and the way it was so enterprisingly pursued, was the captain Michael Clarke. It was he who on the third evening refused to concede a win was beyond his team’s grasp even as they limped to 248 for five, still well short of the hosts’ studiously compiled first innings. And it was Clarke who declared behind shortly before tea on day four, after his tail had responded grandly to the goal of scraping to within 50 runs of the West Indies total. At tea on the final day, after an inert afternoon session, Clarke briefed his men on how the target would be chased. Given what followed, his words cannot have been a million miles from those famously exchanged between Don Bradman and Richie Benaud at the final break in the 1960 tied Test in Brisbane.The visitors chased the game boldly, even ravenously, on resumption. Shane Watson hammered boundaries and a six, Ricky Ponting reverse swept, and even the obdurate Ed Cowan roused himself from two hours of afternoon torpor to pull his first delivery in the evening session to the square leg fence. Hussey’s innings in particular was a masterpiece in miniature, resembling his contribution to a similarly adventurous Ashes win over England at Adelaide Oval in 2006, or his blazing innings to win a World Twenty20 semi-final over Pakistan in St Lucia in 2010. His play told of a desire, and a belief, that outstrips most Test match opponents. Arguably, nowhere in the world is the yearning to perform for one’s country stronger than Australia, even as Twenty20’s marketeers chase its best players with evermore corporate cash.It also demonstrated the lesson that some Test match victories cannot be obtained without first risking defeat. Courage is required to act on that realisation. More than ten years and the entire span of Allan Border’s captaincy passed before the modern Australia team learned that properly. In Bridgetown, Michael Clarke’s team showed Darren Sammy’s West Indies the rich rewards that can be obtained by taking that very risk.Sammy and the coach Ottis Gibson are in a similar place to that occupied by Border and Bob Simpson in the mid-1980s. They are trying to reinvigorate and educate a team that has seemingly become all too de-sensitised to defeat, and have introduced young players with the hope of steeling them for future battles. Basic lessons are being learned, though global Twenty20 competitions are stripping the team of capable players just as the South African rebel tours hamstrung Border.But pragmatism outstripped their opportunism by such a wide margin on the final day, characterised by defensive fields and flagrant time wasting. There was an apparent reluctance to believe, even when Narsingh Deonarine’s burst of four wickets had given them a window to Australia’s tail, that the hosts could win it themselves. They fiddled over field settings designed largely to contain, dithered over drinks and complained repeatedly about the footmarks, though the umpires Tony Hill and Ian Gould had the good sense not to indulge their delaying tactics, nor to spend too much time pondering over the light as the result crept near. Gibson’s plan for this team is clear, but it will be a welcome day when Sammy has the confidence in his players to lead them with more flair than forbearance over five days.Test cricket, of course, needs days like this: when the IPL fades into triviality and the competing football codes into routine. Crowds and television viewers cannot fail to watch matches this compelling, with a backdrop like Barbados offering all the comforts of warmth, sun and no little history. By chasing victory so admirably, Australia chased a wider audience for their game, and a richer place for themselves in the story of its continued survival.As Harris and Hilfenhaus scampered the winning run, the Australian balcony rose to cheer them, and the players embraced in a spontaneous moment of relief and jubilation. They have beaten better sides under Clarke, and won other games in difficult circumstances. This, though, was a performance in which a growing sense of belief was given the chance to burgeon further and become sustained, so that few of Clarke’s XI will fear defeat the next time they set out in search of victory. They have come a long way since Clarke became captain, and there is still plenty to improve upon – seven catches went down to provide a salient reminder. But the confidence of the team is now at a level where the nations above them can start to be worried. The word unshakeable comes to mind.

علق محمد أحمد عضو مجلس إدارة نادي الاتحاد السكندري، على هزيمة الفريق التي تعرض لها اليوم أمام الزمالك، بالمباراة التي أقيمت بينهما ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وخسر الاتحاد السكندري بهدفين دون رد أمام الزمالك، على استاد القاهرة الدولي، في إطار مواجهات الجولة السابعة لمسابقة الدوري الممتاز.

وقال محمد أحمد في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “أشيد بكل اللاعبين والمدير الفني، قدموا مباراة كبيرة في الشوط الأول، كان ممكن نخرج فائزين بهدف أو اثنين، لكن طرد عبد الغني محمد أثر على النتيجة”.

طالع أيضاً.. جروس: هناك أمور تحتاج للتطوير في الزمالك.. وأثق فيما قاله لي الجزيري

وتابع: “لا يوجد كلام أقوله عن التحكيم، أصبحنا في مأساة وكم المعاناة الكبيرة من التحكيم، كل فرق الدوري تتحدث في نفس الموضوع، الذي انتهينا به الموسم الماضي بدأنا به الموسم الحالي، لا يوجد جديد، نسير في التحكيم من سيء لأسوأ”.

وأضاف: “دوري هذا الموسم استثنائيًا، نحن ناد جماهيري وإسكندرية كلها خلف الاتحاد، عندما يُقال إن لاعبنا لا يستحق الطرد، ما الاستفادة؟، الأمر أصبح صعبًا جدًا، يجب أن يكون هناك قرار”.

وأتم: “من المؤكد أن نادي الاتحاد سيتقدم بشكوى إلى اتحاد الكرة، الموضوع لن يمر بهذا الشكل، تعب موسم كامل يضيع، يجب أن يكون هناك حل سواء من هاني أبو ريدة أو رابطة الأندية، نحن أندية جماهيرية، يكفي الضغط الذي نعاني منه، سواء من الجماهير أو من الموارد، أعتقد النادي سيكون له موقف، يجب أن يقف هذا الأمر عند حده”.

Manchester United have submitted an offer for a former Premier League striker, who has release clause of £44m, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on Gyokeres alternatives

Fabrizio Romano has now made it clear that Viktor Gyokeres is “only” thinking about signing for Arsenal this summer, with the Swedish striker refusing to turn up for Sporting CP training, meaning Man United will likely have to move on to alternative targets.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is among them, with Rio Ferdinand recently insisting securing the Nigerian’s signature would soften the blow of missing out on Gyokeres, saying: “He’s a centre-forward, he’s experienced, he knows how to score goals at the top level. I’ve seen today that Galatasaray have put a £50m bid in.

“I mean, £50m to get a top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolute peanuts in today’s market. I’ll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a No. 9.

“I’ll be disappointed to miss out on Gyokeres if we don’t get a No.9 in. But if we got Osimhen, then I wouldn’t be too concerned.”

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness) United are also battling Galatasaray for the signature of a different striker, namely Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, with both clubs making contact over a potential deal.

In fact, it is claimed the Red Devils have even gone as far as submitting a bid, although it is unclear whether they are willing to match the €52m (£44m) release clause in the striker’s Fiorentina contract.

Serie A winners Napoli are also in the race for the centre-forward, who is in two minds about his future, with the next six days said to be ‘key’.

Man Utd set to make £34m bid for "immense" star who Amorim thinks is ideal

The Red Devils plan to make a proposal to sign a defender, with Ruben Amorim believed to be a keen admirer.

ByDominic Lund Jul 9, 2025 "King of kings" Kean has earned big move

The former Everton man’s previous stint in the Premier League didn’t go exactly to plan, scoring just two goals in the competition for the Toffees, but the Italian has really kicked on since returning to his home country.

Last season was the Fiorentina star’s most impressive campaign to date, scoring 25 goals in all competitions as his side finished sixth in the Serie A and reached the semi-final of the Europa Conference League.

Competition 24/25

Appearances

Goals

Serie A

32

19

Conference League

9

3

Italian Cup

1

1

UECL qualifiers

2

2

Football writer Mina Rzouki was also left impressed by the Italy international’s displays, describing him as a “king of kings” after bagging a brace in a 3-0 victory over Inter Milan back in February.

That said, it would be a big gamble for Man United to sign Kean, given that the forward struggled during his previous spell in England, so it may be wise to turn their attentions to Osimhen, who bagged 37 goals in all competitions last term.

Sheffield Wednesday will hope they can round off a promising run of results before Christmas with another win against Cardiff City, Danny Rohl's men potentially making it four wins from five if victory is secured against the Bluebirds.

If another three points was the outcome at Hillsborough come full-time, belief will be sky high in South Yorkshire that the Owls can get out of the relegation mire in the Championship once and for all after a dismal start to the season under former boss Xisco Munoz.

Regardless of his team turning around their fortunes recently, the German boss occupying the Wednesday dug-out could make some changes for this weekend's match versus Cardiff.

Rohl could make two changes for the clash tomorrow, freshening his side up for the task of overcoming Erol Bulut's visitors from Wales…

1 GK – Cameron Dawson

Despite transfer rumours circulating that Wednesday are in the market for a new goalkeeper this January, Cameron Dawson should retain his spot in goal for the game tomorrow.

Sheffield Wednesday must seal move for “immense” talent to improve Famewo

Sheffield Wednesday could go in for this top talent in January to boost the defence at Hillsborough.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 22, 2023

The Sheffield-born shot-stopper was unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet last time out against QPR, Bambo Diaby heading past his own keeper to rid the 28-year-old of a rare clean sheet.

2 RB – Pol Valentin

Signed in the summer from Sporting Gijón, Pol Valentin could be retained by Rohl for this weekend's matchup with Cardiff also.

The Spanish defender did struggle in the contest against QPR, but gave a far more valiant effort than Liam Palmer who came on in his place late on – Valentin winning four ground duels in the game before being substituted off, Palmer only completing two accurate passes, per Sofascore.

3 CB – Michael Ihiewke

The former Rotherham United defender entering the side would be the first change made by Rohl, £15k-per-week – as per Capology – Michael Ihiewke coming in for Bambo Diaby potentially.

Diaby had a torrid afternoon versus QPR minus scoring an own-goal, the 6 foot 2 centre-back hauled off at half-time consequently. Rohl has also revealed that Diaby's fitness is touch and go for the game tomorrow at Hillsborough with the ex-Barnsley man back in training, meaning Ihiewke could be in line for a start.

Described as "absolutely solid" by Wednesday fan and host of the Wednesday Till I Die podcast James Mappin when speaking to Football League World last season, the Owls will hope Ihiekwe's presence can see a clean sheet secured come full-time.

4 CB – Di'Shon Bernard

Partnering Ihiewke in the heart of defence will most likely be Di'Shon Bernard, even in spite of the former Manchester United man equally having an off-day against the Hoops.

Failing to register a single tackle in that 2-1 win, Bernard will hope he can be more authoritative against Cardiff to keep the Bluebirds at bay going forward.

5 LB – Akin Famewo

Akin Famewo is arguably the only defender who can hold his head up high after his efforts against QPR, leaving the field of play having won ten ground duels in total.

Rohl will start the former Norwich City man against Cardiff subsequently, wanting even more energy and aggression from his reliable full-back.

6 RM – Anthony Musaba

Anthony Musaba will retain his spot down the right-hand side for tomorrow's match after a sterling display against QPR, playing the role of hero on the day with a late strike to win the game.

He was also lively away from this heroic strike, Musaba successful with four dribble attempts in the tight contest and further won six ground duels as a thorn in the QPR side all afternoon.

7 CM – Will Vaulks

Will Vaulks was also crucial in the middle of the park for the Owls last match, winning 100% of his ground duels as the more forceful central midfielder partnered alongside creative spark Barry Bannan.

Rohl will want Vaulks to be equally as stern and combative against the Bluebirds, nullifying Bulut's men advancing forward.

8 CM – Barry Bannan

Barry Bannan is a shoo-in for a start at Hillsborough tomorrow, still wearing the captain's armband for the Owls and performing admirably for a player reaching the twilight of his career at 34 years of age.

The Scotsman does only have one goal next to his name for the season, but was still involved in notable passages of play in the recent narrow win – registering three key passes from midfield.

9 LM – Marvin Johnson

Frozen out by previous manager Xisco Munoz, Marvin Johnson's role in the side has taken on a new importance under Rohl after being reintroduced into the first team fold – scoring versus Blackburn Rovers recently in a 3-1 success.

Inaccurate with all nine of his crosses at Hillsborough last time out, Johnson will hope he can get back to his slaloming best down the wing against Cardiff to help his team pick up their fifth win of the season.

10 ST – Ashley Fletcher

It could well be last chance saloon for Ashley Fletcher if Rohl starts the ex-Middlesbrough man up top in this one, drafted in to potentially replace Callum Paterson who exited the field of play with an injury last time out.

Fletcher is also helped by the fact Michael Smith is still not at full sharpness, eager to make the most of a rare start if selected.

Still goalless in Wednesday blue and white after joining on loan from Watford, Fletcher will hope he can break his Owls duck against Cardiff if chosen to start.