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Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has no complaints about his surprise England omission and plans to use his some of his unexpected free time to visit grandparents.

Instead of being at Wembley to face Wales and then heading to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier the 21-year-old, who has become an integral part of the Eagles’ recent success, will instead catch up with relatives after being left out by national team boss by Thomas Tuchel.

Even Everton’s match-winner Jack Grealish, himself overlooked for England despite a resurgence after moving to Merseyside on loan from Manchester City, felt Wharton should have been given the man-of-the-match award instead of him in the Toffees’ late 2-1 victory on Sunday.

Wharton reveals Tuchel message

After pulling out of Tuchel’s last squad with injury there was no place for Wharton this time around but the player insists there are no hard feelings.

“He just gave me a message saying I’m playing well, I’m close and I deserve to be there but he’s going to stick with the same team,” said Wharton of learning of his omission.

“That’s football, I’m not too fussed about that. I can take the time off, go see my grandparents, and it’s not the end of the world as there’s another camp next month.

“Nothing is expected. England have some top players and he’s got a lot of players to choose from. No matter who he picks someone is not going to get in and there will be a fuss about it.

“I can’t sit here and cry about it, this is football and I’m happy playing for Palace and getting minutes and trying to do as well as I can and improve and if I get picked, I get picked.

“If not I’ll carry on playing for Palace and enjoying it – there’s nothing else I can do really.

“Obviously everyone wants to play for their country if they get chosen but, like I said, this is football and he’s got plenty of top players to choose from and that’s what he gets paid to do, pick the team and help England do well.

“Hopefully they kick on and get the results they need to qualify for the World Cup. I’ll keep knocking on the door and if I’m in, I’m in and if not I’ll carry on.”

Even Everton manager David Moyes accepted Palace should have been well out of sight after Daniel Munoz’s goal in a first half dominated by the visitors but after failing to capitalise they fell foul of an improved display after the break.

Iliman Ndiaye scored a 76th-minute penalty before Grealish, the Premier League’s player of the month for August, blocked a Munoz clearance and the ball cannoned back off him and into the net in the third minute of added time to end Palace’s 19-match unbeaten run.

“I think we got a bit complacent as we were playing so well but you can’t do that in the Premier League,” added Wharton

.

“They got a goal back and the crowd got behind them, a great atmosphere for them to kick on, get the momentum and it was difficult from there.”

Dominic Solanke was again absent from training ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt.

Solanke last played for Spurs on August 23 against Manchester City and, even though he recently returned to training after a troublesome ankle injury disrupted his pre-season, he was conspicuous by his absence on Monday morning in Enfield.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank played down concerns over Solanke’s fitness on Friday ahead of the visit of Wolves, but with the England forward not able to feature in open training before the club fly to Bodo for Tuesday’s Champions League clash, the squad are short of attacking options.

Paris St Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani was also absence as he deals with a dead leg, but Ben Davies did take part in the session after a minor knee issue.

Summer recruit Kota Takai also featured after a plantar fascia problem in recent months and Yves Bissouma was back.

Tottenham willing to make £50m+ offer to sign Euro 2024 Golden Boot winner

Spurs are prepared to make a big bid for a new forward.

ByDominic Lund Sep 29, 2025

Bissouma has not played for Tottenham this season after he was dropped from the Super Cup squad for being late on multiple occasions. He then suffered a knee injury in training days later.

Former Brazil manager Emerson Leao has launched a fierce attack on Neymar, calling him “not an example to anyone” and claiming the forward is “past his prime”. Leao criticised the 33-year-old's lifestyle, fitness and declining form, reigniting debate over the Santos star’s place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans.

Neymar’s legacy questioned after harsh criticism

Former Brazil coach and 1970 World Cup winner Emerson Leao openly criticised Neymar’s attitude, fitness and leadership. In an interview with , Leao branded the Santos forward “not an example for anyone” and insisted he is no longer the player he once was. His comments have reignited long-standing debates about Neymar’s professionalism and commitment to the national team.

The former goalkeeper explained that his criticism was not just about Neymar’s football, but also his behaviour off the pitch. He claimed that the 33-year-old “hasn’t looked after himself” and no longer influences games the way he used to. Leao also rejected the idea that Neymar can still be the solution for Brazil, adding that he does not believe the forward will make an impact at the 2026 World Cup.

Leao went further, saying the biggest issue was not Neymar’s skill, but his physical decline. According to him, the Brazilian thinks faster than his body can now respond: "In his head, when he's about to start a play, he knows what he's going to do, but he can't do it anymore. He can't do it anymore. He no longer has the same muscular reaction. The training sequence is gone. He's not the same athlete. It's no use.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'He's not the same athlete' – Emerson Leao

Before delivering his harshest comments, the former goalkeeper explained he always believed Neymar had the potential to become a national hero. He recalled advising the forward early in his career to take care of himself because Brazil would need him. However, he claims Neymar ignored that advice and is now paying the price physically and mentally.

"I have few words for Neymar," he said. "I think one thing depends on the other: the man outside and the man inside. And so, he doesn't serve as an example for anyone."

He added: "He hasn't stopped playing football. It's just that he's being asked to perform the same kind of sprints he used to have and no longer has because he's unprepared. So what happens? Injuries and problems happen.

"He started out as a wonderful player. I remember one day when I played against Santos, he was leaving, and I walked past him and said: 'Look, kid, we're going to need you at the World Cup. Take care of yourself.' That's the only thing he doesn't do."

Leao admitted his criticism comes with disappointment rather than anger, saying Brazil “missed a great opportunity” to build around Neymar. Despite that, he doesn’t believe the forward should face hatred but insists fans must accept the reality that he is no longer the same player who dazzled in Europe.

Can Neymar return to Brazil's plans?

The ex-Barcelona and PSG star's future with the national team remains uncertain. He has not played for Brazil since October 2023 against Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. Although he has returned to Santos, injuries have limited him to just 21 appearances this season, with six goals and three assists. His latest setback, a rectus femoris muscle injury has sidelined him since September.

Despite Leao’s criticism, current Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has not ruled Neymar out completely. The Italian believes that “when he’s fit”, the forward can still play at the highest level for both club and country. However, he also made it clear that Neymar must first prove his fitness and consistency with Santos before being considered again.

Neymar’s contract with Santos expires in December 2025, and he is expected to become a free agent after that. His agent, Pini Zahavi, maintains strong ties with clubs like Napoli and Inter, keeping the door open for a potential return to Europe. But any move and a possible return to the national team depends entirely on his ability to stay fit.

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Getty ImagesWhat next for Neymar?

The 33-year-old's immediate goal is returning from injury, with expectations that he could be back by November. With his Santos contract entering its final year, he faces a crucial period that could decide his long-term future in football. A strong finish to the season would strengthen his chances of securing a European move and earning back his spot in the Brazil squad.

Missing out on international football for two years has clearly affected Neymar’s legacy, especially for a player once considered the heir to Pele. As Brazil prepare for the 2026 World Cup across the USA, Mexico and Canada, competition for attacking roles is fierce. Young stars like Endrick, Rodrygo and Gabriel Martinelli are all pushing for permanent roles in the squad.

Still, Neymar remains motivated by one final chance to shine on the world stage. If he can regain fitness and form, Ancelotti may yet give him an opportunity. But with critics like Leao saying his time is up, Neymar must now prove to fans, coaches and himself that he can still make a difference.

The Hawk-Eye team that supplies the technology did not travel back to Pakistan after the resumption of the league

Danyal Rasool22-May-2025The remainder of the Pakistan Super League will continue to be played without the Decision Review System (DRS). The Hawk-Eye team that supplies the technology did not travel back to Pakistan after the resumption of the league, which was suspended earlier this month amid border tensions between Pakistan and India.DRS was available at the PSL – as it has been since 2017 – until the league was suspended on May 7. The first five games since the resumption have been played without incident or controversy. The PSL or the PCB is yet to make any public comment about its absence. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to the PCB and PSL.The fluid nature of scheduling following the rising tensions between India and Pakistan presented the PSL with huge logistical challenges. The production crew were required to extend their presence for a further week, while a game in Multan was relocated to Lahore to reduce travel, and moving camera equipment around. The series between Pakistan and Bangladesh was originally slated to begin on 25 May, the day the final of the PSL will now be held. Its start has been delayed by three days, while the number of games have been slashed from five to three.Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars take each other on in the Eliminator at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. On Wednesday, Quetta Gladiators booked their place in the final for the first time since 2019 when they beat last year’s champions Islamabad United by 30 runs. United will now take on the winner of Thursday’s game for a berth in the final alongside Gladiators on Friday.

The Braves are odds-on favorites to repeat as NL East champs in 2024.

Atlanta Braves -240
Philadelphia Phillies +310
New York Mets +1100
Miami Marlins +1600
Washington Nationals +10000

No team scored more runs (947), hit more home runs (307) or hit for a better average (.276) than the Braves in 2023. They also led the league in OBP, SLG, OPS, ISO and extra-base hits. Atlanta’s 104 wins were the most in MLB, as they skated to the division title, finishing 14 games ahead of the Phillies.

Most of the team is the same for 2024, including NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, Marcel Ozuna and Michael Harris II. The Braves also added outfielder Jarred Kelenic and veteran starting pitcher Chris Sale in the offseason.

Atlanta last won the World Series in 2021. They’ve won six straight NL East titles and they have not missed the postseason since 2017.

Philadelphia comes in with the second-best odds to win the division at +310. The Phillies were one of the top offensive units in 2023, winning 90 games for a second-place finish in the division. The 2024 offense will still boast veteran Bryce Harper as well as slugger Kyle Schwarber, speedster Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos, and J.T. Realmuto. Pitchers Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola also return and the Phillies should be competitive again.

The Phillies made it to the World Series after winning the NL pennant in 2022 but last won the division in 2011.

The Mets (+1100) have much lower expectations than they’ve have in recent seasons after trading Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer before the deadline in 2023. Still, plenty of talent remains in Queens, with Pete Alonso likely to have another 40-home runs season and Francisco Lindor continuing to offer solid play. The Mets could surprise if Luis Severino and Sean Manaea can return to form. The Mets last won the division in 2015.

The Marlins (+1600) are projected to win the same amount of games as the Mets, according to FanGraphs, but the payout is much nicer. Jesus Luzardo and Eury Perez anchor the starting rotation, which has the potential to be a top unit. Veteran shortstop Tim Anderson recently joined the club, which also features talented hitters Jazz Chisholm, Josh Bell, Jake Burger and Luis Arraez, whose .354 batting average in 2023 was the best in MLB.

Finally, the Nationals have the longest odds at +10000, and there’s not much of a pathway for that bet to cash. 

Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol has made a stunning revelation about how his professional sports career could have taken a very different direction after temporarily falling out of love with the game. The Croatia international is a regular for City boss Pep Guardiola and has also revealed the tentative approach being taken by the club after a slow start to the season.

Meteoric rise to football elite

Gvardiol’s career ascent has been rapid, establishing him as one of the world's most promising defenders. He started at Dinamo Zagreb, where he won back-to-back Croatian league titles before landing a record move to RB Leipzig in 2021, where he won two German Cup crowns, impressing with his composure, passing, and tactical versatility. His stellar performances led to a £77 million ($102.5m) transfer to Man City in 2023, making him one of the most expensive defenders in history, and he landed a Premier League title and FIFA Club World Cup in his first season. Gvardiol is also a key figure for the Croatia national team, helping them to a third-place finish at the World Cup in 2022.

AdvertisementAFPGuardiola's go-to defender

Gvardiol's campaign was delayed due to a knee injury carried over from last season, but he has since regained full fitness, and the versatile defender has featured for Man City in both the Premier League and in Europe, contributing assists in both. The 23-year-old’s strong technical skills have seen him operate in both central defence and at left-back, where his passing ability has been a massive asset to the squad. But he has revealed his career in sport came very close to taking a wholly different direction.

How Gvardiol almost quit football

Gvardiol told the BBC: "I was thinking about quitting because I like basketball as well. I wasn't sure in football any more because when you get to the training ground, you don't feel happy any more, you know? I was just trying to find other solutions and to feel happier than I felt before because all of my friends were playing basketball. My dream obviously was to become a professional football player, but I didn't know that I was going to go that far. If you go five years back and ask me, do you see yourself at Manchester City in 2023, '24, '25? I would say no chance, like really impossible."

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AFPMan City taking stock after slow start

Gvardiol has also revealed he is most happy at taking his place back on the left side of centre-back. He said: "I'm happy to be back to my position. Just play simple, protect the goal, defend the goal. Obviously, we have new goals this season and we want to aim high. But I like to say that it's quite early to talk about our goals, the season is long so let's go game by game.
He added: "In my head last season I was like, 'no matter what, how I feel, no matter if I am fit or not, I just want to play. I just want to compete to help the team’. I could feel it on my body, especially in the summer. I had a [knee] injury, but now it's finally good after six months." 

After a slow start to the season, where they lost two of their opening three games, they have gone on an unbeaten run and surged up the Premier League table. In the coming weeks, they have a Premier League trip to Aston Villa followed by a League Cup away game against Swansea. In November, they host Bournemouth and face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Glasgow Rangers may have a brand-new head coach in the building by the time they next take to the field at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership after the international break.

The Light Blues opted to remove their previous manager from his post after a draw last time out in the league meant that he had only won one of his seven Premiership matches in charge.

Russell Martin only won five of his 17 games as the club’s manager, as shown in the graphic above, and the Ibrox giants are now looking to find his replacement.

The latest on the Rangers manager search at Ibrox

The Light Blues are aiming to bring in a replacement ahead of their clash with Dundee United at Ibrox after the break, and they appear to be closing in on their man.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Rangers are ‘close’ to reaching an agreement with out-of-work head coach Steven Gerrard to make him Martin’s replacement.

The reporter claims that the English tactician, who left Rangers to join Aston Villa back in 2021, held face-to-face talks with Light Blues chairman Andrew Cavanagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe in London earlier this week.

Those conversations went well and the Liverpool legend seems to be closing in on a return for a second spell in the dugout at Ibrox this season.

This change in manager in Glasgow could have ramifications throughout the squad, as it is a clean slate for all the players, and the rarely-seen Clinton Nsiala may end up being the biggest winner.

Why Clinton Nsiala may be Ibrox's biggest Rangers winner

The left-footed central defender was bombed out of the squad by Martin this season and has not played a single minute of competitive football since the 2024/25 campaign.

Nsiala, whose last appearance came against St Mirren in April, posted an Instagram story of himself celebrating and smiling after a goal for the club at Ibrox after the news broke that Martin had been sacked. Possibly a coincidence and unrelated.

The 21-year-old starlet, who joined from AC Milan last year, made 11 appearances in the Premiership during the 2024/25 campaign and showed some signs of promise.

Appearances (starts)

11 (10)

Pass accuracy

89%

Ground duel success rate

45%

Aerial duel success rate

52%

Ball recoveries per game

2.1

Clearances per game

4.5

Duels won per game

2.6

As you can see in the table above, Nsiala got a taste of Premiership action last season and had positive and negative aspects to his performances, winning the majority of his aerial duels, but being a bit too weak in his battles on the deck.

At the age of 21, the French gem, who was described as an “exciting talent” by Nils Koppen, has plenty of time left to develop and improve as a player, but Martin was not willing to provide him with chances to gain experience this season.

That is despite Jayden Meghoma, a left-back, and Derek Cornelius, a centre-back, being the only two left-footed defenders in the senior squad at this moment in time.

Martin lined up with Cornelius out of position at left-back and the right-footed John Souttar as a left-sided centre-back in the 1-1 draw with Falkirk last time out in the Premiership, which speaks to the issues that the Gers have had on that side of the defence.

Nsiala, therefore, may end up being the biggest winner from the change in management at Ibrox because Martin, clearly, was not keen on him, but Gerrard may see the lack of naturally left-footed options at the back and provide the youngster with an opportunity.

Gerrard, after all, was the manager who signed Calvin Bassey and gave him his Gers debut as a young and versatile left-footed defender, which may give Nsiala hope that he could follow in the Nigeria international’s footsteps.

New Rangers manager could lose Ibrox star as soon as January window opens

Another potential blow for the Gers.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 10, 2025

It will now be interesting to see what kind of decisions the new manager makes, if it does end up being Gerrard, with the current squad once he is in the building at Ibrox.

Veterans make their marks in thrilling encounter as Derbyshire are outgunned by six runs

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2025A brilliant innings from Ravi Bopara took Northants Steelbacks to a third Vitality Blast victory by six runs despite a thrilling Derbyshire Falcons chase led by Samit Patel at the Central Co-op County Ground.Bopara scored an unbeaten 84 from 46 balls including five sixes as the Steelbacks recovered from 112 for 5 to post an imposing 194 for 6 with Afghanistan spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar taking 2 for 30.But Patel with 83 not out from 50 balls and Caleb Jewell, 71 from 44, gave the Falcons hope before they came up short at 188 for 4.Ghazanfar made an instant impact on his Derby debut, striking twice in the second over of the game.He beat Ricardo Vasconcelos’s big drive and then had Justin Broad lbw sweeping to reduce the Steelbacks to 15 for 2.It was 24 for 3 when Matt Breetzke pulled Zak Chappell’s first ball to deep midwicket and at the end of the powerplay the Steelbacks had work to do at 37 for 3.David Willey drove Chappell for six but the Falcons bowled with guile and discipline to restrict the visitors to 65 for 3 at the halfway point.The Falcons missed three chances to dismiss Willey and that looked like proving costly when 34 came off two overs from Ben Aitchison and Patel.So there was relief for the hosts when Willey pulled Martin Andersson’s first ball to deep midwicket to end a stand of 75 from 49 balls with Bopara.But that was short-lived as 56 came from the last three overs with Lewis McManus twice pulling Aitchison over the ropes before Bopara smashed Chappell for three sixesThe Falcons chase began badly with Aneurin Donald miscuing Willey to mid on and David Lloyd cutting the all-rounder to slip.Jewell drove Ben Sanderson for six but Wayne Madsen, on his 200th appearance at Derby, chipped the fast bowler to mid on to reduce the Falcons to 38 for 3 after six overs.Jewell and Patel steadied the innings but the Falcons went into the last 10 overs needing 129.Patel dispatched Lloyd Pope over long on for six and Jewell pulled George Scrimshaw over the ropes before another Patel six brought up the 100 in the 14th over.The pair took 15 from the next and the Falcons took flight when Jewell twice launched Scrimshaw for six with 18 coming from the 16th over.Jewell pulled Luke Procter to long on but Patel clubbed his third six to leave the Falcons needing 41 off the last three.Patel swatted Procter for six to bring that down to 15 off the last six balls but Sanderson bowled a superb last over to close the game out.

With every team in action on Tuesday, let's focus on which stars are set to go yard.

In the discussion for an AL MVP, Bobby Witt Jr. will look to keep a hot June going with a home run against a lowly Athletics pitching staff in favorable conditions, highligting my card on Tuesday with two other sluggers in the mix as well.

Find out how I'm attacking home run props on Tuesday's slate.

Best MLB Home Run Prop Bets Today, June 18thAdley Rutschman (+520)Julio Rodriguez (+420)Bobby Witt Jr. (+430)Adley Rutschman

Rutchsman is dangerous against lefty pitchers, which he is in line to face on Tuesday when the Yankees send out Nestor Cortes. 

Rutchsman is hitting .420 with a .693 slugging percentage against southpaws, crushing six home runs in 93 plate appearances. 

In the hitter friendly Yankee Stadium, Rutschman can take advantage of Cortes’ concerning hard-hit metrics, 17th percentile in the big leagues according to MLB Statcast, and high fly ball rate, fourth percentile in groundball rate. 

Rutschman is worth a bet at north of +500. 

Julio Rodriguez

Rodriguez only has seven home runs on the year, but is still hitting the ball just fine. He is in the 91st percentile in terms of hard-hit percentage and is in the 91st percentile in average exit velocity. 

We are starting to see his numbers trend upwards, hitting .281 in June with a slugging percentage that is a monthly high of .456. He already has tied May for the most home runs in a month with three in June and I fancy his chances of going yard on Tuesday against Triston McKenzie. 

The Guardians right hander is in for harsh regression as the season continues, posting an xERA of 4.81 that far outpaces his 4.10 ERA. Further, the wind is set to blow out of Progressive Field at nearly six miles per hour, helping J-Rod’s hard contact to push over the fence. 

Bobby Witt Jr.

Witt Jr's numbers are fantastic this season, and they should be even better. With 11 home runs and a slugging percentage of .551, Witt's xSLG is .616. He is one of the best hitters in the bigs and should have plenty of more home runs already.

Tuesday is a great set up for him, facing an Athletics pitchign staff that is bottom five in ERA and starting lefty Hogan Harris. The utility arm has allowed three home runs to right handers in five appearances this season, making for a tough matchup against the likes of Witt Jr, who will also have the benefit of more than nine miles per hour of winds pushing the ball out.

Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis continue their unbeaten Europa League run, powered by the resurgence of former Manchester United winger Antony. The Brazilian has been in exceptional form, scoring crucial goals and earning his manager’s full trust after their 2-0 win over Lyon. Pellegrini now sees Antony as undroppable, insisting his consistency and impact make rotation impossible as Betis eye the knockout stages.

Antony’s fairytale revival at Real Betis

Betis are quietly turning heads in Europe. Their 2-0 win over Lyon at La Cartuja kept them undefeated in the Europa League, placing them on eight points from four games and within touching distance of qualification. 

If there is one player symbolising Betis’ European charge, it’s Antony. Once a divisive figure at United, the Brazilian winger has found redemption in Seville. In just seven La Liga appearances this season, he has scored four goals and registered one assist, adding vital contributions in the Europa League as well with two goals and an assist in three games.

Pellegrini has been clear: Antony’s current form makes him undroppable.

“He and Abde [Ezzalzouli] are in great form, that’s why we rotate them less,” the Betis boss explained. “The players have no problem playing on Thursdays and Sundays. They're both inspired and scoring goals. I'm happy with the team's performance, because we can change six or seven players and the team stays the same.”

Antony’s recent brace against Mallorca, including a long-range strike and a deft curler into the far corner, showcased the confidence that once defined his early Ajax days. Also, the fact that Antony missed majority of the pre-season training with Betis and yet is able to fit right in and perform at this level, provide more reasons why the Pellegrini considers him a vital component of the starting XI.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBetis march on as Pellegrini’s plan delivers

For head coach Pellegrini, it was more than just another group-stage victory as it reflected the team's tactical balance, squad depth, and the emergence of Antony as Betis’ new attacking heartbeat as he clinched his second consecutive goal.

“We were very solid,” Pellegrini said in a post-match interview. “They had very few chances on our goal and were a team that had won three matches in Europe and hadn't conceded a goal. A very complete match overall.

"As a team we functioned very well, with many recoveries in the first half. We stole four very dangerous balls and rushed our finishing. With the two goals, we returned to our normal rhythm and the second half was calm, dominating the game and trying to find the third goal."

The Chilean manager’s trademark composure and structured approach have given Betis both resilience and rhythm, the kind of qualities that have eluded them in past European campaigns.

Betis thriving under Pellegrini's guidance

Under Pellegrini, Betis have embraced an identity rooted in patience and precision. Their Europa League campaign has featured strong results – a 2–2 draw against Nottingham Forest and a 2-0 win over Lyon – built on controlled possession and disciplined defending, with just two goals conceded in four matches.

Antony thrives in this setup. Operating on the right wing, he stretches defences, presses high, and links play with quick one-twos – the exact traits Pellegrini values. His 13 chances created underline a growing playmaking instinct, while his defensive contributions help maintain shape when Betis are out of possession.

With Betis targeting a top-eight finish to avoid February’s playoff round, Antony’s influence could be the difference between another respectable run and genuine contention. His chemistry with forward like Ceric Bakambu and winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli adds further fluidity to Betis’ evolving attack.

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AFPCan Betis win a trophy this season?

Antony’s loan spell at Betis is fast becoming one of the most successful redemption arcs in recent European football. After struggling to adapt at Old Trafford – where he managed just 12 goals across two Premier League seasons, the Brazilian has rediscovered both confidence and consistency in Spain.

For Betis, it’s a timely resurgence. Pellegrini’s men sit comfortably in the upper half of La Liga and are now among the dark horses in the Europa League. The coach’s trust in Antony has been repaid with end product, work rate, and professionalism – qualities that once came into question in England.

As the season progresses, Antony’s challenge will be sustaining this level, converting flashes of brilliance into long-term reliability and with last season's wound still fresh after defeat in the Conference League final against Chelsea, Pelligrini and Co. will leave no stone unturned into making this season a productive one clinching a few trophies on the way.