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Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has provided an update on the fitness of Patrick Bamford ahead of the final Premier League game of the season. 

The lowdown: Final day showdown

The Whites head into the last day of the 2021/22 campaign with their top-flight status on the line at Brentford.

As things stand Jesse Marsch’s side sit within the relegation zone in 18th position and must pick up a positive result in London and hope Burnley cannot match their outcome to avoid the drop.

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Ahead of the match and after what has been a gruelling season with injuries to key players, there has been some positive news…

The latest: Last-minute meeting

Having been present at Thorp Arch for Marsch’s final press conference of the campaign, Hay relayed the important pre-match fitness news surrounding Bamford on Twitter, as the player is set to hold a meeting on Saturday to make a last-minute decision.

He shared the manager’s comments: “In training he’s looked quite good. He feels very different to how he did six weeks ago.”

The Athletic journalist added: “At the moment, Marsch feels like using Bamford wouldn’t be a risk to him. But they’ll have another meeting about it tomorrow (Saturday).”

The verdict: Welcome boost

Adding Bamford – who was praised in 2020 for his ‘superb’ form by talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent – to the match-day squad for this crucial match is an undoubted and much needed positive for Leeds as the Yorkshire giants attempt to get out of their plight at the last possible opportunity.

Last term, the 28-year-old netted 17 goals and provided eight assists whilst appearing in all 38 Premier League games. Compare that to this season, where the England striker has only managed five direct goal contributions in ten senior appearances across all competitions, and it’s not hard to understand the side’s struggles in front of goal.

After missing the last seven fixtures through a foot injury it seems unlikely Bamford will be called upon from the outset by Marsch, however, having the option to bring a once-capped England international from the bench is a luxury Leeds cannot afford to pass up in their current predicament.

In other news: Orta now eyeing transfer move for exciting winger even if Leeds are in the Championship. 

A major Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged regarding PIF’s plans for the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has claimed that the Tyneside club will be looking to sign a central midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

When asked about Sean Longstaff’s contract situation, the journalist outlined the size task facing the academy prospect to get into the team.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Downie said: “It’s probably a bit similar to the Paul Dummett situation and quite keen to have homegrown players around the place and in the dressing room every day and (it will) be up to Sean Longstaff to prove that he can play in the first team but he’s going to be up against you know, top talent in there in the shape of Bruno and the shape of Joelinton.

“Shelvey’s got another year left I would expect them to add another midfielder as well. So you know there’ll be real competition for him.”

Eddie Howe will be delighted

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe will surely be delighted by this news, as he would no doubt love to have more options at his disposal in the middle of the park.

Longstaff is out of contract this summer and the 24-year-old has not given a great account of himself throughout Howe’s time in charge.

In the Premier League this season, the Englishman has averaged an unimpressive SofaScore rating of 6.62 across 22 top-flight outings. He has recorded SofaScore ratings of 6.4 or lower in three of his last five appearances and has not achieved a rating higher than 6.9 since 23 October against Crystal Palace – before the ex-Bournemouth manager arrived at St James’ Park.

The midfielder has not shown enough to nail down a regular place in the team and, as his match ratings prove, he has struggled badly when he has been needed to fill in.

Therefore, Howe will be buzzing to have another midfielder signed in the next transfer window, as Longstaff – at his current level – is unable to provide significant competition to the likes of Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

Injuries and suspensions may cause the quartet to miss a few matches at times throughout the next campaign, which means that it is important to have players who can step up in their place. This is why the Newcastle head coach will be keen to bring in a fresh option in this position, as Longstaff has proven not good enough to fulfil that role.

AND in other news, Howe can land the next Shearer as Newcastle “prepares” £59m bid for 68-goal “diamond”…

Endrick will be sporting a dazzling pair of new Real Madrid-inspired boots on his debut in the USA after his Santiago Bernabeu presentation.

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• Endrick set to be presented on July 27
• Will fly to the United States for pre-season
• New Balance unveils new boots for the teenager

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 18-year-old will be unveiled to the Real Madrid faithful in a highly anticipated presentation event scheduled for July 27 at the iconic Bernabeu at noon local time. This event marks the culmination of a transfer deal with Brazilian club Palmeiras, which saw Los Blancos secure Endrick’s services for an initial fee of €35 million (£30 million/$38 million), with potential bonuses amounting to an additional €25 million (£21 million/$27 million) based on performance-related clauses.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following his grand unveiling, Endrick is set to join Real Madrid on their pre-season tour in the United States where he is set to make his debut for his new club in shining new Tekela ‘Rising’ edition boots by New Balance. These boots feature a majestic white and metallic gold colour scheme, symbolizing Endrick's promising future with Los Blancos.

  The design of these boots aims to enhance touch and control, boasting a lightweight Hypoknit upper with a low-laced closure to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, the nylon outsole with conical studs and TPU-angled rim studs provide excellent traction for firmer pitches, while a FuelCell insert will help with rapid acceleration.

• WHAT ENDRICK SAID

  Expressing his excitement, Endrick stated: “It is a huge honour to receive this beautiful boot with iconic colours from New Balance as I begin the next chapter of my career. It will give me immense pride to play in them as I continue to strive for success with a brand new challenge in Madrid.”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Earlier this year, Endrick became the youngest player to score for Brazil's national team since 1994, a testament to his prodigious talent and potential. However, he struggled to make an impact in the Copa America as Brazil got knocked out by Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

England are set to field yet another top-three combination on their New Zealand tour

Alan Gardner31-Jul-2019The boys Down Under
England went to Australia with something approaching a plan. Alastair Cook was joined at the top of the order by Mark Stoneman – the 12th opener to try and fill Andrew Strauss’ shoes – with a stylist at No. 3 in James Vince. Although that plan was quickly shown to be inadequate for regaining the Ashes, and Vince was then dropped in Auckland (where England were blown away for 58), they had a final outing in the Christchurch Test that concluded a lengthy tour of the antipodes. Vince made 76 in the second innings and finished with an average of 30.54 for the winter; England haven’t picked him in a Test since.A (brief) summer affair
After much badgering on the subject, Joe Root opted to once again move back up a spot. Stoneman only lasted one more Test, bowled in each innings against Pakistan at Lord’s, which prompted England to go back Keaton Jennings – last seen being tortured on or around off stump by Vernon Philander and co in the 2017 summer. Cook and Jennings did not really combine to any greater effect second time around, and Root’s returns tailed off after making 80 against India at Edgbaston – still, by recent standards, this was a period of stability, the top three unchanged for almost five Tests. And then…Things start to get weird…
Having been dropped in New Zealand at the end of a difficult winter (see above), Moeen Ali returned to the Test XI against India in Southampton. He made 40 at No. 7 and took 5 for 63 – so far so normal – but then appeared at the fall of the first wicket in England’s second innings, apparently at his own request. Root was only too happy to switch back to No. 4, but although Moeen made a half-century in the final Test at The Oval – where Cook rubberstamped his retirement with scores of 71 and 147 – he wasn’t long for the top order.New era, same problems
On tour without Cook anchoring the batting for the first time since 2005-06, England stuck with Jennings alongside the debutant Rory Burns. Jennings repaid some of the faith with an unbeaten 146 in Galle, were Moeen’s stint at No. 3 ended; for the Pallekele Test, Ben Stokes was asked to have a go. “Ben’s game is in good shape and he is more than capable of batting at No. 3,” Root said. “We are fortunate that many in the side could bat in that position.” Many would have to. In the second innings, Jack Leach‘s deployment at nightwatchman meant Stokes shunting down to five, below Root, and then another solution entirely presented itself in Colombo.Jonny B good (please)
Jonny Bairstow was understandably a little peeved at how things developed in Sri Lanka. An ankle injury saw Ben Foakes take the gloves, winning Man of the Match on debut, and Bairstow found his only route back in was to bat at No. 3 in Colombo. The pumped-up celebrations of his hundred – the first for England from that spot in the order since 2016 – told a story, but Bairstow’s tenure would also be short. He made a half-century in defeat in Antigua a couple of months later, before reclaiming the gloves and heading back to the middle-order at Foakes’ expense.Shuffling the deckchairs
England’s fumbling for a solution saw them drop Jennings after the first Test in the West Indies, handing a debut to Joe Denly (who hadn’t opened in first-class cricket since 2015). Denly was then moved down to replace Bairstow, while the woefully out-of-form Jennings was recalled – making scores of 8 and 23 – for the victory in St Lucia. Almost six month later, on the back of World Cup success, Jason Roy finally got the call, partnering Burns against Ireland at Lord’s, with Denly back at No. 3. Then Leach showed up everyone by making 92, Roy shone at No. 3… and when the bottle stopped spinning it was pointing at Root again.Back to the future?
While Burns locked down his spot with 133 at Edgbaston, chaos reigned at the far end: Roy made 57 runs in six innings as an opener, and was shunted down to No. 4 for Old Trafford, with Denly making the jump back to the top and Root staying put (other than one innings back at No. 4 while Craig Overton shifted up as nightwatchman). But with the first New Zealand Test looming, Root decided No. 4 “suits my game a little bit more”, so an arrow has been drawn next to his name with another one – Dom Sibley – scrawled in at the top. All that meant England fielded their most inexperienced top three at Mount Maunganui since the Ireland game, with just 20 caps between them: what could possibly go wrong?Football, bloody hell
Afflicted by a sickness bug in Centurion, and 1-0 down arriving in Cape Town, England were hoping to restart their tour on a more positive footing. Instead, it was Burns’ stumble during a game of warm-up football that forced another reshuffle at the top. With ankle ligament damage ruling him out for the rest of the series, Kent opener Zak Crawley was catapulted into the side (having made his debut at No. 6 in New Zealand a few weeks earlier) – meaning England’s opening pair went into the game at Newlands with just four caps between them. The last time they had fewer was 1963. It was also just the second time an England opening partnership had comprised two right-handers since 2002, the other occasion being Lord’s 2016 when Alastair Cook came in down the order due to injury.January 3, 2020 – This article was updated during England’s tour of South Africa

England captain says team “didn’t do themselves justice” after record defeat at Trent Bridge

Valkerie Baynes28-Jun-2025This was England’s wake-up call and if they are to do themselves justice in the second of five T20Is against India, as captain Nat Sciver-Brunt hopes, she is going to need support.Sciver-Brunt played a lone hand with the bat, scoring 66 as wickets tumbled around her and England were bowled out for a meagre 113 chasing 211 in the opening match of the series at Trent Bridge.England’s biggest partnership was 49, for the third wicket, with Sciver-Brunt scoring 37 of those and Tammy Beaumont 10. Only Em Arlott, at No. 7, joined them in reaching double figures.That was after Smriti Mandhana, India’s acting captain, took apart the home bowling attack with a brilliant 112 in 62 balls, her maiden century in T20Is. She was well supported by Harleen Deol’s 43 off 23, their 94-run stand for the second wicket following a 77-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma.Related

• Beaumont stands in as captain after Sciver-Brunt suffers groin injury

• Mandhana, Shree Charani hand England their heaviest T20I defeat

• Stats – A day of batting highs for Mandhana and India

• 'See, I got it today' – Mandhana rises to Radha's challenge to score first T20I hundred

“When a team scores 200, you’ve got to have some really good partnerships in there when you’re batting and we lost wickets early, so it made it very difficult for us,” Sciver-Brunt said.”They are obviously a world-class side with some amazing batters who, if you give a chance to, they’re going to punish you. We probably didn’t do ourselves justice in terms of the first innings so we’ll be looking to put a few things right and probably just tighten up a little bit in terms of our lines.”I think the plans were right, but we probably just didn’t execute so we will review honestly and make sure that we’re confident going into that second game.”Against West Indies, who failed to register a win from six games in the T20I and ODI series which preceded this one, Sciver-Brunt passed fifty three times. She scored 55 not out in the second T20, where England chased down a paltry target of 82 for the loss of just one wicket and her performance was overshadowed by Arlott’s 3 for 14 which decimated the visiting line-up.In the ODIs, she managed 52 in Derby, a match dominated by a 222-run opening stand between Beaumont and Amy Jones and she scored 57 not out in the final game at Taunton with Beaumont rested and Jones dropped down the order to give someone else a go after another 200-plus partnership at the top in Leicester.England expected India to be tougher opponents. The fact that the first loss for Sciver-Brunt as captain and Charlotte Edwards as head coach was this tough – defeat by 97 runs their heaviest in T20s – is a clear signal that they, or rather those around them, need to do more.”One person can’t win a game, so it is all about partnerships with the bat and showing our physicality as well, making sure that we’re coming back for twos and keeping that energy high,” Sciver-Brunt said.”That’s probably how we go about things the best. Everyone’s attitude I think was wanting to do that, we just didn’t execute with the bat either… When you’re chasing that you need someone to go big, but obviously some others to help around as well.”Everyone’s trying their best. You can’t blame anyone that they haven’t tried or anything like that. Obviously it’d be great to get a partnership with someone and really take the game on together.”Physicality may sound like a euphemism, given that England’s fitness came under criticism after the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. The fielding issues which also fell under that umbrella during those failures bugged England in this match too after positive signs against West Indies.Sophie Ecclestone’s misfield off the first ball of the match – a full toss from Lauren Bell – gifted Shafali a single and Mandhana punished the next – overpitched – delivery for four.In the next over, Alice Capsey lost sight of the ball while running under Mandhana’s top-edged pull and the ball fell safe behind her at midwicket.England’s spinners were punished, conceding 105 runs in eight overs between them. Ecclestone received a chastening return to action after missing both West Indies’ series to play domestic cricket while making her way back from a minor knee problem then taking a short break from all cricket citing the need to manage her wellbeing.She conceded 19 runs off her first over, 12 off the second and 12 off her third, the last of the innings in which she managed to prise out Mandhana, who picked out Sciver-Brunt.Asked what she said to Ecclestone after that first over, Sciver-Brunt’s response suggested she’d tried to keep the mood relaxed with a wry “welcome back”.”She’s been away, but she’s really glad to be back and we’re glad to have her as well,” Sciver-Brunt said. “When someone goes for 19 on their first over, we don’t write them off, especially if their name is Sophie Ecclestone. She played an important role later on in the innings.”Sciver-Brunt revealed she will continue to play as a batter only during this series and the three ODIs against India to follow as she recovers from a long-standing Achilles injury.She hopes to work her way back to her regular allrounder role by the time the 50-over World Cup starts in late September by bowling at some point during the Hundred. There, she will play for Trent Rockets but step aside as their captain this season to manage her workload.”This week I did turn my arm over for 24 balls, but I think the process of me coming back to bowling will take a little bit longer than usual,” she said.”I wanted a chance in the summer to play a bit of cricket and not have to think too much about the game so you get that little mental space as well, so I’m really looking forward to that,” she added of her decision not to lead Rockets.In Bristol on Tuesday, the people best placed to lighten Sciver-Brunt’s load are her England team-mates.

Kylian Mbappe is prepared to sue Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid wages following his highly-anticipated move to Real Madrid, his mother admitted.

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• Mbappe may take legal action against former team
• PSG yet to pay bonuses and two months' wages
• Joined Real Madrid after contract in France expired

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The French international's legal team is prepared to file a lawsuit against the record Ligue 1 champions, according to Mbappe's mother Fayza Lamari. Les Parisiens reportedly still owe Mbappe a sum of €80 million (£67m/$87m) for a bonus and two months' wages in 2024.

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  WHAT MBAPPE'S MOTHER SAID

  Asked about the situation regarding his unpaid wages, Lamari told to Le Parisien: "It's still going on. It's now in the hands of Kylian's representatives. But I trust PSG that things will get back to normal very quickly. We just received a response letter from them. Decisions will be made. Sometimes, during separations, you have to decide who gets the TV, who keeps the furniture or the car…

  "That's where we are. I hope that all this won't tarnish everything we've experienced, that we won't dwell on that. I want to remember the positive things about PSG, that even this year when it was difficult, playing at the Parc, in your city, is beautiful. Like in a couple, once again, everything is never rosy, there are ups and downs. But in six months, things will be better."

  Pressed on whether or not the case could go to court, she added: "If we have no choice, yes, of course. Now, I really hope that the contract we signed two years ago will be respected. Let's stop saying: 'Kylian said, didn't say, did this, didn't do that'. Nobody, in reality, can say what happened, neither me, nor the representatives of PSG, since for two years Kylian and the president have always seen each other alone, except once. And all that hasn't stopped Kylian from playing since the announcement in February."

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  The 25-year-old completed one of the most highly awaited transfers in football history when he left PSG when his contract ended in June and signed a five-year deal as a free agent with Real Madrid. He may now have to file a lawsuit against a team that has experienced problems with other players leaving for other reasons in the past.

• WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  The French World Cup winner will reportedly miss Los Blancos' trip to the United States due to his nose injury that he suffered during the European Championship. He will likely only link up with his teammates for the start of the La Liga season.

Sunderland journalist James Copley has now revealed some big news ahead of their League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers next week.

The Lowdown: One game away

After knocking out Sheffield Wednesday over two legs in the play-off semi-final, Alex Neil knows that his team are only one game away from Championship football.

Beating Wycombe will be an uphill battle though, as they knocked out third-placed MK Dons, and of course were promoted themselves a couple of years ago, with much of the squad who know what it takes still in tact.

The Latest: VAR considered

Taking to Twitter, Copley of The Sunderland Echo has revealed that goal-line technology will be used at Wembley Stadium for the clash, and VAR is ‘under consideration’:

“Goal-line tech to be used during Sunderland-Wycombe at Wembley. Understand no decision on VAR yet but it is under consideration.”

A final decision on the use of VAR is set to be made later this week.

The Verdict: Use it

Yes, VAR has not been used for the entirety of the League One season, but this is too huge an occasion to sacrifice accuracy for consistency – there is no reason not to make use of it.

It has been suggested that the clubs competing in the Championship play-offs would welcome the use of VAR, and so this should trickle down to both League One and League Two.

Nonetheless, the technology is simply there to help the referees get the right decisions, and with so much at stake, they should be given every tool possible to do so.

In other news, find out which Black Cats loanee is now set for a new deal here!

As far back as September, concern was raised that Leeds United simply lack any sort of potent threat going forward. The Whites are seemingly going to end up in the relegation scrap, with just 11 points in as many games and ten goals scored.

Daniel Farke’s side have been lacking in the final third since the off and that hasn’t changed much in the last two months or so, as the number of goals scored this season shows. Only bottom-place Wolverhampton Wanderers have bagged fewer.

With that in mind, it is surely no surprise that Leeds are targeting a new attacker to help enhance their final third quality.

Leeds’ latest attacking target

Reports have already begun to break about some of Leeds’ January transfer targets. One of those could see them make an ambitious move for Chelsea star Raheem Sterling, who has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge this season.

In recent days, they have also been linked to Brazilian attacking midfielder Gabriel Sara.

According to a report from Turkish news outlet Takvim, the Whites are strongly considering ‘making a move’ to sign the 26-year-old from Galatasaray.

The former Norwich City star is said to be unhappy with his playing time for the Turkish giants, perhaps coinciding with the signing of Ilkay Gundogan.

He could ask to leave the club, which is where Leeds could swoop in with an offer of £17m, thought to be enough for Galatasaray to sell him.

Why Leeds could be targeting their next Raphinha

It has perhaps not been the season Sara might have expected in 2025/26. The Brazilian has played 16 times this term, but has only racked up one goal and two assists in that time.

His form last season was far better, scoring and assisting 12 times in 45 games.

Of course, Sara has already experienced English football, plying his trade for the Canaries. His best campaign for the East Anglian club came in 2023/24, when his 13 goals and 12 assists in the Championship helped them reach the play-offs, where, ironically, they lost to Leeds.

Goals like this were a real feature of his impressive form that season.

His underlying stats from that campaign highlight why Leeds want him to add a creative influence in midfield.

For example, Sara averaged 2.61 key passes and an expected assist tally of 0.26xA per 90 minutes, which placed him in the top 4% and 3% for Championship midfielders that season.

Analyst Ben Mattinson is someone who has spoken highly of Sara in the past, praising him for boasting a “magical left foot.”

He wouldn’t be the first Brazilian Leeds player who fits that description, with Raphinha also falling into the category.

The Elland Road faithful will look back fondly on Raphinha’s time at the club. He was sensational in that famous White shirt, bagging 17 goals and assisting 12 in just 67 games.

Strikes like this one against Everton were the sort of class he provided on a game-by-game basis.

Well, if Sara could have close to that level of impact on the club, he’d be a huge success. It is easy to see the comparison, both flair attackers who hail from Brazil, with a tricky left foot and lots of final third productivity.

Since Raphinha left Elland Road, he hasn’t really been replaced, and Farke certainly has not had his own version. Well, Sara, a player described as “technically gifted” by Mattinson, could be the guy they’ve been looking for.

Raphinha had so much quality on the ball, and Sara possesses that in abundance, as the stats show. He could be Farke’s own Raphinha, and the man to add a creative spark to Leeds’ attack.

Viduka 2.0: Leeds plotting move for £21m star who's "built like a brick"

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be Mark Viduka 2.0 for the club.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 22, 2025

Real Madrid's Zidane dynasty came to an end as Theo joined Cordoba to restart his career after 14 years without a senior appearance with Los Blancos.

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• Theo Zidane left Real Madrid
• Will join Cordoba on a two-year contract
• Penned an emotional farewell message on social media

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Zidane surname is synonymous with Real Madrid's golden era, courtesy of Zinedine's illustrious career, first as a player and then as a coach. He joined the Spanish giants from Juventus in 2001 for a record-breaking fee and went on to win the Champions League in 2002. His success story continued as a manager as he guided the team to an unprecedented "threepeat" of Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018 and two La Liga championships in two separate stints.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Unfortunately, none of Zinedine's four sons could replicate his success at the Santiago Bernabeu. Theo, the youngest of the lot, ended his stint at Valdebebas and has signed with Cordoba to seek a fresh challenge in senior football after he failed to make it to Carlo Ancelotti's first-team squad from Castilla. He joined Real Madrid's youth academy, La Fabrica, 14 years ago as a promising young talent and over the past three years, from 2021 to 2024, he played 93 matches for the reserve team, scoring three goals.

• WHAT THEO SAID

  In an emotional farewell video posted on his Instagram account, Theo expressed his gratitude and affection for Real Madrid. "Today it's time to say goodbye to the club of my life, Real Madrid," he wrote.

  "I joined as a young boy 14 years ago and today I can say that I am leaving as a man. This has been my home, my school, my family. I have grown as a footballer and as a person, and I will always carry with me the values that this club has transmitted to me. I want to thank every coach, all the workers at the club, and every one of the teammates I've had – some of whom have become friends.

  "Every moment shared, every teaching, and every learning received has been special to me. Now this stage is coming to an end and new doors are opening along the way. I only have words of gratitude. Wherever I go, I will always carry a piece of this shield in my heart. Hala Madrid!"

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Theo's move to Cordoba is seen as a significant step in his career, offering him a fresh start and the opportunity to establish himself away from the shadow of his father's legendary status. He has signed a two-year contract with the club and will play in the Spanish second division in the next season.

The Heat bring all the momentum into the Challenger having won four in a row

Alex Malcolm03-Feb-2021Brisbane Heat are riding a wave of success into the BBL Challenger final against Perth Scorchers having won their last four matches in a row including thrilling victories in the Eliminator and the Knockout. They also beat the Scorchers in the final match of the home and away season to secure their place in the BBL finals. That loss cost the Scorchers a home Qualifier which they subsequently lost to Sydney Sixers in Canberra. Adding salt to the wound was that the Scorchers could not fly home due to a Covid-19 case in Perth and have been forced to host an earned home final at Manuka Oval in Canberra.The winner will face the Sixers in Saturday night’s final at the SCG. Here are the key match-ups that could decide the Challenger.Ashton Turner vs Chris Lynn at the bat-flipRarely has a toss been more important in this tournament for a host of reasons. The Scorchers got burnt in the Qualifier after electing to bowl second when significant dew settled in and made batting look distinctly easily for James Vince and company as the Sixers motored through the chase with relative ease.Chris Lynn learned from the Scorchers’ mistake the following night on the same surface and opted to bat second. The dew wasn’t anywhere near as much of a factor but the ball swung early and the Heat could also utilise their trademark X-Factor play of bowling one over of Xavier Bartlett upfront before subbing in Morne Morkel for the second 10 overs of the bowling innings.Related

• Mitchell Marsh fined for dissent but escapes suspension

• Heazlett, Peirson power Brisbane Heat into Challenger

• 'My head was probably spinning a bit' – Heazlett

• Munro calls on Scorchers to 'take our egos out' against Heat spin twins

Scorchers vs Manuka OvalThe Challenger was supposed to be played at Perth Stadium where the Scorchers were undefeated this season. The Scorchers’ record at Manuka Oval this season makes for dim reading having lost all three matches they have played there this season while the Heat are 2-2 including their victory in the Knockout. What is most concerning for the Scorchers at Manuka Oval is their scoring rate, particularly in the second half of their innings. They strike at just 8.30 runs per over in the last 10 overs of their innings at Manuka Oval this season, having struck at better than 9 per over in the last 10 at five of the six other venues they have played at, with the slower more spin-friendly surface at Manuka nullifying their powerful middle order.Will Morne Morkel be the X-Factor again?•Getty Images

Lynn vs Scorchers quicksThe Heat have won their first two finals without contributions from their captain. But the Scorchers know first hand what an impact he can have after he plundered 51 from 25 balls in the final home-and-away game in Adelaide to set up victory for the Heat. Jhye Richardson has been the outstanding bowler of the tournament this season but two batsmen have really troubled him: Lynn and Josh Philippe. Lynn has scored 69 runs off 40 balls in his career against Richardson for one dismissal. Lynn also feasts on Andrew Tye scoring 109 runs from 60 balls for three dismissals. If Lynn gets a good look at both right-armers in the Powerplay like he did in Adelaide he could set the game up for the Heat.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The Scorchers’ best match-up for Lynn is two-fold. Jason Behrendorff has never dismissed Lynn but he does curtail him, with Lynn scoring just 43 runs from 39 balls against the left-armer. The Scorchers might also need to be bold and call upon the legspin of either Fawad Ahmed or Liam Livingstone in the Powerplay or as early as possible. Lynn strikes at just 6.54 per over against legspin and has fallen 27 times to it in his career, including once each to Ahmed and Livingstone in this tournament.Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation with the ball•Getty Images

Scorchers batsmen vs Heat legspinThe Heat’s fortunes in the tournament have clearly turned with the return of the two legspinners Mitchell Swepson and Marnus Labuschagne. They have taken 18 wickets in five games together and the Heat have won four of them. The duo combined for five wickets between them when they beat the Scorchers in Adelaide, while neither played in the two teams the previous meeting at Docklands and the Heat bowled just one over of spin for the innings from left-arm orthodox Matt Kuhnemann as the Scorchers posted a winning total thanks Colin Munro’s 82.The Scorchers’ top order has a poor record overall against legspinners with five of the top six averaging under 28 and four of them striking at fewer than 7.65 runs per over. Lynn will want to get his legspinners into the game early against the Scorchers and may even turn to Joe Denly as well as he did in Adelaide. Munro urged his team-mates to take their egos out against Labuschagne and Swepson.A lot hinges on Livingstone and Josh Inglis. Livingstone scores at 8.63 against legspin and although he is prone to brain fades he has the power to hurt the duo. Meanwhile, Inglis has scored 144 runs from just 91 balls in his career for just three dismissals and has found or cleared the boundary 15 times while facing just 17 dot balls. He is in superb touch at the venue coming off an unbeaten 69 against the Sixers. While there are calls for Mitchell Marsh to bat higher in the Scorchers order the nature of the Heat’s attack suggests that would be unwise given Swepson and Labuschagne will be straight into the game following the conclusion of the four-over Powerplay.