Tottenham Hotspur face Monaco in the Champions League tonight, looking to return to winning ways after the defeat to Aston Villa on home soil over the weekend.

Thomas Frank’s side will have huge expectations placed upon them in Europe this season, understandably so given their successes in the Europa League last campaign.

The Dane has already made an impressive start to life in Europe’s biggest club competition, winning one and drawing the other of their first two outings in 2025/26.

However, the meeting against the Ligue 1 outfit will present a tricky challenge, with Sebastien Pocognoli’s side holding Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at the start of the month.

If Frank is to claim another European victory as the Lilywhites boss, he will likely need one of his current first-team members to be on top form in the South of France.

Xavi Simons’ disappointing start to life at Spurs

During the summer transfer window, the Spurs hierarchy made it clear they wanted to improve the options available to them within the attacking midfield positions.

After numerous failed attempts during the window, they decided to fork out a fee in the region of £52m for the signature of Dutch international Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

His tally of 19 combined goals and assists across all competitions generated huge excitement, but it’s safe to say his period in North London has failed to take off to date.

The 22-year-old has only registered one assist in his first eight outings for the Lilywhites, with his transfer now starting to be called into question by numerous pundits.

Simons has only created 1.3 chances per 90 and completed just 40% of his attempted dribbles – with the latter of his two stats ranking him within the 44th percentile of all players in the Premier League.

He’s also demonstrated a lack of physicality in England’s top-flight, only being on the winning side of 38% of his duels – with only 27% of players in the division winning fewer.

He desperately needs to find his form to justify his staggering transfer fee, but Frank can aid him against Monaco by starting one other first-team member tonight.

The Spurs player who can finally get Simons firing

Throughout the first few weeks of his time in North London, Simons has operated in a variety of different roles – with most of his playing time coming in an unnatural left-wing position.

Such a situation would likely have contributed to his recent lack of impact in attacking areas, with the manager needing to utilise him in his natural number ten position.

He created nearly double the amount of chances per 90 at Leipzig last campaign, further showcasing the levels he can produce when featuring behind the striker.

The centre-forward department has also been brought into question as of late, with Richarlison failing to back the faith shown in him by the new manager.

Dominic Solanke will certainly have been the number one option for Frank, but the Englishman’s constant setbacks with ankle injuries have prevented him from consistent first-team action.

Such scenarios should see the manager hand loanee Randal Kolo Muani his first start for the Lilywhites in the clash with Monaco later on this evening.

The Frenchman has only made 24 minutes of action for the club after joining from PSG on deadline day, but a European night under the lights could present an excellent chance to stake his claim for a starting role.

Kolo Muani, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former boss Christian Gourcuff, scored 10 goals in just 22 appearances at Juventus last season – highlighting his clinical ability in the final third.

Such talent within attacking areas could hugely benefit Simons, with the Dutchman having the opportunity to boost his assist tally alongside the Frenchman.

After all, this is a player who, in the words of the Bundesliga website, has the “hallmarks of Thierry Henry’s game”. We’re yet to see that since his move but there is no time like the present.

Games played

26

Goals & assists

12

Shot on target accuracy

48%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

Key passes made

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.5

Carries into opposition box

1.2

Aerials won

1.2

The big-money addition has completed 1.1 crosses per 90, too, with such numbers playing perfectly into the hands of the loanee who scored three headers last campaign.

Both players have ultimately struggled to match the expectations they arrived with in North London, but that could all change tonight if Frank hands them the chance to start together.

The pair could help the side maintain their unbeaten record in Europe this campaign and bolster their chances of claiming another European title.

Their best CF since Kane: Paratici wants Spurs to sign £87m "freak of nature"

Tottenham Hotspur could try and land a new talisman for Thomas Frank in the months ahead.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 21, 2025

The Philadelphia Phillies will have a new-look rotation soon.

On Sunday, the team signed Walker Buehler after he was cut loose by the Boston Red Sox. The 31-year-old will soon join the team's starting rotation. 's Matt Gelb is reporting Buehler will start for the Phillies on September 12 against the Kansas City Royals after one Triple-A tune-up. The team will go with a six-man rotation moving forward.

With Zack Wheeler out for the season, Buehler will join a rotation that features Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suarez.

Buehler signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with Boston in December, but it didn't work out. In 23 appearances starts for the Red Sox, the two-time All-Star went 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA, a 1.56 WHIP, and 84 strikeouts against 55 walks in 112 1/3 innings. He posted career-worsts in fWAR (-0.7) and xFIP (4.94).

The Phillies will hope a change of scenery helps Buehler turn things around. With Wheeler out, they'll need some help in the rotation.

تحدث إيهاب أبو جزر، المدير الفني لمنتخب فلسطين، عن أداء “الفدائي” في بطولة كأس العرب قبل الخروج من ربع النهائي بعد الخسارة أمام السعودية.

وقال أبو جزر، عبر قناة “النهار”: “طه نوح أحد أفراد الإعداد البدني في الأهلي كان متواجدًا معنا، ونشكر إدارة النادي الأهلي، تواصلنا مع طه، هو ابن النادي الأهلي ومنظومة محترمة”.

وواصل: “الاتحاد الفلسطيني أرسل خطابًا للأهلي، طلبنا طه نوح، والنادي لم يتردد، والاستجابة كانت سريعة جدًا، ورحبوا، وأبلغونا أن أي شيء نحتاجه لمنتخب فلسطين نحن جاهزون له، وطه نوح أدى أداءً جيدًا، وكان له دور كبير في الحالة البدنية للاعبين بالمنتخب الفلسطيني”.

طالع.. أفشة يوجه رسالة للجماهير بعد إخفاق منتخب مصر في كأس العرب

وأكمل: “لا نبحث عن المال، ولا توجد لدينا لوائح، كل شيء نفعله من المستحيل ومن أجل الشعب الفلسطيني وجماهيرنا الفلسطينية، ومن أجل غزة والضفة والقدس، نلعب كرة القدم من أجل فلسطين، ولا نفكر في المال ولا حتى في اللاعبين، نلعب فقط، ونقف للنشيد الوطني الفلسطيني، ونعبر عن ألم الشعب الفلسطيني في كل محفل نكون متواجدين فيه”.

وأضاف: “كل منافسة أو مباراة فرصة نجعل العالم كله يرى فلسطين ويرى القضية الفلسطينية، لاعبو منتخب فلسطين سفراء لدولتنا وشعبنا، علينا حمل كبير، ونعمل بحب”.

واسترسل: “لدينا كوادر بشرية مميزة جدًا، وسام أبو علي من أميز المهاجمين العرب، الأهلي من بعد عماد متعب لم يقدر على الإتيان بمهاجم بحجم وسام، وهذا شيء نفتخر به بالنسبة لنا كمنتخب فلسطين”.

ورد على سؤال: هل تحدثت مع حامد حمدان بشأن انتقاله للأهلي أو الزمالك؟ قائلًا: “أحاول أن أنصح اللاعبين دائمًا بما في مصلحتهم، مصلحة مستقبلية، وأن أجعلهم يفكرون بهدوء، والقرار الأول والأخير له، نسمع أقاويل كثيرة عن حامد حمدان، ولكنه سيتخذ القرار الصحيح في الوقت المناسب، وأعتقد أنه في اللمسات الأخيرة”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo informou nesta segunda-feira (13) que os atletas Óscar Romero e Diego Hernández foram afastado por razões disciplinares. A dupla foi cortada da viagem para Lima, no Peru, e não estará à disposição da comissão técnica para o duelo contra o Universitario, pela quinta rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores.

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Faça as suas apostas na Libertadores 2024: quem será o campeão? Vem pro Lance! Betting!

O clube não informou qual foi o ato de indisciplina cometido pelos jogadores, que retornam ao Rio de Janeiro para realizar atividades individuais no CT Lonier.

Contratado em março, Romero vem se destacando nas últimas partidas e foi titular da equipe comandada pro Artur Jorge pela primeira no domingo (12), contra o Fortaleza. Inclusive, o meia cobrou o escanteio que resultou no gol de cabeça de Danilo Barbosa.

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Promessa do futebol uruguaio, Hernández chegou ao Glorioso em 2023, mas demorou para ganhar oportunidades. Na atual temporada, o atleta abriu mão de representar à seleção olímpica de seu país para lutar por maior minutagem e ganhou oportunidades com a chegada da nova comissão técnica.

CONFIRA A NOTA

O Botafogo informa que, por razões disciplinares, os atletas Romero e Diego Hernández não vão seguir com a delegação de Fortaleza para Lima, onde o Botafogo enfrenta o Universitario, na quinta (16), pela Conmebol Libertadores. Ambos retornam ao Rio e irão realizar atividades em separado nos próximos dias no CT Lonier.

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Tudo sobre

BotafogoFutebol NacionalLibertadores

The Dodgers built a comfortable lead over the Reds in Game 1 of their National League wild-card series and hung on for a 10–5 victory. Shohei Ohtani blasted a titanic home run and Blake Snell was dominant through seven innings. But a trio of pitchers—Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez and Jack Dreyer—were very shaky in an eighth inning that resulted in three Cincinnati runs.

And Colin Cowherd thinks that's a very bad sign for a team expected to valiantly defend their World Series crown.

"Last night's a prime example of why they're not going to win the World Series," Cowherd said on his show Wednesday. "

"Dave Roberts doesn't trust the bullpen," he continued. "Dodger fans don't trust the bullpen. The Dodger bullpen doesn't trust the bullpen. They're going to push their starters as long as they can go."

Cowherd believes Los Angeles need to get great starting pitching and have their big bats deliver. Which sounds like a lot but is the same challenge almost every team in the MLB playoffs is hoping to receive. So there's no need to panic, especially with that lineup.

There is also the possibility that razor-sharp focus wasn't there in an 8–0 game and the effort could be better with more on the line.

"It feels good," Cowherd said of the opening triumph. "But this is how they're going to have to win."

After sacking Liam Manning, Norwich City have reportedly conducted an interview with former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil and set a managerial deadline.

The Canaries made the decision to sack Manning after 15 Championship games in charge. The former Bristol City manager arrived off the back of an excellent campaign with the Robins, in which they secured a playoff place, but was unable to replicate that form in charge of Norwich.

Instead of the top six, the Canaries have found themselves in the bottom two courtesy of Manning and only above Sheffield Wednesday, who were hit with a 12-point deduction after entering administration.

After two wins in 15 league games, Manning’s tenure suddenly makes former manager Johannes Hoff Thorup’s time at the club look rather promising, on reflection. Whether there’s some regret that those at Carrow Road didn’t give the latter more time is up for debate, however.

Sporting director Ben Knapper released a statement after sacking Manning, telling fans that they “tried absolutely everything possible” to turn things around under the former Bristol City boss.

Meanwhile, the search for a new manager is very much underway with reports going as far as to claim that the Canaries have already interviewed two candidates for the job.

Norwich interview Gary O'Neil

As reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy, Norwich have now interviewed O’Neil for their vacant managerial role and are keen to make an official appointment in the next 10 days.

The ex-Premeir League manager was recently linked with a second stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but turned his former club down. Now, he could be on his way to Carrow Road.

Former Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has also reportedly been interviewed, but O’Neil’s Premier League experience should make him Norwich’s number one choice.

Dubbed “fantastic” by former Wolves winger Jordan Graham during his time in the Midlands, O’Neil has all the credentials needed to finally turn things around at Norwich, who sit four points adrift of safety in the Championship.

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Chelsea are now considering a marquee transfer double deal to bolster Enzo Maresca’s squad ahead of 2026, according to reports.

Chelsea tipped as Premier League title contenders ahead of Arsenal

On the pitch, their Premier League title credentials are set for a stern evaluation as they prepare for a blockbuster face-off against frontrunners Arsenal this weekend.

Sunday’s heavyweight clash between the London rivals at Stamford Bridge will provide the clearest indication yet of whether Maresca’s youthful side genuinely belong in the conversation, or if they still remain a year away from challenging for football’s ultimate prize.

The debate surrounding Chelsea’s title credentials has intensified following their impressive recent run, with Maresca himself refusing to rule out the possibility, in stark contrast to last year.

Tuesday’s 3-0 dismantling of Barcelona in the Champions League demonstrated their ability to deliver against Europe’s elite even without superstar Cole Palmer, with Estevao taking all the headlines after his masterclass against the Catalans.

Luckily for Maresca, Palmer is back to full fitness and available to play Arsenal, with Maresca handed the desired conundrum of fitting both the England international and Estevao into the same team.

Chelsea’s boss has grown adept when it comes to tinkering with his side, having made more first eleven changes than any other manager in the Premier League by far this season.

However, they could hardly ask for a tougher test on paper than Arsenal, who are currently 16 games unbeaten in all competitions and fresh off a statement Champions League performance themselves.

Chelsea have already signed "the next Cristiano Ronaldo" for half of his release clause

He could be their next Estevao-esque talent.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 27, 2025

Mikel Arteta’s side have established themselves as the benchmark to beat, and their unbeaten seven-game run against Chelsea will gift the Gunners major confidence heading into their west London tie.

Off the field, BlueCo are devising yet more plans to strengthen the Chelsea squad in future windows, despite spending nearly £300 million in the summer.

Chelsea considering £120m double deal for FC Porto's Aghehowa and Froholdt

As per reports from Spain, Chelsea are considering an ambitious £120 million deal for two talented FC Porto players, with Victor Froholdt and Samu Aghehowa emerging as top targets.

Froholdt, a 19-year-old midfielder, has captured Chelsea’s attention through his exceptional composure in possession from deep positions. The west Londoners are apparently fans of the teenager’s technical ability, and believe he could slot in seamlessly alongside Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.

Meanwhile, Aghehowa also appeals to Chelsea’s recruitment team after his stellar 2025.

The 21-year-old striker has established himself as a consistent goalscorer in Portugal, bagging 27 goals in 45 games last term, and has continued that fine form by hitting double figures this season.

Aghehowa is a familiar name to Chelsea, having once come close to signing the Spain international back in 2024.

Both players align with their transfer strategy when it comes to recruiting world football’s most exciting young talents, but the competition for Aghehowa’s signature alone means this won’t be easy by any means.

Stats highlights from Sri Lanka’s first innings in Durban where they were bundled out for 42

Sampath Bandarupalli28-Nov-202442 Sri Lanka’s total in Durban is their lowest in Test cricket. Their previous lowest was 71 all out against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994.It is also the second lowest by any team in the World Test Championship, behind India’s 36 all out against Australia in 2020.ESPNcricinfo Ltd13.5 Overs batted by Sri Lanka during their 42 all out. It is the second-shortest all-out innings in the history of Test cricket, behind the 12.3 overs by South Africa during their 30 all out against England in the 1924 Birmingham Test.41 Number of balls bowled by Marco Jansen for his seventh wicket against Sri Lanka, the joint-fewest bowled by any bowler for their seventh wicket in a men’s Test innings. Hugh Trumble also bowled 41 balls against England in the 1904 Melbourne Test, finishing with seven for 28 in the 6.5 overs bowled in the fourth innings.ESPNcricinfo Ltd1 Sri Lanka’s 42 all out is the lowest total by any team against South Africa in Tests. The previous lowest was 45 all out by New Zealand in the 2013 Cape Town Test.It is also the third-lowest total in Tests by any team in South Africa, behind the home team’s 30 all out in the 1896 Gqeberha Test and 35 all out in the 1899 Cape Town Test, both against England.13 Runs conceded by Jansen for his seven-wicket haul. Only three bowlers conceded fewer runs in a men’s Test innings while bagging seven or more wickets. The fewest is by George Lohmann, who took 8 for 7 against South Africa in 1896.7 Jansen dismissed all seven batters for single-digit scores. Only two other bowlers have dismissed seven or more batters for single-digit scores in a men’s Test innings since 1970 – Stuart Broad against New Zealand in the 2013 Lord’s Test and Mitchell Johnson against England in the 2013 Adelaide Test.