Qual é a lesão de Vidal? Quando ele volta?

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Nesta semana, Arturo Vidal virou grande preocupação para o Athletico-PR. Na partida entre Chile e Colômbia, pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2026, o volante foi substituído, aos 27 minutos do segundo tempo, com dores no joelho. Posteriormente, o departamento médico da federação confirmou uma lesão traumática aguda do menisco com bloqueio articular do joelho direito.

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Vidal passou por cirurgia nesta quinta-feira (14), comandada pelos médicos da seleção chilena, e não deve mais entrar em campo neste ano. Isso significa que o volante pode até mesmo não vestir mais a camisa do Furacão, já que seu contrato vai até o final de 2023.

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O chileno chegou ao Athletico-PR em julho depois de rescindir seu contrato com o Flamengo. Desde então, vestiu a camisa do Furacão em nove jogos, sendo titular em oito. Pelas redes sociais, Vidal agradeceu as mensagens de apoio.

Everton join Premier League race to sign "intelligent" ex-Real Madrid defender

Looking ahead to 2026, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign a former Real Madrid defender alongside a number of Premier League rivals.

David Moyed "thrilled" with Crystal Palace win

Without a win in four games in all competitions and heading into the Hill Dickinson to host a Crystal Palace side without a defeat in 19 games, Everton looked destined for an uphill battle on Sunday. The Eagles had just defeated the Premier League champions in Liverpool and were after another Merseyside scalp – taking the lead through Daniel Munoz.

As bad as Barry: Moyes must drop Everton star who won just 30% duels

Everton won vs Palace but some of their new signings struggled to impress.

1 ByWill Miller Oct 6, 2025

From there, it seemed as though Everton were set to hand Palace the 20-game unbeaten run that they were after, only for the Hill Dickinson to get its most dramatic moment yet.

After equalising through Iliman Ndiaye in the final 15 minutes, the stage was set for someone to become a hero and that someone was Jack Grealish. The Manchester City loanee was perfectly placed to benefit from Munoz’s clearance and simply deflected home to hand his side a 93rd-minute winner.

David Moyes, like every Everton fan inside the Hill Dickinson, was left “thrilled” by his side’s dramatic comeback – telling reporters: “I’m thrilled with the three points, thrilled with the result.

“Mixed emotions on the performance. Not very good at all in the first half and could have been three down, but kept defending, kept stuck at it, showed a bit of resilience.

“I’ve been waiting on a late goal here. Aston Villa was 0-0, we couldn’t quite get the winner against West Ham, so I was hoping we’d get one of them. Thankfully, we got it today.”

Having sealed the three points, Moyes’ side now sit as high as eighth in the Premier League and providing an early marker to become shock contenders for a European place – something that should boost their transfer ambitions.

Everton join race to sign Mario Gila

According to The Boot Room, Everton have joined the race to sign Mario Gila from Lazio in 2026. The former Real Madrid defender has attracted interest from all around the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth all joining Everton in the battle to secure his signature.

It’s no real surprise that interest is rising in the 25-year-old, who has been one of few bright sparks in Maurizio Sarri’s struggling Lazio side.

Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was also full of praise for the Spanish defender after signing him from Real Madrid, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”

Considering concerns that Jarrad Branthwaite could still leave Everton, Gila wouldn’t exactly be a bad signing to welcome in 2026. The Spaniard is at the peak of his powers and already has impressive experience under his belt.

It would be yet another ambitious move from The Friedkin Group, who’d be signing a former Real Madrid gem ahead of their rivals.

Argentina player ratings vs. Venezuela: No Lionel Messi, no problem as Gio Lo Celso gets the job done for reigning World Cup champs

Gio Lo Celso grabbed the only goal as Argentina eased to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a rather drab international friendly held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The reigning World Cup champions were a little languid as the game wore on in the absence of Lionel Messi, who was rested, but did enough in the first half to secure a narrow win.

enjoyed a positive start in the first half. Nico Paz, handed a place in the starting XI by manager Lionel Scaloni after a fine few months for Como, pulled the strings, and was unfortunate not to score – pinging a shot off the post. They continued to push, and were eventually good value for the opener. A loose ball fell to the feet of Lautaro Martinez, who fed Lo Celso. His shot was poor, but it deflected off the goalkeeper and into goal in the 31st minute. 

Argentina had further chances in the second half. Julian Alvarez had a couple of looks denied. Martinez got more involved in the attack. But they were otherwise slightly off pace in key areas, and missing a final ball as Venezuela sat in. La Vinotinto had their moments, though. They offered some attacking threat late on and cracked a shot off the bar. Scaloni's side struggled as they rotated, their attacking threat diminished as they missed Messi's impetus. Martinez thought he had sealed it late on, but was denied by a remarkable double save to keep the scoreline close. 

GOAL rates Argentina's players from Hard Rock Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

Made a couple of tidy interventions when needed, and offered some calm when his side lost control. 

Nahuel Molina (5/10):

Got done a couple of times on the right. Looked tired by the time he was subbed, too. 

Cristian Romero (6/10):

Up for the fight, but rather lost his head here and there. His side could have done with a little more defensive solidity. 

Marcos Senesi (6/10):

Looked a little vulnerable at times, and could have offered a bit more support when Venezuela broke. 

Nico Tagliafico (6/10):

Very little to report from a solid 45 minutes. Occupied spaces, moved the ball well enough. 

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

Completed by far the most passes in the match, but most of them were sideways. 

Gio Lo Celso (8/10):

Grabbed the opening goal and was really positive in midfield. Comfortable Argentina's best performer. 

Leandro Paredes (7/10):

A good hour. Looked to be a bit more expansive in his passing, and found some valuable pockets of space. Continues to make a case for World Cup inclusion. 

Nico Paz (6/10):

Really lively early on, and made things happen in the pocket. His influence waned as the game wore on. 

GettyAttack

Lautaro Martinez (8/10):

Showed a great bit of unselfishness to feed Lo Celso. Deserved a goal, but saw a couple of shots well denied. 

Julian Alvarez (6/10):

Pressed like an absolute animal, but struggled to get anything going in an attacking sense. 

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GettySubs & Manager

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

A solid half. In with a shout to start at left-back.

Giuliano Simeone (6/10):

Provided loads of energy, but not much in the way of quality.

Alexis Mac Allister (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Rodrigo De Paul (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Leonardo Balerdi (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Lionel Scaloni (7/10):

Experimented a bit with Messi out of the squad. His side was bright early, but ran out of ideas a little late on. Will take the win, even if the performance didn't entirely convince. 

Lionesses icon Lucy Bronze breaks down Sarina Wiegman's tactical genius behind England's vital goal against Spain during the summer's Euro 2025 final

England's Lucy Bronze has lifted the lid on Sarina Wiegman's impeccable tactics from the Euro 2025 final win over Spain in July. The Lionesses came from a goal down to beat the World Cup holders on penalties in a dramatic match in Switzerland. Now, Chelsea ace Bronze has opened up on how Alessia Russo's all-important equaliser was planned to a tee by the boss.

Bronze enhances England legend status

The 33-year-old's glowing reputation improved further still after her starring role in the Lionesses' run to Euros glory this summer. She kick-started their fightback against Sweden with a goal in the quarter-finals of the competition, when they looked down and out, and scored the crucial spot-kick in the penalty shootout to send her side through.

The former Barcelona player also used all of her experience, quality, and craft in the semi-final and final as England retained their Euros crown. Manager Wiegman once again collected the coach of the year award at this year's Ballon d'Or after winning another international trophy, and going by her tactical nous, something Bronze went into detail on, it is easy to see why.

AdvertisementBronze explains England's Euro 2025 final equaliser

She said on the podcast with Jill Scott and Karen Carney: "I loved the goal that we scored, and I didn't even touch the ball. If I'm a second six[with Keira Walsh], [Aitana] Bonmati and Alexia [Putellas] have to pick us up, and then Patri [Guijarro] has to pick up [Ella] Tooney and G[eorgia Stanway] because they don't pick up four very well. We watched it in other games that they leave Patri to run between them.

"So I'm coming in, and Alexia thinks she's picked me up, so she doesn't have to pick up a midfielder behind her, then Bonmati is slow to Keira, Keira gets it, turns, and then Georgia's completely free because Patri's running between two players.

"Georgia gets it, turns, Chloe [Kelly] crosses…and I was like, 'That was us!' I didn't touch the ball, but I just scored for England! That was literally what we were told to do, the tactics. That was my role. I did it so Keira and Georgia could play, and we scored – I couldn't believe it."

Bronze shows her unreal grit for Lionesses

After England won the Euros, defender Bronze revealed she had played the entire tournament with a fractured leg. 

She said in late July: "I actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no one knew. I just hurt my knee today on the other leg. That is why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game because I have been in a lot of pain. But if that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do – they know that. We inspire each other by playing through things like that, and it got us to the end, in the end."

Wiegman was in awe of Bronze's "crazy mentality" after playing almost 600 minutes in the competition, with only Hannah Hampton, Keira Walsh, and Alex Greenwood on the pitch for longer. 

She added: "She had some issues with her tibia so of course we tried to manage that. When you play 120 minutes you're not managing it are you? The whole team has a great mentality but she has a crazy mentality, it's unbelievable."

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AFPEngland return for Bronze may be out of reach

The former Manchester City and Lyon full-back is yet to play for Chelsea this season due to injury, with the defending Women's Super League champions currently top of the table with three wins from three. 

Incidentally, Blues manager Sonia Bompastor said on Bronze's condition earlier this month: "It's difficult for now to put a timeframe on Lucy's return, but she's doing well. She's in a good place mentally and physically, so hopefully she will come back soon. I think she's still some weeks away from a return on the pitch."

The Lionesses are next in action for celebratory friendlies against Brazil and Australia on October 25 and 28, respectively. It may be a long shot for Bronze to be fit for then.

West Ham seriously keen on "unstoppable" £11m striker with 9 goals already

West Ham United are now seriously considering a spectacular move for an “unstoppable” striker, who has made a flying start to the 2025-26 campaign.

West Ham need to sign new striker before deadline

Following Michail Antonio’s departure earlier this summer, West Ham brought in Callum Wilson, but with the 33-year-old joining on a one-year incentive-based deal, he is unlikely to be a long-term solution, especially given the former Newcastle United man’s recent injury record.

Season

Games missed through injury

2022-23

9

2023-24

28

2024-25

29

Jarrod Bowen has led the line for the Hammers in the early stages of the new season, but the 28-year-old is yet to get on the scoresheet, and even clashed with a fan after the most recent 3-2 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.

With Niclas Fullkrug also set to turn 33 this season, the Hammers could without doubt do with signing a young centre-forward, capable of leading the line at the London Stadium for years to come, and they have now set their sights on a striker who ticks those boxes.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, West Ham are now seriously considering a spectacular move for FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju, who is attracting widespread interest after making a flying start to the new campaign.

The Irons and Serie A side Como are among the clubs prepared to make an early move for Dju, with both sides expressing a willingness to offer a fee in the region of £11m for the 21-year-old’s services, although it could be difficult to get a deal over the line.

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Potter is in a desperate situation.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 27, 2025

The youngster is viewed as a player with top-class potential by Graham Potter’s side, but FC Midtjylland are very reluctant to sell, given that it would be near-impossible to replace their star player, with the summer transfer window set to draw to a close very soon.

"Unstoppable" Dju has made fantastic start to the campaign

Scout Jacek Kulig has been left enamoured by the way in which the young centre-forward has started the campaign, recently lauding him as “unstoppable”, and it is evident to see why.

The Guinea-Bissau international already has nine goals to his name in all competitions, and he is showing signs of real development, having eclipsed his league goal tally from the 2024-25 campaign at this early stage.

It would be a risk for West Ham to sign Dju, given that the Midtjylland star is yet to prove himself in a major European league, but the Hammers are in desperate need of a new centre-forward, with Wilson making little impact in his three outings up to this point.

It is also an added bonus that the former Benfica man is still very young at 21-years-old, given that Potter is well-known to have worked with the oldest squad in the Premier League last season.

Healy trains strongly ahead of historic Test, Australia delay selection call

Australia’s captain completed running, fielding and batting just days after being in a moon boot

Alex Malcolm28-Jan-2025Australia captain Alyssa Healy is making a bold bid to play in the historic day-night Ashes Test at the MCG starting on Thursday after completing a full training session two days out despite battling a stress injury in her foot that saw her miss the entire T20I series while wearing a moon boot.Healy participated fully in Australia’s first main session at the MCG and looked impressive with no signs of pain or limitations with her right foot.She began with a running session with six other team-mates, including Ashleigh Gardner who is coming off a calf injury. The pair moved well with other team-mates doing multiple laps of the MCG in intervals at a very solid intensity.Related

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Australia hope Healy can play as a batter in Ashes Test

Healy also did short sprints thereafter without issue and then took part in Australia’s fielding session. Healy will be in the outfield if she does play and had no trouble during the session which was completed at a good intensity. She then had a solid hit in the nets cycling through pace, spin and throw downs and had no trouble at any stage on her feet.Speaking prior to the training session, coach Shelley Nitschke said no decision had been made on whether Healy would play and that the team management would wait to see how Healy pulled up after testing her foot.”She’s going as well as can be expected,” Nitschke said. “I think you’ve all seen her out in a boot and taking some weight off of that foot.”She will have a test today, and we’ll just sort of see where that lands and have some discussions about that, whether or not we think she’s going to be okay for a four day test.”Nitschke said they would try and leave the decision as late as possible but they were wary of creating problems around role clarity given Healy’s significance as the captain and a senior batter.”We don’t have to actually lock it in until the toss,” Nitschke said. “But obviously there’s repercussions around that with who’s the captain and what our line-up looks like. So I think people sort of want to know their role coming in, so as soon as we can we will, but it certainly doesn’t have to be today.”The coach did admit there was some emotion involved in the decision. It is the first time women will play a Test match at the MCG since 1949 and the occasion will be historic as the two teams celebrate the 90-year anniversary of women’s Test cricket.Australia’s women have not played at the MCG since the 2020 T20 World Cup final where Healy was player of the match. There have been multiple WBBL games at the venue since but Healy has not played in any of those. She has played at the MCG just 12 times in her career.Australia do not play another Test until February-March of 2026 by which time Healy will be nearly 36. There is a possibility, given her recent injury struggles, that this could be the final opportunity she has to play Test cricket and to appear at the MCG although she has not given any hint as to when she may finish her international career.Alyssa Healy is pushing to play in the historic day-night Test at the MCG•Cricket Australia/Getty Images

“I think it’s just about keeping in mind what’s best for the team and making sure we’re putting the best team we can out there to perform,” Nitschke said. “So that’s always been front and foremost. But we don’t play a lot of Tests, so there’s sort of some emotion involved there, but we want to do what’s best for the team and see what happens.”Nitschke confirmed Gardner was fit and would play after overcoming her calf injury. She completed her running, batting and bowling without issue and looms as a key player after her player of the match performance in the third ODI and her player of the match performance in the last Ashes Test in England in 2023.Nitschke added the selectors were unsure of how they would structure the XI for the day-night Test. Spin has been a huge part of Australia’s six victories in the white-ball matches so far but the MCG has been one of the most seam-friendly pitches in long-form men’s cricket since the drop-ins were redone in 2019. The pitch was under cover throughout the evening on Tuesday and neither side were able to look at it.”We certainly look at what the pitch has played like in whether it’s Shield and the Test match, and then considering the pink ball as well and what that brings to the game,” Nitschke said. “So we certainly do look at the results and how the wicket has played in the men’s game, because there’s been no female longer format played here. And then obviously use, what’s happened in the white-ball series as well as some intel to how we’re matching up.”England were equally unsure how the surface would play but seamer Kate Cross looms as an option after completing two full bowling spells on Tuesday without appearing in too much discomfort having missed the ODI series with a back problem. Cross wasn’t part of the T20I squad so has been based in Melbourne preparing for the Test.It has been a forgettable tour for England but there is a chance to end on a high•Getty Images

Nat Sciver-Brunt was unsure whether Cross would be available for selection but she was positive about what she faced from her.”I don’t know,” she said. “You’ll have to ask the physios who will review with her as to whether she got through the net sessions, alright. And I’m sure tomorrow will have a good bearing on that as well. She’s tracking good. It’s nice to see her rocking out a few overs in the nets as well. I think she got through two spells today. It’s great to see her back to being herself.”Sciver-Brunt did not shy away from the fact that the tour had been extremely difficult for the team, stating that it might have been worse than their last trip down under in 2021-22 when they lost the Ashes 12-4 under Covid restrictions, only claiming points from the drawn Test and two washed out T20Is.But she said the incentive of performing well in a historic Test had the team excited to finish the tour on a bright note.”It is difficult,” Sciver-Brunt said. “But I think being a Test match at the end of that at this iconic venue, we love putting on the whites. We love the fact that we get to create new memories with our team-mates, with our close friends, and hopefully put a good showing of ourselves.”Grateful that we’ve got opportunity to do that after six games. But the last few days have been tough. But, we’ve regrouped, and we’ll do our best to stay up.”

Richa Ghosh misses NZ ODIs to sit for class 12 exams

Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh will miss India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand to sit for her class 12 board exams. Ghosh, who just turned 21, has been part of India’s international teams since 2020, when she was 16 years old.The squad of 16 for the three ODIs in Ahmedabad on October 24, 27 and 29 will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, whose captaincy has come under scrutiny after India’s group-stage exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE. It was their opening game defeat to New Zealand that proved to be a severe blow to their campaign.There were maiden ODI call-ups for seam-bowling allrounders Sayali Satghare and Saima Thakor, legspinner Priya Mishra and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis.The BCCI said that legspinner Asha Sobhana was unavailable for selection because of injury, while allrounder Pooja Vastrakar was rested.

India’s squad for series against New Zealand

Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Shafali Verma, D Hemalatha, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Sayali Satghare, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Tejal Hasabnis, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil

Aston Villa burst into race for "special" £60m star; could hijack Newcastle

Aston Villa have now burst into the race for a “special” player who is expected to cost over £60m, according to a report.

Villa locked in transfer battles with Newcastle

With Villa and Newcastle both set to compete in Europe next season, it is no surprise the two clubs are shopping in similar talent pools, and they are battling it out for the signature of FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who is protected by a £85m release clause.

The Villans’ pursuit of a new striker comes amid doubts over Ollie Watkins’ future, with Sky Sports recently revealing that Manchester United are now exploring the conditions of a potential deal for the England international.

However, striker is not the only position in which Unai Emery is looking to strengthen, with the manager also setting his sights on a new winger, according to a report from talkSPORT.

The report states that Aston Villa have now burst into the race for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, with the Sweden international also being targeted by Newcastle, and widespread recent reports have suggested the Magpies are in advanced talks.

Villa are now set to compete for Elanga’s signature, however, having conducted checks on the Forest star, but a deal is likely to be on the expensive side, with their Premier League rivals set to hold out for a fee in excess of £60m.

Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga

Forest have no desire to sell one of their key players, having already knocked back a £45m bid from Newcastle, which means Emery’s side will need to be willing to spend big to get a deal over the line.

"Special" Elanga could excel at Villa Park

The former Manchester United man has gone from strength-to-strength since leaving Old Trafford, playing a key role in Forest securing survival in the 2023-24 campaign, before going on to feature in every Premier League game last season.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2023-24

36

5

9

2024-25

38

6

11

As such, the 23-year-old clearly has the talent to excel at Villa Park, but there are doubts over whether NSWE would be able to justify an outlay of over £60m+ outlay, considering they are currently looking to sell the women’s team to avoid a PSR breach.

The next Tielemans: Aston Villa submit bid to sign "incredible" £34m star

Aston Villa fans would love to welcome in this new signing who could be Unai Emery’s next Youri Tielemans.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 1, 2025

Should Watkins complete a move to Man United, Villa should have money to spend, but the number one priority at that point would surely be to bring in a new striker, having also lost Jhon Duran in the January transfer window.

Consequently, even though Elanga has been lauded as “special” by Forest boss Nuno, there are doubts over whether the right-winger would be a necessary signing for the Villans, and a move to St. James’ Park may be more attractive, as Champions League football is on offer.

بعثة أوكلاند سيتي تصل القاهرة لمواجهة بيراميدز في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

وصل فريق نادي أوكلاند سيتي النيوزيلندي إلى القاهرة استعدادا لمواجهة بيراميدز في إطار مباريات بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

ويستضيف بيراميدز بطل قارة أفريقيا نظيره أوكلاند سيتي بطل أوقيانوسيا في التاسعة من مساء الأحد باستاد الدفاع الجوي في إطار الدور الأول من بطولة كأس الإنتركونتيننتال.

طالع| إجراء جديد من فيفا قبل مواجهة بيراميدز وأوكلاند سيتي في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

ووصلت بعثة أوكلاند إلى القاهرة قادمة من العاصمة الإماراتية أبوظبي التي خاضت فيها معسكرا لمدة 3 أيام قبل الوصول إلى مصر استعدادا لمواجهة بيراميدز.

وكان في استقبال البعثة اللواء هشام زيد مدير مباريات نادي بيراميدز ومندوبي النادي لإنهاء إجراءات دخول البعثة النيوزيلندية وتأمينها حتى الوصول إلى فندق إقامتها.

وأبدت البعثة النيوزيلندية سعادتها البالغة بالاستقبال الحافل من جانب بيراميدز وإنهاء إجراءات دخولها إلى القاهرة في أسرع وقت ممكن، حيث اكتفى الفريق بأن يخوض مرانا وحيدا مساء السبت باستاد الدفاع الجوي استعدادا للمباراة.

Scotland take on Oman with Super Eight spot a realistic dream

Oman have been competitive against both Namibia and Australia, but are still stuck at the bottom of the group table

Shashank Kishore08-Jun-20243:41

O’Brien: Oman could be Scotland’s toughest game yet

Match detailsOman vs Scotland
North Sound, 1pm local timeBig picture – Scotland must be wondering what they have to do to be noticed at the T20 World Cup.Their terrific win over Namibia on a slow Kensington Oval deck was sandwiched somewhere between USA’s Super Over stunner over Pakistan, Canada trumping Ireland, and Afghanistan steamrolling New Zealand.Two nights prior to that result against Namibia, Scotland had England sweating in the rain. And on Sunday, when most eyes will be on , Scotland will take on fellow Associates Oman in Antigua.Related

Michael Leask: 'Why can't we top the group at the end?'

When Ilyas dived, Oman dreamt…then came Stoinis

But, whether in the spotlight or not, they are where they would have liked to be, and could be closer to their target after the Oman game.Before that, though, they will keep a close eye on Saturday’s game between Australia and England. Scotland, No. 1 in the group prior to that match, will know that a win over Oman will help them control their destiny going into their final group fixture against Australia.George Munsey fired against England, taking down pace and spin alike, overcoming the slowness of the surface with ease. In their second game, Richie Berrington and Michael Leask stood up under pressure to give Scotland the win after a potentially tricky chase of 156.Oman, meanwhile, haven’t performed half as badly as the table suggests. Two losses in two games can be a bitter pill to swallow, but they have competed hard in both. They showed admirable pluck in taking the game against Namibia into a Super Over, and then had Australia in a stranglehold for 14 overs, before it fell apart.One complete performance is what Oman will be after to stay alive, even if only mathematically. Scotland will want to prevent that. This could be a cracking contest between two sides that are ambitious, talented, and looking to hit a higher level.George Munsey is the key man in the Scotland top order•Getty Images

Form guideScotland WLWLW
Oman LLLWWIn the spotlightOne of the very versatile George Munsey’s strengths is that he can take down spin, like he showed against England. He can play the reverse-sweeps and switch-hits as comfortably as he can hit through the line on good decks. Oman’s attack is spin-heavy, and Munsey’s approach up top could set the tempo as they chase victory to push for the Super Eight stage.A clean striker in club cricket, Kashyap Prajapati made heads turn three years ago when he struck a 138-ball 146 against a Mumbai squad in India. That knock paved the way for his international debut. Since then, he’s largely been hit and miss as his modest T20 record suggests. With scores of 7 and 0 in his first two games, he needs a big score to justify the faith the team management has shown in him.Team newsOman have been three down inside the powerplay in both their games so far, and could make some tweaks to their top order. Will Ayaan Khan get a promotion?Oman (probable XI): 1 Kashyap Prajapati, 2 Pratik Athvale (wk), 3 Aqib Ilyas (capt), 4 Zeeshan Maqsood, 5 Ayaan Khan, 6 Khalid Kail, 7 Shoaib Khan, 8 Mehran Khan, 9 Shakeel Ahmed, 10 Kaleemullah, 11 Bilal KhanScotland have their entire squad to choose from, but don’t seem to have any reason to make changes.Scotland (probable XI): 1 George Munsey, 2 Michael Jones, 3 Brandon McMullen, 4 Richie Berrington (capt), 4 Matthew Cross (wk), 6 Michael Leask, 7 Chris Greaves, 8 Mark Watt, 9 Chris Sole, 10 Brad Wheal, 11 Brad CurrieOman have fought hard but don’t have the points to show•ICC/Getty Images

Pitch and conditionsThe caravan rolls into North Sound as Sir Vivian Richards Stadium hosts its first game of the T20 World Cup. There was a good grass cover on the pitch two days out from the game, but much of it has been shaved off, and batters can hope for a happy time.Stats that matter Scotland and Oman have faced off four times in T20Is, including once at a T20 World Cup, in 2021. Scotland have won all four games chasing Munsey needs 70 more runs to become the second Scotland player with 2000 T20I runs – his captain Berrington was the first Zeeshan Maqsood needs two more wickets to become the second Oman player with 50 T20I wickets after Bilal KhanQuotes”it’s not easy to clear these boundaries when the wind is blowing, so we have to decide from which end you have to bring your best bowler, which end you have to charge as a batter, which bowler you have to look to hit with the wind.”
“I chatted to a few of the net bowlers just there where I was bowling spin with them. They all seem to think it’s pretty flat, which is great. I think our captain, Richard Berrington, has reached out to a few of the local boys and asked them how the conditions are and what the score is like at this time of year, because that’s massively important to know the scores at a different time of year.”

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