Bryce Harper, Wife Announce Birth of Fourth Child Hours Before Phillies Open Playoff Run

Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies will start their postseason on Saturday with Game 1 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Harper has made quite a few runs through the playoffs since joining the Phillies, but is still chasing his first World Series win. If he’s going to get it this year, he and the Phillies will have to go through the reigning champions.

While taking on the Dodgers is always a tall task, Harper will have one extra, and extra special fan cheering him on through the run, as he and his wife Kayla announced the birth of their fourth child, Hayes Three Harper, just hours before first pitch on Saturday.

As some astute Phillies observers noted, Harper has had a tendency to hit homers in his first game back from the birth of a child.

Harper and his newly unlocked Level 4 Dad Strength will look to add another home run to that tally against the Dodgers.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., David Ortiz Troll Yankees Legends On-Air After Blue Jays' Win

The Yankees saw their season come to a bitter end Wednesday night in a 5–2 loss to the Blue Jays in Game 4 of the American League Division Series. While Toronto is heading to the championship series for the first time in nine years, the Yankees yet again experienced another postseason letdown as their hitters ran out of firepower in the late innings of the game.

The Blue Jays' $500 million man Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had no such issue this series, homering in each of the first three games of the series. He followed that up with a hit and an RBI in Game 4 and watched as his teammates helped finish off the AL East powerhouse in the Bronx.

Afterward, Guerrero held back tears taking in the special moment. That didn't last for long, though, as the Toronto star slugger was later seen partying it up in the locker room.

At one point, Guerrero joined the Fox Sports MLB crew for a postgame interview, and he couldn't resist teaming up with David Ortiz to rib a pair of Yankees legends, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.

"DAAAA YANKEES LOSE," Guerrero said, eliciting lots of laughs all around. Big Papi loved it, and repeated his signature line after him. The two then did it in sync one more time just for good measure:

Too good.

The Blue Jays are set to host Game 1 of the ALCS on Sunday against either the Tigers or Mariners.

كاراجر يعتذر لـ محمد صلاح: لقد أزعجتك.. ولن تشارك أمام برايتون

قدم جيمي كاراجر، أسطورة نادي ليفربول، اعتذاره لنجم الريدز الحالي، محمد صلاح، موضحًا أنه يحب الدولي المصري كثيرًا كلاعب، لكن على الأخير أن يحسن من سلوكه خارج الملعب.

كاراجر كان قد فتح النار على محمد صلاح بعد تصريحات اللاعب التي هاجم فيها إدارة ليفربول ومدرب الفريق آرني سلوت، عقب نهاية مباراة الريدز أمام ليدز يونايتد بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، والتي انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي 3-3.

واتهم محمد صلاح إدارة ليفربول بعدم تنفيذ الوعود المقدمة له، إضافة إلى تصريحه بانهيار علاقته مع سلوت، والذي أبقى ابن الـ33 عامًا على مقاعد البدلاء في آخر ثلاث مباريات للريدز في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واتخذ سلوت في المقابل رد فعل تجاه محمد صلاح واستبعد اللاعب من مباراة ليفربول وإنتر ميلان يوم أمس الثلاثاء في دوري أبطال أوروبا، والتي فاز بها ليفربول 1-0.

وهاجم كاراجر محمد صلاح بعد تصريحاته، موضحًا أن الجناح الأيمن لم يفز ببطولة مع منتخب مصر ولم ينجح مع تشيلسي.

لكن كاراجر تراجع عن هذه التصريحات واعتذر لمحمد صلاح مرة أخرى، وذلك عبر استوديو قناة ”CBS Sports” إلى جانب نجم مانشستر سيتي السابق، ميكا ريتشاردز.

وسأل ريتشاردز كاراجر في البداية وقال له: “هل تود الاعتذار لمحمد صلاح والتعبير عن أسفك لأي إساءة له؟ هذا نابع من الحماس، أنت مشجع، هيا، قلها أمام الكاميرا”.

ثم رد كاراجر على ريتشاردز وأضاف: “مو، أعتذر ، لقد أزعجتك، أحبك كلاعب في ليفربول لكن عليك أن تتصرف بشكل لائق خارج الملعب وتحسن من سلوكك”.

وبعد ذلك أجاب ريتشادرز: “هذا منصف، بدا الأمر صادقاً للغاية”.

ويعتقد كاراجر أن محمد صلاح لن يشارك مع ليفربول في مباراة برايتون الأسبوع المقبل بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وسوف يستمر سلوت في استبعاد اللاعب، حيث أوضح: “بصراحة، لا أعتقد أنه سوف يشارك”.

وأردف كاراجر: ”لا أدري، لماذا يثار هذا الجدل، سواء كان على مقاعد البدلاء أو يجري عمليات الإحماء؟ الجماهير لها دور في ذلك، لا أدري، هل يُمكن أن يؤدي ذلك إلى انقسام بين الجماهير والمدرب ومحمد صلاح؟”.

وتابع: ”لذا أعتقد أنه بما أنه لم يتبق سوى مباراة واحدة قبل سفره، فمن الأفضل أن يؤجل الأمر حاليًا ثم نرى كيف ستكون الأمور بعد عودته من كأس الأمم الإفريقية”.

ويعتقد كاراجر أن هناك فرصة لمشاركة هوجو إيكتيكي، وألكسندر إيزاك، وفلوريان فيرتز، بصورة أساسية معًا في تشكيلة ليفربول خلال الفترة المقبلة مع غياب محمد صلاح.

طالع .. رومانو يوضح حقيقة معاقبة محمد صلاح في ليفربول

واستكمل كاراجر في حديثه عن مشاركة إيكتيكي وإيزاك بشكل أساسي ضد إنتر ميلان في دوري الأبطال، إذ واصل: ”بفضل الأداء الجيد لليفربول، هذه هي المرة الأولى التي نرى فيها إيكيتيكي وإيزاك معًا، كنت أتوقع أن يبدأ فيرتز أساسيًا يوم السبت أيضًا على أرضنا أمام برايتون، في الواقع، قلت قبل أسابيع قليلة إن ليفربول قد يضطر إلى بناء الفريق بينما كان محمد صلاح في كأس الأمم الأفريقية، من أجل المستقبل”.

وقال كاراجر: “اسمعوا، لأي سبب كان، حدث ذلك قبل أسبوعين من سفره إلى كأس الأمم الأفريقية، لكن كان على ليفربول دائمًا إيجاد طريقة لإشراك صفقاته الكبيرة في الفريق. لم يحدث ذلك بعد، حيث بدأ الثلاثة جميعًا أساسيين”.

وأضاف: “لذا أعتقد أن مباراة برايتون فرصة رائعة لإشراك الصفقات الجديدة في الهجوم، أشركوا فيرتز خلف المهاجم، حيث كان على مقاعد البدلاء الليلة ضد إنتر ، وقدم أداءً جيدًا عندما دخل إلى الملعب”.

واختتم كاراجر: “لذا أعتقد أنها المرة الأولى التي قد نشهد فيها ذلك وربما ما هو مستقبل ليفربول من حيث المضي قدماً، ليس فقط هذا الموسم بل ربما على مدى الـ 18 شهراً إلى العامين المقبلين”.

Barcelona won’t ‘fuel controversies’ with Lionel Messi return talk – but La Liga giants have ‘beautiful tribute’ plan for Argentine GOAT

Barcelona have reiterated that they will not “fuel controversies or speculation” when it comes to a possible playing return to Camp Nou for Lionel Messi. The Liga giants are still planning the most “beautiful tribute” to their all-time leading goalscorer, but the Argentine GOAT is under contract in MLS with Inter Miami and appears unlikely to grace European football again.

  • American dream: Messi has signed new contract with Inter Miami

    Messi severed career-long ties with Barca in 2021 when joining Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. An emotional farewell was bid to Catalunya once it became apparent that the funds were not there to hand him a new contract.

    Two years were spent in France before chasing the American dream. Messi, his wife Antonela and their three sons are now settled in South Florida. An extension to lucrative terms has been agreed through 2028.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images

    Loan move? Messi sees Camp Nou return mooted

    There remains the possibility that Messi could return to Barca during the MLS offseason, before their calendar is changed, with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching. Messi is eager to ensure that he is fit and firing for Argentina’s global title defence.

    Barca have, however, played down loan talk and club president Joan Laporta continues to distance the Blaugrana from speculation regarding a potential ‘Last Dance’ for Messi in familiar surroundings.

    Quizzed on that topic again at the Foros de Vanguardia forum, Laporta told reporters: “I'm not going to fuel controversies or speculation about things that aren't realistic. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Leo will always be in the collective memory of Barcelona fans. Leo has a contract with a football club.”

    Laporta added on Barca’s plans for Messi, with an exhibition or friendly match having been mooted for some time: “The tribute should take place at a time when we can thank him for everything he's done for Barca. A tribute with a full Camp Nou, with 105,000 Barca fans thanking Messi for everything he's done for the club, could be a beautiful thing.”

    He went on to say of immortalising Messi in statue form, potentially alongside other Barca icons: “People can understand each other by talking. I don't see any problem. We've thought about giving him the most beautiful tribute ever given, and a statue alongside players who have made history. Kubala, [Johan] Cruyff, Messi and Ronaldinho also come to mind. Leo has defined an era and is the best player in history and in Barca's history.”

  • Will Messi grace the field at Camp Nou again?

    Messi recently took in a surprise visit to Camp Nou, after seeing that iconic venue enjoy a serious facelift. He posted on social media: “Last night I returned to a place I have missed with all my soul. A place where I was extraordinarily happy, where a thousand times you made me feel like the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to.”

    Messi has since revealed that he and Antonela are planning a return to Barcelona at some stage. That is not, however, expected to see him grace a legendary No.10 jersey again.

    Sporting director Deco has said of the Messi transfer rumours: “I don't think it's possible because Leo is under contract and it was never even considered. Leo is always Leo, and he could still contribute something; he's a great player, but it's not something we're going to talk about. The current situation is entirely speculative.”

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty

    Messi's record: Games & goals ahead of MLS Cup final

    Messi made 778 appearances for Barca after stepping out of their fabled La Masia academy system. He scored 672 goals, winning 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. It was during that time that he cemented a standing as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

    He now has eight Ballons d’Or to his name and is the most decorated player in history. An opportunity to land another major honour will present itself on Saturday when Inter Miami face Vancouver in the 2025 MLS Cup final.

Three teams, one spot: what India, NZ and SL must do to reach the semis

England, Australia and South Africa are already through, but who will join them in the last four?

Sampath Bandarupalli21-Oct-2025Related

New Zealand in must-win territory with rain in the Navi Mumbai air

Kapp-powered South Africa knock Pakistan out in wet Colombo

Heartbreak and euphoria in Diwali night drama

SL pull off a heist after Bangladesh collapse in magnificent fashion

India – Matches 5, Wins 2, Points 4, NRR 0.526If India beat New Zealand on Thursday, they will make the semi-finals. If they lose to New Zealand, India have to hope New Zealand lose to England before India beat Bangladesh on Sunday.A washout against New Zealand can also be a good result for India if they beat Bangladesh. India will be through to the semi-finals even if they lose against Bangladesh in the above scenario, if New Zealand and Sri Lanka (or a washout against Pakistan) lose their respective last matches.If both of India’s games in Navi Mumbai get washed out, they will qualify for the semi-finals, but only if England beat New Zealand (or if that game also gets washed out). If Sri Lanka are tied on six points with India in the above scenario, India will progress with a better net run-rate.Harmanpreet Kaur and India have little room for error in their remaining two games•ICC/Getty ImagesNew Zealand – Matches 5, Wins 1, Points 4, NRR -0.245New Zealand’s next match against India will be an all-or-nothing game for them, and a loss will end their World Cup campaign. If New Zealand win their next two games, they will make the semi-finals.If New Zealand beat India but lose to England, they will have to hope Bangladesh beat India (or if it ends in a washout). Sri Lanka can also finish with six points if they beat Pakistan, but New Zealand currently have a better net run-rate.New Zealand will make the semi-finals irrespective of other results if they beat India and their match against England gets washed out. A washout against India will be good for New Zealand only if they defeat England, and India don’t bag two points against Bangladesh.New Zealand can progress to the semi-finals if both their remaining games are washed out, but only if India and Sri Lanka don’t reach six points.Sri Lanka – Matches 6, Wins 1, Points 4, NRR -1.035To reach the semi-finals, Sri Lanka have to beat Pakistan and hope India lose both their remaining games. They will also need England to beat New Zealand on the last day of the league stage.Sri Lanka will be tied on six points with New Zealand in the above scenario, but will be behind on net run-rate if they don’t win big against Pakistan.

Green impresses with the ball as Australia's Ashes line-up takes shape

Green had absorbing battles with Renshaw and Labuschagne, who shared a 103-run stand for the second wicket

Tristan Lavalette11-Nov-2025

Cameron Green challenged Marnus Labuschagne at the WACA•Getty Images

Australia’s first Test line-up appears to be taking shape after Cameron Green produced two sharp four-over spells while Marnus Labuschagne made a half-century batting at No.3 in a hard-fought opening day between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA.However, the Ashes squad members were overshadowed by Matt Renshaw who did not make the cut with Australia’s hierarchy opting for uncapped opener Jake Weatherald.After Queensland were sent in, Renshaw made 101 off 198 balls and shared a second-wicket partnership of 103 with Labuschagne before WA fought back through quick Cameron Gannon late in the day.”Obviously there’s a bit of disappointment straight away but then you realise that it’s not the end of the world,” Renshaw said of being overlooked for the first Test squad. “It’s a lot different to the way that I handled it eight-nine years ago. I just wanted to enjoy myself today and have intent.”

Renshaw and Labuschagne had absorbing battles with Green, who claimed the opening wicket of Angus Lovell with a superb length delivery having entered the attack as the first-change bowler.In a development that should please Australia’s hierarchy, Green bowled two spells in the earlier part of the day to finish with 1 for 13 from 8 overs. He moved the ball dangerously when pitching up but also bent his back with several ferocious shorter deliveries.Green consistently reached speeds of 135-140 kph in an impressive return to bowling after a side strain ruled him out of the India ODI series. He subsequently played as a specialist batter against South Australia.Green’s day was slightly soured after he had an uncharacteristic fumble in the gully to reprieve Michael Neser, who did fall moments later when Cooper Connolly took a spectacular catch diving backwards on the deep-third boundary.”It’s a different energy, there’s just so much more on it,” Gannon said of Green, who is unlikely to bowl on day two with the expectation that he will get through 15-20 overs across the match.”It’ll be really interesting to see him bowl at the [Perth] Stadium. I think he’s going to do a great job. He’s looking like he’s got things pretty well under control at the moment.”Matt Renshaw celebrates his second century of the season•Getty Images

Despite the warm weather and with little grass evident on the surface, WA captain Sam Whiteman continued the long trend of bowling first at the ground.He looked set to rue the decision, with Renshaw in commanding form against the new ball with his best shot being an exquisite flick over deep midwicket that sailed into the vacant grass banks.Renshaw was particularly dismissive of a wayward Matthew Kelly, who has been WA’s standout quick to start the season. He continually used his wrists to whip on the leg side to make batting look far easier than in the two previous Shield matches on this ground.WA needed a spark and Whiteman turned to Green in the 10th over. A bustling Green made an impact in his first over after unfurling a sharp delivery that whacked Renshaw on the left forearm. He threw his bat in agony and sought medical assistance but returned to batting and seemed unaffected despite sporting a notable bruise.Related

Starc fires up after search for rhythm

Webster takes five on tough day for his Test chances

Smith stands alone as Elliott wrecks New South Wales

Green continued to menace and was rewarded by nicking off Lovell for 11 to set up an intriguing match-up with Labuschagne. His over-exuberance resulted in bowling a beamer first up, with Labuschagne somehow evading being hit but he did awkwardly fall on his backside.Labuschagne was undaunted and pounced on a rare loose Green delivery to get off the mark in style. But the batters were tied down before lunch with speedster Brody Couch bowling a fiery spell in his first match of the domestic season having returned from injury.Couch and his team-mates were adamant they had Labuschagne caught behind on 7 only to be left disappointed with a one-wicket opening session. Green bowled another four-over spell straight after lunch, testing Labuschagne with short-pitched bowling.Labuschagne kept the runs ticking at the other end, continuing to take a liking to Kelly by stroking his best boundary of the innings with a gorgeous on-drive. He seemed set for the long haul after cruising to an 81-ball half-century having used superb footwork to dispatch offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli into the terraces.But Labuschagne couldn’t kick on after miscuing a short Aaron Hardie delivery to midwicket, leaving Renshaw to bat through the second session. He posted his second Shield century of the season just after tea before being caught behind attempting to hook Gannon.Gannon turned the day on its head by clean bowling Jimmy Peirson on the next delivery to cap a stunning three-wicket burst. But Neser and Lachlan Hearne rallied with a 77-partnership partnership in a late twist.Both teams boast near full-strength line-ups.  Ashes reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis returns to red-ball cricket for the first time since the West Indies Test series, while quick Xavier Bartlett is making his Shield season debut having played in the white-ball series against India.

Best signing since Ndiaye: 9/10 star is Everton’s “most important” player

Everton’s good form continued with an impressive 3-0 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium over Nottingham Forest.

The Toffees move into fifth in the Premier League, taking their record since the start of November to four wins, one draw and one loss.

It was a fast start for David Moyes’ side. Just two minutes into the clash with the East Midlands outfit, Forest centre-back Nikola Milenkovic headed a cross into the back of his own net, to give Everton the lead almost immediately.

Then, in the third minute of stoppage time before half-time, the Evertonians doubled their lead. It was a significant moment for Thierno Barry, who got off the mark in that famous Blue shirt after some impressive performances of late.

Iliman Ndiaye carried the ball to the edge of the Forest box before laying it into the path of Barry, who slotted home.

The perfect day for Moyes’ side was capped off in the 80th minute when another summer signing, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, drilled home a volley after the ball bounced to him from a corner. Everton ran out deserved winners to continue their excellent form.

It was a day to remember for the Toffees, with some standout performances.

Everton’s standout players vs. Forest

This will certainly be a day that Thierno Barry remembers. The Frenchman bagged his very first goal in an Everton shirt, showing the sort of quality in front of goal that earned him the big move to the Premier League from Villarreal in the summer.

What a tidy finish it was from the Toffees’ number 11, too. Ndiaye drove towards the penalty box, with Barry making a good diagonal run to find space.

The finish was composed, slotting it past Matz Sels.

Speaking of Ndiaye, the Senegalese attacker was in imperious form once again. So often the source of everything the Merseysiders do well in attack, he was a handful for the Forest defence and, of course, set Barry up.

One person who was impressed by Ndiaye’s efforts was Chris Beesley, Everton reporter for the Liverpool Echo. He gave the attacker a 7/10 rating, praising him for ‘always providing an outlet for his side’ throughout the night.

However, neither Barry nor Ndiaye were the stars of the show for Moyes’ side in a fantastic win.

Everton’s best player in their 3-0 win

What a performance it was from another of the Everton summer signings, Dewsbury-Hall.

The Englishman was at the heart of the Toffees’ midfield today, scoring his excellent goal late on, putting in the cross for the own goal, and offering plenty more on the ball.

The stats reflect just how well Dewsbury-Hall performed against the East Midlands outfit. He had 56 touches and 86% of his passes.

Off the ball, it was a masterclass from the former Leicester City star. He won an exceptional 8/13 ground duels and made five ball recoveries.

Dewsbury-Hall stats vs. Forest

Stat

Number

Touches

56

Pass accuracy

86%

Opposition half passes

16/20

Ground duels won

8/13

Ball recoveries

5

Tackles won

3/4

Goals

1

Stats from Sofascore

Dewsbury-Hall left thousands of Toffees fans impressed with his performance against Forest. Well, the same can be said for journalists, with Beesley giving him a 9/10 for his efforts, explaining he was ‘bright from the start’.

There is a case to be made that Dewsbury-Hall, described as the club’s “most important and best” player by journalist John Merro, is their best signing since Ndiaye.

The Senegalese attacker has been sensational since moving to Merseyside last summer, racking up 17 goals and assists in 54 games.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

As for the English midfielder, he has brought creativity and final third threat to Moyes’ side in just 15 games, with four goals and two assists so far.

However, the tenacity off the ball, on full show against Sean Dyche’s side, has been crucial this season too. It is certainly easy to see why Merro is of that opinion.

After paying just £28m for him this summer from Chelsea, it is looking like one of the biggest bargains in 2025. The all-action midfielder has shone so far, just like Ndiaye has on Merseyside.

£47m spent; CF "monster" replaces Beto: Everton's dream XI after January

Everton manager David Moyes will be looking to strengthen his team in the January transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 15, 2025

Andre Russell released by Kolkata Knight Riders

Russell has been a constant for the franchise since IPL 2014, and was among five players retained by the franchise ahead of the 2025 mega auction for INR 12 crore

Nagraj Gollapudi15-Nov-2025In one of the most high-profile releases in IPL history, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have decided to let go of their star allrounder Andre Russell ahead of the auction for IPL 2026.Russell has been a constant for the franchise since IPL 2014 and was among five players retained by the franchise ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Though Russell had cost KKR INR 12 crore, releasing him has given the franchise an additional INR 18 crore for the auction, since he was Player 1 in KKR’s list of retainees last year, worth INR 18 crore, and that amount gets credited to the team’s purse now.A bona fide T20 great, Russell is also an IPL GOAT. Only two players in IPL history have scored over 2000 runs and picked 100 wickets. One of them – Russell – has been released, and the other – Ravindra Jadeja – has been traded, making the 2026 retention window among the most headline-making ones.Related

CSK to release Matheesha Pathirana

Venkatesh Iyer heads long list of big-ticket players released by KKR

Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk on Delhi Capitals' release list

RR trade Samson to CSK for Jadeja and Curran

While the development will surprise many, including KKR fans, the franchise had deliberated releasing Russell ahead of the 2025 mega auction before deciding to stall that call. Russell, who is 37, had retired from international cricket in July, having only played the T20 format after the 2019 World Cup.Russell, who was the Player of the Tournament in IPL 2019, was part of the KKR’s title-winning teams in 2014 and 2024. Russell also won 16 Player-of-the-Match awards at KKR and is only behind the other KKR great Sunil Narine. A powerful batter who is known to take bowlers apart, especially in death overs, Russell has hit the joint-seventh most sixes (223) in the IPL.It is understood that more than one franchise sought out Russell in trade. KKR, though, will have the biggest purse, INR 64.30 crore, at the auction and could look to even buy him back. The teams will also pay attention to Russell’s form in the 2025 season. With the bat in ten innings, Russell hit 167 runs at a strike rate of 163.72, including a 50. His bowling numbers, though, were under par: eight wickets in nine innings at an average of 27.12 and an economy of 11.94.

Not just Miovski: Rohl must drop Rangers flop who lost 86% duels

Glasgow Rangers are back in action once again in the Scottish Premiership this evening as they prepare to take on Kilmarnock away from Ibrox.

The Light Blues are looking to finally get back to winning ways after frustrating draws with Falkirk and Dundee United in their last outings in the league under Danny Rohl.

A 98th-minute penalty from Nedim Bajrami salvaged a point against Dundee United, and the Gers head coach may want to make several changes to the team after that disappointing showing, including dropping Bojan Miovski from the side.

Why Bojan Miovski should be dropped

The Macedonia international has been a regular starter in the Premiership, starting nine of his 11 appearances in the league (Sofascore), and led the line on Wednesday night.

Miovski lost three of his five ground duels and four of his five aerial duels, per Sofascore, against Dundee United, whilst he also missed his only ‘big chance’ in front of goal, which sort of sums up his season so far.

The former Aberdeen marksman has lost 69% of his duels and missed five ‘big chances’ to go along with his one goal in his 11 league outings, per Sofascore, which shows that he has struggled physically and in front of goal in a Gers shirt.

These statistics show that the 26-year-old striker has not delivered enough quality on the pitch, in or out of possession, which is why Rohl should drop the forward from the starting line-up for this clash with Kilmarnock this evening, to give Danilo or Youssef Chermiti a chance to lead the line.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Miovski is not the only player who should be dropped from the side that started against Dundee United, though, as Connor Barron should also be ruthlessly ditched.

Why Connor Barron should be dropped

Rohl should drop the Scotland international from the starting line-up because his performances in the last two league games have not been at a high level.

Barron started against Falkirk and Dundee United alongside Nicolas Raskin in the middle of the park, ahead of Mohamed Diomande, but failed to offer enough quality on or off the ball.

Connor Barron

Vs Falkirk

Vs Dundee United

Minutes

76

90

Pass accuracy

90%

83%

Big chances created

0

0

Tackles made

0

1

Fouls committed

2

1

Ground duels won

3/6

1/5

Aerial duels won

0/1

0/2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the former Aberdeen star lost the majority of his physical duels across both games, including 86% against Dundee United, whilst he did not create any ‘big chances’ for the team.

This shows that Barron has been a lightweight in his duels in recent games, as opposition players have found it too easy to get the better of him, which has made the Rangers midfield too easy to play against.

On top of struggling out of possession, the 23-year-old central midfielder has no goals, no assists, and no ‘big chances’ created in 12 appearances and seven starts in the Premiership this season, per Sofascore.

He does not offer much of a threat at the top end of the pitch and that has played a part in Rangers scoring just one non-penalty goal in 180 minutes against Falkirk and Dundee United.

Rohl has Diomande, who scored in his last league start against Livingston, available for selection and should bring him into the team to replace Barron for this clash with Kilmarnock this evening.

The Ivorian talent, who is off to the African Cup of Nations later this month, produced five goals and nine assists in midfield for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he has the quality to make an impact in the final third when he is at his best.

Raskin repeat: Rohl lining up Rangers move to sign exciting "unicorn"

Rangers are reportedly eyeing up a move for a star who could be a Nicolas Raskin repeat.

ByDan Emery 7 days ago

It is down to Rohl, though, to unleash him alongside Raskin against Kilmarnock tonight to provide him with another chance to remind the supporters of his quality before his absence due to international duty, because Barron has not done enough in his place.

Best signing since Ndiaye: 9/10 star is Everton’s “most important” player

Everton’s good form continued with an impressive 3-0 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium over Nottingham Forest.

The Toffees move into fifth in the Premier League, taking their record since the start of November to four wins, one draw and one loss.

It was a fast start for David Moyes’ side. Just two minutes into the clash with the East Midlands outfit, Forest centre-back Nikola Milenkovic headed a cross into the back of his own net, to give Everton the lead almost immediately.

Then, in the third minute of stoppage time before half-time, the Evertonians doubled their lead. It was a significant moment for Thierno Barry, who got off the mark in that famous Blue shirt after some impressive performances of late.

Iliman Ndiaye carried the ball to the edge of the Forest box before laying it into the path of Barry, who slotted home.

The perfect day for Moyes’ side was capped off in the 80th minute when another summer signing, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, drilled home a volley after the ball bounced to him from a corner. Everton ran out deserved winners to continue their excellent form.

It was a day to remember for the Toffees, with some standout performances.

Everton’s standout players vs. Forest

This will certainly be a day that Thierno Barry remembers. The Frenchman bagged his very first goal in an Everton shirt, showing the sort of quality in front of goal that earned him the big move to the Premier League from Villarreal in the summer.

What a tidy finish it was from the Toffees’ number 11, too. Ndiaye drove towards the penalty box, with Barry making a good diagonal run to find space.

The finish was composed, slotting it past Matz Sels.

Speaking of Ndiaye, the Senegalese attacker was in imperious form once again. So often the source of everything the Merseysiders do well in attack, he was a handful for the Forest defence and, of course, set Barry up.

One person who was impressed by Ndiaye’s efforts was Chris Beesley, Everton reporter for the Liverpool Echo. He gave the attacker a 7/10 rating, praising him for ‘always providing an outlet for his side’ throughout the night.

However, neither Barry nor Ndiaye were the stars of the show for Moyes’ side in a fantastic win.

Everton’s best player in their 3-0 win

What a performance it was from another of the Everton summer signings, Dewsbury-Hall.

The Englishman was at the heart of the Toffees’ midfield today, scoring his excellent goal late on, putting in the cross for the own goal, and offering plenty more on the ball.

The stats reflect just how well Dewsbury-Hall performed against the East Midlands outfit. He had 56 touches and 86% of his passes.

Off the ball, it was a masterclass from the former Leicester City star. He won an exceptional 8/13 ground duels and made five ball recoveries.

Touches

56

Pass accuracy

86%

Opposition half passes

16/20

Ground duels won

8/13

Ball recoveries

5

Tackles won

3/4

Goals

1

Dewsbury-Hall left thousands of Toffees fans impressed with his performance against Forest. Well, the same can be said for journalists, with Beesley giving him a 9/10 for his efforts, explaining he was ‘bright from the start’.

There is a case to be made that Dewsbury-Hall, described as the club’s “most important and best” player by journalist John Merro, is their best signing since Ndiaye.

The Senegalese attacker has been sensational since moving to Merseyside last summer, racking up 17 goals and assists in 54 games.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

As for the English midfielder, he has brought creativity and final third threat to Moyes’ side in just 15 games, with four goals and two assists so far.

However, the tenacity off the ball, on full show against Sean Dyche’s side, has been crucial this season too. It is certainly easy to see why Merro is of that opinion.

After paying just £28m for him this summer from Chelsea, it is looking like one of the biggest bargains in 2025. The all-action midfielder has shone so far, just like Ndiaye has on Merseyside.

£47m spent; CF "monster" replaces Beto: Everton's dream XI after January

Everton manager David Moyes will be looking to strengthen his team in the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 15, 2025

Game
Register
Service
Bonus