Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has personally set his sights on a 19-year-old midfielder who he thinks could challenge Rodrigo Bentancur.

Spurs targeting new midfielders ahead of summer window

The Spurs midfield could look slightly different by the start of next season. While both Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have become fixtures in Postecoglou's starting elevens over the Australian's debut managerial campaign, the same certainly cannot be said of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Tottenham trying to convince £34m World Cup ace to join Ange this summer

He’s being “courted” by the Lilywhites.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 11, 2024

The Denmark international has actually played a lot of Premier League minutes, but the vast majority of them have come as a substitute. Hojbjerg has started just six top flight matches over 2023/2024, with reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano claiming he could leave in search of more game time.

The 28-year-old's contract also expires next year, so Spurs would surely rather sell him for a decent market price now than risk losing him for free. Bentancur is another curious case, as the Uruguayan has impressed overall during his time at N17 but also finds himself on the treatment table more often than not.

Bentancur missed 43 games across 2022/2023, mainly due to an unfortunate ACL tear, and unfortunately for him, he was sidelined again this season with torn ankle ligaments – with that injury resulting in his absence for six matches (Transfermarkt).

Supporters will be hoping that is more or less the end of Bentancur's real unluckiness when it comes to fitness, but in any case, it has been widely reported that Postecoglou's side could look to bolster their midfield options.

Tottenham are believed to hold an interest in Conor Gallagher amid his contract stand-off with Chelsea, while other names like Atalanta's Ederson are on their radar ahead of the summer window. This week, an interesting new name has now been linked.

Ange sets sights on Hugo Larsson for Tottenham

Indeed, it is believed the Lilywhites now hold a real interest in Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson.

Eintracht 5-1 Bayern Munich

8.25

Union Berlin 0-3 Eintracht

7.93

Eintracht 2-0 FC Heidenheim

7.56

RB Leipzig 0-1 Eintracht

7.26

Eintracht 1-0 Mainz 05

6.88

The 19-year-old has burst on to the scene in Germany this season, starting 20 Bundesliga matches and impressing, which has turned the heads of elite clubs across Europe.

According to Football Transfers, Postecoglou has personally set his sights on Larsson, and the Spurs boss believes he could even challenge Bentancur for a place in the side.

Tottenham's manager is believed to be a real admirer of the Sweden international starlet and has been impressed with his performances, so much so that his side are intensifying their efforts to bring in Larsson as they emerge as the frontrunners for his signature.

Leeds United are currently fighting to secure an instant return to the Premier League with automatic promotion out of the Championship.

The Whites are currently third in the table and only two points separate them, Leicester, and Ipswich across the top three, whilst Southampton are three points behind them in fourth.

Daniel Farke's side will be looking to get over the line in the final three games of the regular season, although they will need the two teams above them to slip up before the focus can turn to the upcoming summer transfer window.

Leeds have a host of senior players currently out on loan, having been shipped out after the club's relegation from the Premier League at the end of last term, and there is one player who reportedly has little chance of being a part of Farke's team moving forward.

Leeds want to move on from Brenden Aaronson

According to Football Insider, USA international Brenden Aaronson will not be part of the Leeds squad for the 2024/25 campaign, irrespective of the division the club are in.

The report claims that the former Norwich City and Borussia Monchengladbach tactician does not have any place in his side for the American attacker, whether that is in the Premier League or the Championship.

It states that the Yorkshire-based outfit will be 'desperate' to cash in on their current contingent of loanees, including Aaronson, if they fail to earn promotion, but could also loan them out again if needed.

The Whites swooped to sign the attacking midfielder from Austrian side RB Salzburg for a reported fee of £25m, and it remains to be seen how much of that they would be able to recoup.

He is currently on loan with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga in Germany, having joined them last summer, but Football Insider state that they are unlikely to sign him again next season.

Why Brenden Aaronson should not have a future at Leeds

The 23-year-old dud has not enjoyed a successful season on the pitch with Union, as the Leeds loanee has failed to nail down a regular place in the starting XI.

Aaronson, who was once hailed as a "weed" for his rapid growth by Jesse Marsch, has started 10 of his 25 Bundesliga appearances during the 2023/24 campaign, and has contributed with two goals and zero assists from an attacking midfield position.

This could be why the German side are unlikely to pursue another deal for the American midfielder, who has averaged 9.9 completed passes per game in the league, in the summer transfer window.

Appearances

36

Sofascore rating

6.51

Goals

1

Assists

3

Duel success rate

40%

As you can see in the table above, the £45k-per-week whiz endured a frustrating season in the Premier League after his £25m move from Salzburg. Over the last 365 days, for Union and Leeds, Aaronson ranks within the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for blocks (2.16) per 90, and the top 3% for tackles (2.30) per 90 – showing that he does work hard for his team defensively.

However, he also ranks within the bottom 24% for non-penalty goals (0.14) per 90, and the bottom 2% for assists (0.00) per 90, which speaks to how little the midfielder offers from an attacking perspective.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Farke does not see a place for Aaronson in his side and is preparing to sell him as his statistics in the final third over the past two seasons are far from impressive, and the Whites should now do all they can to move him on permanently this summer.

في ظل غياب قائدي منتخب مصر محمد الشناوي وحمدي فتحي عن مواجهة بوتسوانا في الجولة الأخيرة من تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا، تثار التساؤلات حول هوية قائد الفراعنة في هذه المباراة.

ويغيب الثنائي حمدي فتحي ومحمد الشناوي، عن مباراة بوتسوانا القادمة في ختام تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا، بعد حصولهما على بطاقتين صفراويتين.

وتقام مباراة مصر وبوتسوانا يوم 19 نوفمبر المقبل، في تمام الخامسة مساءً، بتوقيت القاهرة، السادسة بتوقيت السعودية.

وكان منتخب مصر قد خطف بطاقة التأهل الرسمية إلى نهائيات كأس أمم إفريقيا المقبلة والتي تقام بالمغرب خلال عام 2025، بعد الجولة الرابعة من التصفيات.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الرابعة من تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا، بجوار منتخبات الرأس الأخضر وموريتانيا وبوتسوانا.

طالع أيضًا | محمد بركات: لاعب منتخب مصر جيد جدًا.. وظهور وجوه المنتخب الأولمبي أسعدني ترتيب قادة منتخب مصر أمام بوتسوانا في تصفيات أمم إفريقيا

القائد الأول: محمود حسن تريزيجيه (أول مباراة دولية له كانت بتاريخ 15 نوفمبر 2014 أمام السنغال في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا).

القائد الثاني: مصطفى فتحي (أول مباراة دولية له كانت بتاريخ 14 يونيو 2015 أمام تنزانيا في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا).

القائد الثالث: محمد عواد، (أول مباراة دولية له كانت بتاريخ 27 مارس 2018 أمام اليونان “مباراة دولية ودية”).

القائد الرابع: طاهر محمد طاهر، (أول مباراة دولية له كانت بتاريخ 16 نوفمبر 2018 أمام تونس في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا).

القائد الخامس: مصطفى محمد، (أول مباراة دولية له كانت بتاريخ 23 مارس 2019 أمام النيجر في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا).

South Africa lose 10 wickets in just 66.4 overs possible on day four to head towards defeat

The Report by Alan Gardner19-Jan-2020

Joe Root and Mark Wood of England celebrate the wicket of Faf du Plessis•Gallo Images/Getty Images

England went to South Africa barely sure of their first-choice spinner, but it was spin that took them to the brink of victory inside four days in Port Elizabeth. A morning blitz from the quicks saw South Africa made to follow on, and although Dom Bess was successfully repelled after his first-innings five-for, Joe Root took up the baton with a twirl to claim his best Test figures as England closed in.The majority of the resistance met by England came in the form of the weather. With more than 50 overs lost to rain over the course of the match so far, and the possibility of more on Monday, South Africa’s task in attempting to save the game ought to have been that much simpler. But only Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje, in the first innings, and Faf du Plessis second time around managed to occupy the crease for any significant length of time as England’s varied attack repeatedly found ways to succeed.There have been clouds of the metaphorical variety hanging over du Plessis’ captaincy, and although 36 from 123 balls represented his highest score in nine innings, as well as featuring some trademark stonewalling, it could not inspire a more concerted response. His dismissal to Root’s occasional offspin, deflecting an inside edge to short leg, was symbolic of the turnaround in fortunes since South Africa won their first Test in six attempts at Centurion.The rain on the Eastern Cape continued to do its bit, but South Africa did themselves no favours during 66.4 overs of insipid batting. They started the day by losing their last four first-innings wickets for the addition of one run from 28 balls, and ended it hanging on six down – despite another lengthy rain break cutting a chunk out of the morning and afternoon sessions.The delay backed up England’s decision to enforce the follow-on, the first time they had done so in an away Test since Wellington in 2013. With a patchy forecast for the final day, and the pitch still holding together reasonably well, it threatened to be nip and tuck – but a lead of 290 runs proved a convincing enough cushion for Root.When the teams did get back on the field, at shortly after 2pm local time, Mark Wood put the wind back in England’s sails. A full, fast delivery defeated Dean Elgar’s attempt to work across the line and uprooted off stump via a faint leading edge; Wood had his second a couple of overs later when Zubayr Hamza, who has looked ill-equipped to deal with high pace, feathered a catch down the leg side hanging back against the short ball.Mark Wood roars in celebration after dismissing Zubayr Hamza•Stu Forster/Getty Images

Du Plessis and Pieter Malan negotiated 15.2 overs – the longest partnership of the innings – and had all but taken South Africa to tea two down when Root bagged his first with a delivery that straightened on the stumps to win approval from Rod Tucker. Although Malan reviewed, the suggestion of inside edge was deemed to be inconclusive by the third umpire and South Africa were on the slide again.With Rassie van der Dussen shaping up skittishly against Root’s low-slung offbreaks, England began to get itchy – twice triggering the DRS in the period after tea only to lose both of their reviews in the process. When Root did gain an lbw decision from Tucker against van der Dussen, again the review system went in the batsman’s favour. But there was no doubt about his eventual dismissal, caught by a soaring Ollie Pope at short leg off a ballooning inside edge, even if van der Dussen dragged himself reluctantly from the crease.De Kock played his second poor shot of the day – having been bowled in the second over to end his doughty first-innings knock at 63 – to be caught by the leaping Wood at backward point, and when du Plessis departed well into the evening, Root had a four-wicket haul. There was time for Vernon Philander to be put down twice off Wood, valiant efforts both from Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes, but England walked off confident of their ability to beat both the weather and their hosts.That they were in such an ascendant position was in large part down to South Africa’s profligate approach during the opening exchanges. Resuming with 92 runs still required to avoid the follow-on, the lower order was blown away by Stuart Broad, who claimed 3 for 0, and Sam Curran with the second new ball.Three times in as many overs saw loose shots punished with stump-rattling effect. Philander left a gap big enough to let a real-life kookaburra through, Broad’s fuller length rewarded as the ball seamed back to remove off stump; de Kock attempted to drive without getting forward only for Curran to hit middle; and Keshav Maharaj dragged an ill-advised pull down on to leg. When Kagiso Rabada chipped limply to mid-off, the Port Elizabeth breeze was blowing only in one direction.

Oliver Glasner will look to win his second game as Crystal Palace manager tomorrow afternoon.

The Eagles travel to the City Ground, where they will face a Nottingham Forest side that haven’t won in four games, but they were unable to beat the Tricky Trees earlier this season, drawing 0-0 at Selhurst Park.

Last time out, Palace were seconds away from picking up an important three points at home to Luton Town, but a 96th-minute equaliser spoiled the party.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the starting lineup that the Austrian could field tomorrow, with at least one change guaranteed.

1 GK – Dean Henderson

The “insane” Dean Henderson, as dubbed by former Sheffield United colleague Sander Berge, is set to make his first start under Glasner after becoming the second-choice keeper.

The former Manchester United man has only started eight games since joining Palace in the summer, but he will definitely have a much bigger role to play between now and the end of the season.

Sam Johnstone is the player to make way, after picking up an elbow injury that requires surgery, inevitably ruling him out for the rest of the season.

2 RCB – Joel Ward

Despite being a right-back by trade, Joel Ward will captain the side in the wide right role of the back three this weekend.

3 CB – Joachim Andersen

The Danish centre-half has been a constant figure at the back this season, starting every single league game, and he will extend that streak tomorrow.

4 LCB – Chris Richards

Chris Richards has been utilised in multiple roles this season, including defensive midfield, but he will continue as the left-centre back this weekend.

5 RM – Daniel Munoz

The Colombian only joined Palace in January, but he has instantly become a favourite, even assisting against Luton.

6 CM – Adam Wharton

The second recent addition to the squad was Adam Wharton, who has also been excellent since joining during the winter window, starting every game under Glasner.

7 CM – Jefferson Lerma

Wharton’s experienced partner, Jefferson Lerma, has thrived under Glasner, particularly against Burnley, where he won 15/15 duels.

The Colombian's ability to win the ball will be vital against Forest, with the game set to be decided by fine margins.

8 LM – Tyrick Mitchell

Tyrick Mitchell has been the reliable first-choice left-back this season, starting all but one game, and he will start again on Saturday.

9 RW – Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze is the most influential star in the Palace side, and he is in great form going into the game, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt in a recent friendly.

10 LW – Odsonne Edouard

Odsonne-Edouard

The second change from last time out is Odsonne Edouard, who comes into the side for Jordan Ayew.

The French attacker has struggled at times this season, but given the number nine’s heavy involvement for Ghana during the international break, he could be handed a well-deserved rest.

MatériaMais Notícias

Derrotado diante do Bragantino, o Flamengo perdeu pela primeira vez jogando sob seus domínios neste Brasileirão. No Maracanã, no último sábado, a equipe de Rogério Ceni sofreu o revés na última bola do jogo. Diante do cenário, o comentarista Sormani destacou que surge uma nova freguesia no futebol brasileiro. Segundo ele, “os jogadores do Flamengo entram em pânico” contra o Bragantino.
+ Confira a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro!

RelacionadasFora de CampoTime da Turquia anuncia ‘fake’ Lucas Lima e movimenta torcedores do Palmeiras: ‘Compraram o errado’Fora de Campo21/06/2021Fora de CampoClubes brasileiros participam de campanha de arrecadação de alimentosFora de Campo21/06/2021Fora de Campo‘Tá Na Área’ muda de cara em função dos apresentadores Magno Navarro e Igor RodriguesFora de Campo21/06/2021

-Flamengo é freguês do Bragantino. O que eu posso fazer? Tabu é assim, você não consegue explicar. Jogadores do Flamengo, quando o jogo é contra o Bragantino, entram em pânico. O Flamengo não ganha do Bragantino há anos e perdeu de novo. Freguesia é assim – afirmou no “Bate-Bola Debate” desta segunda-feira.

No retrospecto, o Massa Bruta leva a melhor. Em 14 confrontos, são cinco vitórias do Bragantino contra quatro do Flamengo.

Chelsea have asked Conor Gallagher to return to London after being stuck in a Madrid hotel for five days, with his proposed Atletico move in danger.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Chelsea ask Gallagher to return to London
• Stayed at a Madrid hotel for five days
• Deal between Blues and Atletico could collapse

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The English midfielder was on the verge of completing a transfer to Atletico after the Spanish side and Chelsea agreed on a transfer deal worth £34 million (€39.3m/$43.1m). Accordingly, the player reached Madrid five days ago to undergo his medical, however, now reports that the Blues have asked Gallagher to return to London amid the risk of the deal collapsing at the last moment.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Complications arose after Samu Omorodion's move to Stamford Bridge collapsed and it stalled progress on the Gallagher deal. As per the latest reports, Atletico are also currently in talks with Chelsea over sending Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge. The Spanish club will have to make a sale before they can fund the transfer for Gallagher.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Per Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League giants will treat the two transfer transactions separately and Felix could move back to Stamford Bridge for an initial fee of £40million (€46/$50m). However, the player will have to take a significant pay cut to fit into Chelsea's wage bill.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CONOR GALLAGHER?

  The 24-year-old will now have to wait for the Felix deal to be completed before he gets a clear picture of his future, with it still possible that he could remain at Chelsea for the start of the new Premier League season.

Quetta failed to make a formal complaint against Peshawar within the 48-hour window

Danyal Rasool24-Feb-2020Peshawar Zalmi will have no case to answer for alleged ball-tampering during their game against Quetta Gladiators, after the PCB confirmed that Quetta had failed to formally make a complaint. Quetta captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s claim they had reported what they perceived as ball-tampering by Peshawar has been refuted by the PCB, who in a press release stated Quetta had not filed the complaint through the “correctly stated procedure”.Following the conclusion of the match between Quetta and Peshawar on Saturday, Sarfaraz said his side believed Peshawar had altered the condition of the ball, and they were taking the matter up with the match referee and the PCB. “As far as ball-tampering is concerned, we have followed the protocols of [the] PCB and submitted our report on the matter,” he said. Team manager Nabeel Hashmi, who was with Sarfaraz at the press conference, appeared to clarify the comment, suggesting a formal complaint had not been made.The procedure to file a formal complaint was never followed though. Quetta wrote their complaint on the match evaluation form, which is not the platform to lodge formal complaints. Instead, the PCB pointed out, “all Reports must be completed on Form “Rep 1″ (or such other form as may be made available for such purpose by the PSL from time to time). All Reports must be signed and dated by the person lodging the Report.”That needed to be done within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game, which Peshawar won by six wickets. With that time having now lapsed, the window of opportunity available to Quetta to make a complaint has closed.”The Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed match referee Roshan Mahanama has not received an official complaint from Quetta Gladiators against Peshawar Zalmi for changing the condition of the ball…” the PCB media release said.The PCB made clear they will not recognise Sarfaraz’s public comments as an official complaint, and were not happy with the manner in which Quetta had handled the matter.”We are aware that a statement on changing the condition of the ball has been made without providing any concrete evidence or lodging a formal complaint through the correctly stated procedure,” Wasim Khan, the PCB CEO, said.”In this case, this should have been submitted to the match referee by 6pm on Monday, 24 February. Such irresponsible statements without formal follow-up will only effect the integrity of the event and cast doubts on international cricketers, and, as such, I request the players to use caution and show responsibility.”A source at Quetta Gladiators told ESPNcricinfo that they had no intention to formally complain, insisting Sarfaraz’s comments had been misinterpreted. Quetta merely wanted to raise awareness of the issue, and to ask umpires to pay more attention to the ball’s condition, which would explain why they included their remarks on the umpire evaluation form instead of lodging a complaint to the match referee.The PSL resumes in Multan on Wednesday, where Multan Sultans will take on Peshawar. Quetta next play in Rawalpindi against Islamabad United.

When Erik ten Hag first joined Manchester United in 2023, the expectation was that he would adopt a similar philosophy to the one that brought him so much success at Ajax.

Not only were the Dutch side winning games, but they were also doing it in style and convincing fashion, which suits the United DNA.

Last season, we saw glimpses of what a Ten Hag United side could look like, but some key profiles were missing, such as a proactive ball-playing goalkeeper.

However, fast forward to today, and the boss is under intense scrutiny, with his team sitting in seventh and his future at the club looking uncertain.

Man Utd’s search for a new manager

According to a report from Spain via Football365, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has shortlisted five potential replacements for Ten Hag.

On the list, there’s a mixture of both managers with experience and a couple with new ideas, with Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte fitting into the category of the former.

Thiago Motta of Bologna is also a manager that Man Utd are looking at; he’s revolutionised football in Italy this season.

Another coach that’s “caught the attention” of the club is Roberto De Zerbi, who’s currently managing Brighton & Hove Albion, and he could just prove to be the best option.

Related Man Utd lining up a potentially "incredible" Erik ten Hag replacement

He will be available for free this summer.

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Apr 16, 2024 De Zerbi could be the best replacement for Ten Hag

Replacing such a successful manager like Graham Potter at Brighton was supposed to be an extremely difficult task, but De Zerbi has done a fantastic job.

The 44-year-old really made a name for himself at Sassuolo in the Serie A, when the Italian side finished eighth in consecutive seasons.

In 2021, the Italian boss accepted an adventure in Ukraine, as he became the boss of Shakhtar Donetsk, before moving to the Seagulls and signing a four-year contract.

Since moving to the Premier League side in 2022, De Zerbi has become a Brighton hero, leading the club to European competition for the first time in the club’s history after finishing sixth last season.

De Zerbi's Managerial Record

Club

Games

Wins

Brighton

83

37

Shakhtar Donetsk

30

20

Sassuolo

120

43

Benevento

29

6

Total

262

106

Via Transfermarkt

The Brighton manager’s style of play is one of the most unique and entertaining in the league, with his controlled, possession-based approach often allowing his team to dominate possession.

This is the case regardless of the opponent, as shown by Brighton’s average possession of 62% this season, which is much higher than United’s 50.1% under Ten Hag this campaign.

His usual formation is a 4-2-3-1 with ball-playing stars all over the field, which suits the United squad down to a tee as that’s the current setup that Ten Hag opts for.

Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, and Marcus Rashford would all surely thrive in this system, taking on the roles of Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross, and Kaoru Mitoma.

But most importantly, De Zerbi, who beat Ten Hag twice in 2023, would introduce a crystal clear philosophy and gameplan, which have been unidentifiable at the Red Devils this season.

Overall, if United are to hire the “genuis" manager as dubbed by football analyst Statman Dave, then it will cost them around £12m to break his release clause in his contract, but it may just prove to be worth the fee.

Big picture

Test series these days – ones between sides at close to full strength – start along predictable lines. Home sides are usually so dominant that they are overwhelming favourites or they are so weak that strong sides such as India can steamroll them. Draws are hardly a possibility either. Rarely comes along a series where a proper victory march comes across a fortress that has stood tall for years without looking that formidable once.In New Zealand over the next two weeks, anything is possible: 2-0, 0-2, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1, 0-0. For two excellent pace-bowling units, the conditions will remain a challenge, making draws a distinct possibility. Don’t go by New Zealand’s annihilation in Australia, these sides are pretty evenly matched. If India have arguably the best all-conditions bowling attack, New Zealand’s quicks know how to get wickets at home better than anyone else. The same bowlers that seemed pedestrian in Australia where you need to bash the hard length will be effective with their kiss-the-surface swing. Or at least they won’t suffer in comparison with the opposition quicks as much as they did in Australia.ALSO READ: Why Test cricket in NZ is unlike anywhere else in the worldThat doesn’t mean India don’t have the attack to take wickets in New Zealand. Just that in these conditions, their added advantages over a slightly limited New Zealand attack will not be apparent. It is in the second innings that their familiarity with the conditions has tended to trump their opponents. Test cricket in New Zealand is played in the reverse with batting getting progressively better on pitches that don’t break up, and it is in those second innings that New Zealand’s bowlers have found ways to dismiss oppositions. This is when New Zealand bowlers have managed to average in the mid-20s since December 2013, but one of the key components of that attack, Neil Wagner, will be missing for the season opener at Basin Reserve as he awaits the arrival of his child, and the other, Trent Boult, has had no competitive cricket since breaking his right hand in Australia.In most other places, India would start as favourites, but at home, New Zealand have lost just two Tests in their last 14 series, a record second only to India’s at home. Then again, India haven’t lost a series anywhere since the 4-1 reverse in England in 2018. Let there be no further ado then.

Form guide

New Zealand LLLDW
India WWWWW

In the spotlight

Since December 2013, when this New Zealand team started coming together, Trent Boult has been the second-best to Wagner in second innings. The importance of a successful return for him cannot be overstated for New Zealand. These are the series you play for, he has said, to get players such as Virat Kohli out.If you want to identify a point of difference, look no further than Jasprit Bumrah. In his brief Test career, Bumrah has tended to get the better of every challenge the conditions have thrown at him. He has the hyperextension, he has the deceptive pace, he has all the other bowling tricks, and he has a sharp bowling mind.

Team news

Kyle Jamieson will become New Zealand’s 279th Test player as he replaces Wagner. By leaving Matt Henry out of the XII, New Zealand have made it clear they are looking for a Wagner-like point of difference in the second innings. Jamieson brings those hard lengths and extra bounce with his height. Depending on what they read of the pitch of the morning of the match, New Zealand will choose between Daryl Mitchell and Ajaz Patel, the lone spinner in the squad.New Zealand: 1 Tom Latham, 2 Tom Blundell, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Daryl Mitchell/Ajaz Patel, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Kyle Jamieson, 11 Trent BoultRishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari could both feature in the XI•AFP / Getty Images

As you would expect with visiting teams, equations are not simple for India. However, there is great news for them in the sooner-than-expected return of Ishant Sharma after he had torn a ligament in his ankle in December. After a long bowling session in the nets two days from the Test, Sharma didn’t bowl in the nets on match eve; instead he was put through a fitness test. Clearly, India want to be sure. If he doesn’t make it, Umesh Yadav is the favourite to take his spot.India seem to have settled with the opening combination of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. With fewer vagaries in New Zealand pitches, India seem to be going with the batting prowess of Rishabh Pant ahead of the wicketkeeping purity of Wriddhiman Saha. Unlike New Zealand, India are sure to play at least one spinner. If they do play only one, R Ashwin is the favourite from the trends in the warm-up game and in the nets. He could use the wind to his advantage.Given how difficult it is to pick 20 wickets at Basin Reserve, there might be temptation to play both the spinners and form a second lower middle-order of Ravindra Jadeja, Pant and Ashwin, but this India is slightly different from the one that used to take such risks in the first Test of a series.India (probable): 1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 Prithvi Shaw, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Hanuma Vihari, 7 Rishabh Pant (wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Ishant Sharma/ Umesh Yadav, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Jasprit Bumrah

Pitch and conditions

The novelty of telling the pitch apart from the outfield in New Zealand has long worn off. The 15-18mm of grass makes for a menacing look, but the pitch should become friendly after early exchanges. Except for the general windiness, perfect weather conditions for Test cricket have been forecast after two days of intermittent rain in the lead-up to the match.

Stats and trivia

• In 28 Tests in New Zealand since December 2013, teams have decided to field after winning the toss on 25 occasions. They have won 12 and lost eight of these Tests. In the rest of the world, over the same period, teams have decided to field in 58 out of 253 Tests.
• Kohli averages 66 against Boult, and 46.5 against Southee in Tests. His average against Wagner, who is missing the first Test, is 20.
• Ross Taylor will become the first player to 100 matches in each international format.

Quotes

“It’s about bringing the focus to the smaller steps rather than some of the loftier goals that can be achieved, but you do need to take care of the next moment rather than you getting too far ahead of yourselves. As a unit, it was a tough series [in Australia] in terms of a result to swallow but you know you can’t change the past but you can use it definitely to improve as individuals and as a team.”
Kane Williamson looks to bounce back from the sweep in Australia“It doesn’t matter how much patience the opposition has. Then we obviously have to show more patience than them. We can’t prepare in a manner that New Zealand might be more patient than other teams and then put pressure on us. Our fitness levels are such and concentration levels are such now that we can compete against anyone and anywhere in the world.”
Virat Kohli on a possible battle of attrition