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It has been suggested that an in-form Tottenham Hotspur starter actually isn't good enough to take Ange Postecoglou's side forward.

Latest Spurs news

The north Londoners continued their fine form with a controversial 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday, with strikes from Son Heung-min and an own goal from Joel Matip doing enough to cancel out Cody Gakpo's brilliantly-taken equaliser. The crucial win also maintains Tottenham's unbeaten start to the Premier League season, where they have tasted victory in five out of their opening seven league games.

Speaking after their latest win over Jurgen Klopp's side, Postecoglou hailed his team's spirit and resilience; going on to say the result will continue to build Spurs' character.

"It wasn’t an easy game for us, we knew it wouldn’t be, and even in the circumstances, we had some unique challenges," explained the Australian.

"For some of these guys, this will be the first time they’ve faced that type of scenario, and for the most part, we handled it okay. Again, getting that late winner helps build the belief and spirit in the group. The thing about Liverpool, even with 10 men, they are equally as dangerous because the game plan is the same, they play on mistakes, they have world-class players up front who can hurt you. I thought the second half was better because we stayed a bit calmer, maintained our pressure in the wide areas and got our reward.”

Next up, Spurs will take on struggling Luton Town on Saturday, and a win there will undoubtedly put them in even better mood heading into another international break before the winter.

Tottenham player ratings

There are many Spurs players to pluck out as star men so far this term, namely Son, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. The likes of Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro have also impressed on either flank as Postecoglou's inverted full-back options; providing both pace and and attacking intensity out wide.

Perhaps the most surprising success story, though, has been young midfielder Pape Matar Sarr – who's started six out of Tottenham's seven league matches so far. The 21-year-old could barely get a look-in under Antonio Conte last term, despite reportedly holding him high esteem, but Sarr has since come into his own for Postecoglou.

According to WhoScored, the Senegalese ranks among Spurs' best-performers per 90; already notching both a goal and assist in the top flight as he forms a brilliant midfield partnership with Bissouma. However, according to pundit Keith Tracey, speaking to Off The Ball this week, Sarr still isn't good enough to help bridge the gap between them and the league's elite sides.

He said: “Pape Sarr, he’s somebody who I don’t think is going to bridge that gap between Spurs and Man City or Spurs and Arsenal, so there are question marks there, but they have gotten an awful lot stronger this year."

The Washington Nationals haven’t been a playoff-caliber team in 2024, but they are taking a step forward from the last few seasons, sitting just six games under .500 entering Monday’s matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Cardinals took Sunday’s matchup with an 8-3 win, which means Washington needs a win on Monday to split the four-game set that began over the holiday weekend. 

St. Louis sits in second place in the NL Central coming into this game, but it actually has a worse run differential (minus-39) than the Nationals (minus -17) this season. 

With this game set as a pick’em, how should we bet on it?

Let’s break down the odds, probable pitchers and more for the series finale. 

Cardinals vs. Nationals Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line

• Cardinals -1.5 (+150)
• Nationals +1.5 (-180)

Moneyline

• Cardinals: -105
• Nationals: -115

Total

• 9 (Over -112/Under -108)

Cardinals vs. Nationals Probable Pitchers

• St. Louis: Miles Mikola (6-7, 5.19 ERA)
• Washington: Mitchell Parker (5-4, 3.61 ERA)

Cardinals vs. Nationals How to Watch

• Date: Monday, July 8
• Time: 4:05 p.m. EST
• Venue: Nationals Park
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Midwest, MASN
• Cardinals record: 47-42
• Nationals record: 42-48

Cardinals vs. Nationals Key Players to Watch

St. Louis Cardinals

Paul Goldschmidt: A former league MVP, Goldy has really struggled in 2024, hitting just .226 coming into this matchup. However, he’s been much better against left-handed pitching, posting a .273/.354/.352 slash line in 88 at bats. The Cardinals have been awful against lefties this season, so they’ll need Goldy to step up on Monday. 

Washington Nationals

Mitchell Parker: This will be the young lefty’s 16th start of the 2024 season, and he’s fared pretty well for Washington, leading the team to a 8-7 record across 15 starts while posting a 3.61 ERA. If there's one concern, it’s that Parker has given up 11 runs over his last three outings after a great start to June. 

Cardinals vs. Nationals Prediction and Pick

The Cardinals have struggled mightily against left-handed pitching this season, ranking 29th in the league in OPS, which is a great sign for Parker and the Nationals on Monday night.

Parker – despite struggling a bit over his last three outings – has been solid for Washington in 2024, allowing three or fewer runs in 13 of his 15 starts.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are relying on Miles Mikolas (5.19 ERA) to get them a series win on Monday. The veteran right-hander has been up and down this season, leading the Cards to an 8-10 record in his 18 starts. He struggled at the end of June, allowing 14 runs and 18 hits over his last two starts (10.1 innings of work). 

While Washington isn’t a powerhouse offensive, I do think it has a huge advantage at the dish given St. Louis’ struggles against lefties. 

I’ll back the Nats to split this four-game set with a win tonight. 

India’s young batting star dropped his pants on debut, missed the team bus countless times, and has an obsession with a certain number

Nagraj Gollapudi04-Jun-2009<!–So, what did you buy with your IPL prize money?
I haven’t got the money yet, but I will be investing it in buying some real estate in Mumbai. –>Tell us something we don’t know about you.
People think I’m quiet, but that’s not the case.Are you lazy?
Yes. I love to sleep.Have you ever missed the team bus?
Quite a few times. I even did it during the IPL, with Deccan Chargers. And I’ve been penalised many times. At times I have ended up paying my day’s perks for the entire day’s meals [for the team] whenever I’ve missed the India bus.Talking about food, we’ve heard you love eating eggs?
Yes, once I ate 25 fried eggs at one go.Who’s a batsman you would pay to watch?
Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh. I enjoy watching left-handers.You’re an avid collector of t-shirts, apparently?
I picked up 10 Ed Hardy t-shirts on my last trip to Australia, two years ago.Do you have any autographed souvenirs?
I got two of my bats signed by every team member after we won the 2007 World Twenty20 and the CB Series in Australia in 2008. Both were amazing victories and I wanted something to remember them by.What’s the one thing you never forget to pack when going on a tour?
My boxers!Is it true you have this thing about the number five?
It is my lucky number. I like to stay in rooms whose numbers add up to five, for example.What’s the one thing you always take with you wherever you go?
I was gifted a small idol, and I always keep that close.Do you have any treasured mementos from early in your career?
I still have the Vampire bat with which I scored the first century of my life. That was when I was 12.When you were younger, was there anything you wanted to own when you were grown up?
I like BMWs. I even used to collect posters and stickers of them. As a teenager I would tell my friends that one day I would own one. Luckily, I now own a white BMW 5 series.What do hotel rooms need to make them more enjoyable?
They should have big bathtubs, not just showers.What has been the most embarrassing moment of your career?
On my first tour, in Ireland, I had to slide to stop the ball on the ropes. But in the process my trousers slid down too and the crowd had a good laugh. I was all red behind the ears with my pants down.Describe yourself in a few words?
Tough and easy going.What’s the drink you celebrate victory with?
Champagne.What’s been the best compliment you’ve received?
Adam Gilchrist said during this IPL: “You are one of the big talents, not only for India but in world cricket. You are going to be one of the brightest stars in the future.” I couldn’t stop feeling nice.

Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal were travelling back to London following an impressive draw away at Anfield and celebrating that they would be top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day. Everything was looking good for Mikel Arteta's men.

However, three losses from the three games that followed have left the Gunners in fourth place, out of the FA Cup and in the midst of a mini-crisis.

While the whole team has slipped as of late, the main culprits for this poor run of form are the frontline, as rather shockingly, they have scored just one goal from the 63 shots they have had since their draw against Liverpool.

This lack of goals has clearly worried the club, as the latest player touted for a move to N5 has been on fire in La Liga and could have an impact similar to Leandro Trossard's last season: Getafe's Borja Mayoral.

Arsenal transfer news – Borja Mayoral

According to The Sun, Arsenal have made an official £22m bid for Getafe's in-form striker, Mayoral.

The report has revealed that the former Real Madrid star's exploits for the Madrid-based side have caught the Gunners' attention as they desperately look for a goalscorer this month, although unfortunately for Edu and Co, their offer has already been knocked back.

The Sun claims that the Deep Blues are holding out for an offer closer to their £39m valuation of the Spaniard, which could cause problems for an Arsenal side that are reportedly hamstrung by FFP concerns at the moment.

That said, if the club can find a way to make this deal work, it could be precisely what they need to get the season back on track, especially if he can replicate the sort of impact Trossard had when he arrived last January.

Borja Mayoral could replicate Leandro Trossard's impact last season

There are evident parallels between the Trossard transfer last year and this potential move for Mayoral. Data analyst Ben Mattinson seems to agree, as he has described this possible transfer as a "Trossard type signing" – and he's right.

When Arsenal signed the Belgian international from Brighton & Hove Albion last January, the reception was rather reserved. It wasn't necessarily that fans were unhappy with the tricky wideman's arrival; it was more the disappointment at losing out on the much more expensive – and shiny – Mykhailo Mudryk to London rivals Chelsea that left fans feeling somewhat deflated.

However, fast-forward a year – or just a couple of months really – and it was the west Londoners who were regretting their choice in the transfer market thanks to the instant and brilliant impact that Trossard had made in N5, finishing the season with one goal and ten assists in just ten starts.

Similarly, much of the talk surrounding Arsenal's hunt for a new striker this month has focussed on the far more expensive and better-known – to English fans – Ivan Toney. The Brentford man would still likely be an excellent option for the club, but with him costing potentially £100m, Mayoral is the smarter option.

Stats

Mayoral

Nketiah

Jesus

Games

19

19

15

Goals

12

5

3

Assists

1

1

1

Goal Involvements

13

6

4

Expected Goals and Assists

0.58

0.43

0.60

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

Moreover, the performances of the Spanish "goal machine", as described by journalist Dean Jones, this season have been a level above Arsenal's strikers, as Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus' combined ten league goal involvements pale in comparison to his 13.

Arsenal could sign "outrageously good" Frimpong alternative

The 30-year-old full-back could be the solution to one of Arsenal’s most pressing problems.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 11, 2024

Ultimately, it might not be the flashiest or most exciting of transfers.

Still, neither was Trossard's move last January and with how well Mayoral has been performing in Spain this year, there is no reason to suggest that he could not replicate the Belgian's impact when he signed last season.

Celtic have been dealt a fresh injury blow regarding the fitness of one of their regular senior features, following a fresh update before Aberdeen.

Celtic injury news

The Scottish Premiership side currently have Reo Hatate, Liel Abada, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki out on the sidelines with their own respective injury problems for the foreseeable future, and unfortunately for supporters, they have now been joined by another squad member in the treatment room.

On Tuesday evening, Brendan Rodgers’ side suffered a staggering 6-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium leaving them at rock bottom of their group on just one point, so they’ve got it all to do in their final two fixtures should they want to stay in the competition.

During the heavy loss in midweek, Daizen Maeda didn’t help matters after receiving a straight red card after 23 minutes, and it appeared that the left-winger had hurt himself by making the tackle.

The Japan international has started 11 league games so far this season which highlights just how much of an integral feature of the starting side he is (WhoScored – Maeda statistics), but with an update on the 26-year-old’s fitness having emerged, he’ll face a wait before he can start his 12th.

Daizen Maeda ruled out for six weeks

Speaking to the press on Friday, Rodgers confirmed that Maeda is facing an extended spell on the sidelines at Celtic.

As quoted by STV News, he said: “Daizen will probably be up to six weeks out with the injury from the challenge. He has strained his medial knee ligament. f he was stronger in the challenge he probably wouldn’t have had the injury. The clash of feet has just opened up the knee ligament. It’s a big shame for us because he has been brilliant for me since I came here.”

Maeda injury a big setback for Rodgers

According to journalist Josh Bunting, Maeda has recently proven to be a “workhorse” for Celtic, so the fact that his high pressing and desire to make the magic happen in the final third will be unavailable for the next six weeks will be a blow for Rodgers. The Taishi native has four contributions – two goals and the same number of assists – to his name in the league this season (Transfermarkt – Maeda statistics), and he’s constantly able to carry a threat even if the end product isn’t always there.

Parkhead’s £18k-per-week earner (Celtic salaries), has recorded a total of 24 shots over the course of the current campaign, which is the third-highest throughout the squad behind Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley (FBRef – Celtic statistics), displaying his hunger and determination to hit the back of the net.

Furthermore, Maeda is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even two roles in the midfield, so there’s no doubt that the boss will be hoping to have that versaility back at his disposal as soon as possible.

Liverpool are battling one of their Premier League rivals for the signing of an "amazing" attacking maestro, according to a fresh transfer update.

Liverpool transfer latest

The January transfer window will offer the Reds the opportunity to make further additions to their squad, should Jurgen Klopp feel the need to bolster his options. Liverpool are looking primed for a potential Premier League title race, with Saturday's 2-0 win at home to Everton in the Merseyside derby another step in the right direction, and a few extra sprinklings of brilliance could make them even more formidable.

The Reds, and by extension owners FSG, have been linked with a number of players recently, from Jamal Musiala to Manu Kone, both of which represent exciting pieces of Liverpool transfer news, and although the latter could be a great addition, it would be a surprise if the midfield was focused on over other areas of the pitch.

With Mohamed Salah on Africa Cup of Nations duty early next year, it could be that Klopp also eyes up another attacker to bring in, especially if there is the threat of the Egyptian departing Anfield at the end of the season. A new update suggests that Liverpool are looking to Serie A for a possible signing.

Liverpool eyeing Nico Gonzalez

According to a fresh claim from Calciomercato [via Sport Witness] Nico Gonzalez to Liverpool is a transfer that could come to fruition, with the Fiorentina winger seen as a strong option by the Reds. The 25-year-old is believed to be a "popular target" with a number of English clubs, with Chelsea mentioned in the report as one of those interested in him. Liverpool have also sent scouts to watch him in action on "several occasions", further adding fuel to the fire, with Fiorentina possibly wanting around €60m (£52m) for his services.

Gonzalez has grown into a formidable player at Fiorentina since arriving at the club from VfB Stuttgart back in 2021, proving to be a regular supplier of end product in the final third and being called "amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

When you look at Gonzalez's stats, they highlight his consistency, with 29 goals coming his way in 92 appearances, and 16 assists also registered. Five goals in six Serie A starts have already been netted this season, with the Argentine predominantly taking up a right-sided attacking role.

Liverpool could see the Fiorentina ace as a good backup for Salah, and someone who can immediately fill in for him when he heads off to AFCON duty in January. As mentioned above, it may be that the Reds are lining him up as the legendary attacker's long-term replacement on Merseyside.

Dribbling

Could be better defensively

Finishing

Can hold onto the ball

Aerial duels

Injuries

Being the successor to Salah is going to be an almost impossible job for whoever does become that man at some point in the future, but Gonzalez has the attributes to suit Klopp's style of play, combining quick feet, strong finishing a good work ethic out of possession. At 25, you could say he is also coming into his prime, meaning he could be an intriguing addition to the Klopp 2.0 era that is currently happening at Anfield.

Newcastle United are reportedly looking to complete the signing of an "extraordinary" renowned midfielder, as they aim to make further reinforcements in the coming transfer windows.

Newcastle transfer news…

Eddie Howe's side drew 2-2 at West Ham on Sunday afternoon, as Mohammed Kudus' late strike deprived them of three valuable Premier League points. While failure to pick up a victory in east London was slightly disappointing, it is still a draw that could be looked back on as a decent result in May, with the Hammers a strong team currently. Newcastle have really turned a corner since a poor start to the season, not least thrashing Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League, and it feels as though they could once again be destined for big things in 2023/24.

One thing that could help the Magpies in their quest for glory is making a number of new signings in the January transfer window, allowing Howe to make his squad stronger, aiding rotation in the process. Should the right players not be available at that point, plenty of summer additions should be expected instead, even though the manager has addressed Newcastle's FFP situation, stating they won't lead to the club spending big, and that appears to have resulted in targeting a potential soon to be free agent.

Newcastle transfer update; Adrien Rabiot

According to a fresh Newcastle transfer update on Adrien Rabiot, the Magpies are interested in signing the Juventus midfielder at the end of this season, with Rabiot's contract expiring at that point. The Magpies aren't alone in expressing a keenness to snap up the Frenchman, however, with Manchester United also believed to be in the mix. Both clubs are "ready to knock on Rabiot's door again" after showing interest in the past, and they look in a better position to offer him a superior deal than Juve, as they look to keep hold of him.

Rabiot could be a really shrewd signing by Newcastle in the summer of 2024, with the free aspect of it making it far less of a gamble, too. Granted, the 28-year-old may demand high wages, but not having to pay a fee for him could make it an excellent deal. The Juve midfielder has been a top-level player for some time now, winning 38 caps for France and making a combined 412 appearances for his current club and Paris Saint-Germain, while former French striker David Trezeguet has described Rabiot as "extraordinary".

A box-to-box player who can provide both defensive nous and an eye for goal, Rabiot has averaged 2.1 aerial duel wins per game in Serie A so far this season, not to mention enjoying an 89% pass completion rate, highlighting the overall quality that he possesses in his game. He could therefore be great foil for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, as well as providing Howe with the extra depth he may well crave.

There were many interested observers of the scenes at The Grange on Sunday and a group of them were in London on a day off before their final preparations for the one-day series against England. Scotland’s victory is being seen by the Australians as a timely boost before their new-look team takes the field at The Oval on Wednesday.England remain considerable favourites for the five-match series against an Australia side missing six first-choice players – David Warner, Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood – but the visitors are chipper after two warm-up wins. Even in this new era of toned-down sledging from Australia, it would be a surprise if England’s stumble in Edinburgh wasn’t given the occasional mention when the two sides meet.”It was a really interesting game yesterday, good for us that England lost that game, great for Scotland as a country, and as a cricketing nation it’s really exciting for them,” Ashton Agar said.”It’s about momentum and having had a couple of practice games and got a couple of wins, it’s great for us. For us it’s good that England didn’t win because you always want to start with a win.”Agar said that Australia’s squad had a “nice refreshed” feel to it and was particularly excited at the prospect of tall quick bowler Billy Stanlake taking on the powerful England batting line-up. Stanlake impressed against Middlesex in his one run-out before the series, troubling batsmen with his bounce and pace.”You have a couple of really good players who aren’t in the mix at the moment, having said that, we do have a really versatile squad, an injection of youth which is always helpful, so there’s a lot of energy and a lot of players who are really believing in themselves at the moment.”You could say maybe [the squad is weakened] slightly without that 150kph Mitchell Starc coming in, but you have another 150kph in Billy Stanlake … if you take out 100 one-day wickets or whatever Starcy has, it will change things a little bit, but it’s a great chance for Billy to show his stuff, bowl 150ks and hopefully rip through them.”On a personal level, Agar is set for a key position in the Australia line-up having established himself as the main spinner ahead of Nathan Lyon at the start of the tour and being entrusted with the No. 7 slot in both warm-up matches. Coach Justin Langer has given a strong indication that Australia will go with an extra bowling option which makes Agar’s batting ability crucial”I think the rise of Big Bash cricket has really helped my batting in white-ball cricket,” he said. “I come in at the end a lot in Big Bash games and try and finish the job. I work very hard on my batting and try and build on that, so to start off with a couple of 20s was pleasing.”The Oval will be just Agar’s fifth ODI since he made his debut against England at Old Trafford in 2015 – although English audiences are more likely to remember him for his 98 on Test debut batting at No. 11 in the 2013 Ashes – and he now feels a more rounded cricketer.”I’m really confident, feel like I’m bowling quite nicely especially with the white ball,” he said. “I have better understanding of the game and a better self belief.”

Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman, has announced that the matches will be played on April 1, 2 and 3

Umar Farooq in Dubai11-Mar-2018

AFP

West Indies are set to become the latest international team to tour Pakistan. Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman, has announced that they will visit the country for a series of three T20Is, all of them to be played in Karachi. *These matches were originally scheduled for April 1, 2 and 4 but the final one has been pulled forward by a day so as not to clash with the death anniversary of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.These will be the first international matches in Karachi since the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore brought international cricket in Pakistan to a virtual halt. Pakistan have played nearly all their “home” matches in the UAE since then. There has been a slow trickle of international teams returning to Pakistan since 2015, with Zimbabwe, a World XI, and most recently Sri Lanka making short visits for limited-overs games, but all of them were confined to the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. Karachi is also set to host the final of the ongoing Pakistan Super League.”I have been working day and night to conclude an agreement with West Indies which I have just finalised an hour ago,” Sethi said. “Good news is that West Indies will play three games, on [April, 1, 2 and 3], but these matches will be played in Karachi. They will not play in Lahore but in Karachi. That is how we intend to put Karachi back on the cricket map once again. The PSL final, and now three more games for Karachi as per routine. Karachi people should welcome this.”Sethi said Reg Dickason, the ICC’s security consultant, would visit Karachi during the PSL final to look at the security arrangements for the series.”Reg DIckason and his men will be here during the PSL final and we have contracted them to oversee the West Indies games as well,” Sethi said. “Their expert will stay back for seven days and conduct the security for West Indies series. This is part of our agreement with the West Indies board. This will be a one-off series, since, as I told you before, it will be a loss-making enterprise. The idea wasn’t to make money; it was to bring cricket back, so this is a step in that direction.”We have a separate agreement with the West Indies in which we are exploring a tri-lateral series including Pakistan, West Indies and one other country, which will be played in the USA over next five years. The details about the venues, dates, financial model will be discussed later but in principle it has decided that three countries will play in the USA.”Sethi had last year announced a five-year plan that involved the West Indies touring Pakistan every year until 2022, but in January walked back on that claim due to the costs involved.*

Sunderland picked up a massive victory against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Boxing Day to overtake the Tigers in the final playoff place, while putting the ghosts of last Saturday's humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Coventry City behind them from Michael Beale's debut in the dugout.

Ever the hero this season, Jack Clarke scored the only goal of the game to clinch all three points for his side, putting him on 11 goals in the Championship this term.

The Black Cats' goalscoring burden has been placed heavily on the 23-year-old's shoulders this season but Beale could alleviate this pressure on Clarke by signing one former player in January.

Sunderland transfer news – Amad Diallo

Over Christmas, Football Insider reported that Manchester United are willing to let Amad Diallo head back out on loan in January, having not played a single minute all season for the Red Devils. Reports have also claimed that Sunderland are keen to acquire the Ivorian attacker once more after such a successful spell in England's second tier last season.

Diallo has spent the majority of the campaign sidelined through a serious knee injury which he sustained on pre-season with the English giants. As a result, the youngster is yet to feature under head coach Erik ten Hag in a competitive game this term, although the £9m-rated forward has recently returned to training.

It was recently revealed that the Atalanta youth product was keen to stay at Old Trafford to fight for his place but now it seems as though the decision may be taken out of his hands and a return to the Stadium of Light could be just what the doctor ordered for all parties.

Amad Diallo's stats – 2022/23

Diallo joined Sunderland at the beginning of the previous campaign on a season-long loan spell and quickly became a hero on Wearside. The Ivory Coast international ended the season as Sunderland's top goalscorer in all competitions with 14 goals as Tony Mowbray's side made an unprecedented finish inside the playoff places, unfortunately losing to Luton Town in the semi-finals. Mowbray even described Diallo as "magic" as the loanee finished joint-eight in the league's scoring charts.

Player

Goals

Expected Goals

Chuba Akpom

28

21.9

Viktor Gyokeres

21

19.5

Carlton Morris

20

15

Joel Piroe

19

18.5

Tom Bradshaw

17

13.9

Nathan Tella

17

10.3

Zian Flemming

15

9.6

Ben Brereton Diaz

14

11.9

Iliman Ndiaye

14

12.8

Jerry Yates

14

11.2

Amad Diallo

13

8.1

Stats via FBref

Nevertheless, the difference between Sunderland over the past two seasons is that the club are far more reliant on one player this term compared to the last campaign. The Black Cats have found the net 33 times this season in the Championship. However, this time around, only 11 teams have scored fewer goals. Additionally, Jack Clarke has bagged 33.3% of the side's league goals this season.

In the 2022/23 campaign, Sunderland had three players reach ten or more goals in all competitions: Diallo, Ross Stewart and Clarke, while Ellis Simms followed closely behind with seven. Now, the side's second-highest goalscorer spot is shared between Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham on four apiece.

The main issue Beale has to fix is the team's lack of potency up top. Nazariy Rusyn, Hemir Semedo, Mason Burstow, Jewison Bennette, and Eliezer Mayenda have all rotated the number '9' position at different times in the season but none have managed to convert a single opportunity, leaving the manager to get creative up top.

On Boxing Day, Beale threw Bradley Dack up top but the ex-Blackburn Rovers star failed to have any impact at all, recording just one shot which registered a measly xG of 0.07 before he was replaced in the 44th minute with an injury. Chronicle Live handed the 29-year-old a 6/10 match rating for his display.

Nevertheless, with a potential arrival of Diallo, Beale could try Clarke up front given how potent he has been for Sunderland this term. The former Tottenham Hotspur man has only started four times up front and has a decent record when leading the line.

Position

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Left Midfielder

40

13

6

Left-Winger

36

8

10

Centre-Forward

4

2

1

Right-Winger

1

0

0

Attacking Midfielder

1

0

0

Right Midfielder

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

In addition, the new manager could put Diallo out on the wing in Clarke's position to alleviate the loss of the Englishman on the flanks. While Sunderland may lose some aerial threat, the side will have a much better balance in the forward line and won't be as reliant on Clarke's goals with the addition of Diallo.