Birmingham City have revealed new images of their planned 62,000-seater stadium but the designs have been brutally mocked by rival fans. The Championship side unveiled their proposal during a launch event on Thursday and despite the Blues being very excited about this initiative, social media has shown no mercy in mocking them from pillar to post.

Birmingham unveil new stadium plan

Ever since Knighthead took over Birmingham in 2023, the club has tried to flex its muscles, both with transfers and its lofty goals. And that was plain to see on Thursday with their potential ground in Bordesley Green in East Birmingham, which, they hope, could seat 62,000 fans. The images of the proposed design were released at Digbeth Loc Film Studios in Birmingham, coinciding with the Blues' 150th anniversary celebrations.

Chairman and co-owner Tom Wagner said the club "could not be more excited" over these plans, which are to be developed by Heatherwick Studio and MANICA Architecture.

He told the club's website: "This is a huge milestone for Birmingham City Football Club, creating a home for the club that reflects our ambition to compete at the highest level. More than that, the iconic design is a statement of intent for the City of Birmingham and the West Midlands, testament to a region that is on the rise. The stadium draws upon the proud heritage of the West Midlands – a heritage of industry, ingenuity and growth. I believe those same qualities can create a new era of success on and off the field and prosperity for local communities that have been starved of opportunities for too long."

AdvertisementThe reaction on social media

Naturally, many fans of rival club, Aston Villa, poked fun at these designs on social media.

@HarryUTV_ wrote on X: "It looks like an upside down table built in Minecraft lads."

@PhilKeenan11 tweeted: "The fact you’ve given it large for months about us being obsessed and you’ve gone and designed that agahahahahaha."

@danielhavfc mused: "It looks like Willy Wonka designed a power plant."

@MisterMashingto commented: "Oh my days. It's a bouncy castle haha!"

And @VillaWaffle added: "When you let a group of nursery kids design your stadium. That’s absolutely honking."

Getty Images SportBellingham in Birmingham launch video

When this became public, academy product Jude Bellingham, along with minority owner Tom Brady, were part of the launch. The American icon added that NFL games would also take place at this ground – dubbed the 'Birmingham City Powerhouse – in the future.

Incidentally, Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, said: "Too often, stadiums feel like spaceships that could have landed anywhere, sterilising the surrounding area. This stadium grows from Birmingham itself – from its brickworks, its thousand trades, and the craft at its core. It's also a wholehearted place for the community. The stadium will truly come alive where it meets the ground; a place for play, gathering, and everyday life. The goal is to capture the spirit of the city and give it back to Birmingham."

And David Manica, president and owner of MANICA Architecture, added: "Birmingham is a resilient and passionate community, so the design of this new stadium needed to embody the grit and passion of its people. The Powerhouse’s design is both intentional and meticulous, paying homage to a passionate fanbase while laying the foundation for the Bluenoses of tomorrow."

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What comes next for Birmingham?

Birmingham added that Knighthead have commenced a period of engagement and consultation with locals, fans, political representatives, and planning officers before submitting a planning application next year. The goal is to open the stadium for the 2030/31 season. 

On the club's website, they boldly state: "The new stadium will anchor the Birmingham Sports Quarter in East Birmingham, a once in a generation opportunity to catalyse growth and transform the lives and livelihoods of people across East Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. The Sports Quarter will provide transformative investment into the area, driving new economic growth in East Birmingham and across the region. It will include a mix of new facilities – from leisure and entertainment to retail and wellbeing – as well as dedicated spaces for the community. It will also bring better transport links, new housing and jobs at every level."

Mandhana, Rawal and Deol’s fifties helped India post 281 for 7 but it wasn’t enough

Sruthi Ravindranath14-Sep-2025

Phoebe Litchfield played plenty of sweeps and reverse sweeps in her innings•Getty Images

Fifties from Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland helped Australia clinch the first ODI against India in New Chandigarh.India were left to rue several spilled chances – including one of Litchfield on zero – as they could not defend 281. After India opted to bat, they too had three players – Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol – score half-centuries, but Australia’s overall performance, specifically Litchfield’s masterclass against spin, helped them ease past the hosts by eight wickets.With India fielding four spinners and one seamer, they opened the bowling with Kranti Goud and Sneh Rana. Rana created a chance in the second over, getting Litchfield to flick a floaty delivery towards short midwicket where Jemimah Rodrigues put down the chance. Captain Alyssa Healy and Litchfield then settled in, hitting a flurry of boundaries in the third and fourth overs.Healy seemed to carry on from where she left off from the series against India A – she made scores of 91 and 137* in the one-dayers ahead of this series – as she punished width and half-volleys from Goud in the seventh over. But Goud hit back instantly, having her drag one on to her stumps with a delivery that seamed back in.Beth Mooney maintained Australia’s momentum with an unbeaten 77•Getty Images

Litchfield soon made India regret the dropped chance as she targeted all areas of the ground. She was particularly adept against spinners, bringing out the sweep, reverse sweep and switch hit. Those shots brought her five boundaries.Ellyse Perry soon joined in on the fun, punishing full tosses from Sree Charani and Radha Yadav for a boundary and a six, respectively. With the pitch offering little for spinners, the duo kept the runs flowing, scoring well over the required run rate. Litchfield brought up her half-century off 44 balls, sweeping Deepti Sharma to the backward-square-leg boundary.Soon after, India put down two more chances. Rawal dropped Perry at deep midwicket in the 17th over and Harmanpreet spilled a simple chance of Litchfield at covers. And Perry and Litchfield continued to pile on the misery.However, Perry retired hurt for 30 at the end of the 20th over, seemingly having trouble with her left calf after previously calling for assistance twice during her innings. Mooney then joined Litchfield at the crease and kept the tempo going. In the end, it was the reverse sweep that brought Litchfield’s wicket as Arundhati Reddy managed to hang on to a catch running in from short third. But by then Australia were firmly on course.Sutherland took her time to settle in but broke the shackles with a drive to the backward-point boundary. Sree Charani bowled a slew of full tosses throughout her spell, one of which was whacked over midwicket by Mooney to bring up her 19th ODI fifty. With less than 50 runs required, India dropped another catch – their fourth of the day – as Deepti spilled an easy one of Mooney at extra cover. Sutherland soon brought up a fifty of her own, off 47 balls in the 43rd over, and also scored the winning runs two overs later.Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal added 114 for the first wicket•Getty Images

Earlier, India’s openers Mandhana and Rawal got off to a solid start, with Mandhana making her intent clear from the beginning, bringing out her trademark cover drive to score boundaries and charging down to Kim Garth for a big hit.Australia put the pressure on Rawal early on, having three catchers in the cordon and just one fielder in the deep. But she managed to pick up boundaries through the gaps, one of which was an edge that went past Beth Mooney at gully.Mandhana and Rawal brought up their fifth century stand, equalling the Indian record. They also put up the highest opening stand for India against Australia, going past 103 by Sandhya Agarwal and Gargi Banerjee in 1984.The stand, however, came to an end in the 22nd over due to a mix-up. Mandhana set off for a single to extra cover with Rawal ball-watching, as Litchfield made a diving stop and nailed a direct hit at the striker’s end. A livid Mandhana walked back for a 63-ball 58.Rawal became more watchful after that as India’s run rate dropped below five. She further slowed down with the introduction of Alana King in the 27th over and even played out a maiden. She looked to break the shackles with a slog sweep off King, only to be caught by Perry at deep midwicket.Harleen Deol changed gears during her half-century•Getty Images

As Australia kept building the pressure, a boundary from Deol after 40 deliveries was met with loud cheers across the ground. Harmanpreet Kaur, too, showed intent as soon as she came on, hammering a six over deep-backward square leg. But she was trapped lbw by Annabel Sutherland in the same over. Even a review couldn’t save her.Deol gave India the much-needed impetus, putting the pressure back on the Australia spinners, hitting four boundaries and two sixes on her way to a run-a-ball fifty. But she was stumped off Megan Schutt soon after that, with Healy standing up.In a chaotic 43rd over bowled by Tahlia McGrath, Richa Ghosh was saved by a no-ball after being caught at deep-backward square leg. The free-hit – a no-ball again – was launched straight down the ground. The next free hit was lofted over long-off. McGrath, however, found some respite by the end of the over by dismissing Rodrigues for 18.Despite Schutt removing Ghosh for 25 off 20, thanks to a superb catch by Ash Gardner at deep midwicket, cameos from Deepti and Radha took India to 281. But it did not prove to be enough.

Axar Patel could be a doubt for India’s Super Four match against Pakistan on Sunday after hurting his head while fielding during the Group A fixture against Oman in Abu Dhabi.Running around from mid-off to intercept a skier from Hammad Mirza in the 15th over of Oman’s chase, Axar juggled the chance and put it down, losing his balance in the process and hitting his head against the turf. He was seen clutching his head and the side of his neck while being ushered off the field by the physio. He did not return to the field for the remainder of Oman’s chase.Axar only bowled one over in the innings, conceding four runs, with India employing eight bowlers on their way to a 21-run win.Related

• India, Pakistan will look to put off-field issues aside in Super Fours clash

While T Dilip, India’s fielding coach, suggested at his post-match press conference that Axar was “fine”, the short turnaround between matches could prove a challenge. India have less than 48 hours to take the field for the match against Pakistan in Dubai.Axar was among the many India middle-order batters who had a decent hit against Oman. Coming in at No. 5, he struck a 13-ball 26, dominating a quickfire 45-run stand for the fourth wicket with Sanju Samson, who top-scored with 56 in India’s 188 for 8.If Axar is ruled out of the Pakistan game, India may not be able to revert to the three-spinner combination they have used in all their Dubai matches so far, unless they fly in a reinforcement. Varun Chakravarthy, who was rested for the Oman match with India playing an extra seamer, and Kuldeep Yadav are the two specialist spinners in the squad.The two other like-for-like options India can summon if required are Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar, who are both part of their reserves’ list.

MLB has turned the page on a memorable trade deadline that ramped up exponentially in activity over its final 24 hours. It featured extreme buying, such as the Padres’ dizzying, prospect-exporting pursuit of championship upgrades, and selling, thanks to the Twins’ stunning teardown. And somewhere in between, multiple clubs managed to make needle-moving trades as they geared up for the stretch run in the dog days of summer.

Which club made the most impactful splash among the pool of contenders? Did Padres president of baseball operations—and mad scientist—A.J. Preller provide the team with enough tools to overtake the defending-champion Dodgers in the National League West? And could postseason hero Carlos Correa be the x-factor that lifts the Astros to another World Series this fall? We’ll answer these questions and more in another edition of Fact or Fiction. 

Jhoan Durán trade was the biggest deadline needle mover 

Verdict: Fact

There were plenty of major upgrades at the trade deadline. Eugenio Suárez’s reunion with the Mariners gives the club some much-needed third base production and some added protection behind American League MVP candidate Cal Raleigh. Correa’s return to Houston, while eliciting waves of nostalgia for the team’s fanbase, also makes a ton of sense for the Astros in the wake of Isaac Paredes’s potentially season-ending hamstring injury. The Blue Jays acquired a potential October ace when they dealt for 2020 Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber. But the most impactful upgrade? That was Philadelphia’s blockbuster deal for flamethrowing closer Durán.

Durán is . The man ranks in the 100th percentile in average fastball velocity and once tested the limits of radar guns with a 104.8 mph heater back in 2023. Heck, he’s already set the Phillies franchise record for the fastest pitch in the pitch tracking era. And all that heat, coupled with a wicked, upper-90s splinker, has been hard for hitters to square up. Durán owns a sparkling 31% whiff rate, and when hitters aren’t swinging and missing, they’re usually depositing the ball directly into the dirt for harmless ground balls.

Add it up, and it’s the perfect recipe for a stress-free ninth inning, which is music to the Phillies’ ears. Manager Rob Thomson has tried three different relievers in the ninth—Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm—and none have had the juice necessary to be a playoff closer, combining to blow 11 saves. But Durán? His 1.93 ERA, 18 saves and just two blown saves in 2025 need no introduction.

Durán have an electric introduction, though, and it’s already made its way to Citizens Bank Park. If the October-bound Phillies can get the ball to Durán with a lead in the ninth at their home field—where they have the best playoff winning percentage in baseball history—it would be hard to bet against them. For a Phillies club wounded by blown leads from October’s past, Durán might just be the glorious salve.

The Twins gave up on their core too soon 

Verdict: Fiction

For a Twins fan base that hasn’t tasted a World Series win in 34 years and hasn’t witnessed the club advance past the division series in 23 years, the trade deadline had to be jarring. Like a soon-to-be-bankrupt store with half-off everything signs plastered out front, the Twins weren’t just open for business, they were welcoming it with outstretched arms. No fewer than 11 players headed out the door via trades. After the dust settled, Minnesota’s lineup looked far different, and its bullpen was almost completely unrecognizable.

For the fans who were hoping the Twins might cautiously buy, or, in the imagined worst case scenario, straddle the line between buying and selling, there’s little to be said in the way of moral support. The unfortunate reality is this shocking fire sale was a reminder that baseball—and professional sports at large—is a business. The Pohlad family, which has owned the Twins since 1984, announced last October it would “explore a sale” of the franchise. Did such a monumental decision factor into the payroll-slashing trade frenzy that ensued last week? There’s no way to definitively say, but it’d be naive to think it wasn’t at least part of the conversation.

However, maybe, just maybe, this was the perfect storm for the Twins. Consider the club’s recent history. After missing the playoffs for six straight seasons from 2011 to ‘16, Minnesota made the postseason three times in the first four years of Derek Falvey’s tenure as the head of the front office. After winning the AL Central in ‘23, the Twins’ owners slashed payroll from $160 million to $130 million, a puzzling decision that led to predictable results.

Minnesota stumbled to an 82–80 record and missed the postseason last year, then added just three free agents as they continued to operate under a tighter budget. Is it any wonder, then, that the team was six games under .500 heading into this year’s deadline?

At some point, the Twins had to be awoken from this stupor of mediocrity. And while almost nobody wanted the awakening to emerge from a potential sale of the team—which comes with plenty of question marks—perhaps it will end up being a blessing in disguise. The Twins already had MLB Pipeline’s 10th-ranked farm system heading into 2025. After the trade deadline, the Twins’ farm now boasts six top-100 prospects, and some semblance of hope for the future in the face of uncertainty. The fire sale was devastating. But like a phoenix, maybe the new-age Twins will emerge from the ashes. 

The Mariners are serious threats to make the World Series

Verdict: Fact

Of the trade deadline winners, the Mariners might just have been the biggest. Within striking distance of the AL West-leading Astros, Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto eschewed the cautious approaches of deadlines past and swung for the fences, acquiring the two best bats available—Suarez and first baseman Josh Naylor—without surrendering a top-10 prospect.

But he didn’t stop there. Dipoto added lefty reliever Caleb Ferguson, who excels at limiting hard contact, to a bullpen that had just one southpaw (Gabe Speier) in it. The Mariners lineup, already relatively balanced around AL MVP candidate Cal Raleigh, now looks like a murderer’s row with Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena finding their strides. Seattle’s rotation, which suffered injuries to George Kirby, Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller earlier this season, is nearly whole. And the bullpen, headlined by All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz, ranks eighth in MLB in ERA.

Seattle has made the postseason just once since 2001 and has never appeared in the World Series. In a year where seemingly every contender is somewhat flawed, the Mariners have as good a chance as any team to capture a championship. To borrow from a certain quarterback who won a Super Bowl in Seattle, the Mariners need to ask themselves the question, “Why not us?” 

The Padres could overtake the Dodgers in the NL West

Verdict: Fact

In the class of buyers, no one was busier at the trade deadline than San Diego. The Padres shipped out eight of their top-30 prospects en route to adding high-octane relief pitcher Mason Miller, productive bats Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano, and catcher Freddy Fermin.

As they say, scared money don’t make money, and the fearless Preller made a flurry of trades with one clear objective in mind. “If you’re going to win a championship, you can’t have any weak links,” Preller told reporters after the deadline. And it’s clear that the Padres have fewer of those now than they did before July 31.

Left field had been a revolving door of lackluster productivity at the plate for San Diego this season. Enter Laureano and his .887 OPS. The Padres ranked second-to-last in baseball in designated hitter WAR. Enter O’Hearn, a 2025 All-Star who has racked up 2.6 WAR and an .822 OPS in 98 games this season. The Padres also upgraded at the catcher position with the addition of Fermin, a solid pitch framer with a capable throwing arm. 

Preller may have gotten greedy by paying a steep price to add Miller to what was already the league’s best bullpen, but that only further reinforces this next point. San Diego, currently holding the third wild-card spot and just three games back of the first-place Dodgers, is now a legitimate World Series contender. And one possible path there—winning the division—was once out of the question but is now a real possibility.

Just a month ago, the Padres were eight games back of the Dodgers and perhaps mentally preparing to play a wild-card series come October. Since that point, Los Angeles’s bats, especially former AL MVP Mookie Betts, have gone cold while its bullpen has been riddled by injuries. But these are still the defending champions with a starting pitching staff that’s nearly at full strength again. The Dodgers won’t go down quietly in the fight for the division.

The Padres, who have lost five of seven games against the Dodgers so far this year, will play two more regular season series against their bitter rivals, with all six games coming this month. Whoever fares better in those matchups could have the upper hand in the race for the division crown. And, after a busy deadline, these Padres pack more of a punch now. 

Carlos Correa can still be a difference maker for the Astros

Verdict: Fact

The Astros’ stunning acquisition of Correa was a reunion between two parties who once made great music together, a beautiful mix of idealism and realism. Houston is where it all began for Correa, the first overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft. And Houston is where Correa helped bring glory to a franchise that missed the playoffs every year from ‘06 to ‘14.

Correa was a part of five consecutive American League Championship Series appearances, three World Series berths and one championship. He not only became one of the faces of a dynastic-like era of Astros baseball, but he also time and time again played the hero for Houston in the postseason. So, for Astros fans, seeing Correa back in Houston threads brings back warm and fuzzy feelings. But why couldn’t it do more than just provide a healthy dose of nostalgia?

Correa, 30, has scuffled to a .704 OPS in 97 games and has rated as a slightly below average as a fielder at shortstop. After the trade to Houston, Correa spoke about how he’s been pondering a move from shortstop, where he once won a Platinum Glove, to third base, where he had only played during the World Baseball Classic. As he enters his thirties, the less physically taxing hot corner is looking more and more appealing to Correa, who has dealt with his fair share of injuries.

So here’s where realism comes into play. The Astros lost starting third baseman Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, and while the 26-year-old is foregoing surgery, there’s no telling if he’ll be able to return later this season—or how effective he’ll be. There’s reason to believe Correa, equipped with a sturdy 6' 3" frame and strong arm, can handle third base. Plus, Houston may get more out of his bat going forward, given he was elite at the plate as recently as last year. And the October-bound Astros know this better than anyone: put Correa on the postseason stage and he’s bound to shine.

تحدث دييجو سيميوني مدرب أتلتيكو مدريد في أعقاب هزيمة فريقه أمام برشلونة، مساء الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لموسم 2025-2026.

وحل أتلتيكو مدريد ضيفًا على برشلونة بملعب “سبوتيفاي كامب نو” وتعرض للهزيمة بثلاثية لهدف، ليتجمد رصيده عند 31 نقطة بالمركز الرابع، ويتصدر البلوجرانا بـ 37 نقطة.

وقال سيميوني في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “أنا سعيد جدًا بأداء الفريق، بدأنا المباراة بشكل جيد، ثم نجحوا في إلحاق الضرر بنا من وسط الملعب، في الشوط الثاني، بدأوا المباراة بشكل أفضل، وسيطرنا على مجريات اللعب منذ الدقيقة العشرين، وسنحت لنا ثلاث فرص تهديفية مهمة لم نستغلها، لكنني سعيد”.

وأضاف: “نعلم أن لديهم مهارات قدم ممتازة، يلعبون مع العديد من اللاعبين في الوسط، يُبدعون في ذلك، اليوم، سارت الأمور على ما يُرام معهم في تلك المواقف خلال الهدفين الأول والثاني”.

وأردف: “في الشوط الأول، قلنا إننا لا نستطيع السماح لهم باللعب من وسط الملعب، وقد تحسن أداؤنا في هذا الجانب، أعجبتني الروح القتالية التي أظهرها الفريق في نهاية المباراة، صحيح أننا لم نفز، لكن أداء الفريق كان رائعًا، يتعين عليك الركض كثيرًا ومن الصعب انتزاع الكرة منهم”.

وأشاد سيميوني بالبرازيلي رافينها لاعب برشلونة قائلاً: رافينها يلعب كل مباراة، يسجل أهدافًا، ويضغط… لا أعرف كيف لم يفز بالكرة الذهبية”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رافينها: فوزنا على أتلتيكو مدريد قد يحسم لقب الليجا.. وطالبت باستبدالي أنا وبيدري لهذا السبب

وعن لاعبه باينا، علّق: “باينا لاعبٌ قادرٌ على تغيير مجرى اللعب، إنه يتطور بشكلٍ هائل، لديه الشجاعة الكافية للعب أينما تُطلب منه، يعرف كيف يلعب كرة القدم في أي مكانٍ على الملعب يحتاجه”.

وأستطرد: “إصابة كاردوسو تُجبرنا على تعديل تبديلاتنا قليلاً، كانت لدينا توقعات عالية لجوني، لكنه عانى من تلك الإصابة التي أبعدته عن المباراة”.

وواصل: “نتوقع دائمًا المزيد من جوليان ألفاريز، إنه لاعبٌ يُغير مجرى المباراة وهو أهم لاعب في الفريق، سيظهر بالتأكيد في المباراة القادمة أو التي تليها”.

وأشار: “كانت المباراة جيدة بشكل عام كفريق، أشعر بالهدوء والسعادة مع الفريق، خسرنا أمام خصمٍ قوي، هذا يُساعدنا على التحسن؛ هذا النوع من الأمور يُحسّن أداؤنا، الآن لدينا مباراة صعبة أخرى في بلباو”.

وأتم: “باريوس لاعبٌ من نوعٍ مختلف، شاب، نشيط، يتمتع بمهارةٍ رائعة، وساقين جيدتين، واستعادة للكرة، وقدرةٍ على تحريكها، علينا أن نعتني به جيدًا، إنه بلا شك أحد أهم لاعبي خط الوسط لدينا”.

Longtime relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel is signing with the Astros, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on Thursday. He will be signed to their major league team.

Kimbrel started off the 2025 season on the Braves' minor league teams of the Double-A Columbus Clingstones and the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. He was called up to the majors for one game in June and appeared in one inning before being designated for assignment.

Shortly after in June, he signed a minor league contract with the Rangers. He played for the Triple-A Round Rock and was released on Thursday. He posted a 3.86 ERA in 28 innings there.

Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star reliever, with his most recent nod coming in 2023 with the Phillies. The Astros will mark the ninth MLB team Kimbrel's played for in his 16-year career.

Kimbrel struggled last season with the Orioles, posting a 5.33 ERA across 57 game appearances. He threw 73 strikeouts across 52.1 innings pitched.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo vai vencendo o Amazonas no Maracanã e o grande destaque, ao menos para a torcida do Mengão, é o jovem Lorran, craque da base Rubro-negra. Nas redes sociais, sobrou até para o presidente do Real Madrid. Confira!

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Flamengo

➡️ Vai ter gol do Gabigol? Aposte R$ 100 e fature R$ 263 se Flamengo e Amazonas balançarem as redes na Copa do Brasil!

Confira todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Flamengo e Amazonas (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
FLAMENGO X AMAZONAS
COPA DO BRASIL – TERCEIRA FASE – IDA

🗓️ Data e horário: quarta-feira, 1 de maio de 2024, às 21h30 (de Brasília);
📍 Local: Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ);
📺 Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere;
🟨 Árbitro: Emerson Ricardo de Almeida Andrade
🚩 Assistentes: Nailton Junior de Sousa Oliveira e Elicarlos Franco de Oliveira
🖥️ VAR: Marcio Henrique de Gois

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⚽ ESCALAÇÕES

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Tite)
Rossi, Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira e Viña; Allan, Gerson e De la Cruz; Lorran, Bruno Henrique e Pedro.

AMAZONAS (Técnico: Adílson Baptista)
Edson Mardden; Patric, Diogo Silva, Alvariño e Fabiano; Xavier, Judá e Matheusinho; Sassá, Matheus Serafim e William Barbio.

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Copa do BrasilFlamengoLorran

The former India wicketkeeper-batter was unveiled as a replacement player, a day before the ILT20’s first player auction

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Sep-2025Sharjah Warriorz have signed former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik for the upcoming season of the ILT20 in the UAE. Warriorz unveiled Karthik as a replacement for Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, ahead of the league’s first player auction on October 1.At Warriorz, Karthik, 40, will reunite with the big-hitting Tim David with whom he had won IPL 2025 though as a batting coach and mentor at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).”I am very excited to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz team for the DP World ILT20 tournament,” Karthik said in a statement. “I know they are a young team, aspiring to do some special things, and I am happy to be here. Sharjah is also one of those iconic stadiums one always wants to play at. And to be a part of the franchise Sharjah Warriorz, makes a dream come true.”Related

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Warriorz head coach JP Duminy welcomed Karthik into their set-up. “Dinesh Karthik is one of the most experienced hands and an incredibly innovative mind when it comes to T20 cricket, and I am chuffed to have him in our corner,” Duminy said. “The whole world has seen what he is capable of with the bat, and his explosive batting, dynamic personality, and immense experience will surely benefit the younger players significantly during the course of the tournament. I look forward to working with him closely.”This will be Karthik’s fourth stint as a player in franchise cricket outside of the IPL after being part of Bangla Tigers in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, Southern Superstars in the 2024 Legends League, and Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20. Karthik forayed into the global franchise circuit after retiring from Indian and international cricket in June 2024.Dinesh Karthik represented Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20•SA20

Karthik brings with him a wealth of T20 experience: he has played 412 matches so far, scoring 7537 runs at an average of 27.01 and strike rate of 136.66. In the IPL, he played for six teams, which included leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He also was among the fittest players in the IPL, having missed just two matches across 17 seasons.In the upcoming season of the ILT20, Karthik could play with or against R Ashwin, his former India and Tamil Nadu team-mate. Ashwin has entered the ILT20 auction with the highest base price – the only player at the auction with a base price in six figures.With LPL 2025 set to clash with the ILT20, Mendis has pulled out along with allrounder Dasun Shanaka, who was earlier retained by defending champions Dubai Capitals.

Manchester United have been known to splash the cash in the transfer market over the last couple of years, with INEOS backing various managers in their quest.

Since the summer of 2022, over £800m has been spent on new additions at Old Trafford, but their spending has failed to catapult them to Premier League glory in recent years.

The Red Devils kept up their spending spree under Ruben Amorim during the recent summer window, with over £200m being spent on new additions to help bolster the squad.

The vast majority of the funds were injected into the attacking department, handing the manager a new infamous trio to help him in his quest for silverware at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, the hierarchy look set to continue their mammoth backing in the months ahead, resulting in numerous big-money talents being touted with transfers for the January window.

United’s hunt for new additions in the January window

With the window rapidly appearing on the horizon, United have already been heavily linked with a move for Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson this winter.

The Red Devils have been reportedly targeting a move for the 23-year-old, but it could be an expensive one, with Sean Dyche’s men currently demanding £100m for his signature.

Whilst the window is currently closed, it’s not stopped Amorim’s men from making their move, with the club already making contact with his current employers over a potential deal.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo another player that is reportedly they’re hunting for in January.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are set to make a €60m (£52m) bid for the Ghanaian international who’s already registered nine goal contributions in the Premier League this season.

Such a report also confirms that the Red Devils see the 25-year-old as a primary target to improve the front line, potentially linking with one talent as a result of his potential transfer.

Why United’s £52m target would be an Mbeumo repeat

During their recent summer spending spree, United forked out a staggering £71m for the services of Bryan Mbeumo, with the attacker joining from fellow Premier League side, Brentford.

Eyebrows were raised about the deal, undoubtedly because of the reported price tag, but a couple of months on, it’s safe to say it’s been a phenomenal piece of business.

The 26-year-old has already scored five times and registered one assist in his first 11 league outings, with such a tally the highest in the current first-team squad.

Within such efforts, numerous of which have been crucial, with the big-money addition scoring in the clash against Liverpool at Anfield – subsequently securing the club’s win at such a ground for the first time in nearly a decade.

However, despite his record, the hierarchy are still targeting attacking reinforcements, which could lead to their pursuit of Semenyo in the months ahead.

The similarities are there for all to see, with both players operating in wide roles, but often wanting to cut inside onto their favoured foot – Semenyo going so from the left, whilst Mbeumo features off the right.

Like the Cameroonian, the Ghanian has been the shining light for a less-established top-flight club, which could see the Cherries star make his own step to a “big six” outfit.

When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing season, Semenyo has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing how much of a sensational addition he would be.

The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “the best winger in the country” by Chris Waddle, has already racked up more combined goals and assists – arguably being a more threatening option in the final third.

Games played

11

11

Goals & assists

9

6

Shot on target accuracy

61%

54%

Successful dribbles

1.9

0.8

Dribble success rate

47%

42%

Duels won

6.6

2.8

Aerials won

2.4

0.2

Possession won in final third

0.9

0.7

His underlying figures also highlight his quality in 2025/26, with Semenyo even registering a higher shot on target accuracy rate – making him a more all-round option in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more dribbles per 90, along with a higher success rate – further highlighting his quality with the ball at his feet, but Semenyo’s talents don’t end there.

The winger has dominated out of possession, winning more duels and more aerial battles, which could make him the perfect option for Amorim at Old Trafford.

£52m would be another huge investment from the hierarchy, but it’s a transfer that would add further firepower to the club’s already potent attacking department.

Given the success of Mbeumo since his own transfer, the hierarchy should be all over a deal for Semenyo, with the forward one of the most in-demand players in the division at present.

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Southampton have been one of a number of teams with a managerial vacancy in the Championship during the international break, alongside Norwich, Middlesbrough, and Swansea.

Boro are set to appoint Kim Hellberg from Hammarby and Vitor Matos is in talks to take over at Swansea, but it is Norwich who have made the most eyebrow-raising appointment.

The Canaries have hired Belgian coach Philippe Clement, who has won four domestic cups in Belgium and Scotland and four Belgian top-flight titles in his career, per Transfermarkt, working for Club Brugge, Genk, Monaco, and Rangers.

Norwich are 23rd in the Championship table, with half as many points as Southampton, yet they have attracted a head coach who has won 170 of his 287 league games as a manager, averaging 2.00 points per game, per Transfermarkt.

The latest on Southampton's managerial search

According to Daily Echo reporter Alfie House, as relayed by SaintsExtra, Southampton are set to hand interim head coach Tonda Eckert the next three Championship matches before further assessing the situation.

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The Saints play Charlton, Leicester City, and Millwall in those three games, after Eckert beat QPR 2-1 and Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 in his first two matches in the dugout.

House’s update adds that Southampton have spoken with managerial targets and that they do not have a clear standout candidate at this moment in time, which is why Eckert will be given the next three games to stake his claim for the permanent job.

Instead of appointing the interim on a permanent basis, Sport Republic could hire their answer to Norwich’s ambitious Clement swoop by bringing reported target Brendan Rodgers to St. Mary’s.

Why Southampton should appoint Brendan Rodgers

If the Canaries are able to attract a manager like Clement, who has won eight trophies and managed some big European clubs, whilst second from bottom in the Championship, Southampton should make a statement of their own with a move for the former Celtic boss.

Described as “world-class” by Gabby Agbonlahor, like the new Norwich manager, Rodgers would come in with an incredible career behind him and a history of winning games and trophies on a consistent basis. In fact, he won the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership title with Celtic ahead of Clement’s Rangers side.

The Northern Irish boss, who was hailed as a “pillar of strength” by Hoops captain Callum McGregor, is an incredibly experienced tactician who has been there and done it in England and Scotland.

League games managed

597

287

League games won

322

170

League games drawn

122

63

League games lost

153

54

Points per league game

1.82

2.00

Trophies won

13

8

League titles won

4

4

As you can see in the table above, Rodgers is even more experienced than Clement and has won five more trophies in his career, with 11 of those coming at Celtic, and the other two with Leicester.

The Saints target also has experience in getting out of the Championship. He won the play-offs in the 2010/11 campaign after a third-placed finish in the second tier with Swansea, which shows that he also has experience for what Southampton need this season.

Therefore, Rodgers could be a brilliant appointment for the club if they can convince him to make the drop down to the Championship, which is what Norwich were able to do with Clement.

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