18-year-old Alex Green takes third five-for in five games before final-over drama

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Aug-2025Leicestershire and Derbyshire shared a dramatic tie after a see-saw battle at Grace Road – although the result did neither side any favours as they tried to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the knock-out phase of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Rishi Patel and Lewis Hill shared a 166-run second-wicket partnership as the Foxes posted 312 for 5 from their 50 overs, bolstered by valuable contributions from Peter Handscomb (35 off 23) and Ben Cox (35 not out off 22) as the last 10 overs added 90 to their total.Alex Green, the Foxes’ 18-year-old fast-bowling prospect, had another memorable day, taking his third five-wicket haul of the competition, but it was not enough to see his side home. Zak Chappell (49 off 37) almost took the Falcons to victory, as Leicestershire’s Tom Scriven conceded 13 off the final over, but he was run out off the last ball.Earlier, Harry Came and Caleb Jewell had given the Falcons a flying start before Matt Montgomery and Anuj Dal took them close.The result leaves the Foxes on 10 points and Derbyshire on eight and while the Falcons have three matches left to Leicestershire’s two, the chances of either making a top-three finish look tenuous.Alex Green celebrates a breakthrough•Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Derbyshire soon removed Sol Budinger after opting to bowl on a damp, overcast morning, the left-hander caught at midwicket off Rory Haydon, the young fast bowler, who had dropped him off his own bowling the previous delivery. Haydon damaged his right hand attempting the catch and, though he completed the over, was off the field for the remainder of the innings.For the next couple of hours, Patel and Hill dominated. Hill completed a brisk half-century in 52 balls, timing his shots beautifully in gathering seven boundaries. A dab to third man from Patel took their stand into three figures in 18 overs. Patel, left out of the last two matches, completed his 50 off 79.Hill looked nailed on for his first List A century in four years when a lovely cut off Ben Aitchison took him into the 90s. Yet the next ball proved his undoing, pulled straight into the hands of Dal at midwicket.Patel hit four sixes, all over the legside boundary, three of Martin Andersson. Like Hill, though, he lost his wicket with the hard work done, hitting in the air as Andersson pitched wide of off stump and finding the fielder at mid-off.Shan Masood fell for 22 off 28 balls, but Handscomb and Cox ensured the Patel-Hill partnership was not wasted to set Derbyshire a challenging total.Falcons openers Came and Jewell made it look somewhat less daunting. Where the home side had been 39 for 1 from 10, Derbyshire put on 81 at more than six an over before Leicestershire could make a breakthrough in the 13th. Left-arm spinner Liam Trevaskis ended the partnership by bowling the left-handed Jewell through the gate.Ian Holland dealt the Falcons a setback when he had Came caught at mid-off but the Falcons were well placed at 148 for 2 from 25. Montgomery top-edged to backward point off Mike and another budding partnership was stymied when Green had Andersson leg before, after which the youngster had Brooke Guest caught at third man before taking a third wicket in as many overs as Ross Whiteley nicked behind.Dal, on his first outing of the season in this competition, had a life on 25 when Masood spilled an easy chance at mid-on, going on to share a 64-run stand with Chappell that swung the balance back to the Falcons.But then he was run out as the non-striker by some smart work by Holland before Green returned with a superb final over that cost just one run, having Aitchison and Jack Morley both caught at backward point, leaving Derbyshire needing 14 off the final over.Chappell plundered 12 from the first three deliveries off Scriven, who then bowled a wide to leave the scores level. Two dots followed before Chappell tried to scramble a leg bye off the last delivery but did not make it.

While India are the most recent winners of the tournament in 2023, it was played in ODI format

Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Sep-20252:05

Jaffer: Hasaranga’s return big boost for SL

As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, they are defending champions at this year’s Asia Cup. The case they are making is that the ODI version of the Asia Cup – which India last won in 2023 – is a different tournament entirely.The tournament alternates between the two white-ball formats based on which World Cup is around the corner. In 2023, it was the 50-over World Cup. In 2025, it is the T20 World Cup. And as far as the T20I version of the Asia Cup goes, Sri Lanka are the most-recent victors, having taken the title in 2022.”Mentally, the fact that we are defending champions is a really good thing,” Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said ahead of his team’s first Asia Cup game, against Bangladesh on Saturday. “It was a lot of these players that played in that last tournament here [in UAE] as well. We know that because we are champions we can go far. The players are using that as motivation.”Related

• Familiar foes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka meet in high-stakes contest

• Hridoy hits back at critics as Bangladesh opt for safety over speed

• Why are Sri Lanka and Bangladesh so poor at T20I batting?

• Hasaranga fit for Sri Lanka's Asia Cup campaign

At home, both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh tend to play on slower tracks not especially suited to batting. But Asalanka expected the Abu Dhabi surface to be different.”When you’re rating these conditions with other venues in the UAE, I think Abu Dhabi is the best pitch for batters. Once the ball gets softer it’s much easier to bat here, and the outfield is very nice. Every batsman wants to play in Abu Dhabi.”Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are very familiar with each other, having played three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests since the start of the year. Sri Lanka won the ODI and the Test series but Bangladesh took the T20I series.

Rafiq “uncomfortable” with Yorkshire statement on report into racism at the club

George Dobell19-Aug-2021Azeem Rafiq has labelled the positions of Yorkshire chief executive, Mark Arthur, and the club’s director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, “untenable” following the completion of a report into racism at the club.The report was launched following Rafiq’s allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire. It concluded that “several of the allegations made by Azeem were upheld” and that he had been “historically… the victim of inappropriate behaviour”.It also found that the club had “failed to implement its policies and procedures in relation to these serious issues”.As well as extending his “sincere apology” to Rafiq, the club’s chair, Roger Hutton, admitted “the club could, and should, have supported him better”.While the club offered “profound apologies” to Rafiq, he is adamant that it is actions, not just words, which are required to demonstrate Yorkshire’s determination to change. To that end, he feels that all those who were in a formal meeting to discuss his concerns in August 2018 – and, he feels, did little to act upon those concerns – should now leave the club.”I’m uncomfortable with several aspects of Yorkshire’s statement,” Rafiq told ESPNcricinfo. “For a start, I’d like to know which allegations have been upheld and which have not.”Terming what went on as ‘inappropriate behaviour’ doesn’t sit right with me, either. It was racist behaviour. They should say so.”I’m also uncomfortable with the narrative that these are ‘historic’ allegations. Most of them concern people who are not just still at the club but in positions of power.”There has to be accountability. It seems to me that, while everyone who was in that room in August 2018 remains in positions of responsibility at the club, it will be hard to take their words seriously.”For that reason, I feel the positions of the chief executive, the director of cricket and the inclusivity and diversity manager are untenable.”Moxon, who enjoyed a long and successful career as a player at Yorkshire, had been director of cricket at the club since 2007, while Arthur has been chief executive since 2013.

When Daley Blind was selected at centre-back for Manchester United’s first Premier League fixture of the season, many a Red Devils fan raised a doubtful eyebrow.

The Netherlands international’s typically Dutch tactical understanding of the game makes him a fantastic defensive all-rounder – the middle-to-lower-third’s answer to England international James Milner – and in my opinion, Louis van Gaal’s best pound-for-pound purchase during his three transfer windows at Old Trafford.

But a centre-back? In the Premier League? At first glance, the 5 foot 11 midfielder-come-full-back-now-come-centre-half just doesn’t have the frame, the strength or the aerial leap required for that position, especially in a division priding itself on domineering physicality and laden with old-fashioned No.9s.

Three games and just one goal conceded later, however, the 25-year-old is proving to be an improbably shrewd choice at the heart of defence. And he’s not just filling a gap, as he did in midfield and at No.3 during Michael Carrick and Luke Shaw’s respective injury bouts last season; with the arguable exception of summer signing Matteo Darmian, he’s been United’s best defender during their opening fixtures.

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That has as much to do with Blind’s trusted partner Chris Smalling as it does the Dutchman’s performances. Whilst neither are in company with the Premier League’s top centre-backs, they juxtapose each other’s strengths and weaknesses so perfectly that their collective value far exceeds them as individuals.

Take Smalling for example, a very physical, simple yet effective defender. I see him almost as a modern day Martin Keown through his awkward frame and seemingly sharp-edged limbs; by no means always pleasant to watch, but a real annoyance for whoever he’s marking. The England international, however, falls short in two key areas; his intelligence as a footballer and his quality in possession.

That’s where Blind, an indisputable master of both, comes in. His reading of the game not only aids Smalling but also the inexperienced Luke Shaw to his left, whilst his technical quality and vision on the ball provides that progressive presence from the back Louis van Gaal hoped Sergio Ramos or Mats Hummels would bring to United.

The 25 year-old has made 110 successful passes already this season, the most of any United player and the third-most of any Premier League centre-half after Swansea duo Ashley Williams and Federico Fernandez, 84% of which have been forward. To give some comparison, of Smalling’s 94 passes this term only 63% were towards the opposition’s goal.

Long term, however, there are obvious concerns. As a defensive unit, the Red Devils have been exemplary in the Premier League; they’re just one of three sides to claim clean sheets in both fixtures, have averaged the third-most tackles per match and the fifth most interceptions per match of any team, and have resultantly conceded the fewest shots  – a miserly 14.

But after facing a lukewarm Tottenham side for the season’s opener and last Friday an Aston Villa outfit still coming to terms with the loss of Christian Benteke, they’re yet to be truly tested. Stopping the likes of Everton, Swansea City and Manchester City, three of the four top-scoring sides in the Premier League who United will all encounter before the end of October, might prove considerably more troublesome.

Likewise, Smalling has protected his wirier partner well in the opening clashes; Harry Kane’s aerial threat rarely came into play during Spurs’ visit to Old Trafford, whilst Rudy Gestede – the most prolific headerer in English football over the last two seasons with 20 headed goals – was kept equally subdued during his half-hour substitute appearance for Villa.

But if one of the Premier League’s most formidable target men, such as Chelsea’s Diego Costa, Liverpool’s Benteke, Southampton’s Graziano Pelle or Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, isolated Blind to intentionally create a mismatch – especially at the far post – you can easily envisage an excruciating afternoon for the Dutch international. That applies to Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero as well; perhaps not a towering beast but as proved on Sunday against Chelsea, capable of making even the most resilient back six in the league look school-boyish ordinary.

Do I think United can have a good season with Blind at the back? Certainly. I also think he should be a regular in the Red Devils’ starting Xi regardless of position, purely due to how insightful, well-rounded and tactical a player he is. But can they win the league with the Dutchman as first choice next to Smalling? It would require either gross incompetence from the division’s top strikers or impeccable protection – especially in the air – from those around him.

Either way, we will have our answer by the end of October. In that time, Blind will face Bafetimbi Gomis, Benteke, Pelle, Giroud, Romelu Lukaku and Aguero in that precise order. If United are to be a major player in this season’s title race, the midfielder-come-defender must emerge from the other side, both metaphorically and physically speaking, without being earmarked as a weak link.

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Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is adamant that his side can beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League and win the Premier League this season, according to reports from the Daily Mail.The Gunners are currently in a bit of a pickle in the Champions League, losing their first two games against Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos which sees them bottom of their group.This means that Arsene Wenger’s men must get at least one positive result from their double-header against Bayern, or get knocked out of the competition.WANT MORE? >> ArsenalÂTransfer News | Latest Transfer NewsHowever, Ozil is unafraid of the Bundesliga champions, stating that Arsenal have every opportunity to beatÂPep Guardiola’s side over their next two European fixtures.“It is true that there is a lot of pressure on us in the Champions League. We can beat Bayern, though, if we play at the same level as against Manchester United,†Ozil told German publication Bild.“I was a bit surprised to see Bayern beat Dortmund 5-1. Bayern’s results show that they are in great form.“We have a lot of respect for Bayern, but we are not afraid of them. We are playing at home and we know how to score goals and be successful against Bayern.“Of course, it will not be easy, but we have the potential to beat any team.â€The Gunners have just recorded their best victory so far this season last weekend, which was an impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates.And Ozil was heavily involved, scoring one and assisting Alexis Sanchez to push the North London club to second on the Premier League table.

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A pandemic by the name of ‘Kloppomania’ has spread across the UK over the course of the past seven days. Sufferers appear to be seeing a bearded, blonde-haired footballing god wherever they turn, and are included to burst into chants of ‘you’ll never walk alone’ without prior warning. Citizens are to be advised that the condition is contagious.

All joking aside, Jurgen Klopp’s arrival as Liverpool manager has been greeted with a level of hysteria, perhaps, only matched by Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea unveiling back in 2004. It’s easy to see why, as Reds fans have endured some fallow years, aside from 2013/14, in recent times, and such a passionate supporter base craves success on a weekly basis.

Klopp’s larger than life personality sets the volatile mixture ablaze, and it’s been burning wildly with the international break holding back his first game in charge this Saturday. In the meantime fan chatter has been commonplace, with talk surrounding expectations for the season the major point of contention. So, what should followers of Liverpool be looking for? Well, TitanBet brand ambassador, and Kop hero, John Barnes outlined a series of points while talking to The Mirror…

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Don’t get carried away!

It’s hard for fans to avoid getting swept up in the emotion of the Klopp saga, but Barnes has called on supporters to remain grounded for now:

“Now all of a sudden, people expect everything to fall into place and we will win the league. We’re not going to win the league, so expectations is the biggest thing.

“We have a great manager, who given time, can be successful. Does that mean winning the league? We don’t know. All any manager can do is maximise the potential of the squad.

“He will be a success if maximising the squad’s potential means finishing fourth.”

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Expect attacking, exciting football

Advice doesn’t have to be negative, does it? Barnes believes Reds fans can expect to see the sort of exciting football Dortmund played as they rose to the very top of the German game:

“Ultimately, it’s about success and he’s a good manager at getting his teams to play attractive, aggressive, high-tempo football.”

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Be patient

Even though Klopp is highly-rated, Barnes believes that he’ll need time:

“He has to be given time because if you look at the players we have, we have good players, but we do not have better players than at Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and United, so why should we finish higher than them?

“The fans have to understand that. So if everything remains positive, even if we don’t win the league in the first year or second year, we have to keep the faith and know there is no better manager around who can do better than Jurgen Klopp.”

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Top four, not league title

Liverpool may only be six points away from the league summit despite their stuttering form, but Barnes believes that any supporters looking for an ever-elusive title should alter their aim:

“I think now, realistically, Liverpool can look at fourth spot,

“I think, realistically, with Brendan Rodgers, they could have looked at fourth spot because if you look at when he left, we were just three points off fourth spot.

“There is a lot of inconsistency in the league – just look at where Chelsea are. Look at Manchester United they have not played particularly well, but have been top. That shows that even though we have not made a good start, we’re not that far off the top four.

“So I think with Jurgen Klopp, fourth place is realistic and anything above that would be a bonus.”

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Newcastle are a strange side. One club in a city mad for football, the Magpies should, arguably, be doing a whole lot better than they are, with a massive stadium packed to the rafters each game and a decent history to attract good quality players.However, the Toon seem to be stuck in a ‘shop window’ niche, in which players from lower leagues and abroad come and go as they seek to build their reputation for a big transfer. It seems that stars either outgrow the club or are cast aside eventually in favour of getting new names in with ‘sell-on value’.And it seems that this trend has cost them, with last year’s best player at St James’ Park having been cast aside… Jonas Gutierrez. The guys over at WhoScored have been crunching the numbers from across 2015 and the Argentine’s overall rating of 7.34 was the highest of any in the black and white shirt to play over 10 games.

  Jonas Gutierrez – 7.34 (10 apps)   Remy Cabella – 7.32 (13 apps)   Sammy Ameobi – 7.05 (12 apps)   Moussa Sissoko – 7.01 (35 apps)   Rob Elliot – 6.97 (10 apps)   Georgino Wijnaldum – 6.96 (19 apps)   Jack Colback – 6.90 (32 apps)   Chancel Mbema – 6.90 (19 apps)   Ryan Taylor – 6.90 (12 apps) Massadio Haidara – 6.89 (14 apps)

Bizarre that they released him…

Gutierrez, who scored a vital goal on the last day of 2014/15 to ensure Premier League safety, was allowed to leave the North East upon the expiration of his contract and is now plying his trade with Deportivo La Coruna in Spain.

Interestingly Remy Cabella came in just behind the cult hero, while Sammy Ameobi was third – both have also been allowed to leave on loan.

And in case you needed further proof Newcastle are transfer bumblers, Hatem Ben Arfa recently did this for Nice…

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Just when Newcastle United fans thought it couldn’t get much worse for the Premier League’s second-bottom side, they now prepare to face a Liverpool outfit who scored a whopping six times against Southampton during Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup action.

Indeed, recent form between the two clubs – who will meet at St. James’ Park on Sunday with kickoff at 4pm – couldn’t be more different.

The Magpies have taken just eight points from their last eleven Premier League outings, whilst the Reds are on a run of five straight wins across all competitions.

The recent history of this fixture doesn’t offer the Toon army much hope either; they’ve seen six red cards in their last six encounters with the Merseysiders, claiming a solitary win whilst losing thrice.

But anything is possible in the crazy world of the Premier League and like most matches, it could well come down to who dominates the key individual battles.

With that in mind, here are FIVE Football Fancast view as the most important…

ROB ELLIOT VS THE WORLD

Newcastle’s last win was inspired by a talismanic performance from understudy goalkeeper Rob Elliot, who made a series of top-class saves under relentless pressure to secure the Magpies a 1-0 win against Bournemouth.

Now facing a Liverpool side who netted six times in their last outing against Southampton, whilst sitting behind a Newcastle defence that received a five-goal pasting from Crystal Palace last weekend and have conceded the most goals of any Premier League team this season, a whopping 30, taking anything against the Reds will likely require similar heroics from Elliot on Sunday afternoon.

With the Magpies’ defensive performances verging upon abysmal this season, to the extent that they’ve conceded the most shots per match of any Premier League side with 16.9, the meet at St. James’ Park could well resemble the 29-year-old versus the entire Liverpool starting Xi for large periods.

AYOZE PEREZ VS DEJAN LOVREN

Ayoze Perez has been one of the few bright sparks in the Newcastle squad this season, finding three goals and two assists in ten Premier League starts.

He boasts two classy feet and a knack for finding the net, and although few are betting against Liverpool for Sunday’s game, shaky centre-back Dejan Lovren represents a weak link the Spaniard can take advantage of.

Indeed, the Serbian international has looked a bit more self-assured since Jurgen Klopp took the managerial reigns from Brendan Rodgers in October. But he’s still a little lacklustre to say the least and Perez can certainly draw a mistake out of the 26-year-old if he applies enough pressure.

Liverpool have conceded on average a goal per game under Klopp – which shows there are weaknesses for Perez to capitalise on. An early goal would certainly shift momentum in Newcastle’s favour.

JORDAN HENDERSON VS JACK COLBACK

After making substitute outings during Liverpool’s last two domestic fixtures, captain Jordan Henderson looks set to return to the Reds’ starting Xi this weekend.

It’s a fantastic boost for the Merseysiders, who have been without their all-action, industrious central midfielder since mid-August.

The England international boasts energy and enthusiasm in abundance, and that’s what Newcastle will have to try and match as best as humanly possible on Sunday.

That task will predominantly fall to Jack Colback, a like-minded workhorse who should relish the challenge of overshadowing an English midfielder in the forefront of Roy Hodgson’s plans with Euro 2016 just around the corner.

The 26-year-old’s displays haven’t been as bad as some of his team-mates’ this season, but he’ll need to find a new level of performance against Liverpool.

GEORGINHIO WIJNALDUM VS LUCAS LEIVA

Summer signing Georginio Wijnaldum has found himself splattered all across Newcastle’s midfield this season without making a huge impact in any position – barring an incredible four-goal display against Norwich City last month.

But the Netherlands international is a talented and cultured player and we could see some more evidence of that against Liverpool, who are likely to make it quite a technical game.

I’m taking a punt on the versatile midfielder starting as Newcastle’s No.10 on Sunday, which puts him directly up against Liverpool’s Lucas Levia.

The tough-tackling Brazilian’s importance to the Reds has continually increased since the start of last season and with Emre Can suspended, he’s certain to start against the Magpies as the midfield anchorman.

He’s been nothing short of formidable in that role since Jurgen Klopp took the helm, averaging 5.3 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 1.1 created chances per match, so Wijnaldum will need to be at the top of his game.

FABRICIO COLOCCINI VS ROBERTO FIRMINO/CHRISTIAN BENTEKE/DANIEL STURRIDGE/DIVOCK ORIGI

After beginning his Anfield tenure amid a worrying injury crisis, Jurgen Klopp suddenly finds himself privy to an embarrassment of riches up front.

Daniel Sturridge bagged a brace upon his return to the starting line-up against Southampton in midweek and Belgium international Divock Origi went one step further by netting a hat-trick.

Likewise, Roberto Firmino scored in that shock 4-1 win over Manchester City and has proved tactically expedient as the Reds’ unorthodox striker, whilst Christian Benteke found the net during his last start against Bordeaux and his Premier League return of four-in-eleven is nothing to be sniffed for a target man whose height and power is so effective in bringing others into the game.

It’s Klopp’s only real selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s game and something tells me we’ll see at least one of the aforementioned deployed as a winger, purely out of respect for their recent form.

But whoever is picked to lead the line will certainly fancy their chances against Newcastle’s ageing centre-back Fabricio Coloccinio, who has been nothing short of woeful at the heart of the Magpies’ defence this season.

If the home side are to get anything out of Sunday’s game, the Argentine must show the level of experience and leadership you’d expect from a 33-year-old captain who has been at St. James’ Park for almost eight years.

Another sloppy showing like the one against Crystal Palace last weekend, and Liverpool could accumulate a cricket score.

The Jurgen Klopp era so far has offered up the good, the bad and the downright bizarre. The loan signing of QPR defender Steven Caulker has baffled fans and pundits alike, though perhaps the injury crisis at Anfield has forced the German’s hand.

It seems the Reds are two victories away from being considered genuine top four contenders, or a couple of disappointing results away from writing this season off as Klopp finds his feet. Still, the way this Premier League is going leaves almost every possible avenue open.

While the January transfer window is notoriously difficult to land top talent, it could represent the chance to draft in some players Klopp believes can truly impose his philosophy on his side. Some astute additions, coupled with the welcome return of some of his injured stars, could see the former Borussia Dortmund manager guide the club into the top four.

But who does he need? Here are FIVE players Klopp can sign to ensure Liverpool finish in the top four.

GRANIT XHAKA

Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka would be an ideal addition to the Reds midfield. The 23-year old is one of the best engine room operators in the Bundesliga and surely Klopp will be well aware of his talents.

Despite links with many big sides, the Borussia Monchengladbach star would surely be guaranteed more of a starting role should he move to Anfield. Able to play pretty much anywhere in the midfield, he has the exact qualities to suit the Reds’ new found ‘heavy metal’ approach.

Perhaps you could argue he’s a cheaper alternative to the likes of Ilkay Gundogan. Both possess the versatility to act in the holding role, pulling the strings from deep, though can press up field and get involved with attacks due to their desire and intricate passing.

Mario Gotze has been widely touted as a potential target, though a move for the World Cup hero is a shade unrealistic considering it is half-way through the season and the Reds are not guaranteed Champions League football just yet.

EMIL FORSBERG

Swedish winger Emil Forsberg may be plying his trade in Germany’s second tier, but the 24-year is widely considering one of his country’s best players. The winger was voted Swedish football’s best midfielder in 2014 while with Malmo.

Preferring to start on the left before either beating his man, or cutting inside, the Red Bull Leipzig star would be an ideal solution to the lack of wide options at Anfield. £20m Lazar Markovic was farmed out to Fenerbahce on loan, leaving only Jordon Ibe available as a natural winger.

Christian Benteke has not offered a huge return on the £32m investment since he arrived, though the addition of a winger would surely help the towering Belgian out a touch.

SAIDO BERAHINO

It’s unclear whether Daniel Sturridge will ever be able to play a whole season again, and Benteke has struggled as previously mentioned. When you throw Danny Ings’ injury into account, the frontline begins to look a little bare.

West Brom forward Saido Berahino would be an ideal swap for Sturridge up front. The 22-year old possesses electric movement, is able to run behind defences and could finally make use of Liverpool’s plethora of Number 10s.

He’d offer much more of a presence up front, dragging defenders either deep or wide while creating space for the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana.

Though others are rumoured to be sniffing around, the England under-21 ace would be the perfect remedy to Klopp’s disappointment in front of goal thus far.

DENIS CHERYSHEV

Real Madrid’s Denis Cheryshev hasn’t had the best time of it recently. The only time he gets picked to start a game, he ends up being the reason Los Blancos are expelled from the Copa Del Rey. As Euro 2016 approaches, the Russian winger will be eager to play as much as possible in preparation.

A loan move to Anfield has been mooted in the past, and the former Villarreal loan star is another winger who could balance out the squad. His direct, powerful running would offer an outlet in the final third, something that has been painfully lacking in some of Liverpool’s rather flat performances under Klopp’s tutelage so far.

Borrowing him for the rest of the season is also a relatively safe option, rather than splashing the cash on an overpriced signing as so often happens in this notorious time of year.

MARTIN CACERES

Steven Caulker surely can’t be the only defensive reinforcement drafted in this month, considering how woeful the Reds’ backline has been at times this season.

Again, it will be hard to land the likes of Neven Subotic and Mats Hummels in the winter, let alone the summer, and Joel Matip looks set to arrive in July rather than January. So, Juventus star Martin Caceres could be an option.

Though, like Matip, his contract is dwindling down, the Uruguayan would surely be worth a cut-price move. Out of favour at Juventus, making only three appearances all season, the 28-year old’s versatility could also be a key factor in speeding up a move.

Able to play centrally, or at either left or right back, the former Sevilla star is noted for his aerial ability, something that has dogged the Reds all season. Perhaps his arrival could help sort out the somewhat laughable defence of set-pieces we have seen on Merseyside over the last 18 months.

The Beatles or The Stone Roses? Albert Dock or the Shambles? Brookside or Shameless? Scouse or Manc? There’s plenty to differentiate two of England’s biggest and most historic cities, aside from the well documented sporting rivalry.

Liverpool and Man United will face each other in European competition for the first time this week. Quite an astounding fact considering the success of both clubs over the years, but one that is nevertheless true.

The fact that it is taking place in the Europa League, Europe’s secondary club competition, is equally astounding given the success of both sides over the years – a combined eight European Cup/Champions Leagues between them. However, it shouldn’t detract from the magnitude of the fixture.

With an inter-city rivalry that dates back to the Victorian age, the social, cultural and political differences may have dimmed over the years but the sporting side of things shows no sign of abating. Both cities are giants of the North West of England, their differences arguably coming from their similarities, and the two largest football teams from each (sorry Everton and Man City fans) are no different.

Both have enjoyed success in Europe’s premier competition, as noted, although only the Merseyside club can claim any victories in (what was) the UEFA Cup, adding three triumphs in that competition on top of the five EC/CL victories.

But ask anyone under the age of 30 who has the best European credentials and they would likely say United. Under Ferguson they were ever-presents in the Champions League, their heroics in ’99 particularly memorable, not to mention three final appearances in four years at the end of the ’00s.

Liverpool had their famous comeback against AC Milan in 2005 of course, as well as a loss to the same side two years later, plus a UEFA Cup win in 2001, too, but in general they have operated in United’s shadow in European competition since their peak in the ’70s and ’80s. United faired better in the ’60s though, so it’s probably about even.

Fast-forward to the present day, however, and both sides have struggled to recreate their glory years in recent seasons. United  have been in steady decline both domestically and in Europe since, whilst Liverpool have only appeared in the top European competition once since 2010, and even then they failed to get out of the group. Their struggles at home and abroad have been equally disheartening for their fans.

Thursday’s clash will therefore help one club re-assert itself over the other and regain bragging rights, in the short-term at least. Neither club will be happy at their appearance in the Europa League, however, despite what LVG might say. A return to a seat at Europe’s top-table is the ultimate aim for both clubs and the competition will offer them the chance of Champions League qualification should they win it, but perhaps ‘living in the past’ is their best option for now.

That shouldn’t mean either side takes this tie lightly, however. Given the historical rivalry between the pair, and bearing in mind their decline in recent seasons, neither side may be where they ‘should’ be right now, but this tie has extra relevance given the opponent. The excitement generated from facing your most bitter rival, regardless of competition, is huge and both sets of fans will be as up for this one as they have been for any other Liverpool/United clash over the years.

Regardless of what either club has won in the past, the here and now is exactly that – where they stand currently, and must be treated accordingly. There is no doubt that the atmosphere at both grounds for both ties will be pulsating and is just another chapter in the historic rivalry between the pair, indeed a rivalry for the ages.

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