After Indian cricket fans found a silver lining at the end of a catastrophic 2020, where India defeated Australia in the Boxing Day Test to level the ongoing Test series 1-1, things have started to look strenuous for the visitors ahead of the third Test match.

For football fans, though, this week could not get any more exciting. With both Manchester City and Manchester United in terrific form in the Premier League, an EFL Cup knockout fixture is just what the viewers wanted.

While the first full week of 2021 brings numerous exciting clashes in various leagues across cricket and football, these two encounters stand out in terms of thrill and tenacity.

India vs Australia 3rd Test Match �?Border Gavaskar Trophy

Indian cricket team’s historic triumph over Australia in Melbourne in the absence of star players like Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami was followed by a social media outrage when five Indian cricketers were accused of breaking biosecurity protocols to eat at an indoor restaurant in Melbourne on New Year’s eve.

Consequently, things have escalated with India coming to the third Test match in Sydney with claims of the visiting players unwilling to travel to Brisbane for the fourth and final Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2021.

This hasn’t gone down well with the Queensland government with the state’s Health Shadow Minister Ros Bates stating, “If the Indians don’t want to play by the rules, don’t come.�?/span>

Hence, when Indian players take on the field on January 7, Thursday, their actions will be scrutinised like never before. To make things worse, India’s Test record at the Sydney Cricket Ground isn’t very encouraging, with the visitors winning just once since their first match at the venue in 1947.

However, with momentum in their favour and hosts Australia visibly struggling against the Indian bowlers, Ajinkya Rahane and Co. will be looking to capitalise on the situation.

Watch out for

Ajinkya Rahane: A stand-in captain for India in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Rahane has proved that although he might not be as flamboyant as Virat Kohli, he has every ability to change the course of a game single-handedly both with bat and leadership skills.

Coming to bat when India were 61/2 in the first innings, Rahane used all his experience to steady India's ship with a brilliant ton that lasted 365 minutes. After his innings set the ball rolling for India's win in the second Test match, the captain guided India to a historic win at the iconic MCG with an unbeaten 27 along with Shubman Gill at the other hand.

The fact that MCG's brilliant knock came after Rahane received all the criticism for his involvement in a disastrous run-out with Kohli in the Adelaide Test, showed the Mumbaikars incredible fighting spirit. And India's haunting record at the Sydney Cricket Ground has little chance of dismantling the unparalleled form that Rahane is in.

Manchester United vs Manchester City �?EFL Cup

The last Premier League matchweek saw Manchester United edging past an astute Aston Villa defence 2-1 while Pep Guardiola’s men schooled Frank Lampard’s star-studded Chelsea team 3-1 at the Stamford Bridge.

After a topsy-turvy start to their season, both domestic and European, the Manchester clubs have found their ground at the right time. With the Premier 

League finishing its first half in December, both the clubs are very much into the top-four race, which makes Thursday’s EFL Cup semi-final clash between the two sides a mouth-watering prospect.

However, despite Manchester United’s home advantage, Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men will come to the fixture as the second favourite. City boast of an envious record at the Old Trafford, where they have won five and drawn twice in their last 10 matches across all competitions.

Watch out for:

Kevin De Bruyne: The Belgian midfield maestro has continued his dominance in the 2020-21 season with three goals and an unbelievable 12 assists in 18 matches so far. The fulcrum of Guardiola’s sophisticated machinery, De Bruyne was at the top of his game yet again against Chelsea on Sunday, where he scored one and assisted another.

Interestingly, Manchester City have not lost six of their eight encounters with United when KDB was in the line-up and the attacking midfielder will be the most important player for the visitors on Thursday, yet again.

Wondering what to do next? Head to Sportsbet.io to select your picks.

Feature image courtesy: William WEST / AFP

With the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League group stage completed, English Premier League will take over as the dominant footballing action for the remainder of the month. It kickstarts with the match week 12 on Saturday, December 12.

With PL games coming thick and fast, we bring to you some of the names who could be the standout performers in your fantasy team this weekend.

Player: Patrick Bamford

Match: Leeds United vs West Ham United

The ideal executioner of Marcelo Bielsa's masterplan, England's Patrick Bamford has been a revelation in the Premier League this season. Since his first goal at the Anfield, where Leeds United announced their arrival against defending champions Liverpool, Bamford has led Bielsa's three-pronged attack through the middle scoring eight goals in 11 matches. His hat-trick against Aston Villa exhibited the phenomenal talent that English football has at its disposal. After scoring blanks against Arsenal and Everton, Bamford was Leeds' sole goal-scorer in their loss to Chelsea last week. With a less competitive challenger in West Ham United up next, Bielsa would be hoping his striker can turn on the heat.

Player: Son Heung-min

Match: Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min is undoubtedly the most popular footballer in North London right now after his screamer against arch-rivals Arsenal. The 28-year-old South Korean has been Jose Mourinho's best player this season so far, partnering alongside England talisman Harry Kane up front - who have been their goal-scoring threat against their PL opponents. Son has tallied a whopping 10 goals in 11 PL encounters so far, with his four-goal cameo against Southampton the best so far. While a conservative Crystal Palace would pose a different challenge for Mourinho’s men, Son remains his best shot at unlocking their rivals defence. And given his current form, Son is a must for any fantasy manager.

Player: Mohamed Salah

Match: Fulham vs Liverpool

Unlike last season, where Mohamed Salah wasn't Liverpool's most potent threat, he has been at his usual best this time around. The Egyptian international has played 10 games for the Reds in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and assisting twice. And the availability of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have hardly mattered for the right-winger who has been at his prolific best. Though Salah was one of the very few Liverpool regulars to feature in their midweek UEFA Champions League clash, where he leapfrogged Steven Gerrard as the club's highest UCL goal-scorer, he is expected to start against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Interestingly, an underperforming Fulham have conceded 21 goals in 16 PL matches this season and Salah will certainly fancy his chances to add to his goal-scoring tally.

Player: Kevin De Bruyne

Match: Manchester United vs Manchester City

If there has been a Manchester City player who is as important to Pep Guardiola, as Lionel Messi was to him in Barcelona, it is Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgium international is the lynchpin at his favourite number 10 position for City, who orchestrates Guardiola's team like a well-oiled machine. After a slow start to the campaign, where De Bruyne didn't feature in the first few games, he is now back to his very best. Playing nine games for the Cityzens, De Bruyne has been directly involved in eight goals. City's next match is against arch-rivals Manchester United, who have just been dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. There will be no better time to go to Manchester derby and earn a legendary status for himself at Old Trafford.

Player: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Match: Everton vs Chelsea

For Everton to become a giant slayer and a top-four contender, which they have shown the intent of early in the season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs to keep his magical form going. The English forward has come of age in the 2020-21 Premier League season with 11 goals to his name in as many games, becoming the perfect number 9 any manager could wish for. With James Rodriguez and Richarlison flanking him, Calvert-Lewin has no dearth of deliveries inside the box and the striker has been brimming with confidence this season. With goals against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, Calvert-Lewin will be confident about scoring against a star-studded Chelsea side at Merseyside on Saturday.

The Premier League returns after the midweek action in UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Burnley will take on Everton at the Turf Moor Stadium to kick-off the weekend action on Saturday.

The first North London derby of the season between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will undoubtedly be the biggest clash of the weekend.

For several fantasy managers, gameweek 10 was a rather below-par affair as it produced an average tally of 44 points. 

So as we inch closer to the new round of Premier League fixtures, here are five players who could potentially get you maximum points in gameweek 11:

Timo Werner (Chelsea) vs Leeds United

Timo Werner, who came on as a substitute in Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League, will look to put on his goalscoring boots when his side take on Leeds United in the Premier League. The German international has been Chelsea’s top scorer this season, netting eight goals in 13 matches in all competitions. The 24-year-old has also managed to score three goals in his last five league outings. The Blues manager Frank Lampard will hope that his decision to rest him in the midweek will pay off against a formidable Leeds side.

Edinson Cavani (Manchester United) vs West Ham

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been in incredible form for the Red Devils, scoring three important goals in the Premier League. The 33-year-old Uruguayan came on as a substitute in their last Premier League encounter to inspire his side to come from two goals down and clinch a thrilling 3-2 win against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium. Cavani will hope he can continue his glorious form for United when they face West Ham United on Saturday.

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) vs Fulham

Kevin De Bruyne produced two assists in Manchester City’s 5-0 thrashing of Burnley in gameweek 10 and he was very unlucky to not have his name on the scoresheet. After being rested for City’s midweek clash against FC Porto in the Champions League, the Belgian will be eager to put in a good performance against Fulham in the Premier League. Interestingly, De Bruyne has four assists in the last four gameweeks.

Che Adams (Southampton) vs Brighton

In Danny Ings absence, Southampton has found a great replacement in Che Adams, who has chipped in with three goals and four assists for the Saints. The 24-year-old, who looked in good form in the first half against Manchester United, is expected to be among the points against Brighton who only have one clean sheet since gameweek 2.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) vs Wolves

Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah has been in great form for the Reds, netting two goals and two assists in his last four matches in all competition. The 28-year-old had laid an assist and had a goal overturned by VAR in Liverpool’s last Premier League match against Brighton. He has struck once and has assisted one goal against Wolves in the last four encounters. The Egyptian is rightly tipped to play his part against Wolves.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Mike Hewitt

Premier League football returns after an exhausting international break, and with several first-team players set to be on the nursing table for Gameweek 9, it is high time we look at who we need to draft in our fantasy teams. Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah has been ruled out after contracting the virus while injuries to Joe Gomez has further put a dent to their defending campaign.

Further absentees include the likes of West Ham’s Michael Antonio, Southampton’s Danny Ings, Leicester City’s Caglar Soyuncu, Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. So with that being said, we look at five players who are tipped to shine in the upcoming matchweek of the Premier League.

Player: Ollie Watkins

Team: Aston Villa

Match: Aston Villa vs Brighton

Ollie Watkins has been a revelation for Aston Villa, to say the least. Thriving alongside captain Jack Grealish and new signing Ross Barkley, the 24-year-old former Brentford frontman has already chipped in eight goals in 10 appearances across all competitions. After scoring a hat-trick during his side’s 7-2 thrashing of Liverpool, Watkins has scored three goals in his last two outings, meaning he would be a total menace for Brighton, who have conceded 14 goals this season. With Villa enjoying a fine run of form, expect Watkins to be amongst goals against Brighton on Saturday.

Player: Kevin de Bruyne

Team: Manchester City

Match: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

In what has been a rather dull start for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, a certain Kevin de Bruyne has been their light this season. With three assists and a goal already to his name in six Premier League outings, the Belgian will be the key for City when they face Tottenham Hotspur away from home on Saturday. With Sergio Aguero absent and Gabriel Jesus expected to lead the attack, the onus will be on de Bruyne to deliver from the deep.

Player: Richarlison

Team: Everton

Match: Fulham vs Everton

Quick stat: Everton won four of their opening five games with Richarlison in the team and then went on to lose three back-to-back games when Richarlison was suspended. 

The Brazilian might have scored one and assisted two in five Premier League outings thus far, but his importance in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup is way beyond that. Everton face Fulham next, a team that has shipped in 15 goals already this season, and Richarlison will want to make his comeback a grand one. One can expect him to play a big role in Everton’s outing on Sunday.

Player: Sadio Mane

Team: Liverpool

Match: Liverpool vs Leicester City

Liverpool have suffered several injury setbacks this season, with as many as eight first-team players currently nursing their respective injuries. So as they face Leicester City next, a certain Sadio Mane will be expected to spearhead the attack which will be without Mohamed Salah. The former Southampton forward has either assisted or have scored a goal in all of his previous five outings against the Foxes, and we can duly expect more of the same from the Senegalese.

Player: Wilfried Zaha

Team: Crystal Palace

Match: Burnley vs Crystal Palace

Five goals and two assists in eight games this season means Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha is a must-have player in your fantasy team. Palace face Burnley away from home at Turf Moore, a venue where the Ivory Coast international has an impeccable record. He has scored two goals in his last two visits at the venue, and with Burnley’s form also down the wire (one of the three teams to have yet to register a win this season), Zaha remains one of the safest options in the fantasy team, to say the least.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Michael Regan

Gameweek 7 of the Premier League action promises to offer another exciting round of matches with Manchester United’s clash against Arsenal being the headline act of the weekend. Last week’s action was a bit low scoring in terms of fantasy points when compared to previous weeks, but the upcoming round of games are likely to be full of exhilarating encounters with plenty of interesting clashes lined up. Here, we assess some of the individuals who can help your fantasy teams score big. 

Player: Ben Chilwell

Team: Chelsea

Match: Burnley vs Chelsea

After an underwhelming start to the campaign, especially on the defensive front, Chelsea seem to be coming into their own. The addition of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has certainly helped in that regard with his assuring presence at the back making their backline more confident. Ben Chilwell’s acquisition over the summer has been another boost to their defence and the full-back has hit the ground running for the Blues. The English left-back’s playing style seems to be tailormade for Chelsea’s current system and he’s already had a huge impact offensively with a goal and three assists from seven games. He’ll be hoping to continue his fine run of form against Burnley, who have just one point from five league games so far.

Player: Kevin De Bruyne

Team: Manchester City

Match: Sheffield United vs Manchester City

When compared to his own lofty standards, it can be argued that Kevin De Bruyne has not had the best of the starts to the new season from a personal point of view. Lest we forget that he was last season’s Premier League Player of the Season as well as PFA Players' Player of the Year. However, the Belgian international wasn’t at his best for Manchester City’s first few games and the club dropped points as a result. That said, they will be pleased that there were glimpses of his former self in City’s midweek win when De Bruyne set up two goals. He’s scored once and provided three assists this season and will be looking to add to that tally against Sheffield United �?a club against whom he was involved in all three of City’s goals in their two meetings last season, scoring once and supplying two assists.  

Player: Mohamed Salah

Team: Liverpool

Match: Liverpool vs West Ham United

After a strong start to the season, Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah has had quiet outings in recent weeks. The Egyptian international though will be keen to have his scoring boots on again soon and will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet against West Ham United on the weekend. Salah has a good record in the league against the Hammers. He’s scored six goals as well as provided two assists against West Ham in six Premier League matches and will be desperate to be on target once again when the London club comes to Anfield. The ongoing campaign has seen him net seven times so far and the fact that he will be up against West Ham’s attacking full-back Aaron Cresswell indicates that he might be among the goals. 

Player: Marcus Rashford 

Team: Manchester United

Match: Manchester United vs Arsenal

Whether it’s off the pitch with his philanthropic efforts or on the pitch with Manchester United, Marcus Rashford is on fire at the moment. The English attacker will head into the clash against Arsenal on Sunday on the back of a fine hat-trick as a substitute against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League in midweek. Rashford didn’t have the best of starts to the season, like most Manchester United players, but he’s picked his game up in recent weeks and will pose a major threat to Arsenal’s defence. His first two Premier League goals came on his league debut for the club against Arsenal. However, Rashford has failed to score against the Gunners since but based on his current form, it’ll take a brave man to bet against him being on the scoresheet against Mikel Arteta’s men. 

Player: Patrick Bamford

Team: Leeds United

Match: Leeds United vs Leicester City

When Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, doubts surrounding Patrick Bamford’s ability to ply his trade in England’s top-tier was the question on everyone’s lips. However, a lot has changed after Leeds�?first six matches. It’s safe to say that Bamford has now silenced his critics and his hat-trick in the last gamemweek 6 against Aston Villa was the icing on the cake. While he admits that he didn’t give the best account of himself in his previous Premier League stints with Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Burnley and Middlesbrough, Bamford’s netted six goals and set up two more in Leeds�?opening six league games of the campaign. Up against a susceptible Leicester City defence in gameweek 7, Bamford will be confident of extending his scoring run.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Molly Darlington